Category: face

NARS Fall 2012: Let’s Get Sparkly

You don’t really expect to see loads of shimmer this time of year. Maybe that is why I love it so in NARS recent Fall collection. And maybe the fact that we haven’t been under 100 degrees here in weeks. So an eyeshadow that evokes “icy wind” and a glittery versatile stick? Bring it. I just can’t wait for fall.

I must admit, when I got my paws on the newest Multiple, I slathered it on my eyes, face and lips. NARS Multiple Stick in Undress Me does have some substantial glitter and essentially nude base. But it WORKS. The powder finish makes it long lasting. It is slightly noticeable and flirty without being overdone. Other Multiple favorites include G-Spot (if you want more rosy gold) and Cococabana (click on the links for previous reviews). I love these for highlighters and cheek color.

Now, for the “icy wind” aka NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Vent Glace. I think the smokey eye might be a bit overplayed. This summer, the combination of platinum and silver smoke with defined liquid liner just hits the right note. It is most certainly frosted, but makes you look a little bit more awake. If you don’t wish to go full-bore frosty, this duo makes a great highlighter for the inner corners of the eyes or along the brow bone. And if you want a full on metallic lid, layer this on with Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

RevitaLash ‘Spotlight’ Highlighting Pencil and ‘Raven 12 Hour’ Eyeliner

RevitaLash is a line that was on my radar, but only as a treatment for fuller lashes. So imagine my surprise when I found out they make my newest, favorite highlighter. This genius “pencil”, which is really more like a crayon, is perfect to swipe and blend. You can use it below your brows, on your cheeks or even right on the cupid’s bow of your lips. I’ve found the ‘Spotlight’ Highlighting Pencil is surprising versatile across all skin tones, but it does have a slight pinkish undertone. The shade corrects dark pigmentation. But has a balanced shimmer keeping it sophisticated and subtle.

RevitaLash also makes a great eyeliner: ‘Raven 12 Hour’ Eyeliner. I’m impressed with its staying power. The consistency is creamy, but at the same time precise. Both of these products are available at Nordstrom and are the perfect treat to pick up during their annual Anniversary sale that begins tomorrow!

Le Métier de Beauté introduces The Beauty Vault for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

My adoration of  Le Métier de Beauté is no secret. I think the boutique cosmetic brand continues to chrun out innovative and well-made makeup that channels cutting edge technology. But all that science ratchets up the price point. Now, there is a great opprotunity for newcomers to the brand to try out the cult classics without breaking the bank. This whole set is only $49!!!

To celebrate the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Le Métier de Beauté is offering a collection with travel sized:

  • Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer (Shade 2)
  • Precision Liquid Liner
  • Anamorphic Lash Mascara

The Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer works like a tinted moisturizer, letting the skin show through but blending away imperfections. It is on the sheer side of coverage. The formula combines the anti-aging benefits of retinol with the innovative Syntoc Actif delivery system to effectively plump and smooth wrinkles from the inside out for soft, beautiful skin.

Precision Liquid Liner in Noir, perhaps my all time favorite eyeliner, has a Mont Blanc crafted pen. What makes it unique is the calligraphic precision. This is perfect for that precise cat-eye that we are seeing everywhere for fall.

Anamorphic Lash Mascara mini in Black is made with beeswax and has a full brush. The effect is lashes full of volume that isn’t a total pain to remove.

The Beauty Vault is available, as a set only, at select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com from July 22 to August 1, 2012 (but I hear it is already on counters and I found it online here).

NARS Foreplay Cheek Palette

Just because something is a best-seller, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work on you. Case in point for me is NARS Orgasm. It translates too orangey-pink on me. I’ve tried over and over and it just won’t go. NARS has just released a deconstructed version of the palette that might just be the ticket. It has all the elements that made Orgasm famous in the first place, but you can mix them yourself to create a signature glow. Can’t wait to get my paws on it!

Best Bronzers

Despite my incessant application of SPF this summer, I still have a little color on my face. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need the help of a little bronzer. I am committed to the belief that we can have that golden summer glow without baking unprotected for hours on end in the sun. These three have been champs getting me sun-kissed.

  • Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is the gold standard. You are sure to find a perfect match with eight available shades. Go ahead and invest in a timeless classic.
  • M·A·C Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze is just what I’ve been looking for. The finish allows you to contour (shimmer isn’t well suited for this). And the color is perfectly balanced on me.
  • Benefit Dallas Face Powder has a rosy undertone. It looks so natural because it has that tiniest bit of flush, making it look like you’ve just stepped from an afternoon outdoors. Plus, this shade is nice and subtle for those who prefer a lighter hand.

3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++

Back in May, I covered my favorite BB Creams for various skin types and needs. Since then, I’ve come across another BB Cream that is worthy of All-Star fame and I had to add it to the roster. 3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++ is like the super-charged, ultra BB Cream. Exceptional is a word that comes to mind.

Like many other BB Creams, the 3LAB version is quite the multi-tasker. It makes my skin vastly more even, brightened and smooth. It isn’t quite as dewy as the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++, but more luminous than Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++. 3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream is available in three shades: light, medium and dark. Medium works perfectly on my NC30-NC35 skin. Coverage is pretty substantial for a BB Cream, but looks extraordinarily natural.

Its efficacy is emboldened by some serious technology. The formula contains a patented Human Growth Hormone (hGH) that treats fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides help whiten and brighten skin. Ingredients like pea proteins help promote collagen production. And it can help calm skin and reduce irritation. I love the high SPF factor and vitamin E as a natural antioxidant. You can tell these guys don’t mess around, using state of the art technology to  bring us a BB Cream that goes above and beyond.

Available at Nordstrom with free shipping.