Tag Archives: Makeup

Make your lips a sweet appetizer with Bite Beauty

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Trying out a new lipstick today — my first from Bite Beauty’s new Amuse Bouche line. Did you know that ‘bouche’ is French for lips? Or that an ‘amuse bouche’ is a small appetizer? I quite like thinking of my lips as an appetizer for my man!

Anyway, the color I selected is Soufflé, a marshmallow pink. It’s a bit lighter than I expected and paler than my usual shades, but I quite like it. I think it will look even better if I get a little color in my cheeks this summer. Or with a good bronzer.

Anyway, the formula is matte, but it doesn’t feel as drying as many of the mattes in my collection. Wearability is good — not as long as a liquid lipstick but much longer than a gloss or satin. As you know, the creamier and glowier the lipstick, the shorter the time between applications. I’m not much for reapplying my makeup during the day, so I gravitate toward apply-and-go mattes.

Because I chose one of Amuse Bouche’s paler shades, it wasn’t completely opaque in one swipe. I had to apply two coats because my natural lip shade is darker than the lippie. Once in place, it was very comfortable and non-drying, but I’d suggest exfoliating and moisturizing before applying.

Bite’s Amuse Bouche line ($26 per tube) is available from Sephora in 34 wide-ranging shades. Speaking of Sephora, don’t forget that the spring Beauty Insider sale is going on. VIB Rouge members receive 15 percent off their in-store and online purchases with the code ROUGENOTE until April 13. VIB members receive the same discount with the code VIBNOTE. For Beauty Insiders, the discount is 10 percent until from April 9 though April 12 with the code BINOTE.

Balm cleansers: A sensual experience 

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Let’s pause for a moment to sing the praises of cleansing balms. What, exactly, are they? They’re thick, rich cleansers packed with oil and emollients that melt when they come into contact with skin. They remove dirt and makeup without stripping skin of its moisture and also latch onto and remove excess sebum — the icky stuff that causes blackheads, blemishes and enlarged pores.

A lot of people worry about the wisdom of using oil-based cleansers, fearing they will cause oily skin to become more oily. Actually, the opposite is true: Using cleansers that are too drying causes skin to produce more oil. This results in larger pores and increased acne.

Balm cleansers are applied to dry skin and massaged with the fingers. Don’t rush the process, or you’ll miss a fantastic sensation: As the oils in the balm begin to melt, you’ll be left with a thick, warm concoction that feels amazing. Take time to give your face a sensual massage that improves circulation as you cleanse. Once you’ve finished your mini-spa experience, wash away the balm with a wet, warm — not hot — washcloth or muslin cloth.

I think by now you’re aware that I’m a big fan of cleansing balms. Since that’s established, here are my favorites:

  • Sunday Riley’s Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm — This is a soft blue balm-to-milk cleanser. Here’s the company’s description: “Using gentle, clean-rinsing, sugar-based cleansers, it moisturizes with cocoa butter and mimosa flower wax while soothing with deep-blue, azulene-rich, essential oils of blue tansy and German chamomile. Vanilla and sweet orange essential oils help to relax the mind for a tranquil, spa-like experience. It rinses clean effortlessly while thoroughly removing makeup and gently purifying the skin.”
  • Jordan Samuel Skin Plié Treatment Cleanser — This is a lovely gel-to-oil cleanser. The company says it uses “olive, jojoba, and grapeseed oils to remove every trace of makeup, while sugarcane, apple and willow bark extracts provide a gentle exfoliation to leave the skin hydrated, soft and absolutely pristine.”

Many women view their facial cleansing ritual as something to get done in a hurry. By adjusting their thinking to view it as a pleasure, they’ll enjoy the process and even look forward to it. Cleansing balms can help: There’s no way around it; the warm, silky slippery sensation they produce is almost like an orgasm for the face!

Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise? 

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Well, hello, my friends. I’ve just returned from a relaxing, fun-filled cruise to the Bahamas — a girls’ trip with my mother, sister and daughter. We had a super time: We swam with dolphins, sat in the sun and made some great memories.

As usual, I overpacked. I wore about two-thirds of the clothes I took along and less than half of the makeup products. That’s OK, though, because my husband and I are headed for Jamaica in a few weeks. I’ll wear the apparel that went unworn on the cruise and pare down my makeup bag to include just what I used in Nassau and Freeport. Since many of you are planning fun-in-the-sun getaways, I thought I’d share what made the cut:

  • SunBum products: I always burn, never tan so I must be very cautious about protecting my skin. I’m a big fan of SunBum products and my faith was rewarded on the cruise. I burned only on my back, and that was my fault because I neglected to reapply my sunscreen as I should have. I use SunBum’s SPF 50 spray and keep my lips protected with the company’s pomegranate lip balm in SPF 30. I once burned my lips on a trip to Myrtle Beach and it was excruciating. My friends Kelly and Nikki swear that burning your lips can cause cold sores, even if you’ve never had one before.  I’ve still never had a cold sore, so I don’t know if they’re right or not!
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen: I use the SPF 70 version on my face. My cheeks and nose didn’t burn during the cruise and my face didn’t break out, so I’ll use it again.
  • Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum: I serendipitously found a generously sized sample of this light-coverage foundation with SPF 30 in my sample drawer while packing. The minimal coverage was just the thing for a cruise.
  • Effaclar BB Blur: I find this BB cream that blurs imperfections perfect for “no-makeup makeup” days. Bonus: It contains SPF 20.
  • MAC Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Neutral: This 15-shadow palette featuring cool tones was all I needed for a variety of makeup looks. For those who love warm tones, there’s a warm-tone palette also.
  • Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush Wardrobe: Six pretty blush shades that stay put? Enough said.
  • Benefit They’re Real Mascara: This is my ride-or-die mascara because it lengthens, volumizes and stays put until I take it off.
  • Best Damn Beauty Best Damn Lip Mask: My lips love this quenching, moisturizing, softening mask with its pale pink tint. It doesn’t purport to plump, but I swear it does make my lips look fuller.
  • Tatcha Polished Rice Enzyme Powder: This just-add-water cleansing powder is perfectly portable and great for brightening and exfoliating.
  • Hand sanitizer: There are hand-sanitizer stations located throughout cruise ships. If you’re out at sea, chase away germs by availing yourself of them and take a small bottle of your own. In this case, more is more: Germs spread to cruise passengers and crew members at the speed of light. My sister and I would have spent more time at our ship’s casino if we hadn’t learned there was an onboard epidemic of strep throat. We decided handling chips and cards wasn’t worth the risk. That’s probably a good thing — I finished a winner, up $12!

A note about a previous blog: Thanks to all of you who contacted me here and through Instagram in response to a recent message about handling the end of a relationship. I heard from people who were estranged from friends, boyfriends, sisters-in-law, parents and adult children, and did my best to thoughtfully respond. I deleted the column because upon reflection I want to limit Makeup Plus 50 to more upbeat topics such as product reviews, recommendations and ideas. To the many who identified with that particular blog, know this: Your memories will someday be more sweet than bitter. In time, you’ll look back on the person and be glad they were a part of your life, no matter how briefly. I’ll leave you with this French proverb: “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” – Ronda

Show ’em some (good) skin 

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I love playing with makeup and receive many questions about the “color products” I use. In fact, I received a call today from my friend Sarah, who was at Sephora and wanted to know which foundation to purchase. (For the record, I recommended Make Up For Ever Ultra HD.)

Still, the bulk of the questions I receive on my Instagram page are about my skin care routine. Some people say I look younger than my age (56) and I believe it’s a combination of genetics, diligent skin care and my facial features (round eyes, full lips, smallish nose). Of course, those are the same features that annoyed me when I was young because I always looked like the girl next door, never a sultry siren.

Anyway, I thought I’d share my nighttime skin care routine with you. Here’s the way it breaks down:

  • I remove my eye makeup and do an initial cleansing pass with a couple of cotton pads soaked in micellar water.
  • Next, I wash my face thoroughly with the appropriate cleanser. I use a lighter cleanser when I have no makeup on and a heavier balm cleanser when I do.
  • If I’m in the mood and have time, I use a targeted mask: moisturizing, exfoliating, anti-aging or brightening.
  • Next, I use an acid toner followed by a soothing toner. This prepares my skin to get the most benefit from the final steps.
  • Heading into the home stretch, I use my holy grail product, which is Sunday Riley’s Night Sleeping Oil.
  • After allowing Luna to fully absorb, I apply my moisturizer.
  • If I didn’t use a mask earlier in my routine, I often slather on one that’s intended for use while sleeping.
  • Time for eye cream.
  • Lastly, I use an eyelash-growth serum.

It sounds like a lot, right? It really isn’t. I have it down to a science and can complete the entire process — in addition to brushing my teeth — in about five minutes. I find it relaxing and soothing and have become oddly superstitious about it. I can’t go to bed without doing it!

This brings me to an important point. Even if your nightly routine is simpler than mine, there are two thing you should never, ever do:

  1. Go to bed without washing your face
  2. Fail to moisturize.

Why? Because the best makeup in the world can’t hide skin-care sins. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Makeup does its best work if it’s applied to a clear, smooth, even canvas. If you’ve been unkind to your skin, do the right thing by adopting a routine right away. Your face will thank you for it.
Pictured: Tonight’s bedtime breakdown, from left: Bioderma Micellar Water, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Michael Todd Milk+Honey Firming Mask, Lotion PW50 1970 Acid Toner, Josie Maran Hydrating Treatment Mist, Sunday Riley Luna Night Sleeping Oil, Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturizer, Skin Owl Eye+ Nourishing and Youth Stimulating Eye Concentrate, Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner 

First impression: Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation

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 I didn’t plan to blog today, but after a glance in the mirror prompted a “Dang, your skin looks good, girl!” reaction, it seemed a first impression review was in order.

I popped into Sephora a few days ago to pick up sunscreen for this weekend’s sailing to the Bahamas — a girls’ trip with my mother, sister and daughter. Well, we all know that leaving Sephora with only intentional purchases is practically impossible. I walked out with a new foundation (I’m on a constant search for the latest and greatest).

The foundation that called out to me was Josie Maran’s new Vibrancy foundation. My shade is called “Euphoric,” or light neutral. What’s different about it? It’s a medium- to full-coverage buildable foundation powered by 100 percent pure Argan oil. I’d never tried a Josie Maran foundation, but I’m pleased so far. After wearing it for three days, I can say it goes on smoothly and provides a nice, healthy-glow finish. My skin is combination and it doesn’t slide over into “greasy glow” for me, but oily girls (and guys) might have a different experience.

What I found most pleasing about Vibrancy is the way it settles into my skin as the day goes on.  The finish looks lovely right after the product is applied but becomes more dewy and, yes, vibrant as the hours pass. In fact, it looks better after a few hours. I haven’t found the need to powder and the only fading I get is at the corners of my nose, which is standard for me.

I checked the reviews on Sephora and Vibrancy currently has four stars. The most common complaint is that it clings to dry spots, which seems odd for a foundation containing Argan oil. I personally have not experienced this issue, but I did notice some streakiness upon application. I’ve overcome the issue by applying the foundation with my Artis Oval 8 brush, then pressing it into my skin with a Beauty Blender.

Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation is available in 14 shades, $45, Sephora or josiemarancosmetics.com.

Photos, clockwise from left: Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation, immediately after application, four hours after application

Why I’m not feeling the ‘Boom’ 

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When it comes to makeup, many women have what they describe as a “go-to look.” That’s well and good, as long as that go-to look isn’t stale or boring. I’ve always been a makeup dabbler, and that’s why one-size-fits-all products such as  “Boom” by Cindy Joseph aren’t for me.

Never heard of Cindy? She’s a former model who hit the marketing bonanza with older women. Her “Boomsticks” are sheer washes of color that are supposed to adjust to any skin tone, which is kind of like the makeup equivalent of a Mood Ring. If that’s something that interests you, be sure to check out the third-party reviews on MakeupAlley.com before buying, as opinions are decidedly mixed: Reviewers seem to love Boomsticks or hate them, with little in between. In any case, if you decide to buy, remember that you’re not married to her products — you can (and should) keep things interesting by trying other looks from time to time, lest things get boring.

As for me, I like to try lots of makeup brands, colors and combinations, as the photos above illustrate. One look is light, bright and sunny. The other is deep, dark and sexy. My husband prefers the lighter look, although he’s amused and intrigued by the fact that he never knows which version of me he’s going to encounter. (This also goes for my hair color, which I’m known to switch out from time to time. He says it’s kind of hot to wonder whether he’s coming home to a blonde, brunette or redhead.)

My point? You’re never too old to experiment with different makeup looks and products. Some will work for you and some won’t. Because I have an Instagram account (Makeup_Plus_50) devoted to makeup and skin care, I try quite a few faces on for size. Sometimes I say, “This is good; I’ll wear it again.” Other times I take a quick pic for Instagram posterity and head straight to the bathroom to wash my face, saying, “Never again.”

The bottom line is that makeup isn’t permanent. It’s like playing with paints, using your face as a canvas. I see it as a manifestation of the different sides of my personality — the yin and the yang, the light and the dark, the good girl and the minx. And when it comes down to it, I’d rather be described as a little bad than a little boring.

Shake your ‘Bum-Bum’ 

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I’m off to the Bahamas in less than a week, so I’m doing all the things one must do to prepare for fun in the sun. Tomorrow is set aside for a manicure, pedicure and waxing (Brazilian –ouch!). Then comes self-tanning: I’m super pale, so I don’t want to blind anyone on the beach.

One of my beach must-haves is a heavy duty moisturizer. I’m prone to dry skin, so moisturizer is one of my best friends. My cabinet is stocked with them, each smelling better than the last. This brings me to my point: While it’s not strictly a moisturizer, I’m completely addicted to a new moisturizing product — Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro.

My goodness, people, this stuff is seriously good. It leaves my skin feeling as smooth and supple as silk. I can’t stop touching it! And the scent is to die for. It’s a strong, summery, beachy scent with staying power. If they bottled it as a perfume, I’d stand in line to buy it. (If you’re averse to scents, steer clear.)

As I mentioned, Brazilian Bum-Bum cream works as a quickly absorbed, luxurious moisturizer that leaves skin silky with a slight sheen. But it serves another purpose: It’s a skin tightener for — yes — the Bum-Bum. And, of course, other body areas that could use firming.

Here’s what the makers have to say:

What it is:

A fast-absorbing body cream that helps tighten and smooth the look of skin.

What it is formulated to do:
Many Brazilian creams have a secret ingredient: guaraná, a native Amazonian plant whose fruit contains one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet. Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is also powered by a Brazilian blend of extraordinarily nourishing cupuaçu butter, antioxidant powerhouse açaí, and super-conditioning coconut oil for irresistible, touch-me skin. The fast-absorbing texture contains just enough mica to add a perfect Brazilian glow, as the formula helps your body look and feel its smoothest and tightest.

My summation: Whether you’re headed off for a beach vacation or just dreaming of one, Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream is a must-have for all of your body parts in need of pampering.

Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro, $45 for 8.1 ounces, Sephora.

Shake, rattle and Hum — and hyaluronic acid 

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I’m fascinated by makeup and always have been. As a little girl, I was entranced by my mother’s cosmetics — especially the miniature Avon lipstick samples that lived in her makeup drawer. And my Aunt Emily was a wonder. I’d watch as she drew winged liner as sharp as a knife’s blade with her old-fashioned cake liner. She’d add a bit of water to the powder and a few minutes later she was the epitome of 60s glamor.

In the years since, I’ve learned that while makeup works miracles, it’s the skin beneath that’s most important. Skin is the palette and makeup is the paint — and it’s critical to keep the palette as smooth, supple and line-free as possible. After all, paint applied to a rough surface often just illuminates its flaws.

My skin isn’t perfect, but it’s in pretty darn good shape for my age. Why? Because I pamper it. I have a thorough skin-care routine and I stick to it every day without fail.  Right now, my skin is looking particularly peachy and I credit the skin-care supplements I recently added to my routine.

Every day, I consume two tablets of Youtheory hyaluronic acid and four capsules of Hum Arctic Repair. Hyaluronic acid is an anti-inflammatory that benefits joints, tendons, ligaments and skin. Arctic Repair contains oil from wild organic lingonberry seeds and promotes itself as “clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin.” All I can say is that after two months of regular use my skin is clear, smooth and even. I look better without makeup than I have in years.

I’m particularly impressed with the Hum brand. In addition to Arctic Repair, I’ve been successfully using the company’s Flatter Me, which supports healthy digestion. I’m about to try two new Hum products — Red Carpet Ready, which promotes glowing skin and healthy hair, and Skinny Bird, which purports to help with weight loss. I’ll share my thoughts on those after a month of use.

Youtheory Hyaluronic Acid Advanced Nutritional Supplement, 120 count, $19.50 at Amazon.com.

Hum products are available at Sephora.com.

Banish brassy hair in two easy steps

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From platinum to auburn to golden 

Brass is great if you’re listening to a band. But the last thing those of us with blonde or gray hair like to see is garish brass tones.

I recently went from platinum to deep red to golden blonde. I’d initially planned to go all the way back to platinum, but an old friend convinced me to try golden hair because she’d liked it on me years ago. Verdict: I tried it, I liked it, I’m keeping it. The problem is that despite several bleachings, the remnants of dark red dye want to seep through after a few washings. Plus, I have a tendency toward red because it runs in the family. Both of my children are natural redheads. My daughter has golden red locks, while my son’s tresses are deep auburn — legacies, I suppose, of our Irish heritage.

I’ve found that combatting brassiness requires a two-step approach. First, I must wash my hair in cool-verging-on-cold water. Second, I regularly use a purple-toned shampoo. I have two in my shower right now, one that works and one that doesn’t.

The product I won’t repurchase is Dumb Blond Purple Toning Shampoo, which fails on two key fronts (or three if you count its name). It doesn’t completely keep my hair from turning brassy and it’s pretty drying — not a good thing when hair has been bleached.

The the product that works well is Sterling Silver Colour Care Toning Shampoo from AG Hair Care. It’s formulated to eliminate brassy, yellow tones from blonde and silver hair.  I use it three or four times per week to keep breakthrough brassiness at bay.

AG Hair Care Sterling Silver Colour Care Toning Shampoo, $18 for 10 ounces, $45 for 33.8 ounces at Ulta.

 

 

 

Finding beauty inspiration in music 

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 “And when no hope was left in sight on that starry, starry night, you took your life as lovers often do …” 

As someone who follows dozens of incredible makeup artists on Instagram, I’m consistently surprised and delighted by their creativity. While most of the uploaded eye-makeup looks are eminently wearable, others veer toward art. I’ve seen lids adorned with cats, cupcakes, animal prints, holiday scenes and even landscapes.

 I’m neither particularly adventurous nor particularly artistic, so I happily stick to less, shall we say, eye-popping motifs. The other day, though, I found myself moved by the bleak, melancholy beauty of Don McLean’s ballad, “Starry, Starry Night,” and the Vincent Van Gogh painting that inspired it. The result was a decidedly simple but romantic silver and blue lid look, courtesy of Chanel’s Illusion D’Ombre in “Apparition,” a deep, inky navy, and Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Metallic Luster Liner in “Liquid Silver.”

The lesson? Sometimes it’s worth letting your heart guide your hand when deciding on a makeup look. I’m going to try to find more inspiration in my favorite artwork and music — although, of course, my eyelids will not be adorned with literal interpretations!

Listen to Starry, Starry Night.