4.30.2014

April Favorites: Fashion, Skin, Dior, Chanel, Armani + Tom Ford



This Favorites episode is jam-packed with amazing products, all highly requested for review! I wish I had more time to update the blog with swatch posts, but I hope these video updates will suffice for now. I covered new discoveries as well as fresh releases for the season, like the hyped Estee Lauder lipsticks as well as the amazing Tom Ford Palette, which I saved for last! Hope you enjoy the video xo



Products Reviewed:
     *Score 2 free deluxe samples with any GlamGlow purchase with promo code RVGTM ♡



Makeup Worn:
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder
Shu Uemura X Mika Spiral Duo in 01
Velour Lashes in Oops, Naughty Me
     *Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your order!

Nails:
Dior Gel in Junon
Ciate Kaftan [accent]
___________________________________________________________________________
Follow the RAEviewer RAEview Twitter RAEview YouTube RAEview Facebook Page

4.27.2014

April 2014 Glossybox Review + Photos



Glossybox is the premiere beauty subscription service, so today I decided to share and my April box's goodies with you! I love and recommend Glossybox because it is a convenient, affordable way to try new products. I have discovered incredible brands like Ellis Faas through my boxes, and I am always glad to see quality gems like Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum pop up! Use promo code RAEVIEW to score 20% OFF your very own April box HERE xo



Makeup Worn:
EM Love Me For Me Powder Compact in 04 Bare 
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan 
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder 
Shu Uemura X Mika Spiral Duo in 01 
Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil 
Velour Lashes in Oops, Naughty Me 
*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your order!

Nails:
Kaftan from Ciate [accent] and Junon Gel from Dior 

Blouse:
Madison Marcus Sequin Pullover from Hautelook 



___________________________________________________________________________
Follow the RAEviewer RAEview Twitter RAEview YouTube RAEview Facebook Page

4.23.2014

INTERVIEW: Kerry Washington on Neutrogena, Skin & Beauty Tips + Scandal



Learn about Kerry Washington's new role as creative consultant the face of Neutrogena® skin and beauty products! Find out what she has learned so far behind the scenes with the scientists and Neutrogena® and how she personally uses makeup as a full time actress on ABC's "Scandal." Also find out some of her skin and beauty essentials she carries around with her on the go!

You can follow Kerry Washington on Twitter HERE to see what's new with Scandal and her work with Neutrogena®. Also explore the Neutrogena® Visibly Even® Line that Kerry is currently promoting and falling in love with HERE!  


MY MAKEUP WORN:
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Foundations in 4.5 + 6
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Powder in 4
EM Michelle Phan Concealer Palette in Light
Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Pearl
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder
NARS NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette
Tom Ford Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Deeper
Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Ardell False Lashes in 120 Demi Wispies
Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Lip Gloss in P107

Necklace: DailyLook
Jacket: Current/Elliot
Tank: Theory
Ring: YSL
___________________________________________________________________________
Follow the RAEviewer RAEview Twitter RAEview YouTube RAEview Facebook Page

4.22.2014

SPRING FORWARD: Barneys New York Spring 2014 Classic Nude Face with Strong Brow and Lip



SRING FORWARD: A nude, clean complexion with a strong brow and pop of color on the lip is always in style! Check out my tips for perfecting the Classic Nude Face featured in Barneys New York Spring Cosmetics Mailer. All details after the jump!

4.19.2014

Prep and Prime! A Foundation Routine feat. SK-II, Sulwhasoo, By Terry + Giorgio Armani



Welcome back to The RAEviewer! So many of you have requested a skin care application demonstration that I decided to create a 'Prep and Prime' tutorial. I will review and share how to layer my SK-II skin care products and then apply my favorite foundation primer of the moment. And since I recently released my Giorgio Armani Foundation Guide, I decided to follow up with my Armani liquid foundations and powder. Whether you prefer sheer or full coverage, properly hydrating your skin and allowing products to set will yield the most flawless complexion results possible! Hope you enjoy xo


Products Used:
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer in Shade 1  


Makeup Worn:
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer in Shade 1  
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder 
Tom Ford Summer '14 Eye & Cheek Palette in Unabashed 
Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me
*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your order!

Nails:

Sweater:
Vince
___________________________________________________________________________
Follow the RAEviewer RAEview Twitter RAEview YouTube RAEview Facebook Page

4.15.2014

EM Michelle Phan Love Me for Me Powder Compact Review, Comparisons, Swatches



I own and collect all varieties of base makeup products, but powder compacts are an essential part of my daily routine. I usually wear a sunscreen and powder on the day to day when I am not testing new liquid foundations or filming videos. So today, I will be reviewing one of my favorites — the em michelle phan Love Me for Me compact — and provide shade analyses between em powder compacts and similar shades from popular mainstream brands. I hope the side by side visuals of the em vs. MAC, Lancome, Estee Lauder, and Clinique powder foundations will allow you to find your foundation match within the em cosmetics range! Please refer to the guide after the jump!

Fleur Fantasy: A Makeup Pictorial Inspired by "The Ring and The Crown"



To celebrate the New York Times best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's new book, "The Ring and The Crown," I created a pictorial for a makeup look inspired by the stunning cover art! I loved the flower crown feature so much, I decided to make my own. I incorporated more purple to match the decadent eyeshadow look and added a bewitchingly bold pink lip to create the effect of a fairer, brighter complexion. Check out more details after the jump!

4.14.2014

Mika Ninagawa for Shu Uemura 'Forbidden Fruits' Makeup Tutorial + Swatches



To celebrate the marvelous Spring 2014 release of Shu Uemura's third collaboration with famed artist Mika Ninagawa, I will be sharing a pictorial — a photo tutorial — for the sultry 'Forbidden Fruits' Look! This makeup embodies the powerfully evocative, vibrant, and alluring shades that make up the dreamy wonderlands created by Mika. Learn how you can achieve this look after the jump!

4.10.2014

Giorgio Armani Foundation Guide [Luminous, Lasting, Maestro, Designer, Luminessence, Face Fabric] + Swatches



I love base makeup in general, but I enjoy collecting and experimenting with liquid foundations most. Of all the brands I have tried and tested over the years, Armani is my overall favorite. None of the formulas contain shimmer, which I prefer. I generally use my fingers to apply all the foundations, but Armani's Blender Brush (natural) or Bobbi Brown's Foundation Brush (synthetic) work very well with both Luminous Silk and Lasting Silk. Duo fiber stippling brushes can be used for sheer to light coverage, but the foundations are thin so it will require much more time and effort to achieve medium to medium-full coverage. Just keep in mind that an extra half pump will be required if brushes are used for application.

Discontinued Packaging + New Packaging
Discontinued Packaging
More importantly, don't forget that priming the skin is an essential step in applying foundation — whether you use Armani products or not. I highly recommend the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer for combination and oily skin types. It was my Holy Grail primer when I had combination skin a couple years ago, and I still reach for it when it is hot and humid. If you have normal to dry skin, I recommend the Chanel Le Blanc Sheer Illuminating Base because it brightens the skin without leaving too heavy a white cast. It also reduces the look of flaky skin and provides such a shimmer-free glow! If you have dry to very dry skin, try Sunday Riley's Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer or Armani's Fluid Master (if you prefer colorless primer).

GIORGIO ARMANI FOUNDATIONS OVERVIEW
  • LUMINOUS SILK ($62 USD): This is the only Armani foundation without sunscreen. Though Luminous Silk is buildable from sheer to medium-full coverage, it looks its best at light to medium. Two pumps will achieve light coverage. Now that I have normal skin, I absolutely love this hydrating foundation, but I still would not wear it during the hot summer season. I do not recommend Luminous Silk for oily or very oily skin because even when I had combination skin, I found it made my skin too shiny after four hours of wear. I highly recommend it for your wedding day because it photographs perfectly in any lighting situation!
  • LASTING SILK SPF20 ($60 USD): This is my favorite Armani foundation and has been one of my Holy Grails since 2011 because I love the water-based formula and softly glowing finish. It is slightly more matte than Luminous Silk, but I feel this is the most versatile Armani foundation as all skin types — with appropriate skin care and primer — can wear it. I have find that that Lasting Silk stays flawless on the skin at least one hour longer than Luminous Silk will, with or without powder on top. With two pumps, Lasting Silk provides more coverage than Luminous Silk, nearly medium. Numerous news anchors swear by this foundation because it looks beautiful on camera, though I do not recommend it for flash photography due to the sunscreen.
  • DESIGNER LIFT SPF20 ($67 USD): This is an underrated medium-full coverage foundation. I love the semi-matte finish, which is what I had expected of Chanel's Mat Lumiere (which is not matte at all). Designer Lift is ideal for mature skin since it has both smoothing and firming properties. I personally love this for my normal skin, but I do make sure to moisturize and prime the skin properly before application. I also find it best to powder the T-Zone when wearing Designer Lift since it does have a tendency to break down around the nostrils and between the eyebrows after six hours. Armani foundations as a whole do not oxidize much, but Designer Lift does not change color whatsoever upon application.
  • MAESTRO SPF15 ($64 USD): This foundation is ideal for combination and oily skin. Do avoid if you have dry skin and especially so if you have dry patches. I love the slightly powdery dry down and soft focus effect of this foundation. It is supremely natural and even at light-medium coverage, looks very much like real skin. Some may be intimidated by or be apprehensive about the thin formula, but it is so easy to spread and blend into the skin with the fingertips. It does not require setting powder, and I like to use this most during the summer.
  • FACE FABRIC SPF12 ($51 USD): This is essentially a tinted primer since the shades are translucent. The silicones in the formula smooth out the surface of the skin the way Benefit Porefessional does. It truly is undetectable and is excellent for the 'no makeup' makeup look on complexions that require very little coverage. I love how velvety soft it makes the skin, but the coverage is too sheer for my taste, especially since I have acne scarring. For an ultra natural, polished face, use the Face Fabric with a powder foundation like Koh Gen Do's Triple Lighting and finish the complexion with a setting mist. 
  • LUMINESSENCE CC MOISTURIZING CREAM SPF35 ($50 USD): I like to call this one a tinted sunscreen since it does not feel quite as hydrating as a standard tinted moisturizer. On my normal skin, I still wear serum and moisturizer underneath. I think dry skins may find this CC cream does not provide enough of a glow. I wore it without powder the first trial run and was pleasantly surprised at how semi-matte it appeared for the first two hours of wear. The Luminessence CC, however, does not dry down and 'set' completely, so it is best topped with a loose powder to prevent transferring. I prefer to use my Armani LS UV Powder since it provides more coverage and sun protection.



Now, I will share my ranking of these six since it usually gets requested at one time or another. My first pick is Lasting Silk, followed by Luminous Silk, Maestro, Designer Lift, Luminessence, and Face Fabic. For additional details regarding the foundations, including the specific shades and color combinations that I use, please refer to my video review below!


Makeup Worn:
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder
Velour Lashes in You Complete Me 
[Receive 15% OFF w/promo code RAEVELOUR]

Nails:
Tom Ford Indiscretion

Hair:

Shirt:
Diane Von Furstenberg Cholula Lace Tee
[Sold Out Everywhere]

___________________________________________________________________________
Follow the RAEviewer RAEview Twitter RAEview YouTube RAEview Facebook Page

4.08.2014

Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet Foundation Review, Photos, Swatches



Chanel's Perfection Lumière Velvet ($45 USD) is the newest base makeup release from the brand. It is described as a lightweight, oil-free fluid foundation that provides a long-lasting matte-velvet finish. Its soft-focus pigments are intended to smooth and perfect the complexion for a flawless look that lasts all day. Perfection Lumière Velvet was formulated for those with normal to oily skin, so the launch is perfect timing for sunny Southern California and the upcoming summer. Check out the complete review, foundation comparisons, and swatches after the jump!

4.07.2014

Shu Uemura x Mika Ninagawa Spring 2014 'Forbidden Fruits' Collection Review + Photos



Shu Uemura has partnered up with renowned photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa for yet another creative, colorful collection. Mika created four new images and designs for this Spring 2014 collection — all inspired by the artistry of Shu Uemura. The four wonderlands Forbidden Fruits, Singing Forest, Curiosity & Melting Sweet Dreams were used for the packaging of the brand's cult products as well as for some of the limited edition shades. Discover the product details after the jump!

4.05.2014

FAVORITES: March 2014 Beauty [Makeup, Skin Care, and Brushes]



March was a long yet productive month, and as usual, was full of beauty discoveries! I did my best to include as many fresh and brand new releases as possible, but I included some classics like Armani's Luminous Silk as well as St. Tropez's tanning products for good measure. Also, I included a couple more makeup brushes at the end of the video since the reviews are so highly requested! I realize that many of you are waiting on a Hakuhodo brush guide, but I am planning to hold off until I purchase the rest of the brushes on my wish list. My SUQQU Face Brush was finally delivered from Selfridge's after a few months of sitting on the wait list, so you can look forward to seeing a feature here on the blog in April's Favorites video! If you have any other review requests, please feel free to list them in the comment section below xo  




Products Reviewed:
EM Michelle Phan Scribble Eyeliner [Review HERE]
St. Tropez Tanning Mousse, Body Polish, and Tanning Mitt
     *Use promo code RRST2 to receive 20% OFF your St. Tropez purchase!
Makeup Worn:
EM Michelle Phan Concealer Palette in Light 
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder 
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow Duo in #207 
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan 22 
Velour Lashes in You Complete Me
     *Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your purchase!

Hoodie:
Wildfox Couture I am Ocean Daydream Hoodie 

Nails:

Hair:
___________________________________________________________________________
Follow the RAEviewer RAEview Twitter RAEview YouTube RAEview Facebook Page
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...