Beauty – Page 14 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Get Flawless Skin This Fall With IT Cosmetics

I have more amazing new IT Cosmetics products to review. I was sent some amazing items to try for my honest review. I have been using the following for a few weeks, and are loving most of them!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Foundation ($38 USD) –Perfect for all skin types, this advanced foundation is infused with anti-aging peptides, caviar extract, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, argan oil and babassu oil, plus vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, B9 and CoQ10—and features proprietary Drops of Light Optical Blurring Technology for an airbrushed, lit-from-within glow. Finally, you can experience luminous, sheer-to-medium coverage that makes your skin look younger, not older!

What I think: I have this in Light, and it’s now my go to daily foundation. It’s wonderful on aging skin (and I’m sure on younger, too), because it very light, almost serum like. It doesn’t settle into pores or lines.On my skin it gives a medium coverage that really look natural on. It just looks like my skin is smooth and glowing! It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and I feel it’s actually helping it with the amazing ingredients. I highly recommend this foundation for great coverage that makes you look younger!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealing Pot ($28 USD) — starts its life as a skin-smoothing, line-minimizing cream and is infused with the same award-winning full-coverage pigments as your best-selling Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer to cover everything without creasing or cracking. With anti-aging hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, caffeine and green coffee extract, it’s truly your skin-loving essential for super smooth, super creamy and super weightless full-coverage that lasts!

What I think: I have this in light, and it is pretty light almost a fair shade, which I like for the undereye area. The photo of this makes it look really creamy, but the product is actually solid in the pot. I have to kind of dig my finger into it and let the product warm up before I use it. It has a lot of slip to it, which is okay under they eye, but I wouldn’t use it as all over foundation. I usually dab powder over it to set it. And a good thing about this is that it has such amazing ingredients that I don’t need a separate eye cream in the morning.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Illumination with SPF 50+ ($35 USD) — is your original, best-selling CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder—infused with micronized pigments of light for a lit-from-within finish without glitter or shimmer! In addition to delivering subtle radiance, this game-changing powder combines buildable optical-blurring coverage, proprietary Drops of Light Technology and SPF 50+ physical sunscreen to camouflage the look of imperfections and deliver powerful sun protection. Plus, it’s completely talc-free, so it won’t settle into lines or pores and doesn’t crease, cake or crack.

What I think: This powder can be used in two ways; to set foundation or as a light foundation by itself. It comes in 7 shades so there’s lot to choose from. I am using Light, and it’s a pretty good match to my skin. It’s a very hydrating powder, it doesn’t feel dry on the skin. It also imparts a very subtle glow. That is one thing a lot of IT Cosmetics products have in common, they give a really lovely glow to the skin!

IT Cosmetics Perfect Lighting Radiant Touch Magic Wand ($29 USD) — instantly corrects, conceals and brightens the look of your skin with just one touch! This innovative concealer and correcting brightener utilizes Drops of Light Technology and hydrolyzed pearl to add subtle radiance without glitter or shimmer, and brings your best features forward while neutralizing, correcting and blurring the appearance of skin imperfections. Infused with anti-aging peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, licorice root and green tea, this skin-loving product is a must-have for every IT Girl’s makeup bag—and your magic wand for the look of light of lift!

What I think: I have to admit, I’m still trying to figure this product out. I first thought it was a highlighter, and it is, but it also conceals. It’s creamy and blends very well. And the glow it gives is very subtle, but so pretty. I use it in Radiant Light, which has a pinkish tint.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Blush in Sweet Cheeks ($24 USD) Discover all the benefits of your best-selling, award-winning Bye Bye Pores finishing powder—in a blush! Infused with optical-blurring pigments , this delivers sheer, buildable color that instantly diffuses the look of pores and imperfections. Talc-free and perfect for all skin types, it’s also infused with anti-aging, skin-loving ingredients including silk, hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidants and peptides, and delivers a youthful pop of color that awakens your entire complexion!

What I think: I am so in love with the blush! When I first opened the Sweet Cheeks compact, I thought, beautiful, but will this be glittery on? NO! It imparts a gorgeous iridescent glow. It’s a pinky-coral with gold shimmer and it so flattering. It can be built up for deeper skin tones. It also helps my cheeks look smooth and young. LOVE! My current favorite blush.

All in all, I’m loving the new IT Cosmetics Products!

Have you tried any of these new products? What do you think?

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GlossyBox Review — September 2017

I received my September GlossyBox in the mail. This is my last box in my 3 for $30 deal. I did cancel with them. They are normally $21 per month .

Now through September 30th, use coupon code FALL15 to get your first GlossyBox for only $15! And you’ll get your next two boxes for $15 each, too!

GlossyBox ships to the US and Canada.

These are the items I recieved:

Lancôme Paris Advanced Génifique Sensitive Antioxidant Serum Lancôme Paris Visionnaire Advanced Multi-Correcting Cream SPF20 Manna Kadar GLO Morgan Taylor Nail Polish Pureology Clean Volume Shampoo Pureology Clean Volume Conditioner Freeman Beauty Infusion Charcoal & Probiotics Cleansing Clay Mask

The Manna Kadar Glo, the Morgan Taylor polish and the Freeman mask were all full sized. The rest were samples. On with the review!

These were products I hadn’t tried before. For the serum sample, you push the blue product and it flows into the clear, and you shake it up and open. I only needed a little, so this sample will last a while! It it very watery and absorbed right away. I haven’t seen a difference in my skin yet, but I will keep using it.

The sunscreen is really nice, it has a soft scent, and is creamy, not heavy or greasy.

This is a full sized illuminator, the Manna Kadar Glow. I haven’t tried it yet, because I think I might give it away for Christmas. I don’t use cream highlighters. It is supposed to give a youthful glow and dewy finish, and you can mix it with foundation or moisturizer. Actually, it might be nice mixed with a primer. Hmm. I might try it after all!

The shade of Morgan Taylor polish I received is Magician’s Assistant. Its a pinky/greige/lavender cream. This is so pretty! I’ll definitely be wearing this. I love light colors and nudes.

Pureology is a great brand. It uses natural ingredients effectively. The shampoo is supposed to gently cleanses fine, colour-treated hair without stripping colour. Provides light, airy fullness with lifted root that lasts all day.

I won’t use these now. I will keep them for a trip or to give away to someone who needs travel sizes.

This mask is full sized, and a drugstore product. I haven’t tried it yet, but it smells nice. I don’t use a lot of masks, I’m more of a scrub girl, so this might go in my giveaway pile.

This box was okay, better than the last two I received. I will use the nail polish and the Lancome products. The rest I’ll probably give away.

Do you subscribe to GlossyBox? Are you happy with them?

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My Beauty Favorites — Week of September 11-17, 2017

I am so excited that it’s almost Fall! It’s still fairly warm in Kansas City, so I’m really looking forward to cooler weather to go out and have some fun!

This week I have been loving some much needed waterproof makeup, new liner and brow makeup and hydration products for when you are dehydrated (in the heat or after being ill):

Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Bronzer: ($29 USD) Achieve an instant radiant glow with this silky powder that’s not only sweat-proof and weatherproof, but also gives your skin a natural looking-color without the dreaded orange tone. This bronzer is customizable due to its buildability and doesn’t streak or fade, leaving a bronzed look from day to night!

Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Blush: ($26 USD) The perfect complement to Swimmables Bronzer, this sweat-proof, waterproof and weatherproof blush allows your cheeks to stay colorful without streaks or fading, no matter the occasion.

Cargo Swimmables Waterproof Mascara Top Coat: ($22 USD) Finish off your waterproof makeup look and transform any mascara you own into a tear-proof, waterproof, and sweat-proof formula. This invisible top coat transforms your lashes without affecting the performance of your favorite non-waterproof mascara!

What I think: I’m always pretty warm, and even more so in the summer. Waterproof beauty products are a must for me! I have of course tried waterproof mascara, but not bronzer, blush or a waterproof mascara top coat before.

The blush and bronzer are so pretty on. The bronzer is matte, which I love, so I can also use it for light contouring. The blush in Ibiza is bright and fresh. It looks really pretty on my light skin, but can be built up for darker skin tones. And the mascara coat really works! My mascara stays in place all day.

Purchase at CargoCosmetics.com

IT Coametics Superhero Liner ($24 USD) — gives your eyes SUPERHERO powers and instant definition in one simple stroke. Whether you want to create thin, thick or cat-eye strokes, this innovative liner pen makes it easier than ever—and features a unique IT Cosmetics Heavenly Skin brush hair tip that literally does the work for you! Unlike typical felt-tip liners, this luxurious brush hair tip won’t fray and applies your liner with effortless precision.

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Powder ($24 USD) — is your breakthrough brow powder that is clinically tested to be waterproof—and is so easy to use, it does your brows for you! Developed with plastic surgeons, this groundbreaking product creates the look of real hair, and adds the look of soft volume and definition without ever appearing flat or drawn on. Perfect for both thin and thick brows, your brow innovation also features award-winning Brow PowerTechnology and transforms to all hair colors based on pressure.

IT Cosmetics Brow Powder Pomade ($24 USD) your 4-in-1 perfecting and defining budge-proof brow gel, brow-building and lifting mousse, brow-sculpting pomade and brow-taming brush applicator—all in one easy-to-use wand! Clinically tested to be 24-hour waterproof, this breakthrough product holds brows in place without flaking or hardening, and is infused with brow-loving biotin, saw palmetto, argan and jojoba oils. Plus, the universal clear shade is perfect for every brow tone and type, from sparse to super full!

What I think: The liner is amazing, so easy to use. And it’s a shiny black, which is really cool! My daughter wore it to homecoming last night and it lasted until she came home at 1:30 a.m.! LOL! (They went to IHOP afterwards).

The brow powder is a little too light for me, but it they make it in a darker shade, I’ll have to get it. It looks so natural on! The pomade set really nicely on my brows. Since I do have such dark brows, I don’t wear much brow makeup, but I like this. I tames them and keeps them in place for hours.

Purchase at http://www.itcosmetics.com

Hydralyte is an oral rehydration solutions that combats the effects from dehydration, as water may not always be enough. With up to 75% less sugar and 4X the electrolytes compared to other leading sports drinks, Hydralyte was formulated in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines for oral rehydration, making all Hydralyte products contain the correct balance of glucose and electrolytes required for rapid rehydration whether your hiking, swimming, running, or enduring a rundown. Hydralyte is also great for kids heading back to school whether they are an athlete, in the marching band, taking P.E. this semester, recovering from the “back to school bug” (cold/flu season) or have to run from class to class to make it before the bell rings.

What I think. I tried the single serve bottles and the tablets. They taste good, but definitely tasted like electrolyte drinks. The flavors are Orange and Berry for the tablets and Orange, Berry and Lemonade in the liquids. I think I like lemonade the best.

Both of these products are so handy to have on hand. The tablets are great for family trips and outings. They are also really easy to store.

These can be purchased at Amazon.com

What products are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know.

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September 2017 Boxycharm Review

I received my September BoxyCharm and am so excited! This is my second month (you can see my August Boxycharm review here). It’s definitely one of my favorite beauty boxes and is worth the $21 per month!

Boxycharm contains 5-6 beauty items, most of them full-sized. It ships to the US and Canada.

This month, I received:

PUR Cosmetics Soiree Diaries Eyeshadow Palette – $34

ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in Littlestitious – $6

MAC Cosmetics Eyebrow Pencil in Spiked – $18

Studio Makeup Luminous Loose Blush – $35

bareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush – $28

Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Hair Mask – 2 oz $18

This is a gorgeous warm and cool toned neutral palette. The first row are mattes, the second are satins and the third, shimmers.

I have been using this for the past couple of days and I really like it. There’s a little kick up in the pan, but not a lot. They suggest using each vertical row of three for a complete eye look. I haven’t yet, but that’s a good suggestion. So far, I really love Private Party, Gala and Stunner. The glitters are nice when applied with my finger, but don’t show up well if I apply them with my brush. They are so pretty, though!

Swatches can be found at the end of this post of all the colored makeup I received.

Colourpop’s Ultra Satin Lip is my favorite formula of theirs. I have a Colourpop haul review coming up next week with more of these lovelies!

The texture of the is creamy and it applies very evenly. It dries down a bit to a semi-matte, but stays hydrating all day. This color is so pretty. It’s described on the Colourpop website as dusty pinky purple, but it stains my lips a pretty berry color. Love!

The MAC Eye Brow pencil is in the shade Spike, a rich brunette. It is listed as self-propelling and self-sharpening. I had to press down hard to get the swatch below. I haven’t tried it on my brows yet, but I hope it works better on hair. The color matches my dark brown hair, which is nice.

The Studio Makeup blush is in a pretty peachy-pink color. There is a lot of blush in the container. I swatched it below. It’s fairly matte with a little shimmer. I may give it away because I switch to a darker blush in the fall, but we’ll see.

I have been wanting to try this brush for a while! It has a fluid reservoir (hole) in the middle to put foundation in. Then buff the brush on the face to blend in the foundation. I’ve tried it already and it works really well!

The Briogeo mask is a “weekly treatment to restore essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience and strength.” I haven’t tried it yet, but I hope it works well!

This month’s Boxycharm was a big win for me! I’ll use the eyeshadows, lip color, brush and hair mask. I’ll try the eye brow pencil. The only item I probably won’t use is the blush.

Do you get Boxycharm? What did you think?

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New IT Cosmetics Products for Beautiful Skin

I’ve recently received amazing new Fall products from IT Cosmetics for my honest review. And that was so exciting! I’m going to break the review up over a couple of posts (and will include a couple in my favorites this week!)

The following products really help with complexion issues. They include an amazing new cleanser, products to help with redness (yes, please!) and products to cover and help clear acne:

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser ($28 USD) — is your skin-loving cleanser and serum in one game-changing product! This breakthrough one-step skincare solution gently cleanses and moisturizes while leaving your skin feeling soft, refreshed and perfectly balanced.

What I think: This is a gentle cleanser that is safe for sensitive skin and it is ophthalmologist-tested which is perfect for my eyes, that react to everything! It removes all of my makeup and leaves skin really soft and smooth. I also love this before makeup in the morning. I don’t need much hydration after this, so I don’t have to wear layers of skincare before my makeup.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream ($32 USD) — is your color-infused skincare that starts its life as a hydrating, skin-calming cream and cancels redness from view—all while delivering long-wearing, color-correcting full coverage. Rich in anti-aging peptides, colloidal oatmeal, hydrolyzed collagen, aloe and avocado, it helps camouflage any red-toned skin discolorations including rosacea, broken capillaries, blemishes, skin irritations, sun damage, scars, age spots and more.

What I think: This is such an interesting product. It is a moisturizer, concealer and foundation in one. I love this in the morning. I use it alone on my skin in the morning on casual days, and I might use a little concealer, foundation and/or powder on days I want more coverage. I like that it also calms my skin!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Powder ($38 USD) — this talc-free powder is ideal for even the most sensitive skin and delivers buildable, tone-correcting full coverage that won’t settle into lines or pores—and instantly reduces the look of redness, rosacea, discoloration and any imperfections. Infused with anti-aging colloidal oatmeal, aloe, cucumber, chamomile, avocado, chrysin, turmeric, collagen and peptides, it’s truly your skin-soothing essential for airbrushing away the look of redness!

What I think: This is a perfect companion to the correcting cream above. It covers and gives nice bit of color too. It’s available in three shades (so is the cream above). They are fair to medium shades. The middle shade, Transforming Light Beige works really well on my skin tone. The finish of this powder is in between a satin and matte. It’s definitely not drying. Really nice!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Moisturizer ($48 USD) — helps neutralize and soothe the look of redness while providing deep hydration, and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive and dry skin. Perfect for a.m. and p.m., your redness-relieving moisturizer also smooths the look of lines and wrinkles, and is infused with anti-aging, skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal, aloe, cucumber, chamomile extract, avocado, chrysin, turmeric, collagen and peptides. You’ll see powerful results instantly and more transformative results over time!

What I think: I haven’t used a green moisturizer before, it’s really different. I think this is my least favorite product of the bunch, because I have lots of anti-aging moisturizers, and redness-reducing makeup that I don’t really need a cream that does both. But it does work. I think it’s best for the morning, when I need my redness reduced. It has some good natural ingredients in it that does help calm my skin.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer ($28 USD) — is specially created to be your revolutionary drying lotion and concealer in one, and gives you the power to say “bye bye” to the look of blemishes—and hello to the appearance of your most flawless, blemish-free complexion! Developed with plastic surgeons and perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, this color-infused skincare innovation contains full-coverage pigments to effectively conceal the look of blemishes, acne, redness and discoloration without creasing or cracking.

What I think: I really don’t get blemishes anymore, so I gave this to my daughter. There is an amazing range of shades of this, 7, from fair to deep. I gave my daughter fair and light to mix how she needs. She likes the coverage an the fact that is helps dry out the acne. Great product for those who are self conscious about breakouts, but don’t want to make it worse while covering it.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Powder ($28 USD) — this skin-perfecting innovation reduces shine while helping to diffuse the appearance of blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with anti-aging peptides and hydrolyzed collagen, plus oil-absorbing zinc oxide, kaolin clay, witch hazel, colloidal oatmeal, tea tree, sulfur and a gentle AHA/BHA complex, Bye Bye Breakout Powder™ goes on completely sheer and delivers a buildable, flawless finish for all skin tones—perfect alone or over your Bye Bye Breakout™ Concealer!

What I think: A great product for those with oily and acne prone skin. I love the healing ingredients and the face that it comes in Translucent (my fave powder shade), plus Light/Medium and Tan, which just about covers everyone.

I love IT Cosmetics and was so happy to try these!

Have you tried any of these products? What skin issues do you have and how do you treat them.

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Easy Ways To Get Fun, Colored Hair!

Happy Labor Day! I hope you’re off today and enjoying it.

My daughters love to play with bright color in their hair. I always want to try it, but I need temporary ways to do it!

A couple of cool ideas are colored hair chalk and colored extensions. I was sent the follow products for my honest review, and they are really fun!

Splat Hair Chalk (approx. $5.99 USD)– the easiest way to add pastel color to your hair. The chalk slides on dry and instantly adds just the right touch of color. The compact is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand so it is easy to hold onto and apply to hair. The result is soft color that is easy to brush, curl or style after application and is easily washed out with shampoo! The applicator sponge is included for easy application close to your hair-line or when applying color to your braid.

What I think: I’ve tried colored sprays and liquids before, but this is the first time I have tried hair chalk. I have dark brown hair and luckily this worked for me. I applied the color above, sugar plum, with the chalk and the enclosed sponge on my thumb and ran the color through my hair. I applied it to the ends of my hair and really like the effect! There are a bunch of colors to choose from, too.

Learn more at http://www.splathaircolor.com and purchase at mass market retailers near you.

Hairdo 23″ Straight Color Extension (6pc) Kit ($59 on sale for $50.15 USD) — the ultimate hair enhancement that creates the right amount of pop. These custom colored long pieces will showcase your unique style and add length with fashion forward color. Place the pieces around the top layer of your hair or create a different effect by customizing the placement.

What I think: This is such a fun kit to change up your hair! You can clip these in anywhere, they are really easy to use. There is a range of colors, too. You can curl or straighten these and even wash them!

Purchase at http://www.hairextensions.com

Hairdo Color Splash Wrap ($19, on sale for $16.15) — Choose from your natural hair tone bursting with highlighted and dip-dyed ends. Just wrap and go for an instant fab look that is right on trend.

What I think: This is a fun way to have colorful hair fast! Just wrap it around your ponytail and voila! A super cute (and fast) look.

Purchase at http://www.hairextensions.com

I think these are great ideas if you don’t want to make the commitment of coloring your hair!

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My Beauty Favorites — Week of August 28-September 3, 2017

Even though it’s still pretty warm in Kansas City, it is going to cool down after the long weekend. And I’m very thankful for that!

This week, I have been loving fab products that correct and conceal, an amazing skin exfoliator and a skincare line that will help clear up acne and oily skin:

Rimmel London Insta Conceal & Correct ($6.50 USD) – Address and conceal your skin’s different tones and imperfections with this color-correcting kit for dark circles, redness and dull-looking skin.

Peach neutralizes dark circles
Green covers redness on the skin
Lilac cancels out dullness

Rimmel London Insta Conceal & Contour ($6.50 USD) – This multi-tasking palette camouflages and enhances the different tones of your face and allows you to sculpt the angles, creating a naturally flawless complexion and defined features. Apply on top of foundation and blend.

Available in 3 shades (Light, Medium and Dark) to complement the different tones around your face which allows you to Highlight, Conceal and Contour.

What I think: This is my favorite fave product this week! I’m in love with both of these. They are creamy and easy to blend. I use the peach under my eyes and the green on my red spots in the Correct palette. I use the lightest color of the Light Contour palette under my eyes and the medium shades is a great concealer. The dark contours so well for my skin tone! I can use these two palettes, powder and I’m off in the morning! Really great quality.

Learn more at us.rimmellondon.com and purchase at a mass market retailer near you.

neuRADIANCE instant cell exfoliator — ($79 USD) Exclusively formulated with a unique technology that provides a warming effect upon application and a cooling sensation when removed promoting a radiant, glowing complexion. The invigorating exfoliator is infused with radiance enhancing ingredients including magnesium crystals, pearl powder and meadowfoam seed oil.

What I think: This exfoliator is amazing! With one use, my skin was soft and smooth for days! Be careful, though, because the particles are very rough, so using it gently on wet skin is important. It does start off warm and cools the skin when removed, which is really different. It is so worth it, though. My skin glowed afterwards. Love!

Purchase at http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Arbonne’s Clear Future Collection is the answer for kicking blemishes to the curb for good. Beyond traditional salicylic acid to treat new blemishes, this system contains several nourishing botanicals like sage leaf extract and witch hazel to condition and soothe skin. Daily, consistent use will help skin appear more even-toned, healthy, and of course clear! The line is complete with a Deep Pore Acne Cleanser, Treatment Pads, Mattifying Lotion, Spot Treatment and Soothing Overnight Mask so you can customize your own unique routine.

What I think: I received the cleanser, lotion, spot treatment and mask to review. I gave them to my teenage daughter, who was very excited to try them! I tried the cleanser myself. My skin gets a bit oily in the summer, and this cleansed it and didn’t leave it dry, which is so important. It’s also fragrance free and did not irritate my sensitive skin!

My daughter was especially excited about the lotion (hoping it would help with oily skin and large pores) and the spot treatment. The lotion does make her skin looks smooth and keeps it matte and the spot treatment helps with blemishes. When she tries the mask, I will do an update!

Purchase at http://www.arbonne.com

What products are you loving this week?

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PUR Cosmetics Bare It All Foundation and Contour Diaries Reviews

I am a big fan of PUR Cosmetics. I have tried lots of their products and are always excited to review them!

I have recently received PUR’s Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation and Contour Diaries Palette Ultra Matte Contour Kit for my honest review. I love trying new products to help give me a flawless complexion! I even did swatches, which are after the reviews below:

The Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation ($39 USD) is a full coverage demi-matte foundation. It claims not to settle in to lines and pores and last for 12 hours.

From the website — Formulated with agave extract, green tea, ginseng, B vitamins and PÜR’s proprietary Ceretin® Complex, this unique formula moisturizes and plumps the skin while stimulating the skin’s renewal process and fighting signs of aging.

I have found that it is a bit thick and the texture is a little dry. It does blend out well and is full coverage. For me it works best over a primer. It doesn’t settle in my pores or lines, and I really like that! It also stays looking fresh for hours. I received the shade Porcelain, which is a bit light for me now, but will work well in the winter. This foundation is available in 10 shades.

This is the front of the Contour Diaries. It’s just like the outer package. I think it’s very elegant!

The Contour Diaries open to show the mirror and shades. Here are the shades more close up:

The shades are:

Charm: Light pink/peach
Dream: Golden hue
Flirt: Warm peach
Secret: Light brown
Passion: Warm brown
Mystery: Deep brown

This palette has all matte shades. I thought that was really interesting for the highlights. They are soft powders that blend really well. As my skin tone is light, Secret is the best contour for me, but I can also use Passion with a bit of a tan. Mystery is too dark for me.

The highlighting shades are too dark as well, but I do light Dream for under my eyes. It kind of reminds me of a banana powder. That and Charm can be used as setting powder.

These powders can also be mixed together for the perfect shade. I think this kit would be gorgeous on someone with a medium to tan skin tone. The lighter shades would show up nicely.

Here are swatches of the foundation and palette:

The foundation is to the left and the bottom row is Charm, Dream and Flirt. The top row is Secret, Passion and Mystery.

I will be using the foundation in the winter when I am lighter and like more coverage. I will definitely use Secret and Passion to contour and I will play around with the lighter shades to see how to best use them.

Have you tried either of these products? Leave a comment and let me know!

Finding Ferdinand’s Custom Overshadow Palette

I was so happy to receive a Finding Ferdinand Custom Overshadow Palette for my honest review! I (like many beauty bloggers) love eye shadow palettes. I am excited to be able to share this with you!

The Overshadow Palette holds 8 eye shadows. You get to choose which 8 out of a selection of 60. They come in a range of colors and textures. You receive the palette, 8 shadows, a dual ended brush, and a sticker sheet for $60.

I didn’t choose my shadows, but I received a fun, summery mix:

I’m not sure what the names of my colors are, but they are all very pretty. Here they are swatched:

They are all matte but the 2nd, 3rd and 5th color. The shimmers have more pigment when swatched, but all of the colors can be built up for a stronger look. The first four colors look very summery, but the last four will work well for fall, too. Their is a bit of kick in the pan when I swirl my brush around, but it’s not too bad.

Here’s a look at the palette again:

The palette is magnetic and the eye shadows are easy to remove and replace. The brush works well to apply them, it’s of nice quality. And the mirror is large which I like!

I do recommend this for the customization. You can make the perfect palette for you, so there isn’t any useless or filler shades. It is spendy, but it’s good quality.

I’m interested in trying more Finding Ferdinand products and seeing what else they will come out with! I also suggest checking out their Starter Kit 2.0. It’s a lip palette with 22 pans of lip color and room to mix. Once you find the combo that you like the most, you can submit it and redeem a code for a free custom lispstick. So cool! Purchase these, other palettes or custom-make a new lipstick at www.findingferdinand.com.

Have you tried Franz Ferdinand? If so, let me know what you think!

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Brand Review: Erborian

I recently received Erborian products for my honest review. Erborian is a Korean skincare and makeup company that uses natural ingredients along with technology to make skin look and feel amazing!

These are the products I have been testing out:

Erborian Bamboo Matte Lotion ($34 USD) — a true velvety lotion for normal to oily skin. The mattifying powder, combined with an aqueous phase enriched with extracts of Bamboo – known to be a natural moisturizer – helps to reduce excess sebum and tighten pores. Skin looks perfectly mattified, with a velvety feeling.

What I think: This needs to be shaken each use to mix the powder with the liquid. It smells lovely and instantly mattifies my skin! My skin is combination and gets oily in the hot and humid summer months. This is perfect for me now and I use it after cleansing and before serum. It keeps my skin fresh for hours.

Erborian Black Cleansing Oil ($29 USD) — combines the Korean cleansing technique with Charcoal, known for its purifying properties, to offer radiance and comfort. On contact with warm water, its silky texture transforms into a light emulsion, for delicate yet effective cleansing action. Gently removes impurities, excess sebum and traces of even stubborn and waterproof makeup. Skin feels clean, supple and nourished, as if enveloped in a non-oily veil of protection. The complexion looks fresh and radiant.

What I think: I use the Bamboo Matte Lotion in the daytime, but I use this cleanser at night to remove makeup and really cleanse my skin when it’s oily. It is safe for my sensitive skin, too.

Erborian CC Crème High Definition Radiance Face Cream Skin Perfector ($44 USD 1.5 oz) — This high-definition color correcting primer helps create a flawlessly luminous canvas by blurring the appearance of fine lines to leave skin prepped and ready for makeup application. With two shades, color-matching pigments help create a seamless match to a wide range of skin tones. Broad-spectrum SPF 25 helps to protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, and the finished product is a complexion feeling soft with a non-oily yet radiant finish.

What I think: I have been loving this lately, because it blurs lines and pores, and gives a little color too. I use it under foundation for days I want more coverage, or on it’s own just to run around. It has SPF to protect and it is not oily. The pigment also helps cover my redness so I look fresh and gorgeous!

Erborian BB Crème au Ginseng Clair ($39 USD 1.5 oz) — This lightweight, five-in-one primer provides a buildable and mattifying coverage for your perfect base to be worn alone or under your favorite makeup look. With three shades formulated to match wide ranges of skin tones, the creamy texture blends easily and helps to minimize the look of pores and skin imperfections for a primed canvas. Broad-spectrum SPF 20 helps to shield skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, and the result is a protected complexion that feels soft with a velvety, non-oily finish.

What I think: I use this as primer and foundation. When it’s warm, I don’t like to use much on my face, and this helps me to look flawless in one step. It blends well an gives a matte look — I do set it with my IT Cosmetics Bye Bye pores powder. I love that it has SPF, too!

Erborian Touch Pen Complexion Sculptor and Concealer ($31 USD) — Enriched with centella asiatica, known for its smoothing properties, Touch Pen leaves a fine, translucent veil on the skin that evens out skin tone for an ultra-light, adjustable finish. This high-precision beauty tool helps to conceal dark circles, imperfections, and visible signs of aging and fatigue, revealing a radiant look by visibly contouring or zoning. Great for both concealing skin imperfections and sculpting the look of the complexion, the sponge tip applicator allows for precise product distribution.

What I think: I love these pens with sponge tip concealers that are so popular lately. (Here’s the review for the new Julep one). This has a soft sponge tip that I love. I have it in Clair, which is their light shade. It is very creamy and blends really well with my fingers or a brush. The coverage is amazing and it can be used all over the face, or just in spots, like under eyes or to cover redness. I love to keep this in my purse for touch ups. It sets well and doesn’t really need a powder over it.

I really enjoy these Erborian products. I think my faves are the Bamboo Matte Lotion and the Touch Pen. I think they are pretty high tech and really make my skin look amazing and am looking forward to trying more products from them in the future.

Have you tried Erborian? Which products do you love?