Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

BB creams are all the rage right now, and Bobbi Brown has released her version in a variety of shades including one for darker skin! Bobbi's BB cream delivers as a true all in one product that moisturizes, treats, protects and covers imperfections!  I have been using this product every day for the past week and find it to be the perfect, quick, no fuss makeup base.


Bobbi's formula is very hydrating, and I think normal to oily skins will be able to use this product straight on bare skin.  My skin tends to be on the drier side, so I do apply this on top of my regular moisturizer.  In my opinion the SPF level of 35 is great, and probably enough for most days when I just go to work and am inside all day.  If I am planning on being outdoors, I will use my regular SPF 50 underneath for added protection. The product provides a nice medium coverage, much more than a tinted moisturizer but not as heavy as a foundation.  It will even out skin tone nicely, but won't cover scarring or other noticeable flaws on the skin.  For comparison, I find this to have much more coverage than the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, and the Chantecaille Just Skin.  The finish is natural, and on the dewy side which is perfect for a healthy look! I do not set with powder, and find no oil production through out the day (this may be different for oiler skins).  The lasting power is good, about 8-10 hours on a regular day.  I could probably increase the longevity of this BB cream if I set with powder, but I love the natural finish.  I do feel that it brightens up my skin!  I use this in the shade Medium-Dark, which suits about an NC 40 skin.


In terms of skin care benefits, I have not been using this long enough to comment.  It is supposed to reduce discoloration and redness, pores, and fine lines.  While I love a product that "does it all" and feel good putting something on my skin which benefits it, I'm not about to abandon my usual skin care routine in favor of this.

Bobbi's BB Cream is a fantastic all in one product that has great coverage and a natural finish! It has a lightweight feel and is perfect for everyday.  I am definitely enjoying this and happy to have it in my collection. I have completely abandoned my foundations since buying this!  If I had this product before my vacation it would have been all that I brought with me!


The Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 is available in 5 shades from Extra Light to Medium-Dark. See Bobbi's blog for decent swatches (according to her blog additional shades will be available in the future). It is currently a Nordstrom exclusive, and retails for $42 for 1.3 oz.  It will be available at Bobbi Brown counters and on her website in early August.  

New In...

Some of my picks from Fall 2012...I tried to have some restraint.  I'm deliberately leaving out a few purchases of permanent items that I have been wanting to try.  


Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (1) and Brown (2) Limited Edition, Repromote
Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 in Medium to Dark*
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Ink Limited Edition
Jane Iredale Active Light Undereye Concealer in Number 6
Chanel Eyelash Curler
Chanel Le Vernis in Vertigo (563) and Frenzy (559) Limited Edition
Chanel Glossimer in Sweet Beige (297) Limited Edition, Repromote
Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in BE 306 Beige


What have you been hauling lately? Any items on your wish list?


*Review coming tomorrow!

Chanel Shame On You!

Look CLOSELY at the above picture.  Does it make anyone else as angry as it makes me?  


I recently went to the Caribbean to the islands of St. Maarten and St. Barth's and to my amazement I found one of my favorite foundations Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B60, Beige Muscade.  I always knew Chanel made beige amber (BA) shades which were released in certain countries, but I had never heard of B60.  In the United States, Chanel offers 5 beige rose shades (BR), and 5 beige shades (B), with the darkest being B50.  I find B50 to be suitable for a Mac NC35-40 skin. 


B60, as seen in the swatches below probably suits up to a NC45 skin.  For those unfamiliar with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, the foundation darkens once dried.

L to R: Wet swatches B50, B60

L to R: Dry swatches B50, B60

Interestingly, Chanel does have the new Vitalumiere Aqua compact in 4 BR shades, and 6 B shades, including B60.  I found the color of this range to be different than Vitalumiere liquid, with even B60 being a little light. Perfection Lumiere is available in 20 shades with BR, B, and BA shades including those for darker skin.

I admit my interest in a brand is heavily influenced by the company's image and promotional pictures, as well as the range of foundation shades they offer, as someone of darker skin than the average Caucasian female.  One of the reasons I explored Edward Bess and Burberry was because their promotional pictures often feature women of darker skin. Other lines, like By Terry, I have minimal interest in exploring because of her limited base color range. I stopped wanting the Touchee Veloutee concealer to be available in a shade dark enough for me. It is hard for me to support a brand with a limited philosophy on beauty, but I too am guilty of grabbing the darkest shade in a concealer feeling thankful it works on me. Who can also forget this stunning Nars promotional picture for their new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

Nars Spring 2012

Edward Bess 2009 campaign

Edward Bess Spring 2011

Burberry Fall 2011 

I fail to understand why Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B60 is not available in the United States, if it is in fact already produced?  I recognize that cosmetics companies have different philosophies and probably spend considerable time and money researching consumer needs and consumer spending and tailor their business practices accordingly.  On the other hand, I would think that there are just as many women with darker skin and $45 to spend on a foundation in the United States as there are in St. Maarten. I spoke with my friend who is in the cosmetics industry about this, and he said that even in Atlanta when he worked for a line with options for darker skin, the darker shades did not sell as much. Foundation solutions for both the very fair and darker skins can be a difficult task, but thankfully cosmetics companies like MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and Lancome cater to the beautifully diverse female population with offerings for women from all ends of the Earth.


What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them whether you agree or disagree!

Summer Loving Right Now...

I missed my monthly favorites for June and as I love to write and read these types of posts I thought I would share some of my current summer loves! I am deep in summer mode so despite all the new Fall releases I have mostly stayed away, finding it hard to be tempted by the deeper tones.  Somehow this resolve hasn't translated into savings for my wallet!


Loving right now all things Chantecaille! I honestly can not say enough good things about every single item I have tried from this brand!  The skin care and base products are divine and truly worth the price tag! I love the brand's philosophy and botanical ingredients.  I use my Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer almost daily, and find this to give a beautiful finish and just the right amount of coverage for the summer months.  The latest addition to my collection is the Radiance Gel Bronzer which I was tempted to purchase by all those Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Week tweets!  This is a gorgeous lightweight sheer bronzer suitable for all complexions! I use it under the tinted moisturizer on the high points of my face for an added warmth and glow.  I am also still obsessed with the Chantecaille Compact Makeup which is hands down the best powder foundation I have ever come across!


Summer time for me is all about coral.  Orange corals, pink corals, or any other type of coral I can get my hands on, I am down!  I still love the Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tint in Coral Nymph which is the most natural coral blush.  Cream blush really looks young, fresh and natural in a way that I don't think you can achieve with powders.  That being said, I still have been wearing my Tom Ford Love Lust blush regularly this summer!  Perhaps the best and most exciting discovery this summer is something I recently found in my stash! Nars Lipstick in Barbarella.  If you have not seen or swatched this color, I highly recommend you go to Sephora or a counter TODAY and have a look! This is a gorgeous, sheer, and natural orange coral shade that I think would suit most skin tones.  I forgot how much I like the feel of Nars lipsticks.


Speaking of coral, the most luxurious addition to my collection is the Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer.  I think this is shade 206 (see Karla Sugar's swatches here).  This is a pink coral with tiny silver shimmer.  The feel of these lipsticks is probably the best I have ever come across.  The formula is pigmented but still sheer and natural (I'm not sure if that makes sense) and has a glossy finish.  They are ultra-moisturizing and are far, far superior to the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines.  Once you make the initial investment for the case ($25) and the lip color (35$), the price is not too bad for refills when compared to a Chanel Rouge Coco Shine.  I might have to devote a whole post to this gem in the future.  


Finally I am still loving Chanel's Summer collection! My favorite piece by far is the eyeshadow duo in Sable-Emouvant.  I highly recommend you pick this up if it is still available! This duo has been my go to all summer for both day and night.  For day I use the lighter color all over the lid (look at that dip!) and the darker shade lightly in the outer corner and crease.  At night I just add more of the darker shade in the outer corner and lower lash line for a smokey effect.  It is truly stunning.  I am also loving the Chanel Le Vernis in Holiday and Delight.  Holiday has been on my toes all summer (I just love the name) and looks amazing with tanned skin and all types of summer strappy sandals! Delight is the perfect not- your-average boring neutral shade for hands.  I also love the Glossimer in Calypso but can't seem to find it at the moment (I will cry if that is truly gone)!  Other great basic finds from Chanel are the Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Ebene, which actually lasts on my waterline, and the lip liner in Natural which is the perfect pink.  I am intrigued by the new Chanel Noir Intense but after seeing swatches on The Beauty Look Book maybe I'll pass.

Other things I am loving right now are warm summer nights, summer holidays, Current Elliott boyfriend floral print shorts, TKEES, my YSL arty ring, Hermes H bracelet, Diptyque candles, Louis Vuitton Damier Azur speedy, reconnecting with old friends, a glass of chilled Sancerre, strawberry bananna smoothies, The MMandL show, ToneitUp, Channing Tatum, and shopping today for a birthday present to myself! What are you loving right now?

Blog Sale in Progress! Prices Reduced!

Check out my updated Blog Sale! Prices reduced!!! Lots of great items from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Jouer, Le Metier de Beaute, Chantecaille, Nars and more! 

Summer Base Solution! Chantecaille Compact Makeup

I don't know about you, but I cannot go out without wearing some type of base makeup! I truly feel my best when I know my skin is more even and looking great! So the hot, humid summer months always present a challenge for me! I do wear tinted moisturizer most of the time, but I still find that I can feel it on my skin once the humidity strikes. The solution? Chantecaille Compact Makeup.


I am not one to wear powder foundation. I don't like the powdery or matte look, and prefer my skin to look luminous.  This powder from Chantecaille manages the impossible task of good coverage in a lightweight powder form without looking cakey or too matte! Firstly, the texture of this powder is unlike anything I have ever felt before.  It feels like silk! I apply this with a buffing brush and brush a small amount all over my face, after concealer, to achieve a flawless finish.  The coverage is medium, and can be sheered out or applied more heavily in areas desired. Since the powder is so fine, it does not build up on the skin to cause cakiness or a heavily powdered look!


After a few hours of wear the finish is dewy and extremely natural looking.  It lasts all day, and feels amazing on the skin! I find this the easiest, quickest way to get out of the house with good coverage that feels great in hot, humid weather! I have also used this as a setting powder over tinted moisturizer and foundation, and the finish is equally flawless! For reference, I wear this in the shade Camel. 

This compact has been my skin saver over the past few heat waves in NYC! For someone who typically does not like powder foundation, I was surprised by how much I love this powder.  It is holy grail material for me, and something I will always have in my collection! If you are looking for another way to get quick coverage in the summer that doesn't feel heavy or sticky I highly recommend you check out the Chantecaille Compact Makeup! It retails for $62.


There are still many great items available in my Blog sale! Check it out!

Product Doctor Blog Sale is Now Live!

I am really trying to reign in my makeup collection as it is not fitting in to my storage anymore! It does break my heart a little to say goodbye to some of these treasures, but hopefully someone else will get more use out of them! Just click on the tab marked Blog Sale! for all the information and goodies!


A little preview...

Le Metier de Beaute Pallid Incandescents Kaleidoscope and A Makeover by Dustin Lujan

Leave it to Dustin Lujan, makeup artist extraordinaire of Le Metier de Beaute and creator of Le Metier's latest kaleidoscope Pallid Incandescents, to break me out of my neutral and nude makeup rut! I am not typically a fan of pastel shades, in my makeup, my nails or my clothing, but this collection of shades is truly stunning! 


From top to bottom, the shades are:

• Flush – a matte buttery pink 
• Lambent – a satiny turquoise
• Refulgent – a matte coral
• Ultraviolet – a satiny lilac

The shades in this kaleidoscope are unique, and complex in that they can be applied sheerly for a light whimsical effect, or more densely for a vibrant look.  I think the colors will suit all skin tones from the very fair to the tan and dark.  Also the colors all coordinate beautifully together.  I think this palette differs from other Le Metier Kaleidoscopes in that the shades can be layered in the traditional couches de couleur fashion, or worn any other way you desire.  I can see myself using just 2 of the 4 shades in many different combinations for many different looks! In terms of texture, the shadows are nothing short of what you would expect from Le Metier de Beaute. The fact that pastel shadows can be formulated with such a rich, buttery texture is something you don't often find.


Dustin created a beautiful look for me, using this palette, which demonstrates how gorgeous pastels can look on even darker skins! I have to admit, I was quite surprised by how much I loved this colorful look! To start, Dustin applied the Dualistic Eye Pencil in Noir all over the lid as a base.  He then applied the lilac shade all over the lid, followed by the coral shade.  The teal shade was applied to the outer corner and along the lash line for added depth. The pale pink shade was used as a highlight on the brow bone. Finally, the Precision Liquid Liner in Aqua was used to line my top lash line.  The Noir Eye Pencil was used in the waterline and the Anamorphic Lash Mascara in Black was used on my lashes.  Dustin also applied a mixture of the four shades along my lower lash line for added definition.


For the cheeks, Dustin used the a combination of all the shades from the Blush Kaleidoscope, and the gold shade as a highlight.  For the Lips, he applied the Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Figi, followed by the Lip Creme in Creme Caramel. The end result was a gorgeous summer evening look which was a nice change from the ubiquitous black smokey eye or bronzed summer look.

L to R: Caramel Creme, Figi Lipstick, Aqua Precision Liquid Liner, Pallid Incandescents, Noir Liner

Indoor Light

Natural Light

First off, I received so many compliments on my makeup for the rest of the night which always makes a girl feel good! Secondly, this kaleidoscope in my opinion is a must have! It is unique, superb quality, and versatile! Dustin succeeded in creating something different than prior Le Metier offerings, and something that will suit a variety of skin tones and transition well from summer to winter and day to night. 


Pallid Incandescents is exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman, and will be available July 5, in limited quantity! It retails for $95. Call Dustin at 212-872-8612 to reserve yours today! Tell him Product Doctor sent you!