Category: face

Hourglass Primers

I am convinced that Hourglass Primers are a best of breed. While I love Smashbox and Laura Mercier, these Hourglass offerings have something a little extra. They are luxurious and nourishing performers, no matter your skin type.

Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum is the work horse of the bunch. This primer is also serious skin care. You can use it at night or under makeup. It even works on the ends of your hair for conditioning and shine. This is geared for drier skin (jump to the next version if you are in the oily camp) with an oil-based hydrating formula. The silky consistency creates a natural moisture barrier with a refined surface for makeup. I love the luminous quality – it can modernize and transform a matte foundation. The “28” in the product’s name refers to the formula’s key ingredients, which include 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and four vitamins.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 is more of a dedicated primer. While it is designed for more combo/oily skin, I still keep it in my rotation. The milky white lotion finishes out to clean, satin canvas. The mineral-based formula absorbs excess oils while the light diffusing properties camouflage imperfections. Bonus that it contains an SPF.

Hourglass Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer is the most unique primer I have come across. For those who want to maintain a bronzy glow in the winter, this is a great option. The primer develops into a natural glow with each application. You can use it up to five days until you get your desired intensity. I’ve noticed that I feel better if my complexion has a little warmth so I love having this close by.

Drugstore Favorites for the Fall

I’ve been trolling the beauty section of my local drug store and want to report on some of my current favorites. I’m keeping in mind the fall trends and drier air. Not to mention the big holiday parties we have coming up. Not included in the round up was the obligatory candy corn I stocked up on yesterday. Why is that stuff so good?

CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I’ve been really impressed with this foundation. It has medium coverage with a matte finish, without requiring a ton of product. I love the addition of skin care, so you are working to improve the appearance of your skin. It plays especially well with my drier skin.

Visine Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops: At first I was skeptical of this red carpet staple. But I am so glad I picked some up at the store. I used it recently before a big event and my eyes were clear and bright. I needed less eye makeup and I appeared more awake. I probably wouldn’t use this in my daily rotation, but I now consider this a “must have” for big nights out.

Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Serum: Olay is definitely a forerunner in the skin care game along side so many luxury contenders. This hydrating primer would be a perfect moisturizer for someone with oilier skin. I use it as a primer – it has very similar consistancy to Smashbox Hydrating Primer. And I keep it at my desk to treat dry spots throughout the day.

Bio-Oil Scar Treatment: While marketed as a scar treatment, Bio-Oil also makes for a great body oil. While I do use this on some older scars, hoping to see some improvement, I’ve found it makes for a great moisturizer post shower. It has a baby powder scent with a smooth, non-greasy finish.

Essie Miss Fancy Pants: Essie did it again with their fall collection. While the bolder colors are also fabulous, I love this grey taupe for an understated elegance. If you want something more festive, try Stylenomics.

 
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CARGO Cosmetics Blushes, Highlighters and Concealer

While I was attending NYFW, I was invited to stop by Birchbox Sample Stop for a beauty pit stop. The pop-up was right across the street from Milk Studios and a true makeover oasis. Not only did I stock up on some samples to help me make it through the rest of the week…. but I was treated with a mani and a makeup makeover from Cargo Cosmetics.

While I have heard of the brand, I hadn’t experienced many of their products. I was about to be plesantly blown away. My makeup looked natural and lasted the rest of the afternoon and evening. The fomrulas were lightweight but pigmented with beautiful, neutral colors. While I wanted to basically take home everything, a couple products jumped out: blushes and highlighters.

The Contour Palette in Malibu  is a dummy proof all in one. But you can also expect beautiful finishes and shades. The artist taught me to use one side of a blush brush for contour (below your cheekbones, on your hairline, and below jawbones). Then flip the brush over, pick up some of the cheek shade, and press into apples of the cheeks. Then, use the end of the blush brush to pick up highlighter – apply on brow bones and cheek bones. This palette also comes in Monaco if you want slightly warmer shades.

The Cargo Beach Blush in Tenerife is a canister of four shades packaged together. While beautiful, I don’t think you can use them individually (except as maybe eyeshadow). But when you see the blended color, you won’t want to use anything else. This iconic product is a perfect marriage of bronzer and blush. I apply it as an all over color on my cheeks, forehead, nose and below my jaw bone. It warms up the face with a balanced, energetic finish. Tenerife is matte, but I also like Echo Beach for a shimmer finish. There are six different shades so no matter your complexion or style, you’re sure to find one that works.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Jetlag Concealer. These pen/highlighting concealers are ubiquitous. I know… but this version has some super-powered skin care. The coverage is on the heavier side compared to other pens, with a slightly matte finish. After application, there is a little cooling effect as it nourishes and repairs the skin. Long term use (according to clinical testing) shows a reduction in puffiness and dark circles after 28 days.

White Lupin Extract reduces puffiness and dark circles in the eye area. Citrulline, a unique mineral extracted from watermelon rind, plays an essential role in the function of filaggrin (essential component of your skin/epidermis), a critical part of the skin’s own moisturizing complex. And peptides and flavanoid reinforce thin, fragile and transparent under-eye skin.

Jetlag and the Contour palette are made in Canada. The Beach Blush is made in Italy. Shop my Cargo Cosmetics favorites using the widget below:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Beauty for a Cause

You know I love beauty with a cause – look good AND feel good. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I selected some of my favorite products that are donating a portion of proceeds to the fight for a cure and supporting patients.

1. Estée Lauder Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection: This set includes Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy and Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence along with a pink snakeskin-printed clutch. I love Pink Innocence for an easy hydrating gloss and this edition comes in an adorable pot with a patterned lid. For each purchase of the Evelyn Lauder Dream Lip Collection, Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

2. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Disco: Shiseido has partnered with Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) to support their philanthropic arm, Cancer and Careers. By donating $5 for every Lacquer Rouge in Disco sold throughout the month of October, Shiseido will give back to the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working women living with cancer. Lacquer Rouge is a liquid lipstick that has insane shine. Disco is an eye-poping, totally fun bright pink. The color has great staying power and doesn’t leave lips dry.

3. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Pumped Up Pink: These enormously popular balms are crazy nourishing. The the wash of color is perfect for those who want a more subtle look. The Chubby Stick comes with a pretty pink carrying case with a heart-shaped charm puller with Pink Ribbon. $3.00 from this purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

4. Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush: A portion of the proceeds of sales from 3 shades of Crushed Mineral Blush (Dusty Pink, Sherbet, and Tulip all pink of course!) are going to be donated to Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. I’ve been using Dusty Pink (a brownish pink) and Tulip (baby doll pink) – both have a satin finish. The powder blends beautifully and gives a natural flush. It is a very natural look, but can be layered for more pop.

A Cruelty-Free Face

I fell hard for two recent product launches. And they both happen to have a policy that I admire as it relates to animal testing. Neither Chantecaille nor Youngblood Cosmetics tests on animals. And their products do not contain any animal byproducts (except Youngblood’s beeswax and carmine). I know this policy and mission take work and diligence to implement. So I wanted to recognize these two products for a cruelty-free face.

Youngblood Cosmetics introduced a Mineral Radiance Creme Powder Foundation that has coverage but feels light on the skin. It smooths on but finishes to a luminous, powdery finish. Nourishing nutrients soothe out the redness in my face. And despite the powder finish, it hydrates my skin, leaving it supple.

This foundation is the perfect marriage with Chantecaille’s recently introduced HD Perfecting Powder, part of their new Safari Collection. The formulas work well together and this stunning, stone-like compact is perfect to throw in your bag for touchups throughout the day.

The ultra-light perfecting powder comes in one shade but can correct on any complexion. The micro-fine powder adds a luminosity that can mask wrinkles and large pores. And with my television appearance tomorrow, you better bet this is coming with me – the natural finish will look great in front of the camera. Wear this hydrating formula over your makeup.

These advanced technology products will give a flawless face you can feel good about!

September’s Favorite Things

1. I can’t quit reaching for my summer bronzer – I am just not quite ready to give up that sun-kissed glow. This bronzer by the Balm has just enough umph and a balance between pink and brown. It also looks great on the lids. (available at Nordstrom)

2. This Victoria’s Secret eye kohl fits perfectly across my lids. I close my eyes around the crayon and drag it outward. This gives a thin, yet intense, jet-black line for a more smoldering eye. I can’t find it online, but it is worth checking out if they have it in the store.

3. BareMinerals Well-Rested Face & Eye Brightener is similar to the YSL Touche Eclat, but has a balanced mineral infusion of radiance. It truly energizes and awakens the eye area. It is sheer so it works on all skin tones. (available at Sephora)

4. As far as BB Creams go, 3LAB is my go-to. I love the coverage, consistency and match to my skin tone. It is on the heavier side but I find if I apply it with the included roller contraption, it goes on super even and natural looking. (available at Nordstrom)

5. I am definitely feeling the spicy, cozy scents for the fall. And this Amber is a clear, clean incarnation that has a hint of musk. (available at Amazon)

6. These hair ties are basically ingrained in my life. They are everywhere: car, bedside tables, purse, bathroom, kitchen. I love they don’t tear or break long strands and they hold up like a champ. I think I have some that around 3 or 4 years old. They even hold my long hair in a top knot (twistbands are available at Birchbox)

7. And for my NYFW “best find”: Clarins Beauty-Flash Balm. This mask/treatment is ideal for a busy day or big event. After not enough sleep, I slapped this on before a big brunch and found my skin looked hydrated, glowy and not the least bit tired. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then apply makeup. Your look will have an extra radiance. (available at Neiman Marcus)