Category: face

NARS Limited Edition Orgasm Blush

Many of you makeup buffs will know this iconic blush. I certainly was aware of its stellar reputation, but it wasn’t part of my routine for years. Until this summer…. when I got my hands on the biggest Orgasm yet (Original Orgasm Blush: 1.92 oz, NARS Special Edition Orgasm Blush: 3.04 oz). I have no idea why I had discounted this color for so long! I love the universally flattering shade in a creamy powder. It adds the perfect summer flush. 😉 So thrilled I have a large stockpile. Don’t hesitate picking up this special edition while you can! Available at NARSCosmetics.com.

(Note: the image isn’t emblazoned onto the powder, but the chic woman is actually an overlay that is removed when using for the first time)

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty ‘The Sensual Skin’ Enhancer

I was just having a fun makeup conversation with my mom, and we started discussing a favorite new product of mine. ‘The Sensual Skin’ Enhancer has quickly become a staple in my routine. I read about it somewhere as a “Best Beauty Buy” and it certainly is now the same in my book.

I adore this foundation, but I’ve needed some extra help around my eyes and covering my rosacea. This “enhancer” hides imperfections without looking like a concealer. The coverage is adjustable, and I like it mixed with Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream for a rather light coverage, but still with a dewy finish.

This little pot of pigment is highly concentrated. I have had mine for over a month and I have only used what was in the cap to the jar. This will last forever! This will be a crowd pleaser because it comes in an array of shades, has flexible coverage and gives a natural, healthy finish.

Available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Amazon.

bareMinerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo

If you are like me, you’ve been refreshing your beauty cabinet in anticipation of warmer weather. Not that it is heating up anytime soon – 50 degrees today in Tulsa – brrrrr! But I know those summer days are on the horizon and bareMinerals has two goodies that will get you ready.

New to bareMinerals, the Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo is just what I needed for a summery glow. The powders are baked with two different finishes either to use together or alone. The Matte was surprisingly lovely – I usually am drawn to the more glowy finish, but the Matte is lovely for absorbing oil and setting makeup while minimizing the appearance of pores. I knew Glow would not disappoint. I love the finish the rose gold pears leaves on skin. The pearl finish has a golden, sheer luminosity without looking wet.

And a second launch: there are six new shades available in the award winning bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. Additions include: Birch (1.5), Wheat (4.5), Bamboo (5.5), Desert (6.5), Dune (7.5) and Terra (8.5). I absolutely adore this formula – my skin is left super hydrated and protected.

Available at bareMinerals.com, Sephora and Nordstrom.

NARS Summer 2016 Color Collection

Another season brings another inspired and beautiful collection from NARS. I mean, just look at the shot above. If it doesn’t make you crave sunshine on your face and sand in your toes, I don’t know what could. This summer, NARS partnered with contemporary artist Konstantin Kakanias to channel French Riviera inspiration. The ten-piece collection captures “high fashion moments steeped in exclusivity and ease.”

The first of two products I tried was the Dual-Intensity Blush in Liberation – a light shimmering pink paired with a caramel rose. While these shades look deep, they give a perfect kiss of color, ideal for spring skin. The silky texture applies weightlessly and blends into skin for a natural look. I like a wash of color, but this can be built up for a more editorial look. I use the darker shade under my cheekbones and on my hairline. The pink goes right on the apple of my cheeks. It also can be used wet for a luminous, dewy and translucent look.

The second product I tried was a new NARS formula, Lip Cover, and I adore it. The saturated color is a high-pigment gloss. It comes in four shades and I have been trying out Get Dirty (such a good name) which is a desert rose. The effect is a rich nude that channels Kardashian with class. I get a couple hours of wear and it is ideal with a sheer gloss layered over it.

The Summer 2016 Color Collection is available exclusively at NARS until May 1st when it launches at Sephora.

Last Hours of Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty

Fellow beauty junkies, Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty ends tomorrow :(. So get your shop on. I am lusting after Urban Decay’s new Beached Bronzer. I mean… that packaging is just perfect for summer. The silky powder can be used on the face or body. It doesn’t streak and finishes with a natural glow. The creamy texture is perfect for a more dewy summer glow and those like me with dry skin.

Brand Spotlight: Wander Beauty

I promise it isn’t because we share the same first name (Lindsay) and she spells it correctly 🙂 . But model Lindsay Ellingson got it right when she founded Wander Beauty. Inspired by her globe-trotting travel lifestyle, this luxury cosmetics line is a gift for the face (and morning routine). The products perform all while being cruelty-free.

I’ve absolutely have loved the On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator (reviewed here) so I jumped at the chance to try Wander Beauty’s new Flash Focus Hydrating Foundation Stick. I have been on a tinted moisturizer kick but was looking for a little more coverage (thanks, three week cold/cough) and this fit the bill with its buildable coverage. I love the conditioning formula as it layers on my dry skin. I’ve been wearing Medium which might just be my most perfect foundation match yet.

In my morning routine, I’ve been skipping eyeshadow and using this multi-tasking palette from NARS to save time. But when I came across Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow, I made time for a little shadow. Kudos to Wander Beauty for coming up with a cushioning eye shadow that actually feels good to put on. The silky liquid stays on a gives just a wash of color. You can also layer for a more dramatic look.

I admit, I am a bronzing addict, but I am really working on backing off the golden stuff. And Wanderess Cheek Tint makes it easy. This liquid is definitely subtle, but it wakes up my complexion just enough. This natural-shaded tint contains serum to enrich skin. And the golden glow is perfect for sallow skin. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and humectants to plump and hydrate skin.

Available at Wander Beauty.