Tag: benefit

BENEFIT COSMETICS Watt’s Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter

I had a whirlwind trip to NYC this past week. Always such a pleasure to be in the city for many reasons – inspiring, great food, full of energy. But one of my favorite things about a visit to NYC is a spin through giant Sephoras full of brands I love. I was doing a late night run after dinner (that city truly never sleeps, Sephora closes at midnight), and my beauty-guru friend, Pamela, asked me to pick up of her favorites for her. Naturally, I had to have one myself.

Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter has always tempted me as I love a luminous finish and I have a long term love affair with this Benefit bronzer. Watt’s Up is a cream to powder with a champagne finish. It is definitely “high wattage” but the sophisticated hue makes it okay for daytime or work as well. Applied on the cheeks and brow bones, it adds a luminous sheen. I also like to use it down the bridge of my nose and cupid’s bow. The sponge on the other end of the stick is great for blending but I like to use my fingers. I’ve found it works best applied above tinted moisturizer/foundation but before brush/bronzer. But I also like it alone on skin for weekend days to add just a fresh and natural glow. No wonder this is a celebrity makeup artist favorite.

Warm It Up!

Well, hello there April. While it is cold and rainy here today, I’d like to officially mark this day as the beginning of spring. I know technically it was back in March, but I have a dirty secret for you. I absolutely hate April Fool’s Day. I fall for some prank every single time. On a more serious note, the ever popular “I’m pregnant” Facebook update really offends me as there are so many people in the world that struggle with infertility. So instead of Fool’s Day, April 1st will always mark spring in my book! Anyway… back to beauty.

Spring means a more natural, undone and bronzed look in my world. I just got a fresh hair cut, so I am enjoying my natural waves and letting my hair air dry. I’m skipping darker lips and eyes in favor of glowing, luminous skin. Behind the scenes here at Belle Belle, I’ve been test driving some goodies, and now I am happy to present my favorites to warm up the complexion:

1. benefit Dallas is a natural and plum-based bronzer that is on the matte side. Because it is so sheer, it works well for a wide range of fairer skin tones. Used all over, it can banish dullness or layered where the sun hits gives a vibrant glow.

2. NARS New Contour Blush Duos are also on the matte side and add that perfectly balanced warmth. Despite the “Blush” name, I find the darker shade of the duo works best under the cheekbones and around the temples. I’ve played around with the lighter shade and surprisingly love it under the eyes and down the center of the nose. It also doubles as a luminous face powder on the go. I tested both Olympia (perfect for the most fair to light skin) and Paloma (my pick for my light to medium skin tone).

3. CoverGirl TruMagic The Sunkisser has to be my most favorite drugstore find in the past couple months. What looks like a dark bronze cream transforms into a subtle, layerable glow on the skin. While you can use this to contour, I like using it liberally around the outside of my face, sides of my nose and even on my lids for a true “sunkissed” look.

4. jane iredale In Touch Highlighter in Comfort perfectly offsets bronzed areas with a pink glisten. The pale pink adds radiance and the cream formula lends to a more subtle glow. I like to apply directly from the stick to tops of cheekbones, brow bone and the bridge of the nose and then blend with my fingers.

image here

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

A Skin Story: A Perfect Trio

I’m always changing up my routine. Things move in and out of my rotation quite frequently. But occasionally, I will be simultaneously testing a wonderful trifecta of products and it is like the stars have aligned. Right now… that’s happening. Here’s how I have been perfecting my complexion these last couple of weeks.

First: Josie Maran’s new Argan Tinted Moisturizer. This formula is rich and luxurious. Coverage is very generous for a tinted moisturizer. I would say it is in the neighborhood of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 but with a thicker texture. The SPF 30 is all natural and admirable for a makeup product. And her signature Argan oil makes it ultra-moisturizing and nourishing. She also threw in some antioxidants for good measure. This is my new pick for favorite Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream for sensitive or dry skin. I use Light 2, but am getting closer and closer to needing Light 1.

Next up, I touch up spots needing a little more assistance with Benefit Erase Paste. This creamy, high-coverage concealer camouflages like a champ. The formula finishes with a nice radiance, especially helpful in the under eye area. It came with a spatula which I unfortunately tossed with the box, so I apply direcly with my finger. I actually like the way I can work it into my skin even if it isn’t the most sanitary method.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder makes for a weightless, perfecting finish. The balance between matte and radiance is ideal. The formula is oil-free and should play very nicely with oilier skin types. Like other NAKED products, optical blurring pigments perfect skin. You won’t find any chalkiness here. This step ensures hours of wear.

Find Your Favorite Concealer

A good concealer can often stand on its own. Covering redness, dark circles and a rogue blemish can give the appearance of even skin without the need for a heavy foundation. That’s why I always recommend starting your makeup with concealer – you’ll find you don’t need as much foundation or tinted moisturizer as you thought!

But how do you find the right formula? I have loads of favorites and they are each suited to particular skin types and concerns. I’m guessing one of these will tickle your fancy:

Benefit Erase Paste is a new find and I am wild about the creamy, blendable coverage. It doesn’t disappear in the middle of your day. And it works on both blemishes and under eye circles. The texture is a little thick to cover redness. Best suited for: under eye circles and blemish-prone skin.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard has been in my rotation for months and is the one I reach for most often. The smooth and buildable texture does wonders on my areas of redness. And I love the luminous correction on darkness under eyes. Best suited for: drier skin and redness.

Cle de Peau Concealer has long been a makeup artist favorite. While pricey, this little tube lasts forever. I find the formula works best if you warm it up between your fingers and pat on. It covers blemishes and dark circles like a champ. Best suited for: normal to oily skin, acne-prone skin and dark circles.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is a long time classic but has a new long-wear upgrade. The two shade system, one to match the skin’s depth of color and one to match the skin’s undertone, ensures a perfect match. Used with a precise brush, this camouflages any spot into a flawless complexion. Best suited for: skin with age spots and blemishes.

Lancôme EFFACERNES Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer has a balanced finish, somehow being matte but still with some radiance. But the real beauty to this concealer is its waterproof properties, making it well-suited for tearjerker events, long days or hot weather. Best suited for: oilier skin, brides and those who need all day coverage.

Benefit Holiday

Benefit Cosmetics has cheerfully packaged some of their classic products into the cutest holiday gift sets. Check out this slide show for my favorites and more details.

If you are viewing this post in a reader or email, click here to get the full experience.

Best Bronzers

Despite my incessant application of SPF this summer, I still have a little color on my face. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need the help of a little bronzer. I am committed to the belief that we can have that golden summer glow without baking unprotected for hours on end in the sun. These three have been champs getting me sun-kissed.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is the gold standard. You are sure to find a perfect match with eight available shades. Go ahead and invest in a timeless classic.
M·A·C Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze is just what I’ve been looking for. The finish allows you to contour (shimmer isn’t well suited for this). And the color is perfectly balanced on me.
Benefit Dallas Face Powder has a rosy undertone. It looks so natural because it has that tiniest bit of flush, making it look like you’ve just stepped from an afternoon outdoors. Plus, this shade is nice and subtle for those who prefer a lighter hand.