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Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.

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Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.

I love seeing posts on monthly favorites and often contemplate doing them myself.  However, my personal favorites do not change on a monthly basis, rather morph with the seasons.  By now, I’m sure all of you have realized Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadows are magnificent, Nars Eyeshadow Primer is indispensable and Inglot AMC Gel liner is my HG tightline color.  So for this edition of, Things I Have Been Loving, I will show you some of the items that have been brought out of storage and bring me great solace–along with a few new goodies 🙂  I hope you enjoy.

  • Too Faced Medium/Deep Chocolate Soliel Bronzer has been in my collection for years and my old compact looked like it was ready for the undertaker.  This chocolate scented matte bronzer is really the best tone for my coloring.  Normally, I’m all about the “glow”, but as my skin returns to its original pasty coloring, I’m finding the matte texture of this bronzer more compatible.
  • Bare Minerals Ready Blush in The Indecent Proposal is newly acquired, but I can tell you this beauty is just as good, if not better, than some higher-end blushes.  This dusty plum color closely resembles Nars Sin, but sans the parabens and inflated price.  This subtly infused gold plum shade compliments my skin beautifully and gives the most realistic flush to the cheeks.
  • Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Nude Powder Foundation (reviewed here) is a wonder.  There are times I look at photos of myself and wonder, “Is that really my skin?”  It’s that good.  Try it and see for yourself–that’s if you can find a color match.
  • Dior Mini Kabuki Brush came with my Dior Skin Bronzer and I find this soft little creature buffs in my powder foundation to perfection.  Truth be told, I also have been using this little guy to apply my bronzer and blush.  What can I say, if a brush works, wipe it clean between products and go to town. 🙂
  • Diorskin Star Concealer (seen here) was purchased because of Gyudy from Gyudy’s Notes of Beauty.  Since spying this concealer in her October favorites and reading her review, I knew I had to take the plunge–so glad that I did.  My review and comparisons will be up next week.
  • Dior Minuit Nail Lacquer (reviewed here and found here) was released last winter as part of Dior’s Holiday Collection and continues to be the most alluring color I have ever seen. Although Dior has release four new lacquers this holiday season (seen on Temptalia), I’m still mesmerized by the beauty of Minuit.  Smoky, a dark aubergine color, looks striking, but easily dupable and definitely not worth the extra expense.
  • Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter (reviewed here) is my go-to winter time facial moisturizer.  As you may already know, I only utilize oils (Argan, Coconut and Castor) as my daily moisturizers; however, during the cooler months my excessively dry skin needs a thicker balm.  This is the only cream that is all natural and rich enough to alleviate the tightening feeling on my skin.  I purchase the large 13.5 oz tub for my husband and one for myself, and we find the generous amount lasts the entire season.
  • Toyko Milk Dead Sexy Parfum is one of two scents I can tolerate.  The musky blend of vanilla, exotic wood, white orchid, and ebony is not overpowering and does not linger throughout the day.  I know the lasting power is not an immediate draw for some, but I prefer when fragrances dissipate within a four-hour window.
  • Giorgio Armani Eye and Brow Maestro (reviewed here) has become my HG brow product.  This cream formula adheres to the skin seamlessly and does not budge throughout the day–even stays put through a workout.  Who wouldn’t want that?
  • Burberry No.10 Smudger Eyebrush has been discontinued, but I find the tapered end and soft hairs perfectly diffuses GA Eye and Brow Wengewood on my brows.  I suppose MAC 119 would make a suitable substitute.
  • Lip Combination:  Girlactik Allure Matte Lip Paint (reviewed here) is my ultimate lipstick/lipgloss base. YSL The Mats 205 (reviewed here and recommended by my sweet Instagram friend Zvoncnjica26) is a deep dark seductive berry/plum color that has the most potent staining effect.  Dior Fluid Stick 995 Intrigue (reviewed here) compliments 205 perfectly.  Together, this combo makes one dynamite Holiday Lip.
  • Gold Hoop Earrings are classic and timeless.  This particular pair was purchased when I was 13 years old with my very first paycheck.  I recall Alyssa Milano sporting a similar pair on an episode of Who’s The Boss and I figured if she looked good in them, I would as well.  Fast forward, ten years later (did you catch that?) these little gems still manage to look good and are the ideal shape to wear with bulky scarfs.
  • Sydney Evan Diamond Disc Pendant has been worn non-stop.  I’m really enjoying the simplicity of this piece and how well it pairs with everything.  One need not go out and spend a fortune on a SE piece; many companies now produce similar designs for a fraction of the price.
  • Organic Whole Husk Psyllium is added to my post workout shake everyday.  My nutritionist sister (here) recommends this product to her clients to aid in healthy elimination.  I know this is not the typical beauty channel topic; however, this is something that does effect our health and the appearance of our skin.  I add a full scope (3 tablespoons–amount will vary from person to person) to my shake, along with Spirulina (seen here), Whey Protein Powder and Chia seeds.  Adding Psyllium to any flavored drink, would be highly recommended seeing as how it has a strong earthy flavor. Psyllium thickens the more it is submerged in a liquid, therefore drinking your shake within 5 minutes is highly advisable.  Read about all the health benefits of this fabulous product (here) and judge for yourself.
Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2. My post workout shake with Psyllium.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.
My post workout shake with Psyllium.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.
Psyllium in all of its glory.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.
Utilizing the products mentioned. Due to the blaring sun in my all white bathroom, my skin looks particularity flawless. I wish I could surround myself with these lighting conditions all the time 🙂

THE VERDICT:  If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you some of these products are tried and true and other newly acquired gems have impressed me beyond expectation. 🙂  What are some things you have been loving?  Be well, stay safe and be happy.

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted. 

November 16, 2014

Current Favorites.

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Current Favorites: Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush, Tom Ford Platinum Cream Eyeshadow, Bobbi Brown Espresso Eyeshadow, Bobbi Brown Bone Eyeshadow, Givenchy 9 Brun Cachemire, Nars Eyeshadow Primer, Clinique High Impact extreme Volume Mascara, Milani Liquid Liner, and Shu Uemura 02 Seal Brown Brow Pencil.

Current Favorites:
Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush, Tom Ford Platinum Cream Eyeshadow, Bobbi Brown Espresso Eyeshadow, Bobbi Brown Bone Eyeshadow, Givenchy 9 Brun Cachemire, Nars Eyeshadow Primer, Clinique High Impact extreme Volume Mascara, Milani Liquid Liner, and Shu Uemura 02 Seal Brown Brow Pencil.

Current Favorites–Eye Makeup:

  1. Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush is a wonderful multi-purpose brush–fantastic for application of lid color, crease color, lower lash line color and to blend out any harsh edges.
  2. Tom Ford Platinum Cream Eyeshadow applies like a dream and lasts all day (seen here).
  3. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Espresso (discontinued, but Rich Caviar comes close) is used along the lash line for a smoldering eye look.
  4. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Bone is an everyday essential used to highlight the brow bone, blend out harsh edges and as an all-over lid color.
  5. Givenchy 9 Brun Cachemire (reviewed here) is used everyday along the lower lash line and occasionally, as a lid color.
  6. Nars Eyeshadow Base makes any eyeshadow adhere brilliantly to the skin.  I seriously will never be without this tube of wonder.
  7. Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara was once upon a time not my favorite mascara, but how a new tube can change the most cynical perspective.  It does exactly what is stated on the tube.  Love it!
  8. Milani Eye-Tech Perfection Liquid Liner is blacker than black, stays on all day and is a true drugstore gem.  The formula and color are very comparable to Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen (reviewed here).
  9. Shu Uemura 02 Seal brown is my perfect brow color.  This pencil is going strong even after 2½ years of consistent use.
  10. Milani Brow Gel (not photgraphed) is great for keeping brow hairs in place.
Current Favorites--Eye Makeup.

Current Favorites–Eye and Face Makeup.

Current Favorites: Chikuhodo Cheek Brush, Cargo Water-Resistant Bronzer, Giorgio Armani Blush #10, Lancome Teint Idole Makeup 340 N, Wayne Goss 01, Chikuhodo Highlighter Brush, Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer, and theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer.

Current Favorites:
Chikuhodo Cheek Brush, Cargo Water-Resistant Bronzer, Giorgio Armani Blush #10, Lancome Teint Idole Makeup 340 N, Wayne Goss 01, Chikuhodo Highlighter Brush, Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer, and theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer.

Current Favorites–Face Makeup:

  1. Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush reviewed (here).
  2. Cargo Water-Resistant Bronzer was originally purchased for use as a bronzer; however, the high shimmer factor has deemed this product suitable for eyeshadow use only.  Love to use it on the lower lash line.
  3. Giorgio Armani Blush #10 Blush is my all time favorite blush (reviewed here).  I like using this blush with a dampened brush for more intense color and long-lasting wear.
  4. Lancome Teint Idole Foundation in 340 Bisque (N) is giving my Estee Lauder Double Wear a run for its money.  I adore the lightweight, full coverage, non-drying formula.
  5. Wayne Goss 01 Brush (reviewed here).
  6. Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlighter Brush (review coming soon)….can you guess my thoughts?
  7. Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer is one of my favorite bronzers…my compact is over two years old and still going strong.
  8. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is a seriously illuminating highlighter–a light hand and a proper brush are strongly recommended.
Current Favorites: YSL #11 Prune Impertinence, Dior Addict Fluid Stick 893, 975 Minuit, 219 Whisper Beige, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy 210.

Current Favorites:
YSL #11 Prune Impertinence, Dior Addict Fluid Stick 893, 975 Minuit, 219 Whisper Beige, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy 210.

Current Favorites–Lip Colors:

  1. YSL Baby Doll Kiss and Blush #11 Prune Impertinence (reviewed here).
  2. Dior Addict Fluid Stick 893 Trompe L’Oeil (reviewed here).
  3. Dior Addict Fluid Stick 975 Minuit (reviewed here).
  4. Dior Addict Fluid Stick 219 Whisper Beige makes a great topper shade for most lip colors.  I love the effect when added to:
  5. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy 210 Impulsive (reviewed here).
Current Favorites: MAC Pro Longwear Lipliner in Nice-n-Spicy, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy 210 Impulsive topped with Dior Addict Fluid Stick 219 Whisper Beige.

Current Favorites:
MAC Pro Longwear Lipliner in Nice-n-Spicy, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy 210 Impulsive topped with Dior Addict Fluid Stick 219 Whisper Beige.

Current Favorites: Alvera Natural Deodorant, Thayers Witch Hazel, Alba Un-Petrolum, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, Tom's Floride-Free Toothpaste.

Current Favorites:
Alvera Natural Deodorant, Thayers Witch Hazel, Alba Un-Petrolum, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, Tom’s Fluoride-Free Toothpaste.

Current Favorites–Personal Care:

  1. Alvera All Natural Deodorant in Aloe & Almond is not completely all natural; it is formulated with Alcloxa (aluminum derivative) and is used during the spring/summer seasons.  This has great odor protection.
  2. Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel is transfer into a spray bottle and used to dampen my makeup brushes.  It is also used as facial toner after all makeup has been removed.
  3. Alba Un-Petrolum contains castor oil and coconut oil (saves me the trouble of combining the oils myself)–great moisturizer for arms, legs and face.
  4. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a dry oil–great summer time facial moisturizer, but I like to combine it with Alba Un-Petrolum as my spring time facial moisturizer.
  5. Tom’s Fluoride-Free Toothpaste.

Current Favorites–TV Shows:

  1. Mad Men.
  2. Covert Affairs…amazing..especially season 3 and 4.
  3. Suits…Gabriel Macht was born to play Harvey Spector.
  4. Grimm.
  5. Orphan Black.

THE VERDICT:  If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you most of these products have been in my rotation for years, some have recently crept their way into my routine and others are seasonal delicacies.  Regardless, I love them all.  What are some of your favorites?  Be well and stay safe.

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me.   *Compensation is not given for any reviews.  *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product.  *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

Saks Fifth Avenue

May 7, 2014

Date Night Look.

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Date Night Look Lip Combo: Jordana Plush Plum and Estee Lauder Electric Wine.

Date Night Look Lip Combo:
Jordana Plush Plum and Estee Lauder Electric Wine.

Recently, my husband and I attended a last minute event and a quick and simple look was required.  For this Date Night Look, time was of the essence, so I decided to play up my lips rather than waste time creating an elaborate eye look.  Truth be told, I did not alter my daytime makeup in the least, but simply changed the lip combo. Adding an extra necklace or two also helps to dress up any outfit.  I hope you find this helpful and can use some ideas for your next date night 🙂

Makeup of the Week: Date Night Look.

Date Night Look Eye Makeup.

Date Night Look Eye Makeup:

  1. Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (reviewed here).
  2. Laura Mercier Spellbound Highlighter (discontinued) all over the mobile lid (MAC Arena eyeshadow can be used in place of Spellbound).
  3. Clarins Mineral Eyeshadow in Auburn used in the crease and blended slightly above.
  4. Clarins Mineral Eyeshadow in Dark Chocolate used in the otter “v”.
  5. Bobbi Brown Navajo Eyeshadow used to highlight under the brow bone and to blend out the crease color.
  6. Clarins Mineral Eyeshadow in Auburn and Cargo Water-Resistant Bronzer mixed together on the lower lash line.
  7. L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black (2 coats).
  8. Shu Uemura Brow Pencil in 02 Seal Brown used on the brows.
  9. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude used to line the lower waterline.
  10. Inglot AMC Gel Liner in #90 (reviewed here) used to line the upper waterline and upper lash line.
Makeup of the Week: Date Night Look.

Date Night Look Face Makeup.

Date Night Face Makeup:

  1. Koh Gen Do Makeup Color Base in Yellow (reviewed here).
  2. Estee Lauder Double Wear in 3N-1 mixed with Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation in #123.
  3. Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Coverage in Cream Vanilla was used (the tiniest dot) as a concealer under both eyes and blended out.
  4. MAC Prep+Prime Highlighter Pen in Radiant Rose (reviewed here) the smallest amount used to brighten the under eye area.
  5. Too Faced Chocolate Matte Bronzer used for contour and bronzing the perimeter of the face.
  6. Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in #10 Beige (not photographed reviewed here).
  7. RMS Beauty Living Luminizer (reviewed here).

Lip Combo for Date Night Look:

  1. Jordana Plush Plum Lipliner.
  2. Estee Lauder High Intensity Lip Lacquer in Electric Wine.
Day Time Look: Make Up For Ever Lipliner in 2C with Estee Lauder High Intensity Lip Lacquer in Liquid Petal.

Day Time Lip Combo:
Make Up For Ever Lipliner in 2C with Estee Lauder High Intensity Lip Lacquer in Liquid Petal.

Daytime Lip Combo:

  1. Make Up For Ever Waterproof Lipliner Pencil in 2C.
  2. Estee Lauder High Intensity Lip Lacquer in Liquid Petal (reviewed here).
Brushes Used for Date Night Look: Tom Ford Bronzer Brush, Billy B Brush #11 and Brow Tool, Laura Mercier Eye Liner Brush, Wayne Goss Brushes 01 and 02.

Brushes Used for Date Night Look:
Tom Ford Bronzer Brush, Trish McEvoy #29, Billy B Brush #11 and Brow Tool, Laura Mercier Eyeliner Brush, Wayne Goss Brushes 01, 02.

Brushes used for Date Night Look:

  1. Wayne Goss 01 for foundation and cream highlighter application (reviewed here).
  2. Wayne Goss 02 for contour, bronzer and blush application (reviewed here).
  3. Billy B #11 used for tight lining the upper waterline (reviewed here).
  4. Billy B Brow Tool used for brows.
  5. Laura Mercier Angled Eyeliner brush used to apply Inglot #90 to the upper lash line.
  6. Trish McEvoy #29 Tapered Brush used to apply all eyeshadow colors on the eyes.
  7. Tom Ford Bronzer Brush used to blend all face powders together (reviewed here).

THE VERDICT:  If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you this “no-fuss” makeup look held up very well all evening.  Date Night was quite a success, but I must admit, as lovely as it is going out for the evening, it is even more enjoyable returning home.  What can I say….I’m a homebody at heart.  Be well and stay safe.

-Maria

Jewelry Worn:

 

Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me.  *This post contains some affiliate store links.  *Compensation is not given for any reviews.  *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product.  *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

NORDSTROM.com

March 1, 2014

Makeup of the Week: Sixth Edition.

Makeup of the Week: Sixth Edition.

Makeup of the Week: Sixth Edition.

This Makeup of the Week: Sixth Edition will feature all the lovely goodies I acquired last week from my visit to the CCO.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with a CCO (Cosmetics Company Outlet), it is an outlet store the Estee Lauder Company has cleverly established to sell all of their overstock merchandise from their subsidiary brands.  All cosmetics/fragrance brands included are: Estee Lauder, MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Joe Malone, Flirt, Smashbox, Bumble and Bumble, Origins, Donna Karen, Tom Ford, Ojon, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Prescriptives.  All items in store are sold at a 30% discount off the original retail price.  As an added bonus, the sales women are lovely and customers have the comfort/freedom to swatch and roam for as long as one desires.  Who could ask for more?

Eye Makeup of the Week: Sixth Edition.

Eye Makeup of the Week.

Eye Makeup:

  1. Laura Mercier Eye Canvas in EC-3 (reviewed here).♥
  2. Clinique Black Honey Brush-on-Creme Liner used as an eyeshadow (purchase here). [CCO]
  3. Bobbi Brown Cobalt Ink Long-wear Gel Liner (reviewed here).♥ [CCO]
  4. Inglot Matte 90 AMC Eyeliner Gel for tight lining the upper water line (purchase here).
  5. Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer used in the crease to add dimension and warmth (purchase here).
  6. MAC Copper Strip Powerchrome Eye pencil for the lower lash line and in the lower water line (reviewed here).♥
  7. Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara (purchase here) not my favorite. Does not layer well and flakes by the end of the day. [CCO]
  8. Laura Mercier Spellbound Illuminator for an inner corner highlight (reviewed here). ♥
  9. Shu Uemura Brow pencil in 02 Seal Brown (purchase here). ♥
Makeup Of the Week: Sixth Edition.

Makeup Of the Week: Sixth Edition.

 Face Makeup:

  1. Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer (purchase here).♥
  2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 3N1 (purchase here) I have the new formula and it does not oxidize and feels less drying compared to the original. ♥ [CCO]
  3. Edward Bess Concealer in Soft Beige (purchase here).
  4. Chanel Le Creme Blush de Chanel in Destiny 61 (reviewed here).♥
  5. Laura Mercier Spellbound Illuminator (purchase here) and Laura Mercier Highlight 01 (reviewed here) used to highlight the cheek bones. ♥
  6. Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer applied to the forehead and jaw bone only (purchase here).
  7. Skindinavia Finishing Spray (purchase here). ♥
Lip Combination of the Week: Daliia My Best Friend's Red w/Shiseido RD702.

Lip Combination: Daliia My Best Friend’s Red w/Shiseido RD702.

Lip Combination:

  1. Daliia Herbal Lip Stain in My Best Friend’s Red (reviewed here) ♥
  2. Shiseido RD702 to add shine and moisture throughout the day (purchase here). ♥
Brushes of the Week: Sixth Edition.

Brushes of the Week.

Brushes of the Week:

  1. Laura Mercier Angled Eyeliner Brush (purchase here).♥
  2. Billy B Beauty # 12, 8, 11 (reviewed here).♥
  3. Smashbox #7 brush (purchase here). [CCO]
  4. Philosophy “the supernatural” Airbrush foundation brush (purchase here).♥
  5. Tom Ford Bronzer (reviewed here) , Cheek (reviewed here) and Cream Foundation brushes.♥

THE VERDICT:  If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you to locate your nearest Tangers Outlet Mall (location finder here) and visit a CCO pronto!  Plan a trip for the day with your family/friends and roam all the stores to your heart’s content.  CCO are fantastic for discovering some limited-edition jewels that were hard to obtain during the original release. I have yet to spy any TF brushes..Darn!  Do call ahead of time to check inventory before making a trip.  I hope you find this helpful and informative.  Be well and stay safe.

-M-

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me.  Compensation is not given for any reviews. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com.

August 11, 2013

Laura Mercier Ritual Baked Blush Bronze review and swatch.

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IMG_3345

Laura Mercier Ritual Baked Blush and Bronze:

Do you see this beauty?  Do I even need to elaborate past this sentence?  Can you predict what my thoughts will be on this product?  Well here goes…Introducing Laura Mercier Ritual Baked Blush and Bronze ($36US/9.50 g).   This stunner is part of the Folklore Collection Spring/Summer 2013.  According to LM website, Ritual is comprised of 5 different colors and baked to “provide the perfect, natural color for cheeks and face.”   I would have to say that description is spot on.   This is a very pigmented, dark rosy brown shade with a slight pink shimmer that works surprisingly well as a bronzer.

Multiple uses for Ritual:

The pink veining in the product does make it usable as a blush.  If used as a blush tread lightly.   Did I say Ritual is dark and pigmented?  This product does not contain any orange undertone what so ever!!  Bare Minerals Faux tan is similar, in that they both are on the reddish side of the bronzer spectrum.   Bronzers that fall in this realm are regarded as mimicking the natural effects of the sun!!   Ritual’s powder is finely milled and applies smoothly, it does not come off as a shimmery mess on the skin.   Instead Ritual subtly highlights the areas in which it is applied.  It gives off the “glow” we often hear about in the beauty community.  I also use this beauty as an all over eyeshadow or crease/blend out color.   Ritual lasted on my face for a solid 6 hours with noticeable fading on the cheek area.  In all fairness, this can be attributed to my annoying habit of always resting my hand on my face when I read.  Hey ho, I still LOVE the color…I will endure!!

IMG_3416

Laura Mercier Ritual swatched heavily and blended out.

As much as I love this product, it maybe too dark for someone with a fair complexion.  Could it work?  Sure anything can work on anyone, however proceed with caution.  Use a fluffy bronzer brush or even a stippling brush to apply Ritual AS A BRONZER.  To my eye this would be catastrophic if used as a blush for the fairest in the land.   I have a fair complexion (NW20/25), however because I have such dark (hair, eyes, and brows) and strong features, Ritual works for me in all regards (lucky duck).  Below are a few popular bronzer comparisons.

IMG_3447

Top row: LM Ritual, Bare Minerals Faux Tan, Bobbi Brown Medium
Middle row: Edward Bess Daydream, Too Faced Chocolate, Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel Bronze Universal
Bottom Row: Dior Nude Tan 003 Cinnamon

IMG_3457

LM Ritual, BM Faux Tan, BB Medium, EB Daydream, Too Faced Chocolate, Chanel, Dior.

Application:

I use my Tom Ford bronzer brush to apply Ritual as a bronzer followed by my RMK blusher brush to apply Ritual as a blush.  If you are not familiar with a RMK brush, it is very similar to the Suqqu blush brush, as both are very soft and designed to give light application with pigmented products.  Any STIPPLING  brush from any line sill suffice.  Sonia Kashuk makes an affordable version that can be acquired from your local Target.

Laura Mercier Ritual is available for purchase at Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf, Sakes, LauraMercier.com, etc..

IMG_3393

Laura Mercier Ritual used as a bronzer, blush and crease color (triple treat…oh yes).

THE VERDICT:  If makeup could talk what would it say?

It would tell you to go to the counter and see “my Precious” in person.  Picture me with Gollum’s voice (Lord of the Rings dude) stroking my Ritual compact against my face and repeatedly chiming,  “Precious, oh my precious please become a permanent item in LM line”.   You are getting a sizable amount for a reasonable price compared to other lines (Guerlain I’m looking at you with your Terracotta bronzer ($75) that smells like my Grandmother).  It would be wise to go see Ritual in person (have I stressed that enough?) because there is only one color offered and some may not find this suitable for their complexion.  Makeup also says,  “remember, it’s only makeup, you don’t likey you don’t keep!!!”     Be well and stay safe!

-M-

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Laura Mercier Ritual Baked Blush Bronze ingredient list.

 

 

April 16, 2013