Beauty: brush off

What’s a gal to do without her makeup brushes?

beautybrush2

The right brush is really important and you can go nuts trying to decide which one is the best to use for bronzer, blush, concealer, etc. So to make it easy and affordable we turn to Sonia Kashuk to help us out with Five Easy Pieces to choose from:

Limited Edition KNOCK-OUT Twelve-Piece Brush Set beautybrushes I love the empowering wording on each of these brushes – makes makeuping more fun

All the brushes you need for less than the cost of your fancy eyeshadow Palette. – $40

EARTH Six-Piece Brush Set beauty6

Based on her love of color and the subtlety of the season, Sonia designed a must-have brush set for fall with mossy green handles, mustard yellow ferrules, and pale mauve bristles. This set includes a domed powder brush, flat top synthetic brush, precision concealer brush, blending eye brush, angled liner brush and smudge brush. – $22.99

BRUSH COUTURE: Air-Brushed Skin Five-Piece Set beautybrush4

All the tools you need to powder, swirl, blend, and buff your way to a flawless complexion. Outfitted in a chic digital floral pattern on this must-have set is the perfect addition to any makeup bag and includes a buffing brush, angled foundation brush, angled contour brush, angled concealer brush and long powder brush. – $19.99

EXOTIC ARTISAN Twelve-Piece Brush Set
beautybrush2

Inspired by her travels in India, Sonia created this refined brush set with wooden handles and plush ivory bristles. This set includes a dense powder brush, tapered powder brush, small powder brush, pointed foundation brush, flat top contour brush, large eye brush, shader brush, blending brush, domed eye brush, precision pencil brush, angled eyeliner brush and brow comb. – $39.99

DOUBLE DUTY – perfect for traveling beautybrush5

Each brush takes on twice the application! This set contains a powder/duo fiber brush, foundation/concealer brush, eye shadow/crease brush, eyebrow comb/angled eye brush and case. – $23.79

Source: soniakashuk.com

Some available at Target

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Beauty: by Chanel

Glamorous products to help make you a better version of yourself

That’s what I think of Chanel beauty. It’s not that I believe because the logo says “Chanel” that they are necessarily better than anything else on the market….however I’m loving these two products that happen to be under the label “Chanel”. Aside from how nicely they apply, wearability and comfort let’s just admit that the packaging is pretty elegant. And sometimes that counts for a lot. Especially with something you tend to wear every day. And with the Chanel name you can expect nothing but the best.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15

Chanel Les Beiges Powder is a compact setting powder that is designed to give your complexion a sheer, healthy, glow without looking too bronzy or unnatural. Released in Fall 2013, it is part of Chanel’s permanent collection. It boasts SPF15++, though, as with any makeup product with sun protection claims, you would have to use an unreal amount of this product to achieve the amount of protection claimed. A bonus factor is that the half-moon brush that comes encased is made with all natural bristles and you can actually use it. I suggest choosing a slightly more intense shade than your normal skin tone for a sun-kissed effect.

It’s available in 7 luminous shades: N°10, N°20, N°30, N°40, N°50, N°60, and N°70. Interestingly, the official Chanel website only offers six shades – N°10, N°20, N°25, N°30, N°40, and N°50. However, Nordstrom carries all 7 shades, as will most department store Chanel counters you visit in person.

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo:

There’s a new lipstick formula from Chanel called Rouge Coco Stylo (stylo means pen in French and when you look at the photo you’ll see why this name is perfect) which comes in a slim twist-up tube that’s described as having “the intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lip gloss and comfort of a lip balm.” It truly is a three-in-one kind of lipstick. The texture is great, the colour is beautiful and it is relatively long-wearing. I have #214 – Message which is a vibrant berry shade for Fall. It is sophisticated and above all, moisturizing which is very important to me right now.

Have you tried these?

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Beauty: Lipstick Shades you Need

Colours for all seasons and all reasons

It’s almost like testing out shades of paint for your home. You want to find something that flatters and will last. Sephora wanted to test out their Rouge range of lipstick shades and finishes so they narrowed it down to four complimentary testers with great sounding names, which of course I was happy to try out by wearing one each day. If there is one makeup product I cannot be without it would have to be lipstick. I can do without any eye makeup (not saying it looks amazing but most often I do go without) but I feel like without wearing anything on my lips I just disappear. Do you feel the same about any makeup product?

Surprisingly enough these shades appear to be universally flattering, long-lasting, reasonably priced and above all…chic. I realized that these shades are all one really needs. Certainly if I were to narrow it down to only four these would be it. Here they are:

Belly-Dancing Rouge Cream

Nights in Rouge Satin: A hydrating lipstick that creates full lips with intense color. A revamp of the iconic Sephora Lip Attitude Chic, this new hydrating formula provides improved coverage and is rife with pigment. The creamy texture softly glazes your lips, imparting just the right amount of color and sheen. Perfection!

Love Spell Rouge Brilliance

Girl needs some Gloss – this one is a light pink semi sheer nourishing formula with a bit of gloss. It’s pretty and perfect for a hint of colour. Especially for sunny days.

Enchanting Blush Rouge Balm

A beautiful everyday shade that is fresh & bright. It has a smooth hydrating formula with SPF 20.Sephora calls the formula a balmy lipstick with a gel formula which is about right.

Rebel Chic Rouge Mat

An ultra-matte lipstick that provides long-lasting moisture and intense pigment. This one delivers bold color, intense moisture, and incredible comfort. Enriched with shea butter and rich emollients, the formula moisturizes and soothes lips, while depositing super matte color and blurring lip imperfections. And unlike some matte lipsticks, this one never feels cakey or dry on your lips.

What else you need to know:
This product is not tested on animals.

Beauty Tip:
Create a contoured lip by selecting your shade of Lip Liner To Go and Rouge Cream Lipstick based on skintone and desired look. Use the Pro Lip brush to blend the lipstick and liner together to soften any harsh lines.

Cost: $12.50 each

Do you have any favourites?

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: Summer in a Box

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg

Can you find it in a box?

Sometimes you can find it in a BOX! But it’s what you do with what’s inside that counts.

Wow…I just received my second seasonal box of style from the people over at *the Zoe Report. They’ve curated a carefully selected arsenal of fashion and beauty products, with amazing summer staples every style girl loves. All neatly wrapped and packaged in a nice box. Talk about chic in the heat!

*For those who are not already familiar, The Zoe Report is an online style destination curated by stylist to the stars and fashion designer Rachel Zoe. The website gives tips on how to be glamorous every day with fashion, beauty & lifestyle articles from the best in the biz.

A peek inside:

A delicate lariat necklace is a jewelry box staple. The versatile piece can play nice with everything from a plunging neckline to a high-collar blouse—making it an accessory that works for the office, cocktail hour and beyond.

Michael Stars Caftan - to channel your inner Liz Taylor — **Michael Stars Caftan** – to channel your inner Liz Taylor

This eye-catching lariat necklace with delicate pave Swarovski crystals and adjustable open crescent ring will look incredibly chic worn together or alone.

Luv AJ Pavé Tusk Lariat & Open Crescent Ring Exclusive Set.

Michael Stars Pastel Gardens Caftan. Every sun-loving girl needs a colourful caftan (cover up) in her summer wardrobe. To be simply layered over a sleek swimsuit for poolside lunch or dressed up for dinner by wearing it over a slip dress, cinched with a belt and adding earrings – a complete summer look.

YHF Los Angeles Cashton Brown Sunglasses

Sunglasses that are as versatile as they are timeless This style was tested by every member of Team Zoe to ensure it flatters every face shape.

Beach in a Bottle – Quai haircare wave spray.

The only thing more alluring than textured beach waves is the knowledge that your textured beach wave spray isn’t ravaging your hair. This formula boasts rice protein instead of salt to provide the fresh-from-the-surf texture you’re craving, minus the crunchiness. I blogged about it recently. See link below.

The Dream Turban – DreamDry (great syling ~~tool~~ towel)

Hair Turban to keep frizz at bay — **Hair Turban** to keep frizz at bay –*yay*

Treat your tresses with care by using this super absorbent turban (instead of a coarse towel) to speed the drying process without frizz. Thanks to a button-fastening you can easily go about your routine without it slipping out of place and the lightweight fabric won’t take up precious space in your carry on.

THE HEALTHY GLOW

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer

Multi-tasking products are wonderful. This organic brightening moisturizer with SPF 15 will help reverse existing skin damage and infuse your skin with hydration and protection so light you can wear it under your makeup.

It’s like getting styled by Rachel Zoe all year long. Order your summer Box of Style now.

Each seasonal box promises to include $300 favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle items hand-curated by Rachel and The Zoe Report Team. The necklace/ring combo alone is retail value $190 usd. And remember to tell them I sent you. If you want to be really surprised just ignore the spoiler alerts leading up to mailout.

Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.

previous post for beach wave hair:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2016/06/16/beach-hair-beauty/

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Beauty: MILK makeup

What’s in a name?

**For girls who spend less time getting done up and more time getting stuff done**

Not necessarily what the name implies; nevertheless it is simple and catchy. Milk Makeup is fun, eco-conscious with cool packaging to attract a mostly younger clientele. The multifunctional high-tech formulas are also low maintenance – built for girls on the go.

All aspects of the line are developed in-house at the L.A. and N.Y.C. photo studios of the same name, the one which have hosted legends like Madonna.

The Brand:

Driven by creativity and designed by industry insiders, Milk Makeup is inspired by Milk Studios; a cultural hub in NY and LA, that sits at the crossroads of fashion, music, photography, art and film. A place where trends are born and a platform for the next generation. They see beauty in originality and authenticity.

The Line:

The multi-use 85-piece product line is designed for experimentation and self-expression. Long-lasting shades from bold to bare, whatever your look, they have it. At Milk Makeup, there are no rules. I like that!

Categories including eye, lip, face, skin and hair are paraben-free and made from the best possible natural ingredients including hydrating oils, fruit and vegetable butters, and thoughtful formulations with minimal to no preservatives. New Milk Melt technology, smooth textures, one- step application techniques and bold shades for a totally new take on makeup.

Hey… they have a glow in the bottle oil: aptly titled “Sunshine Oil”

Available at Sephora

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Beauty: good enough to eat

We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?

It is believed that most women end up eating their lipstick (not out of hunger, more by accident) so maybe edible makeup is a good idea, although I’m not so sure how palatable it will be.

Leave it to clean living, health conscious Gwyneth Paltrow to collaborate with Juice Beauty in developing a line of 78 plant-based products, from foundations to shadows.
Like Juice’s main collection, it’s organic, but the difference is she expanded the range of colour choices, focusing more on saturated hues extracted from fruits and plants, like purple carrots and crushed rose petals. Can’t wait to sample some of these products!

All products starting at $20 available at http://juicebeauty.com

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Beauty – Tom Ford

Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

He directed “A Single Man” – a stylish film set in 1960’s Los Angeles starring Colin Firth as an English professor who is unable to cope following the death of his boyfriend. The moody movie also stars Julianne Moore who has been known to show up on many a red carpet occasion wearing a stunning “Tom Ford” creation. Loved the film!

And if that wasn’t enough he just launched a luxurious beauty collection. As you can expect, the products are synonymous with sultry elegance.Products like get ready for summer gold-spun bronzer, gorgeous lip shades and essential palettes for cheeks and eyes are now available at Sephora.

Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!

Have you tried any of the products?

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

Beauty: Celebrating 40 Years at L’OCCITANE!

Talking about the beauty company founded in Provence, France. Not me. I’m nowhere near 40!

The Beautiful Corner Location at Robson & Burrard – always loved the baskets

40 is the age of genius!

Many great artists created the majority of their works once they passed this milestone. Niki de Saint-Phalle’s Nanas, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi to name a few.

Lemon Verbena hand wash & hand lotion gift set — **Lemon Verbena** hand wash & hand lotion gift set

“No one is young after forty, but one can be irresistible at any age.” Coco Chanel

Anyway, some things get better with age. Certainly that would be true for the company known and loved for its irresistible French pampering products. I once visited the original L’Occitane location where you could smell fields of heavenly lavender from miles away.

I always carry a hand cream in my purse. These all have Shea Butter.

To help celebrate, L’Occitane held an evening in their flagship Vancouver location last week – with hor d’oeuvres, glasses of rosé, dried lavender bouquets, free gel manis and surprise gift cards offering anywhere from $10 to $100 worth of product. It was a fun few hours with like minded women. Translation: we who want to be pampered.

For its 40th anniversary, L’Occitane is retracing the roots of its greatest products.

Time to uncover the secrets behind one of my all time favourites:

Renowned since ancient times for its fruits’ softening and smoothing properties, the almond tree is a key part of the Provençal landscape. First to blossom, the trees adorn themselves in February with a delicately scented white veil, as the orchards continue to sleep. The flowers herald the start of Spring, before giving way to beautiful soft green shells, the nut of which is bursting with useful cosmetic properties.
Yet at one time the almond tree all but disappeared from the region. Threatened by the mechanisation of agriculture and the expansion of more profitable crops, it gradually began disappearing in the 1930s. In the 2000s, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region pioneered an initiative, supported by L’Occitane, to get this symbolic tree back to its rightful place in the Provençal landscape.

THE ULTIMATE SOFT TEXTURE

Combining smooth, creamy oil with meltingly soft almond milk, this formula has the ability to both strengthen and soften. Its secret? A luxurious, almost addictive fragrance. Like covering skin with a satin-smooth veil, Almond Milk Concentrate hydrates for more than 48 hours, while at the same time smoothing, firming and restoring the skin’s natural density.

Voilà! Straight From the fields of Provence to your favourite L’Occitane store.

“Age does not protect you from the dangers of love. But love, to some extent, protects you from the dangers of age.” Jeanne Moreau.

Photos: d. king

Source for Concentrate: L’Occitane.com

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

Beauty break – wash your face without all the hassle

LAST NIGHT I was wondering what to put in the beauty post today. I didn’t really have a clue as I stopped to wash my face with yet another hotel face wipe before bedtime. It wasn’t really washing more than it was wiping away the remains of the day….that’s why they’re called wipes. Then a little light came on...before it went out.

There comes an evening when you just don’t have the time, it’s too late or you’re too tired ~~read LAZY~~ to clean up properly. I’m so happy these makeup removers come in convenient non-spill travel packs and they must be more popular than I ever imagined because just take a look at all the varieties:

the varieties, not all of them either — **the varieties**, and only some of them

So you can gently clean your face when you’re on the go….or not (I mean even when you’re still at home).

The Cleansing Cloths or towelettes will leave your skin feeling fresh and clean – without drying out or disturbing your skin’s natural pH balance.

The cetaphil cloths (like most of the others) are ultra-soft and gentle, dermatologist developed and tested, as well as ophthalmologist tested. So you can be confident in their ability to remove dirt and makeup without irritation. They’re also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

So this is the next best thing to actually taking a few minutes to really clean your face. Just hoping I don’t become too dependant on them.

How about you?

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

beauty: in the buffing

It’s pretty common at this time of year to experience chapped lips. It doesn’t feel good and it doesn’t look good when your lipstick flakes because your lips are too dry.

What RED suits you best?

We’ve spoken about face scrubs before and the importance of exfoliating to keep our complexions looking dewy and glowy and perfect (ha ha) as much as we can. What about our lips? We shouldn’t forget about them….especially with Valentines Day around the corner. Get them REDdy!

I’m not so sure if Benefit Cosmetics still sells their lip duo (a balm and exfoliant which I bought years ago and still have – see photo) which is a natural more gentle exfoliant geared specifically for lips with little beads packed with AHA and jojoba to scrub away chapped lips and dry lines.

Benefit - Dr. Feelgood combo — **Beauty with Benefit** – tubes of Dr. Feelgood

If you can’t find this product then you can use any regular face exfoliant but don’t rub so hard over your mouth. It should work almost as well. It’s just that the little tube from Benefit is so convenient to carry around and for travelling. I think the cute packaging is what drew me to the product in the first place.

It really helps to smooth the lips, make them softer so lipstick applies easier and lasts longer and your lips...well they’re much more kissable this way.

That’s what we want!

Tag: makeup

Beauty: brush off

Beauty: by Chanel

Glamorous products to help make you a better version of yourself

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo:

Beauty: Lipstick Shades you Need

Colours for all seasons and all reasons

Belly-Dancing Rouge Cream

Love Spell Rouge Brilliance

Enchanting Blush Rouge Balm

Rebel Chic Rouge Mat

Style: Summer in a Box

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg

Can you find it in a box?

A peek inside:

Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.

Beauty: MILK makeup

What’s in a name?

The Brand:

The Line:

Beauty: good enough to eat

We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?

Beauty – Tom Ford

Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!

Have you tried any of the products?

Beauty: Celebrating 40 Years at L’OCCITANE!

40 is the age of genius!

Almond Milk Concentrate body cream with its luxurious scent of the South.

Beauty break – wash your face without all the hassle

beauty: in the buffing

Glamorous products to help make you a better version of yourself

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo:

Colours for all seasons and all reasons

Belly-Dancing Rouge Cream

Love Spell Rouge Brilliance

Enchanting Blush Rouge Balm

Rebel Chic Rouge Mat

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg

Can you find it in a box?

A peek inside:

Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.

What’s in a name?

The Brand:

The Line:

We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?

Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

Soleil Blanc (above): A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!

Have you tried any of the products?

40 is the age of genius!

Almond Milk Concentrate body cream with its luxurious scent of the South.

Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!