Category: eyes

Perricone MD No Eyeshadow Eyeshadow

I had quite the love affair with Perricone MD No Makeup Makeup when it first came out. But despite my loving it, it slowly fell out of my rotation. Until I was on a bit of a shopping spree at Ulta a couple weeks ago and happened to hit the Perricone MD section with gusto. More on some other finds to come but for now, I wanted to share Perricone MD No Eyeshadow Eyeshadow.

First, let it be known that I am always rushing around in the mornings. No matter what I do, that snooze buttons, an extra cuddle with the pups, or a must have smoothie always gets in the way. So anything that simplifies the makeup routine is gold to me. This eye-lid color treatment is a think fluid with a lightweight texture. The shade is very subtle but happens to add a natural and smooth look. Not only are my eyes more awake but also more youthful.

The universally flattering shade offers a soft focus finish that looks great on its own. I have also been adding a little gold on top on the weekends for a glow-y, mod look. The serum blends well with zero creasing. I’ve been shaking the cool matte bottle, applying just a small amount with the doe-foot applicator and blending with my fingers.

Available at Sephora and Ulta.

Dior ‘Diorshow’ Brow Styler

For a long time, I have used Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel to tame my brows. I would occasionally fill in with a stray brow pencil but usually I’d rely on the clear gel alone. It worked great but I was finding more and more I needed more color for a really polished look. I was browsing blogs and came across a glowing review of Dior ‘Diorshow’ Brow Styler. So I headed to the store and snagged one for myself.

At the store, the sales person told me she has to keep the samples of the Styler behind the counter because the other brands’ artists kept stealing the beloved brow product for their own makeup kit. The slick bullet packaging seems delicate and fine. This makes for a precise application. I like that the formula can reshape and define while still looking natural. I picked up the Universal Dark Brown for a more dramatic look. But the original Universal Brown probably would work too. I flip to the other side of the styler for the brush to finish and blend. I supposed I could still use my gel to set the look, but I don’t feel like I need it for day-to-day makeup.

Available at Nordstrom.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

On a recently mentioned trip to Sephora in San Francisco, I traded in a long time favorite eyeliner for a new one. I wasn’t sure if it could outdo my beloved Trish McEvoy, but it just plain blew it out of the water. I am a Kat Von D Tattoo Liner devotee from here on!

This waterproof liquid liner comes in pen form with a well-designed brush for great ease of application. It is super precise and fine – a reason I love it as I prefer a very tight and thin line. The ink is super pigmented and has not dried out one bit since I purchased three weeks ago. I have been wearing Trooper which is a deep, true black. Most impressive is the formula’s ability to last all day long without cracking, fading or running.

The salesperson who recommended it to me had a dramatic cat eye that looked fabulous so I can see how with more pressure this could make for a beautiful, thicker line. I like a very subtle defining line and can achieve this by laying the tip right by the lash line from the inner to outer corner.

And as a cruelty-free advocate, I love that Tattoo Liner is completely free of animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals. Available at Sephora.

Ulta Beauty’s 21 Days of Beauty – IT COSMETICS Superhero Eye Transforming Anti-Aging Super Palette

It is that time of year again! Ulta Beauty is in the middle of their Fall 21 Days of Beauty Campaign and it is the perfect time to stock up. I’ll be showcasing a couple favorites over the next week. There are some wonderful finds to take you into the fall season. If you aren’t familiar with Ulta’s festivities, this is how it works: Ulta Beauty offers a new deal on a different product or brand each day.

One of my favorites I have encountered is from a brand I adore for their formulas and anti-aging prowess. IT COSMETICS Superhero Eye Transforming Anti-Aging Super Palette is one of those palettes that does it all. The shades are so flattering and include base shades that are an everyday staple, crease shades that are neutral while being stunning, and versatile liners.

The formula is where this really shines. Developed with plastic surgeons, it includes collagen, silk, peptides and antioxidants. So the shadow actually improves the look of skin. The “Superhero Eye Foundation” color corrects, neutralizes and smoothes lids. And I might add the silky texture makes it a dream to apply.

The twelves shades are so easy to use for my workday look. These tips from the brand are great for inspiration for new looks. Although I have to admit, I will use just the base shades more often than not, but I do love these ideas when I am feeling creative (and have some extra time when I am getting ready):

Superhero Classic:

Dust Superhero Eye Foundation Eyeshadow in Confidence onto lid and up to brow bone as base shade.
Sweep Superhero Neutrals in Unstoppable over entire lid.
Dip an IT Cosmetics eyeliner brush into your Superhero Liners in Daring and create a line along upper/lower lashline.
Buff Superhero Liners in Fearless into your crease using circular motions.

Superhero Smokey:

Dust Superhero Eye Foundation Eyeshadow in Magical onto lid and up to brow bone as base shade.
Sweep Superhero Neutrals in Superstar over entire lid.
Buff Superhero Liners in Daring into your crease using circular motions.
Dip a dampened eyeliner brush into your Superhero Liners in the Superhero shade and create a bold line along upper/lower lashline.

Available at Ulta Beauty.

Shiseido Suncare and Melanoma Awareness Month

We are almost to the end of Melanoma Awareness Month and I couldn’t let it slip by without a friendly reminder for sun safety. I have Melanoma in my family and strive to wear sunscreen all the time. I also go for yearly skin checks from my dermatologist. One of the brands I often turn to when pool weather comes around is Shiseido. Not only are they great for active coverage but everyday use and specialty protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these Shiseido products.

Some of my favorites include:

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

This water-friendly SPF becomes even more effective on the applied area when exposed to water for 15 minutes. It also helps a ton with dryness – my beef with hot summer weather. It is high, effective protection without feeling heavy.

Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF34

How unique! I had never heard of an eye SPF, but I am in. This is part of my new, everyday summer routine. The rich formula protects and minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It also fights dryness and adds a radiant finish – something I definitely wouldn’t mind around the pool or at the office.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Kiehl’s Limited Edition Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

I mentioned a couple weeks ago a limited edition eye cream from Kiehl’s. Each sale of the limited edition of this classic formula benefits Recycle Across America in honor of Earth Day. Unbelievably, I hadn’t had a chance to try this crowd-pleasing eye cream so I was thrilled at the excuse to pick up a tub.

Avocado Oil, Beta-Carotene and Shea Butter work to gently moisturize the delicate skin around the eye. The formula is thick but relatively quick to absorb. I haven’t had any issues with clogged pores, making the nourishing formula friendly for a all skin types. There is a light green tint to the cream, but zero fragrance. While it doesn’t have any fancy ingredients to tighten or lighten, I find that the moisture alone accomplishes all my goals. My skin doesn’t have the crepe-y appearance and is bright and radiance. Apply gently by tapping on with the fingertip along the orbital bone. Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is available at Keihl’s.