Tag: face

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Pink Edition

Today I am sharing a little “look good, feel good” beauty gem in honor of October’s awareness and Breast Cancer Care. I hadn’t previously tried this fan favorite product, but was glad to use the good cause as an excuse to finally get my paws on the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Pink Edition.

We can all agree that radiance is in. Especially when the seasons turn and the colder air starts sapping hydration out of skin. This balm is the solution with vitamins packed in to add hydration and radiance back into our complexions. At first I thought this was a primer and I was half correct – it really does prep skin for seamless makeup application.

While it is definitely a two-in-one for some, I like to layer above my moisturizing sun screen. The citrus-spa scent is delicious – something Elemis does so well. Available at elemis.com and dermstore.com. I also understand that this is available at Nordstrom even though I can’t seem to find it online.

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bareMinerals Brushes and Concealer

Back when I first got to know bareMinerals in those days right after college graduation, the brand was affordable, great for acne-prone skin and based on the then unfamiliar “mineral makeup” approach. Fast forward to fifteen years later (yikes – that went fast!) and the brand has maintained its affordable price point. But the formulas have evolved with luxury-level formulas. And the same can be said for their tools. The brushes are not only beautifully made but also really really great at application.

Right now, Nordstrom is featuring a bare brush bar. It is the spot to stock up on what has become an encompassing collection. bareMinerals Smoothing Face Brush and bareMinerals® Angled Face Brush are my long time favorites.

Recently, I picked up bareMinerals ‘bareSkin’ Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (love the bareSkin collection). This thin, easy-to-apply tube of concealer covers dark circles without looking cakey. Antioxidant lilac plant stem cells and mineral optics brighten skin. And the formula hydrates my dry, winter under-eye skin. I’ve been using it with my new bareMinerals® ‘Maximum Coverage’ Concealer Brush – another favorite to add to the collection.

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Sheer Summer Tinted Moisturizers

I struggled with the title of this post. These aren’t technically called “tinted moisturizers” but I thought it got the point across best. If you are anything like me, in the summer months I like a simple wash of bronze-y color with maybe simple mascara and nude lip gloss. That’s it. And these three winners all do the trick. And I even like to go crazy and use two (or all three!!) at the same time. Think natural and warm – even slightly European.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint SPF 15 – a new tinted version of this colorless original – is what I reach for to achieve hydration and a little bit of coverage. If I am wearing more than one of these moisturizers from this post, I start with this one. The very sheer coverage also provides ceramides to protect skin from drying. And the very slight tint is perfect for the weekend. Note that this only comes in one shade, but works well on my medium skin tone.

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe in Shade 3 provides slightly more color and coverage but still comes off as super natural. The addition of retinol – especially one that I can wear during the day – helps stimulate collagen cell rejuvenation and elasticity. I can’t believe I wore shade 1 when I first purchased Peau Vierge years ago – this shade for medium to dark skin tones is perfect during the summer and provides even an additional later of SPF. Shade 2 works best for me in the winter.

By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum in Sunny Flash is absolutely my favorite beauty find from this summer. I have been a long-time fan of the brand as their luxury formulas are always a pleasure to use on my dry and sensitive skin. The effect of this serum is a radiant energy for my skin. The concentrated formula uses light-reflecting technology to add a summer glow. While this is probably too dark for the winter months, the rich bronze is perfect to add a look of vacation (even though I haven’t been near a beach in months). Vitamin E also works against aging free-radicals. Also available in Immaculate Light, Rose Elxir and Apricot Glow (what I have my eye on for the winter).

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Kiehl’s Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.

I apply Clearly Corrective after my SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream has had a little time to absorb. I find that the pigment is slightly light on me, but it brightens and blends really well with a tinted moisturizer over it. I use a little on my eyelids to neutralize my pigment before a light dusting of shadow (I haven’t experienced any creasing). I like adding a small bit of RMS Living Luminizer to take away some of the matte just because right now glowy skin is my thing.

The formula utilizes 100% mineral filters, vitamin C and licorice root extract to reverse darkness (my biggest pet peeve – thanks, Grandma). Caffeine works on puffiness. And most importantly, the titanium dioxide sunscreen protects that delicate skin against sun damage. Also, note that Kiehl’s makes my all time favorite summer face sunscreen, Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, which is so incredibly light, offers great protection and isn’t greasy at all.

Available at Keihl’s boutiques kiehls.com and Nordstrom.

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Wander Beauty Glow On-the-Go

I am officially on the natural makeup bandwagon. While I have always appreciated responsible ingredients, I think the category has recently been elevated by some amazing new brands. One of those is Wander Beauty founded by Lindsay Ellingson, a high fashion supermodel. Not only is she gorgeous and knows makeup, but she is also a kind and energetic entrepreneur. She’s launched her brand with the perfect product for a jet-setter (or those who love a simplified routine).

The On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator is a dual-sided stick with a highlighter and blush suited for every complexion. The formula is cream to powder and works on eyes, lips, cheeks and body. The soft-focus illuminator adds a nude glow and dimension. The blushes are equally flattering and really “wake up” my face. I have been using Soft Pink but I wouldn’t mind getting my paws on the Coral Rose as well. The pigment comes out fairly sheer but can be built up for more impact.

I follow Hitha‘s approach and apply the blush on the apples of my cheeks. The illuminator goes on my eyelids, cheekbones, corner of my eyes, Cupid’s Bow and a little below my lip.

My skin also looks healthier since I’ve been using the blush. Probably thanks to a formula packed with Vitamins A,C & E. Plant Derived Squalane works to hydrate and condition. Wander Beauty is cruelty-free, free of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates and fragrance. Made in the USA.

Available at WanderBeauty.com.

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Running Late!

Thanks to an infatuation with and current re-watching of the 1983 WWII mini-series, Winds of War, I stayed up WAY too late last night. As a result, I slept right through all the severe weather last night. Tulsa was spared but those affected in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are in my prayers. I also woke up at 8AM – oops.

Since I knew I only had about 15 minutes to throw myself together, my makeup routine was seriously pared down. First, I’ve been using the Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanning Cream – the best self tanner for the face I’ve found to date. So that natural glow allowed for a little less makeup.

I alternate between Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream but this AM I reached for the bareMinerals in Natural. I am completely obsessed with the RMS goodies I found this past weekend in New York. I apply RMS UnCoverup in 22 just below my eyes, on any blemishes and around my nose. RMS Living Luminizer goes on my cheekbones and brow bones (and, frankly, anywhere else I am feeling it – this stuff adds a perfect natural glow). The pale golden shade also nourishes skin with ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary extract. I know I keep mentioning it, but the Tata Harper Voluminous Cheek and Lip Stain in Very Vivacious is ideal on the apples of the cheeks.

The last step was a surprise obsession. A friend gifted to me the Kevin Aucoin The Mascara Volume Mascara a couple weeks ago. I usually don’t have any luck with the tubular mascara – just a personal preference – so I was hesitant. But I have come to be totally impressed with the lack of fall out, clump-free separated lashes and long-lasting, inky finish.

Boom, I was out of the door and at my desk almost on time.

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image via DTTSP