Category: face

MAC Face and Body Foundation

I was tired of listening to people rave about MAC Face and Body Foundation. I had to see what the fuss was about. Especially after I learned it was a lightweight, water-based foundation that was insanely long-lasting.

The formula was designed to be used to even coverage on the entire body – duh, hence the name “Face and Body Foundation”. At first, it appears really sheer, but is very buildable so you can vary your level of coverage. It almost has the feel of a moisterizing lotion and follows up with super hydration action, so it works even on my drier skin.

Originally developed for beauty photography, this is my choice if you are being photographed and I also hear it is fabulous for weddings and events. I think it will definitely be in my suitcase for the long, crazy days of New York Fashion Week.

This foundation is only available at MAC stores and is a great value at $32.50 for an enormous 4 fluid ounces.

NARS blush in Douceur

In this 100+ heat, I am not quite ready to embrace these wine colors for fall, but am ready to move past deep, summer bronzes and springy pink. Insult to injury, it is like my complextion knows summer winding down and is returning to its pale state.

I need to step up a summer glow in the meantime, and my weapon is Douceur by NARS – the perfect soft pink-brown. Orgasm is iconic and cult favorite – but blah blah blah – and that’s how it looks on me. “Blah”. It is far too peach and shimmery. I think Douceur deserves at least as much recognition for its sheer, natural look.

The shade provides a healthy glow without going overboard on the bronze or peach. While it can be layered, I like it just for a wash of color. It never looks heavy or artificial, but still makes an impact on the look of my complexion. Both Allure and InStyle recognized it for outstanding powder blush.

Beauty Blender

I never really embraced using a sponge for makeup applications. Mostly because I didn’t want those little wedge buggers taking up space on my vanity. Plus those sharp edges don’t give a very pretty application. But then I heard about the non-disposable. beautyblender, and was smitten with its cute little pink, ergonomic shape.

Over the past years, I have mastered all sorts of foundation application techniques (fingers, brush, kabuki, etc.) so I was prepared to be underwhelmed with the finish from the beauty blender. Cue pleasant surprise: the finish was unbelievalble smooth, natural and streak-free.

The beauty blender was invented by MUAs Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, with the goal of achieving a perfect blend. The shape lends itself to reaching all the nooks and crannies on your face, without creases or clumps.

I feel like the blender gives the most even coverage of all avaialble application methods. I love the ease of cleaning – I am definitely more likely to clean this guy after every use than I am a brush. And for those with allergies, no fear: the beauty blender is non-latex and hypoallergenic.

Cover FX Setting FX Translucent Setting Powder

While I am not usually a powder girl, some makeup control is necessary in my hot, sticky, Texas Summer. But I was looking for something that didn’t create an artificial matte look because I like to rock some “dew”. Good thing I came across sweet Melissa at CoverFX who introduced me to Translucent Setting Powder in Dark.

I am relatively fair so I was a bit taken aback when I saw the darkness of the powder. But I gave it a chance. So when you see it in person DO NOT ABORT. I repeat DO NOT ABORT. Even though it appeared dark, it comes off as a great shade for me in the summer.

It appears on the skin with a sheer dose of natural and sunkissed color. It isn’t a bronzer as the color intensity isn’t strong enough for that effect. But it simply adds a “summer radiance” or glow. I blend all over with my Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki brush. The powder also comes in Translucent for those who want to shy away from color. This would also work great in the winter.

Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment

We are about the enter the world of luxury cosmetics – hang on tight! Peau Vierge has made its ride from relative unknown to cult status to luxury standout. No wonder this isn’t just a little tinted moisturizer but also a foundation, sun protection, anti-aging and illuminizer.

As far as coverage, I think this falls squarely between a lightweight foundation and tinted moisturizer. I tend to get fairly comprehensive coverage but don’t feel weighed down. Unlike other tinted moisturizers, there is definitely a radiance with Peau Virage – something I enjoy so much, I generally skip powder.

Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s not stop there. Even with light coverage, this formula has SPF 20. The way it blends allows me to cover my face all the way down my decolletage so I know I am protected beyond my face when I use this product.

Because this product contains powerful anti-aging ingredients, I encourage everyone to ask LOTS of questions about Retinol it contains and potential effects on your skin. For this reason, I have used this product for over two months before I felt okay offering a review. My skin looks healthier, although I do not sense a highly active Retinol treatment. For instance, when I use the Retinol my dermatologist prescribes, I have sensitivity, redness and, sometimes, peeling. But my dark spots are dramatically reduced and my pores are clear and small. With Peau Vierge, my skin looks smoother, more radiant and clearer (a more subtle Retinol effect). Le Métier de Beauté uses a distinctive delivery technology that claims to provide Retinol more efficiently and effectively.

While I first tried this product over a year ago, I didn’t purchase it until they released Shade 1 recently. Even though there are only three shades, I think they are comprehensive enough to satisfy most skin shades:

Color:

Shade 1: a light, creamy tone with peach undertones
Shade 2: neutral beige
Shade 3: a deeper tone with golden undertones

Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder

During my afternoon at the @JohnBarrettNYC salon, @JoeHubrich introduced me to this little miracle worker. At first I thought it was a neutral eyeshadow, but this sucker is a high powered multi-tasker. The powder also sets concealer, sets cream shadow and illuminates. While it is originally designed for the under eye area, I use it virtually everywhere for a matte finish. It is also my base for eyeshadow. I generally like a dewy look in the summer (mostly to camoflage Texas heat-related perspiration!), but this is perfect to rock a matte look. But it doesn’t look dull in the least bit. It is no secret that I adore this line and every product achieves extraordinary quality and luxury. It is great that they developed such a nimble product with so many uses.

This is a Bergdorf Goodman exclusive and this week is Be Beautiful. The Event. Now through Sunday, June 26. Your gift with any beauty purchase of $200 or more: An exclusive cosmetic bag filled with must-haves of the season.