Category: face

Jouer The Weekender Collection

This is almost too good to be true.  And in perfect time for packing for those summer getaways.  This palette has the absolute best in neutral shades that can be layered for varying looks.  I really can’t imagine too many skin tones this wouldn’t work for.  If you have dark skin, the mattifying powder could be too light, but I found it to be very translucent.  All of the products, I think, would look fabulous from pale to very dark. The palette contains:

  • Powder Eyeshadow Trio – satin matte charcoal, satin matte taupe, and matte vanilla cream
  • Face Duo – Translucent Mattifying Powder and Mattifying Powder Bronzer in matte honey
  • Tint & Highlighter Duo – Champagne Highlighter in shimmering pink and Cinnamon Tint in creamy deep rose
  • Ginger Lip Gloss – shimmering copper (very sheer and light)

The individual pieces slide apart so if you only want to carry bring a few or throw one into a clutch, easy! I use my fingers for most of these items, but theoretically you would need a powder, bronzer , eyeshadow and liner brushes.  It can be difficult to get only the bronzer or powder on the brush so I ended up mixing them and really liked the effect.  It was much easier for me to use my fingers on the eye palette then blend with a brush once it was applied.  Order from Birchbox. Right now they have free shipping on this item! ($58)

MAC Lustre Drops

Don’t be intimidated by this little bottle of liquid sun.  I LOVE this to brighten your look on a summer day.  There are so many different ways you can use it, but I have been mixing it with tinted moisturizer for an all-over glowing look.  At first, I was afraid of using too much.  But it really is almost fool proof.  A couple of drops is easy to manage and blends really well.  It adds a glow but still is fairly sheer and natural-looking.  Bonus: don’t worry about breakouts because it is water-based.  It also works great with lotion on the legs or shoulders for a sheen if you are dried out by the heat.  It comes in Sun Rush and Pink Rebel.  I have the Pink Rebel because the Sun Rush looked a little artificial and orange on me.  I think if you have more olive to your skin, it could work well, but with my natural redness the Pink Rebel is better. And the itty, bitty bottle lasts forever and is still a sinch to travel with.

COVER FX EyePrep Anti-Age Smoothing Primer

Other than through social media, I had not been exposed to the COVER FX line of makeup and skincare.  But I was immediately intrigued as it was rave reviews from dermatologists – surely they know what they are doing?!  I was able to pick up a few products at The Makeup Show, but my favorite is the EyePrep Anti-Age Smoothing Primer. This is like a triple duty wonder tool: anti-aging benefits, lightweight primer to be worn alone or under eye makeup AND improves the look of the undereye.  It is not your typical, silky primer.  You can really detect hydration, and because of this, the skin around my eyes appears smoother and brighter.  I can even get away with a this primer and a little Touche Eclat Radiant Touch.

And, making me love this company even more:

Cover FX Donates to the Skin Cancer Foundation




This month, Cover FX is giving back to help skin cancer research. Every time you buy the SkinTint FX SPF30, BritePrep FX SPF50 or “Like” them on Facebook, they will donate money to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

stila One Step Correct

On the bright side, this product’s triple-swirled helix looks super-cool in its container.  But it doesn’t live up to its promise to color-correct my skin.  There was no noticeable reduction in redness.  While I did look slightly brighter, the serum caused my skin to feel tight.  This serum is part of a one-step collection, promising anti-aging with their Youth Revival ingredients.  However, when I think of stila, great pigments and fabulous glosses come to mind, and I think that is what they should stick with. 

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick

You know those long days when, around 3PM, you are in desperate need for a refresh? A portable foundation that I treat more like concealer is a handy solution.  What I love about this product is its compact packaging and adjustable coverage.  But this complexion-fixer requires a well moisturized canvas.  If you are on the dry side, like me, make sure your skin is very well hydrated or the application will come off flaky.   I also started by using a foundation brush with this stick, but I actually prefer using my fingers to spot apply where I need to eliminate redness or cover a blemish.

Foundation Brushes

Since I largely use tinted moisturizer, I really should call these “moisturizer brushes” but either way, they are my favorite tool for blending any color on my face.  Over the years, I have tried great (and not so great) brushes and most are still in my collection – a testimony to how long these tools will last.

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush

The fibers are shorter than other foundation brushes, which gives great control but can hinder blending.  I especially like the sharper end to get into the areas around my nose, under eyes and chin. The brush contains a blend of fibers which is typical for foundation brushes. The effect of this brush is a heavier coverage with ability to add precision. Overall this is a great brush that will last a long time. ($51)

Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush

The longer brush by Bobbi Brown won’t provide precise lines, but blends tinted moisturizer flawlessly.  The color almost buffs into the skin achieving Bobbi Brown’s signature “your own skin” look.  It also gives foundation a more moderate coverage.  I am sure the lighter bristles on the end have another purpose, but it provides encouragement for frequently cleaning because pigment is readily visible. ($35)

As a fan of foundation brushes, I think these two offer the best of what is out there.  If you are one who favors a heavier coverage, Armani is the way to go.  For those who like a tinted look, try Bobbi Brown.