Nars Cosmetics has been one of my favorite brands, I have reviewed products from this brand in the past here and on my social handles. Who does not loves a glowy and radiant face, and I was so excited when this foundation launched this year. In a foundation, what I look for is how it blends into my skin, if it oxidizes or not, does it makes my imperfections more prominent, like instead of covering the areas it may emphasize them, if the color matches my skin tone, and last but not the least, I love a dewy finish, not oily but radiant healthy glow. I have been using Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation since last few weeks to test it and here with my thoughts now.
Nars Cosmetics describes the Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (CAD $60) as its first 16-hour fade-resistant foundation with full-powered radiance. It is medium to full coverage stays vibrant and fresh during the day. The staying power is enhanced by a patent technology that delivers a uniquely weightless texture with superior blendability for an imperceptible effect that looks like skin. The foundation is formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex which is a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that helps support skin’s elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture, while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with the skin for the closest match. It is available in 33 skin-matching shades, ranging from deep espresso to the fairest tones.
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation, which is easily buildable. The formula is opaque and a little, pearl size is all that is needed for full coverage. I use a primer to smooth out the base and then apply this foundation with my brush or beauty blender. It blends very easily into the skin, giving a very natural, radiant, and luminous finish. I did tend to pump out extra product sometimes and I have noticed, if I apply a little extra, it starts to emphasize my dry areas or start clinging to them. So the best way is to exfoliate my face while doing my skincare routine and then follow the normal foundation routine.
I am really impressed with the staying power of this foundation, it stays on very well for 12 hours or more. It is not transfer-proof if I am not setting it with a powder or setting spray. Even after using a setting powder or spray, there is a little bit of transfer, but that is normal with other foundations I have tried. I did not notice any oxidation during the day and the pictures from the camera and flash looked very natural with this one. One more thing I want to mention is that it did cover my spots and pigmentation, which is why I did not feel the need to use a concealer. The packaging of the foundation is in a heavy glass bottle with a pump, which looks very classic and chic. My skin tone is medium tan with golden undertones and I was matched Syracuse and Barcelona.
Syracuse – Medium – Dark with brown undertones
Barcelona – Medium with golden, peachy undertones
Top – Syracuse, Bottom – Barcelona
Overall, I am really loving the natural, radiant, and glowy finish which is what I prefer and like. A little is all I need to use for my full face and I do not feel the need of using a concealer. I usually do not follow with a loose powder to set as I prefer radiant finish on my face. At the end of the day, it is a little more dewy around my forehead and nose area, for which I retouch with a pressed powder on the go. I have combination skin for our reference and it did not irritate or had my skin break out. Another good thing is the shade range with different undertones to suit a wide range of skin colors. So, all in all, a product worth checking out.
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is available at Sephora, Sephora Canada, Hudson’s Bay, Lookfantastic, House of Fraser, Nordstrom, Saks, and Neiman Marcus.
*Foundation is Press sample, all other products in pictures are purchased by me
I have been very intrigued by the fragrances from Maison Margiela since I saw them in Sephora. The packaging, the scents, the names of the scents are all so dreamy and unique. Before committing to the full size, I went for ‘Maison Margiela Replica Discovery Set For Her’ from the brand a few months back and had this post in my draft since then. The discovery set contains a trio of travel sprays that will be great for trying and even for travel or in the purse. Maison Margiela Replica Discovery Set For Her has three fragrances – Beach Walk, Lazy Sunday Morning, and Tea Escape.
Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk combines fresh and radiant notes of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk to evoke a familiar but forgotten moment—a walk along a sandy beach. Close your eyes and let the fragrance transport you to the memory of an afternoon stroll along the ocean. Your feet sink into the wet sand as waves brush against your skin. The sun sinks gently through the crystal sky, its warmth balanced by a soft breeze with the subtle tangy scent of water. Beach Walk evokes hints of ocean spray and captures the carefree bliss of a summer day. The notes of the fragrance are Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, Coconut Milk, Heliotrope, Musk, Cedarwood, Benzoin.
It’s so clean, light and fresh scent which takes me back to my last beach vacation every time I spray it. It is like a summer in a bottle. The staying power is average, but I just keep this atomizer in my purse and refresh the scent throughout the day.
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning is a floral fragrance combines notes of lily of the valley, patchouli, iris, and white musk to evoke a familiar but forgotten moment—a sun-drenched morning of relaxation. Close your eyes and let the fragrance transport you to the lazy memory of soft, sunlit warmth. You roll over to feel the delicate summer softness of cotton sheets and silky smooth skin. Breathe in the reassuring scent of fresh laundry from the line and feel completely at peace. The notes of the fragrance are Aldehydes, Pear, Lily of the Valley, Iris, Rose Absolue, Orange Flower, White Musk, Indian Patchouli Oil, Ambrette Seeds Absolute.
It is a very crisp, warm, and clean smelling. It’s light but not so light that you forget you even have it on. The fragrance sadly does not wear long on my skin, but I have in my mind to splurge on the body lotion and body oil from the same house to try them and to help it latch on to.
Maison Margiela Replica Tea Escape combines soothing citrus notes of bergamot, green tea, sambac jasmine, and crisped rice to evoke a familiar but forgotten moment—a traditional Japanese tea service. Close your eyes and let the fragrance transport you to the memory of a moment of quiet reflection. Around you, the city bustles, noisy and frenetic. At the heart of chaos is a break from the daily rush: a silent alcove behind a veil of steam and the rich vapors of green tea. The notes of the fragrance are Citrus Notes, Bergamot, Green Tea, Sambac Jasmine, Crisped Rice.
I love the green tea & rice top notes, and later on, throughout the day it turns into almost a bit of a sweet white floral. It has a pretty good staying power as well. The citrus and floral notes pair well which makes this fragrance so unique and intoxicating.
Maison Margiela Replica Discovery Set and full-size fragrances are available at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, and Nordstrom.
Laura Mercier is the brand I have always loved and trusted for the concept, ideology, and the face of timeless beauty. Laura Mercier, the pioneer of the “Flawless Face”, is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath, and Fragrance. Laura is the innovative force behind the brand’s iconic products, French aesthetic, and artistry techniques. She continues to teach and inspire through her philosophy; “What makes you unique makes you beautiful.” I am a fan of the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder since many years and I still have my first jar, a little is all you need for the natural finish. Another favorite from the brand is the radiance primer which I have it on my list to repurchase as I just finished one. I am going to discuss two new favorites from the brand which I am wearing almost every day nowadays, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage with the Secret Camouflage brush.
“Laura believes that Foundation’s true purpose is to even out your skin tone so it looks it’s very best. Her foundations create a flawless, natural look that lets your skin show through, yet they are distinctly lighter in weight and texture than conventional formulas. The aim is to enhance your beauty, not cover it up.” I truly believe in that, I do not mask my face with everything artificial but use it to enhance what I already have, not to become another person but to look and feel a better version of myself.
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation (CAD $59) is described as the perfect balance of blendability, coverage, and comfort. The foundation is high-performance wear that is sweat, humidity, water, and transfer resistant for 15 hours. The coated pigments glide on to create buildable medium to full color that beautifully evens out skin tone and minimizes the look of pores and imperfections. The weightless texture looks, fits and feels like a second skin. The skin-fusion technology provides ultimate long-wear with breathable ease. Controls oil immediately and throughout the day. The matte finish is never dull, flat or cakey. The weightless texture looks, fits and feels like a second skin. Skin-fusion technology provides ultimate long wear with comfortable, breathable ease.
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation, the finish is matte. It is suitable for all skin types, especially normal to oily. The packaging of the foundation is in a beautiful heavyweight glass bottle with a pump, the cover, and the bottle has a beautiful luxurious feel to it. The formula is lightweight and the consistency is medium, neither runny nor thick. One pump is all I need for medium coverage and two pumps on the day I need full coverage, I do apply it on my neck too, otherwise, one and a half pump is enough for full coverage. I prefer a brush to apply foundation when I need full coverage. For medium coverage, either the brush or the sponge or the beauty blender works best. As the finish is matte, I do use the Radiance Primer from Laura Mercier or any other brightening primer as I do like a natural glowy finish. The foundation is easy to apply and blends in seamlessly with the skin, covering most of my problem areas and spots. The skin looks even, naturally flawless, and with a healthy radiance. The staying power of the foundation is really great, I had it on for over 13 hours and I am impressed with the results. I do set it with my powder puff or the powder brush, or the setting spray also does the trick after I am done with my face.
I noticed no irritation, breakouts, or oxidization while using this foundation. I have combination skin and I am very careful about the foundation which tends to get patchy around my oily areas but this does not give me any issues. It goes on so smoothly and makes my skin look great. 4N1 Suntan is the perfect shade for my medium tan skin tone with golden undertones. It is not too orange, nor very neutral, the perfect balance. This foundation is available in 20 shades and range from very light to dark with various undertones.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (CAD $42) is described to provide a full camouflaging coverage that leaves the skin looking natural and flawless. It has more pigmentation than a traditional concealer, has long-wearing formula which covers completely to retouch flaws one by one. It gives a look of natural perfection camouflages blemishes, shadows, scars, capillaries, discolorations, redness, age spots, the nose area. The unique two-shade compact allows you to customize exactly the right shade and undertone to match your skin tone every day, any time of year. It is suitable for all skin types.
“To create the look of even, flawless skin, Laura turns to concealers, with specialized formulas for eyes and face. Either way, apply sparingly and build as needed, where needed. Especially under your eyes, you want to subtly brighten, but the tone should blend seamlessly with the rest of your look.
Laura’s Original Insight: Concealer Is Key. Concealer is at the core of Laura’s less-is-more approach to makeup—in fact, Secret Camouflage was her very first product. Instead of masking skin with thick foundation all over the face, Laura invented high-pigmented concealers to use for targeted coverage, leaving skin looking natural and flawless.”
I have acne scars and pigmentation which I deal with many times in a year due to the hormones and external factors. A good concealer is always a game changer and mood enhancer I believe. This secret camouflage is like a secret weapon indeed, no doubt why it is so much loved all around by the makeup artists or beauty lovers. I really like the idea of having the two shades to mix and match based on the undertones and the concern where it has to be used, such flexible product it is. It provides full coverage, the formula is very creamy and blends really well into the skin. I have used it many times to spot conceal and also for the pigmentation, the finish is very natural. The staying power is pretty good, without touch-ups it stays on well for the whole day around 8-10 hours which I tested for. SC5 works very well with my medium tan skin tone.
It is specifically meant to be used on the face to camouflages blemishes, shadows, scars, capillaries, discolorations, redness and age spots. With the Secret Camouflage Brush, I custom blend the two colors by mixing the two shades on the back of my hand until I find the blend that matches my skin tone. Then I use feather-light strokes to apply to areas of the face that need covering, concealing, or camouflaging. After applying with the brush, I pat in gently with fingertips. Secret Camouflage is not recommended for under and around the eye area because it is not emollient enough as I had few questions if this works well under the eye.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush (CAD $34) is a perfectly shaped for precise application in the tiniest areas including shadows, corners of eyes, tiny scars or blemishes. The flatter, wider surface at the base of the brush is ideal for larger areas like ruddy cheeks, patches of broken capillaries, sun spots or any areas of discoloration. It picks up the right amount of product and works great to keep concealer from being too thick and cakey. Also, it does help in applying the product in the small areas as well as the tricky areas to cover the problem. The synthetic bristles are soft yet firm enough to fill in lines and give flawless coverage over spots. I have experienced no shedding and is highly precise.
As a long time user and fan of this brand, I am very satisfied with these three products that I have been using these days and would recommend you to check them out. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush are available at Sephora Canada, Sephora, Holt Renfrew, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, SpaceNK, and Net-A-Porter.
*Press samples
I have a love affair with Kenzo World Eau de Parfum since last year, for which I shared the details and my thoughts here, I have been wearing this new fragrance from Kenzo these days, launched in January 2018. Kenzo World Eau de Toilette is described as the sparkling fragrance for a woman who does not take herself seriously. This lingering fragrant trail led like a burst of laughter by the perfumer duo, Francis Kurkdjian, and Maïa Lernout, offers an amazing fruity floral accord between sparkling pear, luminous peony and almond blossom, and feminine orris. A definitely feminine bouquet smiling at life. Kenzo World Eau de Toilette, the fragrance for a joyful and mischievous woman. “This is a fruity, floral, vibrant flight of fancy to which pear brings lightness and enticement.” Francis Kurkdjian and Maïa Lernout
“This extroverted Eau de toilette is for a woman who dares to be different, unfazed by society or the norm, her need for exhilaration and enthusiasm acts as a magnet to all. The Kendo World Perfume complements her wild side. Its vivacious aroma and mischevious personality are the perfect match for her adventurous aura.”
The eye-catching bottle is crafted in a pink gold-tone metal and opaline. Its every element evokes the mix-and-match of the Kenzo world. The gommato cap is inspired by the iconic Kenzo Kalifornia bags and the precious accent in pink gold-tone metal evokes the “THE EYE”jewelry collection, while the sandblasted glass texture enhances the beauty of this radical approach by creating an unexpected visual contrast. The mysterious, fascinating eye reveals itself in various ways according to the point of view, from the front or top.
The top note of the fragrance is Pear, middle notes are Peony and Almond Blossom, base note is Orris Root.
Peony, featured in the original, is refreshed by a fizzy pear note and additional blossoms, placed on a woody and earthy base dominated by orris. The fragrance is a very light everyday fragrance which is appropriate for the office or the consevative environment. It is fresh, delicate and powdery. I like the fruity sweetness of the pear in combination with the floral notes, which harmonizes really nice. It is perfect for the spring and the days you want to wear something light, and still smell pretty. The fragrance stays on well for almost 5-6 hours with powdery noted coming into play as time passes after the application and then fades with the base notes lingering around for few hours. From the packaging to the scent, I am really liking it and looking forward to spring to use it in a full blown daily mode. If you like flowery, fruity, fresh, and sweet fragrance which is light, you need to give it a sniff.
Kenzo World Eau de Toilette will be available at Hudson’s Bay and Sephora from March 21st, 2018.
*Press sample
Sisley-Paris has some amazing new launches which I have been excited about since I saw them on their social handles. I am a long time fan of their skincare, eyeshadows, and eyebrow products which I reviewed in detail. I have three new spring launches from Sisley-Paris to share with you today which include Sisley-Paris Phyto-Khol Star, Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist Matte, and Sisley-Paris Instant Correct Color Correcting Primer. The new launches are perfect for spring, summer, and all year long.
Sisley-Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof
Phyto-Khol Star(CAD $70) is described as an automatically retractable pencil with an integrated pencil sharpener. The creamy and firm tip offers a unique glide and ensures perfect definition with extreme precision. There are 8 shades with multiple effects that give intensity to the look with sparkling luminous shades infused with a delicate glitter and mystic black shimmery shades with subtle reflections. Its formula with exceptional comfort and softness enriched with Rosehip oil, Bisabolol of natural origin and Vitamin E acetate, takes care of the eyelids’ delicate skin.
The eye pencil is part of my daily makeup routine, whether I am using face makeup or not, eye pencil on my waterline or lower lashline is a must for most of my days. I have sensitive eyes and I do like to stick to my trusted brands for eyeliners and eye pencils. I have been really impressed with these eye pencils. The shades are really beautiful, they give color to the eyes as well as a very fine and subtle micro-shimmer effect. They make a beautiful smokey eye as well as a beautiful everyday definition to the eyes. The formula is very smooth and glides on effortlessly on the waterline as well as the upper and lower lashline. One swipe is good enough to give the definition and I go for two or three swipes to make a statement definition of the eyes. I have experienced no irritation or watery eyes when I use these on my waterline. I am very impressed with the staying power of these eye pencils, it does take almost a minute to dry down, enough time to blend it or define it for an intense look as per the requirement and what you are looking for. I have the shades 1 Sparkling Black and 4 Sparkling Bronze swipes below for the references. Both the shades are a must-have if you have hazel, brown or black eyes. They do have a very fine shimmer which adds a little sparkle to the eyes but is not noticeable as such. 4 Sparkling Bronze is perfect for the days I am keeping my look simple and not much defined. 1 Sparkling Black is also a nice everyday shade which is buildable to more intense finish. They both are keepers and I am very impressed with the shade, lasting power, and ease of use with no irritation.
Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist Matte
Phyto-Lip Twist Matte(CAD $65) is described as a tinted balm colored like a lipstick, with an intense matte finish. Applied with a single twist, it leaves the lips supple, soft and more shapely thanks to a blend of plant-based active ingredients. Its ultra-sensory texture, soft as velvet with optimal adhesion, is reinventing the standard for lipstick. Its beveled tip allows for ultra-precise, even and easy application. Its shades are irresistible: luminous, intense, resolutely elegant. Fun and practical, there is no need to sharpen this new XXL pencil.
In a lip pencil, what I look for most is the formula, comfort to wear, shade, long-lasting, and the packaging. I have used and tested these Phyto-Lip Twist Mat tinted balms for the last week and again, I am really loving them. The formula is rich, ultra-pigmented, full coverage glides on very smoothly on the lips. They have never given me drying feeling or made my lips flakey, do not tug to the lips, instead, they did keep them moisturized along with the color which stays on for a quite good time. After few hours, there is still a stain on the lips. The packaging is beautiful, the size of the bullet is perfect for single swipe and pigmentation is great in a single swipe. I am really impressed with the shades, they all are perfect for any season and I am really looking forward to using them in spring, so bright and beautiful. They are very smooth and give a velvety feel to the lips. I have swatched shades:
19 Ballet Mat – Nude Pink
21 Ruby Mat – Pinkish Red
22 Burgundy Mat – Brick Red
Sisley-Paris Instant Correct
Instant Correct(CAD $115) is described as a color correcting primer for a more even and radiant complexion, instantly and with repeated applications. It makes it possible to create a perfect base by correcting visually pigment disorders. Immediately, it evens out, rebalances and smooths the skin texture for a complete correction. Day after day, the unifying effect is boosted by a combination of skin care active ingredients (Alkekengi calyx extract, Lemon extract, Iris extract). Skin is moisturized and brighter. Its fresh, ultra-light, and silky texture is applied like a second skin without adding extra thickness. Non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and perfectly adhering, the make-up can be applied immediately afterward, without the need for drying time. There are two shades available in this primer, Just Rosy to illuminates, give a healthy glow, and subtly correct dull complexion. Shade Just Lavender to neutralizes yellow tones, gives a porcelain finish for all skins and skin with yellow undertones.
The key ingredients in this primer include:
- Alkekengi calyx extract: smoothes, contributes to the proper hydration of the skin and protects it from environmental damage
- Lemon extract: unifies and lightens the complexion
- Iris extract: moisturizes and smoothes the skin texture
I have medium tan skin tone yellow undertones and Just Lavender is what I was looking forward to trying. I use this primer before applying my makeup and after my skincare products. It applies well with fingertips as well as a brush. I take a pea-sized amount and apply it to my face, just to mention here again that I do get spots due to my hormonal breakouts and also pigmentation. The formula is luxuriously smooth and lightweight, not very thick or watery, just perfect to glide on smoothly. It does not leave any residue or oiliness, soaks in quickly into the skin, giving a nice, smooth base for the makeup application. I see the pigmentation and acne marks are blurred, skin looks even, bright, and hydrated. I have noticed my yellow undertones look more unified and give it a look of not very yellow but almost neutral undertones. The makeup stays on very well over the primer and has not experienced any rolling off with different products I use in my daily routine. The makeup stays on well for an entire day, and my skin looks brighter and illuminated.
Bottom line, I am loving these new launches from Sisley-Paris, they are worth the splurge. Sisley-Paris Instant Correct, Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist Matte, Sisley-Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof are available in Canada at Holt Renfrew, Saks, Nordstrom and in the US, at Sisley-Paris official website.
*Press samples