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| March beauty. |
I hope your week is off to a lovely start; I, for one, cannot believe how quickly the month of March is flying by! Earlier this year, Pantone announced that its 2016 Colors of the Year were Serenity (a tender sky blue) and Rose Quartz (a soft baby pink). Consequently, I am excited to share a roundup of beauty and skincare products that gorgeously embody the color characteristics of these hues.
Additionally, upon the recommendation of a loyal Beauty Professor reader, I am thrilled to discuss my preliminary experience (as well as swatches of every shade!) of the freshly-released Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation and will conclude this image-heavy post with a beauty look that employs the usage of a favorite Rose Quartz lip color and the glorious foundation!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of ALL products in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| My Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year product selections. |
I divided my Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year choices into a few key categories: Skincare, Complexion + Fragrance and Lip Color…hope you enjoy the visual splendor!
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| Skincare. |
I. SKINCARE
- *Nip + Fab Soften Kale Fix Clay Mask: Fantastic to reset stressed skin, I appreciate how smooth and radiant my skin looks after a single 10 minute treatment with this formula.
- *Jason Rosewater Body Wash (available at Whole Foods Market): I’ve been using this to shave and find that the gentle formula mitigates razor burn and leaves skin balanced and healthy.
- *TATCHA Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate: This recent release from TATCHA has a futuristic, bouncy texture and ultra-hydrating formula that masterfully repairs skin overnight, for a firmer, more balanced and refreshed visage upon waking.
- *NuFace Mini in Petal Pink (reviewed HERE): I am still integrating the technologically-advanced NuFace into my skincare routine and am loving the results; harnessing the power of microcurrents to stimulate skin for a tighter, more contoured visage and this resplendent pink version is Rose Quartz embodied!
- *Radical Skincare Radical Perfection Fluid (reviewed HERE): Part radiance-inducer, part skincare serum, this hybrid formula is a great line of first defense in the morning for brighter, softer and more youthful skin.
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| Lip color. |
II. LIP COLOR:
- *Velvet 59 Matte to the Max Liquid Lipstick in Pink Cadillac: Brimming with pigment-galore, this matte formula envelopes lips with a beautiful baby pink cloak of color.
- *Lipstick Queen Cupid’s Bow Pencil in Nymph (reviewed HERE): A lovely mid-toned pink with just enough pigment to pop.
- *It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss in News Anchor Blue: Although this sky blue gloss looks intimidating in the tube, I am happy to report (word play intended) that it transforms into a cool and shimmering mauve pink (that makes teeth look whiter) upon application.
- *Inglot Lip Color #237: A pearlescent mauve pink with immense color payoff, I appreciate how lush and full this particular color makes lips look. It’s simply stunning!
- *It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss in Je Ne Sais Quoi: This may seem clear upon application, but give this clever formula a minute or so and lips are massively moisturized and gently flushed an optimal, ultra-flattering light pink.
- *Inglot Nail Enamel #393: Practically periwinkle, this pale blue polish has a creamy finish aligned with the peaceful Serenity hue.
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| From L-R: Swatches of the It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss in Je Ne Sais Quoi, Inglot Lip Color #237, It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss in News Anchor Blue, Lipstick Queen Cupid’s Bow Pencil in Nymph and Velvet 59 Rouge to the Max Liquid Lipstick in Pink Cadillac. |
III. Complexion + Fragrance:
- *Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rose Excelsa: A refreshingly unique take on a classic rose scent, this fragrance combines notes of the rare African Dog Rose with that of the Turkish Rose and the chic bottle is to die for, no?
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad #311 Pewter Veil (also available at CdPB and reviewed HERE): An avant-garde combination of shimmering green blue and platinum accents, this consider this buttery smooth eye shadow quad a “new neutral.”
- *Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Cushion Foundation in Medium: I am stunned by the stalwart coverage and natural finish of this cushion compact–new for spring–from the ever innovative Physician’s Formula. From the quilted effect of the compact itself to the nourishing skincare-meets-foundation hybrid formula, I can’t wait to get a touch more tan so Medium will be my perfect match.
- *Vintage by Jessica Liebeskind Illuminating Face Highlighter in Crystal Pink (formula reviewed HERE): This tender pale pink bathes skin in a halo of soft rosy light and, due to its powder texture, works well to illuminate combination skin types.
- *Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator in IL02 Sheer Pink (formula reviewed HERE): The most recent shade release from KGD, this liquid light shifts to a nubile pink pearl that can mix into foundation or be added atop for a freshly radiant complexion. I have finished my entire bottle of the Beige version of this illuminator and find the Sheer Pink hue beyond excellent for springtime.
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| From L-R: Swatches of the CdPB Eye Color Quad #311, Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator in Sheer Pink, Vintage Crystal Rose Illuminator and Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Cushion Foundation in Medium in direct afternoon sunlight. |
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| *Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rose Excelsa |
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| Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation. |
As aforementioned, faithful Beauty Professor reader Joyce reached out via email to alert me to the wonders of the new Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation. In turn, I promptly ordered a jar via Barney’s NY to try it for myself.
Like all Serge Lutens products (others reviewed HERE and HERE), this fresh formula comes at a significant price point, but I haven’t regretted any of my SL purchases in the past and am beyond happy that I pursued this release as well.
The foundation, which comes in a black lacquered square jar, has a buoyant, creamy texture that is relatively thin on the skin while yielding remarkable medium (buildable to full) coverage that looks virtually invisible on the skin. There is little to no fragrance and the formula glides over skin effortlessly without feeling “silicon-y.” I find that I get the best, most flawless result by using a damp Beauty Blender to distribute about a dime-sized amount all over my face and the coverage is such that I don’t even find the need to follow with concealer!
In terms of wear and lasting power, this foundation feels relatively weightless on the skin and dries to a natural, almost-powder finish that doesn’t require additional setting. I get 7-8 hours of touch up-free wear and am impressed by how transfer-resistant and crease-proof this formula is on my skin. Pores are visibly minimized and fine lines seem blurred away without the slightest hint of a “mask-like” cast.
In sum, I resonate with BP reader Joyce’s recommendation of this foundation; it offers smoothing, perfecting coverage that looks entirely natural and works well with a variety of skin types…definitely worth the splurge!
Ordering the Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation from Barney’s NY is easy (I noticed that it was even recently featured it the BNY Spring Lookbook, likely increasing its demand) and if you prefer to order by phone, I invite you to call Nephertiti at Barney’s NY Beverly Hills at (310) 773-8696; she is absolutely lovely to work with.
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| Ingredients. |
Official details, courtesy of Barney’s NY:
Cream foundation created by beauty extraordinaire Serge Lutens. Transforms into a delicate powder-finish veil for a vibrant, youthful look. Argan Oil keeps skin hydrated and comfortable.
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| Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation in O40, |
The Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation currently comes in five shades that will match most skin tones in the fair to medium-dark range:
- Blanc 00: A super pale white for extremely fair alabaster skin; could also be used to highlight or mix into a darker shade.
- I20: A neutral light beige for N/NC/NW 15-20 skin.
- IB40: A neutral light-medium beige for N/NW 25-30 skin. Although this is sightly more rosy than O40, I am fairly certain I could easily get away with this shade on my skin tone as well!
- O40: A warm light-medium beige for N/NC 25-30 skin. **A perfect match for N/NC 23-27 skin tone.
- I50: A neutral medium-dark tan beige for N/NC/NW 30-40 skin.
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| Swatches of the Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation in outdoor shade. |
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| Swatches of the Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation in direct sunlight. |
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| Evidence of a foundation-phile. |
To compare and contrast, I swatched the Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation alongside some foundation formulas with similar coverage and finish:
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation #7 (reviewed HERE): It’s thicker and, in the case of shade #7, much more golden than O40.
- Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation 5.5 (reviewed HERE and HERE): Offers similar coverage (medium) but feels a bit more slippery during application. Shade 5.5. is also more neutral than the slightly olive O40 (which is a dead on match for my skin tone).
- By Terry Cover Expert #8 (reviewed HERE): Is very similar in tone to the O40 but has slightly thicker texture and more pronounced matte finish than the Serge Lutens formula.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| The full look. |
To complement the subtle, skin perfecting decadence of the Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation, I integrated the following products into a cohesive look:
- Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation O40: Buffed on with a Beauty Blender.
- Gucci Beauty Golden Glow Bronzer in Indian Sand (reviewed HERE): I used this deeper tan shade to gently contour along the hollows of my cheeks and the perimeters of the face.
- Tom Ford Moodlight (reviewed HERE): One sweep of the darker side along the hollows of cheekbones adds a subtle touch of illumination and another sweep of the lighter powder along the upper cheekbones highlights without being the slightest bit obvious.
- *MustaeV Single Eye Shadow in Julep: This is such a unique eye shadow shade; a radiant warm rose with a incandescent finish, it works well as a color-drenched veil that lasts all day without creasing…I applied it on my upper lids and along my lower lash line and used a touch of the darker shade from the Tom Ford Moodlight compact as a blending shade up to my brow bones.
- Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara (reviewed HERE):Two coats for lush, full lashes.
- *Inglot Lip Color #237: Already discussed earlier in the post, I liberally applied this lilac-tinged pink (with a flattering pearl, rather than shimmer, finish) and appreciate the immense color payoff and longevity of the formula.
- *Kevyn Aucoin The Lip Gloss in Starlight: Amongst the latest release from the iconic Kevyn Aucoin line, this delightfully non-sticky gloss imparts a delicately shimmering peachy pink hue that makes lips look full and voluminous; I strategically placed a bit on the center of my lower lip.
- *Smith + Cult Nail Lacquer in the Graduate: My major go-to as of late, this creamy pale nude beige offers incredible opacity in a single coat and the formula is 5-free for healthier, happier nails. Did I mention that Smith + Cult lasts longer than any nail polish formula I’ve tried to date? So good.
- Scott Barnes Body Bling: I picked up this cult favorite at The Make Up Show LA this past weekend and now understand why it’s been on the top of so many editor lists for years. Super hydrating and deliciously gleaming, this makes skin glow like nothing else. I also learned that it can be sheered out when mixed with lotion for a more subtle luminosity!
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| Skin perfectors. |
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Eyes, lips and tips. |
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| *Smith + Cult Nail Lacquer in the Graduate. |
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| MustaeV Julep is a warm and luminous rose eye shadow that works well as a single wash of vibrant color…I adore it! |
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| *Inglot Lip Color #237 with a dash of *Kevyn Aucoin The Lip Gloss in Starlight on top. |
The following images reflect all products in action in direct afternoon sunlight (chambray shirt from Nordstrom, black one piece from Shopbop)…
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this colorful cavalcade of March beauty including the Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year and Serge Lutens Spectral Foundation.
What has caught YOUR eye? Do tell!
Good things ahead, including a fresh FOTD, yet another foundation-focused intensive and a host of new product procurements!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples
provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me),
however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally
my own. ©
2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or
republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me),
however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally
my own. ©
2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or
republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (18)
Hello lovely Beauty Professor! Thank you for your amazing blog and for the beautiful swatches of the Serge Lutens spectral foundation. I am very pale and so am attracted to the Blanc 00 shade there (trying to keep myself from ordering it as I type, haha). How pale would you estimate it runs and do you think it would be friendly to sensitive skin? Could one mix it with too dark foundations (Koh Gen Do Aqua)? Thanks again 🙂
Hello…thank you for the kind words! I find that the Blanc is a pure white; I feel like the SL is kind to sensitive skin (mine is sensitive as well) and I think youd definitely mix the white with a foundation that is running too deep!
Hope that helps…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
The foundation looks amazing and what a great round up for the Color of the Year. I always enjoy seeing all the products in action at the end of your post. Xo
Dom
Thank you so much!! So sweet!
I hope your week back to work is flowing along nicely…XO and talk soon!
–The Beauty Professor
My gorgeous BP! This post is a luxury to read. I am intrigued by the new SL' foundation and by that lovely little NUFACE robot.
Do you think you can do a gadgets for the face kind of post?
Sending good wishes and hugs for the week.
<3
Hello, my friend! Thanks for the glowing review of my review(s) ; ) I have a beauty gadgets post currently in the works and it should be live soon!
Hope your week is going well…XO and speak soon,
–The Beauty Professor
that foundation photographs like a dream!
It's pretty superb, Lisa…thanks for your comments!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor! I was wondering if you have tried the new SPF 15 version of By Terry Cover Expert. The original formula in shade 3 was my favorite foundation ever, but I haven't tried the reformulated version and they no longer sell the original. I've heard that the new SPF version has a different feel and that the shades are off. Any insight? I love your blog, by the way. It is how I discovered Cover Expert to begin with!
Hello! I have indeed tried the reformulated one and haven't noted any major differences yet…I haven't had a chance to swatch the old and new versions side by side yet, though.
I am so glad you've been enjoying Beauty Professor…thanks for the feedback!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
I really want to try this foundation! It looks lovely on you! I just went on Barney's website and it looks like they're sold out of my likely colour, I20:(. What are your thoughts of this foundation compared to other cream foundations such as the KS and the new Laura Mercier silk creme?
Hello MG!
Thank you so much…I am guessing that Barney's will need to replenish their stock soon as they also featured it in their most recent catalog ; ) With regards to your question, I find that this feels a lighter on the skin than the Laura Mercier Silk Creme and it's most similar to the KS, however, the KS is so difficult to get in the states that I am happy this formula exists! I have also been testing the new Decorte cream foundation (available at Saks) and think you might like it as well. Full review with swatches of everything coming up soon!
XO and hope all is well,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for your response! I can't wait for those swatches! I'm almost out of my KS and I've been looking for something similar but perhaps longer lasting, and of equal or fuller coverage. I'm hoping one of these may be what I'm after!
BP,
I am a guy that wears foundation almost everyday, but it's gotta look natural an no sparkles please! I like matte finish. Had bad luck with Dior's and Mac's BB creams.
In Serge Lutens powder foundation, I am an 1-40, so the Barney's SA told me over the phone I would be a IB-40, and so did the Serge Lutens SA when I posted to their Facebook.
However, on your arm, I can tell you have makeup on. I can see how it dries to a powdery finish. What I like about the I-40 powder is that i press it over my blackheads, on my face, then lightly swirl it, and i get coverage, less oil, and you can't tell I've put anything on. I'm afriad of liquid foundations. In the past I've used Sheshido's perfectly balanced liquid foundation in 1-40 and since I use Retin-A, you could very blatantly see where my skin was pealing. I was so embarrassed I had to wash it off at work. Same as the Lutens primer, I put it all over my face, not just dot it like you showed in one of your videos, and it does give you a great canvas, but it makes my pealing skin look like an alligator wallet! I blind purchased the IB-40. Will I run into the same problems?
Hi Nemo,
Thanks for your question…in order to showcase the shade and undertone, I tend to swatch foundations heavily, rather than blend them in; I am guessing that is why you see its texture. I find that this formula is hydrating and wears well on my skin and hope that explanation is helpful for you as you pursue your next foundation!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, BP:
I got the IB-40 and it's perfect and the foundation sinks into my skin. When it was warm here, i used blotting sheets and it didn't lift off the foundation. This is the one! Albeit very expensive one! Thanks for your answer!
Hello Beauty professor and thank you very much for your reviews!
How would you compare that new Serge Lutens foundation to the Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation in terms of coverage, hydration and overall feeling? i am very very tempted indeed !!!!! Thanks a lot, Anne.
Hi Anne,
Thanks for the kind comment. With regards to your question, I find that the Serge Lutens offers slightly better coverage than the CdPB Fluid and my skin prefers it overall!
Hope that helps…xx
–The Beauty Professor