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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:

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

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Devoted

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick Devoted makeup look

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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

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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

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

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Wonder

Hourglass Vanish Blush in Wonder

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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

Gucci Bronzing Powder Review | The Beauty Look Book

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.

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder

Shade 01, 02 and 03:

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 01, 02 and 03

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder swatches

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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).

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 01

Look wearing:

Gucci Bronzing Powder Shade 01, 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).

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 02

Shade 02 Bronzer with Sheer Lipstick in The Painted Veil

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 02, The Painted Veil Sheer Lipstick

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Gucci Bronzer Shade 03

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

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 03

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

Gucci Eclat Soleil Bronzing Powder Shade 03 with 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.

Bronzer Swatches Gucci, NARS, Tom Ford, Kosas

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

Gucci Lipstick and Lip Balm in No More Orchids

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).

Gucci Lipstick and Balm swatches No More Orchids

Gucci Bronzer Powder Review and Swatches

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 Blush

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.

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush review

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.

New Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush

More close ups, swatches and a beauty look below!

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush review and swatches

Indoor lighting:

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush

With overspray removed below:

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush

Swatches of 2019 vs 2015’s Tweed Pink

Chanel Tweed Pink Blush swatches

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).

Chanel Tweed Pink Swatch Comparisons

Chanel Tweed Pink Makeup Look

Makeup look below wearing:

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush Makeup Look

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush Makeup Look

New Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink Blush The Beauty Look Book

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

Vacation Glow Makeup Essentials | The Beauty Look Book

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

Best Bronzers from Armani, Hourglass, Sisley and Chanel

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.

Best Glowing Bronzer Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

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Fresh Glowing Lips

Best Summer Fresh Glowing Lip Colors Bobbi Brown, NARS and Chanel

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.

Summer Fresh Lip Color from Nordstrom

bag / sunnies / swim suit top and bottoms

NARS Lusted Lip Trio Makeup Look

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Easy to Wear Neutral Eyeshadows

Best Neutral Eyeshadows Urban Decay, Tom Ford, Laura Mercier

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!

Neutral Eyeshadow Swatches Urban Decay Naked Reloaded, Tom Ford Golden Mink, Nude Dip, Laura Caviar Eye Sticks

 

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

NARS Lip Tint Escape Plan Tory Burch Costa Bandeau Bikini Celine Round Sunglasses

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My Go-To Makeup Bases

Best Foundations and Powders fo Summer Armani, Laura Mercier, La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury

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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Vacation Mode Makeup Tory Burch Costa Bikini Top Celine Round Sunglasses

Best Makeup for that Post-Vacation Glow

Best Makeup for that Post-Vacation Glow

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!

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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 Raidance Baked Powder | The Beauty Look Book

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.

Laura Mercier Matte Raidance Baked Powder review | The Beauty Look Book

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.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Bronze 02

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

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Bronze 01

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Bronze 02

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Bronze 02

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Bronze 03

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Bronze 03

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Bronze 04

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Bronze 04

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Highlight 01

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Highlight 01

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Swatches, comparisons and a look at Bronze 02 on the face.

Laura Mercier Matte Raidance Baked Powder swatches | The Beauty Look Book

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.

Bronzers for Fair Skin Tones from Laura Mercier, Becca and Benefit

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).

Highlighters: NARS Fort de France, Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight, Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight 01, Indiscretion, Devotion, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Opal, Moonstone, Pearl swatches

Beauty look with Highlight 01, also wearing:

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Highlight 01

Beauty look with Bronze 02, everything same as above, just no highlighter, just Bronze 02:

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance 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.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder Review and Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

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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Bronzer + Blush

La Mer Summer 2018 Color Collection: The Bronzing Powder + Lip & Cheek Glows

May 9, 2018

La Mer Summer 2018 The Bronzing Powder and Lip and Cheek Glow Review + Swatches

This summer La Mer has three new limited-edition color pieces including The Bronzing Powder ($85 for 13 g/0.43 oz) and Lip and Cheek Glows in Coral Glow 01 and Pink Sands 02 ($55 each for 7 g /0.24 oz). This is the first time I’ve tried their summer color items. La Mer has released several limited-edition bronzers in the past but I never splurged. This year I did. The whole look and feel of these colors are sheer and light. If you like that subtle undone glow you will love these. If you crave more pigment and noticeable color you might want to pass.

Up first is The Bronzing Powder. There are several colors swirled into a beautiful wave pattern of champagne shimmer, soft pink shimmer and warm tan matte. Swirled you get a luminous bronze that is very soft with a natural glow. Pigment is medium but natural looking and for this one the tones are close to my skin so it almost blends in with my skin. It is scented with this amazing beachy resort-like scent in a subtle way. I would love it if they bottled a stronger version of it in a body lotion or oil.

La Mer Bronzing Powder 2018 Review + Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

If you are light or fair and find most bronzers turn orangey on you, I highly urge you to check this one out. It will be subtle and light enough in color to give your skin a soft sunkissed glow. If you’re my skintone it will look almost like skin, just a subtle warm shimmer. If you’re darker than me this may look more light a soft highlighter. To me this is similar to the Chanel Les Beiges Multi-Colour in Medium that launched this year, the La Mer is just a slightly touch more bronzey.

La Mer Bronzing Powder 2018 Review + Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

Swatches of the individual shades vs. swirled:

La Mer Bronzing Powder 2018 Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

Swatch comparisons below to:

  • Becca Sunlit Bronzers in Bali Sands and Capri Coast (reviewed and face swatched here)
  • Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Multi-Colour 2018 Light, Medium and Deep (review here)
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Bronze Light (review here)

La Mer Bronzing Powder 2018 Swatch Comparisons via The Beauty Look Book

Next there are the two Lip and Cheek Glows for which I have very mixed feelings. As one with normal/combination skin I find these too dewy and too sheer for the cheeks. It will indeed add a glow, but it’s a very glossy glow which I don’t really want on my face. Add hot humid climate and it’s a no-go. That being said it does give the skin a fresh glow just like the name implies. On the lips these are very sheer but I can get the color to show up with a few swipes. I like the way these look on the lips – they make the lips look healthy with a tint of color, but I can’t help but feel these are just super expensive sheer lip balms. They do nourish the lips and although I know you’re not supposed to taste test these, I did lick my lips while testing these and they taste amazing. Like a delicious sweet mint. So I like these for the lips, I don’t think they are worth the price for how sheer they are. With some layering you’ll see color.

Coral Glow 01 is a soft coral, on my skin once blended it almost disappears. Pink Sands is also extremely sheer but has a little bit more color. On my cheeks all I see is a dewy shine with a VERY SLIGHT hint of color. On my lips these show up. Your mileage will vary depending on your skin tone, but to sum these sticks up in two words I’d say these are sheer and glowy.

La Mer Lip and Cheek Glow Review Swatches

On the nails, Chanel Resplendissant

La Mer Summer 2018 Swatches, all three items swatched with a heavy hand. Once blended the color is very sheer!

La Mer Lip and Cheek Glow Coral Glow and Pink Sands and The Bronzing Powder Swatches

On bare lips, swiped back and forth in layers around 3-4 times:

La Mer Lip and Cheek Glow Coral Glow and Pink Sands swatches

Swatch comparisons:

  • NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm (review here)
  • Chanel Les Beiges Blush in No 23 (review here)
  • NARS Liquid Blush in Luster (review here)
  • Sisley Phyt0-Blush Twist in Papaya (review here)
  • Tom Ford Cream Blush in Pink Sand (discontinued)
  • Sisley Phyto-Blush Twist in Petal (review here)
  • Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff (more swatches here)

La Mer Lip Cheek Glow Swatch comparisons

On the face:

La Mer Summer 2018 review

Also wearing:

One last note, a lot of you had asked about my pink sunglasses. Most of the time I’ve shown old pairs, in particular one of my favorites are these pink Gucci sunglasses from several years ago. It’s almost always impossible for me to find smaller frames, but I’ve since found an almost identical pair by Kate Spade for a fraction of the price. They aren’t 100% the same but close enough for me!

Pink Sunglasses Gucci vs Kate Spade

One last look:

La Mer Summer 2018 Collection Review and Swatches

Bottom line: a hefty dent to my wallet. I simply couldn’t resist the pretty pearly packaging and the swirl pattern on the bronzer is gorgeous! The La Mer Bronzing Powder this year is beautiful and so natural, but it’s similar to others I have I’m not sure I’d call it a must-have. As you can see from the above swatches, it’s going to look slightly different in swatches depending on how much pink vs. champagne vs. matte tan you swirl onto the brush. On my skin it’s very very natural, which isn’t a bad thing. I love a good natural bronzer! In a month’s time I’m going to be a lot darker and this will probably match my skin tone.

The La Mer Lip and Cheek Glows are going to be hit or miss. I suspect it is going to be similar to the Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush in concept, better for lips, ok for the cheeks. I really love the Pink Sands color for a soft baby pink. Still these are really pricey and very sheer. I’m kinda luke-warm on my feelings for these.

You can find the La Mer summer collection out now. Items are limited-edition. Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s.

 

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Bronzer + Blush Eye Makeup Marc Jacobs Beauty

Marc Jacobs Coconut Fantasy Collection

May 7, 2018

Marc Jacobs Coconut Fantasy Collection Review

Marc Jacobs Beauty has launched a new Coconut Fantasy Collection this year to continue the coconut theme. There are three new items and one repromote, everything is selling out quickly. A few restocks have occurred online at Sephora and Marc Jacobs Beauty but if you have your eye on anything and see it, I recommend grabbing it fast. The Coconut Bronzer was hard to find last year as it went quickly, this year it also seemed to go fast. I’m hoping it will restock as it’s such a great bronzer (last year’s review here). Today I have a review of the three new items that launched. You can find these at Marc Jacobs Beauty, Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Net-A-Porter.

Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter in Fantasy

Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter – Coconut Fantasy Collection

Above: Fantasy vs Dew You? Sunglasses from Nordstrom

My favorite item is the Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter in Fantasy and the good thing is that this is the one item that is still relatively easy to find. Fantasy is a rose gold shimmer, it looks bronzey in the frosted bottle but once I blend on my skin I see more rose tones. If you missed last year’s champagne gold shimmer in Dew You? you can still find it available. Formula remains the same – shimmer finish with a gel texture that is easy to build, dries down to semi-matte finish but retains the shimmer. The dry down makes this highlighter last a long time on the skin, once it sets it is pretty much budge-proof. It has the most wonderful coconut scent. 100% worth the purchase.

Swatches:

Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Swatches Coconut Gel Highlighter in Fantasy vs Dew You?

Swatch comparisons:

Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Fantasy Swatch Comparisons

Finish-Line Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder

Marc Jacobs Finish-Line Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder

Next is the Finish-Line Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder which also has an amazing coconut scent. This is a setting powder that sets foundation or tinted moisturizer to matte finish. It has a mesh interior to help dispense just the right amount of product to the brush. I found this to give a very matte finish, but in a soft and natural way. It’s translucent and even on my tan skin has no white cast. If you have super dry skin or prefer matte finish foundations you may want to give your face a quick mist with something like MAC Prep+Prime Fix+ first. I found that this over a very matte finish foundation made my face look too matte. It did work on all my other bases that have a soft finish or slightly dewy finish. It does last a long time keeping the makeup on my face from morning to late afternoon. If you’re a coconut fan I’d recommend layering the MAC Prep and Prime Fix+ Scented in Coconut for extra coconut goodness 🙂

Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette – Coconut Fantasy Collection - Fantascene

Last but not least is the Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Fantascene (sold out most places, but still available at Marc Jacobs Beauty). The shadows in this palette have a super soft pigmented texture. There is a mix of mattes, sparkles and shimmers which layer together beautifully. For me they apply well with or without a base. The colors overall are very warm with a soft cream matte, soft warn grey matte, soft rose matte, shimmering pink, sparkly copper, matte plum brown and coral satin. I love shades like these in the pan, on my complexion the overall feel is a little too warm for my coloring. I find Scandalust more wearable for me. Still Fantascene is a gorgeous palette, just one I’ll need to cool-down with a bit of mixing with other neutrals.

Swatches + close ups:

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow Fantascene

Close up 1:

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow Fantascene

Close up 2:

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow Fantascene

Close up 3:

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow Fantascene

Fantascene vs Scandalust:

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow Palette swatches Fantascene vs. Scandalust

Two looks wearing:

TBLB MJ Fantasy + Kinks Kisses Blush

Overall perfect for summer! I think the Fantasy Dew Drops is a must, it has a pretty soft shimmering rose gold gleam that isn’t overly frosty. I think the Setting Powder is going to be perfect for hot summer days when you need a long-lasting matte powder that won’t caked. The palette isn’t for me color-wise but I can make it work with some blending. If you’re like me and can’t wear warm shades easily, I’d recommend you opt for Marc Jacobs Scandalust, NARSissist Wanted or NARSissist Loaded instead.

You can find Marc Jacobs Beauty at Marc Jacobs Beauty, Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Net-A-Porter. The eyeshadow palette, bronzer and dew drops are listed as limited-edition.

Have you bought anything from this year’s Coconut Fantasy Collection? What did you think?

 

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