AmorePacific Treatment Toner

My favorite toner — probably ever — has been the AmorePacific Treatment Toner. With this, you can see immediate and long-lasting results that you can’t miss. I feel that since adding this as the first step of my skincare routine after cleansing has made a huge difference, and right off the bat, I recommend this treatment toner. As a “calming, balancing toner for smooth, refreshed skin,” this gentle toner treats the skin by hydrating and soothing it — immediately my skin feels and looks better, with a significant about of redness toned down.

The AmorePacific Treatment Toner is “a soothing formula that suits all skin types, including the most sensitive skin. Utilizing red ginseng extract in lieu of distilled water for additional revitalizing benefits, this botanical preparation step completes the cleansing process, balances pH, reduces redness and irritation, and primes skin to receive treatment.” This is formulated without sulfates and phthalates, and truly seems to be good for all skin types. Whether my skin is feeling dry, dehydrated, oily, or sensitive, this toner keeps my skin balanced — allowing my skin to drink up the treatment toner and the products that I use after. And, I swear, with this, my skin feels and looks plumped and healthy, which makes my base makeup just glide on effortlessly.

While AmorePacific is a Korean brand, I’m just now getting familiar with the brand and its products. This brand is “dedicated to achieving health and beauty with natural botanicals, [and] AmorePacific does not test ingredients or products on animals.” As an “environmentally aware and socially conscious [brand]..AmorePacific is dedicated to treating the earth and its inhabitants with respect.”

Key ingredients:
-Red Ginseng Root Extract: Energizes, balances, and refreshes skin.
-Water Lily Extract: Offers natural purifying and astringent properties to promote clean, soft, supple skin.
-Arnica, Artemesia, and Yarrow: Calm and soothe skin.

I recommend this toner for its fast results and effective treatment. I prefer this over the SK-II essence or other “toners” that claim to be a “treatment” product. I notice differences when I don’t use this toner and use something different in its place; therefore, I feel that this will be something that I find worth re-purchasing.

Made in Korea.
Retails for $50.00 USD.

REVIEW: Tarte Clean Slate Timeless Smoothing Primer

The Tarte Clean Slate Timeless Smoothing Primer was recently mentioned in Claire Marshall’s recent video featuring her June & July Favorites. The product is a “smoothing, makeup application primer that supports a youthful appearance,” and is designed to “prep skin for makeup application with [the] new timeless smoothing and filling primer.” It is “formulated to reduce the appearance of large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. The antioxidant-rich formula is infused with vitamins C and E, and green bean extract gently absorbs into the skin, delivering a surge of moisture, peptides, and other naturally-derived elixirs so that skin has a firmer and smoother look.”

With “a lightweight texture, the fresh powder scent provides the perfect blank canvas to enhance the look and wear time of makeup. Wear it under makeup or alone as part of your skincare regimen for a flawless, soft-focus finish.” This primer is great and I can see why it’s already generating rave reviews. A little bit of product goes a long way and don’t be scared by the moussey-clumpy consistency! I dab my finger in the pot and get some product onto my fingertips. I apply to areas of my face where I know pores are an issue — mainly my nose, chin, and inner cheeks. It sets instantly feeling soft and smooth, but not oily and greasy like some primers. This stuff seriously fills in lines and pores and blurs even discolored imperfections really well. I’ve noticed that my foundation applies super smooth afterwards; and, I swear I need less foundation than I did before using this product.

The scent is powderly and light and hardly noticeable. It looks great alone on the skin too if you’re going for a really natural-no-makeup look. However, I really like it for its ability to really plug in pores and blur imperfections instantly. It’s a great way to fake perfect skin! I predict this pot will last me a long time since you need very little product. Again, don’t be frightened by the clumpy appearance — it will smooth itself out wonderfully, trust me. Because of the texture of the product, I don’t see how it could ever come in a tube or a bottle with a pump. So, while it’s not all that great that the product comes in a pot, I’m okay with it. Makeup longevity was decent but nothing spectacular. I just really like this product for its ability to get rid of pores temporarily, and the finish is gives the skin after foundation application.

Made in Italy.
Retails for $39.00 USD.

Face of the Day for Gloomy Winter Weather

Now that Texas has transitioned into winter-mode, I’ve seen more gloomy and cloudy days here the last few weeks. It’s hard to feel inspired when it’s cold outside and it gets dark earlier, but I try to keep things interesting by adding some glow to my complexion. For me, I “shopped my stash” and put some items back into rotation like my NARS Illuminator and Bobbi Brown BB Cream.

NARS Illuminator in “Copacabana” and Bobbi Brown BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Extra Light
Mixing the NARS Illuminator in “Copacabana” with the Bobbi Brown BB Cream gave me the perfect amount of both coverage and dewiness, without risking looking glittery or oily/shiny. I forgot about how much I really loved the Bobbi Brown BB Cream, so it was nice falling back in love with it.

Dior Addict Lipstick in “Diorissime” 249
The Dior Addict Lipstick in “Diorissime” isn’t a new product and I recently reviewed it as well. However, the subtle brightness is perfect for gloomy days because it reminds me that at least my lips feel and look pretty, lol. Even when I wear this without lip balm underneath, I have perfectly hydrated lips in the winter so that’s one less thing to worry about.

MAC Powder Blush in “Pink Swoon”
Occasionally, I’ll take a break from MAC’s “Well Dressed” and I venture off and try a different shade of blush. “Pink Swoon” has been a recent favorite of mine and goes really well with the Dior Addict Lipstick in “Diorissime” — the perfect amount of brightness and subtleness. I tend to reach for this blush when I need something a little different and interesting.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
My trusty Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is great for applying any base product. The Bobbi Brown BB Cream is very creamy and a small dollop goes a long ways. The Expert Face Brush blends the product out beautifully and seamlessly within seconds, which is perfect for busy mornings when I can’t be bothered.

What are you wearing this winter? What about on gloomy days?

Review: Clé de Peau Beauté Refining Fluid Foundation

About a year ago, I posted my review about the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer and declared that it was truly a product that was worth the hype and the money. At the time, I also tried a sample of the Refining Fluid Foundation, but disliked it due to a bad color match. I decided to revisit this product and get properly matched this time around.

The Refining Fluid Foundation is “a liquid treatment foundation [that] provides medium coverage with a flawless, radiant finish.” It’s liquidy (but not runny) and smooths on evenly and beautifully. “Advanced Hydro-Sensing Polymer technology adjusts to surrounding humidity levels to provide dewy moisture, a feeling of resilience and a sumptuous experience.” This foundation is truly glowy — a feature I didn’t really appreciate when I was in my early 20’s. It conceals pores and lines instantly and really helps plump the skin — another feature I overlooked when I was in my early 20’s. Also, it’s really soothing to apply and feels like a serum — the texture is light so it melts into your skin seamlessly and the finish is lovely — seriously “a beautiful luminous finish, filled with dewy luster.” Much like its name, this is definitely a foundation that refines.

A unique aspect of this foundation is the “Spectrum Control Powder” that provides a natural-looking vibrant complexion under any kind of light source. It adjusts without oxidizing, which helps the finish and the look of your foundation feel very light and natural and very much like your own bare skin. Because of this, I also find that dusting powder over my t-zone is also unnecessary. This soft-focus effect is useful as a quick-step process in the morning — it’s almost as if this product is a 3-in-1: primer, foundation, concealing.

The trick to using this foundation successfully is to use very little. I made the mistake of using too much when I first began experimenting with this foundation, and the look was just too heavy and unnatural. Also, color matching is so important because it can affect how your skin looks after the foundation has been applied. My shade is I10, which is the lightest shade in the Ivory-range. I recommend asking for samples and getting matched at the counter because the colors are tricky. Generally, if you’re yellow-toned, the “O” stands for “Ochre.”

Overall, I like this as a treatment foundation when my skin needs a little extra help. Unlike the concealer, this isn’t necessary — and, for the price, you have to really love it to spend $120 on a foundation. For half the price, the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation has a similar effect; and, for $20 less than the Maestro, the NARS Sheers Glow Foundation delivers similar results. So, ultimately, there are other options out there so the Clé de Peau Beauté Refining Fluid Foundation isn’t the end all be all. However, I really like it and will continue to use it.

Made in Japan.
Retails for $120.00 USD.
1 fl. oz.

It’s a Chanel Kind of Day

I’m never a fan about stubbornly sticking with a single brand. But, for me, my collection is so vast my products have to be on rotation — even when I’m travelling or on vacation. A few days ago, I was really feeling the inner Chanel goddess within me; so, I decided I’d pamper my complexion with Chanel products — old and new. Sometimes it’s the little things that can really kick-start your day — like, starting your morning with a wee bit of Chanel.

My base makeup started with applying the Chanel CC Cream – Complete Correction Sunscreen, and I really made sure to apply an even layer all over my face. With CC creams, since they’re mostly a skincare item rather than a cosmetic item, I try to be quite liberal with the application — often, using it even on my eyelids and neck.

Then, I powdered with the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour in N10. Using a big, fluffy brush, I generously dusted the product all over my face. But, I concentrated most of the color/product on the center of my face since that’s where I wanted to really attribute some glow.

Also, I was inspired by YouTube’s MakeupByTiffanyD and her recent Chanel haul — so, I dug around my collection to resurrect my long-lost Chanel blush in Rose Ecrin. Years ago, I was obsessed with Chanel’s blushes and that’s all I used for months. It was nice to “shop my stash” and rediscover this blush; it’s truly a classic staple item. On a side note, Chanel blushes have a rose scent, which I know can be off-putting for some. But, the blushes are long-lasting, look pretty on the skin, and the thing will last years and years. Using this blush again reminded me why I love Chanel blushes and why I was so obsessed with them awhile back. I would have to say that my love the blushes have been rekindled. :)

I felt re-inspired using items that were already in my possession. This month, I’ve been dabbling in new products and really taking the time to research them — so, it was nice using what was already in my collection since they’ve surpassed the “trial period.”

I encourage all of you to shop from your current stash as well. What are you loving this week?

REVIEW: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder – 02 Ivory

Laura Mercier released a new powder foundation called the Smooth Finish Foundation Powder. Designed as “a second-skin, oil-free powder foundation that can be used wet or dry,” this product is considered to be a “silky smooth innovation [that] offers a natural veil that imparts a color-true finish that lasts up to eight hours. It glides on effortlessly, camouflages, hydrates, and blurs fine lines, never settling into them. Ultra fine micronized pigments flex with skin for coverage that is even and flawless. [You can] use it as a sheer to medium powder or build coverage [by] using it wet.”

I purchased the shade 02 Ivory and I feel that it’s a good match. At first it looked really light in the pan when I first got it, but after “breaking it in,” it looks less frightening, lol. The powder is extremely finely milled and thin — and it’s smooth like butter, so the application is very soft and virtually undetectable. This provides great coverage and is long-lasting with great oil-control, which makes it most optimal for the summer time. It keeps my skin comfortable — not too oily or too dry; and, functions as a “soft-focus” tool so even on bad skin days the powder sits nicely on my skin.

I apply this with a fluffy powder brush for a sheerer effect, but it’s designed to be a product that’s customizable coverage-wise. I’ve used the sponge to spot-conceal and it does a really great job at adding additional coverage to the designated area without looking cakey. The coverage in general is wonderful, which surprised me because this is a powder. Not only is this a great on-the-go product, but it’s easy to use which is a winner in my book (since I can get a bit lazy at times).

So far, despite its new release, this product has done well. The reviews are high and so that’s a good sign. I would recommend this over the Benefit ‘Hello Flawless!’ SPF 15 powder foundation. While my absolute favorite is still the Chantecaille Compact Makeup Foundation, this comes in a close, close second. I recommend, especially if you’ve got oily skin and you’re looking for a powder foundation that provides high coverage without looking or feeling heavy.

Made in USA.
Retails for $45.00 USD.
0.3 oz.

Face of the Night

Normally, my ‘night makeup’ is just like my ‘day makeup’ — with some minor add-on’s: lip product + additional eyeshadow. As always, I like to emphasize glowy skin so I switched things up a bit.

To start off, I moisturized with the Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer SPF 50 and followed it with Benefit’s POREfessional. After prepping my skin, I used Dior’s BB Creme in fair and skipped concealer. To set everything, I dusted on Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in “Diffused Light” and added Benefit’s Bella Bamba blush; I skipped highlighter because this blush is already brightening and glimmery (not to mixed up with shimmery).

My lash and eyebrow routines are the same, but I will be updating you on what I’m using since the products have been changed around. My goal with the next face of the day/night is to post everything — like you requested!

I’ve moved on from the Urban Decay Naked palette, but didn’t go far since now I’m playing around with my MAC palette again, which all of you are already familiar with. Also, I was in the mood to throw on a Chanel lipgloss, which I haven’t given attention to in months! Welcome back, old friend. :)

As always, thanks for reading. :)

Weekend Face Routine

I hope everyone’s weekend was great; mine was pleasant — quiet and I totally enjoyed the cool, breezy weather that tends to be quite rare here in Texas. For the weekend, I wasn’t inspired nor was I motivated to be creative or experiment. I focused on skin and managed to slap on some eyeshadow for dinner. I wanted to emphasize glowy, dewy skin that was effortless and looked natural.

I started off with the Neutrogena Healthy Defense moisturizer with SPF 50. It absorbs decently well and provides high sun protection. It’s nothing special and tends to get a bit oily on me, but it works for lazy days and on days when I’m not exposed to too much sun. With this, I can skip an extra layer of sunscreen so it’s a handy option to have. Then, I applied Benefit’s POREfessional as my primer on my nose, chin, and a little bit on my cheeks for pore concealing.

Because I’ve skipped an application of foundation or BB cream, I had to rely on a concealer that was going to work double duty: MAC Mineralize Concealer is a good option for me because it’s so blendable and provides semi-opaque coverage. On top, as my final “layer,” I dusted on Laura Mercier’s Mineral Powder in “Soft Porcelain” lightly with a fluffy brush.

I skipped blush entirely out of being just plain lazy, so packed on some highlighter to give me that glow. I picked Benefit’s Watt’s Up! highlighter for the tops of my cheek bones and nose bridge. This is super blendable and isn’t a hassle to apply. I just used my fingers since I was too lazy to grab a brush, lol.

I’ve been trying out the Anastasia Brow Wiz in “Brunette.” I can’t say that it’s anything special or new, because to me, a brow pencil is a brow pencil. It’s really all about the color. Since I’ve been in the process of re-growing my eyebrows, this pencil has been great with filling in some sparse areas. However, I still think a brow powder is the best way to go.

As always, thanks for reading.

Review: Lancome Renergie Éclat Multi-Lift Multi-Action Tinted Skincare Illuminate + Lift Instant Enhancer

Recently at an outlet sale, I purchased the Lancome RÉNERGIE ÉCLAT MULTI-LIFT Multi-Action Tinted Skincare Illuminate + Lift Instant Enhancer for $25 and it was such a steal. I was always interested in this product some time ago, but felt that $75.00 (regular retail price) for it was ridiculous for a product that wasn’t even a foundation.

I’m quite pleased with this product and I’ll probably go back and get one for my mom. Keep in mind, technically, I can’t review this product on its lifting and anti-aging performance — although that’s what the product is designed to do. But I do believe that the skincare ingredients in this product has done wonders for my skin — in terms of “preventative measures” regarding anti-aging.

I like the pump and the overall packaging. It comes with 1.3 fl. oz. of product, which is more than a standard foundation. I’ve also reviewed the Lancome RÉNERGIE EYE MULTIPLE ACTION Ultimate Eye Care Duo, which is still performing well. In my experience, the RÉNERGIE line seems to be very effective.

This product is marketed as “a lightweight tinted moisturizer that addresses signs of aging” and claims to be “more than a BB cream.” I would say, in terms of coverage, this is NOT a foundation and NOT really a tinted moisturizer. I would say it’s more like a BB cream that is hydrating. With this product, I need to set it with powder and it strangely doesn’t contribute to any oil production throughout the day — which is weird, but good. Sephora says that “this new generation of multi-function tinted skincare product moisturizes, lifts, illuminates, and instantly evens skintone.”

I agree that it moisturizes, illuminates, and evens skinstone. That’s really all I expect from a good BB cream/tinted moisturizer. I don’t expect much coverage, and it’s a good thing I didn’t! This product is “created with lifting and color-correcting Multi-Tension technology designed to target upper layers of the skin. The “multi-action formula helps skin feel firmer and denser, as if lifted. Wrinkles appear reduced, and skin’s texture feels smoother.”

The texture of the product is really slick and smooth. Because of that, it blends seamlessly into the skin very quickly. I can feel my skin drinking up the hydrating ingredients, because it plumps up my skin and makes it look so smooth and radiant. Pores, redness, and lines are concealed immediately and feels nice too. However, there’s no actual coverage — just mild blurring of the imperfections. In my opinion, if you need/like more coverage, it’s probably best to use this product as a primer and layer something on top.

I got shade 1, which is the lightest shade that seems to work well for my skintone. The shade is very forgiving because it doesn’t seem to actually have that much pigmentation — hence, the lack of coverage. The one thing that I must rave about is the brightening effects of this product. It’s so pretty and it looks just like your skin, but better. I’d say this is more like a “skin enhancer” and I think it would look just as pretty underneath a base product that provides more coverage. Also, unlike most BB creams and tinted moisturizer, this product does not include any sun protection.

I would recommend this product based on its illuminating and brightening factors, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the coverage. I think the original retail price of $75.00 is ridiculous; and, the outlet price is only slightly better. If you can hit up the sale, you can snag this for $25, which I think is completely reasonable. I’m going to see how my mom likes it, but I’ll most likely not re-purchase this again unless it’s on sale.

I love how the product looks and feels, but I don’t think it’s for everyone. As always, thanks for reading and happy spring break! :)

Rénergie Éclat is available in four shades for all skintones, from fair to deep:
– Fair/rosy skin: Shade 1 tones down redness
– Fair/beige skin: Shade 2 neutralizes yellowing
– Golden/beige skin: Shade 3 illuminates olive tones
– Golden/dark skin: Shade 4 awakens gray tones

Check out the glow and illumination from this product! :)

1.3 oz.
Made in France.
Retails for $75.00.
Outlet price $63.90.

NARS The Multiple – “Luxor”

I’m a sucker for highlighters and that’s no secret. Even on no makeup days, I’ve got to use some kind of highlighter. Normally, I’m all about the powder highlighters because I trust them more than liquid or cream ones. However, I purchased the NARS The Multiple in “Luxor” and I’ve been truly satisfied since!

The Multiple, in general, is “an all-in-one, cream-to-powder, multipurpose makeup stick.” You can use it to beautifully “highlight, sculpt, and warm the eyes, cheeks, lips, and body in an array of shades, from sheer accents to mauve and bronze.” I like multi-functioning products and I like products that look pretty, most of all.

NARS is a trusty brand that I go to often, and if you’re looking for a convenient highlighter, then I’d give The Multiple a try. There’s different shades for different purposes, but currently, I’m only interested in the ones that will highlight the skin naturally. I have my eye set on “Copacabana” next. :)

The packaging is sleek and slightly rubbery, so much like all the other NARS products, it will get dirty and finger-printy. However, it’s easy to use and carry around if you need to because it’s so compact. In my experience, it’s best to layer this product after liquid/cream foundation/BB cream application so that it has something to slide on top of. You can swipe directly from the tube, use your finger, or use a brush. I like to swipe it along the tops of my cheeks and then use my fingers to blend it in.

When layering on top of a powder product (like powder foundation), I like to use a foundation brush or a buffing brush to swipe the product on with. I apply this last after all base products and blush.

“Luxor” is an iridescent pink and it’s a shade that you can’t go wrong with — no matter what your skintone is. It’s flattering, illuminating, and glowy without looking like your face is oily. The slightly pinky-white tone is brightening, but isn’t stark or harsh. The pearlescent sheen blends into your skin beautifully and stays that way, even when you’re sweating. Be careful to NOT set this with powder because it will look dull and patchy if you do that. That’s why, even if I apply powder blush over a liquid/cream base, I still apply The Multiple last, as my final step.

You can use this wherever you’d normally highlight: the tops of your cheeks, your cupid’s bow, along the brow bone, and down the bridge of your nose. Use a brush if you’re in a hurry, and it will act just like a powder highlighter.

This shade seems to be universally flattering and provides such an angelic effect on the skin. It instantly helps you look awake and healthy, and paired with a glowy foundation/BB cream, it’s the perfect combination of looking natural, yet pretty. It’s truly an all-in-one. This has become a staple in my makeup bag and I feel that I won’t be returning to my powder highlighters for awhile! Most of all, I like how it’s so easy to use. Other non-powder highlighters are hard to use because they’re hard to blend or they don’t look natural enough for me.

What do you think? :)

0.50 oz.
Retails for $39.00 USD.