2014 Summer Summary :: Best in Beauty

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While summer continues to cling with extreme humidity in tow, fact is, we are two weeks shy from Fall, my favorite season of all! Cooler nights, The Walking Dead, Halloween, Thanksgiving. I can go on and on but before I dilute you with Fall must-have and must-see commentary, let’s relive the best of summer, beauty-wise.

The criteria I used for this ultimate product selection were based on: 

(1) degree of usage 

(2) new product launches

In short, you will see a combination of new and old products which I have used or worn constantly to help me quell summer heat at its best. I have reviewed most of them, just click the links as you please.

Let’s start with skincare…

Considered a skincare product, BB cream finally found a spot in my daily regimen. Purported to nourish and protect skin in several ways, Guerlain Super Aqua Serum BB Hydra+ (Medium) continues to be my product of choice in days I skip foundation and opt for lighter coverage.

Misting is my post-lunch or mid-day beauty habit. Whether I’m out in the sun or working inside a very cold office, I spritz on Josie Maran Rosy Mist to rehydrate my face.

I am big on serums, I’ve said that bajillion times so I hope you don’t get tired hearing the same thing. Allegresse is a new-to-me brand but with a positive experience to boot, I have already repurchased another bottle of Refining Facial Serum.

Next in line, face makeups…

A great bronze-ish foundation, Guerlain Terracota Joli Teint (Moyen) dries to a matte finish but it turns dewy as the day progresses. It blurs pores and imperfections without the need for a setting powder and primer.

Another Guerlain pick, Terracota Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder and Blush is a limited edition in commemoration of Guerlain Bronzing Powder’s 30th year. As the name suggests, it has bronzer and blush beautifully packaged in a wooden case. Posh is an understatement.

A bronzer which I use more as blush, Givenchy Terre Exotique Healthy Glow Powder is another product worth checking out if you are into sheen sun-kissed complexion. From the intricate design to buttery-smooth texture, I have but one word to describe it: luxe.

Practically a year-round staple, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Diffused Light) is so finely-milled and lightweight, I can use it over and over without looking cakey.

Secret to the stars no more, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Set is my go-to bronzing/highligting product in days I want to feel glamorous, yeah that’s me in scrubs, sneakers and messy bun!

Eye makeups anyone?

I may forget mascara but I can’t step out in public with deformed brows por favor. Fortunately,  I have an ally now, the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade. Check out my updated brow routine here.

Forget palettes, in days I don’t want to overanalyze my eye makeup a.k.a early mornings, I just grab one and only shade- NARS Dual Intensity Himalia, a stunning champagne taupe. Applied wet or dry, the result is simply phenomenal.

Whether for tightline or waterline, Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon remains my number one favorite. Blacquer is great for the waterline, (Luna)tic and (Plum)age as accent color or base.

Lippy-obssessed like me? here are my top picks…

I don’t deny that I own lots of lipsticks and yes, I do rotate all of them randomly. The following however made their way to my everyday makeup bag this summer, which in my vocabulary of sorts only means one thing: they are versatile enough to be worn at any given time.

Bite Beauty Matte Lip Crayon Grape is by far the best lip crayon around. Do you want to stand out from a crowd of neutrals? Wear this bright purple matte lippy and own the imaginary red carpet!

Another show-stopping color, Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer 06 Firecracker is the best bright red orange lipstick to own. Technically a Spring 2014 release, I enjoyed it the most this summer. Ever heard of the saying “looking fabulous is the greatest revenge?”; well then my lovelies, this is the perfect shade to rock after a nasty breakup, insult a green-eyed monster frenemy, or attend a high school reunion ala Romy and Michele!

Feeling kinda neutral? Givenchy Rouge Interdit Enigmatic Rosewood is the answer to old rose-loving ladies. It’s what I wear when I’m indecisive when it comes to shade selection. You know, those whatever days.

Pink and pretty? well then, YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Pink in Confidence is my choice when I’m feeling so-so. Don’t even bother to ask, if you’re a woman then you know exactly what I mean. Just paint your puckers pink and feel pretty oki?

Finally let’s go to makeup brushes….

A recent Sonia Kashuk release (see the entire set and review here), I have been really loving these ultra-soft brushes. You can tell that Sonia (yeah we’re first name basis like that, haha) didn’t scrimp on quality. I’m planning to repurchase in case I see this elusive set at Target.

I keep my Eco-tools retractable kabuki brush in my everyday makeup bag. Needless to say, it’s great for quick touch-ups. At less than $10, it’s definitely a steal!

I hope you enjoyed my list.What about you? what are your best beauty products for summer?

Kathryne

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