Archive for March, 2011

I never go out into the Los Angeles sun without wearing a moisturizer with SPF in it, plus I’m usually wearing foundation as well.  But every once in a while, I like to give my skin a break and let it go au naturale.  (This mostly happens on the weekends, when I’m just running errands around town or doing laundry).  I still want my skin to have some protection on those days though, so lately I’ve been using Philosophy’s new Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer.

It’s a really light, sheer liquid that has an SPF 20 in it, so it doesn’t leave my face open for a sunburn, but it feels a lot like a moisturizer in its consistency, so it doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry.  The coverage is about what you’d expect from a tinted moisturizer – it doesn’t cover big imperfections, but it does even out my skin tone and make it look better than it does when I’m not wearing anything at all.  It’s a nice change when you want to just let your skin breathe.  (And I like its pump dispenser – it’s a lot more hygienic and easier to use than a lot of my other tinted moisturizers, plus it allows you to easily control how much product you’re using so you don’t waste any).  Definitely a multi-tasker worth checking out!

Benefit’s BADgal liner has been a cult favorite for a long time now, so it was only a matter of time until they expanded the shades.  And finally, it has happened.  Starting in April, the BADgal liner waterproof will also be available in Charcoal and Espresso.  (Somewhere, there are choirs singing!)  These liners are fantastic – the color payoff is excellent, they stay put forever (when they say waterproof, they mean WATERPROOF) and they have a spongy tip at the other end so you can blend the pencil as much as you’d like.  This means that you can get all sorts of different looks out of the pencils, from daytime natural to nighttime sultry.

They’re just an all around great product and should be a staple in your makeup bag (especially considering you can now get them in three different shades).  Start lining up now!

I’ve been playing around with a lot of different spring collections lately and one of the main things that jumped out at me is how many different shimmer products are in them.  (And as someone who loves to play around with shimmer, this absolutely delights me).  Tarte’s new spring collection has a number of fun new products in it, but right now I’m all about the Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powders.

They’re available in two different shades – Rose (a peachy pink sheen) and Champagne (a golden champagne sheen).  They come in these quilted compacts that color coordinate to the powders inside – totally adorable!  The powders themselves are shimmery without being sparkly (if that makes any sense).  They don’t have have chunks of glitter in them or anything – it’s more sort of a finely milled shimmer, like a sophisticated shimmer as opposed to a Studio 54 shimmer.  I’ve been using them as a highlighter on my cheekbones, but you can really use them wherever you want.  (I’ll bet it would be really pretty on shoulders or décolletage).  Now that I’ve been playing around with all these shades, I can’t wait for spring to finally get here!

I’ve been testing out a few of LORAC’s new eye products for spring and if you’re looking for some new eyeliners to play around with, I highly suggest you take a look at the new 3-in-1 Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils.  The pencils are available in three different shades – Black, Chocolate, and Eggplant – and they’re great new additions to my shade wardrobe.  (Yes, I have an eyeliner wardrobe.  I know it’s kinda crazy, but I can’t help it).  I like the shades a lot – they’re long lasting and waterproof, so they almost always make it through a whole day before wearing off, plus they’re not crazy expensive at $18 apiece.  They do tug a little when I apply them though, so just be careful of that when you’re using them.  (I suggest letting the tip wear down a little so it’s not as pointy when you’re applying it).  What I like most about them is the packaging though.  The pencils come with a smudger on the other end, which makes me so, so happy because I am the worst at putting on eyeliner and always need for it to be smudged into a less harsh line.  Plus, when you pull out the smudger, there’s a sharpener inside so you don’t have to worry about the pencil being dull or the tip wearing down if you’re putting on makeup somewhere other than at home.  Convenience in my makeup goes far with me and these liners definitely have it.

I’ve also been playing around with the new Multiplex 3D Eye Shadow Palette and that’s another must have for fall.  It contains 6 eye shadows, all of which are infused with what LORAC calls a “luminous, holographic luster.”  The first thing that I noticed when I tried these is how velvety soft and smooth all these shadows are.  They’re also very pigmented, so definitely worth the money (they won’t disappear on you after only an hour or two of wear).  The shades are all really interesting too – I have a ton of shadows and none of these are easily duped, which always makes the purchase worth it to me.  There’s a really pretty black glittery shade that’s great for a nighttime look, especially when paired with the silver pearly shade.  The most unique shade in the palette to me though is the reddish-brown with green pearl.  It looks different depending on how the light hits it and it’s easily wearable during the day or night.  So perfect for spring!

Shanghai, I noticed, is a city that is somewhat obsessed with grandeur. Walk into any restaurant or hotel and chances are, you’ll almost feel as if you’ve walked into a banquet hall.  Red and gold are liberally used in architecture and decor throughout the city- and it’s impossible not to notice the range of bright colorful lights that constantly illuminate the urban skyline.  So in this city that can often be flashy, the understated and elegant PuLi Hotel is all the more a welcome respite for discerning travelers.  Branded as an “urban resort,” the PuLi strives to be a different type of experience for the Shanghai visitor: the soothing ambiance, round the clock butler service, Zen aura, and focus on wellness makes this as close as you can get to a retreat in the middle of the bustling city.  It’s one of the newest and most acclaimed luxury properties in Shanghai- so I made a point to check in- and check out the PuLi last month. (more…)