Make Up Beauty Tips

We first introduced you to RMS Beauty in early February. There, you learned about this remarkable brand of organic cosmetics, created by Rose-Marie Swift, a renowned makeup artist in her own right. Based on living and organic principles, each product is created to hydrate and illuminate vital, radiant skin. This is color cosmetics with a skincare-bent, for sure.


The products are balmy and very easily applied. My first introduction to rms was via the "un"cover up concealer. It's quite unique in its balm-like texture yet impeccable ability to hide imperfections, conceal and illuminate skin. My next foray into the line was to try the lip2cheek. This is a unique formula that combines hydration and protection with mineral color for both lips and cheeks. Rose-Marie called upon her over 20 years of experience as a makeup artist to some of the world's most beautiful faces in deciding upon the shades and colors for this product. They are universally flattering. As with the "un"cover up, the lip2cheek is skincare quality in its balmy yet creamy texture and applies effortlessly with either the swipe of a finger or brush. You only need use rms products one time to notice the difference in texture, quality and benefit.

rms beauty is offering our For the Love of Beauty readership the opportunity to win one of their fabulous products. Fill in the little form below and enter to win a Cream Eye Shadow in the shade of Myth. Their cream eyeshadows double as an eye cream to nourish and moisturize the eye area. The formula creates a subtle refined metallic glow without large glitter particles that can detract from a modern look.



NOTE: One (1) winner will be chosen at random to receive this prize. Duplicate and incomplete entries will be disqualified. Some restrictions may apply. Entries will be accepted through 11:55 pm on Sun., 5/10/09.


For more information on rms beatuy and their gorgeous line of organic cosmetics, please visit them online at rmsbeauty.com. You may also find them at select Whole Foods Markets.

Prescriptives introduces NEW Mineral Color for eyes, cheeks and lips-infused with the same good-for-skin mineral complex found in All Skins Mineral Makeup.

This Limited-Edition makeup collection gives skin a healthy-looking glow with luminosity and all-over radiance. I'm excited about trying these. Prescriptives is known for their high quality cosmetics. There's literally never been anything from them I've tried that I didn't like. Some of my most coveted holy grails are Px products. The Flawless Skin Foundation and Colorscope Plush Blush multi-tasking stick are always in my bag. They just have a knack for producing cosmetics that manipulate light in such a way as to give us flawless skin and beauitful application - mmm, just love 'em.



Here's your chance to discover their new limited edition mineral color line infused with minerals, vitamins and gems.

Limited-Edition Mineral Color Making Faces Kit - $38.50
Includes a Mineral Cheek Color, Loose Lighting Powder, and Angled Cheek Brush to create a radiant, healthy look for warm skintones. Available in Light/Medium and Medium/Deep kits and in configurations for cool and warm tones.

Limited-Edition Mineral Color Making Eyes Warm Kit - $38.50
A set of three natural, mineral-rich eyeshadows in an easy to blend powder formula. Also includes an Eyeshadow Brush. Create a wide range of looks--from subtle to sultry. Available in cool and warm tones.


Limited-Edition Mineral Bronzer - $30
The good-for-skin mineral and vitamin-infused Mineral Bronzer provides a natural sun-kissed glow. Available in Warm or Cool.


Limited-Edition Mineral Color Lip Gloss - $17.50
Mineral Color Lip Gloss is a mineral and vitamin-infused gloss with high-shine and sparkling gem color. The glosses feature the exclusive R.E.C. complex (Radiance Emitting Crystals--a unique combination of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Calcite) for a radiant finish. Available in four shades: amber, sunstone, rose quartz and amethyst.


I'm particularly psyched about trying those glosses. For more information, check out Prescriptives online. There you'll find videos for the perfect application how-to's and tips. Enjoy FREE SHIPPING with any Mineral Colors purchase through 4/18/09.


For other great Prescriptives deals and offers, be sure to check out ongoing specials here.

Tarte's ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation with Wrinkle Rewind™ and SPF15 promises to decrease facial fine line and wrinkles and increase moisture levels as a natural foundation with clinically proven anti-aging results. It does!

Every time I try something new from Tarte I'm reminded of why I adore this brand so much. They truly are committed not only to quality products, but good-for-you ingredients and technology. That means something to me. I want that!

The first of its kind, ReCreate™ is a natural, anti-aging foundation powered by Wrinkle Rewind™ technology; a proprietary complex which helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing skin’s overall moisture. Micronized minerals immediately brighten the skin while providing SPF 15 UVA/ UVB Broad Spectrum protection.

Clinical Results:

• Significant increase in skin elasticity, firmness and resiliency an average of 22% after two weeks of use and 43% after four weeks of use.
• Significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles an average of 39% after four weeks of use and 67% after six weeks of use.
• Increases skin’s overall moisture by 52.82% within 15 minutes of application.

What you won't find in this foundation:

• Parabens
• Petro-Chemicals
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Dyes
• Talcs
• Fragrances

REVEW: This is a foundation light and airy in texture, almost like mousse or a whipped consistency that is easily dispensed from the bottle through the pump dispenser. I've been using the product for a couple of weeks now and have had no problems with dispensing as we sometimes find with other bottles over time. The foundation itself is generously pigmented with minerals and blends effortlessly into skin. The coverage is what I'd call medium, covering problem areas and redness very nicely. The skincare and sun protection benefits of this foundation make it extra special. Skin is hydrated and lines appear less noticeable. It's also long-wearing. I have combination skin type; I have only to apply the foundation once in the morning for all-day coverage. It emhances your natural complexion without appearing overly dewey or matte, just healthy and luminous. I applied a little primer (no moisturizer) and set the look with a light translucent mineral powder and was set to go all day, no dryness, not wearing off, fully sun-protected. Nice!

The foundation comes if 12 shades ranging from porcelain to a rich, dark chestnut and retails for $37 per bottle. Tarte ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation is available online at Tarte, Sephora and Beauty.com.

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is finally available at retailers - yea!!

You may recall my review of the powder in July; at that time the powder was only available at QVC. Smashbox is now offering it through their own website with an adorable little kabuki brush included for only $59. That's a bargain! When I got mine, it retailed for $65+.

A powder that reduces fine lines & wrinkles in 10 minutes?
It's not magic, it's new Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder. HALO is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skin care built right in. It's advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver powerful anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day. HALO’s innovative built in shaver gives you the perfect amount of luminous loose powder every time with no mess. Finally, a powder that multi-tasks as much as you do.

Clinical studies show:

• After 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
• After 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall.

Includes a custom KABUKI BRUSH for flawless application. Wear alone or as a luminous finishing powder over your favorite primer and foundation. Oil-free, Talc-free, and Paraben-free.

Now's the time to shop!
For a limited time, get free shipping, PLUS get four free jumbo samples for free. With any $50 Smashbox.com purchase, receive a free sample pack with a Photofinish Foundation Primer, Layer Lash Primer, O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color and a Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pout (a best-selling shade) in a chic silver box. Hurr - offer expires 12/5 or while supplies last.



Visit Smashbox for more information and to take advantage of this truly fantastic deal!

(click images for enlarged detail)

Beautifully frame eyes with sultry, rich tones infused with eco-friendly ingredients.

J.Lynne Cosmetics, cruelty free mineral makeup free of chemicals, synthetics and fillers, is proud to announce the creation of The Smoulder Collection as the latest addition to their current line of Ultra Intensity Mineral Eyeliners. From rich aquatic teal to smouldering brown-black espresso tones, this line encompasses 10 vibrant shades ideal for all skin types and tones.

Effortlessly apply wet or dry to create amazingly lined eyes with a mysterious, bold, and always dramatic finish. Each mineral eyeliner is designed to frame eyes with sultry colors, enhancing the true intensity of your gaze. The Smoulder Collection's deeply pigmented and vivid shades will define eyes with a beautifully rich luster, while providing an eco-friendly approach to superior makeup application. A little goes a long, long way!

Available for purchase online at J. Lynne Cosmetics.

I have a new foundation love!

Smashbox just recently introduced their Camera Ready Full Coverage UVA/UVB SPF 15 Foundation and it is something to rave about, let me tell you. This is a a lightweight yet buildable cream to powder full coverage foundation that’s good for your skin. This luxurious, creamy formula glides on effortlessly leaving a semi-matte finish without being cakey or heavy. With cutting-edge skin smoothing ingredients, powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and Quercetin, and a mineral UV blocker (that's right, I said a 'mineral' UV blocker) that provides non-chemical SPF 15 sun protection, this foundation leaves skin looking naturally flawless. The innovative mirrored compact holds a custom foundation brush designed for seamless application at home or on-the-go.

Those who read me know I've been a big fan of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Px Flawless Skin Foundation and Lancome Teinte Idole as my top three. And I still love all three of those. Who says a girl can't have lots and lots of 'favorites'? Camera Ready is very different than the others, and this is where it stands out. Not only is the packaging ultra cool, convenient and easy to throw in a makeup bag, purse or tote, but it comes with its own little soft-bristled application brush, which tucks neatly out of sight underneath the compact. The texture of this foundation is unbelievably dreamy. Creamy in texture, it blends easily into skin leaving a soft, semi-matte yet fresh and flawless face. Now, I have to show my amateurish ways in admitting I prefer to blend the foundation into my skin with my fingertips rather than the brush. I like the brush, it's very soft, to apply the product from the compact to my face, but to blend I find it much easier and more effective to use my fingers. As such, the creamy formula melts effortlessly into skin and provides such wonderful coverage that even my harder to cover reddish areas are concealed. Yet, it's not at all cakey or heavy. I am thrilled with the mineral SPF element, which as you may have noticed is broad spectrum protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. The foundation lives up to its claims; it is a creamy texture that dries to a silky-powdery finish. Furthermore, it held out for me all day. I kept checking the ladies' room mirror expecting to have to touch it up - nope. It was the same from morning until 7 pm. Although I'm a cool toned, pinky skin tone, Camera Ready's light yellowish tint lends a flawless match to my skin - just love it! As you may expect, or hope, a little goes a long way, thus the $38 price is certainly a value. This foundation met all my hopes and expectations and even exceeded them in the coverage factor.

Available in 10 shades from fair to dark

Free jumbo samples and free shipping with every order when you buy directly from Smashbox. You can even pick your own jumbo sample from their offerings. It's a win-win situation.

Introducing Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15.

Mineral Makeup—what’s in it for you?
Vitamins, minerals, gems, sun protection…all helping make your skin look naturally radiant and unbelievably healthy.

What’s not in it for you? Oil, talc, fragrance, pore-clogging ingredients--all the things that may make you hesitate about wearing makeup. So, it’s all good--and skin looks and feels naturally flawless, naturally better. And you’re sure to find your exact match of this new long-wear powder foundation from Prescriptives extensive collection of 18 shades.

Key Benefits:
- Pure, natural coverage
- Infused with vitamins, minerals and gems
- Healthy, radiant finish
- Weightless, long-wear formula
- SPF 15 protection
- Available in 18 shades for both warm and cool tones

.3 oz - $32.50


ROXY RANT:
Here she goes again ; -)

Ok, now I'm going to get on a bit of a bandwagon - those who can't tolerate, skip over to the next article posting (lol).

First let me say, I really love Prescriptives makeup. In fact, my holy grail blush right now is their Colorscope Plush Blush gel-stick and their Flawless Skin Foundation has been one of my top three foundations for years. Love it! What I just can't fathom are these cosmetics companies selling a little jar of loose mineral powder for the likes of $20+. And here, Px is wanting $32.50 for theirs. Come on! Really?

To be fair, I've not yet tried Prescriptives All Skins to make a fair comparison, BUT ... I'll direct you guys once again to a little known company I've found to deliver the BEST in loose mineral powders yielding fab results at a reasonable cost - Erth Minerals available through LushBrush. Their jar (also with sifter) contains the same amount of product (w/same SPF) for $13. So if you can match your skin to their shades (11 to choose from), why would you pay almost $20 more? For the convenience of picking it up at the department store counter rather than ordering online? Maybe, but that's a pricey convenience charge. Got a comment on this - let us know what you think in comments.

Ok ... so our fabulously in-the-know friend Tinkerbelle in the Netherlands has dished out a treasure trove of info and swatches for upcoming MAC collections. If you fancy any of these and want to show her some love for sharing, give a comment on her blog - Lushious Babe

The collection is due out sometime in July; that's not too long away, lovelies! These are mineral blushes (mineralize collection) so many MAC aficionados are betting this will be a very "happening" collection when released ; ).

• Dainty - Yellow pink with gold pearl
• Warm Soul - Mid tone beige with gold
• Nuance - Mid tone peach with gold pearl
• Gentle - Raspberry with gold pearl
• Gleeful- Deep dirty blue pink with gold pearl
• Merrily - Dirty burned red with gold pearl
• Love Thing - Dirty burgundy with gold pearl
• Love Joy - Mid tone brown with gold pearl
• Pleasantry - Intense mid tone blue pink with gold pearl

photos: Tinkerbelle @ Lushious Babe and bjooti -- xo

Part of Tarte's Health Couture line, the 4 Day Stay Lash Mascara is marketed as a revolutionary product that envelopes lashes in long-lasting pigment while keeping them soft and flexible. The technology is called PolyFlex™ - cross-polymers are blended with mineral pigment and then treated with ProVitamin B5 to create a binding tint.

The claim:
A stain that keeps lashes looking naturally full for four days without reapplying.

What I liked:

• Mineral pigment in a mascara (fairly new stuff)
• Is synthetic dye-, mineral oil-, petro-chemical-, phthalate-, sulfate-, and fragrance-free
• Did stay on for a full day without re-applying and without fading
• No clumps
• Loved the curve of the brush applicator

What I didn't like:

• First - I have to say, that I even have points to make in this category is disappointing because I adore Tarte as a cosmetic company (but I must)
• Definitely NOT smudge/smear-proof - had trouble with it smearing under eyes all throughout the day
• The lengthening and volumizing factor is only so-so
• The price seems a bit steep ($18 a tube) - which is ok if it's a great mascara, but ..... it's not
• Passed the one-day stay test but I had to apply new mascara next morning

NEW! Mineral primer with SPF 15 that creates a smooth, uniform canvas, while protecting skin from the damaging effects of the sun.


This truly is a wonderful product and an effective primer; you'll feel the difference the moment you apply it; very smooth feel.
1 oz - $52

• Clean, satin finish formula helps keep makeup looking fresh while extending its wear; and it does extend it - all day!
• Earth-derived minerals, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, shields the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays
• Fills in wrinkles and imperfections while creating a soft focus effect to improve skin’s overall appearance
• Worn under foundation, the primer provides an additional layer of protection and imparts moisture onto dehydrated skin
• Paired with HOURGLASS OXYGEN MINERAL POWDER (review upcoming), the ultra light formula allows skin the freedom to breathe to promote healthy skin
• Creates a water resistant and sweatproof layer
• Fragrance, oil, and paraben free
• SPF 15

I have nothing I can say negatively about this product. I'm even willing to pay the price of $52 for the bottle (no small change I know); it's that good a primer! This is lovely packaging as well; it comes in a glass bottle, cap that closes (not like the Smashbox cap/top which seems to just sit on top the bottle - this one "clicks" closed) and a nice pump dispenser. You'll actually be able to use every bit of the product with this packaging (unlike a certain eye primer from another shall-not-be-named brand).

About Hourglass: A line that embodies modern luxury, Hourglass combines timeless extravagance and style all in one clutch-worthy collection. From lush shades to incredibly luxurious packaging. Every product in the Hourglass line is formulated with the latest cosmetic technology and cutting-edge ingredients. Offering a full collection of color cosmetics and brushes

Look for reviews of more, new Hourglass products on For the Love of Beauty - coming soon!

Available at: Sephora, Barneys, Hourglass

These prices are outrageous

Let's do a little product/brand price comparison, shall we? I'll compare GloMinerals products to similar products by better known brands:

• GloMinerals Loose Base - 10g - $37
• Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation - 10 g - $25
• Erth Minerals Foundation - 10 g - $14.50
  

• GloMinerals Loose Eyeshadow - 1.4 g - $15
• bareMinerals Glimmer Eyeshadow - .6 g - $13
• Erth Minerals Eyeshadow - 2 g - $5.25
• PureLuxe Mineral Eyeshadow - 5 g - $5

L-R

• GloMinerals Eyeshadow - $18
• MAC Eyeshadow - $14
• Smashbox Eyeshadow - $16
  
  

L-R

• GloMinerals Lipstick - .13 oz - $16.50
• bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolor - .13 oz - $15
• MAC Lipstick - .13 - $14
  

L-R

• GloMinerals GloSpa Lip Balm - .5 oz - $12
• Rosebud Salve - .8 oz - $6
• Essencia Honey Mint Lip Balm - .5 oz - $7

L-R

• GloMinerals Protective Liquid Foundation - 1.4 oz $ 36.50
• Dermablend Smooth Indulgence 1 oz $25
• MAC Mineralize Satin Finish w/SPF15 1 oz $26.50

Overall I'm just absolutely amazed that GloMinerals would be expecting to sell competitively with this kind of price discrepancy. Unless the products are made in gilded pots by magic fairies, I fail to see the justification for the high prices. And that's a real shame, as their products are very nice. This blogger finds the disparity too outrageous to allow me to purchase from them. What say you?