It’s wild to think that we are more than half way through the month of July, no? Despite the heat and humidity I, for one, would like summer to slow down and take its time! Today, I am excited to share my thoughts on (and of course, swatches of) a couple key new beauty launches, culminating in a marigold-tinged California look that resonates with a languid, sun-drenched summertime afternoon.
// HAIR + SKIN // Hydrated, illuminated skin and smooth hair never go out of style.
*La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion(reviewed HERE): This potent skincare serum works below the surface to visibly brighten and smooth the skin for a younger looking canvas over time. I love how well it functions with the subsequent layers that I put on my face!
*Le Metier de Beaute Longevity Creme(reviewed HERE): As mentioned in previous posts, I am on my second jar of this anti-aging cream; it has all but resurfaced my skin, making my complexion healthier and more translucent looking with every application. It also hydrates, thereby standing in as my daily moisturizer.
TATCHA Dewy Skin Mist(reviewed HERE): A spritz on my skin primes my face for the makeup to come and also can be used throughout the day to deliver a covet-worthy glow.
Over the past couple of weeks, many of you have reached out and asked me if I’d be reviewing the *Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation. Even though it launched last week, I wanted to make sure that I had devoted proper time to testing and I also had to determine my best match in the formula.
I am happy to report that this matte, long-lasting foundation is a perfect addition to your summertime foundation wardrobe; extreme heat and humidity appear to be no threat for this full coverage formula! The foundation smooths over skin, and despite it’s significant coverage, feels remarkably lightweight and breathable. Additionally, the shade range is such that every skin tone–from the fairest alabaster to richest chestnut–should find its best match.
I originally thought my match would be Golden but, upon trial, discovered it to be too warm for my medium yellow olive skin. That being said, Dusk, proved to be the best fit for summer and I imagine I will embrace Honey in the cooler months when my inevitable tan (despite wearing sunscreen and a hat, I assure you!) disappears.
The formula is fragrance-free and buildable and, although I prefer to use a Beauty Blender, it can be applied adeptly with finger tips should one desire. Because it has such formidable lasting power, I suggest blending quickly (within 20 seconds of application) to get the most seamless finish.
All in all, this is an excellent base option for those seeking a natural matte finish and full coverage that will successfully withstand long hours and intense weather!
A 15-hour, long-wearing, oil-free, and transfer-resistant liquid foundation with a matte finish and weightless, medium-to-full coverage.
What it does:
Get lasting wear and all the coverage, without the weight. This oil-free foundation is formulated with Skin Fusion Technology to seal it into place for 15 hours of high performance, comfortable wear that’s transfer-, sweat-, humidity-, and water-resistant. Coated pigments glide on to create buildable, medium-to-full color that beautifully evens out your skintone with color that stays true and wears evenly. The matte finish is never dull, flat, or cakey, and it minimizes imperfections while silky fine powders help control oil immediately and throughout the day. Weightless texture looks, fits and feels like a second skin. It’s ideal for all skin types, especially normal to oily, and it’s available in a wide array of shades.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
What else you need to know:
This product is oil-free, free of fragrance, noncomedogenic, and dermatologist-tested. It is transfer-, sweat-, humidity-, and water resistant.
Research results:
After 4 weeks of consumer testing on 32 women:
– 100% said it feels weightless
– 100% said it feels comfortable on skin
– 100% said it feels breathable on skin
– 100% said it provides medium-to-full coverage
– 97% said it’s ultra-longwearing
– 97% said color does not oxidize
Face + Cheeks.
// FACE + CHEEKS // A subtle contour and radiant pink cheek to align with the effortlessness of summertime.
*Rouge Bunny Rouge Shadow Play Contouring Liquid: This brand new release has a genius sponge tip applicator to sweep the sheer (it’s swatched heavily below) true brown contour fluid along the face and blend with ease. It a contour-phobic’s dream contour!
*Bobbi Brown Instant Full Coverage Concealer in Natural: Intense coverage in seconds, this concealer masterfully hides imperfections while still allowing skin to look fresh, healthy and crease-free. I applied a bit along my lower eye region to brighten everything up.
*Chantecaille Cheek Gelee Cream Blush in Happy (reviewed HERE): Just a drop, blended out on the apples of my cheeks creates a subtle yet flattering flush…still one of my favorites after a few years.
*Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Sunrise Glow: Applied with my *Surratt Artistique Highlight Brush, this incandescent illuminator a finely-milled and beautifully glowing pink champagne hue. I swept it along the high points of my face (e.g., upper cheek bones, brow bones and down the bridge of the nose) for a lit-from-within look.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
A brilliant cheek quartet.
Eyes and lips.
// EYES + LIPS // Rosy pink bronze tones are set off by jet black accents and a peachy pink pout.
A few months ago, I wrote about the Dior Attract Eyeshadow palette (HERE); it wasn’t readily available at that point but I am happy to report that it now is in stock (albeit limited edition) at Bloomingdales! This gorgeous pentad of neutrals and pink hues harmoniously blends on the eye for a rose gold finish that is easy and alluring. I mixed all five shades in the look at the end of this story
*Orlane Shining Lip Gloss in #6 Nude Mat: This cushiony, milky gloss is an exquisite peachy beige tone, offering plenty of shine and a touch of color that looks incredible over my seemingly endless collection of nude lipstick.
*Hourglass Confession Lip Color in I Have Never (also available at Sephora, Hourglass and Liberty London): Read on for a full review as well as swatches of every shade of this new release, but one look at the full coverage, peachy pink I Have Never and I knew I would be an instant devotee. This formula is moisturizing and boasts significant lasting power and the gold refillable case is form and function exemplified.
// SPEAKING of LIPS // A gilded and sleek work of art with interchangeable bullets for lips that tell a story in every shade.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the launch party for the *Hourglass Confession Lip Color (also available at Sephora, Hourglass and Liberty London). This revolutionary lipstick features a pointillist, refillable golden base and and a vast range of thirty shade options possessing a color-saturated, velvety cream finish that is equal parts hydrating and long lasting. The lipstick holder is unmitigated chicness and the fact that the hues can be switched out in mere seconds makes this release a utilitarian masterpiece.
Consequently, I am excited to share swatches of every shade in natural sunlight…continue scrolling for all of the details!
What it is: An ultra-slim refillable lipstick that delivers saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish. Who it’s for: All skin types. What it does: The full-coverage lipstick won’t smudge or feather, and comes encapsulated in a sleek gold applicator to provide the ultimate control to precisely accentuate, contour and define the lips. The gold applicator can be used interchangeably with the full collection Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick refills (sold separately). How to use: Turn the mechanism to dispense the product. Twist the product down before recapping and click the lid tightly to ensure closure. It does not require sharpening. To refill, remove the gold applicator cap and pull the existing lipstick barrel out from the pointed end of the gold applicator. If the lipstick is still usable, the lipstick barrel can be set aside for future use. Take your new shade and remove the black cap, then firmly pull the lipstick barrel out from the black base. Store the cap and base for future use, or attach them to the lipstick you just removed if it’s still usable. Holding the pointed end of the sleek gold applicator, insert your new shade of lipstick into the opening until it clicks into place. Secure the gold applicator cap after each use.
Pro tips: The refills are meant to be collected and used interchangeably with the gold applicator.
The following images reflect all products in action in the California sun…
Style notes.
// STYLE NOTES // If given a choice, you’ll find me in a tee shirt and jeans.
Frame Cotton Tee in Marigold: Moodlifting and classic, this tee features detailed construction and an embroidered “Los Angeles”
Frame Le Nouveau Jeans: With a higher waist, clean fit and split seam, these jeans are effortless and clever; they were a part of my original Nordstrom early access order and I found that the size 24 (I am generally between a 24 and 25 in Frame) fit perfectly.
Adidas Stan Smith Bold Platform Sneaker: I wore my original Stan Smiths to death and was delighted to find a 1-inch platform version as a replacement; the slight height these comfortable tennis shoes afford is lovely and the comfort level and timeless appeal cannot be beat.
// Nordstrom Beauty Suggestions // Significant savings at every price point, here are some items that are still on my to-buy list, coupled with products I already own, use and love:
Beauty Bioscience GloPRO Microneedling Set: I’ve been intrigued by the purported efficacy of micro-needling as of late and this is the perfect way to get started with increased collagen production and glowier skin.
Love this! I just ordered the Laura Mercier Foundation last night. I enjoy your blogs so much! Best Beauty Blogger on the internet! Love you Rachel! xoxoxo
Hi! How would you compare the le metier longevity cream to the Sisley black rose cream from your Paris post? Do you recommend one over the other or are they geared towards different skin types? I was also wondering if one is more active than the other or is best for oily or sry skin….thank you so much!
Comments (2)
Love this! I just ordered the Laura Mercier Foundation last night. I enjoy your blogs so much! Best Beauty Blogger on the internet! Love you Rachel! xoxoxo
Hi! How would you compare the le metier longevity cream to the Sisley black rose cream from your Paris post? Do you recommend one over the other or are they geared towards different skin types? I was also wondering if one is more active than the other or is best for oily or sry skin….thank you so much!