Category: face

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

Darn genetics: I have just a touch of darkness under my eyes.  The new Creamy Concealer Kit was designed just for this problem so I had to give it a whirl.  The concealer is one of the creamier formulations I have tried, and it works well on my normal-to-dry skin.  I have tried application with both a brush and my finger and I definitely recommend the precision of a brush.  While there isn’t a lot of luminosity to the pigment, the color is very natural.  The setting powder gives powerhouse stay-ability. The formula did slightly settle into fine lines, but over all, the long-lasting wear makes it a winner. ($32)

CHANEL Vitalumière Aqua Foundation

Second skin, easy application and ultra-fine are its buzz words. I think it lives up to the hype. After applying a thin coat, my face looked very fresh, even and brighter. An added bonus is that the formula contains mineral sunscreen, which my dermatologist recommends.  I really didn’t notice any fragrance which is what I generally prefer for foundation.  There is no moisturizing qualities and the finish is basically matte, so I would recommend a good moisturizer before application. If you are after a more dewy look, this probably isn’t for you.

Cover Girl Olay Simply Ageless Concealer

This double shot of makeup and anti-aging is a winner.  Aside from the fact the swirl of the two products looks really cool in the container, the concealer works very well under the eye.  While it does contain Olay Regenerist Serum, the pigment is just strong enough to cover up dark circles while still appearing luminous.  It is easy to apply because the consistency changes as you apply it to the skin.  While it looks cakey in the container, it turns to a smooth liquid on your skin.  Because of this, I recommend using your finger.  I try to use the ring finger because it offers the least pressure on the delicate eye area.  While you can’t really use this for blemishes because it is really creamy, I did use a little on my chin and nose instead of foundation and it works great!

 

L’Oreal Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup

I’m on a drugstore makeup kick.  The next few posts will feature some of my recent finds at CVS.  After seeing digital pictures of myself playing in Napa this weekend, I decided my tinted moisturizer is sometimes not quite enough coverage. Because I had read about the beneficial ingredients in this foundation, it was at the top of my list.  The formula includes SPF 17, pro-retinol A and vitamin C.  Coverage is medium and smooth.  The finish is matte, so a cream blush would add a nice luminosity.  The coverage stayed all day with a great natural look. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

After a long hiatus and some resistance, I have returned to Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – the clear favorite in the light coverage and tinted moisterizer realm.  I think part of me wanted to “discover” another alternative that was better.  While I love Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint,  I had to give the “fan favorite” a try.  I already know I wasn’t crazy about Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is not as dewy as Jouer’s version, and doesn’t have the skin treatment ingredients La Metier Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment Fluid offers, but the price point and formulation makes it an appealing alternative. It is easy to blend and apply and the Bisque shade adequately takes the red out of my fair skin.  The balance in coverage is perfect for me – a polished and even look but my face still looks like my skin and not cakey foundation.

NARS The Multiple

With my recently embraced bold lip, I have been looking for a subtle approach to eyes and cheeks.  SJ (my makeup guru) lovingly calls a little color being “tarted up” but we certainly don’t want to take it too far!  I have fallen for NARS Multiple in Cococabana because the shade is so subtle.  There isn’t too much shimmer in it, and it doesn’t appear dewy.  It actually is a cream-to-powder application.  I apply it with my fingers and first intended it for only my brow bone with a totally nude lid and cheeks.   But I also love it for the cheeks and even on the decolletage for evening.  Envision a great bold lip like MAC Lady Danger with a completely neutral face and just a hit on this pearl for effect.  Because this is totally translucent, don’t expect any color.  But the powder effect does last a full day.