Fall Drugstore Beauty

I had the opportunity to try a luxury brand of skincare, but unfortunately my skin reacted poorly.  So, I decided this was an excuse to give drugstore skincare a whirl.  In the past, I have relied on drugstore brands for all or part of my ritual with average results.  But now, there are formulas available that have beauty editors and dermatologists raving, namely Olay Regenerist.  So I picked up the Regenerating Serum and Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum.  They aren’t cheap – each will run you $21.49 at Target.  But they are a far cry from luxury skin care lines at department stores where night cream can be over $500.

But that’s not all… I also picked up some long-time staples including Cetaphil, Lubriderm, and Orly polish.  Going to give the Bonder a try – Eva Chen swares by it. Fifth Ave Fuschia and Revival Red Maybelline lipcolors were irresistible.  Snuck some candy corn in there – it is October after all…

What are your drugstore staples?

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy’ Glossy Lip Balm

When I first saw, these I thought “What is the point?”.  They are ultra-sheer and nothing like a lipstick.  But that’s what is so wonderful about them.  Ever since I bought “Dewy Papaya” it has been my constant companion. 

This is the ultimate “lip balm” with very little color, but great hydration. I use it far more often than the eight-hours of promised hydration, but that might be because it smells so darn good.  They say it is mango, but I think it is more grapefruit.  Launched as part of the summer collection, the Sheer Candys are even better for fall and winter.  Wear them during to day to cure “season-change” dryness so your pout will be ready for the rich berry hue that night or the next day!

Bottom line, you probably are paying loads for the packaging but it is a stunner!  I love all the colors and even know a couple of fellow bloggers who have them all.

Lumière Sculptèe de Chanel Highlighting Powder

I was poking around the Neiman Marcus beauty department yesterday – shocking, I know.  I stumbled upon the holiday collection for Chanel.  I’ve never found these Limited Edition collections that compelling, but this Lumière Sculptèe de Chanel Highlighting Powder was just too pretty to ignore.   The powder is crazy creamy soft.  The pearl/ivory shimmer is perfectly subtle.  Definitely a splurge, but can you imagine how pretty this would be to pull out for a touch up?

Amore Pacific

Amore Pacific is the ultimate in luxury skincare (with price and performance to match).  Harnessing the expertise of Korean skin care, Amore Pacific uses Asian botanicals as main ingredients in anti-aging and soothing skin care systems.  Some of the ingredients include green tea and Korean red ginseng. 

I tried various products from the lineup  – and honestly, they were all amazing.  I selected some of my favorites that I think provide the best value.  The On-the-go cleansing tissues are a great entry product to the line.  I love a good towelette, but some can be harsh.  These are incredibly soothing but at the same time can stand up to stubborn mascara and lipstick. Formulated with water-emulsified botanical oils to moisturize; won’t strip skin.  They even have skin care properties and can tone and brighten skin.

Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil was another highlight.  I am new to the cleansing oil scene, but a big fan already.  You apply it to dry skin, and use damp fingers to dissolve the makeup.  This process also made me do a short self-massage, which is popular in South Korea as part of the skin care ritual. Stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage can eliminate puffiness and dull skin.  My skin was always really balanced and not at all oily after cleansing.  It does contain olive and sunflower seed oil – while lightweight and moisturizing, might not be great for oily skin.

For hydration, I liked the Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Collection which is anti-aging, but for all skin types.  After two weeks of using Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Cream, I definitely felt my skin was more radiant.  But the biggest effect was how insanely soft my skin was… my makeup went on better and my complexion was so smooth.  I also tried the Gel formula – I wish all skin care lines provided a refreshing and oil-free formula for those without dry skin.

For my eye cream, I preferred the more intense Time Response line, which attacks aging more aggressively.  The Time Response system uses advanced technology for 24 hours of continuous time-release application of the botanical ingredients.  Stabilized Bamboo Sap is used in lieu of water, increasing product potency.   Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Creme will always have a special place in my heart for making huge strides against my nasty dark circles.  I was able to use it all over my eye for major hydration and it never irritated my skin or eyes.

Overall, this is an outstanding line, with serious ingredients and results to back up the luxury price point.  I was able to meet some of the team at Bergdorfs on FNO, and they couldn’t be nicer.  Always fun to support a company with awesome people.

  1. Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Cream
  2. Time Response Eye Creme
  3. Treatment Cleansing Oil
  4. On-the-go cleansing tissues

Shiseido ‘Perfect’ Foundation Brush

During a pit stop at the Cle de Peau counter, I was trying out their amazing foundation.  More coming on that later.  As the artist was expertly applying, I was enthralled with this strange looking brush.  “Tell me more!” I pleaded.  Very quietly, he said, “you MUST have this brush, but it isn’t sold here” and flashed the “Shiseido” logo.

Didn’t take me long to scour the internet and place my order.  Be advised that this brush can be hard to find, but good ole HSN has it in stock.  I don’t know about you, but I feel kinda naughty when I buy something on HSN, like in a good way.  As if I am lounging on the couch, eating bonbons and shopping on television.  Anyway, back to brushes…

The beauty of this odd-looking foundation brush is its ability to work with liquid, cream or powder formulas.  The flat surface, along with a full brush, create the perfect foundation finish – no streaks, no cakey coverage. Gently tapered strands create an angled slant that best allows bristles to reach all facial contours. Short handle allows for precise control during application and portability for travel.

I tried this brush with MAC Studio Fix (a dryer cream), NARS Sheer Glow (a less viscous liquid foundation) and the Cle de Peau Silky Cream (more of a cream than liquid) and coverage was precise, even and flawless.
 

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Chanel Spring Nail Polish

The Spring lineup from Chanel polishes was spotted at the show in Paris this week. Once again, they have produced colors that are sure to be big hits and new classics. Named April, May and June, the colors echo Spring blooms. Fuchsia, Rose and Tangerine – which apparently are slightly softer than they appear in this photo. I might have to break down and get June – it is my birthday month and the juicy orange could make for a great pedicure.

photo via Style.com