I was getting ready for a night out the other day with a friend (who happens to be a serious bareMinerals buff). I couldn’t help but think that I was testing out what would be the perfect stocking stuff for her. While basically everything she applied was bareMinerals, I knew that there were a couple complexion products that I loved and she needs (well, maybe not needs but I know would love!).
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.
I’m always changing up my routine. Things move in and out of my rotation quite frequently. But occasionally, I will be simultaneously testing a wonderful trifecta of products and it is like the stars have aligned. Right now… that’s happening. Here’s how I have been perfecting my complexion these last couple of weeks.
First: Josie Maran’s new Argan Tinted Moisturizer. This formula is rich and luxurious. Coverage is very generous for a tinted moisturizer. I would say it is in the neighborhood of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 but with a thicker texture. The SPF 30 is all natural and admirable for a makeup product. And her signature Argan oil makes it ultra-moisturizing and nourishing. She also threw in some antioxidants for good measure. This is my new pick for favorite Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream for sensitive or dry skin. I use Light 2, but am getting closer and closer to needing Light 1.
Next up, I touch up spots needing a little more assistance with Benefit Erase Paste. This creamy, high-coverage concealer camouflages like a champ. The formula finishes with a nice radiance, especially helpful in the under eye area. It came with a spatula which I unfortunately tossed with the box, so I apply direcly with my finger. I actually like the way I can work it into my skin even if it isn’t the most sanitary method.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder makes for a weightless, perfecting finish. The balance between matte and radiance is ideal. The formula is oil-free and should play very nicely with oilier skin types. Like other NAKED products, optical blurring pigments perfect skin. You won’t find any chalkiness here. This step ensures hours of wear.
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 used to think that those who used a powder foundation were somewhat a rare and exotic breed. I never understood the draw, maybe other than portability. The matte look and cakey finish just wasn’t flattering. And there were plenty of oil-free liquid foundations if you had oilier skin that did a great job.
Then Laura Mercier went and did something totally different. With my preconceptions, I was a little hesitant when this new foundation formulation landed on my desk. But Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder promised a silky, natural feel. Directly from Laura’s mouth, she promised a matte finish without being “dead matte”. Maybe this is the way I can finally rock that fall trend of matte skin without looking dusky?
Amazingly, this oil-free powder went onto my skin like silk. It gave a luminous glow and actually hydrated. Applied either wet or dry, you can get a range of coverage. I like using a buffing brush dry for a very sheer look. Use the enclosed sponge dry and apply like pressed powder for slightly more coverage. Or dampen the sponge and apply for medium to full coverage.
I’ve been wearing shade 5 (Linen) and 6 (Wheat), but I can tell it will only be a couple more weeks and I will be wearing 4 (Buff) as my tan fades. Again, I applaud Laura Mercier with her comprehensive offering of 20 shades.
Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
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.
Doesn’t need to be explained that I am a NARS aficionado. They consistently put out wearable, innovated products that I can resist snapping up. I’ve been on a bender lately, and there are three NARS products rocking my world. Here are the details:
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder: I’ll be the first to admit, when I got my paws on this I wasn’t sure exactly what it would do for me. The silky, white powder look innoculous at best. Think again, sister. This stuff is a true MVP. Powered with a photochromic technology, the formula difuses light and adjusts on cue, enhancing foundation and giving your makeup a long-lasting effect. The mineral powder is packed with glycerin and vitamin E to nourish skin. Those with oilier skin will love how it controls shine.
Concealer (Correcting Shade) in Pear is a godsend to those with redness (raises hand). I love how it counteracts the red around my nose or if I have any sort of blemish. The rich concealer blends seamlessly and doesn’t crease or look powdery. It also is loaded with vitamin E to nourish skin.
Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Paris Follies is the newest addition to the color lineup. The flamingo pink shade is perfect to accent my sunkissed skin this summer. If you haven’t tried Larger Than Life, get ready for some shine and staying power. I also love the way it keeps my lips hydrated. And the tiny applicator allows for precise application of the high pigment formula.
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’m having a love affair with powders lately, particularly this one and this one. I can add the newest offering from Hourglass Cosmetics to that list. These powders have a little twist, though. They diffuse and soften the way light is reflected, improving the appearance of skin. It can add radiance, conceal imperfections, and even tone.
Ambient Lighting Powder uses “photoluminescent technology”, making each particle very small while still refracting light and giving coverage. Each invisible color-correcting particle filters out harsh lights. Six different shades offer six different effects. The brand discribes the shades:
I’ve been wearing Diffused Light over the weekend and have found the creamy, fine powder to really enhance the finish of my current favorite foundation. The yellow undertones work well in neutralizing my redness. While it looks very light in the pan, Diffused Light is actually transparent without adding any ashiness. And great news: Paraben, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten free (this last one for my blogging buddy, Lauren).
I’ve been applying mine with a regular powder brush, but this Ambient Powder Brush, specially designed to work with the powder looks pretty nifty. It is densely packed, allowing for ideal, even application of the powder. And it comes with a protective travel pouch. Next up, I can’t wait to try Radiant Light for an early summer glow.
Shop the shades and brush here:
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.
