Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

Not too long ago, Hourglass introduced a collection of four Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders ($38), illuminating strobing powders designed to sculpt the face with light, creating depth and dimension for a refined, natural-looking highlight.

These powders are formulated in a sheer base that’s infused with concentrated, ultra-fine mico-pearl particles in a number of sizes and refraction levels for natural-looking luminescence - without leaving a heavy metallic finish. Developed with "Photoluminescent Technology," it captures, diffuses, and softens surrounding light to refine the appearance of the skin. Use it wet or dry for different levels of intensity, taking you from an everyday strobe highlight to a dramatic evening strobe highlight.

These universally flattering shades are perfect for all skin tones, and they’re designed to be used with the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor (sold separately) for the most effortless application.

How are these powders different from the original Ambient Lighting Powders? Designed to emulate the way in which strobe lights capture and reflect light on the face, Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders contain a more concentrated level of micro-pearl particles in varying sizes and refraction levels. Combined with a sheerer base, the powders impart a highlight to the face in its purest form without masking the skin beneath it. They are very sheer, as you can see below on my arm.

"Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders give off the most amazing glow to your skin without being overpowering. I love using them with the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor when I want a more reflective highlight." - Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder

I couldn't decide among the colors, so I ended up with all four of them, thanks to  sweet friend who works for Hourglass.  Brilliant is shown above at top left, and Euphoric is shown at top right. On the bottom row, Incandescent is shown at left, with Iridescent at right. I sure hope I got that right. I swatched in the order listed here.

I tried to apply them dry and heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I took my photo in full sun. Nevertheless, the sheerness of these powders made them disappear into my skin. I can see the stripes of subtle color and a bit of sparkle, but little else. Euphoric shows up pretty well; it's the golden tone second down on my arm. Did I need all four of them? Nope.

How does Hourglass recommend that you apply Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders? By using their Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor  - wet or dry to achieve varying levels of intensity, taking you from day to night.

• To broaden a narrow forehead, gently dab the angled side of the Sculptor to the middle of the forehead.
• To give height to the nose, sweep the tip of the Sculptor down the bridge of nose. Add more to the tip of the nose for a lifted effect.
• To accentuate the cheekbones and lift the brows, sweep the angled side of the Sculptor along the tops of the cheekbones, up towards the top of the brow in a “crescent moon” shape.
• To open up the eye area, dab the tip of the Sculptor under the brow bone and in the inner corners of the eyes.
• To create the look of fuller lips, dab the tip of the Sculptor on the Cupid’s bow.
• Use the flocked side of the Sculptor to blend and diffuse any harsh edges. Powder can be layered, gradually building up to your desired intensity.

The idea of strobing has tickled me. Young makeup artists are all excited about this new method. They aren't old enough to know that highlighting, strobing, or whatever you want to call it is old - very old. It's often used with contouring, also an old method, to highlight the areas of the face you want to bring forward and darken the areas you want to recede.

I think of these Hourglass powders as highlighting powders. They do sparkle, so you may want to limit their use to nightime occasions. If you are comfortable with micro-glitter, you can use them during the day.

Have you tried them? You can find them at Sephora and Hourglass.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum Plus an Event with Dr. Gregory Bays Brown from RéVive Skin Care

Today, Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria had an event with one of my favorite people: Dr. Greg Brown from RéVive Skin Care. It was hopping in there. Customers had appointments to spend 15 minutes with Dr. Brown, who helped them with any concerns they expressed about their skin. Everyone wanted a consultation - so much so that women who didn't realize it was a "by appointment" event would just jump in and take the chair next to him the moment another customer got up. His sparkling reputation preceded him.

The young lady with him was a customer who was willing to have her photo taken with Dr. Brown. I was glad to see a young women who was so interested in skin care.

To recap prior posts here at Best Things in Beauty, after years as a successful plastic surgeon, Dr. Brown started a research laboratory dedicated to increasing the healing rates of burn victims' wounds. Though his clinical research, he discovered a unique bioengineered protein molecule (Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF) that accelerated burn healing. When the molecule was added to the patient's wound-care treatment, healing was accelerated.

What does this have to do with skin care? As we age, cell division slows. As it slows, we develop signs of aging, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, and a loss of radiance. The development of wrinkles is actually similar to an injury to the skin. Dr. Brown found that if he could kick-start cells to turn over more rapidly than they would normally, he could postpone the inevitable signs of aging and give the skin a much-needed boost. He started to experiment with the molecule that had helped burn patients so markedly, dissolving it into Elizabeth Arden's Visible Difference. The results were amazingly effective. He found that his "cream" allowed him to regenerate the skin in a way he couldn't with a scalpel. A face lift can lift the skin, but it won't make it glow. RéVive will make you glow.

RéVive Skin Care has had a remarkable history, and now there are many products - all fabulous - to address every skin-care issue. Today, he and I talked briefly about his new sunscreen. He said, "It's not sexy, but I think it's exciting." Soleil Superiéur Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA ++++ ($115) is powered by RES Technology and an advanced UV Defense System. This luxuriously lightweight sunscreen is ultra-transparent and gives you superb in-sun protection while helping repair visible signs of aging. That's why it's so cool - it's not only a sunscreen, but it will also repair your skin. You can see the ingredients at the link above.

The advanced UV Defense System helps:

• Fight signs of early skin aging with broad spectrum SPF 50 protection;
• Visibly smooth out lines and wrinkles caused by environmental aggressors; and
• Improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity. 

Dr. Brown says, “The most important anti-aging product that anyone can use is a sunscreen." From concept to inception, Soleil Superiéur took five years to perfect. This product is endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It has been granted a Seal of Approval for daily use, a sign of the product - and the brand’s - commitment to developing effective sun protection.

I want this sunscreen! It's on my list for my first paycheck at my new job. I love the idea that I can repair my skin while protecting it. I also learned today that RéVive has a new volumizing mask coming out in April. I can't wait.

It's time for The Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope you are ready to share, especially since it's still Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; Soleil Superiéur photo courtesy of RéVive

ARMANI PRIMA - Advanced Skin Care for Day-Long Makeup Glow

Giorgio Armani Beauty has introduced ARMANI PRIMA, its first complete skin-care line that improves skin quality and enhances makeup glow so that it lasts all day long. Born from a unique collaboration between the backstage expertise of Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist, and Giorgio Armani Beauty laboratories, the ARMANI PRIMA Beauty routine consists of three innovative products for face, lips, and eyes. It's an out-of-the-box technical formulation approach to provide simple and efficient skin-care solutions in favor of makeup’s staying power.

• Glow-On Moisturizing Balm
• Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones
• Eye & Lip Contour Perfector

The name ARMANI PRIMA is a nod to the oil painting technique widely used by the impressionists who worked with natural light without retouching.

No More Makeup Touch-Ups
Women unanimously complain that their makeup never has the same radiant glow as it has just after their morning beauty routine. As the day progresses, the skin quality deteriorates (loss of moisture, sebum production, enlarged pores) and is exposed to environmental aggressors. When skin is imperfect, the makeup glow doesn’t last and even smudges, losing its impact.

Now for the first time, Giorgio Armani Beauty offers an innovative, tailor-made solution to keep your complexion and makeup touch-up-free all day. ARMANI PRIMA’s revolutionary new skin-care products contain a special blend of active ingredients that maintain skin’s moisture level, regulates sebum production, and strengthens the skin barrier so that the face keeps the glow of just-applied makeup and the benefits are visible all day.

“Today, we live in a fast-paced world. Women expect immediate results. That’s what we created with ARMANI PRIMA, which is the first skincare conceived for makeup wearers.” - Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist

Glow-On Moisturizing Balm

The Glow-On Moisturizing Balm ($110) is the cornerstone of the ARMANI PRIMA line. It was formulated to achieve glow, plump, and maximum moisture that last 24 hours. This could only be achieved by a patented formula and unique process: a surprising compact texture, hot poured at 45°C that quickly breaks into a fresh fluid that penetrates immediately. The formula is an inversed emulsion active on the internal and external skin layers. The internal phase maximizes the concentration of moisturizing and plumping active ingredients; the external phase then creates a protective barrier on skin surface, locking in moisture. This is achieved through a high concentration of hydrovance and hyaluronic acid for continuous hydration and glycerin for skin plumping. The Giorgio Armani signature glowing complexion effect is enhanced by the “Liquid Mirror” complex, which ensures a prolonged reflection of the light on the skin. Thanks to this technological breakthrough, here is what you should see.

• Immediately: Skin is deeply moisturized and plumped with heightened radiance. Perfect compatibility with foundation for an easy and fault proof makeup application.
• At the end of the day: Skin quality and moisture level is maintained. Foundation looks fresh, as if just applied.
• After four weeks: Overall skin quality is improved. More comfortable, supple, and nourished skin. Fine lines look evened out.

Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones

Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones ($100), is an innovative skin-care product that contains a strong concentration of “Prima Skin Complex,” an impressive active ingredient, which is lipophilic to absorb sebum and hydrophobic to repel sweat. It immediately smoothes skin and regulates the water and lipid levels on skin surface all day long.

The Skin Perfector targets the “disruption zone” of the face (i.e., eyelids, around the nose, chin, forehead, or any area prone to shine or large pores). It absorbs excess sebum delivering an instant mattifying effect on skin that lasts all day long. Thanks to a unique milky gel texture, the Skin Perfector absorbs rapidly, leaving a clean skin sensation that lasts all day. A combination of two hydrophilic ingredients provides a tightening effect and a feeling of comfort, making the product perfect for all skin
types.

• Immediately: Trouble zones are smoothed and mattified in transparency. Foundation and eye shadow are easier to apply.
• At the end of the day: Makeup glow and color are intact.
• After four weeks: Skin texture is improved and skin surface appears smoother.

Eye & Lip Contour Perfector

A skin-perfecting formula for lips and under eyes, Eye & Lip Contour Perfector ($70) is an ingenious two-in-one product that targets the lips and under-eye area. It contains buckwheat extract and haloxyl for their stimulating effects, reducing dark circles and under-eye puffiness over time. Glycerin, jojoba butter, and hydralip give intensified hydration and reduce fine lines. The effective results of this skin-care product is clearly measurable in improvements to dark circles and a toning, lifting
effect under the eyelids, as well as a significant reduction in wrinkles and fine lines around the lips. Eye & Lip Contour Perfector should not be used on the eyelids.

• Immediately: Lines and dark circles are blurred. Light reflection on the skin surface is amplified to make eyes look brighter and skin looks more luminous. Application and hold of dark circle concealer are improved. Lips and contour are smoothed, preventing lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines.
• At the end of the day: Skin feels more comfortable, supple, and nourished.
• After four weeks: Dark circles appear reduced, the outline of eyes and lips appear more defined.

All three products have an addictive scent. The Glow-on Moisturizing Balm and the Skin Perfector envelop the skin delicately with a feminine flora-aqua creation based on Armani/Privé Rose d’Alexandrie (I have that fragrance, and I love it). The soft notes of the premium fragrance line are translated into skin care, in a subtle note of Rose of May, Bergamot, and Italian Mandarin and Benzoin - all nice notes. It's a beauty routine wrapped up in gentleness.

Here are suggested application methods.

• Face: apply the Glow-On Moisturizing Balm over the entire face using circular massaging movements.
• Trouble zones: apply the Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones on the forehead, nose, chin, eyelids, and over the upper lip, sweeping the product outwards.
• Dark circles and lips: apply the Eye & Lip Contour Perfector under the eye area and directly on and around the lips.

These new products are available at the Armani Beauty Web site now. They will appear at store counters in March. I suspect if your skin is mature, and you are using Crema Nera now, you will want to stick with it. These new products appear to me to be aimed at a demographic that doesn't need the hydrating, anti-aging power of Crema Nera.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Know Your Ingredients: Propylene Glycol

I was stunned when I read years ago in Allure that dermatologist Doris Day was plugging propylene glycol. She remarked that it's a good humectant for sensitive skin. Today, a conversation at the makeup counter reminded me that many of you weren't reading BTiB six years ago and might find this post interesting.

Propylene glycol is a humectant. It makes the skin feel moist and soft, and it keeps your products from drying out. It's also a carrier in fragrance oils, a solvent, a de-icer used on airplanes, and an anti-freeze. It's ubiquitous. It's used in so many beauty products (cosmetics, skin care, toothpaste, deodorant, and more), you'll be amazed if you start reading labels. Unfortunately, it's bad for the environment (it depletes oxygen in surface water), and it can cause contact dermatitis when used in concentrations over 2% (and for some skin, even lower concentrations). The findings on the effects of propylene glycol have been published in respected medical journals.

The Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol says it may be harmful by ingestion or skin absorption. Remember, that's at a very high concentration. Chronic exposure may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, headache, and vomiting, along with central nervous system depression. If you get it on your skin, wash with soap and water - the very premise of Dr. Day's recommendation for cleansers! Granted, full-strength, industrial propylene glycol isn't in your beauty products, but what strength is OK for daily application to your skin? We don't know.

I disagree with Paula Begoun, self-described Cosmetics Cop, on most of her product reviews. In her Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, she describes propylene glycol as harmless. Could that be because she uses propylene glycol in her products?

Why do so many beauty companies, including luxury companies, use it? It's cheap. Plain and simple - it's cheap. It's legal too. Many companies prefer to use it over better, but more expensive humectants, and they count on having uninformed customers. Chances are good that you've been using products containing propylene glycol for years. That doesn't necessarily make them good for you.

I read labels. When a product has a high concentration of propylene glycol (near the top of the ingredient list), I skip it and select something else. Remember, you can still buy cigarettes, but that doesn't make them good for you.

Photo courtesy of Dow, which believes that propylene glycol is non-irritating to skin and harmless to aquatic life. They sell it.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Silk Aether Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadow in Gossamer Wing

Rouge Bunny Rouge, one of my favorite beauty companies, makes a Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadow (in the U.S. $45 at Beautyhabit) that caress your skin with the ease of a butterfly wing beat, so that your lids appear smooth and renewed while coated with a semi-matte, slightly luminous color. Rouge Bunny Rouge sent me Gosssamer Wing (#085) last summer, and I've been enjoying it since.

All Rouge Bunny Rouge products grow from the Enchanted Garden with a story...
Deep inside one of the Enchanted Garden's dense jungles, surrounded by thick and leafy rainforest, lies the Butterfly Makers' Workshop. As the hot monsoon rains drum down upon its roof, inside there is serene calm, as hundreds of the most skillful tailors labor lovingly over exquisitely fine fabrics, cutting and moulding them with a precision that only a select few can ever manage to attain. Rolls of light and airy chiffon, luxuriant velvet, delicate white batiste, and sparkling brocade are cut, smoothed, and shaped by the expert fingers of the craftsmen. A tailor will close his eyes, and fabric in hand, imagine on a mental canvas the image of a perfect, elegant butterfly. After many hours of work, the outline of smooth wings becomes apparent, absent of the smallest crinkle. It is said that some of the butterflies are so perfect that they burst forth from the fingers of the tailors. Acquiring a life of their own, they mingle with the light and fly away into the rainforest, gently flapping their smooth, silky wings.

How magical! Inspired by these very butterflies that sprang to life, Rouge Bunny Rouge introduced Silk Aether Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadow. The Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadows are an irresistible combination of exceptionally long-wear, non-crease, richly pigmented and smudge-proof qualities in one formula. The extreme long-lasting effect is delivered through synthetic filming polymers, which ensure a perfect appearance all day.

The light, mousse-like texture ensures an effortless application. Best control is achieved by innovative silicon waxes and gels in combination with beeswax. Rouge Bunny Rouge added Para Cress Flower Extract to stimulate natural skin lifting capabilities and Coffee Extract to increase collagen and elastin production while also enhancing the natural skin defenses. The airtight vials protect the precious formula; the soft sponge applicators allow me to pick up the perfect amount of product with each application and also layer it if I want more color. Apply one layer, and you will achieve a satin wash. Apply a stronger application, and the shadow will become opaque, slightly metallic, and a darker hue of the same color.

The packaging is perfect to take along in your makeup bag in case you want to refresh your makeup before a night on the town. However, I've found that this eye shadow says on a very long time, so I don't have to refresh it after work.

Gossamer Wing could not be a more perfect neutral combination for me - for anyone, I'll bet. Rouge Bunny Rouge describes it as a perfect match of a velvety café latte, paired with the most flattering, silky luminous beige.

I applied it using its own sponge-tipped applicator and evened it out without blending it into my arm too much. I took my swatch photo in one of the rare moments today when we had sunshine peeking through the clouds.

The darker shade at the top of my arm is easy to see. The lighter shade, a perfect base or brightening color, is shown below. I can see the lighter shade in the photo; I hope you can. It is a tiny bit more beige than my skin, and it's definitely more luminous (without being sparkly).

Rouge Bunny Rouge offers tips for application. You can line, shade, and contour your eyes sheerly or in a more dramatic way. Use the lighter shade to highlight the inner corners of the eyes and the area underneath the brow bones. Use the slightly deeper shade along the crease to add a natural looking contour. Blend the two shades together to create a flawless nude finish and an even tone along the lids.

For an added boost of longevity, dab and blend a pea-sized amount of Aqua Primer, Mattifying Primer, or Luminous Skin Wand over your clean lid. Follow by applying Duo Cream Eye Shadow for a waterproof, long-lasting base for your favorite powdered eye shadow. For natural looking, bright, and luminous eyes, blend either shade of the Duo Cream Eye Shadow from the lash line to just underneath the brow’s edge using Rouge Bunny Rouge's Large Shader Brush #003.

You can see the ingredients here. To order, hop over to Rouge Bunny Rouge or Beautyhabit.

Photo at top courtesy of Rouge Bunny Rouge; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

MOROCCANOIL Body Dry Body Oil

I adore dry oils for the face and body, so imagine my delight when MOROCCANOIL Body sent me their Dry Body Oil ($48) to try. It was nestled in a box with other wonderful products, but my eyes went straight to the Body Oil. Like all MOROCCCANOIL Body products, it comes in a beautiful turquoise box. The oil comes with a regular white screw-on cap, and the sprayer to replace it is nestled in an insert next to the bottle. It's as classy as it gets.

Described as instant moisture that achieves soft, silky results, MOROCCANOIL Body Dry Body Oil Fragrance Originale infuses skin with the antioxidant-rich, nourishing properties of argan oil rich in essential fatty acids, as well as olive and avocado oils. The weightless formula absorbs very quickly to lock in moisture, while soothing dry areas and improving overall skin texture and tone. It is delicately fragranced with the signature MOROCCANOIL scent called Fragrance Originale that evokes to me a beach in paradise. It doesn't smell like suntan lotion or coconut, but it reminds me of sun, sand, and waves. Perhaps I have an active imagination.

If I'm really dry, I will apply the oil extravagantly, pouring a bit into my palm and applying it after a shower. Under normal circumstances (when I'm dry, but not parched), I use the sprayer and apply a light film that I massage into my skin - often right before bed).

I know that you were first aware of MOROCCANOIL as an excellent hair product. There is a really fun YouTube video on the company's site featuring Rosie Huntington-Whitley and her tousled, glamorous hair.

Back to the body products, there are many different types. MOROCCANOIL takes care of all skin types in various delectable scents. Fleur d'Oranger is one of my favorites. You can check them out at the company's Web site or Nordstrom. I think Barneys New York may carry it too. I have other treasures to show you, so I'll be featuring them often.

MOROCCANOIL Body's products are paraben-free. The Dry Body Oil is made in Canada. Shipping is free, and with orders of $55 or more, you will receive a complimentary (and wonderful) hand cream sample. Give them a try!

Photos courtesy of MOROCCANOIL

The Friday Forum Plus Chantecaille Lip Chic for Spring 2016

Chantecaille's Lip Chics ($36) for Spring looked very pretty in the promotional photo, but they are even better in person. I swatched them yesterday at Neiman Marcus. I wanted you to see the three new shades.

Chantecaille's Lip Chic is a hybrid between a lip gloss and lipstick - my kind of lip color.  It combines the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss with the rich, even coverage of a lipstick. The exceptionally comfortable formula is easy to apply and creates an even finish that is shiny and beautiful. Lip Chic leaves lips looking fuller and decidedly more youthful in appearance - and never irritated. Lip Chics apply with an incredibly soft, lightweight texture and helps smooth the appearance of the lips.

Gaia is shown at the top of my arm. It's a soft, shimmering earthy caramel. Wild Poppy, shown in the middle, is a sheer, vibrant poppy red with a touch of coral. Red Juniper is a classic and sophisticated berry red. My photo was taken in full sun.

I was afraid that Wild Poppy might be too coral for me, but it's not - it's beautiful. Gaia is my kind of nude/brown shade, and Red Juniper is the only kind of red I can wear. It has enough sheerness that I look bright and natural, not like a kid  playing grownup.

Now I want all three of these shades, which can be found at Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frederick Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's locations, and Chantecaille's Web site.

We had a snow storm Monday of this week (5-6 inches), that washed away with heavy rains the next morning. Now, the predictions are for a 60+ degree weekend. It's already pothole hell here. I imagine that some roads will be impassable by next week. I look for the holes, but some catch me by surprise. I see a re-alignment job in my future in the spring.

It's time for The Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope you are ready to share, especially since it's still Beauty Event in the stores.

Photos couresty of Chantecaille and by Best Things in Beauty