BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Shimmering Skin Perfector Slimlight in Champagne Pop

I have to admit that I am not a fan of YouTube videos about beauty or makeup application. I find most of them time-consuming. I can read quickly, but I can't fast forward on videos and "get the message." That's why I had no idea who Jaclyn Hill was when her Collection for BECCA was suddenly "everywhere" on Sephora. I was intrigued, not because of Jaclyn Hill, but rather because the products looked gorgeous. To see the entire collection, hop over to this link.

Apparently, BECCA and Sephora noticed that Ms. Hill is not only popular but also a big fan of BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector, and they asked her if she would like to collaborate in creating a highlighter that would work for everyone. The result? Champagne Pop, a universal shade that works with both warm and cool tones.

I purchased several pieces from the collection and still haven't made the time to photograph them and feature them here. However, the newest piece is the Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector Slimlight ($28), so I decided to start by featuring it. Considered a celebratory extension of the earliest items in the Champagne Collection, it's intended to allow you to sculpt your favorite features with layers of light and color for the perfect, customized glow in a peachy white gold shade.

Shimmering Skin Perfector Slimlight is a targeted wand that’s perfect for precision highlighting to achieve the iconic BECCA glow on the go. The cream formula highlights and brightens specific areas of the face with a subtle luminosity. Use it anywhere you would use a highlighter: at the top of your cheekbones, on the inner corner of your eyelids, down the center line of your nose, in the cupid's bow of your lips - anywhere you want to brighten your face. The wand makes application fast and easy.

It is handy to throw into your makeup bag if you find you need a pick-up mid-day. I use it at home, and its radiance lasts all day.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sun. It was very bright outside, and because the Champagne Pop shade is light, it was hard to get a photo that showed its true color. The picture below was my best.

I remember reading in Allure (I think) about a year ago that highlighters were on their way out. Makeup artists were using moisturizers - under and over makeup - to give the skin a glow. They do that; it's not a new concept. However, highlighters are more popular than ever. I like this one and its sister products. BECCA and Jaclyn Hill clearly hit the spot with their collaboration.

You can purchase it at Sephora.

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

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush and The Friday Forum

BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush ($34) is a curated, colorful collection of six lustrous blushes to let your cheeks glow with light. I was attracted to it by Sephora's offer to provide it to VIB Rouge members early, and I'm so glad I took advantage of the offer.

The blush is available in six shades, and I did something uncharacteristic. I selected a coral shade, Snapdragon, not my "comfort zone" shade. I recall there were only two shades available as part of the "early purchase offer."

BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush features multi-dimensional, versatile blushes to create a subtle, shimmering flush. Specially designed to flatter all skin tones, this collection is inspired by the fan-favorite Shimmering Skin Perfector - just the right balance of color and light. Wear them alone for subtle blushed luminosity or as a blush topper layered on top of your favorite matte blush for an added pop of radiance. 

That's BECCA's advice, but I can't see me using Snapdragon as a topper blush. It's so beautiful as it is. Have I been captivated by coral? The unique thing about this coral is that it's very pink-heavy. I would have described it as a warm pink.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. Just took at that beautiful sky reflected in the compact's mirror for proof. I believe that my photo of the compact is more true to the actual shade than Sephora's, which I placed at the top of this feature. The photo below in the color lineup of all six shades is more representative of Snapdragon.

My swatch photo shows how gorgeous this blush is on the skin. As usual, I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photo in full sun. I applied the blush fairly heavily for the photo, but I'm sure you can translate my swatch into a revelation of the shade's color when applied to the skin with a blush brush.

Look at its gorgeous color! I'd call it a warm pink - a shade that will appeal to many. The shade is definitely not coral. I was rewarded for taking a chance on it.

The luminosity of this blush is real. It's not sparkly, but it does offer a subtle shimmering touch of radiance to the cheeks. Now I want more. The photo below shows all six shades. Which ones would you select? The caption is hard to read. From left to right, they are Camellia, Tigerlily, Foxglove, Snapdragon, Blushed Copper, and Dahlia - all floral names except for Blushed Copper. Go figure.

I think I need Camellia. Who knows? I might indulge myself with Blushed Copper too. It would make a gorgeous bronzer.

There you have it - a very nice new blush, inspired by BECCA's popular Shimmering Skin Perfector. If you know and appreciate that one, you will love this blush. I purchased mine at Sephora. You can also find it at BECCA's Web site.

I have a very early-morning meeting tomorrow (and I must watch the season finale of The Blacklist tonight), so I'll publish The Friday Forum here as a two-in-one feature. The e-mail notice of this feature will not go out until tomorrow. 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 to see you in the comments.

I'll leave you with a photo of a Siberian iris blooming in my garden. The clump had just started to bloom last weekend when I snapped this photo.

Photos at top and of the color lineup courtesy of BECCA; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé in Fig/Opal, Guava/Moonstone, and Raspberry/Opal

When I wrote about BECCA's Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé Lychee/Opal ($27), one of six shades, I said I'd be going back for more. I did. I purchased Fig/Opal, Guava/Moonstone, and Raspberry/Opal on Round 2. They are shown in that order from left to right immediately below.

A four-in-one air-whipped soufflé formula adds a flush of color to cheeks. The ultra-lightweight formula packs four must-have qualities into one formula: a powder to add a pop of color, a stain to give staying power, an illuminating highlighter, and a cream to deliver a flawless finish. Water-resistant, each pot combines Becca’s bestselling Beach Tint with a Shimmering Skin Perfector for effortlessly buildable, complexion-enhancing color, soothing hydration, and a youthful glow.

The soufflé is made by pulverizing Beach Tint and Shimmering Skin Perfector pigments and pearls into an ultrafine powder, which is then combined with a proprietary blend of liquids, and whipped into a delicate soufflé. It definitely applies like a cream. The result? Glorious!

I took swatch photos in full, bright, mid-day sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the shades to my arm. I started at the top with Fig/Opal, continued with Guava/Moonstone, and finished at the bottom with Raspberry/Opal. I am just as happy with these shades as I was with Lychee/Opal.

Fig/Opal is described as a nude infused with golden opal. If you think about the luscious fruit you see when you cut into a fig, you may get a mental image of the Shimmer Soufflé shade. Guave/Moonstone is described as coral infused with pale gold. It's more peach than coral, but the color is so pretty, I won't quibble over its description.

Raspberry/Opal is the unique one among my four. It is described as raspberry infused with golden opal. When you look at it in the pot, that's what you see. On the skin, though, it's a vivid warm pink - one that really perks up my cheeks.

I love these little pots of gleaming wonder. If I were to get picky, I would criticize their size. It's a little hard to work within the confines of the pots if you wish to use a brush to apply the creams. I can't even imagine how one would use BECCA's recommended The One Perfecting Brush. If you use your fingers, you'll find the diameter perfectly acceptable. Given that they are only $27, that is a picky observation.

Sephora still has them in stock. Given how quickly they blew out of there when first stocked, I think you might want to order soon before they disappear again.

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

BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé in Lychee/Opal

I had a feeling when I ordered one - just one - BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé ($27) that I'd be back for more. It felt the same as the occasion when I ordered every single shade of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, practicing much less self-indulgence.  Exercising a new frugality, I ordered Lychee/Opal, one of six shades, hoping that if I liked it I could order additional shades. I did, and I did.

A four-in-one air-whipped soufflé formula adds a flush of color to cheeks. The ultra-lightweight formula packs four must-have qualities into one formula: a powder to add a pop of color, a stain to give staying power, an illuminating highlighter, and a cream to deliver a flawless finish. Water-resistant, each pot combines Becca’s bestselling Beach Tint with a Shimmering Skin Perfector for effortlessly buildable, complexion-enhancing color, soothing hydration, and a youthful glow.

The soufflé is made by pulverizing Beach Tint and Shimmering Skin Perfector pigments and pearls into an ultrafine powder, which is then combined with a proprietary blend of liquids, and whipped into a delicate soufflé. It definitely applies like a cream. The result? Glorious!

I took swatch photos in full, late-afternoon sun. I applied Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé with a sponge-tipped applicator. I did not attempt to blend it because I wanted to show you its stunning color.

Described as bubble gum pink infused with golden opal - which tells me little - the blended shade is a gleaming warm rose. It's a very hard color to describe. Is it a peach rose or a warm rose? I don't know, and I don't care. I'm smitten by the color.

This product really has four possible uses. I like using it as a highlighter on my cheekbones over my blush.  It provides a pop of shiny color that lasts all day.

I've ordered the more shades. If I like them as much as I love Lychee/Opal, I'll be delighted. I think you should give these beauties serious consideration. I purchased mine from Sephora. Don't let BECCA's model photo below scare you. The colors can be applied sheerly for a natural look. The intense color on the model shot is dramatic - intended for marketing, not real life.

First and last photos courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

BECCA Rose Gold Shimmering Skin Perfector

BECCA's Rose Gold Shimmering Skin Perfector ($38) sold out during Sephora's V.I.B. sale. I was one of the lucky ones who ordered it. That was basically preordained, given my love for rose gold. The lovely, creamy powder luminizer has a geometric embossed finish in a limited-edition "holiday shade." Who on earth would consign this gorgeous highlighting powder to the holidays?

Sephora has already taken down all the information about it, but you can still see a video on Sephora's YouTube channel. This long-lasting, ultra-fine powder offers luminescent pearls to reflect light in "complex ways," ensuring that your skin doesn’t lose its glow when you step inside or out.

I took swatch photos when I still thought you could purchase it. If you like them, let's hope Sephora re-orders and that the sold sign will suddenly flip to available. Plus, you know it's going to show up on eBay. People who purchased it for 20% off will be trying to sell it for full price (or more). Perhaps there is one remaining in a store near you. See the comments for additional sources. Oddly, I had searched for it at BECCA's Web site, and it didn't come up. It's there!  Also at Beautyhabit.

I took my photos in full morning sunshine. You can see how beautifully the powder reflects light. I applied the top swatch heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. The larger swatch below was applied with a dense kabuki brush - and much less heavily, but more intensely than I would apply it to my face.

Is it pretty? I think so - very pretty. Is it the only rose gold highlighter, meaning that you should go straight to makeup jail if you didn't order it? Fear not. The color is actually quite close to the rose gold shade in Bobbi Brown's Nude Glow Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2013. Check out my swatch photos and see what you think.

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

Becca Beach Tint Duo Flash Giveaway Contest

This contest has ended. Congratulations to our winner, Erin!

Becca's Beach Tint Duo ($16) is a set of two-in-one cream stains for cheeks and lips. I have one set of these little wonders to give away. I decided the set should be one reader's Easter present.

Stain your lips and cheeks with a natural wash of color. Becca’s bestselling beach tints, Watermelon (bright pink) and Fig (tea rose), are beautifully blendable creams enriched with antioxidant vitamin E. Water-resistant and subtly scented according to each fruity shade, they are perfect for a day at the beach - or a day that just feels like one. Dermatologically tested, these award-winning editor favorites dry to a streak-free, natural finish.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Sunday, March 31, at 5:00 pm EDT. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winners. I will e-mail the winners on Sunday afternoon. The winners will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. If the sample is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it. I'll be sending the samples to the winners in padded envelopes.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

BECCA Mineral Blush in Flowerchild

It had been a very long time since I had used a BECCA product. I was quite a fan at one point in my life. Then I purchased something - now I don't remember what - that  smelled like a raccoon in heat. I returned it to Sephora. That one product soured me on BECCA.

Now, after reading about BECCA's new business plan and marketing strategy (think skin), I was game for trying again, assuming that the smelly product had to be history by now. During Sephora's recent V.I.B. sale, I browsed for pretties and settled on BECCA's new Mineral  Blush ($32) in Flowerchild. I was shopping online, and even though other shades looked like they might be equally nice, I went with the safe warm pink. I could not be more pleased. Plus, it has no detectable scent!

Mineral Blush is a delicate powder blush infused with micro-fine minerals that deliver a soft glow. Impart a soft halo of color onto the apples of your cheeks with this delicate powder that subtly reflects the light and casts a luminous glow. Formulated with a natural mineral complex and infused with antioxidant vitamins A, E, and C, this blush nourishes and conditions skin for a smooth, illuminated complexion. 

Add to BECCA's description the fact that the finish this blush leaves on the skin is darn near perfect - a sheen that perks up your cheeks and makes you look happy. BECCA says it's fun to layer Mineral Blush over Beach Tint, so there may be another BECCA purchase in my immediate future.

I took my swatch photos in full sun, swatching heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and applying the larger swatch below with a kabuki brush. Isn't the color beautiful?

The beautiful sheen provides no hint of sparkles, so it's great for office wear/daytime. Did I mention the color? This blush is so flattering, I started wearing it to work the moment I photographed it. Perhaps someone thought of me as a flower child. I belong to the right era.

I did notice when I ordered, remembering that raccoon, that BECCA uses no parabens or synthetic fragrances in this blush, and it's also free of alcohol, oil, chemical dyes, and talc. You can see the ingredients at this link.

I think I need to try Sweetpea next. I'm having trouble choosing a shade of Beach Tint using the online swatches, and I know I love the Mineral Blush.You can purchase BECCA Mineral Blush at Sephora, where I purchased mine, or at BECCA's Web site.

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