Showing posts with label Sheer Shimmer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sheer Shimmer. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ultraflesh Shinebox Highlight and Shimmer Collection

My love affair with Ultraflesh continues. The multipurpose Shinebox Highlight and Shimmer Collection ($39) is one more reason why I think Ultraflesh is one of the most exciting new brands in my life. This compact for the eyes, lips, and cheeks is exquisite. I've had mine for many weeks. Although I told you about other Ultraflesh purchases first, I've probably used this beauty more than the others - so far.

"Now every angle is your perfect angle - day or night - with this chic and versatile compact that can be used to create a variety of looks. Formulated with an emollient cream-to-powder formulation, the shades hold up for maximum wear without ever creasing." Each of the five colors in the collection can be used anywhere the face.

The top level of the large fan-out compact is an "enhancer," or highlighting powder. The shade appears to be a golden pink in the compact, but on my skin, it's gold and gorgeous. The middle level contains two cream shimmers, sheer gold and sheer rose gold. Every time I apply one, I'm struck by their elegance; everything about these cream shimmers is divine.

The lower level houses two Secret Shimmer pencil highlighters/eyeliners. The shades are rose gold and platinum. These little pencils are the cat's meow. They are so creamy, I want to have them in lager sizes. I hope Ultraflesh is working on that. Surely they know that they have created some of the most heavenly pencils I've ever used! I have an Ultraflesh contact now, and I must tell her that I'm ready to shout my love from rooftops. Seriously, they are that good!

I took my swatch photos in full sun. I applied the pencils at the bottom of my arm directly from the pencil tips, but I applied all other shades with a sponge-tipped applicator - even the creams. The shades shimmer more in the sun than they do indoors, but they are highlighting shades.

The top swatch is the golden top-level enhancer. The two shades below are the sheer gold and rose gold cream shimmers. The two creamy pencil shades - rose gold and platinum - are at the bottom. Have you ever seen a compact with so many ways to shine?

Each time I have written about Ultraflesh, I have struggled to find enough superlatives to describe the shades. Shimmering, stunning, gorgeous, divine, extraordinary, exquisite - they all work. I'm sure I could use a thesaurus and find more adjectives to apply to the shades in the Shinebox Highlight and Shimmer Collection. You get the idea, though. This collection is a must-have. You need to go see it. Make sure to check out the Ultraflesh Bronze Metalika Bronze and Glow Collection too. You can see my swatches at this link.

Ultraflesh is sold exclusively by Sephora, which has a great 500-point Too Faced eye shadow bonus right now. I have been building up points this year because I've been unimpressed with the bonus choices. I think I am going to need a second Shinebox Highlight and Shimmer Collection, so I'm headed off to Sephora to shop. I'll be adding more Ultraflesh to my shopping basket - and a second Too Faced bonus if it's still available.

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

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Armani Beauty Sheer Shimmer #5 Illuminating Powder

This beauty showed up at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland in October - with the holiday collection - even though we think it's slated as a Spring 2010 introduction. Giorgio Armani Beauty's Sheer Shimmer #5 Poudre Enlumineur ($42) is the perfect illuminating powder.

Despite its very light color (it is more of a nude pink than this photo shows), it works beautifully with many skin tones. On my light skin, it adds an undeniable glow. So nice that I have already bought two! I'll admit to hoarding. The Eyes to Kill #1 palettes are history, and I had wanted a second. I've learned my lesson!

Loyd Cassler at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland showed me how Sheer Shimmer #5 works on just about any skin tone. He even mixed it on his brush with a bronzer and put it on his own skin (he still has a bit of a tan). His skin went from "merely great" to luminous. I was impressed.

I love this powder. Another winner from Armani Beauty!

You can purchase it at Saks in Chevy Chase, so I assume that other Saks Armani counters have it too. It's not available yet on the Armani Beauty Web site, but watch for its arrival in January.

P.S. The holiday eye and face palette (called Black Lace or Crystal Palette) is selling out. Don't delay if you want one.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty