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.

Spot On: Polka Dots

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Perk up a drab wardrobe with some polka-dots. The playful pattern is flirty, retro, whimsical and befitting at any age.

The classic style has evolved from Minnie Mouse to runways and red-carpets. It’s a style for all seasons, simply because it exudes an undeniably youthful flair, and yet remains an incredibly timeless option for women of all ages. Since the pattern is not restricted to one size, these pieces can be bold and vibrant or soft and subtle. The design adds texture to any ensemble and can be worn in a dramatic or casual fashion. Mix and match with other quirky patterns and prints for a bit of drama or use as the focal piece for casual style. Embrace the spotty trend this season and seasons to come with polka dots.

Spotted… a few of my favorite pieces:

JCrew ~ Polka Dot Dress: $198.00

Madewell ~ Dotted Chambray Boyshirt: $72.00

Madewell ~ Calf Hair Polka Dot Belt: $48.00

Mango ~ TOUCH Polka-Dot Wool Foulard: $69.99

JCrew ~ Polka-Dot Cashmere Sweater: $268.00

Comme des Garçons ~ Polka-Dot Leather Coin Purse: $155.00

Miu Miu ~ Sandali Polka Dot Cotton Sandals: $495.00

Open Ceremony ~ Shirley Polka Dot Haircalf Booties: $506.00

Paige Denim ~ Verdugo Ultra Skinny (selection of colors): $189.00

ModCloth ~  Dash of Dots Tights: $14.99

Statement Sandals: Graphics

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From abstract florals to eye-catching ikat, summer sandals are getting graphic. Found in an overwhelming array of colors, styles, prints and patterns, complete any outfit with a bold statement sandal.

Keeping it neutral. Make these statement shoes the focal point of the ensemble by keeping the rest of the pieces neutral and/or monochromatic.

Mixing prints. Sometimes the best combinations are the ones that do not seem suitable. There are no rules here, only to look for prints and textures in complementary color families. The pieces do not have to coordinate exactly, but there should be a common theme.

Spice up your wardrobe with some vibrant graphics. Here are few of my favorite stand-out sandals.

Zara ~ Fabric Sandal: $99.90

Theodora & Callum ~ Hippie Heel: 229.99 (sale)

Loeffler Randall ~ Dita Platform Pump: $425.00

BCBGeneration ~ Hosanna: $87.99 (sale)

Alice + Olivia ~ Juliet Platform Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Cynthia Vincent ~ Naomi Aztec-Printed Platform Wedge Sandal: $197.00 (sale)

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.

Easy Breezy: Summer Scarves

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This summer leave your statement necklace at home and add a splash of color with a lightweight scarf. This finishing touch is versatile, vibrant and adds an extra layer of style to any look.

From bold, graphic prints to floral bouquets, adding something extra to your ensemble has never been easier. The breezy, effortless nature of a lightweight scarf is perfect for summer. It pulls together a chic look and also acts as an extra layer of sunscreen. Functional and versatile, here are a few fresh new ways to wear your scarves this summer:

Turban: Take a long scarf and tie it into one knot on your forehead, then cross the ends around each other and tuck them in place behind your head. (This look is great for bad hair days)

Mini Caplet: Fold the scarf in half, diagonally, and tie the ends together around your neck – scarf should be draped on shoulders.

Belt:  Tie scarf around your waist or weave through belt loops to cinch the waist.

Experiment to find new ways to wear your favorite scarf: twist, braid, tie two scarves together… Here are a ton of different scarf options to choose from, separated into four categories: Stripes/Florals/Brights/Graphics.

STRIPES:

Mango ~ Cotton Sailor Style Foulard: $19.99

Juicy Couture ~ Chevron Striped Scarf: $68.00

J.Crew ~ Lemlem Gama Gauze Scarf: $125.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ Jacobson Striped Modal Scarf: $180.00

FLORALS:

American Eagle ~ AEO Floral Scarf: $24.50

Forever 21 ~ Floral Scarf: $8.80

Rebecca Minkoff ~ Floral Explosion Silk Scarf: $210.00

J.Crew ~ Printed Summer Scarf in Bold Orange: $59.50

BRIGHTS:

J.Crew ~ Italian Summer Scarf in Belvedere Red: $45.00

Love Quotes ~ Knotted Tassel Scarf in Sunshine: $88.00

Mango ~ Basic Cotton Scarf in Mint: $19.99

J.Crew ~ Italian Summer Scarf in Brillant Purple: $45.00

GRAPHICS:

ALDO ~ Draughon: $22.00

Lucky Brand ~ John Robshaw Vines Print Scarf: $34.99

Tory Burch ~ Ikat Scarf in Turquoise Lucio: $155.00

Tillys ~ Aztec Pattern Scarf in Navy: $9.99

Summer Makeup Collections 2012

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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.

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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

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.

Healthy Glow: Kevyn Aucoin – The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle

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Radiant, youthful-looking skin is just a brush stroke away with Kevyn Aucoin’s The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle.

Formulated with Aucoin’s signature finely milled powders, The Pure Powder Glow blends seamlessly and lasts all day. The hot pink hue is completely matte, pigment-rich and beautifully shocking. If applied with a light-hand, it will create a soft, more ethereal look. If applied with a heavy-hand, it will create a more vibrant, radiant glow.

Myracle is designed to work on all skin tones and looks amazing all-year-long. It will add life to bronzed skin in the summer and enhance a natural flush to fair skin in the winter.

For an instant cheek lift, place your blush brush at the highest point of your cheekbone and apply color in a circular motion. It’s a Myracle!

Drugstore Find: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

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Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters are Revlon’s newest lip creation. Currently available only on promotion at certain drugstores, these lip butters come in 20 amazing shades that are incredibly pigmented.

Formulated with, mango butter, shea butter and coconut butter, the gel formula naturally boost lip’s moisture which decreases the need for reapplication. The color is vibrant and glossy and the staying power is excellent.

These are my absolute favorite drugstore lipsticks at the moment. The reds are great for winter and the Lollipop shade is a fun and bright fuchsia shade.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters will become part of the permanent collection, January 2012.

Healthy Hair: Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet

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Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Treatment

External elements of summer render hair dry and damaged. To avoid this try using a deep conditioning treatment weekly to rebalance the moisture of dry hair.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair is one of the best haircare lines out there. Inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony, the Art of Hair beauty ceremony delivers a highly precise and uniquely customized treatment, targeting problem areas. The products feel extremely luxurious and indulgent. After just one use, you will see a significant difference in your hair’s texture and health.

Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Nourishing Treatment for Dry Hair is a deep conditioning mask that creates smooth velvety hair texture. Hair feels soft and smooth and split ends are noticeably sealed. Instantly, hair feels more healthy, vibrant and shiny.

Energy-Boosting Moisturizer: Origins VitaZing SPF 15

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Origins VitaZing SPF 15

Origins VitaZing SPF 15 is a tint-release lotion that adapts to all skintones. With it’s vitamin-rich Mangosteen energy-complex, a natural anti-oxidant, this moisturizer provides a bright, vibrant, even complexion.

VitaZing empties from the tube a white color with tiny spheres filled with pigment. The texture and feel of this product is similar to that of  a tinted moisturizer.

As massaged into the skin, these particles magically adapt to the skin and provide a soft, glowing coverage. The skin is instantly illuminated and feels fresh and healthy.

These products are great in the summertime.  It’s multi-tasking abilities, hydrate, energize, protect and cover, simplify any makeup routine.