Holy Grail: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream

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Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream is my go-to, holy grail concealer. The opaque cream covers everything from acne to tattoos while still feeling lightweight and looking natural.

I initially bought this concealer years ago for the main issue of a bruise on my leg. I asked a Sephora representative what would be the best product and she immediately grabbed for Make Up For Ever. It worked amazingly, camouflaging the bruise and stayed-put all day. Assuming the product was too “hardcore” for the face it wasn’t until later I attempted to use on the face, primarily for redness around the nose and pigmentation issues. It concealed like a dream and did not feel heavy or look cakey on the skin. I now use Full Cover for everything from under-eye concealer to spot treatments. The versatile product can also be mixed with your favorite face moisturizer or sheer foundation when you do not want to wear a lot of makeup but need a bit more coverage.

What sets this product a part from the millions on the market is it’s waterproof properties. It is not going to budge once it sets and can be worn to the gym/beach/pool without it sliding off your face. Keep in mind that because of the waterproof capability, you will have to work the product fast – before it sets.

The 0.05 oz tube packs a highly pigmented punch. A little goes a long way as far as coverage and pigmentation.  Full Cover is silicone-based, and formulated without any oils, so it is great for all skin types. Since silicone molecules are larger than pores, they will not settle or cake. That’s means the product is non-comedogenic, and perfect for acne-prone skin. The silicone also creates a sort of webbing, like a primer, that will not accentuate flakey patches or dry skin.

GLOW-T AWARDS: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold

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BEST OF THE BEST: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold 

Xen-Tan Absolute Gold is my Summer 2012 winner for best self-tanning product. In just one application this self-tanner produces a rich, deep, olive-based tan that lasts.

The luxurious formula contains a color guard made of 24K gold leaf. Usually, I am not a fan of color guards. I believe them to be unnecessary and the reason behind messy application. However, the gold sheen in this product is very flattering and subtle. It dries nicely and does not rub-off on clothing or bed linens.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Absolute Gold is incredibly moisturizing – which is why, I believe, it lasts so long. The rich lotion feels very pampering on the skin and does not stick to stubborn dry patches. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, which cuts out drying time, but forces application to be speedy. The formula contains Xen-Tan’s innovative “Scent Secure” – a ground-breaking technology that blocks out self-tan (DHA) odor. And has a sweet vanilla scent, that reminds me of yummy marzipan.

For an easy, single-application, luxurious-feeling, natural-looking dark tan – you need to try Xen-Tan Absolute Gold.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

Elegant Lashes: Shu Uemura Slim Partial

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Shu Uemura Slim Partial

False eyelashes are a fun way to enhance a look. When shopping at lash bars, natural-looking lashes are hard to come by. Remember, any lash purchase can be altered to fit your specific needs. Cut the length of the strip or give the lashes a subtle trim.

The most natural and comfortable lashes I have found are the Shu Uemura Slim Partial Lashes. They come in three seperate pieces (6-total) to adjust and customize your look.

The small pieces make application simple, no corner-lifts or uncomfortable edges. They enable a natural yet enhanced look by placing the pieces exactly where you need some extra drama. Use one at a time or all three together, the thin pieces will dramatically change the eyes’ expression.

How To: Tightline

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Tightline, also known as the “invisible eye liner,” is a technique that adds depth and dimension to the shape of the eyes while still looking natural and subdued.

Needed:

✒ Flat Liner Brush

✒ Mixing Medium (Water works just as well)

✒ Eyeshadow (Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liners is my preference, but any shadow will work)

How to Tightline:

✒ Dip flat liner brush in mixing medium.

✒ Dip wet brush into eyeshadow (consistency of the eyeliner should be thick not runny)

✒ With clean fingers, gently lift lashes upward and dab brush in between each individual lash – getting as close to the lashline as possible.

TIP: Dab. Do not Sweep. This will aid in producing the most natural-looking line.

Tried & Tested: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad

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Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad

To achieve a sun-kissed glow on the face, I opt for bronzing powders/creams or purchase darker foundations/tinted moisturizers. I cringe at the thought of applying faux-tanning products to the face. In past experience I have found they sink into pores, cause breakouts and never provide natural-looking results. That is until now, after discovering Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads, I am a frequenter of faux-face tanning.

Dr. Denis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads are pre-soaked towelettes that provide anti-aging benefits as well as a glowing complexion. These pads exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sun damage. One small pad reveals natural radiant skin that provides a long-lasting tan and fades gracefully. This product is great all-year round, it effectively evens-out skintone which reduces the need for heavy foundations and concelers.