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.