Ask SugarSocial: Selecting The Right Concealer

If there’s one thing that seems to stump women in the beauty world, it’s face makeup. Finding the right product for you, whether it be foundation, concealer, or powder, can be tough because not only do you need to match your skintone, but you need to find a formula that gives you the coverage you desire and addresses your needs. No wonder it’s so difficult! Reader Margot is currently stumped…and who could blame her?

Margot asked:
Can you give me the best under eye concealer for a 56 year old woman? I have olive skin yet I need a good yellowish concealer to cover a blue tint under my lower lashes…have spent a small fortune on products – ALL kinds of products and nothing gives me the coverage that I need. Either too oily or too chalky…have been in the cosmetic business, so I know how to apply even the most difficult products…I just need the right one!!! PLEASE help.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Sunday (May 13) is Mother’s Day. If it slipped your mind, you still have time to dash out and grab a gift. But don’t just pick up any old thing; give Mom something she’ll love. This is the time to remind Mom how beautiful she is inside and out. Wrap one of these beauties up, kiss your mama, and say thank you…cause after all, she’s the reason you’re here. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

1. Tory Burch “Brigitte” Small Cosmetic Case ($55)
2. SpaFinder gift card, for a day of pampering at her favorite local spa (check website for spas that accept this giftcard; $your choice!).
3. Clarisonic Mia 2 skin cleansing system ($149)
4. Kate Spade “Mom’s The Word” Daisy Earrings ($58)
5. Coralia Lee Double Chain Mother-Daughter Pendant ($325)
6. Lilly Pulitzer Melamine Serving Tray ($36)
7. A personalized bouquet. Assemble one similar to this by picking up a mug with her first initial on it (2 inexpensive versions at Anthropologie here & here). Trim some fresh-cut flowers (I love peonies), and you’ve got a gorgeous arrangement ready for Mom. (Image via Simply Bloom photography)
8. J.Crew Factory Perfect Printed Scarf in Paris Pink ($29.50)

Pinspiration

I seem to go through phases with Pinterest: either I’m on it constantly, or I totally abandon it for weeks. Right now, I’m pinning things like there’s no tomorrow. There are so many creative, fresh beauty ideas I’m coming across, and it makes me want to experiment with makeup. Here are a few of my favorite recent pins.

Super intense smoky eye…not for the faint of heart.

Bigger is definitely better.

Talk about bold: winged teal liner that’s to die for, fuschia lips, and full brows. Love everything about it.

Nicole Richie’s laidback waves and platinum highlights are spot-on for spring and summer.

The new way to rock the neon trend: nude nails with neon trim.

Fresh-faced, peachy-cheeked, and radiant.

Superthick liner on top lids is so rock-and-roll.

Which of these looks is your favorite? I’d love to hear which you’ll be trying out.

Images via Pinterest

What’s In My Makeup Bag

I have 3 makeup kits: a train case that has all my products that I often use when I do makeup for other people, a bigger personal case that contains the items I don’t use every day (like my smoky eyeshadows and the like), and a small bag of everyday essentials. By far, the items I turn to literally every single day are stashed in the smallest case. Here is what’s inside that case. I would recommend these products without hesitation; they’re the ones I rely on day in and day out.

1. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink ($24): This cream blush lasts all day, and is the prettiest pink shade I’ve found. It glides on whisper-soft for a gentle blush, and layers beautifully for a more pronounced flush. Note: this is the old packaging of this product; check out the new packaging, available now.

2. Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($19): Since the She Uemura curler is only sold online now, I use this–and it’s just as good. Curls expertly, with all-day hold.

3. MAC Strobe Cream ($15-$30): I mix a few drops of this into my tinted moisturizer for extra glow.

4. MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden ($23): This shimmery bronzer gives my fair skin just enough bronzey glow that’s believable, not fake. Note: This packaging is from the 2010 “To The Beach” collection, and is no longer available. Refined Golden is part of MAC’s permanent collection, so the bronzer itself is still available.

Keep reading for more products!

Earth Day 2012 Beauty

This Sunday (April 22) is Earth Day. Recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to include more all-natural products in my beauty regimen, not only because they’re better for my body, but because many of them benefit the planet, too. With more evidence of global warming and the increased risk of losing some of our most precious animals, we need to ensure a sustainable future — and planet — for generations to come. If buying these products helps at all, I think that’s money well-spent.

Tarte Down To Earth Kit ($49, LE): This product makes me super excited. Not only do I love Tarte, but I adore the people behind this particular set! This kit was the result of a collaboration between Tarte and The Beauty Department, aka Lauren Conrad (we all know how much I love her!), her makeup artist Amy Nadine, and her hairstylist Kristin Ess. And not only that — this kit is amazing! Inside Tarte’s signature purple quilted makeup bag, you’ll find a few of their hallmark eco-friendly products (from left): LipSurgence Lip Tint in Enchanted, Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara, MutiplEYE Lash-Enhancing Liquid Liner, & Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Blissful. And they’re all full-sized products! Such a deal. For every kit sold, Tarte will donate 20% of proceeds to The Beauty Department’s chosen charity, WineToWater, which helps people across the globe access clean drinking water. My advice? Get one now before they sell out. (Image via Tarte)

Prive Concept Vert Earth Day 2012 Gift Set ($58): Prive’s new micro-line, Concept Vert, contains 3 products free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. And they’re eco-friendly. The company created these products in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on our planet’s future. Everyone from Oprah to InStyle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, & Redbook editors are raving about these products! The brand is running a special Earth Day promotion: you get the 3 products in the Concept Vert line for just $58 in a limited-edition Earth Day Gift Set. The promotion runs through April 30, 2012.

Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo (individual sale price: $28) and Conditioner (individual sale price: $30) are a more natural solution to healthy, shiny hair. They cleanse and nourish tresses without harsh artificial detergents, but still foam into a rich, creamy lather. Formulated with Amazonian acai and babassu oil, this duo is safe for, and will even pamper, color-treated or damaged hair. This is the perfect pair for Hollywood hair on anybody, but they’re a necessity if you’ve recently had a keratin treatment. Plus, if you opt to reuse these bottles instead of recycling them, Prive will provide refills for you.

Concept Vert Volumizing Froth (individual sale price: $30) is a new non-aerosol mousse that pumps up locks to new heights without harsh sprays. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and bouncy…and it’s fun to use! The cream foams into a froth in the palm of your hand, and then you spread it evenly through damp hair before blowdrying. It’s like a regular mousse, but way more fun! (Images via Prive)

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque for Earth Day 2012 ($23, LE): Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask helps detoxify skin while visually shrinking the appearance of enlarged pores. Made with aloe vera and oatmeal, this soothing masque will help calm and protect skin as it improves its texture and appearance. There are 4 packaging versions of the product, each designed by a “friend of Kiehl’s,” including Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine), Mark Ruffalo, Rosario Dawson, & Spike Lee. 100% of proceeds benefit Recycle Across America, an organization that aims to eliminate confusion from recycling guidelines and implement standardized recycling labels on products. (Image via Kiehl’s)

Click through for more products and organic brands.(Feature image of Lilly Pulitzer’s Earth month print & above image of Lilly Pulitzer art via my 2011 Lilly agenda)

Easter Goodies

Who needs a basket filled with chocolate bunnies and eggs when you can have pastels for your body? Even if you don’t celebrate Easter (or aren’t into bunnies), you can still be a hot chick if you rock these pretty pastel hues. Tuck these into a basket for someone special, or treat yourself to these delightful, cheerful products.

1. Essie polishes in Turquoise & Caicos, Lovey Dovey & Tart Deco ($8 each): Because nails this colorful will rival the dyed eggs at the egg hunt. (Images via Essie)

2. Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Amused, Dollface, & Tipsy ($21 each): I dare you to find a prettier pink for your pout! (Image via Musings of a Muse)

3. Lush Immaculate Eggception ($12.95): Inside this fizzy bath bomb shaped like an Easter egg lies a surprise: a bunny or chick that you can also toss into your tub for a sumptuous bubble bath. You’ll have to crack the egg to get it, but that’s half the fun! (Image via Lush)

4. L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin ($8): A gorgeous pink that cushions lips in buttery balm. (Image via drugstore.com)

5. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hour Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald ($): (Image via drugstore.com)

6. NYX Stick Blush in Magnolia or Orchid ($6 each): Because pink or peach cheeks never go out of style. (Image via NYX)

Adara Virgin Coconut Oil

With all the liquid restrictions on international and domestic travel these days, stashing your beauty products is easier said than done. Downsizing is key when traveling (even if you’re just tossing your bags into the trunk for a quick road trip.) Eliminate piles of clanking plastic bottles and streamline your dopp kit with Adara Virgin Coconut Oil ($12). Ditch the body lotion and instead, massage this into your skin. Nix the conditioner and smooth this from scalp to ends for an intense deep conditioning treatment (wrap it under a hot towel for maximum impact). Got flyaways? No need to pack 15 hair products to get sleek strands; smooth this on ends for frizz control. It can also be used as a massage oil to soothe tired, overworked muscles. You can even use this as a base to create your own perfume by mixing a few drops of essential oils into the unscented version. In fact, there’s very little this pure, organic, all-natural oil can’t do; it’s nature’s remedy for nearly every beauty ailment or mishap. And the 2-oz. bottles are approved for air travel. What more could you ask for?

If you want to stay all-natural, there’s an unscented version, but for a hint of fragrance, there’s also heavenly peach, soothing lavender, refreshing green tea, innocent rose, and oriental jasmine.

Let’s Get Glowing

Image by Daria Zaytseva via Pinterest

Right around this time of year is when I start to loathe my very fair skin. It’s pasty from months of little sunshine and being cooped up indoors all winter, my freckles seem magnified because they look darker in contrast to my pale skin, and I’m dying for some sort of a boost. If you’re very fair like me, it may be a little too early for self-tanner and toasty-bronze skin…and even if you’re not fair, it’s safe to assume you could use a boost after months of shorter days. So how do you get a killer complexion that’s radiant and refreshed-looking? Luminizer! It’s the quickest, easiest way to banish leftover winter dullness and mask imperfections.

I’ve compiled a guide to luminizers for you, complete with their pros and cons. While I haven’t purchased all of these, I have tested them repeatedly…and I took notes! I’ve listed each product’s pros and cons to help you pick the highlighter that’s right for you.

Benefit High Beam ($26)
A pearly pink liquid that gives you the best possible version of your skin and tastefully adds shimmer.
Pros: This one is a tried-and-true winner; it makes your skin look flawlessly glowy, and it’s suitable for almost all skin tones.
Cons: …None?
(Image via Sephora)

Make Up For Ever Uplight Luminizer Gel ($29)
A gel formula that glides on skin smoothly and stays put for hours.
Pros: Available in a staggering 8 shades and 3 finishes (dewy, pearly, and sparkling), so you can achieve basically any look you want, from glowy and natural to bronzed and glam, to flushed and rosy-cheeked. Each shade lets your skin show through and blends well (it just melts into your cheeks), thanks to the smooth gel formula. Use it all over.
Cons: Again, this one will be tough…I’m gonna go with none.

NARS Illuminator ($30) in Copacabana (pearly pink), Orgasm (peachy-pink), Super Orgasm (peachy-pink loaded with glitter) & Laguna (light tan)
Pros: Sheer, luminous, and creamy, these are great for putting the spotlight on the high points of your face (cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bones, Cupid’s bow). Easily blendable, and available in 4 shades for different skin tones and effects.
Cons: Inconsistency between the shades. Based on my experience, Copacabana, the lightest shade, barely shows up on skin (with just a hint of shimmer), while the Laguna can appear too dark. Also, different batches of Super Orgasm that I’ve tested seem to have varying glitter content–some to the point where it was too shimmery. Also, a packaging flaw: after repeated use, product collects in a gooey mess under the flipcap.
(Image via Nordstrom)

There’s so much more after the jump!

Skin Deep Cosmetics Database

I just found a great new resource that I wanted to share with you: Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. This website allows you to type in any ingredient from the label of a product, and the database will tell you the health concerns of the ingredient (rated from low concern to high concern). Results include its potential to cause cancer, developmental & reproductive toxicity, allergies, and more. If you’re concerned about what’s in your makeup, this is a great way to find out what all those crazy-sounding compounds mean.

Ingredients are listed in order of their presence in products. So if you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce the first few ingredients listed on the product, it’s worth checking out just to see what exactly it is.

One more thing: there are no currently regulations on cosmetics. A company can call any product “natural,” regardless of its ingredients. Just because it says “natural” or “organic” on the package doesn’t mean it actually is naturally-derived. Another great reason to check this database.

Image via Shuji Kobayashi/Lifesize

FDA Finds Lead in 400 Shades of Lipstick; What Can You Do About It?

Yesterday The Washington Post reported disturbing news that the FDA tested 400 shades of lipstick and found considerable traces of lead in many of them. Lead was found in both mass-market brands and specialty brands. The biggest offenders (who all earned slots in the top 10 most contaminated) came from L’Oreal, Maybelline, Cover Girl, and NARS.

As I’ve mentioned before on the blog, there are no regulations in place for cosmetics, which is ridiculous, considering that we internally absorb a good percentage of what we put on our faces and bodies. For a refresher course on how this affects our bodies, see my post on the animated short film “The Story of Cosmetics” (you can watch the video here). The lack of regulations applies to “organic” items, too; any company can slap the word “natural” or “organic” on a product (regardless of what ingredients it contains) and face no repercussions, because nobody is regulating this stuff. Also, keep in mind that no regulations exist for products marketed for babies, either.

When you think about it, what we rely on to make us look beautiful could potentially be killing us. (A bit dramatic, but not entirely overhyped.)

So, what does all this toxic news mean for your safety and health? It means that in general, we need to be more diligent in educating ourselves on which ingredients are harmful and which are ok, and then checking ingredient labels carefully. Also, we need to be more vocal in demanding safer cosmetics and products. To start, contact your local representative and ask him/her to support the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 (H.R.2359), which will allow the FDA to regulate which ingredients go into health & beauty products. If the FDA can ban harmful ingredients, we can feel better about the choices and purchases we make. If passed, H.R.2359 will also force companies to disclose any potentially harmful ingredients in their products–something they’re not required by law to do now.

Another option is to seek out more organic/natural products. They cost more, but when weighing the effects of toxic chemicals on your long-term health, they’re worth considering. Here are some of my favorites.

Click through for links to other organic products I’ve reviewed in the past.