A couple of weeks ago, I received a deluxe sample of the Anna Sui Gel Foundation Primer with my order from Beautylish. I know I've said multiple times in the past that I don't need a primer because I'm perfectly happy using my beloved Saint Jane sunscreen as a primer. However, the jelly-like texture of this new (to me) primer was intriguing and the reviews I read online were promising...
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In ten short days, Sephora will host its biannual Savings Event. This means that starting 10/31-11/10, Rouge members can get 20% off their purchase, and from 11/4-11/10, VIB and Beauty Insiders can get 15% and 10% off, respectively. As someone who's been a Rouge member for almost 10 years straight and regularly redeems the $100 Rouge Reward, you can definitely say that Sephora is one of my favorite stores and I can surely make some recommendations for the upcoming sale. The first item I would recommend is the Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever 16 Hour Natural Finish Liquid Foundation ($22). When I read that they reformulated this foundation, I was reluctant to try it because I liked the old formula a lot and...
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I'm turning 45 in December. I no longer have the time or patience for a 10-step skincare routine. I've found what works well for me, and I've stuck to it for the past year. And my skin still looks pretty good for my age — very minimal fine lines and the occasional breakout. The biggest thing I've stopped using is prescription tretinoin. Or any type of retinol at all. I know it's the #1 ingredient against aging skin, but my skin has gotten more sensitive over the years and I couldn't even tolerate the lowest 0.02% dose. Over-the-counter retinol dries out my skin and I get flaky. I've also developed mild rosacea so I need to be very mindful about potentially irritating...
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Carolina Herrera has released a new foundation: the Nude Couture Triple Moisture Serum Foundation, and it just might be my HG base product. In other words, if I could design my own foundation — light to medium buildable coverage, glowy finish, lightweight, no scent, long-lasting — this would be it. The Carolina Herrera foundation comes in 16 flexible shades and acts more like a skin tint/tinted moisturizer than a full-on foundation. The coverage is light but buildable to medium and it leaves a dewy finish. While some dewy/moisturizing foundations can emphasize the texture on my face, this foundation just leaves an airbrushed look that evens out my complexion without covering up too much. While I had oily/combination skin in my younger years,...
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In the past, I used to be more comfortable with my bare face but after I hit my late 30s (I'm currently 42), I found myself reaching for face makeup more often. As such, I have tried tons of foundations — in various finishes, coverage, and price points. And while I recommended only one in year's Sephora spring sale post, I tend to rotate my foundations depending on my mood. And the following seven, in no particular order, are my all-time favorites. (Some of the linked products are affiliate links, meaning I get commission for purchases or clicks made through those links in this post.) Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation, $69: This foundation has light to medium coverage, with a natural finish...
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