Tag: matte

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

Seems suitable that today’s little Valentine’s love note from me to you today comes directly from a favorite brand over here at Belle Belle Beauty. I always get a thrill trying new NARS products and they rarely disappoint. Always seeming to understand what our modern look needs, NARS launched Soft Matte Complete Concealer last month. Not surprisingly, it is all over the catwalks at New York Fashion Week.

The formula is natural-looking for the bare-faced look that has been in vogue for the last couple of seasons. It blurs and conceals without looking cake-y. While I usually prefer a dewy look, this finish is soft-focus almost making it more balanced than matte. It also should be noted that this isn’t a heavy concealer, but a bendable, weightless coverage.

I’ve been using this tinted moisturizer (love the way it helps with redness). After application, I use the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer under my eyes and around my nose for just a touch more coverage. I apply with my finger directly from the pot, just as Francios Nars intended. I find the staying power a little better than the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Even with my dry winter skin, nothing becomes flaky or settles into fine lines.

Available in 16 shades for all skin tones now at NARScosmetics.com and Sephora.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive La Vie En Rose

The last breathe of summer requires embracing all the shades that embody warmer days. And L’Oreal has a great budget options with this exclusive collection. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive La Vie En Rose is six shades of pinks that complement a range of skin tones. Blake Lively, L’Oreal’s spokesperson (and also a major fashion obsession of mine) custom-designed delicate matte lipsticks from peony to fuchsia.

Collection Exclusive Blake’s Pink
Collection Exclusive Doutzen’s Pink
Collection Exclusive Eva’s Pink
Collection Exclusive Jennifer’s Pink
Collection Exclusive Julianne’s Pink
Collection Exclusive Liya’s Pink (pictured above and my personal favorite)

Price: $8.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide.

bareMinerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo

If you are like me, you’ve been refreshing your beauty cabinet in anticipation of warmer weather. Not that it is heating up anytime soon – 50 degrees today in Tulsa – brrrrr! But I know those summer days are on the horizon and bareMinerals has two goodies that will get you ready.

New to bareMinerals, the Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo is just what I needed for a summery glow. The powders are baked with two different finishes either to use together or alone. The Matte was surprisingly lovely – I usually am drawn to the more glowy finish, but the Matte is lovely for absorbing oil and setting makeup while minimizing the appearance of pores. I knew Glow would not disappoint. I love the finish the rose gold pears leaves on skin. The pearl finish has a golden, sheer luminosity without looking wet.

And a second launch: there are six new shades available in the award winning bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. Additions include: Birch (1.5), Wheat (4.5), Bamboo (5.5), Desert (6.5), Dune (7.5) and Terra (8.5). I absolutely adore this formula – my skin is left super hydrated and protected.

Available at bareMinerals.com, Sephora and Nordstrom.

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I am all about the glow, so I am a touch surprised by my love of this matte finish tinted moisturizer! But NARS always opens my mind to new and wonderful products. This brand new product is just another notch in NARS belt in lovely foundation and tinted moisturizer. As far as brands go, they really have this segment of beauty nailed.

This oil-free formula provides fairly significant coverage for a “skin tint”. The soft-matte finish has tons of staying power while using optical effects to blur skin imperfections. The powders that provide this effect also provide a soft and touchable finish, making application a breeze.

I’d highly recommend this formula for those with oily skin. It also works against shine and pores. There are 12 shades available. I tried Groenland (light 3), St. Moritz (medium 1) and Cuzco (medium 1.5). My winter skin shade is best suited for St. Moritz.

And one quick note: I do detect a bit of a chemical smell at first. This has dissipated since I opened the tube. And I can’t sense it after it is on my skin. Just wanted to give a heads up for those with a sensitive nose. It wouldn’t deter me in any way from using or recommending the product.

Available at NARScosmetics.com as of 1/15 and hits Sephora and specialty stores on 2/1.

Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick

I don’t even hesitate anymore to admitting to be a neutral lip lover. I favor chapstick and gloss over lipstick. But as the temps cool, I get in the mood for a little bold pick-me-up every once in a while. And no one does lipstick like Urban Decay.

This season, they are releasing a new non-drying matte lipstick that feels creamy on the lips and comes in a range of beautiful shades. The neutrals are a crowd pleaser and you can’t go wrong with the bold and velvety reds and purples.

One reason these are so stellar is Urban Decay’s proprietary Pigment Infusion System that lends to high pigment and nourishing oils. The formula contains Shea butter and a blend of avocado, olive, and babassu oils. Even my dry lips soak up the hydration and look smooth.

The sleek bullet design comes in black, distinguishing the matte formula. My favorite shades are Stark Naked and Bad Blood. Available at Sephora.

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By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder

This summer I have been reaching for highlighters, dewy foundations and sheer tinted moisturizers. So I was kind of surprised when I fully embraced this matte loose powder, likely attributed to its unique qualities. I certainly have never encountered a powder quite like this one.

Using Micronized Hyaluronic Acid, By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder infuses skin with hydration and fills wrinkles, pores and imperfectiona. But at the same time, oil and shine is kept at bay with silica microbeads and an ultra-light texture. So my dry skin doesn’t show through as it so often does with powders.

Back to the “matte finish”. I don’t find this powder to be overly matte. I use very sparingly on a large powder brush and get a more transparent look. In fact, the powder is white but appears on skin completely colorless. Don’t worry about a dusky finish. Other bloggers have attested to a full on matte look. My best blogging buddy, Maree, encounters a more matte finish on her oily to normal skin. Check out her awesome review here. My takeaway is that the amount of product can really make a different in the finished look.

The packaging is relatively tidy for loose powder. Packaged in the classic tub, the plastic dispenser has ultra-fine holes allowing for a measured amount of product. I pour a couple taps into the lid and swirl with my powder brush. Tap on the side of the sink and apply.

Last but not least, this powder effectively and beautifully sets makeup. Feather-weight on skin, it conceals flaws and can be used to spot treat where you need more staying power or coverage.

Available at Barneys, B-Glowing, Beauty.com, NET-A-PORTER and Space NK.

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.