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NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ‘Macao’ Review

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Review Macao

I BOUGHT THIS | AFFILIATE LINKSAFFILIATE LINKS

Just a few weeks ago, I introduced you to my new NARS Cosmetics purchases.  One of the purchases was the new NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. It’s one of the most raved about liquid foundations on the market right now, and rightfully so.  Keep reading to learn more about the foundation, and how well it worked (or not) for me.

NARS describes the All Day Luminous Foundation as:

Full, natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear.  Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, this breakthrough formula builds and blends effortlessly with just one drop—the result of exclusive innovation uniquely designed to deliver long-wearing full coverage, weightlessly. Shake, pump and blend in sections for complete coverage that’s completely natural looking.

If you’ve been keeping up with me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve been testing out the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation since I picked it up.  You’ll also know that I am a huge fan of it, for many reasons:

– It’s lightweight

– A little goes a long way

– Provides excellent coverage without looking cakey

– It’s long-lasting without having to do any major touch-ups

– It works well with my oily skin

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Macao

Normally, due to some discoloration on my face, which is more prominent on my right cheek, I’d have to use a color corrector prior to applying my foundation.  Using this NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation doesn’t require that step, which reduces my makeup application time.  That’s a total plus if you ask me.  Also, did I mention that instead of using who knows how many pumps or dime-sized amounts of other liquid foundations, I only have to use one, ONE drop of the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in order to achieve the coverage and look that I want? Yup! So just imagine how long it will take me (or you) to get rid of the bottle.  You’re definitely getting your monies worth.

Speaking of the bottle.  I’ve mentioned many times before that I love simplicity.  The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is beautiful in all of its simplicity with it’s sharp lines, matte black cap, and frosted bottle. Simple and chic – just the way I like it.  The pump dispenser releases just the right amount of foundation needed as well.  I know that there are some instances when dispensers release too much product, which can lead to waste. We don’t want that.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Swatches

Usually, as a woman of color, it’s pretty hard finding foundations that are a perfect match for my complexion.  They’re either a bit too dark, the undertone isn’t right, which can make us look muddy.  However, with the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, I was able to find my “perfect” match in the shade ‘Macao’, which is described as medium dark with yellow undertones.

After applying the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, my skin looks naturally radiant. I’ve received many compliments on how good my skin looked, too. I also liked the finish. It wasn’t dewy nor completely matte. My skin didn’t look dry nor did it feel tight.

And just to touch a bit on wear, I can see how the foundation may last 16-hours.  I haven’t yet had a reason to wear it for that amount of time, but, I did notice that after my hour-long commute, and 8-hour workday, the foundation is still in place, even on my nose where foundation seems to always disappear.  Surprisingly with my oily t-zone, I’m not even shiny by the end of my work day either. The most I’d have to do is use a blot paper once or twice, and that’s it. The real test comes once the weather warms up.  If it doesn’t pan out, I still have my NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.

Overall, I am in love with the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. It applies flawlessly, and makes my skin look amazingly radiant.  If you’re in the market for a full-coverage, lightweight foundation that lasts all day, and is great for all skin types, I suggest checking out the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.

The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks and more in 20 shades, and costs $48/1 oz.

Tip: To find your perfect foundation match, instead of swatching on your hand or wrist, swatch the product on your neck.  Your face, which is oftentimes a different shade than your neck, should match your neck once foundation is applied.

Have you tried the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation?

What do you think?

IT Cosmetics CC+ Your Way To Radiant Skin! 5-Piece Collection

IT Cosmetics CC+ Your Way To Radiant Skin! 5-Piece Collection

IT Cosmetics is back with another QVC Today’s Special Value. This time, it’s their CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin! 5-piece Collection.  This collection, available for one day only exclusively on QVC and QVC.com starting midnight (right now) March 27, 2015 features the following products:

 Anti-aging Full Coverage Physical SPF50 CC+ Cream Illumination

This is one of IT Cosmetics’ number one selling products.  It combines sun protection, full coverage foundation, brightening corrector, anti-aging serum, pore-minimizing primer, dark spot corrector, and moisturizing day cream all in one. The coverage is amazing, and you only need a little bit. It also doesn’t feel heavy on the skin either.

Anti-aging Full Coverage Physical SPF50 CC+ Cream Illumination

I can get away with the ‘Rich’ shade almost barely in the winter, but come the warmer months, when my skin is exposed to the sun more, I can see this shade not working for me at all.

Available in the following shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, or Rich

Anti-aging Vitality Face Disc

This 0.78 oz compact features a Matte Bronzer, illuminating powder, and blush that are all formulated with anti-aging ingredients, and is talc-free.

Vitality Face Disc_CC+ Your Way To Radiant Skin! 5-Piece Collection

For my complexion, as you can see from the swatches, the only thing I can really get away with using is the blush.  .:Womp Womp:. I do love the texture of the bronzer and highlighter. I just wish it wasn’t a one-size fits all palette.

Eye Shadow Trio in ‘Pretty In Spring’

IT Cosmetics Eye Shadow Trios are amazing.  They are highly pigmented, and apply effortlessly and smoothly.  The Trio included in the CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin! 5-piece Collection is rightfully named ‘Pretty in Spring’.  It features three spring-ready shades: a cream shade; Blissful, pale rose shade; and Serene, a rich toffee shade.  All help you create a beautiful, natural-looking, radiant eye look.

Eye Shadow Trio in 'Pretty In Spring'

Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush

It Cosmetics has some of the best brushes on the market. I’m happy to see that the CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin! 5-piece Collection has two brushes in the set.  The Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush, is a soft, fluffy dome-shaped brush to help you effortlessly apply your bronzing powder, illuminator and blush.

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush

Heavenly Luxe No Tug Dual Eye Shadow Brush

This is one of my favorite brushes from IT Cosmetics. It’s a dual ended brush that can be used for many things.  I use the large, slightly dense brush head to apply and blend my eyeshadow, and sometimes my concealer.  The smudger side, I use to smudge eyeshadow or liner into my lower lash line.  This brush is perfect for applying makeup to the delicate eye area.

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe No Tug Dual Eye Shadow Brush

The combination of the five products in the CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin Collection promise to help you achieve the most radiant and glowing skin. And then there are the added benefits of SPF50 UVA/UVB sunscreen, just in time for the warmer spring and summer months.

The CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin! 5-piece Collection will be available on QVC or QVC.com for under $60 ($172.00 value).  Product Code: A262750

 

James Vincent talks about The Makeup Show New York 2015

The Makeup Show New York 2914  Haul

 

As a budding makeup artist and beauty blogger, the highlight of my year is always The Makeup Show New York. I’ve been attending The Makeup Show New York for the last 5 years, and each year it gets better and better. The classes and seminars are amazing – I’ve taken a few myself. And then, The Makeup Show showcases the best brands in beauty, both old and new.

Every year, I look forward to finding out just what the masterminds behind The Makeup Show New York have up their sleeves. As a blogger, I get a sneak peek inside just the day before the show begins during the blogger preview. This time, I’m providing you with a little bit more insight ahead of time with this interview from James Vincent, Director of Education.

Keep reading to see what James Vincent suggests to look out for this year at The Makeup Show New York.

Makeup by Kim Porter (MUBKP): The most important question first: Will you be wearing your “Diva” jeans this year? Why or why not?

 

James Vincent (JV): LOL. I probably will be wearing my Diva jeans and a few looks from LA based designer Ashton Michael who always makes me look my best. I will not lie. I love a tight Rock N Roll jean, and for my size, it is not always easy to find things I like. Lady jeans do it. I feel like a big, fat Joan Jett

MUBKP: The Makeup Show New York is now in its tenth year, as the Director of Education, how do you feel The Makeup Show has progressed over the last decade in educating the makeup artist community?

JV: I think in the last ten years The Makeup Show has managed to change the game. Education has always been a part of what we do and now is status quo at all shows. I think we have focused on women in the industry and artists of color and communities that were not traditionally represented on stage or in the spotlight. When we started the show other shows said …”Oh, they do not get real artists…they get bridal or retail artists.” Our thought has always been that we want to be inclusive for all professionals in our industry and give them all a place to come to for education and information and access to the industry leaders and I think we do that now better than ever and it just keeps growing.

MUBKP: Every year The Makeup Show New York has something new to offer, whether its education, a new vendor or product, we can expect to find it at The Makeup Show.  What can attendees expect to find and experience this year?

JV: This year we have a week of education to celebrate The Makeup Show NYC 10 year Anniversary. We have our The Makeup show Gala which is a sit down dinner and performance. We have a week of events and parties that end the Tuesday after the show in my NYC Beauty Bus Tour and we have our The Makeup Show book. All very exciting.

MUBKP: With all of the vendors, seminars and workshops The Makeup Show New York can seem overwhelming.  What is your advice to someone attending The Makeup Show New York for the very first time?

JV: Prepare yourself. Set a schedule for yourself and follow it. Look online and print out the show at a glance. Make notes on your education first. Where you want to be, who you want to see and what time the class starts. Plan your shopping and networking around that. Be comfortable but represent yourself professionally. Meet your friends and have them help you through and most of all have fun.

MUBKP: Are there any favorite vendors/products you’d suggest are a must-try or kit must have? What about classes/workshops?

JV: They are all my favorites. It is like Sophie’s Choice but I think Ellis Faas and Donald Robertson are very exciting. They are fashion industry giants. I think the Ruby Academy Social Networking panel is inspiring and I think there are so many exciting things happening on our FX and Seminar stages.

MUBKP: You can be honest, which city is your favorite place to host The Makeup Show?

JV: Another impossible choice. NYC is my home and our largest show. LA always has a place in my heart and I lived there for a long time. Orlando is easiest and ends with me with a beer by the pool, and Dallas is new and fun, but I think Chicago might be my favorite. It is the stepchild.  My smallest show and the toughest to promote, and to get artists to attend, but I feel like the community there is so strong and growing, and really talented. I want to work towards build a big artist community there and have the show rival NYC in size…But I love them all, of course.

The Makeup Show New York 2015 10 year 

I hope this interview with James Vincent has given you some insight on what to expect this year at The Makeup Show New York, which will take place May 3-4, 2015 at The Metropolitan Pavillion. I also hope to see you there. Stay tuned for my pot on how to navigate The Makeup Show.

 

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation & Audacious Lipstick in Raquel

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless FoundationI BOUGHT THIS | AFFILIATE LINKSAFFILIATE LINKS

With only two items purchased, I can’t even justify this post as a haul post. But, I am happy to report that I’ve picked up some amazing new goodies: NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation and the NARS Audacious Lipstick.

NARS Cosmetics has some of the best makeup on the market with a price tag to match. I was in need of a new foundation since my HG foundation, which is no longer available, expired. Since I was able to justify my purchase, I decided to treat myself to the latest, and most raved about NARS foundation, the All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.  For reference, I picked up the shade ‘Macao’ which, is described as “Medium – dark with yellow undertones.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is described as

Weightless Long-wear Technology delivers up to 16 hours of wear, while always feeling light-as-air. Featuring advanced flexible polymers and first-to-market treated pigments.

After wearing the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation for a few weeks, I must say that I am happy with the results. After applied, the foundation looks like my skin, but better. It isn’t heavy, and doesn’t look cakey, and applies easily. Stay tuned for a full review.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Swatches

The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is available in 20 shades, and costs $48/1 oz.

NARS Audacious Lipstick Raquel

The NARS Audacious Lipstick is described as

Modern lipstick so shamelessly seductive in touch and texture the sensation is audacious. Unadulterated luxury glides on like satin across skin with single-stroke coverage.

I also picked up one NARS Audacious Lipstick in ‘Raquel’.  Porsha Williams of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has deemed ‘Raquel’ her go-to neutral lipstick, and we’re similar in complexion, so I figured it would be a good match for me as well. Since seeing her Instagram post, I’ve tried picking it up, but it’s been sold out up until a few weeks ago when I made my purchase online.  I’m happy I was able to get my hands on a tube, too. The NARS Audacious Lipstick in ‘Raquel’ is a beautiful, if not, perfect pink-beige neutral lip color for me. It applies smoothly, is creamy and pigmented. I’ll post a full review soon as well.

NARS Audacious Lipstick Raquel

The NARS Audacious Lipstick is available in 40 shades, and costs $32.

Have you tried the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation or Audacious Lipsticks?

What are your thoughts?