Category: face

Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder

Usually during the summer, I am all about bronzer, bronzer, bronzer. But leave it to Eve Lom to convert me to a Translucent Powder. A brand that I have only known for skin care, Eve Lom is known for using technique to reveal luminous and radiant skin. Not surprisingly, their color cosmetics are beautifully simple and natural-looking.

As someone with dry skin, I am a little weary when it comes to powder. But this version is luxurious and velvety. My skin is left incredibly soft and hydrated thanks to the fruit stem cell extracts. The light weight is thanks to its micro-find texture. And each particle is rose-shaped (how glam even if we can’t see it!).

I’ve been wearing Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder in Dawn which is surprisingly transparent on me. A little goes a long way, and it is easy to get over zealous with the included brush. So I sweep across skin quickly and then blend with a bigger brush (or sometimes, actually my hands… shhh). My dry skin soaks up its hydration but I think the formula is balanced enough that it would work for normal to oily skin as well. I’d probably caution those with very oily skin to try out at a counter first. The finish is radiant and the light-diffusing properties conceal fine lines (and even some hyper-pigmentation!).

I love the packaging even if the product comes out quickly. In my opinion, better than the alternative. Perfect to throw into your summer clutch to add a mid-evening glow. Plus, it just looks so pretty.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal

I usually gravitate towards creamy and thinner concealers for under eye. I tend to like the luminous and natural looking finish. But sometimes, you just need a little help from some friends. And that friend lately happens to be Miracle Skin.

While I am not suffering from many blemishes, I do have a nasty case of dark circles and a small scar on my chin. My normal favorite (this one) wasn’t quite providing enough coverage. Enter Miracle Skin Treat & Conceal Multifunctional Concealer.

This comes out of the tube in a paste-like form. But it actually spreads and applies smooth while providing a dose of moisture. The best part, is the coverage is substantial so you don’t have to cake on layers – something not so fun in the summer heat. Skin is also soothed with White Rose and Chamomile and the concealer can help correct signs of aging at the same time.

Note, you just need a very very small dot of product for coverage under both eyes – this stuff goes a long way. When I get a little more than intended, I love using it as an eye primer. My perpetual dark lids are transformed into nude and prepped for my favorite summer golden shadow. Or I just wear it alone for a bare, natural look.

Available in four shades – I use Medium and, believe it or not, I find it to be ever so slightly light. Available at Nordstrom.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

“Summer-ize” Your Makeup Routine On FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

There are so many factors that play into changing up our makeup routine as the months warm up. Depending on where you live, humidity can play a huge factor. And to an even greater degree, lifestyle changes. We spend our summer evenings wearing breezy maxi dresses and a messy bun. This calls for a tone down in makeup (with some glowy and bronzy wattage).

Personally, I like switching to a more subtle eye and using a few more liquid formulations. My favorite of these liquid gems actually come from a brand new line from Perricone MD that I am wild about. Launched just this month, Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare restores skin’s health, protects from environmental factors and uses pigments to enhance facial architecture. This makeup doesn’t cake on coverage but adds radiance. My favorite of the bunch is the new No Foundation Foundation Serum which just subtly adds pigment with a suede finish and nourishing formula. No Mascara Mascara contains anti-aging lash treatment. And No Lipstick Lipstick not only smells amazing but adds a natural color with SPF 15.

If you are anything like me, you’ll log some serious pool time (with lots of SPF of course). Some days, we proceed immediately to a BBQ dinner or casual Mexican fare straight from the pool. To add just a bit of glam, I love the newest of lip formulas – Lip Crayons. Boots No. 7 Lip Crayons not only offer a budget price point but also a conditioning shine. I love Berry to compliment post-pool sun-kissed tan.

I can’t really think of a summer color collection that does glowy bronze better than NARS. A new launch coupled with a newly discovered classic is now a permanent staple in my rotation. First, I admit to being a Laguna devotee. But I was gently coaxed to try the slightly slightly deeper and more golden Casino and I am smitten. There is something about the formula that is so authentically bronzed that I can quickly sweep over my cheekbones, temples and nose and hit the road. And talk about a launch with a splash from their summer ‘Adult Swim’ collection: Hot Sand Illuminator is a limited edition peach champagne liquid that provides a shimmery blush. I also love to use it on brow bones and if you are feeling indulgent, add a dab to your decolletage.

Who said dark polish is only for cooler months. This summer, change things up with inky digits but swap out vampy blacks and browns for navys like Essie’s After School Boy Blazer or a deep purple like Sally Hansen Vanity Flare. If you are a diehard light shade buff, opt for a classic white (my current choice is Deborah Lippmann in Amazing Grace).

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Making Up Easy on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

With all the innovation happening in the beauty world, we have no excuse to bemoan a laborious makeup routine. Today’s products make getting beautiful easy (and quick). So if you are a makeup minimalist or looking to speed up your routine, these four beauties featured this AM on Great Day Green Country will rock your world:

Anyone else addicted to lip balm? I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I reach for my pot of Nivea Lip Butter that resides on my desk. But some days, whether it be a professional engagement or a good looking Starbucks barrista, you need a little color on your lips. mark girl all butter now lip treat happens to be my perfect balance of tint and moisture. The formula contains shea, cocoa, and mango seed butters. The coverage is moderate and you’ll encounter an uplifting mango/citrus scent.

I might have mastered the at-home self tan but I can’t say I always have time (or really want) to go through the whole process of exfoliation, application and then drying. Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion kills two birds with one stone: a subtle glow that is buildable while nourishing skin. Almost more preferable than regular self-tanning, you can build a glow until desired depth. And this latest crop of self-tanners doesn’t have that dreaded smell!

Contouring is all the craze and I admit to loving the chiseled look that it gives. But let’s be honest… sometimes you just don’t have time to go through all those steps. Channel your inner Goldie Hawn/Kate Hudson and go for an all over glow. Just swirl a large blush in a hybrid powder like Hard Candy Contouring Face Trio in 3rd Wheel or bareMinerals READY Face & Body Luminizer and use all over the face.

Last but certainly not least, this luxurious multi-tasker is blowing away the beauty world. YSL’s baby doll Kiss & Blush is perfect for on the go (or when you just don’t want to dig through for two products). The unique doe foot applicator with a roller ball coats lips with a matte pop of color. I use my finger to apply on my cheeks to waken the complexion.

I totally fangirl-ed when I was on air right after Hanson. I didn’t listen to them growing up (I’m too old) but they were so charming and cute!

Two New Foundations From tarte and bareMinerals

If you are in the market for a new foundation, there are a couple new formulations that have hit the shelves. And they have absolutely blown me away with their look, functionality and finish. But both a very different and I think distinctly suited for two different skin types/preferences.

bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is a liquid foundation that melts into skin and nourishes with skin care ingredients. tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation is a talc-free powder foundation that offers a flawless, medium coverage finish.

bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation has a silky, ultra-thin texture that allows for buildable coverage. Thanks to skin care properties, over time skin becomes brighter and more even. Lilac plant stem cells offer important antioxidant protection. While I haven’t noticed drastic differences in my own skin tone, the promise keeps me reaching for this little bottle. This foundation is offered in an impressive 20 shades and I have a perfect match with Natural.

A couple notes about the packaging. I love the nimble bottle and twist off cap. Note: shake to make sure you don’t have separation but make sure to do this with the cap on – I had a bit of a messy situation this weekend thinking that the nozzle would keep foundation in even with that cap off (not my brightest moment, I know). Invest in the accompanying brush because it has a specially designed well to store the foundation as you buff it into skin. I get a full day wear out of the bareMinerals with a glowy finish.

On the other hand, tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation is a powder foundation but like bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation it is lightweight and improves that look of skin over time. The formula blends beautifully into skin without settling into lines and has one of the most natural finishes I’ve come across.

I’m most impressed by the waterproof, budge proof properties that absolutely lasted the promised 12-hour wear. Amazonian clay keeps the powder foundation from being matte or “dusky”, even on my dry skin. The mesh cover on the opening keeps the foundation mess and hassle-free – just press your brush into the mesh and swirl and tap. Then buff into skin.

If been using a Kabuki brush but I am a little tempted to order the brush designed to go with the foundation. It is offered in eleven shades and I was fairly surprised that I matched with the fifth shade even though my skin is light to medium toned (Light to Medium Neutral is what I wear). I can imagine those with darker skin tones might have an issue with matching.

Bottom line: if you have drier skin or want a glowy finish, go for the bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. If you prefer slightly more coverage, prefer powder formulas or have oilier skin, tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation is just the ticket for you!

Mother’s Day Beauty Gifts on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Well, I know many of you are beauty junkies but do you have a Mother who shares your passion? I’ll be on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country again this morning chatting all about Mother’s Day Beauty Gift ideas that will thrill the one who fostered your very own love of makeup and skincare:

First up is the new fragrance from Sofia Vergara, Sofia. This is especially perfect if your mother is also a celebrity fan. Sofia channeled her home country’s (Columbia) native gem, the emerald, in designing the bottle for an elegant and angular vessel. The juicy scent is wearable with notes of blackberry, Colombian rose, orchid, earthy woods and vanilla.

I know it sounds trivial, but my personal belief is a luxe lip balm is something you can savor and enjoy multiple times a day. One of my favorites, By Terry Baume de Rose, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. To celebrate, Terry de Gunzburg has designed a new limited-edition jar of the classic Baume de Rose included in a set along with the gloss form. Usually not a rose scent fan, I actually love this creamy but not sticky formula. I keep it by my bed and use it on my cuticles as well!

You probably have been under a rock if you haven’t heard of Urban Decay NAKED eyeshadow palettes. The third edition, Urban Decay NAKED 3 Eyeshadow Palette, hit shelves a couple months ago but still thrills. I finally took the plunge and picked this up at Sephora’s Friends and Family. And I am smitten. These nudes can accomplish virtually any look. The handy packaging which includes a dual sided brush is perfect for the mother on-the-go.

Okay, I know it sounds a little weird to give your mother a foundation. But this breakthrough formula is so exciting that any beauty junkie would love to have it on their vanity. bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is both a tone-correcting liquid mineral foundation and a skincare serum in one. The ultra-thin texture actually has fabulous coverage. Splurge on accompanying Bareskin Perfecting Face Brush because it is shaped with a special well where you can drop the foundation and then buff into skin. I literally need one drop for a full face of light coverage – two drops for more medium to full coverage. Lilac plant stem cells work over time for a brighter, youthful appearance. Fragrance, water, silicone and oil-free.

Now for the mother who needs a little relaxation. Aveda’s newest collection might just be one of my favorites. The Aveda stress-fix formula contains lavender, organic clary sage and lavindin (a hybrid of true and spike lavender). The effect isn’t cloying or overwhelming but rather balanced and soothing. My favorite is the body cream which moisturizes with sustainably harvested sea algae, doesn’t leave skin greasy and honestly alleviates any feelings of stress.

For the mother who loves unique and elegant at the same time, Mai Couture has packaged makeup in paper form that is so exotically stunning. I honestly love all their products, but the Femme Forever Gift Set is a great way to discover these specialized products. The bronzing paper offers a mattifying effect along with a glow. For the blushing papers, just rub the sheet on apples of cheeks. The blotting paper delivers vitamin C and E while eliminating excess oil. And gloss gives lipstick a boost in color and hydration. Or pass along to her the Mai Couture Glow-Geous Trio with the 2-1 Bronzer/Blotting papers, Highlighter and Blush – all you could ever need!

stay tuned for the segment – i will post as soon as it is available online or tune in here locally at 10AM!