Thursday – Almost There! Fusion Beauty IllumiCover Luminous Concealer (review)

The week is getting easier, and I’m getting more and more excited about the weekend. My very very very good friend is coming to visit and we’re going to see the final Harry Potter movie. Woo Hoo! We’re also going to indulge in serious amounts of girl talk.

What does that have to do with beauty products? Nothing. Zip. It’s just really, really cool.

But…this is a beauty blog, so here’s a very nifty item. From Fusion Beauty.

IllumiCover Line Smoothing Luminous Concealer


Blurb: A concealer with brightening properties. This weightless concealer works instantly to diminish the appearance of shadows, dark circles, and imperfections. Its luminizing ingredients deliver a brighter, more youthful complexion. Use a single application for a weightless effect or build layers for greater coverage. FusionBeauty Products deliver instant and long-term results—this concealer is no exception. Hydro-gel technology rebuilds skin's extra cellular matrix to smooth and plump wrinkles around the eyes right away. Matrixyl® 3000 reduces wrinkle depth and volume over time.

Here’s another fabulous multi-tasker. This lovely item is skincare, concealer and highlighter all in one – and it also works well as a primer to keep shadow and eyeliner in place!

I mostly used it on my under eye area. It’s creamy, lightweight, has a very smooth finish, and brightens without looking obvious or shiny. It gave very good coverage for dark circles; and when I used it under my foundation on my cheeks and nose, I got excellent results (especially near my nasal folds which get very red when my allergies act up).

What really made this stand out was the absolute lack of creasing. Even in hot weather, there was no creasing or settling into lines at all – so it looked great all day.

Right now the website is undergoing construction, but you can easily shop their products online at Sephora (or click on the Store Locator). FusionBeauty can also be found at drugstore.com, ULTA and Nordstrom.

So…mod, moody, folksy…? I think we’ll make Thursday slightly artsy. Here’s something from David Bowie.



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Heat Wave a' Comin! COOLA Mineral Face Matte Finish (SPF 30) & Tint (SPF 20) (rave review)

I’ve been walking around in a fog all day because our local township thought it would be a really good idea to repave the street where I live. I totally agreed with the whole repaving idea, but I did not agree with the idea of doing it in the middle of the night. Really? Yes, really. There were trucks and bright lights outside all night long.

Cheltenham Township…you do NOT rule. You don't rock either.

There. I said it.

Anyway…in other news, a gigantic heat wave is supposed to descend upon the Philadelphia area beginning tomorrow. That means there will be sunshine everywhere. Wouldn’t this be a great time to feature some awesome sun protection products? (Answer: yes, it would.) How about two lovely items from COOLA.

face spf30 matte finish cucumber natural mineral sunblock

Blurb: Say hello to your new everyday sunblock. A natural, mineral matte formula that gives you SPF 30, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while it hydrates your skin with vitamins, antioxidants and repairing extracts like Shea Butter and Borage Seed Oil that target early signs of aging. Soothing organic Cucumber balances skin’s moisture and delivers a refreshing scent. Naturally water-resistant phyto-protectors like Plankton boost SPF protection make this the perfect beach companion. 70% Certified Organic inactives, 95% Natural.

face spf 20 tint rose natural mineral sunblock

Blurb: Feel rosy without getting too rosy with this natural mineral, sheer SPF 20 sunblock that is sure to keep your delicate facial skin even, hydrated and protected. Rose Extract soothes the skin and the senses with its natural toning and aromatherapy properties. And while combining the super antioxidant and anti-aging powers of Xylinum Black Tea and Organic Grape Seed Extract, this formula delivers lasting broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is still light enough to feel perfect under makeup everyday. 70% Certified Organic inactives, 98% Natural.

Wow! Just Wow! This is powerhouse sun protection, skincare and beauty all rolled into one. Or…two.

The matte finish sunblock is a zinc-oxide/titanium-dioxide sunscreen that also makes an excellent primer. It went on smoothly, absorbed quickly, and left no white cast. It had a very mild and pleasant cucumber scent, and felt light, hydrating and soothing. There was no heavy feeling at all. It dried to a matte finish that worked fabulously under my foundation.

I tried the tint rose sunblock both alone and layered over the cucumber sunblock, and got great results each way. The rose sunblock has a consistency somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a light foundation. The coverage was sheer to medium and slightly buildable. It blended easily, and did an excellent job of evening out my skin tone (it also had a pretty rose scent). The finish was very fresh and natural. And again…excellent zinc oxide-based protection.

Each of these products is fabulous on its own; amd layered together they provide super effective (and pretty) sun protection, coverage and skincare. I feel like I can go anywhere this summer and look great while my skin stays in the shade. A+…and bring on the heat wave!

Take a look at the website and learn more about sun science, and a few other organic facts. There’s also a very comprehensive where to buy section. COOLA is also available at Spas, beauty centers, Dermstore and drugstore.com.

Here’s another kind of heat wave. From Martha & the Vandellas.



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

While I’m Away: A Perfect Prom Look From essence

I think my prom days are behind me; but I’m still loving what I’m seeing so far from this brand. And now that you’re older and wiser; check out their suggestions and make them your own…

Perfect Your Prom Look

You’ve picked out the dress, the jewelry and the date (hopefully!), now all you need is your final makeup look for the big night! Whether you want to go movie star glam with tight waves and a bold lip or simply sweet with pastels and nail polish, essence cosmetics has everything you need to achieve your signature prom look! Take a look at the below products that we are sure will win you the Prom Queen crown!

Bold Lip – Use the essence stays with me lipgloss in kiss kiss kiss for a dramatic look!

Winged Eyeliner – Pair your red bold lip with classic winged black eyeliner using essence gel eyeliner in black with the essence gel eyeliner contoured brush, heads will be sure to turn!

Pastel Eyes – Keep your look simple and sweet with essence mono eyeshadow in ultra violet!

Porcelain Skin – Avoid those annoying shiny photos with the essence mattifying powder, it will keep your skin radiantly under control all night long!

Final Touch – Add a fun pop of unexpected color with the essence colour & go nail polish in this lovely teal color, perfect for spring!

Pre-Vacation Wednesday: Clinique NEW Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF15 (review)

Tonight I’m getting ready for my Memorial Day mini-vacation by making a bunch of lists. For some reason a good list or two always makes things seem less overwhelming. It’s also kind of fun to plan the packing and think about what I’ll be doing. And it saves time when it comes to actually putting the actual stuff in the actual suitcase.

Okay…I’m rambling. Time for some vacation-worthy (and blog-worthy) beauty. From Clinique.

NEW Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer (SPF15)

Blurb: Smooth on an instant moisture boost with SPF protection and a hint of skin-perfecting colour. Refreshingly lightweight formula provides a no-makeup look and feel, yet covers imperfections with a natural, hydrating touch. Oil-free.

Wow! This made my skin look great! It smoothed on easily, blended almost effortlessly, and turned into weightless, sheer-to-medium coverage. It evened out my skin tone extremely well, and the finish was very natural looking. It also felt nice and light – perfect for the warm weather.

Another great thing for the warm weather – sunscreen. An SPF of 15 is a mighty good thing.

Right now if you visit the website, you can take advantage of an awesome gift with purchase (a silvery cosmetics bag and your choice of 6 treats with any purchase of $21.50). And if you want to try out a few swatches in person, click on the store and event locator. Clinique is available at fine department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Getting Started: Bobbi Brown NEW SPF 15 Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

Another fine item for the warm weather…

Bobbi Brown
NEW SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free

“Tinted moisturizers are a great option for summer because they offer lightweight coverage that lets skin show through. Plus, SPF makes them a great all-in-one choice.” -Bobbi Brown

Inspired by her award-winning SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, Bobbi introduces a modern gel-based formula for normal to oily skin types. NEW SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free hydrates and protects skin while offering sheer, natural-looking coverage. Light and refreshing, it glides on smoothly and blends easily. Vitamins C and E protect skin from free radicals, while SPF 15 helps prevent sun damage.

SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free

Ingredients & Benefits:

- Sodium Hyaluronate, a moisture magnet, instantly hydrates skin.
- Emollients and humectants soften skin and strengthen its natural moisture barrier, improving its ability to lock in moisture.
- Collegen boosting peptides help strengthen and firm skin.
- Antioxidant Vitamins C & E help protect skin against free radical damage.
- Aloe, Sucrose and Caffeine help calm and soothe skin.
- SPF 15 offers broad spectrum UV protection.

Available in 9 skin tone correct shades:
Alabaster Tint, Extra Light Tint, Light Tint, Light to Medium Tint, Medium Tint,
Medium to Dark Tint, Dark Tint, Deep Tint, Rich Tint

Available May 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com (http://www.bobbibrown.com)

Gettin all Glowy: NEW Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S SPF 27 (review)

I’ve been feeling very commemorative and nostalgic this week. (For lots of reasons.) I’ve been thinking about people I’ve met this year, things that have changed, a new year of blogging, etc.

I’ve also been thinking about how the world and life has changed since I was a kid. Yesterday I was driving with a friend of mine, and she was talking to someone on her cell. It hit me all over again that we can now get a hold of people while we’re in the car. I remember a time when the only people who could do that were TV spies and oil tycoons.

This morning, I was talking about Star Trek with someone; and after I was done laughing at all the awesome Klingon quotes, it struck me that the crew’s “communicators” looked a whole lot like our cell phones. We talk on communicators now. In the car. Magic.

Have I completely wandered of the subject of beauty? Not really. Cosmetic products have come a long way too. Makeup has gotten incredibly refined, and skincare technology has advanced way beyond the old days of cold cream and cucumbers. Even sun protection has gotten way more sophisticated. What’s better…companies have managed to combine beauty with skincare and protection. Companies like Paul & Joe Beaute.

Protective Fluid Foundation S (SPF 27)

Blurb: Even in the extreme heat of summer, this foundation will keep your skin in its best condition ever! Keeps refreshing, sensuous skin free from makeup deterioration all day, with a hint of peppermint extract and unique 3 tiered structure. SPF 27 PA ++ ( USA)

Remember when sun protection meant white goop on your nose? Not any more. Now protection comes in the form of a creamy foundation in a pretty retro bottle. In addition to the high SPF, this foundation provides medium coverage that glides on, blends like a dream and creates an elegant, glowy finish.

An extra surprise was the fabulous staying power. I wore it all day yesterday; and even though the temperature hovered around 80° at one point, I managed to get through the day without re-applying. It even kept oiliness at bay!

The website is pretty cool. In addition to the what's new and fashion sections; you can also download screen savers. There’s also a page where you can find shop info.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

“Street” Week: Fusion Beauty PrimeResults Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 (review)

Oh how I need a beauty break!

Work was crazy hectic; and then I spent all evening at the car dealership trying not to be tempted by all of the shiny, pretty machines that were way too fancy for my budget. Actually…I think I found something, but I have to wait until tomorrow to find out if all of my insurance/finance ducks are in a row.

Right now I’m going to temporarily uncross my fingers and write about a different kind of pretty thing. From Fusion Beauty.

PrimeResults Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 15)


Blurb: A self-priming tinted moisturizer with sun protection. This product provides a sheer veil of color while moisturizing deeply. It incorporates two approaches to skin moisturization: flash-hydration for instant results, and prolonged-hydration for continuous quenching over time. Together, these properties perfect skin's texture and reduce the appearance of pore size.

This is an outstanding Tinted Moisturizer. Of course I was already cheering for the SPF; but I was also pretty happy when I read the label and saw all of the fabulous skincare-related antioxidants, peptides and vitamins.

What I really noticed, though, was the sheer (somewhat buildable), lightweight, elegant finish. My skin looked naturally fresh and polished. My face also felt incredibly smooth; and PrimeResults moisturized all day without any feeling of heaviness.

The website is currently undergoing a “makeover;” but you can still browse (and buy) their gorgeous products at Sephora. FusionBeauty can also be found at drugstore.com, ULTA and Nordstrom.

Since this week may be a little bit crazy, I thought I’d share some serious cuteness, humor, and stress reduction. “Street” Week is all about…the Sesame. And tonight it’s all about the motoring. I hope you smile as much as I did when you watch this!



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup SPF 55 (rave review)

Really bad surprise: Last Thursday, the police knocked on my door at 3:30am to let me know that someone had crashed into my dear little car (Bettie). No humans were hurt, but Bettie has been declared a total loss.

Really good surprise: This fabulous item from Neutrogena.

Healthy Skin Compact Makeup (SPF 55)


Blurb: Healthy Skin Compact Makeup SPF 55 blends easily to give you a flawless, natural look, while helping to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. Silky, lightweight formula gives you buildable coverage and provides the most powerful level of UVA-UVB protection available in a foundation without feeling heavy or greasy.

This weekend, I was way behind schedule, and I decided to try this compact because it looked useful, portable, and I thought it would save me the step of applying sunscreen. I was thrilled to discover it was all of those things. The surprise was how gorgeous it made my skin look!

This has so many good things going for it, I don’t know where to begin. First, it has an SPF of 55 (broad spectrum helioplex – the only non zinc-oxide sunscreen my dermatologist recommends). The creamy formula goes on beautifully, and sets to a smooth, weightless finish. The coverage is sheer, buildable, and unbelievably natural. My skin looks flawless.

It also comes with its own applicator sponge, snaps securely shut and is going with me on my trip this weekend.

Check out all 8 shades on the website. Be sure to visit the special offers page and see what’s on sale. Neutrogena is sold in grocery stores, drugstores, and online at drugstore.com (where there’s a nifty BOGO offer right now).

And here’s Bettie…a faithful car until the very end.



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Spring Stuff: Bobbi Brown NEW Extra Repair Foundation

Seriously. Foundation. Moisturizing Treatment. SPF.

Bobbi Brown NEW Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25

“This foundation is a miracle – in one product you get SPF, moisture and perfect coverage. It’s easy to apply and instantly makes skin look smooth and even.” -Bobbi Brown


Finally, a serious moisturizing treatment foundation that combines the intensive skin nourishing benefits of Extra skincare with daily sun protection and Bobbi’s signature skin tone correct coverage. Super emollient and luxurious, Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 instantly gives skin a fresh, dewy and healthy looking glow. Over time, it also helps undo the visible signs of aging, smoothing out lines while firming and lifting skin’s appearance. Consider it your little secret to perfect skin.

A powerful peptide boosts natural collagen levels in skin while Carrot Extract helps reduce the look of fine lines and winkles. Over time, skin looks smoother, firmer, plumper.

A water-in-oil emulsion packed with Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Willowherb and Evening Primrose Oils deeply moisturizes, conditions and replenishes skin.

Shea and Muru Muru Butters strengthen skin’s natural barrier, improving its ability to lock in moisture and prevent future damage.

Angelica and Chamomile Extracts calm and soothe skin.

SPF 25 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while Vitamin E protects skin against damaging free radicals.

Treated pigments deliver natural-looking, medium to full coverage and stay-true color that lasts all day without settling into lines or pores.

Available in 20 shades: Alabaster, Porcelain, Warm Ivory, Sand, Warm Sand, Beige, Cool Beige, Warm Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Natural Tan, Honey, Warm Honey, Golden, Warm Almond, Almond, Walnut, Warm Walnut, Chestnut, Espresso

Available April 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com

Doubly Delightful: Pixi Succulent Lip Twin (review)

The love affair continues. Check out my newest passionate pick. From Pixi.

Succulent Lip Twin (in “Coral Camelia”)


Blurb: Exquisite duo of lip balm and lip & cheek tint, for a burst of fresh colour and long-lasting nourishment. Give yourself a lip-loving treat with this duo lip nourisher. The natural oils and extracts condition and protect your lips - all while adding a quick tint of face-awakening colour with our unique lip & cheek tint (conveniently located in cap).

This is adorable! And portable, convenient, handy, practical, and pretty.

And adorable.

The packing is completely fabulous. The tube contains an awesome sheer gloss that’s both pretty and moisturizing. The top of the cap contains a matching creamy blush. And I’m in love with the fragrance (somehow it reminds me of my mom’s makeup drawer when I was a kid). Both the gloss and the blush are excellent quality, and “Coral Camelia” is a fresh, peachy coral.

Stay tuned for more Pixi reviews (After trying out samples, I paid a few visits to the Pixi aisle at Target). In the meantime, browse the website – or just high tail it over to your nearest Target.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

More Brightness: Pixi Lumi Lux Radiance Powder (review)

I'm still feeling all bright and cheery, so let's continue with something from pixi.

Lumi Lux Radiance Powder

Blurb: Silky palette of all-over illuminating powder that provides a fresh radiance to face, cheeks, eyes and décolleté – perfect for counteracting tired skin. Inspired by a Swedish summer’s clear crisp light, this all-over powder is the perfect pick-me-up for your face. With peachy gold, rose, pinky peach, and nude powders, the palette gives a youthful & skin-brightening glow. An instantly angelic sheen in a quick swirl of a brush! Mica provides dense natural pigment. Vitamin E nourishes and protects.

So far pixi is rocking my world. Every time I try something; I go running to Target to get more. I tried the Radiance in “Peach Petal,” and now I’m hooked. At first I couldn't figure out why the pan was so big; but now I know why - I use it all the time.

The four colors that make up the design are two shades of rose, a warmer more orange tone (the leaves), and the main soft peach tone. I thought they looked nice separately, but I thought it looked best when I swirled my brush through all the colors. I got a subtle shimmer anywhere I applied it. I’ve mostly worn it on my cheeks, but I also tried dusting it on my décolletage, and it looked great (can’t wait until summer now). The look is fresh and pretty, and it’s perfect anytime. I also tried layering it over one of my cheek stains and loved the way that looked too. Rock on with your radiant self, pixi!

I’m loving the website too. (Check out the web exclusives, and sign up for the Pixi rewards program.) Right now you can get free shipping on orders $50 and up – and receive an additional 20% off online (use coupon code: TWENTYOFF). And if you can’t wait to try it out, you can also find Pixi at Target.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Optimism: philosophy hope in a tinted moisturizer (review)

Hmmm…this week my blog is beginning to resemble one of those Word-A-Day calendars (I actually like those – and it's fun to cheat and look ahead).

I just happen to be feeling optimistic today. Some things appear a little rocky at the moment; but I’ve been walking around with a very strong sense that everything is going to turn out exactly the way it’s supposed to. And the journey will probably be pretty interesting.

So to spread around the sanguinity (yes, I just looked that word up); how about a little something from philosophy?

NEW hope in a tinted moisturizer (SPF 20)

Blurb: Now Hope in a Jar, the award-winning, lightweight daily moisturizer, can color your world beautiful with this tinted moisturizer. Its sheer, glowing color helps smooth and enhance the complexion. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection and a blend of antioxidants protect your skin against wrinkles and environmental attack. Its unique souffle texture absorbs quickly, yet leaves behind long-wearing coverage with a weightless texture that all skin types will love.

Here’s another looks-good-and-good-for-you item from philosophy. This new tinted moisturizer is a little more lightweight than hope in a jar, and contains all of the excellent antioxidant and moisturizing benefits – along with the added bonus of an SPF.

I used the “light” shade; and got pretty, sheer coverage that evened out my skin tone really well. It gave me a bit of a glow, yet still looked natural. I also found it very long lasting – which is always a nice surprise in a tinted moisturizer. What really made me happy, though, was that after using this for about a week, my skin definitely felt softer. Awesome.

Now is a great time to check out the website. Through tomorrow (2/24), you can choose a free gift with any $75 purchase (enter promo code “trialkit” for the Makeup Optional Skin Trial Kit, or enter “hopetrial” for the When Hope Is Not Enough Trial Kit). You can also enter to win 1 of 10 spa indulgence gift sets. philosophy can also be found at Macy's, Nordstrom, Sephora and Beauty.com.

Word.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday Stuff: New from Philosophy

Check out some of the latest launches from the always fabulous philosophy…

look what's new from philosophy!

oh lolli lollipop lip shine duo: this limited-edition valentine’s day set includes fresh and fruity lollipop and chewy chocolate lollipop high-gloss, high-flavor lip shines that will make you feel like a kid again. their emollient formulas hydrate, smooth, and soften lips, while providing a sheer, beautiful shine and a hint of color. apply them for a fun pick-me-up any time of day. www.sephora.com

hope in a tinted moisturizer: hope in a tinted moisturizer incorporates hope skin care technology with sheer color and spf 20 uva/uvb protection. the 4-in-1, multitasking formula offers sheer glowing color, advanced moisture, antioxidants and broad-spectrum uva/uvb sun protection to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, protect skin against environmental attack and enhance any complexion, to keep skin fresh, beautifully hydrated and radiant. a unique airless pump helps protect the hydrating formula and dispense the perfect dose. www.sephora.com

miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream: miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream is clinically proven to significantly improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and lines around the delicate eye area, while improving skin elasticity and firmness. this luxurious, high-density formula deeply hydrates as it works miracles on the most common aging eye concerns. www.philosophy.com

research results:
clinically-tested results based on use over four-to six-weeks, twice daily:
- 95% felt improved hydration
- 95% showed improvement in the look of fine lines
- 91% showed improvement in elasticity
- 86% saw an improvement in the look of wrinkles
- 70% saw an improvement in the look of deep wrinkles

Your Thursday Face: Urban Decay De-Slick in a Tube (review)

Yikes. Is it really only Thursday? There’s something about a time change week that just throws everything off kilter. I was wondering why I’d been feeling “off” all week (and why it seemed like everyone else was too). Then I remembered…time change. All of our biological clocks are being fooled around with, and they’re not happy about it. Luckily the week is almost over and soon everything will feel “normal” again.

In the meantime, there are facial products to be featured. Let’s make today about Urban Decay.

De-Slick in a Tube Mattifying Gel

Blurb: It's time to take control of your oil and put your matte face forward. Our lightweight gel performs anywhere, anytime: dab it on all day for touch-ups without ruining your perfectly applied makeup. It's completely color-neutral, so it works great on naked skin, under foundation, or over makeup. Formulated to help tighten pores for a youthful, shine-free finish. De-Slick even works to keep skin matte under hot studio lights and in the muggiest of heat (so you know this addicting formula provides fierce absorbing action.)

I got a deluxe sample of this a while back, and gave it a try last week. Very impressive! So impressive that I’m planning to go out and get a whole tube. It works. I love that.

I used a tiny bit (really…you don’t need much) and got instant mattification. My skin stayed oil-free throughout the morning and most of the afternoon. And when I got a little oiliness around 5pm; I dabbed a bit more on, and the shine disappeared. No blotting, no reapplying makeup or anything. Awesome.

Visit the website for more details. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the gift sets and the new items. Urban Decay is also sold at Sephora, Ulta, and beauty.com.

For any of you needing an “oasis” of calm while your biological clocks are scrambling to figure out what time it is; here’s a fine musical moment from one of my favorite movies…




(ftc disclosure: received as sample with purchase)

Your Thursday Face: FACE Stockholm Mineral Powder Foundation with SPF15 (review)

This Thursday night, I’m being Little Miss Multitasker. While testing out one product (stellar so far btw); I’m writing about another one.

And the one I happen to be writing about is from one of my favorite companies: FACE Stockholm.

Mineral Powder Foundation (SPF15)

Blurb: Get your glow on anytime, anywhere with our easy to use, on-the-go, round mirror compact! Our innovative, Mineral Foundation Powder with SPF 15 provides a natural, non-irritating alternative that is hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free and includes the added benefits of antioxidant and ultraviolet protection with Dermat Complex to significantly reduce shine. This silky, soft mineral-based foundation glides on effortlessly, to create a healthy, glowing, flawless complexion without any mess. Formulated to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while creating a natural matte finish, it does double duty as a translucent powder - or a buildable coverage foundation. The lightweight, breathable powder easily adjusts from polished sheer to rich, more opaque coverage with the use of a brush or sponge. Enhanced with Vitamins A, C & E to condition and Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for natural, chemical-free sun protection, it is appropriate for all skin types.

I’ve had a beauty crush on this brand ever since I started visiting their store at the Time Warner Center in Manhattan. Just browsing all of the little treats is a lovely pampering experience. And their products are soooooo nice.

This foundation is no exception. I couldn't wait to try it and I was not disappointed. I used it every which way and was thrilled every time. As a translucent finishing powder, it's wonderful. I used a brush and got a lovely, sheer finish that set my makeup perfectly.

I also tried it as a foundation and loved the results. I got great coverage with a sponge...and even better application and coverage with a puff (I happened to have one laying around). When I used it as a foundation, I got sheer/medium coverage. I also got excellent (really excellent!) pore minimization, and my skin tone looked almost perfectly even. The finish is matte, but still leaves a bit of natural-looking glow. I got a very polished, yet fresh look (and SPF to boot)!

Check out the website. There are 7 shades to choose from (not to mention the stunning array of glosses, lipsticks, liners, treatments, shadows and...yum...eyeliners). The Magic section is mighty cool too. If you can, though, try to visit one of their stores and enjoy the fabulousness in person.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Fabulous Friday! Kim Kardashian in NY for FusionBeauty

Check out this amazing photo of Kim Kardashian at the FusionBeauty event…

Kim Kardashian Steps Out in New York City for FusionBeauty!

Want to achieve her flawless face?

“I used the FusionBeauty Illumifill in the T-Zone area and above the hollows of the cheeks and above the lip. For a controlled highlight, use Illumifill in the specific desired areas.” Suggests celebrity make-up artist, Joyce Bonelli.

Check out the other FusionBeauty products used on Kim to achieve her fresh faced look that’s perfect for stepping into Fall:

· FusionBeauty LipFusion Color Shine in 24K
· Fusion Beauty PrimeResults Brightening Primer
· FusionBeauty IllumiFill Line Filling Luminizer
· FusionBeauty Finishing Powder in Rose Gold
.

Your Thursday Face: NYC Smooth & Natural Matte Powder Foundation

I told you I’d be back! Since I’ve taken forever to write something (and it’s already after 11:00pm), I should probably get right to the review.

Today’s fine face item is a fantastic foundation from NYC.

NEW! Smooth & Natural Matte Powder Foundation

Blurb: Foundation and powder in one simple step! Your go-to foundation for a picture perfect complexion! Smooth & Natural Matte Powder Foundation absorbs excess oil for a shine-free finish while leaving your skin silky and soft to the touch.

This is one of the nicest surprises I’ve come across. I really loved using this foundation. It goes on evenly and has a nice, silky feel. It comes with a sponge, but I thought it worked especially well with my kabuki brush (my powder brush too). The coverage is sheer to medium, with a very pretty, natural-looking matte finish. It did a very good job of evening out my skin tone, and had wonderful oil control.

This is great for the vanity, and the slim packaging (and the fact that it works both as a foundation and a finish) make it great for your bag too. It’s also an excellent value ($4.99)!

Check out the website. There’s a really nice selection of colors. There’s also a retail locator and a section with beauty tips. N.Y.C. is sold in supermarkets, drugstores and places like Ulta, Target, and Walmart.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Special for Sunday: New Mineral Powder Foundation from FACE Stockholm

A while back, I was wowed by their foundation, and it looks like they’ve come up with something even more fabulous! Take a look…

Introducing Our Mineral Powder Foundation with SPF15!

Our innovative, Mineral Foundation Powder with SPF 15 provides a natural, non-irritating alternative that is hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free and includes the added benefits of antioxidant and ultraviolet protection with Dermat Complex to significantly reduce shine.

This silky, soft mineral-based foundation glides on effortlessly, to create a healthy, glowing, flawless complexion without any mess. Formulated to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while creating a natural matte finish, it does double duty as a translucent powder - or a buildable coverage foundation.

The lightweight, breathable powder easily adjusts from polished sheer to rich, more opaque coverage with the use of a brush or sponge. Enhanced with Vitamins A, C & E to condition and Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for natural, chemical-free sun protection, it is appropriate for all skin types.

Available in seven shades: Båstad, Borgholm, Falsterbo, Öregrund, Sandhamn, Tylesand, and Visby. All products available at all FACE Stockholm locations from 888.334.FACE and www.facestockholm.com .
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Your Thursday Face: Exuviance Skin Caring Foundation (review)

I’m kinda sleepy today. Last night was late, and now I’m dragging. But even though I’m starting to fade; my featured Thursday Face item is still going strong. Check out a truly fine foundation from Exuviance.

Skin Caring Foundation (SPF 15)

Blurb: Achieve natural, light-diffusing coverage and build skin health with this gentle moisturizing treatment foundation. Formulated to visibly reduce the signs of aging while providing all-day coverage, treatment and protection. Contains the antioxidant benefits of a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), along with Vitamin E, and broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 15). Oil free, non-comedogenic / acnegenic. For all skin types. Smudge-resistant, light-to-medium, all-day coverage.

This is a spectacular foundation. It’s rich, smooth, creamy, goes on evenly, and blends beautifully. The coverage is excellent (medium, and very buildable). The feel is soft and hydrating, and the finish is radiant and glowy. It’s great for all skin types (and a godsend if your skin is oily or acne-prone). It nourishes, feels wonderful, contains sun protection, and won’t cause breakouts.

And it lasts…lasts without creasing or changing color. I applied it at 8:30 this morning, and it looks wonderful nearly 12 hours later. Truly fabulous!

Check out the website and pick a shade (there are 11 of them). You can also browse items by skin concern and request a catalogue (also…free shipping on all orders - plus 3 free samples on orders over $75, and a free NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream on orders over $100).

Happy Thursday!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Your Thursday Face: Rare Earth Minerals Mineral Foundation and Mineral Blush / Eyeshadow (review)

Hi everyone! Hope you all liked yesterday’s little SkyMall detour. As promised, we are jumping right back into the prettiness fray with a bit of beauty from an aswesome Australian company: rare earth minerals.

Mineral Foundation

Blurb: Rare Earth Minerals Loose Powder Foundation consists of the Purest and Finest Minerals sourced directly from Ancient Mineral Springs. Not only does our product accentuate your natural beauty, blending beautifully with your natural complexion, but also provides your skin with the additional benefits of naturally occurring Minerals. Rare Earth Minerals Loose Powder Foundation is ph neutral and effective for all skin types. It is naturally processed using Pure Water to retain the integrity of the Minerals. No chemical agents or reagents are used.

Mineral Blush / Eyeshadows

Blurb: Formulated using the purest and finest Minerals sourced directly from the Daylesford region of Victoria. Consisting of Magnetite, Hematite, Kaolinite and high concentrations of Potassium, our Mineral Blush is of the highest purity and standard available. Safe & effective for all skin types. Highly Concentrated. Long Lasting. Luxurious Silken Texture.

The foundation is fabulous! It’s almost weightless and disappears immediately - leaving sheer, natural coverage that mattifies, hides pores and smoothes out skintone. It controlled oiliness throughout the day, yet it never creased, caked or felt dry. The mineral blushes and shadows were also excellent. They’re very highly pigmented, yet they blended well and had wonderful lasting power. I especially loved the blush I tried (in “Russet”). It went on smoothly and looked incredibly natural.

I also love that this company is dedicated to providing natural products (100% Australian made and owned). All of their cosmetics, skincare and treatments are ph neutral, effective, made with pure water, and without chemical agents or re-agents.

Rare Earth Minerals products are only available through their website. Visit the site, read about the various minerals in their products, and check out the testimonials.

Happy Thursday!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)