This month Laura Mercier launched a new Face Illuminator called Inspiration ($44 for 6 g/ 0.20 oz). This shade was created to support the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund she founded back in 2012 to raise awareness and fund research to help diagnose and treat women with ovarian cancer. Each September she donates 100% of the proceeds from the specially curated product towards the fund.
Inspiration Face Illuminator is a pretty mauve tinged rose gold shimmer. It’s multi-faceted so it will look different in every photo you see depending on how the light catches it. In indoor light it appears softer and more diffused, in direct sunlight or with a flash the deeper mauve rose tones will shine through. On the skin it’s also multi-dimensional. Some angles will show a warmer finish, others will be reflect more of the lighter pink tones. It’s a really beautiful color and I think it will suit a wide range of skin tones. If you’re lighter than me it might almost be blush-like rather than highlighter material. Regardless of your skintone her Face Illuminators create a beautiful radiant glow that stay put and meld well with the skin.
Finish is smooth and luminous with a buildable coverage. You can use her Fan Powder Brush or really any powder / blush brush to apply. The denser the brush the more intense the color and shimmer will be. It’s something you can use anywhere – eyes, cheeks, temples, nose, forehead or shoulders. The quality with this is the same as her other Face Illuminators which are among my favorite. They stay put for hours without fallout or budging.
A look at how the color shifts when in direct sunlight:
Below are some comparisons to other pink highlighters including Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow, Sunrise Glow, Tawny Glow, NARS Highlighting Powder in Maldives and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Strobe Blush in Euphoric Fusion. I feel like the ones from Bobbi Brown are a lot more shimmery in finish because of the pale sparkle. NARS Maldives almost looks like a pale pink next to it. Hourglass Euphoric Fusion is a deeper blush version with a hint of shimmer mixed throughout.
Look featuring Inspiration wearing the following (press samples indicated with a *):
Foundation – Chanel CC Cream in 40 Beige * (review coming soon)
Overall a really pretty pink highlighter I think is unique and very wearable. I have yet to experiment with it on the eyes but I really love the way it wears on the face for a soft pink highlight.
MAC launched two new collections of metallics and shimmers called Supreme Beam and Dazzleshadow Liquid. I feel like MAC created the original glow with so many outstanding items. I think it’s amazing to see how long the shimmer and highlighter trend has been going on since then.
The Supreme Beam Collection has what MAC calls a “heavenly halo” theme. Everything feels like a throwback to the 90’s for me and I can’t get over how nice the new glosses are this launch! By popular demand they’ve brought back some cult classics for the face with the Illuminating Loose Powder and Hyper Real Foundation. The new formula of Dazzleshadow Liquids has a liquid eyeshadow formula that stays put all day. In today’s post we have:
The Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour comes in the same packaging as the Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colours. The formula itself isn’t new but there are 10 new shades with this launch. I felt the original launch last year had colors that were too trendy for me. This round has more wearable options. They have a shiny finish (no matte drydown like most liquid lip colors do). They have a very smooth non-tacky feel and have full smooth coverage. Even for metallics they are streak-free. Colors are iridescent and shimmery. Pigment is very good and they have a soft cushiony feel and a slightly minty scent.
Colors include:
Polar Fleece – pale iridescent opal pink
Goldiloxxed – metallic light peach tan
Autumn Russet – perfect warm russet shimmer
Just Hustlin’ – metallic taupe pink lavender shimmer
Party Sparkle – duo chrome pink lilac
Sugar Poppy – iridescent blue pink
Dance All Night – metallic lilac
Ruby Princess – iridescent purple
Spoil Yourself – goregeous metallic pink
It’s Just Candy – metallic candy red
Lasting power is really good. I wish this formula came in soft shimmers or cream colors. They feel comfortable, glossy and lightweight. I can’t pick a favorite, but Spoil Yourself, Goldiloxxed, Dance All Night and It’s Just Candy are really pretty.
There are also two complexion products. They brought back the Iridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk and Golden Bronze, both must-haves in my book. Silver Dusk is like the perfect fairy dust with a pale silver pink shimmer. Golden Bronze is a deeper bronze shimmer. I’ve swatched them below next to the Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne, Soft and Gentle and Cheeky Bronze.
Hyper Real Foundation is back in four metallic shades. I actually remember this as an actual foundation formula with skin shades and a shimmer glow mixed in. There are four liquid illuminators you can wear under foundation all over, mixed in with your base or on top to illuminate areas. I found it best when I mixed a little in with my MAC Studio Fix Fluid or Next to Nothing Foundation. I did try it all over under foundation and it was too glowy for me. It also worked well as a highlighter on top of my base. Colors include Violet FX (flashes violet), Gold FX (flashes gold), Rose Gold FX (perfect rose gold peach shimmer), Bronze FX (shimmery soft bronze). By comparison the MAC Strobe Creams are thinner and more lightweight in texture with a sheerer finish. I also feel they have more of an iridescent duochrome flash while the Hyper Real Foundation has more of a traditional glow.
The last part of the metallic launches this round is the Dazzleshadow Liquid. These have different finishes. Some are glitters and others are metallic sparkles. Online some have a description called “Satin” for finish but to me the satins are still very metallic and shimmery. These blend easily and stay on the lids all day long. They set nicely and once they do they don’t budge. At the same time they don’t crease and once they dry they don’t make the lids shrink or shrivel.
They have a sponge tip applicator which I use to swipe on the lids. Then I blend with my fingers.
Colors I have are:
Everyday is Sunshine – metallic champagne with a hint of peach sparkle
Flash and Dash – gold and silver glitter
Beam Time – rose gold that flashes champagne
Love Yourself – cool metallic pink
Rayon Rays – metallic brown rose copper
Overall if you’re looking for more ways to glow MAC has you 100% covered. I did try a full look with everything in the collection and for me it was too glowy to wear everything shimmer. I did more testing and found that it was best to incorporate 2 shimmer areas max with this collection, such as face and eyes, or lips and eyes, or lips and cheeks. I think everything is well made but if you have a lot of shimmers I’d recommend you shop your stash. If you’re a true beauty junkie and have been for years there’s a high chance you already own and have been hoarding Silver Dusk from years ago. One jar will last you a long time and if you missed out I highly recommend you get it now.
I think all the formulas are standouts. Everything applies smoothly and blends flawlessly. If I had to pick just 1 item from each category it would be: Gloss in Spoil Yourself, Hyper Real Foundation in Rose Gold FX, Silver Dusk Loose Powder and Beam Time Dazzleshadow Liquid.
Pat McGrath Labs launches keep getting better and better and her latest is the Mothership V Bronze Seduction Eyeshadow Palette ($125 for 13.2 g/ 0.47 oz, made in Italy, available at Pat McGrath and Sephora). I’ve had my eye on many of her large 10-pan palettes but was a little intimidated by the glitter and bold colors. I am beyond thrilled to be able to test this one out and it does not disappoint. It’s quite glitzy so if you don’t do glitter shadows this will definitely not be for you and I’d recommend you check out her 6-pan MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palettes instead. I am beyond obsessed with all three options and love very much. I consider myself to be a conservative shadow wearer but indulge in some glitters every now and then. Not all glitters are created equal and the ones from Pat McGrath are quite special.
The Mothership V Bronze Seduction Eyeshadow Palette has ten eyeshadows that have a variety of textures. The formulas are really good in terms of color payoff and ease of blending. Some apply better with fingers in a patting motion. Others work better with a brush. I do want to mention that I’ve only had this palette for a couple days so this is more of a first impressions post. I did two eye looks to test everything and have one of them shown later in the post.
The colors in the palette include:
Skinshow Divine Glow is a soft shimmery white gold champagne
Entrapment is a warm matte brown
Bronze Blaze is a sparkling bronze copper
Rose Gold 005 is an iridescent glitter pink copper
VR Fire Opal is a duochrome gold and flashes green
Xtreme Aubergine is a deep matte plum
Gilty Pleasure is a sparkling brass glitter
Disobedient is a warm red brown matte
Blitz Flame is a smooth metallic deep red
Astral Luna Gold is a chunky gold sparkle
My favorites are Skinshow, Bronze Blaze and Gilty Pleasure. For the two glitters I find patting them over the mattes with my fingers resulted in a super pretty bronzed eye look. The color Rose Gold 005 is a super sparkly rose pink that flashes copper sparkle – it’s also a nice top coat shadow. Blitz Flame surprised me as I’m not a red shadow wearer but when I layer it with any of the matte browns it transforms into a deeper almost plum bronze with a little bit of red.
With the glitters there is a little bit of fall out when you apply. This is why I feel patting with fingers is best. Once on the lids they stay put pretty well. By the late afternoon I only had a tiny bit of fall out under the eyes.
The mattes did not swatch well on my arm. I’m not sure why mattes do that sometimes but on the eyes with a brush they performed just fine. They blend just fine on the eyes as a lid or liner color.
I’ve never had so much trouble photographing swatches. These shadows are so multi-dimensional they flash different colors depending on the angle. I highly recommend you check out the swatch video on her Instagram @patmcgrathreal because it shows the dimension and color best.
Look wearing the following (press samples indicated with a *):
The Mothership V Palette is glitzy and full on glam but very pretty for special occasions or for when you want some extra sparkle. If you feel the sparkle is too much you may want to opt for the NARSissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette (still available at Ulta right now) or the Singapore Eyeshadow Quad. They have a similar vibe color-wise but aren’t as glittery.
Overall jaw dropping gorgeous. Because it’s got a lot of sparkle I know it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but I think it’s worth looking into. Have you tried any of the other Pat McGrath Labs Eyeshadow palettes? What did you think?
For one day they’re having a 10% off discount with code on the palette with promo code SEDUCTION at checkout. Terms conditions: Offer ends at 11:59PM EDT on Friday, September 7, 2018. Enter code SEDUCTION during checkout at www.patmcgrath.com to receive 10% off MOTHERSHIP V: Bronze Seduction Eye Palette. Limit one use per customer. Offer applies to authorized purchases only; only authorized orders will be processed and shipped. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Other restrictions may apply.
Earlier this year Sisley-Paris launched a luxurious hair care line called Hair Rituel by Sisley designed to nourish the hair and scalp. I fell in love with every single item and have a review of everything launched to date. At this time they have seven pieces in their four step treatment routine:
Since moving to Florida I’ve found it challenging to maintain healthy and hydrated hair. Many of my Florida readers experience the same issues with heat, humidity and hard water. Even with a water filter many shampoos don’t lather or rinse quite the same. The Hair Rituel by Sisley has been among the few that I’ve kept using and like so much I’ve repurchased after using up press samples.
To cleanse the hair I really like the Revitalizing Smoothing Shampoo. I’ve gone through multiple bottles and think it is 100% worth the high price tag. It does help smooth the hair without making it feel heavy. It contains macadamia oil which has helped strengthen, nourish and add shine. It has a beautiful gentle scent to it and lathers/foams well. I shampoo daily.
The Restructuring Conditioner is a great gentle daily use kind of rinse out conditioner, although this is a step I don’t use daily. It’s like an instant shot of hydration for the hair and truly helps with detangling. I’ve never had issues with tangling until I moved to Florida. It helps smooth out the ends with a lightweight finish so your hair is not weighed down.
The Regenerating Hair Mask is something I use 1-2x per week. This is one of the best hair masks I’ve tried to add shine but not weight. So many hydrating hair masks won’t rinse out properly or are simply too heavy/rich for humid weather. This one has just the right combination to nourish ends of hair and scalp. It has four main oils Shea, Macadamia, Camellia and Hazelnut.
For the scalp they have a really nice Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for the scalp. This is the first time I’ve used a scalp treatment at home and it does help soothe it. It has an earthy kind of scent, something I’d associate with Aesop’s skincare line. A little can go a long way and I use this 1x per week only at night or as needed. Since I’ve started using the other items I’ve had less scalp issues, but during the dry season here in Florida this helps immensely.
Last but not least are two styling products. The Precious Hair Care Oil is one of the most beautiful elegant hair oils I’ve tried. I think it is my favorite item in the collection and suitable for any hair type. This one is lightly hydrating to add shine and softness to the ends without being heavy. It’s great for me because it’s lightweight and in Florida humidity it won’t weigh it down.
The latest launch is the Volumizing Spray which adds a nice texture throughout the hair. I use it on damp hair, spray at roots and brush it through. I follow with a blow dryer. By the time hair is dried you will notice it has more volume but also some texture. Hair is noticeably thicker with a more piecey look.
In addition to the full size products they’ve also launched a travel set in two variations called the Hair Rituel Smoothing Discovery Set and Volumizing Set. Both of which are a great way to try the items out before splurging on the full sizes. They each contain shampoo (one has the smoothing, one has the volume option), conditioner and hair mask in 1.6 fl oz/50 ml sizes and a hair oil in .33 fl oz/10 ml.
If you are able to visit the store in NYC or their counter at Saks they have the Hair Rituel line along with Yves Durif brushes:
Final thoughts are this line comes at a hefty price tag but everything performs really well. I’ve already repurchased the Smoothing Shampoo a few times over along with the Regenerating Hair Care Mask. I’ve found over the years many of my readers don’t necessarily want to splurge on makeup, but are definitely more willing to splurge on hair care or skin care. If you’re new to the line I think the Discovery Sets are the best way to start. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The shampoos work well to tame frizz and smooth my hair. I really love the mask to help with my ends.
Although I do think every piece is exquisite, my top two absolute favorites are the Regenerating Hair Mask and Precious Hair Oil.
Sisley has been kind enough to do another giveaway with me! One is here on the blog and there’s another one on my Instagram @beautylookbook so there are multiple ways to enter to win! They are giving away Discovery Sets here on the blog for 2 US readers, 18 years or older. Each winner will be able to receive 1 Discovery Set of their choice. To enter for a chance to win simply enter through the widget below. Giveaway will run through September 9, 11:59 PM EST, winners will be selected within 48 hours and contacted by e-mail. Prizes will be shipped directly from Sisley. Note the first two entry options are mandatory, there are also a few bonus entries.
Have you tried this line before? If not what are your go-to hair products? Do you have a favorite line or brand? For those curious, full ingredient list below:
There are new launches from Natasha Denona including three shades of Super Glow Highlighter ($38 each for 10 g/ .35 oz, made in Italy) and her Camel Eyeshadow Palette ($48 for 2.5 g/ 0.08 oz x 5, made in Italy). All the items are stunning in color, quality, pigment, and texture.
Super Glow Highlighter
At this point in the beauty world I am still surprised the highlighter game is going strong. I do think with all the options I could shop my stash and find similar colors with almost any launch. Natasha Denona’s Super Glow Highlighter has a truly multi-dimensional glow. They’re soft, light weight and smooth without emphasizing pores. I think they’re phenomenal highlighters although I think I could definitely find similar colors in my stash.
There are three colors:
01 Fair is a light icy ivory with a hint of pink
02 Light-Medium is a medium champagne
03 Bronze is a yellow gold (I don’t see any bronze in it)
Neutral eyeshadows are having their moment and I could not be more excited about this. The Camel Eyeshadow Palette has one shimmer shade, three mattes and one satiny shimmer. This went in my cart the second it popped up online. I was going to buy it but the same day I got a tracking alert that this was headed my way as a press sample. As much as I love her sparkle shadows, sometimes they are too shimmery for me so having a neutral with only 1 sparkle is amazing to me. This is a neutral-warm neutral palette. Pigment is ultra rich and smooth. I love that Copper Stone applies on top of the mattes beautifully with full blendable pigment. NARS Mojave Eyeshadow Quad by comparison pulls more cool in undertone while this Camel is more beige/tan. Chanel Clair Obscur almost looks blue-ish as Camel is warmer in undertone.
Overall excellent products. The quality, texture and lasting power is really good. Everything stayed put on the face from morning well into late afternoon without budging. I do think I could find similar colors for the highlighters, but I’m really drawn to 02 Light Medium for my skintone. I think 03 Bronze confuses me a little because of the name. I don’t really see any bronze, it’s a true yellow gold to my eyes. Alone it’s definitely too yellow for my skin but it does layer nicely with other blushes. Camel is a must-have to me. I think it has perfect undertone that isn’t too cool and has the slightest bit of warmth without any orange to them. The mattes blend perfectly in a way that aren’t muddy on the skin.
You can find the Natasha Denona Super Glow and Camel Eyeshadow Palette out now. Available at Sephora and Beautylish. I highly recommend both. If you’re shopping at Sephora, don’t forget they’re having a Beauty Insider Appreciation event! You can use promo code once online, but you can use it in stores an unlimited amount of times. Valid in both US and Canada:
Rouge Members: 20% off with code YESROUGE, valid 8/24 through 9/3
VIB Members: 15% off with code YESVIB, valid 8/30 through 9/3
Beauty Insiders: 10% off with code YESINSIDER, valid 8/30 through 9/3
Natasha Denona Super Glow + Camel provided for review. Other press samples featured indicated with a star next to the listing.
Hourglass Cosmetics launched a new eyeshadow called Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow ($29 each for .12 oz/3.5 g, made in Korea). I bought all five shades while at Sephora for the Beauty Insider event and every color is amazing. These are pressed pigments with micro-glitter that give the eyes a beautiful glimmer. The word “glitter” had me a little worried which is why I didn’t order them online sight unseen. I love a good sparkle but sometimes glitter can be too much for what I’m comfortable wearing. These aren’t too glittery for me although they are sparkly. You can wear these alone, layered over shadow, layered together or if you apply with a damp brush it will give you a more foiled look. Lasting power is excellent. I’ve only given these a 2 day test since I just bought these but they stayed put for hours without fall out or budging. On Friday night I’m embarrassed to admit I fell asleep with my makeup on. It’s something I tell myself to never do, but it was one of those exhausting weeks. The eyeshadow was still in tact the next morning.
Shopping the shades at Sephora:
There are five shades, two are more glitzy than the others (Foil and Blaze). Shimmer-wise they are indeed shimmery but the glitter is super fine and not chunky. Even on the eyes they have a smooth finish. I like apply with the fingers. They’re easy to smooth and blend out.
Aura is a soft shimmering cool pink sparkle
Reflect is a champagne neutral sparkle (my favorite!)
Foil is a very sparkly yellow gold
Smoke is similar to champagne, but more taupe
Blaze is a sparkling warm copper, glitzy sparkle
On me Foil and Blaze are the most sparkly. I don’t think I can wear them alone everyday, although layered over a powder shadow tones down the sparkle a little. Also if I layer the gold on top of the copper it creates one of the prettiest multi-dimensional looks.
There is an insert inside to keep the shadows pressed and in tact:
A closer look at all the shades:
Beauty look with Reflect which is my favorite color out of the five, also wearing:
Some swatch comparisons to Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadows (now discontinued) in 8, 9 and 5. Also swatched next to the Natasha Denona Crystal Top Coats. The Armani Eyes to Kill had a more metallic finish with less glitter. Natasha Denona’s have more glitter and a sheerer base color. MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid is more like a metallic finish (review soon on these).
Bottom line I love them all. 100% worth the splurge. If I had to narrow down my picks I would pick Reflect and Smoke. They are on the sparkly side but they wear beautifully in a variety of ways. I like that they are easy to apply and that they don’t have fall out on me. I think all the colors are standouts although Foil is a very yellow gold and I usually don’t like gold colors like this but it is pretty when layered with other shades.
If you’re shopping at Sephora, don’t forget you can use the Beauty Insider Appreciate promo code once online and unlimited times in store. Valid in both US and Canada:
Rouge Members: 20% off with code YESROUGE, valid 8/24 through 9/3
VIB Members: 15% off with code YESVIB, valid 8/30 through 9/3
Beauty Insiders: 10% off with code YESINSIDER, valid 8/30 through 9/3
Did you try these yet? I think they’re phenomenal!
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders are among my favorites for a soft, smooth and diffused look. This formula has been around for years but I wanted to give it some love with a post as many of you have asked for recommendations on natural looking bronzing powders and I this is what I often recommend. There are four Bronze powder options and one Highlight color. I’ve used the Matte Radiance Baked Powder Bronze 02 the most. Sometimes when I’m tan it almost matches my skintone and I can use it as a cheek finishing product to add warmth. Right now I still use Bronze 02. Compared to this time last year when we were in Florida (as seen here and here) I’m lighter in skintone although I still have a tan. This year I’ve actively spent less time in the sun, pool and ocean so I haven’t tanned quite as much. If you’re looking for a natural bronzer or something to help extend your summer glow in a natural way, the Baked Powders from Laura Mercier are a great powder to look into.
Top Row: Highlight 01, Bronze 01, Bronze 02
Bottom Row: Compact, Bronze 03, Bronze 04
The Matte Radiance Baked Powders are described as an ultra smooth baked powder with a soft matte radiance. This describes it perfectly. The texture is baked and comes in a dome shape. Powders are on the powdery side in the pan but they apply perfectly on the face for a very soft glow. Concept is similar in texture to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, but the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance powders come in matte flesh-like soft tan shades while the Hourglass matte options are really pale in color.
There are four Bronze shades 01, 02, 03 and 04. I feel 01 and 02 are nearly identical with 02 being a little more cool-toned. You can use any brush to apply. I’ve used anything from a fan brush, bronzer brush, powder brush to sweep across the face. The Bronze colors are matte with a tiny bit of glow, but no shimmer. Then there is one Highlight 01 shade which is described as a “golden nude” but to me on my olive complexion it’s more of a pale champagne ivory. You can find this in a mini in a lot of the Sephora Favorites sets. Right now it’s available in the Sephora Favorites Sunkissed Glow. The minis actually last quite a long time. I’ve used mine for years now and just decided to buy the full size. Highlight 01 is definitely shimmery but it melts into the skin for a less-frosty shimmer compared to other highlighters like the Face Illuminators or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors.
Lasting power is excellent. I think it’s ideal for any climate, in particular with the Florida heat + humidity I’m really impressed how they stay put and stay looking matte for hours.
Bronze 01
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Bronze 02
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Bronze 03
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Bronze 04
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Highlight 01
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Swatches, comparisons and a look at Bronze 02 on the face.
Swatch comparisons of the lighter bronzers 01 and 02 to Becca Sunlit Bronzer in Bali Sands and Capri Coast (both reviewed here). Also a swatch next to Benefit Hoola Lite.
Beauty look with Bronze 02, everything same as above, just no highlighter, just Bronze 02:
Bottom line I think they’re perfect. I can wear either Bronze 01 and 02 to add a soft glow to the face. They’re really impossible to overdo. I did try out Bronze 03 and 04, they’re both too dark for my complexion right now, but since summer usually lasts until November in Florida there’s a chance I will get more of a tan and need to go up in a color.
If you’re interested in sets you can find the Highlight 01 Mini in the Sephora Favorites Sunkissed Glow Set. These sets usually change seasonally. There is also a gorgeous Rose Glow Radiance Collection with a full size of Highlight 01 with a few other beauty items. Have you tried these yet? What’s your favorite natural looking bronzer?
Matte Radiance Bronze 01, 03 and 04 provided courtesy of Laura Mercier for review. Bronze 02 and Highlight 01 purchased by me. Other press samples featured indicated with a *.
