Tag Archives: NARS

Low to Luxe: Bronzer

June 24, 2015

Well, I agree! It’s been entirely too long since we traveled the low to luxe beauty spectrum together. If my bathroom counter is any indication, it’s not for lack of experimenting. Since it is now officially summer, we should discuss bronzer. Last week, one of my darling coworkers asked me for a recommendation. It was early in the morning and we were both filling up our coffee mugs, so I made a note to follow up with her since I was in a.m. Laurie zombie-mode. Rather than keep all that good convo to our Outlook, I thought I’d open it up for discussion. I really do have deep thoughts on the topic but would love to hear your POV on the matter. Bronzer is personal! I’ll go first.

I am quite particular when it comes to the ‘low’ end. There are some solid contenders but I find that a lot of mass brands can be powdery and low on pigment. If I have to smash my brush aggressively in the pan to get color, I’m working too hard. Two excellent options that go to bat with the Guerlains of the world are NYX Matte Bronzer and the Mineral Wear Airbrush from Physician’s Formula. Both come in a few different color options, too, so you can customize it for your skin tone. NYX is under $10 — you better believe it’s worth a try.

In that mid-range are so many bronzers it can be overwhelming. It was hard for me to narrow down to the best. I’m as excited by RMS Buriti Bronzer as I was when I first mentioned it. Because it’s sheer, the metallic hue translates to naturally and un-orange on skin. And, it’s packed with vitamins and oils so it’s basically skin care. My newest discovery is this countering duo from BECCA. At $40, it’s straddling the luxe line but there are two shades so there are more options. Swirl, use one or both – the bronzer is your oyster.

Now, for the luxe side of this party. NARS Laguna is legendary. In part, because the shade is almost flattering on all skin tones. They released a special Laguna compact this summer that comes with a mini Ita Brush (one of the brand’s signature artisan kabukis!) Totally worth the indulgence if this bronzer is your jam. And, if you are partial to the Guerlains of the world, then Guerlain is pleasing you this season. Their bronzers are so finely milled and natural, I can’t not talk about them in the context of best bronzers. I love these colored discs that align with hair color. They updated the formula with more oils this season but it’s still the Guerlain we know and love.

Your turn!

Flawless, The Remix

May 31, 2015

Last spring, EcoTools came out with the absolute best brush for applying BB creams. It has short, really dense, slightly angled bristles—and also a boss at applying cream blush. I used the heck out of that brush, despite having several towering cups full of bristley options. That brush is reincarnated in the brand’s new Complexion Collection and it is cause for excitement. No surprise, the other new brushes in the set are equally perfect for all things skin. Any makeup lover knows that the tools are just as important as the product itself and EcoTools has our back. They constantly release beautiful brushes – with those signature bamboo handles and cruelty-free bristles – that are so unbelievably functional. It’s the tiny details that they just get right time after time.

Take the Correcting Concealer brush (the tiny guy in this set) – it has a dual mix of fibers, including these long straight bristles that help give that airbrush finish to your concealer. And it’s only $5! I can’t even confess to you how much money I’ve probably spent on concealer brushes and here is the perfect one at the price of a cold brew coffee. It’s the perfect match to the liquidy Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer. There’s another option here for concealer, as well, the larger domed Eye Perfecting Brush. It’s great for using a corrector around the eye to conceal dark circles. 312 Beauty tip: mix a little concealer with your eye cream and roll the mixture around the eye, 360 style.

My girl Anne from Defining Delphine has been raving about Chantecaille Just Skin for months and I finally get why. Oh, it was a splurge. But it is magical. I sometimes use my fingers but find I prefer the finish I using EcoTools Skin Perfecting Brush. It minimizes the transfer of oil from your fingers to your face.

I believe I’ve saved the best of the set for last: the Mattifying Finish Brush. You can see it also has a dual blend of bristles that work together to pick up just the right amount of powder and disperse it evenly. If you use a setting powder, this is your BFF. But, I find I like to use it with a shimmery or really pigmented cheek color. Those can be the easiest to overdo and this brush checks that so you don’t accidentally go clown. It’s a perfect pairing to these new NARS blushes. This is the shade Fervor – you can use it wet or dry. I use it mostly dry because I like the soft shimmer the colors create when mixed together.

Last year (when I discovered THEE brush), I also met Teni of MissMaven.com (um, she’s gorgeous, guys!) And she is working with EcoTools again and made a video with the Complexion set. I love seeing how everyone uses these tools a bit differently. It’s makeup – and the fun is in applying it your way and experimenting with the tools ya got. And, when a set this flawless is under $25, it’s a no-brainer must.

This post was sponsored by EcoTools. All opinions and tips are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support 312 Beauty.

Bigger is Better

January 19, 2015

It’s the season of drip. My tear ducts are constantly at the mercy of wind chill. Totally messes with my makeup game. And then I remembered that I asked Chicago makeup artist Jenny Patinkin how to deal with this exact problem last year and she gave some solid advice. Yes, tubing mascaras and creamy concealers are your friend in this environment. This week’s pretty picks are dedicated to the art of maintaining big beautiful eyes when all you want to do is close them, curl up in a ball and watch Netflix in bed all day (also…how was YOUR weekend?)

I’m a Warby convert. I wear my glasses a lot this time of year because my contacts get so foggy from wind tears. I had a sick amount of dollars left in my FSA at the end of last year and ended up buying three pairs…which still left me with a sick amount of dollars in my FSA. And I even splurged on the high index lenses! I absolutely do not need another pair of glasses but if I did, it would be the Carnaby frame.

As Jenny says, you need a concealer you can touch up easily after the tears flow. Make it BeautyCounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen because YES to that sleek gold pen.

Brows are total face framers and can withstand any schmeary mess. I am partial to powders in the winter. Totally loving this one by Tarte—it’s volumizing!

Pantone did us all a solid with Marsala as the color of 2015. And color me major intrigued by this marsala mascara…that you can and should also use in your brows.

Hit up the highlighter where it counts –along cheekbones toward the hairline, in a wide ‘v’ shape between your brow and definitely on your brow bone. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone is subtle but powerful in delivering a glow.

The Hourglass Modernist eye palettes are things of beauty! I’m in love with the color mix of the graphite version. Hello (big) blue eyes.

Just say Puff Off to circles, says Benefit. And I agree. The secret of the new de-puffing eye gel is apparently in the “ironing” tip. If you are also saying aloud at this moment that it’s “just the tip”…then congrats, you are also a 15 year old boy.

There’s a really pretty pale pink cream shadow in NARS Spring collection called Porto Venere and I’m really excited to get it on my lids. It’s a little princess-y and I’m betting majorly brightening.

I always check the weather forecast before I make the decision to wear liquid liner. A new one (under $10!) that I’m loving is from NYX.

Grey by Choice

October 6, 2014

Color has a time and a place in my life. Hint: it’s almost never my wardrobe. I style myself to a grey existence with the occasional touch of white, black, beige and blue. This is most evident in the cooler months. The more grey layers, the less purple I am. I’m not kidding. My hands and feet take on a blue hue as soon as the temps drop below 50. I asked my Doctor if I needed to be concerned about my circulation and she said I should wear gloves as early as I need to and wear multiple pairs of socks. That was actually the official Rx. It works, for the most part. But I try to keep my greys and pre-winter style a little more fab.

Zara Sweater – There are so many cozy and chic grey knits this season at Zara—real thrilling stuff. I love this one with the slits and how it’s paired with a skirt. There is a match for sweaters like these beyond just leggings. Though, that is a fan fav. // Alima Pure After Hours – The smoky eye returns! I’m hooked on Alima’s Fall ‘By Night’ shimmer eyeshadows. This charcoal is as good as it gets with just a hint of gold to make it interesting. Apply it wet and watch yourself go from ordinary to sexy morning after face (though I never condone this…just replicating!) NARS Lhasa – For a less smoky grey, I reach for this lavender-ish shadow. I find it takes on a different tone depending on the person. // Kjaer Weis Radiance – I started using this silver-tinged luminizer in the summer and it has made the transition to fall swimmingly. I’m not far off from a refill, which in Kjaer Weis world means I can reuse the compact and just buy (and save) on a refill pan. // Madewell Ava Heel – My god, these heels are hot. I know my feet are about to be locked in boots (and two pairs of socks) here real soon but these need to happen. I’ll pair them with skinnies and a big old grey sweater!

All Hail Alicia Florrick

September 22, 2014

Fall premiere week is like Christmas. I admittedly watch an embarrassing amount of network TV. I still DVR Grey’s Anatomy so I’m basically a rare dinosaur. I won’t even try to defend this action. It really is what it is. The most thrilling part of the week was last night’s return of The Good Wife. I live for Alicia Florrick. She’s a role model. A fierce, bold, strong and badass female. I wish she were real. Today’s pretty picks is dedicated to her.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Primer – Flawless porcelain skin is just one of Alicia’s signatures. This primer has a tint so I find I wear less foundation with this as a base. It does incredible things for the face. // Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Crayon – For five seasons, I’ve admired how well Julianna Margulies pulls off a 90s style brown red lip. Bite’s crayon in Cognac fits the bill. // Rebecca Minkoff Medium MAB Tote – All business ladies need a great tote. // Ann Taylor Coated Zip Skirt – My day to day is a lot more casual than the pencil skirts, blazers and dresses that Alicia sports but I’m loving the edge of this skirt. Especially with the booties. // Bobbi Brown Brightening Blush – The Good Wife does not go too bright with her blush. Bobbi’s bronzing blush is on the money. // NARS Stylo Liquid Liner – It’s a hard life owning your own law firm and mourning your ex-lover…Alicia ddoesn’thave time for smudgy eyeliner. When I need to go day to night and into the night, NARS it is.

And now let’s talk about that premiere…except not in a spoiler-y way. Wow!

Eye Makeup Must-Haves

April 29, 2014

There’s a lot that changes in my makeup bag but my tried and true eye makeup staples rarely vary. I’m really particular with my eye primer and liquid liner especially. I test every shadow primer I can in the hopes of finding a good one, but I’ve yet to find one that performs as good as the original by Urban Decay. For some weird reason, I only like this in the mini tube, which honestly lasts for many months. I happily shared this and a few other tidbits on Meg Biram’s blog. I love her monthly beauty blogger q&a session! It’s fun to see what others are treasuring and it’s usually the case that I’m inspired to make a Sephora run.

Click on over here to read!

I Woke Up Like This

April 15, 2014

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me I looked tan this past month, I’d have enough to buy a latte. Which is a lot….my office isn’t that big. I always say, “oh, must be from Mexico,” but that was almost two months ago and I used so much SPF I think I got negative sun. I don’t seek out a tan, clearly, but I sure love bronzer. I’m all about the I Woke Up Like This Face, monochromatic edition. After my accidental experiment, I can guarantee these steps will have people spontaneously complimenting you on your tanned complexion. Our little secret, k?

Bronze, generously. I take it a step further than this model and bronze along my hair and jawline as well. The key is to avoid too much shimmer. Might look OK for a second but as the day goes on, it will be party at the disco. Enter the new NARS Matte Multiple in Altai. Using this product wet gives you complete control over the result. Keep the eyes minimal but defined. The light brown matte in ‘Limit’ from the Naked3 Palette in the crease with a smudge of a copper-colored liner – I love Smog. Intensify the lash line. I’ve been using It Cosmetics Tightline Mascara Primer …aka WHERE has this product been all of my life…which you apply at the very base of your lashes. I’ve never mastered tightlining (the impossible technique of lining your waterline) so It Cosmetics is genius. Natural lip tint. A balm looks more natural than lipstick or gloss, so a few dabs of Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Dream State finishes it off flawlessly.

Photo via

Pearly Picks

April 7, 2014

This weekend was all sorts of emotional. That Badgers game. The series finale of How I Met Your Mother. I was able to avoid all spoilers this week but knew there was outrage. I get it now, though I’m still totally conflicted on how I feel about it. This interview helps. I chose this week’s pretty picks in part because pearls make me happy and because I can’t stop thinking about this necklace. Or this ring. Those two pieces are exactly how I want to wear pearl jewelry right now…with just a little bit of edge.

Here’s my other pearly picks!

The BaubleBar pearl collar is out of stock (sadly!) but this Anthropologie version is just as good. // I love the Jouer Lip Enhancer formula and this pearly nude hue is so perfect. Makes for very kissable lips! // Crushed pearl acts as a skin conditioner in Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder. Water activates the formula and turns it into a super rich and exfoliating cleanser. // The highlighter of ALL highlighters…revealed to be the secret to the J.Crew model glow. // I went to a Clarins spring beauty event a few weeks ago and have been mixing this base in with my tinted moisturizer for a little glow since. // NARS does neutral eyeshadow so well and this opalescent pink is especially pretty and brightening.

The Shockingly Bright Color to Obsess Over for Spring

April 1, 2014

Bold isn’t the right word to describe this stick of color. Shocking is more like it. You’d be right to call NARS Matte Multiple in this crazy bright poppy red color called Siam a challenge to wear, though I see it as an opportunity.

One look at this color and I knew I’d sacrifice the contents of my entire makeup bag in order to pull it off. I want to build everything I wear around this color. And after experimenting with it, I’ll tell you that this color will wear you if you’re not careful.

The NARS Multiples are among my favorite products, ever — even the shimmery versions. I didn’t think NARS could top themselves but I think they did it with the Matte version. A big difference being you can use them wet to sheer out the color. For Siam, this method is the way to go but you still need to be extremely careful. It goes like this: wet a flat foundation brush, dab the brush on the back of you hand to wipe excess drops, pat ever so slightly (as in barely) on the top of Siam then once over the back of your hand over the excess water and finally on to your cheeks. You’ll know immediately if you’ve done too much and you’ll be best served blending with the side of the brush with no product. Fingers work in a pinch, but it is more difficult to use wet without a brush assist.

While you need to approach this with major kid gloves for the cheeks you can apply directly to your lips from the tube. It leaves a slight stain behind after the color fades so you don’t need to rush to re-app. And, it’s a statement color so goes best with an otherwise bare face.

Be honest…are you in the challenge or opportunity camp? Would you wear Siam?

I Like the Way You Work It

March 17, 2014

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? I had a great one, minus the five hours our heat went out. Paying Sunday repair rates was so not fun. I spent some time getting organized, including ordering up a frame for my new favorite print that my pal Steph at Glitterary designed with Von Moir. I have a soft spot for 90s hip hop and this classic line looks great in gold foil script. It no doubt inspired this week’s pretty picks. These four are working hard for me lately!

LIPS: Apparently, I really like my lip products in crayon form. NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien is a light rose with a hint of shimmer and is the color I reach for when I’m being indecisive. It goes with everything! // TIPS: I thought I was covered with pale pink (aka Essie Ballet Slippers) nail polish until I tried Deborah Lippmann La Vie En Rose. It has a multi-colored shimmer and is sheer enough that you can wear as a top coat to other polishes. Deborah calls it the color of a “daydream” which I find sweet. // HANDS: Illume Go Be Lovely Hand Crème is a moisturizer with a message. I find myself trying to be lovely after I apply the Anemone, which smells of apples and hot man (must be the oak moss and clove!) Have you ever seen cuter packaging? // JEWELS: I have worn these triangle studs from Chicago designer Michelle Starbuck every day since I got them! I love her classic style and reuse of vintage materials (these are brass). I also met Michelle in person for the first time over the weekend and find her to be so humble and charming.

P.S. The Garden Apt. is giving away a $50 gift card to Michelle Starbuck Designs (enter by 3/24)!

note: I received a sample of the Illume Hand Creme

How to Wear Makeup in the Winter

January 9, 2014

Jenny-Patinkin

For as fun as I think makeup is to apply and experiment with, I realize that for a lot of women, it’s a daunting routine that is sometimes anything but intuitive. Allow me to introduce you to the “lazy perfection makeup method,” coined by one of the best makeup artists in the biz, Jenny Patinkin, who also calls Chicago home. She’s built a reputation for creating simple and natural looks that are easy to do yourself. Jenny’s approach is very “real girl” and she’s all about breaking down the notion that in order to be flattering, makeup needs to be complicated or full of steps. She even designed a lazy perfection-inspired line of makeup brushes (coming soon to Space NK!) that practically apply makeup for you.

Jenny-Patinkin-Brush

I’ve never used a brush in so many ways as the All-Over Face (third from left)

I asked Jenny to share some of her lazy perfection tips for winter beauty. This week has been a painful reminder of the havoc frigid cold can wreak. My eyes tear up the second I walk outdoors and pale becomes me. You feel me?

Jenny-Patinkin-Arch-Apothecary

My eyes are like a leaky faucet when I’m outside in the cold. What should I be doing?
Eye shadow primer is an essential (I like Nars the best) and of course water-resistant eyeliner. For mascara, I’m actually not a big fan of waterproof formulas – they can dry out your lashes and make them brittle. I prefer a water resistant “tube” formula mascara like the ones from Kevyn Aucoin or Trish McEvoy because they stay on until you take them off, even if you have a few tears. And I would recommend a creamy concealer under the eyes that can be re-blended or blotted back into place after having tears run over it. Opaque concealers aren’t as malleable and are tougher to touch up.

How do you prevent lips from drying out?
Aquaphor! It’s a savior! I like to apply it to clients (and myself) before I put on any makeup so that by the time I’m ready to apply lipstick as the last step, lips are smooth and moisturized. Honestly, there are plenty of times in the winter when I personally skip lipstick altogether and just apply Aquaphor. I keep tubes of it everywhere – in my pockets, purses, my car and beside my bed, and I sleep with it on my lips every night.

Statement lip: yes or no?
As long as your lips are smooth and un-chapped, then why not! A satin finish is more comfortable to wear than drier matte or demi-matte finishes, though, and a little bit of sheen looks pretty against flat winter fabrics like wool or cashmere. It’s also helpful to warm up your complexion with a little bronzer so that the contrast between bold lips and pale skin doesn’t look harsh or too pronounced.

What is the trick to getting glowing skin, despite the dry air?
Look for products that have words like luminous, radiant, illuminating in the name or description. This generally means that there is micro-shimmer mixed in which will help any available light bounce off of your skin, adding dimension and glow. I like Burberry Beauty Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base mixed in with moisturizer or foundation, or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector dotted along the tops of the cheeks.

Tips to wearing bronzer in the winter?
If your skin gets sallow in the winter – tinged with yellow, green or grey tones – then bronzer will be your best friend. I like to keep it mostly on the top part of the face – along the cheekbones, up the temples and lightly across the forehead with maybe a dash on the nose. By keeping the center of your face (orbital bones, chin/neck) in your natural tone, you’ll look “warm” without looking “tan.”

How do you prevent the cakey look?
I tend to avoid powder products in the winter, or use them very sparingly. Something like Jouer Essential Matte Touch is almost like a putty texture that you can apply under your makeup or on top of it as a touch up over the course of the day – love that stuff. I sometimes also send clients out with sponges in their evening bags to blot away shine instead of covering it with powder.

Yes, Another Neutral Eye Shadow

December 18, 2013

I do believe there is too much of a good thing except in the case of neutral eye shadow. This is coming from the girl who sees the need to own all of the Urban Decay Naked palettes (don’t forget Basics!) It’s one of my many beauty guiding principles – others include wash your face no matter how many drinks you’ve had and it’s never too early to wear eye cream.

In fact, the only thing that has distracted me from my beloved Naked 3 palette is another neutral shadow. The one, the only: NARS Mississippi Mermaid. NARS does neutrals like woah, but this one is extra special. I love the finish, something NARS calls “Cinematic,” which is essentially a smooth metallic velvet that you barely need to tap your brush on to get the perfect amount of color. The champagne hue is perfect for any occasion, though my favorite is with a swipe of liquid liner for the day to day. I get it — you think, how could I possibly ever need another neutral eyeshadow? But then you try this and realize it’s one of a kind.

Bag Lady

December 4, 2013

Today’s gift guide goes out to all of my fellow bag ladies. Which is every female reading this, right? We’re so easy to shop for. I’m bag lady central. Or, as I pronounce it, begs. The Wisconsin in me really comes out when I say the word. While this gift guide could have gone on for days, I edited myself and pulled together what I think is a supremely awesome set of bags that would make someone very happy this holiday.

Here’s what you need to know.

The holidays translate to amazing value sets in the beauty world. Take this Guy Bourdain x NARS Larger than Life eyeliner set. Or the MAC “Stroke of Midnight” gift sets which come with some of the best bags I’ve seen from the brand in years. Love the nylon black and white with gold piping. Bonus? The mineralize brushes that come with this set are stellar.

I can practically feel the butter soft suede and leather on this midnight blue and gold Baggu envelope clutch. I want to put my things in there, badly.

Just add red lipstick to this Jouer “It” bag and you have a truly chic gift.

Butter London had me with the quilted patent bag but really lured me in with four of their best polishes (Yummy Mummy!) all for under $40. This is one of my top picks for the season!

A mini leopard crossbody satchel? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Sparkles and fur? Obviously this Stephanie Johnson makeup bag is a must.

Neutral Eyes with a NARS Twist

November 14, 2013

I have a wee bit of a NARS eye shadow addiction. It’s been my thing for years, especially the duos. Even when the colors are a little wild and crazy, they’re just so good. I trust the vision of François. You can’t really call yourself a beauty adventure until you‘ve layered on cyan blue and parakeet green (yes, like an exotic bird). And then there are the neutrals. Oh, so many perfect neutrals. Flesh-toned All About Eve, rose gold Alhambra and my current obsession Grand Palais. Grand Palais is a silver taupe with a dusty rose neighbor. The rose tripped me up at first, but NARS always has a master vision so I curbed the doubt. For two shadows, there is so much you can do. Together, they’re this perfect mauve with a little sheen. The taupe is perfect as a standalone on the lid and the rose is more of a soft brown so looks effortless and natural in the crease. This combo sort of does all of the work for you — I love this for daytime. Makes me feel all Parisian chic!

7 Nail Polishes to Wear This Fall

October 21, 2013

Every season brings a new nail color palette and fall is always the best. The return of deep broody colors, rich hues, greys and pre-holiday glitz. I can’t get enough. I eased into the season with this red and my fav color of Essie’s fall collection, For the Twill of It, which is like three metallic nail colors in one. The teal shimmer that reflects from that polish is major. We’ve still got a lot of fall to enjoy so I’ve pulled together the rest of my top picks to inspire your next manicure!

After seeing Deborah Lippmann Rolling in the Deep on The Glossarie’s nails, I picked up a bottle. It’s the most incredible navy crème and I’m obsessed. In fact, before you get distracted with Deborah Lippmann holiday (who could blame you?!), check out the rest of her ‘Jewel Heist’ collection. The holographic Glitter and Be Gay is truly jewelry for your nails. I’ve been wearing it ombre style, like this.

Speaking of nail jewels, Marchesa designed a set of nail appliques for Revlon inspired by couture gowns. Each design is prettier than the next but the Gilded Mosaic pattern especially stands out. Another collection that caught my eye? Jin Soon’s collab with Tibi. I get lost in the glossy black Obsidian which has little bits of shimmer to give it the look of volcanic rock. Beyond cool.

It’s not fall without a deep purple and Chanel Taboo fits that bill. It looks burgundy in the bottle but on nails is a complex mix of plum and navy. When the sun hits your nails, it lights up. I bought this to get parking validation at Nordstrom a few months ago and am so glad I did! For a softer take on fall grey, I recommend NARS Galathee, a creamy lavender grey with cool undertones. It may be new, but I can already see this one being a classic staple.

What are you wearing on your nails this fall?