Laura Mercier lip gloss

Laura Mercier lip glosses are excellent for those who don't favor lip glosses. The common characteristics of lip glosses--stickiness, lack of pigmentation and longevity, thick texture--are not present in Laura Mercier lip glosses. 

This lip gloss deposits a smooth layer of gorgeous pigmented color. The absence of heavy film or sticky texture in Laura Mercier  lip glosses could slowly convince non-lip gloss users that there are lip glosses for every one.

Nars Blush-Sin

When I found Nars blush, Sin, on Allwholescomestics.com website, I didn't think twice and put the blush into the "shopping cart." Since I bought this blush off the discount website, it didn't come in the usual sleek black compact outer case.  Better for me--because I usually depot my blushes and put them in Z Palettes. Nar blushes are known for excellent pigmentation and out of the ordinary names of blush colors.

Nars Sin blush is a cool plummy color with moderate amount shimmer. Since I just bought this blush, I'll do an update post soon.

MAC Mineralized Blush-Warm Soul

Chanel Rose Écrin Joues Contraste Blush

Chanel  Rose Écrin Joues Contraste is a matte, dusty pink blush that compliments their Fall/Winter 2011 collection.  The matte finish of Rose Écrin is unique because most of the Chanel blushes have a slight hint of shimmer.  

In general, Chanel blushes are finely milled and tightly packed powder. To pick up the color, you need to work the brush into the palette with a little more pressure than other high-end blushes.For inexplicable reason, I love to swirl my blush brush on the half dome shaped palette. To create a polish, sophisticated look, apply a thin layers of color on your cheeks. Layering the color increases the longevity of the blush on your skin.

Chanel blushes are one of my favorites!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

Laura Mercier Illuminator (Rose Gold)

Too bad that I wasn't able to photo this Laura Mercier Illuminator at its pristine condition. Upon seeing this illuminator/highlighter, I was thoroughly surprised by its glamorous content in the understated brown case. Even the logo of her name is in lower case with simple fonts.

The initial impression of Laura Mercier Illuminator is anything but understated. The rose embossment on the palette initially caught my attention. Once the makeup artist applied this product, the deal was closed. The finely rose gold colored shimmer lightly veils fhe upper cheek bones-- no chunky glitters/shimmer.

I have seen many rave reviews on this product from people with various skintones. I believe this paricular color suits medium or daker skintones. The fine gold particles brighen skin with yellow understone; the rose warms up the skin.

I've tried Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blocks, MAC Soft and Gentle, Laura Mercier Peach Mosaic Highlighter. They pale in comparison to Laura Mercier Illuminator. This illuminator is subtle, sophisticasted, and sublime.

Kevin Aucoin eye lash curler

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill-no8

Guerlain 93 Rue de Passey Eye Shadow Palette

Trish McEvoy Lip Liner-Iced Nude

DiorSkin Nude Concealer

left-DiorSkin Nude Concealer in Beige

middle-Garnier Anti-Dark Eye Roller

Giorgio Armani Concealer in no. 3.5

Garnier

on the left- Dior Skin Nude Concealer in Beige

middle-Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller

bottom-Giorgio Armani #3.5

Dior Addict Lipsticks

 Tailleur Bar, Beige Dandy, Red Carpet

Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua Foundation

top-Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in Beige 40

bottom-Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Stromboli

Foundation Swatches

Chanel Aqua Lumiere, Nars Stromboli, Missha BB Cream

CeraVe

Bronzer Swatches (Benefit Hoola, Guerlain Terracotta, Nars Laguna)

Benefit Hoola, Guerlain Terracotta #1, Nars Laguna

Beauty Blender

Laura Mercier Blush-Blushing Apple

Chanel D'Ombre Illusion

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ No. 27

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream is the first BB cream that compliments my skintone. I have a medium yellow undertone. BB creams have been all the rage in Asia; now its popularity has crossed the Pacific.

BB, Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm, was created in Germany for patients who needed a product to protect and heal their skin. Later, in Asia, particularily in Korea, BB creams became a cult favorite.  Many Korean actresses are known for their near perfect skin; it has been attributed to BB creams.

Until Missha Perfect Cover BB cream, the color selection of BB creams had been limited, espcially for women of color. While I am Korean, my skin is tanner/darker than most Koreans. Thus, I was a bit disaapointed and frustrated when I started my search for a BB cream for me. Still, the companies that make BB creams need to broaden their color range for darker skin tones.

On my recent shopping trip to H Mart (a Korean supermarket in the Dallas metropolitan area), I found a cosmetic boutique inside H Mart. Luckily the boutique carries Missha cosmetic line; a makup artist colored matched me with no. 27.

The formula of Missha BB cream is thicker in texture than most liquid foundations; however, it doesn't feel heavy or tacky on the skin. It provides a light to medium coverage with a slightly dewy finish, depending on the application. I prefer to apply Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream with my fingers.

The longevity of Missha Perfect Cover BB cream is like most good foundations: It stays on my skin at least 8 hours. Another good point is no oxidation on my combination/oily skin.

In general BB creams have a high level of sunscreen and skin care benefits; therefore, I can simplify my morning skin care routine. I still use an antioxident serum under the bb cream; however, I don't need to apply a moisturizer and sunscreen.

I am thoroughly satisfied with Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream. Now I understand why BB creams are so popular in Asian.

By the way, now the U.S. beauty market is trying to jump on the band wagon of BB cream. Garnier and few other cosmetic lines have released their version of BB creams. From the recent reviews of these BB creams, I learned that they are not comparable to Asian BB creams.

Bobbi Brown