March Favorites

1.  Josie Maran Daily Moisturizer SPF40 and 100% Pure Argan Oil:  My skin is lot less oily since I've been using these daily and nightly.  It wasn't a surprise to the makeover artists and sales assistants to whom I've mentioned this.  Why hasn't anyone told us?  The daily moisturizer claims to defend against premature aging and reverse sun damage.  Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide full spectrum sun protection again UVA and UVB rays.  They blend into the skin quickly and do not look ashy after application. The moisturizer also contains argan oil and other ingredients that you can review here.  I use the 100% Pure Argan Oil on my face and neck at night.  Neither contain
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I bought my traved-sized products at Sephora.

2.  Dolce and Gabbana Femme Fatale Eye Shadow Quad:  I've used this versatile quad almost everyday since I bought it.  It goes with everything in my wardrobe and I can change my look with different blush and lipstick or gloss.  See my full review here.

3.  Dior Nail Polishes  Dune 715 and Gris Trianon 306:  I'm a little late to the "greige" scene.  The these gray polishes look less stark with the inclusion of brown and cream undertones.  And they "went" with everything in this month's wardrobe.   The wear is fantastic:  minimum tip wear after seven days.  I used Dior's fast-drying topcoat.

4.  Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick:  I love this one for the day-long meetings and conferences I attend.  Quite a lot of product comes out when you remove the wand and tends to collect on the edges of the lip, so I apply to the center first then work out.  It dries down to a matte finish and feels a little tacky if you press your lips together.  It lasted through the morning and most was still on after lunch.  The colors shown on the Sephora and SpaceNK aren't as bright as they actually are, so I encourage you go see them for yourself.  The pink and orange are quite bright and will be perfect for spring and summer.  The color here is Icon.

5.  Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Longlasting Eyeliner Or Rose:  I almost returned this one.  I found that it drags when I try to apply it as a traditional eyeliner.  But I love the way its golden rose color brightens my eyes when applied on the lower inner lid and on the waterline. 

6.  T. LeClerc Eyeliner Pen:  Until I bought another brand of felt tip pen, I didn't appreciate how the length of the tip - about 3/4" - makes application so much easier especially along the upper waterline and when using the point to apply between the lashes.  It's waterproof so it stays put, only showing signs of wear by the end of my working day. 

What were your faves this month?

To Powder or Not to Powder

During a makeover earlier this year, a friend asked me which powder I use. I have oily skin but counter to instinct, I use as little powder as possible, because I don't like the flat, heavy, matte look most powders give you.  After applying foundation and before eye shadow, I dust my face with T. LeClerc loose powder, using a powder brush. Whenever I develop a shine during the day, I use blotting papers to absorb excess oil. Since I started using Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge and Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, I rarely use powder after blotting. Both have great staying power, even in DC's hot, humid weather. They never run.

T. LeClerc loose powder is the only one I’ve used that is truly translucent. It comes in a 25g hand-sealed metal tin, and has a little sifter inside. A little goes a long, long way. I’ve only used a third of the product in two years. The last tin I bought lasted 5 years or so, which, at $50 per tin, is $10 a year.

Of the range of colors, I use Chair Ambree, described on the T.LeClerc website as rosy beige. It may look very pink on the site, but because it is so translucent, it just adds a flattering glow. It’s available at Barney’s, which is now selling a travel box for $45, and Blue Mercury, both online and in store.

My current favorite blotter is made by Tatcha.  Because they are bigger than most I can blot my entire face with one sheet.

They have the kind of texture that reminds me of the Habu linen paper yarn I love so much.  The sheets are porous enough to absorb the oil from my face, yet not so fragile that they begin to crumble as the others do.  I've experimented with other blotting papers that have a bit of powder on them including Shiseido and other smaller papers, but they sometimes leave traces of that powder evident on the face. With Tatcha, I can blot without looking, confident that I look OK. I've seen the Tatcha papers online (free shipping), Beauty Habit, Bendels, and SpaceNK online and at their store in New York.

My aunt told me this summer that she cuts up shoe box tissue to use as blotters.  I thought that was genius!

Updated with new photos.