Bare Minerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo

Bare Minerals Translucent Powder Duo (2 x 0.31 oz for $32) combines a Matte and Glow formula. Matte absorbs oil and can be used as a setting powder, while Glow has a slight shimmer for highlighting.

For those that are not familiar with translucent setting powders, they aim to blur fine lines, reduce the look of pores and give an overall perfected finish. Basically, you won't need filters on Instagram because you'll already look like you have an even complexion and luminous skin! Translucent powders are great for absorbing oil and setting foundation or concealer. They can be reapplied during the day to touch up if you tend to get oily and because they are so sheer, they won't look noticeable or cakey.

I was very excited to see this on QVC with a dual sided brush for $36 and pre-ordered it before it's release date in April. I am disappointed to say it did not live up to my expectations.

Here's why:

- The product is described as "a creamy, cushioned formula with a luxurious feel." At first swatch, it did not feel "creamy" to me at all and it actually felt quite chalky. Although it was smooth formula, it felt very dry when I ran my finger over it. Oddly enough, it even sounded dry. How is that possible?

- When I used it on my face, I didn't find the formula to be as sheer as other translucent powders I've tried. This may be due to the fact that it seemed drier than other formulas.

- The Glow side did have a nice shimmer to it, but overall still felt dry and chalky

- Based on the QVC coverage, I expected the compact to be a little bigger

This was my first time trying a pressed setting powder, so as of now loose finishing powders are still my favorite. The two that I like best are:

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil (Original) 0.3 oz for $22

This is a loose finishing powder that has a sheer finish. I find the formula to be lightweight and sheer without having a dry feel to it. It is so finely milled that it seems to melt into the skin.

It comes in different finishes including: 

- Illuminating, which has a shimmery finish... Remember, as with any Bare Mineral product a little goes a long way, but especially with this, as it can look very sparkly

- Tinted, which has a touch of warmth (all over face color)

- Hydrating, which is better suited for those with dry skin

Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder .39 oz for $16

This is a sheer loose powder, which is also lightweight and disappears on the skin. It helps control oil and I use it to set my under eye concealer. The product description mentions "light scattering properties designed to help soften the appearance of imperfections for a skin-perfecting finish." Up close you notice the slightest amount of sparkle, which I assume is the "light scattering properties." Like Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, it also seems very finely milled, which aids in how sheer of a finish it provides.

Many of the reviews I've read about the Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo, have been positive, so I am surprised I didn't have the same experience. Everything is subjective and sometimes despite all reviews, you just have to give a product a try for yourself.

I hope you found this review helpful! 

Have you tried Bare Minerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo? If so, let me know your thoughts!

Comment below on your favorite setting powders, loose or pressed! I'd love to have a good experience with a pressed powder, because they are a little more friendly for on the go touch ups. 

BeYOUtiful ladies!!

xoxo

Lisa

Beauty's Best 15 in 2015 - Part 4!

12. Bare Minerals All Over Face Color in "Warmth"

I've been using the Bare Minerals Warmth for a long time, before I was even into makeup, it was the only thing I used! It gives a subtle sun kissed color to the face. Apply to the highest points of your face where the sun would normally hit. Since it's a matte finish, it can be used for subtle contouring as well. Follow up with blush!

13. Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Luminizer in "Lightbeam"

This has been my favorite highlighter this year. It gives a beautiful shimmer and lit from within glow to the skin! Apply just above your cheekbones after applying blush. It can also be used as a brow highlight.

14. Sephora Collection Color Lip Last in Runway Plum, Revlon ColorBurst in Lollipop, Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Gloss in "Dashing Orchid" & Maybelline Super Stay 24 Lip Color in "On and On Orchid"

From left to right Sephora Collection Color Lip Last, Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter, Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Gloss, Maybelline Super Stay 24 Lip Color

I cannot have enough lipstick and lipgloss! I'm always excited to try a new brand or fun colors! I included 4 in this category, a lipstick, lip butter, lip gloss and long wearing lipstick.

First, my go to lipstick from Sephora in the color 26 - Runway Plum! This is a beautiful shade of plum with a little sparkle. It's very long lasting! I prefer using it with a gloss for extra sheen since it tends to be on the matte side.

Second, is the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter. This is a very moisturizing gel like lipstick. The color variety is great across the line. I love the color Lollipop. At first I thought it might be a little too pink, but who am I kidding? Too pink? Life is short! Wear pink lipstick!! It's the color I'm wearing in my profile picture!

The next pick is a gloss - Maybelline's Color Elixir Lip Gloss. Finally a gloss without that sticky feel! Dashing Orchid is a beautiful plum shade with the tiniest bit of sparkle and just the right amount of sheen.

The last and certainly not least, is a long wearing lipstick by Maybelline! I have it in the shade "On and On Orchid" and I LOVE IT! It lasts literally ALL DAY! If you are going to a party and want to wear a lipstick that doesn't move, fade, feather or transfer, say hello to your new best friend! I NEED to try other colors from this line.

15. Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black

I'm not sure where I got this little gem, but it's a sample size and it's amazing. It's been one I've reached for over and over again in the later months of 2015. I really like the shape of the brush, which thickens lashes evenly without clumping! 

If I were to ever run out of mascara samples, I would definitely repurchase this!

Thank you so much for reading! Please comment, share with friends and follow me by email (see "subscribe to email" on the right side of the page under my profile), Google+, Twitter at LisaD0524 and Instagram.

xoxo,

Lisa

Beauty's Best 15 in 2015 - Part 3

9. Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil

If I had a ride or die eyeliner of 2015, this would be it!!! My favorite is the purple color called "Love Affair." I think I have gone through at least 3 of these since starting to use it a while back and have 2 backups just in case I were to run out! It's long wearing, smudge proof and waterproof. Most important is the formula, which is smooth and goes on easily. No tugging! The brand has a great variety of colors! 

10. Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade

Next up! Brows! One of the best decisions I've ever made was penciling in my eyebrows. Really... it was a life changer! I typically use medium brown, but since I colored my hair and it's leaning more auburn, I purchased the auburn and now I mix the two together. It's waterproof, long wearing and smudge proof. It's been my favorite and although I'm not sure the little pot will ever run out, I will repurchase!

11. Bare Minerals Blush in "Hint"

I feel pretty, oh so pretty! 

This is just a perfect little pink/mauve shade with just the right amount of shimmer! I would say the color payoff is buildable, since this color isn't intense to begin with. The brand has a variety of colors! 

TO BE CONTINUED...



Please follow my blog by subscribing to the email list and share with friends! It would mean the world to me! Feel free to comment below - I'd love to know what you think, if you have questions I can answer or if you have blog post suggestions for me!
xoxo,

Lisa

Beauty's Best 15 in 2015 - Part 2

5. Paula's Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment

When I saw this product, I was very excited to try it!! This product contains 2% BHA (salicylic acid), which works as an exfoliant to reduce bumpy areas (keratosis pilaris) and soften rough, dry skin. After using this for about 6-8 weeks, once a day, I started to notice less bumps on the back of my arms and thighs. This lotion is lightweight, like the name says and has a silky texture. I had once been given a prescription lotion from my dermatologist that contained lactic acid, but I found it felt sticky and because of this I never used it long enough to get results. This product sells for $25 for 7 oz. 

Tip - Paula's Choice sells facial exfoliants, like the one mentioned above. These sell for a higher price per ounce, due to the fact that they are formulated for specific skin types. If you do not want to invest in a separate exfoliant, this one can be used on your face, as long as it is well tolerated based on your skin type.

NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

6.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser & Bare Minerals BareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer

I couldn't pick just one! The Maybelline concealer is inexpensive and provides great coverage. I use the neutralizer shade and sometimes use the brightener shade for extra coverage. The other concealer I just recently started using, but have been drawn to more lately is the Bare Minerals Bare Skin Concealer. It provides great coverage and because it's a "serum concealer" it tends to be more moisturizing than others. I think they are comparable to each other despite the different price points, Maybelline sells for around $8, while the Bare Minerals concealer sells for $20.

Note: The Maybelline concealer comes with a foam applicator, which the product dispenses through. I didn't like the applicator and thought it was wasting product so I took a chance and pulled it off. This is what it looks like once the foam applicator is removed. I usually dispense a small amount onto my finger or Q-tip and apply underneath my eyes. Maybelline, if you are reading, please change the packaging! A doe foot applicator would be lovely!

7. Josie Maran Coconut Water Eyeshadow

My absolute favorite eyeshadow of this year! It's amazing. See my first blog post for a full review!

8. L'OREAL Colour Riche Eyeshadow

From left to right: Perfume ID, my #1, go to, Rose for Romance and Sultry Seductress

These are some of the best drugstore eyeshadows I've used! I've reached for them often this year, although I've hardly made a dent in them! The quality is great, with a great consistency and great color pay off. These are compact on the go quads that you can throw in your purse or travel with. The quad has a diagram showing how to apply the colors and takes the guess work out of applying eyeshadow. The brand has a great color selection, some a little too risky for my taste, but I will continue to keep my eyes open, hoping they release new colors! 

TO BE CONTINUED...

Beauty's Best 15 of 2015! Part 1

2015 was a great year! I married my best friend in September and we had a fun and beautiful wedding! My husband's sister also got married in May, so it was a busy year for our families, planning and celebrating!

It's also been a great year for fabulous makeup finds and fun products that I will purchase over and over, forever! These are products that if I were to find out they were being discontinued, I'd stock up like I've never stocked up before! As it is, I practically always have a backup to something I love and use all the time. If I really LOVE it, I have a backup to back up the backup!

I will try my hardest to narrow this down to 15!! I will be posting a few a day so stay tuned!! ;)

1. Josie Maran Cleansing Oil

This has been my favorite for a while now. I originally purchased this in a set on QVC, but now I'm on my second bottle! It's moisturizing and although I do use a separate eye makeup remover, this helps to get the last bit of makeup off around my eyes. For $32 for 6 oz. you may think it's crazy, but if purchased in a value set, it can help to offset the price. Josie Maran's website and QVC have great value sets!

2. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

Breakouts? Say goodbye!! I've never had real issues with breakouts, but I'd get them once in a while, mostly on my forehead. I honestly can't remember the last time I've had a breakout since using this! It's amazing! I think my skin looks more even and not remembering the last break out is good enough reason to continue using it! For anyone that does suffer from acne prone skin, this will be a great addition to your skin care regimen.

NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

3. Hydra-C Serum 20%

LOVE! I started using a Vitamin C serum after watching Angie from Hot and Flashy on YouTube review it. It just makes sense to use it as part of your skin care routine to protect your skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which fights free radical damage and protects skin from the environmental factors that cause premature aging. Vitamin C also promotes collagen synthesis, can reduce dark spots, and aides in cell turnover, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Sign me up!! Note that Vitamin C alone cannot protect skin from the damaging rays of the sun and should be used in combination with a sunscreen!

4. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream (whoa! say that five times fast!)

OMG! This tinted moisturizer is a dream! I've tried a bunch of tinted moisturizers and nothing has ever come close to the fabulousness this has. This evens out your complexion and leaves skin with a dewy finish. The product contains olive-derived squalene (not whale! yayy!) which adds to its moisturizing ability. It's lovely for someone looking for sheer to medium coverage. The absolute best feature is this has an SPF of 30, but it doesn't have the typical greasy feel of an SPF product. It also layers nicely under mineral foundation if you want added coverage.

TO BE CONTINUED...