There is a host of new product launches at Sephora this week, and I am thrilled to be able to share a comprehensive and swatch-laden overview of everything…from natural and effective lash serum and gorgeously radiant blushes to lush bronzer and 22 shades of foundation (with a dash of style thrown in for good measure), this post is brimming with beauty goodness.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images for the launches in action as well as the Bottom Line…
Power Pair: GrandeLASH and the upcoming GrandeBrow.
Up first is the *GrandeLASH-MD lash serum, available at Sephora as of today. Designed to strengthen the lashes you have while encouraging the growth of potential lashes, this serum offers all of the benefits of an lash enhancement product with none of the harmful side effects. My mom and I have been using this formula for the past month and are impressed by how much longer and fuller our lashes appear.
Just a quick application (I’ve opted for morning and night) is all that is necessary to fortify one’s fringe; it can be worn under mascara and, although I haven’t tried them myself, the brand confirms that *GrandeLASH-MDcan also be used with lash extensions. I can’t wait to continue my three month trial and will report back at the end to detail my final results!
Keep an eye out for the launch of GrandeBrow as well…it has the same level of ingredients efficacy as *GrandeLASH-MDbut with an applicator that maximizes the benefits for restoring one’s brows.
A revolutionary lash enhancing serum that promotes longer, thicker-looking eyelashes.
What it does: This award-winning lash enhancing serum infused with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids to promote naturally longer, thicker-looking lashes in just four to six weeks, with full results in the months. It’s a favorite for helping to enhance short or thinning lashes, and it’s also ideal for restoring the appearance of brittle or damaged lashes.
What else you need to know: This product is dermatologist approved, vegan, cruelty-free, and safe to use with eyelash extensions and can help promote a longer lasting bond life.
Please note: to receive the full treatment, be sure to finish the entire tube (a three-month supply) within a three month time period.
Research results: In a consumer perception study after 12 weeks: – 100% reported GrandeLASH-MD was easy to use – 97% reported more visible lashes – 94% reported healthier looking lashes – 91% reported longer looking lashes
-L-Proline: An amino acid essential to healthy, fortified lashes.
-Hyaluronic Acid: Conditions and protects to prevent breakage and brings hydration to dry, brittle, or damaged lashes. -Botanical Extract Blend: A powerful combination of nutrient and antioxidant rich compounds derived from natural sources (ginseng root, chamomile flowers, and bearberry leaves); strengthens the lash follicle. -Glycosaminoglycans: Locks in moisture and boosts lash resiliency and luster.
While on the subject of the Grande line of products, I wanted to take a moment to share swatches of the *GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper in five nude shades. In my experience. this formula truly increases fullness and volume in the lips upon contact with none of the traditional burning and tingling sensations commonly associated with lip plumping products. Moisturizing and long lasting, the nude shades are creamy, shimmer-free and remarkably opaque for a gloss; additionally, the shine and dimension they impart are simply lovely.
Cashmere Buff: A pale nude beige
Uptown Taupe: A cool toned taupe beige
Toasted Apricot: A warm peach nude (my favorite)
Sunbaked Sedona: A rosy brown
Dusty Taro: A lush berry nude
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Small but mighty.
Next is the launch of the brilliant *Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush. A sublime melange of the *Hourglass Ambient Lighting Strobe Powder (reviewed HERE) and the *Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (reviewed HERE), this radiant hybrid delivers a natural flush and stunning lit-from-within look in a single stroke. Finely-milled with lusciously buildable color payoff, the silky formula is illuminating without appearing glittery and becomes one with the skin upon contact.
I love the delicate hues of the two lighter shades (Incandescent Electra and Brilliant Nude) for an everyday blush and have found that just a touch of the darker shades is all that is necessary two create a deeper, more punctuated rosy effect. I even used the deep pinky rose Iridescent Flash as an eye shadow color (as demonstrated in the images at the end of this post) and was pleased with how crease-free it’s performance was.
All in all, these blushes echo the sentiments of spring and summer; carefree, glowing and indisputably pretty, I will be reaching for all four constantly I the months to come!
A captivating blush that combines the illuminating effects of Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder with modern hues for glowing, lit-from-within color.
What it does: The airy, lightweight blushes fuse the illuminating effects of Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder with an array of vivid cheek colors to step up your flush. While traditional blush tends to be flat, Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush uses Photoluminescent Technology to create depth and dimension with an otherworldly glow. The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique—which means to “blend” in Italian—creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder so that no two look alike. The result is a natural-looking, radiant finish with buildable color.
What it is formulated WITHOUT: – Parabens – Sulfates – Phthalates
What else you need to know: Hourglass’ Photoluminescent Technology features optically transparent particles that alter the appearance of the skin by manipulating and refracting favorable light. Skin then looks smooth, even, and enhanced—not masked. The soft-focus technology helps to minimize the look of wrinkles and imperfections, neutralize discoloration, and emulate the appearance of young, healthy skin.
From L-R: Incandescent Electra, Brilliant Nude, Euphoric Fusion and Iridescent Flash.
Incandescent Electra: A cool peach blush blended with Incandescent Strobe Light for a celestial glow.
Brilliant Nude: A deep amber blush blended with Brilliant Strobe Light for a lustrous glow.
Euphoric Fusion: A soft lilac blush blended with Euphoric Strobe Light for a resplendent glow.
Iridescent Flash: A vivid magenta blush blended with Iridescent Strobe Light for an illuminating glow.
Heavy swatches in direct sunlight.
Heavy swatches in direct sunlight.
The *Hourglass Ambient Bronzer (previously reviewed HERE) is one of the only bronzers in recent history with which I have hit pan. Glowy and pigmented while being entirely forgiving when applying in a rush (which is me, always), this bronzer epitomizes a believable sun kissed radiance. I have long been entranced by the ease of Luminous Bronze Light and am over the moon that Hourglass has introduced two new shades into the range.
The subtle and mostly matte Nude Bronze Light is marvelous for fair and light skin tones that seek to mimic a touch of sun and the intriguingly beautiful Diffused Bronze Light combines streaks of pure brown (no warm tones whatsoever) with pale yellow for an infinitely flattering result that just may rival my adoration for Luminous Bronze Light.
An illuminating bronzer with Photoluminescent Technology, featuring bronze pigments that deliver a natural-looking, sunkissed glow while flaunting depth and dimension.
What it does: Ambient Lighting Bronzer’s sheer, airy formula sweeps softly onto skin for a healthy-looking, radiant finish. It’s formulated with Photoluminescent Technology, featuring optically transparent particles that transform the look of skin by manipulating and refracting light to emphasize your best features. The optically transparent particles allow for seamless blending and color transitions. The powders, blended by hand using an advanced miscelare technique, offer the perfect balance of pigments in a gorgeous pattern. Use this bronzer alone, or paired with Ambient Lighting Powder for maximum control to create depth and dimension—or even use it for a subtle contouring effect.
What else you need to know: “Most bronzers are flat and look unnatural. That’s where the Photoluminescent Technology really lends itself to the Ambient Lighting Bronzer. It’s perfect for creating a natural sunkissed glow. I personally love using Luminous Bronze Light for subtle contouring because it blends seamlessly with the Ambient Lighting Powders and blushes.”—Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder
From L-R: Nude Bronze Light, Diffused Bronze Light, Luminous Bronze Light and Radiant Bronze Light.
Nude Bronze Light: A neutral bronze shade fused with Nude Light, a soft translucent powder, to mimic a subtle warmth. Ideal for light/medium complexions.
Diffused Bronze Light: A cool bronze shade feud with Diffused Light, a soft pale yellow powder, to mimic a ray of warm sunlight. ideal for light/medium complexions.
Luminous Bronze Light: A medium tan shade fused with Luminous Light, a champagne pearl powder, for a softer, candlelit warmth. Ideal for light/medium complexions.
Radiant Bronze Light: A warm bronze shade with Radiant Light, a golden beige powder, to mimic a summer glow. Ideal for medium/deep complexions.
For my fellow foundationphiles, I am happy to report that the *Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation has updated its packaging whilst simultaneously expanding its shade range. In terms of ingredients and performance, this is–hands down–one of the best foundation formulas for oily and sensitive skin (see my past review of the foundation HERE).
The medium to full coverage erases imperfections without looking conspicuous and the lasting power is formidable, even in hot and humid weather. Previously housed in a pump bottle, the formula now comes in a convenient tube (akin to that of the Illusion Tinted Moisturizer), which is indubitably excellent for travel.
What it is: A breakthrough liquid-to-powder foundation formula that absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections, and delivers a long-lasting, velvet-matte finish.
What it does: This innovative foundation helps reduce the appearance of oil, acne scars, and the severity breakouts. It’s formulated with Cashmere Kaolinite Clay, which absorbs 75 percent of its weight in oil without over-drying the skin. The oil-free formula transforms instantly from liquid to powder, creating an all-day finish that camouflages imperfections and never appears dull, flat, or cakey. This foundation’s ultra-fine pigments provide unsurpassed coverage and effectively eliminate the need for powder, blotting, or constant touch-ups throughout the day.
What it is formulated WITHOUT: – Parabens – Sulfates – Phthalates
What else you need to know: “Immaculate was developed for those who want a matte finish without endless touch-ups. In addition to commissioning a consumer study on the foundation, we also surveyed some of our clients about it, and many testified to seeing their skin improve from wearing it. They reported that the appearance of acne scars and breakouts had improved. It’s a lifesaver for women with oily skin.”—Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder
Research results: In a consumer study on 30 women with oily, acne-prone skin after 4 weeks: – 100% reported an improvement in skin’s overall appearance and smoothness – 100% said that the product worked without drying out their skin – 83% reported a decrease in oil production and a reduced need for touch-ups – 80% reported a visible improvement in the appearance of acne scars – 70% reported a visible improvement in the appearance of pore size – 63% reported a reduction in the appearance of breakout severity
// Swatches and Shade Descriptions //
Fair to Light:
Blanc [NEW] – very fair, cool undertone
Vanilla – fair, cool undertone
Pearl – fair, neutral undertone
Porcelain – very light, warm undertone
Buff [NEW] – light, warm undertone
Shell – light, neutral undertone
Bare [NEW] – light, golden undertone
Light Medium to Light Tan:
Natural – light medium, cool undertone
Ivory – light medium, warm undertone
Nude – light medium, neutral undertone
Golden – light medium, golden undertone
Light Beige – light medium beige, neutral undertone
Warm Amber [NEW] – medium beige, warm undertone
Sand – medium, golden undertone
Tan – medium, warm undertone
Medium Tan-Deep:
Beige – medium beige, neutral undertone
Honey – medium beige, golden undertone
Golden Amber [NEW] – medium tan, golden undertone
Warm Beige – medium tan, neutral undertone
Sable – medium deep, neutral undertone
Chestnut – deep, warm undertone
Ebony [NEW] – deep, golden undertone
22 shades…ambitious and inclusive!
The complete look.
// The Complete Look // In the images below, I combined the following products to create a full mid-spring look.
*Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: As a smoothing and perfecting base, this works like a dream with Hourglass foundation formulas and non-Hourglass foundation formulas alike.
*Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation in Golden: This shade is currently my perfect match and I love how even and matte it makes my face while still appearing virtually invisible on the skin. Plus, once set, this does not budge!
*Hourglass Vanish Foundation Sticks in Bisque and Sand (also available at Sephora and all shades swatched + reviewed HERE): I used Bisque under eye eyes as a brightening concealer and used a touch of Sand around the perimeters of my face for a bit of subtle contour.
*Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Diffused Bronze along the hollows of my cheekbones and perimeters of my face for dimension and warmth.
*Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylos in Creator and Influencer (also available at Sephora…all shades swatched and reviewed HERE) for a classic pink and neutral nude result.
Majestic Paris for Neiman Marcus Crewneck: I am loving this cotton/cashmere blend shirt; it’s warm yet breathable and the timeless lines guarantee it will go with everything…for a very long time.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Unique eye mix.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
The images below reflect all products in action in afternoon sunlight…
As promised in an earlier story, I wanted to include a close up of these insanely unique and versatile Jeffrey Campbell Twelve Heels. The clear straps and nude sueded footbed are offset by a glorious lucite heel, making them the spring and summertime shoe to compliment nearly every outfit imaginable. I look forward to wearing these with dresses and jeans alike! For reference, they seem to run true to size; I am generally a true size 7 and the size 7 fits perfectly.
These Hourglass blushes (esp. Iridescent Flash) and bronzers are screaming my name. So pretty! And, that Milk Makeup eye shadow is very intriguing. Not so wowed with the foundation, though!
And, I have no words left to describe how glorious you look.
Comments (2)
These Hourglass blushes (esp. Iridescent Flash) and bronzers are screaming my name. So pretty! And, that Milk Makeup eye shadow is very intriguing. Not so wowed with the foundation, though!
And, I have no words left to describe how glorious you look.
Love those unique heels 🙂
Thank you, thank you, Eesha…you are a doll!!
XOXO
–The Beauty Professor