Foundation Friday | Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Ahhh Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk - let's all just take a moment to take this in.  The packaging, the formula, it's all so beautiful.  But how does it REALLY measure up to all of it's hype?  I have a few honest opinions about this foundation!  

I have two shades in this foundation.  In the pictures below I'm wearing shade 6, which is a warm shade.  That was when I had a self tan, so it matched me well, and will be lovely when it gets warmer again.  But, once it started getting colder, I knew I couldn't really continue to review unless I had a lighter shade.  So, I got shade 4.5.  The shade range is awesome - it comes in 24 shades ranging from pinks to peachy to yellow (cool, neutral and warm).  4.5 is a neutral shade.  I wish there was a shade that had a bit of neutral and a bit of yellow because that would be PERFECT for me. But, I can mix the 6 and 4.5, and that gives me a good glow.  

Foundation | Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in 6

Lips | Nars Audacious Lipstick in Raquel with MAC lipliner in Spice

What Nordstrom says:

"Capture the glow of perfect skin with Luminous Silk Foundation, an oil-free fluid with exclusive Micro-fil™ technology. So weightless, it redefines foundation. Its hydrating fluid glides on seamlessly with a silky texture and all-day, buildable coverage"

What I say: 

This foundation does indeed give you a glow.  It is oil-free but not to be confused with most oil-free products that tend to be over drying.  This is a moisturizing foundation, and I tend to reach for it on my dryer days.  I do set it with a powder, because if I don't, it gets a little too shiny for me.  It doesn't accentuate dry patches with it's easy to glide silky formula.  I would agree that it has buildable coverage, but It's hard to achieve a FULL coverage with this foundation.  I would say medium is as much as you'll get before you have to start caking it on.  The foundation lasts about 9 hours on me.  After 9 hours, I wouldn't vouch to go out to dinner, or go to a special event or anything like that.  Luckily I don't leave my makeup on for longer than 9 hours, so it works for me (I take my makeup off right when I get home from work, or I must touch up with powder and concealer if I want to go out).  It is SPF free, and it does photograph beautifully!

So is the hefty price tag worth it?  I'm not sure I'll repurchase.  It's too similar to my Nars Sheer Glow that I cannot live without.  I'd rather vouch for the full coverage that I get with my Nars.  

Thats all for now, folks! :-)

xoxo, Molly

Winter Make Up Go-to Look!

Ladies... it's seriously winter time in the south. 45 degrees!? Come on mother nature, we live in South Carolina for a reason... bring back Summer!  At least we can bring out the cool tones in our makeup--right?  Of course, I would think of that random thought. :) My favorite cool tone eyeshadows are those found in the Naked 2 Palette, and it seems its the ONLY thing I can pick up lately.  I've created my go to look thats super easy.  Here it is!

 1. Take those sticky notes, and apply to outer edge of eye up to the end of your eyebrow

2. Apply a mix of foxy and bootycall all over the lid

3. Apply tease and pistol lightly in the crease.  Build up the color slowly and keep blending until there are no harsh lines

4. Apply bootycall to the brow bone

5. Apply pistol to the upper lash line (like you would an eyeliner) 

Foundation | Nars Sheer Glow in Sante Fe

Lipstick | MAC Syrup

Blush | Milani Luminoso

xoxo, Molly 

Foundation Friday | MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation

MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation

I decided to do something a little different with Lipstick For Laughs.  I want to start doing more product specific reviews, and I thought that a fun series would be a good way to incorporate those! And what is more exciting to review than foundations?!  Also, guess what... I have a lot of them. :) They are probably my most favorite makeup item purchase.  I guess I'm just always in search of something that will make my skin look.... well, good, really.  If you have a foundation you've been wanting to try but don't want to buy before trying it, leave it in the comments down below and I will do a review on it if I own it!

These are probably the most frequently asked questions that I get (once people know I love makeup) regarding makeup.  "What's the best foundation?" "What foundation do you use?" "Have you tried this foundation?" And I am always happy to give my personal opinions! Now, not every foundation that works for me will work for you, and vice versa.  It's fun to keep trying ones that accommodate with your skin type, and in turn you will find the perfect one for you!  My skin is dry, and I like a medium-full coverage foundation on most days. I also like when foundations have a dewy-luminous finish as opposed to matte or semi-matte.  For those of you reading this thinking "wait, I didn't know there was so much to this", remember this is a beauty blog, so I'm interested in these kinds of things. :)

Okay so let's get to the review.  I purchased this foundation about a month ago now, and I feel I have used it enough to give my honest opinion! I've always heard so much rave about this foundation from beauty bloggers and youtube guru's and it's about time I picked it up to try for myself. This foundation retails for 42$ at Sephora and MUFE stores and counters.  I was lucky enough to get it at 20% off during the Sephora Friends & Family sale (Thanks, Lane.. :)) so I bought this foundation for around 34$.  That's still a very high end foundation so I was expecting an awesome product.  This foundation comes in a broad range of 26 colors for all undertones and it does not contain an SPF.  I picked up the shade 120, which is honestly my lightest shade foundation.  I wish I had got one shade darker, just because I almost look a little washed out with the color I chose.  But I usually just add some bronzer, and I'm good. The description on Sephora.com states:

"An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting." -Sephora.com

I agree with most of this description.  It's oil free, which is nice because it makes it thin and light weight.  I do get occasional breakouts, so oil free is good for me.  However, I also have dry skin, so when I see oil free I sometimes worry it will dry me out.  I found this foundation to be a rather moisturizing foundation even though it is oil free - which is really exciting!

Sephora describes this as a medium to full coverage foundation, and I would describe it more the lines of light-medium.  To get a full coverage application I would probably have to use 4 pumps of this product-which in my opinion is too much to use in a single application.  Personally, it doesn't give me enough coverage to cover up acne scars, but I can take care of that with some concealer Just to give you an idea, I usually use about 2 pumps of my foundations.  

Now, the reason why I AM a fan of this foundation is because of it's finish.  It has such a unique finish on the skin that I have not been able to find in any of my other foundations.  It's luminous but without being shiny or sparkly.  It's the type of foundation where I don't need to apply a powder and I would be perfectly happy with it's finish.  It doesn't oxidize on the skin, and it really does create a soft focus effect on the skin - which makes it lovely for photographs and for special occasions.  I think this would be a great foundation for someone starting out with makeup or high end foundations.  It's gives a decent amount of coverage without making you look over done.  It does not contain SPF, making it not the safest to wear in the sun.  If you do wear day-to-day, wear a moisturizing SPF underneath. 

All in all, I would give this foundation a ranking of 3.5 out of 5.  

Does anyone have any requests?

xx, Molly :)

Skincare Routine!!

Colder weather is upon is... gracious it even snowed last night (I'm writing this post ahead of posting it.. ha)! With a different temperature outside comes crazy times with my skin.  My skin becomes tight and uncomfortable when I don't treat it right--which leads to breakouts, uneven texture, and unbalanced skin.  So, I have to take care of it! And heck, even when I do take care of it I get breakouts.  Nonetheless, many of you have asked me what my favorite skincare products are, and I'm finally ready to share my entire routine! 

It's taken me a while to really find products that I love and that work for my skin type.  I have combination/dry skin that can sometimes be sensitive, and I struggle with breakouts, especially on my chin/mouth area--this also results in post acne brown spots that DON'T GO AWAY--ugh. (Can you tell I'm bitter?)  I don't like products with too much alcohol or fragrances, and I try to use mineral oil free products because any time I use a product with that ingredient I get cystic acne. Woah, what a mouthful, now do you see why it took me forever to find products that work for me?

Skincare is the base for everything else you put on your face.  It's going to let your makeup go on more smoothly, and it's actually going to protect your face from your makeup.  You never want to apply your makeup unless you've moisturized your face properly.  If you're reading this and thinking *well crap*, then try it for yourself--I promise you'll notice a difference!  And here's your warning...If you think a lot of steps in your routine is ridiculous and you may judge me, then you may want to stop reading now.  :) 

Here's a bit of a disclaimer here: I'm no genius on skincare, nor have I had any training, and I'm also no esthetician.  I enjoy learning about this subject, therefore I've done research on my own time, and I like to try out certain products for myself and see how they all differ.  

Okay enough rambling, however, this will be a lengthy post, so grab some hot cocoa and relax for a bit. :)

My steps for the evening: 

1. Pre-Cleanse : Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser 

2. Cleanse and/or exfoliate : Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser

3. Treatment : Ole Henrikson Invigorating Night Treatment and/or Salicylic Acid spot treatment 

4. Serum/oils : Algenist Age Repairing Oil (I don't do this step every night, only if I need extra moisturizing) 

5. Moisturizer : Eucerin Q-10 Sensitive Anti Wrinkle Cream or Ole Henrikson Nurture Me

1) The Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser is a wonderful first step.  This enables me to get ALL of my makeup off before actually cleansing my skin.  It smells of oranges, and is soothing and hydrating to my skin.  It also contains vitamin C and primrose oil so it brightens and nourishes the skin.  I apply it to a dry face and massage it in, then add water and it turns milky, then rinse.  

2) Now you are ready to cleanse the skin! I love the Sheiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser because it makes my skin feel so clean without stripping it.  The smell is a pretty strong fragrance, but I don't know what it is about it, I love the smell.  Usually I hate strong smells--but this is different! I actually started using this when Ryan and I got married so the smell reminds me of our Antigua honeymoon. :) 

3) This is my favorite part of my routine because this product is the product that has changed it ALL for me! This is my most favorite skin care product, and I recommend it to everyone because it addresses so many skin care needs.  The Ole Henrikson Invigorating Night Treatment is a green gel formula that contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid complex including glycolic acid and lactic acid.  This little miracle product has helped my acne SO much.  I still get occasional breakouts, but it's much better now.  It has also helped even out my skin tone and texture, and has helped fade my post acne scars.  It also contains glycerin which helps hydrate your skin and keep your skin glowing.  It tingles a bit when you first apply it, but once you start using it every night, the tingling goes away.  If you'd like to address any needs that I mentioned I have--GET THIS! 

* I have to mention too that with certain products, don't expect miracles over night.  I used this night treatment gel for about a month before I realized that my acne had stopped around my mouth/chin area and that my dark spots were fading. Don't give up, and truly give a product some time. 

4) Serum/oils: This is a step I don't do every night.  I haven't used a serum that I really like, and I haven't really been looking for one.  I actually think of my Night Treatment Gel as a serum because it's extremely concentrated, moisturizing, and fights against aging.  Now, I do use an oil every once in a while when I need some extra care.  The Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil is my favorite.  When I use this, my skin is smoother, more balanced, and clearer when I wake up.  

5) Moisturizing is so important.  It's the thing that seals the deal, and helps your skin feel comfortable and nourished.  I love using something rich enough to repair my dry skin, but I also want it to sink in.  I don't want it to just lay on top of my skin and never absorb.  I've found these two moisturizers to do just that.  And they are both SUPER rich! The Eucerin Q-10 Sensitive Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream is simple--not many ingredients, no fragrance, leaves a semi matte finish, and is HIGHLY nourishing.  Plus it's only 10 dollars from the drugstore.  It's a great budget option.  The Ole Henrikson Nuture Me is rich and soothing.  It smells like creamsicles, and contains vitamins and oils that nourish and comfort the skin.  It's amazing for night time, and I actually feel that this moisturizer has helped fade my dark spots as well.  

My steps for the morning: 

1. Cleanse : Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

2. Eye Cream : Olay Total Effects CC Eye Cream ... nothing fancy here.  It depuffs my eyes and is gentle enough for this area!

3. Moisturize : For day time, I like something light that does the job.  The Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Face Lotion has a high SPF and is light on my skin while still providing me with a good amount of moisture. 

That's all, folks! What skincare products do you love??? Anyone have any suggestions??? 

xx, molly :)

Sephora F&F and VIB Rouge sale!!

It's that time of year again!! The fall is always an exciting time for make up junkies because it's always the time for Sephora sales.  Yes, sales!  Sales don't happen at Sephora (or like ANY make up counter unless you have a special coupon, ha) often--in fact only about 2-3 times a year.  

Many thanks to Lane for giving me a promo coupon for the Friends & Family sale! Don't fret if you didn't get a chance to get a F&F coupon because Sephora is having their VIB/VIB Rouge sale the 2nd week in November.  Since I received this 20% off from Lane in an online coupon and a in-store coupon, I decided to pick up some of my favorite items, and also get some things I've been wanting to try for a while!  Here's what I picked up in two embarrassingly large hauls...

haul 1:
1) Benefit Holiday blush palette (Holiday collection)
2) Hourglass Ambient Blush palette (Limited Edition)
3) NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation (New!)
4) Two Faced La Belle Carousel (Holiday collection)

 

haul 2:
1) St. Tropez Self Tanner starting kit (A new obsession!!)
2) Anastasia Brow Wiz in Taupe (holy grail!)
3) MUFE HD foundation in 120 (has been on my wish list forever)
4) Marc Jacobs Beauty Face Brush #2 (NO WORDS, amazing!!!)
5) Ole Henrikson face wipes in Nurture Me MakeUp Removing and Clean Truth Brightening

 Ambient Blush Palette

 Benefit blush palette

 

This brush is so dense and it blends any foundation in flawlessly! I would never pay full price for it, but with a discount I can't deny. :) 

It's FALL!!

HELLOOO! It's been so long, guys.  For that, I apologize!  But, I'm back! And I have some really exciting things planned.  For now, since Fall is here, I thought I would show you some of my favorites for the season!  You know the drill. :-)

Skin:

1. Aveeno Stress Relief Foaming Bath - one of my favorites for fall, and I do love my baths!  

2. Murad Clarifying Toner - with the weather back and forth, it has my skin going crazy.  My t-zone is oily, and my cheeks are dry... this helps even it out and keeps my skin fresh!

3. Nuance Firming Neck and Chest Balm - because I can always justify adding another step to my beloved skin care routine ... this is one serious moisturizer, and I love using it on my dry hands this season!

4. Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask - soothing, hydrating, calming... you need this.  

5. Tarte Maracuja Oil - helps even out my fall combination skin.  Oil counteracts oil... this stuff is awesome!

6. MAC Fix + - I wrote about this product a couple posts back.  I was a little on the fence, but not I can't get enough!  It revitalizes everything about dull, dry skin! I love it. 

7. Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream - because everyone needs a nourishing body lotion that smells like vanilla and other yummy stuffs. 

Make Up:

8. Lip Liners - in Venom, Most Natural, and Naked2 - I love filling these in and wearing them as my lip color, not just lip liners.  They stay on forever, and they are perfect colors for fall. 

9. Bite Agave Lip Mask in Champagne - An everlasting lip balm, with a hint of pink shimmer, perfect for the colder weather. 

10. Essie nailpolish in Bahama Mama - this is been on my nails for almost three weeks straight! 

11. YSL Touche Clat - a hydrating foundation, my top pick for the colder months.  This is a pricey foundation, so I only have it in one shade, and I cannot WAIT to pick it back up here in a few weeks when I'm completely back to my normal fall/winter pale self (woo hoo)!

12. Lip Colors - Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Heritage, Sephora Collection Rouge Shine #46, and MAC lipstick in Craving - because these shades are perfect for fall and they are beauuuutiful.

That's all I have for your tonight.  What are you obsessing over this fall??

xoxo, Molly 

Highlight and Contour Routine!

Today I am going to share with you my everyday highlight and contour routine! I used to highlight and contour for only special occasions, but I became a little addicted to it!  I ended up creating an everyday look that tones and shapes my face, and most importantly, natural looking for everyday makeup wear!  Remember this, highlighting and contouring should look natural!! Am I guilty of going a bit overboard at times? Yes.  Like I said, I get a little too into it.  Butttttt...overall I know it's important to keep it natural.  No one should look at your makeup and say "wow, your contour looks so good!".  Haha, kind of defeats the purpose of people actually thinking you have perfectly sculpted cheek bones. ;-) Yes yes, I am jealous of those of you who do, because we know you're out there.  

Okay, enough of ranting.  Let's get to it.  My favorite products will be listed below.

Highlighting and things to remember:

1. Grab a concealer that will conceal under eye circles.  Also grab a concealer 2 shades lighter than your skin tone (pink brightens and cancels out purple tones and a yellow-based concealer may look more natural over top of a pink toned concealer).

2. Use a lighter color (almost white-ish) powder to set concealer. Be careful with this, if you use a translucent powder that absorbs oil it could make your under eye area appear dry and cakey.

3. Use a shimmery highlighting powder to pat over areas of the face where light is most likely to hit.  These areas include: middle of forehead, bridge of nose, upper lip, middle of chin, and high points of cheek bones.

4. Let's not forget the tools needed for this look! A sponge will flawlessly blend your concealer into your foundation or skin.  No sponge compares to the original Beauty Blender! ... when I find a dupe I'll let you know. :-) For now, It's worth the price tag.  A small brush will do the trick for highlighting the high points of your face.  My favorite brush for this is the Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush, but honestly any small brush will do.  

My highlighting picks:

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in "Brightening" $

- Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in "Sand" $

- MAC Cosmetics shaping powder in Emphasize $$

- Beauty Blender sponge $$

- MAC Cosmetics Mineralize SkinFinish in Soft & Gentle $$

Contouring and things to remember:

1. Find a bronzer a couple shades darker than your skin tone.  Don't go overboard on this, this is just a natural shadow on your face.  If you use something too red or too muddy, it will not look natural!  See below for my bronzer pick. 

2. Suck your face in like you're making a fish face.  Say hello to your cheek bones! We are going to contour right around this area, making sure to not come below the outer edge of the iris of our eyes. Sounds complicated--basically go halfway down your cheek and nothing more. A lot of people make the mistake of dragging their contour all the way down their cheek bones, and in my opinion this can look unnatural. 

3. Remember you are creating depth and structure to your face.  Apply your bronzer in these areas: your cheek bones, temples, below lip, and the top of your forehead.  Be careful to not apply too much on the very top though... it can drag your forehead down and make you looked smushed! :-)

4. And the very last thing... BLEND! We don't want to have crazy harsh lines.  Blend those contours out so everything looks nice and even.  Viola! You're done!

My contouring picks:

-Benefit Hoola bronzer $$

-Benefit Hoola brush $$

-Duo Fiber brush for blending $

Picture Steps: 

1. Apply your pink tone concealer.

 2. Blend with sponge.

3. Apply yellow toned concealer to high points of face in a V shape following your cheek bones. This will give you an instant face lift! Yeah, you'll look kind of crazy. :-)

 4. Blend, blend blend!

5. See what a difference only that has made!

6. Apply a bronzer to hollows of cheek bones.

 7. And to other points of the face you'd like to tone.

8. I love me some Hoola!

9. Now to set and highlight. Grab your powder. 

10. Set with your powder and add shimmery highlighter to any part of the face that light would naturally hit (high points of cheeks, above eyebrow, top lip, bridge of nose, middle of forehead).

11. We're done! 

  Before....

     After....

Other makeup worn:

Loreal True Match Foundation mixed withYSL Touche EClat 

Naked2 Basics Palette

MAC Cosmetics Ravishing Lipstick with clear gloss on top.

Everyone have a great week! xoxo, Molly :-)