Tag: face

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight

I has been a long time since I have hit up a Clinique counter. But if anything was tempting me, it was their “Chubby Sticks” – launched a couple years ago, I loved the multi-use and what appeared to be creamy texture.

When Neimans sent over the newest Chubby, I was so excited to have a chance to dive in. The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight has the creamy texture that I envisioned. This light-reflecting formula is super sheer which works well on my mid-30s skin, especially in a professional environment. I like to swipe over foundation on cheekbones, nose and brow bones. I totally skip eye shadow, preferring just this slight wash of shadow below brows.

The sophisticated shimmer lasts all day. Those with oily or combo skin types will love that this is oil-free. And to dispense more of the stick, all you do is twist the bottom – so far it appears to have a generous amount of product, particularly for the price point. This week, I am going to attempt a bare face but you better bet I will be “cheating” with this (and a little concealer).

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

NARS Spring 2015

I am way not on the ball when it comes to NARS Spring – so unlike me! Their launches are usually among the ones that I am most excited for probably because it is always so darn good. And somehow I didn’t get this up until today – a couple weeks after it hit shelves.

If it was even possible, I am drawn more towards neutrals as the years go on and Spring 2015 is all about nudes – but not neutral – a more daring subtle color palette. Something in my wheelhouse but just a slight twist – I like it.

Tilda Swinton is featured in the collection’s photos designed by François Nars to “expose a new natural state”. Look for pink shimmer on cheeks, barely there eye shadow and deep neutrals. The shades pictured above (from left to right):

Liguria Lipstick – Nude caramel
Porto Venere Eye Paint – Soft pale pink
St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow – (L) Shimmering nectarine (R) Chestnut
Valhalla Single Eyeshadow – Soft shimmering pink peach
Guyane Lip Gloss – Seashell pink
Vent Salé Lip Gloss – Silver highlight (to be used on top of a deeper shade in the middle of the pout)
Reckless Blush – Sheer pink shimmer

Available now at narscosmetics.com and Sephora.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

I know I get all hot and bothered about foundations frequently… especially those from NARS. But their newest formula is really worth checking out. Think weightless, long-wear and buildable. And just with one little tiny drop of product.

Okay, fine… in the interest of full disclosure, I actually use 2-3 drops but that still is basically nothing especially for this generously sized square vessel of goodness. While I have tried using fingers, sponge, and a flat foundation brush, I really prefer using a stippling brush to apply. I get significantly more coverage than with this other winter favorite, but the finish is still fabulously natural.

How does NARS continue to amaze? Well, apparently it is something about polymers and pigments. All I know is that I can apply NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation basically half asleep and somehow it manages to look amazing all day long. One aspect that I particularly love given my skin type is that the technology works to neutralize redness and dullness – something I deal with all year long. My hyper-pigmentation is even but not appearing too “covered”.

Gold and green pigments work together in a specifically designed ratio to reflect light off the surface of skin to give the look of flawless but luminous skin. And scarlet spiderling root extract (where do they find this stuff?) works against discoloration and dullness.

Thanks again NARS for providing a new favorite – you guys might just be sitting on top of the heap in my book when it comes to giving great Skin!

My winter skin tone matches perfectly with Vallauris (Medium 1.5 – Medium with pink undertone). Available at NARScosmetics.com and coming soon to Sephora.

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Budget Beauty – Tinted Moisturizer

We work hard to keep our skin looking great with a skin care regime. And when things are going well, we want to show that off, right? Lately, my skin has been looking better than ever. My hyper-pigmentation fades in the winter. And my pores are clear mostly thanks to this guy. So, I don’t want any foundation that is cake-y or heavy.

Thanks to these two new budget buys, my skin looks luminous and natural at a great price. Both Boots No7 CC Cream and L’Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream are breathable while still improving the look of skin.

First, L’Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream comes out of the tube in a surprisingly milky white cream. But the formula transforms into a hydrating and light-coverage tinted moisturizer. I get a dewy skin and luminous finish. The blurring effect leaves a perfected and bare look. Available in four shades and made in the USA.

While CC creams usually have more coverage, this Boots No7 version is slightly lighter than other CC creams I’ve tried. The finish is a touch heavier than the L’Oreal. I adore the inclusion of SPF 20 – perfect for winter office days. And the skin care ingredients all work to make skin look even better. The thicker application is nourishing without being heavy.

The Boots No7 is my pick if you’d like slightly more coverage. L’Oreal is a better choice if you want a light, optical blurring effect without a lot of pigment. Both are suited to my drier skin.

September Favorites

Can you believe tomorrow is October? I feel like we all say that every month but as the years go by, it seems time flies by faster each season. In honor of what I mark as the real start of fall – the start of the fourth quarter – here are some fun updates from around the web:

As always, I am thrilled to be on Meg’s blog this month again. This time, the group of beauty bloggers is sharing their must-haves for taking care of our faces. Check out all the items here.

Through today, take an extra 25% off Neiman Marcus‘ sale items.

And loads of items were recently added to Shopbop‘s sale. Time to stock up on fall goodies! Need some shopping ideas? Look no further than my September favorites here:

NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation

I might sound like a broken record, but I really don’t care. Because everything NARS puts out lately (and frankly pretty much always) is just so darn good. The latest is a powder foundation which usually doesn’t get me very hot and bothered but this one is different.

Rather than a matte or chalky finish, the All Day Luminous Powder Foundation has their exclusive Light Reflecting Complex, making skin look natural, luminous and with an almost transparent finish. The natural look is likely because of the ultra-fine powder which has an almost creamy feel.

This effect on my normal-to-dry skin is supple and renewed. 17 amino acids, Vitamin C, marine fennel and SPF 24 helps improve fine lines and dark spots – something I always consider a bonus with foundation. After all, our goal is to need less the more we use it, right? It plays especially well with my hyper-pigmentation.

I have been layering it over a very sheer BB cream as a sort of second step foundation. But it also works just as well alone or with a primer. I enjoy the ability to spot treat over areas of redness and where I have sun damage. While both the NARS powder puff and included sponge work well, I like buffing in using a flat foundation brush like this one.

Launched 9/20 at NARS Boutiques and narscosmetics.com. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe and Vallauris – I am thrilled with both but I think Vallauris might be a slightly better match on my light-to-medium autumn skin tone.