Best in Bow: July 2012 Products

I could go through a massive detailed description of the beauty products I'm loving... but instead, I'm dumping out the contents of my makeup bag and showing you exactly what I'm using at this very moment in time. I wouldn't be using them if they weren't products I didn't love, right?!

For July, I'm loving bronzed skin, strong brows, long black lashes, a la Kim Kardashian:

Simple, summery, and nearly natural... just better!

Product Review: Giorgio Armani Face Fabric

I'd been meaning to try Armani's Face Fabric since it was released back in 2008, but I always ended up purchasing other foundation instead. Having heard great reviews about it, I was excited to finally try it out for myself. Face Fabric is definitely different from any other foundation I've used in the past, so I have slightly mixed feelings on this one.

The good?

• The packaging is SO convenient! The sleek plastic tube can be thrown carelessly into your cosmetic bag without the fear of breaking a gloss bottle. (NARS, I'm talking to you!)
• While the sun protection isn't spectacular, I still love that Face Fabric has SPF 12 in it. I'll take all of the anti-aging measures I can get, whether it be from my foundation or moisturizer.
• You only need a tiny dime-sized bit of product per application- which can be applied with either your fingers or a brush.
• Smooth, silky texture (due to its silicone base) that is SO lightweight, you feel like you're wearing nothing.
• Long-lasting.

The bad?

• While the coverage is fairly buildable, it is very, very light if you only apply one layer. This is great for a natural look, but don't expect it to work miracles.
• Expect to use concealer with Face Fabric if your skin isn't absolutely perfect.
• There is a bit of skill necessary when you apply this product- due to the consistency, it sets within seconds. As long as you can work the product in quickly, you should be fine.

My verdict?

 I really like Face Fabric, and expect that I'll like it even more in the summer when I simplify my beauty routine. In the summer, I go for much lighter makeup and become considerably less high-maintenance as I become tan and glowy, so Face Fabric will likely be rotated with my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. That being said, I'm going to use it as a silicone primer/base for now, also using NARS' Sheer Glow sparingly where I need a bit more coverage.

Youtube Review: MUFE HD, Bond No 9, Christian Louboutin

  

Review:
Makeup Forever (MUFE) HD Foundation

MAC Strobe Cream
Bond No. 9's The Scent of Peace
Christian Louboutin's Ron Ron 100mm

xx

More Make-Up HGs

Now that I'm back from NYC and have been using a select few products due to time, weather, and space constraints, I have a few makeup recommendations to pass along.

MAC tinted lipglass in Lust- the perfect everyday lipgloss. The website calls it a "soft muted pink," although I would describe it more like a terracotta-tinted rose. Nonetheless, it looks polished and natural, and photographs beautifully. Love that lipglasses aren't extremely sticky or gel-like, and last longer than basically all other types I own.

I had my nails and toes done this Saturday with OPI's Miami Beet (from the S/S '09 South Beach Collection). Sort of a dark pinky red, it looks great with my NW 15 skintone and seems to be a very wearable cream nail color for this time of year.

Last but not least, I REALLY missed L'Oreal's Vive Pro Glossy Curls mousse while I was away (since I wasn't able to bring such a large aerosol can in my carry-on). This stuff is incredible. My hair is quite straight and thick, although has started to get a slight wave to it recently. No product has ever allowed me to get beach waves quite like this one, and it doesn't leave my hair looking crunchy or soaked. Highly, highly recommend.