La Belle Toile

Favorites of April 2012

So after a long hiatus, I’ve decided to give this a go again.  This time I’m sticking with my favorite products of the month/week and letting you know why. ;)

My first must have product of April 2012 is part of a new collaboration between Pantone(the color authority) and Sephora (the beauty authority): Pantone + Sephora Collection Lipgloss Set.  You can go from day to night and from dull to bright with these 4 non sticky glosses.  At only $20 a set, anyone can indulge in the color of the year: Tangerine Tango.

You can’t wear those hot, new lipglosses without a complementing blush: Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in Blissful or Tipsy.  These beautiful blushes help balance out your skin with the amazonian clay absorbing excess oil and hydrating dry patches where needed.  It also stays on longer than any other blush I have ever tried so I now officially own 4 different colors.  Definitely, my guilty pleasure.  ;)

                                   

Summer is almost here so everyone is looking for that perfect sunkissed glow.  Givenchy has created an innovative bronzer called Croisiere which gives you that perfect bronze glow.  I have to admit I’m usually terrified of bronzers because I am so fair.  These bronzers are great for everyone and can even work as a powder for deep skin tones.  They give just a hint of sun without giving off any hint of orange.  They make the skin look healthy without containing shimmer.  I am in love with these bronzers because I have never seen anything like them, and they make my skin look AMAZING.

                                         

Where would the rest of these products get you without the perfect base?  I am in love with Smashbox Studio Skin.  It’s an oil free foundation that hydrates the skin for a 15 hour wear making it perfect for every skin type.  It’s also water, sweat, and transfer resistant with a medium buildable coverage.  I love how healthy this makes my skin look without too much shine.  Try it out for every day wear or photo shoots.  You’ll look amazing.

                                        

And lastly but most important, skincare.  I love my skincare even though my skin reacts to skincare products often.  My must have of April 2012 is Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.  Not only does it clean my sensitive skin without drying it out, but it removes all of my makeup as well(even from the eyes.)  It has cucumber to calm the skin as well as rosewater to help tone the skin.  Fresh Soy Face cleanser is my go to for keeping my skin clean.

I hope you guys enjoy these products as much as I do.  I look forward to sharing my future favorites with you ;)

I messed up…

I don’t know how to fix the broken pieces…

I’ve neglected my posts…

and I’m sorry.  :)  I promise to write a new blog by the end of this weekend.  I’ve just been dealing with some personal issues which have taken time away from research and blogging.  However, life is greater than it’s been since winter started, and it’s time to blast our way into summer.  Let me know if there is anything you’d like to hear about!  

Liz

Boscia’s Luminizing Black Mask

                                  

Boscia’s Black Mask comes from a line of natural products.  It will purify, detoxify, and brighten your skin at $34 a bottle.  It’s formulated with Calcium Montmorillonite Clay to absorb excess sebum(oil) for those of us with oily skin while deep cleaning the dirt from our pores and restoring our skin to its natural glow.   The witchhazel used in the product helps tighten pores and firm skin.  It is made with Vitamin C to help reduce fine lines and hyperpigmentation.  

For use, apply to clean, dry skin, and avoid applying near the eye area, brows, lips, and hairline.  Wait 15 to 20 minutes or until it is completely dry to begin peeling it off slowly starting from the outer edges.  You can rinse off any remaining residue with warm water.  

I would have to say this is one of my favorite masks though I have heard mixed reviews from some of my clients and coworkers.  Sephora Times Square sold out the first few weeks that it was in stock.  It took a little longer to dry on my skin than the packaging suggested, but this can change depending on the climate you live in.  After one use, I could see my face was a little brighter, less oily, and when I peeled it off I could see the junk coming out of my pores on the black peeling(similar to the Biore Strips but MUCH better.)  The bottle literally lasted me 10 weeks using the mask once a week. I’d  suggest only using it once a week while people with dry or sensitive skin should avoid it all together.  Absolutely do not apply it on any hair if you plan on keeping your hair…it will pull out hair such as brows when you begin peeling unless you rinse the mask off of that area first.  I’ve also noticed that people tend to not realize that masks bring out all of the junk hiding below the surface so most people will break out when they first begin using masks or if they only use them occasionally.  Please keep in mind that a break out is normal for any mask, and always test an area of skin for sensitivity to products before putting them all over your face.  

Note: Just because a brand is labeled natural does not mean it meets everyone’s standards of natural.  Be sure to check the ingredients to find out if it qualifies for your skincare routine if natural products are something you feel strongly about.  In this instance, Boscia’s Black Mask is formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and Triclosan.  

Foundation: Make Up Forever vs. Smashbox

Have you ever found yourself wondering why your foundation looks cakey only 3 hours after you put it on, or why it feels like you are wearing 10 pounds of cover up just to create flawless skin?  Or maybe you’ve decided to take the tinted moisturizer route, but the coverage just isn’t doing it and the idea of full coverage makes you think about the previous question.  Well, worry no longer.  High Definition Foundation will solve all of your problems.

It was created for celebrities, reporters, and the like who were no longer able to get away with pancaking their faces when HD TVs were introduced. They needed a new way to hide their flaws without the obvious use of makeup.

                                            

Make Up Forever’s HD Foundation is an oil-free, light weight formula that allows a medium to full coverage and is currently available in 25 shades using 4 undertones.  It also provides a youthful radiance to anyone’s skin, but not so much glow that someone with oily skin(such as myself) would feel shiny.  It can be set with MUFE’s wonderful HD Microfinishing Powder which leaves a beautiful, soft glow without residue even on the darkest of skin.

                                         

Smashbox is another company known for their HD Foundation.  Their formula is also oil-free, lightweight, and radiant.  Though the coverage is not as full, they offer SPF 15 to protect your beautiful skin from damage.  Smashbox’s foundation can also be set with their new Finishing Powder to finish off your flawless, glowing face.

In my experience, I’ve seen MUFE give the best/most results.  I have personally seen it transform someone’s skin with lots of hyper pigmentation into a flawless masterpiece.  I’ve also had it personally last for 16 hours without a touch up, and my skin can get quite oily.  Smashbox on the other hand did not go so well with my oily skin, and I’ve found that their lack of color selection has sent many curious clients to other companies.  However, I gave my roommate my Smashbox foundation, and she has found it has worked better with her skin which tends to be on the drier side .  As a side note, she also likes Make Up Forever…no complaints on either front for her really.

I hope the next time you question your current foundation that you consider looking into HD Foundation.  There are plenty of companies that carry a version of it, and I’m sure you can find one that best suits your makeup preferences and bank account.

Tip:  When using a foundation brush to apply HD Foundation, use downward strokes to give you the most natural look since the hair on our faces tends to naturally face down.  You can also use an airbrush brush in buffing motions(yes, it’s a brush and not the machine, and you can find them at your nearest Sephora) to give you the closest effect of an airbrushed finish.