New Beauty Central: The Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm and Fresh Launches from Sisley, The Nue Co. and IT Cosmetics

Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm and a brush

Introducing the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm (also available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora):

The end of summer always tends to bring am exciting excess of foundation launches and this month is exception! Today’s post is focused on the hotly anticipated Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm (also available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora) as well as gorgeous new pieces from *Sisley-Paris, The Nue Co, *IT Cosmetics  and more along with a style look that transcends the seasons with ease.
 
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line..

New Beauty Central: The Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm and Fresh Launches from Sisley, The Nue Co. and IT Cosmetics

two shades of Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm and a brush
The Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in Medium 07 and Medium 7.5.

In the very early days of Beauty Professor, I, like many other beauty enthusiasts, was beyond smitten by the intense coverage and versatility of the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer. Fast forward nearly eight years later and I am finding myself equally entranced by the latest complexion incarnation, the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm (also available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora). 
 
This lightweight cream glides onto skin, building to full coverage in a single pass while feeling like nothing! Even better, it is fragrance-free (one of the reasons I couldn’t always use SSE was due to its scent) and doesn’t have quite the learning curve that the SSE tends to present for most users. 
 
Housed in a sturdy jar and accompanied by a super quality blending brush, this formula has an initially matte finish that adeptly blurs pores and fine lines while still looking remarkably natural on the skin. Over time, I find that the finish morphs from matte to nearly satin (in the best possible way), creating a multidimensional look that is extremely flattering. 

More About the Product

In terms of lasting power, I get 6-7 hours of touch-up free wear and the coverage is so robust that I don’t even dream of setting my foundation application with powder. Over the course of wear, my skin feels hydrated, balanced and comfortable and I love how potent this particular base is without the need for excessive blending. It’s simply sublime!
 
Much like my original beauty blogging days, I was able to head in-store and swatch most of the shades in the lineup (there are 20 in total) and then shot said swatches in natural sunlight and outdoor shade for reference. My best matches are Medium 07 (a seamless shade for my NC 25-27 skin…worn in the images at the end of the post) and 7.5 (which is a hair warmer/more golden in case I get a little bit of sun). hope the following images help you to find your match. 
 

Official details, courtesy of Sephora:

 
What it is: A full-coverage foundation with an innovative silky balm texture, fortified with hyaluronic acid for a flawless finish in an extended shade range. 

Coverage: Full 

Finish: Matte 

Formulation: Cream 

Skin Type: Normal, Combination, and Oily 

Highlighted Ingredients: 
– Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates skin. 
– Antioxidant Vitamin E: Protects and conditions skin. 
– Avocado Oil: Supports the skin barrier and protects against external damage.  

Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens.

What Else You Need to Know: The innovative Beauty Foundation Balm comes with a specially-designed brush for effortless application. This foundation matches the Etherealist Foundation shades, and includes four additional shades to find the perfect color. This formula also contains bonus antioxidants, such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, to protect the skin.
Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm swatches
Swatches of the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in direct sunlight. 
draker shades of the Kevyn aucoin foundation balm swatches
Swatches of the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in direct sunlight. 

 

Kevyn aucoin foundation balm swatches in the outdoor
Swatches of the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in outdoor shade. 
darker shades of the Kevyn aucoin foundation balm swatches in the outdoor
Swatches of the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in outdoor shade. 
the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in 07 and 7.5
From left to right: swatches of the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in 07 and 7.5.
skincare to use before using the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm 
Skincare etc.

// SKINCARE ETC. //

Like most months, my current routine has been a blend of new launches (I love my job!) and tried and tested favorites. Here are some of the formulas that made the cut: 

*Odacite Bioactive Rose Gommage Pineapple and Hyaluronic Acid Baby Soft Peel:

Effective yet gentle, this peeling mask exfoliates while hydrating to lend a fresh and invigorating bounce to dull skin. Often sold out, I suggest snapping it up when you find it! 

*Embryolisse Smooth Radiant Complexion (also available at Revolve):

Brimming with and a slightly radiant finish, this stunning gel moisturizer lifts, tightens, brightens and expertly primes skin for the makeup to come, all while imparting a subtle glow. I have a feeling this may become a daily go-to…gratefully, the price point is refreshingly accessible. 

*African Botanics Regenerating Body Hydro Serum:

I don’t know why it took me so long to try this energizing body lotion but now that I have, I cannot imagine life without it. This lightweight gel is infused with essential oils–including peppermint–to moisturize while injecting skin with a cooling effect that has quickly become an addictive addition to my post-shower routine. I have loved the superb African Botanics brand for years on end and this radiance-inducing formula is yet another reason why. 

*The Nue Co, Functional Fragrance:

A breathtaking fusion of science and beauty, this fragrance is a veritable antidote to daily stressors…oh, and it smells really good. Ever a MFK Baccarat Rouge 540 devotee, it is rare for me to smell something that I immediately want to spray on myself but such was case with Functional Fragrance. It is an intoxicating blend of woods and musks with a distinct freshness that lifts one’s spirits (both mentally and physically) in a single spritz…truly, it must be tried to be believed and I cannot wait to witness it catch on with the beauty community as the brand receives more exposure. Read more about the science behind the scent in the paragraphs that follow…

Additional details, courtesy of The Nue Co.:

 
A fragrance with a function, designed to help you reset at times of high stress. Developed using data insight and research into the connection between cognitive function and the olfactory system. This is an anti-stress supplement delivered in the form of a unisex fragrance.
Clean, woody, spicy and smoky. Green cardamom, Iris, Palo Santo + Cilantro
Cognitive function and the olfactory system are closely linked, smells can trigger both emotional and physiological responses. Put simply, scent is one of the fastest ways to alter your emotional state.
Working with global fragrance house, Firmenich and legendary perfumer, Frank Voelkl, we have utilized research from the Brain & Behavior Laboratory at the University of Geneva. The research focused on mapping the neurological reactions to certain scent groups. Essentially, showing us how certain scents make you feel.
93% of people would recommend Functional Fragrance as an anti-stress aid
96% of people felt instantly calmer after using Functional Fragrance
89% of people felt calmer, more composed and less stressed with thirty minutes of use* 
*Research conducted by The Nue Co. October, 2018. 

GrandeBROW Serum:

I have gone through countless tubes of this brow-fortifying elixir (am almost finished with yet another!) and love the way it nourishes my arches each night (I apply after washing my face), making them fuller and more feathery naturally…highly recommended. 

*Sisley-Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask:

This latest launch from one of my favorite brands of life just may be my most adored night masking formula. Plush and fortifying, this mask takes my distressed and exhausted skin and bathes it in moisture and repair for a brighter and more refreshed face upon waking. The tender scent of saffron is soothing to the senses and I simply cannot get enough. 

The Nue Company Functional Fragrance
*The Nue Company Functional Fragrance
swatches of the *Embryolise Smooth Radiant Complexion (also available at Revolve) and 
*African Botanics Regenerating Body Hydro Serum in direct sunlight. 
From bottom to top: swatches of the *Embryolise Smooth Radiant Complexion (also available at Revolve) and 
*African Botanics Regenerating Body Hydro Serum in direct sunlight
makeup products for the full look including the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm #7 
The full look.
// THE FULL LOOK //
To complement the foundation, I blended warm bronzy tones with a pop of peachy color for the lips. 

Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm #7 (also available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora):

Upon moisturizing and priming, I blended this with the included stippling brush and then used a dampened sponge to seamlessly blend everything to oblivion.

Sisley-Paris Concealer #3:

Just a sweep along my lower orbital region brightens without creasing…it the very best conflation of skincare and color for one’s under eyes. 

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Medium/Dark:

I used the lush brown tan shade to contour and warm up my canvas, focusing application on the hollows of my cheeks and perimeters of my face. 

*Natasha Denona Mini Bronze and Glow (reviewed HERE):

I blended a touch of bronzy blush side on the apples of my cheeks for additional flush and dimension.

*Lawless Lucid Skin Highlighter (reviewed HERE):

I used a fluffy brush to apply this champagne-toned powder (which feels much more like a decadent cream) along the high points of my face including the center of my forehead, upper cheek bones, bridge of nose and chin. 

*Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow (reviewed HERE):

For the rosy neutral eye at the end of this post, I applied the burgundy-wine Farenheit all over my upper lid and along my lower lash line. Then I took a touch of the baby blue Waterfall (and unexpected but exciting move) and tapped it on to the centers of my lids and lower lash line for a soft, slightly pastel effect. 

*Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel:

My brows’ constant companion…the full and feathery effect it imparts makes this formula the one to pursue.

MAC Prolongwear Eyeliner in Devotion (reviewed HERE):

Still a staple on my waterline, this black-meets-dark green makes eyes pop without overwhelming a more understated look.

*IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara:

It’s brand new and infinitely stellar. This mascara–which is the product of a partnership between IT and Drybar–is like a blowout for one’s lashes. In two coats, my lashes quadrupled in density and length. The formula lasts through even the most humid day without smudging or flaking. 

Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Famous:

I recently picked up this creamy peachy nude lipstick on a whim and love the wash of hydrating and opaque color that it imparts in a single coat. It’s all (no liner! no gloss!) that I’m wearing on my lips in the images that follow. 

Slip Silk Hair Tie:

Just as perennial on my wrist as my jewelry and watch, these opulent scrunchies hold hair without breakage. 

makeup products swatches including the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm #7 
Swatches of the full look in direct sunlight.
T Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara
Closeup: *IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara
The following images reflect all products in action in afternoon sunlight….

 

Eye look via *Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow (reviewed HERE), *Tom Ford Fiber Brow GelMAC Prolongwear Eyeliner in Devotion (reviewed HERE) and *IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara.
Style notes.

// STYLE NOTES //

Madewell Pointelle Willford Sweater Tee: 

This delicate knit has a 1960s, Jane Birkin vibe that can be dressed up or down with ease.  

Eileen Fisher Cropped Ribbed Pants:

Soft yet structured, these ribbed pants have slash side pockets and a flattering flow. I will where these for work and play alike. 

Birkenstock Arizona Icy Metallic Stone Gold Sandals (reviewed HERE):

Comfortable with a dash of glow, these classics are on my feet constantly. 

Burberry Bucket Hat:

Effortless, timeless and neutral enough to match everything, it’s one of the only hats in weekly mix.

 

 

 

 

Pool-lit.
Last look.
–Shop the Post–

 

Bottom Line:

I hope you found this swatch-heavy overview of the new Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm (also available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora) helpful and would love to know what caught your eye…do tell. From a brilliant mask and genius fragrance to the easiest eyeshadow in town and lashes for days, there’s new beauty for everyone! 
 
Good things ahead, including even more fresh foundation, the very latest from SUQQU and a host of new product procurements…cannot wait to share. 
 
xx and 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.  © 2012-19 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission

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Comment (1)

  • Catherine Reply

    A lovely selection! x

    August 13, 2019 at 8:35 pm

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