Tag Archives: powder

Clinique Fresh Pressed Pure Vitamin C 7 Day System

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Vitamin C has long been used for brightening the skin, evening tone, and tackling pesky fine lines.  It isn’t new, in this case, but it is pretty fabulous, and is a great alternative to sometimes harsher (though effective) topicals such as hydroquinone and retinoids.

One of the biggest issues with Vitamin C preparations, though, is that it can lose efficacy and potency rather rapidly.  Once we open a large-scale bottle, chances are we aren’t going to get through the product as quickly as it will begin to break down. 

I love that Clinque has addressed this packaging concern with their new Fresh Pressed 7 Day System with Pure Vitamin C. I also, not so secretly, love powdered cleansers that activate with water!

Per Clinique, the two part system is designed to keep you radiant and retexturized:

This ultrafine powder cleanser releases the de-aging power of fresh vitamin C to refresh and renew. Instantly skin is awakened, purified, with a refined texture and brighter look. Use in AM to jump-start skin’s renewal.

This unique booster releases the de-aging power of 10% fresh vitamin C to refresh and renew. Use with your favourite Clinique moisturizer to instantly brighten skin’s look—and deliver remarkably even-toned, retexturized skin starting in just one week.

ReallyRee offers a review here, and Musingsofamuse shares a little info here.

Personally, I love the sound of it.  Taking care of your skin early will make a difference, so if you are younger, you can benefit as much from it!

 

Halloween Shoppe…Meow!

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It’s that time of year! 😀

No matter the enormity of the selections out there for foundation – whether color, or formulation, mass market, or prestige – I only ever use Meow.  I’m a cat lover, tis true (the fact may indeed be responsible for me finding the Company many years ago). . .but I stick with Meow not because I love the names (marketing can sway a lady easily – you know who you are!)  

No, they are my must-have because they straight up deliver.  Their mineral foundations contain VERY little – something that tends to be like an elusive butterfly these days.  An ingredient list that’s short, to the point, and pronounceable?!  SIGN ME UP!

The formulas last too – as an athlete and Martial Artist it’s fair to say I’ve put these to the test.  Often. And not just any old paces – full on Jiu-Jitsu, ballroom competitions, leg day, HIIT on occasion…those minerals work hard!

With all that activity, why wear any at all? Wouldn’t my pores be clogged?!  I happily – and emphatically – say “NOPE!”

These minerals are skin-loving – it’s almost like doubling up (let’s be honest, with me, quadrupling up!) on skincare.  My skin manages to breathe and stay even with the added benefit – thanks to zinc oxide and titanium oxide – of natural sun defense, and protection from daily aggressors.  These aren’t full of fancy pants ingredients but they don’t have to be – they give me an extra layer of armor, so to speak, over all of my lotions and potions (with which I am equally as discerning!)  It’s nice not to have to peel back a label just to read the rest of the ingredient list.

That aside, the color selection is ASTOUNDING – WELL beyond what most mass or prestige companies will ever offer.  Meow accounts for countless undertones (86 shades with coordinating concealers – read that number again!) I know! What?!?! 

Another major point? The products are non-comedogenic – for someone who’s active, that goes a long way.

Did I mention you also get a TON of minerals for your money (the larger containers are enormous! – don’t count on finding the same generosity at a Sephora or Ulta!) 

Anyway…to my Hallows point!

…Meow is currently offering Halloween Foundations – a nice departure from greasy, pore-clogging face paints of old – so definitely check them out if you have sensitive skin. . .or you don’t want to coat yourself in something ultra-unnatural!

The colors are designed to be opaque, and layerable, so you can achieve whatever level of zombified or goulish that you are aiming for…without clogging your beautiful peau. I mean what’s the point of haunting around if you’re dreading post-Halloween breakouts!? Talk about freaky!

Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder

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You know why Laura Mercier’s Candleglow Powder is so amazing…?  The Company has accounted for deeper tones.  I’m incredibly fair, but I don’t like seeing shade ranges that neglect the beautiful deep complexions out there – The world is diverse, please account for it!

Musingsofamuse.com

Musingsofamuse.com

While the Ambient powders were a huge hit, I feel like many ladies couldn’t partake (nor with many other brands, who also fail to offer a broad spectrum of color.)  So it’s really refreshing to see that glowing skin – a massive (and  hopefully lasting) trend – is available to everyone.

 

Holiday 2016 – MAC Nutcracker Sweet

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I’m a little bit partial to the Nutcracker because I grew up being classically trained – 10 years of ballet, and you’ll see ten years of the Nutcracker around the holidays…if not more (once a dancer, always a dancer.)  I desperately wanted to be in it, actually, and a friend and fellow dancer was – spectacular!

MAC is embracing the fun and festivities with a Holiday Nutcracker-inspired Collection – Sweet as can be.  For details, check out Chicprofile, who shares the full list of goodies, and a few more images. A little tricky to see all of the items clearly, given the bold pink patterning of dots and stripes but…anyway!  Personally, I love the Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Stormy Pink, a muted grey-purple hue.  I feel like it would add a barely-there depth (not a new shade, so much, but sometimes they aren’t!)

Chicprofile.com

MAC image

Spring / Summer 2017 – MAC Sneak Peek

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MAC has always been a fav of mine – for performances, it’s hard to beat the incredibly cool array of products, colors and finishes…and honestly, it is just such and innovative and funky brand.

Here were are just at the front end of Fall, and less Autumnal, more Spring / Summer is cropping up (isn’t that the ay, though – Fashion works on the same, seemingly quirky timeline!)  

Britishbeautyblogger recently posted about what’s coming for 2017 – Keep in mind that there is ALWAYS something new – a new collaboration, color, collection, whatever! – from MAC.  But she shares a lot of photos of new stuff that you might want to keep your eyes open for next year…so check out the link above to see what’s new.

Apparently it’s everything from colored mascaras, to fancy gilded powders, colorful palettes, and some magic thrown into the mix… 

 

 

MAC Studio Fix Newness

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I’ve seen two or three posts about the new adds to the MAC Studio Fix lineup – for those of you who love MAC, or the cult Studio Fix-ins…check out Britishbeautyblogger’s post, complete with swatches.  ReallyRee also shares swatches and comments.

The three new products are:

  1. MAC Studio Fix Perfecting Powder
  2. MAC Studio Fix Perfecting Stick
  3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid

These are supposed to be launching this month so keep your eyes open!

Sweatproof Minerals Designed By (And For) Athletes

Posted in Beauty, Fitness and Nutrition by

The concept behind this Company is one near and dear to my athletic, but womanly, heart – products designed for athletes that will stay on, stay true (in color), and don’t cause havoc for your skin.  

But…the reviews for this newbie – Sweat Cosmetics – range from terrible, to “not worth it,” to five-star.  It’s a little tricky to tell where this really will average out, but overall the reaction hasn’t been stellar – hopefully that will change (I’m rooting for you, ladies!)  

The line is made up of just four products so far – the Translucent Mineral Powder ,  Mineral Foundation with SPF 30, Mineral Illuminator with SPF 30, and the Mineral Bronzer with SPF 30.  I have seen a lot of water-resistant, longer wearing products in the last year or two, which is definitely a-ok by me – I need products that live up to their claims of staying power without making my skin freak out.  But…not all of the offerings out there manage to be a home run in both categories…  Their twist brush also makes life a lot easier, another plus for women on the go.

sweatcosmetics.com/

sweatcosmetics.com/

I love that this was created by five Olympic and pro athletes though – they GET the struggle active women face! 🙂 For many years I wanted my own product line too (not that I was noteworthy as a public sports figure, but I sure as heck have knowledge and experience!)  I was managing the Fragrance section of the Cosmetic Department in NYC in a massive department store, so my exposure to the cosmetics arena at the time was daily.  I was frustrated by the lack of products that could lend a more natural feel, last through rigorous training, and long days.  I’m seeing more of it but I still have to rely on random pieces from specific brands – I can’t get all products from the same brand because it doesn’t really exist.  

So overall, the idea is wonderful – I’m just not sure these particular formulas have caught on as yet, or that they are delivering quite as they need to…but I really hope that they do, and that more women try them out.  I’m reluctant to switch what I use currently because my formula (my collection of go-to products) really works for me.  I also have my wedding coming up in October and trying to avoid any potential skin woes – product-induced clogged pores, breakouts, acne, whatever! – beforehand!

The reason I personally get it?  HERE!

 

 

 

Autumn / Winter 2016 – Dior Skyline

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Another as-always-thourough post from ChicProfile on the newest from Dior (lost of photos!)  

As a tip…The backstage scene during runway shows are guaranteed to reveal some newness so I generally will check out those photos specifically when reviewing catwalk coverage.

I love Dior generally, and have always appreciated the quality of their products (cosmetic and otherwise.)  There is something to be said for flawlessness… 

Summer 2016 – Clinique

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All sorts of new skincare – and some color – from Clinique.  Here are a few links to the new stuff:

  1. Uplight Illuminating Powder – multi-tasking, candle-lit glow giver!
  2. City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel – detoxifying cleanser.
  3. City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub – a 5 minute detox and exfoliation.
  4. Pep-Start Cleansing Wipes – for on the go, quick clean up!
  5. Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser – for daily cleansing.
musingsofamuse.com

musingsofamuse.com

musingsofamuse.com

musingsofamuse.com

Summer 2016 – Maybelline Bricks

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I’ve only seen this new Bronzer here, and here, so I’m guessing it isn’t coming to the USA right away (usually we have a lag!)  That said, it is very much a summer offering, so we shall see.

I can’t say I’m incredibly surprised by a palette bronzer, per say…or by the “bricks” concept, which Bobbi Brown and others have done for both bronzing and highlighting products.  But it is kind of a new format for Maybelline, so it’s fun to see.

The bronzer pairs matte and shimmer “bricks” for a tan that doesn’t go flat.  Britishbeautyblogger has posted her comments and more images, including swatches, so definitely take a peek.