Tag: Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compact in Sandstone

Bobbi Brown doesn’t get as much love as it deserves on this blog. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rank right up there for me, particularly in color cosmetics and brushes. I love her natural shades and simple approach to beauty. So no wonder I fell hard for her new limited edition powder that gives the most natural glow.

While I have been rocking a golden glow this summer (this bronzer has been a recent favorite), I am starting to transition into something a little softer for fall. The Shimmer Brick Compact in Sandstone has just a hint of neutral color that would work great on a wide range of skin tones – particularly on my light-to-medium complexion. And it just has a hint of sophisticated shimmer – don’t worry… you won’t look glittery.

The brick is handmade in Italy and contains five shades. A little trick – I also love using these as eye shadows. But it is designed to be swept through all five shades with a bronzer brush like the Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush. I like to apply on cheekbones, around my hairline and temples.

Consider this my pick for your fall bronzer/highlighter – in fact, I usually even skip blush when I am wearing it. And with its flexibility as eye shadows as well, it is perfect for on-the-go or travel.

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Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Best Brushes

I believe that great tools can make any product work better. I have more brushes than I can count, but I seem to reach for the same ones each and every day. I never once have regretted spending the money for a quality brush because, if you take care of them, they will last forever (note: I wash mine with this every week and dry laying flat overnight). Here are my brush MVPs:

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush: While I still reach for this brush, I find the Armani version is more nimble because of its size. The sharper end can get into the contours of your face. And the synthetic brisstles play well with even the thickest of foundations, not leaving one single streak.

Laura Mercier Long Secret Camouflage Brush: When you have a blemish, there is just no better tool to apply concealer. The tapered tip allows for extreme precision and feather like strokes will keep the product from becoming cakey.

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush: I’ve had this brush for years and – to this day – it retains its strands and shape like a champ. It picks up powder and buffs on skin without being cakey or over-delivering product.

Chantecaille Cheek Brush: Made of goat hair, this super super soft brush can do everything on the cheeks. The tapered end deposits pigmented blush like a champ, but can also perfectly contour a bronzer under the cheek bones.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Shadow Brush #1: This brush made of natural goat hair and perfectly shaped for applying shadow on the lids. I love the look so popular for Spring of a bold color just to the crease. This fluffy, square brush gets just enough pigment in all the right spots.

CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler: I used to be a devotee of the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (I had mine for about eight years). But it wasn’t until I replaced it with the CHANEL version that I got that true lifted curl that lasts. The shape of this curler is much better suited for my lashes. Game changer.

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Bobbi Brown Pink and Red Collection

After flipping through what were probably hundreds of pages of fashion magazines this weekend, I was struck by how much pink and red there was everywhere. Granted, much of it is for Valentine’s Day – but a lot was seen on the Spring 2013 runways and in editorial shoots. I’ve always liked the modern clashing of a pink and red. I think it is a little edgy while still being ultra feminine. So I am swooning over this recent Bobbi Brown collection.

The neat set of little duos features a true red and true pink for the cheeks, lips (gloss and lipstick) and nails. Everything is designed to be mixed and layered. The possibilities are endless. I can see a quirky pink accent nail, dual-toned lips, contoured cheek tint… you name it.

The cheek tint is lightweight and sheer but buildable. Both limited edition shades – Sheer Cherry and Sheer Pink – are classics albeit on the cooler side. The matte lip colors are pigmented with staying power – also with two new shades: Hot and Heart (limited edition). The glosses offer more of a very sheer hint of color. Cherry is new and Pretty in Pink is limited edition. Last, Valentine Red and Pink Valentine are two limited edition nail shades.

The collection is available on counters, but the couple I visisted this weekend didn’t have everything in stock. I encourage you to order quickly if you are interested from BobbiBrownCosmetics.com or shop using the widget below.

Fashion’s Night Out with Bobbi Brown

How am I going to spend this year’s Fashion Night Out? Why, with Bobbi Brown, naturally. And to all those who will be in New York City on September, 6th, join me! Bobbi will be with Leandra Medine, founder of The Man Repeller, one of today’s most influential and fashion-forward sartorial blogs. They will be chatting makeup, beauty and fashion advice and fall trends. And Bobbi’s Beauty Team makeup artists will be on hand providing complimentary makeup applications.

The event will be held at Bobbi Brown’s first ever Cosmetics Pop-Up Shop in Grand Central Terminal. And there you will be able to preview Bobbi’s Red Carpet Creamy Matte Lip Color ($24; otherwise available October 2012.). Only 500 will be released, adorned with a special Fashion’s Night Out insignia. It might just be the perfect fall lip and I cannot wait to get my paws on it.

The details: Grand Central Terminal Lexington Corridor (87 East 42nd Street) on September 6th, 2012 7:00pm – 8:00pm.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick

You know those long days when, around 3PM, you are in desperate need for a refresh? A portable foundation that I treat more like concealer is a handy solution. What I love about this product is its compact packaging and adjustable coverage. But this complexion-fixer requires a well moisturized canvas. If you are on the dry side, like me, make sure your skin is very well hydrated or the application will come off flaky. I also started by using a foundation brush with this stick, but I actually prefer using my fingers to spot apply where I need to eliminate redness or cover a blemish.

Foundation Brushes

Since I largely use tinted moisturizer, I really should call these “moisturizer brushes” but either way, they are my favorite tool for blending any color on my face. Over the years, I have tried great (and not so great) brushes and most are still in my collection – a testimony to how long these tools will last.

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush

The fibers are shorter than other foundation brushes, which gives great control but can hinder blending. I especially like the sharper end to get into the areas around my nose, under eyes and chin. The brush contains a blend of fibers which is typical for foundation brushes. The effect of this brush is a heavier coverage with ability to add precision. Overall this is a great brush that will last a long time. ($51)

Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush

The longer brush by Bobbi Brown won’t provide precise lines, but blends tinted moisturizer flawlessly. The color almost buffs into the skin achieving Bobbi Brown’s signature “your own skin” look. It also gives foundation a more moderate coverage. I am sure the lighter bristles on the end have another purpose, but it provides encouragement for frequently cleaning because pigment is readily visible. ($35)

As a fan of foundation brushes, I think these two offer the best of what is out there. If you are one who favors a heavier coverage, Armani is the way to go. For those who like a tinted look, try Bobbi Brown.