Category: face

COOLA Mineral Face Sunscreen

I’ve found a new favorite face SPF in COOLA’s new mineral collection. They are formulated with my beloved physical sunblockers, yet have the most transparent application and beautiful finish! These three formulas are all slightly different, each suited for preferences and skin type. And I love that it is a feel-good product; all formulas are vegan friendly, cruelty-free and organic.

First up is the Mineral SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish which has a light and natural cucumber scent. The lotion is white but applies transparent. The finish is silky, matte and works well under makeup. It is also made with organic Rose Hip Oil, rich in free radical fighting Vitamin C. Shea Butter smooths and hydrates skin. This is my pick for those who have oilier skin or those who need a gluten-free formula.

COOLA’s Mineral SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint has the same abundant organic ingredients as the Cucumber Matte Finish, but has a very slight tint. Also well suited for oilier skin, this could be worn on its own for very very light coverage. And if you are sensitive to or prefer no scent, this is right up your alley! This one is also gluten-free.

Mineral SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint is my personal favorite. Most like a true CC Cream, this formula provides a little bit of coverage and much needed hydration. Rose, usually not my favorite scent, is very light and actually pleasant – likely because of its organic nature. This one is also zinc-free for those who are sensitive to that ingredient. Organic Acai Oil contains vitamins and Omaga-3s, providing defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract and Linseed Oil help with elasticity and redness. And Cucumber Extract helps calm my easily irritated skin.

From transparent to tinted, unscented to roses, you can’t go wrong with these from COOLA. Take your pick at coolasuncare.com.

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.

Mai Couture Highlighter and Blush Papiers

Trolling the beauty section of Neiman Marcus not long ago, I came across these little delicate papers. I thought they were oil blotting papers, but in actuality they were that and much much more. Mai Couture has been in the back of my mind ever since. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when I got a chance to try out some of their latest launches. They have some new shades and sets for the fall beyond their basic foundation and oil-blotting offerings. I’ve been testing them out and am so impressed by their unique approach and travel-friendly packaging.

Crystal Cove Highlighter Papier is a new shade of highlighter and my new favorite way to amp up the glow on the go. You can even use it on the body – perfect for on your shins and collar bones pre-cocktail event. Just lightly press the colored side of the paper to desired areas (I like cheekbones, chins, cupid’s bow, nose and brows). The formula comes off surprisingly evenly and each sheet tears easily and cleanly.

Studio City and Montecito Blush Papier work in a similar way. At first I was concerned about the precision required for blush. But using your hands opposite the colored side of the paper gives the perfect, smudgy (in a good way) rosiness. I love how it layers with the highlighting papers and the formula is paraben and talc free. The Studio City shade is my favorite – radiant without too much drama. Apply using a semi-circular motion on your apples. There is plenty of pigment on each sheet should you want to double up for more depth.

Like A Diamond Trio Pack is a brilliant collection, perfect for a long trip or a girl constantly on the go. Can you imagine bronzer, highlighter and blush all in a little credit card sized package? This pack contains:

Highlighter in “Crystal Cove”
Blush in “Sunset Blvd.”
Blush in “Studio City”

One sheet is enough for a single application so you get 20 days of makeup out of this collection. Start with a mattifying bronzer, follow with a blush around the apples of your cheeks and then highlight as desired. I feel like this just screams honeymoon or European vacation. A similar product, Mai Couture Glow-geous Trio, has been on my wish list at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom for ages.

Mai Couture’s retailers include Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Beauty.com. Fall launches should be available around October at these retailers but you can find them now at MaiCouture.com.

Back To School Beauty Favorites on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

So excited to be back on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country this morning to talk all about Back to School beauty. These picks are perfect for a natural but fun look for teenagers. But they are equally favorites for my own use as the seasons change. I’m getting my hair back in tip top shape, keeping skin clear and letting that last bit of summer glow shine through. Here are the products I’ll be chatting about (Tulsa folks, tune in at 10AM!).

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Truly one of her iconic products, Laura Mercier just does tinted moisturizer right. There are a couple different formulas but the oil free version is buildable and works on all skin types. The lightweight formula controls oil while still hydrating and providing that crucial sun protection.

eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere Fruit Basket 4 Flavor Multi-Pack

These adorable, spherical lip balms are scattered all over my house and car (the SPF version is a pool time must have for me). This new set has the same great nourishing formula in four fruity, juicy flavors:

Fresh Watermelon
Strawberry Sorbet
Summer Fruit
Pomegranate Raspberry

eos Smooth Lip Balm Spheres are natural, organic and gluten-free.

New Limited Edition Maybelline Great Lash Colored Mascara (at your local drug stores)

The same classic mascara is out in six new limited edition shades. They might sound daunting but actually can accentuate eye color and bring a fun pop for a new fresh look. Available colors:

Wink of Pink
So Very Berry
Green with Envy
I See Blue
Teal Appeal
Vision in Violet

I’ve been loving the Violet, which looks almost black, but at the same time brings out the green in my hazel eyes.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Daily Cleanser

Even acne and oil-prone skin can get irritated and it is crucial that we control moisture while treating breakouts. This new cleanser from Neutrogena will clean pores without stripping. It leaves no pore clogging residue and gets rid of makeup in a cinch.

Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Collection

My hair is seriously fried from sun and heat styling. To get it back to healthy and shiny, I love the new nourishing set from Suave. Using argan oil, I get conditioning and shine without any greasiness. The color care collection is great for those rocking a new shade for the fall.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation

My summer staples have been NARS Radiant Cream Concealer and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Frankly, nothing covers the under eye better than the Cream Concealer. And the lightweight coverage and sun protection of the tinted moisturizer make it perfect for the summer months. So, truth be told… I wasn’t surprised to be thrilled with the newest from NARS: Radiant Cream Compact Foundation.

First and foremost, bravo to NARS for a comprehensive offering of 20 shades from Siberia (light with neutral undertones) to Khartoum (dark with espresso undertones). Second, and not surprisingly from NARS, I love the packaging. The foundations are sold in pods that fit into a separately purchased hefty compact. Because of the formula, you are encouraged to make sure both the compact and the separate pod are snap shut otherwise, the product can dry out. Frankly, I have no issue with this and I love that the foundation stays clean.

The formula features a proprietary Advanced Emulsion Technology, allowing for a buildable application either wet or dry. What surprised me most is how this cream foundation could feel so light. Cream foundations aren’t my favorite, so I was sure I was going to find it too heavy for everyday wear. But it sets like a liquid foundation. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe (medium with golden undertones) and Punjab (medium with golden, peachy undertones). It is really hard for me to distinguish between these two shades other than a slightly deeper radiance in Punjab.

Bottom line: this is my go-to foundation for the fall months. I love the portability, flexibility and radiant finish. While it is on the pricier side for the amount of product you get ($48 including the compact for 0.42 ounces), I think the revolutionary formula and wearability definitely make it worth it.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation is currently available at Sephora.com and NARScosmetics.com. It will be on department store counters on September 1st.

Newness From Kate Somerville

By now, most of you know I am a certified Kate Somerville fan. Her skin care is technologically savvy, her formulas work without irritating and her approach to great skin resonates. That’s why I am so glad to see consistently fabulous new launches from her. Most recently, she’s made a foray into makeup with a killer CC Cream. And a new anti-aging moisturizer that my skin just drinks up.

First up is Age Arrest Anti-Wrinkle Cream. Right off the bat, I notice that unlike other anti-aging creams, this formula feels rich but not greasy or heavy. Kate uses ingredients like Extract of Laminaria Kelp to work with skin’s natural ability to hydrate so your don’t get a goopy feel. The thrust of this new moisturizer is new telomere research with a Telo-5™ Technology. Telomeres help keep us looking young and this technology can prolong the life of these skin cell worker bees. In addition, peptides help reduce degradation of collagen. Lastly, Sea Whip Extract and Algae Plasma sooth sensitive skin.

I’m so glad that Kate jumped on this bandwagon because I was dying to know how she’d embrace this BB/CC Cream craze. Again, she marries the science of skin care with naturally occurring ingredients for a balanced and non-irritating formula. Like my cherished Kiehl’s BB Cream, the version from Kate Somerville IllumiKate™ CC Cream has a whopping 50 SPF. Arbutin, Licorice Extract and Natural Amino Acids work to brighten skin. And I get a good dose of hydration thanks to Sodium Hyaluronate. I still wear this over a moisturizer but those would oilier skin could skip it. The coverage is on the sheer side – which is what I prefer. But those who want more coverage will be happy to know it is buildable. I’ve can get away with the light shade, so I am happy to report the four shades cover a fairly wide spectrum of complexions. I haven’t tried the medium but I am guessing it runs darker than other lines.

Summer Favorites From Opinion Nothing

What better way to round out my week of guest posts than the fabulous JM from OpinionNothing.com. This girl has style not to mention is always up on what’s new in beauty living in the fabulous New York City. I asked her to share some of her favorites to beat the crazy heat this summer in the Big Apple:

When temperatures soar and humidity caps off at 100%, my favorite summer beauty products rise to the occasion. Whether I’m headed to the office or out to brunch with my girlfriends, these warm weather essentials keep me looking my best!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45) – This magic face powder comes in six shades and uses photoluminescent technology to soften light as it reflects off the skin. I like using Dim Light with a big, fluffy brush to set my foundation. It’s not a traditional mattifying powder, but I don’t mind a little bit of healthy shine.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation with SPF 15 ($45) – I love Vitalumiere Aqua because it gives medium, buildable coverage yet still feels light like a tinted moisturizer. I can apply it with my fingers or an array of foundation brushes and my dry-to-combination skin looks great every time. BONUS: travel-friendly packaging and a luxurious scent.

NARS single eyeshadow in New York ($24) – Red eyeshadow is difficult to wear without looking like you have pinkeye, but New York is rich enough to pull off. It’s perfect for adding dimension to a neutral, summer-appropriate smoky eye or simply smudged along the lash line for a grungy pop of color. It pains me to say that New York is no longer available as a single eyeshadow, but you can still find it in the splurge-worthy NARS Loves New York palette.

Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor ($25) – My number one lipstick pick for summer! Hello Sailor looks bright blue in the bullet, but the sheer, moisturizing formula works with natural lip color to create a shade of berry unique to every wearer. It makes teeth look whiter too! Literally my lips, but better.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park ($25) – Red lipstick instantly perks up a simple look, but not when it’s melting off your face, or worse, in your purse. The latest Stalin Lip Pencils from NARS pass the test in both categories and Hyde Park, a gorgeous rosy red, is perfect for day or night.

Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover ($4.59) – No one appreciates a good at-home manicure like I do and step one is using the right tools. Resist the urge to use cuticle scissors. After five minutes wearing the gel, my cuticles are soft and trim. A quick wash with some soap and my nails are ready for bright colors!

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask ($5.49) – Before we go crazy thinking our pores are filled with dirt, let’s remind ourselves that blackheads are most often caused by oxidized oils, not filth. This cleansing mask contains both silica and salicylic acid to remove excess oils, leaving skin clean and blackhead-free in between facials. I like to apply it with a synthetic flat foundation brush for a spa-like feel at home.

I leave for summer vacation in less than two weeks (bonjour, Paris!) and you can bet I’m making room in my carry-on for everything on this list. With great skin, a perfect pout, and groomed nails, I’m ready to beat the heat on both sides of the Atlantic.