Leave it to the queen of a flawless complexion to come up with the newest and greatest foundation. This newness is called Finish Flawless for a reason. Expect a lightweight texture that is so the rage right now. Technology has brought us great coverage without feeling one bit heavy.
What I like most about is is the thin fluid formula that effortlessly blurs hyper-pigmentation and redness. Those with oilier skin will also love that it is oil-free. This also makes it great for hot, summer days. The buildable coverage has a balanced finish – while advertised as “matte” I would call it more middle of the road.
Bottom line, it follows the path of BB Creams with a natural finish. I have been testing out Buff on my light to medium skin tone and I wish it was just a touch darker. But it will be perfect for the winter months. I’ve been applying with my hands but also works great with a buffing brush. I just use it only where I need it for the most natural looking finish.
My only beef is that product has a tendency to escape the tube at a high rate. I’ve tried storing upside down and nothing seems to work. But other than a little bit of product waste, it isn’t a huge problem.
In Sephora now and look for it at Laura Mercier counters next month. 24 available shades (Shell, Crème, Vanillé, Ivory, Ecru, Cashew, Linen, Macadamia, Butterscotch, Dune, Buff, Honey, Dusk, Golden, Suntan, Praline, Maple, Chai, Nutmeg, Pecan, Amber, Chestnut, Truffle, Espresso).
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.
I am on a mission too check out the latest and greatest from Dr. Jart over the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned for thoughts on new BB creams and masks from one of my favorite brands. But one product was such a standout immediately, I couldn’t resist sharing with you guys.
I have had a long love affair with Dr. Jart’s BB Creams. They are truly a best of breed and were the first to hit shelves here in the US. Even my stepmother agrees that they are simply the best out there. There are tons of formulas to choose from but the most recent release jumped to the top of my list.
So how does this make my skin so radiant? Hydrogel is encapsulated to add fine pearl powder. This powder brightens the face while still leaving it dewy. Since hyper-pigmentation is my biggest skin beef, I love the addition of brightening ingredients like Snow Lotus, Vitamin Tree Fruit and vitamins.
I add a pea-sized amount to my face and neck. Upon immediately application it can look a little light, but use hands to pat into skin and the color will slightly oxidize, almost as if it adjusts to my skin tone. Because this comes in only one shade, those on the ends of the skin tone spectrum might have a harder time with matching. But those of us in the middle will adore this “best of breed” BB cream.
A solid SPF 30 products skin from damaging rays and the formula is free of parabens, mineral oil, talc, artificial fragrance and petroleum. This BB cream is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested. Available at Sephora.
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.
Summer is the time for those dream trips, often abroad. Even if we don’t have one planned, we might be daydreaming about being on a beach in Greece or strolling the Parisian avenues. Without leaving our vanities, we can bring the exotic into our lives via beauty. So many of the international beauty staples have withstood the test of time, making them a must-have. This morning on Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country), I shared some of my favorites to transport me to travel hotspots:
I can’t help but start off with my favorite destination, France. And what is more French than Caudalie, a skin care line built upon the benefits of Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oilis one of the newest from the brand and is also made in France. The team has coupled the anti-oxidants with stabilized Vitamin C to block free-radicals. The dry oil soaks in and regenerates skin while you sleep. Plus, the smell will lull you to snoozeville with Carrot, Lavender, and White Sandalwood ($52).
Another dream location I hope to visit one day is the Dead Sea, a natural phenomenon I have always been fascinated with. No wonder I love AHAVA, a collection that utilizes minerals found in the Dead Sea in every single product.AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mudtransports that special mineral-rich mud right to your shower. The mud is harvested from the banks where clay is packed with an ultra-high concentration of minerals that can foster healthy looking skin. Excess oil, dead skin and toxins are whisked away while the mud stimulates circulation and improves skin tone. And calling all athletes and workaholics: this mud treatment can also help with stress and muscle aches. Just dirty up and spread all over your body, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse ($15).
Asia is still on my bucket list (if you don’t count my couple days in the part of Turkey that lies on the continent). My cousin has a passion for Japan and I think it has rubbed off on me. After all, Japan lays claim one of the great skin care cultures. One reason could be the availability of Wakame, a seaweed that grows along the coast of Japan and is often said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful skin even into old age. H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ contains a wakame compound that offers tons of anti-aging properties including a natural sunscreen and protection against the loss of Hyaluronic Acid. While CC creams generally have heavier coverage in my experience, this version is sheer to medium coverage and can brighten skin without being heavy. Bonus points for the inclusion of chemical free sunscreen ($35). Note: this line flies under the radar but is fabulous for relatively affordable skin care.
And we couldn’t round up this virtual world tour without a couple of stops in Africa. It seems that African ingredients are having somewhat of a moment in the beauty industry. First up is the super-popular Argan Oil from the Argan Tree of Morocco. I know we all have seen it on shelves, but what exactly is Argan Oil? The Berber people of Morocco discovered the culinary, cosmetics and medicinal benefits of Argan Oil. Unroasted Argan Oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases. In cosmetics, Argan Oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, working against flaky skin as well as nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oreal harnessed Argan’s nourishing benefits to heal dull, dry and damaged hair with Oleo Therapy. The Oleo Therapy collection is sulfate-free and contain six flower oils to provide nutrition and hydration to strands ($6.99 – 12.99).
Lastly, let’s head South to South Africa for another oil that has been part of beauty rituals for centuries. Marula fruit fates back as far as 10,000 BC. No wonder since its miracle oil can protect skin in severe climates. Marula Oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids which can fight free radicals, prevent water loss and improve elasticity. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream is a nutritional supplement that packs a hydration punch and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Expect renewed skin and a more youthful appearance. I love this cream after a ski day or a pool afternoon. It even calms my red flush after a run and can be used on the face and body ($265).
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.
Usually during the summer, I am all about bronzer, bronzer, bronzer. But leave it to Eve Lom to convert me to a Translucent Powder. A brand that I have only known for skin care, Eve Lom is known for using technique to reveal luminous and radiant skin. Not surprisingly, their color cosmetics are beautifully simple and natural-looking.
As someone with dry skin, I am a little weary when it comes to powder. But this version is luxurious and velvety. My skin is left incredibly soft and hydrated thanks to the fruit stem cell extracts. The light weight is thanks to its micro-find texture. And each particle is rose-shaped (how glam even if we can’t see it!).
I’ve been wearing Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder in Dawn which is surprisingly transparent on me. A little goes a long way, and it is easy to get over zealous with the included brush. So I sweep across skin quickly and then blend with a bigger brush (or sometimes, actually my hands… shhh). My dry skin soaks up its hydration but I think the formula is balanced enough that it would work for normal to oily skin as well. I’d probably caution those with very oily skin to try out at a counter first. The finish is radiant and the light-diffusing properties conceal fine lines (and even some hyper-pigmentation!).
I love the packaging even if the product comes out quickly. In my opinion, better than the alternative. Perfect to throw into your summer clutch to add a mid-evening glow. Plus, it just looks so pretty.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
There are so many factors that play into changing up our makeup routine as the months warm up. Depending on where you live, humidity can play a huge factor. And to an even greater degree, lifestyle changes. We spend our summer evenings wearing breezy maxi dresses and a messy bun. This calls for a tone down in makeup (with some glowy and bronzy wattage).
Personally, I like switching to a more subtle eye and using a few more liquid formulations. My favorite of these liquid gems actually come from a brand new line from Perricone MD that I am wild about. Launched just this month, Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare restores skin’s health, protects from environmental factors and uses pigments to enhance facial architecture. This makeup doesn’t cake on coverage but adds radiance. My favorite of the bunch is the new No Foundation Foundation Serum which just subtly adds pigment with a suede finish and nourishing formula. No Mascara Mascara contains anti-aging lash treatment. And No Lipstick Lipstick not only smells amazing but adds a natural color with SPF 15.
If you are anything like me, you’ll log some serious pool time (with lots of SPF of course). Some days, we proceed immediately to a BBQ dinner or casual Mexican fare straight from the pool. To add just a bit of glam, I love the newest of lip formulas – Lip Crayons. Boots No. 7 Lip Crayons not only offer a budget price point but also a conditioning shine. I love Berry to compliment post-pool sun-kissed tan.
I can’t really think of a summer color collection that does glowy bronze better than NARS. A new launch coupled with a newly discovered classic is now a permanent staple in my rotation. First, I admit to being a Laguna devotee. But I was gently coaxed to try the slightly slightly deeper and more golden Casino and I am smitten. There is something about the formula that is so authentically bronzed that I can quickly sweep over my cheekbones, temples and nose and hit the road. And talk about a launch with a splash from their summer ‘Adult Swim’ collection: Hot Sand Illuminator is a limited edition peach champagne liquid that provides a shimmery blush. I also love to use it on brow bones and if you are feeling indulgent, add a dab to your decolletage.
Who said dark polish is only for cooler months. This summer, change things up with inky digits but swap out vampy blacks and browns for navys like Essie’s After School Boy Blazer or a deep purple like Sally Hansen Vanity Flare.If you are a diehard light shade buff, opt for a classic white (my current choice is Deborah Lippmann in Amazing Grace).
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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.
If you are in the market for a new foundation, there are a couple new formulations that have hit the shelves. And they have absolutely blown me away with their look, functionality and finish. But both a very different and I think distinctly suited for two different skin types/preferences.
bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation has a silky, ultra-thin texture that allows for buildable coverage. Thanks to skin care properties, over time skin becomes brighter and more even. Lilac plant stem cells offer important antioxidant protection. While I haven’t noticed drastic differences in my own skin tone, the promise keeps me reaching for this little bottle. This foundation is offered in an impressive 20 shades and I have a perfect match with Natural.
A couple notes about the packaging. I love the nimble bottle and twist off cap. Note: shake to make sure you don’t have separation but make sure to do this with the cap on – I had a bit of a messy situation this weekend thinking that the nozzle would keep foundation in even with that cap off (not my brightest moment, I know). Invest in the accompanying brush because it has a specially designed well to store the foundation as you buff it into skin. I get a full day wear out of the bareMinerals with a glowy finish.
I’m most impressed by the waterproof, budge proof properties that absolutely lasted the promised 12-hour wear. Amazonian clay keeps the powder foundation from being matte or “dusky”, even on my dry skin. The mesh cover on the opening keeps the foundation mess and hassle-free – just press your brush into the mesh and swirl and tap. Then buff into skin.
If been using a Kabuki brush but I am a little tempted to order the brush designed to go with the foundation. It is offered in eleven shades and I was fairly surprised that I matched with the fifth shade even though my skin is light to medium toned (Light to Medium Neutral is what I wear). I can imagine those with darker skin tones might have an issue with matching.
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.
