My Top 3 Mascaras and Eyelash Curler Comparisons Review + Video Details

I love mascara. It's the product I reach for most because when you wear minimal makeup, mascara is the one element that can really amp up your look! I highly recommend investing in a quality lash curler to add lift and curl to your eyelashes. And of course, invest time to find "the" mascara (or mascaras) that give your lashes the look you desire. I personally love waterproof mascara, but not everyone has the best luck with the drier formulas.. different strokes for different folks, remember? Good luck!

Mascaras Reviewed:
Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof
Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof  [I only recommend the WP version]
**The Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill range [original and WP] are also worth checking out!

Makeup Worn:
Smashbox CC Cream in Fair
Koh Gen Do Triple Lighting Powder Foundation in OC-2
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer in Light to Medium
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural
Cle de Peau Brow Pencil in Natural Black
YSL Shocking Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black
Sigma Beauty Extended Wear Eyeliner in Declare
Ellis Faas Glazed Lips in L307

Nails:
Chanel Alchemie [Fall]
Chanel Peridot [Ring Fingers]

Tank:
DailyLook

___________________________________________________________________________

Where to find The RAEviewer?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

UPDATE: Google is retiring the Google Reader from July 1st. That means starting tomorrow, you will no longer be able to access blog posts updates through the Reader feed. This is sad news because I have always been fond of the Reader. Thank goodness, however, for BlogLovin' because now it is just as easy to stay in touch! There is a very simple function that will allow you to import all the blogs you follow on Google Reader to BlogLovin.

1. IMPORT FEEDS FROM YOUR GOOGLE READER.

To import all the blogs you follow on Google Reader to Bloglovin, just click on

bloglovin.com/import/reader

Where to find The RAEviewer?

--Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RAEview

--YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/RAEview

--Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheRAEviewer

--Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RAEview

--BlogLovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3911803

___________________________________________________________________________

Summer Beauty Essentials Haul from Sephora & Nordstrom + Accessories & Swim!

I love filming haul videos, and this one was really fun in particular because there is a little something for everyone here! The beauty section includes skin care as well as a limited edition piece from MAC. I know many of you wanted me to feature a product from one of their latest releases (since there have been so many), and the blush reviewed in the video below is my pick for the season. I also share with you some swimsuit pairings -- which are just ideas -- but I still hope you enjoy them and find them helpful! Last but not least, I shared with you some of the House of Harlow jewelry I had posted on Instagram. I really fell in love with both of the pieces, so check them out while they are still available!

Products Reviewed:
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Diffused Light
NARS And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Gel Cleanser
Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head for Acne-Prone Skin
Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation Case - 1965
Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation Refill SPF 34 in Shade SP30
MAC Powder Blush in Royal Sunset
MintBarry Bracelet in Mojitobarry [Size S]
Patagonia Swimsuit Top [old - no longer available]
DailyLook Mint Corduroy Shorts
DailyLook Mint Star Print Cardigan [so sorry - sold out already]
Lolli Swim The Honey Honey Bow Bikini Bottom in XS
Lolli Swim The Dancing Queen Bow Bikini Top in XS
Lolli Swim We Got the Beat Ruffle Bandeau Swimsuit Top
House of Harlow 1960 Black Resin Station Necklace from HaulerDeals
House of Harlow 1960 White Sand Sunburst Stud Earrings from HaulerDeals


Makeup Worn:
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black
Ellis Faas Silk Veil Liquid Foundation in S103
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Diffused Light
Smashbox Halo Powder in Light/Medium as bronzer
Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in 3 Purpura
Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Cool Gold [LE]
YSL Shocking Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara with Velour Lashes in Lashaholic
Benefit Powder Blush in Bella Bamba + Coralista
Cle de Peau Extra Rich Lipsticks in T1 and T9

Nails:
Deborah Lippmann Do the Mermaid

Tank:
DailyLook Braided Strap Tank

Necklace:
House of Harlow 1960 Black Resin

___________________________________________________________________________

Chanel Summer 2013 Le Vernis in Lilis 647 Nail Polish Review, Photos, Swatches

Chanel Lilis 647 Le Vernis is the last of the three Chanel Summer 2013 nail polishes I purchased. I hesitated initially because this deep, rich coral looked too warm for my taste when I glanced at it in department store lighting. This relatively conservative (in comparison to the "louder" metallic Bel-Argus and Azure from the same release) true cream nail polish, however, won me over at first swipe. 

My Top 5 Liquid Foundation Picks + Foundation Routine for Natural, Long-Lasting Matte Summer Skin

I held a little poll on my Facebook page to see if you wanted to see a Top 5 Liquid Foundations update or a Top 5 Mascaras video, and the former won! I hope you enjoy the new picks, but please refer to my first video (originally posted last year HERE) for advice on how to best choose the best foundation shade for you xoxo

My Featured Top 5 Liquid Foundations:

• Dolce & Gabbana The Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation SPF 20 [Available at Sephora]
• in Natural Glow 100
• Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Mattifying Oil Free Foundation [Available at Sephora]
• in Nude [applied with Tom Ford Cream Foundation Brush]
• Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation SPF 8 [Available at Nordstrom]
• in No. 6
• Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation SPF 15 [Available at Sephora]
• in S104 [Summer Tan Shade]
• Burberry Sheer Cover Luminous Fluid Foundation in 05 Trench [Available at Nordstrom]
• in No. 5 [Light Tan Shade]

Additional Liquid Foundation Recommendations:

• Oily/Combination Skin: Lâncome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua [liquid], Burberry Velvet
• Normal Skin: Armani Maestro, Koh Gen Do Aqua, Chanel Perfection Lumiere
• Dry Skin: Lâncome Teint Miracle, Armani Luminous Silk

Makeup Worn:
Hourglass Veil Mineral SPF 15 Primer
Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation in Nude
Hourglass Hidden Concealer in Natural
Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen in 05 Naked Bisque
Hourglass Ambient Powder in Diffused Light
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural
Hourglass Visionaire Eyeshadow in Dune
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara in Black
Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me
MAC Powder Blush in Royal Sunset
Lancome Gloss in Love in 312 Blink Pink

Blouse Worn:
DailyLook

Nails:
Deborah Lippmann Do the Mermaid

___________________________________________________________________________

Lâncome Gloss in Love in Just Strass 200, Peach Show 146, Blink Pink 312, Violette Paillette 383, Flash N' Fuchsia 391 Reviews, Photos, Swatches

There is something highly addicting about the high vinyl shine and comforting feel of the new Lâncome Gloss in Love. There are 18 luminous shades available, but today I will share with you my favorite five. Click to see swatches after the jump!

"Its secret: at the heart of a magnifying glass-effect crystalline base, the breakthrough association of two polymers -- one glossy, one flexible -- to form a supple, shiny three-dimensional network on lips' surface. Pigments and mother-of-pearl to shine through to their fullest potential, allowing for radiant color with this new generation, absolute-comfort and non-sticky texture, able to moisturize lips for 6 hours."

Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Waterlight Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen Review, Photos, Swatches

Kate Somerville's Daily Deflector Waterlight Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is the latest sunscreen release from the brand, and it is officially my new daily-use sunscreen. I apply it after my moisturizer and before my base makeup. I used Dior's DiorSnow SPF 50+ for years, but I have been looking for a lighter sunscreen since I have started to wear foundation primer regularly again. Click to read more and see if this Waterlight formula could be a contender for your next Holy Grail sunscreen!

My Must-Have Hair Care & Hair Styling Products.. Plus 1 Major Miss to Avoid!

Today I will share with you my hair care and hair styling products on regular rotation. I do switch pairings depending on my activities, but I highly recommend all but the last product listed below. Though I love the Kerastase Cristalliste range, I think I will explore more of the Résistance to strengthen the lengths of my hair! The scent on the Cristalliste is more feminine, but I love the fresh, lemon-infused zing of the Résistance Ciment Thermique fragrance. This breakdown may have been a bit overwhelming for some, but when I reach for the products in my bathroom, it feels easy. Just found out the routine that works best for you and your hair.. best of luck!

Products Reviewed:

• Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Crystal Thick Shampoo http://www.kerastase-usa.com/BAIN-CRISTAL-THICK/CBCT000,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=Cristalliste
• Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/Cleansing-Oil-Shampoo/SU053,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=shampoo
• Kenra Platinum Moisture Conditioner http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=26
• Kerastase Cristalliste Masque Cristal Hair Mask http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Masque-Cristal/MC0000,default,pd.html?start=8&cgid=Cristalliste
• Shu Uemura Essence Absolue http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/Essence-Absolue/SU028,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=art_of_oil
• Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt Serum http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Cristal-Sculpt/CS0000,default,pd.html
• Jonathan Create Smooth Hair Serum http://bit.ly/10POael
• Kerastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protectant http://www.kerastase-usa.com/CIMENT-THERMIQUE/CTH0000,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=resistance_2
• Kerastase Initialiste http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Initialiste/3474630493421,default,pd.html
• Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Conditioner [I do NOT recommend this. It sits on top of the hair, dense but not nourishing. And yes, the pump on mine is broken so it leaks badly.]

Makeup Worn:
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in 30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Soft Brunette
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E103 Black
NARS And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette [Pink-peach for highlight w/matte brown for crease]
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara with Red Cherry 217 Lashes
Tom Ford Cheek Color Blush in Flush
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Pygmalion and Sara Happ Lip Slip Gloss

Nails:
Zoya Summer, topped with Butter London Tart as a Heart glitter [left hand only]

Shirt:
7 For All Mankind [old]

Zoya Nail Polish in Mia Review, Photos, Swatches

Zoya Nail Polish describes their Mia shade as a "very soft, muted dusty nude mauve-pink in a glossy creme finish. A gentle, natural charming shade for a flattering nude look." I have been searching high and low for a feminine pink that is not too nude while appropriate for all occasions, and I have found it in Mia. This polished pink looks fabulous from all angles at any time of the day, though it does pull warmer to a rosy-mauve when indoors without artificial light (see photo above & please excuse the healing wound on my hand). On the other hands, Mia appears to be more of a neutral pink with a slightly dusty cast in full sunlight or bright fluorescent lighting (see photo below).

I find that Zoya's Mia is extremely flattering on my medium-tanned hands. I was hesitant that it would look too pale or apply too sheerly, but it is perfect in every regard. I rarely wear sunscreen on my hands and arms -- I know, for shame -- so I was surprised that Mia did not turn ashy against my skin tone. Dusty mauve polishes tend to cast a grey tint to my warm undertones. This is, by far, the best performing Zoya that I have encountered, and I am sure you can tell from this glowing review. Not only do I love the easy application, this creme finish has a hint of translucency (aka no chalkiness) that yields incredibly smooth and shiny color in just two coats. I have worn it for several days with barely a sign of tip wear. No wonder Zoya released Mia in their Classics collection!

NOTE: I always use a base coat (either Butter London's Nail Foundation or Essie's All in One), and more importantly, I always finish my nails with Butter London's Hardware Top Coat for an extremely chip-resistant and extra glossy finish. I realize some do not prefer the high gloss look, but it makes my very narrow nail beds look more feminine.

Bottom Line: Mia has given me hope that I will find more Zoya colors to love, and I highly recommend it to those who have been looking for an affordable, sophisticated pink that is not stiff or totally uninteresting.

___________________________________________________________________________

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipsticks in 103 Brun Créateur and 104 Brun Cachemire Reviews, Photos, Swatches

The Le Rouge is the newest lipstick offering from Givenchy Beauty, housed in an edgy chrome bullet with genuine black leather. I love the geometric stud detailing in contrast with the soft and supple feeling of the wrapped case in my palm. These lipsticks have a silky fine texture that defines and plumps up the lips, which I know many of you will love. See swatches after the jump!

May 2013 Favorites [Hits & Misses] for Base Makeup, Hair, Lips/Nails + Video Details

The month of May was filled with the best of beauty! There was finally a "miss" worth talking about, since after all it is from Chanel, and I knew the hard-core Chanel fanatics in my audience would appreciate this mention. I also rediscovered some of my old favorites, which is what tends to happen when you shop your stash. My routine has been very minimal, as I have had to ease up on the makeup since my skin has been so volatile (thank you, hormones). I have, however, seen progress in my skin's condition, so this means I will be back to wearing a complete face and testing more makeup for you full-time! Hope you enjoy these summer season appropriate Favorites xoxo

Makeup Reviewed:
Dolce & Gabbana The Foundation Perfect Matte Liquid in 100
Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Nude
Kerastase Ciment Thermique
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural with BB Bronzer Brush
Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in 4 Peach
Kenzo Ki Skin Whitening Cocooning Cream [see more info here]
Kenzo Ki Skin Vital-Ice Cream [see more info here]
Chanel Volume de Chanel Mascara in Black
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Black
Lancome Gloss in Love in Peach Show 146 and Just Strass 200 [new releases]
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Nail Lacquer in Vapor

Makeup Worn:
Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Nude
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in B30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Natural 1
Givenchy Le Prisme Blush Powder in 25 In Vogue Orange
Ellis Faas Light in 303 Bronze as Eye Base
Lorac Pro Palette - Light Bronze Eyeshadow with Mauve in Crease
Sephora Long Lasting Liquid Eyeliner with Precision Brush in Black
Ardell Accent Lashes No. 305 with Armani Eyes to Kill WP Mascara
Lancome Gloss in Love in Peach Show 146

Nails:
Chanel Azure [Summer 2013 Limited Edition]
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream [ring fingers]

Tank:
Lululemon Power Y [old]

My Morning Routine -- Skin Care with Base Makeup

Today I will be sharing with you a spin on the Get Ready with Me in the Morning Tag video. I chose to keep it shorter than usual and highlight the skin care I have been using. Again, my skin has been experiencing hormonal swings, but the overall clarity of my skin has improved greatly! My cheeks are smoother and more even in color than they have ever been. My forehead and chin have been volatile spots for me, but at least I can positively say they have been very responsive and heal accordingly.

My night time skin care routine video will address more of the products I use to calm my skin, but my morning's skin care routine has positively added that "silky smooth" factor to my complexion that was lacking before. And yes, the Kenzo creams are super lightweight, so they help me maintain my normal T-Zone throughout the day.. highly recommended for those with oily skin or for those who prefer thinner (yet highly effective) moisturizers!

Products Used:

• Whitening Cheering Lotion [white/pink packaging]:
  http://www.kenzousa.com/item/whitening-cheering-lotion
• Whitening Cocooning Cream [white/pink packaging]: http://www.kenzousa.com/item/whitening-cocooning-cream
  
• Vital-Ice Face Cream [white/yellow packaging]: http://www.kenzousa.com/item/vital-ice-face-cream-1177 (*NOTE: I find the Ice products have definitely plumped up and smoothed out my skin)
• Ice-Cold Eye Cream [white/yellow packaging]: http://www.kenzousa.com
• Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat Compact Face Powder in 84 Beige Mousseline: http://www.givenchybeauty.com
• Givenchy Mat Prisme Le Prisme Blush in 25 in Vogue Orange: http://www.givenchybeauty.com/item/Le-Prisme-Blush

Nails:

• Givenchy Nail Lacquer in 02 Biege Mousseline
• Butter London Tart as a Heart [glitter]
• Chanel Easten Light [white creme]

Tee:

• James Perse

___________________________________________________________________________