Category: face

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Correcteur’ SPF 16 Concealer

Le Métier de Beauté has recieved major kudos for their Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complex’ Tinted Treatment SPF 18 (review here), but did you know they made a Peau Vierge concealer as well? Not only does the creamy formula flawlessly cover my hyper-pigmentation, but it also works to treat it.

The formula uses the same breakthrough, proprietary delivery system as the tinted moisturizer. Syntoc Actif is unique in its ability to deliver active ingredients. Retinol in the formula encourages collagen production, diminishes the appearance of dark circles, and heals blemishes. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my larger areas of hyper-pigmentation since using this concealer.

The consistancy is creamy (so it works great under eyes). The finish isn’t dewy but natural looking. It blends beautifully, making it virutally undetectable. I like using it with the Le Métier de Beauté Concealer Brush or buffing it on with an Eyeshadow Blending Brush (like this one).

Broad-spectrum SPF 16 protects the skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.

bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation Sneak Peek

There is no one way to categorize this groundbreaking foundation. While it could be called a solid mineral foundation, it is wildly hydrating and never looks cake-y. And rejoice – perfectly portable. bareMinerals took all their experience and knowledge of mineral makeup and incorporated skin-renewing sea minerals. This formula leads to coverage that looks nothing like a regular mineral foundation.

My skin has always been too dry for anything but tinted moisturizer or creamier foundations. So I was concerned this might not work for me. This is actually a moisturizing foundation thanks to the inclusion of cold-pressed Rose hip seed oil. The time released hydration system hydrates the skin all day long. And the powder that actually feels like a cream is buildable for varying coverage.

It is definitely worth it to pick up the accompanying brush – Precision Face Brush. It also comes in a retractable form for on-the-go. The brush head is specifically designed to fit the contours of the face. Swirl the brush lightly in the powder, tap and buff it onto your face. I move from the center outward. Repeat until you have your desired coverage.

The foundation will be available in 20 shades for $29 in September at Sephora, Macy’s, Ulta, Dillard’s and Nordstrom’s.

Check out some of my other bareMineral favorites:

The Best Cream Blushes

While we are in the season of bronzers, I have found the real workhorse can be a rosy blush. They refresh the face with a luminous healthy glow. And I’m having a love affair with the cream variety. They tend to look more natural on me, blending out easily and evenly and having more radiance than their powder counterparts. Here are my picks for cream blush all-stars:

1. Chantecaille Radiant Fresh New Cheek Creme is a more pigmented formula. But because it is so silky, it blends out to a beautiful flush. The formula contains Lily Bulb Extract and Peach Extract which work as antioxidants.

2. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake is not actually a cream but bear with me. The formula actually applies like a cream but but dries to a long staying powder appearance. They make a wide range of shades, and at drugstore prices, you can afford to pick up a couple. I love Lara’s tip for using this product. Check out her post on The Glossarie right here.

3. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminious Creme Blush is oil free, but applies creamy. I’ve found it has great staying power with a balanced finish, not too dewy or pigmented.  The formula contains Vitamins C and E, Allantoin and Jojoba Esters to hydrate and protect the skin.

4. La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush is a true luxury product. This is the most nourishing formula. It almost feels like a moisturizer going on. Skin care ingredients actually make the underlying skin healthier. The finish is on the sheer side.

Summer Complexion Helpers

We are more than halfway through summer and I am still enjoying the casual days, subtle makeup and festive mood. I’m also seeing the effects of time by the pool – filled with pore clogging sunscreen and dreaded hyper-pigmentation causing sun. I thought I’d share some of my favorite complexion savers that have been especially helpful to me during the summer routine.

1. Kate Somerville Complexion Correction Daily Discoloration Perfector: This stuff goes after melanin (which causes those dark spots). The formula actually controls the creation of pigments, while lightening at the same time. Retinol is also included to fight those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Rubberizing Mask: Bring a little piece of Bliss Spa home with this “way too fun” rubberizing mask. There is something so satisfying about peeling off the mask after it has dried. Tea tree, seaweed and willow and menthol extracts help complexion look less shiny and improves the appearance of pores.

3. 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40/ PA+++: Armed with high factor SPF, this tinted moisturizer can even skin and fight those dark spots while making skin appear flawless. The formula contains 3LAB’s proprietary bioengineered growth hormone that can reverse the signs of aging.

4. Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% Strength: This serum effectively delivers a high-powered amount of Vitamin C into the skin. Vitamin C is great anti-aging ingredient which also lightens and brightens skin. Unlike other Vitamin C products, I get zero irritation despite the high level of active ingredient.

5. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum: Containing 1% Salicylic acid, this serum gently heals blemishes and fades darks spots that those blemishes leave behind. If you have oiler skin, it makes for a great all over serum, reducing pore size and redness.

bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil

This summer, I’ve been on the hunt for a pressed powder to throw in my purse. I don’t have oily skin, but with all this heat I was getting shiny. At the same time, I didn’t want a lot of color. A tinted BB Cream is already part of my routine, so I just wanted something that would improve staying power, cut the shine and provide a little touch up.

Eureka! bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil hit the nail on the head. This solid mineral compact uses their proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral Complex. So you get anti-aging benefits while you touch up. I love that it also has SPF. It isn’t enough alone, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. The effect is soft skin that looks even and airbrushed. It doesn’t have a matte finish, but reduces shine in a natural way.

You can use it with the enclosed puff, but I carry a Trish McEvoy Bronzer Brush in my purse and I love the way it blends out the powder. While this also comes in Tinted, I prefer the Translucent. It doesn’t require precision while you are on the go. And works for any skin color.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

I admit that, at first, I was a little confused by the Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer. Does it provide coverage? Why is it so watery? Do I need it? After some experimentation, I was quickly hooked. First, it does not provide tremendous coverage, but it does even skin. I’ve come to embrace the water texture. It soothes my skin and blends effortlessly. And yes, I do need this. It is the perfect daytime makeup. And makes a great canvas when you are wearing foundation.

The oil-free and oxygen-rich formula actually ventilates my skin, quenching and hydrating. The smooth but sheer finish actually is refreshing and makes me look more radiant. Truly a unique product! Also available in Deep. And be sure to check out another Sunday Riley favorite: Sunday Riley Soft Focus Finishing Loose Powder.