Beauty Favorites: Laura Mercier

~ happy belated #makeupmonday lovelies!! we're back for another beauty favorites series this time with makeup artist favorite Laura Mercier!! known for her specialty in creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics. as the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, and Juliette Binoche, she creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty. a favorite luxury brand of makeup artists worldwide, Laura Mercier's collection of products are beautiful in its simplicity. no bells or whistles, just pure beauty. we're sharing our favorites and recommended products and hope you love them! ~

~ Primers: Original, Radiance and the new Protect primers are 3 of our SBDgirls must haves! all 3 primers work on all skin types at any time of year.  we started out and fell in love with Laura's classic Primer for it's light weight, silicone free feeling.  Radiance Primer is beautiful alone, under makeup or just under the eyes to diminish dark circles, SBDgirl Tarah also likes to mix it into her body lotion when going out! the new Protect Primer is still light weight and silicone free but has the added benefit of having a broad spectrum spf 30 in it as well, perfect for sunny days!

- Repair Eye Serum is another favorite of SBDgirl Tarah, perfect for anyone who suffers from chronic dark circles.  it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a blend of Japanese botanicals. geranium extract helps firm the appearance of skin, while arnica extract and caffeine brighten the look of dark circles.  very little is needed from both eyes, about the size of a grain of rice for both eyes, since this product comes in a pump, you only need about a 1/4 pump.  a full pump of product will be way too much and you will waste it. ophthalmologist tested, dermatologically and allergy tested to minimize the risk of allergy and irritation and fragrance free.

- Secret Camouflage is essentially how the line was created!  Laura developed this concealer for her own skin issues and it's been on Best Product lists ever since!  it contains a unique two-shade system, one to match the skins depth of color and one to match the skins undertone, making it possible for every woman to custom-blend her own perfect shade. with 90% pigment, very little is needed to conceal imperfections on the face, but as it's a drier concealer you need to warm the pigment up before applying it. we recommend to warm it up on the back of your hand before applying it with your fingertips or the Secret Camouflage brush. 

- Secret Concealer is your answer to bright under eyes! say good bye to dark circles with this moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for around the eye area.  we recommend to use your ring finger to apply, gently press into the pigment and tap around the eye area.  very little is needed to cover, and using too much can cause creasing in any fine lines.  if dark circles are a concern for you, set your under eyes with the Secret Brightening Powder.

 - Secret Brightening Powder is one of those unique products that no other line has, it's specifically formulated for the eye area and not recommended for use on other areas of the face.  it gives an invisible lightening boost,and the transparent white color brightens skin instantly.  micronized pigments will not settle in fine lines or accentuate shadows,and it's for all skin types but especially those with texture around the eye area.

- Baked Highlight #1 is a perfect highlighter for very fair to medium skin tones, it's more of a champagne color than anything too gold or pink and the sheer, buildable coverage lets you customize your glow.  it's longwearing formula wears all day (8 hours) and the color stays true without oxidizing for an even wear.

- Baked Eye Colors in Black Karat and Aubergine are two of SBD Girl Tarah's absolute favorites!  the pigments are beautiful used dry or wet are these are two very unique shades that can be used on any skin tone.

- Caviar Eye Sticks in any color are an absolute MUST in a makeup artists kit, and you know if it's a favorite of ours it will be for you too.  a few of our favorite shades of this water proof, crease proof and smudge proof shadow stick collection ( of 23 shades)  are: Rosegold,  Copper, Sandglow, Plum, and Amethyst.  use them alone or under an eye shadow for more intense color and longer wear, certain colors can also be used as eye liner when applied with a brush.

- truth be told, there are too many of our favorite products to name from this brand, whether your buying makeup for yourself or if you're a makeup artist building your kit.  Laura Mercier is one of the few artistry brands left that is helmed by its creator and it definetly shows in the quality of products.  Check out the entire line at Holt Renfrew Vancouver, Nordstroms (when it opens in the fall) and the line's best sellers at Sephora. 

Racinne: An SBD Girl's Venture Into Korean Skincare

~ a little known fact (or maybe very obvious to some) about us SBDGirl's is that we are product addicts, not just beauty products which is expected as makeup artists, but also skincare addicts.  maybe even a bit more than beauty addicts but on a different level.  we are always on the lookout for new face and eye masks, a new lip balm or serum that has the most hydrating texture and results. so when we stumbled onto Korean skincare line Racinne we had to give it a try!  Asian skincare has always been coveted for it's unique products not found in the Western market but more Korean specific skincare and makeup has been making it's way onto the market ( Miracle Cushion Foundation from Lancome, and Amore Pacific skincare) and here's a bit about the brand we are trying out before we give you the product specific details on each product! 

~ most brands are trying to incorporate more biotechnology into their products these days by using plant enzymes or more essential oils but Korean skincare brands have been using biotechnology for decades.  Racinne believes that science and beauty are uniquely intertwined and have successfully honed the naturally regenerative powers of plant callus and functional peptides to deliver unique results for their clients.  read more about their Callus Cultivation Technology and Peptide production HERE.

~ they have 3 lines of concern specific skincare: Ultimate Aqua Blanc, Ultimate Hydra Perfection and Ultimate Youth Power Series, plus the Delicare line for easily irritated or sensitive skin. each line also has a set of samples you can order to try before buying the full size product, a fact which we LOVE and think more brands should be doing.

~ what we picked up:

Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub

Ultimate Aqua Blanc Tonic

Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost (serum) 

Ultimate Hydra Perfection Defense Illuminating Cream 

Ultimate Youth Power Lotion (serum)

Ultimate Youth Power Cream 

Ultimate Youth Power Eye Cream 

~ Ultimate Hydra Perfection line combines grape callus and seaweed extract along with lemongrass extract (anti bacterial), maca root extract ( known to stimulate collagen production) lotus and cactus flower extract ( anti-inflammatory and prevents moisture loss). this line sounds like a great starter line for anyone looking to start the repair or prevention process towards first signs of aging.

~ Ultimate Aqua Blanc contains the lotus flower callus extract (repair and renew cells), pearl extract ( imbues minerals such as: calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron), royal jelly extract ( healing, moisturizing), cucumber and aloe leaf extract ( hydration and reduce water retention). this line sounds like a great place to start if you've started to see some discoloration in your skin.  sunspots, brown spots or acne scarring.

~ Ultimate Youth Power contains ginseng callus extract (healing and energizing), adenosine (increases elastin and collagen production), shea butter, Japanese pepper fruit extract ( repairs free radical damage) lichen extract (anti-inflammatory) and hyloronic acid (humectant that plumps fine lines). this line is what you want to use to repair deeper facial lines and loss of firmness.  

 ~ we are very excited to take our journey into this Korean skincare line packed with fantastic ingredients and will be taking our lovely followers with us on this journey! stay tuned, as we will do a monthly report on each new product we try, giving you the pluses and minuses to each product.  in the meantime, if you want to try out Racinne check out their site and click HERE.

Beauty Favorites: {Drugstore Favorites}

- i LOVE a good deal, and i especially love a good deal that performs just as good as my favorite luxury products.  these 6 beauty bargains are all products that I use in my professional kit and personal kit.  as a makeup artist i won't use anything on my clients that i haven't tried on myself, i like to know the feeling, texture, and what it truly looks like so i can make the perfect choices for them. 

- Ardell Wispies and Quo 803 lashes: i go through INSANE amounts of eyelashes every year. i also love to wear them myself and these two styles are my absolute favorite and probably the ones i use the most often.  they both have very thin bands which makes them light weight to wear, ardell's wispies are a celebrity makeup favorite because of their overlapping tips which make them easy to stack but mimics your natural lashes. quo's 803 lashes add definition but the softness of the hairs keeps the look natural, i use these on myself the most, and because they're short on both ends and longer in the middle, if you cut the strip in the middle you can use the pieces on either end of your upper lash line.

- L'oreal Voluminous mascara is a celebrity favorite as well, and has been my go to mascara for a long while. i use this on myself and my clients in both their regular and waterproof formulas and love the softness and shape of the brush.  the mascara formula itself isn't drying at all, even with the waterproof formula and it gives great buildable volume. a perfect dupe for lancome hypnose mascara.

- Bioderma Sensibo cleansing water is the only cleansing water i use in my professional kit.  i've tried quite a few in my early years, evian, clinique, lancome, avene, etc and i happened to be reading an article in Vogue with Pat McGrath and she talked about which products she stocks up on when she goes to Paris for fashion week.  this little gem was something i thought only a trip to Paris would get me until i happened upon it at Shoppers Drug Mart, MIND BLOWN. use it to take makeup off, refresh your skin, perfect for all skin types but if you happen to need a bit more oil control Bioderma also has one for oily skin.

- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR this dry oil is well copied ( NARS, etc) and as I can't claim to know who came out with this type of product first what I do know is that I love it for the price and for it's multiple uses.  It's 95% natural ingredients are also a big plus along with the golden glow it adds to your skin, face and hair if you choose to use it everywhere.  I love this on my arms and legs in the summer, just mix a little into your suncreen!

- Boot's No.7 Protect and Prevent Intense serum is a fantastic product that can be used both day and night (most effective if applied at nighttime as it aids in exfoliation) and gives instant smoothness to your skin.  similar to other exfoliating serums it sloughs off dead skin cells in order to give you more glow, and a softer and more even skin tone. if ever you were thinking about trying out a serum start with this one! not only is it a great price but it's a perfect entry level serum for any one, no matter age or skin concerns.

- stay tuned for more #makeupmonday posts in the weeks to come, as Oz and I bring you our favorite picks from brands like Benefit, Maybelline, Essie, Stila and many many more!

Post Holiday Skin Detox: The Products You Need To Rescue Your Skin

- the holidays are a continuous cheat day for some of us, whether or not that means you indulge in a few too many sweet, savory or bubbly types of treats that is not for us to judge as we may have indulged in all three a time or two this holiday season.  what it does mean is that your skin may be taking the worst of it and starting to show those lovely indulgences on it's surface. fear not our ever so loyal followers, we've got you covered!
these 5 products will fix what ails your skin at any time of year:

Clarins Skin Repair Concentrate

- this ultra soothing "emergency" treatment is perfect for those of you with sensitive skin on the regular or just for those special moments your skin decides to go AWOL. this serum instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammation with the nurturing benefits of 90% plant extracts such as: lavender, coconut oil, marjoram, and mint.  great for all skin types, this texture is oil based so a small amount goes a long way in rejuvenating your skin. use sparingly before moisturizer day and night. 

Ultra-soothing "emergency" treatment for skin that reacts to every little thing. Instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammations with the nurturing benefits of 90% pure plant extracts. - See more at: http://int.clarins.com/en/skin-beauty-repair-concentrate/C010403003.html#sthash.G9QhD3ww.dpuf

Ultra-soothing "emergency" treatment for skin that reacts to every little thing. Instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammations with the nurturing benefits of 90% pure plant extracts. - See more at: http://int.clarins.com/en/skin-beauty-repair-concentrate/C010403003.html#sthash.G9QhD3ww.dpuf

Ultra-soothing "emergency" treatment for skin that reacts to every little thing. Instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammations with the nurturing benefits of 90% pure plant extracts. - See more at: http://int.clarins.com/en/skin-beauty-repair-concentrate/C010403003.html#sthash.G9QhD3ww.dpuf

Ultra-soothing "emergency" treatment for skin that reacts to every little thing. Instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammations with the nurturing benefits of 90% pure plant extracts. - See more at: http://int.clarins.com/en/skin-beauty-repair-concentrate/C010403003.html#sthash.G9QhD3ww.dpuf

Ultra-soothing "emergency" treatment for skin that reacts to every little thing. Instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammations with the nurturing benefits of 90% pure plant extracts. - See more at: http://int.clarins.com/en/skin-beauty-repair-concentrate/C010403003.html#sthash.G9QhD3ww.dpuf

Ultra-soothing "emergency" treatment for skin that reacts to every little thing. Instantly calms extreme irritations and inflammations with the nurturing benefits of 90% pure plant extracts. - See more at: http://int.clarins.com/en/skin-beauty-repair-concentrate/C010403003.html#sthash.G9QhD3ww.dpuf

Rodial Glam Balm Multi

- this is a tried and tested SBD Girl FAVORITE for imbuing our dry, dehydrated skin with the moisture and nutrition it needs to look its best after an indulgent and perhaps stressful holiday season. the new Stem Cell version of this includes new additions of  Alp Rose Stem Cells and 3D Hyaluronic Filling Spheres to increase cell vitality and quickly reduce the look of fine lines. along with regular (but still fantastic) ingredients like Calendula extract, Shea Butter, and Salicylic Acid to feed the skin with essential nutrition to restore moisture and balance to your over-worked skin. use as a moisturizer day and night, apply on hands, feet, lips and cuticles as well.


Skyn Iceland Hydro Cooling Eye and Face Gels

- these face and eye gels are an industry favorite for rescuing the eyes and faces of celebrities and supermodels a-like.  an SBD Girl favorite as well, these gels are an instant pick me up with amazing results in a flash. packaged perfectly for travel or the gal/gent on the go, the pure Icelandic Glacier Water provides instant coolness to reduce puffiness while hydrolyzed elastin helps restore tone and firmness to under-eye area and Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, fights free radicals which lead to premature aging. apply these to clean skin anytime you need a little pick me up or have an important special event that requires you to look your best.


Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

- this lip rescuer is a new product try for us and in a market that is in need of something new for the lips (especially at this time of year) this balm infused with organic agave, pharmaceutical grade healing lanolin, and Madagascar vanilla, will heal and soften lips, banishing dry flaky lips once and for all. smooth it onto clean lips (for best results exfoliate lips softly before applying so the mask penetrates deeper) and leave on for 15-20 minutes or overnight.


- these tried and tested products, some new, some old favorites will be sure to give your skin the pick me up it needs after the holiday season or just anytime you start to see dullness creeping in.  use them together or incorporate one into your weekly beauty routine for amazing results SBD Girl approved!