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| In a holiday state of mind with my brother Seth’s dog, Jasper. |
The older the get, the less I want in terms of gifts from others…don’t get me wrong, I genuinely appreciate receiving gifts on holidays and birthday; it’s just that when someone asks me what I want, I rarely have an answer, thereby generally yielding a healthy round of gift cards rather than a tangible object.
More often then not, self-gifting makes the most sense at this point in my life; that is, when I receive a gift card, I love the freedom of being able to choose exactly what I am in the mood for and, in turn, guarantee that the product is a perfect match for my skin tone, style and sensibilities.
Consequently, this post is dedicated to some of my favorite foundation formulas, lip color options, eye color choices and face palettes…hopefully this swatch-heavy breakdown will serve as self-gifting inspiration for those of you who feel the same as I do!
Kindly scroll on for more details and swatches as well as the Bottom Line…
// FOUNDATION // 20 formulas for every skin type.
- *Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge #2 (reviewed HERE): An excellent light weight priming base that offers SPF and sublime illumination.
- Zelens Anti-Aging Foundation in Beige (reviewed HERE): Full coverage, skin care benefits and a natural finish.
- *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer (reviewed HERE): Immense opacity that can be sheered out or built to concealer level…it’s versatile and truly waterproof. Incredible.
- *Surratt Beauty Surreal Real Skin Foundation (reviewed HERE): One of my absolute favorite formulas to date, it simply looks like really good skin and lasts forever.
- By Terry Densities Foundation (reviewed HERE): It is brimming with good-for-your-skin ingredients and works very well on all skin types (including mature visages).
- *Omorovicza Complexion PerfectorBB in Natural: This tinted cream has surprisingly good coverage and skin softening capabilities that astound. Natural is a great match for NC 20-30 skin!
- *Le Metier de Beaute After Glow Foundation (reviewed HERE): Glowy with medium coverage, it’s wonderful update on a classic.
- *Veil Sunset Skin Foundation (reviewed HERE): Airy and light with a whipped texture, this foundation is perfectly compatible with HD cameras.
- *Sisley-Paris Le Teint Foundation (reviewed HERE): Rife with skin care benefits, this new light to medium coverage formula is gorgeous.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
- *Sisley-Paris Tinted Sun Cream (reviewed HERE): Perfect for a vacation due to its high SPF and waterproof texture, this tinted cream is beyond.
- *Chantecaille Future Skin (reviewed HERE): The light gel texture is build able from sheer to nearly full coverage and the water based ingredients make it excellent for sensitive skin.
- Givenchy Teint Couture Balm (reviewed HERE): A gorgeous skin balm with medium coverage, it has a natural finish and great lasting power.
- Kevyn Aucoin The Ethereal Skin Illuminating Foundation (reviewed HERE): Boasting full coverage and a satin finish, this foundation is my favorite from the Kevyn Aucoin line.
- *Giorgio Armani Crema Nuda (reviewed HERE): Is it skincare that is tinted or a tint with skincare? Either way, this formula is gloriously moisturizing and delightfully skin perfecting.
- *37 Actives Foundation (reviewed HERE): Insanely good ingredients and a beautiful medium coverage finish, I adore this unique formula.
- *La Prairie Skin Caviar Foundation (reviewed HERE): One of my weekly go-to’s, it’s a luxurious splurge worth pursuing.
- *Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion (reviewed HERE): SPF 50 protection and dewy full coverage, this cushion is marvelous.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
–Shop the Foundation–
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| Dreaming about some time off…
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Products used in the above include:
// LIP COLOR // I separated my recommendations into lip treatments, nudes, pinks and bolds.
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| Swatches of three of my favorite Tom Ford Lips & Boys shades…Anderson, Jared and Cristiano. Full review HERE. |
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| Treatments. |
// TREATMENTS //
- *Sisley-Paris Phyto Lip-Twist Balm (reviewed HERE)
- *Eve Lom The Kiss Mix Ornament: Gloriously packaged and ready for the tree, this nourishing balm is lush and effective.
- *Kaplan MD Perfect Pout (reviewed HERE)
- *Wild Rose Lip & Hand: This rose-scented duo moisturizes hands while featuring a rosy lip balm at the tip…clever and useful, indeed.
- *…& Other Stories Floribunda Lip Balm: Extremely buttery and plush, this lip formula bathes lips in botanical oils for long lasting hydration.
- *Sisley-Paris Sisleya Eye & Lip Contour Cream (reviewed HERE)
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| Nudes. |
// NUDES //
- *Trust Fund Beauty Gloss in Text Me: Ultra-pigmented and wildly shiny, this creamy nude shade creates full opacity in a single swipe.
- *Le Metier de Beaute Moisture Matte Lip Creme in First Look (reviewed HERE)
- *Jouer Lip Topper in Skinny Dip (reviewed HERE)
- *Votre Vu Champ-eLIPsee in Spark: This retractable lip crayon has impeccable ingredients and a flattering, my lips but better rosy nude hue.
- *By Terry Baume de Rose Frost Fire (reviewed HERE)
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Rouge #13 (reviewed HERE)
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Pinks. |
// PINKS //
- *Mally H3 Lipstick in Angelic: Pigmented and moisturizing, this is a classic light pink.
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Rouge #15 (reviewed HERE)
- *Tom Ford Lips & Boys in Anderson (reviewed HERE)
- *Le Metier de Beaute Moisture Matte Lip Color in Fleur (reviewed HERE)
- Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet in Mania (reviewed HERE)
- *Trust Fund Beauty Gloss in Mr. Right Now: Delicious color payoff and a flattering bubblegum pink hue make this a marvelous gloss for pink lovers.
- *Christian Louboutin Loubilaque in Bikini (reviewed HERE)
- *Dior Dioriffic Matte Fluid in Pleasure: I was happy to discover that this is not yet sold out…excellent for both the lips and cheeks, the satin matte peachy pink is super pretty.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Bolds. |
// BOLDS //
- *Tom Ford Lips & Boys Cristiano (reviewed HERE)
- *Sisley-Paris Phyto Lip Twist #18 (reviewed HERE)
- *Youngblood IntiMATTE Lipstick in Seduce: This deep aubergine shade boasts a highly moisturizing matte formula and seriously comfortable wear.
- *Tom Ford Lip Contour in Dream Obscene (reviewed HERE)
- *Dior Dioriffic Matte Fluid in Marvel: Bright and cheerful, this LE shade is equally pretty on the cheeks as it is on the lips.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
–Shop the Lip Color–
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| Eyes. |
// EYES // I have a penchant for warm neutrals…these shades are just the ticket.
- *Natasha Denona Star Palette (reviewed HERE)
- Surratt Beauty Artistique Eyeshadows (reviewed HERE)
- *Lancome Petite Tresor Eyeshadow: Housed in a glittery case, this silvery pearl shade delivers serious light the eyes.
- *Giorgio Armani Holiday Palette (reviewed HERE)
- *Burberry Holiday 2016 Eye Palette (reviewed HERE)
- *Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses Palette (reviewed HERE)
- *Touch in Sol The Metallists (reviewed HERE)
- *Burberry Festive Gold Touch (reviewed HERE)
- *Tom Ford Golden Peach (reviewed HERE)
- *Edward Bess Earth Tones Eye Palette (reviewed HERE)
- *Talika Liposourcils Brow:
- *Tom Ford Fiber Brow (reviewed HERE)
- *Lancome Grandiose Extreme Mascara (reviewed HERE)
- *Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara (reviewed HERE)
- *Clinique Take Off the Day Stick: This handy makeup remover comes in a genius stick form for moments when precision is called for.
–Shop the Eyes–
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| Palettes. |
// PALETTES for the FACE // Divided by highlighters, blush hybrids and multi-use wonders, these compact gems are consistently on heavy rotation.
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| Highlighters. |
// HIGHLIGHTERS //
- *Jouer Highlighter in Topaz (reviewed HERE): A warm and glowing radiance.
- Tom Ford Moonlight (reviewed HERE): Glowing true light brown and luminous pearl to finish the face.
- *Surratt Beauty Artistique Blush in Aureole + Grisaille (reviewed HERE): A marvelous pair for contouring and highlighting.
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizer #16 Almond (reviewed HERE): A rich pale beige glow.
- Stila Star Light, Star Bright Palette (reviewed HERE): Three pastel shades for exceptional glow.
- *By Terry Impearlious Highlighter (reviewed HERE): Luxurious champagne beige radiance.
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| Blush hybrids. |
// BLUSH HYBRIDS //
- *Oribe Illuminating Face Palette in Moonlight (reviewed HERE): Three incandescent shades–champagne, pink and tan for a full face in seconds.
- *Edward Bess Threads of Silk in Ciao (reviewed HERE): Radiant rosy brown hues blend together to brighten one’s canvas.
- *Sisley-Paris L’Orchidee (reviewed HERE): Light pink light in a box…so youthfully pretty on the cheeks.
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| Multi-use wonders. |
// MULTI-USE WONDERS //
- Tom Ford Winter Soleil Palette in Warm (reviewed HERE): Gilded peachy goodness for eyes and cheeks, this eyeshadow, blush and highlighter combination is pure luxury in a white lacquered case.
- By Terry Sun Designer Palette #02 (reviewed HERE): I used this so much that I am now on my second palette; contour, bronze, highlight and blush in seconds…it’s absolutely exquisite.
–Shop the Face Palettes–
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this product-laden overview and would love to know what you plan on gifting yourself this holiday season…do tell!
Good things ahead, including a round of new product procurements, a fresh FOTD and (!) a video.
xx, thanks for reading and Merry Christmas week,
–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 (2)
Merry Christmas to you! Thank you for a year of excellent reviews, swatch photos and recommendations (Burberry is my favorite brand). I especially appreciate your fashion suggestions – an area in which I'm pretty weak. Good luck getting through final's week 🙂
Hi:)))
Which foundation would you describe as suitable for oily skin and the most long lasting one?
Thank you:) love you!