LANCOME MIRACLE LIQUID CUSHION COMPACT FOUNDATION

Lancome introduced The Miracle Cushion Compact Foundation just recently, the first of its kind to their line. The cushion comes in a compact ($46.50 for 14 g/0.5 oz) and there are 11 different shade variations. Refills are also available for purchase.

The product comes nested in a white and silver compact; white bottom with a silver, mirrored top. Once opened, you will come across a rubberized flat sponge for application and a lid-sized mirror for your viewing. A dual lid keeps the cushion fresh and tidy ready for usage. The foundation has a very pleasant, fresh scent - noticeable as being applied, not after it sets.

I have previously seen other cushioned liquid foundations, mainly in the Asian markets, but I have never used one in the past. So, you can imagine that I was very excited and anxious to give this one a go!! I applied the product just as recommended (using the sponge that it comes with) and right away I noticed this sheer layer of foundation giving me a glow, which looked natural and non-greasy. I did layer it a couple of times to achieve the desired coverage. Once it dried, it looked flawlessly perfect on my skin - it felt comfortable, hydrating, unnoticeable, and quite natural.

I did like the foundation for everyday usage as it evened out my skin tone and resulted in a natural finish. I personally prefer a more buildable product when it comes to needing it for an event. I do not know how this product behaves in a hot/humid day.

Overall, I am very pleased with it. What I would recommend if you think that the price point is a bit steep, to look into alternative Asian products that are comparable yet less expensive than Lancome.

The Miracle Liquid Cushion is available via Lancome site, Sephora, Ulta, and other major retailers.

Have you tried this product yet? If so, how would you rate it?

DIOR SUMMER 2015: TIE DYE COLLECTION

Dior has hit the ball out of the park with their "Tie Dye" Summer Collection 2015. Although my love for Chanel is sky-high, Dior products come quite close (in my opinion, their summer 2015 collections are incomparable). 

Dior's Summer 2015 - Tie Dye Collection is impeccably beautiful ... Superb colors dipped in immaculate formulated products.  

The collection includes: 

• Diorskin Nude Tan Blush Harmony <two shades> $57
• Dior Addict Lipsticks <four shades> $33
• Dior Addict Fluid Sticks <three shades> $35
• Dior Addict Lip Maximizer <two shades - limited edition> $33
• Diorskin Nude BB Creme <limited edition> $45
• 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palettes <two shades - limited edition> $62
• Diorshow Kohl Stick <limited edition> $32
• Vernis Nail Colors <two shades - limited edition> $27
• Vernis Top Coat $28 

The "Coral Sunset" blush is packed in a silver compact etched with the iconic Dior cannage pattern and then gently placed inside a black velvet dust bag for protection. This product also comes with a mini kabuki brush, which is of great quality. 

The blush consists of a combination of four different shades (light yellow orange, warm orange, warm coral pink, iridescent pale yellowish white), that once fused together, results in a sheer, soft peach blush. The powder is quite smooth and embedded with subtle shimmer, which gives it the flexibility of being used as either a blush or a highlighter.  The layering of the product is very manageable and it does not allow for over-usage. 

The Dior Addict lipsticks and fluid sticks are simply stunning. The packaging is mostly similar between the two. The lipsticks consist of a clear design with a silver neckline and product carrier, while the fluid sticks are mainly the same, except a tad bit longer and half-way see-through. The lipstick's CD logo, different shade than the lipstick, runs through the entire product and offers beautiful, semi-sheer color with a glossy finish. One The contrasting colors give the Dior Addict Tie Dye Lipsticks a beautiful and unique look. 

Dior Addict Tie Dye Lipstick (Coral Trip) is a sweet coral with a red logo running through it, which results in a slightly red coral.

Dior Addict Tie Dye Lipstick (Fuchsia Utopia) is a dark pink  with a lighter pink logo within it, which results in a pop of fuschia pink.

Dior Addict Fluid Stick (Plaisir) is a gorgeous bright, cherry fuchsia (perfection for summer). One swipe and you receive the true color right on your lips with a perfect gloss finish. The product lasted about 4 hours, which after wearing off, left behind a really nice, even stain. 

Overall, the collection is stunning and its range of colors and products is impressive. I definitely recommend picking up a few items while you can.  

Have you picked up anything from this collection yet? If so, which item? 

Xo,

Anxhela

CAUDALIE MASKS: INSTANT DETOX AND GLYCOLIC PEEL

Caudalie launched four facial masks recently. The Instant Detox Mask and Glycolic Peel Mask are brand new to their skincare line, while the Purifying Mask and Moisturizing Mask had a package revamp ($39 each for 75 ml/2.5 fl oz). The product comes in a squeeze tube with wooden cap. These masks can either be applied alone or mixed together to target certain issues. Another tip would be to apply the mask on your most problematic sites (such as chin, forehead or nose) rather than a complete facial spread.

These masks have NOT been tested on animals and contain NO parabenes, phenoxyethanol, or sodium sulfates.

Instant Detox Mask is a pink clay mask that draws out impurities, oils and tightens pores. Once applied a thin layer as recommended, I noticed that it dried out within 5 minutes (although the directions state that you can leave it on for up to 10 minutes). As it was drying out, it was quite noticeable where I was mostly oily (nose and forehead) as there were dark spots all over those sites. After the removal of the mask, the skin felt quite smooth and the pores looked tighter. This mask did not irritate my skin, but if you have dry skin, I would advice that you leave it on for a shorter amount of time than recommended.

Main ingredients:
- Pink clay <purifies>
- Grape marc <detoxifies and drains impurities>
- Coffee <purifies>

All ingredients: Water, Bentonite, Glycerin*, Acacia Senegal Gum*, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol*, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Sodium Citrate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract*, Coffea Robusta Seed Extract*, Citric Acid*, Papain*, Cupressus Sempervirens Oil*, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil*, Commiphora Myrrha Oil*, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil*, Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley) Seed Oil*, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Algin, Limonene, Linalool. *Plant Origin.

Glycolic Peel Mask is a white exfoliant mask, which activates cellular renewal for fresh, bright and even skin. I have applied this mask twice a week, for two weeks, and kept it on for 10 minutes (as recommended). I also need to tell you that I am an avid user of glycolic pads daily.  While using this mask, I did refrain from using the glycolic pads, but at the end of the treatment I did not notice much a difference besides a clean canvas. 

Main ingredients: 
- Glycolic acid <cell renewal by peeling>
- Papaya <radiance>
- Viniferine <reduces dark spots and delivers radiance>

All ingredients: Water, Glycerin*, Isononyl Isononanoate, Sorbitan Stearate*, Glyceryl Stearate Se*, Glycolic Acid, Cetyl Palmitate*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Panthenol, Squalane*, Cetyl Alcohol*, Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Bisabolol*, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60*, Sodium Pca*, Caprylyl Glycol, Arginine, Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract*, Tocopherol*, Carbomer, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Phytate*, Papain*, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Algin. *Plant Origin.

I thoroughly enjoyed using both of these masks. However, if you are looking to invest in just one of them, I would mostly recommend the Instant Detox Mask as I liked my skin better after its usage due its extraction power of the impurities.

Have you tried any of these yet? What are your thoughts? Any favorite masks at the moment?