Decisions Decisions

Doesn't it sometimes feel like we are all always looking for that one perfect product? I have one friend who is always buying new blush- striving for the perfect glow. I have another friend who has a trash can filled to the brim with discarded mascara in search of the best lash. And of course- the ideal concealer is something that eludes many.

Well lately I have a new product I am constantly hunting. For the first time in my life - I need foundation. Now truth be told, I have dabbled with foundation in the past. But I have always been lucky enough to use it only on special occasions or for when I really wanted to look polished. However with my twenties further and further in the rear view mirror - the reality is that my skin needs a little help.

Now mind you, I know that I am lucky. For the most part, I am not dealing with super deep lines or sun spots or acne scars or any of the other myriad of skin issues that women face. My biggest issue is splotchy skin. I crossed 30 and all of a sudden I was a little more red around the nose and a little uneven overall. Suddenly, my usual powder and concealer combo was not working. It was time for something a bit more serious. I have used mineral foundation in the past and had great success but I am feeling liquid is my future.

So here I am - in search of something that will allow my skin to show through but will still even me out.

The first thing I purchased was this...

Stila One Step Correct - $36 (Sephora and online at multiple sites)

I have been using it for a couple of weeks. I like that it is a primer that addresses many skin issues. However, I am not totally impressed. I think that there are better primers out there for less money. I don't feel it evens me out all that much and while I do like the moisturizing feel - I am not loving its work on lines or pores. Regardless, I am willing to stick with this primer for a bit longer. At least until I can see what this primer mixed with the right foundation accomplishes.

Now for the real issue....

The reason I am in a deep quest at the moment is because I cannot get my hands on this....

My long time favorite. But Prescriptives, alas is no more and my shade of Traceless is sold out on line and everywhere else I have checked.

So in a quest to find a new fave for natural coverage - these are the two new foundations I am going to try:

1 - Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 - $45 (Sephora and online at multiple sites)

This little bottle promises exactly what I am looking for - "invisible, lightweight coverage that looks like skin, not makeup." If that statement is true - I have found my new best friend.

My second option if good ol' Bobbi Brown fails?

2 - Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation SPF 15 - $38 (Sephora and online at multiple sites)

I love Smashbox and am currently a huge fan of this...so I have high hopes for this foundation as well - even though I am going to give Bobbi Brown the first draft slot.

So wish my luck BGNDers....and tell me what products are you constantly hunting for?

And of course - check back in with me to see how these foundations held up....

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Holiday Time!

Okay okay - I know that it is only a couple days after Halloween but I can't wait to talk about all the fun that is happening over at Sephora!
This time of year is one of my favorites at everyone's destination for beauty supplies...
Why you ask?

Well....the winter holidays at Sephora equal one thing....

GIFT SETS!

All that fabulous packaging, all the fun little goodies waiting to be found! Now of course, these are designed to be purchased for others- so they say! I believe that Sephora and all the cosmetic companies put out these multi-faceted wonders to tempt those of us who are regular Sephora goers. They know the glossy pics and the promise of something new inside will convince us to buy more than we intended when we walked in ( like that doesn't already happen anyway!)

My favorites so far this year...

Too Faced Glamour Revolution - $39.50

Stila Smudgepot Collection - $32

These are just two of the gift sets I will be getting this year....I have seen a ton of other awesome choices in the store and online but these two will be the first of many that I pick up. I love Too Faced for many reasons and their shadows are the ones that I use almost daily. And Stila's smudgepots are the gold standard when it comes to cream eyeliner.

What gift sets are you going to get for yourselves and others?
Do you already have a favorite?

Have a great Monday and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

A Summertime Classic...

There is just something about summer...the sunshine, the cool breezes (when you are lucky!) and just being outside more...it is glorious. And every year without a doubt I want my make-up to look fun and summery and just glowy.

So every year I go back to Sephora and get a new eyeshadow. And by new, I simply mean a replacement for my go-to summer shadow combo. Because once I found this baby I never looked back when it came to my summer eyeshadow needs.

Eye Shadow Trio in Bronze Glow by Stila Cosmetics - $ 28 (Sephora, Sephora.com and Stila counters nationwide)

This shadow is in a word - magnificent. I never thought that the colors would look good on me - I am a very pale Irish gal with blue eyes and freckles. However, this trio is one of the best color combos on my ever. It makes my eyes pop, my skin glow- it even makes my hair look good!

I can wear one of the colors or all three at once and Stila's makeup magic makes the color sheer and saturated and blendable all at the same time. Seriously, if you are looking for a good summer shadow combo and you don't have a ton to spend- this is the way to go. For $28 you get three awesome colors to mix and match.

Plus, if you go to Sephora and try this color combo (Bronze Glow) and are not blown away on your skin tone - there are two other trios - Champagne Glow and Gold Glow - Each as equally awesome as the bronze.

For a night out on the town, any of these combos mixed with the Stila Smudge Pots will deliver you the smooth smokey eye you only dreamed possible. And of course, just because it is summer and we all want to be bronze - it doesn't mean that this shadow can't travel to fall/winter because believe me when I say I have used it plenty in those seasons as well.

And just in case you needed one more thing to prove the awesomeness of the Bronze Glow - it is sold out on the Stila website! People love this trio! So get your butt to Sephora before they are all gone!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Cartoon Couture

How much do I love the recent trend of whimsical childhood inspired make-up lines?! I suspect these new designs are an attempt to lighten spirits in these bad economic times.

I don't believe that the beauty sector is hurting too bad from the recent credit crunch and foreclosure fiasco (in fact - I think women and men flock to the things that make them feel good in times such as these.) So to me these uniquely themed cosmetics are just an extension of feeling good and having fun. They make you think back on a time when cartoons were only on Saturday mornings and we all got up at 7am just to catch The Smurfs.

My favorites in this childhood-themed cosmetic wonderland?

Stila's Barbie Loves Line - $40 (Sephora and online at Sephora.com)


The folks at Stila have chosen Barbie as their childhood idol. And why not? She is the original California style icon, paparazzi magnet and "it" girl. There are a few different items in this collection so that everyone can have their retro fix. From a Four color eye palette, to individual Barbie "paint cans" designated by which Barbie look you want to recreate - these are fun and functional.


For the non-Barbie gal?

MAC Hello Kitty Collection - $12 - $90 (MAC stores nationwide or online at maccosmetics.com)

The folks at MAC have taken their whimsy collection to a whole other level. Not only can you get the basic cosmetics in Hello Kitty themed colors and packaging - they come in three different categories:
Hello Kitty Mild - The Hello Kitty basics
Hello Kitty Wild - All the glitter and shine you could want
Hello Kitty Kouture - The fewest and pricey choices

Of course my favorite in this line? The Hello Kitty Accessories. Super cute and hard to find- but so worth it. That is the brush holder shown above.

So if you want a treat or just a little something to make you smile- check out some of these whimsical cosmetics. Perhaps you will find yourself watching re-runs of Tom and Jerry in pajamas eating Lucky Charms.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND