YES, YOU NEED A FOUNDATION BALM IN YOUR LIFE — MORE ON THAT AHEAD

Published on by Lee3 Comments

We all have our alliances when it comes to face makeup products. You’re either a foundation kind of beauty person or you’re a lighter CC or BB cream stan (I’m the latter). But we’re here to throw another curve ball into the mix of base products. Introducing foundation balms. We know what you’re thinking: How does this differ from my other foundation products? 

All About the Texture and Coverage of a Foundation Balm

Think of a foundation balm as a cross between a cream and powder foundation. It applies like a cream or a mousse but sets to a semi-matte finish. As someone who usually prefers lightweight CC or BB creams with a natural finish, I’m obsessed with this formulation. Lujan describes its feel as cushiony and luxurious, being both smooth and comfortable without the heaviness that can come with cream foundations. 

When it comes to the coverage, foundation balms are pretty customizable. When first applied, a little goes a long way and can be blended and smoothed over a larger area of skin. “Foundation balms have an excellent level of coverage that can be applied as a full-coverage foundation or sheer with your moisturizer or beauty oil to create a skin tint,” says Lujan.

How to Apply a Foundation Balm

STEP 1: A foundation balm works best when applied over well-prepared skin. Well-prepared skin starts with a good cleansing and hydrating routine, followed by a good moisturizer application.

PRO TIP: Apply your moisturizer with your foundation balm brush. The residual moisturizer in the brush will ensure a seamless application of foundation.

STEP 2:  Load your brush by dabbing it into your foundation balm. A light dab will give you more sheer coverage. If you swirl it in the product to load your brush, you will get immediate full coverage.

STEP 3: Apply the foundation in the areas that need more coverage first,” advises Lujan. “Bounce the brush on the skin to deposit coverage and then buff outward and down in circular motions with light pressure.”

Our Favorite Foundation Balms

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm

This full-coverage foundation balm gives you a natural-matte finish that stays shine-free and feels hydrating all day. When applied, it provides you with a blurred finish for smooth, flawless skin. 

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Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Foundation Balm 

You can get as little or as much coverage as you desire with this foundation balm. It contains skin-loving ingredients; hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and skin barrier-reinforcing avocado oil that nourish and hydrate your complexion while you wear it for a better look and feel. The foundation is currently available in 20 shades and is available is 3 undertones.

As for the finish, it’s advertised as silky and flawless, though Kevyn Aucoin notes online that anyone after a dewy glow can apply the brand’s Neo-Elixir Weightless Beauty Oil before the complexion product to achieve a glossier finish. (And in case you’re curious, Sephora has classified the balm as a matte cream foundation.)

While the foundation is intriguing all on its own, the formula’s versatility may be even more noteworthy. In the product description, Kevyn Aucoin lists that the Foundation Balm can be used as an eyeshadow base, contour, or applied over your arms and legs, crediting the formula’s powder-like finish as the key reason why. Using it just as a foundation is simple, too: Just “swirl” the foundation with the Foundation Balm Brush (which comes included) and stroke the product over your skin. It’s that easy.

You can shop Kevyn Aucoin’s new Foundation Balm on the brand’s website; the brand also notes on its Instagram that it’s available at Sephora, Space NK, and Bluemercury.

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3 DIY Lip Balms For Smooth Lips All Winter

Published on by Lee4 Comments

With the holiday season right around the corner, you don’t want to be caught under the mistletoe with anything other than smooth, pillowy lips. But as the temperature drops and the wind picks up, our lips get dry and chapped, which is why it’s super important to stock up on lip balms to keep your lips hydrated at all times! Stash them in your purse, on your desk, on your bedside table – everywhere!

To help you guys save the dollars we’ve sharing three bomb DIY lip balms: They’re super hydrating, and they’re all-natural. We’ve even made dupes of some of our fave lip balms but for a fraction of the price. You can be as creative as you like and mix in any of your favorite flavors. Here are our three favorite recipes:

1. Peppermint lip balm

If there’s one lip balm we’re always lusting after, it’s the La Mer Lip Balm, $70 – it’s a cult classic for a reason, but we can’t deny it’s pretty damn expensive. So, we decided to make our own using the signature ingredients; peppermint, almond oil, and Aloe Vera. The sweet almond oil is high in vitamin E, which will help protect your lips from UV damage and the aloe vera will hydrate and soothe.

Ingredients:
2 tbsps of petroleum jelly or coconut oil
1 drop of peppermint oil
1 drop of sweet almond oil
½ tsp of aloe vera

In a pan on a low heat melt the petroleum jelly (or just use softened coconut oil). When it’s melted, add in the other ingredients and stir well. Leave it on a low heat for two to three minutes and then pour it into a small dish (we use our leftover lip balm tins) using a funnel. Leave it in the fridge to set for six to eight hours.

2. Coconut lip balm

We’re in love with this DIY coconut lip balm – it leaves your lips feeling super soft and nourished, plus it has a sweet rose tint – your lips will literally be irresistible. All three oils are miracle workers: the coconut oil is a natural emollient, the argan oil is bursting with nourishing antioxidants, and olive oil is high in squalene, which creates a protective barrier on your lips.

Ingredients:
2 tsp of virgin coconut oil
2 tsp of Argan oil
2 tsp of Olive oil
Colored berry lipstick

In a pan on a low heat, melt together the coconut oil with about 1 cm of lipstick and add it into the pan. Next, add in the oils and stir well. Leave it on the heat for two to three minutes and then pour it into a small dish or an old lip balm tin. Leave it in the fridge to set for a few hours.

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3. Honey lip balm 

The Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm, $4, has been a firm favorite of ours for years, as the combination of beeswax and honey will soothe even the driest lips. Honey is a humectant so it draws moisture into the skin, while the addition of lavender gives extra healing powers as it has antiseptic properties, plus it’s full of antioxidants that’ll help fight against aging free radicals.

Ingredients
2 tsp of organic beeswax
1 tsp of organic coconut oil
1 tsp of raw liquid honey
2 drops of lavender

Add the beeswax, oils, and honey into a glass bowl, then place in a pan of very hot water and mix until they melt, then add two drops of lavender. Using a funnel, pour it into a small dish or lip balm tin. Leave it in the fridge to set for six to eight hours.

Bous: Rose Lip Scrub

We’re throwing in an extra DIY lip scrub for you guys, but you actually have Priyanka Chopra to thank for this delicious exfoliating lip balm. We like to do this a couple of times a week to get rid of any dead skin, which to be honest, in the winter is a regular occurrence.

Ingredients:
2 drops of glycerin
2 drops of rose water
1 teaspoon of sea salt or brown sugar

Mix one teaspoon of salt or sugar with a couple of drops of rose water and vegetable glycerin. Then, gently massage it onto your lips and wash it off with warm water.

Let us know if you’ve ever tried making your own DIY lip balms, in the comments below.

WHY YOU SHOULD MIX HIGHLIGHTER WITH FOUNDATION

Published on by Lee4 Comments

The search for perfect-looking skin has our constant attention — we invest in fancy foundations, skin-smoothing primers and magical blending sponges. But little did we know that creating a flawless makeup base has less to do with these methods and a whole lot more to do with what we mix our foundation with. Ahead, we broke down exactly how to achieve the look by mixing highlighter with our favorite foundation formula, and we can guarantee that the results are better than any other method out there. 

STEP 1: Pick the Right Liquid-Based Highlighter

Picking the right illuminating product is key to making this makeup mix a success. First and foremost, choose a highlighter that has more of a sheer finish, as opposed to a glittery, shimmery one. You’ll need a lightweight formula like the Dermablend Glow Creator Highlighting Drops that will blend seamlessly with your foundation to leave a natural, subtle glow.

STEP 2: Mix It Up

Mix equal parts foundation (our current favorite is the YSL All Hours Longwear Foundation) and highlighter on the back of your hand. The total combination should equal a dime-sized amount. If needed, add more to make sure you have the right amount of coverage. Just be careful that you don’t end up with thick, cakey makeup.

STEP 3: Blend, Blend, Blend

Dot the mixture on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and smooth it all over the face (we recommend working from the center and blending outward) with a blending sponge or foundation brush, until your makeup is evenly distributed around your face and neck. Make sure to blend well, so that there are no streaks or splotching. Your makeup should look like second skin. For a next-level glow, feel free to add more strategically placed highlighter on the high points of your face when you’re finished with the rest of your makeup.

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8 CHEAP BEAUTY GIFTS YOU CAN BUY AT THE DRUGSTORE

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

If year-after-year you find yourself taking part in the last-minute shopping scramble (guilty!), we’re happy to report that scooping up amazing beauty gifts on a time crunch — and on a budget — is easier than ever. Enter, the drugstore, an around-the-corner destination with a well-stocked beauty section to boot. So, stop panicking and check out our favorite, affordable holiday gift sets below.   

NYX Professional Makeup Holiday Love Lust Disco Suede Matte Lipstick

Red lips and the holidays go together like milk and cookies — it’s an automatic crowd-pleaser. Take it from us, this lipstick and liner duo is a guaranteed win for just about anyone. Plus, the gold packaging is so festive, you can even skip the wrapping paper. The combo is available in Munchies, a soft gray; Spicy, a true red; and Cherry Skies, a deep berry. All the shades are perfect for a holiday party beat or warm, winter makeup look. 

Essie Gel Couture Holiday Set Diamond in the Cuff 

Give the gift of a long-lasting manicure with this Essie polish set. The bundle comes with Essie Daring Damsel, a gold champagne shade, and the Essie long wear Top Coat. Metallic nails are definitely having a moment, so whoever receives this gift will be turning heads through the new year. 

Maybelline New York Winter Wonder Glam Total Look Kit 

If you’re anything like us, over packing for holiday travels is a hallmark of your personality. Who doesn’t pack three bags for a weekend trip? To help scale back the baggage, throw in this all-in-one gift set that has everything you need for a holiday-approved face beat. It includes the Color Sensational Made for All, a universal red lipstick, Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner, Lash Sensational Mascara and Lasting Fix Setting Spray. 

E.l.f. Cosmetics Eye Candy Eyeshadow Duo Set 

E.l.f.’s candy-themed holiday collection has us drooling  — literally and figuratively. We’re especially loving this eyeshadow set and not just because of the creative play-on-words. With three different eyeshadow duos, this gift has it all to create a festive holiday eye or muted, natural everyday look. Not to mention, they’re super-pigmented shades and easy to blend. 

L’Oréal Paradise Lash Paradise Gift Set 

There may be snow on the ground (depending on where you live, of course), but this Lash Paradise mascara set will transport anyone to happy thoughts of warmer weather. Scoop up the iconic mascara and primer at your drugstore for a quick, save-the-day present. Whether you’re treating yourself to holiday glam or gifting this iconic duo, you can’t go wrong. A quick swipe and you’ll have crazy long lashes. 

Maybelline New York Countdown Holiday Mini Mascara Kit 

TBH we don’t know why, but for some reason travel-sized beauty products are just so adorable, right? This Maybelline mascara sampler is an automatic add to cart because how cute? The set contains Total Temptation, Lash Sensational, The Colossal and Great Lash in mini-versions. We love this gift set for the friend that’s always on-the-go because the minis are great to toss in a carry-on bag.  

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo and Pin

We’d prefer if greasy hair didn’t make an appearance at our family holiday reunion, please and thanks. So, if you’re stuck at the office and need a little refresh before running to an after-hours party, look no further than this dry shampoo and accessory set. There’s no need for a blowout, just spray a little dry shampoo, fasten the rose gold pin in the front of your hair and voilà, a total hair makeover. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Remover 

Whether you broke out a new red lip or a sparkly eye, chances are you may be wearing more makeup than usual this time of year. Make sure your face is makeup-free post-party with the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Remover Set. It has cleansing water (in full-size and travel-size) and on-the-go makeup removing wipes. 

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