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Eye Makeup

New Mascara + Primer Testing: Pat McGrath, Marc Jacobs, Sisley + More

February 28, 2019

I have another mascara + primer roundup today! As much as I love and swear by waterproof formulas like Chanel Le Volume Waterproof, L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof and Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme (sold out everywhere!), so many of you prefer regular formulas because they’re easier to take off. I have straight lashes and live in a city that has high humidity so I really prefer waterproof most of the time so it’s beach-proof and sweat-proof. For me it’s worth the extra time and effort to remove every evening. Still I understand it’s a total pain to remove which makes it not worth it for everyone (I swear by these Almay pads to remove the most stubborn of waterproof makeup, make sure you pick the waterproof remover version). The good news is there are a lot of new formulas that launched I think you might want to check out. A couple of these aren’t entirely brand new but new to me.

Home decor / style note details at the bottom of the post, but for all those asking my nail polish is OPI Another Ramen-tic Evening.

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Pat McGrath cannot do wrong in my eyes and she launched the new FetishEyes Mascara earlier this month. I received an early sneak peek and have been testing it for a couple months now. It’s a great non-clumping, defining mascara. It adds length and doesn’t smudge. For me it doesn’t quite add as much volume or drama as other formulas do but it’s a solid one and I truly appreciate that there is zero clumping. Curl holding is not the best, but also not the worst. If you don’t have issues with straight lashes I think you will have no problem with this formula. If you haven’t tried anything from her FetishEyes Collection I highly recommend her Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner (the two available in the Xtreme Duo bundle on her website).

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Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara has been raved about my SO many of you. You’ve told me it’s your HOLY GRAIL. I bought the pink packaging one at Sephora and really love it. The regular formula does not smudge but we have had a cold winter here (it has been down to 40s/50s) and even though it’s warming up the humidity isn’t what it normally is. I am worried it will smudge with the humidity so I’m going to investigate in the waterproof version soon. This one adds the most volume that I’ve tried for a non-waterproof formula. It will hold the curl too.

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Marc Jacobs launched a Velvet Primer to go with their Velvet Noir Mascara. I feel like most primers have done little for my lashes except the L’Oreal Lash Paradise Primer which is great, but not necessary. Even most high-end ones just didn’t do enough to wow me so I had low expectations for this Marc Jacobs Velvet Primer. It exceeded every expectation I had. Paired with the Velvet Noir Mascara it helps the mascara adhere SO much better and makes the mascara look much better. I haven’t tried it with other formulas but am going to. For now I’m thoroughly impressed. I think it’s worth checking out.

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The YSL Faux Cils Volume Effect in The Curler just came on my radar. I don’t know how new it is (or if it’s really is new). It’s described as a “curling mascara featuring a unique hybrid brush that dramatically curls and defines lashes for an unparalleled full fan effect.” The description alone plus all near 5-star reviews sold me. It didn’t work for me or knock my socks off. It doesn’t hold the curl or curl my lashes. I really do love the brush and how it’s curved and has rubber bristles. It just didn’t live up to the description for me. I like that there’s no clumping, it defines nicely and doesn’t smudge. I just don’t see enough volume and for me there is no curling effect or hold.

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Last but not least is the Sisley So Volume Mascara. For some reason I did not think this was new but the press email I received says it is. I’ve tried a few other formulas from Sisley and they’re all ridiculously expensive. This one has a thick chubby wand with bristles and does indeed add serious volume. It has ingredients to soften the lashes which is nice. Once applied it doesn’t have that crunchy feel most mascaras have but it stays put. I haven’t used it long enough to see if it is indeed strengthening but I don’t know that I would be able to tell with any formula. I like this because it adds volume with one stroke. It doesn’t hold the curl as well as waterproof formulas but doesn’t make mine go straight immediately. It’s also included in the Rachel Goodwin x Les Stars Collection bundle.

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I hope you found this roundup helpful! I think mascara is always tricky for me to write about because even with reviews it’s hard to tell how one may or may not work for you. We all have different lash lengths, density and eye shapes. I’ve tried so many that worked for others that didn’t for me so I know it can be the case for you as well. I still really prefer waterproof formulas so they’ll hold the curl for me. I end up with raccoon eyes most of the time so I’m surprised I found some non-waterproof formulas that didn’t smudge this round.

A few notes on other items featured in the post. On the nails is OPI Another Ramen-tic Evening, Mirrored Trays here, Coffee table here, my favorite eyelash curler is from MAC. Flat zip pouches in the Marc Jacobs photo are from The Daily Edited.

What’s your favorite non-waterproof mascara formula? Always love reading about your recommendations!

Press samples from Sisley, Marc Jacobs and Pat McGrath.

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What's In My Bag

Spring Makeup Bag Update

March 27, 2017

Now that spring is officially here, everything in my wardrobe including my makeup and skincare have been going through a bit of an update. As always I find one of my favorite ways to update my look is to focus on new colors for lips and cheeks. There are a new launches I’ve been mixing into my weekly beauty routine and I’ve teamed up with Nordstrom to share some colors I think will be great for the spring transition.

Up first are some cheek products – I’ve really been obsessed with all things from Tom Ford Beauty. As part of the Summer Soleil collection, they launched a Sheer Illuminating Cheek Duo in Reflects Gilt. Even though I own so many other highlighters I find this one unique in the formula and color. It gives the skin a luminous sheen and it can also be used on the eyes. Tom Ford also revamped all their Powder Blushes. I have not yet had a chance to investigate the new formula in all the colors in detail but a quick look at the counter did prove the shades have changed a little. I have two new shades I bought include Inhibition (a perfect peachy nude) and Gratuitous (a mauve plum). They have a very subtle sheen in the pan but the shimmer does not really show up on the skin. Both have smooth medium buildable pigment and apply beautifully on the face. I like that they’re neutrals, but not nude. Also they have color that shows up on the skin but they don’t darken or oxidize on me.

Gratuitous (plum) on the left and Inhibition (peach) on the right. I’m wearing Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation in Bisque.

Next is my favorite category: new lip colors. I love a good glossy lip because the formulas are usually more hydrating, smooth and soft. They’re also more forgiving when it comes to fading as the day progresses. If you splurge on one item, I would again say go with anything from Tom Ford. I really love the Lips and Boys lipsticks, Bradley is the perfect nude (shown in the photo above with Inhibition Blush). For summer they launched Clutch-Sized Lip Balms in bright sheers. They feel really good on the lips and the colors add a nice healthy flush of color that is super natural but fun.

Makeup bag from Tory Burch.

If you’re a gloss kind of person, Chanel Rouge Coco Glosses are new. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes. If I could pick only one color, Tendresse is my favorite purchase because it’s rosy and gives the face a brightened effect.

YSL launched their Volupte Tint-In-Balms which have been nearly impossible to find because they keep selling out. I managed to order three shades in 1 Dream Me Nude, 2 Tease Me Pink and 3 Call Me Rose. These resemble the Volupte Sheer Candy, but the new Volupte Tint-In-Balms are supposed to be a lipstick balm hybrid with a bit more color. They have that amazing passionfruit scent and go on smooth but sheer. I was surprised to see color but if you don’t like sheer colors you may want to opt for the brighter ones (I bought mine sight unseen). I personally love these and definitely want a couple more of the brighter ones.

For something different I also picked a few of the new Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip colors. The packaging is super cute – they look like a chubby stick but it’s a squeeze tube for a super opaque creamy liquid lipstick. The finish is semi-matte but gives you full coverage. As one who really doesn’t like semi-matte finishes I’m undecided about these. They are comfortable on the lips but a little goes a long way, so the first few times I applied, I really overdid it. Pigment is incredible and they don’t dry down like traditional liquid lipsticks. Colors are on the bold side.

Last but not least, I bought the YSL Lip Perfector a couple months ago. It’s supposed to be a multipurpose product that nourishes, soothes and enhances your natural lip color. For me it’s a basic lip balm that feels nice and does a good job of hydrating the lips. It doesn’t do anything for my natural lip color (it applies clear and stays clear), but I have no regrets purchasing and it does work nicely under lipstick if you feel your lips are dry. That being said I still prefer the Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade.

For the eyes, I picked up the YSL The Shock Mascara and many of you wanted to know my thoughts. I really like it! On me it doesn’t clump, it defines well, it holds the curl and it doesn’t smudge. So based on this it’s a thumbs up for me because so many mascaras either don’t hold the curl or smudge. I do wish it did a better job at volumizing because I have wimpy lashes, but I can get more volume by layering. I’ve featured the new MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow palette a few times already but felt it was worth re-mentioning because I find it really versatile and wearable for everyday. I love the color combinations and find it easy to wear. It’s one of those palettes I feel is an effortless kind of palette to wear. Another item I’ve had on repeat is the Burberry Eye Color Contour in Pale Copper. It’s a shimmering bronze shade that is one I can wear on it’s own and feel like I’ve added depth, color and dimension to the eyes. I’ve been on the hunt for this color in powder form, but for now the cream version works for me.

Right now Lancome has a gift with purchase at Nordstrom so I restocked on a couple items and picked up one thing new. Cleansing water in general is something I really love and use on a regular basis. I use it to double cleanse because it helps remove all traces of makeup. I’ve tried a number but the Lancome Micellar Cleansing Water remains one of my favorites because it’s gentle, effective and doesn’t leave a film on the skin. I have lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased! For a lash base/primer, many of you recommended I try the Cils Booster XL Vitamin-Infused Mascara Primer as a base coat to help add volume and I loved it so much I bought a second tube. Also because I’m going to need a good primer now that I’ve moved to Florida, I decided to give the La Base Pro a try (it has an overwhelming number of positive reviews). Fingers crossed it doesn’t break me out. Quick note – with this GWP there are options to choose from so there’s a promo code you’ll need to enter at checkout. Minimum purchase is $39.50 but there’s also a step up.

Be sure to check their Beauty Gifts with Purchase page as well – they often have good promos there from other brands, sometimes there will be a good sampler bag with a larger purchase.

That wraps it up for my first spring makeup roundup! As I go finish up testing more skincare and sunscreens I’ll have more roundups in the upcoming weeks. I’ve already had quite a few items I’ve been testing for the past month since I moved and hope to share the hits and misses as I progress. Do you change your routine as spring rolls around? What do you have in your spring makeup bag right now?

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. Press samples include the Tom Ford Reflects Gilt, Fathom and Bradley. All other items purchased by me.

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Lancôme Juicy Shaker Bi-Phase Lip Oil Review

August 14, 2016

Lancôme Juicy Shakers ($21 each) are tinted lip oils that come in a bi-phase formula with oil and color that you shake to mix up before applying. These launched earlier the spring and quite a few of you have raved about them. Lancôme is one of those lines where I haven’t explored color a lot – I have a few skincare staples including the Micellar Cleansing Water (best packaging ever) and the Bi-Facil Makeup Remover (long-time fav). Simmer Juicy Tube was my go-to lip gloss in my college days (seems like a lifetime ago!). I’ve started to explore more in the Lancôme line and when a surprise package of the Juicy Shakers showed up at my door I could not contain my excitement. The first thought that popped into my head was “I hope these are good” because I’m easily impressed by novel packaging. Sometimes the packaging is better than the product itself but I’m thrilled to report that these are indeed every bit as good as the hype formula-wise.

Pigment of colors ranges from sheer to medium in coverage. Compared to a few other brands of lip oils I’ve tried, the Lancôme Juicy Shakers far exceed the YSL Volupté Tint-in-Oils I tried in pigment and packaging design. Texture-wise they have a lighter weight texture and finish compared to the Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils. All the Lancôme Juicy Shakers are scented and flavored – but each and every one is pleasant and not overly sweet. Scents are different for each shade to mimic the color names. If you are very sensitive to fragrance you might want to give these a sniff at the counter first before buying. As one who is extremely sensitive to sweet fragrances when it comes to lip products I can say that these are soft enough for my super sensitive nose.

The Lancôme Juicy Shakers are packaged in a small shaker with a sponge tip applicator. It literally looks like a miniature doll-sized cocktail shaker which is beyond cute! The sponge comes in a triangle-shaped applicator which is squishy and absorbs color + oil. According to Lancome these are the first cushion-applicator products for lips.

So far these appear to be well sealed at the top when you twist them close – I haven’t seen or had any leaking issues like I did with the YSL oils. There are two tiny balls inside the color which helps to mix the oil + pigment when you shake them. The three on the left are what the product looks like when you shake it. The blue one is what the product looks like when the oil and color have separated.

There are 17 shades in the permanent lineup that I have swatches. There are also 3 limited-edition shades which I have not seen or tried, but I’ll list them below. Some of the lighter colors are sheerer and have less color-payoff. There are a couple light ones that did show up well on my lips, but for the most part, the brighter or deeper shades are the ones that look the best. They have a very hydrating soothing feel and definitely feel like oils. On me I found the finish emollient almost to the point that they could slide off the lips but they stayed put on me. These contain a mix of Musk Rose Oil to regenerate and soothe, Cranberry Oil to protect, Peach Oil to soften and nourish, and Almond Oil to leave the lips supple.

Shown above:

Apri-Cute is a true apricot orange
Show Me the Honey is a sheer light honey peach color
Freedom of Peach is a pretty medium peach
Cherry Symphony is a ruby red
Great-Fruit is an orangey red pink
Walk the Lime is a orange red
Piece of Cake is a nude rose pink
Vanilla Pop is a warm terracotta nude
Berry in Love is a cool-toned violet with a hint of shimmer
Lemon Explosion is a sheer sparkling clear pink
Meli Melon pretty pink
Boom Meringue is a light pink
Bohemian Raspberry is a raspberry red
Wonder Melon is a melon red
Berry Tale is a watermelon pink
Mangoes Wild is a reddish orange pink
Mint to Be is a shimmering clear blue-shimmer

Swatched on bare lips:

Overall lasting power is like that of a lip gloss. They are oils so they won’t last as long like a regular lipstick or liquid lipstick. I found the deeper shades seemed to have colors that lasted longer than the lighter colors. There was color transfer with drinks and snacks. Although I don’t intentionally eat my lip products, you can’t avoid tasting them and I think the Lancôme Juicy Shakers taste like a soft subtly sweet candy. As one who doesn’t like cherries, papaya or blueberries I am beyond thrilled that those flavors weren’t in the lineup.

If you’re a fan of lip oils I think you will adore these. If you’ve been looking for a lip oil that has color these are definitely worth checking out. They are on the sheer to medium side for pigment but they will show up on the lips. All with the exception of Show Me the Honey and Lemon Explosion showed up on my pigmented lips. Some of the pinks looked very similar on my lips – there are nuances in undertone, some warmer, some cooler and some deeper so there are lots to choose from to suit your specific complexion.

Overall huge thumbs up. I love the soft cushion tip and think the packaging is genius. They added a lot of moisture and hydration to my lips. When I first tested these my lips were a bit dried out from a few lipsticks I had been wearing. Using the Juicy Shakers restored moisture to my lips and did indeed help to regenerate the lip surface to it’s normal state.

You can find the Lancôme Juicy Shakers for $21 each. I think they are definitely worth checking out. This month is going to be another lip-heavy review month so if sheers or oils aren’t your thing stay tuned for upcoming reviews on lip pencils, liquid lipsticks, lip lacquers and more traditional/classic lipstick formulas.

My top 5 favorites include Boom Meringue, Mint to Be, Freedom of Peach, Berry in Love and Mangoes Wild.

The Lancôme Juicy Shakers are available online and in stores at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Sephora and Lancôme.

P.S. If these have been on your radar, Lancome USA is having their Friends and Family sale from 8/23 to 8/27, 20% off orders with code FRIENDS at checkout!

Many thanks to Lancôme for sending me all the shades to play with!

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Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette

September 14, 2015

Lancôme recently launched a 16-pan eyeshadow palette called Auda[city] in Paris ($68 for 16 shadows each x 1.3g/0.45 oz). This palette was designed by Lisa Eldridge and inspired by the streets of Paris. It’s Lancôme’s first multi-palette with light neutrals, taupes, purples, smokey greys and darker browns. It comes cased in a large mirrored compact and double-ended eyeshadow brush. The eyeshadows have different textures including matte, satin and metallic.

There are mixed reviews on this palette – I’ve been playing with this one for a few days now to put it to the test. Overall I would say it’s a good neutral palette that has a wide range of colors to create a multitude of looks. I like that each color is distinct from each other so there aren’t any repeats within the same palette. The look and feel of the shadows is very natural with a sheer to medium finish. Most of the colors are buildable in pigment – by using a denser brush or dampening it you will get more pigment. Texture is soft and sheer – the shimmers have a lot of powdery kickup and when applying on the eyes I experienced a lot of fall out onto the cheeks. It was easy to clean up though and I usually have some sort of fall out with powder shadows whenever I blend and swipe (creams excluded). Once on the lids – lasting power was pretty good. I tried with and without a base – a base definitely helps, my favorite is Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Base or a cream shadow stick like NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks or Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks.

The finish of each color in this palette is either hit or miss. Some are sheerer than others. A couple of the darker shades are best applied with a detailed brush damp and then smoked out – if you use a fluffy brush for some of the deeper colors you will see uneven application. The nice thing about the darker shades being sheer though is that they are easy to build slowly. If you’re a smokey eye novice and worried about overdoing it – this is a good starter palette.

Filigree is a light ivory gold shimmer, pigment is medium
Choquette is a matte cream peach, pigment is medium
Parfait is a light matte cool pink, pigment is sheer to meidum
Joie is a frosted champagne shimmer, pigment is medium-full
Voyage a warm matte terracotta tan, pigment is sheer to medium but easy to blend
Santé is a soft matte brown, sheer to medium pigment, this is a good blending shade to soften harsh edges and finish the eye look by adding warmth
Kitten Heel a metallic duo chrome pink gold copper, pigment is medium with a lot of fallout, but on the lids it stays put
Tenacity is a glorious metallic taupe, it’s frosty but so so pretty on the lids

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Exhibition is an orchid shimmer, finish is very sheer, this is my least favorite in the palette
Zip Me Up is a deeper orchid purple shimmer, also sheer in finish, my second least favorite
Volcano is a shimmery grey, finish is sheer to medium
Audacious is a satiny smokey brown shimmer, pigment is medium
Couture is a soft semi-sheer dark matte brow, color is really soft unless you apply with a damp detail brush or small smudge brush
It List is a satiny black with tiny bits of silver shimmer flecks, pigment is medium
Clock Strikes 12 is a metallic grey that is very sheer, but buildable if you pack it on
Nuit is a cool-toned metallic black gunmetal, pigment is medium

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Quick eye swatch with a super natural look:

One last shot:

My overall take on the Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette is that it’s a decent palette. If I were to rate this on a scale, I’d give this a B rating. I think it’s a good wearable palette that will take you from day to night looks without any other shadows required. The variety makes it versatile and will allow for a number of different looks. If you’re new to eyeshadow and want the convenience of a palette, this is a good starter palette. There are a number of women I know who don’t wear much eyeshadow – if you want color but want a natural palette that’s fun to experiment with this is a good option.

Compared to other palettes, I do think there are better options out there for richer more vibrant color/pigment. That being said the Lancome Palette does appear to be designed for a natural look versus bold rich color. I’m not a huge fan of the brush it comes with – one is a synthetic small brush that seems better suited for creams. The other side is a larger fluffy side which is good for pigmented shadows, since this palette is sheer to medium it doesn’t pick up color well. It is a really good blending brush though.

In terms of larger palettes, the Urban Decay Naked series still rules them all as the best ones for the price of $54 each (at least in my opinion). Based on feedback I’ve received from previous reviews I’ve posted I know they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I like Urban Decay because of the soft textures, rich pigment, gorgeous shimmers, wearable metallics – for many the palettes are just too much in terms of frost/shimmer. For others, some can’t get over the look of the packaging. The MAC x15 Naturals Palettes are also good if you’re looking for variety but come at a much higher price tag of $85.

If you want a softer palette with shimmers but ones that have more subtle shimmers I’d recommend this Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette or the Dior Eye Reviver (reviewed here and here). Given how many eyeshadows I’ve tested and own, I can’t call this one a must-have, although for the price it’s nice to have – the quality is good and shadows blend/build nicely on the lids.

Overall a good wearable and versatile palette that’s nice to have, or nice to start out with if you’re building a makeup collection. The overall look and feel is extremely beautiful – it’s a palette you can wear for a number of occasions. You can find the Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette available now at Lancôme counters. Online at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and all other Lancôme retailers.

Have you tried this palette yet? What’s your favorite large eyeshadow palette?

This palette was provided courtesy of Lancôme for review consideration.

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Summer Beauty Pick-Me-Ups

August 19, 2015

Ulta Beauty is turning 25 today and to celebrate their birthday they have 25 online beauty deals with free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Ulta Beauty is a regular stop for me for beauty staples, especially for nail care. My go-to products are the CND Stickey Base Coat, Super Shiny Top Coat, Butter London Nail Scrubbers and the Tweezerman Pushy Nail Cleaner. I’ve teamed up with them to share some beauty pick-me-ups from a recent store visit. If you haven’t been to an Ulta Beauty store recently you will be amazed at the selection they have today – the lineup of products has expanded so you will find a wide range of items with a mix of drugstore and mid-end brands all in one store. If you’re in need of something new in beauty but aren’t sure what to look for, Ulta is a nice place to shop at your own leisure and browse without feeling any pressure to buy. I always discover something new.

Up first is the Mario Badescu Skin Care Facial Spray. It has aloe, herbs and rosewater and with a super relaxing lightweight scent. It’s one of the most affordable facial sprays I’ve tried and I think it’s highly under-rated. It hydrates the skin with a superfine mist. I like that it’s truly refreshing without that heavy feel.

Nude clutch by Truffle

For eyes I picked up one of the Naked2 Double Ended 24/7 Glide On Pencils. They come in a variety of colors, I picked one with Pistol and Perversion. For eyeshadow palettes, the Naked Basics2 Palette is a no-fail option. I already own one but bought one as a birthday gift for a friend. I swatched it below next to Naked Basics. Both are staples as far as matte shadows go.

One of my friends swears by Lancome Définicils Mascara and she always has the perfect lush black lashes. I’ve only tried minis before. I’m giving this one in the full size a try. (If you have a favorite Lancome mascara let me know.)

I didn’t realize Ulta Beauty carried Becca Cosmetics, but now I do. I picked up the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold. I debated between the pressed and poured version. The pressed seemed to have more pink undertone so I opted for this one. It has the prettiest warm rosy champagne gold shimmer. The left side is a heavy swatch, right is blended out a little.

For nails, I like to shop for cheaper finds like OPI and Essie. I play around with both a lot but don’t buy many because of the lack of testers. Two staples include Peach Daiquiri and Topless and Barefoot. Both are relatively affordable options although they don’t last longer than 3 days on me, but for the price I think they are worth it. I just need to make sure I reapply top coat 2-3 times throughout the 5-7 day period I have the color on. Although I switch things up frequently to swatch so sometimes it doesn’t really matter.

Peach Daiquiri needed three coats for me.

Topless and Barefoot is the best neutral nude pink. It’s not too nude and not too pink. Two coats works ok, I find a third coat gives this one complete full coverage.

For lips the options are endless. There are so many different finishes, formulas, textures and packaging options. I think I got a bit lost with all the options but I wasn’t in a rush so I was able to take my time to browse. Stila was one of my very first beauty loves back when I was in high school and all the way through college. I’m glad through all the changes that they’ve kept some of the original line. The Lip Glazes are always fun. Apricot is a staple glow. Kitten is a fun frosted champagne beige shimmer.

Urban Decay has some really good new lip products out. I think many have been out for a while but my focus has always been on their shadows and Naked Palettes. The Revolution Lipstick in Naked is a neutral nude pink cream. It has medium to full coverage and has a slightly glossy sheen. There are a number of neutrals to pick from and they have different finishes from matte, sheer and regular. The High-Color Lip Glosses are full-coverage glosses. Almost like a liquid lipstick but still glossy in formula. Kinky is a really pretty light neutral pink beige. I’m completely obsessed with it.

Last but not least I tried something from Tarte. The twist up chubby stick lip products come in a number of different finishes and textures. After swatching up a number of colors all over my hand, I picked out the LipSurgence Lip Tint in Sweet. It’s a soft light pink with shimmer but goes on the lips a more rosy flushed soft pink. It has a soft minty scent and feels cool on the lips. I really like the way it looks and feels – I’m going to have to check out more of the colors soon.

Today on August 19th in celebration of their 25th birthday, they have 25 value sets available online. In addition they are running a sweepstakes through August 29th where 25 lucky Ultamate Rewards Members will win 25,000 points. Details here on ulta.com/25bday.

Do you have any recent discoveries from Ulta Beauty? What are your favorite beauty pick-me-ups?

This post was created in partnership with Ulta Beauty. Many thanks to Ulta Beauty for sponsoring this post. All opinions my own, more information on my disclosures.

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Base Makeup

Primers and Smoothers

April 3, 2014

I’ve been testing out a few new primers and smoothing products and thought I’d share my favorite staple primers along with some new discoveries. I’m not typically a primer kind of person. I’ve found most that I’ve tried don’t really do much to extend the wear of makeup and end up adding an extra layer of product on my face that I don’t really need. I’ve tried dozens of primers at makeover events and from tiny sample packets. There are so may different options on the market these days it can be a bit overwhelming. Different products offer a multitude of effects. Some will smooth the overall look of your skin, add a glow, give a matte look and then there are some that are just basic primers to help the application of your foundation. I have normal and sensitive skin. For your reference I’ve broken down my primer picks into two main different categories:

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer ($72 for 1 fl oz) is one of the best glow primers I’ve ever tried. I tested this on numerous occasions each time I was able to visit a Tom Ford counter under both the foundation stick and liquid formula. The counters kindly made a few small samples for me to test before I caved and purchased the full size (I’m still in price shock). The Tom Ford primer is packaged with a clever twist pump dispenser. It has a soothing fresh scent with a slight herbal undertone. What I like about this one is that has a more yellow-like pearly glow which I found perfect for my needs (most I’ve seen have a pinkish glow). It helps extend the wear of makeup and adds a glow without making you greasy. It helps smooth the skin and adds an all over glow to prevent your makeup from looking flat. Be aware that this is on the dewy side, if you’re oily I wouldn’t recommend this one. I also found this one works best with the Tom Ford Foundations. See The Convenient Beauty’s review.
NARS Pro-Prime Radiance Enhancing Primer ($34 for 1.1 oz) is the next best alternative to Tom Ford’s primer at a more affordable price. It has a reflective pearl quality that is the perfect mix of opal, gold and champagne. It has SPF 15 and a little goes a long way. I find this one photographs well with a flash. It has a creamy but thin and easy to blend texture to give an all over glow without being too glowy. Lasting power is better than average for me but it won’t make your makeup last all day long (you will need a touch up in the afternoon). I really like this for the effect it gives and how it helps makeup look smoother.
MAC Strobe Liquid ($32 for 1.7 fl oz) isn’t really a traditional primer, but I like to use it as one over moisturizer and underneath liquid or powder makeup. It’s another great smoothing glow product with a super thin liquid texture. It dries well to help makeup stay in place and prevents it from sliding around – but note you only need a tiny bit on the face. It’s on the more glowy side so I would recommend topping with a regular powder or foundation. This one is also good for mixing in with foundations to add a glow without making you look white. It has a more opal/blueish sheen.
Chanel Base Lumiere Illuminating Makeup Base ($45 for 1 fl oz) is one of the most fluid primer/bases I’ve ever tried. (I’ve repurchased this multiple times.) It has a blueish violet sheen but it disppears into a clear finish on the skin. The key to using this is to make sure you use a thinner lightweight moisturizer underneath otherwise it will make the skin oily. If you’re a serum + moisturizer kind of person, I would recommend skipping one of the items before using this one. I like this best with Chanel foundations as it helps prime the skin with a subtle glow and also helps extend the wear of foundation. Make sure you use as little as possible – if you overdo it it will be too heavy and feel thick on the skin.

Lancome Visionnaire 1-Minute Blur ($55 for 1 fl oz) is currently available at Sephora locations in the US. I received a press sample of this (hence the white lab tube). It’s a skin smoother/finisher designed to smooth the skin, erase imperfections and pores. It has a creamy neutral colored texture that disappears on the skin. This video has a good visual of what this will do for the skin. I suggest testing at the store if you can, reviews indicate this is either a hit or miss. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin texture when using this and used it under a liquid foundation (tested with Chanel and NARS). I loved the results for the overall look and it truly erased any signs of pores on my face. It helped my makeup last all day long (quite impressive) well through the evening. There is a very light fragrance to this which I found on the subtle side. The only thing I didn’t like about this was that I could actually feel the layer of product on my face – not necessarily a bad thing, but I tend to prefer face makeup that is more weightless and thinner in texture.
Clinique Superprimer Color Correcting ($27 for 1 oz) I bought this at Sephora after reading rave reviews about the Superprimers. I was a bit overwhelmed with the color options and honestly have no idea if I picked the right one for me. I decided to go with the peach color corrector since traditional white ones are often too pale and white for my olive skin. I didn’t notice any color correcting quality with this one but the color matched my skin pretty well once blended. It has a thicker airy creamy texture that has a velvety feel on the skin. The result: long lasting makeup all day long from morning until late at night (around 11ish before I took it off). The peach color disappeared and gave the skin a smooth matte look. If you test any of the options at the store you will see a noticeable difference on the back of your hand. I like that the primer didn’t change the color of my foundation even though it has a peach tint. I’m not sure I picked the right option, if you’ve tried the any of the Clinique primers I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Dior Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Matte Primer ($42 for 1 oz) is a primer that wins for most innovative packaging. It’s a tube with a pump dispenser. I have not purchased this after testing a couple counter-made samples but wanted to share my thoughts. This offers the most matte finish that I’ve ever seen. It smooths the skin out similar to the Lancome but has a thicker feel on the skin (at least for me). I found this blended well on the skin and provided a lovely smooth look. There was a huge noticeable difference. I felt it was too dry for my normal/combination skin even though it didn’t look dry at all. I suspect if you have skin that is on the oily side, the Dior Matte Primer will work wonders for you.

Packaging and dispenser details:

My top three picks:

For the best glow, I like Tom Ford’s Illuminating Primer
For the price and performance I like Clinique’s Superprimer
For the most visible smoothing result, Lancome Visionnaire 1-Minute Blur is a winner

Do you have any favorite primers, smoothing products or glowy bases? I’d love to hear about your thoughts and experiences for what has worked on your skin tone or skin type.

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Lancome Eau Fraîche Douceur (Micellar Cleansing Water Face, Eyes, Lips)

July 2, 2011

I’ve tried a number of cleansing waters in the past from lines like Shiseido Pureness, Shu Uemura and Dior. Unfortunately the ones I fell in love with have been discontinued or reformulated and have been looking for another love for quite some time. I tried Lancome Eau Fraîche Douceur, a cleanser-toner, somewhat by accident. It was one of those weeks when I ran out of all my basics for skincare all at the same time. Not having time to shop and replenish that week, I dug into my sample drawer of unused minis from gifts-with-purchases. Lancome’s Cleansing Water seemed to fit the bill for a quick-fix to tone and cleanse in one step. It was a last-resort kind of thing and I’m glad I tried it. It’s done wonders for my skin and has reached the status of one of those life-changer beauty products for me.

Product Description: “Pamper and purify your skin with this refreshing cleansing water that instantly removes face, lip and eye makeup in one easy step. This magic formula with gentle Micellar Technology cleansing agents and soothing Rose de France, lifts and removes makeup and impurities, even waterproof and long-wear formulas, with no need to rinse.”

This Lancome Cleansing Water currently retails for $35 for 6.8 fl oz (see more details on Lancome.com). It’s a gentle makeup remover for the entire face and comes in a sleek clear bottle with a well-designed pump. The packaging is sturdy and easy to use. The pump dispenses just the right amount so nothing is wasted by over-pouring. Although it’s designed as a makeup remover, I use this more as a purifying toner/cleanser.

Two pumps spritzed onto the cotton square is enough to cover the entire face. At $35 I find it fairly expensive for a makeup remover, but for a toner it seems to be decent priced. It will remove mascara and eyeliner, but not 100% for those long-wear formulas. For makeup removal in the evenings, I typically soak a cotton pad with a dual-formula makeup remover (something inexpensive like Neutrogena) to remove the eyeliner and mascara. I then cleanse the face completely with soap and water and dry. Next I tone. This is the point where I will sometimes use Lancome’s Eau Fraîche Douceur instead of toner just to make sure any remnants of makeup left on the skin are completely removed.

For those who haven’t read my skincare posts before, I have relatively normal but extremely sensitive skin. I get red bumps or irritation from quite a few products. With this Lancome Cleansing Water, there was no irritation or drying from daily use of this product. There is a very faint scent which I would describe as “clean.” I was amazed at how much extra makeup was removed from my face even after cleansing the skin with my regular Clinique Foaming Facial Cleanser. It clarifies the skin to make it feel clean but not dry. Some cleansing waters are too rich for my taste leaving a slightly sticky feel leaving a thin film on the surface of the skin. The Lancome leaves no film.

I’ve been using this since around March/April. I do not use it everyday, but alternate with my La Mer and Paul & Joe Toners. Since using this, combined with Chanel’s Ultra Lift Concentrate (previously reviewed here, update to come soon), my skin has improved tremendously. It feels cleaner, there are fewer breakouts and it overall just looks and feels clearer. The mini 1.7 fl oz lasted quite a long time for me. Since using it up, I’ve kept the little bottle and refilled it for travel.

Overall: Highly recommend.

Side note, my current skincare routine includes:

Cleanse with La Mer Cleansing Gel
Tone with La Mer The Tonic, Paul & Joe Refreshing Skin Toner or Lancome’s Eau Fraîche Douceur
Moisturize at day only with Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Sculpting Firming Concentrate or La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion

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Lancome Eau Fraîche Douceur (Micellar Cleansing Water Face, Eyes, Lips)

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