Shimmer like the French with Caron's Les Poudres

This Valentine's Day, it's time to go French with Caron's Les Poudres! Inside this white box lies a shiny case holding such a delicate, fine mineral-based powder to wear and look fabulous on a night out! In Venitienne, a rose shimmery color, Caron's La Poudre is gorgeous on your skin and reflects your natural beauty. ($45, USD, The Plaza Beauty in NYC)

Here is a beautiful display of the Caron products and their powders at the Plaza Beauty. There are lots of colors available for their loose powders and what is pretty cool is that they have two exclusive formulas, Les Transparentes (to create a natural finish for normal/dry skin) and Les Classique (for more coverage on normal/combination skin).

La Poudre Venitienne is one of the shimmery evening makeup for Les Transparentes. Although I have combination/oily skin, I found this powder to be quite nice, leaving my skin dewy and glow-y. This felt so light on my skin and it smelled floral. The mineral-infused makeup is infused with Bulgarian rose petals. Love this! This is my new personal favorite to look and feel special for Valentine's Day and everyday after!

For more beauty specials, check out The Plaza Beauty in NYC (literally the Plaza Hotel's lower level next to Central Park/58th Street) for lots of other specialty beauty brands, such as Youngblood, Dr. Young, Becca, and more!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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SANTE Cosmetics come to America!

Natural cosmetics are the rage right now, at least in my beauty world. :) Consumers are more conscience and aware of what ingredients are in their products they're using and some actively seek out products that don't contain harmful ingredients. I was sent several SANTE Natural Cosmetics and was so excited to try them. SANTE is the top selling European brand and with the launch of SANTE AMERICA, these products are now available in North America. (Read more reviews here.)

Here's the 411 on these products:

	Foundation- Soft Cream Foundation. This is one of the best mineral-based foundations I have seen. It goes on smoothly and one pump is all I need to cover my face. Since wearing mineral foundations, I have actually been using less and less and focusing more on getting better skin. This really helps my skin to look "flawless" and moisturized as well! Perfect for the cold and winter season. Tip: One pump is all you need for face for minimal, natural coverage. ($17, USD)
	Eyeshadows- Their Eyeshadow Trio: rose wood 03 This trio will help you achieve the perfect everyday neutral look! The colors are incredibly silky and blendable so I was really impressed. I'm not a huge fan of their tiny applicator, so I would recommend using your own brushes. It is okay for on the go with a nice mirror on top. If you're packing light and can only carry a few items, this would make the cut. Looove the neutrals here! ($16, USD)
Nails- The nail polish packaging is quite unusual- it looks like a lip gloss' packaging right?! The colour I tried is French Pearl 03, a soft, pale pink natural shade perfect for a French manicure. I've worn two coats for the past several days and so far so good. The tips are getting a bit faded though, but overall, I love the sheen and colour! It costs $15 each, which is a bit pricey but keep in mind, the formula doesn't contain any formaldehyde and toluene- toxins in other nail polishes.
	Lips- I tried their Soleil Lipstick Balm SPF 15 in Magenta. It's a nice red/berry color to brighten your look. It's got natural jojoba oils and mineral pigments to get the perfect color. This winter, instead of looking so blah, get this winter berry color on your lips.. stay tuned for pics! ($7, USD)
	Eyeliner- Called Dipliner, I tried Sante's eyeliner in Sparkling Grey. The color is a darkish grey with minimal sparkles, so don't expect it to be super-glittery. The color was good and I really like that the brush is very precise so you can get the perfect "winged" look. It does driy rather quickly so it's important to use it quickly.. I wouldn't recommend this for newbies. (Available for $12)

Check out www.santeamerica.comto shop!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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new makeup collection: AHAVA Mineral Makeup Care

i am a fan of the AHAVA brand, and was excited to learn the they will soon be launching their very first collection of makeup called Mineral Makeup Care!

the info shared with me described the Mineral Makeup Care collection as being formulated with powerful anti-aging ingredients and moisturizing properties including dunaliella algea (an indigenous dead sea seaweed loaded with vitamins, beta-carotene and amino acids) and AHAVA's Mineral Skin Osmoter™ (a unique blend of 21 essential dead sea minerals). also, users can expect to find the texture to be silky with soft-focus technology, to smooth over fine lines and imperfections for a flawless, natural, non-artificial coverage.



the line includes:

Light Foundation – an oil-free, medium coverage foundation that minimizes pores and provides a matte finish. can be used on all skin types.

Rich Foundation – a creamy full-coverage foundation that fades fine lines and provides a lustrous, glossy finish. ideal for normal to dry skin types.

Compact Powder – a silky, soft-pressed powder that provides light coverage and a natural finish. can be used on all skin types.

Loose Powder ­– a weightless powder that can be used alone or on top of foundation for medium to full coverage and a semi-matte finish. can be used on all skin types.

so, tell me: what do you think? is this a line you want to try? Mineral Makeup Care will be available september 1st on ahava.com and in Ulta stores nationwide.

xo

Lancôme’s Ageless Minérale Blush in Brilliant Berry: My Review

Hello Divas!


I hope you are having a truly fabulous Monday!  Mine has started off right!

I have been trying out a new blush and I am in love with it!  Now everyone knows that I am a NARS blush junkie and I collect them like candy.  However, Lancôme has a new mineral sheer blush that I have been using for one month and it is fabulous!

Lancôme’s Ageless Minérale Blush contains pure mineral pigments and is fragrance free, oil-free, and talc-free.  It is safe for sensitive skin and as a person that has extremely sensitive skin, I did not experience any irritation from using this product.  Any beauty product that does not break me out is always a winner in my book.  But more importantly, it just looks amazing on my brown skin.  The color is sheer but the color pops and gives the most radiant touch to your cheeks.  Take a look!

The color I am wearing is Brilliant Berry and as you can see my cheeks have that rosy look that we all crave.  I wear this blush and it just brightens my face.  And it lasts all day, even in this 102 degree heat we are experiencing in Georgia.  When I come home in the evening, my cheeks are still glowing.  As a matter of fact, Lancôme claims it wears for 6 hours. 

Lancôme’s Ageless Minérale blush comes in several colors that compliment a wide range of skin tones.  It retails for $29 and you can purchase it online here. 

Toodles!

Disclaimer:  Lancome provided this product for review.  However, my opinions are mine and based on my personal experience with the product.

Everyday Minerals- Colllections Spring/Summer

In the past couple of months, Everyday Minerals have come out with several collections (ie: value sets, assortment of their products in a gift set). There are several that I have come close to getting, but I turn around to see so many products sitting on my vanity that I still need to use and I don't check out. :(

Even though EDM is very different than where it was a year ago, there is still something about it that makes me want to check out what new products they have! They all contain at least 10 items for about $34 (except for the Utopia Blooms which is $29) so everything is a great deal.

The Josh Flagg Million Dollar Makeup Kit (PROS: new eye shadow colours- all in FULL SIZE CONS: Don't like the All-smiles blush and not sure about all the shadow colors)

Utopia Blooms- 25 Eyeshadow Kit (PROS: 25 different samples of eye shadows CONS: I have about half of them already)

On The Reef, Coral Collection- (PROS: I don't have any of the colours and they contain great neutral shades CONS: none :) )

Naked Natural Collection- (PROS: Contains their new blush/bronze combo CONS: Have some of the colors already)

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Pür Minerals- Makeup Foundation and Chisel Brush

I've been using Mineral Makeup for over five years and probably will be using it for the rest of my life. It just feels lighter and more natural on my sensitive skin and also gives me more control of the coverage. If I need more, I just buff on more mineral powder and doesn't feel heavier, which is a plus! Who needs to feel cakey?

So, I recently came across another minerals makeup product that I had to try- Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation. I actually found out about this company last year through Allure Magazine. Their 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup foundation won the 2008 Allure Best of Beauty Award in the “Best Natural Selection.”- what an honor! After trying this out, they deserve to win this award.

Coverage & Finishing: What I like most about the Pür Minerals Pressed Foundation is that the formulation combines 4 steps into 1. I like to do my makeup in less than 15 minutes, if possible, so I like to use products that will save me time! Instead of having to use a concealer or a finishing powder separately, I just use this one product. I received the right amount of coverage for my face overall, and I was also able to build the intensity when used directly to conceal blemishes and my under-eye circles. The finishing is also amazing; my skin looked polished and healthy.

Chisel Brush: This compact foundation is used alongside with their Chisel brush, made of a sturdy see-through plastic handle that can actually stand upright. All my other brushes just flop to the side when I place them in my brush holder.

The width of the bristles on the brush is just the right size to evenly swirl across the compact. After getting the powder onto my brush, I gently buff into my skin.

Tip: To remove excess powder that may appear on the top layer of the pressed foundation, dab a brush in short quick motions to let the bristles get the remaining powder. This can be used for a final touch up of your face.


Above is a swatch of their shade Porcelain. My face is darker so I need to wear the Light shade instead.

To watch a video on how to apply the 4-in-1 foundation compact,



Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8%; Inactive Ingredients: Mica, Boron Nitride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bismuth Oxychloride, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Carbonate, Silica, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides

I can't wait to try out their Holiday Collection!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)



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Which Makeup Colors Work on You

Which Makeup Colors Really Work on You

First, decode your undertones with this photo how-to

So many makeup how-tos have suggestions for "cool tones" and "warm tones," but what if you don't know what your tone is?! Figure it out with this easy-to-use guide -- and then find the perfect makeup colors for your skin tone. See how-to

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Reasons I Adore Everyday Minerals

Here are just a few reasons why I adore Everyday Minerals.

First, they offer a free sample kit to new customers. See mine here It gives you the chance to try their products and find your "color" before committing to any of their full-size products.

Second, they have on-going specials, whether it be a discount or freebies with your purchase. Recently, they offered a 5% discount for Mother's Day, a free lip balm with your purchase of $15 and a Guessing Game. This means that the more you order, the more prizes you will get. Based on the forums, it seems like the minimal order (less than $10) will get you a cellulose sponge, worth $2. Larger orders, like their personal custom kit- worth $34- will get you the sponge and a few other eye shadow samples. Update: Current special is a $5 Foptic brush (original price: $10)

This takes me to the third reason- they offer CUSTOM KITS!! You can put in any 6 full-size items for $34 or 12 full-size items for $50. A full-size item can cost between $6-12 and with a 12-item kit, it comes out to a little more than $4 each. What a bargain! You can also put in brushes which are about $10 a pop..

And the last reason why I am raving about them is their BRUSHES!! They have the most softest bristled brushes ever, including their famous FLAT TOP BRUSHES!

So how do you keep track of all their amazing color choices? Use this swatch list, excludes their numerous eye colors:
(From left to right: Cheeks, Base, Concealer/Face)



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Mineral Makeup Favorites

Readers' Choice: Top 18 Mineral Makeup Products

These reviews tell which foundations and powders are best in their class

From powders to liquids, these mineral makeup formulas were voted most impressive (and least irritating) by TotalBeauty.com users. Find the perfect match for your skin -- and your budget. See products

No. 18: Joppa Minerals Morning Dew Foundation, $16

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.2*

Why it's great: "It doesn't make me itch and it stays in place all day long..."

No. 17: Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation, $18

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.2*

Why it's great: "It is easy to apply, it blends in with my skin, it stays all day, and it looks natural..."

No. 16: Arbonne About Face Mineral Powder Foundation, $34

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.2*

Why it's great: "I have some issues with acne scars and this covers [them] right up. There's a good selection of colors as well so you're sure to find your color..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

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