Tag: Summer

Bvlgari Omnia Coral Eau de Toilette

I’m taking solace in a new summer fragrance to handle the extreme heat. A week of 100+ days has me sweltering, especially after being spoiled with gorgeous weather last weekend in Napa. For days like these, you want a scent that is refreshing, light-weight and cheerful.

Omnia Coral Eau de Toilette is the newest scent from Bvlgari, inspired by the coastal feel and rich jewel color of coral. Goji berries give a citrus punch. Hibiscus flower is a balanced fruitiness with just a bit of floral. And Pomegranate adds a bit of a bite, still highlighting the fruitier feel. The effect, on me, is a tropical and juicy sweetness with pepper. The iconic Bvlgari packaging with interlocking circles always looks glam on the vanity.

I’ve welcomed the compliments: “You smell great!”. Certainly better than the alternative 🙂

Available at Neiman Marcus.

Becca Cosmetics Mineral Blush and Beach Tint

Becca Cosmetics is a company that focuses on natural, flawless skin for every complexion. I love that they offer 34 concealer and 30 foundation shades. They truly offer makeup to ALL women. You don’t hear too much about this line – it definitely flies under the radar. So I wanted to highlight their Beach Tint and Mineral Blush in anticipation of the summer months – both great products to get the sunkissed glow (safely and without sun damage!).

BECCA Beach Tint is a blendable 2-in-1 crème stain for cheeks and lips. The water-resistant formula makes it perfect for the hot summer months – throw it on a bare face before the pool or the beach. Unlike other stains, it doesn’t dry out lips at all. Its dermatologically tested formula makes it safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin. These are ever so slightly scented in a totally pleasant way. You can keep them in a hot car or beach bag without worrying about them melting everywhere.

Becca Beach Tints are available in seven shades: Strawberry (warm orange red), Watermelon (bright pink), Peach (warm orange pink), Raspberry (deep berry pink), Grapefruit (pale coral pink), Fig (tea rose pink) and Guava (bright coral pink). The pigment goes on pretty sheer. Just make sure to exfoliate your lips with a product like Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub beforehand.

The Becca Mineral Blush is loaded with skin care benefits (Vitamin A, E and C). The mineral complex and conditioners give the appearance of smooth and even skin. There is something in the powder formula that allows the blush to blend like a cream. It never looks cakey on my dry skin and there is just a hint of highlight and illumination. It is truly a demi-matte finish. And the silver disk in the compact makes it surprisingly easy to find in a huge purse!

Becca Mineral Blush is available in five shades: Damselfy (coral), Flowerchild (peachy pink), Sweet Pea (rosy plum nude), Wild Honey (peachy nude) and Bolero (bronze).

These two products definitely go hand in hand. The Beach Tint can be layered under the Blush for added intensity. They are also free of parabens and preservatives. You can find Becca Cosmetics at Dermstore.com.

LORAC Wild For TANtalizer® Collection

For my recent trip to Los Angeles for LuckyFABB, I brought along this summer kit by Lorac. I knew for a conference that was held literally at the shore, I needed a summer look that was still natural.

The set contains:

The bronzer is on the darker side but still worked for my light-medium skin. I used it under my cheekbones, forehead and neck. It would also look great on the collarbone and décolleté. This is on the shimmery side of bronzers and gave a very healthy glow. The eyeshadows were a subtle range of shimmery taupe. The lightest (Fierce) is a great highlighter. Both middle shades work on the lid, and the darkest (Saber) makes a great, natural liner. I love the gloss – nurturing and perfectly nude. It does have a slight cake batter smell. Wish they had gone with a more tropical coconut or vanilla flavor, but I don’t mind the baking scent.

NARS Summer 2012

NARS continues to churn out beautiful collections that will satisfy both the lover of bold eyes and nude lips (or vice versa). Get excited for Summer’s arrival – the pieces are full of warm earth tones and brazen shimmers.

RAMATUELLE Trio Eyeshadow – I’m most excited about this warm, icy and peach palette.

MARIE-GALANTE Duo Eyeshadow – This duo would be fun for a tropical, dramatic look.

CALABRIA Shadow Pencils (on the bottom of the pencils) – These make a great base for eyeshadow.

VENDANGES Lipstick (left lipstick) – Even the name makes me think of wine-stained lips.

LIBERTÉ Blush, top right – I love this rich apricot color.

BUENOS AIRES Velvet Gloss Lip (top pencil)- I have been looking for a nude version of these!

NEVER SAY NEVER Velvet Gloss Lip (middle pencil) – A fresh and summer take on a bold fuchsia lip.

MOSCOW Pure Matte Lipstick (right lipstick) – Dramatic and rich red is perfect anytime of the year.

TROUVILLE Nail – This petal peach is a perfect summer neutral. So feminine!

These goodies will be available April 15, 2012 at narscosmetics.com. For more about the collection, check out this Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS:

What inspired the NARS 2012 Summer Collection?

I was interested in exploring the interplay of earth tones and shimmers. That relationship between divergent colors and textures is summed up in our Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow, which combines a silver shade with an apricot and icy peach.

Besides illustrating a fresh take on nudes, the Trio is also just a really chic and versatile summer palette.

What’s unexpected about the collection?

I think at first glance, the combination of orchid, blue, strawberry red and seashell pink can sound and appear quite delicate and innocent, but our version of these colors and the way we combine them results in a look that’s more fun and edgy.

What are the must-have products of the season?

Besides the Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow, I’d say our Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. The lilac rose color looks great with tanned skin, and the matte finish is the perfect complement to a shimmery lid or glowing complexion. I also love our Trouville Nail Polish because a seashell pink nail is a really fun summer accessory.