Curated Picks of Holy Grail Clean Beauty Cosmetic & Makeup Products

Cosmetics: Classic & the Latest Curated Cosmetics

Clean Makeup Lipstick Options

Cosmetics for the curated makeup bag. How to apply the must-have new and classic cosmetic makeup for face, eyes, and lips.

Hourglass, Chantecallie, By Terry, Lash Star, Too Faced, BlueMercury, SpaceNK, MAC, Ulta, Sephora, Boutique Brands.

Find your go-to makeup products for everyday and special occasion events.

How to guides ranging from how to best use YSL Touche Eclat to How to Apply Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Weightless Foundation

March 3, 2023 ·

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Weightless Foundation is a new player in the luxury foundation market. How does it stack up to the cult classic Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation?

What We Love

This formulation covers a multitude of sins, especially on video conference! It is buildable yet very lightweight.

BEST FEATURE: Armani Beauty’s Micro-fil technology and ultra-fine pigments give coverage without looking heavy on the skin. VERY thin layers get the job done.

Features

Matte Finish
There is an SPF 25 in this formulation
Lightweight formula with medium to full Coverage
Long-lasting, up to 24 hour wear
Full range of shades

The Experience

The foundation has enough coverage that I can skip concealer, plus it has an SPF.

I absolutely love the even, smooth coverage of this foundation. It blends flawlessly into skin with a very nice slip. There is a featherweight feel but the coverage is full yet natural. And extra dab under my nose and inner under eye and I needed no concealer.

I can find a shade that is an excellent match for my skin tone which is no small feat for my oddball coloring.

There are two things that disappoint:

My skin is not oily, but the color oxidized within a few hours.
It settled into fine lines quickly, despite my skin being well-hydrated and only using a sparing application. I refreshed with lightweight moisturizer dabbed on with a Beauty Blender, but I typically don’t have to maintain a product.

Final Thoughts

This is not a clean formulation from an ingredient perspective, and it doesn’t claim to be.

However, it is still worthy of mention because it gives the appearance of very little (if any) makeup on the skin. Even those who prefer clean beauty may wish to make an exception on occasion for a completely flawless finish that still looks natural.

This matte formulation however, seems best suited towards those with oily complexions.

My skin tends to be more dry, so I personally prefer the dewy finish of the original Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation to this newer matte formulation. Both formulations use the same Micro-fil technology and ultra-fine pigment.

But when you need a matte flawless finish with the look of no visible makeup, (think photo ops) Armani Beauty Power Fabric+ is hard to beat.

Where to Shop It

Find the Armani Beauty range at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue

Best Brightening Shadow: Chantecaille Eye Shade Ginger

January 17, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Chantecaille Eye Shade in Ginger looks rather underwhelming in the pan but it sings on the lid. See what is to love about this eyeshadow.

PRODUCT TYPE:

Eyeshadow

WHAT IT DOES

It appears transparent when applied wet and opaque when applied dry. It layers beautifully with no flaking or powdery appearance.

Instead of glittery looking shimmer, the non-matte shades have a lovely shifting iridescence that looks great on eyes over 30.

There is a brightening quality, similar to YSL Touche Eclat but not as pink.

It is not a overly warm or orange peach. It pairs well with shimmers, mattes, neutrals and a smokey eye.

WHAT WE LOVE

It has a finish like a finely milled powder.

Multiple layers don’t look cakey. No fallout, no chalky buildup. There is a slew of flattering shades. The formulation is free of unfriendly chemicals.

This particular shade, Ginger, is our favorite Brightening Eyeshadow.

Ginger Eyeshadow is a brightening pale peachy nude basic

We love the Chantecaille Eye Shade in Ginger as a subtle brightening base for pale skin: it adds just a hint of pink pale peach that looks like natural skin but better.

Basically what we wish our lids looked like naturally.

Where to Shop It

Find Chantecaille Eye Shades at BlueMercury, Saks and SpaceNK

NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum

January 10, 2023 · Leave a Comment

A lightweight go-to concealer with a secret weapon: Tremella Mushroom to make your concealer do double duty as a eye treatment.

*NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum contains a secret weapon: Tremella Mushroom*

WHY IT IS SPECIAL

NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum contains Tremella mushroom. Tremella mushroom is better know as Snow Mushroom. Snow mushroom is a traditional beauty secret because it boosts skin hydration and skin elasticity.

Snow Mushroom functions similar to hyaluronic acid but has a smaller particle size so it absorbs better. It also reduces signs of inflammation. It makes skin look dewy without irritating skin.

Tremella or Snow Mushroom is like hyaluronic acid but with a smaller molecule

THE EXPERIENCE

As a concealer, NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum is relatively light coverage. It is not cakey or heavy. I do not find this to be opaque enough to cover a red blemish or thick enough for reshaping and contouring. Concealer Serum is accurate – it is a lightweight kiss of coverage.

However, it is excellent as a brightening under-eye concealer and eyelid primer for shadow, and it makes for a great orbital skin treatment. Skin looks very natural and dewy. Multiple layers do not look cakey.

WHERE TO SHOP IT

Find NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum at Ulta

*NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum comes with a secret weapon: Snow Mushroom!*

MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY: Does it Meet the Hype?

August 20, 2022 · 11 Comments

MAC COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix + micro-mists green tea, cucumber & vitamins onto skin for soothing hydration to foundation and skin.

WHY USE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY

Harsh forced heat and air conditioning within many apartments and office buildings can make skin dry and makeup crack. We’ve tried out a few setting sprays lately, and have come to love MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + to make our foundation stay put while our skin looks dewy, supple and hydrated.

If you live in a cold climate, makeup can dry out and crack. Makeup can melt in a hot one. Forced indoor heat pulls moisture out of foundation, leaving a dry, unnatural looking look. Can a makeup setting spray help? And how do you find the right one for your skin type?

ABOUT MAC PREP + PRIME FIX +

MAC says the MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + is “a lightweight water mist that gently soothes and refreshes skin and finishes makeup.” It contains vitamins and minerals, green tea, chamomile, and cucumber to soothe and refresh the skin.

Makeup is refreshed, but there is not a glittery glow or weird wet, slippery look. It absorbs quickly to give an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup. Existing makeup is not disturbed by the micro-spray mist.

WHY NOT JUST USE A WATER SPRAY OR WET SPONGE?

These tactics can work, but I find it does not help the makeup stay fresh in the first place, it only helps blend out creasing makeup before applying more makeup. This may seem like one of those makeup products that you don’t need because a damp sponge can rehydrate dried out makeup. That is only one of the benefits.

When I use Prep + Prime Fix + to set my foundation in the morning, I do not need to reapply foundation during the day (except for touching up with YSL Eclat for some brightening, more to look awake under harsh gray lights than reapplying for coverage). Dabbing Prep + Prime Fix + with a Beauty Blender mid-day or before going out after work is also a way to refresh concealer and any foundation that has settled into fine lines around the mouth or folds of the nose.

DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN

If your skin is sensitive or dry, it helps keep the foundation moist. Sensitive skin will like the soothing cucumber and green tea to keep redness and irritation at bay during the day. Dry and delicate skins will also appreciate that this setting spray does not sting like those that contain alcohol.

OILY SKIN

If you have oily skin, MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + keeps the color of your foundation color true so that it does not get darker during the day, but some oily skin gals report that the spray does not help set their foundation and they still need a mid-day foundation re-touch. If you have oily skin, you may prefer one of the Urban Decay setting sprays.

HOW TO USE

I shake the bottle, hold it about 12 inches away, and mist my face after doing my foundation or foundation and powder as the last step before I do mascara and liner. If my face is exceptionally dry, I mist my face once before foundation application as well.

During the day, I spray it again on before any concealer or foundation touch-ups and dab with a beauty blender to smooth out any caking or creasing. MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + comes in a smaller purse size bottle as well.

My makeup stays dewy even in cold, harsh weather or in a very dry office environment.

WHY WE LIKE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX +

A few things I prefer about MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ over other misting and setting sprays is that it is Ophthalmologist tested and Non-acnegenic. I was surprised to see how many acne-causing ingredients appear in some well-known brand sprays.

It also leaves skin feeling smooth, not sticky. There are a few setting sprays that leave more of a light hairspray type of tacky stickiness on the skin, that I do not like.

I also like that it smells only of the green tea and cucumber, there are no overpowering scents, I smell nothing once it dries down.

My makeup doesn’t crack or crease during the day, any touchups are minimal, even on long days.

MAC COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix + micro-mists green tea, cucumber & vitamins onto skin for soothing hydration to foundation and skin.

MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + spray

WHERE TO FIND IT

MAC Prep+ Prime Fix+ is $24 for the 3.4-ounce size and $12 for the purse size. Right now, three limited edition versions are also available: a lavender, a rose, and coconut scented Prep+ Prime Fix+ sprays.

Find MAC COSMETICS PREP+ PRIME+FIX at MacCosmetics.com, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Ulta

FYI: Eddie Funkhouser Eyeshadow Quads Alert

August 18, 2022 · Leave a Comment

If you want Vegan makeup, you probably know about Eddie Funkhouser. So FYI Eddie Funkhouser Fans: four HYPERREAL® EYE COLOR PALETTE quads are on their sale page, and it says “while supplies last”. It is a good time to pick up your favorite quad.

We tried this Eddie Funkhouser quad “Bedroom Eyes”

About HyperReal Eye Color Palettes

The shadows are a creamy formula and well pigmented color payoff.

Cruelty-free
Vegan
Paraben free

These quads are highly versatile. The colors work for basic day makeup and transition to nighttime and weekend looks.

We tried the “Bedroom Eyes” quad as shown here. The color combinations are fairly goof proof.

The Experience

It is a smooth formulation. There is some light fallout during application, less so with thorough blending. But once the shadow is on, IT IS ON, even after several hours.

The shimmer shades blend well over the matte taupe. Layering doesn’t look cakey, even when combining matte and shimmer shades.

Smooth texture, high color payout.

Application Tips from Eddie Funkhouser

There is fallout during eyeshadow application, especially with the coppery and plum shimmers. A layer of loose powder on your undereye area or shadow shields are helpful if you are doing a smokey metallic look.

Eddie Funkhouser Eyeshadow Application tip:

“To give your eye makeup a high fashion edge, contour the crease of the eye with a dark shade using an Eye Contour Brush. Apply a second application of the same shade to the crease of the eye using a Crease Brush.”

Other Eddie Funkhouser Products We Love

We have tried a few Eddie Funkhouser Products that are quite good, especially for vegan!

Another products you may wish to check out is:

See our LuxLight Eyeshadow Palette review here. It is ten pans of nudes and neutrals, closer to a soft pinkish nudes, some shimmers and some mattes. Very flattering.

LuxLight Eyeshadow Palette closeup

LuxLight Palette has ten lovely and highly useable pans. We found each shade to be usable, no fillers.

More Vegan Beauty

Love Vegan makeup? Then check out our coverage on Viola Rouge Lipsticks and Eye Creams

You may also love Vegan skincare brand SigiSkin. Check out this wonderful Sigi Skin Kaleanser, a hypoallergenic and vegan face wash.