Product Review
Garnier’s new BB cream. Also. What is BB Cream?
How many of you have heard of BB cream? A show of hands? Well, the story goes that BB creams (which stands for “Beauty Balm” in this case, though some say it also stands for “Blemish Blam”) were originally used in Germany by derms to help laser surgery patients protect and sooth highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage. Fast forward, and it’s all the buzz among Korean celebs, who found it as an all-in-one product and their most coveted beauty secret. Not for long though — when the cat was out the bag, it spread like fire to women across Korea. Today, its popularity has spread across Asia, Europe, and Australia. Yes, sadly, we’re kinda the last to know.
Garnier's new Skin Renew BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector
But the good news is, Garnier has brought their own BB cream to the masses here with their new BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector.
The cream promises to even out skin tone, brighten complexion, renew radiance, deliver 24 hour hydration, and protection with its SPF 15. It’s also packed with Vitamin C — a powerful antioxidant and it comes in two shades (light/medium, and medium/dark) to provide a light coverage. It’s similar to a tinted moisturizer but it has more skin-perfecting and brightening benefits. I was sent one in medium/dark to review and have been using it as a quick pick-me-up before I apply my makeup and was impressed that it really added a fresh sheen to my skin without looking cakey (and it smells so good!). But don’t expect it to be as heavy duty as a concealer or foundation — it will minimize the appearance of dark spots but not totally cover them. That’s why it’s a good idea to layer on with a little color if you need it. Hence, it comes in only two shades and not multiple…it’s only meant for light coverage in that sense since it’s more for the skin’s benefit than anything.
Beauty Product of the Week: Specific Beauty Skin Brightening Serum
I feel like I’m constantly discovering amazing products that I need some sort of new ongoing series to feature them. Hence, Beauty Product of the Week (Let’s call it BPW for short going forward, k? 
).
Specific Beauty Skin Brightening Serum
I’ve been freelancing at Allure, and just as you’d imagine, it’s quite the beauty product heaven. During a recent beauty sale, I picked up a few products from Specific Beauty. If you remember, I had a giveaway with them a few months ago. That was actually the first time I was introduced the brand myself, which is formulated to serve the needs particular to people of medium-to-dark skin tones (particularly, to even out your complexion).
I started using their Skin Brightening Serum and Professional Moisture Complex sparingly every AM and PM. I’m always really critical of serums and skin brighteners in general because the ones I’ve used in the past either feel sticky and gross or they dry out my skin. Surprisingly though, these were neither. The serum was more creamy and combining it with the moisturizer kept my skin from drying out.
Serum and Professional Moisture Complex
If you don’t know about them, you SHOULD: It Cosmetics
My friends often ask me about my favorite brands, and I gladly rattle off on the topic. I experiment with so many things that I tend to stumble upon a lot of brands that are not always found on the shelves of Sephora or at your drugstore. One popular up-and-coming brand in particular I’ve been obsessing over in the past year is It Cosmetics (you may remember, I profiled founder Jamie Kern in a past Beauty on the Streets feature). It boggles my mind why more people don’t know about them yet!
Makeup from It Cosmetics
“IT” cosmetics stands for Innovative Technology Cosmetics. The company works with the top plastic surgeons to create high-performance makeup with anti-aging technology. I feel this is one of those small brand has been growing like crazy because the stuff they make is AMAZING. Last year, they won the prestigious Cosmetic Innovator of the year Award and I wouldn’t be surprised if they stacked up more. I met Jamie last year when I was first introduced to the brand, and since then, her makeup has remained some of my staples favorite staples, beginning with her Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer.
Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, $24
Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
Normally, I’m not a huge fan of liquid concealer, but this one is rich in texture and (what I love) brightens at the same time. The color match (I use Tan) is amazing and a little goes a long way. I don’t really have a huge dark circle issue, but I like to use this just to lighten up around my eyes on occasion. (This comes with a retractable concealer brush for $26 on qvc.com).
Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara Duo, $30
Review: Tom Ford Traceless Foundation
Hey all! I just had my very first beauty product review posted on Bergdorf Goodman’s blog, and it was for none other than Tom Ford’s new beauty line! Check it out HERE or keep reading for the deets below:
My review on Bergdorf's blog
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation, $75
Tom Ford is a genius. To say that he’s made an indelible mark on fashion would be an understatement. So when Mr. Ford decided to bring his keen aesthetic to the beauty world, I was first in line. As far as my expectations of the launch, I had comfortably settled somewhere between tempering my anticipation…and secretly pining for pure magic. After all, when it comes to my skin tone (which generally falls in the “medium” or “tan” category), I typically find that even the biggest beauty brands are left scratching their heads over how to achieve a perfect match.
The formulation of his Traceless Foundation is incredibly lightweight, moisturizing, and above all – illuminating. Before applying, my skin was dull and lacked vibrancy (hey, it’s been a long week!). After application my skin was visibly dewy and radiant. Caramel is a tad deeper than my skin tone but only in the slightest — it actually adds “warmth” to my complexion…something I tend to lack during the cooler, winter months. What I find particularly refreshing about Traceless is the yellow-undertone of the shade range…a welcome departure from the pink-undertones that I typically see in many foundation formulations.
Talking makeup with Rachel Roy at the launch of her beauty line
Rachel Roy Shadow collection
To celebrate the launch of her beauty line, Rachel Roy invited a select few writers to her studio in midtown to introduce her Shadow Collection and talk (what else?) makeup. I was honored to be there and get an up-close look at the shadows firsthand. We snacked on macaroons and cake pops (that were are in colors that coordinate the shadows in her palette nonetheless) and indulged in hand massages, before Roy herself emerged.
Day time shadows
Rachel Roy
My intro (& maybe yours) to the beautiful makeup from Mirabella
Mirabella signature brushes
I had the distinct privilege of attending a launch event for Mirabella in Flatiron’s Antonio Pietro Salon. A privilege, because I was clearly surrounded by people who so unabashedly love their brand. Not that most industry people seem unenthusiastic about their products, of course, but there was something special about this particular group of people that had me glowing. If I may psychoanalyze for a moment, I’d say that that particular joie de vivre may have been inspired by hope. This event, while ostensibly a launch for Mirabella’s (gorgeous) new Madame Rouge line and to preview their new (achingly beautiful) signature brush collection, it was really about letting the world know about Mirabella. The Mirabella people buzzed about getting the word out, and they hoped we would receive it well.
Mirabella cosmetics
Mirabella event
For ten years, Mirabella has been a leading salon makeup brand and had a vibrant online sales community, but they had never relied on media to get the word out about their products. Honestly, I simply can’t figure out why they would have kept mum in such a way, but I guess sometimes the best things are kept a secret. Thankfully, though, Mirabella is no longer a secret to me, and it’s no longer a secret to you.
Mirabella blush palette
