Glow On' Girl

Summer is Rapidly approaching and what better way to usher in the season than with glowy dewey makeup?? Being that I'm super oily (skin type), I like a faux glow. I thoroughly dislike my face to have an all over glow because throughout the day, the glow/dew will turn into more like GREASE! Yuck. Who wants that? So instead of illuminating everywhere, I strategically place my glow.

I've found the best type of products for me to use is Powder Highlights. They stay in place and they look better as the makeup sets into the skin. So basically, I choose this formula for it's longevity.

To help you navigate the endless rows of Highlighters, I've compiled a list of my TOP Highlighters.

*Disclaimer: Everything isn't for everyone. These are the products and brands that have been tested on myself and my clients. These are in no type of order and they work on a variety of skin tones

 

GOLDEN BRONZE SHEER LOOSE POWDER by MAC COSMETICS

www.maccosmetics.com

 

 

 

First PRO about this product is that it's a loose powder. Loose powders tend to be very easy to work with and leave a nice satiny finish on the skin. This particular shade is just perfect for so many. On my melanated girls I use it as the perfect highlighter shade. On my Caucasian skinned clients, I use it as a bronzer instead. On Olive skin tones, such as Middle Eastern women, this color is a dream!!! MAC used to have a shade in this same powder called SILVER DUSK. If you can find it/get your hands on it, then you'd definitely be winning. IT's AMAZING for Light to Medium Skin Tones.


ANATASIA BEVERLY HILLS GLOW KITS
www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com

 

 I think these highlighters MUST have descended from heaven. The price point is AMAZING for the amount of product you get ($40: $10 a shade). The shades are all extraordinary! ABH released 2 kits to target the full spectrum of shimmer. "That Glow" kit is better suited for Darker Hued beauties (like MAC NC40-50/NW40-50 shades) and the "Gleam" kit works best on paler skin tones. But if you're like me, then you bend all the rules and mix colors. These powders are smooth, finely milled, and shimmery (not sparkly/glittery). Definitely a GLOW STAPLE.

 

 

 

LOU-MANIZERS by THE BALM

https://thebalm.com

 

 

I believe of all the highlighters I own, These have to be my most used and absolute favorite. But be careful, these are not for those that want a subtle glow. They give off the ultimate SHINE FACTOR. They are still great for everyday though. They're sold separately and in a trio palette (I own both forms). I can easily wear all of the colors with my skin tone but my two faves are Cindy and Betty. Betty is a great bronze glow that goes well with all makeup. Cindy is more on the pink side and goes perfect with pink or neutral blushes.

 

 

SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTORS (PRESSED) by BECCA COSMETICS

 

These have to be the most talked about products by Beauty Vloggers and Bloggers alike. They retail for a pretty penny ($38) but they contain .28 ounces of product. Are they worth the price?? HECK YEAH. They're ultra smooth and silky. The shade range is IMPECCABLE. They have a shade for EVERYONE. The colors I own are OPAL, CHAMPAGNE POP, and BLUSHED COPPER (which is too dark for me to use as a highlighter but I use it as a blush). They also come in cream and liquid versions (which I don't prefer on myself due to my skins oiliness). So there is a formula and shade for everyone! I recommend using the "Poured" version for a subtle glow. The liquid version for the all over glow underneath makeup and the "Pressed" version for the strategically placed spot highlighting.

 

 

 There are many others I love and use but these few have been kit and personal staples of mine for quite sometime now. I love that the highlighters mentioned can be used on all skintypes and in various ways.

What's your favorite highlighter???


Until Next Post
Xxo

 

 

 



You're Making Me Blush: Summer Faves

My Favorite Blushes by aprilantoinette featuring nars cosmetics


Today, I decided to do a quick post of my current favorite blushes.
Keep in mind, that I am fairer in complexion (but still African-American).




1. Nars Taj Mahal
2 Iman AfterGlow
3. Milani Powder Blush in Coral Cove
4. Milani Baked Blush in Corallina
5. Cargo Blush in Los Cabos


There are many more I love, but these are the ones in heavy rotation as of late. Blush and Highlighter has to be my favorite products!
Though these colors are flattering to a majority of skin tones, they may not work for some. So keep in mind, that you have to test them on your skin tone before purchasing.
My complexion loves these colors though. I am an NC44 in MAC Studio Fix Fluid and Truly Topaz in Black Opal Foundations. I also wear Tahoe in Nars All Day Flawless and Sheer Matte foundations. (to give you an idea on what color I am).
Usually, anything with a peachy or orangey undertone flatters me and all of these blushes are that tone.




What's your favorite blush? Have you tried any of these??


I can tell you this! These blushes are globally fabulous. Beautifully priced. And Nicely pigmented. Try one and tell me what you think!


Thank you for visiting my blog. All comments and feedback are welcomed.
Xoxo

Ruby Kisses Matte Lipsticks: Buy or Bail???

Matte Lipsticks have been on trend for quite sometime now in the beauty community. Therefore every brand from extremely high end to low end has been cranking them out. I, myself, have always been a fan of matte lipsticks for the simple fact that they last a heck of a long time. They require less maintenance as far as touch-ups are concerned and they usually are highly pigmented. 

So of course, when I saw these bright beautiful matte lipsticks in my local BSS (Beauty Supply Store), I had to try them out.

I started with a few to test out the consistency and to see if I liked them.
Here are the shades that I chose.

MY ASSESSMENT

Packaging|: The packaging is consistent with the brand. It is ok. But they don't spend tons of money on extremely sleek, expensive looking packaging. The features that  I do love though are the clear tops (so you can view the lipstick shade) and the conjoining colored band around the lipsticks. This is super cute. Plus it aides in helping you locate your color of choice more quickly.

Price|: These lipsticks retail for under $3. I purchased mine for $2.50 each. Depending on where you purchase, I've seen these for as low as $1.99.

Smell|: Most matte lipsticks have a vanilla or cake batter smell (in my opinion) and these don't stray far away from that. Surprisingly pleasant.

Feel|: The shades that I chose to purchase have a creamier texture. The only one that seems to feel a bit drying on the lips is the "Purple Affair" color. It's not overly drying though to where it felt uncomfortable. I usually prep my lips with either MAC Prep+Prime Lip or EOS lip balm. So this helps in the way my lipstick goes on anyway. But I did try them on without the primer and they worked just fine. I would, however, make sure my lips are dry or flaky. You want to make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated before applying.


Shade Range and Availability|: There are 24 shades in this line-up. The colors span the unusual colors like Blue, Grey, and Mint. I chose to stick with the more traditional shades to begin. I have seen these sold at a number of beauty supply stores both local and internet based. They aren't hard to find or purchase. They are available in so many places

Staying Power & Pigmentation|: I've worn purple affair and Plum Wine in the past few weeks. Both of these colors have a purple base. They lasted extremely long on my lips. The Plum Wine shade was worn to work and I only touched up mid-day due to lunch. And the Purple Affair shade lasted until I took it off with a makeup wipe. All in all. I believe you can get a good 5 to 6 hour wear with these lipsticks without touching up (sans eating and drinking). 

These are highly pigmented. The red, orange and deep shades are super duper pigmented. The lilac shade, though pigmented, reads a bit chalky. I am going to have to work it out with a liner, I suppose to alter the look of it a bit. But it's still a beautiful shade and it goes on smooth.

Overall Thoughts| I really think these are must-buys. You cannot lose out on getting these. The pigmentation of most of the shades alone rival higher end brands. Though they skimped on the packaging quality, they did not skimp on the pigmentation and staying power. The orange shade "Extreme Coral" is the most awesome shade in my opinion. Reminds me of MAC Cosmetics "Lady Danger" with more pigmentation. And that is really saying something!  I swatched the grey, mint and blue shades in store and the came off a little more chalky so I opted out of buying those but the rest of the colors were amazing. The nudes are really pretty. The price makes them definitely worth it.

If you haven't already, definitely check these out for yourself at your local beauty supply store. I promise you won't be disappointed.

If you've tried these lipsticks, leave a comment below and tell me what you thought.

All comments and feedback are welcome!

Until next post!!

XOXO!

Nars Luminous Weightless Foundation. Buy or Bail? (Part 1)

In Color Tahoe

Add caption

To me, beauty and makeup and color is like the finishing touch on everything.

Marc Jacobs

To get a full listing of all the products used in the look above, check out Part 2
CLICK HERE

I recently purchased a new foundation that has been getting rave reviews. Nars Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (i know, super long name). I've heard so many great things about this foundation so I just had to have it. So let's talk about it for a minutes.

Nars describes this foundation as "Full, natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, this breakthrough formula builds and blends effortlessly with just one drop—the result of exclusive innovation uniquely designed to deliver long-wearing full coverage, weightlessly. Shake, pump and blend in sections for complete coverage that's completely natural looking".

 KEY CLAIMS

92% felt the foundation provided coverage without masking*
93% thought it felt weightless*
90% said it felt comfortable and breathable*
*based on an independent consumer study after one week of use.

FEATURES

• Advanced flexible polymers move with the skin, providing extraordinary breathability and comfort.
• First-to-market treated pigments weightlessly deliver long-wearing, complete coverage without ever masking for perfected, natural-looking skin.
• Gold and green pigments in a perfect 4-to1 ratio optically manipulate how light reflects off skin's surface, evening the complexion for instant luminosity. Green pigments negate redness on contact, while gold combats dullness.

Scarlet Spiderling Root Extract helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and reveal brighter, more even skin over time.

MY ASSESMENT

Packaging|: As always, Nars packaging is extremely sleek and enticing. The bottle is frosted and sheer so that you can view the shade, it has a pump ( a major plus in my book) so that you can accurately dispense how much you want to use and the top is the normal matte black as all others products.

Price|: This foundation is more on the pricey side. It retails for $48.00 which with tax clearly is over $50.00. It's a luxury brand so it's expected.  

Smell|: There is no overly fragrant smell to this foundation. I have a very keen nose and this foundation doesn't have anything that would turn you off from it.



Feel|: As advertised, it is extremely weightless in feel. I pumped out about 7 pumps onto my palette> I'm a girl who loves full coverage. I found that 7 pumps was too much. This foundation is very fluid in  appearance but it packs a punch. It's highly pigmented. For some, 1 pump may actually be enough. For me, I think 4 pumps is enough. It gives an incredible, highly pigmented, semi-matte finish. It's more satiny than I normal like but it finishes beautifully on the skin.


Shade Range and Availability|: There are 20 shades in this foundation line up. About 8 of those shades are WOC friendly. They span from the lightest of light to a really deep shade. This is a plus in my opinion. I also like that Nars really has neutral, warm and cool tones. The WOC friendly shades aren't all warm. There's a great mixture. This foundation is sold at a variety of high-end retailers plus online. So it isn't hard to get or locate.

Staying Power|: I'm not sure about it lasting 16 hours, but i am positive it lasts at least 12. I put it on around 6am and at 6 in the evening it was still in tact. I blotted oil maybe 3 times through-out the day and that was with my primers. 

Overall Thoughts| Is this foundation worth the price?? I believe it is. The finish of it, once its set is so beautiful. It looks natural, yet gives full coverage which is hard to achieve. It's not overly dewey but not overly matte at the same time. It photographs pretty well.
 Overall, I think this is a winner. Not sure about it lasting through-out the hot summer months but because Spring is still a little cool, I say WHY NOT!

Part Two of this will have MOTD plus pictures of the NARS products used in the above look!

XOXO
 

Brand Spotlight-Milani Cosmetics

Disclaimer: All the products mentioned in this haul were purchased by me and were not sent from the company for review.

Now that we've gotten that out the way, let's jump right into this.

I am extremely overly obsessed with this brand!!! Milani Cosmetics have amazing products for half the price of Prestige Brands (Prestige brand is a cosmetic brand sold at a high end retailer i.e. Estee Lauder, MAC, Lancome, etc.). The pigmentation and quality of their products rival higher end brands and is some time preferred to such higher end brands.

Let me show you what I purchased.

Milani Moisture Matte Lipsticks

These gorgeous lipsticks come in 8 colors (I'm featuring 4). All in a smooth creamy matte texture. They glide on creamy but dry matte. The pigmentation is amazing. They retail from $4-$6 (depending on the retailer you choose). Of these 4, "Matte Blissful" is my absolute favorite. Such a pretty light pink color. It's like a mix of M.A.C's "Snob" and Faux" lipsticks with a smoother texture.

Another awesome feature about these lipsticks, besides the amazing quality and price, is their packaging. The bottom shows the color that's in the tube with the name and the sleek gold packaging makes the lipsticks look more luxurious. I'm a sucker for gold packaging. Milani consistently creates amazing lip products. Among my most favorite.

SWATCHES

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow

These amazingly crafted hybrid powders are super soft but greatly pigmented. They come in 29 shades (Again, I'm featuring 4). They can be used wet or dry (Dry for a stunning shimmer, Wet for more impact). They are super blendable and leave a high-impact sheen to the eye with micro shimmers (not overly glittery or sparkly). They retail for about $5 a piece. I only got a couple because I wanted to test them out but of course milani didn't disappoint. The packaging is the same as all other products, gold and fabulous.

I swatched them dry but as you can see, they show up vividly in just a finger swatch, so imagine packing them on or wearing them wet.

Baked Powder Blush

Now these little gems are all over the internet. They come in 9 shades (I'm featuring 2). The number one most talked about shade is "Luminoso". Every blogger, vlogger, YouTuber, etc is using it. That's the one I went to get but of course my Duane Reade is out of stock. So I purchased the two below. There are no swatches because I just got them but the color is AMAZE-BALLS. It's like a blush and highlighter in one!!! You always can add extra shimmer to the cheeks but I love these alone! So beautiful. Doning the same luxurious packaging as the rest.

Rose D'oro on the left/Dolce Pink on the right

I am a firm believer that one makeup brand can't satisfy all my cosmetics needs but this brand is definitely trying to prove me wrong. Mostly everything they make is a home-run. This is just a small haul but I definitely plan to return with more Milani is the future.

If you are looking for quality, great prices, great products, a great range of colors, and just an overall great brand, check out your Milani display at your nearest RX store. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Your thoughts and comments are always welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.

Until next post,

XOXOxx