summer beauty: Shiseido Makeup Face Color Enhancing Trio

summer always brings new, beautiful products, and the latest from Shiseido is no exception. the Shiseido Makeup Face Color Enhancing Trio is an all-in-one compact that creates a beautiful complexion, replicating the glow that naturally appears when you smile from sheer joy ~ blushing rosy cheeks, increased brightness and elevated facial features.

each trio features a Blushing Color, the warm top shade is soft and rosy, the middle Sculpting Color creates dimension for contouring and shading, and the bottom Highlighting Color matches natural skin tones and blends seamlessly with the other two shades.

the brush in this palette is uber soft and it applies the powders beautifully {thought i also like to use a fan brush to apply it, keeping the color applied more on the sheer side}. swiping all the shades together {vertically} creates a nice color, and the fact that this beauty is shimmer-free is just another reason i know i'll continue to use it, even beyond summer. :)

Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio is available in 4 shades:

Apple {RD1} ~ sun-kissed shades of pink, gentle fawn and light peach

Lychee {PK1} ~ pale shades of pink, ivory and cream

Peach {OR1} ~ soft hint of coral, subtle beige, and delicate gold shades

*Plum {RS1, the one i've been using, pictured} ~ vivid rose, rich bronze, and golden beige shades

i love the versatility of this palette, and while i wish each shade were wider {for easier application of the individual shades}, i think this is a product any beauty girl can appreciate.

visit shiseido.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

beauty review: NARS Adelaide Illuminator + NARSissist Blush Kit

while i lean more toward having a matte skin look, it's still nice to have my face reflect a pretty glow and luminescence. this is something that is easily created thanks to the new and fabulous {and pink!} Adelaide Illuminator from the NARS Final Cut collection

just as the the name of the product suggests, the Illuminator is a sweet multitasking liquid-gel that aids in creating a highlight wherever you apply it. you can also mix it with your moisturizer or foundation to create a subtle lit-from-within glow. another bonus: a little really does go along way!

the new NARSissist Blush Kit is a beautiful palette of three best-selling shades that work together to  create a great overall look. i love that its compact size, so it's perfect for travel. of course it can be used everyday, and the fact that it comes with a {super-soft} blush brush is a huge bonus!

the blush palette features the bronzer, Laguna, perfect for most skin tones. i typically use Casino {a deeper bronzer, also from NARS}, but i like how this shade adds a nice warmth and subtle depth to my skin. then there's Orgasm, the blush shade everyone loves because of its not-too-shimmery, peachy-pink tone. in the past i've used it as a complimentary shade to matte blushes, but have found myself using it alone more and more these days. rounding out the trio is Devotee, a simply perfect-for-highlighting blush. it has a nice shimmer to it that is not at all glittery; while on the frosty side, it blends out very well and looks beautiful with its palette mates as well as every other cheek shade i've chosen to wear it with.


my final verdict? i highly recommend you seek out these new NARS products if you're looking for some fabulous new beauty goodies {as beauty junkies, when are we not?! LOL!}. and if it's still blustery and cold where you are, these are sure to add cheeriness to your days and help you look forward to spring. and if not, they're still just as enjoyable…

the NARS Adelaide Illuminator is available in store and online at Nordstrom; the NARSissist Blush Kit is available in store and online at Sephora.

 here's to a beautiful spring! :)

  

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

beauty review: a beautiful comeback for Jane Cosmetics

if you remember Jane cosmetics, you not only remember a fun, wallet-friendly line of makeup, but you probably were truly bummed when one day your beautiful products were missing from the shelves...

well, beauties, if you hadn't already heard {or seen} the news, Jane is back!

and better than ever if i do say so myself.

the brand has created a fabulous new line of goodies so amazing, i'm beaming as i type this and am beyond thrilled to share what they have to offer with you!

~ filling a niche between value and prestige cosmetics lines, Jane's philosophy that true beauty comes from giving back and that confidence comes in many colors, is emphasised in the new packaging featuring vibrant lomographic imagery, showcasing the faces of "The Friends of Jane"; real, culturally diverse women who are giving back to their communities and changing the world in impactful ways. ~

take a look...

Multi-Colored Bronzing Powder ~ a shimmery bronzer that leaves skin with a beautiful, golden glow. i just love the embossed floral bouquet design!

Multi-Colored Cheek Powder ~ available in 3 gorgeous shades {Pink Bouquet, Peach Bouquet and Berry Bouquet}, these multi-colored cheek powders {also with a pretty floral bouquet design} add a pop of natural-looking color for a healthy flush.

Cream Eye Shadow ~ can be applied with the wand or fingertips; these luminous, cream-to-powder shadows are just fabulous! they dry quickly, are smudge-proof and last all day on lids without any creasing. by the way, they make a great alternative to primer.

Eye Shadows ~ 12 shades available in shimmer {can be applied either wet or dry; when applied wet with a brush, the color and shimmer is greatly intensified} and matte; all beautiful and such a treat to wear.
.

Lip Gloss and Intense Color Lip Gloss ~ all incredibly moisturizing; rich color lasts on my lips with just the right amount of stickiness and yummy flavor {not overpowering in the slightest}.

have you tried any of the new Jane goodies? if not, do so ASAP! you can find them at Ulta. to see every beautiful and happy-making product, be sure to visit janecosmetics.com.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

Total Beauty: Best {& Worst} Bronzers

though we're heading into the cooler months, you can still keep that faux glow going on with a fabulous bronzer. i personally love them for perking up my complexion wearing alone or paired with my favorite blush.

in the following Total Beauty article, makeup artist Nick Barose shares his advice and application tips regarding the best bronzer for your skin tone.

he says: "you should use a bronzer to look healthier and sun-kissed, not 'bronze.'" for a believable tan, you shouldn't pick a color that is more than one shade darker than your natural skin color. and if you're fair skinned, he suggests looking for a sheer bronzer with peach tones. "avoid reds or browns if you're fair, because those shades will make you look orange and dirty."

if you're not sure which bronzers are worth your hard earned dollars, check out this list from reviews on Total Beauty's site. i'm happy to see a few i use on the list: bareMinerals Warmth, Smashbox Fusion Sunlights and Rimmel London's Natural Bronzer.

did your fave make the list? take a look...

21 Best and Worst Bronzers

Sun-kissed skin doesn't have to end after Labor Day. See how you can extend your summer glow with one of these 16 best bronzers. Just be sure to avoid the five worst

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article You may not be able wear a bikini or flip-flops this month, but you can keep that sun-kissed glow. The bronzers on this list will help you keep that tan going strong. Just steer clear of the five worst, which our readers say made them look like Oompa Loompas. See list

THE WORST NO. 5:PHYSICIANS FORMULA HEALTHY WEAR SPF 50 PRESSED BRONZER, $14.95

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.9

"It makes me look weird, sparkly, and orange tinted. Worst of all, after I use this bronzer, it makes me break out everywhere!"

THE WORST NO. 4: CHANEL SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL, $50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.6

"Save your money. There are cheaper and better bronzers out there."

THE WORST NO. 3: E.L.F. ALL OVER COLOR STICK, $1

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3

"This product is too silvery and not at all like the color on the stick."

see the rest of the list -- plus the top-rated bronzers here!

mark Totally Balmed SPF 15 Tinted Lip Balm and Glowdacious Illuminating Powder

it's summer, beauties-- time to get your glow on! right now i'm loving mark Glowdacious Illuminating Powder-- it highlights and adds a pretty sheen to my skin. in addition, i have been pampering my lips with mark Totally Balmed SPF 15 Tinted Lip Balm in Totally Bare. the hint of color is perfect under any sheer gloss.

other than my face, i like to add Glowdacious (pictured above in Shimmied Up) to my decollete and shoulders for day, and have been known to add it to my legs at night (makes me feel like a celeb to some degree, LOL!). i love that the finish isn't uber glittery, but looks just right when it catches the light. i apply it using Eco Tools Bronzing Brush-- the perfect, big brush (and so soft!) for applying the powder to my body.



Tinted Lip Balm is a bit stiff in the tube, but manages to glide on smoothly. the color isn't the least bit intense, so there's no worry about feeling like you're too made up when you're just at the beach or spending time lounging by the pool.

find each at meetmark.com

xo
samples featured were sent to me by the brand for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

Bobbi Brown Heart Truth Bronze Shimmer Set

some exciting news beauties! for the fifth year in a row, Bobbi Brown is sponsoring the The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2010 Fashion Show. as you may already know, this show brings together some of Hollywood's leading ladies on one runway and will be taking place during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

for this fabulous event, Bobbi created an exclusive, limited-edition Bronze Shimmer Brick Set in partnership with The Heart Truth campaign and its annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show to raise awareness about women and heart disease.

included in this set is Bobbi's iconic Shimmer Brick in Bronze and a Mini Face Blender Brush. if you are a Bobbi makeup fan, you'll want to act fast-- only 500 of these sets will be available at bobbibrown.com while supplies last.

p.s. -- enjoy free standard shipping with any order that includes this set. enter offer code: HEART1 at checkout.*

xo
*offer code required. valid only on bobbibrown.com through 2/28/10 (midnight eastern time or while supplies last).

Introducing St. Tropez Cosmetics

St. Tropez, who just happen to be the leader when it comes to luxury self-tanning products, is now offering a range of cosmetic innovations that are the perfect solution for enhancing glowing skin.

the new collection includes the following:




Bronzing Rocks, to provide the perfect finish to any St. Tropez tan. simply dust over face and decolletage area for a hint of color.




Radiance Mousse, an easy to apply, light-weight mousse will help to enhance and highlight a tan. apply with fingertips to face and decolletage area to provide a subtle sheen.




Bronzing Powder, a luxurious bronzing powder contains a subtle shimmer designed to enhance and brighten a St. Tropez glow. apply with a brush to give color to the face and decolletage area.


Melanie Mills, Emmy-award winning make-up artist for Dancing with the Stars and the brand's celebrity tanning expert, adds:

"the St. Tropez cosmetics range are the perfect tools to subtly highlight and enhance skin, adding an extra dimension to your make-up bag. i love to use the new cosmetics on my clients to lift features that can sometimes be flattened after i've applying a subtle tan. with just three key products, i can create a range of finishes, including a barely-there sweep of color or a hint of definition, to achieve a naturally radiant and healthy glow."

find St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks, Radiance Mousse and Bronzing Powder at sttropeztan.com and select retailers and luxury spas.


tell me: do you like to stay bronzed year round??

xo

review: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer

when it comes to self-tanners from the drugstore, i think L'Oreal has done a fabulous job of creating some of the best. their newest concoction, Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer, is a gradual tanner that leaves skin looking luminous thanks to it's micro-pearls.

i think this is perfect product to keep your summer glow going, but in a more subtle way. the formula dries quickly, leaves skin feeling soft, and allows you to decide the level of bronze you want to go. as far a s shimmer goes, it isn't too glittery, but you can tell that it's there, especially in the sun. the overall result looks golden brown without a hint of orange.

pick this up at your local drug store or mass retailer and visit lorealparis.com for more info

xo
pic taken by me :)

beauty on a budget: CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Bronzer

did you know bronzer isn't just a summer essential anymore? it's ok to get your glow on year-round! CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Bronzer gives just enough of a sun-kissed glow to warm up any makeup look without making it look like you're trying too hard. i love that it comes with its own brush, and it adds a gorgeous radiance (think shimmer not glitter) when worn alone or swept over my favorite matte blush.

find CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Bronzer at any drugstore and online at covergirl.com

xo

Beauty Girl TV: Erno Laszlo Bronzer & Blusher

hello beauties! this edition of Beauty Girl TV features my review of Erno Lazslo's Blusher and Bronzer. i have to say, these are both fast becoming my favorite cheek products! i love their multi-colored design, and worn alone or together, each wears beautifully.

watch the video for my review...



visit ernolaszlo.com to take advantage of getting both the blusher and bronzer at a huge discount-- sold separately, each retails for $38. with this web exclusive offer, you can get both for $54! can you say huge discount?

xo

Get Vanessa Hudgen's Glowing Look

summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your bronzed look. chances are you still have a tan (real or fake), so your makeup should compliment it accordingly.

makeup artist Brett Freeman created a fabulous look for Vanessa Hudgens for her appearance at Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood Party last month, and the makeup was flawless. as you can see, he kept the High School Musical star's look fabulously radiant.

"Vanessa was still bronzed from touring in mexico, so we wanted to play up her glow with make-up and hair that would suit her luminous skin,” said Freedman.

foundation: Neutrogena Visibly Even liquid makeup in True Beige blended to even her skin tone

bronzer: Stila Sun in shade 2 used to set the foundation

blush: to warm up her cheeks, Freedman lightly blended Rosie Jane Cheek Gloss in Peony and swept Benefit 10 all over as a highlighter.

eyeshadow: M.A.C. Spiced Chocolate Eye Shadow X4 was swept all over her lid to create a pale, matte eye.

eye liner: Freedman lined her lashes with Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Love Metal after applying eye shadow.

brows: “i cleaned up her brows with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Dual Sided Tweezer, then added a bit of drama and definition with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Powder in Milk Choco,” said Freedman.
mascara: the makeup artist coated her lashes four times with Vanitymark the LASH Mascara

lips: Benefit Her Glossiness in Who Are You Wearing

highlights/countour: after applying all the make-up, Freedman misted Vanitymark SHIMMERSKIN Body Glisten “on her arms, chest and back to really amp up her natural glow.”

you can easily mimic this look with most of these products, regardless of your skintone. for the other products, like blush and foundation, be sure to choose what suits you.

xo
photo: Jason Merritt/FilmMagic via instyle.com

review: Global Goddess Beauty South Pacific Shimmer

like most bronzers, Global Goddess Beauty South Pacific Shimmer works to give skin a glow.

what is different about this product is that it goes beyond being just a bronzer and really works as a multi-tasking porduct. as an eyeshadow, as a blush substitute and as a highlighter, this is a great works-for-everyday type of product!

the first time i used it, it was very shimmery. that is only because of the beautifully swirled silver design on the first layer. after that, the shimmer is subtle and very flatering.

infused with aloe, South Pacific Shimmer carries skin benefits like all of the Global Godess Beauty products. no wonder this product is a favorite in the beauty industry (i hear it is a favorite of SJP as well)!

find South Pacific Shimmer at globalgoddessbeauty.com

xo

photo taken by me :)

review: Raw Minerals Mineral Glow

when it comes to makeup, more and more of us are looking for a natural, healthy way to look our best. Raw Beauty products, that consist of a Mineral line, a Color line and a Skincare line, were created with that in mind.

one of the products from their Raw Minerals line, Mineral Glow, gives a natural look of radiance that i love! dust it on for a natural, sun-kissed glow and you can feel confidant that what's on your skin not only makes it look good, but is good for it as well!


find out about the entire Raw Beauty Collection at rawbeauty.com


xo

keep it up! only 4 days to go!!

summer beauty: try a liquid bronzer

it's summer, as you may have noticed, and bronzers are very popular. but what if you are afraid to use them?

you may be asking yourself, how do i apply this?

if you're a little scared of powder bronzer, a great way to add a glow to your skin is by using a liquid bronzer. like their powder counter-part, liquid brozers help to give yourself a just-out-in the sun glow.

these formulas can be applied with a makeup sponge, or foundation brush, and blended for a natural hint of color. mix it with your foundation for an quicker, two-in-one step, or with your face and body moisturizer for an all-over glow.

on their own, these give no coverage, and unlie a self-tanner, they do wash away at the end of the day. it sounds pretty fool-proof to me. what a great way to get your glow on!

some liquid bronzers to try:

Giorgio Armani Bronze Mania Skin Tint











Talk to the Tan by Benefit











Estee Lauder Amber Bronze Liquid for Face












have fun and be fabulous!

xo

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images: benefitcosmetics.com, giorgioarmanibeauty.com, esteelauder.com

review: Redpoint Rejuvenating Bronzing Silk

Redpoint beauty products have my heart. i can't help it! and their Rejuvenating Bronzing Silk is only making me fall deeper in love.

honestly, three years ago, i couldn't care less about bronzers. i didn't see the point myself. really, why did i need it? i'm bronze! oh, i was sooo wrong...

bronzers are a necessity. everyone needs one and there is one for everyone. and not just for summer, all year round. they add a glow of just been in the sun, without being too orange like a self-tanner. and really, let's be honest, it's more natural looking.

Rejuvenating Bronzing Silk is the bronzer i have been using for a couple of weeks now. aside from the uber-sexy red packaging, this is one bronzer that isn't in the least bit shimmery. so even wiser, more life-experienced women can wear it. in fact, the unique mixture of special bronzing pigments and anti-aging ingredients result in a micro-milled powder that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lipexel, a vital plant-derived ingredient, helps enhance the skin’s moisture content and prevent the drying effects normally associated with powder.

the super-soft kabuki brush that come with it, made with natural hair and a handle that is slightly longer than typical kabuki brushes, makes application simple and buildable.

fabulous, no? i think so!

check it out for yourself...


xo


have some real fun in the sun! visit spasofamerica.com to get info about some of the world's best spas.

photo: redpointbeauty.com

summer makeup: bronzer

bronzer is essential for every woman. no matter what time of year it is, i think wearing a bronzer is a great way to add color to your face and give the skin a fabulous glow.

finding a bronzer that suits you is key. the idea, really, is to not look like you've put too much on. there is nothing worse than an over-bronzed face!

this natural, sun-kissed look, on Kate Hudson, was created using Guerlain Terracotta Powder.

color was used subtly, but adds so much to this fabulous summer look.

try: Dior Blush in Peachy Keen, Lorac lip polish in Pink Ice, and to create flirty eyes, Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Black Moon (use the gray shade as the inner highlighter).

please note that these are colors most suitable for fairer skin tones like Kate's. to find your best bronzer, test out shades in a place with natural lighting. it's summer, so keep your face looking fabulous by using colors that are more sheer and give you an effortless, ready for anything look.

have fun and be fabulous!


xo


source: instyle