Pure Light Foundation For Summer By Yves Rocher

Since it is getting warmer and warmer (despite the rain), it is time to switch to a lighter makeup version. I have recently bought this Light & Luminous Foundation by Yves Rocher and I really love it. Although it is light indeed, it evens the skin tone and makes it look radiant and fresh. It gives medium coverage and quite a natural look. Besides, what is also important on a warm and sunny day, the foundation lets the skin 'breath' (I do not feel it on my face as it is lightweight) and stays in place all day long. It is also good for a nude and flawless makeup look. What is more, it does not irritate my eyes/skin. The fluid consistency makes it easy to apply the foundation evenly, without any darker smudges.
The Light & Luminous Foundation contains rice extract, cornflower water, soy extract and vitamin E.
Its regular price = $23 (it is often available at a lower price during 'special offer' time - right now it is $13.90).

From the manufacturer:

• Rice extract, from Asia, is rich in botanical inositol which improves the skin's radiance.
• Tested under dermatological control.

One of My Hair & Makeup Makeovers

I came across this photo quite recently. It was taken a few years ago, on a very enjoyable summer day, after my two makeover sessions:

1. First, I had my hair done by the hairdresser who was taking care of my hair styling at that time. 
2. Straight after that, I went to a local Douglas Perfumery , where I had a free makeup session (which was a gift for a purchase I had made at the store earlier). It was such fun!

Both sessions were very relaxing and pleasant. I enjoyed sitting with my eyes closed and being taken care of by the hairstylist and the makeup artist. I looked in a mirror only at the end each treatments, to see the results. And did I like them. :).

I especially enjoyed the makeup experience at the Douglas store. Here are the details on the items used by the makeup artist then - I asked her to create an everyday summer look.

Face:

• Foundation: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra #02*
• Concealer: Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer 02 Light
• Powder: Clinique Blended Face Powder #20
• Blush: Clarins #80 Framboise
• Bronzer: Clinique #02 Sunkissed

Lips

• Lipstick: EL M. Kors #04
• Lip Gloss: Colorless Gloss by Collistar
• Lip Pencil: Lancome #310

Eyes

• Eyeshadows: Dior 5 Couleurs  #659
• Mascara: Clinique High Definition Lashes
• Brow Gel: #43 by Isadora
• Eye Pencil: Clinique #02 Smoky Brown
• Eyelid Base: by Sensai Kanebo

* The shades are numbered in a different way in the US

Makeup In Green

The black eye pencil used to be my no.1 makeup item in my teenage years. At that time I also enjoyed playing with various makeup styles. However, I never showed the results of my tries to the outside world. Once, I especially liked my 'green eyes' and decided to see how my neighbor (a girl at my age) would like it.  The girl was not at home and I only talked to her mum. The lady was a kind and polite woman so she sad nothing on my look, but I noticed it in her eyes - the impression my green and black makeup made. I could tell she found it rather surprising, if not improper.

Nowadays, it would be nothing very much unusual, but in the early 80s it was definitely not a kind of everyday teenage look. Anyway, I was quite happy with the effect of my 'ahead of time' makeup experiment then.
These days, I would rather use a green eye liner (along the upper eyelashes only) instead of the black eye pencil. I recently got a Kohl Duo, orange and grey black pencil, by Yves Rocher - also an orange line completes the green eyeshadow quite nicely.

Kohl Dou Eye Pencil is enriched with Cotton Oil. Both the green eyeliner and the Mandarine side of the pencil contain shimmery particles.

St. Patrick's Day is coming,  it is a good time to think of a special green or green-and-white look.

Luminelle Eye Pencil by Yves Rocher

What you need is: a green eyeshadow/green eye shadows, a white eye shadow, a green eye pencil/ eyeliner and a white eye pencil. To make it more colorful, you can also add orange shades to it, including the Mandarine eye pencil mentioned above. Play with various combinations of these  ingredients and choose your most favorite look for this year's celebrations. Have fun!

One of my tries...

For the nails: my choice is the matte green (seems to be discontinued by Sally Hansen) and pearl white (by Yves Rocher) nail polish.

Mini nail polish by YR gives a shimmering, light coverage. The green shade by SH was found at Dollar Tree

Makeup Removers by Yves Rocher

It is common knowledge that washing off the makeup before going to sleep  is important, considering the makeup routine. If you care about your face skin, you should never skip removing all the layers of colored cosmetics/cleansing it, even if you are really tired and sleepy.
What I like about the cosmetics by Yves Rocher is that they contain botanical ingredients. Since my face is rather picky, the more natural a face care product is, the more likely my face skin and eyes  tolerate it too.

1. Gentle Makeup Remover Sensitive Eyes
This liquid remover contains centaurea cyanus flower water. Centaurea cyanus is also known as a 'cornflower'. Among others, the flower has gentle antiseptic properties. 
The Gentle Remover is paraben free and it is really very delicate to the eyes - it does not sting and washes off the eye and under-eye makeup quite well. It is efficient too - no need to use a lot of it to make it work. Despite using waterproof mascara, I have no problems with cleansing the eyelashes using this cornflower based remover.
From the manufacturer: 'Formula tested under ophtalmological supervision.'

Regular price* = $5.50

You can read more about centaurea cyanus (cornflower)  here.

2. Hydra Vegetal Refreshing Gel Cleanser contains hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel) flower water and sugar maple extract. The first one has soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammation properties. The latter one helps to capture moisture within skin layers.
This soap-free gel is quite gentle to the skin, does not dry it out and removes the makeup rather easily. What is more, it is effective too. However, as usual, while removing the makeup (even though I do not wear much powder/foundation etc.),  I need to rinse my face with water really well to get rid of all the makeup stuff.
From the manufacturer: 'For Normal to Combination Skin. Formula tested under dermatological supervision.'

Regular price* = $14

You can read more about Witch-Hazel here.

3. Pure Calmille Gentle Alcohol-Free Toner
I use use this toner  not only during my morning and evening cleansing routine but also during the daytime, to refresh the skin. Since it does not contain alcohol, it can also be used around the eye area. It gently tones, soothes and cleans the skin. I very much like the product, it has a pleasant and delicate camomile scent due to its ingredients:

• anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) flower extract - moisturizer and skin cleanser;
• pure organic chamomile flower extract. 

Currently the toner is not available at the Yves Rocher US online store, so I am not able to inform you how much it actually costs. Anyway, other, similar items from Pure Calmille series are 12 USD.

Chamomile is known from its soothing and anti-bacterial properties. Read more about this plant here.

* Yves Rocher online stores (including YR USA) often offer special discounts (up to 50%), so it is possible to get the makeup removers (and other cosmetics by Yves Rocher) at much better prices than mentioned in this post.
Another advantage is that they also present customers with free gifts: cosmetics (regular and sample sizes) and other useful items. I have been using their products for quite a long time - within all those years I have been presented with many interesting things (including pieces of clothing, accessories and  more). Instead of  a free product, you can also request planting a tree/trees on your behalf, which is part of the 'Plant for the Planet' program run by Yves Rocher.

From the manufacturer: ' Through one of our programs, Plant for the Planet, we will plant 50 million trees by 2015!'

When in Europe - they also have special promotions in local stationary shops. I have not found any places like that in the US so far, but I am really glad Yves Rocher have an online store here.

One of the free gifts I have received from Yves Rocher recently

Eye Makeup: Everyday Look

Eye makeup and makeup, in general, has always been to me what painting on canvas may be to others. A way of expressing myself, yes, but also the fun of playing with colors. Although I appreciate the 'nude look', I have always been more on the 'luminous look' side: bright shades and colorful liners. Why should I wear dull and one-tone eyeshadows only if the world (and the world of makeup) is full of colors! Which does not mean looking ridiculous as I do adjust (at least I try) the makeup style to everyday life circumstances and occasions. Another thing is, that due to my complexion and beauty type, dark shades on my face make me look sick and sad. It all results in quite a delicate but still bright eye makeup.

Here is one of its options:

1. Eyeshadows:
a) white - in the inner eye corner and in the eyebrow arch;
b) shimmery golden-beige - on the eyelid;

Eye shadow from Eyeshadow Palette by Yves Rocher

c) light pink - crease;
d) light blue - outer eye corner and more or less 2/3 line along the lower eyelashes line;

Both eye shadows from Profusion Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette

 e) eye pencil - a line along upper eyelashes line

Waterproof eye pencil by Miss Claire - the liner is quite well pigmented, smooth and creamy and does not smear

g) black mascara

The light shades create a soft, bright look.

2. Lips
a) for 'bolder' look: a pink lip pencil eg: the one by Estee Lauder described here + a vivid pink lipstick ( Vivid Impact Lipcolor, 08 Sweet Tart by Max Factor - intense and saturated color) ;

b) for softer look: a nude beige lip liner by Oriflame (self-sharpening liner, really soft, shapes lips nicely) + Luminelle Lipstick (Chestnut) by Yves Rocher.
The Chestnut lipstick's texture is creamy and moisturizing. It makes the lips look smooth and gives a sheer glossy coverage.

Here - you can see 'me' in this bright makeup :). I do not color my eyebrows - they are naturally black.

Another option for the pink and blue look is quite simple (below) and I used to wear it more often in the past.

Pink and blue eye shadows, eye liner and mascara option.

Makeup - Natural Look Option

Although a black eyeliner was my very first eye makeup item, I have always enjoyed various, rather bright, colors in eye makeup. Here is one of my options (usually, the colors of my clothing influence the colors of the makeup) for a natural look - it involves more shades than a typical natural image but it is still quite soft, and I enjoy wearing it.

1. Eyes

• eye pencil - white by Lumene

to apply to the inner eye corner and below the eyebrow arch;

• eye shadows: a) sparkling champagne, b) beige + light brown, c) 2 shades of green, d) gold

 a)

Wet & Dry Double Effect Eyeshadow by Collistar

to apply to the white eye pencil spots;

b) light beige - apply to the upper lid, crease with the light brown shade;

Eye shadows of Yria collection by Yves Rocher

c) mix the two green shades and color the outer eye corner area, including drawing a line along the 1/3 of the lower eyelashes line;
 The pearl green shades come from 77 Color Eyeshadow Pallette by Profusion

d) gold - to apply to the center of the upper eyelid - for a less pale look;

This eyeshadow by Yves Rocher contains soothing virgin organic sweet almond (rich in vitamin E). It enhaces hte eye and adds a luminous and sparkling touch to a rather pale look.

• waterproof eye pencil by Bourjois - to define the upper eye lashes line

More or less it all looks like this (scary? Well, hadn't drawn since the end of the 80s :) ).

2. Lips

a) lip liner - orange or natural

I wrote more on this lip liner here.

b) lipstick

This moisturizing cream lipstick by Yves Rocher contains sesame oil. It stays on the lips long, hydrates them and gives rather sheer, satiny and delicately luminous coverage.

Have a wonderful holidaytime!

Makeup For Cooler Weather 1

When the weather gets cooler, it is time to adjust the makeup to the changing temperatures and atmospheric conditions, different from the ones we used to have in the hot and steamy summer. Especially that makeup is not only supposed to enhance our beauty but also protect the skin.
Among many products by various brands there is quite a lot to choose from. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which cosmetic is best for myself unless I try it a few times. What's more, every so often it means trying again and again before I really find what my skin/face likes best or dislikes. Here are some examples of my favorite discoveries.

1. Foundation 

Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Light Reflecting Foundation SPF 10 by Clarins (in the above picture).
The foundation contains both plant and mineral ingredients including pink algae extract and opal powder. The first one has antiseptic properties and is rich in biologically active silicon (the plant grows in France). The other one comes from Brazil. It contains silica beads which fill in fine lines and give luminous, light-reflecting effect. What I also like about the foundation is that it hydrates the face skin and is quite light - gives medium coverage.


2. Compact Powder

The Ultralucent compact powder by Estee Lauder is great: non-comedogenic, good for sensitive and dry skin. It does give smooth and mat, flawless finish. Besides, this pressed powder sets makeup really well, without any kind of cakey effect on the face.The compact is quite handy to use both at home and when on-the-go.

3. Eye Shadows

High pigmentation and intense tones. I especially like the rusty bronze but all of them remind me colors of the autumn leaves.

My recipe for the Forest Quartet look:

• Use the rusty shadow in the inner corner of the eye + to highlight the outer under eyebrow area.
• Apply the dark brown shade to the upper eyelid, avoiding coloring the above.
• Sculpt the outer corner of your eye and Crease with the green eye shadow. Blend all the shades with a brush.
• Draw a thin line along the upper lash line + along 1/3 (from the outer eye corner) lower lash line with color no. 4
• Emphasize the dark line on the upper eyelid (color 4) with the green eye liner.

4. Eye Liner

I hardly ever use black eye liners as I simply do not like the typical smokey eye look. That is why I have chosen the green, waterproof and self-sharpening eye liner by Avon. However, I would use it to draw lines on the upper eyelids  only. The tip of the liner is soft and its shade nicely defines the eye and the eyelashes line.

5. LipGloss

Simply glamorous! Shiny gloss which rather reminds a lipstick, considering nice coverage and creamy texture. The intense color lasts long on the lips and, in my opinion, is gorgeous. One of the best gloss lipsticks (two-in-1s) I have ever tried.

6. Black Mascara

Le Waterproof Mascara by Sephora which I have got happens to be a bit clumpy, but it is easy to clear the lashes, and separate them also, with the little comb (by Sephora too). The other side of this handy tool, the brush, helps me tame my eyebrows. The mascara is quite good, meaning its waterproof properties (I have not tried it in the pool though), and it is easy to wash it off with eye makeup remover.

Big (and hot) Summer Day Makeup

It is this time of the year when some of us start missing the warmth of the summer. The colder it is getting outside, the nicer it is to think about the sunny summer or spring days when the weather was a bit more comfortable. However, it all depends where you are - in certain places in the world, the heat of the summer months makes you dream of the winter.
Not long ago I was looking for makeup items which would not fail on a hottest day, meaning the temperatures and the climate of course.
This is what I found (see the picture below).

Each piece is a kind of art achievement in the field of cosmetics. They worked well for me, despite of the high summer temperatures and high levels of air humidity.  Their prices are on a more expensive side though, which is a kind of disadvantage. I find them great anyway.

1. SENSAI Smoothing Water Make-Up Base by Kanebo
 
From the manufacturer's website: "SENSAI combines advanced skincare technology with the supreme power of its precious signature ingredient, Koishimaru Silk. This extraordinary fusion of science and nature works in harmony with the body, creating flawlessly silky skin that enhances every woman’s unique beauty." Japan's Koishimaru Silk hydrates skin and stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid within the skin. You can read more about this magical silk here.
The base is absolutely wonderful. It 'creates a taut, invisible veil that leaves the skin firmer, smoother and primed for make-up' - all true. It not only keeps the face skin moist and relaxed all day long, but also gives it a kind of natural, radiant look. Three little drops of the base are enough to cover the entire face, which makes the product last quite long.

2. SENSAI Cellular Performance Total Finish Foundation (with SPF 15) by Kanebo.

 Another great product - a true gem. Although it is a powder foundation, it is good for dry skin as it gives it a pleasant and moist feel. The foundation is easy to apply flawlessly to the face with a sponge provided by the manufacturer. The Total Finish Foundation is so light like a delicate veil, even after wearing it for many hours I do not feel it on my face - the skin stays relaxed and radiant. The foundation covers skin imperfections quite well and does not clog pores.
I bought a refill  package of  this SENSAI item (which helped reduce the price of the product), which included the foundation in a convenient box + the sponge. The refill version works as well as the product  in its original package. The powder base stayed in place and looked good on my face even when the summer temperatures were reaching 100F. However, it seems that 'my' Bamby Beige shade is no longer on offer.

3. SENSAI Eyelid Base by Kanebo

 
Its formula reminds a very light cream - it moisturizes eyelids and enhances the colors of eye shadows/eyeliner. A small amount of the base applied to eyelids with a finger helps keep the eye make up in place. It does not irritate my eyes, simply adds a touch of comfort to the eyelids.

4. Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour by Clarins

What I like about Clarins products (besides their quality) is that some of them are provided in red, velvet etuis which, in my opinion, add  cuteness to every item (and purchase).  I use this blush when I do not apply the Meteorites (read below). There are two mat and two shimmering shades in the blush box. My complexion is rather pale so this delicate, satin and illuminating color gives my face a healthy glow. It covers the skin evenly, without any ugly darker spots or marks. According to the manufacturer, the blush contains plant and mineral extracts. The little brush included in the box is rather better for a retouch than a regular application, but still it is a convenient addition - quite handy when away from your big blush brush. However, I have never done the retouch thing as I simply never needed to do it.

5. Meteorites - Powder for the Face by Guerlain

The illuminating powder consists of  light-diffusing balls/pearls which five colors depend on their purpose. The white pearls illuminate the skin, green color helps to correct redness, yellow pearls highlight and catch natural light, mauve ones brighten the face and the red ones give it a nice glow. The pearls contain a spherical pigment which brightens the skin with a halo - radiant effect. The Meteorites can be applied in different ways (see the tutorial video included below). I like to sweep them with a brush over my temples only, just for an illuminating effect.


 

The handcrafted powder pearls are available in three different color sets. The powder is really efficient - even if used every day, lasts really long - which maybe rewarding - considering not only its great properties but also quality - and price.

6. Blended Face Powder And Brush by Clinique

 The powder is supposed to be good for all skin types. What I can say about it is that my, a bit dry, skin likes it. It does set makeup quite well, with a natural look/feel effect on the face even during a hot summer. It is also useful when I want to give my face some nice shade without using any foundation. The brush size is good enough to put the right amount of powder on the face - without unwanted excess.

7. Instant Light Brush-on Perfector - Concealer by Clarins 

It is one of the best concealers I have ever used. It covers and brightens dark shadows, moisturizes, and smooths the skin. This Perfector contains oat sugars and Clarins Light Optimzing Complex which make the under-eye area not only look but also feel great.

8. Eye Shadows from Eye Shadow Pallette by Yves Rocher

Yes, I really like them! The shadows are quite high pigmented, cover the eyelids evenly and stay on them all day long. They do not crease and do not fall on the face during applying them around the eye area. The pearl shadows look good also in the daylight and, what matters to me, they are 'eye-friendly' - do not sting/irritate the eyes.

9. Long-Lasting Eye Liner by Sephora

The eye liner defines the eyes nicely. Its consistency helps to draw flawless lines, it doesn't smear and gets dry on the eyelid quite fast. However, to avoid marks below the eyebrow area, I usually kept my eye closed for a moment after putting the eyeliner on the upper lid eyelashes line.

10. False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara by Max Factor

I enjoyed using the mascara. It thickened and lengthened the eyelashes, giving them a nice but not artificial look. I have already run out of it and I did not take a picture of it. Well, it was really good.

And finally something for the lips.

11. Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil by Estee Lauder

One of the products that have never failed my expectations. The pencil is soft enough (but not too soft)  to define the lips and also cover them with the color quite easily. It really is a long lasting lip pencil and its slightly creamy texture does not dry my lips. The convenient brush helps with the lipstick application.

12. Perfect Rouge Lipstick by Shiseido 

Well, it is perfect for me - the illuminating color, the texture and how long it lasts on the lips. The lipstick softens and smooths my lips (it contains hyaluronic acid and Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE). It gives a nice vivid finish to the lips.

Summer Favourites

Summer days are gone, it is getting cooler, sudden snowfall has already appeared in some places. The days when we were missing cooler weather and lower temperatures were not so long ago, that is why we would like to tell you about some of our favorite, everyday summer treats. On hot and humid summer days I found them quite useful.
1.  Waterproof mascara - Luminelle - by Yves Rocher 
It worked well - applying it was quite nice and quick - no lashes glued together, no clods, a bit volumizing but still natural effect/look. It didn't smear even on very humid days and did not irritate my eyes. There was no problem with removing the mascara with eye makeup remover. It is a pity the product has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
2. Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup by Estee Lauder
It does stay in place and looked nice on my face even when the temperatures outside were reaching 100F. When I first applied it on my face, I thought it would be drying my skin but actually it didn't. It really lasted long and is quite light - I didn't feel it on my face even when I was wearing it all day long.
It is good for 'bigger' and 'smaller' summer outings and workdays too. It gives quite light coverage (which I enjoyed) and at the same time did not look like a mask on my face. However, it is important to shake the tube well before applying the makeup. At least, the better I shook it, the better it worked for me.
The manufacturer provides the Double Wear makeup in several shades and it is fragrance free (luckily). This is something I would definitely buy again.
3. Waterproof eye pencil - flashy silver 02 - by Sephora
The eye pencil is my summer eye color 'tool' no. 1.  During hot and sunny days, when it was not very comfortable to wear regular eye makeup, this touch of flashy white added a lightening touch to my look. Well, the color of the pencil is white - it has some little, sparkling silver particles - nothing too glamorous, just a really delicate accent. I put it on the middle parts of my upper eyelids and below the outer eyebrow corners. It lasted long, despite the heat, and it didn't crease or melt into my eyes. The pencil, including its inner part, is very soft which makes it not very efficient, it was worth its price though.
4. Solutions plus+ Total Radiance - visual perfection tint release moisturizer SPF 20 - by Avon
On hot summer days, when I did not want to wear any makeup, but also wanted to give my face something more than a bare, pale look, I treated it with this product. It worked like a hydrating cream but was a bit different than other tinted  moisturizers. It contained tiny balls of light brownish, sparkling pigment which  were mixing into the almost transparent, creamy base during the application. It gave my face a fresh and shiny look, no matter how hot and humid outside was. I also liked how light it felt on my face. However, it did not cover skin imperfections which was a small disadvantage. Anyway, it kept my skin relaxed and moisturized, and there was no need to reapply or correct it during the time.
5. COLORTREND pencil play - white - by Avon Cosmetics
This eye pencil is a bit harder than #3 but I have found it soft enough to put it gently on the inner corners of my eyes and draw lines on the inner lower eyelids (water line). The white is eye-friendly, 'opens' my eyes and gives a bright look.
6. Avon Naturals body renewing body spray - black cherry & nutmeg
Just a pleasantly scented alcohol free body spray. The fragrance is not too strong - sweet cherry with light nutmeg accent. Much better to wear on sunny days than any great perfume as no alcohol makes it skin friendly. Also, the light scent doesn't 'choke' or bother with too strong notes.
7. Blusher in Pearls

The pearls I have been using are actually a mix of two products: Sun Touch Blusher in Pearls by Wibo (some of the pink pearls) and blushing pearls by Oriflame. They give my face satin, natural but also a bit sparkling colours, shape it nicely, and do not dry my skin. Easy to apply evenly with a smaller brush.

8. Sheer & Shine Lipstick by Yves Rocher
It is quite a good alternative to a regular lipstick or lip gloss, especially meaning the summer days but not only. Gives a fresh and soft look, covers my lips with a light moisturizing layer of pastel, radiant color. The stick is a bit thinner and smaller than most lipsticks (2g) but quite long-lasting.
9. Nourishing lip balm  with Sweet Almond Oil by Yves Rocher
This balm stick is actually quite useful all year round. Hydrates my lips, softens and protects the delicate skin and makes my lips look nice. Sometimes I use it also before applying a lipstick. The stick is soft but quite solid at the same time - it doesn't melt or change its form during spreading it on lips.
10. Powdered blotting paper by Sephora
I found it very handy in the summertime. The blotting sheets are not big (the package doesn't take much space in a purse) but helped with keeping my face dry and mat without wiping of the makeup. Useful but it could be a bit cheaper.
11. Flawless Finish Concealer - Dark Circle Corrector Stick by Yves Rocher
I almost forgot to mention it. The concealer does what the manufactures says: 'Naturally hides dark circles and blemishes'. The texture of the stick is not too rich and not too thick - so it is quite good for a summer outing. Covers my darker under-eye spots  quite well and gives the look a nice finish. The concealer contains Musk Rose Oil softening and soothing the under-eye area. I like it although after a few hours of wearing it, the corrector dries my skin a bit, which makes little fine lines more visible (a good under-eye moisturizer applied before makeup time solves the problem). On the other hand, it doesn't irritate my eyes/skin and is quite light. More over, the stick makes the application of the concealer quite comfortable. Available in two shades. Photo friendly.