Zhours Beauty #1: Recent Favorite Color Makeup

You asked, I answered. So here it is – my first beauty post, as requested my lovely instagramer fellows.

I’m a beauty enthusiast and was lucky enough to have worked as a fashion/beauty editor for a lifestyle magazine back in Los Angeles. Among many things I’ve learned along the way, one thing is choosing the right products that suit our own needs and skin types is more important than following the crowd. I also realized, not without the cost, that less is more. That said, writing beauty reviews runs the risk of defying all of the above.

But I decided to proceed anyways. One justification is that my reviews are going to be as objective as can be (instead of “this feels light and good on my skin”, it’ll be “this has the light texture like whipped cream minus the grease and soaks it in about 30 seconds after sunscreen A and primer B). Besides, all my favorites aren’t necessarily well known, like the setting powder I’m going to write about today.

Before I start, FYI, my skin type is DSPT. In case you haven’t read The Skin Type Solution by Dr. Leslie Baumann (and yes, I recommend it), those stand for Dry, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Tight. Specifically, my skin is combination/normal – slightly dry and sensitive and definitely pigmentation prone and tight (as opposed to wrinkle-prone). My complexion is fair and slightly warm – I use the lightest or the second lightest shade in foundation, depending on the maker.

Enough Foreword. This first beauty post details my thoughts on my latest color makeup favorites.

 

 

Technically, Suqqu Nuancing Loose Powder in Natural isn’t color makeup. But since I only own 2 setting powders, as opposed to an army of foundations and other complexion enhancers which suffice a separate post, I’m leaving this here. A Japanese cosmetic maker, Suqqu is known for its very fine textures and subtle effects. This is the only Suqqu product I own but it’s enough to convince me of its premium quality.

The super fine and airy powder comes in two colors, Natural and Glow. It’s on the list for the same reason as what the brand is known for. Color Natural isn’t pale – my guess is it will flatter most light to medium skin tones. The finish is transparent, velvety, and non-powdery. It doesn’t dry out my skin or accentuate lines; nor does it keep the shine at bay. I didn’t notice the silken sheen mentioned by some other reviewers. It might just be me. My verdict: it’s pricey but worth it. (Available on ebay.)

 

I’ve been a fan of Benefit Cosmetic’s Dandelion for the longest time. I wanted a change and saw DiorBlush in New Red #889 at Sephora. New Red is a precise description. The hue resembles that of a very ripe watermelon. It flatters my slightly warm complexion. Use sparingly, the powder is highly pigmented.

 

Dior 5 Couleurs Cherie Bow Edition in Rose Charmeuse #854 is a limited edition palette, but some ebay sellers still carry it (simply copy, paste, and google the full name). The hues are more shimmery than pigmented – to achieve a vivid effect, layering is key. But that’s exactly what I like about the product – I prefer subtlety on my eyelids. The result is a soft, refreshing, and romantic rosy glow. The black color doesn’t contain glitter, which is a nice contrast.

 

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in GC Bittersweet is one of my top three most worn nail colors. Envision this: it feels like dipping your finger into the most decadent chocolate. Yes I’m chocoholic. Am I biased? Not on this one. The rich hue has a beautiful touch of red in its undertone. The texture is silky smooth just like melted chocolate. I wish it smelled like chocolate too.

 

Maybelline makes some of the finest mascara on the market, in my view. Its Illegal Length Mascara in Blackest is as good as any other kinds Maybelline makes – I have used and loved them all. The reason it’s on this list is its ability to lengthen without appearing too heavy – a must for an easy and refreshing summer look. It doesn’t clump on my lashes.

P.S. I don’t like to wiggle the wand as many pros suggest (sorry). It’s a personal thing – wiggling gives a fuller but also clumpy look on me.

 

I heart many shades of Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. Color Bourbon is a glimmering dark warm brown. The tender core glides on smoothly. It stays on all day and you get exactly what you see in terms of color and shimmer. It’s just that simple, and good.

 

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss #433 is one of many Dior lip glosses I own. It’s a lip gloss, so it doesn’t alter your lip color to what appears in the bottle. But what I can tell you is its tone – it’s a slightly warm peach with super fine golden shimmer in it. On my lips, it adds a glossy and pearly tint.

 

My go-to tool for bold red lip is the Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Sunset Orange. It comes in a stick which usually suggests a superior staying power. This became my go-to weapon for three reasons: one, it’s super concentrated; second, it has the best staying power of what I have tried; third, it leaves a matte finish. This color is reddish orange. Yes, warm colors appeal to me, if you haven’t figured.

Hope this is helpful. Any questions? Ask away!

Xoxo,

Diana