New Skincare, Mineral Makeup, Anti-Aging and Nails

BWR PR Suite, Allure Lounge, Daily Suites

words/images Judith Ecochard

BARE ESCENTUALS-bareMinerals,  MAYBELLINE, SKINMEDICA, VBEAUTÉ, ROJAS SALON, BIOXIDEA Miracle 24

True story---we have a gal pal who was the marketing go-to for a favored,  garment showroom. We always gabbed about a lot---including our fav makeup foundations ---which for her, was surprise, surprise, Bare Escentuals---that she actually bought off QVC...inspired by slight flare-ups of rosacea that mineral makeup== in this case, the genius SPF 20 concealer--- is actually ok for.

We just couldn't believe that a powder, all swirlied on, would do the trick of adequately covering of redness, let alone sooth and be effective as a sunblock without the grease. A bonus for oily skin in hot humid climes.

So--we were super delighted to discover Bare Escentuals in person at the BWR Suite---and try out some of an entire line-up of mineral cosmetics...including the new creamy powder foundation in a compact...bareMinerals Ready SPF 20 foundation-available in 20 shades to match every skin tone.

brushes...maximum coverage concealer and face brush

The coverage of this new foundation---we think good for normal-to dry skin types---is build able...meaning can apply it easily with the foundation brush thinly---or 'spackle' it on in trouble/discolored spots without it looking cake-y. Lasts long time too---and we did not notice any change of color at all. A good thing.

foundation brush on the left-is for medium-to-full coverage application

Limited edition glosses...and mascara 

new brush-is for sheer to medium coverage

bareMinerals had a team of makeup artists---Thang Dao had us all glam---and using the new bareMinerals ready®SPF 20 Foundation ---that's all mineral. 

A lot of the lip/mascara bareMinerals cosmetics---are not pure minerals---including what else  we tried- the Well Rested® Face and Eye Brightener that had us looking, well... well rested---with subtle light reflecting minerals that banish dark shadows ---in a handy pen that reminded us of YSL Touche Eclat. Good to carry this around as it can be used as a touch-up over makeup ---as well as on bare skin too.

http://www.bareescentuals.com

On the street level---and another just for media---upstairs in the Empire Hotel NYC---right near Lincoln Center---the Allure Magazine sponsored Lounges had makeup artists for do-overs using Maybelline products. Our pick for a new product that works as billed is the intensely pigmented EyeStudio® Color Tattoo 24 Hour Creme Gel--in really terrific shades---that can be lightly applied for more of a color wash...to layer it on bold tones that will have people really NOTICE your eyeshadow. We had some on and went for a swim---the shadow "Tenacious Teal" did just that...tenaciously.

Maybelline also makes nail polish Color Show Nail Lacquer---and we were surprised how long our nails went chip-free---no touch-up required. Forty shades available and formaldehyde, DBP and toulene free.

 AND---in our inbox...the new COLOR SHOW NAIL LACQUER SEQUINS COLLECTION

image from Maybelline---NEW sparkling nail polish...long lasting---November 2012---just in time for the holidays. LOVE

also new for November 2012---COLOR SHOW Fashion Prints Nail Stickers-easy stickers on nails in fun patterns straight from the runways, as it were......just peel --place---file around for the perfect shape.

SkinMedica® is a very popular over-the-counter, results driven skincare line...that we actually have been using one product---the TNS Essential Serum ---for a while now---since we have read quotes from ---and have spoken with many plastic surgeons and derms praising it's effectiveness to deliver as billed-meaning smoother, younger looking skin. And male docs too at that.

Loaded with a proprietary growth factor blend (TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX®)---that "works synergistically with peptides" that ---with antioxidants that fight free radicals that damage the skin---the 2x daily serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles---and gives our face an overall better tone we feel. The website---has a lot of details...for the curious---and one should be-as the product is not inexpensive.

2x daily---we use about one generous pump to cover our face---

LORA COLVAN facialist par excellence FOR SKINMEDICA-not a  stitch  of makeup on-her skin radiates a healthy glow---this was taken at the end of  a loooong day too. 

We have been trying out the new to us---TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 too-a broad spectrum sunscreen that absorbs easily---is good for normal-to-dry skin types, imo...and is mercifully scentless.

The company has a broad range of targeted products for sun protection, skin rejuvenation, age-defense, cleansing, toning and anti-aging.

Julie Macklowe, the founder of vbeauté has achieved a lot by the age of thirty---but it was a missing toiletries kit en route to Europe---with a bad reaction to replacement products---that inspired her well packaged, ingredient packed vbeauté line...that she conjured up in partnership with scientists from Switzerland (CRB LABS).

we had a small sample of Eye Never, Evidence Eraser™ (cleanser), Lite Up™intense brightening agent  serum, Undercover Agent™ anti-wrinkle protecting serum, and Buying Time™ everyday creme---we really liked the texture, feel---as far as long term results---a month supply at least is needed...and better-3 month

grey metal hardshell packaging-TSA friendly and refillable

One of the key ingredients is the Alpine Rose that survives/thrives/rejuvenates itself in the high altitude Alps---a concept we know about as we have written about other skincare lines that use the Edleweiss flower for that exact same reason.

The botanically based line is further amped up with biocellular peptides...for the ultimate protection against free radicals and any harsh environment that Mother Nature can toss our way. Added plus-free of parabens, gluten, oat, nut and scent free.

Ricardo Rojas---had a station both upstairs and down---capably manned by his salon team. We only wish we had time !!!!!---but as always---Lenore Greyl products are used at his eponymous salon--a posh retreat right on Madison Avenue.

Product introductions are a given during NYFW ---this intrigued us...BIOXIDEA™ Miracle 24 as it is a face mask---moisture laden that one places one and peels off and then smooths out on one's face (like the Christine Valmy one's we saw at the Makeup Show).

Easy to use---even for us ha ha...a half hour later------and we def thought we looked well very hydrated---as the remaining serum then gets massaged in. Plumping up the skin this way is smart-using Bio Celluse technology-that's patented---with an amino acid complex, marine collagen and aloe vera that soothes, heals and is packed with anti-aging enablers...plus the natural gel sheet is ---interesting---derived from fermented coconut juice---but is cooling...and pleasant.

Ideal to use right before going out....