Blog Archives
Rockstar Bronzer: Kat Von D Everlasting Bronzer
◈◈◈
Kat Von D’s Everlasting Bronzer promises up to 24-hours of color and the rich pigment offers buildable, custom coverage for every skintone. This I had to try.
Available in two shades:
1. Shady Business 1: pearlized brown with gold shimmer
2. Shady Business 2: pearlized dark brown with gold shimmer
The fade-proof formula is smooth, velvety and blendable. It glides onto the cheeks effortlessly and provides a radiant glow.
The color is the real ‘hero‘ of this product. It leans more red-toned than orange, avoiding “oompaloompa face.” It has tiny gold sparkles that create a subtle glow, boosting the complexion and mimicking the rays of the sun.
Boasting 24-hour wear, the formula is absolutely long-wearing. It lasts an entire work day and remains true-to-color without oxidizing.
These bronzers are very comparable to NARS Laguna and NARS Casino. However, I find the Kat Von D version to add more warmth to the skin while NARS bronzers can look “muddy.”
Brush on sun-kissed radiance with Kat Von D Everlasting Bronzer.
Beauty Gifts: Stocking Stuffers
❉❉❉
This year I have picked my favorite stocking stuffers that will bring a Christmas Day full of cheer. From the best makeup sponge – ever – perfectly packaged as a sweet treat to luxurious purse-friendly perfumes delicately decorated in metallic gold. It is all about the small gifts with big payoff.
Fill their hearts and stockings with these small treasures:
Lancome ~ Eye Lash Curler Set: $36.00
Willa Skincare ~ Smile Butter: $19.00
Jane Tran ~ Polka Dot Bobby Pin Box: $15.00
Burberry ~ Lip Glow Natural Lip Gloss Set: $65.00
TOCCA ~ Perfumo Veloce – Cleopatra: $48.00
NARS ~ Travel Brush Set: $75.00
beautyblender ~ Candy Cane Holiday Treat: $49.95
Fresh ~ Sugar Perfection Duo: $22.50
Extend the Summer: Monoi de Tahiti
✻✻✻
Extend your summer and capture the scent of the French Polynesian Islands with Monoi de Tahiti. ‘Monoi’ is an ancient Tahitian word that means “scented oil”. The gorgeous fragrance comes from the Tahiti’s national flower, Tiaré, also known as the Tahitian Gardenia. When the tiaré flower is infused in traditional Tahitian coconut oil you get the decadent scent and skin savor, Monoi de Tahiti.
The tiaré flowers that are used in Monoi de Tahiti are hand-picked at a very particular stage of their growth, specifically when they are still unopened. The flower portion is placed in refined coconut oil for a minimum of 15 days. This is known as “enfleurage” (flower soaking), a French term used to designate a specific extraction step. According to specific maceration standards set by the decree of Appellation d’Origine, which each manufacturer must scrupulously follow, a minimum of 15 tiaré flowers must be used in every liter of refined coconut oil.
Beyond their contribution to Monoi de Tahiti, tiaré flowers are deeply rooted in everyday Polynesian life. In traditional medicine, the flower is prepared in a variety of concoctions to alleviate headaches, sunburn and even the common cold. It is also known for the benefits to the skin, body and hair, because it does not contain any emulsifiers. The oil moisturizes, protects and conditions skin while combining the beautiful scent of Tahitian gardenia flowers and coconut oil.
Used in many beauty products, the fragrant scent of Monoi perpetually remind me of summer. During the colder months of the year, bring a little sunshine into your life with Monoi.
The Body Shop ~ Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil: $20.00
NARS ~ Monoi Body Glow II: $59.00
Carol’s Daughter ~ Monoi Repairing Hair Mask: $29.00 (FULL REVIEW: HERE)
Monoi Tiki Tahiti ~ Tahitian Coconut Oil: $6.75
C. Booth ~ Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil Spray: $6.99
Perfect Pink: NARS Gaiety
◈◈◈
NARS Gaiety is my current perfect pink blush. It creates the perfect youthfulness and will instantly brighten your day… and complexion.
Described as a “bright candy pink,” the cool-toned pink has a strong blue-base. The buildable color allows for a sheer wash of color on the cheeks or layer for a bold pink flush. The color is matte with tiny specks of silver sparkle, that when applied offers a soft subtle sheen – perfect for the apples of the cheeks.
NARS blushes are long-lasting and true to color. I love Gaiety in the summer, when tanned/bronzed skin needs a flush of color. The contrast of the warm tan and cool pink reflects youthfulness and fun.
Neutral Duo: NARS Kalahari
✵✵✵
NARS Eyeshadow Duos are long-wearing and crease-resistant. They are beautifully pigmented and creamy to the touch. The Duos are available in a myriad of colors and textures and are always interestingly and uniquely paired.
While scouring NARS Eyeshadows, it is easy to focus primarily on the unusual bright colors. The neutral duos have a hard time competing. NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kalahari is a great neutral option. It contains two very wearable color combinations, a shimmering bronze with peach undertones and a warm brown with taupe undertones.
Kalahari is available in NARS’ permanent collection. Worn together or alone, these shades are richly pigmented and can be applied sheer or built-up for a more dramatic effect. Used wet, these shadows also double as eyeliners.
Kalahari will flatter any eye color. The warm tones look amazing on dark and light skin tone and will reflect beautifully in the summer sun.
Summer Favorites: Blush
✵✵✵
In the summer, bright and vibrant shades of cheek color is a surefire way to look younger and healthy. Use these products to emphasize a tan, create a youthful flush or mimic a lit-from-within complexion.
Start by choosing the right shade for your skintone. To find your go-to blush shade, pinch your cheeks and then pick a color that mimics your natural flush. This trick will ensure that you’re choosing the most flattering color for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a cool pink. Medium skin looks great in vibrant apricot/peachy hues, and darker skin tones look radiant in fuchsia.
Cream blush is a great way to instantly look fresh and dewy. Although it’s staying powder is not the best, especially in higher temperatures, cream blush is a nice alternative for dry skin. To ensure staying power on oily skin, first prime the skin and then set with a powder blush or translucent powder. To apply cream blush, smile and lightly focus the blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Then blend softly back and up toward the hairline. If you apply too liberally, tone down heavy application by blotting the excess color with a clean makeup sponge. Or, use a sheer, luminizing powder to diffuse excess color. The blush then looks like it came from within the skin versus sitting on top of it.
FAVORITES:
Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush: I am a sucker for these gimmicky products. However, this one is fantastic. The formula magically adjusts to your skin’s natural chemistry to create a universal shade. It produces an angelic pink glow that makes you look “lit-from-within.”
It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain in Peony: The most long-wearing powder blush I have tried. The waterproof formula mimics the lasting power and glow of a cheek stain with the easy application of a powder. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti aging properties, this blush gives new definition to a “healthy glow.”
Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Rouge: These blushes are incredibly pigmented and easy to work with. They blend beautifully and last all-day. They feel lightweight on the skin and never settle into lines. A small amount goes a very long way, apply with a light hand for a sheer wash of color or add more for vibrant glowing skin.
Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle: Full Review HERE.
NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower: On trend for summer, this bright coral blush is beautiful on both the lips and cheeks. The velvety texture is extremely easy to blend and apply. Subtle gold shimmers hide in the coral to help create perfectly flushed, luminous skin.
BECCA Beach Tint in Guava: This is the perfect color for summertime. It resembles the act of playing in the sun a little too long. The water-resistant formula can be used on both the cheeks and lips. Produces the most natural-looking flush and smells like summer.
Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie: A lightweight cream blush that does not pull or disrupt a base. It can be used on top of foundation, powder… anything. The formula is sheer but buildable. The staying power is not the best, but I am obsessed with this color. Quickie is a sheer bubble gum, electric, cotton candy pink. The minute it is applied, it creates instant youthfulness.
Tropical Inspiration: Aqua Eyes
✥✥✥
Bold, turquoise green eye makeup is a perfect summer look. Tropical inspiration from ocean blues and palm frawn greens will make any eye color pop. This color family come in all sorts of textures and consistencies, choose from metallic, shimmering or pastel shades.
Aqua eyes is great look for both day or night. Start with a vibrant turquoise or shimmering green powder or cream eyeshadow and apply all over the lid. Build for more color or leave for a sheer wash. If you don’t want color on the entire lid, try a simple liner. Draw a thin or thick line on the upper or lower eyelid. For true vibrancy, first line the eye with a white pencil and go over with your favorite kohl, liquid or gel liner. This will bring the color to life.
Brighter colors tend to have more pigment and last longer on the skin – so less is more. It’s easier to build color if more is needed, but harder to remove color if you put too much on.
Here are a few of my favorite tropical-inspired products.
Dior ~ Croisette Edition: $60.00
NARS ~ Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tropic: $24.00
Make Up For Ever ~ Aqua Eyes in 7L – Turquoise: $18.00
Urban Decay ~ 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Siren: $19.00
YSL ~ Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue: $30.00
MAC ~ Fluidline in Waveline: $15.00
Maybelline ~ Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Tenacious Teal & Edgy Emerald: $6.99 (each)
Smashbox ~ Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow: $19.00
Summer Makeup Collections 2012
☼☼☼
Summer Makeup Collections are my absolute favorite. The bright colors and fun, free-spirited nature embody what the summer should resemble. The color-palette in these collections are always inspired by some exotic destination and being swept away to a beach with blue skies, hot sun, pristine white sands and tropical surroundings. The following six collections embrace summer with delightfully sunny shades, bronzed/sun-kissed skin and vibrant bursts of color.
☼☼☼
Summertime De Chanel 2012 is currently available online and at your local counters. Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, replicates the natural glow of radiant, sunbathed skin. The collection includes two bronzers, an eyeshadow duo, eye crayons, lipsticks, lipglosses, and nail polishes (all limited edition). It is saturated with luminous bronze, gold and copper shades with a pop of coral perfection.
Must Have: Soleil Tan de Chanel & Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue (bright coral)
Dive into summer with Yves Saint Laurent Summer Collection 2012. Available online and at department store counters May 2012, the collection features both limited edition and permanent collection items. The collection consists of universally flattering hues that aim to boost the radiance of the complexion and emphasize natural beauty. The collection combines discrete nudes infused with subtle shimmer and pops of aqua blues.
Must Have: Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue
Dior Summer 2012 Croisette Collection is a magnificent compilation of limited edition and permanent items available May 2012. La Croisette is French for Little Cross Drive, the name of a prominent street in Cannes that stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. This collection is inspired by a walk down the famous La Croisette, the colors of the seaside mixed with the glamour of the French Riviera. The Croisette Collection interlace tranquil aquatic shades with soft pastels and shimmering silvers.
Must Have: 1-Couleur Eye Gloss in Sunset & Tan
Guerlain + Emilio Pucci Terra Azzura Summer 2012 Collection is now available and is exclusive to Sephora and Nordstroms. Guerlain teams up with Italian fashion house, Emilio Pucci for a new color range that is inspired by “summertime on the Italian Riviera”. The collection features a bronzer/blush palette, an eyeshadow quad, a mascara, three lip glosses, two nail polishes, a blush brush and Guerlain’s famous powder pearls (Meteorites Perles d’Azur) packaged in and designed by Pucci.
Must Have: Meteorites Perles D’Azur
NARS 2012 Summer Collection is available now online and wherever NARS is sold. The collection features intensely pigmented earth inspired hues that are spiked with a bit of shimmer to illuminate the complexion and create a healthy glow. From icy peach to terracotta this collection is extremely chic and versatile.
Must Have: Liberté Blush
Thakoon for NARS Founder and creative director Francois Nars has partnered with fashion designer Thakoon Pachnigul to develop a limited edition nail polish collection inspired by Thakoon’s Spring 2012 collection shown at New York Fashion Week. The new polishes include 6 bright colors that were inspired by the spices found on Indian markets – bold, spicy and vibrant.
Must Have: Koliary Nail Polish (cyan blue)
Set sail for summer with MAC Hey Sailor! Summer 2012 Collection. Available May 24 (North America), May 2012 (International) this entire collection is limited edition. Hey Sailor! is a nautical-inspired collection combining vintage pin-up looks with nautical/aquatic shades. Decked out with stylish sailor-striped packaging the collection features a fleet of eye shadows, lipsticks, lipglass, powder blushes, pigments, Powerpoint eye pencils, Pro Long Wear lip pencils, nail lacquers and a new mascara – Zoom Water Fast Lash. Also featured in the collection are a boat-load of bronzing powders, Pro Long Wear bronzing powders, High-Light powders, MAC to the Beach body oil, Suntints and a new face blender brush 167SH.
Must Have: Zoom Water Fast Lash Mascara
Primetime: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
⍚⍚⍚
Prevent smudging, creasing and caking with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. This lightweight primer keeps eyes looking fresh and “just-applied” all day.
Fortified with deep-sea and antioxidant rice extracts, the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base dries on contact and keeps the delicate eyelid smooth and prepared for color application. The formula is a transparent white cream that instantly creates a matte-effect on the eyelid (great for oily eyelids). This primer maximizes color for intense pigmentation and prevents fading and migration.
TIP: Having difficulties with under-eye concealer – vanishing/enhancing fine lines? Dab a thin layer of eyeshadow primer to the under-eye area before concealer application. The primer will fill in fine lines and keep the under-eye area looking fresh.
Spring Trend: The Coral Lip
⩆⩆⩆
Store-away winter reds and reach for a bright coral. One of Spring’s hottest trends, a coral lip is fresh, vibrant and instantly brightens your complexion.
Surprisingly, coral is a neutral tone, therefore, it looks good on everyone (warm or cool-toned). When selecting a shade that is right for you, the trick is to pick a shade that matches your undertones. If your skin has gold or yellow undertones, a peachier/orange coral will be most flattering. If you have pink undertones, choose a pink or red-based coral. Lastly, to keep the look modern and fresh, try to stay away from shimmers and frosts.
Embrace a coral lip with these six options:
NARS ~ Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Happy Days: $24.00
YSL ~ Rouge Volupté in Extreme Coral: $34.00
Make Up For Ever ~ Aqua Cream in Coral: $23.00
BECCA ~ Beach Tint in Guava: $23.00
Tom Ford ~ Lip Color in True Coral: $48.00
MAC ~ Tinted Lipglass in Sonoran Rain: $14.50
Festival Beauty Essentials
ϔϔϔ
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.
Festive Fingernails: Best Red Nail Polish
✯✯✯
Red nail polish is a constant around the holidays. This bold color is festive, classic and timeless. However, not all reds are created equal. To find a red hue that complements your skintone follow these simple rules.
✳ For dark or golden skintones: bright, true reds look best.
✳ For pink undertones: lighter, orange-reds – will make skin look less ruddy.
✳ For pale skintones: the contrast of a blue-red is striking.
Red nail polish has a tendency to stain your nails. Apply a base coat first so your nails are protected from unwanted and hard to remove stains. Here are five red nail polishes, every girl should own:
Glow-T Gift Guide: Eyes
✯✯✯
Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with eyes. Give the gift of beauty this year with glamorous holiday sets. Playful, sparkly, pretty and glittery, these sets provide hundreds of beautiful eye-looks. From coveted neutral palettes to amazing collectors items, here are a few gift ideas for the glamour girl in your life.
Nordstrom ~ Bobbi Brown Long Wear Eyeliner Kit: $42.00
Beauty.com ~ Too Faced Brushes Essential 3 Piece Set: $39.00
NARS ~ Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself Eyes: $85.00
Urban Decay ~ Naked 2 Palette: $50.00
Sephora ~ MAKE UP FOR EVER Wild & Chic Aqua Cream Collection: $175.00
Glow-T Gift Guide: Nails
✯✯✯
Glow-T’s Gift Guide begins with holiday sets for the lacquer-lover in your life. Instead of purchasing a single polish, make the most of these festive deals and grab a gift set. The holiday packaging and sparkling colors will make anyone mad for manicures.
TIP: Stretch these holiday sets by divvying them up. Use the mini nail polishes as gift-toppers to add something extra. Or make each one into tiny ornaments by adding a simple bow and hand out to friends and family.
Happy Holidays!
Neiman Marcus ~ NARS Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret: $35.00
Sephora ~ Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Color Set: $48.00
Nordstrom ~ Le Métier de Beauté ‘Rock ‘n’ Romance’ Mini Nail Lacquer Set: $25.oo
Ulta ~ Butter London Dressing Table Duo Black Knight & Tart w/Heart: $25.00
Nordstrom ~ Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Nail Trio: $45.00
Beauty Bar ~ Deborah Lippmann Get This Party Started Set: $42.00
Ruddy Cheeks: NARS Blush Exhibit A
✯✯✯
NARS Exhibit A
I love the look of ruddy cheeks in the Winter. A rosy flush instantly provides the look of glowing and healthy skin.
NARS Blush in Exhibit A is a fire red hue that looks extremely intimidating at first glance. However, when applied with a light hand, this blush can be quite sheer. It envelopes the most perfect rosey cheek I have seen. Instantly transforming the skin into a natural, healthy, “just ran through an enchanted forest” glow.
To achieve this look, use a stippling brush for the sheerest application. A tiny amount of product is all that is needed. Remember, you can always build the color but it is difficult to take away.
The Trinity: Nars Blush Bronzing Trio
✯✯✯
Nars Blush Bronzing Trio
Nars Blush Bronzing Trio is the perfect synthesis for a bronzed-goddess look. This trinity combines the three most iconic face products developed by Nars; Laguna bronzer, Albatross highlighter and Orgasm blush. Packaged neatly into a small zippered pouch this limited edition trio is perfect for on-the-go application.
Get it while it lasts!
Oil Spill: Oil Cleansing Method
✯✯✯
The oil cleansing method is universally celebrated in the skin care industry. Used primarily as a makeup remover – oil- based cleansing products are gentle and effective. The common misconception that oil causes breakouts and acne is swiftly becoming a fallacy. By using the oil cleansing method you are able to cleanse the skin of dirt and bacteria gently, leaving the skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.
Listed are a few cleansing oils I have tried and trust:
Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium
Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil (samples available)
Glow-T 