A few of my favorite things, Part 2: More face product faves

Believe it or not, I have more face faves to share! Part 1 addressed products that can be used to create a perfected canvas for the rest of your makeup. Here, I'm going to share some color products that can help you achieve a defined and healthy look. Here we go.


1. Physician's Formula Bronzer Booster in Medium to Dark: This is a tried and true product that I've used for the last couple of years (at least). It's a satin finish bronzer which gives the skin a natural subtle glow. I like that it doesn't pull too orange-- just a warm brownish bronze. I apply it as an all-over bronzer with a large fluffy powder brush hitting the cheekbones, temples, hairline and jawline. I like that it doesn't give  too-dark muddy effect on the skin-- just a nice dose of bronze glow.

2. Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection To Reflect Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow: I came across this product last winter at a drugstore when the Fergie Collection had first come out. I love the look of highlighted skin-- so glowy and healthy. I almost always apply this over MAC Cream Colour base in Pearl for some added longevity on the skin. I apply this highlighter, with a small brush, on the tops of my cheekbones and curve it up in a "C" formation onto my brow bones, then a bit down the center of my nose and sometimes a bit in the center of the forehead, just above the area between the brows. It's a *little* subtler than the Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer, which is another gorgeous option for highlighter at a higher price point.

3. MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl: This is a multipurpose colored base. The texture is creamy but not too slick. It seems to dry down to a slight powder finish once applied. You can use this product on it's own to highlight the high points of the face or even use it as an eyeshadow base, but I use it as a base for my powder highlighter to give it something to stick to. The combination of the 2 highlighting products really works for my combo skin, and it provides just the perfect amount of light.

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Natural Beauty: 15% on the Tarte website from 8/29 to 9/2! At first glance red blush look like it would be terrifying and clown-like on the skin. Believe it or not, this is not so. The color of this blush really mimics the color of a natural flush. You can apply a sheer application for lighter skin tones or build it up for darker skin tones. It's a very universal shade in my opinion. I apply this to my cheekbones with an angled blush brush, and sweep up and back towards the hairline. And the lasting power for this formula is excellent. They are worth the money.

5. NARS ITA Kabuki Artisan Brush No. 21:This is a holy grail contour brush. It makes creating a more chiseled face a snap. I use this with MAC's Sculpting Powder in Shadowy (or NYX's Taupe powder blush when I'm not tan). All you need to do to achieve a natural looking contour is dip the brush into your contour product (choose a matte formula, no shimmer), and stamp the color under your cheekbone (in the hollow) at the hairline, then wiggle the brush up and down and back and forth extending towards the corner of your mouth, stopping at the point parallel to the outside of the iris of your eye for a day-time look. If you go a little further, you're going to create a more dramatic look-- this can be nice for special events or evening looks (looks great in pics). You can also use this brush to contour down the sides of your nose and your temples quite easily using similar techniques.

6. MAC Fix+ Skin Refresher/Finishing Mist in the travel size: I like to use this product to dampen my foundation brush before applying my liquid foundation, in order to sheer it out a bit. It's also really nice for misting your entire face after you complete your makeup application to reduce the powdery finish that your powder products can leave. If you're looking to keep you makeup matte, this isn't the product for you. I like a more natural finish which I can achieve, even if I piled on the makeup, with a quick misting of Fix+.

7. MAC Sculpting Powder Pro Palette in Shadowy: Pro products are sold in pans (without the compact packaging) so you can pop them into customized palettes. This is an awesome shadowy mid-tone brown. I think it works well to help me create shadows and contours where I'm lacking (I have a round face) them naturally. In combination with the NARS ITA, I can contour quickly and seamlessly. This is the perfect tone when I'm a bit tanner but I'll probably go back to my NYX Taupe powder blush once I'm a bit paler.

Eyes and lips up next!


Love, 
Michele


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