A longtime reader asked me to swatch Burberry Eye Colour Wet & Dry Silk Shadow in Midnight Brown, Burberry Eye Colour Wet & Dry Silk Shadow in Pale Barley and Burberry Eye Colour Wet & Dry Glow Shadow in Nude No. 002 side by side to help her determine which of the three to buy. She also asked me which one I would buy, if I could only select one. I own Midnight Brown and Pale Barley in the original formula, but I do not own Nude No. 002– and for this reason alone I would select Nude No. 002. That said, Nude No. 002 differs from Midnight Brown and Pale Barley because it is from Burberry's Glow Shadow formula, whereas the other two are from the Silk Shadow formula. I personally am very drawn to Nude No. 002 because I think it is a perfect shade of taupe with a stunning luminosity and sheen. If I had to pick one, it would be Nude No. 002, but make no mistake about it– Midnight Brown and Pale Barley are gorgeous staples in my eye shadow wardrobe.
A highly blendable, silky-smooth powder eye shadow that creates a high-color intensity. This super-soft, weightless formula features intense color pay-off and a silky-smooth finish. Delivering a 'second skin' feeling across the eyes, the formula is ultra-comfortable to wear. Its next generation powder technology creates multiple results, allowing you to apply dry for a more natural, buildable look, or wet for intense color effects and precise lines. Wear alone or mix and match with Eye Colour Wet & Dry Glow Shadow.
A highly blendable, silky-smooth powder eye shadow that creates a high-color intensity. This super-soft, weightless formula features intense color pay-off and a silky-smooth finish. Delivering a 'second skin' feeling across the eyes, the formula is ultra-comfortable to wear. Its next generation powder technology creates multiple results, allowing you to apply dry for a more natural, buildable look, or wet for intense color effects and precise lines. Wear alone or mix and match with Eye Colour Wet & Dry Glow Shadow.
A highly blendable powder eye shadow that gives an effortless wash of luminous, highlighting color. This lightweight, talc-free powder shadow blends highly pigmented color with light-reflecting particles. The smooth texture gently glides onto the lid for an even application and delivers an effortless wash of luminous, highlighting color. The versatile formula gives multiple results: apply it with a dry brush for an even wash of color or wet for vibrant intensity. Wear alone or mix and match with Eye Colour Wet & Dry Silk Shadow.
Overall Assessment: You just can't go wrong with Burberry Shadows, and these are three classic shades.
If you haven't yet checked out my mega-post outlining precisely what's available for the amazing Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, then check it out HERE. There are so many amazing deals to behold, and here is what is available today:
If you haven't yet checked out my mega-post outlining precisely what's available for the amazing Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, then check it out HERE. There are so many amazing deals to behold, and here is what is available today:
Visit a Space NK boutique this Spring to meet with renowned New York Dermatologist, Dr. David Colbert, and learn about his latest addition to Colbert MD Skincare: the Illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask. Schedule a one-on-one appointment for a personal consultation as well as enjoy a Triad Mini-Facial with Colbert MD products. Location and timing details are outlined below:
Thursday, March 31st:
Location: Space NK Flagship – 31 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Time: 4:30 – 7:30pm
Saturday, April 9th:
Location: Space NK at Bloomingdale’s Soho – 504 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Time: 2:00 – 5:00pm
About Dr. Colbert:
David Colbert MD is one of the country’s most sought after dermatologists, with a distinguished medical background in both dermatology and internal medicine. Founder and head physician of the esteemed New York Dermatology Group and Creator of Colbert MD, Dr. Colbert is also a philanthropist and author.
New York Dermatology Group: A Manhattan practice with state-of-the-art medical disciplines and a prestigious roster of dermatologists.
Colbert MD: Complete “nutrition” needed for healthy, youthful, radiant skin. This extraordinary, effective skincare system features patented Qusome™ technology to help active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.
If you haven't yet checked out my mega-post outlining precisely what's available for the amazing Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, then check it out HERE. There are so many amazing deals to behold, and here is what is available today:
LORAC has really been impressing me with their recent launches, and their new Sheer POREfection Foundation absolutely lives up to my expectations. The formula is first-rate, and the price is affordable– making this a great choice for anyone seeking a new foundation for the Spring.
LORAC Sheer POREfection Foundation is the newest member of the POREfection complexion range, and it boasts an antioxidant-rich, anti-aging formula that is oil, paraben and fragrance-free. The consistency is ultra-lightweight and it offers truly buildable coverage without looking or feeling cakey or unnatural. I prefer sheer to light coverage foundations, which this effortlessly provides, but it effortlessly builds to a medium to full coverage as well.
Whether sheered-out or built-up, LORAC Sheer POREfection Foundation offers a poreless-looking natural, radiant finish. Formulated for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, this is a viable choice for anyone seeking a lightweight, buildable foundation that creates the appearance of a perfected complexion.
Tip: It occurred to me there are a lot of people who tend to steer away from oil-free foundation formulas, and therefore I experimented to see whether adding a drop of high quality face oil or serum would appreciably alter the finish of Sheer POREfection Foundation. I noted that the finish was neither compromised, nor diminished in any way, and that it simply intensified the luminosity.
According to LORAC,
This oil, paraben and fragrance free makeup is infused with anti-aging antioxidants of Vitamins A & E, Olive Leaf Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract and Papaya Fruit Extract to help soothe, nourish and rejuvenate. The lightweight formula helps keep skin healthy, youthful and radiant with a clean, better-than-natural, no-makeup look and feel. Get a poreless-looking, silky-smooth finish and achieve complexion POREfection® with LORAC.
Directions: Pump out foundation and apply using a sponge, brush or fingertips. Sheer POREfection can be layered for medium coverage. Shake well before use.
Left to Right: PS1, PS2 and PS3
Available Shades:
PS1 – Fair/Beige Undertone
PS2 – Light/Yellow Undertone
PS3 – Light/Beige Undertone
PS4 – Golden Light/Yellow Undertone
PS5 – Medium/Beige Undertone
PS6 – Medium Tan/Yellow Undertone
PS7 – Golden Tan/Yellow Undertone
PS8 – Tan/ Yellow Undertone
Left to Right: PS1, PS2 and PS3
PS1 is a perfect match for my cool-toned skin. It is a cool, slightly pink shade that is a great match for cool, pale skin. During the summer PS1 will prove to be too pale for me, but I will simply blend it with a couple of drops of P3 for the perfect shade once my skin darkens. PS2 is a warmer yellow-based shade, and PS3 is a light-medium shade that is neutral.
Overall Assessment: Given that I have an overwhelmingly large collection of foundations, it is a testament to my love of this formula that I have been wearing LORAC Sheer POREfection Foundation PS1 every single day since having received it. I really love that my skin looks perfected without looking in the least bit artificial.
If you haven't yet checked out my mega-post outlining precisely what's available for the amazing Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, then check it out HERE. There are so many amazing deals to behold, and here is what is available today:
Remote private islands where summer lasts all year and one day seamlessly blends into the next inspire the TOM FORD Soleil Collection, a sensuous series of bronzers, highlighters, and skin care designed to illuminate summer.
Never Say Die Beauty: Allison from Never Say Die Beauty finally can do a neat mani now that she's using Liquid Palisade Liquid Nail Tape. Check out her results!
If you haven't yet checked out my mega-post outlining precisely what's available for the amazing Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, then check it out HERE. There are so many amazing deals to behold, and here is what is available today:
The Spring really is a season for renewal, and it is the perfect time to switch skincare and makeup for lighter weight products and brighter colors. This is also the perfect time for a full reboot of what you have in your shower– from your shower head to all of the hair, skin and body products. In the spirit of fully embracing the season, I changed the shower head in our master bathroom and switched out most of our products. The following is my selection of refreshing, nourishing, and delectably scented products that now have pride of place in my shower.
Aroma Sense AS-Opus Vitamin C Shower Head is the best thing to have happened to my shower in years! This ultra-easy to install shower head is hefty, well-made and very high quality. It has a powerful and strong jet spray that makes showering feel like a spa treatment! The relaxing aromatherapeutic shower experience, with its citrus scent, is an utterly delightful and refreshing way to begin the day.
According to Aroma Sense,
Designed to fit any standard shower arm, the Aroma Sense AS-Opus Vitamin C Shower Head can replace any mounted shower head fixture. With over 300 spray plate holes, this shower head is sure to provide the best spa-inspired experience, enticing you with refreshing and relaxing aromatherapy in your own shower. Our Vitamin C filtration technology can effectively neutralize chlorine to support healthy skin and hair, while its microfiber filtration removes additional contaminants brought through your piping system. If you love spa jets, our laser cut spray plate that will boost weak water pressure to give you a therapeutic shower while using 25% less water than a branded shower faucet. Escape into paradise with this aromatherapy & vitamin c shower head to rejuvenate your mind and body!
Features:
Aromatherapy Effect: Natural aroma oils provides an uplifting scent to enhance relaxation and alleviate stress
Chlorine Removal: Neutralizes chlorine from unfiltered water (including trihalomethane and other contaminant residues)
Vitamin C Replenishment: Contains vitamin C concentrate to promote healthier hair and skin
High Water Pressure: Optimizes water pressure 1.5 times greater than well branded shower heads
Water Conservation: Innovative technology reduces water consumption by 25%
Rust removal: Microfiber filter traps any residual rust, dirt and contaminants collected through water piping systems
Negative Ionizer: Produces up to four times of negative ions–scientifically proven to aid in breathing, increase blood flow, and alleviate stress
Includes: 1 shower head, 2 microfiber filters and 1 Vitamin C shower cartridge
Key West Aloe
Key West Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoois a great choice if you seek a shampoo that is gentle enough for everyday use. The formula is gentle, non-stripping, and offers enough moisture without weighing hair down.
Restore your hair’s natural vitality with Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo that uses 10% Aloe Vera to add beautiful body and healthy shine to your locks.
Key West Aloe Aloethera Keratin Conditioner is a fantastic choice if you need a conditioner that combats frizz, detangles, and moisturizes without weighing down your hair. It leaves my hair soft, silky and ultra manageable.
Control frizz without adding weight with Aloethera Keratin Conditioner made with 10% Aloe Vera designed to hydrate, strengthen, protect, and smooth all hair types.
Strengthen and Protect Hair
Lightweight Detangler
Will Not Weigh Down Hair
Results are Soft & Smooth Hair
Great new "Signature" Scent
Directions: Use After Each Shampoo. Allow To Remain On The Hair For 30-60 Seconds Prior To Rinsing.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Panthenol, Apple (Pyrus Malus) Extract, Papaya (Carica Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia) Fruit Extract, Chamomile (Chamomilla Recrutita) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Fragrance, Carpylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Blue No. 1.
($22.00 for 16 oz. and $16.00 for 8 oz. from Key West Aloe)
Key West Aloe Frangipani Bath & Shower Gel is a lathering shower gel that is hydrating and refreshing. The light floral fills the shower with its lovely essence, and it lifts the spirits as it gently cleanses the skin. It is also so gentle on the skin that it works beautifully for shaving.
Let the scent of island flowers bloom while you cleanse, hydrate, and soften your skin with 30% Aloe Vera in Frangipani Bath and Shower Gel.
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Body Scrub is a highly effective, all natural, body scrub that efficiently, and thoroughly, sweeps away dead skin cells. The high concentration of Aloe Vera leaves skin soft, supple and unbelievably hydrated. The tropical scent is intoxicatingly beautiful, and it definitely creates a lovely sensory experience.
Made with Amazonian Organic ingredients and 100% natural exfoliants from Coconut bark and organic Buriti, which remove dead cells and impurities. Amazonian White Clay* enhances the exfoliation power, and a high concentration of organic Aloe Vera juice provides intense hydration. Leaves the skin deliciously fragranced with the natural and tropical scent of coconut & mango with raspberry and vanilla.
Ingredients: Water, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Kaolin (White Clay), Glycerin, **Sucrose Cocate, *Mauritia Flexuosa Pulp Powder, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Dehydroacetic Acid Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Fragrance, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Cocos Nucifera Shell Powder, Sodium Hydroxide. *A Brazilian beauty secret Amazonian White Clay is nature’s most perfect ingredient and a high performance skin conditioner. Improves skin clarity and texture
98.80% of the total ingredients are from natural origin
23.27% of the total ingredients are from organic farming
Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance. No GMO’s!
($37.59 for 10.14 fl.oz. / 300 ml from Surya Brasil)
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Shave Gel is my current holy grail shaving gel. It is ultra hydrating, it has a delectable tropical scent, and it gives me the closest shave imaginable. It is gentle and nourishing, and such an amazing addition to my shower product line-up.
The eco friendly Sapien Women Shave Gel protects your skin while shaving. Its a natural and vegan product made with exotic organic Amazonian ingredients like Cupuaçu butter, Pracaxi oil, Macadamia oil, Vitamin E to prevent drying and protect sensitive skin. Organic Aloe Vera juice and vegetable glycerin promote intense hydration.Contains a natural tropical scent of coconut & mango essential oils Zero GMO's! Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance. Promoting a smooth feeling to the skin, Pracaxi seed oil helps to hydrate and promote cellular renewal. As a powerful antiseptic it is often used in hospitals to cleanse skin after surgery and help in the prevention of stretch marks. In the Amazon region Pracaxi is the popular name of a tree, which grows wildly in wet tropical areas all around the northeastern part of South America into the Amazon forest. A natural cold press process of the seeds and flesh, using no solvent or any chemicals, obtains the oil.
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Body Moisturizer is a medium weight body cream that sinks in immediately– leaving skin exceedingly hydrated. It has a warm and earthy scent from which one detects chocolate, pineapple and something else that I can't quite identify. It smells good enough to eat, but after it sinks in the aroma begins to recede until it disappears altogether.
The eco-friendly Sapien Women Body Moisturizer is vegan, natural and rich in exotic organic Amazonian ingredients like Cupuaçu and Murumuru butters, Pracaxi and Açai oils, Amaranth protein, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. Coconut & Mango Essential Oils. The white pulp of Cupuaçu is uniquely fragrant (described as a mix of chocolate and pineapple), and it is frequently used in desserts, juices and sweets. The juice tastes primarily like a pear, with a hint of banana. Cupuaçu is touted as a possible superfruit flavor. Commercial production of cupuaçu includes food supplements, pills, drinks, smoothies and sweets. The pulp is also used in cosmetics products such as body lotions, as it is highly hydrating, similarly to cocoa butter.
Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance and No GMO’s!
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Facial Scrub is a gentle, all natural, exfoliator that effectively removes dead skin cells while nourishing the skin. Skin is left soft, smooth, hydrated, and without any irritation. The tropical scent is refreshing and utterly delightful.
Made with Amazonian Organic ingredients and 100% natural exfoliants from coconut bark and organic Buriti*, which removes dead cells and impurities. It leaves skin silky, smooth, soft and hydrated. No ethyl alcohol, sulfates or silicone. Ideal for all skin types. *Extracted from the fruit of a palm tree in the Brazilian Amazon, Buriti oil has the highest natural occurrence of pro-vitamin A available (carotenoids). The oil is also extremely rich in vitamin E (tocopherols); combined with antioxidants give it an incredible ability to moisturize and re-hydrate. The oil restores moisture lacking in sun-exposed skin and because of its color it possesses a naturally occurring SPF factor. The rich unsaturated fatty acids in buriti oil help rebuild and hydrate new skin cells.
No GMO's ever! Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance
If you read Blushing Noir, and if you don't you should, then you know that Brooke features
lots of truly amazing makeup. We, at The Beauty Spotlight Team, are brimming with excitement
to learn how she stores her enviable makeup stash. Check out her featured post for your chance to pick up a tip or two about how to organize your makeup!
If you haven't yet checked out my mega-post outlining precisely what's available for the amazing Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, then check it out HERE. There are so many amazing deals to behold, and here is what is available today:
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I am a huge fan of facial serums, and am partial to the more natural variety that provide the skin with deep hydration that lasts throughout the day. My latest discovery from Valentia not only satisfies my desire for a healthy hydrating serum, but it likewise delights my senses with the delectable aroma of Rosa Damascena.
Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum is a very lightweight, and fast-absorbing, serum that boosts moisture and radiance, while soothing and calming the skin. My skin was immediately responsive to this serum, and I noted an immediate surge in overall hydration, and a pronounced clarity and radiance was noted after only a couple of uses. The nourishing antioxidant rich formula is further enhanced by the beautiful rose aroma that utterly delights the senses.
Product Claims:
- Will deeply moisturize skin
- Will provide antioxidant protection
- Will soothe & nourish dry skin
- Will smooth skin tone & texture
- Will boost skin radiance
While this serum is intended to be especially soothing and nourishing for dry skin, it works remarkably well on my normal/combination skin. It is so lightweight, nourishing and soothing, that I suspect that most skin types will benefit from this lovely serum, unless one is allergic to any of the ingredients.
According to Valentia,
When formulating this serum we wanted to craft something with a beautiful scent and beautiful benefits. Immediately we thought of using oil from the rose petals of the fragrant pink Damascena Rose. Extracts from this delicate flower are fantastic for all skin types, but especially nourishing for dry, sensitive, and mature skin.
Directions: Apply 1-2 pumps evenly to face and neck each evening after cleansing skin thoroughly. After absorption, follow with moisturizer and eye product of choice.
Select Ingredients and their Attributes:
Rosa Damascena: One of the most nourishing and skin-friendly oils in existence. This oil provides balance, moisture, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to the skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B): This potent Vitamin B has been clinically proven to fade away hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and acne.
Rosehip Seed Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamins C and A, these essential fatty acids work quickly to lock in skins moisture.
Evening Primrose: Provides light, non-oily moisture to the skin, never clogging or irritating the skin.
Bearberry: Reduces melanin production, thereby lightening the skin, and helping to reveal a brighter complexion.
Lavender: Heals the skin, treats pimples, wounds, and sores.
Overall Assessment: If you seek a hydrating and soothing facial serum that has the delectable aroma of roses, then you will be delighted by Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum,
