Archive for the SKINCARE Category

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August Giveaway Alert and Fall Fashion Focus

Posted in BEAUTY TREATMENT, FACE PRIMER, FASHION, GIVEAWAYS, MAKE-UP, SKINCARE on August 1, 2012 by stylebymeli

August Welcome:  Is it me or do the summer months just seem to go by that much faster?!  As much as I love the leisureliness of summer, I have to admit that my mind has already fast-forwarded to fall.  Fall has always been my favorite season as I love the transition of weather and the fashion is often unbeatable.  A lot of my inspiration comes from perusing the runways and I wanted to jumpstart this month with a look at Lanvin’s 2012 collection:

Lanvin 2012 – I love the dramatic feminineness behind this collection along with its exquisitely modern glamour and opulent taste.   

This month I would like to share more fall fashion along with some new beauty treats I’m currently obsessed with!  I’m always trying new products and the best part is being able to share them through my blog!

Being that I always stress the importance of a good primer, this month’s giveaway is a mini primer set that features three of Tarte’s best makeup priming products! 

Moving onto this month’s giveaway…

Enter this month’s giveaway, details below…

August 2012 Beauty Giveaway:

Tarte Clean Slate deluxe primer trio – mini sampler set:
-  Clean slate poreless primer
-  Clean slate flawless primer
-  Clean slate 360 creaseless primer

Rules:

- Open internationally to followers of Style by Meli.  (Either via Twitter,Facebook Fan page, OR e-mail subscribers [to subscribe, enter your e-mail in the sidebar])
- Ends midnight EST on August 31st, 2012 and a winner will be drawn at random.
- Winner will be notified shortly upon winning and be expected to give mailing address for prize to be sent to.

How to enter:

1 – Leave a comment on any of my posts in the month of August to be considered for this month’s giveaway.  The comment can be about ANYTHING pertaining to my blog.  (Within the comment, please state if you follow my twitter, FB, or subscribe, so it’s easy for me to confirm).

Remember, I will allow for up to 3 entries/comments per person for each monthly giveaway!  Good luck!

I will also be accepting new ideas/topics of interest that can be posted within a comment…

[Hot Topic:  What fall trends are you most excited about this month?]

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[My Thoughts on...] – BB Creams…Along with What They Are and What They Do

Posted in FACE, FACE PRIMER, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MELI'S THOUGHTS ON..., SKINCARE, TINTED MOISTURIZERS with tags , , on July 23, 2012 by stylebymeli

I feel as though BB creams are not only popping up everywhere in the beauty world, but there is an incredible amount of hype regarding these miracle creams. 

For starters, many people may not be completely familiar with the term, “BB cream.”  BB cream stands for “beauty balm” or I have also seen them referred to as a “blemish balm.”  They originated in Asia and have been around for quite sometime, but are just making its way into Western markets.  

In terms of its purpose, it is considered to be an all-in-one cosmetic product that serves as a moisturizer, primer, foundation, sunblock, and skin smoother.  Depending on the brand, these skin boosting elements can vary, but essentially each BB cream is designed to achieve many great things with just one step, one product.  Ahh, sounds like a dream come true!

[Beauty Confession]:  Personally, I have yet to invest in a BB cream.    

Is it something I will be likely to do in the future?  Perhaps.  I do like the idea of having an all-in-one product for days that I have about two minutes to apply face makeup and run out the door.

However, at the end of the day, I don’t like to cut corners when it comes to makeup application.  I just don’t like the idea of using one product for the whole face because the face is too intricate and each surface area has different needs.  Keep in mind, I use two brushes just to apply my foundation and layer a few skin products before I even get to the foundation.

Also keep in mind that as an artist, I always strive for visual perfection and my standards for “perfection” are much greater than the everyday person.  While some strive for convenience and a quick one-step process, I’m most concerned with the overall visual end result.  I just don’t feel a BB cream can create this visual perfection on its very own.

I always like to share this analogy: “Do you prefer using a shampoo conditioner OR a separate shampoo with a separate conditioner?”  So far, 100% of the time, people have always responded that they rather use separate products.  Why?  It’s more effective that way.  This is how I feel regarding BB creams.  The concept behind them are great but at the end of the day, I have no problem using as many as ten separate products for the face knowing that it will not only work more effectively but also visually make the most impact.

[Do you use BB creams? If so, which brand would you recommend?]

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A Look Inside My Makeup Kit – What Products I Use and What’s Most Essential

Posted in EYE MAKEUP, EYELINER, FACE, FACE PRIMER, FALSE EYE LASHES, FOUNDATION, LIPGLOSSES, LIPS, LIPS - LIPSTICKS, MAC MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP BRUSHES, MAKEUP BRUSHES, POWDERS, PRODUCTS I LOVE, SHOPPING, SKIN HIGHLIGHTING, SKINCARE, TINTED MOISTURIZERS on June 17, 2012 by stylebymeli

Here is a photo I took of my kit after setting it up from this past weekend. As you can see, I’m set and ready to go!

So I realize it may seem that I have taken an extended leave of absence from my blog and I’m going to try to make up for it as much as I can from now until the end of the month!  I thought it would be nice to share some information regarding my professional makeup kit and what I stock it with.

Skincare - I always like to emphasize that skincare is a necessity as it will make or break the foundation application.  I keep a handful of moisturizers depending on a person’s skin type (normal, dry, oily) including tinted moisturizers from MAC and Korres.  I also have a full range of foundation primers and not loyal to any brand in particular.  Other good skincare products to have are eye creams to decrease puffiness underneath and for brightening.

Face - In terms of foundations, I currently carry MAC and Face Atelier.  I carry every shade that MAC offers so I’m not left having to mix shades (unless of course I can’t find a true match).

With powders, I carry all of MAC’s mineralize skinfinishes.  I also carry some of MAC’s studio careblend powders which I’m also a huge fan of and in time would like to get every shade.  I also have blot powders, both pressed and loose.

With concealers and color correctors, I have MAC, Bobbi Brown, Cinema Secrets, and Shiseido.

With blushes, I mainly carry MAC blush palettes, but also have some loose ones from NARS and MAC’s mineralize blushes.

With bronzers and highlighters, I’m using MAC and NARS mainly.

Eyes - In terms of eye shadows, I ONLY carry MAC as they offer an extensive color range with different textures and beautiful pigmentation.  I have over 150 colors in my kit!

With eyeliners, I carry liquid, gel, and pencils from MAC and Korres.

With eyeshadow bases, I only carry MAC’s paint pots.  I’ve tried many others including Urban Decay’s primer potient, but still find myself incredibly faithful to MAC.

With brow products, I mainly use eye shadows to fill in the brows but also carry brow powder kits from Urban Decay and Anastasia, which are truly great.

With mascara, I don’t have any brand loyalty.  Currently, I am carrying Clinique, Mabelline, and MAC.

With false eyelashes, I’m actually a fan of Revlon, Kiss, and Salon Perfect’s demi wisps are fabulous!

Lips - I carry a ton of lip liners which I like to use for coloring the lip for staying power along with double-ended long-wearing lip products such as MAC’s Pro Longwear (I’ve been obsessed with these for myself for years), but also finding other brands that carry similiar products such as Lorac and Covergirl.  I also have a handful of MAC lipsticks and lip palettes.

With lipglosses, I carry pretty much any brand.  I’m not loyal to one specific brand because to me, a lipgloss is a lipgloss.  Plus, I just like keeping a variety for my clients to choose from.

Besides makeup, what’s most essential in one’s makeup kit are the tools. It’s really important to find the best brushes and ones you feel most comfortable with. Personally, I absolutely cannot blend eyeshadows without a MAC #217 (seriously!), so it is for this reason that I carry a few of these in my brush belt.  

[Do you have any kit essentials?]

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[My Thoughts on...] – NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 vs. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – Oil Free

Posted in FACE, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MELI'S THOUGHTS ON..., NARS, PRODUCTS I LOVE, SKINCARE, TINTED MOISTURIZERS on June 12, 2012 by stylebymeli

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Recently, NARS came out with a tinted moisturizer that comes in 9 shades.  I matched myself to “Alaska,” which [sadly] is the second lightest shade in their color spectrum.  I had initially thought this was too light, especially moving into the summer season, but it turns out I really am that fair and I have to say, it is the perfect match!  FYI, in MAC terms, I’m a true NC25 bordering on NC20 (in Studio Fix Fluid).  

I have been incredibly loyal to my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (oil-free version) ever since I started using it about a year ago.  I wear the shade, “Bisque” and out of the ten shades, this is the third lightest.  I love the silky, blendable texture and the fact that it actually provides amazing coverage.  In other words, I have been using this as my foundation.

However, this does not mean I’m completely married to it, I’m always open to new things!

[Beauty Confession]:  I have an obsession with creating perfect skin, so as a makeup artist, I’m always looking for the next best thing in terms of face products and skincare.  (That and a fabulous lipstick!  I don’t know why, but I’m always looking for a new lipstick…I have a slight addiction!)

About a week ago, I picked up a sample of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from Sephora, and originally, I wasn’t completely in love with it, mainly because I originally thought the shade I had chosen was too light (but the next shade was clearly too dark) and in terms of its consistency, it seemed to lack that buttery, blendable creaminess that was prevalent in the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.

MY VERDICT: However, a week has now gone by (yes, the sample has truly been lasting that long, because as I always say, a little goes a long way) and although it’s a tough decision given they are both AMAZING products, I have to say that I’m leaning a little stronger towards the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

Why I’m Loving the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer:

-  For starters, I like the fact that NARS has a higher SPF content.  Personally, I try to shower my face with SPF because it is the number one thing you can do to prevent premature signs of aging (I don’t know about you, but I rather age like a fine wine than look like a leather couch, just saying! ;)) and let’s please not forget about skin cancer prevention ladies.  SPF is crucial, so the higher, the better!

-  Both products are exactly the same price, $42.  However, the amount of product does slightly vary:  LMTM = 1.7 oz and the NARS TM = 1.9.  So from an economical standpoint, NARS gives you a little more bang for your buck.

-  In terms of coverage, they are very close in my opinion.  I’d have to say that the NARS TM may be slightly more sheer than LMTM, but the coverage is buildable.

-  Besides the visual effects of a face product, in which BOTH products do provide a smooth, flawless, and natural finish, I’m also HIGHLY concerned about the skin benefits of the product (if it even provides any at all for that matter)!  Let me share with you the description of each product, and YOU tell me which you’re sold on going strictly by its description…

NARS – “Infused with lush, naturally derived ingredients, this lightweight tinted moisturizer immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyper pigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in just four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and other imperfections. SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection. “

Research results:
-84% felt their skin was more radiant and luminous
-81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin
-81% felt the product gave them immediate hydration

Laura Mercier - “This lightweight foundation that can be reapplied as necessary, offers sun protection for sensitive or acne prone skin, oil control, and provides hydration to prevent dryness.”

Hmm…I don’t know about you, but this seems like a beauty no-brainer in terms of which tinted moisturizer provides the best long-term benefits for your skin.  

Now I know it may be too soon to make this correlation, but I have to honestly say that the clarity of my skin has drastically improved within the past few days. I actually ALMOST forgot to even apply my concealer yesterday because I could actually have gotten away with just skipping it and wearing the tinted moisturizer by itself.  Talk about a miracle!

[Has anyone else tried both of these products?  If so, do you have a favorite?]

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[Makeup Question] – Tinted Moisturizer with Face Primer…(Is it Necessary and in What Order?)

Posted in FACE, FACE PRIMER, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP QUESTIONS, MAKEUP QUESTIONS, SKINCARE, TINTED MOISTURIZERS on June 8, 2012 by stylebymeli

MELI’S ANSWER:  This is a great question and one that I get a lot as a makeup artist.  I am also a huge fan of tinted moisturizers and wear one pretty much everyday as my form of foundation.

In terms of the face primer, YES!  Personally, I never skip a face primer.  I totally see a visual difference in the appearance of my skin when I use one versus when I don’t use it.  I realize that not everyone is a visual perfectionist like myself and may not see much of a difference, but besides making the surface of the skin look ultra smooth and flawless (by filling in lines and masking pores) prior to foundation, the face primer will also extend the longevity of your face makeup.  

Face primer is one of the few products that actually accomplishes a whole lot within one product, so I cannot even imagine life without it at this point.  It’s one quick, easy extra step and totally worth it if you take the time to wear face makeup.

Okay, the second part of this question really comes down to a personal preference (meaning there is no right or wrong answer in my professional opinion).  As I had mentioned, the tinted moisturizer is serving as my FOUNDATION.  So, I completely pretend it’s my foundation.

Meaning I still go ahead with my normal skincare regime:  serum, moisturizer, and primer.  Then afterwards, I conceal and apply the tinted moisturizer.  I know some are thinking, why are you using two moisturizers?  Isn’t that overkill?  Honestly, I don’t see the harm in using two moisturizers.  Perhaps if one has oily skin, it may be completely unnecessary to use two.  Keep in mind, I’m also using all of my skincare products very sparingly.  I may use a ton of products to create the perfect face, but when using more products, you can get away with using such a lesser amount of each product and so in the long run, the products are going to last much longer.

FYI, the first moisturizer I use usually has a high dosage of SPF and other properties to suit the needs of my skin (such as anti-blemish and anti-aging).  That’s why I do not like to skip it completely and have the tinted moisturizer replace the first moisturizer.

I do NOT believe there is such a thing as one product that is going to create the perfect face because there are so many elements to the face that need to be addressed in order to create visual perfection; however, if you are just looking for something to throw on in a minute and run out of the door, can you get away with wearing just a tinted moisturizer?  Why, of course…you can totally get away with it and I won’t stop you at the door.  I realize that everyone’s standard for how their skin looks varies, so for most everyday people that are not looking for flawlessness, just something that will kind of get the job done and within a short amount of time…then a tinted moisturizer is the best choice.

[How do you like to layer your face products?]

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