Beauty411

La Mer introduces The Radiant Concealer SPF 25

La Mer has introduced the newest product in it's Skincolor Collection, The Radiant Concealer SPF 25. This lightweight cream-to-powder concealer was formulated to instantly camouflage and ease imperfections. Tourmaline and malachite gemstones capture light energy to instantly conceal dark circles and blemishes.

While I haven't tried The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 yet, I know that each of the La Mer Skincolor products I have tried have been excellent.  Perfect formulation and 'slip' on the skin, the products feel good and look flawless.  I have no reason to believe The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 would be any different.

One quality that I look for in a concealer is the ability to build coverage, as I am constantly fighting dark circles. The Radiant Concealer utilizes a unique polymer mesh technology to deliver buildable layers to create a crease-resistant flexible/breathable application. That means skin stays naturally flawless all day. And, like other products in the La Mer Skincolor line, the use of precious marine and plant extracts, soothing chamomile extract and an Asian mushroom called Viapure Poria, make this a color and treatment product. The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 is available in three shades: Ivory, Beige, and Natural Warm.

La Mer's The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 retails at $65 and is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores and at www.lamer.com.

New MAC Well-Defined Studio Sculpt Foundation and Concealer

MAC Well-Defined Studio Sculpt Foundation and Concealer took two years of rigorous development and testing by makeup artists and the product development team before being ready to release.  Mark your calendars, because on Saturday, February 7th, you'll want to be at your MAC counter (or online) to pick these products up.  Trust me...I'll be in line!

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation is a rich, luxurious Cream Foundation in tube.  This lush uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while instantly revitalizing dull and dry skin.  Smooth and even application yields a medium buildable coverage with a natural-satin finish. Begin with a pea size amount on the back of your hand, and use a foundation brush to apply onto hydrated skin. Available in 23 shades.  $ 28.00

Studio Sculpt Concealer provides full-coverage that never becomes dry and cakey with a gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections.  Both products will become part of the MAC permanent collection.  Available in 15 shades.  $ 16.50.

I'm so excited to get my hands on these products.  When I was at Fashion Week in September, I interviewed Nicholas Gavrelis, Global VP of Product Development at MAC.  He shared with me the rigorous testing that the MAC Pro Makeup Artists were giving these products at Fashion Week (see picture), and how their input was helping to make the products better.  He also shared some of the ingredients like Hyperlea Rhopdopensis Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract and Tamarind Seed Extract that help to improve skin’s hydration with continued use.

MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation and Studio Sculpt Concealer will be available on February 7 at all MAC locations and www.maccosmetics.com.

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Chanel Lift Lumiere Fluide Makeup and Concealer

Chanel introduces LIFT LUMIÈRE – a synergistic line of anti-age foundation and concealer.  LIFT LUMIÈRE FLUIDE Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15 contains LIFTOPTIC, an innovative optical-illusion complex composed of spherical silicone powders that deflect light away from wrinkles, and photochromatic pigments that ensure colour stays true in any light. The inclusion of firming polymers also provides skin with an impeccably smooth surface and the look and feel of an immediate ‘lift.’ 

Lift Lumiere Fluide provides a medium to full, buildable coverage.  The luxurious formula also includes hyaluronic acid and Camellia oil to protect skin against dryness while providing a plush sense of comfort.  I've been using Life Lumiere Fluide Makeup and love it.  It feels and looks fabulous on the skin. 

I immediately noticed the luminous finish that the LIFTOPTIC complex provides.  I've applied Lift Lumiere Fluide Makeup using a foundation brush, my MAC 187 brush, a BeautyBlender and my fingers and no matter the application tool, the finish is consistently incredible.

Chanel LIFT LUMIÈRE FLUIDE Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15 is available in 9 shades and retails at $ 65.  Available at www.CHANEL.com and department and specialty stores.

Read on for a review of Chanel LIFT LUMIÈRE CONCEALER after the jump.

NARS Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

NARS Spring 2009 Makeup Collection is sweetly sensual, strong and sophisticated; inspired by the 1970's.  The overall look is a striking matte brick-red eyeshadow, made infinitely more wearable in combination with a pearly white shadow or simple black liner, is tempered by a sweet, baby pink glossy lip; while eyes painted in pastel hues of dusty rose, sage and lilac are a fitting match for a statement-making berry lip. And everything should be paired with the only cheek for spring: sparkling and sculpted.

The NARS Spring 2009 Makeup Collection includes the following products:

• NARS Blush Duo in Hungry Heart: Iridescent gold ivory and pink sand with golden sheen $37

• NARS Duo-Concealer: This new palette features two complementary shades that can be blended together or used individually.  Shades are Custard/Ginger for Fair to Light complexions and Praline/Toffee for Medium to Dark Complexions.  $ 30

• NARS Duo Eyeshadows in two new frosty shadows.  Egea, which is frosty sage and smoky lilac and Hula Hula, strawberry with gold particles and hazelnut with gold glitter particles.  $ 32

• NARS Single Eyeshadow in three new shades.  Baby Girl,  cotton candy with golden undertones and gold particles; Grenadines, matte garnet (best for blue or green eyes); Night Sun, bright marigold with gold particles.  $ 22.

• NARS Multiple Duo a classic in a new shade! Orgasm/South Beach - Peachy pink and apricot with shimmer.  $ 45.

• NARS Multiple Bronzer in new shade Cap Vert for Medium to dark complexions with red undertones.  $ 37.

• NARS Lip Gloss in new sheer and shiny shade of Sweet Revenge, a sheer pink grapefruit. $ 24.

• NARS Lipstick in a new sheer jewel-tone shade of Shrinagar, metallic raspberry. $ 24.

NARS Spring 2009 Makeup Collection is online now at www.narscosmetics.com.

Redpoint Advanced Color Cosmetics

Redpoint Cosmetics is a unique marriage of skincare and high performance technology in anti-aging makeup.  Redpoint uses a revolutionary process called "Chromactive Technology", which allows for the use of active complexes (the kind used in skincare) in a color cosmetic.  The result is makeup that creates the illusion of younger looking skin.  This is definitely a line to consider if you've been frustrated with makeup that seems to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and generally just doesn't give you the finish you're looking for.

One of the products that I've been using this summer is the Airbrush Effects BlushWhip.  I've never been comfortable with cream blushes; I've always found the color difficult to control when applying.  Airbrush Effects BlushWhip is different. It contains a stabilized form of Vitamin C to brighten and add clarity to your skin. It's ultra hydrating, with peptides and DermaFiber, to create a smooth finish to your skin.  I like multi-tasking products and this fits the bill.  Not only that, the color is buildable and natural.

The Noc-Out Cover Up Compact is a trio of concealing products that you can use singly or together to cover up skin imperfections.  It's the last concealer you'll need to buy.  The three different formulas address the three concerns women have: redness, dark spots or hyperpigmentation and dark circles. You can apply with a concealer brush or your fingers.  It comes in a chic, red compact, that feels substantial in your hand.

Redpoint Cosmetics are available on their website store or can be ordered through QVC.  A great way to try the line is with this "Try Me" kit at only $19.50.  This kit includes mini versions of three age management essentials, including the Noc-Out Cover Up Compact. Grab this one!  I've been very happy with the performance of this makeup line.

True Cosmetics Protective Collection

True Cosmetics Protective Collection improves on traditional color cosmetics with the addition of super anti-oxidant Idebenone.  Now your makeup can be more than just coverage; it can offer a defense against the environmental factors that cause premature aging.  The True Cosmetics Protective Collection includes Protective Mineral Foundation (loose and in a compact), Protective Illuminating Concealer, Protective Shadow Primer and Being True Transforming Mineral Mist.

The Protective Mineral Foundation has SPF 17 (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) is different from any other mineral makeup I've previously tried.  It feels different; the texture is silky and glides onto your skin.  I've been using the loose mineral foundation and haven't even been tempted to reach for a liquid.  The coverage is buildable and has been totally non-irritating.  In addition to the sun protection and Idebenone, the Mineral Foundation also contains Green Tea and Vitamin E.  

The Protective Illuminating Concealer comes in a compact with three pans; two colors to blend for a perfect match to your skintone and a neutralizer to mask discoloration and deflect light.  Like the Mineral Foundation, the Protective Illuminating Concealer is formulated with Idebenone, feels great and works equal to my other favorite concealers. In addition to concealing and correcting,  I love the fact that this product is good for my skin.  The Protective Shadow Primer is an excellent shadow base, minimizing creasing and extend shadow wear and durability.  In addition to Idebenone, the Primer also contains Vitamin K, a skin brightener and vitamins A and E. 

For more information on the innovative True Cosmetics Protective Collection or to find a spa/retailer, please check the website.

Wet n Wild: Beauty Benefits on a Budget

Wet n Wild cosmetics, that perennial discount and drugstore favorite, is the newest player in the mineral makeup market.  The Beauty Benefits line has been formulated with Lotus Marine Mineral complex, which offers powerful anti-aging properties.  I tried several products in the line, including the Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder (in Cool), the Triple Fusion eye shadow (in Sandy Beach), the Color CorRx eye brightening concealer (Medium) and the Mint Infusions lippie. 

Overall, I was impressed with this line and give it high marks for value and performance. The Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder is a pressed powder containing bronze, orchid and neutral powders with a slight shimmer.  I used it as an overall highlighter to add a bit of radiance to my makeup. It gave a nice, soft finish.  And the lotus-embossed design was a nice touch, usually reserved for much more expensive makeup. The Triple Fusion eye shadow is a pan of three coordinated colors that you can use individually or blend.  Not as highly pigmented as other eyeshadows I have, it still wore nicely, especially with a primer underneath. The Color CorRx eye brightening concealer is a corrector, concealer and brightening powder trio to cover dark circles.  The formula applied easily and didn't settle into lines.  The Mint Infusions lippie is infused with peppermint oil and contains UVB protection SPF 15. It gives a high shine without being tacky sticky. Sun protection for your lips doesn't have to be expensive!

You can find the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits products in select mass market retailers like Wal-Mart and Meijer; for specific where to buy information check the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits website.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics

Napoleon Perdis is an Austrailian makeup artist with a philosophy of empowering women and having a transgenerational approach to beauty.  His cosmetics line launched in the U.S. in 2005 and has been a smash, especially with celebrities like Paula Abdul, Teri Hatcher, Kate Beckinsdale and many others. 

The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream is a brilliant gel-to-powder formulation that is like your own version of an airbrush finish.  Once applied to the skin, you can see skin imperfections fade away, giving your skin a flawless finish.  I used the Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream prior to applying my foundation.  It is amazing to watch the gel finish disappear and when you touch your skin, it feels powdery.  The product fills in the small lines and allows foundation to sit on top of the skin, as opposed to settling in. The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream retails at $70.  Although I did like this product, I would have a hard time justifying spending $70 on what is essentially a primer. 

The Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer is really a multi-tasking product.  In addition to using it as a concealer, you can apply it to eyes and use as an eyeshadow base.  I didn't experience creasing with this product; in fact, it dries to a matte finish and did a good job of minimizing my dark circles.  This long lasting concealer is enriched with antioxidants A, C and E, to give the product an anti-aging treatment edge over other concealers.  The Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer retails at $40.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics are available on HSN, at Sephora, DermStore and on the Napoleon Perdis website.