All Posts By

Sabrina

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Soft Bronze Makeup for a Natural Glow

April 23, 2021

Soft Bronze Makeup Look Picks from NARS, Dior, Hermes

As the weather warms up I can’t help but be excited to wear warmer bronzy tones. I’ve been playing with a few new launches for summer beauty and today I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some favorites for a soft bronze makeup glow.

Soft Bronze Makeup Look Picks from NARS, Dior, Hermes

BASE

Best Summer Tints Chanel CC Cream, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

For a good makeup base I always love trying new formulas that launch this time of year, but my usual go-to’s have been the Chanel CC Cream (for high SPF and good coverage, I wear B40) or the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (I wear 3N1 Sand or 3W1 Bisque) for no-makeup makeup days.

A number of you asked for a review of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF30) and it’s one I used to wear a lot. They recently extended the shade range and I think it’s a good base that doesn’t really feel like your traditional tinted moisturizer. It’s more of a sheer-medium coverage base with a minimal dewy effect which I actually like better. My color is St. Moritz. (What I’m wearing in this post.)

BRONZER

NARS Summer Solstice Bronzing Cheek Duo

NARS Summer Solstice Bronzing Cheek Duo vs Laguna

There are a number of new bronzers out and I will have a roundup soon. If I could pick one classic for my skin tone it would be the NARS Bronzing Powders in Laguna or Laguna Matte. Both offer a soft tan bronzed effect on the skin without looking orange. If you’re fair and have trouble finding bronzers light enough in color you might want to check out their lighter shades in Vallarta (matte formula) or San Juan (regular formula).

They recently launched a few items in the Summer Solstice collection and I ordered the Summer Solstice Cheek Duo which smells amazing like their body oil glow! It smells like a tropical vacation. The Duo has an ultra sheer finish and texture which is perfect for me. I think it’s lovely for a super soft diffused kind of glow. If you want a more subtle bronze or contour this is perfect. For a bronzer brush I really like the Laura Mercier Bronzing Brush for a fluffy large option. (This duo is what I’m wearing in the photos in this post.)

NARS Laguna Bronzer Swatches

EYE MAKEUP

Copper Bronze Eyeshadows Laura Mercier, Hourglass, Charlotte Tilbury

For eyes I’m a huge lover of one-and-done bronze copper tones, especially cream shimmers. My favorites are the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Copper (best neutral copper that isn’t too warm), Hourglass Scattered Light in Burnished (love the sparkle on this), Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadows in Star Gold and Bette (I wear these weekly). For liner if you want definition but don’t want something has harsh as a deep black or brown, I highly recommend checking out the Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof in Sparkling Brown. It is a gorgeous shimmery brown with silver flecks and glides on without tugging.

Swatches below with a few others added in the Hourglass Scattered Light in Foil and Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Lion for reference (more gold than bronze).

Copper Bronze Eyeshadows Laura Mercier, Hourglass, Charlotte Tilbury swatches

NARS Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette review

I also picked up the NARS Summer Solstice Eyeshadow palette and think it’s a winner. The texture and pigment is incredible with every shade. It has a good mix of shimmers, metallic, sparkle and mattes. Red tones can be a bit intimidating but I decided to give this one a chance and it’s a solid winner.

NARS Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette review

NARS Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Soft Bronze Makeup Look Picks from NARS, Dior, Hermes

LIP PICKS

Spring to Summer Lips Dior and Hermes

For lips instead of bronze to match bronzer, I love wearing warm beige, peach or gold tones so the look isn’t too monochromatic. I’m a huge fan of the Dior Lip Maximizers for plump and shine. They are nice throw on the lips for a polished look. I love 16 Nude Shimmer which is a sheer gold beige. I just hauled the newest one for summer 23 Shimmer Bronze which is a coppery almost orange shade with a hint of shimmer.

If you want shine with a bit more pigment and color the Dior Addict Stellar Glosses are really nice. I have a number of colors in this formula and really love J’Adior, D-Light and Mirrored.

Hermes Satin Lipsticks are pure luxury. Beige Kalahari is a neutral pink beige and Beige Tadelak is a peachy color perfect for summer. Both are easy to wear and I think will be flattering for a wide range of skin tones.

Spring to Summer Lips Dior and Hermes swatches

Dior Lip Maximizer Nude Shimmer, Bronze Shimmer, Hermes Lipstick Beige Kalahari and Beige Tadelak

That wraps up my roundup for soft bronze makeup favorites I’m loving right now. I am particularly impressed with the NARS Summer Solstice Cheek Duo and Eyeshadow Palette.

Makeup Breakdown + Other Details:

 

Soft Bronze Makeup Look Picks from NARS, Dior, Hermes

Soft Bronze Makeup Look Picks from NARS, Dior, Hermes

Shop the Post:

 

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post.

0 Comments
Bronzer + Blush Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Review

April 21, 2021

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Review

Hourglass launched new blushes in a cream stick formula called the Vanish Blush Stick. I hauled the neutrals during the Sephora sale and was really surprised they sold out almost instantly! I hope they will restock soon because I think the formula is really good!

You can find them now at Hourglass, Sephora and Neiman Marcus. According to their Instagram they will also be available at Nordstrom, Beautylish and Space NK starting 4/23.

The Vanish Blush Sticks are a cream blush with a satin finish and powdery dry down. Colors are quite intense right out of the tube but are really easy to blend. On my medium tan skin they blend out to a truly natural blush. If you don’t want a lot of bold or bright color on the cheeks but want a nice neutral tint of color you will really love these.

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Review

Colors I hauled + swatches straight out of the tube:

  • Devoted – a medium rose pink
  • Loyal – tan rosewood color
  • Sacred – a warm coral pink peach
  • Wonder – a soft peach

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick swatches

The colors blend out easily with fingers. I also tried blending with a few brushes including the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Brush, Vanish Foundation Brush and Wayne Goss Brush 12. Since they blend out the color to a more natural finish the difference is subtle if on my skin tone but you can definitely layer on more product without it feeling too heavy. Out of all the colors I felt Devoted was the sheerest, I had to pack it on more to have the color show up.

Lasting power is pretty good. In general I am not a fan of most cream blushes because they don’t last, they get greasy looking and often don’t work with my skin type especially in Florida. I really like these new ones from Hourglass though! Since I don’t own a lot of cream blushes I can’t compare them to a lot of other brands. I would say the dry down is similar to the Cle de Peau Cream Blushes with similar pigment levels. Compared to Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks the Hourglass formula has a more satin feel with a more emollient texture while the Westman Atelier blushes feel thicker with a slightly waxy finish. Westman Atelier blushes have a bit more color payoff and pigment.

A closer look below, details of what I’m wearing on the face below:

_______

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Devoted + No 28 Lip Treatment Oil in Bare

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Devoted

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Devoted makeup look

_______

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Loyal + Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom in Dream (review + swatches here)

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick in Loyal

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick in Loyal and Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom in Dream

_______

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Sacred + Unreal Lip Gloss in Prose (more swatches here)

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick in Sacred

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick in Sacred and Hourglass Unreal Gloss in Prose

_______

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Wonder + Unreal Lip Gloss in Horizon (more swatches here)

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Wonder

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Wonder

_______

Overall these are a win for me. I like that they have a powdery dry down and don’t emphasize or sink into my pores. If I had been able to test in person I don’t think I would have ordered all 4 though. I really love Loyal and Wonder.

Have you tried these yet? What did you think? Are you a cream blush fan? What are your favorite formulas?

Shop the Post:

 

 

You can find them now at Hourglass, Sephora and Neiman Marcus. Also available at Nordstrom, Beautylish and Space NK starting 4/23.

0 Comments
Dior Sephora

Dior Addict Lip Glow – New Formula

April 19, 2021

Dior Addict Lip Glow New Formula | The Beauty Lookbook

Dior just revamped their classic Addict Lip Glow and I hauled a number of colors! The formula is now reformulated to be 97% natural. These are color reviving balms so the color will adjust slightly to give the lips a custom glow. Brightness varies depending on lip chemistry. I know some of you have mentioned the classic Original Pink turns into a bright fuchsia pink, while for others it’s more of a softer flushed pink. These are currently available at Dior and Sephora.

To me these seem pretty much identical to the original formula – hydrating, smooth, slightly minty in scent and a subtle glossy sheen. I did an IGTV featuring a natural glowing makeup look featuring the new Rosewood 012 which you can view via @BEAUTYLOOKBOOK.

I also hauled a few of the other shades and have them swatched below. The colors on the lips mimic what you see in the tube with a flush of color as they transform on the lips.

Dior Lip Glow | Beauty Look Book

Colors I have in the new formula:

  • 000 Universal Clear
  • 001 Pink
  • 004 Coral
  • 008 Ultra Pink
  • 011 Rosegold
  • 012 Rosewood
  • 015 Cherry
  • 020 Mahogany

Swatches below. These will look different on everyone as they’re transforming balms and the flush that will appear is going to vary depending on your lips. Even on me the flush doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes the flush and brightness is bolder, other times the color looks more true to tube.

Dior Lip Glow swatches | Beauty Look Book

Looks with the Dior Addict Lip Glow colors I hauled on my lips (all except Rosegold 12 which is similar to Pink 01 on me except for a veil of shimmer), also wearing:

Swatches:

Dior Lip Glow Universal Clear

Dior Lip Glow 01 Pink

Dior Lip Glow 04 Coral

Dior Lip Glow 08 Ultra Pink

Dior Lip Glow 12 Rosewood

Dior Lip Glow 15 Cherry

Dior Lip Glow 20 Mahogany

A look at a couple more items below. The 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palettes are the newest formula from Dior and I think the texture is a significant improvement from past palettes. Nude Dress is a nice everyday neutral with a mix of shimmers and mattes. Mitzah reminds me of a less shimmery version of Tom Ford Honeymoon (I prefer the Tom Ford for colors and formula). They’re beautiful and nice for everyday with soft blendable textures and long lasting pigment.

Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadows in Nude Dress and Mitzah

Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadows in Nude Dress and Mitzah swatches

I also hauled the new Backstage Face and Body Powder-No-Powders. They looked like they ran dark online so I ordered 3 Neutral (what I thought my shade would be) and 2 Neutral (one shade lighter). They do run darker from what I expected and 2 Neutral is the perfect color for my medium tan skin. It has a soft sheen with a blurring effect. Texture is lightweight and finish is sheer. I didn’t swatch these because they blend into the skin and you can’t really see them in an arm swatch, but they do melt into the skin with a super lightweight finish.

Dior Backstage Face and Body Powder-No-Powder in 2 Neutral and 3 Neutral

Dior Lip Glow Review via The Beauty Look Book

Today is the last day for the Sephora Spring Savings Event! Use code OMGSPRING at checkout to save online and in store at Sephora:

  • Rouge Members Save 20% off 4/9 to 4/19
  • VIB Members Save 15% off 4/13 to 4/19
  • Insiders Save 10% off 4/15 to 4/19

Shop the Post:

0 Comments
Base Makeup

Foundation + Concealer Reference Guide for Medium-Tan Skin

April 14, 2021

Foundation Shades for MAC NC35 Chanel B40 Dupes

By popular request I’ve put together a foundation + concealer guide with a comprehensive list of my current foundation and concealer shades. You can always refer to my BASE MAKEUP Category to see what foundations, concealers and powders I’ve reviewed too! A number of you asked for a list of all the shades I use or have reviewed in one single list for reference. This isn’t a complete list since a number of formulas have been discontinued or reformulated, but it’s a relatively current one.

I would describe my skin tone as medium to tan with golden tones. When I lived in San Diego I was around a MAC NC30 and now in Florida I am more often around a MAC NC35 or 40. Living in Florida I find that I tan very easily. I often purchase more than one foundation shade to mix, or switch as I darken with the sun.

For undertone, my natural undertone is more yellow/olive but the darker I get my skintone becomes more neutral/golden rather than warm. If there is more than one color undertone in a foundation brand, I’m usually the neutral option.

I’ve included links to all of the reviews and swatches I’ve done. You can see a lot more features in other makeup reviews and beauty breakdowns as well (but it might take a bit of searching).

FOUNDATIONS

Foundation Testing Fenty, Natasha Denona and Charlotte Tilbury

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in Shades 6.5 or 7 (review here)

Armani Power Fabric Balm Foundation in Shade 6.5 (review and on the face here)

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Foundation in 4.25 Natural Tan or 4.5 Warm Natural (swatches of all colors here)

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation in 400N or 400W (review here)

By Terry Nude-Expert Foundation Stick in 9 Honey Beige (review + swatches here)

Chanel CC Cream in B40 (review here)

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation B40 or BD41 (swatches here)

Chanel Les Beiges Les Beiges Water-Tresh Tint in Medium Plus (review here)

Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint in Medium Plus (review here)

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint in B40 (review here)

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet in B40 or B50 (review here)

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Foundation in Nude or Wheat (review here)

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation in 7.5 Neutral (review here)

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in Shade 6.75 or 7 (on the face here and here)

Cle de Peau Beaute Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte in O40 (review here)

Cle de Peau Radiant Cushion Foundation in 030 (but this one runs a bit light on me however it’s the darkest shade they currently make, on the face here)

Dior Dreamskin Cushion Foundation in 030

EM Cosmetics Daydream Cushion Foundation in between shades Sweet Secret and Summer Hue (review here)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 3W1 Tawny (review here)

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating and Soft Matte in 235 (review here)

Kosas Tinted Face Oil in Shade 6 (review here)

La Mer Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation in Shade 33 Warm Bisque (review)

La Prairie Skin Caviar Foundation in Satin Nude (I think this shade may have been discontinued, review here)

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation in Buff 3N1 (review here)

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere in Latte 3N1.5 (review here)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand 3N1 (review here)

MAC Studio Fix Tech Foundation in NC30 or NC35 (review here)

MILK Makeup Flex Foundation Stick in Golden Sand

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in Vanuatu or Barcelona (review + swatches of all the colors here)

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St. Moritz

Natasha Denona Foundation X+ in 42WY (on the skin here)

Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation in LM14 or M15 (review here)

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation in 6 Natural (review here)

Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte in 6 Natural (review here)

Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator in Shade 50 (review here)

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick in Shade 6 (review here)

YSL Touche Eclat All-In-One-Glow Foundation in B40

CONCEALERS

Armani Luminous Silk Concealer 6.5

Armani Luminous Silk Concealer in 6.5 (review here)

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer in 300 (review here)

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer in Shade 6 or 7 (review here)

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer in Buff (for an exact match, swatches here)

Cle de Peau Beaute Radiant Corrector for Eyes in Ocher (a bit lighter for brightening, swatches here)

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer in Beech

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer in Shade 6 (review here)

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer in 2N or 3N (swatches here)

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer in 3N (swatches here)

MAC Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Concealer in NC40 (this one runs light in color, swatches here)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger (swatches here)

Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Concealer in LM12 to M15 (review here)

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in Shade 3 or 4.5 (review here, applied in action here)

Foundation Concealer Guide for MAC NC35 Chanel B40

Linking my Top 10 below:

 

My top recommendations for each person depends on skin type and season, but if you want to know my personal favorites, my Top 3 most worn foundations are Armani Luminous Silk, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion and Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection. I also wear a lot of Chanel. There are too many variables for concealer as everyone has different color preference for how light they want to go, how creamy they want it, opacity level, etc. Since I find most of my foundations do a good job at covering what I want, I don’t always wear concealer. The best brightening ones are from NARS and YSL in my opinion though.

Hope you found this helpful! You can find these at a variety of retailers but I mainly shop at Nordstrom and Sephora. Let me know if you have any questions or want additional details!

0 Comments
Beauty Favorites Sales Sephora

Top Makeup Recommendations for the Sephora Sale

April 9, 2021

Best Makeup Picks for the Sephora Sale

The Sephora Spring Sale starts today 4/9 for Rouge Members with 20% off! I’ve put together a comprehensive list of my top makeup picks for every category for complexion, eyes, lips and more. Use code OMGSPRING at checkout. In case you missed it, don’t forget to check out my HAIR CARE ROUNDUP (with a giveaway).

The event is available to Rouge Members first for early access online and in store starting today. The dates and savings by tier listed below. Some exclusions and limits apply. Use code OMGSPRING at checkout to redeem offer:

  • Rouge Members Save 20% off 4/9 to 4/19
  • VIB Members Save 15% off 4/13 to 4/19
  • Insiders Save 10% off 4/15 to 4/19

Best Makeup Picks for the SPRING Sephora Sale

FOUNDATION

CONCEALER

 

 

POWDER

 

 

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 01, 02 and 03

BLUSH + BRONZER

 

 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Primer and Highlighter

HIGHLIGHTERS

 

 

EYELINER + BROW

Best Eyeshadow Palettes Too Faced, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tom Ford, Natasha Denona

EYESHADOWS

New ones I’ve been loving

 

Gucci Nude Lip Liner NARS Soft Matte Tinted Balm Intimate

LIPSTICK + TINTED BALMS

 

 

LIPGLOSS + LIP PENCILS

 

Best Makeup Picks for Spring Sephora Sale

As always I know this is a very long list! Please don’t feel pressured to shop everything you see reviewed here (or elsewhere). As a beauty blogger I’m so fortunate to be able to test products as my job. I hope this serves as a good resource by category to help you narrow down your picks whether you’re looking for a new eyeliner or lipstick.

If I had to pick my Top 10 Favorites right now from what’s available at Sephora, here is my edited spring list:

  1. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation in Buff 3N1
  2. Dior BACKSTAGE Powder Shade 2N
  3. NARS Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms in Intimate
  4. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Shade 9
  5. Tom Ford Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt
  6. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light
  7. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks in Petal
  8. Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk
  9. Gucci Lip Pencil in Nude
  10. Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in Bella Sofia

To recap the Sephora Spring Savings Event dates and savings by tier, use code OMGSPRING at checkout to redeem savings offer:

  • Rouge Members Save 20% off 4/9 to 4/19
  • VIB Members Save 15% off 4/13 to 4/19
  • Insiders Save 10% off 4/15 to 4/19

What are some of your makeup wishlist items?

0 Comments
Beauty Favorites Haircare

Hair Care Favorites from Sephora

April 8, 2021

Best Hair Care Sephora Sale

The Sephora Spring Savings Event starts on 4/9 for Rouge Members! I’ve put together my list of top recommendations in a 3 part series: Hair, Skin and Makeup. I’m kicking off the first roundup with my top picks for hair care.

The event is available to Rouge Members first for early access online and in store. The dates and savings by tier are listed below. Some exclusions and limits apply. Use code OMGSPRING at checkout to redeem offer:

  • Rouge Members Save 20% off 4/9 to 4/19
  • VIB Members Save 15% off 4/13 to 4/19
  • Insiders Save 10% off 4/15 to 4/19

Here are my favorites for hair care split by category. I’ve tested so much product over the years and I’m one who washes my hair almost daily. I go through a lot of shampoo and conditioners. I neglected masks for a while but started using them again and am so amazed at how good some are. I didn’t realize how dry my hair was!

Best Shampoo and Conditioners

Best Shampoo + Conditioners and Hair Masks

My three go-to brands at Sephora for shampoo and conditioner these days are Olaplex, Oribe and Briogeo. I don’t use a clarifying shampoo or product regularly but I really like the rinse from dpHUE. What I use and repurchase the most frequently:

Best Hair Mask

My go-to mask has been the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair. When I had more noticeable highlights I also really loved the Christophe Robin Shade Variations (available in different tones). It lasts about 3-5 washes. For an at home darkening product I also loved the Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Cocoa. This worked really well when I had some brassy highlights that were growing out and I wanted a temporary color at home (also only lasts about 5 washes for me).

For a deeper condition I can’t rave enough about the one from Kiehl’s. It’s one I just recently discovered and I’m 100% obsessed. If I could just pick one, it would be the Kiehl’s for non-color treated hair. For color-treated hair plus tint I really love Christophe Robin.

One from the archives, hair highlights from 2018. Shine is thanks to the Christophe Robin Shade Variation Hair Mask in Warm Chestnut.

Christophe Robin Hair Mask Variations Chestnut

Best Dry Shampoo + Styling Favorites

Best Hair Care Styling Products

For dry shampoo I try to keep this to a minimum because I find it can build up. In Florida with the heat and humidity + sweat if I’m outdoors there is no skipping a wash. I do like some of these to add texture though. Ones I really love:

Best Hair Styling: Hold + Shine

For styling these are products I like to either add hold or shine:

Best Heat Protectants or Primers

If you blow dry or heat treat your hair, here are the best heat protectants I’ve tried:

Misc.

Dyson Airwrap Styler

Andrew bought the Dyson Airwrap Complete Set for me over Christmas and I absolutely love it. I have not yet reviewed it but hope to soon. The Complete Set is usually almost always sold out. They do have some bundles pop up every once in a while like the Airwrap Styler Limited-Edition Gift Set (same as the complete but with an added pouch).

During the holiday I’m that person who is almost impossible to find a present for. I finally found something beauty-related that I wouldn’t buy for myself but still kind wanted. I held off mainly because I already own the Supersonic Hair Dryer.

I have not used the Supersonic since I got the Airwrap in December. I love the versatility of the Airwrap version and attachments are easy to use. Power-wise I feel like the Supersonic is stronger in the airflow and is also easier to use with a traditional round brush. The Airwrap is still very powerful and I find it gentler on my hair.

Dyson Airwrap Styler

I’ve tried all the attachments. Review very soon! I did buy the 1.2 inch Long Barrel Attachment curlers which is best for my hair length. In December the set barrels worked just fine but I have not had a hair cut in a few months and find the longer barrels work better.

 

 

That wraps up my hair care favorites roundup! To recap on the Sephora Spring Savings Event, use code OMGSPRING at checkout to redeem offer for these dates:

  • Rouge Members Save 20% off 4/9 to 4/19
  • VIB Members Save 15% off 4/13 to 4/19
  • Insiders Save 10% off 4/15 to 4/19

I’m hosting another giveaway! 3 different people will be selected to win a $100 eGift card to Sephora. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older. Details:

  • Open Internationally
  • Must be 18 years and older
  • All you have to do to enter is follow the steps in the widget below, complete at least 1 of the entries
  • The more steps you complete, the more entries
  • Giveaway runs 4/8 through 4/11/2021 11:59 PM EST
  • I’ll pick 3 winners on April 12, 2021 and email winners that day (winners will be emailed directly from me, I will not be contacting any other way)
  • Not sponsored or affiliated

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

0 Comments
Base Makeup

Spring Foundation + Concealer Edit

April 6, 2021

Spring Foundation Edit Review

I have a Spring Foundation + Concealer Edit for you today! I’ve put together a roundup of some foundations and concealers I’ve been testing this spring. There are a few newer launches I’ve been really excited about and if you’ve been curious about any of the formulas I hope you find this helpful!

Spring Foundation Review MAC, Chanel, Dior, Westman Atelier, By Terry and more

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Review Nude and Wheat

The Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion ($128) is one of the best cushion foundations I have ever tried. It gives that skin-but-better kind of glow with enough coverage to even out the complexion in a natural way. I tested two shades: Nude is a medium color with neutral undertones and Wheat is a deeper medium beige with more golden undertones. I’ve found I can wear either shade right now. I tan easily so Wheat will be my go-to summer shade and right now Nude is a nice match.

The cushion comes with a refill (which I love!). The formula is water-based and melts into the skin beautifully! I feels lightweight and fresh on the skin and once it sets I find it has good lasting power.

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion

Below wearing the Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion in Nude + Lip Chic in Clover, Tee by ATM

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion in Nude

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint B40

I was a huge fan of the Sublimage Le Teint Cream and was really eager to try the new Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint. I ordered shade B40 which is a good match. The main difference between the two is the original is a cream (heavier in texture, more opaque) and the new launch is a serum (lighter in texture, more fluid). It’s a medium to full coverage formula on me and has a glowy finish. Formula is very hydrating and smooth. It comes with a brush which is excellent! Smooth and well made.

Lasting power is pretty good with a powder. It does get a bit glowy within a few hours and need a touch up, but it performs well on me. Wearing it below with the Rouge Coco Flash in Easy. I would normally set with powder but for all the face photos in this post I wanted to show you more of what it looks like on the skin.

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint B40

A few of you asked whether I’d recommend the new Sublimage vs the Les Beiges Foundation vs the Tint vs CC Cream. I think they’re all a little different:

MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream-to-Powder Foundation

MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream-to-Powder Foundation NC35

I featured the MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream-to-Powder Foundation in a recent roundup but wanted to highlight it again. It’s one of the best solid cream to powder foundations I’ve tried! It’s truly long-wearing and has an easy to blend texture even though it’s full coverage. I’m somewhere in between NC30 and NC35. Wearing it below with the MAC Lipglass in Beaux.

Westman Atelier Vital Stick

Westman Atelier Vital Stick Foundation Shade 6

I finally ordered the Westman Atelier Vital Stick Foundation Shade VI since the brand is now available at Sephora. I ordered Shade 6 sight unseen and was thrilled to find it a perfect match! There are so many mixed reviews but really love it. Texture is creamy (not waxy as some felt) and it is truly easy to blend. Coverage looks medium natural and buildable. I am really happy with the lasting power, color, coverage and texture! The only complaint I have is that I find it very pricey for the amount you get, but I really love it.

Westman Atelier Vital Stick Foundation Shade 6

Dior Forever Natural Nude

Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation

I had such high hopes for the Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation. This is described as a lightweight base with 24-hours of fresh wear. It does have a lightweight texture with medium coverage and a radiant finish but the colors darkened on my skin significantly within a few minutes. I ordered my usual shades in the 3 range, 3N (more neutral) and 3W (yellow) and 3W worked a bit better for me as it’s a bit lighter and more yellow. Wear was inconsistent for me – some days it looked fresh and radiant for hours while other days it separated and became greasy looking within a few hours. The main deal breaker for me is that it irritated my skin and left tiny little red bumps on my face. For me unfortunately it was a miss.

Swatches below side by side for reference:

Foundation Swatches MAC NC30 NC35 Chanel B40 Westman Atelier 6

Concealer

I still love my go-to concealers including the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion, Pat McGrath and Cle de Peau for brightening and spot concealing, but have been trying a few different formulas.

YSL Touche Eclat

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Concealer

I started using the YSL Touche Eclat again and forgot how much I love this for brightening. It has finish that blends into the skin beautifully and I alternate between Shade 3 and 4.5 to brighten. Reposting the swatches from my last post below.

YSL Touche Eclat Glow Tint B40 and Concealer Shade 3 and 4.5

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer 300

My newest try is the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer which is lightweight concealer that is 87% skincare based. This has medium coverage with a blendable texture. I was really impressed with the coverage even though it has mostly skincare (versus makeup). It evens out the under eyes and brightens nicely with a smooth and silky feel. Finish is what they call a lumi-matte – not quite matte, not quite dewy. I really like that it doesn’t emphasize fine lines, it’s creamy but not as creamy as the ones from Laura Mercier or NARS. For me this is best as an under eye brightener rather than applying on other areas of the face. As usual I always need to set with a little bit of powder to make it last.

I found Shade 300 to be a perfect match for what I needed. For reference I use her Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation in 400N.

Swatches below next to a few others I have from NARS as I know a lot of you wear Macadamia or Ginger. Thought this would be helpful if you have similar skintone to me!

Concealer Swatches By Terry, NARS Macadamia, Ginger, YSL Touche Eclat 3 and 4.5

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer Duo

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer Duo vs Flawless Fusion

Last but not least is another look at the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer Duo. This is a super convenient product with one side for brightening under the eye and a more pigmented side for spot concealing. I reviewed this in my Makeup Favorites For a Flawless Glow post but had a few more shades to swatch and compare for you. I wear the 3N color in this formula and also the Flawless Fusion Concealer (this one is creamier).

  • N code is for neutral tones
  • W is for warmer tones
  • C is for cool tones

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer Duo swatches 2 and 3 family

I know I covered a lot in this roundup! If you want to know which one is the best, I would recommend product based on your skin type or what coverage/finish you’re looking for. I have normal combination skin but it changes by season. Right now I’m very normal-to-dry as we’re in the dry season in Florida. My favorites right now:

I hope you found my Spring Foundation + Concealer Edit helpful! Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and what you thought.

Shop the Post:

 

Press samples include the By Terry Concealers, Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion in Nude.

0 Comments