Tag: highlighter

Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly

Organic beauty has been on my mind. While I wouldn’t say I look for it universally, there is something of a thrill finding a product that works well and also promises to be free of nasty ingredients. Vapour Organic Beauty has been peppered throughout my blog reading list and I knew it was about time to learn more about the brand. I had heard rave reviews about their stick foundation, and while I have yet to try it, I knew their stick formulas were bound to be winners.

Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly is a true multi-tasking superstar. As part of the “Radiant” family, expect more of a highlighter than a blush. Other shades come in “Classic” or “Stain”. Frankly, the “Radiant” shades seem to be the stars with their flexibility and suitability for a wide range of skin tones.

Equally suited for eyes, cheeks and lips, Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly gives that “lit within” glow. And don’t stop there. This stick is perfect for shoulders and décolletage too. Unlike NARS Multiples, Vapour’s stick – at least this one – works better if you warm the product on the back of your hand to activate. For cheeks, you can apply directly from the applicator and work into the skin.

Now here comes the good part: this blush is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% mineral pigments and vitamins. It is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and anti-oxidants along with moisturizing and calming ingredients. It should be noted that I can not detect a scent. Cruelty and gluten free.

Available at Beauty.com

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.

NEW NARSissist Cheek Palette

Attention NARS aficionados: Spring marks the launch of a couple amazing new palettes that have the beauty world going bonkers. While I haven’t had a chance to check out the NARSissist Eye Palette featuring 15 iconic NARS eyeshadows, I hear amazing reviews. I have had a chance to try out the new NARSissist Cheek Palette. And this one you don’t want to miss.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

I’m pretty sure Hourglass Ambient Powders hit the beauty blogger / beauty editor world with an epic splash (don’t miss the review here). A little beauty blogger meet-up this last September in New York City (hi, Maree!) actually consisted of about 15 minutes of love for this revolutionary face powder / highlighter / bronzer / blush. I think we all issued a collective gasp when hourglass announced they were releasing a limited edition palette with two shades of their ambient powder along with a new limited edition Incandescent Light.

Mai Couture Highlighter and Blush Papiers

Trolling the beauty section of Neiman Marcus not long ago, I came across these little delicate papers. I thought they were oil blotting papers, but in actuality they were that and much much more. Mai Couture has been in the back of my mind ever since. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when I got a chance to try out some of their latest launches. They have some new shades and sets for the fall beyond their basic foundation and oil-blotting offerings. I’ve been testing them out and am so impressed by their unique approach and travel-friendly packaging.

Crystal Cove Highlighter Papier is a new shade of highlighter and my new favorite way to amp up the glow on the go. You can even use it on the body – perfect for on your shins and collar bones pre-cocktail event. Just lightly press the colored side of the paper to desired areas (I like cheekbones, chins, cupid’s bow, nose and brows). The formula comes off surprisingly evenly and each sheet tears easily and cleanly.

Studio City and Montecito Blush Papier work in a similar way. At first I was concerned about the precision required for blush. But using your hands opposite the colored side of the paper gives the perfect, smudgy (in a good way) rosiness. I love how it layers with the highlighting papers and the formula is paraben and talc free. The Studio City shade is my favorite – radiant without too much drama. Apply using a semi-circular motion on your apples. There is plenty of pigment on each sheet should you want to double up for more depth.

Like A Diamond Trio Pack is a brilliant collection, perfect for a long trip or a girl constantly on the go. Can you imagine bronzer, highlighter and blush all in a little credit card sized package? This pack contains:

Highlighter in “Crystal Cove”
Blush in “Sunset Blvd.”
Blush in “Studio City”

One sheet is enough for a single application so you get 20 days of makeup out of this collection. Start with a mattifying bronzer, follow with a blush around the apples of your cheeks and then highlight as desired. I feel like this just screams honeymoon or European vacation. A similar product, Mai Couture Glow-geous Trio, has been on my wish list at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom for ages.

Mai Couture’s retailers include Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Beauty.com. Fall launches should be available around October at these retailers but you can find them now at MaiCouture.com.

Brand Spotlight: Manna Kadar

Did you know about Manna Kadar? I didn’t until about a week ago. The brand has even been featured in my beloved Birchbox and I just missed it! Well, this little brand packs quite the punch. I have been wearing two of their signature items and certainly won’t stop anytime soon.

First up is the sheer glo – fans of Armani’s Fluid Sheer, pay attention. I adore Fluid Sheer but always love recommending a more affordable option. Sheer glo is that same iridescent liquid that can be worn alone or mixed with your foundation. What sets it apart is its hydrating formula, making it work really well my drier skin. I also have been swiping it on my collar bones and down my shins for a little body glow!

Prime Time is very similar to the MAC Paint Pot I reviewed last week here, albiet in a much lighter shade than Painterly. At first, I thought it was too light. But it completely neutralizes any coloring before you apply eyeshadow. I’ve found that it transforms my metallic shades. And, as a primer should, it prevents smudging and creasing. If you have a big event or a photo shoot, try it as a lip primer. It will keep dark, deep shades from feathering and give a purity of color.

Next up on my list, is this amazing palette – Gold Digger Contouring Palette. How cool does that look??

You can find Manna Kadar products on their web page or at Birchbox.

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.

bareMinerals Remix Collection

Here’s a little holiday sneak peek for you! bareMinerals is releasing a new Remix collection in January and I’ve been test driving some of the products. The 11 piece color collection, despite the vibrant appearance above, is actually very wearable and fresh. The cool shades work great now in winter, but would be fabulous for spring as well.

There are some old favorites in the collection including Warmth (a bronzing finishing powder) and Secret Radiance (also found here). The bronzer gives a nice finish to my winter complexion while Secret Radiance is a beautiful shimmery highlighting powder.

bareMinerals Remix Collection Loud & Clear Lip Sheers // Belle Belle Beauty

The highlight for me might be these sheer, glossy balms – aka Loud & Clear Lip Sheers. I love the way these shades give a great wash of color without being too bold, but giving such a great lip tint. Tangerine Trance, Berry Remix and Amped Pink will be in my purse for the foreseeable future. The fruity scent and hydrating formula make these such a pleasure to use.

bareMinerals Remix Collection READY Eyeshadow // Belle Belle Beauty

Shame on me for not reviewing the bareMineral’s eyeshadows sooner. I’ve been hooked on these for months and the new versions don’t disappoint. I was immediately drawn to The Next Big Thing (right). I wore these shades on Christmas Eve and loved the festive shimmer effect. One thing to note about these formulas: the powder is creamy and super blendable in to a buildable but initially sheer color. So while the shades can look dark, they are quite neutral unless you build them. Don’t discount my love for The Wild Thing (left)! The bottom left shade is a beautiful shimmery taupe. Layered with the top right makes for a golden shade that looks great with the ice blue. Bottom line, these shadows are perfect to play around with and are more neutral than they appear. The creamy powder formula makes for a real treat.

Why yes, that is an aqua mascara. I hadn’t used Flawless Definition Mascara and was very pleased with the volume and length I achieved. The wearability was superb with zero fall out. Blue mascara is something you either are drawn to or you aren’t. I understand. But it is worth a try. The slight blue effect brightens eyes and is actually a great way to soften a look. I’ve been wearing it on bottom lashes for just a suggestion of blue to play off my hazel eyes – trust.

The bareMinerals READY Blush in The Natural High is a high shimmer pink – I’m into radiance these days so I love it. Beware, it is far from matte. Lastly (not pictured), bareMinerals Round The Clock Eyeliner is a creamy, easy-to-use, waterproof eyeliner that I love to recommend. All in all, bravo, bareMinerals on a great collection!