Best of 2012 Roundup - Makeup

Hello, Happy New Year!  I sorted through many makeup products and I have summed up the most amazing short list of products of 2012...

Base

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup was launched in Fall 2012.  It is by far my current favorite and the best foundation from Giorgio Armani cosmetics.  The new Fusion Technology covers imperfections flawlessly with only a thin layer.  It never looks heavy or feel cakey.  My color is 4.5 and it blends beautifully with my skin tone!  Thumbs up!

I have heard about Eve Pearl for over a year before I made my first purchase at IMATS in Los Angeles last year.  I do not why I waited so long, I should have made the plunge earlier.  I got a good price on this palette at IMATS;  I paid $40 less than the regular price.  The Eve Pearl Flawless Face Palette contains all the products you need to perfect your canvas.  The flat palette is great for travel.  The kit includes: 2 Cream Foundation Shades (Light 1, Light 2), 2 Cream Concealers (Fair, Light), 1 Cream Blush (Rosy), 1 Mattifier, 1 Illuminator.  I highly recommend this palette if you have drier skin and want to give Eve Pearl a try.

Bronzer

Guerlain Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist is my go-to spray bronzing powder for the last few years.  I like the fine mist that gives me an airbrushed and healthy glow any time of the year.  Besides this bronzer, I am a big fan of other Guerlain compact bronzers too!  Love!


Brows

When it comes to brows, I stick to brow pencil and brow gel.  When I want a super natural look, I will use brow gel alone.  Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel does it for me.  It is fantastic in adding a touch of color to the brow hairs and the gel grooms the hairs in place.  Granite is grayish taupe and it looks very natural on my black color brow hairs.  It softens up my natural brow color.

Eyes

For eyeshadows, the following brands are what I reached for the most in 2012.  They are all fabulous in texture, pigmentation, and blendability:

Inglot Freedom System for eyes

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow

Kevyn Aucoin Eye Shadow Duo

  

Blush

I tried many good blushes in 2012, but THE one that I was most impressed with was Illamasqua Powder Blush.  It might be the most pigmented and long lasting blush that I have ever tried.  I was amazed that it can last all day until I took it off.  As you know, the Illamasqua color range is always intriguing and beautiful, I am obsessed with this brand.

Lips

When it comes to lips, I had to choose my favorite texture of the year and a good drugstore find that was surprising smooth and hydrating...

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick

All in all, I was very adventurous in makeup in 2012, I was happy with many products that I got an opportunity to play with.  For the short list mentioned above, I have no doubt that I will re-purchase every single item in the future.  What were your favorites in 2012?

Thanks for looking!  Until next post......

Pink

Hello, In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, I am celebrating pink by sharing with you my current favorite pink blushes and highlighter.  A smidgen of pink on the apple of the cheek is the best way to perk up one's complexion.

Spread the word about breast cancer awareness!  Stay pretty in pink!

Victoria's Secret Luminous Cheek and Face Highlighter in The One

Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink 9 - also mentioned here

Inglot Face Blush in 24

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Naked Rose

Thanks for reading!  Until next post......

French Manicure With A Twist

Hello, French manicure is one of my all time favorite clean nail look, but we have been there and done that.  Have you tried it with a twist?  It is at the other end of the spectrum that is both creative and charming.  There are no rules, I like the idea that you can play with so many different color combinations in this look.

Outdoor lighting:

Indoor lighting:

The base - I used Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Bacterium.  It is described as a pearlescent ash ochre color on Sephora.com.  To me, I would call it antique golden pewter.  I like nail colors that resemble the color of metals, that is a big reason why I was drawn to this color.  You will see in the pictures that this varnish does not look smooth on the nails.  I think it has to do with the texture and the silver pearlescent finish of the polish, you get a slight ripple effect look to it.  If you do not mind it, you should check out this nail varnish.  The wear is excellent, it lasts more than seven days with a top coat.

Via Sephora.com

The tips - I used butter London Nail Lacquer in Macbeth.  It is a creamy coral color that leans pink red.  This color looks fabulous on the tips in this look.  It looks just as good, if not better as an all over color.  I was however disappointed with the wear, it was not as good compared to other butter London nail colors.  The chipping began around day four even with a top coat.  


This is one of four butter London's Classic Best Sellers I own, the other colors I own include Teddy Girl, Yummy Mummy, and Lady Muck.

Via butterlondon.com

butter London Nail Lacquer in Macbeth was a sample product sent for consideration by PR.  Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Bacterium was purchased by me.  All review posts are expressed with complete honesty.


Thanks for reading.  Until next post......

Random Sightings of Summer 2012 Makeup Displays

Hello,  The summer makeup collections are kicking up several notches in the color department and there are bronzers everywhere!  Here are some favorites...

Loreal It's Gold Or Nothing At All

Dior Croisette

Aveda

Wet N Wild Feeling Hot, Hot, Haute!

Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist

Revlon Escapism

What is your favorite Summer 2012 makeup collection?


Until next post......