Makeup Wars: Favorite Foundations

I Bought It Affiliate Link Press Sample

It is time for another Makeup War! This time the Makeup Wars bloggers are sharing their favorite foundations! 

My Skin:

Just for reference, lets talk about my skin! I always like to know a product reviewer's skintone and skin type. I am extremely fair and have sensitive skin. Many makeup lines (especially drugstore) do not have shades light enough for me. Often, in the lines that do go light enough, I am the very lightest shade. My tone is neutral-cool, sometimes a cool tone is the best match and sometimes neutral works better. It just depends. I admit, it is hard to match skintone! Often I think something matches, and then I take it home, and realize it doesn't. There is so much trial and error here. I find that the true test is looking at your foundation in natural light and checking it against your neck and jawline. My go-to blogger for foundation recommendations? The fabuous Phyrra! I find that I often wear the same shade as her or close to the same shade.

Foundation is an essential part of my Makeup Routine. I will fully admit that for everyday, I often opt for just a light dusting of my favorite powder foundation: MAC's Studio Fix in NC 15. However, when I have more time, or just really want to perfect my skin, I use a liquid foundation or a heavier-coverage BB Cream. My go-to BB Cream these days? Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream in Shade #01. My current favorite liquid foundation? Urban Decay's Naked Skin in Shade # 0.5. It looks so natural, the color match is fabulous, and it just makes my skin look great! In addition to these listed above, there are many other foundations that I love! Here are all of the ones that I am currently loving and always reaching for! What I pick to wear on a particular day just depends on the type of finish and coverage I am looking for. :) 

Makeup Wars: Favorite Foundations with Neutrogena, Laura Mercier, Urban Decay

So, here are my current favorite go-to and most-reached-for foundations (in no particular order):

• Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream in Shade #01
• MAC Studio Fix in NC15
• Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in Shade 0.5
• NARS Sheer Glow in Light 1 "Siberia"
• Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation in Soft Ivory
• Paula's Choice Resist Instant Smoothing Anti-Aging Foundation in Level 0 Porcelain
• Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Foundation in #1
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup in Classic Ivory

Do you have super-duper fair skin like me? What foundations do you like? I would love more recommendations! What foundations are "missing" from my collection? 

Be sure to click on the thumbnail links below to see what foundations my fellow Makeup Wars bloggers are using and loving! :)

Shop the Post:
Here are my Faves:

XOXO!!!

I Bought It Affiliate Link Press Sample
Some items were press samples and some I bought on my own. 
I have purchased many of these over and over! :)  

Spring Beauty Favorites!

Affiliate Link Press Samples

It has been awhile since I have posted a favorites post! There are just so many products that I am loving for Spring right now that I just had to share!!! This month I am all about products that help me get ready quickly, lip products for both color and moisture, and fabulously gentle anti-aging skincare products. 

We are in the midst of trying to sell our house. So, I find that I am always trying to get ready super quick. I need to be ready to get myself, the baby, and the dog out of the door at a moments notice, lol...stress! Also, since I am no longer nursing my baby, I can finally dive into some great retinol-based anti-aging products. The great news? I have found some that produce fabulous results with no negative side effects! Yay!!! Lips? Bring on the color!!! I am all-about looking natural and putting the pop-of-color no my lips. It is actually much quicker to do a simple eye and bold lips. Plus, I just love the lip shades this Spring! So fresh and pretty!

Spring Beauty Favorites with Paula's Choice, Tangle Teezer, Neutrogena

Le Metier's NEW Peau Vierge Dark Spot Corrector: Give your skin a do over!

 Affiliate Link Press Sample

Do you need a do-over for your skin? Do you have an uneven skintone, acne scarring, dark spots, or any other imperfections? Le Metier de Beaute's new Peau Vierge Dark Spot Corrector wants to give your skin a "second chance"! Actually, Le Metier de Beaute promises noticeably smoother and more even toned skin in 28 days with this product (they call it the "28 Day Challenge"). Sounds good, right?!

I really am excited about this product! After trying to conceive, being pregnant, and nursing (for a year), I took quite a long break from any products containing Retinol. Let me just go ahead and tell ya'll, my skin missed Retinol! I am constantly told that I look much younger than I am. I attribute this to my years of using Retinol-type products! So, I am so excited to get started again with a Retinol regimen. However, my skin is quite sensitive. So, I knew that there might be an adjustment phase where my skin has to get used to using a Retinol product. While I was looking forward to the results, I was not looking forward to the probable peeling, irritation, and redness that I might experience as my skin starts getting used to Retinol again. 

As soon as I heard about this product, I knew that it was the best bet to ease me back into a Retinol routine! Le Metier de Beaute's skincare is not only top of the line but also extremely effective. When I think of Le Metier de Beaute, I immediately think "luxury skincare". However, not only are they a luxurious brand, but also they focus on cutting edge formulations and effective ingredients. What I have noticed, so far, from testing out Le Metier de Beaute's Skincare products is that the products deliver what is promised! 

The Le Metier Skincare Difference: Syntoc Actif

All of Le Metier's products containing Retinol use "Syntoc Actif". Syntoc Actif is Le Metier's breakthrough skincare delivery system that encapsulates the active ingredients and transports it to where it is needed very effectively. Syntoc Actif penetrates your skin deeply to deliver active ingredients (along with anti-inflammatory properties) quickly and effectively without irritation or harsh side effects. 

My Skin:

Before going into my full review, lets talk about my skin. I am in my late 30s. I do not have any major lines nor wrinkles yet. However, I am noticing some fine lines cropping up more and more often. They are primarily around my eyes, but also near my mouth and on my forehead. Typically, they are only obvious when my skin is dehydrated (which seems to be all the time lately). I have slightly uneven skin with patches of redness around my nose and on my chin. Also, I have some very subtle dark spots that are left over from pregnancy around my jawline and cheek area. These have faded over time but are not gone completely. Also, I get occasional (but infrequent) breakouts and clogged pores around my chin and nose.

To find out more details about Le Metier's Dark Spot Corrector and to hear about my results and impressions, please keep reading!

Le Metier de Beaute's Kaleidoscope Lip Kit

image source: Neimans

 

What a beautiful and unique way to present a lip palette: a Kaleidoscope Kit from Le Metier de Beaute.

Le Metier has Kaleidoscope Kits for lips, cheeks, and eyes. These kits are beautiful as well as extremely functional! Basically, the Kaleidoscope Kits are round stacked pans of product that open up by fanning out. You can open one product at a time or you can fan them out to display the entire kit in a staggered fashion. This is a unique packaging concept that I have honestly never seen before. The packaging effect and display is very beautiful and artful. Often I find lip palettes to be overly large and difficult to carry with you. Not this kit! The packaging is compact and easy to store or to carry in your purse or travel makeup bag. It is the perfect lip kit for on-the-go!

I first tried out Le Metier's Lip Color during my Neiman Marcus Le Metier facial and makeover. I have been in love ever since! To hear more about the Le Metier Lip Kit from their Holiday Collection, please keep reading!

My Puffy and Tired Eyes get a Treat with Le Metier's Ultra Hydration Eye Mask!!!

This product testing couldn't have come at a better time! I am home sick this week with a bad cold. To top it off, I am a stay-at-home Mommy of a 13-month old. This is my first time sick with a cold since having a child. I never realized this simple fact: Sick Mommies get no extra rest, lol!

Needless to say, my bad cold, my lack of restful sleep, the dehydration from decongestants, and dry skin from the cold weather have my eyes in need of *major help*!!! My eye area literally hurts! Enter the Le Metier de Beaute Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo. 15 minutes of rest with these bad boys on and my eye area feels refreshed and I feel like (almost) a new woman! I am in *total love* with this product!!!

I don't know about ya'll, but even with as much as I love my beauty pampering, many times I am just too darn tired in the evenings to add one more "step" to my routine. The good news with these eye masks? You literally can use them anywhere and any time. They are so easy!!! 

January 2013 Favorites: Top 10 Beauty Products!

I just love making favorites lists! Especially when I have such a fabulous assortment of products to tell you about!!! I have been testing out products like a mad-woman lately. I have found some truly great things that I am totally loving! Some of these products have been previously reviewed. Some of them have not (and I will give a brief review here). Some items are new...and some are just new to me. Either way, I love them and I am excited to share!!!

To find out the full list and to hear more details, please keep reading!

Le Metier de Beaute's Holiday Polishes: New Faves!

 images adapted from Neiman Marcus

Ever since my amazing facial and makeover experience at the Le Metier de Beaute counter at Neiman Marcus, I have completely fallen in love! There really is something extra special about this brand.

When it comes to nail polish, I rarely venture into high end brands. I always thought that the quality was pretty comparable between drugstore and high end brands. Well, that was before I tried Le Metier's polishes! There is no question that the Le Metier de Beaute's polish formulation is superior!

Not only is the shade assortment fabulous, but also the polishes themselves are probably the best that I have ever tried. I literally can't remember the last polish that I used that applied this beautifully and perfectly with one coat. Le Metier's polish does just that: perfect one coat application! Using only one coat really speeds up the polishing application process while also reducing your dry time.

Beauty Pampering with Le Metier de Beaute: Chem Pro Peel and Glow Mask Facial and Brand Introduction

Are you in need of a little self-pampering? What woman isn't? Well, if you are wanting to treat yourself to some top of the line skincare items or if you just want to try out some high end makeup packed with skin-loving ingredients, then just head right over to your local Neiman Marcus's Le Metier de Beaute counter!

I am so excited to share about my afternoon spent at Le Metier de Beaute and my first impressions of the brand. The brand recently contacted me to scope out their line at Neiman Marcus and to try out their new and revolutionary Chem Pro Peel and Mask Set. As a lover of high end makeup, skincare, and self-pampering beauty treatments, I of course jumped at the chance! They invited me to bring a +1. So, my Mom and I were both able to experience the brand. The verdict? We had a wonderful experience!

About Le Metier de Beaute:
Le Metier de Beaute is a somewhat new botique luxury skincare and makeup line. Le Metier de Beaute counters are exclusive to Neiman Marcus stores. However, the products are also sold at Saks and Nordstroms online. Le Metier de Beaute translates to mean "craft of beauty". The name certainly is fitting as the line takes great pride in crafting the best possible products. The skincare hosts sophisticated delivery systems for skincare powerhouses like retinol, glycolic acid, and peptides. The makeup is not just makeup: It is makeup packed with beneficial skincare ingredients. What a fabulous bonus to get anti-aging benefits from your foundation, powders, and eye shadows!

To find out more, please keep reading!