Kevyn Aucoin: The Celestial Powder in Candelight
I first learned about this highlighter many months ago when it was recommended by the lovely Rachel of
Makeup Never Sleeps. When I received this and swatched it on my arm I was worried at first, as it didn't really seem to have much of an effect, but when I applied it on my face and caught my reflection in the mirror later in the day I was very happy to see a subtle yet definitely discernible radiance. The powder is smooth and long lasting, and I love that there are no chunky flecks of glitter. It just gives you a soft, lit from within look. The only negative I can point out is that the brush it comes with is not commensurate with the cost of this item. It has rough, blunt bristles that mar the surface of the powder. Of course, it's easy enough to just use one of my own brushes instead!
Bare Minerals: READY Eyeshadow Duos in The Epiphany and The Top Shelf
I like several of the Bare Minerals loose powder shadows and blushes, but find I don't really use them as much as pressed powders. I've tried a few of the brand's more recent READY blushes and shadow palettes and have been impressed with the quality. These two duos, The Epiphany and The Top Shelf, stood out to me among the other duos. I guess I've been in a neutrals mood lately! I don't think you can really go wrong with pretty shades like these.
Yves Saint Laurent Dessin du Regard Waterproof Eye Pencils #8 Luminescent Gold and #9 Azure Blue have a buttery smooth texture and intense pigmentation. These two shades were included with the Summer 2012 collection. I have a weakness for anything gold, so #8 was a no brainer for me. The blue is very bold and not something I'd wear every day, but it is fun for a change and very eye-catching. I love the texture of these pencils and plan to go back for a basic brown or black shade in the future.
MAC Electric Cool Eyeshadow in Superwatt
Have you tried MAC's new Electric Cool shadows? These have an interesting spongy cream texture that is similar, but not quite the same, as Chanel's Illusion d'Ombre shadows. Superwatt is a basic, but gorgeous, shimmery taupe. I also love all of the other shimmery shades included in the collection: Coil (a beautiful bronze), Love Power (pale pink), Pure Flash! (champagne/beige) and Electroplate (gunmetal).
Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in BE 208 Baby and PK 307 Tourmaline
Shiseido's Perfect Rouge lipstick range was introduced a few years ago, but I had not purchased any until recently. BE 208 Baby is a great neutral/nude shade that has the right level of brightness and color so that it won't wash you out. PK 307 Tourmaline is a pretty mauve-pink. These lipsticks have a comfortable, smooth texture, hydrating feel, and a subtly luminescent finish with a slight shine.
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Star Wonder
Star Wonder from the Heavenly Creatures collection is the most beautiful Mineral Skin Finish I've seen from MAC in a couple of years. In fact, I think this one has bumped my beloved Stereo Rose into second place. This MSF is more versatile than some, as it can serve as both blush and highlighter in one. The swirls of plum, peony pink, and champagne shimmer combine to produce a beautiful rosy shade that is flattering and complexion brightening.
Star Wonder MSF, The Epiphany & The Top Shelf shadow duos, MAC's Superwatt, YSL #8 and #9 eye pencils
Kevin Aucoin's Candlelight, Shiseido lipsticks BE 208 Baby and PK 307 Tourmaline
Banana Republic's Wild Bloom Vert
Wild Bloom Vert is a summer version of Banana Republic's orginal Wild Bloom scent that was introduced in 2011. Simon Kneen, Banana Republic's creative director, enlisted the talents of perfumer Ilias Ermenidis to create this scent. Wild Bloom Vert is a bit lighter, fresher, and sweeter than its predecessor. Although it is called Vert, it is not what I would consider a traditional green scent. For me, this one is not really "love" but is more of a "like." Top notes are Crisp Pear, Green Violet Leaves, and Pink Lady Apple. Middle notes are Peach Blossom, Gardenia, and Magnolia, followed by base notes of Coconut Wood, Teakwood, Sandalwood, and Musk.
This is a special
Brilliantly Bold edition of Sonia Kashuk's classic boar-bristle hair brush, in a vibrant fuchsia and lime green combination instead of the traditional black and orange. I like the size and quality of this brush but, of course, the bright colors are what really make this one a favorite!
I like these stylish note cards, designed by Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade (available at
Nordstrom). I don't use paper cards often, but these will come in handy from time to time, especially for thank you notes.
I found this rose gold bangle bracelet with rhinestones at Target recently and like its design, with the narrow strands of twisted cable clamped together. I love anything rose gold lately!
Estee Lauder Pure Nail Color in Bete Noire, Smashed, and Nouveau Riche
If you haven't been to an Estee Lauder counter in a while you might want to head on over to the nail polish section to have a look at some of the beautiful new Pure Nail Color shades and the
Metal Mania collection (for more photos and swatches visit The Edge of Sanity blog,
Part I and
Part II). Here are three of my favorites:
Left to right: Smashed, Nouveau Riche, and Bete Noire
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the things I'm liking at the moment. What are some of your current favorites?
