Recently in Powder Category

All that ghostly make up from Marc Jacobs reminded me of a new product I got from Philosophy last month-- the Supernatural illuminating mineral powder. I thought it was a body product and have been using it on my chest and arms and love the way my skin looks-- it's a touch of shimmer without any glitter. When I realized it's made for the face, I applied some above the apple of my cheeks and it gave me a soft and radiant glow. I love the application, there is a sponge attached to the top of the tube, so all you have to do is dab at your skin to apply-- no mess! This is a fab alternative to a straight out white kabuki rice powder. I'm returning to Asia next month, better hope my fake tan rubs off by then or I'll never hear the end of it from my aunts and grandmother.

Moonlight from Philosophy is $28 here.

The most fun part of being a beauty blogger is playing with make up under the guise of 'working'. I reserve Saturday mornings for beauty parties in my bathroom (and yes, I'm the only guest but I have enough fun for 100!) and I send my hubby off with our son to golf with a stern "I HAVE TO WORK PLEASE DO NO BOTHER ME FOR 3 HOURS". It's not my fault that my work is playing with beauty products but don't think it's not hard work-- applying make up precisely takes the skill of a steady hand and dedicated concentration :) This weekend I tested products from "Motives" by Loren Ridinger-- a custom formulated cosmetics line infused with antioxidants and vitamins that enhance a girl's beauty while nourishing her skin.  Loren set out to create her own line after years of using hundreds of products that left her unsatisfied.  The result is a high quality and revolutionary line of products that every woman, on any budget can enjoy.  She sent me her favorite items and I reviewed them below in the order of my favorites (I am not a democracy and I don't have to be fair ;)

1. Liquid Powder Mineral Make Up- I am obsessed with this product and used it both Saturday and Sunday. What impressed me most was the finish-- the liquid texture is lightweight but the minute you blend in to the skin it becomes a velvety powder texture without any kind of residue nor cakeyness or dryness. I tested it by applying 4 coats and the finish remained flawless. I love it because you can reapply throughout the day! Usually you can not reapply liquid foundation once you have powdered up-- since it is a liquid to powder-- you can keep adding layers to it depending on coverage. A must have for quick touch ups after work if you have social events to attend! I used "Tender beige" and it looked like my skin and even in the brightest of sun light, you could not detect I had 4 layers of foundation on! Most mineral make up comes in messy loose powder versions that make it hard to control, this is by far the most amaaaaaaazing mineral make up, ever! You must try and I promise you will love! Order the Liquid Powder Foundation for $25 here.  (Note: I pat layers of this foundation gently into my skin, do not rub as it dries to a powder finish and you don't want to rub it off.  No need for sponge or blending, just pat it on until desired coverage!)
2. Full Coverage Photo Finish Powder: If you have oily skin or live in very hot weather, try this powder. It is designed to be used as a foundation and gives a full coverage. Again, I layered it yet it did not feel heavy! I used the Neutral medium and it gave a slightly heavier coverage than the liquid. I even used it over the liquid foundation just for fun and it still looked quite natural! Order powder here, $24.50.

3. Pressed Eyeshadow (Bedroom Eyes)- This pearlized eye shadow goes on smooth and gives a fabulous sparkle to the eye. Loren sent me "Bedroom Eyes" and I swear I was flirty all night with the hubby! I have brown eyes but I think it would really look pretty with blue eyes, too. It gives a soft shimmer to the lids and I applied it alone to give a wash of color which made it look really natural. Pressed eye shadow $12.50 here.



4. Essential Lip Kit-- Love this lip kit!  It has all the colors you need for work or play-- there are 9 shades per palette that you can blend or use alone and is really perfect for travel. I got the "Noon to Night" palette and the colors are fabulous and flattering!   It goes on like a lip gloss and has a gorgeous glimmer to the texture.  Lip kit $35 here.

This is one of those few all in one products that really stands up to "all" that it is promising, including incredible convenience. This loose powder in a leak-proof brush dispenser is a lightweight mineral powder that has SPF 30 and is anti-aging. I love love love mineral make up, it looks flawless without caking down your face to give you that flawlessness. The Micronized Titanium Dioxide mineral physically shields against UVA/UVB rays so you can enjoy the sun without worry. One quick pass around the face in the morning and you can head out the door. Throw this in your bag for quick easy reapplication with no mess. Bare Escentuals is all green with no harmful additives. Can something be this amazing? Yes, it can =) Comes in 3 tones for light, medium and tan skin. At Sephora for $28. Enter the code NATURALBAG at checkout and get 8 free samples.

Kick start your summer with a healthy glow from Estee Lauder's summer Vivid Garden illuminating powder. I am now officially in summer mode now that we're in daylight savings time. I get a bit of color during the summer no matter how much sunblock I use so I put away from bronzer and use a light and subtle blush like this beautiful new combination for a brightening glow. This swirly flower pattern gives you lots of options, you can use the lighter shades as highlights for brow bones and under the eyes (it makes you look fresh and alert!) and use more pink on the cheeks if you want more color. The slight smidge of gold will warm your natural tone for added radiance. Plus, the flowers are so pretty you just want to have it with you all summer long to remind you how beautiful life is =) I am in a gooshy mood today, can you tell? At Estee Lauder for $32.

This silky powder cover-up from Benefit glides on naturally sheer and layers beautifully for perfect coverage with SPF protection. Depending on how much covering up you like you can custom it your way ! For an allover sheer finish, sweep on with brush. To cover it all (and then some), apply over the entire complexion with a sponge. For spot cover up, dab sponge directly on blemishes or discoloration, then dust off with brush. The unique package fits both a sponge and a brush so you can touch up throughout the day as you like! In 6 shades-- available at Benefitcosmetics.com for $34.

Traveling Beauty Snobs will be able to indulge in the gorgeous pink pearl shimmer powder exclusive at Estee Lauder airport counters this Fall. I used to equate Estee Lauder with "White Linen" scented grandmothers but Estee's granddaughter, Aerin Lauder, has brought a breath of fresh scent to the brand.

Take this adorable new golden compact, it's adorned with butterfly motif on the lid and it houses Estee Lauder Signature Shimmer Powder that delicately highlights and gives radiance to any complexion. A small brush applicator is also included and is protected in a matching pink suede pouch. Is this not a great gift to yourself as you travel home for the holidays? $44 / £32(duty free price) exclusively at Estee Lauder airport counters worldwide.

Sometimes I think that being a beauty junkie is a curse for someone who, like me, has very sensitive skin. Every few months the skin around my eyes freaks-out on me and I wake-up a puffy, red mess and I end-up having to go to my optometrist only for him to, once again, prescribe a cream, tell me not to wear any cosmetics for a week and then there's nothing to do but test-out product after product trying to find which one is the culprit -- even makeup that for years didn't cause problems, can suddenly irritate your skin, so the struggle for those of us who are constantly switching-up their routine is nothing if not a challenge! This of course leads me to Prescriptives and the timing couldn't be better, because their fall colors just came out and while the colors aren't my fav (can anything come close to Chanel!?), they're just what I need to make sure my face doesn't go crazy right now! The colors are a nice mix of soft neutrals and darks (Plum, Fig, Cobalt), and all are dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

Read more for the complete rundown of the new Prescriptives colors!

I have never been more excited for summer and all of its golden promises of lazy days beach side with my hubby and son! I love laying under a big umbrella and watching my young son delight in the wonders of new discoveries. Last summer, he discovered a group of sea otters, lolling about as his mother does on the beach! And if you must know, yes, I do like a sprinkle of bronzer and a coat of lip gloss over my sun screen (SPF 45-60). Just because I am hanging out on the beach like a bum it does not mean I want to look like one! One of my favorite lines for summer make up is Chanel, the brand continually charms with pretty colors that complement summer skin. This season, you can luxuriate in the new Soleil Tan de Chanel moisturizing Bronzing Powder in five shades and the Bronze Universel de Chanel Sun Illuminator. Both will give you sun kissed skin even if you are a Nine to Fiver pulling 50 hour work weeks! At Chanel boutiques and SAKS Beauty Place (more details after the jump!)