Collective Laboratories Hair Serum
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Hair loss, thinning and lackluster are now a thing of the past, thanks to Collective Laboratories!
Read MoreAyr Skin Care
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Finally a 100% organic moisturizer that is also vegan and animal cruelty free, formulated for mature skin! This little jar is a “clean beauty” miracle worker!
Read MoreCity Beauty
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City Beauty was a cosmetic line with which I was unfamiliar, until about a month ago, when they asked if they could send me products to try and review. As you know, I only publish products that I believe in and those that deliver great results. City Beauty makes good on its promises, as I have tried every item here and you can read about each below. When you order a product, please use the code FABULESLEY when checking out to receive a 10% discount!
As a young girl, who was teased about her full lips, I am usually not drawn to a lip plumper. In addition, lip plumpers typically have a menthol/cooling/ tingling sensation, of which I have never been a fan. City Lips, however, delivers on its promise to give you fuller lips, without looking like you were just stung by a bee.
First, let’s start with the matte lip crème, which contains Hyaluronic Acid Spheres, Oligopeptide Technology, Moisturizing Oil blend of Ylang Ylang and Jojoba oils and a multi-functional Elastomer system that dries the emollient down to a velvet matte finish. I received the colors Pink Taupe and Misty Mauve, both of which were beautiful on the lip. If you are not someone who is bothered by the tingling/cooling sensation, then go for it. The matte effect is very different than most popular brands of lip plumpers like Dior or Chanel which usually come as a gloss. I shy away from that tingling sensation….I won’t even wear the mint version of Kieh’s lip balm because it tingles. I am also someone who removes all tags and labels from my shirts because the slightest scratch from the material drives me crazy. If you are more tolerant, then you will likely love these lip plumpers, and as I mentioned before, the colors are beautiful and the matte finish is lovely.
Now let’s discuss the glosses…...I AM OBSESSED! That’s basically all I have to say about them. They contain Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid Sphere, Oligopeptides and Ylang Ylang Flower Oil.
There is no tingling sensation, they last for hours and they make my lips look and feel great. I have worn them over and over again and have actually been stopped several times and asked what lip color I am wearing! I have the clear, (which is a little sticky but looks beautiful on), Sun Diego and Pink Nude which I wear constantly and layer on top of one another. The City Lips glosses are winners!
Remember to use the code FABULESLEY to receive your 10% discount!
This mask makes good on its claim to smooth lines, tighten and firm the skin. I love it so much that I used it right before a photo shoot…it’s that good. My skin felt firmer and tighter than ever before and it appeared hydrated. The mask contains ultra fine fibers packed with plant extracts and hyaluronic acid. I love this product and encourage you to try it. The only criticism I have with the design of the mask is that there are two tiny flaps beside the nose, and I could not figure out where to put them…. so I tucked them in to receive extra hydration on the tops of my cheeks. That is certainly not a flaw that will stop me from ordering more, but I have made the company aware of this defect. This one of my favorite products! The 5 masks are priced at $60.00, (minus the 10% FABULESLEY discount), leaving this as a no-brainer!
Immediately after using the Hydro Mask, I applied the Multi Action Face Cream, and I was very happy with the results. My skin retained the firmness and tightness delivered by the mask, and my foundation glided on effortlessly. At $67.00 (minus the 10% FABULESLEY discount), you really can’t go wrong. I use very expensive face creams and this one, is as good if not better than most of them, because, in conjunction with the mask, my skin looked and felt firmer. I am hooked in this sensation!
Loaded with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and other ingredients trademarked and specifically created for City Beauty, this eye treatment felt good going on and delivered hydration all day long. The company claims that it is essential to use at bedtime, to achieve the best results as it works alongside the skin‘s natural nighttime regenerating process. I have discoloration and under eye puffiness; I am hoping that in a month’s time, after using this product, those issues will be greatly diminished. Many eye creams that I have used, break down and flake when I apply concealer. I am happy to report that this eye treatment does not flake and provides an excellent base for my concealer. I give this an A+, and you will give it an A++ when you use the FABULESLEY 10% discount code!
Full disclosure…I do not have terribly uneven skin tone, so I used this product directly on the spots of concern, near my hairline and over my eyebrow. I will tell you that the size and appearance of the two spots appeared lighter. I am assuming that was due to the Reservatrol and Alpha Arbutin, two ingredients proven to lighten and reduce pigmentation. I plan to continue to use this product to achieve improved results and overall brighter skin.
And in case I have not reminded you enough times…please remember to use the 10% FABULESLEY discount code at time of checkout!
I am thrilled with my products and I know that all of you will be as well!
Thank you to City Beauty for sponsoring this post!
The Glow Girl
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Are you a Glow Girl? After reading my article about Melissa Meyers, the quintessential Glow Girl, you will be too!
Read MoreGetting The Right Mix: Foundation 101
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I recently found myself on the hunt for the perfect tinted moisturizer. Having grown tired of the one I had been using by Laura Mercier, I headed over to the Space NK store at Bloomingdales. I am a makeup and cosmetic junkie, (hence this blog), and love Space NK since they carry the very latest and finest of makeup and skincare. Full disclosure: I was actually looking for a concealer, and told the manger of the department that I was in a “concealer conundrum,” not being able to find one with the perfect amount of coverage and correction. She suggested that I try Chantecaille’s, since she felt it would address all of my needs. After she applied it, she asked what foundation I had been using. I told her that I my daily routine calls for a tinted moisturizer and nothing heavier, but that I was tired of the one I had been using. It was not giving me the perfect combination of coverage and glow that I was seeking. She suggested I try the Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer with SPF by Chantecaille. The result was fabulous…just the right amount of coverage and an amazing glow to the skin. I told her that I had just used a self tanner on my skin and that my natural color was bit lighter. I asked her if we could try mixing 2 colors so that as the self tanner dissipates, I could still get that glow from the tan and yet not appear as if I had spent the day in the sun. The next day, after the self tanner began to fade, I applied the two colors together and was amazed by the perfect match of color to my skin. If you find that your foundation is not exactly a match, try mixing 2 shades and see if you, too, get the perfect shade!
Foundation Ready for Summer!
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I am all about paring down my makeup for summer. I believe that as we age, less foundation looks better. And in the summer months, I especially like the less is more approach. Here is my routine.
After cleansing and moisturizing, I apply a primer. I am absolutely in LOVE with this one by Tatcha. You can order it by clicking on the link, or head over to your local Sephora and try it in person. It is luxuriously applied and creates beautiful silk canvas. I sometimes wear it alone over my SPF moisturizer, and find that my skin looks radiant.
In the summer, I like to have a little glow to my skin. I am an enormous fan of this bronzing gel by Sisley. I mix it with my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, (complete with SPF) and it glides on over the Tatcha primer perfectly evenly and stays put all day. I love the fact that is sheer, and the little boost of color that it gives my face makes me glow from the inside out!
Serum-dipity
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There are so many facial serums that promise the moon and the stars. Some deliver better than others; here are my faves.
Read MorePre Vacation Self Tan Prep
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If you are planning a trip to a warm and sunny destination, and you don't want to arrive with a pale complexion and white legs, try my self tan prep. Before you embark on any self tanning routine, you must prep your skin with a good face and body scrub.
For the face, I love the Epicuren Micro Derm Scrub, which have been using weekly for years. The tiny beads truly refine your skin leaving it super soft and smooth. This scrub is the perfect exfoliator in preparation for my absolute favorite, the Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze and Glow Mask. I am addicted to this product and use it regularly.
For the body, I love all of the Bliss body scrubs. They are highly effective and smell fantastic.
Follow with the best tan towelettes by Kate Somerville. I find these to give subtle, natural color. They are easy to apply and come in individual packets that make them perfect for travel. I use these all year long.
Now that you are going to be exposed to the sun, you will need a good sunscreen. On my face, I use Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recover SPF 50
For the body, I like the Neutrogena products, especially Wet Skin, since it is formulated for water sports.
And don't forget your lips! They are most vulnerable to sun damage. Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment has SPF 25 and is something that I use on a daily basis.It is ultra moisturizing and smells great! I keep one in my handbag, car and vanity. I never leave home without it!
Under Eye Rescue Kit
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Laura Mercier under eye concealer and brightening powder, Biossance eye gel, Ole Henriksen eye cream with SPF
Also shown, Anne Sisteron pearl bracelet, Tova Malibu safety pin necklace
Do you often wake up with eyes that are puffy and dull? I know that I do. As we age, the skin under the eye becomes loose and more prone to fluid retention. It also loses its luster, color and integrity. All of this is age related. But fear not... although I can't make those bags and dark circles disappear, I can make them less noticeable with this 4 step rescue kit, which I am all about right now!
Step 1: When I wake up, before I even brush my teeth, I apply Biossance Peptide eye gel which instantly cools and tightens the skin.
Step 2: After washing and moisturizing I apply Ole Henriksen's brightening eye cream with SPF. It hydrates and brightens the area while providing SPF to this delicate and vulnerable area.
Step 3: I apply Laura Mercier's Candle Glow Concealer in an upside down triangle with the base of the triangle directly below my eye. I then dab lightly with my fourth fingers, until the color is even. I use number 1 shade. I like to go a little lighter under my eye to brighten it.
Step 4: I lightly brush on Laura Mercier's Brightening powder, which is specifically designed for the under eye area. This is where the magic comes in. You will see an immediate result and the powder helps to maintain the effects of the concealer over several hours.
Ole Henriksen 3 Step Brightening System
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I have been wanting to try Ole Henriksen's products for a while now, but was waiting until my current serum and moisturizers were near empty before investing in new products. However, after reading many beauty blogs and articles about Ole Henriksen's Power Bright, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. I loved the results and am now a devotée of this brightening system. This at home treatment takes very little time and leaves the complexion brighter, smoother and more even. I wore absolutely no makeup after using it, only sunscreen. Give it a try...I highly recommend it!
Below are my "brave" photos (sans any filter or touch up!), of each of the 3 steps plus the final result.
Get Your Glow On
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It's mid June and the temperatures are rising. Although we are all well aware of the hazards of baking in the sun, we crave the look of tanned legs and glowy complexions. I have four fabulous remedies that will deliver color to your face and body in the blink of an eye!
Guerlain's Terracotta Bronzing spray will give your face an instant tan without any mess, fuss or streaking.
Renowned celebrity make up artist, Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Glow compact is a natural and easy way to create a glowy look in 5 minutes. All the colors you will require are housed in this travel friendly compact.
A swipe of clear or tinted lip gloss is the perfect way to create a summery and natural look. I am obsessed with these lip glosses by the Canadian make up line, Lise Watier, as they have a built in light inside the wand and a mirror on the side! What more could a girl ask for?
Brilliant, is what I would call the body bronzer Hoola, by Benefit cosmetics. With a sponge applicator neatly tucked inside the tube's top, there is no excuse not to use this body bronzer. It is easy to apply, leaves no mess on your hands, and you can create your desired intensity of color with additional applications. Best of all, unlike a self tanner, it washes right off!
Fab Skin
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My skincare routine has not varied since I turned seventeen, except for the addition of a few products such as exfoliators, serums and neck cream. To the 3 steps of cleanse tone and moisturize, I have remained steadfast and true.
This will be the first in a series that I will present on the blog, called Fab Skin.
Since Step One is Cleansing, let’s start with some of my favorite cleansers:
In the morning, after I have worked out and my face has accumulated a lot of sweat, I like to use a foam cleanser and brush such as those by Clinique or Clarisonic and wash it off with water. Unless your skin is extremely dry or sensitive, a foam cleanser and brush should not affect your skin in any way except for getting it clean. You can use the brush and a foam cleanser both in the morning and evening if you so choose. I am now addicted to Chanel's Sublimage skin cleanser which melts away the makeup and is removed with a wet washcloth. As you massage this cleanser into your skin, it warms and essentially moisturizes your skin at the same time as it cleanses it. Your washcloth will not retain the makeup that is removed; a simple wash with water will clean it from the washcloth before laundering.
Here are some of my favorites
Lancome Clarifying Self Foaming Cleanser
Fresh Soy Cleanser (smells great too!)
The Art and Science of Self Tanners
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I have been using some form of a self tanner for probably close to 3 decades. I have fair, freckled skin, that burns first before it tans. I prefer to have a bit of color, and since lying in the sun is a definite no-no, I rely on these miracle creams to achieve that summer glow, even if it is mid January!
Not all self tanners are created equally, and I am going to give you the low down on may favorites.
1. If you are in need of some color for a specific event, and you need it in a hurry, (for instance, your legs have not seen the sun in months and you are going to bare them in a shorter length dress), then you should do an airbrushed tan or the Mystic Spray tan. These tend to be pricey, but if you purchase them in a package, the price is significantly reduced.
Pros: a lot of color is deposited quickly. The tan emerges in about 4 hours and lasts about a week, if you maintain it with a special moisturizer.
Cons: There is a definite odor. It is not offensive, just easily identifiable. If you don’t blend it properly your skin will look blotchy especially around the toes, tops of feet and ankles.
2. Tan Cloths: My favorites are Kate Sommerville and The Tan Towel .
This is a quick way to achieve a light tan that is very natural looking.
Pro: Very easy to apply. The cloth contains the self tanner product and you simply wipe it all over your face and body.
Con: There is not a great deal of product on the towel, so you need to apply it first to your legs, arms and décolletage and leave your midsection and back to the end. If you want more color, you will need to apply it the next day. It does not have a distinctly offensive smell.
It does not last more than a couple of days.
3. Jergens: Three Days To Glow
The color is deposited evenly over the course of three days. The result is a deep, rich looking tan, but you should gauge the amount of color you want, and stop after you achieve it, which could be after day two.
Pros: It is inexpensive, and has no odor. In fact, it smells great! It gives you a natural overall tan over a period of 3 days You can stop after one or two days depending on how much color you desire.
You can easily correct a blotched ankle or foot by applying more cream to that area the next day.
Con: It lasts only about 5 days and you should use the recommended product to moisturize: Jergens Tan Extender (which also has a pleasant fragrance).
4. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
This product gives you a very light tan and can be used as a daily moisturizer. I love it because it has SPF 20 and a pleasing light fragrance.
5. James Read Overnight Tan
This product works as you sleep, it is full of nourishing ingredients for your face, and is considered a mask. You wake up with both moisturized skin and a hint of color.
6. Terracotta Spray
For an instant glow that washes away, I use this spray by Guerlain. It is a bronzing powder mist with sunscreen (SPF 10).
7. Divine Legs by Caudalie
For an instant but wash away color, I often use this product. It has a great fragrance and you can wash it off at the end of the day. It is also great for correcting any mistakes produced by your self-tanner. It gives your arms, legs and chest an instant glow. I use it all over my body even though it’s meant for your legs.
Some helpful tips:
As with any self-tanning product, you must, and I cannot stress this enough, you must exfoliate your skin. You should use an exfoliator (I use DermaDoctor KP Duty) that does not contain moisturizing product as it will hinder the effect of the self-tanning product.
Make sure to wash your hands after applying the product. This includes the insides of your wrists.
Tread lightly, no pun intended, on the tops of your feet. Since the skin there is thinner than on the rest of your body, it absorbs the color more easily. This can lead to blotchiness and uneven application, but sometimes there is no way around it—but unless someone is staring closely at your feet, you can hardly tell. And it’s a much better alternative to skin cancer if and when you want to fake a tan!
The perfect way to apply it to your back is with a little bit of help from your friends! But here are some products, which I have not yet tested, to help accomplish this!
Hairstory
/My wonderful hair stylist, Farah Ghorbani, has been after me for months to cut my hair. She thinks that after five years of sporting the same hairstyle, it might be time for a change.
First let’s get one thing straight, (no pun intended)….I hate my hair. I have very kinky curly hair that has a mind of its own. I have tamed it over the years with reverse perms, straighteners, flat irons, curlers and curling irons. When I was in high school, I used to place a large curler at the crown, and then proceed to wrap my hair around my head, secure it with bobby pins, and sit under the hair dryer for an hour. This remained my routine until my early 20’s when I got talked into going “au naturel” and letting my true “Jew-fro” curls out of their cage.
On our honeymoon in Scotland, 1987. Check out the high-rise-acid-wash-baggy jeans & boyfriend sweater!
With my sister, Janet, in the apartment we shared in Toronto, 1986. Wow! Check out those shoulder pads.
I tamed them with product and pinned them up, but I was never truly comfortable with this look. It impeded my ability, so I thought, to book enough jobs in TV and film. I was being considered for mostly ethnic roles, and this limited my oppotunities, especially in Toronto in the 80’s. I decided to be more mainstream, and straightened it. That seemed to enable me to go out for more commercial work and I was getting to “like” my hair better than I did before. Don’t get me wrong, we still battled, but the good hair days were not out numbered by the bad ones.
The Kooples Blazer, Stuart Weitzman Boots, Current/Elliot Pants, Joie Tank, John Hardy Hoops, MAC Reel Sexy Lipstick.
For me, finding the right hair stylist, amounts to someone who truly “gets” my hair. That person has to know how to work with curly hair; for instance, he or she must know that wispy bangs are the closest thing I am going to get to wearing a bang, because curly hair never lies flat for long. The Keratin relaxer has truly changed my life, and Farah applies it every five months. Layers are another essential for maintaining curly hair. If I didn’t layer my hair, it would grow into the shape of a triangle, not a good look on me!
Now let us return to the subject of changing the hairstyle.…which I had been avoiding for half a year. I loved my long hair, but it wasn’t until I saw how my gorgeous cousin had become even more beautiful when she cut her long hair into a chic bob. It inspired me to do something. I asked Farah if we could do an ombre and cut it shorter in the back. She cautioned me about going too short in the back, and thought a gradual change would be better for me. To achieve the look I am after, I also need to grow out the front layers, and this will take months.
John Eshaya Jeans and Tee, Koral Vest (available at Yellow Dog). Belle by Sigerson Morrisson Booties, Givenchy Handbag.
I love my new look, although it is not that much different, it is a work in progress, and I promise to keep you posted!
With Farah in front of her Salon, Farah Beauty Salon.
MAC Attack
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I am having a MAC (makeup) attack! I was a fan of this Canadian (I bet you didn’t know that), cosmetic line many moons ago when I resided in Toronto. They arrived on the scene in the mid to late 80’s. Jeff actually did some tax work for them when he first became an accountant. I used a great deal of their makeup. It was hip, young and trendy. Later on, when I moved to the States, and fancied myself a more sophisticated consumer, I gravitated towards the top European lines like Chanel, YSL, Guerlain and Armani. My relationship with MAC faded and I rarely frequented their counters. That is until recently; Serena, my 18 year old, uses MAC lipsticks and I soon found myself alongside her at the MAC store in Soho, NY and here in Bloomies and Nordstrom. I decided to do a huge Spring makeup makeover with MAC and chose a bunch of lipsticks, shadows, foundations and cheek colors. I am so delighted with the results. I am fairly adept at makeup application and can attest to the fact that I know my way around a makeup wand; so trust me when I tell you that you should visit the nearest MAC counter without reservation. Some of my friends tell me that MAC is for younger people….NOT TRUE! The makeup artists are knowledgeable, talented and honest. You will not be sold a bag full of items you will never use. You have to learn to use your makeup sparingly but wisely in order to achieve the look with which you are comfortable. Always experiment, because the color can be adjusted or even removed with the wipe of a hand. Here are some of my newest loves.
Use a wide shadow blush when applying this cream eyeshadow (which stays on ALL day by the way!)
Line upper lid with a thin pointy brush when applying gel eyeliner, (which can also be used as a shadow), to achieve the width you desire.
A retro mod pink lipstick completes the look. (MAC, "Snob" Lipstick)
I always use a bit of gloss for shine. (MAC, Mineralize Glass Lipgloss)
Visit them here online or in stores.
A Little or a Lot of Color
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Since Spring is associated with color, both in nature and fashion, you should also consider adding it to your make up routine. Here are three different ways to wear a pop of color on your lips.
1) I cannot say enough great things about the chubby lip crayon. It comes in an array of colors and goes on sheer. You can determine how much color you want by going over it a number of times. They are easy to use and my favorite, by Sisley, requires no sharpener!
3) If you would rather not experiment and love the look of lip gloss, then venture into the coral or hot pink palette. Good ones to try are by YSL, Laura Mercier and Sisley. They deposit a lot of color while still remaining sheer.
Hand Creams That Get A Hand
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I am a stickler for manicured nails and smooth hands. My skin tends to be dry and therefore I am highly susceptible to chapped skin. To combat this, I use hand creams multiple times during the day and a cuticle cream nightly. I begin my day with a hand cream which contains SPF and always carry a small tube in my handbag and another in my car. At night I dab on a cuticle cream to keep my cuticles and ultimately my nails healthy.
Here are some of my favorites
Currently using:
In the morning I apply La Prairie Hand Cream with SPF 15 (because I am out running every morning).
During the day I use Laura Mercier hand cream in the small tubes I received as a gift. They are small enough to fit into my makeup bag.
Every night I use Sisley Eau De Campagne Body Lotion. I love the scent and it is incredibly hydrating and softening for my hands.
Christian Dior Crème Abricot for my cuticles. I have been using this since I was 18 and I am addicted to it.
Other hand creams that I have used and loved include:
L’Occitane Brightening Hand Cream with SPF 20
Clinique Hand Cream with SPF 15
Deborah Lipmann Hand Cream with SPF 25
Jo Malone Hand Cream with Vitamin E
Aveda Hand Relief and Aveda Foot Relief
Laura Mercier hand creams in all the “flavors!”
L’Occitane hand cream with Shea butter
Essie apricot cuticle oil
Drugstore Items I Can’t Live Without:
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Over the years, I have discovered that many beauty items available at the drugstore, cost a fraction of the price as their department store counterparts, and deliver the same results. Here are some of my favorite items, guaranteed to put a smile on my face ad hopefully yours as well.
Removes every trace of eye makeup and mascara without leaving an oily residue.
Garnier Fructis Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
The little massage roller glides over puffy under eyes leaving the area feeling refreshed and moisturized.
L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo in Rosemary Juniper
This is a great sulfate free shampoo.
It cleans beautifully leaving your hair soft, moisturized and healthy.
Yes, there is still nothing like it for incredible hold
John Freida Frizz-Ease Hair Serum
Keeps the frizz out and the shine in!
Jergens Body Lotion, Cherry Almond
I am a sucker for nostalgic scents. This one takes me back to my childhood! Love it!
Maybeline Lash Stiletto Mascara
….the best.
The title says it all. Used by the entire family.
I tuck these away in my make up drawer to clean my hands and fingers from makeup after I blend it into my skin.
Long Live the Glow
/Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, La Prairie Anti Aging Hydra Tint with 20 SPF, Guerlain Healthy Glow (Terracotta Skin line) Foundation, Daniel Thompson’s Rendezvous, Givenchy’s Le Prism Quad #76, La Prairie’s Smokey Quartz, La Prairie Light Fantastic Concealer, Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder, NARS The Multiple, Laura Mercier’s Radiance Baked Body Bronzer, Caudalie’s Divine Leg, YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #16, YSL Gloss Volupte #3.
