Tag: foundation

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation

My summer staples have been NARS Radiant Cream Concealer and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Frankly, nothing covers the under eye better than the Cream Concealer. And the lightweight coverage and sun protection of the tinted moisturizer make it perfect for the summer months. So, truth be told… I wasn’t surprised to be thrilled with the newest from NARS: Radiant Cream Compact Foundation.

First and foremost, bravo to NARS for a comprehensive offering of 20 shades from Siberia (light with neutral undertones) to Khartoum (dark with espresso undertones). Second, and not surprisingly from NARS, I love the packaging. The foundations are sold in pods that fit into a separately purchased hefty compact. Because of the formula, you are encouraged to make sure both the compact and the separate pod are snap shut otherwise, the product can dry out. Frankly, I have no issue with this and I love that the foundation stays clean.

The formula features a proprietary Advanced Emulsion Technology, allowing for a buildable application either wet or dry. What surprised me most is how this cream foundation could feel so light. Cream foundations aren’t my favorite, so I was sure I was going to find it too heavy for everyday wear. But it sets like a liquid foundation. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe (medium with golden undertones) and Punjab (medium with golden, peachy undertones). It is really hard for me to distinguish between these two shades other than a slightly deeper radiance in Punjab.

Bottom line: this is my go-to foundation for the fall months. I love the portability, flexibility and radiant finish. While it is on the pricier side for the amount of product you get ($48 including the compact for 0.42 ounces), I think the revolutionary formula and wearability definitely make it worth it.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation is currently available at Sephora.com and NARScosmetics.com. It will be on department store counters on September 1st.

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.

Brand Spotlight: it Cosmetics

For a while there, my love for it Cosmetics was limited to their concealer (and man… do I love that concealer). But after having a chance to try out some of their other goodies, let’s just say I am hooked on the brand.

Hello Lashes! 5-In-1 Treatment Mascara in Black (first mentioned here) is not only a mascara, but a four other products that all work together for killer lashes. Working as volumizing mascara, conditioning lash primer, lash-enhancing serum, lash tint, and a lash comb/curler, this gives blackest black, full lashes. Developed with plastic surgeons, the formula contains peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5. The brush goes after every single lash and I love the Magic Wand detailer tip to get lower and corner lashes.

Vitality Cheek Flush Anti-Aging Powder Blush Stain is also a hybrid product. It is actually a cheek stain in powder formula. As a dry skin sufferer, I love having the hydration of a stain. But powder formulas can be slightly easier to blend. The Radiant in Rose shade has the perfect balance of pink and brown to look sunkissed with a little flush. Goodness like plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, seaweed extract, grapeseed, aloe and jojoba work to nourish and improve skin. And it doesn’t stop there. Anti-oxidants (so important in these sunny summer months) like Vitamins A, C, E, Acai, Green Tea and White Tea ward off free-radicals. Did I mention this stuff stays on all day!?

And what’s really got me jazzed is the new IT-O2 Oxygen Liquid Foundation. The formula has that dewy, glowy finish I love and is totally buildable. At the same time, it remains weightless and undetectable on my skin. Drops of Light reflecting pigments to help optically blur away the appearance of imperfections. While you wear it, the active ingredients basically work like they are giving you a facial. Peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen work to provide anti-aging benefits. I’ve been wearing the medium shade lightly applied and I get a tinted moisturizer effect – just enough to even but without covering my summer freckles.

And I can’t resist mentioning that, while I haven’t used them, a makeup artist at a photo shoot was singing praises of it Cosmetics brushes last week. Can’t wait to try them out. Anyone had experience with their tools?

Hourglass Foundations and Concealer

I’ve had the pleasure of covering quite a bit of Hourglass makeup on Belle Belle. Some favorites include Ambient Lighting Powder and Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick, among many many others. The luxury brand has a true pulse on classic beauty with serious formulas that flatter so many skin types. But I was remiss in covering one (favorite) product area – foundation and concealer. When I dove in, I was thrilled to find two different foundation formulas. I fell hard for them both – but they are quite different. So, hopefully this will help you decide which is perfect for your skin.

First up, Veil Fluid Makeup. If you have aging or drier skin, this is the formula for you. The formula is packed with anti-aging ingredients like wrinkle-filling peptide Matrixyl Synthe’6, wheat and marine-based Skin Tightener ST PH and Vitamin E. The texture has a moderate weight, but the silicon-based formula is buildable in coverage. The finish is that dewy and glow-y look that I am always drawn to. I like applying with my fingers very sparingly for a sheer, radiant look. Vegan-friendly. Eleven available shades across a wide spectrum.

Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation could be a true godsend for those with oily and acne-prone skin. The formula is liquid powder with a matte finish, allowing a full day wear without powder or touch-ups. The oil-free formula is also water-resistant – can we say perfect beach vacation foundation!? But the exciting part is, after many customer testimonials, Hourglass realized that Immaculate was helping with acne and scarring! They are now conducting clinical testing and the preliminary results are pretty dramatic. This stuff controls oil, improves scars, lessens severity and frequency of breakouts and improves texture and clarity. This development makes me extremely enthusiastic for this foundation for readers who suffer from acne. Also, this foundation is also gluten-free. There are eight new shades for a total of sixteen options.

I’d be remiss not to mention Hidden Corrective Concealer. I’m not terribly surprised Hourglass developed such a luxe, balanced concealer. The stick is creamy but with robust coverage. This allows for both under eye and blemish concealing. I’d liken it to a slightly more creamy version of this. The finish, as it dries down, is slightly matte, but the Vitamin E charged formula keeps it from caking. And there are six shade options.

Available at Sephora and Barneys.

MAC ‘Mineralize’ Moisture Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

I’ve always found that, generally, MAC foundations didn’t play quite as well with my drier skin (exception being this one). When I started reading up on MAC’s newest foundation, I knew everything could change. The MAC twitter team assured me this formula would be a great match for my drier skin.

So, I headed off to my closest (and beloved counter) to see Jennifer. Tulsa folks, Jennifer at Saks is a treasure – you guys need to visit her stat if you haven’t already. I was matched with NW20 – sometimes I prefer the warmer tones to counteract the redness in my skin. Admittedly, I would also probably be fine with NC20.

Off the bat, I was impressed with the lightweight liquid texture. The coverage is buildable, but you can go fairly sheer because the combination of powders creates an optical blurring effect. Officially, the finish is satin, but I get a pretty glow-y look. I love the healthy, luminous finish. What probably sets it apart is the 77-Mineral Complex, Shea butter and vitamin E, making it comfortable on my drier skin. Bonus: I get a long day of wear out of this foundation.

Available online MACCosmetics.com, Nordstrom and Dillard’s.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Smart Gel BB

I was already smitten with this BB Cream from Dr. Jart. But since I had fallen hard for everything from his Water Fuse line, including this and this, I knew I had to give Dr. Jart Water Fuse Smart Gel BB a whirl. My dry skin responds so well to these hydration packed formulas, leaving my face feeling radiant and plump.

Right off the bat, you will notice the jelly texture of the formula, inspired by memory foam mattresses. I can just visualize all that moisturizing goodness ready to impart bouncy hydration. After scooping out product, a little deformed space will slowly return to an even layer in the jar. It also does this on your face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores.

Unlike so many BB Creams, you get fairly good coverage with some building. The two available shades have a radiant finish, glow-y but totally even. In this way, it reminds me of this tinted moisturizer. The SPF 30, antiaging and anti-inflammatory ingredients all work to improve the appearance of your skin long-term while you wear it. I can totally see myself throwing this on for a little coverage during the day during the warm summer months (and likely most days before then too!).

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.

Hard Candy CC Crème

Looking for one of the hottest beauty products at a steal of a price? Look no further than your local WalMart. Hard Candy has just launched a CC Cream and it is priced at $8! So, what’s a CC Cream? Think of a BB Cream with more coverage and ingredients to color correct your skin.

I’ve been really impressed with the way Hard Candy CC Crème wears, especially given the price point. The thick (unscented) cream blends well into my skin to give full coverage. The oil-free formula contains light optic pearls that correct skin undertones. The blurring effect (and heavy coverage) hides blemishes and dark spots. I’d call the finish satin – not matte, but still glowing.

The generously sized tubes come in four colors: fair, light, medium and dark. (FYI I am a dead on match for light). Available exclusively at WalMart. Note: I can’t seem to find this online yet, but it hit shelves in mid-February so check your local store.