Tag: beauty blog

Why Prime?

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Why Prime?

If you read my recent post where I shared five tips from my makeup artist, I mention that priming the skin is one of the key tricks to elevating your makeup routine. Prior to having my makeup lesson from Aradia Vive, I thought that primer was an unnecessary step and just another product that was being pushed on me.

Once I started using primer, I immediately noticed a difference in how my foundation looked on my skin and how long my makeup lasted. And so did others. Once I started using primer, instead of looking completely washed out by the end of a long work day, my makeup was actually still on.

There are a wide variety of primers on the market…gel, cream and powder based. The most important thing is to find one that you like and works with your foundation. It will help smooth out problem areas, fill in wrinkles and even add another layer of SPF. The ones featured are three different primers I use. Be sure to buff them into your face with a brush…I like the Sigma Kabuki F80 Brush, which is also the brush I use for applying my foundation.

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Lightweight

If you are sensitive to how formulas feel on your face, then this Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is an excellent option for you. This weightless, silky formula looks beautiful under all foundations and even tinted moisturizers. It corrects redness, fills in smooth lines and contains SPF 15 for added protection. Available at www.netaporter.com.

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Medium

I like to use this Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer when I am meeting friends for drinks or for date night with my husband. There is something very flattering with the natural finish it creates on the skin. There are a variety of options in this primer-color correcting, radiance and a version that contains SPF. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Thicker
The POREfessional face primer from Benefit Cosmetics is a beauty cult classic. This primer is much thicker than the others and has a consistency that is more like a balm. While it may have a thicker feel, it is extremely effective…it definitely helps my makeup last all day. As advertised, it truly minimizes pores and gives your skin a smooth appearance. It can also be applied on top of your make up (dabbed on in specific spots) if you need to further reduce pores. I use this for long days at the office or when I am traveling so I can maintain my foundation as long as possible. Available at www.ulta.com.

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Eyeshadow Primer
I apply this NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base while my face primer is drying. This keeps my eyeshadow looking as fresh at the end of the day as it does at the beginning. You only need to use a tiny amount for application…for reference, one of the tubes lasts me approximately six months. Available at www.sephora.com.

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If you have not tried priming before, give it a try, your makeup will definitely look better!

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Bisous,

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Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 23.2017
Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

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Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

We have all met those people with whom you have an instant connection and hope you will spend more time in the years to come. I had that experience when I met my wedding makeup artist, Aradia Vive. Long before Style & Life was even a thought, I had hoped our paths would cross along the years. Five years later, we are spending Saturday mornings together as she does my makeup for my photoshoots.

One of the best gifts I have received is from one of my friends…I threw her a bridal shower and as a thank you, she gave me a makeup lesson with Aradia. It was an incredible experience as we were able to learn about her recommended products, tips and techniques on how we should be applying our makeup. Although, there is no comparison between Aradia doing my makeup and doing it myself…I can create a smokey eye, contour and create other gorgeous looks. If you are in the Miami area, I highly recommend this experience as a gift for yourself of someone special as you will learn techniques that you can use forever.

For those who do not live in the Miami area, I am sharing five key tips that I have learned in my time working with Aradia. These are the foundation of elevating your makeup routine.

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Start with Skin

For your makeup to go on beautifully, you need to start with a great canvas. Keep yourself hydrated, exfoliate and moisturize before you being applying makeup.

Prime

I never believed the hype around primers but Aradia convinced me to try them…and now, my makeup lasts considerably longer and looks much smoother. Primer creates a smooth surface, reduces shine and minimizes pores. Stay tuned…I am working on a post that features my favorite primers.

Contour

Contouring is about highlighting your best features and creating shape and definition. When done correctly, it should be subtle and hardly noticeable. Use professional brushes and invest in a Beauty Blender to contour properly.

Clean Your Tools

During our makeup lesson, Aradia asked me to get my foundation brush…she must have been horrified as I had not cleaned it in a few weeks! Tools become dirty and if you do not clean them, you are putting bacteria directly onto your face. It only takes a minute or two to clean your brushes after application so take the time and clean them immediately!

Finishing Spray

If you are going to take the time and put the effort in…be sure your work will last and finish with Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray. Your makeup will stay fresh all day. Available at www.skindinavia.com.

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To schedule a makeup less or learn more visit www.bridalmakeovers.com.

Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 24.2017
Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

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Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

There is nothing like a healthy glow to make you feel vibrant and fresh for the summer season. In order to prevent sun damage, I like to use bronzers and self tanners since both can create natural looking color. For the best results, be sure to select a shade or two darker than your skin tone. I hope you stay sun kissed this summer…here are the current bronzers I am using.

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer

I love all things from Hourglass cosmetics…just like the blush featured in our Spring 17 Beauty Report, this bronzer is formulated with Photoluminescent Technology, featuring optically transparent particles that transform the look of skin and emphasize your best features. There are four gorgeous shades in this bronzer. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Eve Lom Golden Radiance Bronzing Powder
This Even Lom bronzer is ideal to keep in your handbag for mid-day touchups or your travel bag due to the convenient brush applicator. Formulated with their BerryFlux Vita™, the powder stimulates the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Available in two pretty shades at www.neimanmarcus.com

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Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
If powdered bronzers are not for you, then you may want to try the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick. This stick is creamy and lightweight and comes in 30 shades. Apply with a foundation brush and then buff with a beauty blender to achieve your desired shade. Available at www.sephora.com.

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NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer
An excellent everyday choice, this NARS bronzer creates a matte finish with a soft glow. It has a natural appearance and enhances your natural skin tone. It contains light diffusing properties that blur the skins imperfections. Available in 4 different colors at www.saks.com.

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Sephora Collection Bronzer Powder
This bronzer creates a radiant complexion with its matte or shimmer finishes. The powder goes on smoothly and is easy to blend to create a natural look. Available in 5 finishes at www.sephora.com.

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These should help you get a beautiful summer glow!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 30.2017
Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

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Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

Once or twice (if I can squeeze it in) a week, I like to take an evening to pamper myself. I make some tea (see my Tea Traditions post) a bath, exfoliate and do a series of facial masks. Life is busy and these moments of self care are essential to feeling my best. I like to try different masks and products. Right now, this is my current facial mask routine and after I complete it, my skin looks and feels amazing.

To start, I use the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to clear my pores. This mask gives a tight pulling sensation while it is drying on your face that I love. It cleans out dirt, debris and toxins and leaves your face clean and pores smaller. Available at www.sephora.com.

The second mask I use is the Soveral Volcano Ash mask. I use Soveral products for most of my daily skin care routine. This purifying mask detoxifies, nourishes and plumps the skin. It contains palmarosa which helps regulate sebum production and peppermint which heals and smooths. Upon the initial application, this mask seriously tingles but once you have it on for 2-3 minutes, the tingling stops. Available at www.alexandrasoveral.co.uk.

The third facial mask that I am using is the Biodara Coconut Matcha Brightening Mask. This mask nourishes and increases elasticity and skin radiance. It is a powder that you mix with water to create a mousse and then apply to your face. Available at www.biodara.com.

Next in the lineup is the Eve by Eves by Hyluronic Express Brush Mask. This mask contains seaweed, algae, hyluronic acid, jasmine and rose oils. After the cleansing masks, this one is light, moisturizing and leaves your skin incredibly smooth. The brush applicator is a fun bonus. Available at www.evestemptation.com.

The final step is a major dose of hydration…I either use one of the sheet masks covered in our Sheet Mask Review post or I use this Aveda Intense Hydrating Masque. The texture is a tad sticky but if you sleep in this mask…your face will be well hydrated when you wash it off in the morning. Available at www.aveda.com

Take some time for yourself and treat your skin to an evening of pampering. What masks do you use? I would love to hear your favorite masks in the comments below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 10.2017
Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

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Super Hydration: Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

I received this set of Lano skincare products when I recently renewed my Porter magazine subscription, which was so much more fun than an inexpensive bag or other item that goes unused. I was especially excited to try these new products because there were multiple items and they were a healthy size which would give multiple applications, so I could get a real sense of how the product worked.

I am always trying to maintain as much moisture in my skin for the anti-aging benefits. Living in Florida, the tropical climate is a major benefit…it plumps your skin up nicely and allows you to retain a more hydration than other climates. So, while I may not need as much moisture as some, I am always looking for moisture rich solutions. My everyday skin care regimen includes a generous lathering of coconut oil after showering. However, I recently went through a spell of traveling to New York and returned with my skin needing more than the usual hydration, which gave me the perfect opportunity to try these Lano products.

The key ingredient in these lano products is lanolin, a lipid that mimics human skin lipids. It is found in the wool of sheep that keeps their coat protected and dry throughout the year. Lanolin is 100% natural and cruelty free.

I tried the Everywhere Multi Cream which is richer than a traditional body lotion but not too heavy. Also included in the set of samples was the Golden Dry Skin Salve. If you are in need of major moisture-give this a try. The application of this product is a little on the sticky side, because the formula includes manuka honey but the results were spectacular. My skin resumed its normal state of hydration after a few days of using this. The formula also includes a quadruple dose of of their Natural Lanolin moisturizer and viaamin E. Their hand cream worked well and I still have their lip ointment in my travel bag to stay hydrated during plane rides.

Give these a shot if your skin needs a boost of hydration! Available at www.ulta.com or www.netaporter.com.

Bisous.

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 18.2017
Oval Makeup Brush Review

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Oval Makeup Brush Review

I started seeing these oval makeup brushes all over Instagram and Pinterest awhile back. Like most new beauty products I see, these immediately peaked my curiosity. I added them to my Amazon shopping cart as a reminder to go back and research them at some point. I forgot they were in my cart one day and purchased them without realizing it. One day they just showed up. I was going to look at other brands and read more about them before purchasing but since these were inexpensive, I decided to try them and figured if I liked them, I could invest in a different set later.

These oval makeup brushes are incredibly soft…it feels a little relaxing when you are applying them. They are supposed to be more precise for applying powder based products like blush, eyeshadow and highlighter…so start with a small amount and build as needed. I found they were easy to use and the application looked good.

In conclusion, I have decided these are a nice addition to my existing makeup brushes, not a replacement. Outside of the eyeshadow brushes, I still like using my other brushes for application and using these to smooth, blend and finish. They really help keep your entire look natural and polished.

Hope this gives you a little insight into these makeup brushes!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 30.2017

Tag: beauty blog

Why Prime?

Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

Oval Makeup Brush Review