Bare Escentuals 2.0 and 4.0

Hold The Phone

I am so excited about what is going on in the world of Bare Escentuals. Typically this is a brand that I completely ignore because of the messy foundations and eye shadows.  Then I began to pay the eye shadows some attention because of the amazing pigment.  Then they release their Pretty Amazing Lip Color which is just that – pretty amazing.  The shades, pigment, and coverage is beyond words. Well things just got even better in the land of Bare Escentuals with the release of their bareMinerals ready PRESSED eyeshadow duos and quads (2.0 or 4.0).  Yes you read that correctly – PRESSED.  Staying true to who BE is, they have formulated these shadows without parabens etc.  That’s cool if you care about that kind of thing but again – the pigment, coverage and blendability is superb.  In addition, these eye shadows provide anti-oxidant benefits and depuffs as well.  Not available individually, these shadows come in either a duo (2.0) or a quad (4.0) in a multitude of colors.  $20 and $30 respectively.  Available at sephora.com, bareescentuals.com, ulta.com

Sephora Collection Brush Wand

Sephora Collection Brush Wand is a clever, convenient  way to carry a few eye makeup brushes on the go.  Connected magnetically, these 4 miniature brushes create a wand that is the perfect size to throw in your purse, desk or gym bag.  I will say that the wand is not sturdy enough to use as the “handle”  for the brush tip that you are using  so just use two blocks of the brushes for a more sturdy application. The hairs on the brushes are ok but again it is perfect for touch-ups.  And for only $10, what more can you ask for?  Available at Sephora and Sephora.com.

 

Prime Time Primer Shadows

Bare Escentuals is really stepping up their game with their new Prime Time Primer Shadows.  These rich, creamy primers come in 6 different colors that can be worn alone as an eyeshadow or under your regular powder eyeshadow for even more intensity and staying power.  Safe for those with sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers and those who are allergic to fragrance.  $18.  Available at sephora, sephora.com and bareescentuals.com

Concealers (Part 3 – Different Formulations)

For the past couple of days I have been discussing concealers – shade selection and application and whether or not you should apply concealer before or after foundation.  Today I will discuss the 5 most popular formulations/packaging of concealers and the specific areas of the face they should be used on.

Tube:  This form of concealer is creamy in texture. Offering a range of coverage from medium to full, this form of concealer is perfect for concealing blemishes on various areas of the face.  This formulation can also be used under the eye, providing that you mix in a little of your eye cream with it for better blending.  Brands that include tube concealers are Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer, Smashbox High Definition Concealer, Clinique All About Eyes Concealer and Dior DiorSkin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer.

Pot:  Also creamy in texture but tends to be more opaque.  Can be used for dark marks but is best for under eye circles.  Brands that include concealers in this category are Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, Korres Quercetin and Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Concealer, and Makeup Forever Camouflague Cream Palette.

Stick:  These look like lipstick and can be applied directly to the face.  Providing a range of coverages, this form is not recommended for under the delicate eye area because they can drag the skin.  Brands include Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, Nars Concealer, Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer and Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer.

Wand:  This form, which can be used on all areas of the face,  provides sheer coverage.  Use the wand to apply directly to your skin and blend with a brush or sponge. Brands include, Cover Girl Queen Collection Concealer, YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch, Tarte The Eraser 4 in 1 Concealer, Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Concealer.

Powder:  This formulation provides sheer to medium coverage and tends not to cake up as much as some of the of the other formulations.  Great for the eye, nose and cheek area.  Brands include Bare Minerals Multitasking Face and Physicians Formula Mineral Wear 3 in 1 Concealer Foundation Powder.

*Whichever formulation you use, please remember to blend, blend, blend :0)

 

Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color

Bare Escentuals is really trying to make me love them with their new Pretty Amazing Lip Color.  This lip color, which is super rich, luxurious, and highly pigmented, goes on so smooth and shiny that I cant stop staring at myself every time I wear it.  My two favorite colors are Moxie, which is a georgous pink that I wear with a berry lip liner and Strength, a super sexy, traffic stopping red.  What makes these Pretty Amazing Lip even more amazing is the fact that this product smooths, repairs and protects.  $16, available in 11 colors at sephora.com and bareescentuals.com

Concealers (Part 1 – Applying Under Eye Concealers)

Dark under eye circles is one of the most common issues for women.  For many, it’s hereditary, for others it poor diet or maybe even a long night out partying.  Either way, selecting the correct under eye concealer can be quite a daunting task and instead of making you look refreshed and awake, the wrong under eye concealer can leave you looking quite haggard, bringing more attention to the area you were trying to conceal.  Even though in most cases, the problem will not go away completely, here are a few tips to help you select the best concealer to help improve the appearance of the under eye circles…

• To begin with, find the correct shade by selecting a shade that mimics your skin tone.  Many people like the “brighter under the eye” look, but if done incorrectly, one can end up with that reverse raccoon look.  So again choose a shade that is close to your skin tone.  Now sometimes when concealers dont work, it has nothing to do with the shade selection.  It has more to do with weather or not you corrected the underlying tone before applying concealer.  In cases like this you would need to use a colored/correcting concealer before applying regular concealer.

• Use a light green concealer to cover up redness such as acne scarring or birthmarks. (usually for areas not under the eye)
• Pink shades tend to brighten as well as cancel out blue or gray tones that usually show up under the eyes.
• Yellow based concealers  also brighten as well as cancel out pink tones. Depending on skin tone, sometimes yellow based concealers look chalky so be careful with your shade selection.
• Orange toned concealers are great for darker skintones as the shade tends to cancel out blue tones under the eyes.

• Next prep the area with an eye cream.  Its important to use an eye cream am/pm to treat/hydrate the area under your eyes.   You tend to use less product (conealer) when the skin is not dry and you also avoid mid-day flaking and caking.
• To find out exactly where to apply the concealer, tilt your chin down and look into the mirror.  The deep crease/indentation that you see is where you need to apply the concealer.
• Build coverage and pat gently.  Dont forget to apply the concealer to the inner corner of the eye and down the sides of the nose as these are the areas that tend to get the pretty dark as well.
• Be sure to blend the edges of the application with a crease brush or finger.
• Set with a translucent powder.

Sephora Collection Colorista Custom Makeup Palette

I am totally loving the Sephora Collection Colorista Custom Makeup Palette.  This palette packs some major punch with 40 eyeshadows, 5 cream eyeliners, 15 lipstick/glosses, 4 blushes and 2 bronzers.  The palette comes in a sleek black case and even better is the customizable compact that is included which can hold up to 8 shadows, liners, or glosses and 2 blushes or bronzers.  There is a little tool that looks like a pointed stick which is use to lift pans out of the wells to put into the compact.  Both the large palette and the customizable compact come with a mirror and magnetic wells so the pans do not fall out.  I will say that although the eyeshadows are fairly pigmented, still use an eyeshadow primer to keep the shadows from creasing and fading and to further intensify the color.  Valued at $155,  this awesome palette retails for $36. Sephora and sephora.com

 

Get dipped with LashDip

The science behind makeup/cosmetics has advanced over the years, especially with lash applications and enhancements.  In the past and currently, mascara has been the go to product to make lashes thicker, longer, and curlier.   There have even been advancements in the type of mascara wand to deliver specific results as well as formulas promising lash growth, thickening, etc.  There are also serums and treatments such as Latisse and RevitaLash that promise the world when it comes to beautiful lashes. And let’s not forget lash enhancements in the form of strip lashes, individual lashes and lash extensions.  Now it gets better.  Introducing LashDip, an innovative lash application/mascara replacement poised to revolutionize how we do mascara.  This semi-permanent application, done exclusively in spas and salons across the United States and Canada,  will allow you to wake up and go with beautiful, thick, dark, glossy lashes without the time it takes to actually put on mascara or fake lashes, and without the smudging, flaking, clumping that oftentimes comes with applying traditional mascara.  Here are a few more facts about LashDip

• waterproof, allowing you to participate in activities such as exercising, dancing, and even swimming
•  can be used with lash treatments such as Latisse as well as lash extensions
• lasts four to six weeks
• safe for contact wearers as well as those with sensitive eyes

LashDip can cost $200-$300 for an initial application and must be applied by a certified salon professional or a licensed aesthetician.  www.lashdip.com

Anastasia eyeshadow palette with skincare benefits

Known to many as the definitive brow expert and a beauty innovator, Anastasia of Anastasia Beverly Hills has been a leader in the industry for years.  She concerns herself not only with creation of the perfect brow but also the health of the skin.  This lead her to create Illumin8 with Youthful Synergy Complex Eye Shadow Palettes, gorgeous eyeshadows with skincare benefits.  These palettes have been formulated with ingredients such as the Youthful Synergy Complex which has been clincally proven to lift, hydrate and revitalize the skin as well as Balkan Botanical Infusion which soothes, softens and hydrates the skin.   Paraben, fragrance free and perfect for all age groups,  these 5 palettes contain several shades (used wet or dry) to create a multitude of fantastic looks that will take you from day to evening.  $40. anastasia.net

New Urban Decay Primer Potion Packaging

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, which continues to be a cult favorite among beauty junkies and makeup artists, now comes in a squeeze tube, allowing you to get all of the fabulous product where it needs to be, on your eyelids instead of inside the tube.  Make sure you stock up because this packaging is exclusive to Sephora for a limited time.  $19.  Sephora and sephora.com