Summer Beauty

With summer quickly approaching, now is the time to purchase your new summer beauty products.  Less is more is my summer beauty philosophy.  I prefer a more natural look and I don’t like wearing heavier products in hot, humid weather. My key everyday summer beauty items are a lightweight sunscreen or tinted moisturizer with SPF, mascara, bronzer and a lip gloss with SPF.

Sunscreen replacement every season is important as they become less effective and expire.  If you use Waterproof mascara mainly in the summer, don’t start using an opened one as bacteria can form, get a new one for the season.  Be sure to use a moisturizer with SPF.  And, keep in mind, moisturizers should be replaced every 6-12 months.  For everyday, choose a lip product with SPF.

Here are some of my favorite summer beauty products:

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster SPF 15 Lip Gloss

NARS Bronzing Powder

By Terry Terrybly Waterproof Mascara

Supergoop Setting Mist with Rosemary

Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

 

Deborah Lippmann rich Girl hand cream SPF 25

I leave this product in my car and apply when driving.  It soaks in immediately so it is not slippery.

 

 

Link below for important tips about beauty products suggested by BlueMercury

Tips for longevity of beauty products

Take care of your skin and enjoy a wonderful summer!!  Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

 

 

Beauty Products

Beauty Products bring joy or disappointment. Over the years, too many have been disappointing. However, I try new ones until I am satisfied.  These are a few of my favorites that I highly recommend and that bring me joy 🙂

Dior Show Mascara

I have tried countless mascaras but this one I really love!  It does not clump or flake.  It lengthens really well and is build able.

dior mascara

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick

This is a cream eyeshadow stick which I have in numerous colors.  Easy to apply and control coverage with your finger, does not crease and does not run/bleed.  The color choices are beautiful – and you can apply the color as saturated or as muted as you like.

lauracaviar

 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – Oil Free (I use oil-free in the summer)

Been using this product for at least 10 years.  Gives natural/sheer coverage that helps perfect your skin and enhance your complexion.  Fills in pores but does not make you look all made up.

lauramerciertintedmoisture

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (I use in colder months)

tinted moisturizer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

I was dissatisfied with under eye concealers being too heavy/cakey and enhacing the lines under my eyes -until I found this one.  I dot on with the sponge applicator and lightly press/spread under eyes with my ring finger.  Great coverage but blends in and is not too heavy – LOVE!!

NARS Concealer

m-61 Power Cleanse – Pore-Purifying Glycolic Face Cleanser (Combo/Oily Skin)

This skincare line is exclusive to Bluemercury.  I can’t claim it is the cleanest product on the market, however, it is paraben-free and synthetic fragrance free (whatever they use for fragrance is divine).  Cleans excess makeup off easily and skin feels great – not dry or greasy.

power-cleanse-m-61-817237010302-250-ml-front_large

m-61 powerful skincare – PowerGlow Peel

These peels are spectacular!  If you want a dewy, glowing complexion definitely gives these a try.

powerglow-peel-m-61-817237011774-30-day-side-badge_largem-61 Hydraboost Moisturizer

This moisturizer is just right – also a primer, packed with peptides and Vitamin B5, feels great going on, no residue, can apply makeup right away.m-61-hydraboost-moisturizer-50ml-web_large

Sachajuan Intensive Hair Oil

Jenna Lyons of J.Crew was interviewed in an article I read and she recommended this product so I gave it a try…and never turned back.  This stuff rocks – at least for my hair type.  I use it as a finishing product .  It is light weight and smells AMAZING!Sachajuan Hair oilBeauty Blender -Nude

I realize this tool has been recommended by many, but I agree – love applying my tinted moisturizers with this blender.  Wash frequently.sponge

Beauty Products should provide a service!   If you are not completely happy with what you are using, think about giving these beauty products a try!

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Berry Lips – Fall Trend

Berry Lips are trending for Fall and they make lips look luscious!!  Working beautifully with the deep oxbloods and burgundy colors of the season, as well as, olive tones, camels, winter white, black, metallics, grey and navy!  And, berry tones compliment all eye colors!  For a dramatic look try a gold shadow with deep green eye liner with a berry lip or for a more natural but chic look try a very neutral eye with long dark lashes and a deep berry lip or an elegant look using navy shadow and black eye liner with berry lips – all gorgeous!!  Spend some time trying on different colors and types to find the perfect berry lip shade for you.  Go for it  – add berry lips to your Fall wardrobe!

These are a few of my personal favorites. The first three lipsticks in photos that follow are in my collection.  Click on the description above photo for links to all.

 

www.cynthiahudsonstyle.com

Berry Lipsticks

Sephora Luster Long-Wear Lip Color: Mulberry Luster

Sephora Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color:Mulberry Luster

Clinique Different Lipstick – A Different Grape

Clinique Different Lipstick - Different Grape

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color – Raisin Berry

Bobbi Brown Creamy LipColor:Raisin Berry

Bite Beauty Frozen Berries Matte Creme Lipstick: Elderberry Deep Purple

Bite Beauty Frozen Berries Matte Creme Lipstick - Elderberry Deep Purple

 

NARS Audacious Lipstick: Vera-Bright Raspberry

Nars Audacious Lipstick Bright Raspberry

 

Do you have a favorite berry lip color?

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Eyeshadow Palettes

Eyeshadow Palettes…bringing gorgeous colors, that often blend together well, in one beautiful package!  Two of my current favorites are by Urban Decay — Naked2 BASICS and Naked SMOKY.

Urban Decay NAKED 2 BASICS eyeshadow palette

Urban Decay Naked2 Basics

The NAKED 2 BASICS palette is a compact with six matte taupe-hued neutral shadows that are great for everyday use!  The six colors are not included in the original NAKED2 palette.  The range of colors are neutral enough for a range of skin tones and they are perfect for creating a neutral matte eye or to use as base shades for bolder colors. This palette also uses “Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion System™ which incorporates a proprietary blend of ingredients that gives each shade it’s velvety texture, rich color, serious staying power, and blendability.”  And, it is formulated without parabens.  The size of the compact is great for travel as well — this is my go-to daytime palette!  I absolutely love the velvety texture, the saturated color and great coverage that combine to create a day appropriate eye look.

Urban Decay NAKED SMOKY eyeshadow paletteUrban Decay Naked Smoky PaletteThe NAKED SMOKY palette has 12 smoky neutral eye shades to create the perfect neutral smoky eye, a double-ended brush, and includes a lookbook with four options to achieve smoky eye looks. The dozen smoky neutrals, include nine never-before-seen shades and three exclusives from past palettes.  Shadows range from warm bronzes and varied grays to deep browns, taupes, and a deep black including a combination of mattes, satins and shades with sparkle.  This palette also features “Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion System™”.  The double-ended brush included with the set, with a tapered crease brush on one end and a smoky smudger brush on the other, is high quality and unlike any brush I’ve ever received in a kit.  The case itself is beautiful with a very cool, floating smoke effect.  This new set is what I’ve been using in the evening.  I love the blues and grey which blend together well.  I use the black with a dampened eyeliner brush as liner.  Using sparkle on the eye in the evening (carefully) is pretty — this set is a winner!!

If you haven’t purchased eyeshadows in a while these are two sets to seriously consider!

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Dermalogica

Fragrances – Facebook Poll Results

Fragrances – What to wear? Which scent represents me? Which scent will leave a lasting, positive impression?

Chanel No. 5 and Hermes Rue du Faubourg have been the main two fragrances I have worn for most of my adult life.  Two others that come to mind are Loves Baby Soft, as a kid, and Bijan in High School. (Funny enough, I still have the box and use it to hold buttons). I own a few other fragrances and occasionally apply.  However, I do often wonder what is popular and what am I missing as the options seem endless.  So in an attempt to get some clarity I asked a local Women’s Facebook group, “What is your favorite fragrance?”  I received and great response and here are the results…wish I could provide you all of the delicious scents too!! (And, BIG thanks to the participants!)

If you have interest finding out more information about the winners, click on the words highlighted in red and you will be connected.

CHANEL fragrances were overall the most popular (Chance, No. 5, No. 19, Allure, Christalle, and Coco Mademoiselle all mentioned).  However, the champion with the most mentions was…

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle  “Sexy, fresh oriental fragrance recalls the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. An elegant, luxurious scent in a classic signature bottle, perfect for the dressing table or for traveling. Notes: bergamot, orange, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, white musks, vanilla.”

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Parfum

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Parfum

A close second was one of my longtime favorites…

CHANEL No. 5   “The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity.  The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; the fullest expression of the perfumer’s art.”

CHANEL No. 5 Parfum

CHANEL No. 5 Parfum

Surprisingly, there was an eleven way tie for the 3rd most popular fragrance among this Facebook group.

Jo Malone London fragrances received many mentions (Orange Blossom, Wild Fig & Cassis and Grapefruit). However, the most votes were for…

Jo Malone’s French Lime Blossom  “Inspired by a stroll along the Champs Élysées, French Lime Blossom is a romantic, full-bodied floral. The scent of sweet lime blossoms with a twist of bergamot and tarragon is evocative of the first day of spring.”

Jo Malone French Lime Blossom

Jo Malone French Lime Blossom

A few Bond No.9 New York fragrances were mentioned (Bleeker Street and I Love New York) but the scent with the most mentions was…

China Town  “Superpower meets Supercity. The emerging superpower energy with the avant-garde cachet of downtown New York. A sultry, mouth-watering, equal-opportunity East-meets-West bouquet.”

Bond No. 9 New York "Chinatown" Fragrance

Bond No. 9 New York “Chinatown” Fragrance

Other 3rd place contenders are:

CHANEL No. 19 ” This luminous re-imagining of Coco Chanel’s signature scent—named N°19 in honor of her birth date, August 19, 1883—reveals a bold fragrance with a daring combination of crisp green notes and powdery iris.”

Chanel No. 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum Spray

Chanel No. 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum Spray

Fracas  “Create a little chaos with this lush white floral. Distinctly feminine, this intoxicating classic combines tuberose, jasmine and gardenia with a hint of orange blossom before giving way to a base of sandalwood, vetiver and musk.”

Robert Piquet Fracas Eau de Parfum

Robert Piquet Fracas Eau de Parfum

Kai  “A light blend of gardenia wrapped in white exotics. An intoxicating perfume oil fragrance made with essential oils in a convenient and easy-to-use roll-on vial.”

Kai Perfume Oil

Kai Perfume Oil

Quelques Fleurs L’Original de Parfum  “In an era when new perfumes come and go, there is nothing as exquisite as a classic that endures.  Quelques Fleurs pays homage to the original values of the perfumery with a multi-dimensional, complex extract formula that will leave an exquisite and lasting impression.
Notes:- Head notes: bergamot, galbanum, tarragon, lemon.
– Heart notes: jasmine, tuberose, lily of the valley, violet, rose, ylang-ylang, carnation, broom flower, orange blossom, clove.
– Base notes: oakmoss, sandalwood, civet, cedarwood, musk, orris, tonka bean.”

Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs L'Original Parfum

Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs L’Original Parfum

CHANEL Chance Parfum  “It’s your chance . . . TAKE IT! A decidedly young scent . . . for those who dare to dream. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; a constellation of orbiting scents. Floral notes merge with sensual, sweet and spicy elements for a hint of sexiness and delicious naughtiness.”

CHANEL Chance Parfum

CHANEL Chance Parfum

Others that tied for 3rd place are Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf, Prada Candy and Chloe.

Numerous other perfumes received a single mention such as, Carnal Flower by Dominique Rapion, Stella by Stella McCartney, Annick Goutal Mandragone, Bottega Veneta, Samsara, L’eau D’Issey, Ja’doir, Fendi, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Trish McEvoy Blackberry and Vanilla Musk and Gucci Diamonds.

 

Looking forward to exploring many of the fragrances!   Do you wear a fragrance not listed here? I would love to know! (Scroll down a bit further to the Comment box)

If you are interested in subscribing and receiving blog posts to your inbox, please see sign ups along the  column on the right.  Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

 

 

 

A few of my favorite beauty things!

I have always enjoyed trying out different beauty products, comparing brands and playing with different looks.  There are so many products it can be overwhelming!  I do have a few favorites that I am sharing here.  They perform well — lasting, great texture, multiple and flattering color options and they fulfill their product promise.

If you have good skin (good tone and texture) a tinted moisturizer is a good choice for you. I’ve found the  NARS tinted moisturizer has better coverage than many other brands.  In the evening I will use the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Radiance underneath the tinted moisturizer or under a full-coverage foundation.  It provides a wonderfully natural radiant glow! NARS Matte Lip Pencils offer some of the best reds on the market and they stay on and on!! Laura Mercier’s Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color is a newer product that has a smooth feel especially if you prefer a lip gloss and wand application.  Dior Lipsticks are decadent – smooth and creamy and come in a sea of color choices.

What are your favorite beauty things?