Face Makeup...the must of makeups

So, most people who see me on a daily basis would have no idea about my obsessions with skincare and makeup.  To be honest, I am more obsessed with skincare (I am working up a little post about some goodies in that regard) if I had to choose one.

I don't know what it is about makeup that allures me.  Honestly, most days (now that I don't work for Corporate America anymore) I roll out with simply some sort of face makeup, bronzer, blush, eyebrows tidied and undereye concealer applied.

I have recently been going through one of my phases of being completely discontent with my face makeup, determined to find something else to give that elusive flawless face look with minimal makeup.

Here are my current favorites:
Colorescience Pressed Mineral Pigment in "All Even"

I had been lusting after this for a while--waterproof, SPF, transfer resistant, comes in yellow-based colors...all without the messy BE loose powder.  I, of course, did not pay $50 for it, but got it for half price from a seller on ebay.  I love it.  I have to apply it sparingly because this stuff can give some very full coverage.

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer

Okay, so I recommended this to Anne-Marie having never tried it myself.  I had read amazing reviews about it.  I am usually a bit scared of concealer because I always feel like I'm making things more flaky and obvious by covering them up.  I finally broke down because Ulta is having a buy one, get one free on these travel sizes.  Find a friend and split the $28 price tag.  So far, I'm loving mine.  It stays on so well and it perfectly creamy. Now, I just have to meet up with Kim this week to give her hers.

*As a side note, mineral makeup can be used as a concealer on its own.  If you're using a liquid/cream concealer, put it on before powder foundation or after liquid foundation (or tinted moisturizer, which is what I favor.)*

 

Blend those colors

I started wearing bronzer all over my face a few years ago when I got vigilant about wearing sunscreen on my face.  My bronzer of choice for this is Bare Minerals Warmth or Faux Tan (as I've mentioned here and here.)  I love that they are mineral and don't clog pores, and I can use a tiny bit to give color on my forehead, nose, cheeks and blend into my jaw and neck.

YES, ladies...the neck is generally the lightest part of your upper body!!  I learned this trick when I saw myself in pictures with my lightly faux bronzed face and stark white neck.  It was shocking.  It has since become a pet peeve of mine, and I notice it in my celebrities' photos as well.

If you are a faux bronzer, bronze your neck!

Everyday Minerals

So, the other day, I was searching for a product under my sink in what can be the makeup graveyard. I keep my everyday essentials in mini drawers on the counter, but have quite a bit of good stuff under that sink. I came across little sample jars from Everyday Minerals from a couple of years ago. All you pay is shipping, and you get to test out three foundation colors, a blush and a concealer powder. It's amazing! The reviews have always been great, and I really liked the color options in my sample kit. Before Bare Minerals brought a yellow based shade to their foundations, I was about to switch. It is way cheaper. The packaging is bare bones, but the product is decent and you have so many options to choose from.

I liked the semi-matte finish the best. They sell a sponge if you want to apply the powder minerals with a heavier coverage.

Everyday Minerals Sample Kit

Staple

Every so often, I realize that there are many products I use that I have never written about. I'm not even talking about that random plum eyeshadow or fuscia blush...I mean the staples! What is wrong with me??

So, like I've mentioned before, up until a few years ago, I was incredibly tan. I loved to go to the beach and pool and lay out for HOURS (so did my friends, by the way...you know who you are.)

Here is us circa 2003
And, then, much less tan last summer:


Anyways, about two years ago, I became obsessed (hard to imagine, I know) with making my face look tanner sans sun. I researched the best gel tanners (Benefit Talk to the Tan, Stila) and powder (Guerlain Terracotta.) I finally decided that powder works best for me since I already wear powder makeup. And, since I'm obsessed with not clogging my pores, a mineral would be best and the least flat.

I ended up getting Bare Escentuals Faux Tan and have never looked back. It is a great staple. I use it with my BE Flawless Face brush. It only takes a tiny bit, and I brush it on over the bridge of my nose, a little on my chin, forehead, temples (everywhere the sun hits.) Then, I buff a little more onto the bridge of my nose, and then blend under my jaw since I was told directly under the jaw is the whitest part.

I wear this year round. During the summer, I ramp it up a bit...but I'm a fan of a little faux glow all year long.

Mineral Sunscreen

I am a big fan of physical sunscreens (as opposed to chemical sunscreens.) I am also super obsessed with anything clogging my pores. I currently use Shiseido SPF55 lotion, which is wonderful for balancing out my combination skin. It has a mixture of physical and chemical sunscreens, and stays put.

I have tried a Peter Thomas Roth mineral sunscreen, but returned it because it dried my skin out so much. I discovered that it had cornstarch in it, that's why! I loved taking it to the pool and keeping in my purse for instant coverage. Chemical sunscreens take up to 30 minutes to become active, whereas physical sunscreens both a physical barrier on instantly. I used the PTR powder on my niece for instant protection on her little face too. Plus, the less chemicals, the better. I saw my doctor today and he talked to me about the traces of estrogen in many cosmetics that are affecting alot of women...possibly myself included. I need to be better about researching all the chemicals that go into my products.

I saw that Bare Minerals was coming out with one and it's finally here. I can't wait to try it in time for summer. I just hope it's not so drying.

Natural Sunscreen, $28

Tell me, tell me!!

Please, time for some feedback.

I have been itching for change in the face makeup department. Everytime I think I want to change, I remember just how much I love Bare Escentuals. But, I am curious as to what other people wear. I like to look like I'm not wearing face makeup, when I laugh secretly at how I actually do!! Mwahahaha...

Seriously, though, what do you wear?

I am contemplating trying Colorescience mineral makeup in a pressed powder. The makers of Bare Escentuals split back in the 90's and this is the company the other partner started. It is pricier than BE, but is amazingly waterproof. And the packaging is more convenient, with either a pressed powder or a brush applicator.

Other than that, I love tinted moisturizers.

But I usually go back to BE, for three years now!

More Coverage, Mineral Style

Photo: Garance Dore

This goes out to my friend Rae Lynn, who facebooked me with a couple of great questions. I'm going to field this one first:

you are a Bare Minerals-user, correct? do you ever use a foundation under the powder? do you have recommends for one that would work complementarily with it?

I'm going to talk in detail about using mineral makeup. I am a huge fan of Bare Minerals, have been for over three years. In that time, occasionally I stray to a couple of different types of tinted moisturizer. But, inevitably, I come back to BM (that's Bare Minerals, not to be confused with bowel movement.) One of the reasons may be that just when I feel uninspired, I happen to turn on QVC and catch a tutorial. Instantly, I am so thankful that I have a makeup with natural-yet-buildable coverage, that doesn't break my skin out and comes in a yellow enough shade for me. I also like the slight shimmer, because I don't want to look like I'm wearing full, matte makeup.

The key to flawless mineral coverage is prepping the skin. Mineral makeup (really any powder makeup) will accentuate any flakiness. I love BM Rev-er Upper because it has salicylic and glycolic acid in it (they chemically exfoliate the skin.) I use the Rev-er Upper, then my SPF 55, followed by a couple of spritzes of Mario Badescu rose water/aloe spray (read all about it here.) For my skin, I have to moisten it before applying powder.

Then, I follow with the standard swirl/tap/buff routine. When my skin is fairly clear, this does an adequate job of evening out my face. However, sometimes I need more coverage than the full mineral foundation can provide (including going back over the problem areas with the concealer brush.)

So, in answer to Rae Lynn's question, that's when I use a very sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer underneath the mineral foundation...to cover and to stay put longer. I use Clinique Almost Makeup, because that was my face makeup of choice for years before I started BM. I also suggest a very sheer foundation, like Prescriptives Traceless. Again, I like to cover what needs to be covered without looking like I'm wearing a thick layer of makeup. If you don't want to purchase a new foundation or TM just to wear under the mineral makeup, then simply use a damp sponge with whatever liquid foundation you may have...to make it a little more sheer. Or, make your own TM by mixing one part of foundation with one part moisturizer.

If I worked for a cosmetics company...

Bare Escentuals finally put one of their Mineral Veil in a portable form.

Why couldn't they do the same with their foundation?

Or, better yet, why can't Make Up For Ever do it with this??

A convert

Up until a few years ago, I was a sun bunny. I had tan lines nearly year round (thanks to the warm southern CA beach weather) and never seemed to be tan enough. How times have changed!! For a few years, my face has been protected by SPF or hats. I definitely get some sun on my arms and upper body sometimes, but mostly rely on self tanner.

Usually I use BareMinerals Faux Tan powder over my makeup (sweeping across my forehead, nose, cheeks and blending down below my jaw.) And yet, today, I experienced a new product.

I have been reading about the Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Spray. This retails at $57 (ouch!) It has silicone in it and dries to a powder finish. I got my new Sephora catalogue the other day, and took myself to the mall to try the items I had circled.

At first, I sprayed the #2 shade in error. I looked like I had just come back from a year on a deserted island, without sunscreen. Luckily, a kind Sephora employee offered her services and showed me how to lightly spray #1 on. And it was amazing. I looked the tan old me, before I started caring for my skin. Maybe I can find this cheaper on Ebay! What a lot of high maintenance it takes to make me look like the truly low maintenance, younger me. But, I'm older and more responsible now.

I feel too lazy to use my normal camera, so snapped one on my phone, but I don't think you can tell how tan I look. Oh well...

Thirty, Flirty and Fun

JOY

Remember that scene in "13 Going on 30" when the thirteen year old dreams of being thirty? Well, Joy just hit the big 3-0. She picked up some incredible new eyeliner yesterday, and we decided I should write about it on here. I then took it a step further and decided to overhaul her whole look with inspiration from new makeup and celebrities. I would have just emailed these ideas to her, but figured I might as well post it for everyone's entertainment (my ten dedicated readers!)

I have known her for nine years, and lived with her for four of those. Over the years, I did her makeup for a college senior banquet, for a music video shoot (oh, yes) and attempted to for her 30th party. She is one of those people who can pull off no makeup just as well as red lips. She looks great both in cool and warm tones.

Here goes:

I pulled up a few celebrity pics as inspiration. Her face shape most closely resembles Parker Posey's of these...but with coloring similar to the others. All of these are wearing more makeup than she would everyday, so we're not looking to copy, but simply glean ideas.

It looks like she is wearing NARS Orgasm blush here (or some other gold-flecked coral color) which I think would look great on Joy. I also like the lip color, and rich brown eye makeup.I love the 60's pale pink lips. The bright pink cheek color just pops too (in Bobbi Brown speak.) Same brown eye colors.

I wish I had a closer picture of Parker here. It is a contoured eye in blue and gray. Looks great on Joy.

This same lip color looks great on Joy.

Ok, now that we've seen the inspirations, here are my recommendations:

She already uses Bobbi Brown foundation as needed, finished off with Bobbi Brown powder. Then, Too Faced Bronzer. I know this because I picked them out for her. The only thing I would add to the face makeup is Benefit You're Bluffing Concealer. It is a pure yellow concealer stick that evens redness perfectly...especially around the nose or mouth. It would also be perfect for days she just wants to even out her skin without wearing full face makeup. My only complaint is that it has to be used on well moisturized skin or it can be a little drying.

Some products and tips for her eyes:

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

• Using at least two different colors of brown eyeshadow on her eyes. One as a base color and one smudged in the crease and around the eye. She already has a quad of colors with light blue, navy, brown and a shimmery highlighter. She needs a mix of browns. I love my Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes because it is so convenient--the included undereye concealer, directions, mirror and a decent brush. BareMinerals has a great set (Ready-to-Wear Collection) that isn't sold in Sephora, but looks perfect.
  

• Just like she has in the picture, a little eyeliner in the lower waterline (only part way from outer eye to mid eye) and smudged into the upper lashes. For a dressier look, an all over brown smoky eye.
  

Lips and Cheeks:

• I think she should bring some blush into the routine. Benefit Dallas would look great on her. Or NARS Orgasm, the blush that looks amazing with all coloring. Or, like Rachel Bilson, I think a pop of pink would look great on just the apples of her cheeks with Bobbi Brown Pale Pink. I love that the website even gives instructions on how to do it.
• A great option would be a multi purpose product, like Benefit Rush Hour (yes, I do love Benefit.) The color would be gorgeous on her, on her cheeks and a little smeared with her finger onto her lips.
• For a different look, a pale pink or nude-ish pink lipstick. I have a discontinued Benefit one I love ("Hollywood Roll"), but nude pink in any brand would do...preferably a moisturizing one since I don't see her reapplying often. She could probably find one from her beloved Aveda.
  

That's it for now!

Applause from those with yellow undertones

I love Bare Escentuals mineral foundation. I have tried a few different brands, but love the creaminess of BE. My only complaint has been that they offer no colors with yellow undertones. Finally, they released Golden Medium! I could not be happier. I have been using Medium Beige for quite some time now, but always check the coloring in natural light (in my car mirror) to make sure it doesn't look "beige-y" on me. I haven't really been able to use it as a concealer because it only accentuates the beige color on my rather yellow skin tone

One small step for BE, one giant leap for the yellowish girls everywhere.

On a confessional note, one of the reasons I may truly love BE is because of the infomercials. Just when I start to be discontent, and wonder if Laura Mercier or Philosophy mineral makeup is better, I happen upon a BE infomercial. In a matter of minutes, I am excited again about the versatility of it. It's really very sad what a follower I am.

I also could not live without the Faux Tan powder. It keeps me glowing year round with no sun damage, or even the stickiness that sometimes comes with facial self tanners. A simple sweep of the powder across the bridge of my nose, forehead and blending in at the neck...using the flawless face or flawless face full brush...followed by Mineral Veil. Oops, maybe I have watched a few too many infomercials.

Gimme Gimme

I want this. I had a Sephora employee try this on me, while my friend had to entertain her one year old who was throwing her first tantrum. The darker, accent shade is ok. But the dove gray/lavender one is STUNNING. I tried it dry since it was first thing in the morning, but think I may purchase and wear wet to a certain best friend's wedding in July. So beautiful.

Despite all of the hype, I really do like Bare Escentuals. The little pots bother me because they take up so much space and time. I also love Benefit, and their eye palette Big Beautiful Eyes is conveniently packaged in one compact. I use that thing all the time, and love the undereye concealer and brushes included.

As with all eye makeup, I rely completely on Urban Decay Primer Potion to keep it from creasing. It also makes the colors more vivid and lasting. I highly recommend it. For $16, it makes all your eye makeup MUCH better.

I really don't need any more makeup. I despise excess. I strive to only purchase what I actually need and use regularly. Hence, the obsession with buying the perfect products. But, if it's for a special occasion...

Foiled Eye