1.25.2013

My Favorite Concealers Overview + Video


Since it was highly requested in the comments in my last Favorite Powders episode, I filmed this Favorite Concealers video at 1AM today! I know there are quite a few reviewed, but most of you know by now that I like variety and I switch things up based on how often I am traveling or when my skin condition changes.. I have been experiencing some acne recently from stress and lack of sleep, so I will try to get around to filming a concealers/makeup video for acne soon! Hope you enjoy.. Don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date!



My Favorite Concealers:
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 03 Fawn
Dior Diorskin Sculpt Concealer in 002
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Sand
Lancome Regenerie Eye Multiple Action Eye Cream & Concealer Duo in Medium
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealers in Frais/Cool for eyes & Medium for face
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-4
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30
*Better for spots: MAC Pro Longwear
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in 003

Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Foundation in B40
Becca Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer in Frais/Cool on eyes
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Grey
Tom Ford Cognac Sable Eyeshadow Quad [Copper Glitter only]
Lancome Artliner in Black and Ardell Demi Wispies Lashes
Guerlain Shine Automatique Lipstick in 760 Lou Ling
Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust

Cardigan:
Splendid [old hand-me-down]

1.23.2013

My Favorite Powders Review - Foundation, Pressed, Loose


I love face products. I do believe most of you know that already, as I rarely use up an eyeshadow palette or even a lipstick. On the other hand, I am constantly picking up new powders and hitting pan and/or using them up entirely quite often! My skin has changed over the years, but I still remember which products have consistently worked well for me. I hope this gives you a better idea of which products I consistently reach for and repurchase! I highly recommend all of the below.. which one should you try next? It all depends on your preferences.. Loose Powders are to set your liquid foundations so they are the sheerest, Pressed Powders are great for touch-ups, and Powder Foundations have the most versatility!



Powders Reviewed:
Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in I'm Cute as a Bunny, Honey
Dolce & Gabbana The Foundation [Powder Foundation] in Caramel 110
Cle de Peau Beaute Powder Foundation [Refill + Case] in O20
Laura Mercier Finishing Brush & MAC 187 Marcel Wanders [Limited Edition]
Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating & Mattifying Pressed Powders in 02 and 03
Guerlain Meteorites Wulong Pressed Setting Powder [Limited Edition]
Chanel Poudre Douce Soft Pressed Powder in Peche Tendre
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder in 01 Pale Yellow
La Mer The Powder [Loose Powder] in 03
Mentioned: La Mer Powder Foundation Compact [apparently discontinued!]
Mentioned: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
Mentioned: Lancome Translucence Mattifying Silky Pressed Powder

Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Foundation in B40
Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush is Frivole
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ash Blonde
Suqqu Color Blend Eyeshadow Palette in 02 Kokedama
Maybelline Lash Stilleto Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara with Ardell Wisipies False Lashes
Burberry Lip Glow Lip Gloss in 09 Nude Beige

Hair:
Odango Bun style [foam donut]

Earrings:
Forever 21 [old]

Blouse:
J.Crew [old]

Nails:
Butter London Slapper
Essie Trophy Wife [for ring finger accents]
Butter London Hardware Top Coat
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1.15.2013

New Beauty Product Loves + First Impressions Reviews


So because I skipped filming a December 2011 Favorites video, I decided to share in this video some new products I have been loving! I test handfuls of product at all times, so as you can imagine, it is impossible for me to mention all of them even just in passing. I figured I would take this opportunity to show you my every day hair style and some of the new products I have incorporated into my routine. All the full-sized and travel-sized products were promotional gift bag items from the Beauty.com + Cynthia Rowley collaboration! Check out the list of all the products I reviewed in the video here: http://mlad.co/1BpVq


Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Foundation in B40
Becca Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Chanel Blush in Frivole Spring '13 [View more HERE]
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Espresso [Review HERE]
Lancome WP Artliner in Scorched Summer '11
Armani Mediterranean Heat Summer '11 Eyeshadow Palette
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Burberry Lip Glow Lip Gloss is 08 Cameo

Jacket:
Splendid

Hair:
Donut Bun

1.11.2013

Chanel Spring 2013 Printemps Precieux Makeup Collection Review, Photos, Swatches + TUTORIAL


Chanel Spring 2013 Counter Display

Chanel Spring 2013 was released several weeks ago, right before Christmas. I do realize how late I am to the review game, but the holidays were more important and I was out of town while testing the products. That is why I have attempted to make it up to everyone by compiling this comprehensive photo diary with swatches to supplement the product reviews from the tutorial video below. 


Makeup Used:
Chanel CC Cream in 20 Beige with Becca Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 03 Fawn
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette
By Terry Eye Primer in 002, Lancome Artliner WP in Brown, Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Raffinement with MAC 217, 266, Chanel Pencil Brushes
Chanel Stylo Waterproof Pencil in Or Rose, Ardell Demi Wispies False Lashes
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess with Sigma F25
Chanel Poudre Signee Illuminating Powder with Sigma Small Tapered Highlighting Brush
Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste Blush with Sigma Angled Blush Brush
Chanel Rouge Allure in 90 Pimpante
Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 70 Attirance

Sweater:
J.Crew Linen [old]



The photo above shows my first four purchases from the Spring '13 collection. I only picked up the pieces that immediately caught my attention, but one did turn out to be a superflous purchase. The highlighter is perfection and YES, it can be used all over the face though I do not recommend it (keep in mind I prefer a matte face since I do not like to touch up my complexion unless absolutely necessary). The gloss is shimmery, easily layered, and moisturizing. The blush is satiny, pigmented, and versatile. The peachy beige lipstick, however, was far too similar on my lips to the Armani Sheer Lipstick in 37 Sand Dune Beige from the Summer Heat 2011 collection. SDB might run a bit less peach and a lot more glossy, but the overall effect was the same so I did exchange the lipstick and in turn, purchased several more items.. the two pink nail polishes, the eyeshadow quad, and the rose gold eyeliner pencil.



The photo of the testers shows the three nail polishes available this season: Emprise, Fracas, and Accessoire. I am not fond of deep red browns, so I skipped Accessoire and settled on the two pinks. Chanel pinks are my favorite, anyway. Emprise turned out to be one of the best Chanel nail polishes I own! Two coat perfection with subtle (not invisible) shimmer.. Fracas, on the other hand, is a beautifully bright fuchsia creme with pretty shimmer is one of the few Chanel polishes that tends to chip. I wore both with Essie's blue base coat and Butter's Hardware top coat to ensure the review was sound. Fracas does run thicker, so perhaps that's why it lifts more easily. Either way, I love both. In the video, you will be able to pick up on the difference between Fracas and my dearly beloved Chanel pink, Rose Insolent.



Now for the Raffinement eyeshadow quad. This is one of Chanel's best new eyeshadow releases, for the formula is well pigmented with barely any fall out. It is true to color in the photo above, with obvious lilac and mauve tones. In my video, it appears to look more neutral. I do explain in the video why those with an extensive collection of Burberry single shadows may not require this palette. If you are looking to invest in your first Chanel eyeshadow quad, however, this is one you should consider.



Now for everyone's favorite part.. the full swatches! As you all know, Chanel products do cost a pretty penny so I cannot afford to purchase everything for review. I buy what is is to my taste, since the makeup is going on my face, after all. But I think this Spring collection offers a little bit of 'wearable' for everyone. Raffinement will suit all skin tones and eye colors, for it is an amped up neutral palette. I may go back for the mauve or lilac rosewood colored Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss, Merveille, but there is no rush since it is permanent as well.

Below are some clearer swatches, without the distraction of the display. The left is Nordstrom (department) store lighting and the right is natural lighting, stepping outside to an overcast sky after the swatchfest. Let's start with the three Stylo Waterproof liners in Santal (brown), Beryl (lilac), and Or Rose (rose beige). I purchased Or Rose because I wanted to wear it paired with the Illuminating powder, and I still believe I made the right decision. Hazel eyes may want to try the Beryl! I steer clear of the brown and black Stylo Waterproof pencils because they do smudge on me. Next to the liners are the other 3 Rouge Allures from the collection.. Envoutante, Captivante, and Fantasque. I never wear violets outside of tutorials, so Envoutante was an automatic pass. Captivante would pair well with Attirance, but I feel true peaches suit me best. Fantasque was the cooler, paler, pinker version of Gracile (permanent).


Now for the bottom row of swatches! I rarely buy lip liners, but I did swatch Rubellite and Palissandre because I know I have viewers that do not wear lipstick without lip liner. I have a peach Chanel lip liner that I adore, but I think Lancome lip liners are more affordable and perform just as well. The only problem there is most of the Lancome colors offered are neutrals. And here we have the two Rouge Allure Velvet shades, a coral and a vibrant pink. Both are intensely pigmented.. far too much color for me this Spring. La Favorite would be my pick if I were forced to choose, but both looked garish against my coloring. I was informed by a Sales Associate that L'Eclatante was worn by the model in the ad. And last but not least, the Rose Pearl Rouge Intensite lip color. I have never been a fan of this lipstick formula, but if you like the metallic/frosty finish, this warm rose may be the one for you!

Before we wrap up, I would like to remind you to please watch the video tutorial, for there are many comparisons and details included in the review that were not included in this post. If you are a peach blush lover as I am, then you will not want to miss the JC trio comparison shown in the video!

Bottom Line: The 70 Attirance RA Extrait de Gloss, Poudre Signee Illuminating Powder, and Emprise Nail Varnish are my top three must-have picks for Chanel Spring 2013, while the Frivole Joues Contraste blush and Raffinement eyeshadow quad are nice-to-have items.
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1.09.2013

Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in 04 Espresso Review, Photos, Swatches



For the past six months, I have been loving the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Espresso. Tom Ford believes that the brow is one of the most important elements of the face, so it is no surprise to see that he has created a lovely multitasking eyebrow tool. Since receiving it, I have worn it in countless videos and have raved about it often, so I figured it was due time for a post. This brow product can be found at Neiman Marcus and Bergdof Goodman online for $42, but it is well worth the price tag.

1.08.2013

The Balm Nude 'tude Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches


The Nude 'tude is a neutral eyeshadow palette with the greatest versatility in its class. There are both warm and cool shades, with more than just brown tones. I prefer it to the original Urban Decay Naked because there is more variety in colors that can create natural or smoky eye looks, though I do enjoy and use the Naked II palette most out of the three. Nude 'tude boasts phenomenal quality, and it is definitely worth the splurge if you can find it at a discounted rate on HauteLook, as I did. It retails for $36 USD. I cannot say I am a fan of the packaging, as I prefer plastic and metal to cardboard, but it is thin and lightweight yet durable with a sizable mirror on the lid panel. 

1.04.2013

My 2013 Resolutions + Thank You


Today's post is dedicated to writing down my goals for 2013. We are a mere 4 days worth in, but I am confident this new year will be chock-full of accomplishment and merriment.

As many of you know, I have fallen head over heels in love with lululemon athletica and fitness in 2012. Many are of the mind that beauty and fitness go hand in hand.. I must say that I agree, that it is a combination more powerful and influential than I had expected. Hence, I would like to take this moment to thank you for your open mindedness and support as I share my progress as well for continuing to support the beauty channel throughout 2012! I never had the motivation to do what I have recently set in motion during my teens or even my very early twenties, but as I face my mid-twenties, fitness tops my priority list because I am changing my entire lifestyle (not just in terms of exercise, but how I see food/nutrition/health and ultimately even my beauty routine). I do not eat fast food, I cut my sodium intake, I drink only water.. so much has changed for the better.

So here are my 2013 Resolutions!
1. Maintain and improve upon this heavy lifting, clean eating lifestyle that was inspired by lululemon.
2. Post beauty reviews here on TheRAEviewer regularly, 4 times a week or more if possible.
3. Develop a stronger beauty network to bring my readers and viewers more variety.
4. Keep a tidy beauty closet and stay organized in all elements of my life.
5. Continue to grow out my hair and nourish the scalp for healthier locks.
6. Continue to use body lotion and hand creme daily to banish dry skin.

Now, I'd like to leave you with some food for thought. Whatever your goals (fitness, career, personal, etc.), please do take advantage of your potential. Potential means nothing if you do not utilize it wisely. Your goals will require sacrifice and compromise because breaking out of a stale routine and implementing any positive changes takes patience and much effort. It may require cutting back on social time, sleeping an hour or two less per day, etc. but if you really want it.. JUST DO IT. Stop asking questions, stop making excuses, stop feeling sorry for yourself. Work as hard as you possibly can, hold yourself accountable for each setback without letting it discourage you, and strive daily to accomplish what you set out to achieve because even little successes are something to celebrate (with good cheer, not by regressing into old/bad habits)! These are the very same steps I have taken.. and if you follow me on Instagram, you will see how much it has paid off already. You may surprise yourself, and you will see how far determination and consistency can carry you. Best of luck with all your resolutions this 2013! xoxo

MOTIVATION GETS YOU STARTED. HABIT KEEPS YOU GOING.

1.02.2013

Chanel CC Cream Review, Comparisons, Swatches + Application Tutorial Video


Chanel CC Cream Correction Complete SPF 30 ml

What is CC Cream?

The new Chanel Complexion Complete CC Cream is the part of the newest crop of skin performance products, CC cream. The 'CC' in CC cream supposedly stands for color correct, and there are only a handful of these products available. Most notably the Chanel, since it is quite difficult to procure, the Olay drugstore version since it is the only one easily accessible to Americans, and the Rachel K version that is most popular in Asia, especially with those who are too tan for the Chanel version.
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