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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.
Silicone Savant: Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel
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Tired of under-eye concealer picnicking in fine lines and caking around the under eye area? Then Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel is a must-have for you.
This multi-tasking, silicone savant leaves the eye area smooth, airbrushed and “lit from within.” The formula consists of a light-reflecting tint, soothing cucumber extract, antioxidants, hyaluronic microspheres, peptides and ceramides, that all work to smooth-away the appearance of puffy, tired looking eyes, blur fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and hydrate.
The cooling palladium tip applicator is excellent for getting the circulation moving in the morning. It applies the mousse-like gel effortlessly and feels very soothing on the delicate under eye area. Very similar to a primer, fine lines are less noticeable, as if they had been “softened” or blurred. It feels like an eye treatment, brightens, erases and keeps any product layered on top from settling and/or caking.
Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel is available in four varieties – Awake (colorless), Bright (sheer, light neutral), Refreshed (sheer, medium beige) and Vibrant (warm tan for olive). Eye Perfection Gel can also be used as an eyeshadow primer and also as a subtle highlight on the cheek bone and/or brow bone area.
How to Use:
Premeasure a drop of eye perfection gel by squeezing out onto the cooling palladium tip applicator before applying around the delicate eye area. With cooling palladium tip applicator, gently pat and smooth from the outside corner of the eye inward. Gently smooth with fingertips. Use sparingly as eye perfection gel is not diluted with water. Layer for desired perfection or coverage. Do not use eye cream before application as the skin may not absorb eye perfection gel properly. A slight cooling sensation is normal.
About Per-fékt:
As one of the beauty industry’s leading entrepreneurs, Richard Anderson has successfully launched some of today’s leading beauty brands including The Lancaster Group, Yves Saint Laurent and Bobbi Brown Essentials.
While working in the beauty industry over 14 years, Anderson discovered one dominant complaint and growing frustration for women. NO TIME. Because of today’s high performance and personally demanding world, women simply don’t have the time to invest in a lengthy beauty ritual. With never a spare moment schedules, women need simple and dependable beauty products that can multi-task as gracefully as they do.
In order to fill this need and capitalize on this niche market, Anderson utilized his vast connections and industry knowledge to create Per-fekt Beauty, Inc. Per-fekt is fully committed to launching technologically advanced products that simply ‘per-fekt’ the way women wear cosmetics.
Precious Jewels: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows
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If you want the saturation and shimmer of loose pigments but hate the mess… Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows are for you!
Create a bold and beautiful statement with these jewel-toned, multi-dimensional pigments that impart lustrous high-color payoff and long-lasting wear. The buildable, powdery-fine formula blends seamlessly for ease of application and can be layered for a variety of looks. From soft and neutral to strikingly colorful these six silky and shimmery shades compliment every eye color.
Designed with an innovative roller ball tip for effortless application, the finely-milled pearlescent shadows glide on with exquisite precision. The crease-free, mineral powder formula makes this shadow perfect for shading and illuminating the eyes.
The Loose Shimmer Shadows can be applied wet or dry to achieve various shade depths. Use a wet brush to apply the shadow if a darker hue is desired. For a lighter finish, simply roll the applicator over eyelids. Things to know:
- Gives luster, sheen and glimmering effect to your eyes
- Unique roller ball applicator is convenient and fuss free
- Ultra-light weight formula blends instantaneously without creasing
- Offered in 6 luminous gem-inspired shades: Citrine (gold), Rose Quartz (warm pinky gold), Amethyst (bright purple), Jade (vibrant green), Topaz (warm bronze), and Lapis (bluish plum)
I have never seen pigmentation like this. It is so concentrated it almost looks and feels like liquid. The roller-ball makes application a cinch and there is no messy clean-up due to fall-out. The colors are absolutely magnificent and range from basic to bold. They are crease-free and long-lasting – even without a primer. Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows are great for a simple wash of color or dramatic smokey eye and perfect for your New Years look!
Dynamic Duo: Vapour Organic Beauty
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Vapour Organic Beauty consists of high-performing natural products, made with 70 percent organic ingredients. The line is formulated without water or other fillers, which means they are super concentrated and enjoy a longer shelf life. Vapour only uses biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging in order to minimize their environmental footprint.
Two exceptional products from Vapour Organic Beauty are: Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector and Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation.
Vapour touts Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector as the original organic BB Cream; a 3-in-1 moisturizer, primer and no-color foundation. Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector is applied like a primer and leaves a smooth base for makeup application while achieving a natural soft satin finish. From the first application you will see a difference as it works instantly to blur imperfections, hydrate the skin and add radiance without a trace of residue. Vapour’s Light Reflective Technology immediately perfects the appearance of your skin – revealing a younger and fresh complexion.
*** In an independent study 8 out of 10 people who tried Stratus saw an immediate improvement in their skin tone and texture. Seven out of 10 people saw an immediate decrease in the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores.***
Effortlessly achieve the look of radiant, healthy skin with Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation. This buildable, medium-to-full coverage foundation delivers a flawless and luminous finish. The lightweight formula evens the complexion and instantly perfects the skin. Vapour’s Light Reflective Technology is used to blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation feels extremly moisturizing and nourishing on the skin. Easy to apply, it blends beautifully into the skin and provides the perfect naturally healthy finish. Great for use in the colder months when skin looks dull and lackluster – this foundation will brings the skin back to life.
Both Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector and Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation are made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya complex and brightens skin with Organic Camellia. Infused with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers. All the performance of a luxury moisturizer and foundation with none of the chemicals.
Vapour Organic Beauty raises the bar for revolutionary performance and purity with their Soft Focus line. Designed to balance all skin types, including combination and oily skin, the Soft Focus line will work for everyone. Both of these products can be worn separately, however, when used together they create the dynamic duo.
Summer Travel: Beauty Essentials
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Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a long-haul to an exotic locale, there is nothing like a summer vacation. Look your best while traveling with these beauty essentials:
Oxylent Oxygenating Multivitamin Drink: The effervescent multivitamin drink is formulated with the highest quality of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and electrolytes. Perfect for travel, the convenient packets are easily transported, so you can drink it anytime, anywhere – just add water. It is great for keeping the immune system in peak condition; a low calorie choice before or after working out; a true friend to the outdoor enthusiast; an easy-to-use daily multivitamin; or a wonderful late afternoon pick-me-up at work. Oxylent not only offers a unique effervescent delivery system, but unlike most, all of the formulas are both sugar and calorie free. Oxylent’s formulas do not contain any gluten, caffeine, lactose, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors.
Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water: This uplifting aromatherapy water instantly refreshes and hydrates the skin. Made from the bitter orange blossom, this facial spray soothes and hydrates the skin. The moment your face feels tight, one spritz will instantly hydrate and refresh the skin. Use as a toner after cleansing the face or as a body spray after showering. Or keep cool in the refrigerator and spray on hot, humid days. Perfect for après beach.
Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum: This light yet powerful serum is both a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30. It fights the signs of premature aging – think fine lines and sunspots – and prevents future photo-damage from UV rays. Built for year-round use, this serum is amazingly lightweight and comfortable. Supergoop’s unique Hydrovotin 24 complex works with the skin’s own moisture mechanisms to increase hydration levels, while vitamins E and B5 heal past damage. It absorbs both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn. The top-of-the-line “PA +++” rating means the formula meets the highest standards for sun protection. Also paraben and fragrance-free—just what the doctor ordered for sensitive skin.
Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil: Formulated with an aromatic blend of 11 essential oils, this opulent oil relies on flowers and botanicals for their calming and illuminating properties. A staple of many top pros and makeup artists, this oil can be used to take makeup off, to moisturize and as a massage oil (expensive massage oil?). Add a couple drops to foundation to create a dewy finish or pat on the cheekbones and undereyes for a beautiful, fresh glow. Just a few drops will make your skin look radiant. Use as an alternate or supplement to your moisturizer and apply whenever your face needs a pick-me-up.
Dior Hydra Life BB Cream: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE
Bobbi Brown Bronzer/Blush Duo: Inspired by the look of “skin bathed in afternoon light,” this dynamic duo creates healthy-looking skin. On one side, Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Bahama Brown packs a blend of sheer powder and micro pearls (for a seamlessly glowing finish all over the face). The other side boasts Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Peony, the perfect way to add a pop of color to the apples of cheeks. Great for travel, this duo eliminates bulk and the need for too many face products. Tip: Sweep bronzer over eyelids for instant contour.
MAC Bare Study Paint Pot: This multi-purpose paint pot is perfect for travel. Bare Study is a metallic nude/champagne cream eye shadow that can be used as a primer, eye shadow and/or highlighter. Sweep onto the eyelid before applying a powder shade to ensure longevity. For highlighting, pat product on the cheekbones, brow bone, cupid bow and décolletage for subtle illumination. The soft, light-reflecting pearl finish will brighten any area.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 in Hue 30G: Lip balm with SPF is a must while traveling. Lips are often neglected and can suffer the same effects of the sun just as much as any other part of the body. Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 offers protection, relief and color. Lip products like gloss, stains or lipsticks can attract the sun with their shiny finish. This formula combines a sheer wash of color with UVA and UVB protection. Hue 30G is a beautiful light golden color with peach undertones.
Blinc Mascara: I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof mascara. While most formulas do last all day, they are a pain to remove. Blinc Mascara is a “tubing” mascara. It uses a copolymer-based formula to create little tubes around each one of your lashes preventing flaking, running or smudging. The formula is waterproof, sweat-proof and won’t irritate even the most sensitive of eyes so you can wear it all day without worrying about touch-ups. At the end of the day, use a damp washcloth to gently dislodge the tubes. They’ll slide off with just a little pressure.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE
Adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body & Face: Organic and biologically pure, Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is a gorgeous multi-tasking body and hair oil. Great for travel, coconut oil solidifies when temperatures are below 76 degrees – this makes it wonderful to pack and not worry about leaking. Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is available in five scented oils and travel-size, Oriental Jasmine, Soothing Lavender, Heavenly Peach, Innocent Rose, and Refreshing Green Tea. (Favorite: Jasmine) READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS & USES OF COCONUT OIL: HERE
Flo Refillable Perfume Atomizer: Packing a big glass perfume bottle can be inconvenient and cumbersome. Tote your favorite fragrance wherever you go with the Refillable Perfume Atomizer by FLO. This ingenious gadget allows you to carry your perfume in an easy-to-use, compact atomizer. The modern design enables fast and efficient refilling without a funnel – preventing any danger of spilling a single drop of your expensive perfume. Suitable for all types of perfumes, this atomizer holds up to 77 sprays. Perfect for a purse, clutch, beach bag or travel bag, never leave home without your favorite fragrance again.
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.
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.
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.
Primetime: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
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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.
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