Tag: face

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

I’m having a love affair with powders lately, particularly this one and this one. I can add the newest offering from Hourglass Cosmetics to that list. These powders have a little twist, though. They diffuse and soften the way light is reflected, improving the appearance of skin. It can add radiance, conceal imperfections, and even tone.

Ambient Lighting Powder uses “photoluminescent technology”, making each particle very small while still refracting light and giving coverage. Each invisible color-correcting particle filters out harsh lights. Six different shades offer six different effects. The brand discribes the shades:

DIFFUSED LIGHT: A soft, warm, pale yellow powder. Light your skin with DIFFUSED LIGHT to reduce redness and give skin clarity – like a soft ray of morning light.
ETHEREAL LIGHT: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder. Light your skin with ETHEREAL LIGHT to mimic a moonlit glow – even in broad daylight.
RADIANT LIGHT: A sun-kissed golden beige powder. Light your skin with RADIANT LIGHT to extend a summer glow, or enhance the overall complexion with believable, subtle, warmth.
MOOD LIGHT: A soft, sheer lavender pink powder. Light your skin with MOOD LIGHT to mimic the softest most forgiving light and reveal your brightest complexion.
DIM LIGHT: A neutral peach beige powder. Light your skin with DIM LIGHT to blur imperfections and highlight a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.
LUMINOUS LIGHT: A champagne pearl powder. Light your skin with LUMINOUS LIGHT to create a soft, incandescent candlelit glow – day or night.

I’ve been wearing Diffused Light over the weekend and have found the creamy, fine powder to really enhance the finish of my current favorite foundation. The yellow undertones work well in neutralizing my redness. While it looks very light in the pan, Diffused Light is actually transparent without adding any ashiness. And great news: Paraben, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten free (this last one for my blogging buddy, Lauren).

I’ve been applying mine with a regular powder brush, but this Ambient Powder Brush, specially designed to work with the powder looks pretty nifty. It is densely packed, allowing for ideal, even application of the powder. And it comes with a protective travel pouch. Next up, I can’t wait to try Radiant Light for an early summer glow.

Shop the shades and brush here:

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 Blush in Deep Throat and Amour

I know everyone is gaga-googoo over NARS Orgasm Blush, but I’ve just discovered two others that really make me excited. NARS ‘Andy Warhol’ Edie Gift Set (still available at Nordstrom) included a blush duo of Deep Throat and Amour. Deep Throat is a sheer peach with a subtle shimmer, making it perfect for high on the cheekbones. Amour is a deeper, matte peach. At first, I thought the tiny pan would make it hard to get product on the brush. But no problem… lay your blush brush down on whichever shade you desire and then pat onto cheekbones. Or, if you are feeling a little crazy, swirl in both pans for a mix.

Both shades are available as single blushes. Or the Edie Gift Set contains the duo with another all time favorite: the Stylo Eyeliner in Carpates. As a note, Gaiety, Douceur and Albatross are also very close to my heart and worth checking out.

Brand Spotlight: Koh Gen Do

It all started with a cleansing water. That is, my love for Koh Gen Do. While I sung the praises of this “best of breed” makeup remover, I had yet to try other makeup from the line. Well, that’s all changed. I’ve been trying out two foundation formulas and a powder for the last month or so. In true Asian fashion, the makeup has deep roots in skincare while still having coverages and finishes suited for Hollywood.

The line was created by actress Ai Saotome 25 years ago and evolved into a eco-friendly makeup line. The products are created for hi-def cameras. But that doesn’t mean they are heavy or only for film. I am hooked on it for everyday and special occasion wear.

First up is the Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, a mineral makeup in liquid form with light coverage (however, it is buildable). This foundation is the jewel of the line and no wonder it is a bit of a cult-classic. The formula uses a technology from Japan, integrating two types of light-reflecting particles. The liquid feels substantial but in a moisturizing way. It almost is gel-like in consistency. This made it particularly helpful on a recent airplane trip – my skin looked even and stayed well hydrated. While coverage starts off sheer, it has properties similar to a BB Cream, evening fine lines and color correcting. Maifanshi Moisture Foundation is now part of my permanent “favorites” collection as an everyday, light coverage foundation, particularly in the dry winter months.

On Monday, I appeared on a morning talk show and my foundation of choice was Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++. A step up in coverage, the formula is a high-definition, smooth finish foundation with lasting coverage. I am particularly impressed with its ability to cover up my hyper-pigmentation. The finish is satin and nearly flawless (without feeling heavy). Seawater minerals and birch sap extracts add hydration and radiance to keep skin looking healthy and natural.

And, my newest favorite product, across the board, is powder. I used to turn my nose up at powder, but today’s formulas don’t have that heavy, matte, dusky finish. Maifanishi Face Powder is a finely milled, silky translucent powder. The extra step on top of foundation adds a luminescence and staying power. And dry skin suffers will love the addition of moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. Rather than making my skin look flakey and powdery, it hydrates my skin and makes the foundation finish even more radiant.

Shop my Koh Gen Do favorites here:

Laura Mercier’s Spring 2013 Collection

The new, limited-edition Arabesque Collection from Laura Mercier features etherial, sweet hues that are perfect to harken the arrival of spring. The sweet pinks, neutrals and berry shades are so wearable, light and fresh. I’ve been test-driving a few of the products: Lip Stain in Mulberry and the newest Crème Cheek Colours.

Laura Mercier Lip Stain comes in a pot and I have been applying with my fingers (laziness strikes!). At first, it feels like a gloss or balm, but the finish is slightly more matte. And hello, staying power! You will definitely get that illusive long-term wear. Mulberry is a berry shade, falling on the warmer side. The shade is a great middle-of-the-road option between nude and bold.

Laura Mercier Spring 2013 Colors

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour has new permanent packaging. The compact format is great if you have a custom compact going (ideal for travel). I’m a huge cream blush fan and these don’t disappoint They are very buildable with a velvet finish. Praline is a unique shade – a warm nude which works well on my fair, cool skin. It just adds a flush of color, ideal for achiving a bare, matte face. Oleander is a cooler pink that gives a feminine, slightly more bold look. Both so different, but both so good.

Laura-Mercier-Swatches

The collection is now available at Nordstrom.

Freeze 24-7 ArcticLift Firming Neck Cream

A neck cream, you say? Yes, I am going to recommend a cream just for your neck. This has been in the back of my mind lately, as I’ve been getting a lot of questions about firming, particularly along the jaw. And with party atire working its way into the rotation, a luminous, youthful décolletage is all the more important. With all this in mind, I have been diving into a jar of Freeze 24-7 ArcticLift Firming Neck Cream. How cute is this packaging, especially this time of year!?

Freeze 24-7 promised immediate results, although I was skeptical. I can confirm you’ll see results after just one use. I couldn’t believe the immediate tightening right after my first application but there it was. The moisturizer evened my skin tone and the delicate skin seems more firm. Overall, my neck and décolletage just look healthier.

Freeze 24-7 uses four ingredients to work its wonders:

Rejuvelle: A proprietary cactus pectin with amazing water-binding properties to immediately hydrate and fill sagging neck skin.
Rye seed extract: Increases tone and tension.
Polylift: A biopolymer of sweet almond protein that firms, smoothes and lifts.
Toniskin: A yeast extract that improves the appearance of deep wrinkles.

And there you have it. Yet another skin care product has made its way to my vanity. And I can confirm it is worth the extra step. So often a face will be youthful and wrinkle-free to just have a saggy neck betray all that hard work.

Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream SPF50

If you aren’t a SPF fanatic, I highly recommend you become one. It is the absolute only way to prevent aging and preserve even skin tone. I don’t care if you are in your early 20s or late 80s – wear it…. everyday.

There are plenty of options out there but my favorites are Aveeno Active Naturals Continous Protection Sunblock Face Lotion, SPF 100 from the drugstore and SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30. But for now, I am completely hooked on the luxurious Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream SPF50. It is a pretty penny, but goes far beyond just sun block.

I love finding a luxury product that can live up to its price point. Beyond superpowered sun protection, the workhorse ingredients improve the look of my skin even before I put on makeup.

Hybiscus Extract from Africa that can repair damaged cells
Powerful Triple Antioxidant including Thiotaurin, Chestnut Rose, and Ginko Leaf Extract
Thyme and Turmeric Extracts prevent cell damage and wrinkles
Vitamin C to brighten
Natural Rose and Rare Orchid with grapefruit, mandarin and peach for a yummy scent

This formula is super absorbant and silky. I love the way my makeup glides over the cream. I can actually say I look forward to the SPF step in my morning skincare routine.

Need an excuse? Tomorrow is the first day of Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! With a cosmetics or fragrance purchase of $100 or more, you receive a free tote loaded with beauty samples. I’ve got my eye on the pink version.