R&D: Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream

Another new series? Yes! I decided it was time to share with you my obsession with foundation/base products. To do so informatively and effectively, I've put together the first of many (hopefully) R&D videos. For those who may not know, typically, in the non-youtube/blogging would, R&D refers to Research and Development. Conveniently enough, it also stands for Review and Demo. Thus, comes the infinitely creative name of "Foundation R&D". This is where a graduate degree has gotten me...

Jokes and self-deprication aside, the first installment of Foundation R&D is focused on the Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream. One of my all time favorite foundation products of all time (featured in my Top Favorite Foundations video), this is the product that sparked my interest of Asian cosmetics. 

In case you are interested in purchasing this product, it can be found on Amazon (like everything else), however I have personally only purchased it from brick and mortar locations. One of those is local to me (here in Portland) and conveniently has an online store as well (with free shipping over $50). Pretty and Cute is an adorable (not surprisingly) beauty supply store right on the edge of Portland that is known for their great customer service and access to hard-to-find Asian beauty products (and no I am not affiliated with them and they have no idea who I am or that I'm writing these wonderful words about them). Hope you guys enjoy the review and demo and let me know in the comments below what you thought of this new type of video!

Love,
Claire

Favorites: January to Mid-March 2014

After months of no posts, I am back with the hopes of consistent blogging and video making. After having surgery and moving house, life got the best of me and took me away from one of my favorite hobbies. Today I bring you the products I've been enjoying as of late. Old favorites and a few new loves grace the screen in the video linked below. I hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye
Liole Triple The Solution BB Cream
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color Soft Iris
MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush
OPI My Very First Knockwurst

Love,
Claire

FOTD: Ox Blood Lashes

Today's look is on a slight twist to an easy every day eye. Over the last couple months this has become my go to look when I'm in need of something flattering, fresh, and work appropriate. The star of the show is YSL's Faux Cils Mascara in No.5 Deep Burgundy. This beautiful mascara not only lengthens and thickens, but gives a slight burgundy tint to lashes. As you can see form the photos below, from certain angles, the color can be seen.

As much as I love this luxury product, the focus is on the color, which can be found on the drugstore market as well. For dark brown eyes, I truly recommend trying this slight variation out. For the rest of the face, I used one of my favorite foundations, the Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream and the Maybeline Dream Lumi Concealer in Radiant under the eyes. As always, I set my under eye concealer with Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder. 

 I did a typical combination of neutrals on the eyes: Maybeline's Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all as a base, Sigma Command all over the lid, Sigma Publicize on the brow bone and inner corner, and Urban Decay Tease in the crease. I also dusted a little of Sigma Surrender in the outer "V" of the eye. This little Sigma trio that you see above is a free gift with purchase that came with a brush set a couple years ago. I also lined my waterline and lower lash line with the Rimmel ScandalEyes in Brown.

After completing the eyelook, I went back to the face and set my foundation with Burberry's Sheer Powder in Porcelain No. 2, bronzed and contoured with Burberry's Warm Glow in Nude Glow No. 03, and highlighted with Dior Amber Diamond. Finally I dusted MAC's Lured to Love on the cheeks and MAC Viva Glam II on the lips.

Hope you enjoyed!
Love,
Claire

Top 5: Foundations

Foundations are the base of makeup application. Despite the pun...I stand by that statement. Without a solid foundation product, I find it very difficult to successfully achieve the look I'm attempting to obtain. Regardless of degree of coverage, I tend to wear foundation almost all days. Of course there are the concealer and eyeliner and out-the-door days, and even no makeup whatsoever days; but the average work day I want/need to look more awake and presentable to clients and coworkers. Looking your best and putting effort in how you present yourself is a sign of respect towards the people you are surrounded by.

I'm so happy this video was requested because it's a perfect topic for me. For the skincare obsessed junkie, foundation and base products are the skincare-to-makeup hybrid product (especially the Korean BB creams I have to share). I love my blushes and bronzers, but I find myself testing and trying new foundations more than any other makeup product. Today I finally bring you my top 5. In general my skin does not change dramatically with the seasons, so these products have received a great deal of love over the last year. Definitely be sure to check out the video below for some great foundation/makeup base recommendations.

Products Mentioned:

Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Revlon Color Stay Whipped

MAC Face & Body Foundation

Hope you enjoyed!

Love,
Claire

Favorites: November 2012

Another month, another favorites video. A little skin care and a few makeup products. These videos are great opportunity for me to share my favorite products of the moment. Hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned:

Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream

MAC I'm The One 

Lorac Soul

Pixi Flawless Finishing Powder: No. 0 Translucent 

REN Clear Calm 3 Replenishing Night Serum

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Polish

Tarina Tarantino Hyperlight Brightening Pen

Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss: Tease

MAC Rebel

MAC Wedge

Nails Inc. Basil St. 

Julep Demi (I said the wrong name in the video)

Hope you enjoy!

Love, 

Claire