My Sephora Sale Order, Natasha Denona Foundation X + Some Beauty in Heavy Rotation

The Beauty Professor · April 27, 2017 at 4:36 pm

6 Comments

Strategic Sephora sale choices.

I have returned from traveling for a bit and am excited to share my Sephora sale order; I exercised remarkable restraint during the 15% off promotion, but definitely still splurged with a few products in my favorite beauty categories, including foundation and lip color. Additionally, after many requests, I am thrilled to be sharing a profile of the new *Natasha Denona Foundation X and have also included some style notes and products currently on heavy rotation…grab a coffee or tea and jump on in!

Kindly scroll on for details on my purchases, a Natasha Denona Foundation X spotlight, images of the products in action, some procurements on heavy rotation as well as the Bottom Line…

Dyson Supersonic.

(1) Nearly a year after its official launch, I am elated to have added the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (also available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus) to my collection. This space-age beauty tool boasts a quicker, quieter and healthier hair drying experience and, even though I don’t dry my hair often, I was finally ready to indulge in the cutting-edge technology. Coupled with a LE powder pink travel case this dryer is everything I imagined it to be; it is markedly quiet, easy to maneuver and my long and thick hair dried in nearly half the time I am used to spending on such a procedure. Brilliant!

The LE Travel Case.

The Dyson Supesonic.

For the face and eyes.

(2) RMS Un-Cover Up #33 (also available at Nordstrom): I tried this RMS foundation years ago and embraced the sale as the chance to give it another spin; I am so glad that I did! #33 is an excellent match for my NC 25-27 skin tone and the coconut-based formula offers light to medium coverage that can be built up without looking the slightest bit conspicuous. The lasting power is remarkably stalwart (earlier this week, I got 9+ hours without feeling the need to touch up) and the natural ingredients treat skin with the utmost of respect. Believe the RMS hype…I can confirm it!

(3) RMS Living Luminzer Champagne Rose (also available at Nordstrom): A fresh take on the original Living Luminzer (previously reviewed HERE) this version has an ethereal, slightly rosy undertone that brightens the face in a chic and understated manner. It is absolutely killer on the upper cheek bones…a veritable dose of youthful dewiness in a pot.

(4) Tom Ford Eye Shadow Duo in Golden Peach (also available at Beautylish and reviewed HERE): This is my fifth purchase of this holy grail eyeshadow duo; everyone I recommend it to seems to be equally enchanted with its glowing ease of wear and strong wear time…Mr. Tom Ford, please never, ever discontinue this!

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Lip party.

(5) Givenchy Gelee D’Interdit Gloss in Frozen Rose (also available at Neiman Marcus): I picked this up at the last Sephora sale and forgot to mention it so it felt apropos to include it in this post. That being said, this gloss is extremely light reflecting and delightfully un-sticky; Frozen Rose is sheer pink with electric pink flecks for a stellar effect, especially over a touch of nude lip liner.

(6) Sephora Outrageous Effect Volume Lip Gloss in Universal and XXL Nude: After reading the swath of positive reviews on this new lip plumper, I swiftly ordered a couple for both my mom and myself. The quilted lucite packaging is luxe and adorable and the formula itself is hydrating, slightly tingly and indisputably volumizing. The Universal shade is essentially clear but the XXL Nude hue is seriously pigmented with a beige tone that has enough depth to look fantastic on a variety of skin tones.

(7) Laura Mercier Lacquer Up Acrylick Lip Varnish in Seduction and Soleil (also available at Nordstrom): This recent Laura Mercier launch features a glossy and translucent wash of color that is buildable to nearly full opacity in a couple of very comfortable coats. Seduction is a very pale nude beige and Soleil is a cheery, almost retro peach (that will look breathtaking with a bit of a tan); of course, I love to mix them together to achieve the quintessential nude-peachy-pink lip!

Swatches in direct sunlight.

No regrets on these purchases!

Natasha Denona Foundation X.

// THE FOUNDATION //

I was over the moon to receive a few shades of the brand new *Natasha Denona Foundation X (also available at Sephora). With medium to full coverage in a single pump, this creamy, lightweight formula banishes imperfections while blurring pores and fine lines. The skin-friendly ingredients have anti-aging properties, ensuring that your skin is receiving benefits over the course of wear.

On my skin, the demi-matte finish adopts a flattering glow after a couple of hours but the foundation itself stays in place for 8+ touch up-free hours, thereby looking like real, albeit flawless, skin! The foundation comes in an impressive range of eleven diverse shades and I have found my best match in #30, which works well for light-medium skin with warm golden undertones. I might need to bump up to #40 or #42 later in the summer, but for the time being, #30 is sublime.

All in all, I am very impressed with this latest masterpiece by Natasha Denona; full coverage foundation enthusiasts will adore the weightless texture and skin perfecting properties; I, for one, can’t wait to test its water resistant claims and will report back soon!

Official details, courtesy of Beautylish:

About Foundation X Full Coverage Fruit Complex

A dream come true – a long lasting and full coverage radiant foundation that doesn’t look thick, dry or cakey on the skin. Due to its high levels of elasticity, this foundation doesn’t set into fine lines and gives the skin a naturally radiant and flawless look.

Created with real fruit extracts

Grapefruit extract: contains natural detoxification properties that promote skin longevity
Pomegranate extract: rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C Plus, this fruit extract helps protect the skin and regenerate skin cells. It also acts as a natural and strong anti-aging ingredient due to its antioxidant properties.
Formulated with special ingredients that help balance the T-zone area and absorb excess oils on the skin
Anti-aging formula which strengthens the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin that hinder the aging process
Purification properties that defend against skin pollution

Properties:

Contains light reflecting particles that minimize the appearance of fine lines and deep pores
Super comfortable, lightweight with no tacky feel
Sets on the skin quickly without drying it out due to its nourishing moisturizing properties
Silky smooth application that’s super buildable and blendable
Prevents age spots
Promotes skin restoration
Doesn’t clog pores and allows skin to breathe naturally
Long lasting, water and sweat resistant

Other details

Cruelty Free
Paraben Free
Suitable for all skin types
30 ml

Swatches in direct sunlight.

The look.

// THE LOOK // For the look below, I combined Sephora sale purchase above with products on heavy rotation (discussed later in this post).

*Natasha Denona Foundation X in #30, buffed on with a beauty blender.
*Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Diffused Bronze Light (reviewed HERE): Blended along the hollows of my cheeks and along the perimeters of my face.
*Surratt Beauty Artistique Blush in Peau de Peche, Tu Me Fais Rougir and Coupe de Genie (reviewed HERE) applied with the *Surratt Beauty Artistique Cheek Brush; I focused application on the apples of my cheeks.
RMS Living Luminzer Champagne Rose (also available at Nordstrom): On my upper cheek bones for a dewy radiance.
*Tom Ford Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt (reviewed HERE): Along my forehead and down the bridge of my nose for a warm glow.
Tom Ford Golden Peach: Blended on my eye lids and along my lower lash line.
Dior Show Pump n’Volume Mascara (reviewed HERE): Two coats for dark and fluffy fringe.
*Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Olivia: This perfect peachy nude makes lips look neutral while brightening up the face.
Sephora Outrageous Effect Volume Lip Gloss in XXL Nude: One coat for additional dimension and shine.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

The following images reflect all products above in afternoon sunlight…

// STYLE NOTES //

…& Other Stories Silk Shirt: Anytime black and beige are combined, I am smitten. This silk blouse does exactly that, albeit in a a charmingly subtle way…it’s for this reason that the button down gets a lot of wear time in my routine.
Levi’s Cutoffs: Ever a staple in my wardrobe this pair has a classic cut and flattering lines.
Gucci Liza Booties: A full year and a half later, I am still beyond grateful I purchased these boots; they are timeless and seasonless!

On heavy rotation.

// Products on Heavy Rotation // In textures, formulas and colors that resonate with the warmer months, this menagerie of finds is simply resplendent.

Body and Face.

// BODY + FACE //

*Vita Liberata 10 Minute Tan: I cannot get over how relatively instantaneously this self tanner creates an exceptionally natural warm glow; the formula does not have the typical, telltale “self-tanner” fragrance and the ingredients are top notch, too.
*Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Pack: This clever Korean beauty import contains real egg whites and egg yolk extracts to deliver brightness and hydration to dull skin. It’s a charming masking process, indeed.
*Erborian Glow Creme (reviewed HERE): I have been intrigued with this radiant cream for months now; the iridescent formula can be used as a priming base or over makeup for a dewy outcome.
*Natasha Denona Foundation X: Discussed at length earlier in this post, this full coverage demi-matte foundation makes skin look near perfect and lasts for hours on end.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist: I use this with my more matte foundation formulas (liquid and powder) to add a veil of radiance…it’s utilitarian nature confirms why it is often sold out.
*Tom Ford Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt (reviewed HERE): My absolute favorite from the 2017 Soleil Collection, this pair imparts a tender lit-from-within glow that is sure to flatter a spectrum of skin tones. Get it whilst you can!
*Burberry Light Glow Blush in Earthy (reviewed HERE): I still have sincere appreciation for this Burberry cult favorite; the taupe nude blush works well as a subtle contour and even warms up the face in a unique way that traditional bronzer could only dream of achieving.
*Surratt Beauty Artistique Blush in Peau de Peche, Tu Me Fais Rougir and Coupe de Genie (reviewed HERE): This custom made trio is summertime in a palette…juicy peach, fresh pink and golden champagne exist in harmony for a cheek that looks blessed by the season.
*Surratt Beauty Artistique Cheek Brush: I recently rediscovered this brush and wonder how I ever lived without it…it applies blush like a dream.
*Surratt Beauty Artistique Highlight Brush: Ever in my makeup bag, this tapered highlighting brush plays well with the high points of the face, blending powder highlighter to oblivion in seconds.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Burberry Earthy.

Lips, Tips + Eyes.

// LIPS, TIPS + EYES //

Christian Dior Loubilaque Lip Gloss in Bikini (reviewed HERE): Never far from reach, this decadent pink gloss is super pigmented and ultra shiny without the slightest bit of shimmer. So worth it!
*Burberry Lip Color Contour #2 (reviewed HERE): Genius on every level, this weightless lip product defines the parameters of the lips while looking entirely natural…pair it with a gloss for a posh pout.
MILK Makeup Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M. (reviewed HERE): With intense opacity and a mauve nude result, this matte lip color makes lips look their fullest.
*Burberry First Kiss Fresh Gloss Lip Balm in Soft Peach: A barely-there peachy shine and significant hydration, this balm feels ever so silky.
*Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylo in Lover (reviewed HERE): This orange-toned red is my current go-to for a classic, jewel-toned pout.
*Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Olivia (also available at Sephora): I am loving this update on the classic tinted balm; the formula is wildly hydrating and bathes lips in a veil of color that softly shines. Effortlessly gorgeous, I will be reaching for these all summer…swatches of ALL shades below.
Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet in Fawn Rose (reviewed HERE): Cool toned with major opacity, this unique take on a pinky nude feels, as its moniker implies, like pure velvet on the lips.
YSL Vinyl Stain Lip Cream in Nude Impulse (reviewed HERE): Still a favorite after nearly a year, this buildable stain has a creamy finish that makes lips look lush and lovely. The peachy pink tone instantly brightens the face and I love it so much that I recently purchased a backup.
*Nails Inc. Unicorn Nail Polish Duo: I am enchanted by iridescent blue and glittery rose gold (worn in the images with the Dyson Supersonic) pairing of these polishes as they fulfill all of my childhood Lisa Frank dreams. I hope they come back in stock soon!
*Natasha Denona Work + Set Cream Eyeliner: Possessing extreme color payoff and a smooth and blendable finish that stays put all day, these three shades–black, rich brown and luminous charcoal–are versatile basics in a stunning formula.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

All shades of the *Stila Color Balm Lipstick.

Swatches of the Stila Color Balm Lipstick in direct sunlight.

The *Natasha Denona Work + Set Eyeliner.

Natasha denona work and set cream eyeliner swatches

Swatches of the Natasha Denona Work +Set Cream Eyeliner.

Last look.

–Shop the Post–

Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this multi-faceted story and would love to know what you procured during the Sephora sale! Do tell!

Good things ahead, including a beauty innovations story, a fresh video and a host of new product procurements. Also, if you are in the LA area next Thursday 5/4 at 11:30 AM, please consider attending the Neiman Marcus Project Beauty at Topanga; I will be hosting this always fun beauty event and it would be beyond lovely to see you there! Details on how to RSVP can be found HERE.

xx and much more soon,

–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. © 2012-17 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.