Shown above: macarons picked up from one of my favorites Bottega Louie, home-made Nespresso with the Pixie, mugs part of the VertuoLine set, on the nails Marc Jacobs Daisy (reviewed), Fresh Sugar Nude (swatched), March 2015 issue of Vogue
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I’ll be attending The Makeup Show LA today for the first time even though this year marks the 7th year they have been on the West Coat. Stay tuned for a full recap of my experience. In the meantime I have a few reads that I’ve been loving this past week that I wanted to share.
Café Makeup reviews and compares the new Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder in Indiscretion to the previously released Spellbound
British Beauty Blogger has a preview of Chanel Les Beiges coming out this summer, I need one of everything please!
I have major envy of this beautifully edited and well organized makeup desktop on Tamira Jarrel (formerly Lipstick With Some Sunshine)
The RaeViewer has a gorgeous tutorial on how to use the MAC Nordstrom Naturals x15 palette
It’s been a while since I bought something from Clinique but the Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush looks utterly gorgeous on Temptalia
Beauty Professor has 6 shades of Burberry Kisses swatched and reviewed
I love using Instagram as a way to keep up with my favorite reads in beauty, fashion, travel and more. A few that I’ve been loving:
@theglowedit Kate Rooney has some of the most gorgeous beauty images filled with amazing marble backgrounds, Jo Malone, Tom Ford Byredo, and much more
Dior recently released their Eye Reviver Eyeshadow Palette ($62 for 9.4 g/0.33 oz, made in France). This is a new 6-pan palette featuring a mix of soft neutrals and one gel-cream eyeliner. It’s described as an illuminating eye palette that contains what Dior calls “Glow-Mimetics technology” which brighten the eyes with a radiance-boosting effect. I briefly featured this in my Trending Now: Spring Neutrals post earlier in the month. I’ve been playing with this for a weeks now, experimenting with different application techniques and layering methods.
The Eye Reviver Palette contains a mix of very soft neutrals. Although some of the colors look very shimmery in the pan, on the lids, the shimmer becomes diffused and very soft. Many have commented on my eyeshadow palette posts that the market has no options for the beauty lover looking for something in between pure mattes and high-frost shimmers. I personally like a good shimmer (as long as it’s not overly glitzy or glittery), but I know several do not like shimmer at all. This is a good in-between option.
The colors left to right include a soft light beige-peach cream, a light-to-medium beige, medium soft fawn satin, shimmery taupe-mauve, shimmery brown plum and a soft black gel liner. The gel liner is a good one, it’s a soft black that you can build easily and on my eyes it doesn’t smudge or bleed once you let it sit. It helps to go back over the gel liner with the darkest shadow to intensify the color and help it set on the eyes.
The first time I put this on my eyes, I was a bit disappointed with the sheerness of the colors but this is mainly because the first three colors are close to my natural skintone. After playing with this I found that it requires a bit of layering and a good creamy base (I am obsessed with Edward Bess Eye Illuminating Base). For me if palettes contain satiny light colors that are close to my skin tone, I usually need to start with the medium/middle shades first, then blend and layer the lighter ones on top. Sometimes layering light to dark works, but in this case, for me, I needed to mix things up. The result is a very soft neutral eye. You can layer the shimmery mauve and brown colors for more intensity to build up color. If you use a good base the colors layer nicely with medium but buildable pigment. The result is a soft and glowy eye look that you can intensify by applying the darker shimmery colors with a damp brush.
If you’re new to applying eyeshadow or need one that is difficult to overdo, this is it.
Here’s a quick comparison to the Urban Decay Naked2 Basics (one of the very few all-matte palettes I like and use, I liked it enough to get a backup even though I don’t think it’s limited-edition):
Bottom line: it’s a good basic palette that will define and illuminate the eyes in a natural way. Given the fact that the colors are neutrals, you may find it too similar to other colors, especially if you have the MAC x15 Cool Neutral Palette, Urban Decay Naked 2 (1, 2 or 3 swatched here) or a multitude of neutral single colors. That being said, there is a nice simplicity to this palette. Having an edited selection of shades makes it where you don’t have to worry about how to coordinate colors. Each color layered together will work to give you a soft gradient of an eye look with little to no effort.
After testing this for a few weeks, I personally don’t find this to be a must-have for me mainly because I already own a lot of eyeshadow palettes and also because I like a bit more contrast in my shadows. I think the MAC x15 palettes and Urban Decay Naked series will give you more bang for your buck in the sense that you will be able to create a wider range of eye looks. That being said this is a beautiful no-fuss set of neutrals that is soft enough for a conservative office environment.
The week is flying by so quickly, I can’t believe it’s almost Friday. I picked up a couple new fragrances that have been on my wish list for ages. I picked up the small bottle of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel in Beige and Byredo Black Saffron (reviews coming in the next few weeks). Also new acquisitions are MAC Cremesheen Pearl Lipsticks in Shanghai Spice and Peach Blossom, both repurchases of lipsticks I used up a while ago. MAC lipsticks usually dry out my lips but I still can’t stop using them because some of the neutrals are really good.
The Le Volume de Chanel Mascara is a long-time favorite. I just found out they released a waterproof version so I ordered it. So far I’m really liking it and I hope they release more colors in the waterproof or bring back the Navy Blue one because as far as colored mascaras go, that one was my favorite.
Also on the lips this week are Chanel Glossimer in Seashell and YSL Pop Water Glossy Stains (swatches and review here). For cheeks I still can’t get over how much I love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light (also in a palette form). I’m going to call this one my never-ending bronzer. I use it a lot and still haven’t made a dent. It will probably last me forever.
Non-beauty related is my love for these rimless aviators (more colors here). It’s virtually impossible for me to find small sunglasses these days when oversized everything is in everywhere. Most of my sunglasses are several years old and it’s rare these days to find smaller frames to fit my face shape and size. These are 59mm and the perfect size for me. I bought them in multiple colors (three to be exact).
Last but not least, I’ve been really liking the Armani Eye Tints (#9 shown above). I am eager to see how the YSL Pop Water Full Metal Shadows compare (still waiting on these to ship, I have a few on backorder).
What are you loving this week? Any new beauty discoveries or staples you’re loving right now?
I think a good toner can make a world of difference in keeping the skin clear and refreshed. This time of year my skin typically goes crazy as the seasons change, however this year right now my skin has actually been getting better, clearer and feels smoother. I attribute this to a few things I’ve switched up in my skincare routine for day and night. I’ll have a roundup of cleansers and moisturizers I’ve been using, but for now today’s focus is on toner.
Today there are so many different types of facial toners on the market, each one has a different purpose. For me I have crazy sensitive skin that will react within seconds to many toners. Others will feel great upon application but then make my skin super oily within minutes. Five I have in rotation all have different purposes. You definitely don’t need more than one toner at a time although I typically have 2-3 toners on hand to rotate depending on how my skin feels.
Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion ($25 for 6.7 fl oz) is my most-repurchased toner. I’ve gone through a few bottles of this one. For me it’s the best everyday kind of toner if your skin is normal. It’s gentle but effective in helping clean the skin after your regular cleanser and there is a very soft exfoliating factor built in. I like that it’s good for my sensitive skin and doesn’t dry the face out or leave a film residue. If your skin is normal/combo or dry there are other toner options from Estee Lauder that you might want to check out. (There’s a gift with purchase online at Nordstrom right now in case you wanted to stock up on some items.)
Ingredients:
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The SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion ($70 for 5 fl oz) is my second most-repurchased toner. This one is on the pricey side but is another good everyday kind of toner. It contains a mix of AHA and Pitera™which is unique to the SK-II skincare products. These help clarify the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells to help prep your skin for moisturizers or serums. This one is very gentle on the face and really works to clear up the skin. I had tiny little bumps on the cheekbones and this helps keep them away. It’s refreshing and it leaves the skin feeling soft. There is a slight moisture feel left on the skin after you apply it but it doesn’t feel like residue. It’s gentle enough that it doesn’t sting the skin even on days when the face is a bit tender.
Chanel recently reformulated their Le Blanc line. I was at the counter buying the new Hydra Beauty Micro Serum and my go-to sales rep said she highly recommended the new Le Blanc Brightening Moisturizing Lotion ($67.50 for fl oz) for my sensitive skin. I have never been able to use any of the Chanel toners in the past without getting tiny little red bumps within minutes, another rep commented she too could not use any of the toners from Chanel but this one was worth trying. I gave it a shot and have been really impressed. I’ve been needing extra help in the brightening area, especially with some acne scars. This one is extremely gentle. It has a texture that is thicker than most traditional toners but still absorbs nicely into the skin with a cotton pad. It helps soothe the face and really does work to help with my acne scars. After using this for a few weeks my skin feels rebalanced and clearer. There is some hydration with this which is perfect for right now as my skin needs moisture and clarifying at the same time.
Ingredients:
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Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner ($26 for 5 fl oz) came highly recommended to me by a rep who doesn’t work for the line. We were discussing face masks and treatments to help with my acne scars. By now my chin and jawline breakouts have almost completely disappeared (it’s 97% there to clear skin) and what I have to fix next is the scars and dark marks. He said hands down the Kate Somerville toner is his favorite and that it’s designed for post-acne scars. I typically don’t like tones for acne-prone or oily skin because I find them too stripping and it ends up sending my skin into overdrive oiliness. This one is alcohol-free and has witch hazel to fight acne-causing bacteria, phytic acid to lighten skin for scars, and aloe to soothe and calm.
After testing this for several weeks I think the upsides are that it really works to calm down the skin, especially if you have redness from irritation. It helped soothe areas that were tender from dry patches and acne. I do think it’s a bit drying on the forehead for me, but it worked really well on other areas of the face. I’ve seen a difference on my cheeks and chin area with this. For toners that brighten the skin and help reduce irriration, I would say it’s a toss up between the Chanel Le Blanc and Kate Somerville Clarifying Toner. The Chanel is better suited for normal to dry skin while the Kate Somerville seems to be clearly for normal to oily skin.
Last but not least is the By Terry Cellularose Hydra-Toner ($65 for 6.8 fl oz). I had used a few samples of this in the past and it comes highly recommended by a few friends. I don’t consider myself a huge fan of rose scented products but I am a big fan of the Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi Serums (review here), Baume de Rose (for lips) and the Cellularose Nutri-Baume (for a face moisturizer on dry skin days). For me to fall in love with those items even with the rose scent says a lot about the products themselves. For me the rose scent in the By Terry line is a soft rose that is wearable and soothing (at least to me). The Cellularose Hydra-Toner is their Clarifying Comfort Toner and it’s the best one to soothe skin over the entire face (not just spots). It’s designed for all skin types and I would say formula-wise this is really truly good for all skin types. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed and glowing and also works to shrink pores and remove any signs of dryness. I do think the rose scent is stronger in this compared to other By Terry products. I cannot use this in the evening because the fragrance interferes with my sleep. This one leaves the skin looking the most dewy/glowy without feeling greasy or any residue.
Ingredients:
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Good toners have helped keep the skin clear and it’s an extra step to help make sure the face is truly clean with subtle exfoliation. All except the By Terry are almost fragrance free, each has a soft clean scent that is very subtle even for my super sensitive nose. If you’re in search of a new toner as we transition seasons, I hope this roundup is helpful. I think using a good toner can really help rebalance and readjust your skin as it reacts to weather changes. Sometimes my skin just gets used to something after using a product for an extended period of time and it becomes less effective so I like to switch things up every so often. For reference, I use all of these with a cotton pad (my favorites are Cle de Peau Beaute and Chanel). In summary:
My everyday go-to toners are Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean and SK-II, these are good for normal sensitive skin that needs daily balancing and clearing
For seasonal transition, brightening and hydration, the Chanel Le Blanc is amazing, I’ve been incorporating this one into my weekly routine and I’ve been really pleased with it, it seems to be suitable for dry skin days but also works to clarify and rebalance, the skin is brightened and looks softer
For acne scars and soothing, the Kate Somerville is really worth looking into, although if you have normal skin, you may not see as much of a difference with this one
For all skintypes, the By Terry Cellularose Hydra-Toner seems the best for oily, dry, and sensitive, it will leave your skin feeling truly refreshed and glowing
Do you have a favorite toner? I would love to hear about your favorites and skin type. Do you use the same one year round or do you switch things up as the seasons change, or even on a weekly basis?
After discovering beautyblenders last year I fell in love and have been using these sponges on a regular basis to blend my foundation and cream-based makeup products. The latest from beauty blender is a small duo called the micro.mini ($17.95 for a pack of 2). These are ultra cute baby-sized sponges designed for detail application like the inner eye corners, brow bones, sides of nose, and cheeks. According to beautyblender, the micro.mini is 1/4 the size of the original version and made of the exact same material. Online reviews are mixed on these, many state that it’s simply too small to even fit in the fingers, but I think the key to using these is to use them damp. When you get these wet they expand and double in size and become more bouncy. The expanded/damp application blends cream products flawlessly and smoothly versus a dry sponge.
I’ve been testing the micro.mini for a few days now and I’m a fan. I really like these for applying makeup under the eye or blending products around the nose. I’m always twisting the full size version when I blend concealer under the eyes to get a more precise blend, the mini is the perfect solution for those tiny areas you want to blend where a sponge is too big but a brush is too detailed. I’m one who doesn’t like to use the same tool for foundation and concealer (I just don’t like mixing two products on one tool), so the micro mini is perfect for me. I know many like tools that are multi-purpose. If you don’t mind using the same sponge for concealer and foundation then this won’t be a necessary tool.
When the micro.mini is dry it’s ultra tiny making it difficult to hold even in small hands or fingers. The best way to use these is damp where they expand to double the size. Below shows the size difference dry vs damp. Even when they are damp they are still small. If you find it slips out of your fingers try squeezing the excess water out with a paper towel. The first couple times I used it I found I needed to dry it more.
The uses are endless with the beautyblender sponges. You can apply product on the face and then blend with the sponge. Or you can mix products on the back of your hand (or makeup palette) and dip the sponge in and then apply to the face. There’s no one method I use for applying concealer. Sometimes I like to dab straight on the face. Other times I’ll apply it to the back of my hand first.
I really like the micro.mini. For someone who like to keep separate tools for concealer and foundation this is perfect. I’ve been one who usually blends concealer with fingers, a clean end of a sponge or a small makeup brush. I find if there is excess foundation on a sponge, the dewiness or luminous texture of the foundation will sometimes dilute or mess up the pigment of concealer if it’s mixed with the same tools. It’s not always a bad thing but sometimes I really want concealer to cover up areas, so using a clean tool is a must for me. The small size of the micro.mini works really well for me for concealer, although I don’t suspect it will be a must-have for all. Some will probably prefer a brush, fingers or just use a regular sponge. They are ultra tiny so I suspect they might be difficult to hold for some (it’s just the right size for me but I have smaller-than-average fingers).
There are multiple uses listed for the mini version which includes contouring and highlighting, but for me I think it’s too small for either of those purposes. I prefer powder for contour and for cream or liquid highlighters I prefer brushes. If you’ve tried these I’d love to hear how you use them.
You can find the micro.mini beautyblenders in packs of two for $17.95 now at Sephora and Nordstrom. Have you tried these yet? What did you think?
The micro.minis were provided as press samples for review consideration.
Rescue Beauty Lounge has released six new beautiful polishes in the Je t’aime, Je’ t’aime! Collection inspired by Ji Baek’s love for Paris (the full story on the Rescue Beauty Lounge blog). I have four of the colors to share today. Each color retails for $20 and they will be available for pre-sale online starting tomorrow, March 24th at 12:00 PM EST through March 26th to those signed up for her newsletter. Available for everyone else starting April.
The four colors, are as usual, are true to Rescue Beauty Lounge’s style which is edgy perfection. I’ve mentioned this before, but Ji Baek is a true innovator when it comes to mixing up unique colors. She’s done it yet again with beautiful shades for spring. I can’t wait to see the other two that are part of her collection (to be released mid-April).
Close ups and swatches of each color:
C’Est Tout is a metallic green grey silvery color. It’s a complex color that flashes different colors depending on how the light hits it. This one is my favorite of the bunch. It reminds me of Chanel Black Pearl but with more silver and grey and it’s more metallic.
From Rescue Beauty Lounge:
This color is a rivalry between gunmetal and green, for sometimes it appears to be a dark gray with blue undertones and in another moment, you will see a green with micro shimmers of pink, blue, and gold. If you are ever asked, “Avec Ça?” You should answer with a resounding, “That’s all!”
Bonne Journee is an ultra-girly pink. It has a slight jelly finish where the pearl looks like it’s suspended in a gel-like polish. It flashes bright pink, silver, a bit of blue. It’s extremely unique. Brush strokes are visible but can be smoothed out with a second coat. You do need to apply this one slowly to get smooth coverage.
From Rescue Beauty Lounge:
Have a good day is how we should all take leave of anyone—this is a happy rose pink with blue undertones and a hint of copper. The shimmery satin finish will put a smile on your face and spread happiness because it works with all sorts of skin colors. This formula just glides on. Pink has never been this good.
Pardonne Moi is a deep blue metallic. There is a brightness to it which gives it life and prevents it from looking navy on the nails. There is a soft pearly quality which gives it a bit of softness even though it’s a sharp blue metallic.
From Rescue Beauty Lounge:
This phrase somehow sounds more chic than “excuse me” when you’re bumping into people in the market. This color is a satin finish of an exceptional indigo, blue overcast with iris purple. Flashes of a beautifully generous shimmer gleams with stunning sparkles.
Last but not least is Ah, Oui which is a periwinkle cream. This one has the most smooth finish being a cream without any shimmer. It’s very bright but has enough blue in it so it doesn’t look lilac or pastel on the hands. I think this one will be fun on the toes for spring-to-summer.
From Rescue Beauty Lounge:
“Ah, yes?!” Just keep saying this if you don’t understand a thing anyone is saying—I’ve fooled so many peeps saying this while exhaling, “Pfttt!” This color epitomizes Parisian chic. It’s not blue, not purple, not gray; just picture a perfect, cloudless Parisian powdery periwinkle sky. This polish is a glasslike periwinkle cream-jelly (I’ve only a few to go to complete my rainbow of crème jellies), transparent in one coat with an exceptionally smooth application; you can even add another coat on the tips of your nails for an easy gradient effect.
One last shot, all together:
Bottom line love. Rescue Beauty Lounge never fails to release unique polishes. These four are really pretty bright spring to summer colors that are different from the classic corals, pinks or reds (which I love, but sometimes it’s nice to wear something different).
For more swatches on different skin tones and nail shapes, be sure to check out these lovely nail polish and beauty bloggers for their posts. I have major nail envy every time I visit their pages. Their manicures are pristine!
Be sure to sign up for their newsletter on Rescuebeauty.com to stay up to date with new releases and sales. You will receive the 48 hour pre-sale link via e-mail tomorrow. If you miss this round, no need to worry as they will launch for regular purchase mid-April.
Many thanks to Rescue Beauty Lounge for sending me these polishes for review.
The Makeup Show Los Angeles is being held this spring on March 28th and 29th for all beauty professionals and students. This year is the 7th year they will be in LA. Those who attend will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars led by industry experts and makeup artists. The Makeup Show LA will be featuring over 75 beauty brands including MAKE UP FOR EVER, Crown Brush and Temptu PRO, NARS, Smashbox, Pinnacle Cosmetics, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine, and Ruby Makeup Academy. Details on ticket information here.
Here is a preview of what you can expect to see at The Makeup Show LA this year. I’m looking forward to playing with these items in the upcoming days:
Smashbox is featuring some items in celebration of The Makeup Show LA Smashbox x Donald Robertson Icon gallery. Above is a vibrant red cream Be Legendary Lipstick in Bing.
Stila recently launched their Nude Interlude Color Balm Lipstick. Sophie (shown above) was a color sent as part of the press preview kit. It’s a super creamy balm-like nude with lots of pigment. There is a chocolate mint scent to it.
Ellis Faas will be making a personal appearance at the show this year as a keynote speaker. The Milky Lips come highly recommended by numerous readers but the line is one that I haven’t explored very much yet. Above is L201 a burgundy cream.
Ruby Makeup Academy has just launched their cosmetics line Ruby Cosmetics. One of the items sent as a preview is their LL Cream in Red Lights a super saturated lip creme.
Sephora Collection will be making an appearance at the show as well. Above are a sample of the Sephora Collection Colorful Blushes in Over the Moon (soft lilac), I’m Shocked (bright vivid hot pink), and Flirt It Up (soft peach pink). Also shown is one of the Pro Precision Blush Brushes #73. These come with a clever cap to store them and keep the bristles from getting messed up if you travel with them.
Smashbox recently released a Step-By-Step Contour Stick Trio. This is a unique method of cream contouring in chubby pencil form. There are three colors: Highlight is a pale cream, Bronze is a medium tan, Contour is the darkest color which is a brown. (Scroll down below for swatches.) I’ve never been one to master the cream contour process but these come with visual diagrams of how to use each color based on face shape with placement charts. I’ll be experimenting in the upcoming weeks and sharing more thoughts on this.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 made its US debut via Beautylish and sold out within 24 hours of the initial launch. It will be featured at The Makeup Show LA this March. (I’ve been testing this for a few weeks, still need to test it some more, but a review will be posted soon.)
Make Up For Ever launched a collection of skin primers called Step 1 Skin Equalizers. There are 10 options for different effects. Above shown is the Nourishing Primer (more cream like) and Hydrating Primer (more gel like). There are 5 primers designed for texture and 5 primers created to add tone to the skin (tinted versions). I’m really looking forward to testing these, especially as the weather starts to shift and my skin needs an update in skincare, primer and foundation. If you’ve tried these what did you think?
SENNA Cosmetics is launching their Brow Shaper Duos and Pro Brow Brush exclusively at The Makeup Show this year. I am very impressed with the brush. The angled tip is dense but soft enough to not feel pokey. The brush at the other end is thick and plush with just the right texture to comb through my brows. For brows I usually use a pencil or brow mascara. Using the powder + wax combination is new to me. I’ve experimented with it a few times but have been searching for YouTube tutorial videos to see exactly how I’m supposed to use it. The color brunette is a good one for my dark brows. I prefer something slightly lighter than my natural hair color so it doesn’t look too dramatic. The pot looks like something that would turn out red but it’s actually a good neutral.
Pinnacle Cosmetics launched their Eye Lights liquid shimmer eye shadow. There are three shades shown above as part of their preview. Purity is a metallic rose gold, Treasure is a warm golden coppery color, Chrome is a pale silvery shade. These have a slight mousse-like feel. The pigment is rich but blendable. The colors set really fast so you need to apply and blend quickly. Once they set though the color really stays put.
Static Nails are pop on nails that are non-damaging to your actual nail. Empire is a mix of beige with black designs. I’ve never tried pop-on nails before so these will be interesting for me to play with in the next few weeks.
MustaeV is joining The Makeup Show for the first time this year. Above is a unique product called The Bloom Pouch. It’s a zippered makeup pouch with a magnetic clasp. Above shows how you can store brushes and pencils or other items. Below shows how you can turn it into a vertical brush holder that stands upright.
A few quick swatches of the items shown above:
Ticket information and details on the show online at The Makeup Show LA. It will be located at The California Market Center, 110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles on Saturday March 28th (from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm) and Sunday the 29th (9:00 am to 5:00 pm). You can find the full list of Exhibitors online here.
For more information and updates be sure to follow The Makeup Show via social channels on Facebook, Twitter @themakeupshow, and Instagram @themakeupshow.
Have you been to The Makeup Show before? This will be the first year that I will be attending!
The items featured were sent as part of a press preview courtesy of The Makeup Show.
