Blog | Page 30 of 225 | Makeup By Kim Porter

Beauty Items to Pack for a Summer Vacation

August 22, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Miscellaneous / 19 Comments

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. PR Samples. Affiliate Links.

I’m going away on vacation soon to celebrate my 30^th birthday. .:Yipee:. This vacation will be a much needed break from my daily grind, and everything else that I’ve dealt with over the past year, which has been a lot! You can read about it all over on Beauty and the Bump. Anyway, I think you will agree that one week (or more) in the sun on someone’s beach is a necessary indulgence for both me and my husband; we’ve earned it.

The most daunting task for me when it comes to vacations is preparation and packing. I’m well known for over packing; just read my piece on Essence.com. This time around, I am sticking to just a few items because lugging heavy luggage isn’t fun (for the husband), and luggage fees are just insane these days. But, does that mean my skincare and beauty regimen will suffer? Nope!

I’m sorry, but, I am not one of those people who will just use any old thing found in a hotel bathroom on my skin; I’m picky like that. When I travel, I still like to look cute, which means sticking to my skincare regimen, and packing items that will enhance my natural beauty. A lot of the items I pack should have a dual purpose, for example, a tinted moisturizer with SPF. The products should be lightweight and compact, thus allowing them to all fit nicely in my clear Zuca bag. Below are my picks for beauty items to pack for summer vacation.

Skincare

LUSH Cosmetics Dark Angels Cleanser – Detox, cleanse, and oil-control all in-one. This is one of my favorite cleansers. The small container is perfect for traveling, too. And, it’s another multitasking product, as it can also be used as a body cleanser. (Read review)

CLEANSE by Lauren Napier – These are perfect for travel since they come individually wrapped. I can use them post flight, in my bed at night to remove makeup, on the beach… you get it. I can whip these wipes out anywhere, anytime I feel my face needs cleansing. (Read review)

Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster – This over the Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray with the Makeup Finishing Spray on top for my no makeup days out roaming the streets or chilling on the beach. Either way, my skin will be protected from the harsh UVA/UVB rays. (Read review)

Roloxin Lift – A special treat for my skin post flight or for my birthday dinner out on the town – whatever town we end up traveling to– when I need my skin to look its best. It too, comes in a small packet, which makes it excellent for travel. (Read review)

Makeup

Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray | Oil Control – This is a silicone-free makeup primer spray for us oily girls (or boys) that can be worn alone or with makeup to keep oil at bay. It can also be mixed in with mascara, eyeshadow or brow product to create budge-proof makeup.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray | Oil Control – A must-have for setting makeup, especially in the summer, is setting spray. While on vacation, in the heat, and humidity, who needs their makeup sliding or caking? Not me! This is where this Finishing Spray comes in handy.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – I love multi-tasking products. The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has become my go-to moisturizer and “foundation” for the summer. It keeps my skin moisturized while evening my skintone, and providing a healthy-looking glow. It also has SPF, and is lightweight. No one needs heavy makeup in the heat or on the beach. (Read review)

LA Girl Pro Concealer – Shades: Fawn & Toffee – These are my go-to, budge-proof concealers to hide my under eye circles and blemishes. Plus, if I lose them, I wouldn’t even mind since they’re only $1.99-2.50 each. (Read review)

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #7 – I love this bronzer! I can use it alone, of course, I will not skip the SPF, or I can use it over my tinted moisturizer for a more polished look. The compact isn’t large, which means it can fit in my purse.

Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade – My go-to brow product and it’s great to use as eyeliner. (Read review)

UD Primer Potion when coupled with my Urban Decay Naked Palette will allow the eye shadows to last throughout the day and through the heat.

tarte lights camera splashes mascara (waterproof) – I love, love, love tarte mascaras! This one will last throughout the day, and even during my frolicking on the beach.

Sephora Collection Brush set: This is a great set for travel in that it includes all of the necessary tools to apply minimal makeup effectively, and precisely. The set includes the following: Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush #57, Pro Flawless Airbrush #56, Pro Angled Shadow Brush #13, Pro Crease Brush #10, and Pro Smoky Liner Brush #24.

Body

L’oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer Lotion SPF30+ – I have sunscreen for my face covered, but, I also need to make sure my body is protected, too. This sunscreen goes on light, it isn’t heavy like most sunscreens I’ve used, and it doesn’t have the strong sun block scent that most sunscreens have. And it’s water resistant for up to 80-minutes.

Degree with Motionsense Invisible Solid – I just started using this deodorant this summer. NYC heat and humidity is crazy when it’s high, and this has helped me keep fresh and smelling clean during those days, so I am confident it will function the same while away. My favorite scents are Sexy Intrigue and Shower Clean. They’re $3.88 at Walmart.

For my perfumes, I will probably pick up the travel perfume atomizer. I am not travelling with a full-size bottle of perfume in my checked luggage. Imagine if one of them breaks?

Lips

Carmex – For some reason, when I’m away on vacation I do not use lipstick or lip gloss; I let my skin do the talking so it’s just straight carmex for my lips. If I do end up bringing a lipstick, it will probably be my go-to shade for the summer, BlackUp Cosmetic’s RGE34M (matte orange), MAC Girl About Town, and/or MAC Call My Bluff.

Tell me, what beauty items vacation with you?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. PR Samples. Affiliate Links.

My Skin, but Better: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Martinique’

August 6, 2014 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Product Swatches, Reviews, Skincare / 44 Comments

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Review

When the weather is hot, and the humidity is high, I keep my makeup to the minimum. That means, no heavy foundation. How do I get around that? I use a light foundation like MAC Face & Body mixed with some SPF or a tinted moisturizer. Over the last few months, since purchasing NARS’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Martinique, I’ve been using it almost daily. While attending The Makeup Show New York 2014, I stopped by the NARS booth to see what they had, swatch products, and of course shop! The one thing I picked up was the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, and I only paid $32 (retail $42). You’re probably thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot, Kim!” Hmm, but I think it was money well spent, especially due to the compliments I receive when wearing it.

What is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps dehydrated skin with its infusion of “..lush, naturally derived ingredients.” According to NARS, this tinted moisturizer “…has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in as little as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection.”

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Swatches

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is available in 11 shades in varying undertones like neutral pink, neutral yellow, peach, red, golden olive etc. I picked up Martinique, which is described as medium dark with warm, red undertones. When swatched against my skin (remember ladies, swatch on your jawline or your neck), Martinique was the perfect summer shade for me, while Seychelles is perfect for winter. You know, your skin color changes from light to dark depending on the season; therefore, it’s important for your makeup shades to change, too.

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, for me, applies well with a fluffy foundation brush. I found that when I used my fingers, the application was a little streaky, and less natural-looking. After I apply it, I apply my Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder shade #7, and spray with Skindinavia’s The Finishing Spray for Oily Skin.

The SPF30 property of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a plus because you have sun protection for up to 2 hours post application and sun exposure, which means you’d have to re-apply it throughout the day if you are depending on it for that purpose. Plus, I’ve noticed, that if I didn’t use primer prior to, or powder prior to application (sometimes I do because I get oily) I’m blotting or using blot powder 2-3 hours in. Unlike other products I’ve used, I don’t end up looking like a grease bucket, it’s more like a glow or dewy effect. This doesn’t mean that the coverage doesn’t last throughout the day because it does. Plus, a little goes a long way; I only use a pea sized amount to cover my face.

There is a slight, lemony, herbal scent to the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; however, it dissipates quickly. Trust me, when I say it’s light, I mean, it’s like a barely there scent.

Why do I like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

– It has broad spectrum SPF30

– It makes my skin look and feel better. My skin, but better.

– It gives my skin a natural glow. I’ve been asked if I’m expecting because of the glow I have.

– It’s lightweight & doesn’t feel heavy.

– It’s oil-free & non-comedogenic.

– Paraben, phthalate, and sulfate-free

What I don’t like about NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

-It has the tendency, without proper skin prep, to become oily, that is if you have oily skin.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a product I will purchase again. In fact, once fall/winter hits, I’m picking up Seychelles. This tinted moisturizer is great for someone willing to splurge on a lightweight moisturizer with SPF30, that provides good coverage, and makes your skin look radiantly amazing. I know $42 is a lot to commit to for a product you’re just trying out, so try picking up a sample at your local Sephora. Found at the following retailers: NARS, Beauty.com, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Ave, Sephora.

Have you tried the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer? What do you think?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.

Debut of Roloxin Lift by Dermarché Labs at SpaceNK in SoHo + Mini Review

August 4, 2014 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 27 Comments

PR SAMPLEAFFILIATE LINKS

I attended the debut of the Roloxin Lift, an instant wrinkle-smoothing treatment, by Dermarché Labs, which took at the SoHo New York City location of SpaceNK. During the event I got to test out Roloxin Lift, and chat with one of the founding partners of Dermarché Labs.

You’re probably wondering why in the world would I attend an event geared towards a product that instantly smooths wrinkles, right? Well, if you read my blog you’d know that at the tender age of 29, I am all about prevention. Plus, I always like getting the scoop on new skincare and beauty products, and sharing it with my readers.

What is Roloxin Lift?

Roloxin Lift is part of Demarche Lab’s new category of skincare products: instant skincare. Roloxin Lift claims to immediately reduce – I’m talking within 7-10 minutes- the appearance of both wrinkles and pores, thus giving wrinkles a smoother look and texture, as well as provide a more even skin tone.

Roloxin Lift has a unique formulation of hydrophilic acid and hydrophobic silica particles, which “form a latticework” over the skin to create a bright, smooth, luminous appearance.

My Thoughts

Although I have no wrinkles, and was told “You have perfect skin. You don’t need anything, really.” I still gave the product a try. It was all in good fun, and after rinsing off Roloxin Lift I was left with smoother skin than what I’d walked in with.

The process: Prior to applying Roloxin Lift I had to remove all of my makeup, except my eyeshadow and brows. Afterwards, I wet my skin, activated the packet, and then applied Roloxin Lift. After about 5 minutes of having on Roloxin Lift, I noticed my skin tingling, and it tightening as the product dried. Once the product was completely dry, the tingling stopped, and my face was tight! It was time to rinse. After rinsing, there was still tightness, and I was reassured the tigthness was not due to the product drying out the skin, but, in fact, due to the product working. This is why it’s recommended to moisturize immediately after using the product so I used Eve Lom Day Cream.

Although I cannot attest to the anti-aging properties of Roloxin Lift, I do know that it did smooth out my skin; my skin was baby soft afterwards. The makeup artist who re-applied my makeup again, complimented me on my skin. He didn’t even use a primer prior to applying the Laura Mercier Foundation, and it went on smoothly.

What I like about Roloxin Lift

My skin was smooth

My skin was radiant & healthy-looking

My makeup went on better

It doesn’t breakdown makeup

It isn’t time consuming

You can follow your regular skincare regiment after using it

The only thing I didn’t like about the Roloxin Lift product was the price. I mean, I just bought a house; I’m on a budget, so splurging on skincare is the last thing on my mind, but I did like the results.

To experience Roloxin Lift’s instant results, it’s going to put you back a pretty penny; 10 treatments for $110 (or $270/ 30). The good thing about Roloxin Lift is that you get more than enough product in one packet for your face that you may even be able to get two applications from one packet, thus cutting costs in half. If you have the money to splurge, and are looking to smooth out some fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pores, or just experience smoother skin, period, Roloxin Lift can be purchased at SpaceNK.com or RonRobinson.com.

Is Roloxin Lift a product you would want to try?

Disclosure: I attended a media preview event, and was provided product for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.