Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream

Earlier this year, I discovered an amazing product at the L.A. Makeup Show.
I didn't really use the product until recently~ I'm officially in Makeup Love.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams have recently became a new favorite and have been added to my must have list.

Bio-Oil

When I was in Kenya this summer, my skin was a disaster.
It was so irritated and dry that even wiping my face with a baby wipe was painful.

I didn't bring many products with me, but luckily, I brought my bottle of Bio-Oil.

In My Makeup Bag

I'm always curious to see what products people use: I love seeing what my friends and makeup mentors use in their makeup bags and kits.
So in case you were interested in seeing what goodies I carry around with me, I am about to unveil my own bag of tricks   ;)

Currently, I'm using a silver Bobbi Brown makeup bag that was a gift with purchase.
I usually use my makeup bags for months- a year until it starts falling apart.
Sometimes I change the products, but I usually carry around these items (or ones that are similar in quality/convenience)

Here are the products that I feel are worthy of carrying around with me wherever I go (at least for now):

Spray Away: My Favorite Face Mists

Summer is hot hot hot.

One item that I always use year round (but is especially good for warm weather) is a face mist.

* Spray before putting on moisture to add a little more hydration
* Mist throughout the day for a quick and refreshing pick-me-up
* Use when you're skin is feeling a little dry and you don't want to put on a moisturizer
* Works on all skin types: Dry for an instant refresher, Oily for moisture without the heaviness of a lotion
* Great for travel~ especially on planes or places where the air is very dry

Flowers... For Your Face- Guerlain Les Violettes Loose Powder

I haven't been as excited to buy a new product as I was to buy the Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Powder.
I tried it at someone's house recently and fell in love at first sight (and smell).

This is a luxury product.  It comes in a big gold round case.  The Powder Puff is big and divine (I hate when cosmetics give really cheap and flimsy puffs). The packaging inside can be a little messy... but use carefully (adding to the luxurious experience!) and you'll be fine.

First launched in 1991, Les Voilettes loose powders are miracles of transparency and fineness, especially formulated to matify and improve make-up hold without setting it. Contained in a stylish gilt pot, this loose powder, as light as a feather and as soft as silk, sweeps over the face, illuminating the complexion and leaving a delicious scent of violets in its wake. Delectably light, it blends into the skin to create a perfectly matt and even complexion. Its transparency and evanescence means you can apply it as often as you need to without creating a build-up of powder. This must-have accessory is available in 5 shades to transform all complexions. 

The powder is ultra ultra fine. You only need the slightest bit to mattify your skin and leave your skin looking flawless. You can always add for more coverage, but start with a light hand.
* I like to take the powder puff, dip the edge into the powder and fold the powder puff in half (essentially pressing the powder into the puff).  Then I lightly dust the powder all over to set makeup.

The best part of the powder is the scent.  It smells delicious.... like a violet candy
(C. Howards Purple Violet Mints smell and taste sooo delicious... and are good at getting rid of cigarette breath).


I LOVE putting this on my face as I can smell the powder and sometimes, I can still smell the violet on my face while walking around
(It makes me happy!)    =)
If you don't like flowery smells, you probably won't like the scent.  But I say it is simply divine.

The powder is definitely not cheap, retailing at $55 .  It is pricey, but there is a looot of powder and because you only really need the slightest amount, it will last you for a really long time.

Like I said, it's a luxury product.... but I really feel like it makes you feel different when using a luxury product:  I always feel a little more special, a little more fancy, and a little bit happier when using (and wearing) something of the best quality.  And baby, I think you're worth it!  =)

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder

The Good News:

This is one of my favorite new discoveries.  I remember using something from the Prescriptives Magic line in high school... but I guess I never stayed with it....  I wish I had!


Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder is a very fine and light translucent powder.
It leaves a cool feeling on your face on contact.  It's so refreshing and cool ( I love things that change temperature!).
It leaves a beautiful, natural-looking luminescent glow on your face.
I also feel it is more moisturizing than a typical powder.

If you can find the Rose Gold version, I HIGHLY recommend it (and pick me one up too!). They're pretty much sold out everywhere and selling for double on Ebay  =(
This is a BEAUTIFUL shimmer.  I use it to highlight my cheekbones and nose everyday.  LOVE it!

The Magic: Instantly cools and diffuses light to minimize the look of lines, pores, and wrinkles. This ultra-lucent powder dusts on like a mist to set and enhance the effect of foundation.
 The Secret: Simply dust *magic Liquid Powder Translucent over face and neck. Wear over Prescriptives foundation to enhance the illusion.

Oil-free. Non-acnegenic. Ophthalmologist-tested. Dermatologist-tested.

The Bad News:

Prescriptives is going out of business at the end of January, so you better stock up.

I bought 3 of these babies! I use it every day since I've gotten it.

Grab now while you can!

Retail Price:

$35 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~* 

Queen Helene Grapeseed Extract Peel Off Masque

I've always loved putting on masks.
Maybe it made me feel older and like all the glamorous women on t.v. and in the movies I'd see.
It was also fun to see your face get really dry and crackly (with a mud) or feel like you have plastic on your face and be able to take your "face" off!

Personally, I prefer Peel-Off masks~ I feel more of an immediate difference and like the peeling off aspect
(The grown up version of putting Elmer's glue all over your hands and peeling it off!)
I use mud masks on my T-Zone to get rid of oiliness (Across your forehead, on your nose, and on your chin).
As for my favorite Peel-Off mask... the award goes to Queen Helene Grapeseed Peel Off Masque! (Applause, Applause)

I've been using this baby for YEARS.  I've probably gone through at least 5 tubes...
It leaves my skin smooth and soft as a Buh Buh's bottom!
* It's cheap, fast, and easy to take off.  I like to put on a really thick layer... I feel like it does more and it's more fun to peel off when its thicker.
* It's a great skin pick-me-upper~ When  you feel like your skin is a mess and there's nothing that is helping it, this is my go-to to make it feel better (even if it is only a quick fix)

Some reviews claim the smell is too strong.. but I don't mind it.  It's kind of like an alcohol smell... but once it's on, I never notice it.

I would use this product around once a week. I think you could probably use it more, but I never remember to...

I always buy mine at Harmon (one of my FAVORITE beauty stores), which you can find throughout NJ or in some Bed, Bath and Beyond stores.  Get a 20% off coupon and you save even more!  You can also find it online.

So try it out. And if you hate it, you're only losing out on $3!

Make Up Forever HD High Definition Foundation

For all you ladies (and metros) that have been looking for the perfect foundation, I present to you Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation.

I am not a huge fan of foundation because I don't really like the feel of it.. but this stuff is AH-MAY-ZING!!!!

An oil-free medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining on-screen and in real life.

What it does: Creates a soft-focus effect, designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It creates a complexion that looks flawless, even in bright or harsh lighting.

This is a liquid foundation that is not thick, but is definitely thicker than other foundations.
* The best way to use this foundation is to use with a round (not circular) sponge because it will give a more flawless and airbrushed look.
* With this foundation, most people will not need concealer.
* You put this over the areas you need and if you have problem areas... just layer and blend.

The result of this foundation is great- your skin looks flawless without looking like you’re wearing a ton of makeup. And although this foundation is a little thicker, you need only the tiniest amount to see a difference.

This foundation is made for HD television and film, where you can see every microscopic imperfection zoomed by a hundred-fold. It creates almost an air-brushed look.

When using this product, you'll want to apply directly to skin and blend quickly because it dries fairly quickly.

* This product is a definite must have. If there’s only one foundation that I recommend to you, this is it. Trust me...Your skin will thank me.
You’re welcome.  =)

Retail Price: $40

 Ingredients:
- Relipidium: Moisturizes the skin ( + 46% after 4 hours)
- Fucogel: Forms a microfilm that prevents dehydration and protects against external aggression
- Sericite: Enables rays of light to spread more widely, intensifying the radiance of the complexion

Available in 26 different shades

Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer

 I Believe in Balance

I Believe that doing the Right Thing can be Glamorous

I Believe in Beauty without the Baggage

-Josie Maran

As you know, I'm obsessed with the Josie Maran Argan Oil.  I love slathering myself in this stuff! It makes your skin soft, dewy, glowy, and takes away the dryness that plagues many of us.

My second favorite Josie Maran Product is their Tinted Moisturizer.  Now I never really used to be a fan of Tinted Moisturizer because I don't need foundation, but I recently started using one I got in a set.  I'd been using it daily because it gave me color on my pale Fall/Winter face.  Then I started working for Josie Maran and discovered theirs.  It steps up the game to a whole other level.

* The first time I used this product on someone, I was a little nervous about how well it would work... but the lady looked fabulous and she bought one on the spot. 
* My second test was when a woman with Rosacea and EXTREMELY sensitive skin came to me and asked me if this product would work on her.
I'm not gonna lie... I was really nervous and thinking I would have to use my makeup skills to cover the redness with concealer.  However, all she needed was the tinted moisturizer with a dab of concealer on certain spots.
 I was AMAZED.  I was sold.  I can now sell the Tinted Moisturizer with Confidence!

I like recommending the Tinted Moisturizer to everyone for a few reasons:
 1.  This product is an All-In-One.  It is a moisturizer, SPF, and foundation coverage in one. Great for people who use foundation but don't like the feel.
2.  It provides EXCELLENT coverage.  It creates a beautiful, natural-looking canvas.  It evens out the redness and rudiness many people have.  Skin looks clean, natural, and glowing.
3.  The product is buildable.  You don't need a lot...but you can always add more to make it into more of a foundation.  I put on the lightest layer and people are really amazed with how much better their skin looks.  If you have really bad problem skin, just add a little more and your skin will look soooo much better!
4.  This product contains the Argan Oil so it's more moisturizing than other ones and leaves you with beautiful natural looking skin

5.  It is SPF 30, which is higher than others (which are typically SPF 15 and SPF 20)
6.  It passed my Rosacea/Sensitive Skin/Oily Skin/ Dry Skin Test.  Sold!
7.  You can get a tan in a bottle.  During the cold months, our faces can get pale and pasty.  Buy the next shade up from your natural shade and you'll look like you just came back from vacay... or at least you won't look like you haven't seen sunshine in months~
8.  It works on all skin types: Dry/Combo/Oily/Sensitive
9.  It's a clean, natural look without a heavy feel~ You don't feel like you're wearing any makeup.
10.  Natural, Organic, Recyclable packaging.  Love t hat it's "Luxury with a Conscience"~ You only have 1 body and 1 earth... Take care of it  (Wow... I sound like such a hippie! Peace Man!)

What it is:
A lightweight tinted moisturizer, sheer foundation, and sunscreen, all in one.

What it does:
Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer glides on smoothly, leaving you with perfect, even-toned coverage, and a radiant, healthy glow. This moisturizer's powerful SPF 30 protects the skin from sun damage by blocking both UVA and UVB rays, while natural, organic ingredients nourish the skin. The formula includes Josie's signature ingredient, 100% pure organic Argan oil, which replenishes and repairs skin cells.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrance
- Synthetic Dye
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
It can be used on all skin types and contains organic pomegrante oil (a protective antioxidant for the skin), grape seed oil (nourishes the skin), and organic papaya extract (rejuvenates the skin)

Retail Price: $38 

So try out Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer and let me know if you love it as much as I do.  It gets the "Irene Kim Seal of Approval" so I'm sure you will!
Not nearly as important, but nice to know that it was also featured in the MAY 2009 Elle Magazine  ;)

Only available at various Sephora locations in NYC when I'm working.  Hee Hee~ J/K!
Click here to pick yours up now.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day ~*

Kevyn Aucoin- Sensual Skin Enhancer

 I was at Sephora a few weeks ago and I came upon Kevyn Aucoin's line.  I'd always seen it around, but I never really got around to checking it out. 
I started reading a lot of his books (He is SOOO talented and amazing~ ) so I was excited to check out how his makeup line measured up.

The one product that really caught my eye was The Sensual Skin Enhancer.  First of all, the name is pretty fabulous!  But you can't judge a products worth just by the name.  So I put some on.  I was amazed.

The Sensual Skin Enhancer
What it is:
A versatile enhancer that can be used as an all-over foundation, concealer, or highlighter.

What it does:
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is formulated to provide maximum coverage to hide imperfections, compliment skintone, and to create a flawless canvas.


"Apply the appropriate shade enhancer lightly under the eye to conceal dark circles or redness. Less is more. A little dab will cover, so don't over do it." –Kevyn Aucoin

First of all- the texture is not a typical concealer.  It is a very different texture: It contains honey, so it has a smooth liquid/gel texture to it. It's hard to describe... you just have to experience it for yourself.

It blends very well and gives amazing coverage.  You can even use it all over as a foundation.

***USE SPARINGLY***  This concealer is no joke. The TINIEST dab will do wonders. I made the mistake of dipping in and i had to take most of it off. A TEEENY TINY dab is enough.  Trust me.

It can be pricey, but this little jar will last you forever. 

So if you're looking for an amazing concealer... this is the one for you.

Retail Price: $45

Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder

If you are to only get one powder, the Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder is the one to invest in. What makes this powder so great? Well ... let me tell you!!!!

1. It is universal- it is a powder that is invisible, so everyone can use it on someone whether they are as pale as a vampire or as dark as a Nigerian princess!

2. The texture is amazing- The powder itself is ultra-fine and amazingly sheer. It's so fine that a lot of it can go to waste, so the best way of using the powder is to get some into the cap and dip the brush into the cap. When you feel your skin afterwards, it's like butter!

3. You don't need a lot of product- It's so light and sheer, but leaves a nice matte finish. You don't need a lot to see results, and even if you do put on a lot, you won't get the completely powdered down feeling you can get with other powders. It also doesn't look or feel cakey.

4. It can be used to take away shine or to set makeup without changing your skin tone. Even translucent powders tend to lighten the face a little bit. This one doesn't.

5. Is made for HD, so it won't look funny if you're working on film or television. (And you DO need different makeup for HD TV... which is why some newscasters look awesome... and others ... not so much)


______________________________________________________
The Microfinish Powder is made of 100% silica. RUN to Sephora and try it out for yourself. Seeing is believing. And use sparingly... You only need the tiniest amount to look and feel flawless! And the Make Up Forever HD Kabuki Brush is heavenly. Definitely worth the investment. Now go!







Retail Price:
Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder- $30
Make Up Forever HD Kabuki Brush- $39