Tag Archives: face powder

Charlotte Tilbury | Bar Of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter

Judging by the phenomenal success of Charlotte Tilbury’s eponymous beauty line, you’d think she has the Midas touch – and this Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter definitely makes a strong case for that (sorry…I couldn’t resist). With strobing not going away anytime soon coupled with warmer weather that’s just around the corner, there’s no better time to pull out the gleam and get your shine on; I don’t know about you, but who wouldn’t want their very own bar of gold to play with? Almost better than money in the bank, I tell you.

Charlotte Tilbury | Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter

Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter (CAN $48.00) | Created from the woman whose talented hands have graced countless celebrity faces for the red carpet, this highlighter is truly exceptional in how it performs. Made in Italy, the exterior metallic rose-gold cardboard packaging comes with a magnetic flip-top closure that shuts quite securely. I confess that the cardboard aspect threw me at first, since I was expecting something a bit more luxurious, but I’ve come to appreciate its lightweight nature.

Displaying a good mix of both cool and warm tones, Bar of Gold should suit a broad range of complexions, regardless of one’s undertone. Where this highlighter really stands out, however, is in the texture. So finely milled as to be almost creamy, it literally glides along the skin and imparts a generous glow that can be sheered out for daytime use or easily built up for more impact and drama – my preferred method of application lately, is with a slightly dampened beauty sponge, where I can stipple the product along the high planes of my face then blend any harsh edges away. Long-lasting, especially when applied over foundation, the radiance seems to get even better as it fuses with the warmth of your skin and natural oils, and all without emphasizing pores either.

Charlotte Tilbury | Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter

Charlotte Tilbury | Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter (ingredients list)

Charlotte Tilbury | Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter swatches

Charlotte Tilbury | Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter swatches (alternate light)

While definitely not on the subtle side, Bar of Gold Skin Gilding Highlighter is not just for those who want a little bit of kick in their highlighters, but a viable option for even the staunchest shimmer-phobe, since its excellent blendability means it can also be lightly dusted along the skin for just a whisper of glow, if desired. As even a little goes a long way, this one bar should probably last as long as the real deal, and while you may be tempted to place it in a vault like its namesake, my advice? Don’t. Go for this wearable gold instead.

Charlotte Tilbury products are available through Holt Renfrew in Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.charlottetilbury.com

Product sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder

April 8, 2016

With warmer temps fast approaching (although having snow fall in April is a little discouraging), my mind turns to all things sunny and topping that list is one of my favourite products, the Terracotta Bronzing Powder from Guerlain. This past January, I attended the private launch of their newly expanded range of this iconic powder, which now comes in 8 shades (compared to 4 previously), providing colour options from the fairest to dark complexions.

This special event was held at Le Richmond, a trendy eatery bordering Old Montréal and upon arrival, I was able to sit down with my dear friend, Maxime Poulin, International Makeup Artist for Guerlain Canada (along with the lovely head of PR, Josianne Gauthier) for a personalized Terracotta consultation. Within seconds, the shade he chose for me was not one I would have initially thought to go for, but his keen eye and expertise were proven correct as 01 Natural Brunettes is an absolutely perfect match for my light-medium skin tone.

Originally launched in 1984, Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powders were one of the very first powdered bronzers commercially available, quickly reaching cult status – and with good reason; their sublimely fine-milled texture which is infused with a moisturizing ingredient for a total skin-comforting feel throughout the wearing, combined with a heavenly tropical scent and a totally flawless sun-kissed effect, has resulted in one Terracotta Bronzing Powder being sold every 25 seconds worldwide. And as if all that weren’t enough, throw in the slim-profile compact with its 3-D tortoiseshell-like design, and it becomes basically impossible to resist.

For 2016, the Terracotta range has been added to with four new shades (still labelled as either Blondes or Brunettes, but don’t let that deter you, as this odd-sounding system actually manages to cover basically all skin tones). Inspired by their best-selling Terracotta fragrance, the scent of the new Terracotta bronzers is a subtle blend “combining the fresh and comforting notes of bergamot and white musks with delicious sunny notes of neroli, jasmine and ylang-ylang“, managing to capture the evocative essence of sunshine, beaches, and lazy tropical days all in rolled into one (a sidebar: the fragrance is not of the subtle variety, and while I am quite obsessed with it, those with sensitivities should take note). Even the logo embossed on the surface of the powder has been enhanced, still bearing the brand’s double G’s, but now surrounded by a ring of geometric chevrons reminiscent of the sun’s bountiful rays.

Guerlain | Terracotta private launch

Guerlain | the venue: Le Richmond for the Terracotta private launch

Guerlain | Terracotta private launch, with Josianne Gauthier & Maxime Poulin

Guerlain | All eight shades of the new Terracotta Bronzing Powder

With Maxime Poulin, Guerlain International Makeup Artist (Canada)

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder (credit)

Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes – the shade personally chosen for me by Maxime Poulin, Guerlain International Makeup Artist

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder

Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder (CAN $62.00) | With its legendary ultra fine-milled texture, shade 01 Light Brunettes, a light-medium tan hue with a slight beige undertone, is hands down the most perfect bronzing hue I have ever worn. According to Maxime Poulin, International Makeup Artist for Guerlain Canada (and a close personal friend – more like family, in fact!), the best bronzing powder for one’s complexion should be one that matches your skin tone when testing at the counter. And he’s absolutely right; initially thinking that this shade would be somewhat light for me, it turns out that not only does it work beautifully along my skin, but gives off the most realistic sunny glow – barring a day actually spent in the sun.

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder (logo detail)

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder swatches

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder (compact detail)

While I have many bronzing powder options that I love using, I can’t deny that my personal favourites are those by Guerlain, not only for the wonderful way that they apply, but for the absolutely amazing results I get every single time. I happen to have quite a few varieties of Terracotta bronzers in my beauty vanity, but to keep things simple I chose to show how 01 Light Brunettes compares to two other shades in the range.

01 Light Brunettes – the seemingly lightest, but actually most neutral of the three
02 Natural Blondes – reddish undertones for more warmth
03 Natural Brunettes – the deepest of the three, more tan-leaning

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes vs 02 Natural Blondes & 03 Natural Brunettes

Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder logo comparison, new (left) & old (right)

Guerlain is a brand that is not only steeped in history, but infuses everything they create with special touches of glamour and exceptional luxury. Their best-selling Terracotta Bronzing Powders are a perfect example of that, often imitated but never duplicated and quite possibly the ‘bronzers to rule them all’, in my opinion. This is a product that is basically goof-proof and once applied, seems to magically become even better with the wearing, fusing perfectly with your skin’s warmth and never oxidizing. For those who want that perfect & realistic faux-glow but without the actual sun commitment, then look no further: Terracotta is definitely the way to go. Worth every single penny.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is available at The Bay, Sephora, and Nordstrom stores nationwide. Find more information on the brand via www.guerlain.com

Product samples kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration

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MAC | Future MAC Collection

April 5, 2016

The next generation of Mineralize products from MAC is here; introducing Future MAC, a collection created with hyper-luminous pigments and inspired by the five elements. With textures that go on incredibly smooth and never chalky, now is the best time for you to discover this mineral based range of products – then prepare to be impressed, much like I was.

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Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter in Sin, Aura & Fireball

March 31, 2016

It’s official: I am a highlighting addict. While this relatively new obsession of mine might be attributed to how strategic ‘strobing’ can impart a youthful radiance, the real reason may also lie with these three new beauties from Urban Decay; I’m going with both. Following the success of the brand’s Afterglow blushes (reviewed here), Urban Decay introduces Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter (available in 3 shades) for achieving the glow you wish you were born with. Seriously.

Housed in a sleek ‘iridescent white’ (looks silver to me) metallic case that has a magnetic closure, the meshed initials on the lid have been cut-out so that you can identify the contents of each powder with ease. Plus, it looks really cool.

Each powder has complex iridescent shimmer particles that are ground so ultra smooth, as to merge perfectly upon the skin, providing it with a multi-dimensional glow. The texture of each powder is creamy to the touch with hardly any residue upon swirling brushes across their surface; as they are all quite richly pigmented, a little really does go a long way so start with just a dab, and work your way towards more intensity (if desired). All display exceptional blendability and regarding staying power, their name is well deserved: easily lasting 8+ hours (more so when worn over foundation), fusing beautifully with your skin’s warmth and natural oils for a lush radiance.

Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter (compact detail)

All the Afterglow Highlighter hues found in this real afterglow image (credit)

Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter

Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter swatches

Sin Afterglow Highlighter (CAN $32.00) | A soft gold hue that leans more warm than cool, but which can be sheered out to be made wearable by even those with fair complexions. Probably the most pigmented out of the three, this shade is simply gorgeous against a light tan, and works beautifully when paired along the upper cheekbones & inner eye corner. Or the brow bone. Or cupid’s bow. Bridge of the nose. Collarbone area. Décolleté … shoulders … shinbones … I’d probably slather this everywhere, if it were socially acceptable.

Urban Decay | Sin Afterglow Highlighter

Urban Decay | Sin Afterglow Highlighter swatches

Aura Afterglow Highlighter (CAN $32.00) | An iridescent pearly pink hue that leans more cool the warm, but I’ve made it work on my light-medium skin tone by applying it over a warmer blush for a really unique contrast. A stunning shade to wear on all the high points of the face (brow bone, bridge of the nose, upper cheekbones, cupid’s bow) as well as the inner eye corner, collarbone area, and even along shinbones to capture the light and add some glam.

Urban Decay | Aura Afterglow Highlighter

Urban Decay | Aura Afterglow Highlighter swatches

Fireball Afterglow Highlighter (CAN $32.00) | (Side note: every time I look at the name of this shade, I start singing the song by Pitbull, lol) A peachy hue with a gold & pink prismatic flash. Surprisingly, this is the most universally wearable shade of the three, as it has both cool and warm tones to suit a wide range of complexions. Those with fair skin tones can potentially make this work as a blush (although it is quite shimmery), while its tone won’t come off ashy-looking on darker complexions.

Urban Decay | Fireball Afterglow Highlighter

Urban Decay | Fireball Afterglow Highlighter swatches

Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter

Urban Decay has been on fire lately and pumping out one incredible product after another. Highlighters are here to stay, and if you’re looking for that red-carpet glow that seems to grace basically every celebrity’s face, then you’ll certainly achieve it with ease by using any one of these Afterglow Highlighters. From the three, my personal favourite is Sin for its absolutely effortless golden radiance, followed by Fireball for its unique & wearable highlighting colour, and lastly Aura for its moonlight-cool glow. So basically, I love them all. You’re shocked, right?

Urban Decay Afterglow Highlighters will be available as of April at Sephora and select Shopper’s Drug Mart locations across Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.urbandecay.ca

Product samples kindly provided by the Urban Decay team for my unbiased consideration

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Burberry | White & Nude Gold Highlighting Palettes, SS/2016 Runway Collection

March 14, 2016

The Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Collection from Burberry draws its inspiration from the modern yet ethereal guipure lace pieces from the runway show, with the intricate design realistically rendered on the surface of the stars of the collection – the two limited edition Highlighting Palettes in White and Nude Gold.

Made in Italy, the attention to exquisite detail begins with the lacy pattern silkscreened on the exterior sleeve of the packaging, (white for the White Palette, nude for the Nude Gold Palette). Both magnetic-closure compact cases have a nice solid heft and come in the brand’s signature gunmetal colour with the iconic Burberry plaid design etched onto the lid. Each palette also comes with a protective velour sleeve and an included [mini] natural-bristle brush.

Unscented and with the shimmer so finely-ground that it shouldn’t emphasize pores.

Burberry Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Show (credit)

Burberry | White & Nude Gold Highlighting Palettes SS/2016 Collection

Burberry | White & Nude Gold Highlighting Palettes (both swatched heavily)

N°01 White Highlighting Palette, limited edition (CAN $72.00) | A soft pearly white hue, in a powdered format that is so ultra-finely milled as to fuse flawlessly upon the skin when applied. The more cooler-leaning of the two, I find the shimmer to be sophisticated and not over-the-top and of the variety that appears to merge beautifully with the warmth of my skin and natural oils. Wear time is about 9+ hours, especially when worn over foundation. A perfect shade to wear at the browbone and/or inner eye corner.

Burberry | N°01 White Highlighting Palette, SS/2016 Collection

Burberry | N°01 White Highlighting Palette swatches

N°02 Nude Gold Highlighting Palette, limited edition (CAN $72.00) | A soft golden nude colour with a complex yet subtle prismatic shimmer, in the same exceptionally finely-milled format and which leans warmer (although it can still be worn with ease by those with fair complexions). The nude tone makes this highlighter the more wearable and ‘natural-looking’ of the two, although you can still build up the shine intensity if desired. This also looks amazing lightly dusted along the décolleté and/or collarbone.

Burberry | N°02 Nude Gold Highlighting Palette, SS/2016 Collection

Burberry | N°02 Nude Gold Highlighting Palette, SS/2016 Collection (detail)

Burberry | N°02 Nude Gold Highlighting Palette swatches

Highlighting or ‘strobing’ as it’s more commonly referred to now, can be a tricky beast but it also happens to be a great way to bring light to strategic points of the face. Unlike some other products that run highly reflective, the shimmer of both White and Nude Gold is refined and incredibly smooth, leaving either a whisper of shine or which can be built up for depth. With the fairly large selection of highlighters in my collection, I have nothing that approaches either the exact tone or quality of these two lovelies, which is a definite point in their favour to offset the rather steep price. Just don’t ask to pick my favourite because I refuse: they’re both equally amazing.

The Burberry SS/2016 Runway Collection is available through The Bay across Canada. Find more information via www.burberry.com