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Sabrina

Base Makeup

Natural Coverage Bases That Look Like Skin But Better

April 21, 2018

Natural Looking Foundations Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Perfector, Sunday Riley Influencer Foundation, Erborian BB Creme and CC Creme, NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, Sisley Tinted Sunscreen Cream | The Beauty Look Book

By popular request I have a roundup review of some natural glowy bases that look like skin but better. Even though the full coverage matte finish base has been very much on trend, fresh looking skin is still very much in! I’m rounding up some of the new ones I’ve tested alongside favorites from NARS, Sunday Riley, Sisley, Make Up For Ever and Erborian. I’ve included a few glow primers and bases in this post that go along with a few of the brands I’ve mentioned. At the end I’ll do my best to give you the bottom line of what I recommend depending on your skin type and what you’re looking for. Face swatches of a few of the bases and also side-by-side arm swatches at the bottom of this post.

Sunday Riley

Up first is the Sunday Riley The Influencer Clean Long Wear Foundation ($42 for 1.08 oz/32 ml). This is a very natural looking foundation that looks like fresh skin. On me it blurs out all my pores, smooths the skin, looks fresh and radiant. There is a noticeable glow so I absolutely recommend setting with a powder. It lasts all day on me but it’s not transfer resistant – if you touch your face some will come off a little. I personally love this one. My match right now is 190, but I ordered 3 shades sight unseen in 180, 190 and 200.

Sunday Riley The Influencer Foundation 180, 190 and 200 review + swatches

Why I love this one: It blends in seamlessly into the skin, even on bare skin. I find it works best if I apply with a beautyblender sponge but fingers work as well. I took a quick look at the customer reviews at Sephora and it appears to be hit or miss. I feel like those who find it a miss either couldn’t find a good color match, are most likely using a moisturizer/primer that is not compatible with this formula or do not like the ingredients. It has silicones and dimethicone very high on the list. After wearing this for around 4 days I find that I really love the wear and look.

Below bare skin vs. Sunday Riley The Influencer Foundation 190 on the face. I don’t have any added concealer or powder with any of the face swatches. I did do my eyes and lips with Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quads Nude Dip + Cocoa Mirage Eye Shadow Quad, Benefit BADgirl BANG Mascara, Diorshow Brow Styler in Universal Brown, MAC Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare and MAC Lustre Lipstick in Patisserie.

Coverage is sheer to medium. I personally need to add concealer and powder for sure, but below you can see the base worn on it’s own to get a sense of how much I was able to build. It covers redness and also evens out the skin in a natural looking way. Two pumps cover my entire face.

Sunday Riley The Influencer Foundation 190 swatched

Erborian

I’ve been playing around with Erborian Korean Skin products for several months now. I discovered the CC Creme and BB Creme back in December while in Miami. Over the years so many of you have asked for CC Creme and BB Creme recommendations and I never have any to give because I actually don’t like those formulas. I find them often too thick, too pink in undertone and tacky-feeling on my combination skin. The ones from Erborian are the first ones I’ve ever truly liked.

Erborian BB Creme, CC Creme, Glow Cream and Pink Perfect Creme review + swatches

The Erborian CC Creme is a white colored cream that adjusts to match your skintone once you blend. It can be used as a color-correcting primer but I find I can use it on it’s own. I use the Regular Shade (there are only 2 at the moment). It gives the skin a fresh dewy glow and evens out the skin and adds brightness. It is hydrating but not thick or heavy.

The Erborian BB Creme in Dore is something they call having a baby skin effect. To me it does give the softness of baby skin but with an added glow. There are three shades with this and even though it does seem to have medium coverage the color is quite forgiving when you blend it out. I absolutely feel application with a good sponge is essential with this one, otherwise it can look blotchy or streaky. It’s not a high maintenance application product, but with any base I feel less is more. You can get an even application with a sponge, use a little then layer if you need more.

The Glow Creme is something I’ve been using on and off as a primer or a highlighter on top of bases. I like it a lot but it’s not 100% love because it has a pinkish undertone which I don’t always want. I feel this is best for dry skin, if you have oily skin this may make you look too shiny. The blurring effect is minimal, I find the glow adds radiance and combats dull/sallow looking skin.

The Pink Perfect Creme completely blew me away. I resisted as I do not like anything pink for my face as I’m olive/yellow/golden. This is a great blurring primer that smooths the skin with a semi matte finish. The pink adds a very subtle glow to the skin. It helps minimize my pores, but as you can see from the bare skin photo my pores are on the small side. It is very lightweight in finish.

All the Erborian products are scented, but it’s not overpowering and it did not irritate my skin.

On the face wearing the CC Creme which is just a tiny bit too dark for me right now. The BB Creme in Dore is a perfect match once blended out even though when swatched it looks pink/peach. Wearing the same eye and lip makeup as listed above. Both photos I just have the base on, no powder or concealer.

Erborian CC Creme and BB Creme swatches

YSL, NARS and Make Up For Ever

YSL Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow, NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Perfector

Next are some other natural glowy bases that look like skin from YSL, NARS and Make Up For Ever. The YSL Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow is a great radiant base for normal to dry skin. Although I’m more combination, this winter/spring we’ve had incredibly dry weather here so this has been perfect for me. I use Shade B40, you can see the full review + what it looks like on the face in this post here.

The NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint is the best natural base with a soft velvety matte tint. It doesn’t look overly matte, it’s what I want in a tinted moisturizer look but without the glow or dewy feel. I am often in between shades Groenland and St. Moritz, right now I’m St. Moritz exactly. Coverage is very natural looking like skin and easy to build. This is probably my favorite natural looking base for everyday.

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer was one of my favorites when I lived in San Diego. There the climate is mild year round and this gives the skin beautiful coverage and hydration without looking shiny, heavy or sliding off. In South Florida this is too dewy for most of the year as we have humid climate. I still use this on and off. I’m in the same shades as the other lines and alternate between Groenland and St. Moritz.

I wanted to briefly mention that the Radiance Primer is excellent for NARS bases. I often think you should use the same brand of primer and foundation – they’re designed to work with the products they formulate within the line. The color of this one is soft and peachy which I love. It blends out to a clear finish but having that subtle radiance makes a difference on me.

Make Up For Ever has some great bases. Their Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation and Stick Foundation are holy grails in my book. I was really excited to try the new Ultra HD Perfector and found my best match was Shade 7. I like but don’t love this. It’s great for a fresh dewy look if you don’t need a lot of coverage or color. It definitely looks like my skin but better. I don’t love it because it’s a little too sheer and a little too hydrating for my taste. It does last on me without sliding off. I set with a powder to tone down the dew. I think it can work great as a first layer of base and then add a fuller coverage base on areas.

 

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Perfector Shade 7 and NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint St. Moritz swatches

Sisley-Paris

Last but not least are some loves from Sisley. I’ve been so impressed with everything I’ve tried from the line. I wanted to mention three things. The Instant Eclat Instant Glow Primer is my favorite glow base out of all the ones I’ve ever tried. It comes with a hefty price tag but I bought this and find it’s 100% worth the splurge. I love that the color isn’t too pink or iridescent. It adds a very soft glow to the skin. I do find that the Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow or Wonder Glow can do similar things, just with a different color or level of shimmer at a cheaper price. But the Sisley is the best.

Sisley Favorites Instant Eclat, Double Tenseur, Tinted Sunscreen Cream

The Double Tenseur is another popular primer. It smooths out the skin and helps foundation apply and adhere better to the face without feeling silicone-like, thick or heavy. I love that it’s clear so I don’t have to worry about my face changing color or looking too white. It looks like second skin and smooths the surface of your skin.

The Sisley Tinted Sunscreen Cream is one of the best tinted creams I’ve ever tried. It cost a small fortune but I was really happy with the purchase. The only downside is the shade selection is extremely limited. In the swatch you’ll see below Golden 2 looks light, but once I apply it, it will adjust to my skin tone without oxidizing. I know this sounds like a contradiction, but it warms up without darkening.

Swatches

Swatches of the bases I mentioned alongside a few others:

Foundation Base Swatches from Erborian, NARS, Sisley, Sunday Riley, YSL

Swatches of the glow primers alongside some other options. Note that once you blend these most of the colors sheer out a lot on the skin. The Bobbi Brown Golden Glow Extra Balm reviewed here.

Glow Primer Bases from Bobbi Brown, NARS, Erborian, Sisley, Charlotte Tilbury

Natural Looking Foundations Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Perfector, Sunday Riley Influencer Foundation, Erborian BB Creme and CC Creme, NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, Sisley Tinted Sunscreen Cream | The Beauty Look Book

Final thoughts

That rounds up my Natural Bases That Look Like Skin But Better post! I hope this helped you in case you were wondering about some of the new launches. Finding one that works for you is going to depend on your skin tone, skin type and coverage needs.

If you need more coverage products, you can read some of my other base reviews by clicking the Base Makeup tag. A few full coverage formulas I love include the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion, Tom Ford Waterproof, NARS Natural Radiant (many reviewed here). My favorite setting powders in this post here.

You can find the products listed at retailers below:

If you are shopping at Sephora, don’t forget to use your promo code:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

I’m doing one last giveaway this month. One person will receive one $100 eGift card to their choice of Nordstrom or Sephora. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older. To enter for a chance to win use the widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Runs through Monday April 23, 2018 (edit, extending to 3:00 PM EST). I contact the winner via e-mail same day. Not sponsored or affiliated! Good luck!

Press samples featured include the Sisley Double Tenseur, Erborian BB Creme and CC Creme. All others purchased by me.

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Hauls Sephora

Sephora Spring Haul Picks

April 20, 2018

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Haul Picks | The Beauty Look Book

I have a mega haul roundup today with my Sephora picks plus an exciting giveaway! If you read my recommendations posts you saw I was mainly planning to stock up on beautyblenders but of course that did not go according to plan. The 15% off for a Rouge Member was too good to pass up and I did two hauls, one in store and the one online. I picked up a few things from each category except for eye makeup. I feel like those Pat McGrath Spring Palettes and the NARSisisst Wanted Eyeshadow Palette really cover everything I need right now! What I bought during the Sephora Spring Bonus Event with some first impressions where applicable. Quick recap on the details:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

Sephora Haul Picks | The Beauty Look Book

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Makeup – Lips

  • Armani Ecstasy Lacquer 100 and 101 – I’ve already tested these and they are a huge miss. Pigment is pretty much non-existant, texture is very thin, I’ve tried others in this formula and they were pretty nice, these are a huge disappointment!
  • Dior Addict Lacquer Stick – 320 Nude Wave is a really pretty pink peach, I have been a huge fan of Underground and Rolling, I was hoping they’d expand the color range and they have!
  • Bite Agave Lip Mask Champagne – This is a repurchase for me! I’ve also swatched Maple for reference.

Haul Armani Ecstasy Lacquer 100, 101, Dior Addict Lacquer Stick New Wave, Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Champagne

Haul Armani Ecstasy Lacquer 100, 101, Dior Addict Lacquer Stick New Wave, Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Champagne and Maple swatches

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Makeup – Face

Sephora Foundation Haul Cover FX Power Play G50, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Perfector 7, Sunday Riley The Influencer Foundation 180, 190, 200, Tarte Tarteguard Powder

Foundation Swatches Cover FX Power Play G50, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Perfector 7, Sunday Riley The Influencer Foundation 180, 190, 200, NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, YSL All-In-One-Glow

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Skincare

Skincare Haul Sephora MILK, La Mer, Summer Fridays, Sephora Collection, Fresh

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Haircare

Aquis Hair Towel, Christophe Robin Volumizing Paste, IGK Mistress Balm

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Other

  • beautyblender BFF Duo – Both are for me, I really should stock up on more of these but they’re so expensive and I already splurged on so much.
  • Benefit BADgal BANG! Mascara – I bought the mini when it launched and really liked it! I repurchased in the regular/full size.
  • Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc – I’ve been talking about this for months. I bought it. I love it. It’s going to be my spring to summer scent.

Benefit Badgal BANG Mascara, Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc and beautyblender BFF duo haul Sephora

I’ve received great feedback on my giveaways and decided to do something different today which I’m really excited about! I feel like if you read this blog there’s a good chance you’re a beauty junkie like me so I’m giving away something to put your makeup in. One person will be selected to win a Louis Vuitton Monogram Cosmetic Pouch (PM size)! The quality and craftsmanship are exceptional and mine have lasted for years! I decided to buy one to giveaway.

To enter for a chance to win, simply follow the instructions in the widget below and perform one of the tasks. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older. Giveaway will run through Tuesday April 24th 11:45 PM EST. I’ll pick one winner at random through the widget within 48 hours after giveaway ends and contact them via e-mail. Selected winner must respond within 48 hours or another person will be selected in their place. Prize will ship within a week with tracking number. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you already shop the Sephora Bonus Event for the Rouge round or are you shopping this weekend for VIB/BI? Let me know what you’re buying!

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER
289 Comments
Becca Highlighters

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Swatches + Review

April 19, 2018

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Review and Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

I’ve loved the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter for years! I still remember the early days of the brand when the line had those beautiful loose shimmering powders, pigmented eyeshadow singles and glowy lip glosses. They had the prettiest pink gold shimmer powder called Gypsy and warm pink called Princess which I wish they’d bring back, but these days they have so many beautiful options you are bound to find one that works for you. The Becca Glow is one of the more intense highlighters on the market. The Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is an ultra soft powder that comes in a number of colors. All the colors are very pigmented, ultra smooth and very soft. This makes the powder in the compacts themselves on the delicate side – it’s not something I’d throw in your purse for touch-ups. If you do carry it with you make sure it’s secured in a cushioned makeup bag.

I’ve found classics to be Opal, Moonstone, Rose Gold and Champagne Pop. I’ve used up entire pans of Opal and Champagne Pop which is huge for me since I own so many highlighters I rarely ever hit pan. I’ve purchased a few other shades and also have received a couple here and there as press samples. It occurred to me that I hadn’t done a comprehensive roundup and so I stopped by several different Sephora stores during the Spring Bonus Event and bought all the other shades I could find. Do note that you won’t find all the colors at Sephora. Some are Ulta Exclusives and a couple are exclusive to Becca’s Website. I don’t have all the shade options swatched today, I’m missing Prosecco Pop (I did swatch it from a palette here), Golden Mint and Parisian Lights, but I do have most of them!

In terms of application the highlight can be pretty intense but the formula is soft and easy to layer and blend. You can use them anywhere you want a highlight, on the cheeks or eyes. I find them versatile for both. Since they are intense I like to use a loose fluffy brush to apply. For me I prefer one that is really soft. My favorites are the Wayne Goss Brush 14 (also in The Face Set), Laura Mercier Fan Brush, MAC 137S or Chanel Foundation Blending Brush (it’s essentially like the MAC skunk brush but fluffier/less dense).

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Onto the colors, I’ve split the 15 colors I now own into 3 categories so you can see the shimmer/colors better up close. First set includes lighter champagnes and white shimmers.

Pearl, Moonstone, Vanilla Quartz, Champagne Pop and Opal

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Pearl, Moonstone, Vanilla Quartz, Champagne Pop and Opal review + swatches

Color descriptions and swatches:

  • Pearl is a glowy white pearl shimmer
  • Opal is a champagne pink beige shimmer
  • Moonstone is a soft light gold beige shimmer
  • Champagne Pop is a classic champagne gold shimmer
  • Vanilla Quartz is a duo chrome opal that flashes a hint of pink, note that on my skin it’s hard to see the duo chrome in the swatch below

Pearl, Moonstone, Vanilla Quartz, Champagne Pop and Opal

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Dreamsicle, Topaz, Bronzed Amber, Chocolate Geode and Gradient Glow

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Topaz, Dreamsicle, Bronzed Amber, Chocolate Geode and Gradient Glow swatches

Bronzey shimmers swatches:

  • Dreamsicle is the newest, it’s a soft tangerine + gold swirl, on me this looks very orange on the cheeks, it looks amazing on the eyes thought!
  • Topaz is a coppery bronze pearl
  • Bronzed Amber (found this at Ulta) is one of the least shimmery colors, it has a velvety sheen and is a warm soft bronze amber
  • Chocolate Geode is also one of the newer ones, the beauty world needs more medium to deep highlighters like this one! It’s a shimmering bronze, swatches darker on the arm than on the face (scroll down for beauty looks)
  • Gradient Glow (also an Ulta exclusive) is a mix of Bronzed Amber, Moonstone, Opal, Rose Gold and Topaz pressed together in stripes. Swirl them together and you get a really pretty color!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Topaz, Dreamsicle, Bronzed Amber, Chocolate Geode and Gradient Glow swatches

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Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Prismatic Amethyst, Rose Gold and Lilac Geode

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Prismatic Amethyst, Rose Gold and Lilac Geode

Pink tones and swatches:

  • Rose Quartz is one I never knew existed! I thought for sure it would be way too pale for me but it’s actually a very wearable pale cool pink shimmer
  • Prismatic Amethyst is pale lavender with a hint of soft pink gold shimmer
  • Smoky Quartz (available on Becca’s website) is a shimmering mauve with taupe undertones
  • Lilac Geode (available at Ulta) is a a pale pink lilac gold
  • Rose Gold is a medium rose peach shimmer

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Prismatic Amethyst, Rose Gold and Lilac Geode

I swatched a few on the face. As always I don’t usually wear highlighter alone on the cheeks. I typically layer on top of blush or bronzer but I swatch them alone on the cheeks so you can see the true color. Also wearing below:

Highlighter Colors worn:

  • Top Row: Champagne Pop and Dreamsicle
  • Second Row: Chocolate Geode and Rose Gold
  • Bottom Row: Rose Quartz

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector swatches + beauty looks

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Review and Swatches of Vanilla Quartz, Pearl, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Opal, Champagne Pop, Rose Gold, Topaz, Chocolate Geode, Smoky Quartz, Bronzed Amber, Dreamsicle, Lilac Geode, Prismatic Amethyst, Gradient Glow via The Beauty Look Book

Overall thoughts and a few comparison notes to other highlighter options. I think the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighters are some of the prettiest ones out there. Texture-wise they can be on the soft side so some may be more delicate than other brands. Shimmer factor is medium to high but easy to diffuse or intensify. Lasting power is excellent. There is a wide range of shades but if you’re medium skin toned like me some of the lighter options may look really similar on you. Whether or not these are must-haves really depends on what you already own. We live in a world saturated with highlighters and they keep on coming. I do think the quality, texture, pigment and finish are excellent with the Becca ones. If you own a ton you may want to shop your stash.

On me these don’t emphasize pores or texture but your mileage may vary depending on your skin type. I think with highlighters blending is key to smooth out any harsh edges.

My top picks are Rose Gold, Opal, Smoky Quartz and Champagne Pop. If you want a more trendy duo chrome kind of shimmer opt for their Light Chaser Highlighters (reviewed here when I was super tan!). Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits have a more intense frost and shine. If you want something more natural looking with less shimmer I’d recommend you try the NARS Highlighting Powders or Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duos. If you like the shimmer and sheen of the Becca Highlighters but want more color (versus shimmer) their Shimmering Skin Perfector Blushes are some of the most glowy pigmented blushes I’ve ever tried. If you’ve been interested in these but don’t have a counter or store near you I hope these swatches help you!

You can find the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighters at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom and Becca Cosmetics.

If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider there will be another round of their Spring Beauty Event coming up this week! The dates, details and codes for the Sephora Spring Bonus Event Round 2:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

I’ll have my Sephora haul on the blog tomorrow 🙂 And to continue the spirit of giving back I’m doing a few more giveaways this week! One person will be selected to win 3 Becca items including the Iconic Trio Set, Ocean Jewels Highlighter Palette and Ocean Jewels Eyeshadow Palette. Open internationally to anyone 18 years or older. Simply enter through the widget below. Runs through 4/20/2018 11:45 PM EST. One winner will be selected within 48 hours after giveaway ends and contacted via email by me. They must respond/confirm within 48 hours or another winner will be selected in their place. Prizes are shipped within a week. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Press samples of highlighter include Vanilla Quartz, Prismatic Amethyst, and Gradient Glow. All other shades purchased by me.

102 Comments
L'Occitane Skincare

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Collection Favorites

April 18, 2018

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Skincare Collection for Glowing Skin

The L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Collection has been a long-time go-to for me in skincare. I’ve used their Immortelle Divine Youth Oil for years and have been thrilled every time I learn they have expanded the collection. As much as I love switching up skincare and trying new things I find that the Immortelle Divine Youth Oil and Immortelle Divine Cream are among my top picks for glowing radiant skin. I reviewed some new additions last fall. I’ve continued to use the collection in my regular skincare routine and have since had a chance to try a couple more things. Today I’m teaming up with L’Occitane to share a few favorites along with two new discoveries.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes vs Divine Eye Balm

For the eyes I’ve really liked the Immortelle Divine Eyes for a gentle lightweight eye treatment. It’s like a lotion so it doesn’t feel heavy and is nice to wear for the day. For me it does a really nice job at reducing puffiness. It helps smooth out any fine lines and is gently hydrating. I also like that it doesn’t run or sting the eyes and the fact that it comes with a nice pump dispenser. I’ve recently started testing the Immortelle Divine Eye Balm which is richer and offers more hydration. I love this one at night.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes vs Divine Eye Balm

For cleansers I’ve already used up several bottles of the Immortelle Divine Foaming Cleanser. It’s a nice gentle everyday cleanser that leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. Many of you have asked for makeup remover recommendations and I like their Immortelle Oil Make-Up Remover for a gentle cleansing oil, but their Immortelle Cleansing Balm is my absolute favorite. It’s a balm-in-oil that melts once you massage it into dry skin. It removes all traces of face makeup and has moisturizing properties so your skin doesn’t feel stripped. I often use this as a first step cleanser instead of a cleansing oil. The solid/gel balm is less runny than a traditional cleansing oil and easier for me to use.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

Last I’ve added the Immortelle Divine Serum into my routine. I had just been using the Cream during the day and Oil at night. Adding a serum is a step I usually neglect but it really makes a huge difference in helping the skin absorb moisturizer better. This Immortelle Divine Serum is a concentrated formula with immortelle essential oil. It’s soft and dries to a soft velvety finish. For my skin I’ve started to develop fine lines and I feel like this serum really helps soften them and firms up the skin on my forehead and chin area. You can use this in conjunction with both the cream or oil.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Youth Serum, Youth Oil and Cream

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Skincare Collection

If I could recommend just one thing, it would be the Immortelle Divine Youth Oil. I love using it at night. It’s one of my favorites for dry skin and it absorbs nicely into the skin so it doesn’t feel heavy. I’m also really smitten with their eye care products. Eye creams and balms are something I often neglect because I find most too heavy, these absorb nicely into the skin without feeling heavy. They have just the right amount of moisture to hydrate the skin and soften fine lines. Bottom line a solid go-to for my regular skincare routine. I can’t wait to see what new launches they add to the line!

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Skincare Collection

A few other L’Occitane favorites I swear by:

What are your favorites from L’Occitane? Have you tried anything from the Immortelle Divine collection yet?

Post created in partnership and sponsored by L’Occitane.

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Base Makeup Cover FX

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review + Swatches

April 16, 2018

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches

The Cover FX Power Play Foundation recently launched in 40 shades with an impressive color range! These run at $44 each for 1.18 oz/35 ml. I’ve always been really impressed with the color range and options that Cover FX has but most of their base formulas have been a little too opaque for my preference. The new Cover FX Power Play Foundation is what I wanted the Marc Jacobs Shameless formula to be (the Marc Jacobs was too difficult for me to work with). This new formula has buildable full coverage, a matte finish and is great for combination to oily skin. It is very opaque and a little will go a long way – since it is opaque I found it best to apply with a damp beauty blender in a dabbing and blending motion.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches

These come in square shaped squeeze bottles. It’s easy to dispense although I find I do need to give the bottle a very thorough shake upside down. Application and coverage is full but you can blend it out with a sponge. Lasting power is pretty impressive but you absolutely need to set with a powder. (I like their Perfect Setting Powder in Light Medium or the Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder.) In terms of application I do think you need to wear a good primer with it. “Good” in the sense that you find a formula that is compatible with this base. I’ll have a post on primers soon. I usually don’t write about them because finding the right one really depends on your skincare and foundation. Some formulas like oil-based vs. oil-free vs. ones with silicone vs. silicone-free don’t mix well together. Finding the right combination depends on so much like your skin type, skin care and foundation formulas. For the Cover FX Power Play I’ve found their Illuminating Primer or the Tatcha Silk Canvas work the best for me.

Color range is very wide with options for a lot of skin tones. I’m in between shades but since moving to Florida I’ve found I’m almost always in between shades. I tan very easily and my skin tone can change or shift on a weekly basis. I try to stay covered and always wear sunscreen but living in South Florida there is no avoiding the sun. I received G10, G20, G30, G40 and G+40 as press samples. G40 was the closest match but a tiny bit too light. I went to my local Sephora and tried G50, G+50 and N50. I opted for G50 which you’ll see in the swatches below is kind of a bit jump from the 40s. I mix G40 and G50 (the ones with the G+ are more olive while the G is more golden).

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches G10, G20, G30, G40, G+40 and G50

For those who aren’t my skin tone, they have a pretty good guide online Sephora and their website. I have found in their other formulas I’ve usually been in the 30-40 range. It has been a while since I last checked their foundations but the Power Play seems to run a tiny bit lighter.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Chart

First, find your undertone (underlying skin tone):
– P = Pink (a rosy, cooler hue)
– N = Neutral (equal parts of pink and golden)
– G = Golden (a yellow, warmer hue)
– G+ = Golden Olive (warmer and more olive than G shades)

Next, find your shade range (Light to Deep)
– 0-20: Fair
– 25-40: Light
– 50-60: Medium
– 70-85: Medium Deep
– 90-100: Deep
– 110-125: Extra Deep

Swatches:

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches G10, G20, G30, G40, G+40 and G50

Bare skin on the left vs. G40 and G50 mixed and applied on the right (just the foundation, no concealer or powder added), on the right also wearing Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip in Whip. As you can see below the foundation by itself has no flashback and it has a modern-matte finish. It’s matte but not flat looking, yay! Coverage is pretty full – you can still see some of my freckles and sun spots show through but the base by itself covers them really well. Skin is evened out and redness is covered with the Power Play.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation G40 and G50 mixed

Swatch comparisons to the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation in Natural 4, Natural 4.25, Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 3W1 Tawny, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC25, NC30, NC35 and NC37. I would say my closest MAC matches right now are NC25 and NC37 mixed (see, I’m always mixing!). On me the MAC liquid foundation in this particular formula oxidizes on my skin. I’m not sure what color I am in the Studio Fix powder foundation but I know the shades run slightly different among formulas. It’s been at least 5-6 years since I tried it (original powder-foundation formula gave me a severe allergic reaction). The Bobbi Brown is one of the few formulas that does not oxidize on me at all. My best match is Natural Tan 4.25 (review soon).

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Foundation, Estee Lauder Double Wear, MAC Studio Fix Fluid vs Cover FX Power Play Foundation swatches

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches

Bottom line: a great base for combination to oily skin. It has a matte finish but definitely not a flat matte. Finish is very opaque but you can blend it easily. For me application looks best if I apply with a damp beauty blender and blend/apply quickly. Lasting power is good on my skin type and I have high hopes it’s going to be one that holds up in Florida humidity. I didn’t see any flashback and there was no irritation on my skin. Full ingredient listed online at Sephora. But I’ve copied/pasted them below:

Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Triolein, Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chloride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Dioleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Alcohol, Methicone, Dimethiconol, Alteromonas Ferment Extract. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Ci 77491), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

You can find the Cover FX Power Play foundation out now. Available at Sephora and Cover FX.

Press samples featured include the Cover FX Power Play G10 through G+40 and the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Foundation.

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Lips NARS

NARS Velvet Lip Glides Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and MARS

April 15, 2018

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review + swatches

NARS lip lovers rejoice because there are five new shades of NARS Velvet Lip Glides ($26 each for 0.2 oz/ 5.9 mL). The colors include Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars. I ordered all sight unseen since the online stock swatches seemed to in the same color family as Bound which I think is one of the best neutral mauves. The colors indeed are all in the neutral category and are beautiful additions to the current lineup. If you love Bound I think you’re definitely going to like at least a few of the new launches.

Colors include non-shimmers. As with all the other Velvet Lip Glides the formula is smooth, lightweight, almost whipped feeling and has medium but buildable natural looking coverage. These aren’t as opaque or matte as the Power Matte Lip Pigments. The NARS Velvet Lip Glides have a soft velvety finish with a tiny bit of sheen. Lasting power is like a regular lipstick, you’re going to have to reapply every few hours or anytime you drink or eat something, but I like that the formula is soft and weightless and non-drying.

  • Swing neutral soft rose peach
  • Roseland medium pink
  • Xenon neutral medium pink brown
  • Paradise Garage dusty mauve with plum
  • Mars dusty neutral brown

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review + swatches

Swatches:

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars swatches via The Beauty Look Book

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review via The Beauty Look BookLip swatches, as always done on bare lips, Bound added since the last time I swatched it on the blog I was probably a different skin tone:

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars lip swatches via The Beauty Look Book

Swatch comparisons to Stripped, Bound, Unlaced, Suck and Playpen. Previous review + more swatches here.

NARS Velvet Lip Glide Swatch Comparisons via The Beauty Look Book

Swatch comparisons Set 2 to the Ulta x NARS Mini Velvet Lip Glide Set reviewed here. Colors include Night Together, Rapture, Staying Alive, Californication, Immoral and Burning Love. All reviewed + swatched in this post here.

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review + swatches

Bottom line love and well worth the splurge sight unseen. My favorite color is still Bound, but from the new colors I’m smitten with Xenon and Roseland. If you like soft neutrals that are easy to wear for everyday there are a few options in this lineup that are great. In the event that you want more pigment or shine you can check out the Neutral Lip Testing post I did last summer with some swatches of other great formulas including the Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick (Whip and Chutney are the best colors), NARS Power Matte Lip Pigments and Anastasia Lip Gloss to name a few.

You can find the new NARS Velvet Lip Glide shades at Sephora, Nordstrom and NARS Cosmetics right now. If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider don’t forget to use your code for their Spring Bonus Event! Details below:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/13 through 4/16 and 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

Do you like the Velvet Lip Glide formula? What shades have you tried?

I’m hosting another giveaway and more to come later this week! For this one I’m giving away one $50 eGift Card to Sephora. It will run through 4/16/2018 at 10:00 AM EST. ONE winner will be selected via the widget below and contacted by me via e-mail same day giveaway ends, they must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected in their place. Prize shipped out within the same week. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Sephora

Sephora Spring Bonus Event Recommendations Part 2

April 13, 2018

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Recommendations 2018

Today I have my top picks to recommend in makeup for the Sephora Spring Bonus Event which starts today! To recap the dates, details and codes:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/13 through 4/16 and 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

My favorites and recommendations by makeup category below with links to previous reviews and swatches where applicable. Press samples mentioned have a * next to them. Some items I haven’t had a chance to review yet but hope to soon.

Bases and Foundations:

Cheeks and Complexion:

Eye Makeup:

Lips:

  • NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound is the best neutral-mauve that I’ve found, there are also 5 new shades in Xenon, Paradise Garage, Mars, Roseland and Swing which I ordered sight unseen and started playing with yesterday (review soon but spoiler alert is Bound is still the best one in my opinion)
  • NARS Audacious Lipstick in Barbara is one of the best everyday neutrals I own, I’ve used up two tubes since the formula was first launched years ago (swatch here)
  • Tom Ford Lip Colors are 100% worth the splurge, and since they never go on sale, the Sephora event is the best time to save! Color shown is Pink Dusk is shown, I also love Bad Lieutenant and Sugar Glider (swatch here), Indian Rose is probably the best wearable medium neutral that isn’t too light or dark (shown here)
  • Pat McGrath LuxeTrance Lipstick in Realness (swatches of more shades here)
  • Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balms are must-haves, my favorite is Coral but there are new shades that launched this year which are stunning! (all shades reviewed here)
  • Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick * has a super opaque long-lasting creamy formula, I still hate the price tag, but as I’ve mentioned before the formula is excellent (all shades swatched here)
  • YSL Volupte Liquid Color Balm is the most pigmented tinted balm I’ve tried, I can’t pick a favorite color, they’re all really pretty! (my picks swatched here)

Whew! I feel like this is quite an extensive list! If I had to narrow it down to just 5 of my top recommendations in makeup, they would be the Pat McGrath Eyeshadow Palettes (any of them), Natasha Denona Diamond Blush Palette in Citrus, Dior Addict Lip Glow (any shade), Tom Ford Lip Color in Indian Rose and NARS Highlighting Powder in Fort de France.

Some of you have asked what I’m shopping for. I’m pretty well stocked but will most definitely be getting some beautyblenders. I tried to find cheaper dupes and after testing several other brands found that the beautyblender is still the best one (let me know if you want a full review). I also have some foundations on my list that I want to check out in store to see if I can find a match. I’m almost out of shampoo and conditioner so I’ll probably stock up on a few favorites. Finally I’m about to hit pan on my La Mer Pressed powder so I may buy another one. I really love the formula but the price is such a big ouch!

I’ll share my haul in the next week! What’s on your shopping list? Are you going in store or shopping online? I really just want to do an online haul but I really should try to get foundation matches in store rather than guess my shade!

 

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