Best of 2011 Roundup - Makeup for Face and Eyes

Hello, This will be a fast and furious run down on my favorite makeup for face and eyes in 2011.  I tried to shorten the lists as much as possible, but there were too many products that I have enjoyed in the past year.  This is the condensed version, here we go:

Face

From left to right:


1)  Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ - I like the high SPF protection and it feels comfortable on the skin.  The only gripe I have with this product is the high price and the scent could use some improvement.  It has a chemical or plastic scent to me


2)  Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super + Beblesh Balm - I already raved about this product in a previous post here.  This was purchased at Sune in San Francisco


3)  Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Illuminator SPF 25+ in Pearl - It is a white pearl color illuminator that will give a beautiful sheen to fair skin tones.  I mix it with tinted moisturizer or foundation and it also works great as a highlighter alone


4)  Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer in 20 Sun Glow - This shade is not on the website, I do not know if it has been discontinued.  I love the mousse texture and the bronze color.  It is the perfect bronze color that looks natural, no orange tan here.  It is easy to blend and the color is buildable


5)  Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 05 Natural - Oh, how I love thee!  This is my favorite stick foundation to date because of the formula and the color match.  This one is actually good for my dry skin and gives me a dewy look.  It does not look masky like some other stick foundations out there.  I am a big fan of stick foundations because of the coverage, portability, and it can double as a concealer too


6)  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Natural Lighting Powder - This is a beautiful loose powder that will give the skin a soft focus look with micro pearly shimmers.  See more information in my previous post here


Eyes

From left to right:


1)  Korres Eyeliner Pencil - I bought a set of these a while back.  They are eyeliner pencils made of cedar wood and the colors are very pigmented.  They are creamy and long lasting


2)  YSL Dessin Du Regard Eye Pencil in 001 Velvet Black  - The name for this product is currently different on the Sephora website, the picture looks like the pencil I own though.  The color is very intense and  it is super long lasting even on my oily lids


3)  Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in 02 Black/Brown - I like the small bristle brush, it is the perfect  applicator for my eyes that are smaller


4)  Benefit Stay Don't Stray - I am on my second bottle.  This is a really good primer for eyeshadow and concealer.  The eyeshadow will not budge or crease if you use this underneath.  It works well as an under eye concealer for me because it does not accentuate the fine lines I have and the nude shade works for my skin tone to conceal dark circles.  It comes in one universal shade


5)  Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer - This is a genius product!  It is a top coat that boosts the color and volume of your lashes


6)  Ombres Perlees De Chanel Eyeshadow Palette - This is one of my most favorite eyeshadow palettes in 2011.  All the colors are wearable.  The texture is user friendly, you can apply the colors with the applicators or with your fingers.  This is not available at the stores anymore, but you could probably find it online

7)  MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in Snow Season - I enjoy most MAC Mineralize products and this is no exception.  See more information in my previous post here


And a honorable mention to my last favorite eye product and it is...


8)  Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in 82 Emerveille - Again, the cream/powder texture is amazing and the light golden nude color is foolproof.  You can't go wrong wearing this gorgeous color alone or mix it up with other colors

Hope you enjoyed this post.  I get so excited sharing all of these wonderful products with you here.  One more Best of 2011 Roundup post coming up...Until next post......

Becca Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder

Hello, I am back with another Becca makeup review.  I have been using Becca Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder in Bliss since Spring and I am hitting pan with this product.  I do not use it as a foundation, but rather as a setting powder over liquid foundation.  Here are my thoughts on this product:

Color - This product comes in ten shades.  Bliss is a neutral color for fair to light skin tones.  I love this color!  It is neither too yellow or too pink for my skin tone

Texture - Finely milled mineral powder, it goes on very smooth and it feels weightless

Coverage - Sheer and buildable to a light coverage.  This is the reason why I use it as a setting powder over liquid foundation.  If you have really good skin, you can definitely use it on its own on well moisturized skin

Finish - Semi-matte finish, but not flat.  It can look chalky if you use too much. Your skin will look perfect if you use just the right amount

Skin type - All.  If you have dry skin, moisturize your skin well before using it on its own
Price - Retail for $38 for a small compact.  For reference, it comes in a smaller compact compared to their powder blushes
Repurchase? - Maybe.  I am torn.  I really liked the finish on my skin.  But as you can see from the pictures, the product dried up and started cracking in the compact after about 6 months.  From my experience, it seems like other powder foundations can sustain longer.  Final words, the Becca website claims that the product is water resistant, I can say that it is sweat proof because I have worn this in hot weather and it held up well.  Another claim is that you can wear it to bed to mimic smooth and perfect skin while you sleep, interesting?  I haven't tried this because I generally remove all makeup prior to sleeping

Since the Becca mineral powder has become dried and chalky, I will not be using it any longer.  I recently picked up Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Finish Powder Foundation and Burberry Sheer Luminous Compact Foundation as backup.  I have been trying the D&G powder and I like it so far.  I have high hopes for these powders since I love their cream and liquid foundation counterparts.

Which mineral makeup or powder foundation are you wearing?  Until next post......

Becca Pressed Shimmer Powder and Bronzing Powder

Hello, I am a fan of Becca Cosmetics.  I love the urban chic brown rubber packaging and I think the quality and colors of the products can't be beat.  I was elated when I found some of the Becca Cosmetics on sale at a local beauty supply store this summer, so I stocked up.  I was like a kid in a candy store!  I picked up some shimmer powders, lip glosses, eye colours, and creme blushes!  Today I will show you four pressed shimmer powders and one pressed bronzing powder (unfortunately, I did not get this one on sale, bummer!).

Angel - Pale Silvery Pink

Nefertiti - Golden Pink

Odette - Golden Peach Pink

Princess - Golden Rose

Lambada - Medium Golden Bronze

What do I think?

Color - Angel and Nefertiti are highlighters for me because they are very light in color when applied on my skin.  They add light to the skin and it is a nice subtle glow.  Odette and Princess are more pigmented, so I use them as blushes.  This is the second time I purchased Princess.  Lambada is a matte bronzing powder, good as a bronzer or contour

Texture - Finely milled powder, they go on very smooth

Finish - Not overly shimmery even though they are called shimmer powder.  The bronzer is matte

Skin type - All
Price - High.  Retail for $38, however, I purchased the pressed shimmer powders at a deep discount
Repurchase? - Yes

Until next post......

Summer Morning Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

Hello, Let's talk about skincare for the summertime.  As seasons change, we should examine our own skin changes to determine the right products to use.  It is ok to change your skincare when the weather changes, it is the same as changing your wardrobe.  I have been using the products in the picture since the weather became warmer.  This is a morning routine that I find works well  for me, my skin type is dry and sensitive. Like many of you, I do not have much time to fuss around in the morning, these products absorb quickly and they are effective in my opinion.

From left to right in the picture:

Cleanser

Melvita Cleansing Micellar Water - I use this when I have dry patches, it does not strip my skin like a gel cleanser and water would.  I apply to skin with a cotton pad, it wakes up my skin in the morning and leaves it lightly moisturized.  I like this cleansing water a lot because 99.57% of the total ingredients are of natural origin. 

Arcona White Tea Purifying Cleanser - When I get occasional breakouts or if I want my skin to be squeaky clean, this is my go-to cleanser.  It cleanses the skin thoroughly without striping it.  It has many natural antioxidants and enzymes in the ingredients, so it is good for the skin.  Not to mention the smell is simply divine!

Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Cleanser- I am not into tanning, I prefer to keep my skin fair and bright looking.  I use this foaming cleanser two to three times a week especially after I have been exposed to the sun.  The Vitamin C is the brightening property in this product.  It leaves my skin with a nice glow after using it. 

Serum

Arcona Booster Defense Serum - I prefer serums over moisturizers for daytime because it is lighter in texture and most are hydrating enough for me.  I have only been using this serum for a week and I like it so far.  This is skin food, it gives vitamins and nutrients to the skin and provides light hydration. 

Sunscreen

Sofina Beaute (sunscreen) SPF 50+ PA+++ - I feel naked without sunscreen!  I wear sunscreen every single day even in the dead of winter.  This is a Japanese product that I purchased from SOGO department store in Hong Kong.  I have only seen similar Sofina Beaute sunscreens online and not at any retail stores in the US.

Tinted Moisturizer

Becca Lumnious Skin Colour SPF 25+ in Sand or Cashmere - This is my favorite tinted moisturizer for casual days.  It is very sheer and leaves a wash of color on the skin.  I would recommend this for people who have fairly good skin because it has a very light coverage.  It leaves your skin very glowy, I typcially powder over the T-zone area to avoid too much shine a few hours later. 

Hope this helps you and I will post a night skincare routine real soon.  Until next post......