Category: face

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation

Nothing like diving into a new brand with their latest and greatest (this is the brand’s first product review on the blog!). I’ve always been super impressed with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s High Definition Foundation – I’ve used it at a couple special events and found it stays put and photographs beautifully. The new Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation has that same beautiful finish with the flexibility of a wet or dry application and a compact that makes on-the-go application a breeze.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Creator and Artistic Director Dany Sanz tested 70 formulations before finding the perfect performance. No wonder that she managed to come up with something that has flexible coverage and finish. Not to mention the ability to last throughout the day.

A Vegetal Lecithin coats the pigment, allowing it to stay on skin effectively. Silica and Sericite powders give that radiant finish with soft focus effect. And Ximenia Oil and Aloe Vera nourish the skin. Because there is less talc, you don’t get that chalky, cakey finish I find in so many powder foundations.

For a black tie event on Saturday, I applied the foundation dry for a matte finish and full coverage. I used the Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush. The result was a natural looking, complete coverage with matte (but not too matte) finish. While it didn’t have the glow of my other favorite liquid foundations, I liked the effect paired with a simple eye and red lip. I also appreciated the flexibility with coverage so I could build on my nose to cover the redness but still remain fairly sheer on my cheeks and forehead.

This morning, I wanted more of a sheer and satin finish. I used the included sponge – got it wet and rung out the excess water. Picking up a bit of the powder, I swiped and blended from the center of my face outward. The effect is not unlike a tinted moisturizer with maybe just a kick more coverage. Again, you can build coverage where you need it. I don’t get quite as much staying power with this kind of application, but it is such a breeze to throw this compact in your purse for needed touch ups.

The foundation comes in an impressive 25 shades covering the spectrum. Overall, I admit to being a bit of a convert. While I would have said before I always prefer a liquid foundation, MAKE UP FOR EVER has come up with a powder version that offers tons of flexibility with a silky, ready-for-photos effect that I can’t resist.

Chantecaille Spring 2013 Lips

I’m one of those odd souls who loves winter. I love the cozy holidays, exciting weather and layered fashion. So, I am grudgingly accepting the quickly approaching hot weather. One thing that makes this so much easier is the stunning new lip products from Chantecaille to celebrate Spring. These shades are right up my alley – wearable, fresh neutrals that you can just swipe on. And of course, with it being Valentine’s Day, can’t think of a better topic than our pout. Pucker up!

I’m was already hooked on the Chantecaille Lip Chics – think buttery soft lipsticks that hydrate but are still packed with color. The lightweight texture has plumping effects of a gloss but coverage of a lipstick. I’ve treasured Heirloom but the new spring colors are so cheerful and feminine. Daphne is a nude pink with a sheer finish – perfect easy neutral lip. Rose Délice is a stronger, cooler pink but still relatively sheer. The pigment looks very blue and pigmented in the swatch above, but it is decidedly wearable.

Unlike the Lip Chics, I was totally new to the Luminous Gloss Long-Wear Lip Shine. Wow… are these good. These rich and pigmented lip glosses have great lasting powder and such a smooth finish. There is no settling into lines or stickiness. Extra shiny polymers give a wet, glasslike shine and superior adherence. There is no scent to these formulas. Pink Melon is a cool, relatively opaque pink that settles into a light nude. Framboise is a true raspberry that gives just a wash of color.

I can honestly say these will be my go-to spring shades. There are tremendously easy wear and use on the go. They hydrate and heal my dry lips. The fresh, girly shades are sure to cheer me up as my beloved winter comes to an end.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

NARS 413 BLKR Multiple

I have another favorite Multiple for you and it is pretty precious. The newest Multiple is named for the flagship store in New York City’s West Village neighborhood (have you been? It is dreamy).

The rich burgundy, at first, intimidated me. I was worried it would be too bold on my light/medium skin. But on the cheeks it blends out to a perfectly sweet wine-colored stain. It dries down to a powder finish, but a very very slight shimmer gives just enough glow. Where it really shines is on the lip. It is a perfect matte sheer berry. I even threw it on my eyelids for a wash of red a la Spring 2013 runways. Totally works.

So add 413 BLKR to my list of favorite Multiples which include: Cococabana, G-Spot, Palm Beach and Undress Me (click for reviews).

Available at narscosmetics.com and NARS flagship boutiques:

413 Bleecker St, New York, NY; tel: 646.459.2323
8412 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA; tel: 310.623.1730

Best Brushes

I believe that great tools can make any product work better. I have more brushes than I can count, but I seem to reach for the same ones each and every day. I never once have regretted spending the money for a quality brush because, if you take care of them, they will last forever (note: I wash mine with this every week and dry laying flat overnight). Here are my brush MVPs:

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush: While I still reach for this brush, I find the Armani version is more nimble because of its size. The sharper end can get into the contours of your face. And the synthetic brisstles play well with even the thickest of foundations, not leaving one single streak.

Laura Mercier Long Secret Camouflage Brush: When you have a blemish, there is just no better tool to apply concealer. The tapered tip allows for extreme precision and feather like strokes will keep the product from becoming cakey.

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush: I’ve had this brush for years and – to this day – it retains its strands and shape like a champ. It picks up powder and buffs on skin without being cakey or over-delivering product.

Chantecaille Cheek Brush: Made of goat hair, this super super soft brush can do everything on the cheeks. The tapered end deposits pigmented blush like a champ, but can also perfectly contour a bronzer under the cheek bones.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Shadow Brush #1: This brush made of natural goat hair and perfectly shaped for applying shadow on the lids. I love the look so popular for Spring of a bold color just to the crease. This fluffy, square brush gets just enough pigment in all the right spots.

CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler: I used to be a devotee of the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (I had mine for about eight years). But it wasn’t until I replaced it with the CHANEL version that I got that true lifted curl that lasts. The shape of this curler is much better suited for my lashes. Game changer.

Shop my favorite brushes:

Bobbi Brown Pink and Red Collection

After flipping through what were probably hundreds of pages of fashion magazines this weekend, I was struck by how much pink and red there was everywhere. Granted, much of it is for Valentine’s Day – but a lot was seen on the Spring 2013 runways and in editorial shoots. I’ve always liked the modern clashing of a pink and red. I think it is a little edgy while still being ultra feminine. So I am swooning over this recent Bobbi Brown collection.

The neat set of little duos features a true red and true pink for the cheeks, lips (gloss and lipstick) and nails. Everything is designed to be mixed and layered. The possibilities are endless. I can see a quirky pink accent nail, dual-toned lips, contoured cheek tint… you name it.

The cheek tint is lightweight and sheer but buildable. Both limited edition shades – Sheer Cherry and Sheer Pink – are classics albeit on the cooler side. The matte lip colors are pigmented with staying power – also with two new shades: Hot and Heart (limited edition). The glosses offer more of a very sheer hint of color. Cherry is new and Pretty in Pink is limited edition. Last, Valentine Red and Pink Valentine are two limited edition nail shades.

The collection is available on counters, but the couple I visisted this weekend didn’t have everything in stock. I encourage you to order quickly if you are interested from BobbiBrownCosmetics.com or shop using the widget below.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

I’m having a love affair with powders lately, particularly this one and this one. I can add the newest offering from Hourglass Cosmetics to that list. These powders have a little twist, though. They diffuse and soften the way light is reflected, improving the appearance of skin. It can add radiance, conceal imperfections, and even tone.

Ambient Lighting Powder uses “photoluminescent technology”, making each particle very small while still refracting light and giving coverage. Each invisible color-correcting particle filters out harsh lights. Six different shades offer six different effects. The brand discribes the shades:

DIFFUSED LIGHT: A soft, warm, pale yellow powder. Light your skin with DIFFUSED LIGHT to reduce redness and give skin clarity – like a soft ray of morning light.
ETHEREAL LIGHT: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder. Light your skin with ETHEREAL LIGHT to mimic a moonlit glow – even in broad daylight.
RADIANT LIGHT: A sun-kissed golden beige powder. Light your skin with RADIANT LIGHT to extend a summer glow, or enhance the overall complexion with believable, subtle, warmth.
MOOD LIGHT: A soft, sheer lavender pink powder. Light your skin with MOOD LIGHT to mimic the softest most forgiving light and reveal your brightest complexion.
DIM LIGHT: A neutral peach beige powder. Light your skin with DIM LIGHT to blur imperfections and highlight a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.
LUMINOUS LIGHT: A champagne pearl powder. Light your skin with LUMINOUS LIGHT to create a soft, incandescent candlelit glow – day or night.

I’ve been wearing Diffused Light over the weekend and have found the creamy, fine powder to really enhance the finish of my current favorite foundation. The yellow undertones work well in neutralizing my redness. While it looks very light in the pan, Diffused Light is actually transparent without adding any ashiness. And great news: Paraben, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten free (this last one for my blogging buddy, Lauren).

I’ve been applying mine with a regular powder brush, but this Ambient Powder Brush, specially designed to work with the powder looks pretty nifty. It is densely packed, allowing for ideal, even application of the powder. And it comes with a protective travel pouch. Next up, I can’t wait to try Radiant Light for an early summer glow.

Shop the shades and brush here: