Makeup By Kim Porter

Top Summer Beauty Essentials from Sephora

Head into summer with a selection of  summer beauty essentials that are sure to kick up the heat this season.  There’s something for every budget, so indulge in vibrant colors, sweet smelling scents and show off a perfect sun-kissed glow with this selection of Sephora products that will keep your beauty routine hot all summer long.

 

tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stain ($9):
Keep your lips hydrated and colored with these fun balms inspired by the criminally cute characters of tokidoki. These balms are perfect for those steamy summer days when you want to moisturize your lips while just adding a hint of color.
Available in six gorgeous shades: Pink Martini (Pink with cherry flavor), Donutella (Peach with melon flavor), Skeletrina (Purple with grape flavor), Ciao Ciao (No color with mint flavor)
Sephora Tinted Self-Tanning Face Gel ($16):
There’s no better accessory this summer than a bronzed glow! Give your face a glowing, natural tan with this moisturizing, self-tanning face gel. The easy-to- use brush tip ensures an even tan, without having to use your fingers. The formula is lightly tinted so you can see where the product has been applied for streak-free results.
Kat Von D 5 Piece Brush Set with Case ($55):

Be sure to put your best face forward no matter where your summer travels may take you with this five piece makeup brush set that helps you achieve a variety of eye looks from casual, everyday elegance to sexy smoky “Kat” eyes. Featuring Kat’s signature silver rose detailing on the brushes, this set comes in a sleek, black vinyl case with the same beautiful stencil design, perfect for easy, protected travel.

Hello Kitty Big Pink Bow Eau de Parfum Roll-On ($19):
As the weather gets warmer it’s not only time to opt for lighter clothing but also fragrances! Update your summer scent with the sophomore fragrance from Hello Kitty – it’s sweet, delightful and fun making it perfect for summer with notes of juicy pineapple, pink honeysuckle, tantalizing gardenia, fresh coconut and warm vanilla. Best of all, it’s portable rollerball form allows for effortless touch-ups throughout the day!

Sephora by OPI UV Effects Top Coat ($9.50):
Let your nails have fun in the sun with this unique top coat that intensifies and brightens nail colors. Just expose your tips to some direct sunlight and watch as the shades change – red to pink and black to blue. And for you summer party-goers, put your hands under black light and this polish will glow bright white for a fun, dance floor accessory.

 
Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes To-Go ($4):
Perfect for your summer travels, this small package of handy cleansing wipes is perfect for cleaning and toning the skin while out and about this season! These mini towelettes remove all types of makeup while also delivering long-lasting hydration thanks to its plant-derived formula.

 

What are some of your summer beauty essentials?

Beauty Blog Coalition Round Up – 6/15/2012


  • Is your hair and skin dry and damaged? MyStyleBell explains the difference between Argan Oil and Grapeseed Oil and explains which one is better for your hair.
  • Are you interested in trying a monthly sample service for beauty products? Emily has tried a few and was happy with the first impression of Sample Society by beautybar.com. See what came in the June Sample Society box!
  • Everything has a scent, even cold! Designer Serge Lutens celebrates it in his avant-garde, new fragrance, l’eau Froide. Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters checks out the fragrance and gives a report. Cool yourself all Summer long!
  • Miss L from Beauty by Miss L tried L´Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum and now shares her thoughts about it.
  • Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom showcases polishes inspired by the movie Snow White and the Huntsman.
  • Glitter.Gloss.Garbage has swatches of MAC Casual Colour.
  • Brooke from BlushingNoir shows you what is in her first (and second!) Little Black Bag with this open box video!
  • BeautyJudy wear-tests, reviews and shares swatches of Dermelect’s new ME Anti-Aging Color Nail Lacquers. Do theydeliver on the company’s promise of chip-resistance and nail strengthening? Find out!
  • BeautyTidbits is giving away a bunch of new NIVEA skincare goodies and a trendy beach tote to get you ready for the beach season!
  • Phyrra brings you the best in bright hair from Premiere Beauty Orlando.
  • The Pink Sith yammers on about mermaids and cable TV, but she shows you some awesome pictures of Models Own Nail Polish in Indian Ocean while she does it.
  • Take the headache out of nail art and try this simple trick from Blushing Basics.
  • Are you looking for a great peel for summer-ready glowing skin? Lola from Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog is a huge fan of Suki Renewal Bio-Surfacing Facial Peel because it’s natural, vegan, and highly effective!
  • There are some big-name must-haves out there, but when you shop locally a whole new world can open up for a beauty enthusiast! Follow Bailey around a farmers market and see what local beauty she finds.
  • Beauty Info Zone wants to teach you about double cleansing with Dermalogica PreCleanse. They also want one US reader to win the product to see how great it is for themselves.
  • Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at some truly odd beauty items with The 8 Strangest Beauty Products.
  • Girl Gloss has a MAC Casual Colour Collection Swatch of the Shade Keep it Casual.
  • How do you remove your makeup? TheFabZilla tried a gamut of ways but got hooked with Micellar water. Check out her recent faves.
  • It is Giveaway time over at Pammy Blogs Beauty! So, head on over to enter to win a Total Beauty Collection sample box!
  • Polarbelle spends a little time getting her nautical on with the Mac Hey, Sailor eyeshadows.
  • Nails and Noms shows us some pretties from the new indie kid on the block, Cirque Nail Polish with their Dark Horse Collection!
  • The Makeup Divas shares swatches and reviews MAC Ditto Shade & Smoke Shadow Liners.
  • Have you been searching for a Polish that wears like a Gel? Midnight Manicures presents Dazzle Dry, it’s vegan, big 5-Free and dries in 5 minutes!
  • Want a tan without the wrinkles? Lipgloss Break reviews Dr. Dennis Gross’s New Glow Pad sunless tanning towels.
  • Playing Russian Roulette with your Hair? Cosmetically Challenged gives you three tips to help keep you and your hair safe.
  • Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful is traveling across the country & shows you the L’Occitane Verbena Sachet & Fragrance/Gloss Duo that are traveling must haves!
  • Gia of Bottles and Bottles of Polish wore 3 purple polishes at the same time– check out how amazing they looked together
  • Where the party at? Lynn shows you the After Party on her nails over at Oh So Lacquered.
  • Always on the search for great makeup, Christina of Curls N Pearls shares a review of the RevitaLash Spotlight Highlighting Pencil. Check out what she thinks!
  • Nails Beautiqued has some summertime fun mouthwatering hues for your nails? Checkout Jessica Gelato Maio Collection.
  • Always looking for the best in skin care, Spontaneous Chick posted 4 avocado face masks that work.
  • Hello Dollface copies Julianne Hough’s natural makeup for a pretty daytime look. Will you see Rock of Ages this weekend?
  • Geniabeme has a bright FOTD using Kiss My Sass Cosmetics!
  • Do you believe in happy endings? Mina of Fabulous Awesomeness swatches the Fairytale Collection by Cult Nails!
  • Katia-Blondycandy went to Beauty Trend Show at Nordstrom in South Coast Plaza and was lucky to get two great makeovers from YSL and Guerlain. Watch her funny photos and read advices from best makeup artists.
  • Want a colorful, dramatic, and edgy look? Nancy from The Dark Side of Beauty shows us how to create it with the Sugarpill Burning Heart palette!
  • Perilously Pale shows us how to achieve the on trend anti-smokey eye look with the new Maybelline New York Luminous Lights Quads.
  • Beauty from Liz shows beauty products that she has purchased in May. Maybe it is interesting to see what you can buy when you live in Estonia?


Sultry Summer Beauty Essentials: Take on Summer with these beauty & skincare products

Must-have essentials for your face, body, fingers and toes to help you stay sultry all summer long.  Increasing temperatures and sunny days are here, and that means it’s time to get your vacation plans in order and start packing. Escaping to a tropical resort to lounge blissfully on the beach? Or planning a low-key staycation?  Whatever your itinerary is, one thing is for sure: A fresh, summer-ready beauty look is an absolute must. From melt-proof, waterproof makeup, sun protection for your face and body, fresh irresistible , bright summer polishes, to liners and mascaras, Kim Porter shares you her top picks for summer beauty essentials that you need to ensure you have a sultry summer.

 

DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ skin clarifying & mattifying sunscreen spf 30 PA+++ ($30.00)

Ain’t Misbehavin’ SPF 30 clarifies, mattifies and protects skin from the harmful effects of ultra violet rays in a single, light-weight formulation.  Ideal for anyone who is blemish prone, oily or has combination skin.  For face and “back-ne.”

Contains:

  • 3% Avobenzone – powerful UVA deactivator
  • 6% Oxybenzone, 5% Octisalate, 7.5% Octinoxate  – powerful UVB deactivators
  • Willow Bark – natural source of salicylic acid thought to clarify blemish-prone, oily or combination skin
  • Witch Hazel – natural astringent gently leaves complexion radiant
  • Advanced polymer technology – soaks up excess oils and mattifies without leaving skin parched
  • Botanically derived agents help calm and soothe red, irritated skin
  • Natural botanicals – the ideal antidote to mischief making, hormonally out-of-control skin

 

 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-aging Concealer ($24.00) – My Review

Anti-aging technology helps address the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while covering to conceal discoloration, dark circles, age spots, and redness. It also helps to diffuse the appearance of wrinkles and conceal facial imperfections without settling into lines and wrinkles. The creamy, crease-proof formula glides on easily and lasts.

A small amount of this highly pigmented formula goes a very long way. Apply with fingertips for full coverage and a radiant, hydrated, dewy glow.

 

AVAILABLE SHADES:  Light, Neutral Medium, Tan, Deep

WHERE TO FIND:   QVC.com or Itcosmetics.com

 

 

NARS Casino Bronzer ($34.00) – My swatches

A diffused deep brown powder with golden shimmer (not recommended for oily skin)

Bronzing Powder creates the ultimate healthy glow. Diffused powders with golden shimmer create an all-over warmth or contour for the face perfect for creating or enhancing the look of tanned skin. Finely milled powders fills in lines and pores for smoother, more even looking complexion.

AVAILABLE SHADES:  Laguna, Irrésistiblement, Casino

WHERE TO FIND:   NARS.com, Sephora

 

 

 

Budget Friendly, NYX Matte Bronzer ($9.00)

Deep-tan is perfect for NC-45/NC50 Shades

Achieve a natural and healthy complexion using any of the powder bronzers available in five russet shades. Perfect for that desired honey glow all year long!

AVAILABLE SHADES:  Light, Deep, Medium, Dark Tan, Deep-tan

WHERE TO FIND:   Ulta.com

 

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara ($6.99): Make a bold summer statement with Rimmel London’s Volume Flash ScandalEyes Waterproof Mascara for long-lasting, waterproof color that plumps up every last lash.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Volume Flash ScandalEyes Waterproof Mascara, Black
WHERE TO FIND IT: Available at mass-market retailers and drugstores nationwide including Walgreens, CVS, Target and Wal-Mart. Visit http://www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations.

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Gel Eyeliner ($4.99): Create a scandal this summer with your dazzling, daring eye look. The ScandalEyes Gel Eyeliner deposits richly pigmented, intense color that stays put for up to 25 hours. The creamy, soft formula and built-in brush applicator help you effortlessly achieve a subtle, thin line or a fierce, fabulous stroke of color.
AVAILABLE SHADES: Black, Brown, Aubergine and Blue
WHERE TO FIND IT: Available at mass-market retailers and drugstores nationwide including Walgreens, CVS, Target and Wal-Mart. Visit http://www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations.

 

 

 

Maybelline Baby Lips ($3.99)

No more basic lip balm
Lip renew formula and 8-hr hydration for visibly renewed lips in 4 weeks. Clinical care for baby-soft lips.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Quench, Peppermint, Cherry me, Grapevine, Pink Punch, Peach Kiss

WHERE TO FIND IT: Maybelline.com or your local drugstore

 

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream ($23.00)

Dare to wear Make Up For Ever’s waterproof cream color.  Highly concentrated in mother-of-pearl pigments, it provides an immediate color intensity with a luminous finish.  Its long-lasting formula will not crease or smudge under the most extreme conditions.

Available in 22 shades, the multipurpose Aqua Cream can be applied on your lips, cheeks and eyes.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

WHERE TO FIND IT:  Sephora.com

 

 

Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray ($29.00) See my REVIEW

Features and benefits

  • Fewer touchups throughout the day.
  • Stops makeup meltdown.
  • Holds eye shadow, foundation, blush, and concealer perfectly.

Skindinavia invented the makeup finish as a simple way for women to keep their makeup looking flawless all day. Each spray uses our patented Temperature Control Technology® which prevents makeup from melting, drying out, becoming shiny, or creasing.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishes hold everything in place while giving you a healthy, natural glow. Never too dry or too oily. No touch ups or blotting. Just you and the perfect look you love. All day

 

 

Carol’s Daughter Gelee De Soleil (Browning Oil) SPF 15 ($15):

SPF 15, Suntan Oil For Beautiful Bronze Skin

  • Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Mango Butter intensely moisturize your skin
  • SPF 15 helps protect from damaging UV rays

WHERE TO FIND IT: Carolsdaughter.com or Sephora.com

 

 

GUD Natural Body Mist ($6.99):

My thoughts HERE

Spray the exotic scent of rice milk and vanilla into the air. Walk into the scent. Turn the lights down low. Enough said.
• Seductive and mysterious.
• Slips into any purse.
• No parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals.
• Never ever tested on animals. No way!

AVAILABLE SCENTS: Vanilla Flame (my personal favorite), FLorl Cherynova, Orange Petalooza

WHERE TO FIND IT: Target, Rite Aid, Ulta, Duane Reade and more check here for other locations.

 

 

 

Sally Hansen Insta Dri Limited Edition Summer 2012 ($4.99):

Get brilliant, high-shine nails in summer’s most coveted colors instantly. Using an advanced Flexiglass Formula, these shades dry to a smooth, sleek finish in just 60 seconds. Achieve a flawless manicure with just one stroke of the exclusive Perfectionist Brush, which contours to any nail shape for precise, quick application.
AVAILABLE SHADES: Just in Lime!, Orange Impulse, Quick Canary, Fast Fuchsia, Orchid Express, Heat Flash, Blue By!, Magenta Moves
WHERE TO FIND IT: Drugstores and mass retailers nationwide

 

For more suggestions check here

Fragrance Alert! June 19th exclusively for HSN Curations Eau de Parfum by Style Guru Stefani Greenfield

Fragrance is an accessory

Celebrating the third anniversary of “CURATIONS with Stefani Greenfield”CURATIONS Eau de Parfum will debut exclusively on HSN, HSN.com and via HSN mobile on Tuesday, June 19, 2012CURATIONS Eau de Parfum was personally developed by Greenfield as the very first layer of style that touches your skin.  With a career devoted to helping women look and feel better, she approached her first ever fragrance from a fashion perspective.

 

“Applied directly to the skin as part of your morning ritual before getting dressed for the day, CURATIONS Eau de Parfum provides the perfect foundation to layer on your signature look for the day, from the body up,” said Stefani Greenfield, CURATIONS, creator and host. “Skin fresh from the shower or bath absorbs beautifully. The fragrance seeps in and you start your new day feeling beautiful and empowered. It’s about living in the moment.”

 

On her third year as creator of CURATIONS, Stefani developed Curations Eau De Parfum as a celebratory gift to her supporters/audience.   “As we developed CURATIONS Eau de Parfum, we blended luxuriously fragrant notes to create a journey for the senses,” adds Greenfield.  It is a wonderful gift, might I add. I enjoy the color of the bottle, especially since it is my favorite, purple. I also like when a product has its personal touch; Stefani included a replica of her vanity tray (the gold engraving) onto the bottle. How intimate!

 

 

 

I believe Curations Eau de Parfum has a scent in it for every woman.  The scent gradually changes — from a fresh floral scent in the morning, citrusy at noon, and something sexy for the evening.

 

Photo: Kim Porter

 

 

The fragrance unfolds into a heart of hypnotic florals where rose, freesia, neroli and iris intermingle. Bright notes of apricot blossom & mandarin sparkle with the richness of black currant.  Ultimately, the notes are warmly wrapped in a sensual base of exotic patchouli, creamy sandalwood & the glow of rich amber for a lingering elegance.

CURATIONS with Stefani Greenfield made its debut on HSN in March of 2009 and quickly found an audience. “Stefani andCURATIONS by Stefani Greenfield both have a very loyal following on HSN,” said Betsy Olum, General Manager of Beauty and Merchandising Strategy at HSN. “Fragrance is an exceptionally strong category for us and to expand the brand into beauty was the next logical step. We’re thrilled to add CURATIONS Eau de Parfum exclusively at HSN.”

Launch Pricing:

1.7 oz Eau de Parfum retails for $54.00 on HSN – with a special launch price of $48.00

 

For more information on CURATIONS by Stefani Greenfield visit HSN.com or join the conversation @HSN on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Will you purchase this new fragrance?

 

Disclosure:  I attended an event sponsored by the company and/or its PR.  I received complimentary product as well as a gift card, none of which influenced my views in this post.