Entries Tagged 'Primer' ↓

FOTD Bright lips Blue eye shadow

I was going for the look of the new Shiseido ad or the cover of Allure with Taylor Swift on it. Both feature bright red lips. For the sense of vibrancy, it reminded me of Anja’s look in a Theme Week at Aromaleigh.

Shiseido’s ad is likely photo shopped to get such white skin. What a gorgeous picture! What a gorgeous woman!

You can see the Allure cover, here.

Photobucket

I used the lightest shade of makeup I have, which is too light for me, then used white liquid highlighter over much of it to get it even lighter.

It’s too red and too bright for day unless it were December, but we are going to a party tonight, and I think the look will translate well.

Sorry for the smudge here on the eye. I took care of it after the pictures.

Photobucket

Eyes: AL Balsam
in crease
Pencil lined: Maybelline navy blue on top; MAC Light as Air, bright blue on lower with Sephora Flashy Silver white in the waterline
Dry Lined: AL Swank top and lower
Then AL Spaceoddity, then AL disintegration rocks! glam glitter to bring it more turquoise like the Shiseido ad
Brows: La Prairie pencil

Primer: AL
Foundation: Tova cream Lightest of lightest duo
Highlight: Clinique Zero Base A white, very shimmery liquid. I’d prefer it to be half as shimmery.
Powder: my sparkly mix
Lips: Shiseido 104

What do you think?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-03-28 14:43:58.

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD L'Oreal minerals + AL + NYX A weekend look using the L'Oreal minerals that I reviewed yesterday. I reworked my eyes, I thought, from the day I wore Burnt Roses in the crease to show it is possible to get it...
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL foundation + Arbonne eyes + NYX lips + MAC Partway through my makeup: I took this picture to show subtle differences in lips/eyes/face. Here it is finished: Blush, highlight, white liner and completed lips added. Eyes: Base: MAC Luna -- shimmery white Lids: Arbonne...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Friday Elizabeth Arden palette + MAC I've had a couple of palettes hanging around that I basically never used. It helps sometimes to analyze why something isn't working. I bought this one (Crystal Ball Color Kit) because it has a really...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Meow AL Eyes, Zalan lips The lips are a match for my shirt, only deeper, not as red as they show up with flash. IdealEyes description My view: They are pearlized, not frosted, with a high sheen, so I felt...
  • blog traffic exchangeDiscuss: 10 Beauty Mistakes That Add 10 Years How about continuing to mention those things that are not flattering as we age. I know I feel this way when I see it on other women. Either we are doing it ourselves or we...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

FOTD Compare Covergirl to Maybelline Foundation

Eyes:
Base: Beauticontrol Pink
Revlon Lilac Shimmer Perle
(has sparks)
This will be my alternate to Queen Phyllis (which is off white.)
Milani #06 Royalty, also wetlined lower (remember the spark on this is only on the top — too bad — so now there is no spark on mine)
Lined top and lower: Shiseido Soft Black liquid
Over lined: Avon blue sparkle gel

Photobucket

Imagine a line down the center of my face.
I used the same primer, cream blush and my sparkly powder mix on both sides of my face. I used Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Light Pink 020 up the center of my face. The only difference is the foundation.

My Left side Cover Girl 210 Simply Ageless cream foundation — made to camouflage effects of aging.
My Right side Maybelline Matte Mousse #2

Until you compare it when applying it, the Matte really doesn’t look particularly matte. But in comparison the CG is slightly illuminating. CG would be the one that would lift lines by illumination.

The difference is very subtle, but the CG definitely is more illuminating.

The cream feels quite creamy, but not oily. The mousse feels like it glides on, so it likely has some kind of ‘cone in it. I like them both. If I were in the least bit worried about a T-zone in summer, I’d use the mousse. As it is, I can wear either of them year round. The colors I used are pretty nearly identical.

CG has an interesting way to determine what color you use. I bought mine at CVS, which didn’t have it, but at Target they had a chart. You place your hand under it, and when your skin disappears into the sheer chart, that is the color for you. Based on that, I bought 210, which is perfect for me.

Photobucket

Comparing
Photobucket

Photobucket

Lips: AL Pout + Karma + Silver Sparkles up the center

Photobucket

Showing the sparkle of the shadow:

Photobucket

Have you tried these two foundations?
What do you think? I like them both.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Review: E.L.F. cosmetics This is a little more of a made up look than I've been wearing lately, but it is really the same amount of product. I could tweak it with a little glitter on my lips,...
  • blog traffic exchangeReview: L'Oreal Bare Naturale Minerals I was excited to try L'Oreal Bare Naturale Minerals, way back when they first came out. They are a good drug store brand, easy to find most everywhere. And reasonably priced. I liked the idea...
  • blog traffic exchangeTools of the trade: Brushes There are a number of brushes you need in your arsenal in order to apply your colors in the best possible and easiest way. In general, I like real hair brushes, except for ones that...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Smokey eyes Nude lips I wanted to go in a completely different direction today. I started the day by moving a large display coffee table (with my kids' help.) This table displays Bookgirl's art (and the little ones) in...
  • blog traffic exchangeA little makeup theory This is just a quick summary of some various ideas about makeup. Powders, creams or lotions? If your skin is oily, work more with powders than creams or lotions. If your skin is dry, work...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

FOTD AL lips and eyes

It’s been a while since I’ve done a FOTD, just lazy I guess! This is one of my favorite color combinations. I keep the two shades together so I don’t forget how nicely they go together. But I had forgotten how I had worn them the last time, because it had been a while. So today was just how it felt at the time.

Eyes: the usual mascara and brow
BE Primer, then Queen Phyllis for a smooth surface
Outer corners: AL lulu lustre
Inner corners and drylined lower: AL tanaquil lustre
Lined top and lower: Tidal Wavegel liner
Tightlined top and lower: MAC shade fluidline

Photobucket

Face:
Maybelline Matte Mousse # 1
— I usually use # 3. In RL this does not look this light — it looks too light when photographed. I used # 3 to contour my lower cheeks.
Highlight up the center: Revlon (new) (pink)
Chanel stick rouge
My sparkly mix of powder
Lancome Petticoat Pink
Cream Blush

Photobucket

Lips: AL Pout with a bit of sparkle in the center
Just a simple lip, but such a pretty color, neutral, but with a touch of pink.
Photobucket

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Sunday I was matching my top, which is a serendipitous match to a wonderful wrap skirt/dress from Las Vegas. They sell these wraps in several places, including inside and outside the mall and by the Venetian...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Yesterday (Sunday) Dior eyes + Arbonne lips + MAC This is the last of my Dior quints. Dior makes wonderful quints. The colors are high fashion and compare to Chanel. Lately I've preferred the look of Dior shadows to Chanel's because Dior's tend to...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Thurs Meow Beauté MAC This was a busy day today! I'm just getting around to posting pix. I really was happy with the way this turned out. I like red on my eyes. How about you? Do you wear...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Friday Elizabeth Arden palette + MAC I've had a couple of palettes hanging around that I basically never used. It helps sometimes to analyze why something isn't working. I bought this one (Crystal Ball Color Kit) because it has a really...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Aromaleigh eyes + metallic lips Saturday's look: still trying out the samples I ordered from AL. This was my inspiration: I thought she was gorgeous. An ad for Rocks Jewelers. I could not find it online so I took a...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • B Perfume by Boucheron Review The B perfume was created in order to celebrate the 150th anniversary for Boucheron, a luxe jeweler. The B perfume is a truly sumptuous composition...
  • {Beautirati} Life in PIXI ...including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Ireland. Word on the cosmo-street is that people love it for its amazing textures, brilliant colouring, chic packaging and...
  • What to Do in Household Emergencies pt 2 of 2 As we mentioned before, there are a number of household emergencies that are unfortunately common occurrences. Knowing what can be done to address them will...
Online Stores

FOTD Meow AL Eyes, Zalan lips

The lips are a match for my shirt, only deeper, not as red as they show up with flash.

IdealEyes description
My view: They are pearlized, not frosted, with a high sheen, so I felt I could work with the dark colors on my fair skin. There would be enough light reflected that they would work well. While a little dark for day for spring, they matched my shirt and I wanted to try them.

Our top selling line of mineral shadows! They’re pearlized (or, as we like to think of them, “purrr-lized”!) shadow colors with sophistication. They’re available in a full range of color choices, with a rich, creamy consistency that clings to the brush for easy and smooth long wearing application. Beautiful colors that catch the light with the soft, glowing, velvety sheen. Elegant, yet fun, you’ll want them all!

Photobucket

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost
, working fine, no problems with it
Lids: Meow IdealEyes Twilight
Crease: Meow IdealEyes Heavy Petting
Lined Top: Avon Cosmic Brown Pencil
Then, drylined over with AL pleasuredome rocks!sonic eyes (deep sparkling wine)
Lined lower: Jordana Magenta lip pencil, not in eye with AL pleasuredome drylined over it.
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Mascara: Bare Essentuals Black – Diamond duo
See my review here.

Photobucket

Primer: MUFE High Definition
Foundation: Lorac Break Thru Performance Color 2, a tad dark and yellow, but I used it because Dazzle is pure white.
Rouge under powder: Lancome China Berry stick
Powder: AL Dazzle Twilight Supernatural Powder
For my review, go here.
Blush over powder: Meow Masterpiece Water Lilies

Lips: Zalan Purple Haze — $1!!
For my review go here.

Have you tried these colors in Meow? I like the Meow line very much.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-03-24 13:02:42.

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL foundation + Arbonne eyes + NYX lips + MAC Partway through my makeup: I took this picture to show subtle differences in lips/eyes/face. Here it is finished: Blush, highlight, white liner and completed lips added. Eyes: Base: MAC Luna -- shimmery white Lids: Arbonne...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Lancome Eyes + Guerlain and Beaute lips Another 5 mins makeup, done quickly. It's kind of fun to limit myself to one shadow color -- and it's easy to do with this new shape. When the MUA did it for me, she...
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL eyes + Chanel NYX lips + I've spent the better part of most days since the kids are back in school re-doing the house, organizing and changing -- all things impossible to do when everyone is under foot. Consequently, I'm behind...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Fyrinnae Embrace (reverse from yesterday) I knew I would like this color combination better. It's a bit lighter and brighter than yesterday and a shimmery teal. Not quite so shocking. My 13 yo spontaneously said, "Oh I like your makeup."...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Review: E.L.F. cosmetics This is a little more of a made up look than I've been wearing lately, but it is really the same amount of product. I could tweak it with a little glitter on my lips,...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

Review Prime Time

Updated to include my review of Hourglass primer (and comparing it to Chanel’s Illuminating Base.) And also as a reminder about the value of using a primer.

To prime or not to prime, that is the question.
If you’ve not used a primer, try one and see what you think. Get a makeover and ask that they use one.

If you truly don’t like a primer, return it, if you bought it at a physical store. There are enough primers out there now, that you can find one that you love.

If you are using a primer, I’m guessing you will never go back to without.

Why prime?
What is the purpose of primer?

Primer perfects your look. It makes the surface of your skin silky with less visible imperfections, so you use less foundation. Your products glide over the top, meaning you need less foundation to cover.

What is primer made of?

Usually there is some silicone or one of the ‘cones’ in it to create a smooth surface on the skin.

Some folks even use Monistat gel for an inexpensive alternative.

How does it work?
Most primers are the last step before applying your foundation.

Primer slips over the skin, creating a light barrier, usually with silicone. Foundation glides on easier, goes on smoother, and covers better with less product.

Under a certain age, some primers will stop oil from coming through and messing with your look.

Once a certain age, a primer may act like spackle, one even has that name, gently filling in lines and pores to give a smooth surface for foundation and optically take time off your age.

Is it strictly cosmetic or is it also corrective?
All perform a cosmetic service; some are also corrective.
Color correction
Some primers color correct or add a sheer layer of color. Others are clear. Both Smashbox and Revlon Vital Radiance have multiple colors to correct.

Guerlain Meteorites Perles
Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer; Base Perfection. Great little powder balls that color correct and do other neat things.

Contact Claire at Guerlain at the Palazzo in Las Vegas for all your Guerlain needs. (702) 732-7008. If you’re in town, stop in to visit!

Vital Radiance Smoothing Face Primer, SPF 25, Petal 002, Cool, 1 fl oz which has been discontinued, can still be found on occasion. It came in two colors, cool and warm. I use cool.

Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer is another good one. I use the purple. Purple will also bring a foundation into a cooler tone. One minimizes red tones; one minimizes yellow or sallow tones; one minimizes dark circles, veins, and dark spots. (The best thing for dark spots is using a lightening product or having them removed either by laser or by freezing.)

Some have added ingredients that benefit your skin.
Aromaleigh Easy applicator pump bottle. Very nice product.

The best “canvas” for any type of makeup is a perfect, smooth canvas. This is what we are all seeking, and for many, mineral makeup brings us one step closer.

Lock in hydration while smoothing and retexturizing your skin’s appearance and maximizing your makeup…

With natural oils of Safflower, Grape and Camellia, Vitamins E and A and advanced polymers… our primer combines nature with science to get your skin where you need it to go.

Less is more, just like with mineral makeup. Your primer can be blended with your moisturizer or sunscreen, or used on it’s own. It can even be combined with a small amount of powder to create an easy to apply mineral makeup/primer combination that smooths to a velvety finish. Aromaleigh


Arbonne Virtual Illusion makeup primer

Supposedly acts like a natural botox to improve the surface of your skin.

Create a flawless canvas for makeup application with this advanced primer. A blend of vitamins, skin-perfecting pigments, advanced cushioning and anti-aging ingredients work in harmony to help tone, smooth and minimize the visual appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. The result is a velvety, matte, radiant finish.

GABA, hyaluronic acid, polypeptides, gamma orizinol, light deflecting pigments, B-glycherritinic acid; horsetail extract, green tea leaf and grape seed extracts

Guerlain
L’Or – has real flecks of gold in it and creates a lovely look.
Again, contact Claire, see above.

La Prairie
I have not tried this white one.

La Prairie for eyes

Shiseido Benefiance Facial Lifting Complex also works to firm.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF15 with Dermaxyl Complex (Unboxed)

Here are some good ones:

Avon Magix evidently stops oil too; has a fairly heavy consistency; is generally well liked by everyone. Very reasonably priced at $10.

Smashbox – comes in clear (I like the purple better), purple (to correct skin tone, but it works to cool up colors of foundation that are a bit yellow),green (ditto, I haven’t tried this one) and an apricot one that has ingredients to benefit skin (I like the idea of this.) To me they all feel the same, but the clear one seems to do less. Placebo effect, likely!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer oil free spf 15 $52

I loved this product. It has a slight radiance to it which makes my skin look perfect. This is something I likely will be buying. 132 people reviewed it at Sephora, giving it an average of more than 4.5 stars.

Today I compared it to Chanel’s SHEER ILLUMINATING BASE. Both illuminate; Hourglass seems more slippery. I preferred the look of Hourglass once I had on my foundation and sparkly powder mix. I generally use Chanel’s only up the center of my face as a highlighter.

It is water-resistant and 100% fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. It does not have an odd smell because of ingredients. I smell nothing.

It neutralizes the skin, creating a smooth, uniform slate for makeup application. Don’t forget the slight radiance which evenly distributes light to soften and camouflage skin imperfections and fine lines. It also protects from oil breakthrough, so your makeup stays looking fresh longer.

It has no
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

The SPF is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide rather than chemical sun-blocking agents.

These work, but I don’t like them as well
Laura Geller Spackle – Sephora sampled this.
It started out white and got taupe colored when exposed to air. The sample was in a pot. The full size is in a pump which would eliminate exposure to air.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Oil Free
Sephora sampled this also. It was one of the first on the market.

Revlon It’s OK, but I didn’t like it as well. Comes in two formulas.

Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer for Normal/Combination Skin (Pack of 2)

Sheer Cover Light weight. Still, it is nice.

Smashbox Highlight and Prime together
You can read my review here. I don’t like the dual delivery system. It doesn’t feed evenly. You have to cover one side to make sure the other feeds. I love the color though. Would be better to have just had the highlight to use as you wish, and add to your primer or not, as you wish. Or have two separate tubes in the set vs. 2 in 1 tube.

How about perfecting your look even more?
There are products you can apply over your makeup that filter out and soften lines, similar to when Doris Day was filmed through a special lens.

Clarins makes a great one!
Use this around your mouth or eyes, wherever you need extra help. Try it out at one of the counters.

La Prairie
Pink colored, quite a heavy consistency. Pricey. No better than some and less than others. Evidently, it comes in gold too. I think it is quite thick.

The eye product tends to roll some, but the look is pretty.

Signature A Wrinkle Filiment
is heavier, similar to La Prairie’s, but apricot colored.

MAC Prep and Prime

Prep and prime is a face primer. I like prep and prime better than Smashbox Photo finish because it doesn’t have that slick feel to it. It’s not all silicone. I recommend it. Miranda

MAC Black eye primer

I also bought MAC’s black eye primer. It makes a huge difference in how the eyeshadow looks. Want a paler, more natural look, use a skin toned primer. Want uber kapow and drama for evening, use black primer! Miranda

Do you use a primer?
Which one(s) do you use or have you tried?
Let me know if I left out any that you particularly love.
Nearly every line has a primer in their arsenal now. I’d like to hear about any good ones!

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, just contact me, and I’ll put you in touch.
Karin

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Meow eyes, NYX lips I was happy with the way this turned out. I spread out my Meow samples and thought what did I want to try: Eyes: Base: Nude Frost (there is some question as to whether this...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Aromaleigh + Red Tinsel Lashes + MAC & Arbonne lips Wow! I really had fun with this one! Sometimes serendipity really comes through for you. Still working through all the samples I purchased. It's fun to have enough that I just put the colors on...
  • blog traffic exchangeTake care of your skin today, it will thank you in 10 years Take care of your skin today, it will thank you in 10 years. Or sooner! I will be posting individual reviews in each category, but they are not ready to go up. This is a...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Compare Covergirl to Maybelline Foundation Eyes: Base: Beauticontrol Pink Revlon Lilac Shimmer Perle (has sparks) This will be my alternate to Queen Phyllis (which is off white.) Milani #06 Royalty, also wetlined lower (remember the spark on this is only...
  • blog traffic exchangeClarins Skin Care and Color I never met a Clarins product I didn't like. A French based company, it is known for its skin care and uses no animal products. They offer nice size sampling of various skin care products,...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

FOTD Lancome + NYX + MAC

This is the first time I’ve used the NXY shadows that came in my amazingly cheap haul.

NYX TS29, White, Tropical, Silver (this looks like a soft blue)
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Mascara: BE Buxom on top; took picture before I put any on the lower lashes
Lined lower: MAC Light as Air + Mac earthline below that

PhotobucketPhotobucket

I don’t know which came first, the shirt or the eye colors. The shirt is one of my many Ts from Target. This one is so soft with 3/4 sleeves. I knew I could wear the color, so I assumed I could wear the color on my eyes. The funny thing is that without having tried Aromaleigh’s reds on my eyes, I don’t know that I would have tried an orange — apricot, yes; orange, no.

Photobucket

Primer: Smashbox
Foundation: Lancome minerals + Lancome mineral translucent powder + my sparkly mix
Blush: MAC Moon River mineralize blush
Blush Later: MAC what was left on my fingers from the Popster lip conditioner
Highlight: AL Magnolia , up the center of my face — this is the perfect shade for me; I can use the others, but one is light and I have to be careful not to use too much; this one is a 5 second application, with no errors.
Concealer: Dior skinflash
Lips: MAC Hello Kitty Popster tinted lip conditioner, rimmed with Beauté Paramour

I was really happy with the way this turned out.

How about you?
Have you tried any of the NYX shadows?

My take:
I’d give this shadow set a 5. They were easy to use, very nice packaging, with a super mirror which was unexpected.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-21 12:09:29.

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Meow Lancome Eyes Too Faced gloss I wanted to do a Take 2 yesterday with darker greys, but everything still looked so good, it didn't need refreshing. I'm not tired of the look yet, so today I re-did it using deeper...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Mary Kay eyes + This was my look Tuesday. Mary Kay minerals are really quite lovely. I was happy with the way this turned out. I was still thinking of the Arbonne Audrey and Smokey Eyes sets. So this...
  • PhotobucketReview: NYX Goddess of the Night Gloss + swatches It was a little tricky using the applicator (which is fairly large) to color my lips evenly. The colors are gorgeous! You can find these $4.00 online at Cherry Culture or in Ulta stores for...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Meow eyes, NYX lips I was happy with the way this turned out. I spread out my Meow samples and thought what did I want to try: Eyes: Base: Nude Frost (there is some question as to whether this...
  • blog traffic exchangeReview Aromaleigh shadows I just realized that I've never done a formal review of Aromaleigh shadows, though if you follow my blog, you know I like to wear them. I've never met an AL shadow that I didn't...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

Hourglass Cosmetics Review

I had never heard of Hourglass Cosmetics until they came across my computer from another blog. Now I see it’s being written up in a lot of magazines, including Allure.

A luxury line with a modern edge. Carisa Janes

I like the fact that while it is considered a luxury line, it is moderately priced, instead of off the scale.

Carisa Janes has created this cutting-edge line which is formulated with the latest in cosmetic technology. Since I had never heard of her, I did a bit of sleuthing.

Carisa Janes has been a creative force behind many different brands during her extensive career in the beauty industry, dating back to 1996. She began her career as an assistant product developer at Urban Decay. After that, she developed and brought to market Body & Soul, an upscale niche cosmetics line that received a lot of press attention when it first launched due to its unique packaging. Next, as head of her own consulting firm, Isa Design, Janes oversaw the creative direction for multiple skin care and cosmetic lines, including teen brand Sugar Cosmetics. Marie Redding

Something else that is nice: you can sample a friend with up to 3 free samples, which is how I got to try it. And I sampled a friend this morning. It takes about 7-10 business days to receive your samples.

The products are available from Sephora online. I do not know if they are carried in some Sephora stores. You can do a search at the Hourglass site to see a store locator.

Here’s what I tried
Veil Mineral Primer oil free spf 15 $52

I loved this product. It has a slight radiance to it which makes my skin look perfect. This is something I likely will be buying. 132 people reviewed it at Sephora, giving it an average of more than 4.5 stars.

It is water-resistant and 100% fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. It does not have an odd smell because of ingredients. I smell nothing.

It neutralizes the skin, creating a smooth, uniform slate for makeup application. Don’t forget the slight radiance which evenly distributes light to soften and camouflage skin imperfections and fine lines. It also protects from oil breakthrough, so your makeup stays looking fresh longer.

It has no
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

The SPF is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide rather than chemical sun-blocking agents.

Liquid foundation $60 SPF 15

I was sent 1.5 Nude. It is a little deep and yellow for me. I would prefer another color, less yellow, but it looks fine once it is on. When I choose a color for me, I choose a true neutral, neither pink nor yellow.

There are two other colors that are lighter: Ivory and Porcelain. Additionally there are 5 colors that are deeper.

A medium coverage treatment liquid foundation.

What it is formulated to do:
Veil Fluid Makeup provides luminous, long lasting coverage for a flawless complexion while fighting the signs of aging. Sephora

Tinted Moisturizer $55
I was sent Ivory, the lightest shade. It is lighter than 1.5 in the liquid foundation, but it is still deep and a bit yellow for me.

Hourglass Illusion Luminizing Tinted Moisturizer is an ultra-rich formula that offers moderate coverage for an even, natural, flawless finish. Added Instalift® firms and tightens the skin, producing visible results within an hour of application. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres™ help minimize the appearance of wrinkles while increasing skin’s hydration levels, delivering a healthy, dewy radiance. Sephora

I did not notice any particular firming or tightening. It did look nice going on.

It covers nicely, as it is quite pigmented, so for an easy every day look, this is very workable. There is enough coverage that my skin doesn’t look bare, unlike some tinted moisturizers that just melt away. I used this after my normal moisturizing as a foundation.

Sephora users rate both of these more than 4 star but not as strongly as the primer.

Have you tried Hourglass cosmetics?

There is also a full color line for eyes, face, and lips.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketReview: Aromaleigh Twilight Supernatural powders Are you going to the opening night of New Moon? And are you going to look vampish? For the story behind the story, go here. Kristin says: All formulas ... work best with those who...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Chanel + Meow + AL + Girl Actik Aromaleigh is so much easier to apply than Fyrinnae. I do love Grape. It's such a pretty color -- it surprises me because it is matte. Eyes: Base: Nude Frost, then Meow Nicole S Crease:...
  • PhotobucketThe time change made it a very early morning This morning came very early, especially since I stayed up way too late last night. Can you say 4 hours of sleep? Luckily for me, I don't need a lot of sleep, but on a...
  • PhotobucketReview: Almay smart shade smart balance™ Walgreen's was featuring this in their store not too long ago, plus they had Light-Medium foundation and a blush open to try. I was able to sample both in the store on the back of...
  • blog traffic exchangeReview Prime Time Updated to include my review of Hourglass primer (and comparing it to Chanel's Illuminating Base.) And also as a reminder about the value of using a primer. To prime or not to prime, that is...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

FOTD Aromaleigh + Red Tinsel Lashes + MAC & Arbonne lips

Wow! I really had fun with this one! Sometimes serendipity really comes through for you. Still working through all the samples I purchased. It’s fun to have enough that I just put the colors on the counter and pick 2 or 3 I haven’t used yet that I think will go together. Serenade pulls more blue/violet on me than teal (how it looks in the ziplock) , at least when used with Coppelia.

How to place the lid colors
First, I couldn’t decide which color to place on my inner and outer lids. So, I thought, why not do both? I figured it might be fun, and today wouldn’t matter. Surprisingly enough, it is not weird, it is beautiful. I didn’t really like the first eye, but when I did the second, it was just super. I have never done this before, but I might do it really often!

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost + BE Queen Phyllis
Alternating inner and outer lids: AL serenade + AL coppelia
en pointe
Drylined lower: AL serenade

Serenade: A color inspired by my favorite ballet. Beautiful smooth teal plush matte base with a lush violet iridescent highlight. (Sheen)
Coppelia: A lovely berried plum plush matte base with a dimensional smooth violet highlight. (Sheen)

Mascara: Sapphire Cover Girl
Lashes: Witches Charm Temptress Tentatrice Black with Red tinsel! I bought these one Halloween, might be two years ago from Walgreens or CVS. They have quite an array offered online still, and they aren’t terribly expensive. These came with top and bottom lashes. update: I used them as upper lashes the next day.

PhotobucketPhotobucket

No blush, only Chanel stick rouge under my sparkly mix of powder, over one of my usual primers (Smashbox purple today) and foundations.

Photobucket

Lips: MAC Love Alert + Arbonne Delicious, both glosses, one on each lip, smooshed
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

What do you think?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Aromaleigh + Arbonne lips + Lauren Luke gloss Still trying sample colors I bought. Both shadow colors are gorgeous today! In my new colors I couldn't find a green that looked compatible with my shirt, so I thought I would go with a...
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL Shadows Eyes Base: Avon light purple cream in a wand Crease: AL Le Mystere #73, eye shadow surprise Outer corner: AL Amethyst Inner corner: AL Regal; for bright flash of orchid Lower liner: MAC pencils graphblack...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Clarins eyes + MAC + Arbonne skin care I thought I'd use the Clarins set again, this time using the copper color on my lids. It was yucko. Seriously. I debated about taking it off and starting again, but thought it would be...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Audrey/Smokey Eyes + bare lips I already received one compliment on this look today. Yippee! I wanted to try the Arbonne looks, while not having the Arbonne colors. You know how that goes! And this picture shows you how important...
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL eyes + Arbonne + MAC Here's where I began: Eyes: Base: Nude Frost Lids on both eyes: AL Lagoon (matte) in new shape Left Lid: AL Lilypad satin petals frost added I love Lagoon, but I didn't put a lighter...
Online Stores

FOTD Tuesday Chanel Lumiere Tendresse

I thought it would be fun to use the Chanel Lumiere Tendresse palette again.

Eyes:
Base: MAC Luna, then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids:
Mix of the righthand silvery gray with the lefthand deep brown — it pulled quite a bit of lavender from the gray — I liked this better than the brown used with the light beige
Tightlined: MAC graphblack, with Earthline at the bottom too, smudged with the MAC brush
Mascara: Guerlain Le2
Brows: La Prairie
pencil

PhotobucketPhotobucket

Primer: MUFE
Foundation: Tova cream
Blush from the palette (sort of a soft apricot)
My sparkly mix powder.

Lips: Used 3 of the 4 colors: Brightest color on lips, then the right hand sparkly rose gloss, rimmed and up the center with the left side lightest sparkly beige gloss
Photobucket

Do you have this palette? I think it will be a nice, soft neutral for spring or fall.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don’t steal my posts — you know who you are

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Arbonne eyes + Lancome + Chanel + When I put on this shirt, I knew I wanted to use the Arbonne colors again. This look made me happy! Eyes: Base: Nude Frost Crease: Arbonne green Outer corners: Arbonne purple Lids: Dab of...
  • PhotobucketFOTD: August 12 Chanel eyes + Lancome + Arbonne lips Still catching up! Wednesday August 12 Eyes: Chanel colors: Silvery, Starlight (both grays) + Lotus-Cactus duo (green and pink) Tightlined: Chanel Black Jade and Emerald pencils Lips: Lancome Electric Pink gloss + Arbonne On Point...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Aromaleigh + Arbonne lips + Lauren Luke gloss Still trying sample colors I bought. Both shadow colors are gorgeous today! In my new colors I couldn't find a green that looked compatible with my shirt, so I thought I would go with a...
  • blog traffic exchangeFOTD Chanel Collection Essentielle Lumiere Tendresse Chanel palettes Chanel has brought out these collections several times now, and the colors are so close to each other that I think it took me a couple of years to realize they are actually...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Fyrinnae eyes + NYX lips + New shape of eyes again! This was a super easy, simple summer look! Only one color of shadow. I just love the way this turned out. Could it be that one color will be enough...
Online Stores

FOTD NYX Eyes and Lips

I’ve been waiting to try this trio of shadows until it was fall. This is a beautiful set with orange as the unusual color. The color looks like a vibrant orange, but mixed as I did, it was the right shade of rose for my top.

Eyes:
NXY TS29 White/Tropical (orange)/Silver(light gray)
Base: MAC Luna
, then Meow Nicole S ScandalEyes
Lids: NYX White + Tropical mixed, then more Tropical
Drylined: NYX Silver + Arbonne gray

Lined: Clinique gray (liquid wand) then Shiseido soft black wand — I wanted to stay with the gray accent
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Mascara: BE Buxom
Concealer: Dior skinflash

Photobucket

Lips: NYX Love Angel
Photobucket

Primer and Foundation: Revlon Vital Radiance
Rouge under my sparkly mix: Chanel
stick
Blush over: Meow Water Lilies Masterpiece

Photobucket

Photobucket

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don’t steal my posts — you know who you are!

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Saturday Arbonne Platinum Palette This is such a pretty palette! Arbonne offered it last Christmas and again this Christmas. It could easily be the only colors I took on a trip. This is the first time I used it,...
  • PhotobucketFOTD More AL matte eyes + NYX lips This look is from yesterday, Thursday. I haven't done my look for today yet. This was a quick summer look, using the NYX lippie that Miranda had reminded me of, when she commented the other...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Easter Fyrinnae MAC Happy Easter to everyone! What did you fix for your meal? We had Shrimp de Jonghe. I thought this turned out so pretty today. This was a very simple look. My only difficulty was getting...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Lancome + NYX + MAC This is the first time I've used the NXY shadows that came in my amazingly cheap haul. NYX TS29, White, Tropical, Silver (this looks like a soft blue) Brows: La Prairie pencil Mascara: BE Buxom...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Chanel Meow AL NYX Lancome Sometimes for me, thinking about what colors I want to go toward takes more time than the execution. I knew I wanted to coordinate with the new pendants my artist daughter made for me for...
Online Stores

FOTD Weds NYX eyes +

As I said in my earlier post today, I wanted to try the NYX colors I had not tried before. Once in a while a color combo blows you out of the water. This color combo is gorgeous and one of my faves!

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost on lids, not under brows; then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids: NYX Luxor, square individual shadow with a clear lid, an exact match to my T
Drylined: NYX Red, square loose shadow with micro shimmer
Lined: Chanel blue duo pencil, lightest color
Tightlined: NYX Jet Black Felt Tip liner
Inner corners: Arbonne Illume (white matte)
Mascara: Clinique
Concealer: Guerlain
Brows: La Prairie
pencil

Photobucket

Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: Revlon Age Defying cream
Rouge under my sparkly powder mix: Chanel stick
Blush: Arbonne Promise
Highlight: Arbonne Bashful

Photobucket

Lips: AL Balm + MAC pencil — see my LOTD for more.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don’t steal my posts — you know who you are

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Maybelline Eyestudio 60 Spirited Seas I was struck by how pretty all the colors were in this new display, plus the price is right, about $9.99 each at Walgreen's. It's a little tricky going from a mineral loose powder to...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Aromaleigh + Red Tinsel Lashes + MAC & Arbonne lips Wow! I really had fun with this one! Sometimes serendipity really comes through for you. Still working through all the samples I purchased. It's fun to have enough that I just put the colors on...
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL foundation + Arbonne eyes + NYX lips + MAC Partway through my makeup: I took this picture to show subtle differences in lips/eyes/face. Here it is finished: Blush, highlight, white liner and completed lips added. Eyes: Base: MAC Luna -- shimmery white Lids: Arbonne...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Miranda using Mary Kay Thanks, Miranda, for sending along your fotds. She sends this comment: oh dear I forgot to tell you what makeup I used in the photo I just sent you. That one is all mary kay....
  • blog traffic exchangeMakeup tricks for the young at heart As we get older, there is less spark in our look. Generally we lose our oily T-zone, for example, so there is no longer a natural glow that reflects light. It is easy to duplicate...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • Anti Aging Makeup Tricks and Tips pt 2 There are makeup tricks and tips that you can apply to melt away the years and start feeling and looking young and beautiful again. Here...
  • Votre Vu Make Up Giveaway! The celebration continues today with a little talk of make up! That's right ladies....who doesn't love make up? Especially when it's being given away? I...
  • Condition Guide of Stamp Collectibles Condition The condition of stamp collectibles is a description of a stamps paper, gum (when dealing with mint stamps), and ink characteristics. The most adequate...
Online Stores

FOTD: NYX eyes +

One thing you can say about me, among many others, is that I’m an equal opportunity buyer. When it comes to cosmetics, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive for it to be the right color. I first look for color, then I look for the finish it gives. Or, I look first for the finish, then to see if there is a color that is right for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of expensive lines’ colors, but that is not all I have. I never throw anything away because it is extremely rare for anything to get old. I pass it on or continue to use it.

One place I don’t hedge is skin care, but even there the most expensive is not necessarily the one that works the best. If it works, I have likely tried it or am still using it. But realistically, there are so many skin care items and so little time. Laughing here. And I’d venture to say that if I lived elsewhere there’d be a whole realm of other products available to me that are not available in the US. So we do the best we can.

NYX, Aromaleigh, Meow are all lines that are reasonably priced, especially if you start with samples, as you can with the latter two. In the meantime, I bought a couple of NYX things that I’ve never used yet, and I wanted to give them a go.

The NYX colors I used today are individual square shadows with a clear lid.

Eyes:
Base: Nude frost on lids, not under brows, then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids: NYX October Sky
(pale blue, almost matte)
Drylined top and bottom: Ocean (blue-green, more green) then over the whole lid a bit
Mascara: Guerlain Le2
Brows: La Prairie
pencil
Inner corners: MAC Fascinating pencil (white)
Concealer: the one in the Revlon foundation palette

Photobucket

Primer: Smashbox
Foundation: Revlon age defying cream
Rouge under my sparkly mix powder: Revlon
Blush over: Maybelline Dream Mousse 25
Lips: Avon, MAC and Clinique, see LOTD for details

Photobucket

What do you think?
Isn’t this is pretty color combination! I love it. As you can see, I used a variety of brands and many, but not all, are inexpensive.

How about you?
Do you lean to cosmetics across the board or do you use all price ranges?

My fragrance:
Guerlain Boisé Torrid on my wrists, then later Narciso Rodriquez Women on one arm to compare it; last on the other arm Andy Tauer Reverie au Jardin — I really smell good. I do. I got a compliment: I smell your perfume, you smell good. What are you wearing?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don’t steal my posts — you know who you are

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketReview: Smashbox Hybrid 2 in 1 Primer Smashbox makes a number of smashing primers, pun intended. This is their newest in the lineup, and from what I know, it is a limited edition. The container is elegant. The glimmering highlighter is encased...
  • blog traffic exchangeBrow techniques As with anything, when you do your brows, you can find what works for you, or doesn't emphasis the negatives. I loved this quote from Michelle Phan. She is a beautiful young woman with a...
  • PhotobucketLOTD 3 NYX colors + Beauté (on one) This is the last of my 30 NYX colors for $24. Such a deal! I saved the more brown/apricot for last, because I don't wear them as well. These lip pix were all from Thursday....
  • blog traffic exchangeReview: Avon Age Repair Elixir You all know how much I love most Avon products. It should be no surprise that I tried this one. Avon is quite innovative in its skin care products. They are the first in many...
  • PhotobucketLOTD NYX + AL + NYX Electra Straight out of the tube. This is a bright, lovely warm red. The longer it was on, the bluer it became. For the most part, I am wearing more sheer, glossy looking colors...
Online Stores

FOTD AL eyes + MAC cheeks + Guerlain lips

I haven’t worn many blues lately, but today I wanted to wear blues, and Aromaleigh has some beautiful blues.

Photobucket

Eyes: all Aromaleigh, unless noted
Base:Nude Frost , then BE Queen Phyllis
Mystery on lid; Swank drylined; Blue Haze in inner corners…

Inner corner (additional): Arbonne Illume (matte white)
Tightlined: Chanel pencil duo — light blue and deeper blue
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Mascara: Clinique

Photobucket

Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: Estee Lauder
, stick
Rouge, under powder: Chanel, stick
Lips: Guerlain Liplift, then 624 Candy Shine
Cheeks: MAC Moon River
Powder:
my sparkly mix
Bronzer: Arbonne

What do you think?
I was happy with this. I have to think blues again, happy blues!

Fragrance today: YSL Elle
What are you wearing? It’s still going strong, but softer, after only one squirt distributed to both arms. I do like this one for fall. How about you? Do you wear this one? You can see my almost-review here, my tale of a compliment received.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don’t steal my posts — you know who you are!

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD AL Red Blue Theme Vampira and Swank The muse hit early this morning and I wanted to be wild and crazy in response to the Primary Theme week at AL -- use red, blue, yellow. Why not! I could always wear sunglasses...
  • PhotobucketFOTD NYX Chanel Benefit Too Faced This is the 4th NYX trio from my amazingly cheap NYX haul. It's very late here, and after a busy day, I'm just now able to post my FOTD, though the pix were taken this...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Tuesday MAC Guerlain Lancome I've been out of town and remiss about posting fotds -- and even remiss in wearing makeup. When the day begins at 4:30 and I'm on a different time zone, all bets are off. I...
  • PhotobucketFOTD More AL matte eyes + NYX lips This look is from yesterday, Thursday. I haven't done my look for today yet. This was a quick summer look, using the NYX lippie that Miranda had reminded me of, when she commented the other...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Catching up What with school starting next week and two registrations this week plus reading the new Jim Butcher book, I'm behind in posting, so I figured I'd better catch up! If I get too far behind,...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores

FOTD Ulta +MUFE Eyes + Lancome Lips

I wanted a quick makeup today. Sometime easy. And something purple.
Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost + BE Queen Phyllis
Lids: Ulta Amethyst
, a gwp and really beautiful, with some copper or gold micro glitter
Drylined: MUFE Irisee, gorgeous color, a little brighter than Amethyst
Inner Corner: Arbonne Illume
Concealer: Guerlain
Brows: La Prairie
pencil
Mascara: Arbonne, 2 step

Photobucket

Primer and foundation: Vital Radiance
Rouge, under my sparkly mix powder: Chanel stick
Blush over my sparkly mix powder: Arbonne Promise
Highlight: Arbonne Bashful

Photobucket


Lips: Lancome Prodige + Fusion

Photobucket

Photobucket

I hope you’ve had a good Saturday!

How do you like this one? Have you ever used the Ulta shade?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don’t steal my posts — you know who you are!

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD NYX lips + Chanel eyes and more I had fun doing this. I kinda wanted to wear some of my Chanel colors again. So I opened them up and chose between different hues of brown, greys and pink. And I kinda wanted...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Chanel Meow AL NYX Lancome Sometimes for me, thinking about what colors I want to go toward takes more time than the execution. I knew I wanted to coordinate with the new pendants my artist daughter made for me for...
  • PhotobucketFOTD MK eyes + La Prairie fdn I've been remiss about posting my FOTDs -- and in some cases I even neglected to take any pictures. This look was from a few days ago. I thought I'd remember all the colors, but...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Tuesday Something simple for summer: Eyes: using pencils and creams Crease: Lancome Ice Princess Outer corners: Estee Lauder Go Wink a grey-brown Crease: Ultima II Hot Cocoa EyeSexxy (like a lipstick) Tightlined top: MK Melodramatic eye...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Meow AL I started with the lippie I wanted to swatch, then had the hardest time thinking what direction I wanted to go in. Then I remembered I had wanted to try Beau Nelson's lip technique, and...
Online Stores

FOTD Aromaleigh eyes + Cover Girl lips +

I felt like wearing turquoise on my eyes today, and outside of the Summer set by Mary Kay, my go-to for turquoise is Aromaleigh. Kristen has beautiful shades of greens, turquoises and teals, and I probably have most of them, at least in sample sizes, which are quite long lasting. They are vibrant and beautiful, if you are on a quest for this color.

I also felt like doing a 5 min makeup today, which I did. The only reason it took longer is because I kept thinking of things I wanted to take pictures of, such as the Chanel container and my powder. So I would digress to that. Aromaleigh is really fool proof. Easy to apply; always looks great and lasts all day. I knew I could do a 5 min makeup with AL. And I had a busy, busy day today, meetings, errands, music lesson, pick and delivery to school and more.

In all honesty, there were two things I meant to do and got sidetracked: concealer, and some of the new Arbonne white shadow in the inner corners of my eyes. That would have taken 30 sec. I just forgot.

Eyes: all Aromaleigh, except where noted
Base: Nude Frost, then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids: Azure
Drylined Top: Aqua Nightmare
(love this color!)
Drylined bottom: Caribe, just a touch more blue
Mascara: Stiletto
Tightlined top: NYX pen black
Brows: Merle Norman powder
Photobucket

Photobucket
Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: L’Oreal True Match, N1 Soft Ivory
While it looks like this foundation covers well, when applying it, I’m a little disappointed in how sheer it looks in the pictures. I like my skin to show through, but I like it a little less sheer. I will likely use this more as a highlighter in the future, if I try it again, and it is equally sheer.
Rouge under my sparkly mix of powder: Chanel stick
Blush over: Arbonne Promise
Hightlight: Arbonne Bashful
lightest blush

Lips: CG 912+928 + Stila Silver Mix
First: Guerlain liplift primer and conditioner and all round magic product
912 and 928 are plumping colors
1/2 and 1/2 each color, one on each lip, smooshed; then Stila-Silver Mix gloss when some of the lippie was gone to refresh it…this lipstick (928) is the one that hurt my lips after using it exclusively for months. After using every lip balm known to man and still having problems wearing anything on my lips, I remembered I had the Liplift. It fixed the problem with one application. I now have one in my purse and in the bathroom. And I made sure I used it before these colors. I never felt the product sting my lips. 912 is a particularly pretty soft shade. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll show it alone.
Photobucket

Photobucket

What do you think?
Do you like to use plumping lipsticks or teals and turquoises for shadows? What is your favorite AL color?

Kristen’s birthday is coming up and she’d love to have people participate in nominating her business. See the info here.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
do not steal my posts — you know who you are

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • PhotobucketFOTD Fyrinnae It isn't often that I'm at a loss for words, but truly no words can describe the superlatives I feel from the first try of this line. I was surprised at how easy it was...
  • PhotobucketFOTD MK Eyes + Lancome + Guerlain + I did my eyes the same as yesterday, but I added MAC pencils in graphblack and earthline. Then I wasn't sure if I wished I had left off the darker color. I got several compliments...
  • PhotobucketFOTD Avon eyes + Lancome + I wanted something fast and easy -- which, of course, never quite ends as expected. Eyes: nearly all Avon Base: Avon Lilac Glace Crease and outer corners: Avon Mark I-Sheer Fondue -- This is a...
  • PhotobucketReview: Lustre Aromaleigh Twilight supernatural powder Are you going to the New Moon premiere? Are you going to dress for the occasion? For the story behind the story, go here. Twilight Lustre The second one I tried was this one. When...
  • PhotobucketFOTD ELF eyes + Arbonne lips + Going for an easy look today, and I wanted to try the couple of ELF products that I hadn't tried yet. Just because they are inexpensive doesn't mean they aren't nice. Eyes: Base: Nude Frost...
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites Online Stores