Tag: NARS

NARS Liquid Blush

NARS is always on their A-game when it comes to blush and bronzer. Their iconic powder shades like Orgasm and Laguna are virtually must-haves for beauty gurus. Their newest formula features adored shades in a liquid form. I couldn’t resist throwing one in my cart because I love that more natural, “lit within” glow that comes with gel or liquid colors.

NARS Liquid Blush is billed as high-pigment but I actually find the finish very wearable and neutral. It comes off as a natural flush with weightless effect. Monoi and tamanu oils nourish skin adding to the natural look. It is buildable so those looking for more of a statement can achieve that, but I think the formula is best suited for that healthy, subtle glow. I use barely a half of a pump on the apple of my cheeks in Orgasm. It looks like Orgasm is not longer available at Sephora. But I actually am drawn to Luster, a sheer golden apricot, even more than the classic Orgasm. Perfect to that springtime glow!

My Summertime Makeup Routine

My mornings are always rushed. When will I ever learn? But one thing I have mastered is a quick makeup routine. I’ve been so pleased with this set of products that I couldn’t resist sharing. And not to mention this whole thing takes me less than five minutes (4:26 minutes this AM thanks to my handy Apple Watch stopwatch).

After using my favorite Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen With Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (which is oddly moisturizing), I apply Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Warm Radiance, a medium peach beige/ for medium complexions with pink undertones. It camouflages my hyper-pigmentation without a heavy or cake-y looking coverage. I just apply with my fingers, but a beauty blending sponge would also work well.
Next, I brighten under my eyes with NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Honey. Normally I don’t care for matte finish but this works nicely with the illuminating tinted moisturizer and it has great staying power. Sometimes I use a brush to blend this in, but usually I apply just with my fingers. I also do some spot coverage on blemishes if necessary if the tinted moisturizer doesn’t cut it on its own.
One of my favorite new products of the season is the Laura Mercier J’adore Le Soleil Sunrise Highlighter Crayon. I apply two stripes under my cheek bones and blend upward for just a wash of color – very sun-kissed and natural. Also, a little on the eyelids adds a touch of color.
Another favorite find of the summer is BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Crème Highlighter in Moonstone. I tap a little bit of this under my eyes, down my nose and above my cupid’s bow. It also adds a nice touch under the brow. The cream consistency allows for such a natural and “grown up” highlighter application.
I’ve really embraced a bold brow lately and have been using two products to get the look. First, I use the brush end of Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil in Universal Shade to tame any unruly, rogue hairs. Next, I use the pencil to fill in any sparse spots. Lastly, I set the shape and add color with LASHFOOD BROWFOOD Tinted Brow Enhancing Gelfix in Brunette. It has a peptide blend promises to deliver fuller, stronger brows. While I have only been using it for a couple weeks, I am hopeful about some of my sparse spots getting some growth. Will keep you posted.
I am still hooked on Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. Nothing has quite the precision and staying power. I apply a quick and thin line right against my lashes. I did try the brown shade, Mad Max Brown. But it had no where close the pigment and ultimately went into the trash can.
Last but not least, I use Lancôme DÉFINICILS WATERPROOF High Definition Mascara in Black. I am a waterproof mascara devotee – I just get way too much fallout with regular mascara. I make every effort to get the brush right against the lashes at the root for the best effect.

Lastly, I got a peel today by the fabulous Gabriel Horn here in Tulsa. It promises no downtime which I love in the middle of the work week. I will pop back in and share results in a couple of days.

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

Seems suitable that today’s little Valentine’s love note from me to you today comes directly from a favorite brand over here at Belle Belle Beauty. I always get a thrill trying new NARS products and they rarely disappoint. Always seeming to understand what our modern look needs, NARS launched Soft Matte Complete Concealer last month. Not surprisingly, it is all over the catwalks at New York Fashion Week.

The formula is natural-looking for the bare-faced look that has been in vogue for the last couple of seasons. It blurs and conceals without looking cake-y. While I usually prefer a dewy look, this finish is soft-focus almost making it more balanced than matte. It also should be noted that this isn’t a heavy concealer, but a bendable, weightless coverage.

I’ve been using this tinted moisturizer (love the way it helps with redness). After application, I use the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer under my eyes and around my nose for just a touch more coverage. I apply with my finger directly from the pot, just as Francios Nars intended. I find the staying power a little better than the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Even with my dry winter skin, nothing becomes flaky or settles into fine lines.

Available in 16 shades for all skin tones now at NARScosmetics.com and Sephora.

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)

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.

NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette

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.