Happy Friday! This past week, I have been pressed for time and constantly in a rush. It’s times like these that I find myself gravitating towards the same gathering of beauty prodcts and settling into a routine that is quick and easy to acheive. This process generally begins with a few key “anchor” products (from Tom Ford, La Prairie, Becca and Chantecaille) that end up extending into a full face, replete with a couple of color options for moments when I crave variety. Throw in an accessory or two (from Monica Vinader) and the latest innovation in skincare (Trophy Skin!) and this sleep-deprived girl was good to go!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the products in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| Tom Ford Pussycat and Golden Peach. |
// The ANCHOR Products //
- Tom Ford Eye Color in Golden Peach (reviewed HERE and HERE): Words cannot adequately describe my adoration for this glimmering peach duo. Pale enough to look natural while pigmented enough to make a supreme difference, this cream and powder pairing provides hours of luminous, crease-free wear. I implore you to get this if you can!
- Tom Ford Matte Lip Color in Pussycat (also discussed HERE): A recent splurge, I find the cool mauvey purple nature of this creamy matte formula to feel fresh and modern. It’s darker than I normally wear, but I think that’s why I find it so intriguing.
- *La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream in Beige (also available at Neiman Marcus and previously discussed HERE): An impressive skincare and foundation hybrid, this formula imparts all day hydration (with anti-aging benefits) and ultra-flattering tinted coverage as well as SPF 30! Swatches of all four shades below…
- *Chantecaille Le Magnolia Palette (also available at Neiman Marcus): The latest from the ever-lovely Chantecaille line, this palette features a
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| Infinitely singular in its tone and performance, I recently purchased a back up of this gem…I do not want to be without it. |
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| Swatches of Tom Ford Golden Peach in direct sunlight. |
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| Tom Ford Pussycat…not new, but new to me. |
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| A swatch of Tom Ford Pussycat in direct sunlight…the color-payoff of this formula is insane. |
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| The La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream comes with a signature application brush. Also pictured: Monica Vinader Rose Gold Chain Fiji Bracelet. |
The *La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream is a opulent base option. As its moniker implies, this formula literally transforms one’s visage into that of really good skin. Neither overly dewy nor excessively matte, I get satisfying medium coverage in a pump and half and prefer to buff the formula to a seamless finish with dampened beauty blender.
Once set, this tinted cream (currently, I can get away with both Nude and Beige right now but will wear Beige exclusively in the summer) lasts 6-8 hours on my normal to combination skin before I feel the need to touch up with powder; over the course of wear, my skin feels balanced, comfortable and like it can breathe, all the while looking tremendously even-toned and healthy.
All in all, this new launch is a must for skincare and foundation enthusiasts alike and I adore the fact that I am getting premium skincare, flattering coverage and significant SPF in a single product!
Official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream combines the benefits of skincare, color and sun protection in one, balancing your complexion with natural-looking color to counteract dullness and signs of fatigue while helping defend and build resistance to skin-aging stressors. Its self-adjusting, intuitive color pigments bask your skin perfectly in filtered light to give it a healthy glow. It comes packaged with a complexion brush to give your skin a seamless, airbrushed finish.
How to use: Apply daily after your serum application, or if skin is dry, apply over your serum and moisturizer. Pump onto your fingertips, then dot onto your forehead, cheeks and chin. Using the included Complexion Brush, work in sweeping strokes upward on the forehead and downward on the nose. Starting from the center outward, use sweeping circular strokes along your cheeks and chin. Blend downward along the jaw line. If more coverage is desired, apply with your fingertips.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
The *La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream comes in four shades:
- Rose: Pale neutral beige for fair skin (@N/NW/NC 10-15)
- Nude: Light beige for light skin (@N/NW/NC 20-25)
- Beige: Medium neutral beige for light-medium skin (@N/NW/NC 27-35)
- Tan: Deep beige for medium-dark skin (@N/NW/NC 35+)
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| Swatches in direct sunlight with a flash. |
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| Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| The Chantecaille Le Magnolia Palette. |
Not only visually resplendent, the limited-edition Chantecaille Le Magnolia Palette is gorgeous on the skin and, like many Chantecaille products, supports a worthy cause. The powders are finely-milled and offer marvelous color payoff while blending seamlessly on the skin.
In the images at the end of this post, I used the white shade as an illuminator on the high points of my face (e.g., cheekbones, brow bones etc.) and the pink shade as a blush on the apples of my cheeks.
I cannot wait to experiment with the green taupe shade (for eyes) and the rich brown hue (to contour the face and eyes) in the coming days…will report back with my experience soon!
Official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
Chantecaille has created the Le Magnolia Eye & Cheek Palette in an effort to bring awareness to TRAFFIC, an organization that works to improve the outlook for wild plant species and the livelihoods of people around the world through supporting the widespread adoption of the FairWild Standard (which helps support efforts to ensure plants are managed, harvested and traded in a way that maintains populations in the wild and benefits rural producers).
Each limited-edition eye and cheek shade is embossed with a magnolia—a popular, wild-collected plant used in traditional Chinese medicine and in many of Chantecaille’s formulas. Chantecaille will donate five percent of the proceeds from each Le Magnolia Eye & Cheek Palette sold to TRAFFIC to support its wild plant conservation work.
Shades include:
– Leaf (a unique, pale, pearly green that instantly brightens the eye area)
– Magnolia (a delicate and slightly iridescent white)
– Bark (a semi-matte, rich neutral brown to define and contour)
– Wild (a fun, playful coral that adds a natural flush to the cheeks)
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
// The Full Face //
- *Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Blushed Copper: In a word, phenomenal; on my medium-toned skin, this rosy bronze shade provides the warmth of a bronzer, the soft flush of a subtle blush and the glow of a highlighter in a single compact. I am in love.
- *Surratt Beauty Surreal Skin Concealer #5 (reviewed HERE): Seamless and potent, this is nearly invisible under my eyes while banishing all signs of darkness.
- *DECORTE Soft Foundation Powder in Warm Beige (reviewed HERE): My powder of choice, this has taken up permanent residence in my purse.
- *Surratt Beauty Artistique Highlight Brush (reviewed HERE): There is a reason that there are only a few of these brushes left on the Sephora site…people adore them as much as I do. The ultra-soft bristles blend highlighter with unmitigated expertise.
- *By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bubble Glow (reviewed HERE): Always in my makeup bag these days, this pink cream shadow instantly brightens my lower lash line and helps me look like I’ve had more sleep than I have.
- *Tom Ford High Definition Eye Liner in Black (reviewed HERE): This rich and silky black eyeliner works wonders on my allergy-ridden waterline and stays in place for hours.
- *Surratt Beauty Expressioniste Brow Pomade (reviewed HERE): A lifetime favorite, I love how it grooms and sets my brows and dries down to a clear finish for the most natural effect.
- *Gucci Eye Power Liquid Liner: Jet black with a fluid touch, this felt-tipped liner glides along the contours of the eye with immense precision and the formula is stalwart enough to masterfully last a full work day.
- *IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara (reviewed HERE): I’m like a broken record about this volumizing and lengthening formula…it’s great for sensitive eyes and lasts all day without smudging or flaking. I get a false lash effect in two coats.
- Chanel Lip Liner in Mordore Nude (reviewed HERE): I picked this up in NYC late last year and still adore the rich nude brown of this creamy and long lasting lip liner. Try this.
- Le Metier de Beaute Hydra Creme Lip Color in Sahara (reviewed HERE): This peachy nude is so moisturizing and works well atop the Chanel lip liner.
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| Infinitely unique and stunning on a spectrum of skin tones, the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Blushed Copper is my new bronze obsession. |
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| The quintessential nude lip mix, compliments of the Chanel Lip Liner in Mordore Nude and the Le Metier de Beaute Hydra Creme Lip Color in Sahara. |
// The Extras //
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| Everyday luxury…the Monica Vinader Rose Gold Chain Fiji Bracelet. |
- *Monica Vinader Rose Gold Chain Fiji Bracelet: This glorious rose gold creation works so well with my other bracelets. I prefer jewelery that I don’t have to remove and the curved lines and clever toggle fastener make this accessory perfectly at home on my wrist, alone or layered with my other favorites (as shown in the images that follow). Crafted of Sterling Silver with an 18k Rose Gold Vermiel, this is an everyday bracelet of epic proportions!
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| My new smooth skin indulgence…Trophy Skin RejuvadermMD. |
- *Trophy Skin RejuvadermMD: I have always been intimidated by the idea of at-home microdermabrasion. Enter: Trophy Skin. There was something aspirational and reassuring about both the name and the subtle white and rose gold presentation of this innovative device. Easy to handle and notably light, this tool comes with three interchangable heads that smooth skin, remove blackheads and propel skincare deeper beyond the surface of the skin. Trophy Skin’s gentle vacuum is quite soothing and I have found myself looking forward to the thrice-weekly five minute treatments. Sensory experience aside, my noteably smoother, brighter and healthier looking skin is the most compelling reason I am a new convert to the microdermabrasion way of life. This is a habit well worth developing!
Additional details:
Trophy Skin RejuvadermMD Handheld Microdermabrasion System combats signs of aging, spots and sun damage. The diamond tipped, suction motored device glides over skin, smoothing the texture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles as it goes. Safe to use on face, neck and body for even tone and restored radiance. Handheld device includes an international power adapter.
Ideal for these Concerns: Large Pores, Lip Lines , Scars, Dryness and Dehydration, Oiliness, Crow’s Feet, Aging Skin, Milia, Hyperpigmentation,Sunburn, Acne, Stretch Marks, Keratosis Pilaris
Ideal for these Skin Types: Mature Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Oily Skin,Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin
Includes:
Diamond Tipped Exfoliating Wand
Pore Extraction Tip For Blackhead Extraction
Infusion Tip
Wool Filters (50 count)
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| Trophy skin has four strength settings. |
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| Three different tips target everything from fine lines to blackheads. |
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| The Diamond Tip…for the smoothest, healthiest looking skin possible. |
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| Christophe Robin Multi Purpose Balm Hair and Body…a handbag staple. |
- *Christophe Robin Multi Purpose Balm Hair and Body: I recently read that Catherine Deneuve keeps this balm in her handbag to tame flyaways and tend to dry skin and was instantly intrigued. With a light texture and intoxicating scent, I now understand why this classic beauty has made this formula a staple.
Additional details:
Christophe Robin’s regenerating balm will bring dehydrated hair back to life. This nourishing blend contains Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, rare Prickly Pear seed oil, Rice Bran oil and Almond oil and it’s a fantastic alternative to sticky serums and waxes. It also doubles as a nourishing moisturizer for lips, feet and cuticles. Free from parabens, silicones and colorants – Leaves no residue.
// The Bonus Swatches //
Once I began swatching the *Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush (I started with Camellia and Blushed Copper), I couldn’t help but swatch them all! This silky hybrid of a highlighter and a blush is radiantly gorgeous and much more pigmented that I originally anticipated. With a weightless, gossamer texture and a softly luminous finish, this is serious glow for grown ups. Currently, there are six versatile shades:
- Camellia: A neutral pale pink (a favorite).
- Foxglove: Only slightly deeper than Camellia, this is a light-medium pink with cool leanings.
- Snapdragon: A coral blush for a “just pinched” look.
- Tiger Lily: A warm persimmon orange for a fresh take on a flushed cheek.
- Dahlia: By far the most pigmented, a little of this breathtaking berry wine goes a long way.
- Blushed Copper: An ethereal blush meets bronzer, I simply cannot get enough of this luscious tan.
The following images reflect all products in action in late afternoon lighting…
LOOK #1: Punctuated by nude lips and a single wash of eye shadow, this daytime look is entirely work appropriate.
LOOK #2: I added a deeper lip (Tom Ford Pussycat) and winged eyeliner (Gucci) to create dash of wearable drama.
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| Arm party, including the Monica Vinader Rose Gold Chain Fiji Bracelet. |
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this product-centric story and found the resulting looks interesting and inspiring. I would love to know what you’ve been reaching for as of late. Do tell!
Good things ahead, including a skincare update and a host of new product procurements…I’m also working on responding to your latest batch of comments emails. Please know that I read them all and love to answer as many as I can…thanks for your patience ; )
Have a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend…what are your plans?
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. © 2012-16 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (10)
Lovely products! You're stunning as always! Enjoy Mother's Day Weekend! Xo
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
Thanks so much, Dom!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Rachel, two wonderful looks. It seems we are all rushing this month with weddings, graduations and for me preparing to teach a watercolor workshop. You nailed it with 2 easy looks that are really gorgeous. Love them and product offerings.
Hi Debi,
Many thanks to you! I hope your summer is going well!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello
I have previously bought the le praire foundation, the one without the concealer on top. I later find out that one of the main ingredients is alcohol. I am very disappointed since it's a little pricy. Today you Introduce this new le praire product and it really sounds amazing so of course I want to run out and buy it. I can't find the ingredients anywhere , is this really a good cream meaning does it really have good anti aging ingredients? Please help so I can run out and get it. Thank you beautiful
Hi Paola,
The ingredients on this particular La Prairie foundation is marvelous–definitely a skincare-infused formula. I hope that helps!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
You look lovely! I just ordered the Decorte foundation from Saks since they're doing a 20% off promotion right now. I also splurged and impulsively bought their concealer. The Becca Blushed Copper looks lovely. I have to ask, do you use it as an actual blush or do you prefer using it as a bronzer?
Thank you, MG!
I hope you are loving the Decorte foundation and with regards to your question, I use it as an actual blush but could probably get away with using it lightly as a bronzer as well.
What is new with you?
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
I really want to order La Prairie (don't have a counter near) and I was thinking of getting 20 Nude, but it looks darker than I expected in your pics. If I'm usually a 20 in Chanel foundations, will 20 Nude work? Is it a bit too dark? Thank you!
Hi Gia,
Yes, 20 Nude should be a perfect match if you also wear 20 in Chanel ; )
xx
–The Beauty Professor