“Perfect” is among the most overused words in beauty marketing and beauty writing – I’m guilty of using and abusing the adjective myself.  But today, I was introduced to Per-fekt, the proper noun and that’s a whole new ball game.
The first Per-fekt product that I’ve tested (there are just three in the line) is coincidentally the newest, the Eye Perfection Gel. This treatment/primer/concealer/brightener (no, really…it effectively acts as all of those things) enhances the delicate under-eye area with the most natural look imaginable.

So what does that really mean? Well, effectively, Eye Perfection Gel smoothes the skin, provides minimal coverage, treats puffiness and …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

Stepping out into a deconstructed-chic 1930’s vibe at the last night’s Metropolitan Museum’s Annual Costume Institute Gala, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr “wanted sultry, smokey and a sensational eyes” said make-up artist Meredith Baraf. 

To get her look, Baraf used five simple tips anyone can do at home: 
1. Prep: To begin, Baraf always preps the eye. Using products from the new VS Make-up PRO line she applied VS PRO Lasting FX Eyeshadow Primer all over the lids and under the eye, helping to create the base for a perfect, long-lasting, smooth eye.
2. Liner: Baraf used VS Make-up Eyeliner in Extreme Black. …read more

Purely Cosmetics has an oil absorbing primer in their arsenal, their Silk & Pearl Powder Primer. Made in two formulations, normal to dry and normal to oily, this translucent powder will mattify and give your skin an even-toned appearance.
Before receiving it, I was encouraged by the fact that the oily skin version contains kaolin clay, well known for its oil absorbing abilities. I’m a huge fan of clay masks for facials, so I knew the powder version for applying under my makeup would work just as well. If you’ve ever used a clay mask, then you know how when you …read more

Have you seen this? Smashbox has now come out with a 60% water-based version of Photo Finish called Photo Finish Light, made specifically for oily/acne prone skin. It’s oil-free and even comes in a square air-less pump.
 
*Photo: Smashbox.com

Remember when I was less than impressed with Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer that all my friends had raved about? It made my skin feel greasy, look shiny and it didn’t really make that much of a difference (I thought) in the way my makeup looked on my face.
For me, primers are the least understood makeup product from my side of the mirror. So I decided to reach out to my friend (can I say that?) billy b and find out his theory on primers. I thought, if everyone is doing it–what am I doing wrong?
I was surprised to find …read more