TARTE MINERAL BRONZER-Park Ave Princess

TARTE Mineral Bronzer- Park Ave Princess

I recently purchased this bronzer, only because it was an addition to a sweet little Luminous Complexion kit at Sephora. By the way I love Sephora’s  gift/collection sets, always a good idea, especially for artists, to try new products without taking a full financial risk…You artists know what I mean;)

Back to the Bronzer; Now Normally I am not a big fan of bronzer, I tend to veer to the healthy natural skin tone complexion (so beautiful & much more modern, if I might add) opposed to overly golden, obviously artificial Bronzed look that has stolen the pages of US Weekly, FHM & Maxim world wide!.  But I am constantly being asked (especially for red carpet & weddings) for the “healthy bronzed goddess” look.

Now of course I have a couple bronzers in my kit that are a great go to for any complexion. Shimmer, Matte, Light, Dark, Liquid, powder, etc…. But when tying out this new shade by TARTE, I think I have a new FAVORITE!!!  I applied it on myself, which is a huge test (considering I’m pale and NOT INTO Bronzers, at all!), I found myself really liking the light golden pigment it left behind. On my cheeks, on my eyes, all over, WOW! Looks very pretty and surprisingly natural. It seems to have the right amount of brown, and golden pigments to work on every complexion, even the fairest of fair! Which as an artist, I can tell you, on ANY skin tone this would leave a beautiful luminous bronzed glow (because its not too cakey or highly red/orange pigmented) It seems so delicate but at the same time does the job. Leaving a beautiful soft, glowing complexion, without looking too fake & bake and, can I say icky!

I am so excited to have found my new favorite powdered bronzer! Even using this bronzer as a contour color for fair complexions…WOW! I used this to contour my own face, focusing on check bones, bridge of nose, jaw line and (forehead) hair line, and I found it to look not at all obvious and completely natural! (Which is very rare!)

The slight hint of luminous pigment counter acts the darker shade on the skin so the conturing is not obvious at all. In different lights it reflects in the most beautiful and flattering way. But straight on it does the job of contouring! No Doubt! I would definitely suggest this bronzer for any one, any occasion, it’s an all around great shade! Good Luck and let me know your thoughts! 

Yves Sait Laurent Touche Eclat- Radiant Touch

 After hearing and reading about it countless times and I finally decide to test it out and see how amazing this product really was. And to my surprise, I instantly feel in love with it! YSL Touche Eclat is a complexion highlighter that comes in the form of a pen, in 14 different shades.  (I use shade 2 for myself) You simply click the button on the bottom and apply to desired areas of the face with the brush tip applicator and pat into the skin.

I first tested the product on myself; I used it under my eyes on my lids, brow bone and cheekbones. I just swiped a couple of strokes and used my finger to lightly blend into the skin.

The result was my dark circles & fine lines virtually disappeared. And I noticed the skin was instantly illuminated and refreshed! NO JOKE! You can apply it over your liquid foundation or use it by itself. I even tried it over a mineral powder base and it still blended quite nicely. The great thing about it is you can use it in all different areas of the face, to brighten and give you that beautiful glow. And you can apply throughout the day too for an instant pick me up. 

You can use it on the brow bone, the eyelid, in the inner corner of the eye bringing it under the lash line, down the bridge of the nose, the corners of the nostrils, on the curve above your lip, around the lip line and on the chin. (see attached image for suggested placements)

Now one thing I must mention…Very important for all of you makeup artists! I tested this on a recent photo shoot.  The photographer was shooting outside with just a reflector the model had serious dark circles and a little puffiness, so I used the Touche Eclat to try and brighten the area, I also swiped a bit on the bridge of her nose. To my surprise, the photographer showed me a shot on the camera and it was horrible! Everywhere I placed the highlighter it was reflecting white like crazy! Giving off the appearance of a raccoon!  So I had to go in and take it down with a sponge. I didn’t even use a lot of the product either. I think it just has so much reflective pigment that any direct light will amplify it.

I wouldn’t suggest using it for TV or film, EVER. And when using on a client, whether it be a photo shoot, red carpet event or wedding, I would suggest being extremely light handed with it, and I would avoid using it under the eye, so It doest give off a reflective raccoon look. Does everyone remember the infamous Nicole Kidman red carpet look with powder on her nose and under eyes...YIKES! (note picture below) I would try using on the brow & cheekbone and lightly around the lips to define them…. But please use with caution.

 If you go to the YSL website they have a shade finder that helps you match your skin tone with the proper Touche Eclat.

I really think this product is amazing, and does what it claims!

                                                             Placement suggestions

Beware and try to avoid a disaster similar to this!