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| Above: New mid-January beauty product procurements! |
Happy weekend, lovely readers! I am excited to share some of my latest beauty procurements–8 to be exact–and, while this won’t be a comprehensive review of each, there should be enough details (and swatches!) present to convey a realistic experience with each.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches, images of the products in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| Above: Sephora + NARS VIB Rouge |
First up, a brief overview of the latest Sephora birthday gift for VIB Rouge members (a status about which I am simultaneously proud and sheepish). It includes a mini (though still sizable) versions of the following products:
- NARS Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto, a rich black that is perfect for the waterline.
- NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, a shimmering mid-toned rose
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, an opaque and neutral classic red
All in all, I love the gift…all three products are wearable, substantially proportioned minis that exceeded my expectations!
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| Above: Swatches of NARS Via Veneto, Rikugien and Cruella in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Products of the post! |
(1) Onto the other products…I had a reader recently ask me on my YouTube channel what my thoughts were regarding the Astalift Foundation. Of course, being the foundation-phile that I am, I was instantly intrigued with a foundation I had yet to encounter, so I tracked it down (via eBay) and promptly ordered it. Created by the beauty division of Fuji Film, this formula is designed to self-adust to different lighting situations, giving the illusion of perfected skin in every context.
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| Above: The mystical unicorn of foundation? Astalift Light Analyzing Moisture Foundation…glad I was able to track it down. |
The foundation offers seamless medium to full coverage in a single pump. Additionally, the skin-like finish that gets ever so satiny in a few hours is just breathtaking. I feel like this foundation really “sets” on my face and, after trying it a couple of times, can confirm that the lasting power is stupendous…well over 8 hours of flawless and comfortable wear. What could possibly be the caveat, then? Availability…it appears that the British retailers (namely, Selfridge’s) that seemed to carry this line last year have since inexplicably stopped, and I could only order it from a private seller (in the UK) on eBay. I had read that the shades run quite light and that the darkest shade, Caramel, was close to a NC 25-27 (yes, the shades run that light). Lo and behold, Caramel is a perfect match for my skin and I am definitely a light-medium in most foundation formulas. I absolutely adore this foundation and, due to its virtual absence in the Western Hemisphere, am a bit hesitant to even discuss it. That being said, perhaps my international Beauty Professor readers can shed some light on how/where to track this gem down!
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| Above: Becca Lowlight/Highlight Perfecting Palette…excellent for light-medium skin tones. |
(2) While reordering some staples at Sephora (I can’t get enough cotton pads), I perused the new arrivals and was intrigued by the lastest contouring product by Becca…the Lowlight/Highlight Perfecting Palette. In images, it reminded me of the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate (due to its cream texture) but the shades looked different enough to justify a purchase.
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| Above: The full ingredients list. |
The lowlight cream is a slightly warm tan (lighter in depth than the Tom Ford version)…it doesn’t oxidize orange and is sheer enough for maximum blendability. Whereas the Tom Ford illuminate portion is a translucent pearly white glimmer, the pigmented highlighting strip in the Becca palette is definitely a rose-gold-beige-champagne tone. I like how silky both creams feel when applied to the skin and I appreciate the variation in tones, thereby mitigating redundancy in my collection! Simply beautiful.
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| Above: Swatches of the Becca Lowlight/Highlight Perfecting Palette. |
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| Above: Floral, green and musky while still infinitely clean…Aerin Waterlily Sun. |
(3) In terms of fragrance, I have become utterly smitten by the uplifting elixir otherwise known as *Aerin Waterlily Sun. It is a lush, clean and warm floral that is grounded by a sophisticated air of musk. It is a perfectly befitting scent for the transitional months ahead (Spring!!) and its intoxicating notes have me sniffing my wrist on a regular basis.
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| Above: Swatches of all shades of the Giorgio Armani Fluid Eye Color. |
(4) I was at Neiman Marcus earlier this week (the new beauty floor at the Beverly Hills store is on the cusp of opening and, I might add, is INSANELY breathtaking…more on this soon enough) and was beguiled by the freshly released Giorgio Armani Fluid Eye Color (also available at Nordstrom). After a hasty swatching session (illustrated above), I found myself heading home with #10 Senso and #11 Rose Ashes…a glorious pairing of warm neutrals that work well for an everyday eye. The formula boasts 16 hours of blendable, creasesless wear and I am happy to say that, so far, my experience has aligned with such claims. I like to apply with the doe foot applicator and blend out with a little eyeshadow brush. The color is sheer but pigmented and buildable and takes on a nearly texturless gossamer finish once it sets on the eyes. More on this sublime combination soon!
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| Above: #10 Senso is a rich bronzy brown and #11 Rose Ashes is a creamy golden beige with a pink shift…stunning! |
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| Above: Swatches of Rose Ashes and Senso in direct sunlight…complex and lovely, no? |
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| Above: The new Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color in Petal Pink and Golden Peach…magnifique! |
(5) Fascinated by the pigmented, creamy matte finish of the new Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color, I promptly ordered the lightest two shades…Golden Peach and Petal Pink. The texture is extremely smooth, and, despite its semi-matte finish, I am wildly pleased with the fact that the non-sticky formula keeps lips moisturized for hours. Golden Peach is soft peachy pink with a shimmery finish and Petal Pink is a rich and creamy light mauve pink…I love them alone and worn together and the unique texture and finish make me glad that I procured them!
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| Above: Swatches of both shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Golden Peach alone on the lips. |
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| Above: Charlotte Tilbury Nude Kate. |
(6) My love affair with Charlotte Tilbury was recently furthered when I picked up the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Nude Kate, a netural, slightly pale beige. It is lighter than B*Perfect and peachier than Penelope Pink I love wearing this lush formula over a pink lipliner…it is neutral and flattering and ever so easy to wear. Marvelous, indeed.
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| Above: A swatch of Charlotte Tilbury Nude Kate in direct sunlight. |
(7) My foray into the Zelens color collection has been a divine enterprise thus far…the Age-Control Foundation and Lip Enhancer are now staples in my routine and I have equal adoration for the Zelens Lip Glaze in Rose. This nourishing formula is heavenly on the lips..long lasting but not overly sticky and the Rose shade is the quintessential, semi-opaque baby pink. A worthy indulgence, to be sure.
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| Above: Swatches of all five Zelens Lip Glaze Shades…clockwise from top…Rose, Coral, Rouge, Pink and Nude. |
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| Above: Charlotte, Laura and Zelens…I never tire of new lip color! |
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| Above: Koh Gen Do Cheek Color in PK 02…subtlety at its best. |
(8) Finally, I have been loving the subtle effect of the *Koh Gen Do Cheek Color in PK 02, a restrained warm pink. Despite its lack of shimmer, it somehow manages to brighten the face and deliver a radiance that belies its muted appearance. Buffed onto the skin, it becomes one with the cheeks and wears evenly for hours…another treasure from the venerable Koh Gen Do line.
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| Above: Koh Gen Do Cheek Color in PK 02 swatched in direct sunlight. |
The following images reflect most of the products discussed in action, namely the:
- Astalift Light Analyzing Moisture Foundation in Caramel…wish I could link to this but alas, it is currently MIA on the Internet.
- A touch of Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow (for subtle contour)…reviewed HERE
- The highlight portion of the Becca Highlight/Lowlight Perfecting Palette…along high points of face
- Koh Gen Do Cheek Color in PK 02 on apples of cheeks
- A wash of Giorgio Armani Fluid Eye Color in #11 Rose in Ashes (applied with fingers and blended out for luminosity)…available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom
- Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color in Golden Peach
…for a no makeup makeup look
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope your weekend is off to a marvelous start and that you enjoyed this preliminary overview of some of my most recent beauty procurements! I plan more in-depth reviews of many of these gems in the coming weeks. In the meanwhile, I hope my swatches and brief descriptions have been useful.
Good things ahead, including a close-up of the mod 1960’s-inspired Estee Lauder + Lisa Perry gift bag (a Neiman Marcus exclusive), an inevitable IMATS LA haul recap (headed there tomorrow…any BP readers scheduled to attend the same day?) and a FOTD or two!
What new products have YOU procured as of late?
Still working my way through your lovely comments and emails ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
** Some PR samples provided for review (denotated by an asterik…the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (33)
I ordered Senso this week from Saks and I can't wait to try it out. I had tried on several shades at Nordstrom this past week, but Senso was the only one that I tried that worked out for me.
Marvelous, Anon…so glad you found your way to your idea shade in this formula!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
So many nice things together!
I have been aware of the Fuji Film beauty branch for a while, and they are suposed to be very good skincare products. However I did not know that they had moved onto colour products and that foundation sounds simply gorgeous. It is such a pity though that it has not wider distribution.
You also picked my interest with the Laura Mercier lip products. Fortunately I DO have a shop in town that carries it, so that one is more easy to get my hands on!
Dammit! The page ate my comment!
Anyway, I was saying that the Astalift skincare range is supposed to be very very good but I did not know that they produced colour products as well. That gorgeous definitely sounds gorgeous and something l would love. It is a pity though that they do not have wider distribution.
What I also enjoyed from your post are the Laura Mercier lip products. Fortunately, I DO have a shop that carries the brand in town, so that will be much more easier.
In my case, I recently purchased my first NARS products after I finally visited a counter on a trip abroad. I came back with two lip pencils, the eye primer and the concealer. I am impatient to give them a proper try!
Thak you so much! Oh my goodness, the Astalift foundation is beyond good…my only regret is that it is so darn difficult to procure right now!
Glad to hear that the Laura Mercier products have caught your eye…I wore a combination of Petal Pink and Golden Peach all weekend and I am still in awe of their pigmentation, hydration and finish…love them!
Congrats on your new NARS procurements…hope you end up adoring them…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Nice post! I have a long list of products to check out and I'll add a few to the list. I admit that last night I was looking up dupes to save a little money. Nyx is actually a pretty good brand. I love their matte lip creams with butter gloss on top. Curious about all of your lip colors – how are there even enough days in the week to use them all? I am finding that I end up using one or two for work and maybe a more intense color on the weekend.
Thank you, Amy!
I am so glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, I have found some great options from the NYX line…Peach Fizz is just lovely. With regards to your question, I definitely have more lip colors in my collection than I could ever possibly use in a week, much less a year, but the diversity is fun and also makes for great subject matter for the blog ; )
Hope your week is off to a wonderful start…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Absolutely stunning look! Your skin is so radiant! I was eyeing the Koh Gen Do blushers and I think I'll give them a chance now! Also, how stunning is that Zelens gloss! I really need to try this brand!
Hi Maeve,
Thank you ever so much…my skin is the result of three things: good skincare (SK-II is incredible), good lighting and good foundation ; ) The KGD blush is marvelous and I wore PK 02 for over 10 hours at IMATS LA yesterday without any need for touchup…highly recommended! The Zelens gloss is fantastic since it is a treatment and color all in one!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Wonderful procurements! Your skin looks fresh, healthy, and satiny!
I am tempted by the Koh Gen Do blush yet, as a naturally and unbearably red cheeked woman, I have never manage to pull off any blush on the apples of my cheeks.
I am not sure if you are into candles but Aerin's candles are stunning. The rose one being my favorite. It comes in the most gorgeous light pink glass jar. I use the empty jars to put my brushes in and they look wonderful on my vanity.
Happy Sunday!
Thank you, Wefadetogray!
I so appreciate the compliment! With regard to the KGD blush, I find that the subtlety works well, even on pigmented skin…and it doesn't oxidize darker!
I haven't yet tried the Aerin candles but thanks for the tip…they sound divine. I will have to see about getting one and I love the idea of being able to use the jar after the candle is finished!
Hope your Monday is going well…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Your looks are always flawless! Thank you for your reviews. I have to go add a bunch of products to my cart now! 🙂
Wow…thank you so much! I appreciate your readership, Kristine!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I have to try the Armani shadows! Good to get a review on the Ko Gen Do (on of my favorite lines) blush. Beautifully subtle. Must have!!! Thanks! You're great!
Indeed, Debi! The Armani shadows are enchanting!
Glad you liked the KGD blush mention…I really need to post swatches of all four shades…coming up soon!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
That LM peach gloss was made for you!
Wow…thank you, Clever Girl. It is a stupendous shade!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm so happy to see your swatches of the Armani shadows, just received an email from Armani yesterday re: these and wondered how they looked. Love your color choices that you brought home! I am also intrigued with the Koh Gen Do blush, definitely have to check that out too. The new product (to me) I have procured FINALLY after being back ordered for months is By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon. It was definitely worth the wait, love it!
Happy Sunday!
Hi Laura
Thank you. So glad the Armani shadow swatches are helpful for you! Congrats on finally receiving Bronze Moon…I know it is a best seller but I had no idea it was backordered for that long…oh my!! Enjoy it…I've gone through at least 4 over the years ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm so pleased to see that you have purchased Charlotte Tilbury' s lipstick, Nude Kate. It and Penelope Pink are my favorites. An English friend recently sent me one of her new matte lipsticks, Very Victoria. It's a very natural nude pinkish, light rose. It doesn't have the typical matte flatness. Nor is it horribly drying. I have totally fallen in love with Charlotte Tilbury products.
Thanks for posting the Armani swatches. They shade are to die for.
Hi Jan,
Thank you…yes, Nude Kate is such a lovely true beige (and I also adore Penelope Pink, of course). I haven't yet tried Very Victoria but your description of it just may put it at the top of my "to buy" list now ; )
Glad you liked the Armani swatches!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Oh my! The no makeup makeup look on you is simply gorgeous. You look so fresh & young. It is probably one of my favorite looks on you. 🙂
Thank you, Anon! I so appreciate the generous compliment!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you. Love your blog. I always like the same colors. I always buy things that you show us. Which is not always a good thing. Lol. 🙂
Hi Judi,
My pleasure and thank YOU! I am so glad our tastes in beauty are similar ; )
xx and hope your week is off to a wonderful start,
–The Beauty Professor
Just wanted to comment that Astalift is still easily available in Asia. I saw the foundation when i was in HK, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam! I knew I should have picked one up, but I completely forgot! Darn!
That is marvelous news, Christina…gives me hope to track it down ; ) The formula is magnificent!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Wow the Astalift foundation looks perfect on you. I just received my own bottle in caramel (oc 007) and I can't wait to use it. I got it by googling astalift Malaysia. Took me to the site. Two weeks is acceptable for overseas shipping, right?
Thank you!! I am so glad you got yours…please keep me posted on your experience. Two weeks is not bad all!!
xx,
–The Beauty Professsor
Hi BP, can you tell me what color your foundation is? I know you said caramel but it's also listed as ocher00 and ocher 10 etc. also what might be one shade lighter than yours on the neutral side? Thank you!
Ahh…that's tricky since I don't have direct access to any of the shade versions. Here is what I found out from Bobodave:
http://www.bobodave.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_340&products_id=8166
The color of Oc07 is similar to Caramel.
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
H! I don't know how recent this article is but For the Becca Highlight/Low light product, on Sephora they show 2 different
choices- Which one are you reviewing here- I want to make sure I get the same one you swatched here> Thank You for your reply in advance!
Hi Anon…I got the Natural Finish version!
xx
–The Beauty Professor