MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion Starter Kit.

Looking for the perfect, flawless canvas to start your makeup? Instead of continually trying and mixing and matching brands, try this HD Complexion Starter Kit from MAKE UP FOR EVER and have your look changed - for the better.

Seriously, just think about the different combination of primers, foundations and powders you have tried in the past. Or maybe you are new at getting started with perfecting your makeup look. Both answers can boggle your mind. Finding not only the right shade, but the right primers and finishing powders that actually work with the foundation - not against them - are not as easy to find as you think. No more with this kit, which MAKE UP FOR EVER has perfected. The HD Complexion Starter Kit not only gives you the perfect primer and powder, this one actually gives you a choice of foundations. And not just a few shades. You can select from any of MUFE's full range of 26 foundation shades.

The HD Complexion Starter Kit contains:

  • HD Microfinish Powder
  • HD Kabuki Brush
  • HD Microperfecting Primer
  • HD Invisible Cover Foundation

The kit retails for $79, which is a great deal considering the foundation alone is $40.00.

Selecting one of the foundation shades is a breeze too. All you have to do is use MAKE UP FOR EVER's interactive shade finder: www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com/shadefinder. MUFE created the shade finder tool to help women find their perfect foundation match online. Since they hear from clients all the time that they are too afraid to buy foundation online for the first time because they don’t know what shade they are, this tool helps you find the perfect shade - the first time. It is just two steps, and it recommended the shade that I use, 120, which I had matched in the store.

The result from using all three products is pretty flawless.  I smooth on about a pearl sized amount of the HD Microperfecting Primer and rub it gently into my skin. After a minute or so, when it feels dry, I use two pumps of the HD Invisible Cover Foundation.  I actually squirt it on the back of my hand and apply it with my damp beautyblender sponge.  With a bit of the foundation I have left over, I apply a bit to the bottom of my cheeks with my fingertips.  I have a bit of redness here, and using my fingertips insures more of a full coverage, where I need it.  Finally, I finish with a very light dusting of the HD Microfinish Powder. The HD Kabuki Brush makes this process seamless.  I actually gently shade the powder, and swirl the brush into the cap.  You will barely notice any powder there, just a very light dusting, and that is really all of the powder that you need. The result, is a natural, beautiful, almost perfect looking canvas. It isn't too dewy or not too matte.  My skin looks and feels like satin, ready for the rest of my makeup. The best part is, it looks that way all day!

Just in case your new beautiful complexion has you feeling like a model, enter MAKE UP FOR EVER's first ever open casting call to find the model their upcoming unretouched ad campaign.  All you have to do is create your own picture-perfect make up look and then submit it for consideration via the microsite, www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com by February 1st.  All finalists’ photos will be posted on Facebook and the winner will be flown to NYC for a professional photo shoot in late February. How fun! If you enter, let me know.

pixi beauty Lumi Lux Radiance Powder for a Radiant Spring Glow.

Radiant skin is beautiful skin, isn't it? Especially as we get older, adding an extra touch of radiance boosts skins luminosity and an overall look of youth.

pixi beauty, which recently underwent some new website changes (beautiful) has come out with a new Radiance Powder that will give extra life to your look - just with a few sweeps of a face powder brush. It is called Lumi Lux Radiance Powder, and it is as gorgeous on my face as it is in the pretty palette.


The powder is silky, and it illuminates a fresh radiance to face, cheeks, eyes and décolleté. It is a perfect pick me up for the end of this dull winter season. I can see myself wearing this all Spring! With its myriad of peachy gold, rose, pinky peach, and nude powders, my skin is instantly angelic with a soft sheen.

Lumi Lux Radiance Powder is available right now online through pixibeauty.com, as well as in Target stores for $26.00.

Halo to Go!

If you are curious about the much hyped Halo powder from Smashbox, here is your chance to try it out.

This Smashbox Halo to Go size is perfect, comes in all four shades, and even includes the perfect Kabuki brush to apply it with.

The powder is billed as a perfecting and hydrating powder.

I have yet to try it, though I soon will be as I just ordered this Today's Special Value from QVC. Today only, this beauty is $32.48. I ordered the powder in the medium shade for summer. The amount you get seems generous enough (1/4 oz.) to give it a good, thorough test out.

From the QVC.com description:

What is it:
A multitasking face-perfecting powder and brush duo from smashbox with the science of skin care built right in. Halo is a foundation that can also be used as a finishing powder. It delivers an amazing finish to your complexion with a hydrating blend of vitamins and antioxidants. This best-selling powder is pressed into a specially designed component featuring a built-in shaver; with a simple twist of the grinder, you shave off fresh, fine, loose powder for each and every application. Halo to Go lets you to take smashbox's number-one selling foundation with you in your purse or travel bag so you never have to leave home without your Halo.

Who is it for:
Any woman who wants the look of natural-looking skin but craves the antiaging benefits of advanced skin-care technology. Halo is ideal for all skin types, with four forgiving shades to suit every skin tone.

Why is it different:
smashbox's hydrogel technology helps sustain moisture in the skin, so throughout the day your complexion remains younger looking. Goji berry, a powerful antioxidant, helps protect skin while the mineral base helps keep skin in its best condition. Halo is free of parabens, talc, and oil.

How do I use it:
Slightly twist the shaver to release the freshest, finest loose powder. You can control how much you shave off so there's never any mess or waste. Then, touch the mini kabuki brush into the component, picking up just the right amount of powder to begin your application. Use Halo as your foundation to achieve light to medium coverage, or use Halo as your finishing powder over your liquid foundation or concealer (not included). Be sure to apply Halo around the eyes to experience a reduction of the appearance of wrinkles after just 10 minutes. Hello, Halo!