No Makeup Makeup: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick and Corrector Reviews, Photos, Swatches

May 1, 2013 | 12 Responses

I got a chance to test out two of Bobbi Brown’s best selling products, so I immediately jumped at the opportunity to review them here. I received Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in 4.5 Warm Natural ($50 online, in Sephora, Murale and Holt Renfrew) and Corrector in Peach ($30) and have been using them for a week so it’s time for a closer look.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick 4.5 and Peach Corrector
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in 4.5 Warm Natural / Corrector in Peach

The Foundation Stick in Warm Natural has strong golden undertones, and so it warms up and brightens my complexion nicely. It’s a great match for my skin because I am on the yellow side of the spectrum. It’s been a while since I have used a cream foundation, and so I can certainly tell that this feels heavier than the lightweight liquid foundations I’ve tried of late. It is an incredibly versatile formula; it can be sheered out by using a wet sponge (I used a damp Beauty Blender) or can be applied as a creamy full-coverage concealer. It’s no wonder that Bobbi Brown recommends it for everyone’s purse. It lasts an exceptionally long time, easily wearing through a normal work day.

The Corrector in Peach is fantastic for cancelling out darkness under my eyes and around my mouth. This is a hard but creamy formula (say what?!), and needs to be set with a powder in order to stay in place. I think it is the perfect base for a concealer. I know my favourite under eye concealer, NARS Radiant Creamy, will look even more radiant on top of Peach Corrector.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick 4.5 and Peach Corrector Swatches
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in 4.5 Warm Natural / Corrector in Peach swatches

So the first thing I do is draw a warrior mask on my face with the Bobbi Foundation Stick. You can also pick up product from the tube on to your brush, but this is how I use it with a Beauty Blender sponge. I concentrate around the nose, mouth, and cheeks area where I need the most coverage.

Bobbi Brown Base Step 2
I’m a warrior. RAWR!

Once that’s blended, I dot the product on areas that need more coverage (blemishes and redness). I pat that in with my finger.

Bobbi Brown Base Step 3

I then apply the Corrector in Peach under and the corners of my eyes.

Bobbi Brown Base Step 5

Keep reading to see the before and after photos!

Click here to see the before and after photos!

Lipstick Bandits Do Coral Lips (Whatever Coral Actually Means).

April 15, 2013 | 49 Responses

Most of the lipstick bandits were at a loss when it came to picking a coral lipstick. What is coral, anyway? It can be used to describe a mix of red, pink and orange. Now that the calendar says it’s officially spring — even though Toronto weather is still definitely winter — there’s no better time to lighten and brighten our lipstick picks! Let’s collectively take out our favourite coral shades, shall we?

My pick just arrived at my doorstep three days ago, from YSL Summer 2013 Collection, coming out in May 2013. I give you Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres in N° 31 Corail Alla Prima ($36).

YSL Glossy Stain 31 Corail Alla Prima

N° 31 Corail Alla Prima is a fresh reddish coral that just screams summer. It just begs to be worn with a bronzed and radiant complexion. Lately I’ve been drawn to wearing glossy lips, but regular lipglosses aren’t really ideal for cold and windy rainy days. The YSL Glossy Stain formula has a stickiness factor of zero. I apply three layers of this to get fully glossy lips and maximum colour intensity.

YSL Glossy Stain 31 Corail Alla Prima applicator

YSL Glossy Stain 31 Corail Alla Prima Swatch
YSL N° 31 Corail Alla Prima swatch (3 layers)

Wearing YSL Glossy Stain 31 Corail Alla Prima 1

I know this formula promises to be long-wearing, but on me, it doesn’t deliver any more longevity than my standard cream lipsticks. I’m okay with that, as I love the glossy finish and punchy shades these come in. They do layer exceptionally well, so touch ups are a breeze.

Wearing YSL Glossy Stain 31 Corail Alla Prima 2

Products Used

Face and Cheeks

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium Dark (as foundation)
NARS Radiant Creamy Foundation in Custard (under eyes)
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light (all over to blur pores)
MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Lightscapade (on cheeks)
Guerlain Terracotta Light Powder in 03 Brunettes (all over high points of face)

Eyes

Revlon PhotoReady Primer + Shadow Palette in Metropolitan
YSL Dessin du Regard Waterproof Pencil in 1 Black Ink
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara

Lips

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres in N° 31 Corail Alla Prima

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres in N° 31 Corail Alla Prima is available in May with the rest of the collection at Holt Renfrew, selected Bay, Murale, and Sephora stores. It is one of two new permanent shades; the other is N° 20 Rouge Enamel.

Want to see more of the Lipstick Bandits? Check out the rest of our picks…

Click here to read more!

Leave Your (Under Eye) Baggage Behind: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Review, Photos, Swatches

April 1, 2013 | 57 Responses

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer launched with a big bang in early March, so I hightailed it to my NARS counter to pick up my shade. This concealer has been getting exceptional reviews from the beauty community; it is loved by both makeup enthusiasts and artists alike.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard 1

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (CDN $30 / US $28 at NARS counters and online) is the brand’s new line of lightweight concealer “enriched with hydrating, multi-action skincare benefits and light diffusing technology.” The ten shades target imperfections, fine lines and signs of fatigue and “create a softer, smoother complexion.” These promise to be crease-proof and long wearing.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard 2

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard 3
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard

My under eye shade is Custard (yellow tone for light to medium complexion). The light-reflecting properties in Radiant Creamy Concealer works amazingly well under the eyes to counteract my dark purple circles. This shade is lighter than my foundation shade, and doubles as a natural highlight without crossing into Kardashian concealer territory. If I were to use this anywhere else on my face, I’ll need a darker shade than Custard.

I make sure that my under eye area is well moisturized (this eye cream by Biotherm rocks!) before applying this concealer. Even though it is creamy, I didn’t find it to be moisturizing at all. This sticks to dry spots on the inner corners of my eyes.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Before and After 2
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Before and After

I found a really excellent guide for concealing under eye baggage on Maskcara via Pinterest. The photo below demonstrates where I applied this concealer. I highlight beyond the baggage area in an inverted triangle to lift it, not emphasize it. Apply down the centre of the nose to create a subtle illusion of a thinner nose without the use of dark contouring creams or powders.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Application Diagram
Application guide: Build in light layers and blend over these areas for a lifted look.

Wearing NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

The thing I most like about NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer: it doesn’t look like anything on, yet the brightening effect is apparent. It creates a well-rested youthful look. I look 17 again. I wouldn’t be surprised if I get carded while wearing NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It lasts an entire work day on me with minimal fading, but the convenient packaging and applicator makes it easy for me to touch up any faded areas after work.

Wearing NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer 1

This has already replaced two of my under eye favourites: MAC Prep+Prime Highlighter and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. That’s huge, you guys. This is so easy to use and it saves me time in the morning.

Great news to sensitive skin types: this is paraben-free, alcohol free, synthetic fragrance free and non-comedogenic. Look good and feel great! Have you tried NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer? What are your thoughts on its formula and performance?