Let me begin by saying, I am very happy with my new makeup. On Saturday, September 11, 2010, I along with my sister/makeup artist Kim went shopping at the MAC Boutique located in Brooklyn Heights. It was there that Kim, along with one of the store associates helped me in my purchase of a concealer to cover not only my blemishes, but also the dark circles that appeared under my eyes a few months ago; a face powder called ‘Mineralized Skin Finish’ in Dark (I would probably be a lighter shade Medium Deep or Medium Dark, but I have a tan from my cruise vacation, so I will purchase one of those shortly); some brow set in “Show-Off” because according to my personal make-up artist/consultant, the eyebrows are one of the important focal points to a flawless face; and my final purchase was a powder blush, which I absolutely love in the color “Sweet as Cocoa”.
Once I had all of my purchases, Kim surprised me and purchased a MAC #224 blending brush for me. Even with her discount, I would never pay that much for a makeup brush …Thanks Kim!!! Our day of cosmetic shopping ended by us walking down the block to Ricky’s to purchase what I think is one of the best moisturizers ever called ‘Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre’. My first experience using this moisturizer was on the cruise. It is so lightweight and doesn’t leave my already oily skin shiny.
I’d like to end this post by repeating one of the compliments I received yesterday morning as I was dropping my son off at the bus stop. One of the mothers said “Wow, you look so pretty today”… I responded by saying ‘Who me?”, and all the other moms and even one dad shouted “yes you!” So thank you Kim. I will be utilizing your services pretty soon… BTW… don’t you owe me a makeover since I got my hair cut?!!
– The sheer, lightweight moisturizer adds a hint of color that can be used in place of foundation for a natural appearance while adding a healthy glow to your complexion
– To maintain a dewy finish: set Tinted Moisturizer with a small amount of Translucent Loose Powder using the Powder Brush; For a matte finish: set Tinted Moisturizer with Translucent Loose Powder using the Velour Puff
– SPF 20 offers protection from the harmful, damaging rays of the sun
– Extremely long-wearing – color stays true and wears evenly even in humid climates
My rating: 5/5
My thoughts: I used the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Walnut.I just want to say that the Laura Mercier TM has been my saving grace these last few months. With this pregnancy, I have experienced the dreaded pregnancy acne, and the LM TM has worked perfectly in covering up my blemishes without looking unnatural, and heavy.
For me, it worked best when I applied it with my MAC #130 brush. I applied my MUFE All Mat to my t-zone first since I do get oily. Then I would usually dot on the TM on my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, and smooth it into my skin with the brush. Afterward, I’d use a large buffing brush to apply my Cover FX Matte FX powder to matte out the areas I don’t want to have shine; my t-zone. Sometimes I add my Inglot Liquid Illuminator to a small drop of my LM TM and add to my cheeks for a nice glow.
The great thing about this TM is that it allows you to build coverage, and over the last few months, until recently, that’s something I had to do to cover my blemishes. The coverage lasts all day without re-applying. I also love that it has SPF 20 in it—this saves me the extra step of applying sun protection.
My only issue is that there is no in between color for Walnut & Mocha.
It’s worth the $42. I would definitely recommend this product to people with oily skin, looking to shorten their makeup routine, and need a product with SPF. Laura Mercier has increased the line to expand into darker complexions.
Yesterday evening I was one of the many bloggers and fashionista’s attending the Spring shoe store opening event, which is located in Manhattan Mall on the 1st floor.
I just want to say this event was CRAZY! Imagine 100’s of women (very few men) who had their pick at $150 worth of free shoes and accessories, along with appetizers and drinks? Pure MADNESS! It was fun though.
I met up with my friends Shannon (The Bliss List), and Janique (HerGoodyBag); they arrived early, so they had a better pick of the shoes. I also ran into people from the Fab blogger circle, such as the ladies from oSoChic, my soror from Temple of Glam, the wonderful Kitty Bradshaw, Diva’s & Dorks, The Fab Chick, Danielle from Style & Beauty Doctor, and I finally got to meet Carmen from Lipstick.Fashion.Mascara. It’s always great seeing these ladies whenever I am out.
Me & Carmen from Lipstick.Fashion.Mascara
During the event I managed to score two pairs of shoes; a neutral shade platform sandal, and a t-strap Mary Jane in a taupe color. I also picked up a grey handbag with chain detailing. Grey is the transitional color for the fall!
Note: Their shoes do run a bit on the small side. I ended up getting a 39 in one pair of shoes. I normally wear a 7 or 7.5 in women’s shoes.
Background info…
Spring shoes was founded in 1991 by the Aldo group, and is in an international brand with over 200 stores in Canada, the U.S, Asia, and Middle East. I would classify it as a younger, more edgy, and affordable side of Aldo.
(Shoes $49.99 Each, Bag $44.99, Clutch Free)
What does Spring shoes sell?
Spring is not just shoes! They also sell accessories, and other leather goods such as handbags.
If you’re looking for the latest trends from the runways of Milan, Paris, New York or Tokyo, but at affordable prices, checkout Spring shoes!
This event was brought to you by Shine Media PR & Call it Spring. Special Thanks to Robyn for hosting this wonderful event & for the invite! ‘Like’Shine Media PR on Facebook.
CoverBlend Concealing Treatment Makeup SPF 20helps create a flawless complexion with superior, all-day coverage. Specially formulated with antioxidant-rich Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone to soften fine lines and wrinkles, this concealing makeup promotes a smoother appearance while it conceals everything from minor flaws to major discolorations. In addition to outstanding coverage, it’s also formulated with a sunscreen – SPF 20 – to help protect against sunburn. From blemishes and birthmarks, to age spots, scars and uneven skin tones, with a variety of natural-looking shades available, you can conceal, treat and protect your skin with this long wearing medical makeup.
Shades: Comes in 11 different shades from light to dark.
Concealing Treatment foundation (No Flash)Concealing Treatment foundation (Flash)
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 9.2-17.6% Varies by shade, Zinc Oxide 2.1%.
Applied to jawline - Doesn't Blend (Flash)Applied to jawline -Doesn't Blend (NO Flash)
My thoughts: I can’treally say too much about the product because it just didn’t work for me. The company sent me two different shades. The True Mahogany was sent to me first, which wasn’t the correct shade, and had an olive undertone, which looked horribly on my skin. Mind you, that is the darkest shade in the line. I tried another shade, Terracotta Sand which had a yellow undertone, but still was too light and off in color. Both of the shades sent to me gave off that ashen look, which I will give credit to the titanium dioxide and SPF.
This is how it dried on my finger. Ashen & powdery
This line is not meant for people with darker skintones. I’ve read several reviews from women who raved about the product; however, they all had fair skin. I think that the NeoStrata Company should work on extending the colors in their product line if they want to attract women of color. I did like the consistency of the product. It was like a whipped cream texture. That does me no good if I can’t use it.
Based on my experience with this product, I do not recommend.
Another product this company sent to me was the CoverBlend Multi-function SPF 15 Concealer in Mahogany (darkest shade).
Price: $22
Product Description:
Conceal and correct skin flaws such as dark eye circles, blemishes and age spots with CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer SPF 15. Blended with antioxidant-rich Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone to enhance and improve skin tone and help diminish the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, this medical makeup combines anti-aging and concealing benefits in one targeted treatment. With a variety of skin flattering shades to choose from, and an SPF 15 to help protect against sunburn, CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer provides superior coverage for all types of skin imperfections. Ophthalmologist tested.
Size: 0.5 oz tube
Swatch of concealer with FlashSwatch of concealer without Flash
Inactive: Aqua (Water), Cyclomethicone, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Sodium Chloride, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphates, Behenoyl Stearic Acid, Arginine, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Ascorbyl (Vitamin C) Palmitate, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Phospholipids, Methicone, Polyacrylic Acid, BHT, Sodium Phosphate, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin. Varies By Shade: CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow), CI 77.
No Concealer
My thoughts: I liked this product. I’m a fan of liquid concealers, especially in the summer because it doesn’t move, and it didn’t crease. It’s full-coverage, and even though I don’t have much darkness under my eyes, I just use a little tiny bit & dab it on with my fingers, and it gets the job done. The color match was good, and it seemed to brighten the area up a little too. My only problem with this is again, the number of shades; there are only four(4). Companies need to realize the large variety of skintones out here. That is if they are trying to reach those on the darker end of the spectrum.
Concealer applied to left eye onlyConcealer applied to left eye only
If you’re looking for a full-coverage concealer with SPF I would recommend this one. It worked for me. Remember, just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Have you tried any of the CoverBlend Products? If so, how did you like them?
