bronzer

Pür Minerals Earthy Treasures Collection for all skin tones - $35 ($80 value) - this limited edition set includes:  Mineral Glow, new Perfect Fit Eye Shadow Trio in Canyon Glow, new Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Oasis and a mini Eye Shadow Brush.  The casing is all shiny and gold and the gloss has a mirror on the side which is genius!

I like this kit because it works very well for day, but it also has that really dark eyeshadow you could add for a smoky look to make it nice for evening too!

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes - $12.99 - the newest addition to the Voluminous family, this defining volume mascara has a collagen-infused formula.  The millionizer brush is designed to thicken every eyelash thanks to multiple long and short bristles that generously envelop the entire length with colour.  They keep you clump free with the special wiper technology on the tube - it adjusts to every bristle wiping the brush free of clumps, giving you the perfect amount of mascara!  I like the sounds of this one - it's going on my shopping list!

Garnier Fructis Blow Dry Perfector - $14.99 - 2 step smoothing kit - tames frizz, stays smooth & silky and easier faster blow dries that lasts up to 7 shampoos.  The kit contains a 20 minute smooth it serum to be followed up by a leave in, heat activated perfect it cream.  Can be used on colour treated hair.  I'm liking this idea a lot!  If you don't have the time or money to have a keratin salon treatment, this might do in a pinch!

Biotherm Biocils - 125ml - $31 - removes 100% of waterproof makeup efficiently while making lashes look longer, stronger and more beautiful.  Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Paris Hilton Tease - 50ml EDP - $59 - Paris has Marilyn Monroe'd herself to promote her new fragrance with notes that include fuji apple, white peach, bergamot, white flowers, amber, blond wood and hot sand.  I don't much care for the smell but the name does make me laugh - if you do like the fragrance, right now the world's ugliest tote bag comes free with it - black nylon with a giant 3D black plastic flower on the front - I tried hard to find a picture for you with no luck - I wish I had brought my camera with me but alas, you will have to go see it in person - I would say while supplies last, but I doubt that will be an issue...

The most awesome beauty toy has finally made it's way into Canadian Sephora locations.  If you've been anywhere near a Sephora lately you can't have missed the huge displays everywhere for the TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup System and if you're anything like me, you have been wondering how complicated it is to use and whether a total spazcase (such as myself) could master such a complicated looking device.  You see, I still remember the airbrush machine that they introduced at Holt Renfrew a few years back.  I can't remember what the name of it was but I knew a makeup artist that had it and she was forever having problems with it - if an expert has issues, what hope is there for someone like me?  The answer is lots, because TEMPTU is totally different from the airbrushers of years gone by!


TEMPTU AIRbrush makeup System - $265 - what is different about this system then previous ones I have seen is that the foundation comes in a little pod - no longer do you have the hassle of having to fill a reservoir with foundation and then clean it out when you want to change colours - these pods just snap in and out, no cleaning required!  Not only that, you can switch between foundation, blush and highlighter with absolutely no hassle!  It's very easy to use, just snap in the colour pod, adjust the air pressure for desired coverage (dial up for more coverage, down for less) and off you go!  The AIRbrush is light so it's easy to maneuver and it kind of feels like cool air blowing on your face, be careful if you're ticklish!  You control how narrow or wide the area you cover is by how far you hold the AIRbrush from your face which makes it easy to cover specific areas or hide blemishes. What I really like about airbrushing is how buildable the coverage really is because of all the different ways there are to control the about of foundation that goes on your face.  This is totally different from the way regular foundation is buildable since obviously when you are applying a second layer with a brush or sponge you can't help but wipe a bit of the first layer off when you apply the second - with airbrushing you never actually touch your skin so layer 1 stays put!  I found that there was almost no learning curve, within 3 uses I had the application down pat and you don't need to worry about learning how to do it, the system comes with a user guide and a how-to DVD, they are also very happy to demonstrate the system for you in person at Sephora if you buy it in-store.


The AIR pods themselves come separately:

AIR pod Foundation - $65 for 2 pods - available in 12 colours:  001 porcelain, 002 ivory, 003 warm ivory, 004 sand, 005 beige, 006 warm beige, 007 natural, 008 honey, 009 golden, 010 almond, 011 chestnut and 012 espresso

I quite like the feel of the foundation itself.  It's light and hydrating and with a primer, it has great lasting power on me and a soft looking finish.  I am still on my first pod, to be fair, I don't use it everyday - not that it couldn't be for everyday use but it does take longer to do then slapping some foundation on my face with a brush and my mornings usually are pretty rushed so I have been using it more for weekends and nights out.  I understand that a pod should last about 2 months with regular use - but I expect that would also depend on what coverage setting you use it at too.

AIR pod Blush - $36 for 1 pod - available in 4 colours: 401 pale pink, 402 soft peach, 403 washed rose and 404 sheer berry

I totally love the way airbrushed blush looks!  Having fallen in love with cream blush this summer I am really appreciating this look and again you can really dictate how light or strong the colour is!  If you are a pale face like me, check out the sheer berry, it looks gorgeous on light skin!

AIR pod Highlighter - $42 for 1 pod - available in 4 colours - 301 champagne, 302 gold, 303 bronze and 304 copper

I tried the lightest one, champagne and it was a nice highlighter, I will need to try one of the darker colours and see how it works as a bronzer, I expect it would be a nice effect!  This would also be good for contouring if that's your thing!

If you are still deciding or can't shell out the bucks for the airbrusher, TEMPTU also has a RETOUCH line with airbush quality formulas and high-definition results.  They have a water-enriched silicone formula which allows for a flawless application while moisturizing and conditioning the skin.  The system contains Ceramide 3 and an olive oil vehicle, which nourishes and protects the skin, while Vitamins C & E provide anti-oxidant protection.

RETOUCH Foundation - $56 - with a built in brush applicator it perfects, corrects and minimizes imperfections creating a flawless and radiant complexion.  Available in 12 colours: 001 porcelain, 002 ivory, 003 warm ivory, 004 sand, 005 beige, 006 warm beige, 007 natural, 008 honey, 009 golden, 010 almond, 011 chestnut and 012 espresso

RETOUCH Blush - $42 - with a built in brush applicator it provides a dose of ultra-natural and dewy colour to cheeks with a smooth and lightweight liquid formula.  Available in 4 colours: 401 pale pink, 402 soft peach, 403 washed rose and 404 sheer berry

RETOUCH Highlighter - $48 - with a built in brush applicator it adds an instant and luxurious glow to both face and body.  Available in 4 colours:  301 champagne, 302 gold, 303 bronze and 304 copper

RETOUCH Powder - $51 - with a built in brush applicator it's a lightweight, mineral-based formula that rids you of shine and provides natural looking, satin soft skin.  Available in 6 colours:  200 translucent, 201 soft beige, 202 warm natural, 203 golden honey, 204 deep tan and 205 rich brown

and if that's not enough you can even tattoo yourself with ADORN - $30 - each kit contains: 9 tattoo design sheets, 20 ADORN Tattoo Application Pads, 1 ADORN Tattoo Setting Powder, 1 ADORN Reusable Clear Bag and 1 ADORN Application Instructions & Care Card.

I haven't tried any of the products from the RETOUCH line, I would love to hear opinions about it if anyone has!  And if anyone else has thoughts about the airbrush system, I'd love to hear them too!

TEMPTU also recently launched a website - check out www.lookbookbeauty.com - a behind the scenes look at Fashion Week - where you can see how flawless runway styles are created and how you can do it yourself!  They also have Lookbook Beauty events at Sephora where you can choose your look from TEMPTU's previous fashion shows, have your VIP picture taken and have it automatically posted to Sephora's windows and lookbookbeauty.com.  You can check out their Facebook page to find upcoming Lookbook Beauty events near you.

If you can't make it to an event you can still submit your own "freestyle" look at home to participate which you can share with friends and have a chance to win a VIP ticket to attend Fashion Week Fall 2011!

The first time I tried using Lunar Dust, a loose bronzing powder by Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, I didn't read the directions. I just went at it with a powder or bronzer brush, ending up looking a bit... gilded. It didn't help that the color I had was Dusk, the darkest of the three available shades. But even with a very  ridiculous looking face, I noticed the fine texture of Lunar Dust and the beautiful glow it provided.

One can actually apply Lunar Dust with a fluffy powder brush to the face, as long as it's done judiciously and with the right shade. Sunset should probably work for most, while Dusk is better for much darker skin tones. But as I discovered in Youngblood's directions, the best way to use this powder is to mix it with either a moisturizer or a foundation for face or with your body lotion and apply it to your legs, shoulders, etc.

The result is a warm and very pretty glow that can be toned down or played up at will. The finely milled powder is delicate and and not glittery at all. I used a lot in the swatch just so you can see the shade, but it doesn't have to be so shiny. My favorite application of this product, probably because Dusk is too dark for my face, is as a glowy faux tan for my legs. It stays put much better than tinted body lotions and gels I've tried in the past, and doesn't have the dreadful smell of self tanners. I have every intention to take a full advantage of Lunar Dust for an upcoming wedding I'm attending, where I don't want to subject my extended family to the natural gray color of my untanned legs.

Bottom Line: Not an everyday product but has its uses.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lunar Dust Bronzing Powder ($30) is available at Henri Bendel in NYC and from the company's website (ybskin.com). A press sample was provided by the PR team.

Art by Katherine Luzny.
Product photos by me.

I'm taking a short break from talking about fall collections in favor of a very summery product, Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronzer Liquid Illuminator for Face & Body. It's a sheer bronzer in liquid form that adds both color and a shimmery glow, making Bella great choice for evening.

The bottle resided in my bronzer drawer for several weeks, mocking me and my fear of orange every time I reached for my safe comfort zone products. As you can see in the photos, it looks scarily dark until you actually spread the liquid and blend it into your skin and base makeup. It's a lot easier to control than I thought it would be and even the shimmer is not over the top, though I still consider it a night on the town look. The best thing: not a hint of orange. Le Metier de Beaute really knows skin and this bronzer works with my natural tone and enhances it. I look like I just got back from the most fabulous vacation, not as though I'm possessed by Dina Lohan.

The texture of Bella Bronzer is light and moisturizing. It has no greasiness and doesn't give me an oily shine. It contains coconut oil and definitely smells of it, so you need to take that into account if it can be an issue for you. I've found that the level of color can be built and also diluted if I mix it with a liquid moisturizer (so if you're very fair this might be something you'll need to do- Bella might be too brown for you right out of the bottle). I've experienced no skin issues, but I've only been using it two to three times a week, so I can't comment on the effects of constant heavy application.

Bella Bronzer looks very nice when used on the body. I like it on my décolleté but I'm always worried about staining my clothes, so my favorite use for Bella is on my pale green legs. Bronzed legs make cute little dresses that much cuter, so Bella has been earning its keep in that department. The moisturizing qualities (it also contains aloe vera and wild carrot extract) helped me go light with the lotion on some muggy nights, so that's a great bonus.  I wish the scent was lighter, though. I love coconut (as does my cat Peter who insists on trying to lick the bronzer), but it doesn't mix well with some of my favorite perfumes.

Bottom Line: Nice to have.

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronzer Liquid Illuminator for Face & Body ($85) is available from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus in store and online. I received a press sample from the PR team.

All photos are mine.

Maybe it's a gimmick, but I enjoy makeup that allows me to mix, blend and customize my shades if I feel like, or just swirl my brush over the entire product and use it as is. Sundance, a Mineral Radiance bronzer from Youngblood Cosmetics is a good example. I use an angled face brush and usually concentrate on the colors other than the bronze, but for an evening look or to fake a serious tan I get some of that glow onto the brush.

Sundance is very pigmented and as finely milled as possible, allowing for a good and even coverage with the lightest application. There's a very minimal and subtle shimmer and the colors can also act as highlighter or eye shadow when used with the appropriate brush. I always use a finishing powder on top and the bronzer has proven to be sweat and weather-proof.

Sundance looks good on tan, bronzed or olive skin, but for paler complexion or a more natural look I'd suggest you try the same product in Splendor, which is much rosier. I think I'll get that one for winter.

Bottom Line: Now I just need a tropical vacation.

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Bronzer ($39) is available from Henri Bendel and ybskin.con. I recieved the press sample directly from the company.

All photos by me.

When I first saw this cream bronzer/blush from Hourglass Cosmetics the intensity of the colors scared me. A lot. The first swatch can tell you why. It's when you actually blend the colors and apply them the way you're supposed to- either with a wide and fluffy synthetic blush brush or your fingers- and blend them , that you get the right effect and sheer finish. And it's quite nice.

The cream is soft and easy to work with. The colors blend smoothly with each other or any other face product I've been using. The formula is wax free and oil free, so I haven't experienced any skin issues. Used over a good foundation/tinted moisturizer and topped with a finishing powder the color stays put all day, even when I spent time outside in the soupy NYC weather.

Hourglass labeled Illume as a bronzer and highlighter duo, but I suspect that it's only true for the other color option, Bronze Light that is a beige and bronze combination . The one you see here, Sunset, with its warm pink and brown shades is actually a blush-bronzer and should be used as such. I like the way the brown balances out the intensity of the pink, but you can also use them separately if your skin tone allows it.  The colors give a summery sun-kissed look and would probably look most flattering on darker and tanned skin. I use very little and make sure to blend within an inch of the colors lives, but when I'm done the result is a healthy and outdoorsy look.

Bottom Line: Nice, versatile and needs more color options.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo ($40) is available from Barneys, Sephora and hourglasscosmetics.com. I received the press sample directly from the company.

All photos are mine.

It must be summer. Most brands have come up with new and improved bronzers to keep the color in our (well-sunscreened) cheeks. Le Metier de Beaute's latest offering is the multi-tasker Blushing Bronzed Duet. A two-sided and rather large compact that has a blush on one side and a bronzer on the other. They come in two versions, cool and warm, and are oddly named after tragic love stories- Traviata and Romeo & Juliet.

Traviata is the one that has Le Metier de Beaute's gorgeous Echo blush on one side and Sun Kissed bronzer on the other. Thet work well together or alone, and I've been experimenting both with layering them and with swirling the brush over both and using them as a single item that allows you to balance and tailor the color to your exact preference. While the pressed product has a light shimmer, once on skin the effect is more of a subtle sheen or glow, with no obvious shimmer particles.

Romeo & Juliet is the cool version. The blush is a blue-toned pink that looks fresh and natural. I can easily wear it with or without the bronzer, which speaks volumes about the quality of Le Metier de Beaute's pigments. So many of them are universally flattering, plus having such a silky and blendable texture that allows the color to meld with your skin. The intensity can be built up considerably, but I apply both Traviata and Romeo & Juliet with a light hand, blending the colors together just so.

As I said above, the compact is quite large (easy to work with a wide brush) and holds quite a bit of product. This makes the Duet a pretty good deal since the bronzer alone retails for $55 and the blush is priced at $30.

Bottom Line: true love.

Le Metier de Beaute Blushing Bronzed Duet ($65) is available from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.   I received both from the company's PR team.

All photos are mine.

A million apologizes for getting this posted so late - for some reason I thought I had already posted it and then when I was looking back for a pic of the eyeshadow, I realized it was still in the draft box - Bad Me!  It would be a shame to miss out on it too - this is a super cute collection that Elizabeth Arden has put out for spring - sit back and enjoy - unless you've bought everything already in which case, tell me all about it!
Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad - $30 - Limited Edition - Blue Breeze - coordinated hues of blue.
Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad - $30 - Limited Edition - Golden Lilac - with shades ranging from the softest lavender to midnight grey.
Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil - $16 - in Black Violet or Blue Sky - long wearing cream pencil with a soft, powder finish

Pure Finish Mineral Cheekcolor - $28 - in Sun-kissed Rose or Sun-kissed Coral - a microlight mineral cheek colour to give your cheeks a healthy, natural looking glow.  Comes with its own mini angles kabuki brush for perfect application.  Better yet, it's oil, talc and fragrance free!
High Shine Lip Gloss  - $15 - Tropicoral - for a brilliant shine!

Also available is:
Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder - $38 - in Medium - includes a mini folding kabuki brush that fits into compact.
Ceramide Lash Extending Tretment Mascara - $20 - in black or brown
Face Powder Brush with Folding Mini Face Brush - $28

Available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharma Plus, London Drugs and Jean Coutu

Have you checked out the collection and what do you think?

Those of you looking to ditch your pasty white winter look will want to welcome the arrival of Guerlain's bronzing products in stores today:
Terracotta Serum - $62 - Limited Edition
Terracotta Skin - $54 - in 2 shades - blondes & brunettes
Terracotta Jambes de Gazelles - $62
Terracotta Bronzing Powder - $56 - in 8 shades


And while you're at it, check out the new additions to the Abeille Royale line:
Abeille Royale Cream - 50ml - $162 - for normal to dry skin
Abeille Royale Cream - 50ml - $162 - nor normal to combination skin
Abeille Royale Night Cream - 50ml - $190

RoC Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler - 10ml - $49 - formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, it re-plumps the skin immediately and reduces the look of deep wrinkles by up to 40% in just four weeks. Ideal for targeting the appearance of deep wrinkles around the mouth, forehead and eyes.  It's packaged in an syringe-like pump so it's good for getting the product right where you need it if you can get past the somewhat creepy way it looks like a needle.  I tried it out on this annoying wrinkle I have been getting above my lip by sleeping on my stomach and it really does immediately give a filling effect that makes it disappear so I'm hooked!
RoC Complete Lift Lifting Face & Neck Roll-on - 50ml - $49 - clinically proven to provide instant and ongoing visible skin firming and lifting results in the areas most prone to sagging and provides a two mm lift in the look of skin around the jawline.  Improvements in the skin's lifted look can be seen in just two weeks.  I think the best part is the really big roll-on applicator which feels nice and cool on the skin and also makes it easy to apply it quickly!

Maybelline Fit Me Collection - a shade-aligned system of foundation, concealer, powder and blush meant to perfectly harmonize with your skin.  It is specially formulated to allow skin to breathe without clogging pores while providing a fresh, natural face.  The line consists of:
Fit Me Foundation - $10.49 - with a unique translucent base combined with ultra-lightweight refined pigments which allows the foundation to give an excellent replication of your skin's natural shade while providing a natural coverage.  In 18 shades. I'm happy to see it has a decent SPF of 18.
Fit Me Powder - $10.49 - a lightweight, blendable formula with a natural, non cakey finish to apply flawlessly and match every skin tone.  In 18 shades that correspond with the foundation shades.
Fit Me Concealer - $10.49 - conceals imperfections without hiding the skin's natural radiance.  In 6 shades.
Fit Me Blush - $10.49 - with a silky soft texture that blends easily for soft, fade-free natural colour that lasts. In 12 shades.
Fit Me Bronzer - $10.49 - same deal as the blush in 3 shades.
L'Oréal Root Rescue - $9.99 - 10 minutes to a root-less life!  It has 100% grey coverage, low ammonia gel formula, a quick precision applicator and comes in 12 shades: 3 Soft Black, 4 Dark Brown, 4R Dark Auburn, 5 Medium Brown, 5G Medium Golden Brown, 6 Light Brown, 6A Light Ash Brown, 6R Light Auburn, 6.5G Light Golden Brown, 7 Dark Blonde, 8 Medium Blonde and 9 Light Blonde

L'Oréal The Onesweep Eye Shadow - $13.99 - with an applicator that fits your eye shape it's meant to give you perfect application of 3 colours in one easy sweep.  Available in 8 combos:  Natural for blue, brown, green or all eyes and Playful for blue, brown, green and all eyes.
L'Oréal Double Extend Eye Illuminator - $14.99 - a lengthening mascara on one end and an illuminaing topcoat on the other.  Available in 4 colours:  Black Copper for blue eyes, Black Bronze for green eyes, Black Quartz for brown eyes and Black Crystal for all eyes.