We all know that grains are essential to a healthy diet, but did you know they can play a pivotal role in beauty too? Origins, a company known for embracing all things natural, recently introduced Multi-Grain Makeup, a mineral foundation with SPF 15. Included in the ingredient mix are oatmeal, tapioca, rice flour, barley and wheat germ.

Each ingredient serves a hyper-specific purpose from Oatmeal (a natural skin soother) to Soy (for radiance) and Tapioca and Rice Flour (to smooth and refine).  The resulting powder is soft and finely-milled  - you can blend it easily for anywhere from sheer to heavy …read more

For Breast Cancer Awareness month, my dear friend (and Purple Lab creatrix) Karen Robinovitz wanted to do something special and meaningful. Last year, she met an inspiring group of women who had lost a good friend to Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a rare and aggressive subtype that she had never heard of (and for the record, I haven’t either.)
When their friend passed, they created The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to bring awareness to and support research for triple negative breast cancer.

To benefit the org, Karen has created the new SWAC (Sealed with a Cure). This sheer pink gloss with subtle …read more

Guilty confession time.
Despite my beauty blogging ‘career’, there are loads of products that I just never lay a hand on.  Lipliner falls into that category, as does liquid liner.  Foundation primer, I must admit, is also iffy.
While it’s difficult to think about adding that extra layer between my skin and foundation in the heat and humidity in summer, a great primer (Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, pictured left, has wonderful reviews on Sephora.com, for the record!) can help fill in lines, meaning that foundation applies more smoothly.
Primers also add staying power, especially in warmer weather (despite my concerns above.)
What do …read more

 
My favorite custom-blend experts, Three Custom Color Specialists, are offering up a sampling opportunity to web shoppers from now through April 23rd.   Get a trio of free concealer samples with any online order (no minimum purchase)!

 
 
 
Three Custom Color’s unique and versatile concealer formula is a favorite of makeup artists (and me!) Use the creamy blend full coverage to conceal redness or dark circles, apply with a wet sponge to use as a foundation or blend with your favorite face cream to create the perfect tinted moisturizer. This is one of my go-to products every morning!
To get the deal, simply indicate which …read more

With no reader questions submitted this week, I asked around the blogs for any particular makeup questions.
The readers of Aging Fabulous would like to know–Which do you apply first, concealer or foundation?
Remember you can submit your questions for your fellow Makeup Minute readers to answer to: Shannon at b5media dot com
Photo Credit: EvePearl.com

The girls at Mode Cosmetics sure know what it takes to grab my attention–add some cocoa to the makeup and I am all over it.
Their new full coverage Mineral Powder Foundation is infused with antioxidant rich cocoa and comes in 6 shades (and it’s only $6!!!)
Mmmm, I wonder if it smells delicious. Have you used it?

I had a blast this past Saturday at Prescriptives Custom Blend event at Macy’s in the Lehigh Valley Mall. I arrived with my entourage in tow (ie. my mom, aunts and cousin) and was greeted by Laura. I then took a spot in the chair and the very lovely and gorgeous (ie. perfect skin) Sue came over to work her magic on me. Believe me, I needed some “magic” desperately as I had to arrive without makeup on. So this meant, red splotchy skin. Yuck.

Sue had the Custom Blender come over so they could take a look at my skin …read more

I’ve actually had these products sitting on my shelf for a few months and only got around to trying them out now. Silly me, as these are really good products.
The Body Shop’s Flawless Skin Protecting Concealer comes in 4 shades (I am 01). It is a cream to powder concealer with African baobab oil, which is said to moisturize your skin. This concealer is not at all greasy and spreads very smoothly. It is easy to work with and doesn’t convert to powder too quickly, allowing you time to smooth it out over the desired areas. I applied it alongside …read more

A short time ago I asked you if you switched to liquid foundation in the fall and winter months or if you continued to use powder foundation. Personally, I resort to liquid foundation with a powder to set it when the months get colder. I adore how liquid foundation seems to give me that flawless look to my skin and hides away my blotchiness and even with the little help of some concealer, can hide any blemishes that may have made their debut.
 
This last week, as the temperature has dropped, I’ve been using Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Plump Perfect Foundation. It …read more

It’s been so long since I’ve worn liquid foundation; it’s just something I only typically wear in the winter. With mineral makeup increasing in popularity and their foundations being mainly powders, I was wondering how many of you stick to powder foundations throughout the winter and how many of you are like me and use liquid and powder in the colder months?