Tag: Shiseido

Shiseido Sheer & Perfect Foundation

Shiseido Sheer & Perfect Foundation // Belle Belle Beauty

Well, let me just tell you about this little gem that hit my vanity last week. Talk about a new favorite foundation! The newest from Shiseido is one of those perfectly balanced foundations that conceals but doesn’t hide. You still look like your skin but only better.

Now, first a note – after a weekend full of reading September issues, I fully understand that a matte complexion is on trend. But after a short twitter chat with my friend, Lara, we both accepted that a dewy, glowy finish just works better. I agree with her wholeheartedly that it looks healthier, more natural and more youthful. So that being said, this isn’t for you matte lovers out there.

The oil-free formula packs a dose of hydration. I’d say coverage is light to medium but solidly buildable for those who want to move towards medium coverage. I love the silky texture and the finish is dewy but not sticky. The interesting part of the foundation – gets me everytime – is while it feels and looks like it could be a tinted moisturizer, my redness and dark spots are banished.

Kudos on their wide range of 18 shades across the spectrum. I’ve been wearing a near perfect match – B20, a light natural beige. While I promise Sheer & Perfect has a dewy finish (but not overly so), the formula does use powders. The optical powder complex helps conceal uneven coloration:

  • green powder cancels out redness and blemishes
  • blue powder cancels out dark spots and circles
  • white powder cancels visible pores

While the bottle is fairly small, $35 for a luxury foundation isn’t bad. And it is so good, you won’t even want to look at the price tag. Available at Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Sephora, Macy’s, Barney’s and Shiseido.

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.

Six Favorite Sunscreens and Tanners

Six Favorite Sunscreens and Tanners // Belle Belle Beauty

Time for another appearance on Great Day Green Country! This morning, I’m highlighting favorite sunscreens and tanners in honor of Springtime. I know the official first day is in March, but there is something about it finally being April that makes me ready to soak up some sun. First, a couple notes about sunscreen:

  • FDA is now prohibiting the use of ultra-high SPF numbers on packaging. You don’t need to seek out shockingly high SPF factors like 100 – they don’t do anything more than SPF 50. Look for SPF 20 and higher (50 for the most sun intense days) and make sure to reapply very frequently.
  • Sunscreen sprays haven’t been thoroughly tested – if you decide to use them make sure you liberally spray completely covering skin and let them soak in (don’t rub).
  • For the best sun protection look for zinc or titanium oxide. My sensitive skin tends to do better with these “physical blockers” and they are the more proven sun protection ingredients.

Now on for my favorites:

 ZO Skin Health ‘Oclipse’ Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

I do my best to wear sunscreen every single day, but this stuff makes you want to wear it. The primer/sunscreen hybrid features natural melanin to reflect those nasty pigment causing rays. The silky formula works perfectly under makeup. (Tulsa folks: you can also purchase these products from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Manduano’s office).

Kate Somerville Body Glow Sunscreen SPF20

Kate always does it right – this SPF has the prettiest golden pearls that improve the look of skin while hiding imperfections. SolarX Complex blocks UVA and UVB rays while antioxidants like rosemary extract work to improve skin inside out. Mango butter hydrates and Caffeine improves tone and contours.

Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+

A truly luxurious sunscreen, the price point on this one can be shocking. But I’ve had my tube for quite a while and cherish every drop. The silky and creamy sunscreen prevents photo aging. It uniquely contains thyme and turmeric extracts to prevent DNA damage to cells that cause wrinkle formation. I love this under makeup, but it also has a luminous finish on its own – perfect for looking good at the pool.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+

For the sports buffs, this sunscreen is a champion for extreme outdoor protection. This formula soaks seamlessly into skin and has great high value SPF. It is very water-resistant so less need to stop and reapply if you are in the middle of a race (or just a marathon pool session). It is also perspiration-resistant and sand-proof.

Brush On Block BOB Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen

This novel formula provides invisible, natural sun protection in powder form, avoiding that whole greasy issue. I love this for traveling because you don’t have to deal with that pesky 3 ounce liquid rule. It also is fabulous for children or men with thinning hair.

Xen-Tan Luminous Gold Gel Sparkle Weekly Medium Self-Tan

I just won’t shut up about this fabulous self-tanner so I am going to mention it again. This clear, silky formula leaves the prettiest bronze shade. I sense no odor and the iridescent golden shimmer gives instant gratification. It is also so valuable when you can’t pass the drying time with dark clothes – feel free to wear while or light colors without fear.

And a note for those who are looking for something at the drugstore: I am a huge fan of the L’Oreal Sublime product line. They smell great, look good and are easy to use.

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.

Shiseido ‘Bio-Performance’ Advanced Super Restoring Cream

Are you into getting the latest and greatest as much as I am? Well, here’s some news… Shiseido ‘Bio-Performance’ Advanced Super Restoring Cream features the brand’s biggest technological advancements to-date and a first in skincare. They are the only cosmetic company using dermal stem cell research (others use epidermal stem cell technology).

This technology fights sagging, loss of resilience and deep wrinkles. The Bio-Renewal Complex is what makes the Cream so effective. Making it easier for dermal stem cells to thrive, fibroblasts are activated and improve skin’s functionality. By targeting cells in the skin’s core layer, skin is lifted and smoothed. Sounds like some pretty impresive science to me!

The Cream is thick and, at first, feels a little greasy. But it quickly absorbs, leaving soft, supple skin. Instantly, my skin looks more even. I am always sold on my beloved hyaluronic acid – it provides a super-charged level of moisture. And Rose Apple Leafe helps protect against UV rays. While the rose scent isn’t my favorite, those of you who do love it, will enjoy the subtle rosy fragrance. I think this Cream would be ideal for those with dry skin and/or recovering from a peel, windburn or aggressive anti-aging ingredients. It is soothing, yet active and packs a hydrating punch.

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Beauty for a Cause

You know I love beauty with a cause – look good AND feel good. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I selected some of my favorite products that are donating a portion of proceeds to the fight for a cure and supporting patients.

1. Estée Lauder Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection: This set includes Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy and Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence along with a pink snakeskin-printed clutch. I love Pink Innocence for an easy hydrating gloss and this edition comes in an adorable pot with a patterned lid. For each purchase of the Evelyn Lauder Dream Lip Collection, Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

2. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Disco: Shiseido has partnered with Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) to support their philanthropic arm, Cancer and Careers. By donating $5 for every Lacquer Rouge in Disco sold throughout the month of October, Shiseido will give back to the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working women living with cancer. Lacquer Rouge is a liquid lipstick that has insane shine. Disco is an eye-poping, totally fun bright pink. The color has great staying power and doesn’t leave lips dry.

3. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Pumped Up Pink: These enormously popular balms are crazy nourishing. The the wash of color is perfect for those who want a more subtle look. The Chubby Stick comes with a pretty pink carrying case with a heart-shaped charm puller with Pink Ribbon. $3.00 from this purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

4. Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush: A portion of the proceeds of sales from 3 shades of Crushed Mineral Blush (Dusty Pink, Sherbet, and Tulip all pink of course!) are going to be donated to Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. I’ve been using Dusty Pink (a brownish pink) and Tulip (baby doll pink) – both have a satin finish. The powder blends beautifully and gives a natural flush. It is a very natural look, but can be layered for more pop.

Shiseido Suncare and Gift With Purchase

Having access to a pool this summer, my hunt for the perfect sunscreen has become serious business. This weekend, I gave Shiseido suncare a whirl and was seriously impressed. I was using both the Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 (for my face) and the Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 (for body). The distinction I found with these gems is that they are both long-lasting, blendable and not greasy. They persisted through many dips in the pool. And while I reapplied every 60 minutes or so, I was protected.

Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 is ultra-light weight and actually mattifies the skin. It contains mineral powders and herbs to prevent over-production of sebum. And while I don’t have oily skin, I appreciated the finish of this sunscreen. It wasn’t glossy or overly dewy. Did I mention my pool is kind of a social scene? I’ve found this sunscreen also works well under makeup.

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 has that high-factor protection I am looking for. It is also “very water resistant” which eases my mind – constantly fretting about the water and sweat washing away my SPF. Remember to liberally reapply, but this stuff did a great job with my near contant pool activity. Both of these come in fairly tiny vessels, but I am sold on their efficacy and fashionable packaging – so I think they are worth every penny.

Plus… Shiseido is offering a suncare special offer, now available online at www.Shiseido.com and at select retailers nationwide, including Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, and more. Purchase any two sun products and receive a custom Shiseido sun tote with a free 75 ml Ultimate Cleansing Oil. The tote is adorable – metallic canvas with long straps and a subtle Shiseido logo. And the cleansing oil has quickly become a favorite for removing persistant sunscreen and even longwear foundation and eye makeup. No better excuse to upgrade your suncare.