Category: face

Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

You know those days were you need a touch more than just sunscreen, but can’t seem to muster up the energy for a full face of makeup? I know them all too well. And boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ has been a lifesaver for me on days like that.

BB creams, initially popular in Asia, have claimed vanity real estate stateside in a big way. And no wonder. We love multi-taskers here in America. This BB cream (or “blemish balm” – I’ve also heard “beauty balm”) is concealer, foundation and SPF all in one. It is similar to Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge. But boscia is a far superior color match for me than the Peau Vierge. I just don’t seem to fit any of their offered three shades. Surprising since boscia only offers one shade, but the formula seems to manage perfect color match no matter the complexion – magic!

The botanical formula is oil-free with a cream feel but thinner, liquid application. There are no parabens or fragrances. My sensitive skin loves the soothing properties. While I am usually free of acne, I’ve had a couple spots appear lately. And this has done wonders both clearing up my blemish and covering without cake-y concealer. And it definitely smooths fine lines and basically eliminates the appearance of pores. While initial application is sheer, it is easily layered. And feel free to skip sunscreen because this stuff has my preferred physical sunscreens and an SPF 27.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

The department stores are loaded right now with holiday palettes to add a bit of shimmer to your complexion. And I get it. I am all for this type of festive cheer. While many of the palettes are stunning works of art, their price point sometimes can even stretch over the $100 mark. So, I set out on a mission to find a shimmer powder that was (relatively) less expensive than some of the holiday palettes offered by Cle de Peau, Chanel and other luxury brands.

I wasn’t on the hunt too long, because I quickly found MAC Mineralize Skinfinish. While the powder isn’t quite as soft and creamy as others I have tried, I think the level of shimmer is tempered just the right amount. You don’t look like a disco ball, but you do look festive and glow-y. You can layer as I did on my cheekbones or use a huge, fluffy brush for just an over-all polish. The palette isn’t fancy or bejeweled but it is pretty. I chose Soft And Gentle, which is a light and bronzy with a little peach. Gold Deposit is a really deep golden bronze. Porcelain Pink is coral with gold.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer

As someone who has dry skin, I never thought I’d like something that touts itself as oil-free. But this primer ticks all the boxes and will be my go to primer for big nights out on the town. The hydration preps the skin for foundation. For me, my skin looks healthier and plumper when I use this stuff. Hydraplex12, made from desert plants, immediately moisturizes and actually seals it in. It also fills in fine lines and pores for an even and uniform canvas for foundation. Along with bring dry, my skin is very sensitive. So I adore the cooling and hydrating effect as soon as I apply this stuff.

 

Benefit Hervana Face Powder Flash Sale!

I adore Benefit Cosmetics face powders – reminds me of my San Francisco days and their cheeky names make me smile. Benefit Hervana Face Powder is the newest edition – a swirl of lucky shell, divine peach, heavenly rose and berry delight.

Benefit Hervana Face Powder will be coming soon in January, BUT you can get yours early:  Online only flash here TODAY. Don’t forget to use code “Hervana” at checkout for a free total moisture mini.

The offer is good Monday, December 5th from 12:00 am-11:59 pm, PST only.

Maybelline Favorites

Today, I am thrilled to be guest blogging at the fashionable Style Me Thrifty! Madeline curates a collection of affordable fashion finds, which can always come in handy, especially this year.  I encourage you to check out her blog.  She asked me to come up with some drugstore gems, and naturally they were all Maybelline.  I am a huge fan, if you didn’t know.

Head over to Style Me Thrifty or check out the post below:

Some of the best drugstore finds these days are by Maybelline.  Not only are they a great bargain, but are serious performance powerhouses.  These four favorites have earned a permanent place on my vanity:

1.  Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealers – nothing refreshes my face like covering those dark circles and this is SO easy to use

2.  BabyLips SPF 20 Moisturizing Balm – such adorable packaging and it really heals dry winter, lips

3.  Eye Studio Master drama – creamy, high intensity liner perfect for the evening cat eye (and comes in fun colors like Sapphire)

4.  Colorsensational LipColor – incredibly rich colors that don’t dry out

Guerlain Vol de Nuit Perfumed Shimmer Powder for Face & Body

My grandmother wore Shalimar and adorned her vanity with Guerlain Meteorites.  So, Guerlain fragrances will always embody glamour for me, particularly the lost elegance of generations past.  The recent renaissance of the line retained this beauty, while adding modern elements like ingenious packaging and softer versions of their fragrances.   Their refreshed cosmetic line has standouts like Guerlain ‘Terracotta – Terra Inca’ Khôl Kajal and Guerlain Gigolo (70) Rouge G Lipstick.

But when I spotted the Vol de Nuit Perfumed Shimmer Powder, I knew it was every bit of that old-school, Guerlain beauty.  The Vol de Nuit fragrance was inspired by woman in aviation in the 1920’s and 1930’s and is comprised of woody, vanilla and powdery iris notes.  The powder holds only a hint of the fragrance, but you still can detect clean green and powder scents.  I think this is a good thing, as it will not likely interfere with your usual fragrance, but just add another element.  Suggested use is for the face and body, but I really like it in my hair.  Also works great on my decolletage.  On my skin tone, it is completely sheer with blue/silver, iridescent shimmer.

The bottle is a treat in itself.  The lacquered glass is reminiscent of the original bottle for Vol de Nuit – a true innovation as the first combining glass and metal.  The design evokes the image of a propeller as another nod to the aviators who inspired the fragrance.   I am sure to drag this around on all of my holiday travel, but I will enjoy it equally as much with it front and center on my vanity.