Tag: artist

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

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Product:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.  A makeup artist’s best friend is, and always has been, powder.  This powder blurs away imperfections beautifully.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost: $38.00 (1.0 oz.) ($38.00 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Laura Mercier; Nordstrom; Sephora; Major department stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic jar, sifter screen, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a loose powder used to set foundation makeup for greater longevity and to help minimize fine imperfections.

Formula:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a tinted loose talc-based powder.  The formula provides very light coverage and controls shine with the addition of corn starch.  The texture is airy, light and silky feeling on the skin.  This also comes in a pressed-powder format for instant touchups or those who don’t like the mess of loose powders.

Sensitivity:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is fragrance free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.  However, please be aware that this product contains parabens and soybean oil.  If you are allergic to parabens or soybeans, stay away from this one and try the paraben-free, dye-free, oil-free Laura Mercier Translucent Invisible Setting Powder which also works very well but is not quite as silky feeling.

Company Claims:

“Set your makeup with this perfectly sheer, silky powder. Ideal for normal-to-oily skin of virtually every tone.

What is Translucent Loose Setting Powder

With multiple major awards and counting, Laura Mercier’s “best in beauty”, cult-favorite bestseller is your go-to setting powder. Loose powder feels luxuriously dense in the jar, feels incredibly soft and silky-light on your skin. Pros love the super smooth application: goes on evenly, blends effortlessly, provides great wear. Sets makeup without adding weight or texture.

Modern Matte Finish

Creates a modern matte finish with a touch of sheer coverage. The translucent shades work on virtually all skin tones.

Soft-Focus Effect for a More Flawless Look

Like all Laura Mercier Setting Powders, it has a soft-focus effect that subtly blurs the look of fine lines and imperfections. Doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores and never looks cakey.

Formulation Details

Oil-free (NOT TRUE). Non-comedogenic. Non-caking. Dermatologically tested.”

Discussion:  Makeup artists have always used loose powder to set foundation, blur imperfections and give makeup a soft matte finish.  Powder only came in loose form for many decades before the pressed powder compact was invented.  Powders were pretty much all the same and were talc based until about 20 years ago.  The invention of high-definition cameras completely changed the need for high-definition makeup.  Suddenly, you could see every line, blemish and pore on an actor’s face and they weren’t happy.  It took a while for makeup to catch up to the needs of the industry.

One of the first changes we began to see was the invention of finely-milled micronized powders and the addition and replacement of ingredients.  Silica and minerals began to be added to reflect light, and in some instances, talc has been completely eliminated in powders.  The formulations require chemists to work tirelessly to come up with new formulas to keep up with the demands of this ever-changing industry.

What makes this powder special is that it was specifically designed for use in the print industry.  Laura Mercier, a professional makeup artist, understood what needed to change to make powder less visible by high-definition cameras.  Ms. Mercier got it right with this one and it quickly became a favorite product of professional makeup artists everywhere.

Colors:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder comes in two colors that work for virtually all skin tones: Translucent is for very fair to medium skin tones;  Translucent Medium Deep is for tan to deep skin tones.

Daily Review:  This is an excellent powder to use for “baking” foundation.  Pour a very small amount of powder into the lid of the jar.  As a last step after makeup has been completed, apply Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder with either a powder brush or a velour puff.  I like to press the powder onto the face with the velour puff and then brush it off with a good-quality soft powder brush.  A little goes a long way with this powder and you don’t need much.  This feels silky to the touch and gives the skin a soft radiant finish like matte satin.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

  • If you have asthma, always be sure to hold your breath while applying loose powder to prevent inhalation of the powder.
  • If applying with a brush, be sure to tap out the excess prior to application to avoid getting too much product onto the face.
  • If you are wearing any type of creams (blushes, contours, highlighters) make sure you are happy with those before applying this powder. Once the powder is on, you can’t go back and blend any cream products.
  • For additional longevity to your makeup use a setting spray on top of this powder.

Overall Review:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is an industry-standard product.  This is a staple in a lot of professional makeup artists’ kits.

Pros:

  • Professional quality results
  • Finish does not look dull or cakey
  • Light tinted coverage helps to blur skin issues
  • No white “flash back” in photos
  • Makes foundation last longer
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Silky texture

Cons:

  • Not appropriate for those with paraben or soybean allergies
  • Does not come with the velour puff or any type of applicator

Suitability:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is suitable for the following users:

  • Consistent Skin
  • Combination Skin
  • Dry Skin (While the company does not state it is for dry skin, I have used it on dry skin for many years with excellent results.)
  • Somewhat Oily Skin (Seriously oily skin with do better with the Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder.)
  • All sexes  (I use this on men with excellent results.)
  • Not for use by those with paraben or soybean allergies

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars = Very Good to Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Box

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting PowderLaura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Reverse

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Velour Puff Sold Separately

Laura Mercier Velour Puff Sold Separately

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light to Medium Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light to Medium Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium to Deep Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium to Deep Color

Ingredients:  Talc, Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, EthylhexylPalmitate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylparaben, Lauroyl Lysine, Propylparaben, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylparaben, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Methicone. May contain: Ultramarines (Cl 77007), Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow

Product:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow.  Do you need the perfect colors for a smoky-eye makeup look?  Today we’ll take a look at M-A-C Black-Tied, Carbon, Gesso and Knight Divine eye shadows.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost: $6.00 by itself (.05 oz.) ($120 per ounce)  Price Category: Mid-range

Cost: $16.00 in package (.04 oz.) ($400 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: MAC Cosmetics; Dillard’s; Macy’s; Nordstrom; Major Department Stores.

Container: Either a separate metal pan that you place into your own palette or a standard eye shadow in a plastic container with an attached flip-top lid and outer box.

Description:  MAC, also known as M-A-C (which stands for Make-up-Art-Cosmetics) is owned by the cosmetics giant, Estée Lauder.  This is a mid-range to high-end brand that is frequently counterfeited so be sure to purchase your MAC products from a reputable retailer.  MAC was originally developed for makeup professionals and was not intended to be a retail brand, but it is now one of the largest retail makeup brands in the world.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow is a highly-pigmented powdered eye shadow that comes in separate metal pans that you can add to your own case or you can buy the colors separately in a little plastic case.  The case will cost you an extra $10 each.  The eye shadow does not come with an applicator and you will need your own brush.  You do not need a separate eye makeup remover to take this off.

Sensitivity:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye shadow and I have never had any complaints from the hundreds of clients I have used this on.

Company Claims:  “Highly pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well. Can be used wet or dry. Available in a wide variety of textures and finishes.”

“Key Claims and Benefits:

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Ophthalmologist tested
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Safe for contact lens wearers
  • Can be used wet or dry”

Discussion:  I have been using MAC Powder Eye Shadow for most of my career, which spans decades.  Because of all of the available options with these shadows, you are only limited by your own imagination and creativity.

Colors:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow comes in every color of the rainbow.  There are too many colors to count, so I decided to simply feature four that I typically use for smoky-eye looks.  Today I am discussing four colors from the Grey + Black color spectrum.  These colors are:

  • Black Tied (Velvet)
  • Carbon (Matte)
  • Gesso (Matte)
  • Knight Divine (Veluxe Pearl)

Finishes:  Not only do MAC Powder Eye Shadows come in every conceivable color, but they also come in a variety of finishes from a dull non-reflective Matte2 to a super-shiny frost they call Lustre.  Here is the array of finishes:

  • F: Frost. An iridescent shine that adds a highlight to any color.
  • L: Lustre. Smoothly pearlized and intensely frosted with a deluxe ultrafine conditioned finish.
  • M: Matte. High-color payoff with a no-shine matte finish.
  • M2: Matte2. An intense, opaque-matte finish with exceptionally rich color payoff.
  • S: Satin. Pure color in a satin-style finish with a soft, subtle, nonfrost, light-refractive sheen.
  • VLX: Veluxe. A superfine, pigment rich and very luxe finish that is silky, smooth and matte.
  • VP: Veluxe Pearl. Vibrantly toned, velvety soft, shimmering metallic finish overlaid with high-shine pearl.
  • V: Velvet. A soft-look finish with high-color intensity and a plush, velvety look and feel. Some Velvet finish colors also contain metallic shimmers that are slightly less shiny than the Frost finish.

Morning Review:  Today I’m going to apply the MAC Powder Eye Shadows over a primer.  When you use a primer the colors will be a little more intense and will have more staying power.  If you do not use primer, the colors will not be as vibrant or deep and the finish will be a little more sheer.

To prevent contamination I never touch my fingers to my eye shadows and only use a freshly-sterilized brush or disposable foam applicator.  If you want an intense concentration of color, you can wet your brush with sterile eye drops first.  Any wet areas should be applied last.

For the daytime look, I applied Gesso on the inner corner, just under the eye and on the brow bone underneath the eyebrow as a highlighter. I put Knight Divine on the upper eyelid up to the crease line, and added a little Carbon at the outer corner and under the lower lashes.  I then finished the rest of the eye makeup using several other products (gel eyeliner, mascara, lashes, brow products, etc.)  For a slightly more dramatic evening look I added Black Tied on the upper eyelid, a little more Carbon in the crease, and a heavier cat-eye liner.

Evening Review:  After many hours the MAC Powder Eye Shadows have not faded, creased, or flaked and still look good without the need for any touch ups.

Overall Review:

Pros:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow is a staple for many professional makeup artists like myself.  We use these eye shadows because they perform well and there are so many options available.  Yes, they cost more than some brands, but they aren’t expensive if you have your own container to put them in.  A little goes a long way and they last a long time.

Cons:  It is too bad that this is one of the most counterfeited products in the marketplace.  A lot of people sell fake products, so if you bought this from an auction site or reseller and did not like it, chances are you did not get the real thing.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars = Very Good to Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Carbon

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Carbon

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Knight Divine

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Knight Divine

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Gesso

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Gesso

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Package

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Package

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Box

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Box

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Daytime Look

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Evening Look

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Evening Look

Ingredients:  Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Mica.

May Contain:  The following compounds are coloring agents and may be present, depending on the particular shade of eyeshadow you have chosen: titanium dioxide (Cl 77891), iron oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499), bismuth oxychloride (Cl 77163), blue 1 lake (Cl 42090), carmine (Cl 75470), chromium hydroxide green (Cl 77289), chromium oxide greens (Cl 77288), ferric ferrocyanide (Cl 77510), manganese violet (Cl 77742), red 40 lake (Cl 16035), ultramarines (Cl 77007), yellow 5 lake (Cl 19140).

 Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

Product:  Today’s product is Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask.  Please let me know if you have used this mask and what your results were, positive or negative.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.

Cost:  $25 for .68 oz. serum per mask ($36.76 per ounce for the serum)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Tatcha; Sephora; QVC

Container:   Mask comes in a sealed foil envelope packed inside of a tissue-wrapped paper box.

Description:  This is another product from the Japanese company, Tatcha.  This mask is intended to be used once or twice a week or anytime your skin needs deep hydration.  This is a fragrance-free product.  The scent is naturally occurring from the ingredients.

Caution:  Do not use this product if you have coconut allergies.  The company claims this product contains coconut water despite the fact that the ingredients do not list Cocos Nucifera (coconut water).

Morning Review:  This mask is a little unusual.  Unlike most masks that come out of a tube or jar, this one has the hydrating serum infused into a thin plastic-type fabric that you unfold, place on your face, and let it evaporate.  This is commonly referred to as a sheet mask.  The serum is very thin and watery feeling.

Here are the directions from Tatcha:

“Begin with clean, dry skin. Unfold the mask and peel away one layer of paper backing. Place the mask gel-side down on the skin and adjust to fit comfortably around the eyes. Peel away the remaining layer of paper and smooth the mask to the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, enjoying the cooling and gentle tingling sensation of hydration. Remove mask and massage the remaining serum into the skin – do not rinse. Follow with your favorite moisturizer to seal in hydration.”

First off, the “paper backing” is not paper at all.  It is polyester tulle, the same mesh fabric that wedding veils are made of.  This is not part of the mask and should be removed prior to application.  Secondly, both sides of the mask feel and look exactly the same so I’m not sure what the “gel side” is.  The plastic feels like a thin surgeon’s glove.  Since both sides are very wet with the serum solution, I’m not sure it matters which side goes against the face.  I advise you to lie down before applying the mask to your face.  Because the serum is almost like water, if you apply this standing up, it is probably going to run down your neck and everywhere else.  Unfold the mask and place it on your face.  Carefully smooth the mask working from the center out to the edges.  Press gently to make sure the mask is making contact with your face.  Pour the leftover serum from the envelope into your palm and apply it to your neck and décolletage.  The serum feels very cool and has a light fresh naturally-occurring scent.  If you have time, leave it on for more than 15 minutes.  The longer it stays on, the better it works, but remove it before it is completely dry.  If you want the full experience, light some candles, turn on your favorite mellow music and have a little Zen moment while your mask is on.

After removal, my skin feels soft, fresh and revitalized.  My makeup goes on flawlessly.  Do not wash your face after removing the mask.  The serum will continue to be absorbed for several hours.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  It still feels soft and smooth.  The hydrating effects of the mask last for several hours.

Overall Review:  Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is an excellent product.  Once again, the only downside is the cost, and the unnecessary packaging.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful packaging; this one is not as expensive or elaborate as the others.  Several dollars for a good quality mask is not unreasonable.  $25 for one mask is a little steep for the average consumer, but certainly less than the cost of a professional facial or a spa visit.

This is a wonderful product any time your skin really feels dry or needs a pick me up.  This is also a good product when you want to feel pampered or before a big event when you want your skin to look its absolute best.  These are a commonly-used product back stage at red-carpet events.  I use this on celebrities in Hollywood, models before makeup application, and on brides before weddings.  The intense hydration temporarily plumps up the skin reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here’s a recap to achieve the best benefits:

  • Begin with clean hands;
  • Begin with a freshly cleansed face free of makeup;
  • Be careful when opening the envelope and removing the mask so as not to tear it;
  • Remove the mesh backing before applying it to your face;
  • Make sure the entire mask is flat against your skin with no bubbles or creases;  (If it doesn’t make contact with your skin it is not going to do any good.)
  • Don’t waste the extra serum and apply it to your neck and décolleté;
  • After applying to your face remove the top mesh layer;
  • Remove the mask before the serum completely evaporates and the mask feels dry to the touch;
  • Don’t wash your face right away after removing the mask;
  • Relax and say aaahhhhhh.

This mask is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting MaskTatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask Single

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatcha Sheet Mask Tub

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Alcohol, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-20, Inositol (Rice Extract), Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Eicosanedioate/Tetradecanedioate,  Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate, Chondrus Crispus (Red Algae) Extract, Fragrance (Natural), Sericin (Silk Extract), Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Algae Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Serpillum Extract, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Parabens, Mineral Oil, Synthetic fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.