Author: Lindsay

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++

NARS founder and creative director, François Nars, believes skin should shine through makeup. So, he developed a anti-aging and skin-brightening tinted moisturizer which has quickly become my favorite because it so effectively addresses my two current skin annoyances: dryness and brown spots.

Nars turned to his home in French Polynesia for many of the beneficial ingredients:

  • Kopara, natural polysaccharides that hydrate, condition and help encourage natural cell renewal
  • Oceana Saffron, a plant known for its antioxidant and soothing properties
  • Galaxaura, a red deep-sea algae found in the islands’ lagoons that is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene
  • Sea water and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a vitamin- C derivative that brightens and protects the skin against free-radical damage, to revitalize and re-mineralize the skin

For those who want a little more coverage, this stuff is super buildable. The consistency is silky, with a glowy and radiant finish. While there is added fragrance of Peony, Violet and Rose Water, I can’t detect any strong scent. Most importantly, they incorporated some super-powered sun protection in the oil-free formula. It includes SPF 30 to protect against UVB rays, and PA+++, the highest index level of protection against UVA damage.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ is available in nine shades:

  • Finland: Lightest with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
  • Alaska: Light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
  • St. Moritz: Medium with a neutral yellow undertone (I use this shade and I love how it neutralizes my redness)
  • Annapurna: Medium with a neutral peachy undertone
  • Cuba: Medium with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
  • Malaga: Medium dark with warm caramel undertones
  • Seychelles: Medium dark with golden olive undertones
  • Martinique: Medium dark with warm red undertones
  • Polynesia: Dark with warm chocolate undertones

Laura Mercier at Marchesa Fall 2012 NYFW

Marchesa’s Fall 2012 collection found inspiration in William Adolphe Bouguereaus’ famed 1878 portrait, “A Soul Brought to Heaven.” For the makeup, Talia Shobrook achieved a matching angelic and luminous look for the textiles: tulles, embroidery and silks. The effect was highly feminine and delicate.

Shobrook stated “iridescent, porcelain skin was the foundation of the look and evoked the untouched perfection of angels.”

Talia then “applied a cherubic lip, with a stained effect to modernize the look.”

  • Talia mixed Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Merlot and Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Haute Red (NEW: Available Fall 2012) and applied to the center of the mouth
  • She then pressed in the color with her fingertips to allow the pigment to bleed outwards

According to Shobrook, “the ethereal eye lent an incandescent glow to the entire look.”

Shiseido’s Get the Look for Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2012 spoke to me. I love the blend of a feminine silhouette and modern twist. Jacobs worked his wizard ways blending school girl and edgy, all while incorporating loads of texture and jewel tones. So excited to see more combat boots – I basically plan on wearing mine as much as I can for what is left of winter.

To accompany the aclaimed collection, Dick Page, Shiseido Artistic Director, used goodies from the Shiseido Makeup collection to create a “Sophisticated 80s” look. Dick transformed lid and cheek products and used them on the brow and eyes for a dynamic effect. The graphic lip was “borderline cartoony and felt like wax crayon.”

FACE

  • The Marc by Marc Jacobs face was pure matte perfection, featuring velvety skin that emulated “a flat, poster paint effect,” and allowed the natural rosiness of the cheeks to peek through ever so slightly. 
  • Dick started with a clean, well-moisturized base and applied a wash of Dual Balancing Foundation to remove any redness or imperfections. No color was added to the cheeks.

EYES

  • The eyes were treated to a shimmery, highlighted “halo,” offset with full, weighty, natural brows by using products for “all the wrong reasons.”
  • To add weight to the brow, Dick created a custom blend of cream shadows to complement the natural brow shade. He used Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Sable (BR709), Meadow (BE204) and Caviar (BK912) for brunettes and Leather (BR306) for redheads. These cream shadows allowed Dick to easily “customize color for each model.” (Tip: add a bit of clear brow gel to the cream color if it gets a little clumpy.)
  • Using a fluff brush, Dick blended Luminizing Satin Face Color in Soft Beam Gold (BE206) and High Beam White (WT905), and applied around the entire eye area to create a halo effect.
  • He then added Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black (BK901) to just the upper lashes, curling them only if they had no natural curve to them already.

LIPS

  • Red was on everyone’s lips for the look, as Dick whipped up a custom crimson shade for each girl. “This is what lipstick is like before they finish making it,” he said. “Waxy and condensed.”
  • Using a Small Eye Shadow Brush, Dick applied the custom matte red shade to the lip area. To create a similar look, try Perfect Rouge in Cerise (RD516) and Valentine (RD415). Dick focused on a precise, defined application for a perfect pop of color. (Tip: “Resist the urge to overdraw.” If you have thinner lips, accentuate them ever so slightly.)

NARS at New York Fashion Week – Honor

It is New York Fashion Week and you know what that means: beauty buffs get a whole new world of inspiration. NARS is first up with their looks at the Honor show on the inaugural day of NYFW. James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry created a pretty, polished skin to show the collection. “It’s a love story between a preppy boy and exotic Argentinean girl,” said Honor designer Giovanna Randall. “The merging of two worlds – very refined and earthy with tapestry prints and a modern take on art deco.”

“Skin is beautiful, luminous and glossy,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “Eyes are deliberate and were sculpted in a chalky grey shade.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE

  • Sheer Glow Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Loose Powder
  • Penny Lane Cream Blush

EYES

  • Paris Duo Eyeshadow
  • Zardoz Single Eyeshadow
  • Madison Avenue Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner
  • Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS

  • Greta Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment

Le Métier de Beauté for John Barrett Nail Lacquer Collection

I adore this image of the Le Métier de Beauté for John Barrett Nail Lacquer Collection – I keep drooling over the colors, trying to pick which to try first. Let me say this partnership is a match made in heaven. After visiting the John Barrett Salon (in Bergdorf Goodman), I understood why beauty partner, Le Métier de Beauté, is a perfect match. Both are focused on luxury, with a sincere drive for excellence.

Just in time for New York Fashion Week, they have launched the Le Métier de Beauté Professional Nail Lacquer Collection. These polishes are hand-picked by John Barrett Salon’s top manicurists and developed solely for the John Barrett Salon clientele. You can only get these at the salon in New York or on www.johnbarrett.com. You can count on high-quality polish that:

  • is fortified with strengthening proteins and hydrators
  • delivers rich, glossy and long-­‐wearing color
  • is formulated specifically without formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DPB) for long-­‐lasting, chip resistant, protective color and shine
  • is resistant to chipping for up to 14 days
  • won’t fade, dull or streak – even in strong sunlight

Each bottle retails at $18. Keep a look out for more limited edition shade.

RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supreme

I was already hooked on the uber-popular RéVive Moisture Renewal Cream, but was thrilled when I heard the buzz that they were developing a more hydrating formula. Dry skin sufferers, get excited. This stuff needs to be on your list.

RéVive was founded by plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Bays Brown. I am instantly intrigued when a physician plays a part in developing a product because I believe a doctor’s mentality invites more proven results. RéVive is known for their proprietary RES Technology. The patented ingredients help increase the production of healthy looking skin cells, restoring and repairing damaged skin. Oh, and there is that little bit about it winning a Nobel-prize.

What makes this different from all the other rich hydrators out there is Glycolic Acid, which gently exfoliates, retexturizes and renews skin. After weeks of diligent use, my skin appears clear and even. Dry flakes have made a quick departure. And I do believe it brings an additional glow.

The moisturizing agents in RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supreme include: Glycoshingolipids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter, Panthenol, and Sunflower Seed Oil.

A side note to retinol users: glycolic acid does not play nice with Retin-A or other retinol containing products. Also, avoid your Vitamin C goodies. I didn’t know this while testing, so I can assure you nothing horrible will happen to you if you slip up. But it isn’t advised.