Author: Lindsay

bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation Sneak Peek

There is no one way to categorize this groundbreaking foundation. While it could be called a solid mineral foundation, it is wildly hydrating and never looks cake-y. And rejoice – perfectly portable. bareMinerals took all their experience and knowledge of mineral makeup and incorporated skin-renewing sea minerals. This formula leads to coverage that looks nothing like a regular mineral foundation.

My skin has always been too dry for anything but tinted moisturizer or creamier foundations. So I was concerned this might not work for me. This is actually a moisturizing foundation thanks to the inclusion of cold-pressed Rose hip seed oil. The time released hydration system hydrates the skin all day long. And the powder that actually feels like a cream is buildable for varying coverage.

It is definitely worth it to pick up the accompanying brush – Precision Face Brush. It also comes in a retractable form for on-the-go. The brush head is specifically designed to fit the contours of the face. Swirl the brush lightly in the powder, tap and buff it onto your face. I move from the center outward. Repeat until you have your desired coverage.

The foundation will be available in 20 shades for $29 in September at Sephora, Macy’s, Ulta, Dillard’s and Nordstrom’s.

Check out some of my other bareMineral favorites:

The Best Cream Blushes

While we are in the season of bronzers, I have found the real workhorse can be a rosy blush. They refresh the face with a luminous healthy glow. And I’m having a love affair with the cream variety. They tend to look more natural on me, blending out easily and evenly and having more radiance than their powder counterparts. Here are my picks for cream blush all-stars:

1. Chantecaille Radiant Fresh New Cheek Creme is a more pigmented formula. But because it is so silky, it blends out to a beautiful flush. The formula contains Lily Bulb Extract and Peach Extract which work as antioxidants.

2. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake is not actually a cream but bear with me. The formula actually applies like a cream but but dries to a long staying powder appearance. They make a wide range of shades, and at drugstore prices, you can afford to pick up a couple. I love Lara’s tip for using this product. Check out her post on The Glossarie right here.

3. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminious Creme Blush is oil free, but applies creamy. I’ve found it has great staying power with a balanced finish, not too dewy or pigmented.  The formula contains Vitamins C and E, Allantoin and Jojoba Esters to hydrate and protect the skin.

4. La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush is a true luxury product. This is the most nourishing formula. It almost feels like a moisturizer going on. Skin care ingredients actually make the underlying skin healthier. The finish is on the sheer side.

Dr. Jart’s Beauty Sleep Masks

I know that most of you will agree with me – we all just look better when we are well-rested. A study published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated that people who had a full night of sleep (8 hours or more) versus sleep-deprived individuals (31 hours of wakefulness after a night of reduced sleep) were rated in blinded evaluations as healthier, more attractive and less tired. We probably didn’t need a study to tell us that – but there it is.

The science behind sleep and beauty is where it gets interesting. According to Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a specialist in dermatology and laser surgery in New York City, growth hormones are released while sleeping, which could help production of skin cells and collagen. Your skin is actually repaired while you sleep. In conjunction, your skin absorbs product to a greater degree while you sleep. So why not supercharge your nighttime routine?

Dr. Jart came up with some specifically formulated masks for bedtime. I love that you can simply apply them and let them work. No waiting, rinsing, timing. I’ve been using both of these masks – one for hydration on my forehead and cheeks and the one for firming on my neck around my mouth and eyes.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask has a gel-like formula that provides moisture continuously during sleep.  It provides a kind of barrier while Hyaluronic acid sends moisture deep into your skin. Olive leaf and cranberry strengthen the skin barrier to boost elasticity. And essential oils provide a relaxing scent. It makes for a perfect “wind down” routine right before sleep.

Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleeping Mask revitalizes skin with Niacinamide and kava. Korean medicinal herbs help expel toxins and stimulate cell turnover. The Firming mask also contains Hyaluronic acid to infuse moisture.

I’ve definitely noticed a diference after using these masks. My skin looks more radiant and rested. The consistency is lightweight and comfortable. And using these ingredients over the long term should just continue to improve results. I love my new bedtime ritual.

“Beauty of the Game” Limited Edition Version of Eau de Lacoste

In the spirit of Olympics, I bring you my new favorite sporty fragrance. It is no lie that I am totally obsessed with the Games. And already I am dreading the end of the festivities. So I plan on keeping the party going with the new limited edition “Beauty of the Game” version men’s Eau de Lacoste.

While this is a men’s fragrance, it is wildly appealing to such a range. Hosting a dinner party this weekend, I had the group try it out. And this was a diverse group. Everyone loved this scent. On me, the scent is heavy and on the masculine side. I fell hard for the woody spice. But it definitely had floral notes. I’ll love it in the cooler months and I think it would work on a man any time of year.

  • Top Notes: Grapefruit, Cardamom, Rosemary, Cedar Leaf.
  • Heart Notes: Tuberose Abs, Olibanum, Ylang Ylang.
  • Base Notes: Vetyver, Suede, Cedarwood, Georgywood.

And the real treat is the packaging. The bottle features a real, iconic fabric logo. The outer carton features 10 crocodile images that embody flags from U.S.A., Spain, France, Argentina, Australia, UK, Brazil, Japan, Germany, and South Africa. Because we all truly walk together during the Summer Games.

Check out some of my other favorite fragrances:

Original & Mineral Original Detox Shampoo

We get facials for our skin, so why not our hair? With my recent scalp health kick, makes perfect sense to me. The Original & Mineral Original Detox Shampoo works to dissolve build-up without striping essential oils. Australian River Mint deeply cleanses and Peppermint refreshes the hair and scalp with a cooling effect (so nice during these hot summer days). The result is shiny, bouncy hair that feels and looks revitalized.

The formula is Parbens, MIT, Sulfates, and Triclosan free. To find a local salon or order online, click here.

Check out some of my other favorite hair products in my Summer Hair Gems post.

Summer Complexion Helpers

We are more than halfway through summer and I am still enjoying the casual days, subtle makeup and festive mood. I’m also seeing the effects of time by the pool – filled with pore clogging sunscreen and dreaded hyper-pigmentation causing sun. I thought I’d share some of my favorite complexion savers that have been especially helpful to me during the summer routine.

1. Kate Somerville Complexion Correction Daily Discoloration Perfector: This stuff goes after melanin (which causes those dark spots). The formula actually controls the creation of pigments, while lightening at the same time. Retinol is also included to fight those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Rubberizing Mask: Bring a little piece of Bliss Spa home with this “way too fun” rubberizing mask. There is something so satisfying about peeling off the mask after it has dried. Tea tree, seaweed and willow and menthol extracts help complexion look less shiny and improves the appearance of pores.

3. 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40/ PA+++: Armed with high factor SPF, this tinted moisturizer can even skin and fight those dark spots while making skin appear flawless. The formula contains 3LAB’s proprietary bioengineered growth hormone that can reverse the signs of aging.

4. Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% Strength: This serum effectively delivers a high-powered amount of Vitamin C into the skin. Vitamin C is great anti-aging ingredient which also lightens and brightens skin. Unlike other Vitamin C products, I get zero irritation despite the high level of active ingredient.

5. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum: Containing 1% Salicylic acid, this serum gently heals blemishes and fades darks spots that those blemishes leave behind. If you have oiler skin, it makes for a great all over serum, reducing pore size and redness.