Posts Tagged Laura Mercier
Top 5 Laura Mercier Foundations
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists on December 19th, 2009
Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer is a consistent award-winner (InStyle, Allure, etc.). …But what about her other foundations? How do they stack up? Here are the Top 5 Laura Mercier Foundations, taking into consideration reviews from TotalBeauty.com, Sephora.com and Makeupalley.com. You might be surprised!
1= Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 ($35)
Avg. TotalBeauty.com Rating=9/10; Avg. Sephora.com Rating=4.5; Avg. Makeupalley.com Rating= 4/5
Product Description from lauramercier.com: “Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 is a finely milled powder composed completely of natural elements with 15 active amino acids to clear the skin of toxins, promote healthy skin cell growth and fight the aging process. Oil-free and water-resistant. Apply as a buildable foundation or a pigmented powder. Pure Pearl Powders and Mica impart a soft focus effect creating a natural, healthy, youthful glow. Zinc Oxide works as a sunscreen agent to block the sun’s harmful rays. Contains anti-aging properties. Apply Mineral Primer to skin prior to application to enhance SPF 15 protection. Use with the Blending Brush for flawless application. Use with the Face Brush for more coverage.”
*Those who wrote positive reviews on Sephora.com praised this foundation’s buildability and the fact that it didn’t make their skin look “dry” or “flaky”. The small number of negative reviews (only 39/345 reviews were 3 stars or under) commented that they felt it looked “cakey” after a few hours.
2= Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation ($42)
Avg. TotalBeauty.com Rating= 8.9/10; Avg. Sephora.com Rating=4.3/5; Avg. Makeupalley.com Rating=4/5
Product Description from lauramercier.com: “Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation is a rich and luminous foundation offering full coverage while hydrating and protecting the skin. Hydrates and protects while causing fine lines and imperfections to optically disappear through its advanced light-reflecting qualities. Ideal for persons with rosacea or hard-to-cover pigmentation.”
*Reviewers on Sephora.com are nearly unanimous in their praise of this foundation’s full coverage and ability to stay put all day long. Those who wrote negative reviews (again, a small number — only 42/240 were 3 stars or under) disliked the “matte” finish and felt it tended to look too “dry” and “chalky.”
3= Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42)
Avg. TotalBeauty.com Rating=8.2/10; Avg. Sephora.com Rating=4.6/5; Avg. Makeupalley.com Rating=3.9/5
Product Description from lauramercier.com: “Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight moisturizer with SPF 20 & a hint of color that can be used in place of foundation for a natural appearance while adding a healthy glow to your complexion. Features an antioxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger to protect the skin from even the most aggressive effects of the environment. Extremely long-wearing, stays colour true & wears evenly.”
*With 1,015 reviews on Sephora.com, this is by far the most reviewed foundation of the top 5 listed. Reviewers loved how it provides a “very natural, no-makeup look” and doesn’t feel too heavy. Those who wrote negative reviews commented that it made their skin feel greasy after a few hours.
4= Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation ($42)
Avg. TotalBeauty.com Rating=8/10; Avg. Sephora.com Rating=4.3/5; Avg. Makeupalley.com Rating=4/5
Product Description from lauramercier.com: “Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation is a highly pigmented foundation especially formulated for drier or more mature skin and hydrates the skin with added moisture. Allows for truly buildable coverage, from a very sheer, weightless, “no makeup” look to more complete coverage. Hydrates skin, softening and easing fine, dry lines. Stays colour true and wears evenly. Vitamins A, C and E act as antioxidants to protect the skin from harmful effects in the environment. Apply with a damp sponge”
*Those who wrote positive reviews loved that the foundation provided full coverage while still looking “fresh” and “dewy”. Those who wrote negative reviews commented that it tended to “settle into fine lines” and felt a little “heavy” going on.
5= Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation ($42)
Avg. TotalBeauty.com Rating=8.7; Avg. Sephora.com Rating=4.2/5; Avg. Makeupalley.com Rating=3.7
Product Description from lauramercier.com: “Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation is a layerable, highly pigmented formula to be used only where needed and allows the user to determine the amount of coverage. Apply very sheerly or layer for more coverage. Never looks cakey or heavy because of the lightweight formula. Extremely long-wearing, stays colour true, and wears evenly. Vitamins A, C and E act as antioxidants to protect the skin from harmful effects in the environment. Oil-free, yet non-drying. Ideal for all skin types.”
*Positive reviewers on Sephora.com liked the amount of coverage this foundation provided and how they felt it controlled their shine throughout the day. Those who wrote negative reviews felt it was difficult to blend and had a limited range of shades (i.e. the shades offered had too much of a yellow/orange undertone).
What is YOUR favorite Laura Mercier foundation? Do you have any application tips?
Makeup Palettes (And More!) On My Holiday Wishlist
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions, Makeup Collections/Launches on November 3rd, 2009
Is it just me, or are ALL the 2009 Holiday Palettes ridiculously tempting? After sifting through all the latest launches, here are the makeup palettes/gifts I’m adding to my own wish list this holiday season:
1. Laura Mercier “Color Wardrobe” Compact ($98) – The Laura Mercier holiday sets are always a fantastic value, and this one is no exception. The two-tiered compact holds 6 eye colors, 3 cheek colors, 6 lip stains, 2 lip glazes and a double-ended lip brush. The top palette contains: African Violet, Stellar, Café Au Lait, Sandstone, Celestial and Coffee Ground Eye Colors; Plum, Rose and Nude Cheek Colors (exclusive); a Double-Ended Eye Color/Corner Eye Color Brush and a full-size mirror. The bottom palette contains: Mocha, Scarlet, Melon, Mulberry, Nude and Rosette Lip Stains (exclusive) along with Brown Glaze and Pink Glaze Lip Glazes (exclusive). Also included is a double-ended lip brush.
2. Laura Mercier “Master Toolbox” ($65) — If the “Color Wardrobe” doesn’t fit your budget, Nordstrom also offers this exclusive palette. This two-tiered compact includes 5 eye colors, 3 lip stains, 2 lip glazes PLUS a mini lip-color brush and a double-ended eye color brush. The top palette contains Beige, Sable, Sandstorm, Mica (exclusive) and Gold (exclusive) Eye Colors, along with a mini Black Turquoise Kohl Eye Pencil. The bottom palette contains Shy Pink, Crimson and Raspberry (exclusive) Lip Stains along with Natural (exclusive) and Spice (exclusive) Lip Glazes (exclusive).
3. LORAC “Double Booked” Full-Face Collection ($55) — LORAC eye shadows are among some of the best I’ve used. I would rank their pigment intensity right up there with MAC, and their blendability is unparalleled. The holiday “book” opens up to reveal two “pages.” One page is compiled of 8 warm, color-coordinated eye shadows; the other, 8 cool shadows. Also included are two blushes, two lip glosses, one bronzer, one highlighter, one lip liner AND a double-ended eye color brush.
4. MAC “Magic, Myth and Mirth” Eye Palettes ($36) — So many choices to choose from!
Each palette contains 6 eye shadows.
-“Devil May Dare“ = Colors include Oh My Darling (pale frosty cream), Dare Ya! (light frosty peachy pink), Sorcery (blackened burgundy), Gold Tease (frosty midtone gold), Prankster (midtone frosted olive), and Devilishly Dark (rich brown with gold pearl)
-“Smoke and Mirrors” = Colors include Fire In Her Eyes (neutral beige), Wide-Eyed Wonder (gray taupe), Black Magique (black with gold pearl), Spell #9 (muted pink beige), Deception (frosty golden brown), and Smoke and Mirros (dark chocolate brown)
-“Sorceress” = Colors include White Rabbit (frosty soft white), Hold My Gaze (midtone cool green gray), Edge of Dark (charcoal with silver pearl), Magnetized (light frosted lavendar), Hypnotizing (frosted gray mauve), and Altered State (deep frosted blue purple)
-“Mystic Cool” = Colors include Cool Incantation (opalescent white gold), Blue Enchantment (dark frosted turquoise), Deep Scarlet (deep frosted indigo), Shhh! Don’t Tell (pale neutral pink), Rose Potion (midtone frosted rose), and Violet Vow (deep cool brown)
5. Felix Rey Cosmetic Case ($88)- If you’re going to be getting new makeup this holiday season, why not also ask for an incredibly cute cosmetic case to keep it all in? I am quickly becoming obsessed with this cosmetic case from Felix Rey. He also offers this larger case for $100 and this smaller case for $55. If these options are a little too girlie-girl, he also offers this great rocker-chic cosmetic case for $90.
6. Chanel Collection Essentielle de Chanel Multi-Use Palette ($85) – Created by the CHANEL Makeup Studio in Paris especially for the United States, this essential all-in-one makeup wardrobe now features three new must-haves: two cream concealers and one cream blush. The exclusive colour collection, named ‘Paris-New York,’ also includes two shades of lipgloss, one cream lip colour, three powder eyeshadows, a sponge-tipped applicator and a soft-bristled lip brush.
7. Bobbi Brown Chrome Palette ($75) — Early reports say that this palette is much more wearable than it looks in the packaging. Eyeshadows: White, Polar Ice Shimmer Wash, Storm Cloud Sparkle, Iron, Thunder Metallic, Moonlight Sparkle, Cyber Grey Shimmer Wash, Foil Metallic, Chrome Metallic and Charcoal Haze. Lip colors: Pink Mist Shimmer Lip Gloss, Winter Bronze Glitter Lip Gloss, Berry Glitter Lip Gloss and Chrome Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss. Mini lip and eye brushes are also included.
8. MAC Brush Bags ($49.50) — The holidays are always a good time to stock up on MAC brushes via their holiday brush collections. With each collection costing around $50, you’re getting top-quality MAC brushes for roughly $10/brush, and most of these brushes would cost between $15-$30 normally.
-“Morning, Noon and Knight” eye brushes include brushes #194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE and 275SE
-“Do The Trick” buff and line brushes include brushes #168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE
-“Wave of a Wand” sweep and define brushes include brushes #129SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE and 275SE
What about you? What’s on your holiday makeup list?
-Images from nordstrom.com, sephora.com, felixrey.com and maccosmetics.com
Top 10 Primers at Sephora
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists on August 14th, 2009
The benefits of using a primer under foundation are generally known — they help smooth the skin by filling in fine lines, deep pores and wrinkles, providing a “primed” surface for makeup application. However, primers can also provide additional benefits, such as (1) being oil-free (2) adding hydration, (3) providing antioxidant protection, (4) brightening your skintone, (5) providing SPF protection and (6) being composed of primarily natural ingredients. To help take the guesswork out of your next primer purchase, here is a list of the top 10 primers at Sephora.
Use the following key to help differentiate between the additional product benefits offered by each primer: O=oil-free, H=hydrating, A=antioxidant protection, E=brightening skintone, N=natural ingredients, and S=SPF. Descriptions are taken from Sephora.com
1. Bare Escentuals Bare Vitamins Prime Time = Prepare your skin for the most amazing foundation with this preservative-free foundation primer that’s great for all skin types. Benefits = A, N. Sephora rating: 4.5/5 – 1,182 reviews, $21
2. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 = A mineral based primer with SPF 15 that neutralizes the skin and creates a smooth, uniformed canvas for flawless makeup application. Benefits = N, S, O. Sephora rating: 4.7/5 – 79 reviews, $52
3. Tarte Clean Slate = A lightweight, emollient face primer. Benefits: A, N. Sephora rating: 4.5/5 – 290 reviews, $27
4. Smashbox Photo Finish = Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application. Benefits: A. Sephora rating: 4.4/5 – 1,766 reviews, $36. Also available in Smashbox Photo Finish LIGHT ($30- for oilier skin types), and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl ($42).
5. Laura Geller Spackle = One of Laura Geller’s signature creations — a sleek foundation primer. Benefits: O. Sephora rating: 4.3/5 – 375 reviews, $23
6. Per-fekt Beauty Skin Perfection Gel = A multi-tasking all-in-one vitamin enriched, sweat-resistant and water-resistant skin perfector. Benefits: A, O. Sephora rating: 4.2/5 – 471 reviews, $57.50
7. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer = A lightweight, oil-free complexion corrector that enhances the skin’s texture and primes the skin for makeup application. Benefits: O. Sephora rating: 4.1/5 – 632 reviews, $32
8. Korres Face Primer = A silicone-free, 99 percent natural, antioxidant rich face primer that creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. Benefits: A, N. Sephora rating: 4.1/5 – 216 reviews, $28
9. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer = A vitamin-rich, water-based foundation primer. Benefits: H, A, O. Sephora rating: 4.1/5 – 134 reviews, $30. Also available in Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer ($30) and Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer ($30).
10. Benefit “That Gal” Brightening Face Primer = A silky pink primer that makes skin appear smoother and brighter. Benefits: B. Sephora rating: 4/5 – 392 reviews, $28
-Images from sephora.com
Top 10 (ok, maybe 12) Bridal Makeup Products
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists, Weddings-101 on July 29th, 2009
Primers:
1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer or Photo Finish Light – I love primers because they not only smooth out your pores and fine lines, but they also allow your makeup to last much, much longer!
2. Laura Mercier Regular Primer or Oil-Free Primer
3. Urban Day Primer Potion (eyeshadow primer — your eyeshadow will not budge!)
Foundations:
4. MAC Face and Body Foundation – a fantastic, water-based foundation that gives a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, but looks just as luminous
Cream Blush:
5. Stila Convertible Color in “Gerbera” or “Lillium” – a consistent award-winner, these convertible colors provide a natural flush
Powder Blush:
6. NARS powder blush in “Orgasm” – a dozen magazine editors can’t be wrong
7. MAC powder blush in “Pink Swoon” (women with cool undertones) or “Peachykeen” (women with warm undertones)
Highlighters:
8. MAC Cream Color Base in “Pearl” – blend on your cheekbones with fingertips, and voila, hollywood cheekbones
9. Benefit “High Beam” highlighter -Benefit didn’t nickname this highlighter “Supermodel in a bottle” for nothing – dab a few dots on your cheekbones with the applicator and blend with fingertips for super chiseled cheekbones
Gel Eyeliners:
10. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner – this eyeliner continues to rack up the awards. Apply with the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush to achieve a thick or thin line.
11. MAC Fluidline – apply with a small-angle brush, such as MAC #263 or #266
Waterproof Eyeshadow:
12. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
-Images from maccosmetics.com and sephora.com
Avoid Wedding Day Meltdown — How to Make Your Makeup Last
Posted by Wendy in How to..., Weddings-101 on July 29th, 2009
Ah, ’tis the season of bridal bliss. At last count, one of my friends was in 6 weddings this summer. Living in Chicago, one of the most frequent questions I receive is, “How can I make my makeup last on my wedding day?” I’m pretty sure only Texas is more humid. In any case, never fear! Here are a few of my basic tips:
–Prime! Take the time to prime your face and eyelids. This will not only smooth out your pores and fine lines, but it will also help your makeup last as long as possible. If you know you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, you might want to opt for an oil-free or lighter-weight primer, such as Smashbox Photo Finish Light or Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer.
–Layer! Instead of applying one layer of powder blush, try applying a thin layer of a cream blush. After you set your makeup with face powder, add a second (thin) layer of your powder blush. The same idea can be used for your eye shadow. After your eyelid primer (I love Urban Decay’s Primer Potion), apply a thin layer of a cream eyeshadow, followed by your regular powder eyeshadow. For lips, an old trick is to apply your lipstick, gently blot a thin layer of face powder on your lips, followed by another thin layer of lipstick. If you stick to thin layers, you will still achieve a flawless, natural look, only it will last much longer 
–Use a gel eyeliner or a transformer! Gel eyeliners (such as Bobbi Brown’s Gel Eyeliner or MAC Fluidline) have a great lasting power. However, if you really want eyeliner insurance, try mixing a transformer/sealer with your eyeliner. I usually put one or two drops of Make Up For Ever Eye Seal on a small-angle brush and then dip it into my MAC Carbon eyeshadow. (*Note: The transformer/sealer will change the texture of your eyeshadow, so you might want to buy one black eyeshadow just for this purpose).
–Try waterproof mascara! We used to be cautioned that waterproof mascara would dry out our lashes or give us a “spider-leg” look, but with all the innovations that have been made over the years, there are countless waterproof mascaras that work beautifully. I’m a big fan of DiorShow Waterproof Mascara myself
-Images from sephora.com, bobbibrown.com and nordstrom.com
Add A New Depth to Eyelids with Gold
Posted by Wendy in How to..., Latest Obsessions on July 23rd, 2009
Go and take a close look at your eyes (irises). I’ll wait…… When you look closely enough, you notice that all eye colors — blue, brown, green, hazel — have a subtle, golden color in them. Adding just a touch of gold eyeshadow on the part of your eyelid above your iris (aka the center of your eyelid) will bring out this subtle golden color, adding a new level of depth to your eyes. Some of my favorite combinations include (1) a neutral shade on the lid with a taupe in the crease, popped with a touch of gold added just above the iris, and (2) a lilac shade on the lid with a deeper amethyst in the crease, popped with a touch of gold (this last one looks amazing with hazel eyes). So the next time you’re doing your makeup, take another minute and add a subtle pop of gold to the centers of your eyelids
My golden recommendations:
-Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash in “Gold”
-Laura Mercier Lustre Eye Color in “Gold Dust”
-MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in “Gorgeous Gold”
-Image from bobbibrown.com
Late Summer/Fall 2009 – Laura Mercier Fresco Collection
Posted by Wendy in Makeup Collections/Launches on July 4th, 2009
Italy is officially one of the key inspirations for the Fall 2009 makeup collections. Chanel’s “Venise” collection includes makeup shades taken from the Mademoiselle’s fascination with Venice, and with her “Fresco” collection, Laura Mercier channels the seamless look of Italian fresco paintings…
From the Laura Mercier website:
“Inspired by the nature-like colors found in Italian Fresco paintings, Laura Mercier introduces her Fresco Collection. Eyes are soft and diffused, layered in earth toned shades of Satinee Crème Eye Colour with a pop of teal for accent. Crème Cheek Colour Pots in Sienna Sunset and Soft Apricot enhance the cheeks with a hint of creamy colour and tinted, soft-focus loose powder. Lips complete the look in rich autumnal hues with Laura’s perfect artist palette, Lip Watercolours; containing a prepping lip balm and six pigment saturated stains. Welcome Fall looking ethereal, feminine, imperfectly beautiful.”
The Fresco Collection includes:
- Satinee Creme Eye Colour in Amber Velvet ($22) — warm, terra cotta
- Satinee Creme Eye Colour in Teal Cashmere ($22) — dusty teal
- Creme Cheek Colour Pot in Sienna Sunset ($34) – warm, tawny rose
- Creme Cheek Colour Pot in Soft Apricot ($34) – soft, peachy apricot
- Fair Lip Watercolour Palette ($48)
- Medium Lip Watercolour Palette ($48)
**The clear standouts in this collection are the lip watercolour palettes. Each palette contains highly pigmented colors that are meant to be applied with the fingertips. Since I’ve been on an eternal search for the perfect “stained-lip” look, I’m excited at the prospect of having a palette of pigmented colors at my disposal!
The LM website has the following tips for the watercolor palettes:
- Press each colour into the lips for a natural-look that ensures long wear
- Each full bodied, satin-matte shade is easily manipulated by layering and blending with others to achieve multiple long-lasting, comfortable wearing and truly one-of-a-kind lip colours
- Laura’s favorite combinations for the Fair Watercolour palette: Combination #1 = Peach Sorbet: Dab on shade number 4 (Brown), shade number 3 (Terracotta) and shade number 1 (Beige); Combination #2 = Sunny Apricot: Dab on shade number 6 (Light Apricot) and shade number 1 (Beige); Combination #3 =Soft Pink: Dab on shade number 4 (Brown – only a touch) and shade number 1 (Beige to mute).
- Laura’s favorite combinations for the Medium Watercolour palette: Combination #1 = Cherry Crush: Dab on shade number 5 (Red) and shade number 3 (Cranberry); Combination #2 = Peachy Pink: Dab on shade number 2 (Fushia), shade number 1 (Beige to mute), shade number 6 (Light Peach) and shade number 4 (Brown) to neutralize if desired; Combination #3 = Woody Rose: Dab on shade number 4 (Brown) and shade number 1 (Beige) to lighten and make pinker.
-Image from lauramercier.com
How To Apply Red Lipstick
As a follow-up to my last post…:
I think most of us come from the same place when it comes to red lipstick. We see how sexy it looks in magazines (a la Scarlett Johansson). We hear how it makes women feel glamorous and confident. But when we dare to try it ourselves, we end up either looking like (1) a freakish clown or (2) an 8-year-old playing in her mother’s makeup drawer. The red mouth staring back at us in the mirror looks harsh… and fake.
Achieving sophisticated, ruby lips is possible. Here are 4 easy steps:
- Exfoliate! One simple way to slough off scaly skin is to wet a washcloth and gently rub over your lips. Voila!
- Use a lipliner as close to your lipstick shade as possible. When red lipstick starts feathering, it’s obvious from across the room. Using a lipliner will help keep your lipstick in place. Simply follow the natural borders of your lips.
- Apply your lipstick with a lip brush. Using a lip brush will allow you to build the color as you go. When you apply it straight from the tube, you’re putting it on at it’s highest intensity, which may or may not be the color you’re going for. I really like the MAC #316 Lip Brush/Covered Brush. It has a smaller handle, so it provides you with good control, and it has a metal cover so you can take it with you in your purse. MAC also offers the #318 Retractable Lip Brush.
- Have a few goofs? Dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and gently dot the areas you need to correct. Then, blot those areas with the opposite end of the Q-tip so everything is dry. Dip a small concealer brush in your foundation and outline/correct the shape of the areas where you goofed. Blend out with your foundation brush or fingers. Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Brush is fabulous for correcting small goof-ups with your lipstick.
So go ahead and give that red lipstick one more try
-Images from maccosmetics.com and lauramercier.com
Trend Alert! — Red Lips…
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions, Trend Alert! on June 25th, 2009
It’s been awhile since I’ve loved reading a magazine article so much that I dog-eared it to share with all my girlfriends, but April Long’s article — “Red Badge of Sexy”– for the July 2009 issue of Elle had me tagging, highlighting, and underlining. The overall jist is this — red lips are back. Big time. And women shouldn’t be deterred from searching for the perfect crimson shade. As Long infers, “Maybe it’s the influence of Mad Men, in which office siren Joan Holloway’s flaming red hair and red lipstick combo jumps from the screen like the last word in sex appeal, or perhaps there’s something to the oft-cited theory that when the economy hits a rough patch, women instinctively reach for a little mood-lifting war paint.” Her article then goes on to take the reader through the History of Red Lips 101. Some of my favorite facts:
- “The first known lip-painting kit (complete with color-imparting crushed red rocks) was found in the 5,000-year-old tomb of Queen Schub-ad at Ur.”
- “Egyptian women adorned their pouts with a salubrious concoction of henna, pulverized beetles, and ants, which was deemed so essential they packed a to-go palette for the afterlife.”
- “Elizabeth I and the ladies of her court powdered their faces a ghostly white so that their crimson mouths – stained with a coat of poisonous mercuric sulfide – appeared more dramatic.”
- “Even prim, makeup-eschewing Victorians smooched red crepe paper in hopes that the tint would transfer to their lips.”
- “[In the 1940s], the U.S. Director of Economic Stabilization ordered factories to provide [red lipstick] in ladies’ powder rooms in order to boost productivity.”
If hearing about generations of women’s devotion to the crimson pout has you thinking you might want to try it out this fall, here is Long’s list of the Top 10 Reds:
- Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Ms. Right, $10; a bold blue-red
- Laura Mercier Creme Lip Color in Mistress, $22: a Mad Med on-set favorite
- Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover, $30; a creamy, cool-toned red
- MAC Ruby-Woo, $14; the Cure’s Robert Smith swears by it
- Shiseido Valentine, $25: a glossy coral
- YSL Rouge Volupte in Red Muse, $34: the YSL catwalk color for fall ‘09
- NARS Jungle Red, $24: retro true-red inspired by the 1939 film The Women
- Guerlain Rouge G in Gala, $45: a classic crimson in a luxe jewel-box-like case
- Revlon Fire and Ice, $8: a favorite since it’s launch in 1952
- Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival, $7: the star of the brand’s new 48-color collection
**I would definitely add MAC’s Russian Red, $14, to the list. It’s a beautiful “true red” that I have found compliments nearly every skintone. Additionally, my best friend absolutely loves Laura Mercier’s Lip Stain in Scarlet, $20. She says she feel glamorous every time she puts it on.
In Long’s article, she quotes Mad Men makeup department head Debbie Zoller as saying, “So many actresses sit in my chair and say, ‘I can’t wear red,’ I say, ‘Let me prove you wrong,’ Everyone can wear it; you just have to find the right shade.” Zoller’s shade-finding tip? “[B]londs are best with true reds or reds with blue undertones, brunettes should go with true red or coral, and redheads can do either coral or blue.”
So go on! Try some red lipstick! Generations of women dare you …
Images: Imaxtree, Elle.com, Elle Magazine
My new favorite concealers (Part 2)…
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions on June 22nd, 2009
As I mentioned in my last post, for those super-dark-circles days, I usually start with a few dots of the GA Master Corrector in #1, followed by a light application of my Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #1 and a light dusting of powder to set. According to the Laura Mercier website, the Secret Concealer is “a moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for under and around the eye area to conceal discolorations and dark circles.” The colors range from #1 (a light intensity with pink undertones) to #3 (medium intensity with warm undertones). While I love the GA Master Corrector #1 for it’s ultra-light feeling, the LM Secret Concealer is nice insurance on those days when you need a little extra oompf in terms of coverage and brightening.
-Image from lauramercier.com
