Garnier's new Skin Renew BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector

But the good news is, Garnier has brought their own BB cream to the masses here with their new BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector.

The cream promises to even out skin tone, brighten complexion, renew radiance, deliver 24 hour hydration, and protection with its SPF 15. It’s also packed with Vitamin C — a powerful antioxidant and it comes in two shades (light/medium, and medium/dark) to provide a light coverage. It’s similar to a tinted moisturizer but it has more skin-perfecting and brightening benefits. I was sent one in medium/dark to review and have been using it as a quick pick-me-up before I apply my makeup and was impressed that it really added a fresh sheen to my skin without looking cakey (and it smells so good!). But don’t expect it to be as heavy duty as a concealer or foundation — it will minimize the appearance of dark spots but not totally cover them. That’s why it’s a good idea to layer on with a little color if you need it. Hence, it comes in only two shades and not multiple…it’s only meant for light coverage in that sense since it’s more for the skin’s benefit than anything.

The cream will be available at mass market retailers for $13 starting February 2012.

Have any of you used BB creams before? Which ones do you use and what do you think?

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Shy

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My review on Bergdorf's blog

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation, $75

Tom Ford is a genius. To say that he’s made an indelible mark on fashion would be an understatement. So when Mr. Ford decided to bring his keen aesthetic to the beauty world, I was first in line. As far as my expectations of the launch, I had comfortably settled somewhere between tempering my anticipation…and secretly pining for pure magic. After all, when it comes to my skin tone (which generally falls in the “medium” or “tan” category), I typically find that even the biggest beauty brands are left scratching their heads over how to achieve a perfect match.

The formulation of his Traceless Foundation is incredibly lightweight, moisturizing, and above all – illuminating. Before applying, my skin was dull and lacked vibrancy (hey, it’s been a long week!). After application my skin was visibly dewy and radiant. Caramel is a tad deeper than my skin tone but only in the slightest — it actually adds “warmth” to my complexion…something I tend to lack during the cooler, winter months. What I find particularly refreshing about Traceless is the yellow-undertone of the shade range…a welcome departure from the pink-undertones that I typically see in many foundation formulations.

Tip: If you require added coverage in certain areas (as I do on blemishes), use your finger to concentrate the coverage of your application. Tap, tap, tap until desired complexion perfection is achieved. If you need even heavier coverage (and let’s face it, girls – sometimes…), I recommend using Tom Ford’s Traceless Foundation Stick, or a combination of both liquid and stick. Read the rest on BG’s website!

Another tip! I would definitely check out the colors in person at Bergdorf’s counter — I thought it was rather difficult to tell what my color match is from looking online. Case in point, I thought Caramel would definitely NOT suit my skin color, but after trying it at the store, I found that it was the closest match. Have any one of you tried his foundation or the other products in Mr. Ford’s line? What do you think?

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Shy

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PRODUCTS USED:
Smashbox Anti-shine
Hourglass Veil Primer Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 125 and 120 MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC30
MAC NC35
Smashbox Halo in Light
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
MAC Fix+ Spray

I also thought it was interesting how her voice kind of perks up as she starts getting closer to the finished look. But man, gorgeous girl with or without makeup. What do you think?

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Shy

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DermaBlend pretty much makes their point across in this video. I’ve had people tell me how good this brand of makeup is but I haven’t checked it out myself yet. Any other Dermablend fans out there??

And if you didn’t recognize him, that’s Rick Genest aka “Zombie Boy“, also seen in Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” video….

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Shy
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November issue of Cosmopolitan magazine

My Olay advertorial!

I’m so grateful that the blog has been featured a few times previous to this, but this one is so different for me — I’m still having a hard time believing it’s real! Thanks to Olay and Cosmo for working with me on this!! You can pick it up to read more details, and I’m going to post a full review of their Smooth Finish Duo here as well. But one thing some people have been asking me to do is a quick makeup review of what I used in this photo.

First of all, when I found out I’d be working with Olay, I was SO excited but had zero headshots. I had one weekend to get them done, and the first person I thought of was my friend Rowa. She did all the pictures for my cousin’s bridal shower so I knew her work (ie I knew she was amazing). I emailed her to ask if she could do the pictures that Saturday, and she wrote me back from Singapore, saying that she’d be coming off a plane THAT same day from JFK but could still swing it. I did my makeup myself that morning and a few hours later when Rowa was back in Jersey, we rushed over to my aunt’s backyard to take the pics. It was sweltering hot that day and we could barely sit outside too long, so we did the best we can in less than an hour. It was just a crazy whirlwind, and it’s surreal to see it in the magazine now!

But I’m so lucky she was able to take the pictures for me (even though she was deathly tired) because she has such a great eye. So, I can’t say for sure if it’s the makeup or the photographer but here goes :

Face:
- Mehron Celebré PRO-HD makeup
- TheBalm TimeBalm Concealer in Medium/ Dark
- Cargo Bronzer in Medium
- CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach 200 (I use a brush to just dab this on the apple of my cheeks…makes for such a natural finish)
- Ruby Kisses HD Set N Forget setting powder in 02
- The no’stache courtesy of Olay Smooth Finish Duo

Eyes:
- Guerlain Khol Kajal in Black Friday
- Napoleon Perdis Neo-Noir Liquid Liner
- CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara in Very Black

Lips:
- Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Dani

Hair:
- To be honest, I can’t remember if I used Ojon’s Swa+ Hair Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner or Philip Kingsley’s Moisturizing Duo…but they’re both a few of my favorites!
- Jose Eber Clipless Curling Iron to make my waves (tutorial here)

So there you go. Ask and ye shall receive. Thanks again for all your support and reading the blog! Means a lot!! <3

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Shy
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I just wanted to pass on some links for the articles I’ve been writing for Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen’s medical and science-based beauty website, YouBeauty.com (have you guys checked it out their site yet? It’s pretty fascinating! And I’m not just saying that because I write for them!):

YouBeauty.com

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