Tag: Summer

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder

I have always been pleased with Laura Mercier’s baked powders – there is something confection-like about them. Not to mention, the generous amount of product in a compact makes them a great buy. So when they launched a new version that is matte, but still adds radiance, I was dead set on getting my hands on some.

With the bit of summer color I’ve already picked up, I’ve been using foundation/BB Creams with less coverage. I’ve found that a little bronzer gives me the natural look and camouflages flaws better than any heavier makeup. Plus, I don’t have to worry about a perfect match while my skin tone changes shades. (note: yes, I am wearing loads of sunscreen.. I am just prone to picking up color)

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder has a natural color – not too orange or brown – and is designed to give that ‘bonne mine’ glow Laura is known for. Bonne mine means “healthy glow” in French. The matte finish is designed for just a bit of warmth without the festive shimmer that just doesn’t fit this time of year.

The Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder is available in five shades: four bronzes and one highlighter. I’ve been using Bronze-03 which works well on my light-medium skin tone. They shades are buildable, so I would probably be okay with Bronze-02 as well. The initial dusting is a sheer, luminous layer without any dryness. I get quite a bit of wear on this – throughout the day. And the color stays true as you wear it.

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.

Summer Beauty Inspiration

AESOP Petitgrain Hydrating Body Gel

Anyone else shock their skin a little this weekend? I know my pale winter legs got a dose of sun and, while I didn’t get burned, there was certainly some heat going on. This Body Gel from AESOP is just what I needed. The Lemon and Grapefruit makes this gel perfectly unisex and ideal for summer. It is ultra-light and infused with calming Witch Hazel, famed for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And it is also ideal for post shave. The serum-like texture leaves my skin soft and not greasy. When it really heats up, you can keep the tube in the fridge for an extra cool down effect. Leave it to this Australian skin care line to come up with the perfect summer hydration.

Available at Net-a-Porter.

Folklore Collection From Laura Mercier

The Spring/Summer collection from Laura Mercier just hit counters. And this collection, inspired by cultures of South and Central America, have definitely been warming me up. Did I mention it was in the 40s here this week? Where are you, Spring? The rich, earthy colors are easy to wear and suit a summer glow perfectly. Or manage to fake one until the sun reappears.

First up is the product that seems to me the one that is getting the most buzz. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Baked Blush Bronzer in Ritual

is one of Laura’s classic formulas but with five shades that blend together. Each tile of bronzer is hand-mixed. When I first applied Ritual, I had a WHOA reaction. It was pretty darn dark. But for my light to medium skin and with a lighter hand, it proved a great option for a more dramatic warming. The natural color stays beautifully. And will transition well into the summer months.

I’m a long time fan of Laura’s Crème Eye Liner and the new Espresso shade offers a softer version of black that works so well in the summer. If you are on the hunt for a long-wear eyeliner, give this waterproof formula a whirl. Could it just be perfect for the beach? I think yes.

And I’ve saved the best for last. These creamy lipsticks hitting counters lately have me swooning. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Lip Crayon in Folklore has that hydrating feeling but great long-wear. And the shocking pink translates to a punch of spring color on the lips. Bonus points for the packaging, allowing great precision application.

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bareMinerals READY Bronzer

Okay, kids. It is time to step up my bronzer game. While I have been loving this more subtle, glow-y bronzer from Chanel, I want more color these days. Well, color me lucky because this beauty recently arrived on my doorstep and I am smitten.

I’ve been using shade The High Dive (the medium shade – also a lighter tan and dark available) with this brush – not designed for each other but I like the wide natural layering of color it gives. I make the shape of a 3 on each side of my face, ensuring color hits my temples, below my cheekbones and below my jawline. I also sometimes swipe down sides of my nose with a finger to give a more chiseled appearance.

The formula is packed with antiaging ingredients like bareMinerals’ proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral™ Complex with antioxidants and cold-pressed carrot oil. I find the finish fairly balanced – not too matte and not too glow-y – with a silky, buildable texture that lasts.

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.

Best Bronzers

Despite my incessant application of SPF this summer, I still have a little color on my face. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need the help of a little bronzer. I am committed to the belief that we can have that golden summer glow without baking unprotected for hours on end in the sun. These three have been champs getting me sun-kissed.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is the gold standard. You are sure to find a perfect match with eight available shades. Go ahead and invest in a timeless classic.
M·A·C Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze is just what I’ve been looking for. The finish allows you to contour (shimmer isn’t well suited for this). And the color is perfectly balanced on me.
Benefit Dallas Face Powder has a rosy undertone. It looks so natural because it has that tiniest bit of flush, making it look like you’ve just stepped from an afternoon outdoors. Plus, this shade is nice and subtle for those who prefer a lighter hand.