Bronzer + Blush Archives - Page 2 of 7

Gucci Beauty Luminous Matte Beauty Blush

September 19, 2022

Gucci launched new cheek products called the Luminous Matte Beauty Blush ($49 each). I hauled 5 of the 6 colors to try. These are beautiful soft blushes with a luminous sheen. At $49 each they are incredibly expensive but I’m happy to report that each one performed well and I think they’re exquisite!

Texture is soft and smooth. I like that the pigment is medium but easy to build and layer without looking or feeling heavy. They feel very natural on the skin and blend in seamlessly. Swatching on the arm/hand doesn’t do the product – they look so much prettier on the face!

The Luminous Matte Beauty Blushes are scented with a strong floral scent. It seems to fade after a few minutes (or it’s a scent my nose gets used to).

Lasting power is very good. The color stayed put on the cheeks all day. I think the packaging is really cute too!

01 Silky Rose is a light pink

02 Tender Apricot is a pale light peach

03 Radiant Pink is a healthy natural pink

04 Bright Coral is a soft coral

05 Rosy Beige is a mauve

Swatches of all five shades I hauled below:

Swatches on the face as well. For a more complete look I would have added some bronzer or highlighter for more depth and dimension but I just applied each blush by itself to give you an idea of what they look like alone.

Also wearing:

Foundation Gucci Natural Fluid Foundation in 280C
Powder Gucci Matte Beauty Powder Shade 05
Eyeshadow Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre in Tea Rose
Eyeliner Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Black
Mascara Gucci Beauty L’Obscur Lengthening Mascara
Tank Free People Love Letter Cami (M/L)

Blush: Gucci Blush 01 Silky Rose + Lips: Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Gloss in 2CCs

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Blush: Gucci Blush 02 Tender Apricot + Lips: Fenty Gloss Bomb in Cheeky

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Blush: Gucci Blush 03 Radiant Pink + Lips: Glow Care and Shine Lipstick in Sally Soft Honey

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Blush: Gucci Blush 04 Bright Coral + Lips: Glow Care and Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina

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Blush: Gucci Blush 05 Rosy Beige + Lips: Glow Care and Shine Lipstick in Call It A Day

I cannot pick a favorite, I think all the colors are really pretty! I think it would have made for a really stunning cheek palette if they had all shades in one compact.

It’s been a while since I did a dedicated Gucci Beauty review so in case you missed previous features, here are a few quick thoughts on some other items I’ve tried:

Gucci Natural Fluid Foundation in 280C – I love this formula for a traditional satin fluid foundation. It has medium to full coverage with a natural finish. It is long-wearing on me. Has a slight blurring effect.
Gucci Matte Beauty Powder Shade 05 – This is a nice pressed finishing powder with a natural finish. Has sheer coverage and looks very natural. Has a sweet floral scent.
Glow and Care Shine Lipstick – These are some of my favorite glossy lipsticks! Lots of nice colors to choose from! Sally Soft Honey is probably my favorite!
Eclat Soleil Luminous Bronzer – I have 3 shades and like 03 the best for a nice warm bronze with a subtle glow. Shades 1, 2 and 3 reviewed here.
Multipurpose Hydrating and Nourishing Balm – One of my favorite multi-purpose balms! I love this on the lips for moisture. Wish it came in a stick or squeeze tube form, but the formula is excellent.
L’Obscur Lengthening Mascara – A nice lengthening and defining mascara I’ve repurchased several times. I think it’s worth splurging on!
Brume de Beaute Beauty Mist – This is a lovely bi-phase refreshing mist and can also double as a setting spray. Feels super luxurious and makes the skin feel refreshed.
Glossy Nail Polish – Love the shade Annabel Rose for a beautiful neutral. I have a couple other colors and really like the formula for an opaque finish, long-lasting wear and flattering shades.

Overall really happy with the formula and colors! If I had to pick just 2, I would say 03 Radiant Pink and 04 Bright Coral are my top 2. I still think they are overpriced (even if it is Gucci). But they perform really well and I’m happy with them.

Available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Gucci.

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

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Bronzer + Blush Lips

Rose Hermes Silky Blush Powder + Rosy Lip Enhancer Review

May 5, 2021

The newest additions to the Hermes Beauty lineup are blushes, brushes and lip balms in the new Rose Hermes Collection. The colors are beautiful, understated and elegant. Items are available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Selfridges and Hermes. In today’s review:

Silky Blush Powder

The Silky Powder Blush is a soft matte powder formula that has a rose scent. The formula is a silky smooth powder I find has buildable coverage on the face. They are ultra lightweight in texture and adheres well to the skin without looking too powdery. The packaging is beautiful in design and comes with a magnetic snap top and mirror inside.

The powder is heavily fragranced so if you’re sensitive to perfume in makeup this is not the product for you. In terms of texture and coverage these remind me of a more velvety powdery version of the Laura Mercier Blushes for the natural coverage and satin finish.

When I first played around with the formula I was not super impressed, but the first color I tried was Rose Ombre which turns out to be my least favorite color. For my skin tone it looks a little dull and lackluster. I played with each of the shades and love the other shades. There are eight colors total right now, I ordered six of them:

19 Rose Abricot is a light peach
23 Rose Blush is a warm pink
32 Rose Pommette is a medium rose pink
28 Rose Plume is a soft pale pink
45 Rose Ombre is a medium dusty rose
49 Rose Tan is an orangey tan

Overall I really like these! (All colors shown on the face below.) At $77 each these are quite the splurge and while I really like the elegant and understated look, I do not think I needed all of the colors I hauled. Do I think they’re worth the $77 price tag? Not really, but I am happy with the formula and wear. If I had to pick a couple favorites, I would say I like Rose Tan and Rose Blush the best.

Brushes

There are two brushes in the Rose Hermes collection which includes a small angled Travel Brush and an angled flat Blush Brush. The smaller Travel Brush is super soft and smooth and surpassed my expectations in terms of performance. It picks up product nicely and blends perfectly. It is on the small side, I would have liked something a little bigger but the texture and density is on point. For a brush intended for travel I do think having a cap or retractable option is ideal. Something like the Chanel Brush No 111, Brush 103, No 108 or Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush are better buys in my opinion for a travel face brush.

The flat blush brush is just ok. I do not think it’s worth the splurge. It performs well but I think it is pretty average. I think you would be better off buying something like the Chanel Contouring Brush No 109, Laura Mercier Angled Cheek Brush or NARS #21 Contour Brush instead.

Rosy Lip Enhancer

I’ve saved the best for last which is the Rosy Lip Enhancer. These are tinted lipsticks that have a transparent finish and enhance the natural color of your lips. They’re like a waxier matte version of the Dior Addict Lip Glows. I find the Hermes Rosy Lip Enhancers give me a more natural kind of glow on the lips like the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm, but with a matte finish and different color. Dior Lip Glows tend to bring out a more vibrant flush on my lips.

They seem unscented to me. Lasting power is like a balm but the natural flush stays there for hours without fading on me. They have a lightweight texture to them.

When I swatched these on my hand and lips they looked nearly transparent, but give them a couple minutes on the lips and a lovely flush of color appears.

14 Rose Abricote is a light peach, transforms into a healthy peach with a hint of pink
30 Rose D’Ete is a brighter pink
49 Rose Tan is a deeper dusty mauve rose, on my lips it looks like a healthy rose

All the items on the face, wearing:

Foundation Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in B40
Powder Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless in Medium
Eyeshadow Palette Too Faced Born this Way The Natural Nudes
Eyeliner Chanel Stylo Yeux in Black Wood
Mascara Kosas The Big Clean
Tee ATM Schoolboy Tee
Lips + Cheeks listed below, I applied the blushes with a light-medium hand but you can layer for more color and coverage

Look 1: Rosy Lip Enhancer Rose Abricote
Silky Blush Powder Rose Abricot

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Look 2: Rosy Lip Enhancer Rose Abricote
Silky Blush Powder Rose Tan

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Look 3: Rosy Lip Enhancer Rose D’Ete
Silky Blush Powder Rose Pommette

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Look 4: Rosy Lip Enhancer Rose D’Ete
Silky Blush Powder Rose Blush

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Look 5: Rosy Lip Enhancer Rose Tan
Silky Blush Powder Rose Plume

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Look 6: Rosy Lip Enhancer Rose Tan
Silky Blush Powder Rose Ombre

If you’ve been holding off on these I hope you found this review and swatches helpful! The Silky Blush Powders are refillable with refills at $48 each. I’m not sure if the Rosy Lip Enhancer will be refillable, I don’t see them on the Hermes website yet.

While I really like the blushes I do think they are extremely overpriced, even for a luxury brand. The lip enhancers are winners for me because of the color on my lips but your mileage may vary as they’re enhancers and I suspect they will look slightly different on everyone.

You can find these at a number of different retailers. You may have to do a bit of shopping around as some shades have sold out quickly. I ordered from a few places including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Hermes. Also available at Bloomingdale’s and Selfridges.

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Bronzer + Blush Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Review

April 21, 2021

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.

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

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:

Foundation Armani Luminous Silk in 6.5
Powder Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless in Medium
Eyeshadow Urban Decay Naked Reloaded + Hourglass Scattered Light in Blaze
Mascara Maybelline Sky High
Lip Colors vary per photo (listed below)

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

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

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

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

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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?

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

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Bronzer + Blush

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Review

July 31, 2020

I ordered some of the new Gucci Poudre De Beaute Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powders ($62 each for 12 g/0.42 oz available at Sephora) recently and have fallen completely in love with them! There are currently five shades available and I decided to try the lightest three options Shades 01, 02 and 03. These Gucci bronzing powders are packaged in the most beautiful mirrored compact with a gold and turquoise design. Each bronzer has a bottom compartment for a small flat brush to apply the product. Although I prefer larger full sized brushes, the mini compact brush is actually functional to apply the product on the face (I normally don’t use the compact brushes).

The bronzer texture is soft and powdery. Pigment is sheer-medium in coverage but buildable. Each color I tried performed well. They didn’t look muddy or turn orange or darken The only semi-negative thing I can say about these is that they have a strong floral powder scent. It’s not a deal breaker for me and after it’s on the skin the scent fades and I don’t notice it anymore.

Lasting power is quite good. I think these are solid winners even though they are fairly expensive. The bronzing powder also come with a small pink pouch so you can protect the compact from getting scratched if you want to put it in a makeup bag.

Shade 01, 02 and 03:

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Gucci Bronzer Shade 01

Shade 01 is a matte lighter cooler-toned brown with pinkish undertones (similar to Tom Ford Terra).

Look wearing:

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation in Dusk
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder in Medium
Gucci Bronzer Shade 01
Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadow in Blaze (swatched here)
Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara* (LOVEEE!)
Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner*
Gucci Lip Balm in No More Orchids

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Gucci Bronzer Shade 02

Shade 02 is a medium neutral cool-toned brown with subtle shimmer (this one looks deeper than Shade 03).

Shade 02 Bronzer with Sheer Lipstick in The Painted Veil

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Gucci Bronzer Shade 03

Shade 03 is a light-medium warm golden bronze with gold shimmer.

Below wearing Bronzer Shade 03 with the Satin Lipstick in No More Orchids

For those who have asked, comparison swatches to the Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer in Terra and Gold Dust, NARS Bronzing Powders in Laguna and Casino and the Kosas Sun Show Bronzers.

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Lips – No More Orchids in the Satin Lipstick and Lip Balm Formulas

left is the Satin Lipstick, right is the Lip Balm, nail color is Essie Wearing Hue?

Last I wanted to share a look at two lip formulas in the color No More Orchids. Gucci launched this color in a Satin Formula to coincide with the launch of the bronzers. It’s a vibrant hot pink with a medium coverage creamy finish. There’s a soft shine to it like a classic lipstick. I actually prefer the No More Orchids Balm Formula which is a sheer hot cool pink. It’s not quite as blue-based or sharp on my medium tan olive skintone and works better for my complexion. To me the colors are pretty much the same but the pigment changes how it looks on the lips.

I ordered a few other colors a while ago but haven’t had a chance to test them. I do have and love the shade The Painted Veil in the sheer finish for a warmer pink (also worn in my Gucci Mascara review here).

Overall I really like the bronzers I hauled! If you’re like me and don’t really like true mattes you’ll love these. They have a subtle glow to them so they won’t look flat on the skin. They’re easy to wear and don’t look muddy on the skin. I like that they’re soft in texture and easy to build/blend. I have no regrets with my purchases although I can’t say the colors must-haves since they aren’t super unique. I see similarities with other brands and formulas so I do think they are easy to dupe. Still I think they performed well and were worth the splurge. I love the packaging and if you don’t mind the floral scent, I think you will probably like them too.

Have you checked out the Gucci Bronzers yet? What did you think? I bought mine from Sephora the day they launched. They’ve since sold out and restocked (once I think) and some colors have sold out again. You can also find these at Gucci and Selfridges.

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Bronzer + Blush Chanel

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink

December 3, 2019

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink ($48 for 5.5 g/0.19 oz) is back for a limited time! Chanel Beauty has relaunched one of their classic soft pink blushes embossed with their iconic tweed pattern available exclusively on their website Chanel.com. In addition for a limited time Chanel is offering Beauty Look Book readers a special promotion. Any fragrance and beauty order on Chanel.com with code REVITALIZE will receive (while supplies last) a complimentary deluxe sample of Sublimage Creme.

The Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink has been launched in the past a few times. I love this formula of blush for the delicate soft wash it gives the skin. This year’s is a bit deeper in pink with more pigment compared to the older ones I have although the color is very close. On my medium olive skin (I wear Chanel B40 or 50) it shows up for a soft baby pink flush. It has a beautiful sheen to it. There’s a lovely overspray but underneath is a mix of pale pink and medium rose pink infused with tiny silver bits of shimmer. On the skin it looks naturally radiant with just the perfect amount of glow.

More close ups, swatches and a beauty look below!

Indoor lighting:

With overspray removed below:

Swatches of 2019 vs 2015’s Tweed Pink

Swatch comparisons to Charlotte Tilbury Chic to Cheek in Love is the Drug, Chanel Joues Contraste in Quintessence, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Ghost Palette Iridescent Rose and Sublime Flush (2 of 6) and Ambient Lighting Ghost Quad Surreal Effect (1 of 4).

Makeup look below wearing:

Foundation Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet in B40 (review here)
Blush Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink
Bronzer Soleil Tan de Chanel
Eyeshadows Ombre Premiere Cream in Patine Bronze, Ombre Premiere Powder in Cuivre Lame and Noir Lame
Eyeliner Chanel Stylo Yeux in Black Wood (swatched here)
Mascara Chanel Volume de Chanel
Lipstick Holiday Rouge Allure in 807 Rouge Delicieux (also reviewed here)
Lip Gloss Rouge Coco Gloss in 728

Overall a solid A+ for a pretty easy to wear pink blush with the Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Pink. I’m a huge fan of the formula, especially the color Tweed Beige (reviewed here) which is still available I even bought a backup because it’s the perfect neutral highlighting beige blush for me.

You can find the Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Pink available at Chanel.com. Also while supplies last any fragrance and beauty order on Chanel.com with code REVITALIZE will receive a complimentary deluxe sample of Sublimage Creme (5 g).

Available at Chanel.com.

Many thanks to Chanel for sending the Tweed Pink for review.

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Beauty Favorites Bronzer + Blush

Beauty Favorites For That Post-Vacation Glow

April 15, 2019

Fresh glowing makeup has been a huge hit with so many of you! I’m frequently asked what I recommend for that refreshed and glowing back-from-a-tropical vacation look. Living in Florida does sometimes seem like I should be on a permanent vacation with the sunshine here. My actual glow is mainly from a few go-to bronzers and complexion products that help boost luminosity. Today I have a roundup of my favorite beauty essentials to help you fake that post-vacation glow without the sun. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share what I think is the best from eyes, lips and cheeks. If you’re in need of some extra glow and warmth to the complexion I hope you find this roundup helpful!

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Bronzers

above: hat / sunnies

I think before moving to Florida bronzers were my favorite makeup item to try. I’ve always loved having a warmed up bronze glow! I still really love trying new ones but find that I keep going back to my tried-and-true favorites. Ones I really like:

Armani Neo Nude Compact Powder is the best all over glow powder I’ve tried. It’s subtle enough to use all over my face to set. I also love using a darker shade as a subtle contour/bronzer to add a natural looking glow.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light is a great option to add a subtle glow, especially if you’re on the fairer side. It’s not too shimmery and has a soft glow.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzers are more intense with a mix of highlighter and intense bronze pigment swirled in one pan. There are four shades total. I like Luminous Bronze Light the best but if you want something that pulls more neutral tone opt for Diffused Bronze Light.
Sisley Phyto Blush Twist* is a newish discovery for me. I’ve tried the blush colors but #5 is newer to me. It’s a warm sheer contour color which is perfect for me to add life to the skin. It blends out nicely and smoothly with a soft dry down finish.
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Makeup Base is probably the best cream bronzer I’ve ever bought. I’ve actually gone through an entire tub of this (it does last for a long long time though). No matter what skin tone I am light to super tan this never fails to add the perfect amount of natural warmth to the skin. It’s 100% worth the splurge. I apply with a cream foundation brush or any blush brush.
The best bronzing brushes I use are the Laura Mercier Blending Brush* (smaller one above) and her Bronzing Brush* (larger one shown below). They’re ultra soft and smooth.
If you’re ultra fair and feel like every bronzer turns orange on you, I recommend looking into the Becca Sunlit Bronzer, Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Bronzer or one of the Armani Neo Nude Powders in a color 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone.

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Fresh Glowing Lips

A good neutral but brightening lip color can work wonders on your complexion. I think anything with a peach or fresh pink under tone can make for a universally flattering shade on any skin color. A few of my favorites for fresh glowing neutrals:

Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip Colors* are still in frequent rotation. I love mixing Lychee Baby and Peach and Quiet together for the perfect pinky peach lip.
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint is a nice alternative to the Dior Addict Lip Glow, Melon is the ultimate juicy summer vacation peach. It swatches sheer on the arm but on the lips it transforms to a bright melon.
NARS Lip Gloss* has so many amazing color options with new shades out this spring. Outrage gives the perfect milky peach and Sexual Content is a fresh hot pink that screams vacation without being too bright.
NARS Lusted Lip Tint Trio has three fresh neutral minis. Color is sheer in finish but glowing in the best way possible. It’s so good for the neutral lip lover and small enough to fit inside the tiniest of clutches.
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash offers a nice fresh balmy shine in a stick. My favorites are Flash and Jour for that peachy glow.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Pencil in Pillow Talk is my go-with-everything pencil. It helps extend wear of gloss and lipstick if I put this on my lips underneath and blend the edges.

bag / sunnies / swim suit top and bottoms

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Easy to Wear Neutral Eyeshadows

new mascara (still testing!) / hat / travel case / sandals

There are so many eyeshadow options on the market these days and while some of you are experts at doing that bronzed smokey eye, many of you are intimidated by the options and want to know what’s best for the beginner who wants just 1 to 3 products to start. I’ve rounded up a few I consider easy to wear staples. These are the eye makeup colors I always get compliments on when you see me on Instagram stories:

Urban Decay Naked Reloaded has the prettiest mix of warm colors and neutral shades. It has everything you need for a complete eye look and is super easy to wear. Any of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes are great for beginners, I’d opt for either this one or Naked2 if you’re looking for something super versatile.
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Golden Mink and Nude Dip are the quads I get the most questions about whether or not it’s worth the splurge. I think yes. Golden Mink has two shimmer neutrals and two sparkles which add a really lovely glow to the eyes. If you can’t feel like you can pull of glitters Nude Dip is the best easy to wear neutral-cool shimmer palette I’ve tried.
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks* are worn every single week (almost daily) by me. I wear Rose Gold the most as an all over base. Some days I can just layer 3 for a complete effortless eye look. They’re creamy, easy to travel with, easy to blend and on me they stay put really well. My top most-worn shades are swatched below.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream in Bette and Marie Antoinette are also easy one-and-done kinds of eyeshadows. I can apply either shade all over the lid, add a liner and have a simple no-makeup-makeup eye look with either. They’re emollient and blend nicely with the prettiest shimmer!

Wearing the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation in Buff, Armani Neo Nude Powder in 5.5 to set, Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base, Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light Bronzer, NARS Lusted Lip Tints in Escape Plan and Hot Memory mixed

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My Go-To Makeup Bases

I feel like I could do an entire post about my favorite makeup bases and setting powders. When it comes to having glow on the cheeks, bronzer, eyeshadow or lips a lot of times it’s best to have a matte to semi matte looking base so your overall look isn’t too glowy. When I’m asked, “what’s the best foundation or powder to splurge on?” my answer really depends on your skin type and coverage preferences and also time of year. Still many of you want to know what I personally feel are the best options. Ones that never fail me:

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation* and Concealer* both have the longest wear time for me even in Florida humidity. While nothing I’ve tried is truly sweat proof if you’re in humid climates, this pair is the best performing for me. I wear Buff 3N1 for the foundation and 3W for the concealer.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is the best natural looking foundation with a luminous finish. It has medium coverage and always looks good on the skin. I like that it feels lightweight and isn’t heavy or greasy looking. You do need to set with a powder and if you have super oily skin you might want to opt for the Power Fabric formula instead.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is my holy grail setting and blurring powder. I use Shade #2. It’s the best at evening out the skin while still looking natural and flawless.
La Mer Pressed Powder in Light or Medium are also in my top five most used powders. I’ve hit pan several times and it’s crazy expensive but I really love the natural finish. It’s amazing for touch ups too.

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I hope you enjoyed this glowy makeup favorites roundup! I always get questions about what I recommend so I picked a little from each category to share today. I’d love to hear about your favorites for the complexion, eyes and cheeks!

Shop the post:

Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. Press samples featured have a * next to them. As always all opinions are my own.

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Bronzer + Blush Highlighters Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders

August 23, 2018

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.

Highlight swatch comparisons to NARS Fort de France (review here), Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion and Devotion, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors in Opal, Moonstone and Pearl (reviewed here).

Beauty look with Highlight 01, also wearing:

Foundation: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation* in Buff
Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Pressed Powder 02
Cheeks: Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight 01
Eyeshadow: Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold + NARS Eyeshadow Quad Mojave* (review here)
Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Graphblack
Mascara: Hourglass Caution Extreme Mascara* (review here)
Brows: NARS Brow Perfector in Komo* (swatches of all shades here)
Lips: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color in Lychee Parfait + Lip Glace in Bare Baby
Brush shown: Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush*

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.

You can find the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders at all counters now. Available online at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.

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 *.

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