Tag: blush

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush

This is splurge-y. Yes, I know. But it is just that darn good. October of last year, it won Allure’s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Top Splurge Blush. I’ve been using the Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Peach Glow for a couple weeks. I invariably toss this in my purse because I want it with me all the time. Not to mention how beautiful the silver and gold compact is.

The nourishing formula adds needed hydration and soothes my skin. The Peach Glow just adds a touch of pinky peach with just balanced luminance. It isn’t a dramatic look but rather healthy and natural. I just use my fingers to apply right on my cheekbones in a sheer wash, but you can build up the color. This can be worn alone or over any lotion or cream foundation.

There are five shades available:

Rose Glow
Peach Glow
Berry Glow
Mauve Glow
Plum Glow

P.S. I already envy all of you that live out in LA. Or even those of you with an upcoming trip out there. My four days back in April just weren’t near enough. I squeezed in a visit to the new La Prairie spa at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air. The property has recently been updated and the new spa is a “can’t miss”. The understated elegancy and luxury is perfectly quiet and tranquil. May I suggest their new Luxe Caviar manicure and pedicure? Or perhaps a signature facial?

by Lindsay Rogers

Chantecaille The Coral Reefs Palette

I’ve always thought the Chantecaille palettes were beautiful. But couldn’t justify the high price tag ($79). I can’t wait to tell you why I think this one is different. First, these shades are utterly wearable. But we will get to the beautiful colors in a bit. Second, the palette is refillable (I never knew this). Third, the mirror is HUGE and great to have on hand. Fourth, five percent of the proceeds benefit the Marine Conservation Institute in an effort to protect 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020. This seems like a small percentage, but it helps with the sticker shock. And last, this is a well-built, inclusive palette that would be so perfect for travelling.

So, now for the actual product. These shadows are blendable, soft and nicely pigmented. The gold shade on the corals is just a thin layer and comes off in the first use. Pity because it is so pretty, but you’ll be so excited about using the palette, it won’t matter.

The Pink Pearl (top left) mades a great eyeshadow base, all the way up to the brow. I also use it for highlighting. The Reef (top right) is a perfect crease color. You can also use Driftwood (bottom left) for a dramatic eye, but I like it for liner, smudged along the lashes. And what makes this palette different is that it includes a cheek color. Coral (bottom right) is a slighly peachy, sheer pink. Overall, these shades would love fab on a variety of skin tones. And when you break it down, the cost is slightly more palatable.

NARS Gaiety Blush

Blush has always been tricky for me. I am totally comfortable with and usually use a fleshy, apricot shade like NARS blush in Douceur or Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed. And over the holidays, I finally embraced a rosy glow, using NARS The Multiple in G-Spot. But I could never find a bright pink, and desperately wanted one for Spring. The Spring Chanel palette’s (Blush Horizon de Chanel) relatively opaque application didn’t work for me. But, I think I might have finally found the sweet spot: NARS Gaiety Blush.

The cool-toned pink isn’t overly pigmented and comes out fairly sheer. I love this for fair skin because it is hard to over-do. But, if you have a darker complexion, this would work well with just some additional layering. Toby Fleischman achieved a sheer wash on Evan Rachel Wood at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards using Gaiety. He also used “a swipe of good-old standby NARS Angelika Blush to add a bit of shimmer”.

NARS The Multiple in G-Spot

The name of this beauty might give you a flush all on its own. And that true “burst of cold air” flushing is exactly what you get with the newest NARS Multiple. These multitaskers have had much critical acclaim, winning “Best Overall Highlighter” 2011 InStyle “Best Beauty Buys” and a “must have” for so many makeup artists. The Multiple, infused with vitamins and antioxidants, is designed to be used on eyes, cheeks and lips.

Part of the holiday collection, G-Spot is NARS’ new signature gold-infused rose hue. It isn’t so pink or red as to look unnatural. It actually blends in to a very authentic look. I normally drawn to nudes and peaches like Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed. But this cold weather up here in Oklahoma had me looking for a rosy-cheeks. I like to use my fingers, straight from the end of the stick, but just a dot from the end of the applicator is the perfect amount for a sheer, rose. Then blend away!

Benefit Hervana Face Powder Flash Sale!

I adore Benefit Cosmetics face powders – reminds me of my San Francisco days and their cheeky names make me smile. Benefit Hervana Face Powder is the newest edition – a swirl of lucky shell, divine peach, heavenly rose and berry delight.

Benefit Hervana Face Powder will be coming soon in January, BUT you can get yours early: Online only flash here TODAY. Don’t forget to use code “Hervana” at checkout for a free total moisture mini.

The offer is good Monday, December 5th from 12:00 am-11:59 pm, PST only.

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Creme Fresh’ Tint for Lip and Cheek

Can you believe it? I had never tried cream blush. I was intimidated in the same way liquid eyeliner and red lipstick once made me freeze with fear. Now, I am kicking myself that I didn’t give it a whirl sooner.

And of course, leave it to Le Métier de Beauté to do it right. I have Poppy and, while it is a gentle wash of color, I love the pop of bright pink it alludes to. When I use my fingers to initially apply to my apples, it looks really vibrant. But I use my Le Métier de Beauté Kabuki brush to blend it seemlessly into my complexion. The cream is actually very easy to use. The formula “relaxes” into the skin, staying on my skin for a good 4-6 hours. The main difference I find is the cream formula looks much more natural than a powder blush.

I have also used the Crème as a lip stain. There is so much moisture in it relative to other stains. The poppy looks great with a transparent gloss applied on top.