Filed In: Bronzers
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice & N°6 Sienne
Recently launched from YSL Beauté, is Les Sahariennes Sun-Kissed Blur Perfector Healthy Glow Balm-Powder (CAN $60.00, available in 6 shades in Canada – 7 shades elsewhere), a product that is the first of its kind and one that merges the faux glow of a bronzer with the pore/fine-line minimizing power of a primer – all in a hybrid balm-to-powder formulation.
This new and unique formula is meant to:
- disguise imperfections
- smooth the complexion
- enhance skin’s ‘vibrant solar radiance’ (I’m guessing that means sun-kissed glow)
- buildable to create a natural, healthy glow all year-round
The unique texture – not quite a balm, nor a powder – but one that starts off silky and slightly slippery, quickly morphs into a soft second-skin powdery finish without any visible shimmer, but neither is it completely flat – leaving a very natural appearance upon the skin. According to the brand:
“Les Sahariennes is the first patented sun-kissed powder-in-balm by YSL Beauté. Concentrated, yet surprisingly lightweight, it transforms from balm to optical powder upon application. The formula contains a combination of volatile oils; once applied, they evaporate leaving the skin’s surface a matte bronze finish which perfects the complexion and minimizes pores“
The compacts bear the brand’s signature Casandre logo in gold set against a cushioned deep amber lid (which can appear tortoise-shell patterned at certain angles), protected by a dual-pocket velour pouch (*NOTE: do not place the compact face down on non-fabric surfaces, as it will stick with almost suction-like strength. I learned that the hard way). The included applicator is dual ended, with a soft brush on one side and a flat velvet sponge on the other which works well for on-the-go touchups, but I prefer the control I get with my own regular sized brushes and/or beauty sponges. The product is pleasantly scented – a cross between green & floral – and while it’s not strong for me, those with sensitivities may want to take note.
The two shades I was sent for review, work perfectly with my skin tone, and while N°6 Sienne was initially much too dark for me to use at first, it has become indispensable now that I’ve returned from holiday with a tan. Both shades seem to have rosy undertones which I feel more accurately mimic the effects of the sun (as opposed to a yellowish base, that can make skin look sallow and/or muddy). This formula seems to take a little while to set 100%, which actually works in its favour as you have ample time to properly buff it into the skin – or even blend two shades, if desired – for a true-to-life sun kissed look.
On my recent holiday, I was determined to minimize my sun exposure, as my bone-headed sun practices in the past have resulted in hyper pigmentation issues, especially on my face (forehead, cheeks and chin). Therefore, my beauty bag had more bronzers and such than actual makeup – with Les Sahariennes sharing top spot. As my vacation progressed and I started getting some colour, I enhanced my complexion with these two little miracle workers; my preferred method is to apply N°3 Épice on broad areas of the face where evening out of my skin tone is needed (using a dense brush such as the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush), then going in with N°6 Sienne along the tops of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, forehead, and lightly along the chin – mimicking the fresh glow of a day spent at the beach. This two-pronged effect is incredible; not only does it make my skin look perfectly and evenly tanned (PS: never forget to apply to the tops of ears and down the neck), but the blurring properties minimize pores so that my skin also looks flawless. This is hands-down, one of the most incredible two-in-one products I’ve come across in years.
Another bonus is that the darker shades can also be used in a contouring capacity, and as this formula is incredibly lightweight as well as effortlessly blendable without any strong shimmer to mess things up, the effect is quite natural looking – just don’t forget to buff, buff, buff for a seamless look.
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder with applicator & sleeve
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice & N°6 Sienne
N°3 Épice is the lighter of the two and even though it appears somewhat beige-y in the pan, it holds just enough pink in the base to warm it up beautifully. A few weeks ago (and pre-holiday) my skin was several degrees lighter, so this shade worked beautifully as a very natural-looking bronzer, but now that I’m sporting more of a tan, I have been using N°3 Épice as an allover base to unify my skin tone (works like magic against my light hyper pigmentation issues).
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice swatches
N°6 Sienne is the darker of the two hues, bearing a caramel-like colour and light ruddy tints for extra warmth and impact. Before my holiday-tanned skin, I would use this with a stippling brush, picking up a light amount and gently buffing it into the skin – mainly in areas where the sun would naturally hit (upper cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose); in that capacity, it looks like the most spectacular tan (without any of the effort involved acquiring it – bonus!). Even with my presently tanned skin, I still prefer to use this the same way, but I’m able to load up my brush a bit more (and usually applied over a light layer of N°3 Épice) – makes my skin look like I’ve just spent the day beachside.
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°6 Sienne
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice & N°6 Sienne swatches
Ingredients: Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Fragrance, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Paraffin, Silica, Benzyl Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Linalool
Once the warmer weather hits, it’s usually all about bronzers and/or bronzed skin and brands have really stepped up their game in this area, introducing more natural looking formulas and lightweight textures. The YSL Beauté Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder takes that concept a step further with the addition of a blurring agent, helping to provide a gorgeously flawless (but never fake-looking) glow to the skin. I like how the included applicator is in a separate pocket of the velour sleeve – this way, it doesn’t take away from the size/amount of the actual product, and while said applicator is ok in a pinch, I still prefer the precision and control I achieve by using my own brushes. With 6 shades to choose from, I would say that there is a colour to suit all complexions except perhaps the darkest, although you’d have to test that out at counter to be sure, as even deep skin tones can always use some evening out.
Available now through all YSL Beauté counters across Canada, Sephora and sephora.com, The Bay and thebay.com (direct links provided for convenience), and Holt Renfrew. Find more information via yslbeautyus.com
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
CHANEL | Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder
The CHANEL Collection Méditerranée for Summer 2015, draws inspiration from the French Riviera, that luxe seaside resort area of France that was so beloved of Coco Chanel. Drawing upon the intense colour palette of azure skies, vivid beach umbrellas, and glowing tanned bodies, one of the undisputed stars of the collection is the Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder Limited Edition: a heart-stopping beautiful bronzer in the form of the brand’s signature camellia blossom and a product you won’t want to put a brush to … it’s THAT stunning.
Vintage poster from the 20’s of the French Riviera
CHANEL | Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder, ingredients list
CHANEL | Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder, velour sleeve and included brush
Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder, Limited Edition (CAN $76.00) is a soft beige/tan bronzer bearing an ultra finely-milled shimmer to achieve that gorgeous sun kissed glow, in a perfect blend of both cool and warm tones that render it wearable by basically all skin tones along the spectrum (with the exception of the darkest complexions, for which this will be much too light to appear). Encased in a protective velour sleeve with an outside pocket to hold the included brush (well made quality-wise and great for on-the-go touchups, but I still prefer to use my own brushes – in particular CHANEL’s N°2 Powder/Contour brush that works beautifully with this product), the powder comes in the shape of the brand’s signature camellia blossom, with each petal clearly visible and bearing a cross-hatch pattern on the surface, delicately scented and virtually undetectable once applied.
As with all bronzers, bear in mind that it will develop; in other words, after initial application, step back and wait a few minutes before going in with more product, since the colour will deepen as it merges with the warmth and natural oils of your skin (this tip will save you from accidentally overdoing it).
The surface of the powder is slightly hard (similar to that of CHANEL’s baked products) but does not affect what the brush picks up whatsoever; in fact, there is hardly any kickback at all (at least, none that I could see) when you swirl your brush across the surface, making for less waste overall. The shade is a bit of a paradox and depending on the angle/light, can appear either cool (beige) or warm (tan), but once applied that’s when the magic happens; what emerges along the skin is like stuff dreams are made of (ok, that’s probably going a little far, but seriously … it’s like CHANEL has found a source of unicorn dust to infuse this product with. Yeah, that was a stretch too ∗shrugs∗). As stated earlier, the product begins to fuse with the warmth and natural oils of the skin, and takes on a sun kissed lustre, giving a ‘fresh from a beach walk’ appearance and overall super healthy glow (an effect due to that ultra fine shimmer, I suspect), becoming even better with the wearing. As to longevity and when applied over foundation or primer, I easily get 9-10 hours of wear, before noticing any fading.
CHANEL Lumière d’Été swatch, direct sunlight – applied heavy & blended out
CHANEL Lumière d’Été swatch, alternate light – applied heavy & blended out
If you’re a bronzer or CHANEL enthusiast, you NEED this. With the multitude of bronzers recently released for the Summer season from every imaginable brand there is, the Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder still manages to stand out by virtue of its impeccable finish and tone. Combining a distinctly elegant visual aesthetic (seriously though … that camellia flower pattern is to die for) with unbelievable quality, is something that CHANEL has become known for, and I am totally planning on getting a backup – something you might want to think about as well, especially since it is a limited edition product. Just saying.
Available as of May 4 at all CHANEL counters across the country, find more information on the brand by visiting chanel.com
Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter (LE)
Maybe it’s because I’m a Summer-baby (born in July), or possibly because I always wanted to be a mermaid (my lack of strong swimming skills basically killed that idea), or most likely because I am still obsessed with – and constantly reach for – last year’s limited edition bronzers from Elizabeth Arden, but the minute I laid eyes (see my preview post here) on this Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter (created by the incredibly talented Rebecca Restreppo – Global Makeup Artist for Elizabeth Arden, and one of the most genuine women it has ever been my pleasure to meet)) with its seashell and pearl pattern, the anticipation began to build: it would be mine.
Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter, ingredients list
Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter with demi-lune brush
Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter in Warm Pearl 01 (CAN $48.00) is a gorgeous trio in a clamshell/pearl embossed pattern that consists of 2 bronzing shades (lighter tan on the left/largest portion – deeper tan on the right) and a softly shimmering pink highlighter hue, which also comes with an included silver metallic demi-lune brush, in a pearly white case with a large clear window on the cover (made in Italy – major points scored for that). The quality of the brush is surprisingly good, with a wide enough shape to apply broad sweeps of colour but with enough density to the bristles that it can also be used along its side for more precise application. That being said, I still prefer using my own brushes for the job just the same (I usually use several brushes for bronzer application, so maybe it’s a personal thing).
Key ingredients:
- Vitamin E – protectant against environmental stressors which contribute to visible signs of aging
- Argan Oil – rich in beneficial nutrients including fatty acids, to help keep skin feeling soft and moisturized
- Illuminating Microlight Minerals – optical diffusers that work to scatter light and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles
The quality of the two tan powders is buttery soft and non-powdery whatsoever – the same applies to the highlighter, for the record. The largest & lightest tan portion is camel-coloured and slightly peach/rose tinted, appearing to have more shimmer than the deeper bronzing hue, although that shimmer is so incredibly fine-milled that it serves to add radiance to the face – without being obvious about it. The darker bronzing section is more of a true tan colour, although subtlety is the operating word for the shades of this compact, meaning that it will be hard to overdo things (which is a very good point, where bronzers are concerned). The pink highlighter portion has the most obvious shimmer of the three, but once again it’s so finely milled that it adds luminosity and stays far away from the dreaded mirror-ball effect. It should be stated that while all three hues lean on the warm side, I can definitely see the lighter bronzing portion working beautifully on those with very fair skin, while the highlighter has enough pigmentation to even double as a light blush. For dark/very dark complexions, I suspect that the highlighter section will be the only usable shade of the trio – and will look simply awesome in that capacity.
When all three shades are combined, the effect is a perfect merging of light bronze and light pink reflection (note: the darker bronzing section can be built up for more depth) and fuses beautifully with the skin’s natural oils, giving off a healthy-looking, sun kissed glow. As with all bronzers, these shades “develop”; what that means, is that after initial application, wait a few minutes before adding more as the product will develop & evolve with your skin’s warmth and natural oils. This tip will save you from ever overdoing it, trust me.
Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter, individual shade swatches
Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter, all three shades blended
I’ve probably said this a million times before, but Elizabeth Arden is a brand that has been flying under most people’s radar for quite some time now – but here’s the thing: the products are truly amazing. As a beauty blogger, I’m fortunate enough to get to try many different brands, while as a consumer I’m also quite selective about which brands finally make it to my vanity table – and all I can say, is that just like last year’s versions, the Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter delivers. I personally wish it were also available in a darker triad of shades, but since the entire scope of the collection is more about an ethereal aquatic theme, then this grouping makes sense. With regards to packaging, I’m a little torn; on the one hand, the plastic compact keeps things lightweight and it really is pretty with its pearly gleam, but feels more ‘drugstore’ than ‘department store’ which is so totally at odds with the exceptional quality of the actual product. At the end of the day, it should always be about the quality, but as I’m a sucker for more luxe-looking packaging (especially with a brand like this which totally deserves to be showcased better) I would say that if Elizabeth Arden needs to work on anything, it’s that. Certainly not a deal-breaker however and knowing what I do about their products, that doesn’t stop me from highly recommending this little beauty. Just remember that it is limited edition, so fair warning.
Available now through select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores, London Drugs and Hudson’s Bay (direct link provided for your convenience). More information via elizabetharden.ca
Press sample kindly provide for my unbiased consideration & contains affiliate links
MAKE UP FOR EVER | Pro Sculpting Duo & N°156 Flat Blush Brush
Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration
Lately it seems that the beauty world can’t get enough of contouring/highlighting products and to that end, MAKE UP FOR EVER has recently released their take on this trend with the Pro Sculpting Duo (CAN $45.00/available in 2 sets of shades). The simple flat black compact, opens up to reveal a product of intense visual appeal, embossed with a honey-comb like pattern on the surface and the intricate – yet delicate – shimmer of the highlighter. Seriously, I can just sit and stare at it for hours.
Created with skin-enhancing ingredients including Spherical Powders and Polymers to smooth and perfect the skin, light-reflecting Synthetic Mica for radiance, and Micronized Pigments of pure colour, this duo will help provide a naturally defined appearance without seeming obvious, eliminating the usual harsh demarcation lines that you sometimes experience with similar products. Personally, I’m not one for over-the-top or detailed Kardashian-style contouring, although there are areas of the face that I don’t mind deflecting with a little bit of beauty illusion (jawline, sides of the face). Depending on your face shape, there are some understated measures you can apply using contour/highlight to help balance features out:
- Long – focus along the chin and upper portion of the neck, hairline along the forehead, tops of cheekbones
- Oval – focus on the tip of the chin, sides of the neck, smooth arc from temples to tops of cheekbones
- Square – focus on the sides of the face and neck, keeping the centre portion of the face free (with the exception of along the sides of the nose, if needed)
- Triangle – focus placed on the lower 2/3 of the face, upper cheek area & cheekbones, sides of jaw and neck, keeping the chin free
- Round – focus lightly along the upper cheek/cheekbone area, sides of jawline and neck, keeping the forehead and chin free
- Inverted Triangle – focus along the hairline at the forehead, upper cheek/cheekbone area, tip of the chin and sides of the neck
At the end of the day, it’s about creating dimension and avoiding a flat, 1-dimensional look to the skin – and that’s where highlighting/contouring products really come in to their own; the Pro Sculpting Duo just made that job a little bit easier, by combining both products in one travel-friendly compact.
MAKE UP FOR EVER | Pro Sculpting Duo & N°156 Flat Blush Brush
Pro Sculpting Duo 01 (Pink Beige) is the cooler-toned of the two versions available. This unique gel-powder formula (talc-free) is incredibly lightweight feeling upon the skin and created with the most finely-milled texture imaginable, meaning it will be virtually undetectable when applied for a ‘natural & accented appearance’. What is hard to capture in photos, is the complex shimmer of the highlighter portion, with its subtle pink iridescence that provides gorgeous light refraction properties – and how beautiful it looks (as well as, behaves) with one’s complexion.
By comparison, I find that the contour section a touch amber-leaning in colour and too warm to be used as a contouring product in the traditional sense, although I am nonetheless surprised to see how well it works in that context just the same – I’m guessing that the reason for this is due to the texture of the powder, which presents beautiful blending potential. Personally, I prefer using this portion more in a bronzer capacity, as it provides a gorgeously tanned & long-lasting glow, or even swirled together with the highlighter for a unique shade that can then be used along the high points of the face where light naturally hits (tops of cheekbones, temples, bridge of the nose, brow bone, or cupid’s bow). Either way, it’s really lovely and subtle enough to give skin colour, dimension, and luminosity.
N°156 Flat Blush Brush (CAN $43.00) is a synthetic haired brush of exceptionally soft bristles, bearing enough density to deliver a soft wash of colour to the skin. Slightly smaller than traditional blush brushes and with a thinner profile as well, this brush is excellent for those with smaller features, as well as for more precision work – or when you want more control over product placement (as opposed to a diffused swathe of product along the face). For the Pro Sculpting Duo, I prefer using this brush on the highlight portion only, as it picks up a light amount of product per swipe (making it difficult to overdo application, thankfully) but I found it to be much to soft for traditional contouring for using the darker portion of the compact (a denser-haired brush would be ideal in that capacity, but would still need to be lightly buffed in).
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Sculpting Duo 01 swatches (separately & blended)
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Sculpting Duo 01 swatches (separately & blended), alternate light
MAKE UP FOR EVER is a brand that continues to amaze me with their range and textures, as well as producing some of the best beauty tools in the industry and their newest Pro Sculpting Duo is a product that does not disappoint, even if I’m not exactly going to be using it for actual contouring per se. There’s something almost magical about the quality of this powder (both the highlight and tanned portions) that offers up limitless possibilities – from contouring (all dependent on your skin type and brush used), highlighter, bronzer, blush, or even eye shadow (which will look simply fab against a light tan) that make it well worth investigating & experimenting with. If you can make yourself mar that gorgeous surface first, however.
Available now through Sephora, sephora.com and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques.
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration
Recently launched at counters nationwide, Guerlain has added Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo (CAN $60.00/available in 4 shades) to their cult-fave Terracotta range of products. Created to provide you with ‘a healthy glow, as thought you have just returned from a weekend in the sun‘, this superfine face powder teams up with a sliver of blusher along one side so that when the two are swirled together, it imparts an instant shot of radiance … something that’s always welcome, in my book.
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo (ingredients)
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo 00 Light – Blondes | An ultra finely-milled and tinted pressed face powder in combination with a touch of blush, that is meant to be swirled together to provide the skin with a flush of colour — or that coveted ‘bonne mine’ effect. The pearlized and champagne coloured clamshell-shaped compact has a super thin profile, making it perfect for travel and to slip easily into one’s makeup bag, while the full-size mirror on the inner lid is great for on-the-go touch ups. This powder is strongly scented with Guerlain’s signature violet fragrance, which does lessen and dissipate with the wearing – but still worth noting for those with sensitivities.
The Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo should be thought of as more of a finishing product, although that doesn’t necessarily exclude it from being worn in several other ways as well – it all depends on your preferences and any complexion issues you wish to address. The shade I was kindly provided to try, 00 Light – Blondes, is the lightest of the 4 hues available and is quite close to my present skin tone, but will definitely be much too pale once my skin is lightly tanned. Nevertheless, I have found several ways to wear this product – from a light dusting on my bare & moisturized face (great for a quick complexion perk, as well as to create the illusion of a more even skin tone), over a BB or CC cream for a touch more coverage + hint of sun-kissed colour, or over foundation and buffed into the skin for a totally flawless finish.
The accompanying sliver of blush compliments the face powder colour and will not overpower the overall tone, but serves to add depth and dimension instead. Still, you can easily avoid the blush section, as the tanned portion is large enough to be applied on its own with a variety of brushes (although the opposite isn’t true & you’d need a rather thin brush to apply only the blush part – which basically defeats the entire purpose of this product anyway). Even though the Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo isn’t touted as being a mattifying product, an extra bonus is how well it managed to keep my skin’s natural oils to a minimum. With regards to longevity, I am able to get easily 8-9 hours of wear, a little less when applied on bare skin. The best part for me, however, is that this powder never seems cloying along my skin and the silky texture is so incredibly lightweight that I don’t even feel it being applied, but the finished result always amazes me – you know, where you can’t put your finger on it, but your skin just looks so good.
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo
Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo swatches
I am a huge fan of Guerlain’s face powders, in particular the Terracotta range of products, and I maintain that this brand has basically perfected the art of the finely-milled powder. And while I’m not fond of floral fragrances, I actually look forward to this unique scent which I’ve come to associate with the Guerlain name. The absolute genius of the Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo, is that depending on the shade selected, you basically have 1 product that can work as either: a face/finishing powder, bronzer, or blush even – and all in a texture that is the very definition of lightweight. Then there’s that chic little compact … yes, I’m a total sucker for details like that #sorrynotsorry
Available now at Guerlain counters across Canada. Find more information via guerlain.com
