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Primer

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Edward Bess Illuminating Eyeshadow Base

May 15, 2012

I’ve been eagerly waiting for the official release of Edward Bess’s Illuminating Eyeshadow Base for over a year now. I was able to test a prototype at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills and was particularly impressed how it helped my eyeshadow last. As reviewed and mentioned by The Non-Blonde, the formula has probably changed, as well as the packaging, but the final product is just as amazing. Cafe Makeup showed us a preview of his eye base in action at Liz’s makeover at Bergdorf Goodman. Best Things in Beauty also featured a review for Cashmere. 
Edward Bess’s Illuminating Eyeshadow Base ($30 for .12 fl oz/3.5 ml) comes in three shades. I purchased the darker two in Dune, a cream medium flesh beige and Suede, a darker tan with a luminous sheen. These come in a twist tube with a built in brush applicator. Both shades work well with my medium olive toned skin (Chanel B30).

Dune has more of a matte/satin coverage while Suede is a perfect contour with shimmer. Both work equally well for me just think of Suede as a few shades deeper and more contrasted for my skintone. What these give is perfect natural coverage to the eye. While Dune seems more matte, there is an illuminating quality about it that gives my lids a flawless even glow. I’ve tried a number of other eye bases and have never found my perfect base. I have normal lids (neither dry or oily). I feel like most other eye primers I’ve tried are focused on oil control and the ones I’ve tried end up drying up my lids creating creases and lines even though I have no visible crease. Note I distinguish Eye Bases/Primers from Cream Eyeshadows. Primers/Eye Bases I’ve tried and did not love include ones from Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, Chanel’s Concealers (which are almost always used as a base in makeovers), NARS, Urban Decay’s Original Primer Potion (I do love the ones with shimmer/color for my skintype), Too Faced and probably several others that either irritated my skin or dried it out.
Back to the Edward Bess. This applies smoothly and evenly and dries at a slower rate than others which means I have more time to blend and smooth on the eye. I’m personally not a fan of twist-up brush-tipped applicators. I find they get dirty easily and I’d much rather apply with a full sized flat cream brush or my fingers. Still, the actual product is still amazing enough and the brush is fully functional for application so I can’t complain. Both shades indeed are brightening/illuminating. I agree with Best Things in Beauty that these offer amazing coverage and last all day into the night without creasing or creeping. This somehow helps the eyeshadow stay fresh-looking like you just applied it hours later. Both of the ones I purchased are winners and absolute must-haves
Below, more product shots and swatches applied with different intensities:

Available now at Neiman Marcus.
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Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF15

August 18, 2011

Over the years I’ve discovered a number of excellent foundation primers such as MAC Prep & Prime, Chanel Base Lumiere, Le Blanc de Chanel, Smashbox Photofinish, NARS (the original version) and Guerlain Meteorites Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer. I’m always on the hunt for tips and tricks that will help me achieve that flawless foundation finish. Primers are often key to achieving a natural even look. Considering the fact that I have sensitive skin, I’ve had quite a bit success in finding good primers from numerous brands, however, few have managed to keep my makeup looking fresh all day from morning until late afternoon. I was recently sent a sample package from Hourglass and over the past week have been putting the Veil Mineral Primer to the test. The primer comes in 2 sizes at Sephora: 0.33 oz for $17 and a larger size of 1.00 oz for $52 (both with pump dispensers). I received the smaller size to sample. The product comes in a liquid formula with a white tint. The satiny finish is supposed to smooth out the appearance of your skin, absorb oil and minimize pores. From the swatch below you can see that the product lightened my skin slightly.

The Veil Mineral Primer is described as oil free, paraben free, fragrance free, nanoparticle free, gluten free, synthetic dye free, sulfate free, phthalate free, vegan and water resistant. The ingredient listing is shown below:

I’ve tested this for a few days and am very pleased with the results. The liquid fluid texture makes it easy to apply as it glides on flawlessly. I found one pump sufficient to cover the entire face which provides your skin with a smooth satiny canvas. I was surprised how the Veil Mineral Primer helped the application of the foundation to achieve a truly flawless finish. I love that the box had a few tips on how to apply this product – I found these extremely helpful.

I tried this primer several different ways:

Method 1: Apply like a regular primer all over the face (over Cle de Peau moisturizer & under Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation) – my foundation and powder lasted all day and looked just as fresh as when I first applied it, however this made my face look pale and pasty from the white cast of the primer

Method 2: Apply all over bare face (skip moisturizer and apply Guerlain Lingerie de Peau) – same result as above, but I believe you need a moisturizer, the finish really is so satiny that without moisturizer, I personally thought this felt too dry on my skin

Method 3: Mix 1/2 and 1/2 primer and foundation (tested with Guerlain & Chanel) – the result was less white, but my foundation was lightened by a tiny bit

Method 4: Mix 1 part primer to 2 parts foundation (tested with Guerlain & Chanel) – this was the best result for me and mixing a larger proportion of foundation to about a 1/2 pump of the primer and blending with a foundation brush gave a smooth velvety looking finish and helped my foundation/powder last all day

Overall I am thoroughly impressed by the performance of this primer. After several days of using this, no breakouts, no clogged pores, no irritation, no dryness or thick feeling finish. I can’t believe how well my foundation, powder and blush have been holding up in the summer humidity. I still need a touch up on the nose in the afternoon, but the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has helped make my makeup last longer than most primers. Have you tried this primer before? Thoughts? Application tips?
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Ten Things I’m Loving Right Now

March 21, 2010


1. Paul & Joe Alice in Wonderland Fantasy Set – So cute, I can’t help but smile everytime I look at my P&J Alice sets. I wish I could take it with me in my purse, but it’s not really practical for toting around. The lipbalm goes on basically clear even though it has a pink tint. I haven’t seen the new movie – anyone who has, what are your thoughts?


2. Chanel Sillage Eyeshadow – From the spring collection, this is a lovely shimmery light highlighting color. It’s along the same lines of Lotus, Liberty and Island eyeshadows but has a bit more pink with slight peach to it. It gives a lovely glow to the lid.


3. Chantecaille Sel Eyeshadow – Yes, of course, I’m always loving at least one taupe shade every month. This month my favorite is Chantecaille Sel – a complex color that has shades of silver, taupe, grey, and gold making this very uniquely stunning. It looks different depending on what angle you hold the compact at. I have a hard time pulling off most silvers. Taupes I can do, but pure silvery shades end up making me look tired. On my skin Sel is more silvery but the gold in it makes it wearable for me which is a plus. I love this over Laura Mercier’s Platinum Metallic Cream Eyeshadow.


4. Giorgio Armani Maestro 23 – This color replaced the original Eyeshadow #4. It’s a deep navy-black with a satin finish that has a slight shimmer. There are definitely other similar colors, but I like that the Maestro 23 isn’t too harsh like most blacks or navys which are typically flat matte shades. The texture makes the finish a bit softer since you can blend and layer it to the intensity you prefer.


5. Lancome Pop Petrol 014 Nail Polish – See the full review plus some other views here. Such a lovely murky steel green blue shimmer. I prefer it on the toes rather than fingers, but I’ve never received so many head-turns, compliments and random women coming up to me to ask “what color is that you’re wearing?” just from a nail polish.


6. NARS Ophelia Lipgloss – Also from spring, this is a sheer healthy pink with shimmer. Looks lovely over the new Cruising lipstick or Tutti Frutti lipstick. (Pictured below, swatch is at the top.)


7. Chanel Maline 141 Glossimer – From the spring 2010 collection, it’s on the sheer side and basically goes on clear, but I love the sparkles in this. It looks great over lipsticks to add a pretty sheen. I really like this over nudes like Chanel Como Aqualumiere and MAC Marquise D. (Pictured above, bottom swatch.)

8. Chanel Gardenia 13 Rouge Coco – This is exclusive to Neiman Marcus. It’s a soft shimmery warm pink on me. I’ve already reviewed/featured this before, but here it is on me below again. It might be replacing my Chanel Waikiki for HG (holy grail) status.


Also check it out on Tali at The Gloss Goss here to see how it looks on a different skintone. It’s gorgeous on her!

9. Chanel Caprice Blush – This came out years ago in the US and is by far the prettiest pink blush I have ever seen. I was really sad that it was discontinued but luckily I have a back up! It’s like a soft pink version of Chanel Rose Bronze/Armani Blush #10 without the bronzey looking finish that these have sometimes. There’s no dupe for this that I know of and I’ve searched hi and lo through almost every high-end brand. No luck.


10. Chanel UV Essential – For the past week, I’ve been using this on top of my moisturizer, underneath foundation as a primer. It’s very liquid and has a thin texture so a little goes a long way. The recommended use is to apply it as the last step of your daily skincare regimen. It works really well for me to make my makeup last all day.

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Base Makeup

Foundations, Primers, Concealers + Powders I Love

March 8, 2010

I wanted to thank everyone who filled out my survey! I received quite a few special requests for certain topics, I’ll be covering the ones that received more frequent requests every once in a while. The first requested topic I’d like to cover includes foundations, powders, concealers and primers that I personally like.

I wrote about all the foundations I’ve been matched to and have purchased HERE. To clarify, these are the shades I’ve been matched to in both summer and winter months. I don’t use all 13 foundations right now, the darker colors were swatched from nearly-empty bottles that I had neglected to toss. And, yes, my skin is very odd in that so many different colors match my skintone.

My Skintype: I have normal but sensitive skin. I react to most sunscreens. I cannot use any MAC foundation, Kiehls lotions, Trish McEvoy skincare, Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation because my skin reacts horribly to all of these. I have not tried every single foundation or brand out there, but the ones listed below are the ones I have tried, liked or repurchased. At this stage in my life (28), I don’t have wrinkles, large pores, or much sun damage.

My Skin Coloring: I’m Asian and have yellow/olive undertones. I tend to tan easily – but often times I find I am in between shades for a lot of lines which makes it a challenge to find the right match, but being the foundation junkie I am, have been able to find quite a few that work with my skin-type and skin-tone. Right now, for MAC reference, I’m in-between NC30 and NC35.

How Do I Find My Matches for Color and Formula? I usually rely on the expertise of the makeup artists and sales associates I shop with. Anytime a new foundation comes out, I test them at the counter. I always request them to try on 2-3 shades along my jawline so we can both see the range, how they blend in etc. There are times when I will just match myself. If the artist isn’t busy, I’ll ask her to apply it all over so I can see the full effect and finish. If I’m ever unsure, I usually ask for a sample – I find it easier to get one when you make a purchase, even if it’s a small one.

Current Foundations in Rotation: I typically go for sheer to medium coverage. I don’t like SPF because there are some sunscreens that I get a reaction to. I also don’t like the way they photograph, but these days it’s almost impossible to find a foundation that doesn’t have some SPF in it.


  • Chanel Teint Innocence Shell 30 Liquid ($47) & Beige 40 Compact ($56) – Sheer to Medium Coverage and photographs great. Long-lasting coverage with a slightly dewey finish. There is a very subtle iridescence in the liquid version but it’s not noticeable on the skin. The texture prevents it from looking flat on your face. I also find the compact shades run a bit lighter than the liquid. These 2 are my Holy Grails of all time. (Repurchases = too many to count, but at least 4 of each)
  • NARS Oil Free in Punjab ($42) – I love the finish and color of this foundation. Right now, it’s just a tad dark. I’ve been matched to Santa Fe since I bought Punjab, so I simply mix a lighter highlighter with Punjab. It looks oddly peachy in the tube and swatched on the hand. It can oxidize and darken on the skin if you’re oily. I’ve heard that it makes some people break out, but I haven’t had any problems. I don’t think it’s for everyone so definitely get a sample to try out first. (Repurchases = 0, I have yet to hit the halfway point on this one.)
  • Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Natural Radiance ($42) – This is a nice sheer tinted moisturizer with a visible glow. Not recommended for oily skins. I like to use this and set with a powder foundation on the good-skin days. (Repurchases = 3 times to date)
  • Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk 5.5 and 6.5 (mixed because I’m in between shades) – if you tried the Luminous Silk, loved the finish, but thought the formula was too heavy/oily, Lasting Silk is the solution to giving you the same coverage and finish, but with a more matte finish.

Current Powders in Rotation:

  • Chanel Double Perfection Powder in Tender Bisque ($50) – My Holy Grail powder foundation. Good natural coverage, long-lasting, easy to apply and great for touch-ups. I also use Medium Beige when I’m darker. (Repurchases = too many to count, probably over 10 times)
  • NARS Powder Foundation in Fiji ($45) – This is the newest powder foundation I’ve tried. I was a bit confused about whether this was just a pressed powder or a true powder-foundation. It seems a bit too sheer to be a powder-foundation. I like to use this to set my foundation for a flawless finish. Using this alone over moisturizer gave me a chalky look.
  • Laura Mercier Translucent Loose ($34) – I like using this with a brush or puff. I love the colored powders, but unfortunately, I can only use Beige in the summer months and Ivory is way too pale.
  • Giorgio Armani Microfil 2 ($49) – Soft and sheer with a subtle glow. However, the shades in this product line are extremely limited. No. 2 is the darkest shade they currently carry. I don’t know what I’m going to use from Armani when I get tan.
  • Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation 40 ($28 for refill, $14 for compact) – One of those oldies-but-goodies products. I’ve been using this ever since I was in high school in the late 90’s. I find it’s best when you use this to set liquid foundation for a flawless glow. (Repurchases = 4)

Current Primers:

I have no loyalty to one specific primer. I use something different everyday. I know it’s probably a big no-no, but often times I skip moisturizer and just use a primer. I alternate between the following:

  • MAC Strobe Cream (mini size from a travel kit) – I’ve repurchased this numerous times. I apply it all over the face under foundation for a subtle glow. It also works when applied over foundation/powder on temples to add a very subtle highlight.
  • Chanel UV Essential ($52) – I actually love all 3 Chanel Primers. This is my most recent love. Looks white but blends out clear on the skin. It has SPF 50 and supposed to protect your skin from environmental pollutants. The only downside is the steep price for the amount of product you get. I like this, but I’m not sure that I love it enough to justify purchasing again.
  • MAC Prep + Prime Skin Without SPF ($25) – This is a silicone-based primer with subtle pearl particles to smooth and even the skin. I like this because it helps my foundation last and look smooth.
  • NARS Primer ($33, regular version) – This one contains no silicone, oil, or synthetic fragrances. I find this works the best with NARS foundations. The formula has a gel-like texture.

Current Concealers:

Concealer is a product I neglect to apply on a regular basis. For many years, I avoided concealer because I couldn’t find one that didn’t emphasize my lines under the eyes. Most were too thick making me look aged. I typically only use concealer under the eye and around the nose. I’ve yet to find a concealer that works for blemishes. I find most of them emphasize blemishes rather than conceal them. A few that I like include (do note that I’ve never repurchased a concealer to date):

  • Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightener in Revive ($36) – I call this my wonder eye product. I apply this after I’ve put on my foundation and powder under the eyes and it evens skin tone in a full coverage powder without looking cakey or emphasizing lines. The only downside is that it comes in 2 shades. When I bought Revive it was a perfect match. I’ve since gotten a bit lighter and it’s too dark for me now, so I will have to save it for the summer months.
  • Laura Mercier Undercover Pot UC-3 ($34) – I like that this has both the Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer with a mini translucent powder on the bottom which makes it convenient for travel. It’s sturdy enough to throw in your purse. The fact that it has 2 shades and 2 different textures makes it nice to blend and mix according to whatever you want.
  • Chanel Correcteur Perfection (Long Lasting Concealer) in Beige Ivoire 20 ($40) – Pricey, but works wonders for under the eyes and around the nose. It has medium coverage that’s natural enough to blend in with the skin, but enough coverage to brighten the face.

If I had to pick just 1 brand to use powder, foundation, concealer and primer, it would hands down have to be Chanel. They have a wide variety of formulas for different skin types, ranging from sheer to full coverage. Their face products photograph really well and don’t give you that whitish cast that some foundations give with high-flash photography.

Please note that these are simply the products that I like best out of ones I’ve tried. I haven’t tried everything. I can’t guarantee that you’ll like any of these that I’ve listed.

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Day 4 of Beauty Essentials: Primers & Fix Sprays, Illuminators, Foundations

July 31, 2009

I’ve searched through numerous brands and formulas to find the right foundation for me. My skin is overall normal but very sensitive and prone to break-outs and reactions. This post will list what I’ve found to work the best for me to get a flawless but still natural glow. If you have any favorites, please share them! I’m always looking for new products to try out.

Foundations & Tinted Moisturizers (left to right):

* Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer gives a sheer glow to the face that isn’t overly shimmery or sparkly. I also love her other regular and oil-free formulas, but have been loving this one recently.

* Laura Mercier Undercover Pot contains her Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer on the top layer with a mini mirror and translucent powder on the bottom to set. It is very tiny for the price, but great for travel. Luckily there have been a few sets that I’ve purchased that have contained this as part of a kit, so I haven’t had to spend the full retail price on it.

* Chanel Hydramax+ Active Teinte is part of the Hydramax line which “boosts the hydration process at its source, with formulas targeted precisely to meet skin’s moisture needs.” This is a nice lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens out the skintone and has SPF15.

* Chanel Lift Lumiere Foundation is meant for smoothing & firming, also contains SPF15. At age 28, I don’t really need any smoothing or firming, but I do find it has a nice medium coverage, lasts all day, and does make the skin look very smooth.

* Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF20 was made to replace their Matte Silk foundation and has a “water-based foundation provides 14-hour satin matte coverage without the coverage feel. For normal to oily skin, providing medium coverage.” I had previously used their Luminous Silk Foundation and loved the full flawless coverage and finish, but found it made my skin very oily within a couple hours. The new Lasting Silk works much better for my skin. I wouldn’t say it lasts a full 14 hours, but then I haven’t used it with their primer or other products.

*Chanel Teint Innocence is probably my most frequently used foundation for a sheer-medium coverage that gives a natural glow. (I have gone through over 6 bottles.) This is more moist than the Lift Lumiere, but not overly so. That being said, if your skin is more on the oily side, I would avoid this one. It contains SPF12. I prefer the liquid formula, but it also comes in a cream compact foundation formula that I find heavier in texture and coverage.

* Chanel Correcteur Perfection is their newest concealer which is lightweight and gel-based. I like this for under the eyes to brighten the skin and dark circles.

Primers & Sprays (left to right):

* Laura Mercier Foundation Primer really helps the application process for foundation and powder, I like to use this over moisturizer.

* Le Blanc De Chanel is an illuminating base that primes the skin for foundation while adding a subtle glow.

* Chantecaille Rosewater is meant to “purify, tone, and hydrate skin.” It is definitely refreshing, but fairly pricey. Pictured is a mini size that is often given in their gift with purchases at beauty events.

* MAC Prep & Prime Skin is a great silicone based primer that has subtle sparkle to the actual product. I like to use this sometimes instead of moisturizer.

* MAC Fix+ Rose came out with the Rose Romance collection this past year as a limited edition product, but still comes in a regular version. A must have for everyone – you can spray this on the face before foundation to moisten the skin, or after foundation & powder to set your makeup and make your face look less powdery and more fresh. I also like to spray this on my eyeshadow brushes sometimes to lightly dampen the brush to apply eyeshadows more heavily.

Illuminators (left to right): I love using liquid illuminators and mixing them with foundation to give an all over subtle glow. These are great because of the sheerness so you don’t end up looking greasy. These are also great to use over foundation/powder in certain areas to highlight the eyes or temples.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer 3 & 7, MAC Strobe Cream (mini size from a travel set), Chanel Brilliance Pur Sunkissed

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