May 2014 Favorites [Hits & Misses] feat. Kerastase, 3LAB, Sulwhasoo, Urban Decay + more!

The month of May has flown by! I cannot believe how many products I have discovered through friends and traveling, so I will share some of my new foundation finds with you. Please note, I will compile a comparison review of my cushions as soon as I receive the new Laneige Pore Control version, which just launched (and is only available) in Asia. Many thanks again to my friend Leanne for coming to the rescue! I also have several products I have been using for months now — such as my beloved Mason Pearson brush and 3LAB 'Super h' Serum — that I am glad to finally announce are absolutely worth the indulgence. If you have any further questions regarding the products I reviewed in the video below, please feel free to ask them in the comments section!

A preview snapshot of some of the Favorites posted on my Instagram!

Products Reviewed:

Kerastase Spray À Porter Tousled Effect Spray

Kerastase Lift Vertige Root Uplifting Gel

Mason Pearson Popular Nylon & Boar Bristle Brush [for Long, Normal to Coarse hair]

LAmade Double V-Neck Slouchy Tee in XS

Keepsake Sleepwalker Peplum Top in XS

Laneige 5-in-1 BB Cushion in Light

3LAB Aqua BB in 2 Medium

Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion Foundation in 25

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation in 113 [Favorite new HD Foundation]

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

3LAB 'Super h' Serum Age-Defying Serum

Sulwhasoo Snowise Exfoliating Gel

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Urban Decay NAKED Flushed Cheek Palette in Native [Tutorial HERE]

Kiss Me Heroine Make Eyelash Fixer [Glue]

Makeup Worn:

SK-II Stempower Cream Foundation in 420

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chanel Vitalumiere Powder in 20

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 02 Terra

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadow in 9

Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow Duo in #207

By Terry Ligne Blackstar Eyeliner in Black

Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black

NARS Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Via Veneto

Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush in 507

Bourjois Lip Velvet in 05 Ole Flamingo

YSL Gloss Volupte in 206 Fuchsia Oran

Velour Lashes in Oops, Naughty Me

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Tee:

LAmade Double V-Neck Slouchy Tee in XS

Nails:

Dior Gel in Wonderland

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow and Diffused Heat Review, Photos, Swatches

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush ($35 USD each) was the most highly anticipated launch of 2014 thus far. A groundbreaking hybrid that combines the customized lighting effects of the Ambient Lighting Powders with modern hues, these wearable new blushes offer seamless, soft-focus, and multidimensional color. Check out the face swatches after the jump!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush for Spring 2014

Ignite your accent light with the new AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH ($35 USD)

Discover a new way to blush: This groundbreaking hybrid combines the customized lighting effects of Ambient Lighting Powder with a spectrum of breathtakingly modern hues. The result in seamless, soft-focus and multidimensional color.

Hourglass has fused Ambient Lighting Powder, the cutting-edge collection of finishing powders, with an array of vivid cheek colors, creating a hybrid product that is unique, contemporary and revolutionary. Unlike traditional blush, which tends to be flat, Ambient Lighting Blush uses Photoluminescent Technology to exhibit depth and dimension. The airy, lightweight powders contain optically transparent particles that amplify the colors to a multi-dimensional level — effectively reinventing the way you view blush. The state-of-the-art formula means that its full potential is only displayed on application. The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique — which means "to mix" in Italian — creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike.

The Ambient Lighting Blush delivers a radiant natural finish and offers buildable color. It is designed to be paired with Ambient Lighting Powder. Using the two products together inbues the entire complexion with an otherworldly glow. The six shades, which range from soft coral to cool pink, are a wardrobe of captivating accent lights for cheeks. Free of parabens, talc, fragrance, nanoparticles, and gluten. No animal testing.

6 PERMANENT SHADES

• Radiant Magenta: A golden fuchsia blush combined with Radiant Light for a summer glow
• Mood Exposure: A soft plum blush fused with Mood Light to brighten the complexion
• Diffused Heat: A vibrant poppy blush combined with Diffused Light for a subtle halo effect
• Ethereal Glow: A cool pink blush fused with Ethereal Light for a moonlight luminosity
• Dim Infusion: A subdued coral blush fused with Dim Light to add warmth 
• Luminous Flush: A champagne rose blush fused with Luminous Light to evoke a candlelit glimmer

AVAILABILITY: Launching first at Hourglasscosmetics.com on January 24th, 2014. Launching February 2014 at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter.com, Sephora, and SpaceNK.

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Tom Ford Cheek Color in Love Lust (01) Review, Photos, Swatches

Tom Ford's Cheek Color in Love Lust ($56 USD) is a warm coral with noticeably fine, even shimmer. It wears more like a peach-tangerine, and the hint of pink that is detectable in the pan is perhaps even more subtle on my face. Flattering and wearable peach blushes are difficult to come by since they inevitably lean too far orange or too far brown, so Love Lust is definitely worth taking a look at. Check out swatches after the jump!  

Tom Ford Frantic Pink (02) and Wicked (06) Cheek Colors Review, Photos, Swatches

Tom Ford Cheek Colors in Frantic Pink and Wicked, $56 USD each, are two of my favorite blush colors. These silky, shimmering colors can be worn alone or paired with bronzer and are a pleasure to apply to the skin — especially with the Tom Ford Cheek Brush (reviewed here). Frantic Pink and Wicked are soft yet pigmented and finely milled as expected. Check out all the skin and face swatches after the jump!

Tom Ford Cheek Brush Review, Photos, Comparisons

Tom Ford blush fanatics, and the blush obsessed in general, must own Tom Ford's Cheek Brush. The Cheek Color and Cheek Brush duo will yield a brighter and lively complexion in a mere minute. With a pat on the pan, the Cheek Brush collects just enough product and deposits it softly on the skin. The flat face of the brush can create a youthful dolly-cheek effect, while the tapered ends can be used apply color to the tops of the cheeks for a sculpted blush effect. I find that it pairs best with Tom Ford's pearly Cheek Colors, but this brush performs so well, it can make any blush look divine. See more details and comparisons after the jump!