Tag: Illuminator

Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream

Last year, Kate Somerville first dipped her toes into color cosmetics in the best way possible. Her CC Cream married skin care and makeup with outstanding results. And her next product, Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream, is even better.

I am a huge fan of illuminating “wands”. I have tried so so many variations from the classic to offerings from more indie brands. But this one finally brings in a great eye cream, adding a skin care element in a way that only Kate can.

The click-pen dispenses a concealer/eye cream hybrid into a brush. For some reason, no matter what the brand, I always use my finger to apply and then use the attached brush to disperse. Lastly, I blend in again with my finger. But, I admit… to each their own. Applying with a brush might be more hygienic. I just perfect the final finish of a manual application.

The formula is lightweight and works to improve the look of wrinkles while brightening dark circles. The coverage isn’t terribly opaque but I like the more natural finish of a lighter-weight and illuminating effect. Bonus points for the two-in-one product – especially important with my rushed mornings that accompany my new job.

Not only will you look better immediately. Kate Somerville’s proven skin care ingredients work to improve collagen production, add firmness and smooth fine wrinkles. And my dry skin drinks up the added hydration. I use shade Medium for light to medium skin tones with a perfect match. Made in the USA.

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora.

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.

NEW NARS 413 BLKR Collection Blush and Illuminator

I have a soft spot for NARS’ 413 BLKR collection. Inspired by their flagship store in New York, the collection is filled with rich and sophisticated shades. Wearing them is like a little virtual visit to the big city. On my first visit to New York as a blogger, I vividly remember making my pilgrimage to the then new 413 Bleeker store. You guys know I am a huge NARS fan and my heart sung when I stepped into this oasis. Needless to say, there was quite the shopping spree… then and every time I have visited since.

Just in time for summer, NARS has added two new products to the collection. I’ve been test driving the 413 BLKR Blush and Illuminator the last couple weeks. I can confirm they are awesome. But beyond that, I think the Illuminator is a nimble, multitasking must-have.

First a little about the blush: Rosebud is a serious pop of pink. But while intense, it still manages to look natural. I usually go for a more neutral blush, but I love having this option for statement look or as my skin gets a little darker in the summer. Right now, on me, it looks like I just took a brisk walk or chased after a New York taxi. A fan favorite, the blush formula is micronized and blendable.

The Illuminator is sheer and balanced – not too warm and not too cool. At first, I was using as a highlighter – on my cheekbones and brow bone. Then I read the NARS artist tip to mix with moisturizer or foundation. I am hooked. The Illuminator gives my skin a luminous shimmer without looking sweaty or greasy. Also try wearing it under a tinted moisturizer – you will look literally radiant!

Available exclusively at NARS boutiques and on narscosmetics.com.

benefit Sun Beam

I have a sweet nostalgia for benefit Cosmetics. While living in San Francisco, I was around the corner of benefit boutique. Loads of Saturdays were spent browsing their retro goodies and the store on Chestnut was the home of many brow waxes. The roots of this company are solidly in the Bay Area. In 1976, twins Jean and Jane opened a makeup boutique and benefit was born.

One of their signature items is high beam, an illuminator housed in a nail polish like bottle. It is a satiny, pink that I love using on cupid’s bow, under eyebrows and down the bridge of my nose. This stuff has honestly been in my makeup cabinet for 10 years running. So, I had to try its new sister product that recently launched.

Sun beam is the same concept but with a bronzy golden shade. Since I am such a fan of the dewy and glowy look, this is perfect for on the cheekbones, blended up to the forehead. It is the safe sun in a little bottle.

If you have a fan brush, this can also be worked on the décolletage and blended out on the face.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder

During my afternoon at the @JohnBarrettNYC salon, @JoeHubrich introduced me to this little miracle worker. At first I thought it was a neutral eyeshadow, but this sucker is a high powered multi-tasker. The powder also sets concealer, sets cream shadow and illuminates. While it is originally designed for the under eye area, I use it virtually everywhere for a matte finish. It is also my base for eyeshadow. I generally like a dewy look in the summer (mostly to camoflage Texas heat-related perspiration!), but this is perfect to rock a matte look. But it doesn’t look dull in the least bit. It is no secret that I adore this line and every product achieves extraordinary quality and luxury. It is great that they developed such a nimble product with so many uses.

This is a Bergdorf Goodman exclusive and this week is Be Beautiful. The Event. Now through Sunday, June 26. Your gift with any beauty purchase of $200 or more: An exclusive cosmetic bag filled with must-haves of the season.

MAC Lustre Drops

Don’t be intimidated by this little bottle of liquid sun. I LOVE this to brighten your look on a summer day. There are so many different ways you can use it, but I have been mixing it with tinted moisturizer for an all-over glowing look. At first, I was afraid of using too much. But it really is almost fool proof. A couple of drops is easy to manage and blends really well. It adds a glow but still is fairly sheer and natural-looking. Bonus: don’t worry about breakouts because it is water-based. It also works great with lotion on the legs or shoulders for a sheen if you are dried out by the heat. It comes in Sun Rush and Pink Rebel. I have the Pink Rebel because the Sun Rush looked a little artificial and orange on me. I think if you have more olive to your skin, it could work well, but with my natural redness the Pink Rebel is better. And the itty, bitty bottle lasts forever and is still a sinch to travel with.

NARS The Multiple

With my recently embraced bold lip, I have been looking for a subtle approach to eyes and cheeks. SJ (my makeup guru) lovingly calls a little color being “tarted up” but we certainly don’t want to take it too far! I have fallen for NARS Multiple in Cococabana because the shade is so subtle. There isn’t too much shimmer in it, and it doesn’t appear dewy. It actually is a cream-to-powder application. I apply it with my fingers and first intended it for only my brow bone with a totally nude lid and cheeks. But I also love it for the cheeks and even on the decolletage for evening. Envision a great bold lip like MAC Lady Danger with a completely neutral face and just a hit on this pearl for effect. Because this is totally translucent, don’t expect any color. But the powder effect does last a full day.