FAVORITES: December 2014 Beauty HITS & MISSES (Lipsticks, Foundation, Acne + Skin Care)

Welcome back, everyone! I hope you've all had a wonderful start to 2015. I am very much looking forward to this new year, but December was a long and memorable month. I leaned on excuses like stress and work, and as happy as my taste buds and tummy were, I was definitely paying for it with my poor health. I weighed in at 117 pounds and officially decided it was time to turn my life back around. I have been eating very healthy (no Christmas gorging) and trying to get exercise whenever possible. Unfortunately, I was very sick for nearly a week due to the insane bug that's going around, which derailed all my video plans, but I am back and feeling more motivated than ever! I experienced an adrenaline rush while filming, though sadly, I totally crashed with exhaustion after filming this episode. Still, I hope you enjoy the last Favorites episode of 2014 and hope you look forward to the Best of 2014 reviews! xo

Products Reviewed

Theory Cashmere Sweater (On sale now, a super steal!)

BB Dakota Leather Jacket in Taupe

Wayne Goss Powder Brush (LE)

Tom Ford Lips&Boys in Beau and Julian

Bakel Cool Eyes Eye Cream

Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel

Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Masks

Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan

Chikuhodo Z-2 Brush (NOT Z-4, sorry!)

NARS The Multiple in St. Lucia

NARS Irresistible Eye Palette

*Best of NARS Review HERE

Clé de Peau Cream Foundation

Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation

NARS Reflecting Pressed Powder

NARS Powder Foundation in Deauville

Makeup Worn

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

NARS Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska

Clé de Peau Foundation in O20

NARS Reflecting Pressed Powder

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Pink

NARS The Multiple in St. Lucia

NARS Irresistible Eye Palette

em cosmetics liquid eyeliner in Black

Clé de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Burberry Holiday '14 Lip Glow in Oxblood
Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away
*receive 15% OFF with code RAEVELOUR

Earrings:

Prudence C Crystals

Nails:

Chanel Spring 2015 Tenderly

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TOP 5 | Best of Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Review

Dolce&Gabbana Beauty has been reinventing classics since the line first launched in 2009. The luxurious gilded packaging and diverse color range are nearly irresistible, and now you can find these phenomenal products at Nordstrom. I have dabbled with most of the brand's offerings, but here I will share my favorites are shared and reviewed in order of my preference after the jump!

GUIDE | Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte, Perfect Luminous, and Reveal Lift Liquid Foundations Review + SWATCHES

In case you haven't heard, Nordstrom recently began offering Dolce and Gabbana Beauty! Perhaps it is in my nature as a niche beauty blogger, but I absolutely love seeing my favorite niche brands expanding and breaking into big retailers like Nordstrom. I spotted all the D&G liquid foundations on the Nordstrom website, and it immediately inspired me to share my thoughts on these three truly worthwhile formulas. Find out more about each foundation after the jump!

UPDATE: Top 5 Foundations Review + More Recommendations by Skin Type

It has been over a year since my last Top 5 Foundations Review, so I figured it was time for an update! I received plenty of requests in the past couple months, but I held off on filming until I had tested as many Fall 2014 foundations releases as possible. The five foundations featured in this episode are all ideal options for normal to dry skin, as that is my current skin situation, but combination skin types that enjoy a luminous complexion should try them as well. Please refer to the individual reviews and additional recommendations by each skin type after the jump!

Sisley Phyto-Teint Expert Foundation Review, Photos + Giveaway

Sisley skin care and makeup is ultra luxe, but the new Phyto-Teint Expert redefines all expectations of a luxury foundation. This new skin care formula delivers on all fronts. I have not been so thoroughly impressed by a liquid-to-powder foundation before! This all-day long, flawless formula enhances the surface of my skin and provides a smoother, more even-toned complexion. Find out more after the jump!

Rouge Bunny Rouge Makeup Review, Photos + Feature Look

Rouge Bunny Rouge is a brand that has always intrigued me. Anthropologie offers a limited selection online, but unfortunately, the brand is not widely available in the United States. I, however, have always admired the memorable Rouge Bunny Rouge packaging design, and their pricing is actually quite reasonable! Now that I have tested much of the RBR line-up, I am glad to say that the products are as wonderful as I had hoped. They are definitely worth the time it takes to ship, so if you'd like to learn more, please refer to all individual reviews and swatches after the jump!

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:

Giorgio Armani Designer Lift in 4 + Lasting Silk in 6

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Powder Compact in 4

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric Bronzer in 200

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadows in 29 and 15

Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black

By Terry Ligne Blackstar Eyeliner in Black

Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Black

Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush in 507

Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 389 Kiss Me

Velour Lashes in You Complete Me 

[Receive 15% OFF w/promo code RAEVELOUR]

Nails:

Tom Ford Indiscretion

Hair:

GHD Gold Professional 2" Styler

Shirt:

Diane Von Furstenberg Cholula Lace Tee

[Sold Out Everywhere]

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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!

Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge Set Review, Photos, and Tutorial

The Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid foundation has officially launched in the United States, so I am very excited to share this review and tutorial today! My lovely friend Leanne sent me my very first bottle of Lightbulb all the way from Singapore, where it launched first. All of my favorite Asian beauty bloggers were raving about it, so I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype and could actually provide perfect coverage with 12 hours of moisturized comfort. 

The Lightbulb Fluid has a "multi-glow oil complex" and is, hence, not oil-free. The secret to the fresh reflective dewiness is a blend of non-allergenic, non-comedogenic mineral pigments and liquefied pearls suspended in a macadamia oil-infused base. Lightbulb is best on normal to slightly dry skin. If you have combination skin and do not mind a more luminous complexion, then give it a shot. Oily skin will have to prep with primer, powder down with a mattifying compact, and blot throughout the day to keep shine at bay. On my normal skin, however, the Lightbulb provides a natural glow with easily buildable coverage and wears for a solid 8 hours on my normal skin before my T-Zone requires a blot! I only need two pumps for truly full coverage. It photographs beautifully and has a slightly airbrushed look. Dry skin most likely will want to skip powder to maintain the integrity of the beautiful luminosity.

Shop the Lightbulb foundation HERE and use the promo code LIGHTRAE to score 15% OFF + free shipping on all Shu Uemura orders!

I do find that it tends to settle into larger pores at the end of the day, so even if you do not have oily skin, try using a primer for the smoothest base possible. Also, I usually prefer to use my fingers for a more natural application with a dense foundation formula like Lightbulb's, but I recommend sticking to the included sponge. This hand-finished lightbulb shaped sponge was designed specifically for tapping and creating a glowing finish with the fluid foundation, but I do wish it was black or even red. White sponges are nearly impossible to keep pristine even with lots of TLC. Despite that issue, I do find that the smaller, pointed end of the sponge can effectively control (aka minimize) the radiance factor. If you are interested in Lightbulb but are wary of excess oiliness, just apply the foundation with the pointy Side B. Check out the tutorial below!

Now, Leanne first sent me (as a gift) Shade 554 Medium Sand, which has the ideal golden undertone for me. It matches my forehead perfectly and will work well with my summer tan, but 554 is currently one to two shades too dark for the rest of my face. Clearly, I need extra sunscreen on my forehead and perhaps a hat to rectify this problem!

Shu Uemura's team matched me to Shade 574 Light Sand, which suits my winter coloring better. I found that 574 oxidizes a full shade up after 30 minutes, so there is no need to be intimidated by how light it looks in the glass bottle. This shade has slightly more of a peach undertone as opposed to 554's golden undertone, so it is fabulous at brightening up and revitalizing my eye and cheek area! 

TIP: Give the Lightbulb foundation a full 30 minutes to oxidize to its true color. 574 looks a bit ghastly on me at first, but it warms up beautifully and evenly.

MAKEUP WORN [in video]:

Shu Uemura Lightbulb Foundation in 574 

Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte in 7YR Medium Light 

Laura Mercier Face Brush Angled Kabuki 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 202 and Holder 

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blusher in Rose Quartz 

Shu Uemura M Soft Brown 851 + P Light Beige 812 Eyeshadows [mixed & blended over lids]

Shu Uemura Lasting Gel Pencil Eye Liner in M Brown 02 

Shu Uemura Stretch Xtreme Precise Finish Waterproof Mascara 

EM Cosmetics Lip Gallery Lipstick in Cuddle Up Pink 

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited in PK 50 C 

Ardell 120 Demi Wispies False Eyelashes

Shirt:
H&M [old]

Nails:
Dior Blossom

Earrings:
House of Harlow White Sunburst Studs

SHOP THE POST

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IMATS 2014 Photo Diary & Beauty Haul [Hakuhodo, Parian Spirit, Velour Lashes, Tom Ford, Urban Decay]

It is a very exciting weekend for beauty fiends, as IMATS has finally reached Los Angeles! I was fortunate enough to shop on Pro Night yesterday, so I picked up some fabulous goodies. I am saved up as much as I could for Hakuhodo brushes, and I am overjoyed with the performance of the styles I have chosen. Still, I wish I had been able to purchase more!

Don't forget to check out the IMATS Exhibitor Map so that you know exactly which booths to head to. Sunday is a tough day to shop since lots of top sellers will be sold out, so go prepared with a wish list and prioritize your time! MAC was selling all their Pro goods at 20% off, and you may use your Pro Card for additional discounts if you have one that is up to date. Plastic only, must pay tax. Now, Hakuhodo never offers discounts, but I was happy enough that I did not have to pay taxes on my purchases. Don't forget to swing by Velour Lashes and stock up on the best luxury false lashes on the market! I already hoard mine but never hesitate to buy more whenever I get the chance because I'm nutty like that. Last but not least, visit the far left end of the makeup arena to purchase Parian Spirit brush wipes and Violet Voss cosmetics glitters and rhinestoned accessories.

I threw in some non-IMATS goodies by Tom Ford and Urban Decay at the end, so I hope you'll enjoy the variety of products featured! Some new, some Holy Grail.. I promise it's worth the extra few minutes of your time! And if you're attending IMATS tomorrow, best of luck and happy shopping! xo

PRODUCTS REVIEWED:

Hakuhodo S5557 Powder & Liquid Angled

Hakuhodo S106 Powder Angled

Hakuhodo S103 Powder Blush Pointed

*Also Mentioned: Tom Ford Bronzer Brush + Tom Ford Cheek Brush

Hakuhodo J142 Eyeshadow Tapered

Hakuhodo J5523 Eyeshadow Round

Hakuhodo Kokutan Eyeshadow Brush ML

Hakuhodo Kokutan Eyeshadow Brush S

*Also Mentioned: MAC 239 Shader Brush 

Parian Spirit Brush Wipes

MAC Face & Body Foundations in C1 & C3
Velour Lashes in Oops! Naughty Me and Guilty, Lashaholic

Violet Voss Secret Weapon Glitter Adhesive
Violet Voss Gitter in Wendy
Tom Ford Eyeliner Pen in Deeper http:bit.ly/1hqKPI3bit.ly/1hqKPI3

Urban Decay Naked Skin Loose Powder in Medium Light

Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara

MAKEUP WORN:

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Liquid Foundation in 6 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Loose Powder in Medium Light

Chanel Les Beiges Powder in 30 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 202 and Holder 

Anastasia Dipbrow Eyebrow Pomade in Ebony 

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in 9 

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eyeshadow in Gri-Gri 

Tom Ford Eyeliner Pen in Deeper

Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara 

Ardell Demi Wispies 120 False Lashes

NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Piree

Nails:

Dior Spring 2014 Blossom 

Jacket:

Lululemon

SHOP THE POST

IMATS Los Angeles 2014 PHOTO DIARY
Please do not use my photos without permission. Thank you!

We conclude with Sugarpill's wickedly fun, photogenic brights! xo

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