Tag: face

Cover FX Setting FX Translucent Setting Powder

While I am not usually a powder girl, some makeup control is necessary in my hot, sticky, Texas Summer. But I was looking for something that didn’t create an artificial matte look because I like to rock some “dew”. Good thing I came across sweet Melissa at CoverFX who introduced me to Translucent Setting Powder in Dark.

I am relatively fair so I was a bit taken aback when I saw the darkness of the powder. But I gave it a chance. So when you see it in person DO NOT ABORT. I repeat DO NOT ABORT. Even though it appeared dark, it comes off as a great shade for me in the summer.

It appears on the skin with a sheer dose of natural and sunkissed color. It isn’t a bronzer as the color intensity isn’t strong enough for that effect. But it simply adds a “summer radiance” or glow. I blend all over with my Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki brush. The powder also comes in Translucent for those who want to shy away from color. This would also work great in the winter.

Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment

We are about the enter the world of luxury cosmetics – hang on tight! Peau Vierge has made its ride from relative unknown to cult status to luxury standout. No wonder this isn’t just a little tinted moisturizer but also a foundation, sun protection, anti-aging and illuminizer.

As far as coverage, I think this falls squarely between a lightweight foundation and tinted moisturizer. I tend to get fairly comprehensive coverage but don’t feel weighed down. Unlike other tinted moisturizers, there is definitely a radiance with Peau Virage – something I enjoy so much, I generally skip powder.

Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s not stop there. Even with light coverage, this formula has SPF 20. The way it blends allows me to cover my face all the way down my decolletage so I know I am protected beyond my face when I use this product.

Because this product contains powerful anti-aging ingredients, I encourage everyone to ask LOTS of questions about Retinol it contains and potential effects on your skin. For this reason, I have used this product for over two months before I felt okay offering a review. My skin looks healthier, although I do not sense a highly active Retinol treatment. For instance, when I use the Retinol my dermatologist prescribes, I have sensitivity, redness and, sometimes, peeling. But my dark spots are dramatically reduced and my pores are clear and small. With Peau Vierge, my skin looks smoother, more radiant and clearer (a more subtle Retinol effect). Le Métier de Beauté uses a distinctive delivery technology that claims to provide Retinol more efficiently and effectively.

While I first tried this product over a year ago, I didn’t purchase it until they released Shade 1 recently. Even though there are only three shades, I think they are comprehensive enough to satisfy most skin shades:

Color:

Shade 1: a light, creamy tone with peach undertones
Shade 2: neutral beige
Shade 3: a deeper tone with golden undertones

Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder

During my afternoon at the @JohnBarrettNYC salon, @JoeHubrich introduced me to this little miracle worker. At first I thought it was a neutral eyeshadow, but this sucker is a high powered multi-tasker. The powder also sets concealer, sets cream shadow and illuminates. While it is originally designed for the under eye area, I use it virtually everywhere for a matte finish. It is also my base for eyeshadow. I generally like a dewy look in the summer (mostly to camoflage Texas heat-related perspiration!), but this is perfect to rock a matte look. But it doesn’t look dull in the least bit. It is no secret that I adore this line and every product achieves extraordinary quality and luxury. It is great that they developed such a nimble product with so many uses.

This is a Bergdorf Goodman exclusive and this week is Be Beautiful. The Event. Now through Sunday, June 26. Your gift with any beauty purchase of $200 or more: An exclusive cosmetic bag filled with must-haves of the season.

Jouer The Weekender Collection

This is almost too good to be true. And in perfect time for packing for those summer getaways. This palette has the absolute best in neutral shades that can be layered for varying looks. I really can’t imagine too many skin tones this wouldn’t work for. If you have dark skin, the mattifying powder could be too light, but I found it to be very translucent. All of the products, I think, would look fabulous from pale to very dark. The palette contains:

Powder Eyeshadow Trio – satin matte charcoal, satin matte taupe, and matte vanilla cream
Face Duo – Translucent Mattifying Powder and Mattifying Powder Bronzer in matte honey
Tint & Highlighter Duo – Champagne Highlighter in shimmering pink and Cinnamon Tint in creamy deep rose
Ginger Lip Gloss – shimmering copper (very sheer and light)

The individual pieces slide apart so if you only want to carry bring a few or throw one into a clutch, easy! I use my fingers for most of these items, but theoretically you would need a powder, bronzer , eyeshadow and liner brushes. It can be difficult to get only the bronzer or powder on the brush so I ended up mixing them and really liked the effect. It was much easier for me to use my fingers on the eye palette then blend with a brush once it was applied. Order from Birchbox. Right now they have free shipping on this item! ($58)

MAC Lustre Drops

Don’t be intimidated by this little bottle of liquid sun. I LOVE this to brighten your look on a summer day. There are so many different ways you can use it, but I have been mixing it with tinted moisturizer for an all-over glowing look. At first, I was afraid of using too much. But it really is almost fool proof. A couple of drops is easy to manage and blends really well. It adds a glow but still is fairly sheer and natural-looking. Bonus: don’t worry about breakouts because it is water-based. It also works great with lotion on the legs or shoulders for a sheen if you are dried out by the heat. It comes in Sun Rush and Pink Rebel. I have the Pink Rebel because the Sun Rush looked a little artificial and orange on me. I think if you have more olive to your skin, it could work well, but with my natural redness the Pink Rebel is better. And the itty, bitty bottle lasts forever and is still a sinch to travel with.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick

You know those long days when, around 3PM, you are in desperate need for a refresh? A portable foundation that I treat more like concealer is a handy solution. What I love about this product is its compact packaging and adjustable coverage. But this complexion-fixer requires a well moisturized canvas. If you are on the dry side, like me, make sure your skin is very well hydrated or the application will come off flaky. I also started by using a foundation brush with this stick, but I actually prefer using my fingers to spot apply where I need to eliminate redness or cover a blemish.