Regular readers already know how much I love the natural makeup line rms beauty. I have invested in the living luminizer and “un” cover-up (both of which I am wild about). When I spotted the buriti bronzer, I just had to have it. This creamy, organic proper contains Buriti oil packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene. The pigment comes off very sheer for a perfect subtle winter glow. There is very little sparkle adding to its natural look. I also love a wash on eyelids for a simple eyeshadow look.
Today I am sharing a little “look good, feel good” beauty gem in honor of October’s awareness and Breast Cancer Care. I hadn’t previously tried this fan favorite product, but was glad to use the good cause as an excuse to finally get my paws on the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Pink Edition.
We can all agree that radiance is in. Especially when the seasons turn and the colder air starts sapping hydration out of skin. This balm is the solution with vitamins packed in to add hydration and radiance back into our complexions. At first I thought this was a primer and I was half correct – it really does prep skin for seamless makeup application.
While it is definitely a two-in-one for some, I like to layer above my moisturizing sun screen. The citrus-spa scent is delicious – something Elemis does so well. Available at elemis.com and dermstore.com. I also understand that this is available at Nordstrom even though I can’t seem to find it online.
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Back when I first got to know bareMinerals in those days right after college graduation, the brand was affordable, great for acne-prone skin and based on the then unfamiliar “mineral makeup” approach. Fast forward to fifteen years later (yikes – that went fast!) and the brand has maintained its affordable price point. But the formulas have evolved with luxury-level formulas. And the same can be said for their tools. The brushes are not only beautifully made but also really really great at application.
Recently, I picked up bareMinerals ‘bareSkin’ Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (love the bareSkin collection). This thin, easy-to-apply tube of concealer covers dark circles without looking cakey. Antioxidant lilac plant stem cells and mineral optics brighten skin. And the formula hydrates my dry, winter under-eye skin. I’ve been using it with my new bareMinerals® ‘Maximum Coverage’ Concealer Brush – another favorite to add to the collection.
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I’m fresh off a fabulous trip to Napa Valley which I also like to call my “Happy Place”. There is literally no other place I’d rather be. While a part of it is wonderful wine, I am just as invigorated by great produce, long walks through the vineyards, delicious coffee and (most importantly) seeing my dear and wonderful friends.
While I was out there, I took a break from work-week makeup and went for a fresh and healthy glow. Just a tad of product to even out my skin, some color on the cheeks and a swath of mascara. Here are the products I turned to:
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation – With the warm and dry heat, my skin needed a serious dose of moisture and this barely tinted foundation provided just that. The formula is 60% water and 10% mineral pigments in botanical oil. These pigments work to reflect light for a natural luminous finish.
Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint – Although Tata is from the East Coat, the Napa Valley reflects a lot of what she’s about: natural products, botanicals and a natural look. I use Very Vivacious as a cheek tint for just a hint of flush that wakes up my complexion.
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara in Very Black – This is the only waterproof mascara that I use and I love that I can refresh my stash frequently because it is so affordable. There is nothing worse than a dried out waterproof mascara. The formula lends to full but still soft lashes that aren’t stiff. And there are no worries about messy fallout during hotter or more active days.
This post is inspired (but not sponsored by) Glossier. Another favorite for a healthy glow is their Perfecting Skin Tint which offers just a wash of color and is perfect for those with oilier skin.
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I struggled with the title of this post. These aren’t technically called “tinted moisturizers” but I thought it got the point across best. If you are anything like me, in the summer months I like a simple wash of bronze-y color with maybe simple mascara and nude lip gloss. That’s it. And these three winners all do the trick. And I even like to go crazy and use two (or all three!!) at the same time. Think natural and warm – even slightly European.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint SPF 15 – a new tinted version of this colorless original – is what I reach for to achieve hydration and a little bit of coverage. If I am wearing more than one of these moisturizers from this post, I start with this one. The very sheer coverage also provides ceramides to protect skin from drying. And the very slight tint is perfect for the weekend. Note that this only comes in one shade, but works well on my medium skin tone.
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe in Shade 3 provides slightly more color and coverage but still comes off as super natural. The addition of retinol – especially one that I can wear during the day – helps stimulate collagen cell rejuvenation and elasticity. I can’t believe I wore shade 1 when I first purchased Peau Vierge years ago – this shade for medium to dark skin tones is perfect during the summer and provides even an additional later of SPF. Shade 2 works best for me in the winter.
By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum in Sunny Flash is absolutely my favorite beauty find from this summer. I have been a long-time fan of the brand as their luxury formulas are always a pleasure to use on my dry and sensitive skin. The effect of this serum is a radiant energy for my skin. The concentrated formula uses light-reflecting technology to add a summer glow. While this is probably too dark for the winter months, the rich bronze is perfect to add a look of vacation (even though I haven’t been near a beach in months). Vitamin E also works against aging free-radicals. Also available in Immaculate Light, Rose Elxir and Apricot Glow (what I have my eye on for the winter).
Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.
I apply Clearly Corrective after my SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream has had a little time to absorb. I find that the pigment is slightly light on me, but it brightens and blends really well with a tinted moisturizer over it. I use a little on my eyelids to neutralize my pigment before a light dusting of shadow (I haven’t experienced any creasing). I like adding a small bit of RMS Living Luminizer to take away some of the matte just because right now glowy skin is my thing.
The formula utilizes 100% mineral filters, vitamin C and licorice root extract to reverse darkness (my biggest pet peeve – thanks, Grandma). Caffeine works on puffiness. And most importantly, the titanium dioxide sunscreen protects that delicate skin against sun damage. Also, note that Kiehl’s makes my all time favorite summer face sunscreen, Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, which is so incredibly light, offers great protection and isn’t greasy at all.
