Well, call me a follower but if the beauty editors at magazines like Vogue and Elle, as well as celeb makeup artists are raving about a beauty brand, I just have to try it! Celebrity makeup artist, Katey Denno recently raved about the Vapour Organic Beauty moisture-rich foundations in Vogue and Elle recently featured Vapour's Aura Blush. I had to try these for myself. If you've ever read our blog before you'll know about my tireless search to find an organic makeup line that delivers. I was specifically on the hunt for a healthy foundation that did not include powder. I know folks are all up in arms about loose mineral foundations but for me, they make my pores look magnified! So, now, I've found the perfect foundation! Mission accomplished! 

What first got me excited about this brand was when I discovered that its founder had a make connection to the co-founder of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. Eric Sakas  was the business partner (and former boyfriend) of the late and great makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. Be still my heart, one of my favorite beauty lines (espesh their mascara, which I coined in college as "Husband Getting 'Scara). Eric went on an exhausting search to find a natural makeup that would wow its customers. He finally found his match!

Vapour uses non-comedogenic plant oils. To that, botanical infusions are added that provide deep moisture and anti-oxidant protection. Pure mineral pigments are dispersed next, which create a breathable layer that moves with the skin instead of lying flat on top of it like liquid foundations and dry mineral powders tend to do. This movement allows for a play of light, which heightens the natural radiance of the skin. Thus, Vapour provides the next generation of mineral cosmetics.

As I said one of my favorite products was the Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation ($48.00). I was so impressed with how it gave me coverage without that icky foundation feeing. It really sunk into my pores and gave me flawless skin for the entire day I wore it. With Vapour’s Light Reflective Technology the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores are diminished. It really evened out skin tone and impressed me. More impressive was that I wasn't slathering my face in toxic chemicals. Made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya complex and brightens skin with Organic Camellia.  Infused with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers.

So, When I first learnt about the Wong Kar Wai collaboration with Shu Uemura, I thought, hmm this looks gorgeous! Then I thought, hmm, how have I never really tried anything from such a legendary line. Then I thought, who is this WKW? Sorry I'm not a cinema buff, blogging takes up alotta time, ladies!

When I finally saw the collection I was impressed. Then I learned who WKW was.  Wong Kar Wai is lauded for his works  like Chungking Express, Days of Being Wild, In the Mood for Love and 2046, Wong Kar Wai is a Hong Kong film-maker well-known for his layered themes.

It's the director’s first collab with a cosmetics brand. This partnership is viewed as a serendipitous one by Shu Uemura, given that artistry is in the brand’s DNA and Wong is an intrepid artist and a master of colors. 

Check out this video, Mask, a short film created for Shu Uemura expressed in rouge et bleu (red and blue), showcasing Wong’s vision of femininity. The brand calls it a ‘lush visual poem’ – play the video to understand why.

I was lucky enough to be sent the white recovery EX+ brightening cleansing oil. I had never tried this well-known product that the brand is known for. I have to say I now understand why. This is available in limited edition lenticular packaging. It's $80 (for 15.2 FL oz.), which is only $2 more than usual. Although this is a little pricey, it's definitely worthy of a holiday splurge! The packaging on this product is so unique, it has a hologram, which moves and changes. It's the perfect way to end a festive party! It gently removes your makeup to keep your skin hydrated. I was a little curious about whether my skin would feel clean after washing it with an oil but it really does! Shu Uemura also has a cleansing oil shampoo, which is fabulous! It leaves your skin feeling absolutely luminous. 

Merry Christmas, dolls! Do you have any favorites from the collection!?!

Lovign this glitter!!! Mwah!

Bobbi Brown just launched her Pretty Powerful 2.0 Campaign. In the wake of what is happening with L’Oreal and the issue of retouching, we thought this to be very timely, as Pretty Powerful features real women (Bobbi’s friends, neighbors, co-workers, amazing women she’s met on the street, celebrities) because she wanted to show women that there isn’t just one definition of beauty, it’s time to celebrate the idea that ALL women are pretty, and with the right makeup, can feel Pretty Powerful. There are 30 new women, some of who may be very interesting to you, including WNBA player Alana Beard, model Jenny Shimuzu, news anchor Mary Alice Williams, and more!

In Pretty Powerful 2.0, Bobbi has captured women’s before/after photos, videos, testimonials, face charts, and application tips as the centerpiece content of the campaign. They are also launching a contest called the Tour of America, encouraging women to upload their photos to be the face of their state.  Those with the most votes and “likes” will be moved up to the top of the list.  In mid-November, the person with the most votes will be the face of their state. All 50 states will be represented. Bobbi will then choose a winner from the top 50 to fly to New York for a Bobbi Brown Master Class.

Please check out this fab campaign at http://prettypowerful.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/

Y'all know my obsession in my quest to find a healthy makeup brand that fares as well as the name brand stuff we're used to. I'm kind of obsessed with Sante America! The Natural Cosmetics brand is a top selling European brand with a heritage that goes back to 1977. The SANTE brand has received the distinction of being one of Europe’s Greenest Brands by the highly critical German consumer safety magazine Oekotest. Sante America makes its highly-anticipated stateside debut this fall, delivering 100% natural ingredients, high impact color and ultra-chic packaging for trend-setting style that doesn’t compromise skin health. All SANTE AMERICA products are cruelty-free and devoid of gluten, synthetic coloring agents, fragrances and preservatives.

They have a ton of great products. So far I've tried out the mascara, which I'm super critical of always and I have to say, obviously it's not as amazing as a chemically coated brand but it is pretty awesome. It definitely does the job and I'm not nervous when it gets in my eyes when I tear up during Glee, etc.

Other products include:

Face

? Soft Cream Foundation ($17): Packed with cupuacu butter, pomegranate extract and jojoba oil, this pure, natural formula erases imperfections for a fresh, flawless complexion.

? Pressed Powder ($17.50): Enriched with ultra-fine mineral pigments, this lightweight translucent powder mattifies skin for long-wearing perfection.

? Concealer ($12): Banish blemishes and under-eye circles with this gentle yet effective cover-up.

Eyes

? Mascara ($14.50): Made with natural waxes and purified mineral pigments, SANTE mascara nurtures and nourishes eyelashes for high-impact eyes without discomfort.

? Eyeliner Pencil ($10): This gentle pencil dramatically defines eyes with all-natural ingredients and long-lasting pigment.

? Eyeshadow Pencil ($11): Naturally seductive color and pure ingredients unite for this beauty bag must-have.

Lips

? Lipstick ($14): These lush, natural colors provide soft lip care and protection for standout, statement-making looks.

? Lip Duo Contour and Gloss ($12): This go-everywhere duo delivers defined lips and glossy glamour.

? Lip Gloss ($13): Applied alone or layered over your favorite SANTE lipstick, this all-natural formula delivers flirty, full lips without sticky artificial ingredients.

Nails

? Nail Polish ($15): These hypoallergenic polishes deliver quick-drying pigment free from harmful ingredients.

Find these at SanteAmerica.com!

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous people behind the amazing brand, Smashbox. They're one of my faves. The reason I like it so much is because I feel like they have so many great products that you can just throw it on and you'll always look great. 

So I got my hands on their holiday collections and they're fabulous.

My favorite are the kits. They are so much bang for your buck. 

The versatile eye palette (exclusive to Sephora) helps you create an endless array of festive eye looks using Smashbox's step-by-step "Get-the-Look" cards, included with this palette, which illustrate countless ways to wear these stunning shades. Eyeshadows and liners are numbered for easy application according to the "Get-the-Look" instructions. This is definitely my favorite part. It shows you step-by-step how to make a cat-eye and a smoky eye. It's awesome.

This set contains:
12 x 0.63 oz eyeshadows in champagne, soft gray, matte bone, ballet pink, shimmering bronze, mauve, aqua, cool gray, warm brown, eggplant, deep teal, and charcoal
- 4 x 0.105 oz cream eyeliners in dark brown, black violet, blue-black, and gunmetal 
- 1 x 0.02 oz Photo Finish Lid Primer Mini
- 1 x 0.20 oz Lash DNA Mascara Mini

It's a $243 value for $45. Great gift. Plus they have such amazing rich colors that are super fun to play with. I've been having a blast. Also, Smashbox is donating $1 for every WISH purchase to the Children's Miracle Network. 

Another awesome holiday item is the O Gloss in Gold flecks. It's amazing. It's very sheer but it does the same as O-Glow just with gold, which comes in a set for $49 (a $109 value)

If you've never tried Smashbox the holiday sets are a great way to try out their products. 

Also check out this set of four eyeliners for $16:

Available on Smashbox.com and Sephora.com as well as Ulta.com. Check them all out because Sephora and Ulta each have specific sets exclusive for their customers this holiday season.

We’ve loved this brand since we can remember. What’s not to love? The brand was founded by twins! Obvs we’re partial to sister activities! In 1976 the twins created the Whimsical line in a candy-shop-esque store. They don’t think makeup has to be serious to be good and that’s what we love most. Their products are flirty and fun! We’ve loved them since the cheek tint first blushed our cheeks. Did you know though that the product was created because an exotic dancer requested something to make her nipples look pretty and pink? Years later it still flushes my cheeks! ooh la la!! Anyway, some of my fave products are below!!

An oldy but a goody!! $28.00 and it lasts forever!!

I love this stuff. It also gives you a pinch of rosiness without making you look like you’re wearing war-paint, but in powder form. The brush fits snugly inside so you can keep it in your purse in case you meet Mr. Right on your commute (unlikely!)

This is my fave product right now! The highlighter (pink) goes on your cheekbones to brighten and the bronzer goes on the under-side and really gives great contour. I’m obsessed! It’s such a fun glam little product that makes you feel super girly on your way out the door.

*I received the last product to test but the other products were purchased with my own money! Imagine that!*

Not since the day we found our fave Kevyn Aucoin mascara have we been so excited to hear of a new cosmetics company–Vapour Organic Beauty. And for my next trick–I shall have you guess who is behind the organic genius? No one? None other than Eric Sakas who worked with Aucoin back in 1993 to launch Mr. Aucoin’s brand name. He also worked as Philosophy’s Director of Color. I think it’s official….we LURVE Mr. Sakas! Vapour is a new beauty company that I think is going to revolutionize the luxury beauty market–did I mention it’s organic!! (Not USDA approved, which means 95% but it’s 70%, which is a real start!).

The Vapour difference starts with its signature therapeutic base of certified organic, light, dry plant oils that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores!) To that, organic botanical infusions with targeted benefits are added to provide moisture and anti-oxidant protection. Afterall, why not to try to do something positive for your skin with your makeup?

I tried the Stratus Instant Skin Perfector, which is the ultimate organic anti-aging treatment. It brightens complexion, evening skn tone and dimnishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a no-color foundation.  It’s truly awesome.  I’ve never understood how companies say that they have great anti-aging formulas yet the formulas contain chemicals, which ingested could kill you? I mean, how does that make sense. Vapour uses the purest food-grade and certified organic ingredients to offer maximum efficacy and luxurious texture.

I’m also a big fan of the Siren Lipstick. I tried it out in Desire, a sophisticated, rosy mauve. We love these because they’re 100% Natural and chemical free AND 70% Certified organic. And the Lux Lip Conditioner is 95% Organic!! Did you know that the lips have the thinnest membranes in your body and putting a chemical packed gloss on your lips is like infusing it straight into your blood! I mean, whatever, the choice is yours but I’d rather not shoot up chemicals into my blood. Organic is the way to go!!

The packaging doesn’t make you feel like a beauty queen but it’s 2009! The theme is green! Go!

Vapour products are available exclusively on ShopNBC.com and VapourBeauty.com

Skin Perfector $ 44.00
Siren lipstick $19.00
Lux Lip Conditioner $ 16.00