The following are the 5 major types of alpha-hydroxy acids found in skincare products and their sources:
- glycolic acid – sugar cane
- lactic acid – milk
- malic acid – apples and pears
- citric acid – oranges and lemons
- tartaric acid – grapes
Blog Archives
Four Favorites: Makeup Wipes
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Makeup removing wipes can be a fast and effective way to clean your face. Great for travel, gym bag or just laziness – these wipes remove dirt, oil and makeup in a few swipes.
We have all been there… Too tired/lazy/champagne-induced to wash our face before bed. The nighttime hours are when your skin does the majority of it’s repair work. If you sleep with your makeup on, your skin can’t breathe and you will be missing out on allowing it to benefit from that crucial beauty sleep.
Makeup wipes cleanse, tone and moisturize in seconds. Just make sure you are using them properly. Instead of quickly rubbing the towelette all over the face – let the wipe soak on the face for a couple seconds. This allows the formula to start breaking-down makeup and impurities. Concentrate particularly on the eye area to avoid too much rubbing later. Gently rub the wipe, back and forth on the face. It will do the job of taking the makeup off for you.
A good facial wipe should have just the right amount of saturation – not too wet or too dry. It should also leave the skin feeling clean, fresh, soft and hydrated.
Here are my current four favorites:
Bioderma ~ Crealine H20 Wipes: around $18.00 (purchased in Paris..sorry)
*** Great for sensitive skin and eye area – these never make the eyes sting and take off everything with ease while toning the skin.
Josie Maran ~ Bear Naked Wipes: $12.00
*** Super hydrating and smell delicious.
MAC ~ Wipes: $20.00
*** These are amazing at taking everything off your face – however, I always wash my face after as the formula is a bit strong.
Aveeno ~ Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes: $6.99
*** The perfect wipe. Soothing, no stinging, face feels clean and fresh. Cost-Effective.
The Double-Cleanse Method: Dermalogica
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Double Cleanse to help relieve skin dullness, congestion and more.
The International Dermal Institute, the brains behind skin care line Dermalogica, conducted a research study that found most women only spend approximately 20 seconds washing their face. Unfortunately, even with the strongest of cleansers, a single cleanse cannot effectively penetrate and remove the dirt, oil, makeup, debris, sun-screen and pollutants left on the skin. In the long run your skin will start to look dull and be more prone to congestion and breakouts. Thus, the Dermalogica Double Cleanse was born.
The first step of the Dermalogica Double Cleanse is PreCleanse. PreCleanse is formulated with plant-based oils that melt the layers of oil-based debris on your skin because the oil molecules bond to each other, unlike the water molecules in your usual cleanser. These oils then emulsify when you add water, encapsulating and removing the trapped debris, thus allowing the second step of the cleanse to penetrate even further than before. PreCleanse is the best oil-based cleanser I have tried. Extremely gentle yet amazingly effective.
The second step of the Dermalogica Double Cleanse is the Special Cleansing Gel (or any recommended Dermalogica cleanser). The Special Cleansing Gel is a gentle, soap-free, foaming gel cleanser that removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe the skin, while natural Quillaja Saponaria gently foams away toxins and debris for a super-clean surface. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.
With all of these new products on the markets, such as primers, BB Creams, fillers and long-lasting cosmetics – the Double Cleanse Method is the only way to get your skin clean. These products are filled with silicons and oils that a single cleanse cannot penetrate. Try this method and I am sure you will never go back.
Performing the Dermalogica Double Cleanse:
1. Remove eye and lip make-up by dispensing PreCleanse onto damp cotton.
2. Shake a generous amount of PreCleanse into dry hands and spread between the palms.
3. Sweep PreCleanse across neck, cheeks and forehead. Begin the step-by-step Dermalogica Professional Cleansing Technique listed below.
a. Starting at the neck, spread PreCleanse across the face by using light, upward circles with fingertips.
b. Continue by circling chin and cheeks, paying special attention to areas of congestion.
c. Use one fingertip on both sides of the nostril, then circle around the side and top of the nose.
d. Come between the eyebrows and continue circles over forehead, making sure to include the hairline.
e. Wet hands and massage over PreCleanse to create a light, milky emulsion.
b. Continue by circling chin and cheeks, paying special attention to areas of congestion.
c. Use one fingertip on both sides of the nostril, then circle around the side and top of the nose.
d. Come between the eyebrows and continue circles over forehead, making sure to include the hairline.
e. Wet hands and massage over PreCleanse to create a light, milky emulsion.
4. Remove with the dampened cleansing cloth to gently exfoliate for ultra-clean, super smooth skin!
5. Commence second cleanse with recommended Dermalogica Cleanser.
Earth Tones: Dolce & Gabbana Stromboli Eyeshadow Quad
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Nothing reflects Fall like smoldering earth tones. My new favorite eyeshadow quad, Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Color Quad in #130 Stromboli.
The eyeshadow quad consists of a light gold, a burnt sienna, a warm chocolate and a metallic charcoal. There are so many color combinations possible and each one compliments the other.
The texture of the finely-milled eyeshadows are creamy and buttery. Extremely pigmented and blend-able, so I recommend using a light hand when applying. These eyeshadows wear about six-eight hours before fading.
To get a smoldering earth tone eye look:
Apply the dark metallic charcoal close to the lash line and beneath the eye line. Then, blend the burnt sienna and warm chocolate hues in the crease for definition. Lastly, add the light gold to inner corner for a highlight.
Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S 2013 Favorites
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KAREN WALKER: Inspiration – Space-age optimism of the 1950s
Makeup: Jenna Menard for Clinique Backstage Secret: New for Spring 2013, Clinique Chubby Sticks Intense Shades – (launching in February). Color used is a special edition shade for Spring. No name yet, but in the works!
Hair: Laurent Phillippon for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were glued on and a heavy fringe was cut according to each girl. To add texture Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray were used.
BADGLEY MISCHKA: Inspiration – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: Pecheux stressed the importance of prepping the skin when achieving this natural apperance. Using moisturizer, MAC’s Complete Comfort Cream and Studio Sculpt Foundation, he made the complexion appear flawless.
Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil Backstage Secret: To add body to the hair, Moroccanoil’s new Oil Volumizing Mousse (out in October) was used on damp hair. Moroccanoil Treatment was then applied for shine.
EDUN: Inspiration – “A clean youthful, rock ‘n’ roll type girl”
Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: To showcase cheekbones, MAC’s Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige (limited edition) was used. For some attitude – ‘Feline’ Kohl Powder Pencil was applied to the outer corner of the eye in a “v” shape to connect the top and bottom lashes.
Hair: James Pecis for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were added to the model’s hair and Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray was used to create a consistent texture.
DEREK LAM: Inspiration – Romantic “aqua 3-D” look
Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder Backstage Secret: The eyes were the focus in this look. Pecheux first applied Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from lash line to brow. He then applied Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Extreme Emerald with a light hand from. Next, he layered Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Cosmic, a glimmery silver, on top of that for a pale, silvered-aqua look. (Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paints launching January 2013).
Hair: Orlando Pita Backstage Secret: After doing a deep side part, Pita applied Phyto hair products — different for each girl, depending on her hair texture. He used a T3 Featherweight Dryer and a T3 Straightening Iron, then tucked hair behind the ears.
TORY BURCH: Inspiration – Prairie Girl
Makeup: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, as well as Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, were used as needed to perfect the complexion.
Hair: Eugene Souleiman for Wella Backstage Secret: An excess of extensions were used to create the fullness and length of these wheat-like fishtail braids. Hair was set using only Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.
HELMUT LANG: Inspiration – Downtown Surf
Makeup: Hannah Murray for NARS Backstage Secret: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ was used on the models skin for a flawless effect, as well as these products (New for Sprint 2013) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. A lip pencil was used on the cheeks for a beautiful wash of color – Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park (New for Spring 2013). For a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple.
Hair: Paul Hanlon for Fekkai Backstage Secret: The effortless hair embraced the individual look of each model, with kinks and bends made with a styling wand. To give the look a rock-‘n’-roll edge, the front section was swept to the side and hung in front of the face. Hanlon touched up strands with Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, a frizz-fighting serum.
Inspiration: Olympic Gold
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Go for the gold! Inspired by the 2012 Summer Olympics, here are a few gold metals:
Estee Lauder ~ Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Gold: $24.00
Dior ~ Vernis – Golden Jungle Nail Enamel: $23.00
Illamasqua ~ Liquid Metal in Solstice: $26.00
Tom Ford ~ Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust: $30.00
Bobbi Brown ~ Shimmer Brick Compact – Gold: $40.00
Stila ~ Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Koi: $8.00 (sale)
Skin Rehab: Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10)
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Get glowing, healthy-looking skin instantly with one swipe of Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10). This one-step, daily peel gently exfoliates the skin delivering a powerful dose of protective antioxidants to help prevent visible signs of aging.
The Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10) is formulated with 10% Citric Acid (antioxidant found in citrus fruits) to exfoliate dead skin cells, neutralize free radicals, and help prep skin for moisturizer and serum absorption. With no rinsing or recovery time required, the result is impossibly smooth skin with improved texture and tone.
Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10) is an amazing rehab for the skin. Gentle enough for everyday use, this peel provides the instant gratification of glowing skin after every use.
The product comes with a jar containing 36 pads (+1 test pad), and a bottle of solution. When ready to start the regime, pour the solution over the pads and let it soak in. Then begin to use one pad over the face (can also be used on hands, neck and chest) each morning, or as tolerated. Skincare and makeup can be applied immediately after. There is no rinsing, waiting period, stinging, drying or flaking.
In a clinical study, 100% of participants reported healthier looking skin, smoother texture and a more even tone after just one use.
“The skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself. Failure of old cells to slough off leads to a dull, more aged appearance to the skin. This peel is an innovative way to incorporate gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection into your daily routine with one easy swipe. It’s formulated by the dermatologists who created the original glycolic peel, and utilizes 10% Citric Acid to scavenge damaging free radicals brought on by environmental exposure and help prevent future signs of aging. I recommend using it between office visits to help refine skin texture, smooth fine lines, even skin discoloration, and help diminish the appearance of acne scars and environmental damage.” -Dr. Julie K. Karen, a board certified dermatologist who currently practices at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of NY.
What are AHAs – Alpha-Hydroxyacids?
AHAs are a group of naturally ocurring acids, many of which are found in fruits (hence “fruit-acids”). AHAs are used to help improve a variety of skin disorders including xerosis (dry skin), acne, ichthyosis, seborrheic keratoses and psoriasis. They also improve pigmentary disorders and symptoms of photo-aging; such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, skin laxity and dullness.
AHAs penetrate the dead surface cells of the skin, loosening the molecular bonds that attach them to the underlying tissues. The loose cells slough off, exposing newer skin.
About Citric Acid:
Citric acid is a substance that is found naturally in citrus fruits. It is a powerful antioxidant that can improve the health of skin cells. It stimulates collagen production, fights and protects from free radicals, has skin lightening properties, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of scars.
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.
Hydration Help: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
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Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a rich eye cream that nourishes and hydrates. More than just an eye cream, it truly is a treatment for the eyes.
The light green cream has a thick consistency that mimics fresh avocados. It plumps the under eye area with an intense concentration of actives; Beta Carotene, a powerful antioxidant, Shea Butter restores hydration and keeps skin protected, and Avocado Oil moisturizes and infuses skin with amino acids, vitamins, and potassium.
When applied, the composition of the rich cream magically changes to a water-soluable texture. The delicate eye area immediately drinks this up, providing a burst of hydration. Tested under Ophthalmologists, the concentrated formula will not irritate or migrate into the eyes. No trace of film or residue is left on the skin that sometimes interfere with makeup or concealer application.
Treat your eyes to a burst of moisture with Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. (Don’t forget about Kiehl’s more than generous sample gifting.)
Fine Functionality: Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case
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Sonia Kashuk Luxe - Agent Provocateur Train Case
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
Cyber Monday Deals & Steals: Beauty
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If you avoided the hectic Black Friday stampede, take advantage of these Cyber Monday Beauty Deals & Steals.
Beauty.com : Spend $100 at Beauty.com and get an Erickson Beaman makeup case full of samples, plus free shipping.
Bliss: 20% off Bliss, Elemis and Laboratoire Remede products.
Butter London: 30% site wide discount until November 30th – Code: CELEBRATE11
Chantecaille: Free Les Macarons palette + free shipping with $150+ purchase with Code: SHOPCHIC (11/25 through 11/28).
Clarisonic: All Clarisonic skincare pairs purchased between 11/25 through 11/29 will be 20% off.
Giorgio Armani: 20% off + free 2nd day shipping on $75+ orders with Code: GAHOLIDAY1 (expires 11/29). 20% off + free 2nd day shipping + 6 minis ($42 value) on $125+ orders with Code: GAHOLIDAY4 (valid 11/27 through 11/29).
Inglot USA: 15% off all online orders + free shipping.
Josie Maran: 25% off with Code: GIVEBACK
Kate Somerville: 30% off with Code: HOLIDAY2011
Kiehls: $20 off $65+ orders with Code: HOLIDAY, expires 11/31. Free shipping + deluxe trio of your choice on $30+ orders with Code: BIGTREAT, 11/28 only.
L’Occitane: $10 gift card with any $50+ purchase with Code: GIFT10
Origins: $10 off + free shipping on $25+ purchases with Code: TENOFF
shu uemura: 20% off with Code: WISH2011, 11/24 – 11/29, free shipping on $50+ orders.
Smashbox: 20% off with Code: SBXFF11
Somme Institute: 40% off all skincare site wide
SpaceNK — Spend $150 and enter Code: THANKS150 to receive a complimentary gift with 10 deluxe-sized samples.
Tarte: $10 off purchases of $50, $20 off purchases of $75, $30 off purchases of $100 or more. A free gift with purchase with every order (customers will get to choose 1 of 5 items) – Free shipping on orders of $40 & up – Code: CYBER
YSL: 20% off + free shipping; spend $100+ get a free gift, with Code: MONDAY (11/28 through 11/30)
How To: Bright Eyeliner
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Bright eyeliner is a dramatic accent with minimal effort. A pop of color can “glam up” a makeup look instantly.
With this look, you want to tone down all other parts of the face. However, if daring enough, my favorite party season look is cobalt blue eyeliner paired with a fuchsia lip. Create your favorite combination with these easy steps.
Needed:
✒ Eye primer (Favorite: MAC Paint Pots)
✒ Matte White Eye Pencil (Favorite: NYX Milk)
✒ Bright Eye Liner (Favorite: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencils)
✒ Matching Bright Eye Shadow Shade
✒ Mascara
How To:
✒ Prime the lids and under-eye with eye primer.
✒ With a matte white pencil, draw a baseline where the bright color will go. (this will inhance the vibrancy of the color and help with the shape of the line)
✒ Trace over the white pencil with the bright eye liner.
✒ For a more dramatic look, make the outside line a bit thicker than the inside and extend it just beyond the lash line.
✒ Optional: Apply the bright eye liner to the lower lashes, keeping as close to the lash line as possible.
✒ Dip the bright pencil into the matching eye shadow and trace over these lines to increase brightness and ensure longevity.
✒ Apply two heavy coats of mascara to add definition and emphasize the look.
This look can be altered depending on preference and eye shape. Experiment with color and thickness of the line. If intimidated: Start by lining the lower lash line with a bright color only and leave lid neutral. Bright eyeliner is a great way to change-up your makeup routine and attain instant drama.
Great color combinations:
BLUE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Flipside & NARS Eyeshadow: Outremer
PURPLE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Ransom & MAC Eyeshadow: Purple Haze
GREEN: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Mildew & Urban Decay Eyeshadow: Mildew
TURQUOISE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Electric & MAKEUP FOREVER Eyeshadow: 72
PINK: MAKEUP FOREVER Aqua Pencil: 13L & MAKEUP FOREVER Eyeshadow: 75
NYFW Spring 2012: Best in Beauty
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Glow-T’s Best in Beauty for New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 .
Best in Hair ~ Jill Stuart: Inspired by fairytales, the hair appeared feminine, youthful and bohemian. Kerastase added texture, volume and a significant side sweep part that gives the illusion of bangs.
Best in Makeup ~ Lela Rose: Inspired by sin city, this look is fresh and glamourous. Bare Escentuals transitions Fall’s metallic trend to Spring with a new pressed eyeshadow-quad used in the show. I am loving the combination of metallic-toned eyes paired with sun-kissed skin.
Best in Nails ~ Wes Gordon: Inspired by powerful women, CND nailpolish used the color Poppyfield, a nearly-neon, coral color. This shade is energetic and potent. Continuing a Fall trend of matchy-matchy makeup, a parallel lip and cheek stain is used.
Glow-T 