Tag: Cheek

Brand Spotlight: Wander Beauty

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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.

NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette

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I remember reading somewhere that this was like an Instagram filter in palette version. I wish I could remember where I read that because it is absolutely the perfect description of this beautiful cheek collection. The NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette is a well-curated set of four blushes, the iconic Laguna Bronzing Powder, and Paloma Contour Blush.

Top row from left to right: Contour Blush in Paloma I (pink beige), Paloma II (deep rose), Laguna Bronzing Powder (diffused brown powder with golden shimmer). Bottom row from right to left: Icy Lilac, Sausalito Sunset, Shimmering Rose Peach, Fleshy Pink.

While this palette basically allows you to do pretty much anything, I will share how I’ve been using it. I brought it to Napa with me last weekend and it served as my setting powder, blush, bronzer and eyeshadow. I have long adored Laguna for a sweep of sun-kissed on the temples and cheek bones. Paloma II then went down the sides of my nose and maybe a little extra under the apples of my cheek. I would blend Icy Lilac and Sunset Sausalito (two left blushes) for some glow on my cheeks. Last, Paloma I would go down my nose, under my eyes on on my lids.

The effect is soft-focus dimension and a glow. I like the natural, slightly matte finish. I find the powder wears just like my other favorite NARS blushes and bronzers, melting into my skin rather than drying out my complexion.

My goal for this weekend is to brave the bold and beautiful Fleshy Pink!

Available at Sephora.

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Blush

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Blush on Belle Belle Beauty

YSL has upped their beauty game the last couple years. Always known as a luxury cosmetics line, their product launches in recent seasons have basically become iconic products (like this gem). Kiss and Blush is no different – a nimble product that does it all. By “does it all”, I mean the perfect lip and cheek duo to throw into your clutch. I’ve been wearing Fuchsia Desinvolte (01) for a flirtatious and springy pop of color.

The feel of the formula is lightweight. I’m able to blend out the shade on my cheeks with a smooth and even coverage. The mousse-like finish is matte and buildable. The doe-foot applicator has a unique roller ball center allowing for the perfect deposit of product.

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

CARGO Cosmetics Blushes, Highlighters and Concealer

While I was attending NYFW, I was invited to stop by Birchbox Sample Stop for a beauty pit stop. The pop-up was right across the street from Milk Studios and a true makeover oasis. Not only did I stock up on some samples to help me make it through the rest of the week…. but I was treated with a mani and a makeup makeover from Cargo Cosmetics.

While I have heard of the brand, I hadn’t experienced many of their products. I was about to be plesantly blown away. My makeup looked natural and lasted the rest of the afternoon and evening. The fomrulas were lightweight but pigmented with beautiful, neutral colors. While I wanted to basically take home everything, a couple products jumped out: blushes and highlighters.

The Contour Palette in Malibu  is a dummy proof all in one. But you can also expect beautiful finishes and shades. The artist taught me to use one side of a blush brush for contour (below your cheekbones, on your hairline, and below jawbones). Then flip the brush over, pick up some of the cheek shade, and press into apples of the cheeks. Then, use the end of the blush brush to pick up highlighter – apply on brow bones and cheek bones. This palette also comes in Monaco if you want slightly warmer shades.

The Cargo Beach Blush in Tenerife is a canister of four shades packaged together. While beautiful, I don’t think you can use them individually (except as maybe eyeshadow). But when you see the blended color, you won’t want to use anything else. This iconic product is a perfect marriage of bronzer and blush. I apply it as an all over color on my cheeks, forehead, nose and below my jaw bone. It warms up the face with a balanced, energetic finish. Tenerife is matte, but I also like Echo Beach for a shimmer finish. There are six different shades so no matter your complexion or style, you’re sure to find one that works.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Jetlag Concealer. These pen/highlighting concealers are ubiquitous. I know… but this version has some super-powered skin care. The coverage is on the heavier side compared to other pens, with a slightly matte finish. After application, there is a little cooling effect as it nourishes and repairs the skin. Long term use (according to clinical testing) shows a reduction in puffiness and dark circles after 28 days.

White Lupin Extract reduces puffiness and dark circles in the eye area. Citrulline, a unique mineral extracted from watermelon rind, plays an essential role in the function of filaggrin (essential component of your skin/epidermis), a critical part of the skin’s own moisturizing complex. And peptides and flavanoid reinforce thin, fragile and transparent under-eye skin.

Jetlag and the Contour palette are made in Canada. The Beach Blush is made in Italy. Shop my Cargo Cosmetics favorites using the widget below: