BB Creams: What's the 411?

To BB or not to BB (bad pun aside)....that is the question!  lol :)  Or at least that was the question I was presented with by my good friend & hair stylist extraodinare, Lawana Stewart of Moods & Attitudes, too Salon & Day Spa.  And I have to tell you, I was stumped!  I have seen the countless television commercials for this BB cream but I honestly assumed that it was a hair product and not one used for the skin (think Bumble & Bumble).  So, I immediately took to my iPad and started doing some research.

What are BB Creams you might ask?  BB Creams (short for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm") are a pretty nifty mixture of skincare and cosmetic coverage with the added bonus of an SPF - all in one handy tube!  Depending on the level of desired coverage, these creams can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer (to serve as a foundation), and/or under powder.  As many of my readers know, I am a HUGE fan of tinted moisturizers.  In fact, my daily beauty regimen pretty much consists of that and a pressed mineral powder.  So, although BB Creams sound pretty magical, I still had questions.  For starters, how are they much different from a tinted moisturizer?

The BB Cream formula was initially created by a German dermatologist as a post-procedure cream for patients who had gone through laser surgery, due to its soothing and skin-regenerating properties.  These creams had been used cosmetically in Asia for decades before gaining popularity over here in the States this past year.  In short, BB Cream is like tinted moisturizer on steroids! 

General Product Features and Benefits:

*Like a foundation, it provides perfect coverage without clogging the pores

*Produces a very natural, "no makeup look"

*Has healing properties that soften, smoothen and refine the skin

*Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin

*Contains UV Protection for heathly skin (SPF levels differ by brand/ product)

Sounds too good to be true, right?  Well yes, there is a slight downside.  While most formulas are designed to match all skin tones, finding an exact match may be a little tricky.  Since they were initially formulated for the Korean and East Asian markets, BB Creams tend to target fairer skintones and are generally offered in a limited number of hues.  However, there are a few companies like Maybelline and Smashbox that cater to darker skintones, so make sure to check them out!

Best of the Best:

Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream: Maybelline considered all skintones when making this product.  While most brands only offer three tones, Dream Fresh offers 5 ranging from Light to Deep.  Doubling as a primer, this BB Cream is lightweight and contains SPF 30 to protect skin from harmful UV rays. $8, walmart.com

Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream:  Who needs foundation when you have Camera Ready in your makeup arsenal? Available in 5 shades, this BB Cream contains SPF 35 and offers a natural coverage and matte finish which is ideal for those with oily skin. Not to mention that it leaves the skin feeling silky smooth! $39, sephora.com

Two Faced Tinted Beauty Balm:  With light-diffusing pigments, this hypoallergenic formula provides a natural, healthy looking glow. The light coverage formula helps to make skin look and feel smoother.  It also contains Vitamin A which helps to even skin tone and reduce wrinkles over time. Note:  You may notice a bit of a shimmer on your skin with this product. $34, toofaced.com

Iman Cosmetics Skin Tone Evener BB Creme:  This beauty balm cream is great for women of color!  And out of all of the BB Creams that I tried, this one provides a moderate-to-heavy coverage.  It evens the complexion with Skin Tone Evener Complex enriched with Acai, Licorice and Grape Seed, protects with an SPF 15 (kind of on the low side), and hydrates with Almond Oil and Aloe.  Not recommended for acne prone skin!.  $20, imancosmetics.com

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream:   Perfect for uneven skin, this blemish balm cream behaves more like a lightweight foundation.  It contains caffeine to soften lines, and Vitamin E and seaweed extract to control oil production, which will help makeup stay on longer.  A little of this stuff goes a long way!  $37, sephora.com

Estee Lauder Daywear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme:  Mature Beauties will surely appreciate this BB Cream which works to treat age spots, minimize pores and conceal discolorations to keep you looking younger than your years.  $38, macys.com

Well beauties, that's the 4-1-1!  I hope that I was able to provide a little insight into the world of BB Creams.  While the use of this cream sounds like a no-brainer, I'm not completely sold on them just yet.  However, out of the brands that I mentioned above, my personal fave was Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream.  Its "Deep" shade matched my skin perfectly and I was impressed with the level of coverage that it provided.  So, I will definitely give this one a try to see what all the fuss is about and maybe just maybe my tinted moisturizer obsession will become a thing of the past!  :)

XOXO

~Tiaja

HELP......My Eyeliner Is Running!

I received the following question from one of my loyal readers, Meshelle.  She wrote:

Hey Tiaja....I truly love reading your blog page http://www.beautymarx.blogspot.com. I have bought several products you have suggested. Do you have any suggestions for eyeliners. I have been searching to find one that doesn't run by 2pm.

Thank you, Meshelle...I appreciate your support and you are not alone in your quest for an eyeliner that last.  I'm sure we have all experienced the case of the "runaway eyeliner"!  I can count the number of times that my eyeliner has expired on me.  It never fails....you think that your makeup is flawless only to look in the mirror and discover that your eyeliner has run, leaving you with the infamous raccoon-eyes!  Make up is supposed to last.  What is the point of wearing it, if you have to do a mirror check every 20-30 mins....that's no fun.  So in answer to Meshelle's question, I have found a few eyeliners that have passed the test!


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

These pencils go on smooth, are waterproof and have a great level of pigmentation.  They are ideal for lining along your water line because this waterproof formula definitely stays put!  In fact, you will more than likely need an oil-based eye makeup remover handy to get this to come off completely (Side Note:  Meltdown Makeup Remover by Urban Decay removed this liner with no problem.).  However, aside from the "stay-put" action that this pencil delivers, the color selection is pretty much to die for!  There are currently 23 colors ranging from Lucky (brilliant deept cooper) to  Zero (matte black) to Ransom (bright iridescent purple) and they are BRILLIANT!  So whether you like to play it safe or tend to venture on the wild side, UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is probably right up your alley!  Retailing for $18, you can find these eyeliners at Sephora, Ulta and of course on-line at http://www.urbandecay.com/. (Rating:  A)


NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

The latest in the brand's eyeliner collection, this creamy liner deposits an intense level of color to the eye.  I did notice a small amount of flaking when applying but for the most part the application is fairly smooth on the skin.  And despite being smudge-proof,  it is easily removed with make-up remover.  I used an oil-free remover and it worked just fine!  The NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear liner has a twist up delivery with a built in sharpener is now available in 11 colors ranging between matte and shimmery finishes!   The colors tend to stay in the safe zone with such staple colors as Via Vento (black) however, there are a few "fun" colors like Abbey Road (Blueish-teal w/ a soft blue shimmer) and St. Marks Place (bright violet w/ a soft shimmer).  These eyeliners can be purchased for $23 at Sephora, Nordstroms and http://www.narscosmetics.com/.  (Rating:  B+)



Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner

This long wearing, waterproof liner promises to provide "bold definition for up to 8 hours".  Although it did not go on as smooth as the previous liners but once set, this liner was definitely smudge-proof and lasted for a fairly long time.  It stayed put on my lash line for hours however, I did notice that it tends to fade with time on my waterline.  But the good thing is that it did not run!  The Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner is available in 8 vibrant shades with such stand-outs as Indigo Ink (dark navy), Black Violet (deep purple) and Golden Ivy (deep green with golden pearl).  And the cap houses a unique built-in sharpener for your convenience!  This liner can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta and at http://www.smashbox.com/ for $19.  (Rating:  B)

L'Oreal HiP Chrome Eyeliner **Special Mention**

I have yet to personally use this product but have heard very good things about it hence, the 'Special Mention'.  Often compared to UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, I am told that these liners are pretty impressive!  They are soft and smooth, allowing for them to simply glide onto the lash line.  And in additon to its smooth texture, users raved about the color pigmentation stating that they are ammazing and very true to color.  L'Oreal HiP Chrome liners come in 4 colors each with an intense metallic finish (thus, the 'Chrome' effect), making them bright and bold!  In reference to its staying power, I am told that these liners wear well throughout the day with little or minimal smudging.  You can find the L'Oreal HiP Chrome Eyeliner at Walgreen's or your local drugstore for $8.49 (prices may vary).  They can also be purchased at Ulta or online at http://www.lorealparisusa.com/.

I hope the above reviews were beneficial in helping you to find an eyeliner that will stand the test of time!  Although my focus was mainly on eyeliner pencils, I did want to make mention that liquid and gel liners are great alternatives that generally last longer on the skin than most pencils.  It's just a matter of preference!  Also, remember that many cosmetic brands have eyeshadow primers which helps to maximize the longevity and intensity of your eye liners and shadows.

XOXO

~Tiaja

Luminizing Lotions - A Trick of the Trade & Treat for the Face!

Although Halloween has come and gone, it's never too late for a little trick-and-treating of the beauty kind.  So, I thought that I would provide my readers with a beauty trick of mine that I personally think of as a pretty awesome treat!  :)  When I first heard about illuminizing lotions, I was definitely intrigued to find out what they were all about.  I mean, realistically, the name alone should tell me ALL that I needed to know.  However, my first experience using one of these lotions was an EPIC FAIL!  I remember taking the cap off, squirting a pretty sizeable amount into the palm of my hand and rubbing the "lotion" onto my face....BIG mistake!  To my horror, I looked like a Glo-worm.  I was literally luminescent and glowing but not in a good way!  lol  And because I used such a large amount, it took about 2-3 washes for my skin to look like normal again. I had thoughts of returning the product to the store but decided not to and it sat in my bathroom for a week or two before my "A-Ha" moment!

One day while getting ready for a night-on-the-town, I came across this luminizing lotion again and decided that I would give it another try.  Only this time, I decided that a) I would use a much MUCH smaller amount and b) I would try mixing it in with my tinted moisturizer. Ooh La La.....Magnifique!  The combination of my tinted moisturizer and the luminizing lotion helped to even out and brighten my skin, while giving me that J-Lo glow (which i'm sure all of you ladies are familiar with).   I was hooked and have incorporated this technique into my beauty routine and especially when I need an added boost for lackluster skin!

I currently use Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Gold Light.  Not only is this product reasonable, retailing for $13.99, but it works just as good as any of the illuminators that the higher-end brands have to offer.  Equipped with a brush applicator, this product comes in 3 shades:  Pink Light, Gold Light and Bronze Light and is formulated with an SPF 18.  In addition, it is oil-free so it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts (which is always a plus)!  I am usually able to find and purchase this illuminator at Walgreens but I must say that sometimes it can be hard to find.  I truly hope that Revlon is not thinking of discontinuing this product....I would be heartbroken!

Here are some other illuminators that I have used and come highly recommended by yours truly:

Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion by Smashbox


The gorgeous shimmer of this luminizing lotion softens the way light reflects off of the skin to add radiance and help hide wrinkles and imperfections.  Caution:  Use a very tiny amount of this product or you may experience the Glo-worm effect that I spoke about!  This Smashbox Luminizing Lotion is available in Diffuse ( luminous pearl), Glow (luminous bronze) and Flash (luminous peach). (Retails for $26; http://www.smashbox.com/)


Illuminator by Nars

This light-reflecting liquid glides on to refresh and enhance the complexion, creating a shimmering incandescence. Wear it alone, or pair it with makeup to transform your skin from ordinary to extraordinary. The Nars Illuminator is available in Copacabana (glistening pearl), Laguna (brown w/ golden shimmer), Orgasm (peachy pink w/shimmer) and Super Orgasm (peachy pink w/gold glitter). (Retails for $29, http://www.narscosmetics.com/)


In addition to using these illuminators on your face, don't forget that they can also be used on your shoulders, neck & decolletage for a sexy, chic look and added glow!

XOXO

~Tiaja

Let There Be Light - Eye Brighteners to the Rescue!

Blue Monday by Annie Lee

In a perfect world, we would get that recommended 8 hrs of sleep each night!  But 'life' happens & instead, the barking of the neighbors dog has kept you up all night OR that fussy two year old just would not stay put OR maybe you let your BFF talk you into going out on a 'school night'. All of which may leave you feeling like the woman in the "Blue Monday" portrait to the right.  But whatever the case may be, sleep deprivation is written on your face and the tell-tale sign is in your eyes!

Have no fear....It happens to the best of us and when I need to tackle a case of the 'late nights & early mornings', I reach for one (if not all) of these 3 products:

The Bright Eyes Recovery Gel by Elemis

After dabbing a little bit of this gel under my eye and orbital bone area, there is a cooling sensation and slight tingling that lets me know that it is working. The Bright Eyes Recovery Gel by Elemis is packed w/ Blue Cornflower water which helps to tighten and calm the skin; Chamomile and Mallow which serve as an anti-inflammatory and cooling agent; and Horsetail which helps the body to absorb calcium as well as repair the skin tissue. And I must say that I notice a difference within minutes! The skin under my eye appears more plump and less sunken in, eliminating the appearance of bags.  The 'effects' of this gel usually last for hours however, feel free to reapply as needed! Retails for $66 (0.3 oz) at Nordstom.


Touche Éclat' by Yves Saint Laurent

I have been using this product for years and in my opinion, it should be a staple in make-up bags around the world! Keep in mind, I use this solely as a highlighter and not a concealer. Two clicks of this wand and a few dabs to blend it in and you are good to go...The Eclat works wonders on tired looking eyes!  It is an excellent highlighter that awakens and brightens the eye area without looking cakey and sinking into fine lines.  It is not touted, "8 hours of sleep in a magic pen" for nothing. And it now comes in 8 different shades! Retails for $40 (0.1 oz) at Sephora or anywhere YSL Beauty products are sold.


Photo Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox

I generally use Photo Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox for touch-ups throughout the day.  Simply because it's light and provides me with an instant 'pick me up' for tired looking eyes!  It contains Vitamin E, red wine extracts, peptides and marine collagen which all aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  And the handy brush applicator makes it easy to use....just apply and blend using your fingers and Voilà!  Photo Op retails for $19 (0.24 oz) at Smashbox online, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom & other beauty retailers that sell Smashbox products.

After a long night or long flight, you can not go wrong with either of these products.  They do the job for me everytime!

XOXO

Not to Prime is a Crime!

Next to airbrushing....Facial Primers are the key to a smooth canvas!  A good primer will minimize your pores and fine lines while allowing your foundation and/ or powder to go on giving you a flawless complexion! ;) 

On my way out of town, I ran into Sephora for some last minute shopping and ran across One Prime Day by Benefit Cosmetics.  It's a mini-set of three primers that every girl should have in their make-up bags! 

All three are great but my absolute FAV was That Gal!  A little of this and some powder and I was ready to go! I have only been using this product for a little over a week and have gotten TONS of compliments about how great my skin looks.  And the good thing about the One Prime Day kit is that you can't beat the price....$10 ($28 value)! I'm sure after testing this kit out, you will run out and buy the full size which retails for $29.  ;)


Primer Honorable Mentions:

~ Photo Finish by SmashBox Cosmetics has a very velvety finish and comes in 11 different formulas to match your skin and target problem areas!

~ Veil Mineral Primer by Hourglass Cosmetics goes on satiny smooth and is formulated with SPF 15 for an added bonus!

Ladies, you can't go wrong with either of these 3 primers!

XOXO