Recently in Cosmetics: Cheeks Category

Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color Pot is a new blush duo that combines a creamy cheek color with a soft-focus loose cheek powder. The effect is natural and understated, yet gives skin a luminous and glowing look. We are coveting this travel-friendly pot for the mere fact that it will save space in our makeup bags while offering quick touch-ups on-the-go. Available in two shades. Limited edition. $34, nordstrom.com

Question: I love your website, and so thought you might be able to help me with this beauty dilema. I use Stila’s Blush Pans ($18, sephora.com) and love them. But I am down to the end of a pan and the circle of powder cracked. So my question is, how can I save and use these last bits? It is too much to want to throw out, but it is now in tiny pieces so very awkward to use.

Answer: It can be frustrating when your compact or pans of makeup break. Thankfully, there is a way to salvage the last of any pressed makeup, icluding blush. Purchase a container for loose powder, like the one pictured (Powder Jar with Sifter, $4, sephora.com) at your local beauty supply. Remove the sifter lid and put the broken bits of blush into the jar. Crush any larger particles so it all becomes a loose powder. Replace the sifter lid, and now you can use your blush in a loose form— that will still travel well— until it runs out. Hope this helps!

Laura Geller Bronze-n-Brighten is our must-have bronzer for the coming spring/summer season. The baked powder gives skin a gorgeous sun-kissed glow without the fake orange tint. It even comes in a fair version that complements even the palest skin tones. We love to dust a little over lids to add a hint of color and definition, or use it in place of our foundation for a radiant, healthy glow. $29.50, sephora.com

We asked our friend and celebrity makeup artist, Melissa Walsh, to put together a fabulous and time-friendly routine to help you put together a look on Valentine’s Day that would be sure to make you feel and look your best. Whether you plan a romantic night out with the one you love, or a night out with the girls, don’t hesitate to try these tips (along with product suggestions), and have a great Love Day!

“Start with a light serum that smooths the skin and sinks in immediately without leaving an oily residue - Janson Beckett Vitamin C&C Facial Serum ($44.50, spalook.com) is perfect for this.”

“Then, dust a powder foundation all over, being careful to blend well - Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder ($59, beauty.com) gives a really natural glow with great coverage.”

“Using a fluffy brush, swirl a sheen powder blush onto the apples of your cheeks - I love Cargo’s Catalina blush ($24, sephora.com) as it is a perfect pinky-coral shade.”

“As you don’t have much time, use one shade of eyeshadow all over the lid and into the crease; think soft sheeny, muted shades like taupe, heather and moss, and take it under the lower lashline too. Line the top lashes with a soft matte pencil and soften the edges with a cotton bud. A few coats of thickening mascara (try Lash Venom by DuWop, $24, sephora.com) finish the eyes.”

“For your lips use a stain or a cream tint like the ones by Jouer ($20, jouercosmetics.com ), which can also be used as a blush - Amaryllis is especially pretty - and smooth into the lips for a barely there flush.”

“Spray your face with a refreshing mist like Caudalie Beauty Elixir (from $15, sephora.com), which I always use to smooth my skin and freshen my makeup after a long day. Let it dry for a few seconds and then, using a cream tint in a versatile shade like a soft gold or bronze, smooth onto eyelids, cheeks and lips. Lots of mascara for definition and a light colored eyeliner in the lower lashline will open up your eyes. You should be finished in less than 5 minutes but still will sweep your man off of his feet!”

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