Showing posts with label Kevyn Aucoin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevyn Aucoin. Show all posts

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Best of January Roundup - The Organic Pharmacy, Kevyn Aucoin, Tres Semme

Hello, Beauties, Hope you are all doing well.  January flew by too quickly, but I had fun venturing out and tried some wonderful new products.   This is just a sneak peak of the best in the bunch, let's see what made me such a happy camper this month...

Skincare


Since I haven't been in Barneys New York in a while, I dropped in to see what's new on the shelves in 2013.  They had switched around the counters and displays in the cosmetic department in order to make room for new brands.  Excitement sets in...

I circled around not looking for anything in particular, then I stumbled upon The Organic Pharmacy line.  I have seen some write ups on this UK line before, but it was the first time for me to touch and feel the products.  I was really pleased to find another organic and natural line at Barneys, so I decided to give it a go.  

I have heard from many bloggers rave about Rose Hip Oil, the hype surrounding this oil peaked my interest.  Honestly, I have been using The Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil for a little more than one week and I am convinced that this is the best thing you can add to your skincare regimen.  Especially for those with dry and sun damaged skin.

Here is a brief description of The Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil from  the company website:

This amazing oil is imported by us directly from Chile. It is well known for its rejuvenating and repairing properties both for the skin and hair Because it is organic and virgin cold pressed, it retains its precious actives that make this oil so special. A high percentage of Essential Fatty Acids, Tretinoic Acid and major carotenoids Betacarotene, Lycopene, Rubixanthin, Gazaniaxanthin, Betacryptoxanthin and Zeaxanthin are largely responsible for making this oil fantastic for scarring, acne scars, sun wrinkles, sun spots.

I add a few drops of this oil to my favorite moisturizer and apply the cocktail to my face and neck.  I get an instant glow to my skin.  Not only that, the oil absorbs quickly and it smooths, hydrates, and plumps my skin more so than using a moisturizer alone.  This oil has truly transformed my skin and nursed it back to health in a short time.  It can also be used on hair.  I highly recommend it!

Makeup




My love for Kevyn Aucoin continues, this time in the form of The Sensual Tinted Balm.  Thanks to Beauty Professor for tempting me into this one!  Check out the sleek packaging, very cool and good for travel.  It comes in only four shades and I have it in the color, SB01.  When I swatched the colors, SB02 is actually lighter and more yellow than SB01.

Here is a brief description from the Space NK website:

BENEFITS:
  • Treats with botanical rice extract, rich in peptides
  • Increases cell longevity
  • Induces a delay in ageing
  • Derivative of liquorice soothes and calms the skin
  • Conceals imperfections with light-weight pigments versus dense compounds
  • Protects against UVA and UVB rays with a theoretic SPF 20
  • Oil-free, paraben-free and D5-free  


  • The creamy formulation provides sheer to light coverage, it will not cover major blemishes.  If you want more coverage and flawless finish, you can mix in a tiny amount of The Sensual Skin Enhancer (Amazingly high coverage foundation and concealer in one!).  The tinted balm by itself provides a protective barrier for the skin with a wash of color, I like using it on causal days.  It has a natural finish, not too dewy or matte.  The downside is that it lacks SPF in the product, but it does not bother me that much because I can always layer it over a sunblock. 

    Here are some swatches of SB01:







    Hair Care

    Via Google images



    In 2012, Tres Semme Split Remedy line was a favorite amongst bloggers and beauty editors alike.  I have been using the shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioning treatment for a few months.  The line is really amazing because it does what is claims.  I used to have a huge issue with split ends from over processing and my hair looks so much healthier and better after using this line.  I definitely see a reduction in split ends which used to be quite obvious and unsightly, virtually unnoticeable these days.

    Tres Semme Split Remedy line is accessible and affordable, why not give it a try?  It is available at most drugstores near you.

    What were your holy grail products in January?  I would love to hear from you.

    Until next post......

    Sunday, January 6, 2013

    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......

    Saturday, October 13, 2012

    Wedding Guest Makeup

    Hello, I wanted to preface by saying I love weddings!  I thoroughly enjoyed planning my own wedding back in the day.  When I attend weddings, I pay attention to the details because I understand and appreciate the effort that went into creating this once in a life time event.

    In September, I attended an intimate evening wedding on the first day of Fall.  As a wedding guest, I decided to go with a demure and classy makeup look with soft neutral eyes and red lips.  I wore a cobalt blue cocktail dress, so I did not want my makeup to overpower the strong color of the dress.



    Face:


    Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup in 2CN2

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 in Intensity 2.0
    Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit - also mentioned here
    MAC Pro Longwear Blush in Stay Pretty
    Kevin Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight
    Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup Powder Foundation in 021 Linen - not pictured

    Eyes:


    Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - a cult classic must have!

    Givenchy Magic Kohl Eye Liner Pencil in 1
    Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia
    Inglot Freedom System Eye Shadow Squares
    Kevyn Aucoin The Eye Shadow Duo in #202
    YSL Shocking Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils in 1

    Lips:


    YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in 20 - also mention here


    I was inspired to mix two Estee Lauder foundations together from this bridal makeup look video:



    Finally some snap shots from the beautiful wedding in September:











    Have a great weekend!  Until next post......

    Wednesday, September 19, 2012

    Random Sightings of Fall 2012 Makeup Displays

    Hello, I can't believe it is almost Fall.  When it comes to new makeup collections, it is time again to show you what has captured my heart.  I simply could not resist all the beautiful colors of Fall in reds, browns, and especially greens.

    Maybelline

    Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color

    Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour

    Guerlain Fall 2012

    MAC Office Hours

    Kevyn Aucoin - My latest obsession!

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