Top 5: Eye Creams

A longtime in the making, I finally bring you my Top 5 favorite eye creams that I've discovered over the last few years. These are my holy grail, for lack of a better phrase, eye creams that I like to use to brighten, depuff, add moisture, and apply under makeup. 

Even though eye creams can be a bit of a controversial topic, I hope you enjoy the video and be sure to let me know blow in the comments what your favorite eye creams are! 

And of course, there are definitely more than 5 eye creams mentioned in the video :)

Be sure to like and subscribe to see more!

Love, 

Claire

Top 5: Face Masks #2

Since my most watched video on my YouTube channel is my Top 5 Favorite Face Masks, and that was over a year ago, I decided it was time for round 2. Five more face masks for your viewing pleasure. As with last time, this video features a variety of masks targeting different concerns. Be sure to let me know if you have tried any of these masks in the comments below. 

I hope you enjoy the video!



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

Top 5: Face Masks

One of my all time favorite things to blog/vlog about: face masks. As is obvious in my posts, I love to pamper myself, and masks are the ultimate pamper. I truly believe that they can be done on a regular basis if you just remember to throw one on at the end of the day while you are still running around the house or finishing up some work. 

This video goes through my current top 5 favorites. However, do remember that every one's skin is different and products that may work miracles on me, may do damage to you! So, always ask for samples, and if you live in the US, take advantage of our fantastic return policies!

Products Mentioned:
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Origins Clear Improvement
Alchemie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask
Origins Drink Up Intensive
Mario Badescu Healing & Soothing Mask

Hope you enjoyed!

Love,
Claire

Top 5: The Classic Red Nail

Spring and Summer nails typically means baby pinks, mints, corals, and neons. However, more recently I have been finding myself gravitating towards the ever classic, red manicure. Like the red lip and the little black dress, the red nail will never go out of style. Last month I did a Nail of the Day featuring one of my favorite Sally Hansen nail polishes, Cherry Red, which inspired me to dig through my collection and find all the red polishes that I love so dearly; thus bringing you, my Top 5 favorite classic red nail polishes.

We begin with OCC, NSFW. A brand that we mostly hear about their lip tars, but their nail polishes should not be overlooked. The formulation is great. After two coats, the polish reached full opacity and leveled out completely. Second featured is the already famous, Cherry Red, always a great drugstore option without skipping out on great quality.

Unfortunately, the third nail polish I have featured here, Deborah Lippman's It's Raining Men is at a much higher price point than the rest, $17!!! But as per usual, Deborah doesn't disappoint with a great formulation and classic color. Fourth, I bring you Essie's Head Mistress. This is the darkest of the colors I have in this small gathering. It is less of a cherry red and more of a blood red, maybe even a little classier than the rest, dare I say? Unfortunately Essie polishes don't last long on my hands, but I don't mind since I reapply nail polish every few days anyhow. Finally, last but not least, OPI Big Apple Red. You can't tell from the photos, but I'm almost done with this miniature bottle and am ever so eager to buy this in full size. However, as you can see I'm in no need of red nail polish (these are my favorites, so yes there are more in the collection), so my purchase will have to be put on hold.
After careful consideration and research, I have come to conclusion that the real question at hand is not which polish is better but... is there really such a thing as too much red nail polish?

Let me know what your favorite red nail polish is in the comments below!

Love,
Claire

Top 5: Cleansers

It's time for another addition to the Top 5 series. In this video I've picked out my favorite cleansers to date. For my dry and dehydrated skin type, most of these cleansers are creamy and moisterizing; in general those are the types of cleansers I gravitate towards. A couple of the cleansers would be good for all skin types. Hope you guys enjoy!

Products Mentioned:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
Lancome 'Creme Mousse Confort' Creamy Foaming Cleanser
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera

Make sure to watch the video to get a full description of all the products!

Top 5: High End Powder Blushes

Another new series to begin here on The Makeup Architect and on the accompanying YouTube channel, Top 5. In this series I will pick a category, i.e. high end powder blushes, select my top 5, and talk away about why they are so fantastic and how they've changed my life. This is serious business. This time around powder blushes hit the stage. Hope you guys enjoyed and let me know if you have any ideas for what other categories would be of interest; eyeshadow bases, eyeliners, lip treatments, foot creams, hair masks, or anything you can think of!

Products Mentioned:

Nars Douceur

Tarte Exposed

Lorac Exposed

Laura Mercier Lush Nectarine

Nars Gaiety

Hope you enjoyed!

Love, 

Claire