Saturday, May 24, 2014

New Loves






Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
Marc Jacobs Genius Gel 10
BECCA Bronzing Skin Perfector
Dior Aurora 01 Bronzer
Clinique Airbrush Concealer Fair
Illamasqua concealer 115
Nars LRP Loose

Cheeks:
Tarte AC Captivating
MUFE Star Powder 940

Eyes:
WnW Fergie eye primer
Marc Jacobs The Siren LE e/s palette (cloud white pearl, copper shimmer, seafoam pearl, and sea smoke glitter pearl)
Illamasqua black gel liner
MUFE Smoky Extravagant
Clinique Bottom Lash black
Hourglass Arch Soft Brunette
Milani clear brow gel

Lips:
MUFE Star Powder 940 (cupid's bow)
Edward Bess Island Blossom (patted on with fingertip)


Want to hear my rambling thoughts about this makeup?  I'm kind of falling hard for the Genius Gel foundation.  The formula is just...SO...darn...GOOD!  Really amazeballs.  It's a long lasting champion for me.  Also, it's really lightweight and comfortable.  I like the slightly powdery finish, as well.  It's powdery but not in a dry or overly matte way, if that makes any sense.  I've read where folks say they love the "dewy" finish of this but I'm not seeing that at all.  Nope.  Not on me, at least!  And granted, I always set my foundation with powder as well (but what I'm trying to say is that I see no dewiness before powdering).  If this foundation is dewy on you, speak up, I say!  Talk to me.  Anyway, that's all beside the point.  I'm trying to tell you that for me, it's a huge winner.  It does not settle into expression lines, get overly shiny, transfer, melt, fade, or misbehave in any way.  The coverage is light and I am a-okay with that.

Now, let's talk about the color of the Genius Gel.  It's really white.  10 is the lightest shade and I'm for sure that the 14 is too dark and yellow for moi.  I've worn the 10 straight up a few times, and it's definitely do-able.  But I feel slightly ghost-faced with it (darn my "tan" arms and this wicked FL sun) and was really happy with this particular mix.  I took about one part BECCA Bronzing Skin Perfector and two parts Genius Gel and mixed them in my palm, then applied normally.  If you are lighter than me, get thee a sample of Genius Gel in 10!  It's one of the lightest foundations I've owned or tried, also quite neutral in my opinion.

Can we talk about how Tarte Captivating blush (mine is from the Aqualillies palette released last year, but they just came out with it as a single) is the perfect peach on me?!  It's everything I wanted Illamasqua Lover to be on me and then some.  It's my new (but not new) favorite blush.

I'm really happy with the Edward Bess lippie, too.  It's very lightweight and long wearing.  I have a pink and red one yet to try out.

I'm sad that y'all can't see the magical iridescent grooviness of the MUFE Star Powder on my cheek bones and cupid's bow.

So, I am really enjoying doing tulip placement eye looks these days.  It's everything I like about smoky eyes but with an added technical challenge!  If I'm not a totally lazy bum and actually get back to posting, be prepared to see some more.  :)