Laura Mercier is known for creating the “flawless face” with her four-step routine. I am definitely not one to sign up for so many steps in a makeup routine, but her refined process and products really do lend to a blemish-free and well, “flawless”, appearance. Recently, she threw us lazy-types a bone with the introduction of the undercover pot. This pot consolidates steps three and four into one product – use the top to conceal and then the translucent powder is conveniently stored below to set your look. The oil-free secret camouflage, a long-time cult favorite, is creamy enough to cover blemishes but dry enough to achieve staying power. Secret concealer has an emollient formula to cover the eye area – the creaminess keeps the product from settling into fine lines. Then the translucent powder sets makeup – while I don’t think the powder changes the finish, I do think it keeps the makeup looking great for a longer period of time. Trust me, it is worth all those steps.
Author: Lindsay
NYX Caribbean Collection 5 Color Palette Eye Shadow
I am blown away by the quality of NYX cosmetics. While the blush and some of the eyeliners were slightly disappointing, this 5 color palette knocked my socks off. I can’t help but compare it to the highly popular Urban Decay Naked Palatte. While there are not as many colors, the shape of the containers actually makes it easier to use brushes with the NYX palatte. The colors are highly pigmented but also neutral. There is very little shimmer to them, which is my preference. For under $9, this is a no-brainer.
Bare Escentuals® Mineral Veil SPF 25
Sparkle dust? I don’t get it. This finishing powder is designed to give a flawless finish with added UVA/UVB protection, oil absorption and a softer complexion. Honestly, this makes me look like I just got out an 18-and-over club. The shimmer is dramatic for day and it isn’t really a look I would choose for evening. The formula promises to be weightless, but it actually settles sticky on my face. While I like the bareMinerals Foundation, this added step tarnishes the natural finish mineral makeup provides.
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Why, why, why! did it take me so long to pick this foundation up? I was definitely intimidated that I would select the wrong shade, but when I visited CVS, I found handy testers. After visiting the mirror aisle, I was sold on #115 (Ivory). Good thing for the testers because I would have purchased #110 (Porcelain) had I not had the opportunity to try shades. Because I was sans makeup (in my defense, it was 8AM), I put the makeup on in my car. My skin is super sensitive right now due to starting a retinol treatment, but this did not irritate my skin at all. The coverage is really good – but do not confuse this with heaviness. The makeup is actually really light. How did they do that? Six hours later, coverage is still looking great. I see what all the hype was about. Don’t hesitate picking this up next time you are at the drugstore.
Laura Mercier Lip Color – Stickgloss
I have been coveting my new Laura Mercier Stickgloss for weeks and have failed to mention it! This has been my favorite recent find. This is part lip balm, part lip stick and part lip glaze. It comes out like a wash of color. I have Pink Jewel, which is pretty bright for me, and I love that it has the pop of color but also a translucent subtlety. They definitely wear longer than a gloss (but not as long as lipstick) and also hydrate your lips so you avoid cracking that sometimes occurs with matte lipstick. And it isn’t sticky like gloss so you don’t have to worry when that wind blows your hair in your face.
I should also mention Laura Mercier Lip Balm SPF 15. It is packaged just like a lip stick, but is actually a nourishing balm that smells slightly of vanilla. I keep on at my desk and I really have seen improvement in the appearance of my lips during this dry winter.
Bobbi Brown Brush Cleaning Spray
Raise your hand if you don’t wash your brushes every single week: guilty as charged. I know it is not a replacement for brush shampooing, but the Bobbi Brown Brush Cleaning Spray makes me feel just a little bit better about my brush-cleaning-laziness. This spray is alcohol free and safe for synthetic and natural brushes. And it is quick drying. This really comes in handy if you have leftover color on your brush you don’t want interfering with your next application.
