Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.
I apply Clearly Corrective after my SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream has had a little time to absorb. I find that the pigment is slightly light on me, but it brightens and blends really well with a tinted moisturizer over it. I use a little on my eyelids to neutralize my pigment before a light dusting of shadow (I haven’t experienced any creasing). I like adding a small bit of RMS Living Luminizer to take away some of the matte just because right now glowy skin is my thing.
The formula utilizes 100% mineral filters, vitamin C and licorice root extract to reverse darkness (my biggest pet peeve – thanks, Grandma). Caffeine works on puffiness. And most importantly, the titanium dioxide sunscreen protects that delicate skin against sun damage. Also, note that Kiehl’s makes my all time favorite summer face sunscreen, Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, which is so incredibly light, offers great protection and isn’t greasy at all.
Sisley-Paris’ Twists are luxury, creamy packages of on-to-go beauty. The Phyto-Lip Twists have been in my rotation before, but I had yet to try the Phyto-Eye Twists. And they are a great addition to the collection. Both formulas glide on skin and are packed with plant-based skin care ingredients. You can use for full on pigmented or a wash of color. Love having the option but you probably can guess I particularly love the more natural and blended wash of color.
Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist is more of a tinted balm than lipstick. But the vibrant color comes out glossy. No sharpening needed – just twist up for more product. The tapered shape allows for outlining of lips and coloring all in one stroke. The bold shades like Pinky and Candy are surprisingly wearable. But I equally love the nourishing Nude.
The Sisley-Paris Phyto-Eye Twist are designed to be shadow, pencil and eyeliner. They are slightly smaller than the lip twists, but still with a large tip. So precise lining isn’t easy, but with these bold shades you won’t mind a slightly thicker look. The formula has ingredients like Green Tea, White Lily, Camellia that protect and improve delicate eye area. I like applying to my lids close to the lash and blending with a finger. But you can also color the entire eyelid or add a graphic, bold line.
I prefer the more neutral Bronze, but the blue Lagoon shade is stunning! I cannot wait to wear it for a special occasion. Topaz is now on my wish list to add to my collection.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
Thanks to an infatuation with and current re-watching of the 1983 WWII mini-series, Winds of War, I stayed up WAY too late last night. As a result, I slept right through all the severe weather last night. Tulsa was spared but those affected in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are in my prayers. I also woke up at 8AM – oops.
Since I knew I only had about 15 minutes to throw myself together, my makeup routine was seriously pared down. First, I’ve been using the Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanning Cream – the best self tanner for the face I’ve found to date. So that natural glow allowed for a little less makeup.
I alternate between Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream but this AM I reached for the bareMinerals in Natural. I am completely obsessed with the RMS goodies I found this past weekend in New York. I apply RMS UnCoverup in 22 just below my eyes, on any blemishes and around my nose. RMS Living Luminizer goes on my cheekbones and brow bones (and, frankly, anywhere else I am feeling it – this stuff adds a perfect natural glow). The pale golden shade also nourishes skin with ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary extract. I know I keep mentioning it, but the Tata Harper Voluminous Cheek and Lip Stain in Very Vivacious is ideal on the apples of the cheeks.
The last step was a surprise obsession. A friend gifted to me the Kevin Aucoin The Mascara Volume Mascaraa couple weeks ago. I usually don’t have any luck with the tubular mascara – just a personal preference – so I was hesitant. But I have come to be totally impressed with the lack of fall out, clump-free separated lashes and long-lasting, inky finish.
Boom, I was out of the door and at my desk almost on time.
pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post
A little follow up from this post announcing the start of ULTA‘s twice yearly 21 Days of Beauty – I will be sharing some of my favorite products from the prize pack I am giving away below over the next couple of days. While I have always liked LORAC, it isn’t a brand that is heavy in my rotation. That all has changed now that I have my paws on their Dazzling Dozen 2 Eye Shadow Collection.
Exclusively at ULTA, the set includes twelve shadows that are silky and pigmented. I love using my fingers to play with all the wearable shades. For work, I have been wearing a wash of neutral colors from the top row. Last weekend, I added some glam with Gilded just at the center of my lids. Black Light makes for a stunning, glittery smokey eye.
Shades include (left to right):
Top Row: Blanc, Bone, Soft Pink
Second Row: Caramel, Rose, Acai
Third Row: Gilded, Denim, Sage
Bottom Row: Ecru, Storm, Black Light
Each day through 4/4, ULTA will feature a “Beauty Steal” and a “Beauty Focus Day” – Beauty Steals are special offers on top beauty products & Beauty Focus Days feature demonstrations like customized makeup lessons, expert beauty tips, and one-on-one appointments. 21 Days of Beauty brands include Stila, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Too Faced and more. This beauty extravaganza is celebrated in all ULTA Beauty stores nationwide with special offers also available here.
To celebrate, I’ve teamed up with ULTA for a huge giveaway! The exclusive ULTA beauty prize pack includes kits from brands like LORAC, bareMinerals, stila, Becca and more. Enter using the widget below (sorry again international friends, US Only).
I am way not on the ball when it comes to NARS Spring – so unlike me! Their launches are usually among the ones that I am most excited for probably because it is always so darn good. And somehow I didn’t get this up until today – a couple weeks after it hit shelves.
If it was even possible, I am drawn more towards neutrals as the years go on and Spring 2015 is all about nudes – but not neutral – a more daring subtle color palette. Something in my wheelhouse but just a slight twist – I like it.
Tilda Swinton is featured in the collection’s photos designed by François Nars to “expose a new natural state”. Look for pink shimmer on cheeks, barely there eye shadow and deep neutrals. The shades pictured above (from left to right):
Liguria Lipstick – Nude caramel
Porto Venere Eye Paint – Soft pale pink
St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow – (L) Shimmering nectarine (R) Chestnut
Valhalla Single Eyeshadow – Soft shimmering pink peach
Guyane Lip Gloss – Seashell pink
Vent Salé Lip Gloss – Silver highlight (to be used on top of a deeper shade in the middle of the pout)
I’ll keep this fairly short and sweet seeing as I am a person who prefers more brief blog posts and articles: these are the steps I take when I haul ass get ready in the mornings before work (sometimes I will step out of the box with bolder shades on evenings out with the girls).
1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – this new launch has been all over the internet recently, but the hype is warranted. My dry skin eats this up and I get a glow with fairly sheer coverage. I love the brush sold with it but it is no longer in my possession – my former makeup artist friend snagged it this weekend (if that’s a clue as to how good it really is!). I am able to wear both Suede and Vanilla interchangeably.
2. Kate Somerville IllumniKate Concealing Eye Cream – since I am going with a sheer face, I don’t want to cake on a concealer. This eye pen masks dark circles and works to improve the look of skin at the same time. So think long-term improvement towards a bright and wrinkle-free under eye!
3. MAC Brow Set – I alternate using this and a pencil but for now I like the way Brow Set subtly colors brow hairs and sets them at the same time. I currently use Girl-Boy but I think next time I will purchase the slightly darker Show-Off.
4. NARS Contour Blush – To simplify things, I use this duo instead of a powder. I use the darker shade under my cheek bones, temples and jaw line with a bronzer brush. Then using a smaller dome brush, I use the lighter shade under my eyes (to set the concealing eye cream), down my nose and on my chin. Powdered, bronzed and set all with one product. I use the shade Olympia (and Paloma in the summer).
5. Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette – this product is brand new and I had very high hopes for it. Thankfully, I am really happy with it. But it should be noted these powders are very creamy and soft – I just happen to really like that formulation. I wear the matte and lighter shades in the Infinity palette.
6. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof – an old favorite that I have rescued from the depths of the Belle Belle Beauty closet. I find this liner doesn’t drift and works well on both the waterline and just above the lashes. And it at its best in the classic black shade.
7. bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara – also an old favorite, this mascara really does it all and does it well. I get volume, curl and and inky finish that doesn’t fall out – something that is quickly becoming my biggest pet peeve.
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Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.
