Tag: matte

BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector

Did you hear yet? It is all about matte skin these days. After what seems like so many seasons of dewy, glow-y skin, the runways are now flooded with matte, pristine skin. Instead of trading in all those luminous foundations, I am opting for a mattifying primer. I recently covered this mattifier (if you prefer a compact), but I am loving this tube since I am already hooked on a wearing a primer under foundation.

BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector is designed for those with oily skin, but I find it works just fine on my drier complexion. It has a bit of a tightening effect, so if you do have drier skin, layer it over a moisturizer. I love the look I’ve been getting wearing it under this foundation. It also minimizes pores and has a great effect on its own. For those battling shininess throughout the day, you can layer this over makeup.

The true beauty of the lightweight formula is that it is silicone-free – sometimes with silicone formulas, product can ball up and texture is compromised. The primer includes EverMat™ to reduce oil productions. The consistency is in between a liquid and cream and goes on sheer. I’ve found my makeup last for hours when I use this as a primer. (Also free of Oil, Alcohol, Fragrance and Parabens).

Bonus: also can be used to mattify lip gloss or as a eye shadow primer – particularly helpful if you have oily eyelids!

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

My enthusasim boiled over when I tried the newest lipstick from hourglass. Their Opaque Rouge has exceptional staying power and feels (and looks) silky smooth on the lips. I took it for a test run last week. The color stayed even and true through chicken dinner and wine. And when I say it stayed, it stayed just as vibrant as when I first applied it. And all without drying out my lips like some other stains can do.

The formula is infused with skin-conditioning emollients, anti-oxidant fruit extracts, Cili Fruit and Goji Berry, and Vitamins A, C and E, actually hydrate and improve the look of your lips. But it isn’t thick or greasy – the feel is thin (while staying pigmented) and breathable.

The finish is definitely on the matte side, channeling the trends from fall runways like Victoria Beckham, Peter Som and Marc by Marc Jacobs. I found it works best to avoid layering with other balms, and let the color set for one minute. It is available in nine shades.

top row:

Ballet (Vibrant Pink)
Canvas (Dusty Rose)
Edition (Soft Pink)
Empress (Aubergine)
Icon (Cherry Red)

bottom row:

Muse (Coral)
Rose (Medium Rose)
Raven (Orange Red)
Riviera (Tangerine)

Shiseido Suncare and Gift With Purchase

Having access to a pool this summer, my hunt for the perfect sunscreen has become serious business. This weekend, I gave Shiseido suncare a whirl and was seriously impressed. I was using both the Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 (for my face) and the Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 (for body). The distinction I found with these gems is that they are both long-lasting, blendable and not greasy. They persisted through many dips in the pool. And while I reapplied every 60 minutes or so, I was protected.

Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 is ultra-light weight and actually mattifies the skin. It contains mineral powders and herbs to prevent over-production of sebum. And while I don’t have oily skin, I appreciated the finish of this sunscreen. It wasn’t glossy or overly dewy. Did I mention my pool is kind of a social scene? I’ve found this sunscreen also works well under makeup.

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 has that high-factor protection I am looking for. It is also “very water resistant” which eases my mind – constantly fretting about the water and sweat washing away my SPF. Remember to liberally reapply, but this stuff did a great job with my near contant pool activity. Both of these come in fairly tiny vessels, but I am sold on their efficacy and fashionable packaging – so I think they are worth every penny.

Plus… Shiseido is offering a suncare special offer, now available online at www.Shiseido.com and at select retailers nationwide, including Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, and more. Purchase any two sun products and receive a custom Shiseido sun tote with a free 75 ml Ultimate Cleansing Oil. The tote is adorable – metallic canvas with long straps and a subtle Shiseido logo. And the cleansing oil has quickly become a favorite for removing persistant sunscreen and even longwear foundation and eye makeup. No better excuse to upgrade your suncare.