Enhancing Your Complexion

I’m one of those people who spend way too much time getting my complexion in tip top shape, rather than deciding which colorful eyeshadow or lipstick I’m going to be sporting that day. In fact, I probably own way more products for the face than anything else. It also doesn’t help that one of my favorite items to research, play with, and purchase are base products. For me, taking your bare complexion to the next level is important — and, that means, I want my skin to look healthy, glowy, and well-put -together for sure. Rather than covering each little spot, I like to focus on the overall result — such as, a smooth and poreless surface or some glow from an awesome highlighter.

I do this many ways, but these are the key items I’ve been reaching for. First, lasting powder is important. But more than that, evening our your canvas and prepping it nicely for the base makeup will save some time. That extra step is having a good primer, like the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 or the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer.

Second, having a product like the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm handy to really wake up your skin and having it feel and look great. This will truly take your skin from being average to looking like you’ve been on a spa vacation for a week. It’s an investment, but will come to the rescue when you least expect it. And, thirdly, your under eye and eye area can’t be neglected when your enhancing your complexion. I’ve been dedicated to the Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20 PA++ because it’s an all in one: eye cream and some tint for coverage.

And, finally, you need a reliable base product that’s not going to let you down — whether it’s raining or humid outside, or you’ve burst into tears in the middle of your day. My base of choice right now is the Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder in Ivory. It’s a godsend and lifesaver, and currently, my most favorite powder foundation of all.

If you’re thinking — AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FO DAT — there’s a good way to skip steps and jump ahead with a longtime favorite liquid foundation: NARS Sheer Glow in “Mont Blanc” and the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour SPF 15 in N10 that will do everyone else’s jobs. Think about this product as a giant makeup eraser — it goes and blurs everything — imperfections, discolorations, pores, lines, wrinkles, and uneven surfaces. Seriously.

Whatever your preferences are, I hope you found my ways to enhance the complexion helpful!

Super Minimal Face of the Day

It’s been awhile since a real face of the day, so apologies for that. This summer has been going by fast because of my workload and classes. I’ve kept things so minimal on my face that I almost felt foolish posting about it. However, because I’ve been using new products, I figured it would be still be fun (and somewhat useful) for you to see what my day-to-day products have been. Keep in mind I still do my brows and eye makeup, but my face makeup is quite minimal.

I begin my mornings, of course, with proper cleansing and morning skincare. My current sunscreen of choice has been the Biore Perfect Face Milk SPF 50 PA +++. This has “sebum controlling ingredients” and is excellent for oil control. Seriously. Under makeup, this is the ideal sunscreen. I’m still on my primer kick, and my current favorite is the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15. I apply a thin layer all over my face and it absorbs quickly. Seriously, the best primer for life. I like that I can wear it alone without foundation and it still helps with my pores, redness and some unevenness.

Because my face is so minimal, and I’ve skipped foundation in general, it’s important that my eyes look awake and bright. I’ve been using the Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20 PA++ under my eyes and on my eyelids. It’s soothing, hydrating, and helps my eye area look 100 x’s better. I applied it with my Sephora Collection concealer brush. For color on my cheeks, I’m still obsessed with my Illamasqua cream blushers. I routinely alternate between “Promise” and “Laid.” I’ve been using the Real Techniques contour brush to apply my cream blushers lately. I normally use the Expert Face Brush. I like the contour brush because it’s slightly tapered and it’s smaller, so it’s easier to control on the cheeks. It’s too bad that it comes in a kit and not sold separately.

I promise to have more eventful face of the days soon. :)

Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20 PA++

After reading some reviews for the Dior Hydra Life BB Eye Crème, I opted for the Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20 PA++.

Marketed as “a lightweight, tinted formula that delivers natural-looking coverage,” this product is geared towards concealing dark circles and illuminating the eye area. The “skin tone is perfectly even and protected against UV damage with SPF 20,” and the BB eye cream “includes UV Tri-dimensional shield technology, delivering the highest UVA and UVB protection while protecting skin from adverse effects of increases in temperature and fluctuations in humidity.”

For me, it’s kind of confusing looking at this product as a “BB cream” when it’s really an eye product. Essentially, this is a tinted eye cream that delivers results like a BB cream (for the face). A little bit of product goes a long, log way; there’s no need to swipe this product under your eyes — just two dabs will do. This is also recommended to be used all over the eye area — including your eyelids as well. I’ve used it both ways, and I find that using all over makes a big difference in faking the bright-eyed, well-rested look.

In terms of skincare benefits, I’d say the product is hydrating so it functions like a regular eye cream in that respect. The added sun protection makes it ideal for day time use, and the peachy tone counteracts dark under circles. As for the “Icelandic Glacial Water,” I can’t say that it’s really done anything; but, the idea is nice. :)

I recommend this product for its moisturizing and brightening abilities. It’s like a two-in-one for your eyes so that’s good news. I wouldn’t say that this product is absolutely necessary, but it’s a great pick-me-up and I like the effect it gives.

Made in France.
6 mL / 0.20 fl. oz.
Retails for $49.00 USD.