Tag Archives: Tarte

The Best Sunscreen of 2016

Best Sunscreen 2016

Sunscreen has gotten so good, guys. If you’re still struggling with chalky and hard to blend, then you’re in luck. We’ve got mucho options. I read an article at the start of “sunscreen season” awhile back and it basically said that human error is one of the main reasons it doesn’t work (assuming you have a formula that isn’t old or expired). Basically, we miss a lot of spots. The aerosols are especially guilty of a shotty application. I am not a big fan of the sprays anyway because I don’t like to breathe in the particles. In a pinch, I’ll coat my feet but generally steer clear.

Let’s break down the best, low-to-luxe.

Under $15

I got in the habit of buying Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby when I was visiting Miami (both times last year) and I had to pick up SPF at the Publix on the way to the beach. This admittedly can leave a white-ish cast if you don’t blend well. It is really effective, though, so it’s a go to for all over body on beach days. If applying at home, I’ll mix in with a little coconut oil or body lotion to help it spread easier. As a rule, that is the best way to ensure your sunscreen feels and looks the most natural on your limbs. // Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide caught my eye at Ulta and it is legit. This tub is a whopping SPF 50 and has aloe and vitamin E so is very easy to blend in. Love that it’s under $10. // One of my go-to facial SPF moisturizers is Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30. I like that it doubles as a moisturizer and has some built-in radiance.

Splurge-ish $$

I discovered Clarins UV Plus Tinted in the heart of winter and fully appreciate its magical powers now that its melt your face off weather. It’s one of those formulas you need to shake to activate since it’s so lightweight. The tint has incredible coverage so it can double as makeup. Perfect for bare face days. // You can’t help but be drawn to the Tarteguard 30 bottle and it just gets better once you use. The formula has Tarte’s signature maracuja (passion fruit) oil and blends smoothly on your face and feels good under makeup. // If we’re so bad at applying sunscreen, surely Beautycounter Protect Stick is a saving grace. It’s ultra tote-able in your bag and perfect for swiping on the areas you never do: ears, toes, lips and an extra layer on your forehead when you’re standing square in the sun.

I’m so fancy $$$

Sun ages skin, yes, but pollution is the real enemy and it’s invisble! Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart has a high SPF 50 and also a special DNA Enzyme Complex to strengthen skin. Pollution is everywhere but city slickers, you need a little more help. I love how sheer this but it does have a slight tint that doesn’t show up on skin but helps it blend more into all skin tones. After I finish this tube, I will be restocking. // I got the Kari Gran Three Sixty Five in my July BeautyHeroes box—the best “beauty in a box” subscription service I’ve ever tried. This isn’t like any other sunscreen I’ve used. It’s filled with oils so it blends into skin and leaves behind a little slick. I love it blended with makeup for a dewy finish. It makes skin look really healthy and also helps strengthen skin while you wear. // If I’m splurging on SPF – which the last of this luxe trip definitely is – it needs to do more than just block sun.  Tatcha Pore Perfecting Sunscreen helps tighten pores and improve uneven skin tone. The formula is like liquid silk – no, really, has silk extract in there – and is meant to be worn as a makeup primer. Any makeup you put on top of this looks better than if you skipped the step.

What are you using these days? Tell me everything.

Tarte BB Tinted Primer

Tarte-BB-Tinted-Primer

It was in a moment of pure frenzy that I discovered just what Tarte BB Tinted Primer can really do. You see, I was doing my makeup at the wee hour of 3 a.m. a few weeks ago in my hotel room, getting ready for a major work event (the grand opening of this!) I was running on about two hours sleep and gearing up for what was going to be one of the craziest (and most awesome) days of my professional career. And I had forgotten my eye shadow primer. Way to go, me. Rather than panic and freak the eff out (sleep deprivation makes you surprisingly solution-oriented), I just used my Tarte BB Tinted Primer that I had packed in my makeup bag. It all seemed so obvious in the moment— it says primer right on the label and everything. I knew it would be at least 15 hours until I’d actually be able to take a breather so I had no idea what the state of my eye makeup was going to be. At some point mid-day, I peeked in a bathroom mirror and was relieved to see my eye makeup perfectly in place. No smudging, creasing or fading to be seen.  In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been surprised, considering how this gives my skin an airbrush finish that lasts for more than 12 hours. It has a silky finish and instantly perfects and corrects. There was a reason I packed this in my makeup bag to begin with.

Pretty Pick: Tarte Strike A Pose Statement Lash Set

Tarte-Eyelash-Curler

Well, hello! I didn’t mean to take a blogging hiatus, but that’s exactly what happened last week. I thought summers were supposed to be chill and relaxing, but this one, for me, is straight crazy. We took a few days off this weekend to visit family in Ohio and I indulged in a little tech detox. I think it’s just what I needed to feel normal again. We also did some shopping – if there’s one thing I love about Columbus, it’s the malls. While checking out the new Marc Jacobs collection at Sephora, I got distracted by this shiny gold Tarte Eyelash Curler and Mascara duo. So fancypants! Tarte’s Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler is my absolute favorite – and I’ve been hanging on to a jewel-encrusted curler from a few holiday collections ago that is on its last curls. The set comes with a sample of Tarte’s new Lights, Camera Flashes mascara which apparently ups lash volume by 752% — whoa. The wand is extra spiky and grabby, and if the formula wears anything like predecessor Lights, Camera Lashes, this will be a home run. All under $20, which makes for a guilt-free splurge.

(More) Pink Lips for Spring

Spring-Lipstick

I’m still all about a pink lip for spring. Especially now that spring is real! Finally, I tucked my wool coat in the closet until next season. Since we last discussed, I’ve weaved in a few more shades of pink to the lip color rotation. A mix of gloss and lipstick, and lots of layering of the two. Here’s the line-up, tucked in my Stephanie Johnson Malibu lemon pouch!

Discovering a new brand is always fun, and I’ve been enjoying the getting to know Manna Kadar Cosmetics. Especially MKC’s Lipstick in Savoir Faire, a neutral rose that goes with all. This color is exactly what I wanted the famed NARS Dolce Vita to be on my lips, but that turned brown on me. I need a pink undertone otherwise my lips translate rose shades into an unflattering muddy color. MKC’s formula is extra creamy and a swipe saturates my lips for hours.

MAC launched a new Mineralize Lipstick, with a fancy new bullet and packaging. There are a handful of pretty neutral colors, but my favorite is Grande Dame. It’s classic rosy pink — not too bright and not too subtle. The kind of color that brightens everything up instantly. It has just the right amount of shine for a lipstick. These are totally worth a visit to the MAC counter.

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss wins for most spring-like packaging. There’s something that just feels right when clicking a floral-adorned tube of gloss onto lips in May. The shade Amused is extra bubblegum in the tube but a little less so on the lips. The cool blast of peppermint you feel on lips is a bonus.

The original Jouer Lip Enhancer is a nightstand staple, and the Tinted version in Cosmo is the daytime equiv. Just like the original, it’s intensely hydrating, plumping and smells slightly of roses. The soft cool pink doesn’t impart too much color on its own but can be easily amped up by layering over a lipstick. I reapply this constantly throughout the day for extra moisture!

What’s your go-to lip for spring lately? Do tell!

The Anti-April Fools: Spring Beauty Sale at Sephora

The long weekend was pretty great — the warmest days in months, Easter festivities and an excess of Starburst jelly beans and Napoleon (family Easter dessert tradition!) On Saturday, I even did a little outlet shopping. It was the combination of ideal weather and sales (50% off at J Crew Factory!) that put me in the mood to shop shop shop. Some time during my sugar-induced haze, I stumbled onto Sephora’s spring clearance online. There’s some major beauty loot to be had! I promise, no April Fools tricks here (I really despise  April 1 and its prankiness). Here’s what’s tempting me most…

Sephora-Spring-Sale

I’ve been eyeing up the Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Conceal & Brighten duo for what it seems like ever. A 50% off sale is just the encouragement I need to give it a try. A concealer filled with PTR’s signature blend of peptides and wrinkle-fighters as well as a multi-tasking illuminator that can be used anywhere you need a little luminosity? Sounds dreamy, right?

Tarte’s holiday collection was just one huge ball of awesome – especially the Maracuja Rollerball Collectors Set (prettiest packaging!) that is now no sale. Three mini rollerballs filled with the a facial oil rich in vitamin C and fatty acids.

Sephora makes phenomenal face brushes (this one is an all-time fav) but they can be a bit splurgey, which is why 50% off is so major. While most have already sold out, this Sephora Pro-Tapered Foundation version is still in stock. This would be perfect for getting concealer or foundation around the eyes, nose and just for extra precision.

On the exterior, Tarte NeutralEYES Shadow Palette looks like a fab wallet but – surprise! – it’s actually 10 neutral eyeshadows, a double-ended brush and an eyeliner. I have this and love it — and the fact that it is 40% off is kinda mind-blowing. 

Happy Monday! I hope you successfully avoid any April Fools duping. Remember, trust no one.

Tarte Makeup Brush Art, Sonia Kashuk Spring and a Crazy Cool Manicure

Tarte-Makeup-Brush-Art

Photo via Tarte Cosmetics

The creatives at Tarte posted this fun DIY makeup brush art tutorial! I’m not the most skilled at arts and crafts, but I think even I could do this! I especially love the pink and studs on the Buffer Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush. (Tarte Talk)

I always look forward to seeing Lara’s “Bag + Balm” combos — this month’s Sonia Kashuk duo is the cutest! (The Glossarie)

Check this mega bright color block semi-circle manicure (yes, it’s all of those things!) and learn how to recreate. (Fear No Beauty)

Get to know Meadowfoam and Stark Skincare’s Everybody Oil. (Beauty Huile)

Product-lust alert (you’ve been warned):  Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Delice. Taylor wears it beautifully!  (My Lucite Dreams)

Spring Beauty: Pink Cheeks and Lips

Spring-Beauty-Trend-Pink-Makeup

It’s time to get serious about spring beauty. Forget that it’s still winter and we just got our biggest snow of the season last week, spring is practically here. My allergies have already started (wtf?) so really it’s just a technicality at this point. I’m ready for fresh pink cheeks and lips, worn in tandem of course. It differs from the super bright cool pinks I love to wear in winter (like this one on cheeks) in that it’s slightly rosier. When rosy pinks are paired on lips and cheeks, the effect is fresh and youthful. The kind of makeup that looks good with everything.

Allison-Williams-Girl-Rising

Photo credit: Just Jared

Allison Williams wore this look on the red carpet last week and of course looked amazing. She is such a beauty! I love how she paired rosy pink lips and cheeks with major lashes. And her brows are nothing short of perfection. To recreate this look, try Jouer Hydrating Lipstick in Whitney, new this spring, on lips. It’s a demi-matte finish, so it leaves a slight sheen on the lips. Another formula I am loving is the Maybelline Color Whisper. They are slightly more sheer, but the shade Rose of Attraction has just the right amount of color. On cheeks, try Benefit Posietint or Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused. Both look majorly bright at a glance but take on a more subdued pink on skin. They also have insane lasting power so your fresh, Allison-inspired look lasts all day. And if you’re looking for more on Allison’s eye makeup look, allow me to direct you to Glamour’s Girls in the Beauty Department!

1. Jouer Hydrating Lipstick / 2. Benefit Posietint / 3. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush / 4. Maybelline Color Whisper

The Truth About My Brows

Brow-Makeup-and-Tools

I love wearing and doing my makeup. I also love that I can be comfortable without makeup. Except there is a but. It’s my brows, guys. They are becoming a big problem. And by big I actually mean little and sparse. I’ve always had brow probs — cowlicks, vague arch and now the inability to grow really at all. What is up with that? I’ve always heard from those older (and wiser) than me that this can happen and they ain’t lying. It’s getting to the point where I’m not totally comfortable without a little fill. It’s a part of my routine on most days, but now I think it’s necessary every day.

The last time I got a brow wax was last summer and things truly haven’t been the same since. I tweeze the strays with my trusty Tweezerman’s (the best tweezers ever, period) but there’s no real growth where I want it to be. The upside is I have an arsenal of brow fixers that make my situation less of one. Here are my favorites!

  • At the start of the year, MAC launched a new pencil, Veluxe Brow Liner, and it might just be the best pencil I’ve ever used. I’ve been off of the pencil kick lately because most need to be sharpened too often. You only need to be left with a little nub while traveling once for that to be a concern. However, I think I’ve only had to sharpen this once in a month. It’s my go-to low maintenance, 30 second brow.
  • Make Up For Ever owns waterproof everything, so it is no surprise that the Aqua Brow is practically permanent (in a good way). The texture is a mix between a cream and a gel – the tiniest bit is all you need. I will use this a ton come summer.
  • I reach for Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse often, nearly daily before the MAC Veluxe Brow came along! It’s a really dry consistency and I prefer it to powders.
  • I’ve used a lot of different brushes, but this mini Anastasia brush is the only one that works for me. It’s precise and can be used with any product.
  • Benefit High Brow Glow is a savior for my “vague arches.” I swipe it under my arches before I fill and blend well with my fingers. It adds a little lift and brightness. It’s an extra step in my beauty routine that is totally worth the time.

Any advice you have to share on getting brow hair to grow would be much appreciated. I’ve dabbled in a few serums but nothing that has really had an impact. Help!

Tarte Awakening Cheek Stain

Tarte-Awakening-Cheek-Stain

In the spirit of award season, Tarte Awakening Cheek Stain wins best blush in the ‘winter blues’ category. My sweet husband gave this to me for Valentine’s Day and there’s been a serious boost of happy in my beauty routine since. I’ve been admiring this since I first saw it in January (I have a really perceptive husband!) The pink ombre packaging sets this apart from all of my other blushes and the dewy neutral pink glow it leaves on cheeks is refreshing. Matte this is not, in fact, it stays a touch dewy on cheeks for a while. A welcome effect in the final stretch of winter. I brought this to Miami on vacation last week, along with another blush, but I only wore this all week! It’s really easy to apply with your fingers, but if you want a less dewy effect try using a fluffy brush.

Tarte Awakening Cheek Stain is part of the brand’s 2013 Spring Collection. Check it out here.

312 Beauties: Rachel Gillman

I’m rolling out a new feature here, fittingly called 312 Beauties. I’ll be tapping some of Chicago’s most fabulous women to tell me of all of their beauty secrets and dish on makeup must-haves. I’m excited to kick off the series with Rachel Gillman, a PR Specialist and Freelance Writer for NBC, Michigan Avenue and Serious Eats. Rachel is the ultimate media pro and knows all when it comes to BYOB and gluten-free dining in Chicago.  She also has the most enviable lashes you’ll ever see. Lucky for us, she tells all.

 

Rachel-Gillman

How do you start your mornings?

I’ve learned that I do better working out in the a.m. Two mornings a week at 6am, I’ll do the elliptical or an Insanity or P90X video in the living room. On those mornings, I’ll wash my hair. I usually aim to wash my hair every other day. A trick — which you taught me! — is to go to sleep with my hair twisted on top of my head in a clip. It’s a game-changer! It makes two-day hair full and fresh looking. It’s a major time saver in the morning.

You have flawless skin. What is your skin care routine?

I use Cetaphil cleanser, though if I get something in a Birchbox, I always try it out. I use Lancome Bi-Facil to remove my eye makeup. I stock up on it when I buy mascara, whenever there’s a free gift at the counter. I was really hooked on Chanel skin care, the Hydra Beauty Crème, but I haven’t made the effort to splurge all over again on a new tub. Occasionally, I rotate Retin- A into my routine. I recently got a facial at Cellular Intelligence spa and bought the Lumiere Bio Restorative Eye Cream on a recommendation. It’s very light, and I use it every morning. I use Neutrogena SPF 50 as well, especially if I know I’ll be out in the sun. I’m more concerned about protecting my skin lately.

Rachel-Gillman-Makeup

How about your everyday face?

I use a concealer from Benefit and then follow up with this Pür Minerals powder I got from Birchbox — it’s more matte and it helps even my skin out. A makeup artist at the Chanel at Bloomingdales, Ana Oveido, sold me two of the Quadra Eyeshadows in Mystic Eyes and Prelude and taught me how to use all four shadows together or take it down with just one or two. She is fantastic. I’m pretty particular when it comes to my makeup being done because you know what looks like you and what you’re comfortable wearing. She takes everything I do and improves upon it. I use those eyeshadows pretty much every day. And when I feel like I’ve done a good job and I’m near the Bloomingdale’s building, I’ll go and visit her and she’ll tell me how I did!

I also use Chanel eyeliner, in the shade Cassis. You twist it up, so it’s not a true pencil. It’s precise, lasts and really lets you get in between your lashes.  My blush is Laura Mercier Pink Lotus and I use NARS Risky Business Lip Gloss. I also carry around a CO Bigelow tint with me always. A great makeup artist Jenny Patinkin (of Dollface Beauty) coached and shopped with me for makeup. I trust her judgment. She helps you create a better version of yourself.  I fill in my brows with an Anastasia Powder. Jenny helped me pick that out as well. I just use a little bit.

Now about those lashes…

I am obsessed with Lancome mascara – completely loyal to the Hypnose Drama. I buy it two tubes at a time because I never want to be without. I’ve used something from Tarte and another from Sephora but I always go back to Lancome. The amount of time I spend on my lashes could be considered comical. I curl them to start and put on a coat. Not a wimpy one, either, but from the base and I coat every lash. I let it dry, do some other makeup and then come back. I’ll curl my lashes again, use a lash comb to separate and then apply one more coat. It never clumps. The Lancome brush is magic.

Rachel-Gillman-Lipstick

Rachel’s lip wardrobe

I love Birchbox, too. What are some of your favorite discoveries?

Let me tell you, this $10 a month service fuels my beauty routine. Some of my favorite items have come from Birchbox. I love the Jouer Lip Enhancer – I need to buy a big tube! Also, I love this chubby Tarte lip pencil in a coral shade. I also got the Benefit primer, POREfessional, and I’m pretty hooked. It helps smooth my skin before makeup.  I love anything skin-related they send.

What is your beauty splurge?

I really have no problem spending money on my hair, but for some reason I do on my skin. I should probably reverse that! I love my hair stylist. I get my hair cut about every three months by Ingrid Trevino at Nancy Angelair  on Rush Street. I’ve followed Ingrid around to three salons. Her blowouts are second to none and she cuts wavy hair so well. I can’t go much longer than three months because my ends get so damaged from heat and styling.

I’ve been using this donut lately to create the perfect bun. It requires a little effort but is so worth it. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding recently and they styled my hair with it so I just held onto it after the wedding. I don’t like too sleek of a look. Just a little bit messy when I wear my hair up.

Where have you been eating lately?

I probably eat out about five nights a week (research!)  My favorite sushi restaurant right now is Kai Zan. It’s BYOB, which is one of my favorite ways to dine. Yuzu has really good maki rolls. I’m on a whiskey kick at the moment, and am enjoying cocktails in a new way with darker spirits. I had this drink called Cocktail at Billy Sunday – potent but very drinkable.

Grange Hall Burger Bar has a gluten-free bun. When I want a true burger experience, that’s my go-to. Bountiful Eatery in Lakeview is a great, healthy gluten-free cafe.  They have these pita wraps with portabella mushrooms or bison burgers inside. It’s affordable and tasty. Prasino is my favorite brunch right now. They have a hippie omelet that is worth looking forward to all week!

Vacation Makeup Bag: Miami Edition

Vacation-Makeup-Bag

When you live in the Midwest, it is practically a medical necessity to travel south to a warmer climate for even a few days. By mid-February, I’m usually at my breaking point with winter. This year, my husband and I are seeking refuge in Miami. Per usual, my vacation makeup bag is packed to the brim. Here’s a peek at what I brought!

My favorite travel bags are the Stephanie Johnson ML Traveler, and I’ve had it in the Kyoto pattern for years. It fits a ton and has four different compartments which appeals to the perpetual organizer in me. I’m testing a few new products, the Tarte BB Tinted Primer and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, so brought both. The other face products are Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact and Benefit fakeup, which I’m digging so far. Jouer Bronzer in Suntan will be necessary on this trip and I couldn’t decide between Benefit Fine One One and Tarte Awakening Cheek Stain (a Valentine’s Day gift from my husband!) so I packed them both. Eyes are minimal. I brought my favorite Tarte cream shadow in Shimmering Bronze, a few NARS neutrals (Alhambra!) and CoverGirl Clump Crusher. The lip of this trip is Becca Ultimate Colour Gloss in Miami Vice. Because, obviously, right?

Hearts, Roses and Bronzer

Valentines-Day-Beauty

I love to love, and I love Valentine’s Day. I’ve picked out the perfect Boston Terrier card for my husband (it’s our tradition on all occasions) and we’ll probably spend the night snuggling with our Boston, who turns five this month, and chatting with my niece who has a V-day b-day. I can’t help but be excited by the influx of pink, red and heart-shaped everything in stores right now.

I’ve pulled together my favorite Valentine’s Day inspired items, beauty and otherwise, that I’ve got at the very top of my wish list.

Happy love month!

(1) Limited edition bkr candy bottle  (2)  Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Illuminating Bronzing Veil (3) Tarte Skintuitive Lip Tint (4) Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne (5) Diptyque Rose Duet

Low to Luxe: Mascara

Best-Mascaras

Many of my conversations with friends and co-workers often start with or lead to beauty talk. It’s just my trade, ya know? Everything from dry shampoo tricks (my friends don’t like washing their hair either!) or what mascara should I buy? I’m starting a new series on 312 Beauty inspired by these informal chats called “Low to Luxe.”  I’ll take a category and give you my opinion on the best product from drugstore to lavish high-end. There’s a time and place for everything, so let this be your guide to practical choices and when to get all splurge-y.  Let’s start it off with mascara!

While I switch up my beauty routine nearly daily, I am incredibly loyal when it comes to lashes. Sure, I’ll try anything once but if it flakes or smears it’s a goner. In the words of Sweet Brown, ain’t nobody got time for that.

Let’s start with the drugstore. For years, I’ve been recommending almost exclusively Maybelline The Falsies. I love the “spoon” wand and the fluttery lashes it creates. But now I’m adding CoverGirl Clump Crusher into the mix. CoverGirl says you can put up to 30 coats of this on without it clumping and they’re not kidding. I’ve tried to get this to clump and it just.WILL.not. Buy it and try it. It will astound you.

There’s a ton of average performers in the mid-price point. Higher price doesn’t necessary equal better – especially with mascara, an item you have to throw out after a few months anyway. Two that I’ve bought repeatedly are Tarte Gifted Mascara and Benefit They’re Real. Tarte blows my mind with this formula — to the point my lashes are practically hitting my eyebrows. A bit of liquid eyeliner right on the lashline and you have d-r-a-m-a. Plus, it comes off very easily. They’re Real wears like iron and the spikey tip helps separate and lengthen every single lash. The only downside (and it’s worth it) is that removing it takes real effort.

If you’re in the mood to #treatyoself, look no further than Guerlain Noir G Mascara. The jewel case is fancy-town, and the mascara lives up to its potential, even helps lashes to grow thanks to a keratin infusion. The good news is the case is reusable and Guerlain sells refill mascaras for $26.

Given how personal mascara can be, I know you all have a POV to share on the low to luxe scale. Let me know the mascara you love!