Alima pure pressed foundation

September 1, 2017

Powder foundations often get a bad rap. I've seen countless beauty columns advise to stay clear of them because they're "aging" – undoubtedly due to their glow-squelching mattifying effects. It doesn't layer well, and it's a slippery slope before you've overdone and caked up the skin.

But it's really hard to go overboard with this compact, owing to Alima Pure's universally heralded mineral pigments, which have light-reflecting properties baked in. It covers blemishes and blends in sunspots, while looking like you're wearing nothing at all. And skin isn't parched after applying, it rests beautifully on the skin owing to the argan, evening primrose, aloe and shea butter in the formula. Think of this as a powder for those who've historically hated powder.

Brilliantly packaged in refillable compacts, I'm already on my second pan.

Alima Pure Eye Primer

July 6, 2017

This lovely little product has made a dramatic difference in eyeshadow longevity. The chief ingredient is Clary Sage water, and the added humectants and moisturizers like glycerin and shea butter refresh and hydrate. There's no slip like other (silicone-based) primers, but it does take a minute or so to set.

I even layered it under RMS Beauty's Eye Polishes, which added a bit of time before the inevitable creasing occurred. Nevertheless, this lightweight, travel friendly tube is becoming a fast summer favorite.

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I've tried a few clean lash serums and two weeks in, this bottle ($19) has been the best by far. Applied with a lash spoolie, my lashes are softer, fluffier, and less apt to break from curling. While I don't necessarily believe it creates new lash growth, it definitely boosts the lashes you have. I am realizing how brittle and stumpy my lashes were from overenthusiastic curling and dry, crunchy mascaras that hold the curl We condition our hair, why not our lashes?

These days, my self-care has been all practicality. Enter another one of those does-it-all products: cleanser, moisturizer, cheekbone gleamer and body oil.

What all lip balms should look, taste and feel like. This one is courtesy of @livinglibations

It smells like honey, gives pretty, polished lashes, but ultimately flaked on me by the afternoon. I so wanted to love this, but it's sadly not a repeat buy for me.

Signal boosting my favorite clean beauty discovery of the year so far. @josephinecosmetics from makeup artist + entrepreneur Sholayide Otugalu (shown in last photo) makes the BEST liquid eyeliner I've found. Will post on that later. For now, check out her luxe, solidly formulated line. And please, stockists, add @josephinecosmetics to the list of brands to consider carrying.

Made body scrub with the little ones. Expired ground coffee, cardamom, cloves, along with almond oil, and a few drops of vanilla and ylang ylang essential oils. One could add sugar or sea salt as well, but a great way to utilize expired pantry items. Thrifty as it was, this kitchen sink project smelled divine.

Swatches of @kosas liquid eyeshadows. Unique formula dries to a powder, and does a decent job of locking in. The flamboyant colors, however, take some time and skill.

Gucci Westman came out with a mascara and I was thrilled to try a sample. Its a maximum volume kind of mascara, holds a curl better than most, but by afternoon, I have a smattering of flakes beneath my eyes. I so wanted to love it, but at $62 a pop, I'm somewhat relieved I don't.

@hereticparfum continually satisfies my thirst for luxe, unusual scents. This duo doesn't disappoint, and bonus: it's on sale at @credobeauty . i Pretty is a polished, fizzy citrus. Somehow ladylike and unisex simultaneously. And Dirty is just pure sex. Think Thierry Mugler Angel without all the candy notes.