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.

Summer Favorites: Blush

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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.

The Minimalist: Becca Eye Tint in Baroque

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What I look for in a cream eyeshadow: ability to stand alone, crease-proof, and coverage.

BECCA Eye Tint in Baroque covers all of these and more. The color is a pale mushroom beige with golden undertones. Perfect for all skintones, this color gives off the perfect sheen. The lightweight formula has a cashmere-feel that glides onto the eyelid smoothly. Water-resistant, this product will not smudge or gravitate into creases or wrinkles. Long-lasting and perfect for on-the-go application, using just fingers.

BECCA Eye Tints combine the easy and even application of a cream with the matte finish of a powder. It can be used alone or as a base, layered under powder eyeshadow. Any shadow placed on top will be more vibrant and true to color. It also acts as camouflage for fine veins and thin translucent skin on the eyelid.

TIP: Shake tube before using, formula can break-up inside applicator.

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

Triple Threat: Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation

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Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation combines skin nourishing benefits, sun protection and perfect coverage, making it – The Triple Threat.

This luxurious foundation is a serious moisturizing treatment for the skin. The consistency is extremely emollient, balm-like. It feels nourishing and healing on the skin. The medium to full coverage foundation leaves skin looking fresh and dewy – healthy.

This product applies best using a foundation brush. I like to massage the product on the back of my hand to “activate” or warm-up the foundation. Once applied, skin tone is even, radiant and hydrated. Setting this foundation with powder is a must for combination to oily skin. Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation lasts all day and does not settle into fine lines and pores.

Over time, using this foundation will help to reduce visible signs of aging. Extra Repair Foundation is formulated with: Peptides to boost natural collagen levels, Carrot Extract to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and both Shea and Muru Muru Butter to strengthen skin’s natural barrier and replenish moisture.

Finally ‘the triple threat’ would not be complete without sun protection. Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection in SPF 25 and Vitamin E to protect against free radicals.

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation is the answer to dull winter skin – cover/nourish/protect – The Triple Threat.

How To: Perfect Red Lips

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How To: Apply red lipstick (or any color) that is long-lasting and won’t feather.

Needed:

✒Concealer

✒Powder

✒Lip Liner (MAC Red)

✒Favorite Red Lipstick (Tom Ford Cherry Lush)

✒Lip Brush

Application:

✒Apply a light coat of concealer to the perimeter of the lips and on-top of lips. This step will help the lipstick stay and obtain truest color.

✒Set concealer with powder to prevent lipstick from bleeding. Keep powder on the outer edges of the lips to prevent lips from looking dry.

✒Starting in the middle, use lip liner to fill in the lips. Layering is key when applying bright colors. The more layers applied, the longer to come-off.

✒Blend the liner using a flat lip brush.

✒Load the lip brush with color from the bullet of the lipstick. By getting more product on the brush initially, application is easier.

✒Use the lip brush to apply the first layer of lipstick.

✒Between layers, blot lips with a tissue to take away excess moisture.

✒Use the lip brush to apply the second layer of lipstick.

Optional: If you want some shine – add a clear gloss to only the center of both lips. This will make lips appear larger. I like using a clear gloss for high-shine, this way it will not alter the color.

Shine-Control: Sephora Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers

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Sephora Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers

In the hot summer months, humidity in the air causes skin to produce more oil, which results in a shiny complexion.

To keep shine under control try blotting papers. These thin sheets help to banish shine whithout disturbing makeup so skin will look fresh.

The Sephora Brand Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers are the best. Not only are they powder-free (most blotting papers are coated with powder, creating a “cakey” complexion) but they are made with Bamboo Charcoal, an ingredient that creates a high degree of absorbency and antibacterial properties.

Simply blot paper on the skin as needed and watch as oil dissipates, leaving skin matte. The bamboo charcoal ingredient make the papers gray in color, but leave no residue or tint on the face. The charcoal properties help to ward-off bacteria and keep pores clean.

The leopard-print packaging makes it easy to throw in your bag for on-the-go application. Don’t leave home without them.

Road to Flawless Skin: Kevin Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

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Kevin Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

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.

Drugstore Find: Milani Baked Blush

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Milani Baked Blush

Milani Baked Blush is a finely-miled powder that provides a luminous glow to the cheeks. Infused with a multifold of shimmering tones, these blushers contain swirls of complexion brighteners.

Dolce Pink (pictured first), is my recommendation. The baby pink color is emphasized with bursts of gold and yellow undertones that provide an angelic glow to the skin.

These baked blushers can be comparable to MAC Mineralize Blush and Skinfinish. Both products have the same appearance with a much different price tag. The Milani products produce a glowing sheen on the skin while the MAC products tend to look more frosted and glittery. The Milani Blush also feels lighter in texture on the skin.

Milani Baked Blush is a great drugstore purchase, however, with the affordable price tag comes quality issues. There is a lot of fall-out to these products. The finely-milled powders are quite fragile and should be handled with care.