Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation

I’ve definitely covered loads of foundation options for those of you with dry skin like me (look here, here and here). But this one is for all those with oiler skin. Laura Mercier has just come out with new oil-free foundation that gives skin the ultimate coverage, comfort and wear for a flawless complexion.

Here’s what she promised (and delivered):

  • Oil-free, non-drying, lightweight formula glides on evenly on to skin and does not settle into fine lines.
  • Visibly minimizes the appearance of pores for smoother skin.
  • Buildable coverage, from moderate to full, evens skin tone.
  • Provides a soft matte finish.
  • Longwearing formula (lasts up to 8 hours) feels lightweight and comfortable on skin.
  • Silicone-free, fragrance-free, non-greasy.

The formula is excellent – smooth, great staying power and even, matte finish. My only caveat is make sure you actually do have oily skin. This will only play nice with truly oily skin. My guinea pig, Corey, assured me she had oily skin but it was even drying for her. But when I tried it on my early-twenties buddy with the right complexion, the Oil-Free Supreme Foundation really shined. I love this for younger skin with acne problems. The addition of aloe, green tea, and silica sooths, heals and corrects.  Vitamin A will also help correct imperfections. And Vitamin E hydrates without a greasy finish.

The oil-free foundation hits counters this month and is available in 12 shades: Porcelain Ivory, Blush Ivory, Warm Ivory, Sunny Beige, Vanilla Beige, Golden Beige, Shell Beige, Tawny Beige, Honey Beige, Suntan Beige, Toffee Bronze, Rich Sienna).

Gossip Girl Birchbox

Two of my favorite things: Monday nights with Gossip Girl and Birchbox. How can you NOT be excited? I’ve been a Birchbox subscriber for well over a year and am still thrilled by the arrival of each box. Monthly, they deliver personalized beauty samples from companies like Kiehl’s, Benefit, Deborah Lippmann and Stila. No, not every sample is perfect for me. But most are fabulous and getting beauty goodies in your mailbox is just too much fun.

And if you haven’t already signed up, get on board so you don’t miss May’s Gossip Girl special edition. The GG Makeup Artist, Amy Tagliamonti, and Hairstylist, Jennifer Johnson, will fill the box with beauty products inspired by Manhattan’s poshest social set. And get this: the box will have clues for the season finale on May 14th! If you aren’t a subscriber and don’t want to miss this box, sign up here.

Edward Bess Monte Carlo Quad Royale

Edward Bess is making its debut on Belle Belle Beauty. And it is about time. I am a big fan of the brand, and the Monte Carlo Quad Royale doesn’t disappoint.

This palette is nimble and well-made. I love the ability to mix-and-match portions of the palette to highlight cheeks and eyes. Or use all four colors blended together for a sun-kissed look. Using the colors for both eyes and cheeks gives a beautiful beach-bunny and natural look. Perfect for a casual evening with lip gloss and mascara.

The powder is creamy and soft. The effect is fairly sheer but still radiant. And I’ve found the pigment is easily buildable. The color in the upper left corner is a very sheer, iridescent peach. Top right is a silvery peach that is moderately opaque. Bottom left is a sheer, metallic apricot. Bottom right is a more opaque peachy pink shimmer.

The palette also comes in Summer in Capri (and beige pink) and South of France (a silvery beige). Monte Carlo is by far my favorite, being universally flattering and making for the best bronzer.

Nails Across the Pond

There is something alluring about European beauty. Don’t even get me started on the damage I would do in a French Pharmacy. So, when my friend and fellow blogger, The Madam Editor, agreed to do a post on nails in London, I couldn’t resist! Make sure you check out her tumblr for a witty (and incredibly well written) look at fashion, shopping and life of a writer.

Nails; uptown, downtown, London town.

Let’s face it I know nothing about beauty. Nothing about beauty products, I don’t even know what kind of tinted moisturiser is good for my skin tone…that’s a tale for another day but what I do know is a thing or two about nail polish. I love a good manicure, at 3am even better (don’t ask) but a good manicure, that perfectly polished nail, makes me something giddy and I am forever searching for the perfect lacquer hence I have an array of pretty pinks, brights and darks. When Lindsay asked me to do a post on things we London girls enjoy that can’t be had just yet across the pond, well my go to was nail polish; the uptown, downtown kind. Barry M for the more hip Downtown chick and the Champagne Nail bar in Harvey Nichols…you know that’s how uptown girls roll.

Barry M is a drugstore and widely loved brand sold in Boots and Superdrug and other very good drugstores in and around the capital. They have an amazing collection of long lasting nail paints in the prettiest colours and most inventive styles; croc effect nails anyone? Pardon the ghastly dryness of my skin but you get the gist, and such a breeze to apply too. Their colours are always fun and popping especially for the spring summer and for £2.95 a pop you cannot go wrong and did I say they are long lasting, chip resistant. Yes please.

For the more uptown chichi chick we have the Champagne nail bar in Harvey Nichols courtesy of nails inc. I love everything about this place and the concept, like an exclusive beauty salon, you sip on champagne whilst having your nails and feet pampered to prim perfection, with sex and the city or the September issue etc playing in the back ground. With services like the “Lady who lunches manicure”, “the front row manicure”, “well heeled pedicure” and “the crystal pedicure” with real Swarovski crystal that lasts up to three weeks…what’s not to love? Luxury comes at a price but it’s a price well worth it, besides it still won’t break the bank. Check in to Harvey Nicks on your next hop stop to the Big smoke.

NARS Eyeshadows and Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

NARS has a decadent selection of eyeshadows that I have come to love. But there are so many shades! Both singles and duos that are all so tempting. So I’ve narrowed down the collection to my current favorites – all of which are newer colors except one.

First, a bit about the formula if you haven’t tried NARS eyeshadows. I love the duos for their easy, fashion-forward and always complimentary pairings. They are well-pigmented but not hard to handle. And are great for blending. In fact, InStyle awarded the formula “Best Overall Eyeshadow” 2011 InStyle “Best Beauty Buys”. For the duos, I simply put the lighter color to my brows and the darker on the outer part of my lid.

  • Kalahari – bronze pearl/ milk chocolate. This is an easy basic with great shimmer.
  • Paramaribo (new) – metallic brass / metallic bronze. My current obsession. Not near as yellow or green as it appears in the pan.
  • Mandchourie (new) – bluish grey / denim. I love a wash of the lighter color on my lid and the darker blue as an alternative to black eyeliner. Great for a blue, smokey eye.
  • Lhasa – (new) A lavender, grey that is perfect all over the lid. A great neutral.

And I can’t mention NARS eyeshadow without mentioning their Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, literally the best shadow primer out there. There is zero creasing and the shadows apply like a dream. Special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract keeps the lid smooth. Plus, the color stays vibrant all day long using a polymer and mineral-powder blend to grip the pigment.

(images of product and swatches from http://www.narscosmetics.com)

Thakoon for NARS Nail Collection

In honor of the holiday weekend, wanted to send a little Easter eye candy. NARS has partnered with Thakoon to create a vibrant, beautiful six polish collection. Thakoon was inspired by the vibrant colors found in Indian spice markets. The highly saturated, high-shine shades come in an opaque finish, perfect for spring. Shades include:

  • Anardana – Azalea pink
  • Ratin Jot – Orchid purple
  • Amchoor – Bright yellow
  • Kutki – Powder blue
  • Koliary – Cyan blue
  • Lal Mirchi – Mandarin red (only available at NARS 413 Bleecker Street Boutique)

PRICE: $18 each

AVAILABILITY: Beginning May 1, 2012 on www.narscosmetics.com

Happy Easter/Passover weekend to you all!