February was a time for finding some new goodies!! I felt like I needed something a little different in my makeup routine...nothing drastic, but different enough to get me excited :-)
It started with the Laura Mercier Lip Shine in Naked Apricot ($22) at Nordstrom. I was excited to finally get this. I had seen it online and swatched in some reviews and it looked so pretty and delicate.
It comes in a solid glass container and feels pretty hefty for such a small thing. It's a nice touch though...kinda helps it feel like something special you are putting on your lips rather than any ol' lip balm! While the color is somewhat sheer, after several applications throughout the day you notice that it starts to stain your lips. I don't particularly care for this feature because you lose the sheerness/nakedness I love when first applying it in the morning. I have one of her Lip Glace' s and notice it does the same thing. Sooooo...I only end up wearing either product for about half the day and switch to something else.
The Lip Shine isn't too sticky, and is the prettiest coraly/peachy/baby pinky color with faint specks of shimmer - not overwhelming but just enough to give a healthy sheen. BUT!!! This little mama has no staying power. I'll definitely use this up, but don't think I'll repurchase.
Here are some pics - this is my first time doing swatches, so please patient as I learn the ropes!
Window light, no flash.
Window light, with flash. You can see the shimmer a little better.
Window light, with flash, top view. Another angle to see the shimmer better.
Window light swatches, no flash (for some reason flash pics were washed out and the colors didn't show up at all so not posting those). Bottom is one coat semi-sheered out, top is 2 coats. And it's cold...please don't mind the chicken skin. Ha!
Outside 3pm afternoon light, no flash.
Outside 3pm afternoon light swatches, no flash. Bottom is one coat semi-sheered out, top is 2 coats.
Onto haul photos!!
Here was the biggest haul from Nordstrom and Sephora, L-R:
* Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in 2.5 Warm Sand
* Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15 in 2.5 Warm Sand
* Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder
* Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens
* Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser
* Sephora Collection Pro Natural Rounded Powder Brush #41
* Deluxe sample from Sephora of Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Raspberry
* Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Peach Beige 13
* The Body Shop DeoDry Dry Effect Deodorant Fresh and Floral Stick
I was most excited about the Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder. It looked so PRETTY PRETTY in the compact!! The Associate brushed it on after the foundation and it seemed nice enough - glowy but not overdone - and I bought it without a second thought. I think I was just overwhelmed by the marketing and packaging. I mean...c'mon...how can you not love a dainty, silver little compact that comes in it's own dust bag :-) Oh, boy!
Then came the sparkles. Glitter. Seriously, I tried this twice and from afar it looks fantastic but up close I could see actual glitter! In all fairness the glitter and sparkles are very small, but I noticed them and that's what counts. Shimmer I can do, but I feel like I'm too old for sparkle. Disappointed, I promptly exchanged this.
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick and Skin Foundation SPF15, both in 2.5 Warm Sand. First impressions since I've only used these a few times so far...absolutely love the finish of the Skin Foundation - it really does look like my skin but better. The coverage is more sheer, but slightly buildable. I'd say it's more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but not quite medium coverage. Staying power seems alright, but I have yet to do a 12 hr day in it.
Now the Foundation Stick I am already in love with!! Holy cow!! Some reviews said this was difficult to blend, but I find it's just creamy enough to sheer out as much as I want with the warmth of my fingers. It definitely covers my cheek discoloration. I'd say this is medium to full coverage with a natural but not matte finish. It also covers blemishes well. LOVE LOVE LOVE that it is so portable :-)
Will post a more in-depth review and swatches when I've worn both foundations longer and get a better feel for them.
I was very happy with the ARCONA Berry Fruit Bar. It is gentle and almost calming, yet removes most of my makeup (I do use a makeup remover wipe as a pre cleanse, or tissue off as much makeup as I can prior to). My skin seemed to love it so much that it reacted whenever I deigned to try anything else. Most of the time I didn't mind using a bar, but as time went on it became a pain in the butt! Ugh! Plus it didn't quite cut through the oilies, and more often than not I would have to cleanse twice with it.
I was determined to find something else that would be easier to use and could cut through the oilies. Finally settled on the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser. So far so good, and is just what I was hoping for. It's only been a couple of weeks, so will update later.
This was my second haul from Nordstrom: Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre in Translucent 2, Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Steel 22, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow in Heather Mauve 23, Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink 9. Outside of the Associate making up my face, I've only used the eyeshadows once. Fantastic, soft color that's different enough from my usual shimmery browns and taupes. I've used the Pale Pink Blush twice...I don't like it. Just doesn't work with my undertones, and ends up looking like a muddy, ugly, maroon color. Disappointed with the blush because I've wanted it forever, but very much looking forward to playing with the eyeshadows!!
And the Chanel Loose Powder - O.M.G. Swoon. LOVE. Swoon. The most amazing finish and it feels sooooo good on. Even better than the Laura Mercier Loose Powder. Thanks for this one, Maggie!! LOL!
Yay for hauling!!