Blog Archives
Runway to RealLife: Marc Jacobs Beauty
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Marc Jacobs enters the world of color cosmetics with a new beauty brand and collaboration with Sephora.
The new range covers sixteen different categories—from foundation, powder, bronzer, and lipstick to twenty-four shades of plasticized nail lacquers, including the high-gloss Jezebel (oxblood) and Shiny (clear) that debuted on Jacobs’ Fall runway. What makes these nail polishes—and the eye liners and concealers that are displayed beside them—different from all the others, of course, is Jacobs himself. “The passion does come through,” he insists of the very active role he played in the creative process. “You’re left with something appealing and seductive because there’s heart in it.”
The first product tried and tested: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner – Gel Crayon – crazy good. Ro (Cocoa) is the perfect bronze eyeliner. Not too shimmery, this color defines and enhances the eye.
The Highliner is waterproof, long-wearing and richly pigmented. The formula applies like a gel pot but with the precision of a pencil. Super-malleable, this eyeliner glides on smoothly then sets in place for all-day wear.
Swatching all the colors, I noticed the shimmer is more of a sheen/reflection rather than tiny particles of glitter. Color looks almost “shiny.”
A built-in sharpener makes sure the crayon always has a perfect point for an instantly sharp look on the go. A true breakthrough product that provides easy application with intense color.
The Neutralizer: Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream
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BB Cream: also known as Blemish Balm, Blemish Base, Beauty Balm – an all-in-one cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock. Can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage.
CC Cream: also known as Complexion Correcting Cream, Color Correcting Cream, Color Control Cream – Boasts all of the benefits of BB cream with a few added bonuses. An all-in-one cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock. Will also include skincare ingredients to treat and cover uneven skin tone and dark spots.
Ultimately, a CC cream is a primer on steroids. Thinner, and lighter than a BB cream, CC creams are used to brighten, neutralize, reduce dark spots and take out redness. Most of the original CC Creams do not come in a tint or concealer form. They are pigmented white, pink or beige to neutralize skin tone. A CC cream sits more comfortably in the skincare category, than the make-up category – a BB cream straddles the two.
Smashbox‘s Camera Ready CC Cream was created to diminish dark spots, sun spots and post-acne marks while providing flawless facial coverage. Equipped with the same formula as the ever popular Camera Ready BB Cream, the CC Cream is infused with dark spot correcting ingredients.
Camera Ready CC Cream does a great job evening out skintone. The coverage is light to medium and blends beautifully on the skin. I have not used the product long enough to see any lightening effects, but the formula feels nice on the skin – more like skincare than makeup. After trying several ways to wear this product, I feel it works best as a primer with a light dusting of mineral powder/powder on top. Mattifies the skin and lasts all day. Available in five shades, Smashbox’s Camera Ready CC Cream can be worn alone or worn under foundation.
The One To Beat: Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20
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BB Creams are flooding the market. With CC Creams on their way – how do you choose which one is best for you?
Beauty/Blemish Balm Creams were originally developed as a post-procedure cream used to treat, hydrate, prime, protect, and camouflage the skin. Great for all skin types including those with sensitive skin, these versatile “five-in-one” formulas are designed to do it all: treat with high levels of active skin care ingredients; moisturize and smooth dehydrated skin; prime and perfect skin’s surface; camouflage and color correct the skintone; and protect skin from the sun with SPF. They can be used as a last step for their skincare benefits or used on their own as an instant beautifier.
Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20 is currently the one to beat. What sets it apart is, unlike other BB creams, Omorovicza does not contain any silicone, an ingredient that, unfortunately, coats the skin, trapping dirt and bacteria beneath it. It acts as a 5-in-1 Complexion Perfector: foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen, concealer and anti-aging cream. It disguises blemishes, counteracts redness, masks broken capillaries, diminishes the appearance of dark circles, hydrates and protects from UVA/UVB rays.
Formulated with:
- Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres penetrate the epidermis and release hyaluronic acid gradually over time for enduring plumping and resurfacing of fine lines and wrinkles.
- A potent form of Vitamin C, boosts the production of collagen and elastin, reduces free radical damage and boosts cell turnover.
- White Lupin energizes and revitalizes.
- Ruby Crystal minimizes the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.
- Mineral CosmetologyTM, a patented mineral delivery system, leaves skin firmer, more supple and younger-looking.
Available in one color, Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20 is in the light/fair family but very workable. The color adapts to the skintone, providing a ‘lit from within’ soft focus. The lightweight creamy texture glides seamlessly over the skin and provides medium coverage without masking your natural radiance. Skin is left looking perfected and healthy all day long.
Learn more about Omorovicza HERE.
How To: Nude Lip
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Originally applied to downplay the rest of the face when having a dramatic smoky eye or a major blush moment, the nude lip has transcended from a trend to a classic.
Your perfect nude lip will depend entirely on the shade. Remember nude is not the same as neutral, you must take into consideration your skin tone and lip color. The right color will create depth and contour as the wrong color can make the entire face look dull or washed-out.
Choosing a color for your skin tone:
- For fair or pale skin: Avoid beige tones. Opt for soft pinks, peaches or pale apricot as your base shade.
- For the golden girls: Creamy, caramel-toned nudes and warm beiges. Avoid anything too cool, like grays or silver-toned shades.
- For olive tones: Just about any nude shade will work, from beige to bronze to pinks.
- For skin with yellow undertones: Light, creamy-toned beiges like latte or mocha.
- For dark-toned skin: Go for chocolate tones such as rich golden browns and coffees.
Needed:
- Foundation
- Nude Lip Liner – Favorite: Here
- Lip Brush
- Nude Lipstick – Favorite: Here
- Nude Lipgloss – Favorite: Here
How To:
- Prep and moisturize the lips.
- Blot a layer of foundation onto the lips. This will let lipstick perform at it’s truest color.
- Define lips with a liner that is the half-a-shade deeper than lipstick. This will give the illusion of plumper lips.
- Using a lip brush, apply lipstick.
- Blot the lips with tissue and reapply.
- If a glossy finish is preferred – apply nude lipgloss.
Tried & Tested: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35
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The newest BB Cream to hit our counters is Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35. Exclusive to Nordstroms, the formula combines moisturizer, skincare, foundation and SPF into one.
Features & Benefits: Water-attracting molecules boost hydration. Light-reflecting pearls brighten dull skin. Botanical extracts and caffeine reduce discoloration and redness. Pore-reducing peptides minimize fine lines. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants fend off future damage.
Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream SPF 35 is available in five shades: Extra Light, Fair, Light, Medium and Medium to Dark. I was certainly intrigued by this, due to the fact that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics are primarily yellow-based shades. Many BB Cream (especially asian brands) are based on cooler-tones, such as pinks and greys.
As I sampled the different shades, I was persuaded by a sweet Bobbi Brown representative to try the darkest shade, Medium to Dark. This shade looks quite dark, almost bronzer-like. But, I took her advice and purchased.
APPLICATION: Smooth and easy to apply. Goes on quite dry, but feels nice and extremely light on the skin. (Unless you have very oily skin, a moisturizer is needed in addition to this BB Cream.)
COVERAGE: Sheer.
FINISH: Skin appears matte with a subtle sheen. Very healthy-looking. However, like most BB Creams, after a couple hours the oils will come-out and skin will look too glowing. A finishing powder is recommended.
COLOR: Initial application, the color appeared too dark. Let dry and after a couple minutes, the color adapts to the skin and the color is perfect. It might be a smidgen too dark – but I am loving the subtle-tan look for summer.
VERDICT: Like many of the US BB Creams, this is much like a tinted moisturizer. But, I love the finish it leaves on the skin and the feeling is remarkably lightweight. For a high-SPF product, this cream wears like you have nothing on. The shade choices are great and warm-up the complexion beautifully. Leaves skin looking fresh and healthy. A great option for the summer months – SPF, lightweight, easy.
(When testing these BB Creams, before deciding on a shade, I suggest waiting at least 5 minutes for the color to oxidize and adapt to your skin tone.)
For other BB Cream reviews:
Summer Must-Have: Murad Perfecting Serum
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Dry-skinned girls, listen up! Banish stubborn dry patches, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and prime face for flawless makeup application with Murad Perfecting Serum.
This serum is the ultimate dry-skin relief. It is designed to be worn over a moisturizer to lock in hydration and revive natural moisture levels. The gel-consistency glides over the skin swimmingly and leaves skin silky-smooth. Enriched with Squalane, an ingredient derived from olives, the Perfecting Serum intensely hydrates and wraps the skin in ultra rich moisture. Avocado and Evening Primrose Oils seal-in the hydration and Ceramides prevent flaking and itchiness while maximizing suppleness.
This serum can be used alone or under makeup to create the perfect canvas for makeup application. It can also be used all-over the face or just where needed. It erases those stubborn dry patches that foundation loves to cling-to and creates a flawless, long-wearing finish. A summer must-have.
Festival Beauty Essentials
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Be prepared for hot and sticky situations with Glow-T’s Festival Beauty Essentials:
Tory Burch Double Zip Train Case: A great travel case with cool ikat design.
Supergoop! Sunscreen Swipes SPF 30 (21 count): These sunscreen wipes are individually packed, perfect for throwing in your bag. The pre-moistened towelettes are formulated to calm and soothe the skin while providing complete UV protection. Great for sensitive skin, these wipes can be used all over the body.
Coola SPF 30 Unscented Matte Finish Tint: This lightly tinted moisturizer delivers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. Infused with antioxidants, shea butter, plankton, borage seed oil and evening primrose extract, this lotion will rejuvinate, hydrate and protect. The water-resistant formula and matte finish is great for long days in the sun.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25: My favorite lip balm to date, this product is incrediably soothing and moisturizing – provides SPF 25 and lasts. Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm relieves dry, chapped and irritated lips.
Donna Karen Cashmere Mist Deodorant: Keep dry and odor-free with Donna Karen’s Cashmere Mist Deodorant. Delicately scented with perfume, this advanced formula controls wetness and perspiration.
CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Spray: Thousands of people and porta-potties… hand sanitizer is a must. This all-natural formula is made with thyme oil that kills all germs and the portable spray makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo (Travel Size): Extend time between washes with a dry shampoo. This gentle formula smells nice and absorbs oil and dirt – an instant refresher. Infused with oat milk, it also nourishes the hair while creating volume and texture.
Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes: Remove makeup, dirt and oil quickly with these all-natural wipes. Formulated with aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile and vitamin E, the easy-access wipes cleanse and refresh the face and body. Bonus: When purchased, these biodegradable wipes support to protect the endangered Polar Bear.
RMS Cream Eyeshadow – Solar: Perfect for the desert princess, this cream eyeshadow reflects a sheer wash of gold. A great all-in-one eye product, it doubles as an eye cream to nourish and moisturize the eye area.
NARS Cream Blush – Cactus Flower: The name alone implies desert beauty. This bright coral/spicy pink cream blush can be used on both the cheeks and lips. A very subtle gold shimmer leaves the skin flushed, dewy and healthy.
Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof mascara is a must-have. I assure you Givenchy’s will not budge or smudge. The spiked-ball wand takes a little to get used to but defines, separates and lengthens exquisitely. Tip: With your finger, smudge on the lashline for an instant liner effect that will last.
Laura Geller Balance-n-Bronze: A genius design, adding bronzer and foundation, all-in-one. The color-correcting foundation is sheer but never looks powdery. The baked bronzer is infused with layers of color to achieve the perfect sun-kissed shade. Swipe separately or swirl together to get a glowing, sun-goddess look.
Fine Functionality: Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case
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In the market for a new makeup travel bag, I stumbled upon the Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case.
Available exclusively at Target.com, the Sonia Kashuk LUXE Collection contains an assortment of stylish one-of-a-kind travel and beauty accessories. From brush sets to beauty clutches, each item looks chic and classic.
When I received the train case, I was blown away by the size. I was not expecting the massiveness of this train case and apparently neglected to view the description box:
Dimensions: 9.5 ” H x 18.5 ” W x 12.5 ” D.
This train case features an inner zip pocket and removable foam modular trays, customizable for your specific makeup collection. One can section off space for bottles, tubes, compacts, brushes… any beauty need.
The Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case is perfect for a lengthly trip or to simply display on the bathroom counter. Stylish and functional this train case can be purchased for $34.99 at Target.com.
Glow-T 2011: Best in Beauty
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Happy New Year! As 2012 begins, I want to recap on my favorite beauty products of 2011. These are items that I constantly reach for and will continue to use in the new year. From skincare to cosmetics, here are Glow-T’s Best of 2011 Beauty Products:
Body Lotion: Kiehls Creme de Corps
Face Cleanser: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Face Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
Face Moisturizer/Foundation: Origins VitaZing SPF 15
Sunscreen: NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen
Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette
Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
Mascara: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara
Bottom Lash Mascara: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Concealer/Corrector: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector
Blush: By Terry Rose De Rose Blush Fluide
Powder: Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder
Hair Mask: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
Makeup Sponge: Beauty Blender
Hair Product: Bumble & Bumble Texture
Lip Product: Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm
Backstage Secrets: NARS Illuminator-Orgasm
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NARS Illuminator in Orgasm was used at many shows for Fashion Week Spring 2012. This complexion enhancer makes skin look instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing.
Joy Cioci used this product to create a doll-like, dewy complexion. Daryl K sported contoured cheeks and glowing sun-kissed skin and Thakoon paired it’s strong brow with luminous skin all using this NARS Illuminator.
To achieve this look, apply NARS Illuminator in Orgasm to the skin before foundation. This will create a more natural look and blend nicely with the base used. Concentrate the product on the cheekbones and brow-bones, if overdone, this product can make the face look greasy and/or sun-burnt. But, if that is the look you are going for – do it!
Road to Flawless Skin: Kevin Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer
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Kevin Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer is a one-stop product for creating flawless skin. The road of achieving perfect skin is a long-one and may need a considerable number of different items… concealer, powder, base. The Sensual Skin Enhancer erases the need for all of these items and paves the way to perfect skin.
This Skin Enhancer can be used as a concealer; spot and undereye, foundation, tinted moisturizer and highlighter. (To use as a highlighter, simply choose a color one shade lighter than your actual skin tone).
The formula is extremely pigmented, and the texture consists of a heavy cream. However, when applied onto the skin, it feels lightweight, non-greasy and blends beautifully.
I apply this product by adding a bit to my favorite moisturizer (a little goes a long way). This concoction creates the perfect tinted moisturizer, in which it lets me decide how much coverage my skin needs. Sometimes I need to add more, sometimes less. Skin changes day-to-day, breakouts and such, The Sensual Skin Enhancer puts you in the drivers seat on the road to flawless skin.
Fresh Face: Chanel Vitalumière Aqua
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Chanel’s newest foundation, Vitalumière Aqua is a lighter version of the best-selling Vitalumière. The original formula is extremely moisturizing and fitting for a more mature skin.
The new formula in Vitalumière Aqua is water-based and feels extremely light and refreshing on the skin. The semi-matte dewy finish does not appear greasy or unnatural, but luminous and radiant. The coverage is light but build-able and still manages to perfect the skin. The foundation is long-wearing, 6-8 hours, and comes in 10 ready-to-match-any-skintone shades. The packaging is a small and compact plastic bottle which is a nice change from the usual unwieldy glass bottle. A built-in shaker prevents the product from separating which will extend it’s shelf-life.
Once again, Chanel has created an impeccable foundation, light and fresh, perfect for the warm months ahead.