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

Smashing Smashbox!

I love Smashbox Cosmetics. They make quality products, invent new make up bag staples year after year and they give back to the community- AMAZING.

Today I have to give a little shout out to the new Smashbox 2009 Holiday Collection. Not only are there some fantabulous finds in this year's event (hello 8 awesome choices - I am loving the Smashbox Sampler Kit myself!) but with each purchase a donation goes to the Children's Miracle Network.

So go ahead - get a beautiful gift for a friend and something special for yourself. It's a charitable donation right? Tax write off!! (Hehe- just kidding...)

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Samply Fantastic...

So we all know that Sephora loooooves to give away little free samples. (And let's be honest, we love getting them.) However, nine times out of ten the sample gathers dust and then goes into the garbage unused, or we use it - it is just kind of blah and in the garbage it goes. Well lately I have been on a free sample kick, trying all the ones I can. As a result, today I have a list for you of legitimately good - some great- free samples that I received from Sephora. Of course, the whole point of free samples is to get you to want to buy the real product. And in the case of a few of the following- I am very tempted.

I have listed the full size prices for each sample I am reviewing and they are all available at Sephora.

So, in no particular order...my favorite samples of late:

N.V. Perricone M. D. Cosmeceuticals - Face Finishing Moisturizer - $65

Initially I was slightly weirded out by this moisturizer - it seemed to light, too well...nothing. But with Perricone's reputation I had to give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised. Lightweight but plenty moisturizing, this lotion did give the impression of not only hydrating but of getting my skin ready for make-up and the rest of my day. It is chock full of anti-oxidants and it does a great job of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It almost feels like a moisturizer and primer in one. I can get behind that. Downside? No SPF.


Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel - $67
Here is a serum for the nature lover in all of us. Formulated without all of the garbage that goes into regular serum, this gel is still a power player when it comes to the anti-aging game. I felt the tightening almost immediately and was pleasantly surprised that the effects lasted throughout my day. (I used this for several mornings in a row.) It is made with plant oils and herbs and still has a lovely smell(although it does remind me a bit of a spa massage oil.) Overall, a great serum for anyone looking for power but something natural at the same time. A word to the wise, if you buy this- the product is meant to be tapped into the skin not spread. It won't have the same effect if you rub it in.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer - $20

I knew this product would be great- Smashbox rarely lets me down. This lid primer is just like their regular face primer but tinted and designed for the eyelid. It evens out skin tone, smooths out fine lines, moisturizes and gets your peepers ready for any make-up that will be applied and makes that make-up last.
My only thought on this sample? If you are trying to save money you can probably skip it. If you have the $20 and are having trouble with the eyelid area than this is your go-to product. But if you are like me and the $20 is a little bit too much right now, I recommend using your under eye concealer on your lids as well. I have been doing this for years as my lid primer and it has all the same effects as the Smashbox primer minus the anti-oxidants. However, when I can justify the $20, I will probably splurge on this item.


So are you going to get any of these samples? Who knows? Maybe some of them will permanent BGND fixtures!

Have a great weekend and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Trend alert!!!

Sometimes it is near impossible to keep up with all the new products on the market. I mean seriously! Things get so over saturated with the newest and greatest that it is hard to keep your head about you. How are you supposed to know what to buy? Is this a staying item or just the new soon to be disposable trend?

Well my answer to the overwhelming product craziness that I often feel is I look out for something that has a new twist on things. What new products offer something the others don't? And not only that- is that "new thing" something I think is worth my hard earned dough. Lately I have noticed a new trend that I think could be AMAZING if it actually works.

The last real big trend? Minerals of course! But as with everything in life, there is always something new on the horizon. The new trend du jour? Anti-oxidants mixed in with cosmetics. The concept isn't totally new but the level of sophistication the cosmetics companies have taken it to is. Lately two separate products have caught my eye in a great way - they have been saying "I am such a great product I am going to eliminate another one from your routine"...what?! A time and a money saver?! Sign me up!!

The first of these new potential standouts?

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 and Dermaxyl Complex - $42 (Sephora nationwide)

Now all you BGND readers know that I am a huge fan of the Smashbox primer. There really is nothing out there like it to smooth fine lines and prep your face for your make-up. It truly makes a world of difference. This new incarnation is even more exciting to me. Not only does it have all the same fab qualities as the original primer, it is now coming to bat with 2 huge additions.
1 - An SPF of 15! Hooray! Perfect for those folks who prefer a non-SPF sunscreen or are looking for a way to work that VERY needed SPF into their daily routine. 2 - It is chock full of antioxidants. So now not only is it working to smooth out those lines, it is working to prevent them and fix the ones you do have! Add the sunscreen element and this is a no-brainer! My current bottle of Smashbox primer is almost empty so you better believe this is what I will be buying as the replacement.


The second newbie to catch my eye?

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Make-up SPF 20 (Not available yet so I have no price point- but look for it at drugstores nationwide very soon)So even though I recently had to break up with my Neutrogena sunscreen - I still have faith in the folks over there. They generally do good work and this new foundation is pretty exciting. I don't wear foundation everyday (only for the special occasions) but this is a foundation I could see myself getting behind. Available in 12 great shades, an SPF of 20, lightweight and sheer - the list of attributes goes on and on. That alone might be enough to get me to try this but on top of all the other wonderful things- this foundation also has a fab blend of antioxidants. Yet another product to fix the minor skin flaws while smoothing them out. Love it!

So these are the two new products I am dying to try but you know that just like the minerals bandwagon soon everyone will be hopping on the antioxidant train! But honestly when you can eliminate a step from your routine -whether it be facial sunscreen or serum - that is a time saver (and money saver) worth investigating!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Budget and Budget busting...

So every once in a while I become obsessed with some new product and I stew over it for quite some time. Then I eventually go out and buy it in desperation for the knowledge of something new and great out there in the world of cosmetics.

Well this week, there are two product lines (not just specific products) that I have become intrigued with - one high end and one budget friendly.

First up on my list of curiosities - the high-end:
Smashbox Cosmetics- Muse Spring Collection 2009 - $19-$48 (Sephora and Smashbox counters nationwide)



Smashbox has been all over the place for me lately. I have always been a fan of their fabulous foundation primer, but lately, all of their make-up has been drawing me in. I still haven't gone out and bought the Halo powder yet , but simply because I haven't had the time - not because I don't want it! And now, I have more Smashbox products on the brain! This whole line looks amazing. Fresh new colors, of the moment products and palette. Something new finally!! And don't think I am not totally into the Hybrid primer. I will be reporting back on this line for sure!

For the Recessionista:
(yes - I am sure you are over that word- but it fits here..)

Revlon Matte Collection - $4.99 - $9.79 (Online at ULTA.com and at drugstores nationwide)

Revlon has released a whole new line of Matte make-up. Inspired by the runways of late this line contains eyeshadow, lipsticks, eyeliners and blush all designed to deposit smooth, deep, crease free color that can be mixed and matched to create whatever look you are going for. These make-ups are great for a mod look or a more stylized and fresh look than the dewiness of late. The matte is definitely not for everyone but can look amazing on almost anyone- it just depends on how heavy or light you apply the make-up and if it is a look you enjoy.

So there goes some more of my hard earned money but my make-up drawer has been TIRED lately. I am so excited for something new!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Interesting, very interesting...

So I have seen a new product out and about that I am dying to try. Now, do I need another make-up product taking up precious space in my already crowded cosmetics landscape? Of course not! But this new product is intriguing to me for a very important reason..Instead of masking the little fine lines and wrinkles that daily appear anew on my face - it helps fix them! YES! Finally, a multi-tasker that I can get behind. And what is this new fascinating product?

Smashbox Cosmetics Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder and Brush Set - $59 (Sephora and Sephora.com)Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking. $59!!! For powder?! Well folks, let me tell you why this is no ordinary powder. First off, Halo has a fantastic anti-aging ingredient - Gogi Berry - right inside the formula. Secondly, it is a powder built to hydrate. That's right- a dry powder specially formulated to hydrate your skin. So for all of us out there that sometimes need a little extra moisture, or love to go with foundation because it smooths things out, now there is another alternative. A high-class powder that not only helps get rid of fine lines and wrinkles with it's ingredients, but helps smooth them out with hydration. And this is a POWDER. Not a serum, or a night cream or anything else. Revolutionary in BGND's book.

And if that wasn't enough, this product has a shaver built in so you get just the precise amount of loose powder you need. No longer will you open your powder container only to have it spill all over your counter or worse- that lovely black dress you have on. This of course also means this powder can travel well.

So I don't know about you but I need no other reasons- I am trying this baby out ASAP.

I will report back to you all accordingly and hey - who knows....we might have a new POTW in our midst.

Happy Monday and Keep looking fab!
BGND