.:: CybeleSays ::.

Shine Like A Diamond With Darac Beauty

I hate to say this, but we sometimes burn out on beauty. Like nothing is exciting at the moment and as you know, discovering a great one can make your day. And this next one did just that. Not only because of the Founder’s unorthodox approach to the products and beauty overall but that they can work on any shade skin tone. DARAC BEAUTY is not based on trends but rather science and the textures to enhance the skin’s tone. Let’s take a looksee at two in the line.

Sifted Blur Perfecting Powder – Your Complexion Perfector ($32) – does just that. Think of that blurring technology most liquid foundations use that soften facial flaws. Darac states that while most powders settle into your lines and wrinkles, his have sodium hyualuronate in the formula so his glide over creases instead of settling in them. Sifted Blur can be used as your main foundation or as a final setting powder, the later of which I use it for.

TourQuam Luxe – 3-D Face Sculpting Brush ($75) – has a magnet inside so the brush picks up just the right amount of powder. Huh? How does it do that? Since all powders have a magnetic base, iron oxide, the magnet inside helps attract it to the bristles. I’ll just take their word for it on that. And the kid in me quite likes the sound the metal ball makes rattling around inside as I’m applying it. This brush also has a little sister, the TourQuam - 3-D Face Sculpting Brush ($40)

One thing I couldn’t quite figure out was this - if the bristles pick up the right amount of powder on the brush, how do I know when I should stop swiping the brush? Things that make you go hmmm.

And here’s something I noticed, or rather, didn’t notice with this brush. Most of the time when I break out a new makeup brush, it STINKS as in smells bad, as in, the glue or paint makes using the brush the first, I don’t know, 50 times, not the most aroma-therapeutically enjoyable. Ok makeup companies – here’s an idea - Come out with a set of brushes that actually smell good when you swipe swoosh them around your face applying powders. Maybe aromatherapy based?

I’m about to try the Expedition Mascara so I’ll let you know how it is. If you care to just jump in, you can get it plus the above @ daracbeauty.com

Sephora's Minerals Win Me Over

Anytime I come across a pressed mineral foundation, I’m immediately interested. And this latest one from SEPHORA is the latest one to catch my eye. Their Mineral Double Compact Foundation SPF 15 ($22 @ you know where.com) is everything a good formulated mineral powder should be – talc-free, Bismuth Oxychloride--free (this particular ingredient commonly found in mineral makeup can be irritating to those with sensitive skin), paraben-free (not all mineral powders are) and it contains Titanium Dioxide (the SPF). The application sponge it comes with unique in that it's black on one side for maximum coverage and the white on the other for minimum coverage. Cool!

My only “room for improvement” suggestion would be the actual compact it comes in. Through the top you can see the powder. OK, cool. Open it and the inside powder level moves open to reveal the sponge below. Also on that “level” with the sponge is the mirror. But after you take the sponge out and apply some powder you have to flip the level up to see the mirror. Need some more powder, yup, have to flip it back to get at the powder and then back to get at the mirror. And I have seen the speed some women use when applying powder! Not the easiest way to use this compact. So it’s a great powder with a detail that could be adjusted. Common Sephora, you know better.

It's All In The Stick

We’re pretty fascinated with packaging and always pay special attention to it when trying out a product as presentation is everything. A few years ago, I remember being quite taken with this kind of self-dispensing brush that SUSAN POSNiCK’s Colorflo Mineral Foundation ($64 @ beauty.com) comes in. I can’t recall the first one I used but it is great for on the go. And this one is also refillable, which I never knew they could be. Or maybe just hers is? At first, I couldn’t quite figure out how to refill it but I found it. The bottom unscrews and it’s easy to get powder inside. Halleluiah! It comes in 15 different shades (even those with a really dark skin tones) and even a shimmer and a bronzer. So at least pick one of these up and you can change the powder out as needed. Now if they just sold refills for the brush part, I could use this for the rest of my makeup wearing life.

Quick Pick Face

A favorite new face finisher-offer this spring is CLiNIQUE’s Blended Face Powder and Brush ($18.50 @ nordstrom.com) in new Invisible Blend. It helps set makeup and the travel brush is totally totable. And because the brush has a cap on it, they even recommend loading one application into the brush and take it with you in your evening purse for a "out on the town" touch up.

Calling All Brides

I’ve been back and forth on what to say about CARGO’s new blu_ray Collection. I mean, it’s made for people who are in front of the camera. With everything going high definition, viewers will see every flaw unless you make an adjustment. So how do these products fit into an everyday girl’s routine? I just read fellow Beauty Blogging Network’s Shades of U post about wedding makeup and how these products are also perfect for high definition photography. I didn’t even think of that! I’ve just been wearing the Pressed Powder ($30) and Blush/Highlighter ($27) as everyday products and they are quite good. Each contains phytochromatic pigments that adjust with the light to make your skin look beautiful. Now I’ll be sure to strike a pose when a camera is in my vicinity! All @ sephora.com

I'll Take That To-Go, Please

This is a genius makeup accessory! And of course it’s from SEPHORA. Here’s the dilemma: have you often loved the effect loose powder give your face? And for those touch ups during the day or eve, want to recreate that effect? Toting that big round container and bulky brush is not an option so invest in their Professional Refillable Powder Brush #54 ($22 @ sephora.com). It’s one of those tubes with the brush on the end and it’s refillable. Use the scoop that comes with it to fill your favorite powder inside, close it and you’re ready to hit the road, Jack!

One Haute Powder

We dipped our lips into this line when it hit the scene a few years ago and liked what we tried. The HAUTE FACE line touts having a shade for everyone – from African-American to Asian to Caucasian. This time around I was able to try the Finish Face Powder ($26 @ hauteface.com). It’s really lightweight and goes on smooth and what would a powder be these days if it didn’t contains vitamins like, A, C and E and nourishing anti-oxidants? Now we’re talking!

Holiday Pick - Gimme Minerals

Got someone in your life that hasn’t experienced mineral makeup just yet? Use this Holiday as an excuse to get them the BARE ESCENTUALS Classic Rock Diamond Collection Kit ($59 only @ sephora.com). This one is packed with 9 luxury products. I can’t express what a value this kit is! I just might have to stock up on more sets since this is limited-edition. 

Here’s what you get: Diamond Gossamer (luminous powder for face and body), bareMinerals Classic Rock Eyeshadow (white/silver), bareMinerals Nice Rock Glimmer (chocolate), Double-Ended Mascara (black on one side and silver on the other). Diamond Laughter Blush (peach), Diamond Buxom Lip Polish (clear), Full Flawless Brush (new tool perfect for Diamond Gossamer and Diamond Blush), Full Tapered Shadow Brush (eyeshadow brush), Diamond Bag (pearl white to carry all your bareMineral items.

Holiday Pick - Got Big?

For this season, it seems that bigger is better. SMASHBOX Light Wave Fusion Bronzing Powder & Brush ($49 @ smashbox.com) from their Beyond Beauty Holiday collection is one BIG case of bronzer (4 ½” around) and one BIG brush (3 ½” x 2”). The powder is 3 shades of silky powder called Light Wave and it smells vaguely of pina colada. Apply with the Fan Brush and hit the party.

Been There. Done That.

In a way, I envy models. They are able to try just about every kind of makeup available in the world. In the WORLD! So they know the Holy Grail products and the clunkers. Sucking up all this knowledge up is what led former Maybelline New York spokes model to create JOSiE MARAN COSMETiCS. Her new eco-conscious cosmetics line contains everything you need and nothing you don’t. From Concealer to Lip Gloss and everything in between. My pick of the litter is her Lipstick ($18) in the creamy pink shade of Flirtatious. It really moisturizes and glides over lips. My other pick is the Pressed Powder ($30) in Natural. Not too cake-y and it gives a smooth natural finish.
And each rose-colored metallic case is made of corn based plastic, recycled aluminum or glass. I like that she goes the extra mile. Look for more features on this very wearable line. The site was supposed to be available in September so check back often @ josiemarancosmetics.com

Fall Color Picks - Nude Shimmer

Fall is here and we couldn't be more excited! And with the season come some great color trends. Twice a month until December, we will be featuring two colors we are loving and the makeup products that highlight them. Here's our first installment!

Ask most men about NUDE and they think of well, besides that, one color. Women … well, we know all the variations. There’s fleshy nude, beige nude, beige-y pink nude and even metallic-y nude and the formulas can be sheer or very pigmented. I love that the color can really polish off a look if you’re going for simple and low maintenance or if you want to make one feature really stand out. Add a sprinkle of shimmer and you have one of this season’s “it” colors. And what’s great about this shade as it’s hard to go overboard. You can do all your features in different nudes and still look fab. Lips, face, eyes ... here’s our picks of Nude Shimmers for the season:

BOURJOiS Effet 3D Les Nudes in 33 Brun Poetic ($15 @ ulta.com) – looks darker in the tube than it actually appears in the tube
SPA RiTUAL Nail Lacquer in Savant ($10 @ sparitual.com) – has a hint of gold shimmer
SHiSEiDO The Makeup Lip Gloss in G27 Rose Toffee ($20 @ sephora.com) - light and glossy
JOEY NEW YORK Eye Shading Powder in Soulful Eyes ($16 @ joeynewyork.com) – apply up to the brow bone and then lots of mascara
CLiNiQUE Touch Tint For Eyes, New Cream Formula in Natural Suede ($14.50 @ clinique.com) - water-resistant tint
SHU UEMURA Cream Eye Shadow in Soft Seashell White ($25 @ shuuemura.com) - sublte and sleek
VON NATUR Spruce Powder Foundation ($27.99 @ vonnatur.com) – a little on cheeks, cupid’s bow, under the eyebrows
DEBRA MACKI Lip Gloss in Sucre ($16 @ debramacki.com) – a beige-y metallic that’s all shimmer
SEPHORA Radiant Powder In A Brush ($18 @ sephora.com) - translucent powder with a kick
RiMMEL Glitter Eye Shadow Pencil in Starlight ($3 @ drugstore.com) – to highlight and add some fun

In the Spotlight

It amazes me how the beauty companies keep coming up with innovative products. I keep thinking it’s all been done! LORAC is a frontrunner with their new Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder ($32). When I first looked at the compact, I thought it was a bronzer. But no no no, it’s a gorgeous creamy silky smooth powder that instantly brightens and evens out the skin tone. It’s like having your face in the perfect light all the time. There are three shades: Luminous (light), Spotlight (medium) and Radiant (dark). I have been using Spotlight and experimenting with it on the cheeks, neck, over the brows, and around the mouth. You choose what effects you want to create and create it with the power of light! ~Lisa

Here’s your chance to shine like a superstar and prance down all the Red Carpets with their new limited edition Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio ($24). These highly pigmented and shimmering color-coordinated shadows are perfectly matched so you can easily create a super smoky eye look with a unique twist. Carol Shaw designed these trios baked on a terra cotta disk for long-lasting wear and they can be applied wet for a dramatic effect, or dry for a natural look. I’ve been wearing Rising Star, which includes a light gold, golden grass, and mossy olive and I love them because I decided to be a bit bold these days and am leaving neutral eye shades behind, well at least for a while. Also available in the Evening Star (silver/gunmetal gray/rich smoke) and Shining Star (golden cream/rich gold/deep copper). ~Randi
Both @ sephora.com

It's A Pressed Matter

This was my first sampling of JANE IREDALE Mineral Cosmetics. I had never used a pressed version of minerals before and was very impressed with the formula of PurePressed Base ($48). This is a foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen all in one pretty gold compact. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide act as anti-inflammatories as well as broad-spectrum sunscreens (SPF 18). There are no oils, talc, dyes or synthetic preservatives in her products. The color choices come in four categories: Cool, Neutral, Warm and Global. I found the foundation gave me good, smooth coverage with only a small amount of product.
Another rec from the line are the PurePressed Eye Shadows ($27). Again, I had never tried pressed mineral shadow either and they blended smoothly and the color stayed true all day! My choice for the single pan color – Allure which is a soft pink shimmer ($17.50) and for the duo, I chose Heather 1 & 2 which is a combo of heather pink and a deep dove grey. This duo is perfect for this fall’s natural color palette. These can used wet or dry. This line comes highly recommended and used by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and now, ME! All @ janeiredaledirect.com ~Lisa

Stop, Drop, and Flash

The MAC line constantly offers up cutting edge products and Flashtronic is no exception. Pretty pearlized mineral shimmer shades will give you all the flash your look needs. There are three Mineral Skin Finish (MSF) shades, six new marbled shadows and four new tinted lip glasses. Here are the standouts: ‘Mineralize’ Eye Shadow ($16.50) in By Jupiter -- taupe, beige, and a deep brown veining frost, and Mercurial, a yellow gold with lilac and a chestnut veining frost. These shadows are fabulous because you swipe your brush into the pot and apply to your lids and get a mixture of color that is dazzling. Great for day or night.

The other notable is the Mineral Skin Finish ($24.50) in Global Glow - a velvet-powder with high frost metallic in a mid-tone brown with a gorgeous gold pearl shade. I lightly apply this one all over my face for a polished look that keeps me glowing all day. The entire collection is one that should not be missed, especially the shadows, so check out the other products and don’t wait because these are all limited edition. All @ maccosmetics.com ~Randi

Two From Da' Pong

A real zipper on a cardboard box unlocks this soufflé like crème that helps to neutralize and correct. JELLY PONG PONG's Teint Sublime ($30) from the Fabled Dreams & Beautiful Things collection is just that, a sublime complexion enhancer. My two favorite color choices are Pink, which helps brighten your complexion wherever you need it, and Bronze, which is a very natural way to warm up your cheek area or across the nose and forehead. And you only need the tiniest amount to do the trick. The texture is a pillow soft cream and it only takes a minute for the color to adjust. ~Lisa

I love that their Venus Pearls ($20) from the same collection can be used like fingerpaints. Well fingerpaints of powder. So would that be powderpaints? Use these little beads of color to highlight and emphasize your favorite features. Simply swirl your fingertip into the cup o’ colored dots and apply to lids, under the brows, cheeks, anywhere really. My pick is the one shown here, Worship. The outside of the pearls is pure gold and inside is African maroon. Try each of the five shades to create a unique look.

Check 'em out @ jellypongpong.com and cherryculture.com

Paint n' Powder

One of the best multi tasking products these days is the tinted moisturizer. SONiA KASHUK jumps in the ring with both guns blaring. Light reflectors help disguise fine lines and wrinkles while UVA and UVB protectors guard against the sun, so it makes sense to try Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($11.99/2oz @ target.com). I chose Sheer Tint 2, which is perfect for medium skin tones and I really like how it seems to even out the skin even though it gives a very sheer coverage. ~Lisa
DuWOP Smoothset Powder Primer ($32 @ sephora.com) is a balm and powder in a compact. The balm minimizes pores so the powder sits smoothly on the skin. What’s unique about the balm is that it absorbs oils and fills in the cracks or wrinkles and it does a very nice job at both jobs. I just wish more of the balm came in this one. Available in three shades: Translucent Sahara, Translucent Mojave, and Translucent Kalahari.

Somebody Get Me A Doctor!

PHYSiCiANS FORMULA new Talc-Free Mineral Wear Matte Finishing Veil ($11.95 @ physiciansformula.com) is my on-the-go face toucher-upper for the summer. No time spent in front of a mirror applying as this one HAS a mirror on the cap!

Missed our Physicians Formula contest a few weeks ago? Click here to win a free bronzer now!

Not Your Mama’s Face Powder

It’s a cute little gadget to pop in your purse for on-the-go powdering. MALLY BEAUTY's Perfecting Powder comes in a small container with a mirror on top so you can see where this lightweight powder is going. There is a soft suede like puff that makes it easy to control where you put the micro-fine loose powder. Hint: Give the top of the puff a tap on the back of your hand to release the powder and then blot away those oily spots on your face. Don’t rub it on, just buff it on the areas that look shiny. Portable powder that doesn’t spill? Mama would love this one! $28 @ mallybeauty.com ~Lisa

Coquette - “A Woman Who Flirts Lightheartedly”

Summer must be the peak for nudes and enhancing your features without  overdoing it. NARS Summer Collection, Coquette, is all about nudes, bronzes and sheen to help accentuate what you already have. My picks of the collection are the beautiful Sparkling Gold Powder ($30) of Venus, a pale ivory with gold sheen, Duo Cream Eyeshadow ($31) in Madagascar, a satin nude and a shimmering taupe, and the Lip Gloss ($21) in Striptease, a beautiful pearlized beige sheen. These truly make a you but better! All @ narscosmetics.com

Add A Little Glow

I recently discovered Mystic Tanning and like to do it every couple of weeks but I sure do realize how much I need it when I don't have a chance to get over there. Here are a few bronzers and highlighters that help me not look so sullen and pale until I can get over to the salon again.

PHYSiCiANS FORMULA Solar Power Bronzer SPF 20 ($11.95 @ drugstore.com) is made for those who have sensitive skin (take a light hand with this one) and this one protects against UVA and UVB rays.

From the Balloonacy collection is the High-Light Powder in Mellow Rave ($22 @ maccosmetics.com) from MAC. It gives a sheer kiss of shimmer and get it quick because it's limited edition so hurry.

The Glam Bronze Pressed Bronzing Powder ($12.99 @ drugstores nationwide) from L'OREAL's Bronze Rocks collection provides the tiniest of shimmer to formulas. Available in three colors: Golden Lights, Amber Lights and Terra Lights. CLARiNS Summer Fever Brush-On Bronzer ($28.50 @ clarins.com) is an on the go tote-able. Each of the available shades, Natural Bronze and Golden Bronze, comes in a tube with a built-in brush. Very sheer powder.