Tag: bronzer

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder

I have always been pleased with Laura Mercier’s baked powders – there is something confection-like about them. Not to mention, the generous amount of product in a compact makes them a great buy. So when they launched a new version that is matte, but still adds radiance, I was dead set on getting my hands on some.

With the bit of summer color I’ve already picked up, I’ve been using foundation/BB Creams with less coverage. I’ve found that a little bronzer gives me the natural look and camouflages flaws better than any heavier makeup. Plus, I don’t have to worry about a perfect match while my skin tone changes shades. (note: yes, I am wearing loads of sunscreen.. I am just prone to picking up color)

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder has a natural color – not too orange or brown – and is designed to give that ‘bonne mine’ glow Laura is known for. Bonne mine means “healthy glow” in French. The matte finish is designed for just a bit of warmth without the festive shimmer that just doesn’t fit this time of year.

The Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder is available in five shades: four bronzes and one highlighter. I’ve been using Bronze-03 which works well on my light-medium skin tone. They shades are buildable, so I would probably be okay with Bronze-02 as well. The initial dusting is a sheer, luminous layer without any dryness. I get quite a bit of wear on this – throughout the day. And the color stays true as you wear it.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Folklore Collection From Laura Mercier

The Spring/Summer collection from Laura Mercier just hit counters. And this collection, inspired by cultures of South and Central America, have definitely been warming me up. Did I mention it was in the 40s here this week? Where are you, Spring? The rich, earthy colors are easy to wear and suit a summer glow perfectly. Or manage to fake one until the sun reappears.

First up is the product that seems to me the one that is getting the most buzz. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Baked Blush Bronzer in Ritual

is one of Laura’s classic formulas but with five shades that blend together. Each tile of bronzer is hand-mixed. When I first applied Ritual, I had a WHOA reaction. It was pretty darn dark. But for my light to medium skin and with a lighter hand, it proved a great option for a more dramatic warming. The natural color stays beautifully. And will transition well into the summer months.

I’m a long time fan of Laura’s Crème Eye Liner and the new Espresso shade offers a softer version of black that works so well in the summer. If you are on the hunt for a long-wear eyeliner, give this waterproof formula a whirl. Could it just be perfect for the beach? I think yes.

And I’ve saved the best for last. These creamy lipsticks hitting counters lately have me swooning. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Lip Crayon in Folklore has that hydrating feeling but great long-wear. And the shocking pink translates to a punch of spring color on the lips. Bonus points for the packaging, allowing great precision application.

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NEW: BUXOM Hot Escapes Bronzer

I know I sound like a broken record going on and on and on about bronzer and self-tanner. What can I say… when the mood strikes! These new Bronzers from BUXOM are unique in their quality and formula. I can’t stop reaching for them, particularly when I want a natural, easy finish to an everyday look. Dare I say these might be one of the best of breed? Yes, yes I think I can.

Off the bat, you’ll notice this bronzer smells good. Talk about going above and beyond! There is a slight, creamy, beachy coconut scent. Don’t worry… it is subtle. But definitely a treat. Second, the powder has some serious creamy properties. The coconut oil powered formula is totally buildable. Rice lipids help with a smooth, luminous finish.

If you have a skin tone anywhere close to mine (light-medium), run run run out and buy Tahiti (pictured left). It is literally a dream shade. I also adore Maldives (pictured right) for a more intense look and it would be beautiful on those with a deeper or olive skin tone.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

bareMinerals READY Bronzer

Okay, kids. It is time to step up my bronzer game. While I have been loving this more subtle, glow-y bronzer from Chanel, I want more color these days. Well, color me lucky because this beauty recently arrived on my doorstep and I am smitten.

I’ve been using shade The High Dive (the medium shade – also a lighter tan and dark available) with this brush – not designed for each other but I like the wide natural layering of color it gives. I make the shape of a 3 on each side of my face, ensuring color hits my temples, below my cheekbones and below my jawline. I also sometimes swipe down sides of my nose with a finger to give a more chiseled appearance.

The formula is packed with antiaging ingredients like bareMinerals’ proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral™ Complex with antioxidants and cold-pressed carrot oil. I find the finish fairly balanced – not too matte and not too glow-y – with a silky, buildable texture that lasts.

bareMinerals Remix Collection

Here’s a little holiday sneak peek for you! bareMinerals is releasing a new Remix collection in January and I’ve been test driving some of the products. The 11 piece color collection, despite the vibrant appearance above, is actually very wearable and fresh. The cool shades work great now in winter, but would be fabulous for spring as well.

There are some old favorites in the collection including Warmth (a bronzing finishing powder) and Secret Radiance (also found here). The bronzer gives a nice finish to my winter complexion while Secret Radiance is a beautiful shimmery highlighting powder.

bareMinerals Remix Collection Loud & Clear Lip Sheers // Belle Belle Beauty

The highlight for me might be these sheer, glossy balms – aka Loud & Clear Lip Sheers. I love the way these shades give a great wash of color without being too bold, but giving such a great lip tint. Tangerine Trance, Berry Remix and Amped Pink will be in my purse for the foreseeable future. The fruity scent and hydrating formula make these such a pleasure to use.

bareMinerals Remix Collection READY Eyeshadow // Belle Belle Beauty

Shame on me for not reviewing the bareMineral’s eyeshadows sooner. I’ve been hooked on these for months and the new versions don’t disappoint. I was immediately drawn to The Next Big Thing (right). I wore these shades on Christmas Eve and loved the festive shimmer effect. One thing to note about these formulas: the powder is creamy and super blendable in to a buildable but initially sheer color. So while the shades can look dark, they are quite neutral unless you build them. Don’t discount my love for The Wild Thing (left)! The bottom left shade is a beautiful shimmery taupe. Layered with the top right makes for a golden shade that looks great with the ice blue. Bottom line, these shadows are perfect to play around with and are more neutral than they appear. The creamy powder formula makes for a real treat.

Why yes, that is an aqua mascara. I hadn’t used Flawless Definition Mascara and was very pleased with the volume and length I achieved. The wearability was superb with zero fall out. Blue mascara is something you either are drawn to or you aren’t. I understand. But it is worth a try. The slight blue effect brightens eyes and is actually a great way to soften a look. I’ve been wearing it on bottom lashes for just a suggestion of blue to play off my hazel eyes – trust.

The bareMinerals READY Blush in The Natural High is a high shimmer pink – I’m into radiance these days so I love it. Beware, it is far from matte. Lastly (not pictured), bareMinerals Round The Clock Eyeliner is a creamy, easy-to-use, waterproof eyeliner that I love to recommend. All in all, bravo, bareMinerals on a great collection!

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

NARS The Multiple in Palm Beach

NARS Multiple Palm Beach on Belle Belle Beauty

François Nars was pretty genius coming up with “The Multiple” – the original multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body. The cream to powder formula is perfectly sheer, transforming skin to bronze, golden, peach or shimmer.

Right now I am all gaga over The Multiple in Palm Beach. I love using it as a bronzer/contour below my cheekbones and on my temples. I swipe a little on my lids for a bronzy red wash of color. And a little on the lips for a tint. Perfect for easy weekend wear. And all just with your fingers! There is also a little skin care bonus: The Multiple is enriched with Vitamin E and açai oil for antioxidant benefit.