Bronzers for those who don’t wear bronzers

September 11, 2017

Makeup Wars chose a topic for this week that is totally out of my comfort zone so I was sure I was going to bow out. I don’t fake tan, I don’t use bronzing lotions, and I barely wear bronzing cosmetics. But I gave this more time to come together in my head and I realized that I do wear bronzers every once in a while and the ones I use are so great that I need you to know about them. So I’m here with bronzers for those of you who don’t wear bronzers – I want to change your mind just like I changed mine.

Makeup Wars bronzers

samplesaffiliate links

favorite bronzers: IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Glow, Pixi Beauty Strobe & Bronze, Senna Brilliant Bronze

Right now Pixi Beauty Strobe & Bronze (aka Strobe & Chisel Palette) that was done in collaboration with Maryam Maquillage is what’s gracing my vanity table and therefore my face. I have to tell you how much I love this palette even though I didn’t think of it at first when I thought bronzers. Yes it’s in the name but I don’t use it in the typical bronzer way. I actually just use these 6 shades as highlighters and blush.

Pixi Strobe & Bronze (Strobe & Chisel)

Pixi Strobe & Bronze (Strobe & Chisel)

There are 3 glow shades: Highline, Empress and Lex (peach, pinky lavender, gold) that satisfy my crazy urges for highlighting. I lust after highlighters but I know I’m too old to get away with them. But this palette satisfies my craving because the glow shades add an iridescence without adding glitter. All three are great blush toppers or highlighting shades – and yes I’ve worn them on my eyes.

Pixi Strobe & Bronze (Strobe & Chisel)

The 3 bronze/chisel shades: City Kitty, Statuesque, 917) are bronze without being too brown. The only true bronze in my opinion is Statuesque. City Kitty is a warm matte light brown that looks very natural on my skin while 917 has more of a pink undertone (that’s what my camera was picking up); I’d describe it as a cool light satin brown.

Pixi Strobe & Bronze (Strobe & Chisel)

At $20 Pixi has created a bargain palette that will carry you through all seasons and will work no matter what level of bronzing you prefer.

IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Glow, Nude Glow and Heavenly Skin™ One-Sweep Wonder Brush #705

IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Glow comes in three shades: Nude Glow, Natural Glow, and Warm Glow. Lisa has reviewed these here and I was insanely jealous and insisted that she bring me the one best for my pale complexion. I have gotten so much use out of this that it’s unreal. If I’m not wearing my precious cream blushes then it’s all about Nude Glow.

IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Glow, Nude Glow

This triple threat has a little bit of highlighting, a beautiful blush, and a bronzing shade. I usually start with picking up the blush and applying it, then I’ll take the brush and sweep over all three shades to bring out the bronze and highlight. I make sure to use the brush from left to right to keep the lighter shades cleaner.

IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Glow, Nude Glow

This is so silky soft that you’ll fall in love with it just for that reason. But remember it contains an anti-aging hydrolyzed collagen, peptides and Vitamin C infused formula. No shimmer in this at all. The brush is another amazing one from IT Cosmetics though you probably have a dual fiber brush you can use. If you want the brush as badly as I wanted it then go to QVC.com to purchase the set for $2 more than the compact alone.

Senna Brilliant Bronze in Dawn

Senna Cosmetics isn’t one that’s talked about much on beauty blogs but it’s a fabulous brand. Brilliant Bronze comes in two shades: Dawn and Sunset. This too is a duo of highlighter and bronzer. The difference between these Senna bronzers and my others is that the Senna is glittery. Dawn is gorgeous for cool toned complexions but I’ll only wear it for “fancy”. I don’t want to glitter in the day but give me a good party and I’m up for it.

Senna Dawn Brilliant Bronze

Senna’s Brilliant Bronze compacts are baked minerals that are said to condition skin with amino acids and nourishing plant proteins.

All three of the above are cruelty free products.

One last one that I couldn’t find for the main photo is a great drugstore find: Covergirl TruBlend Bronzer.

TruBlend Bronzer from Covergirl

TruBlend Bronzer has no shimmer but there’s a satiny finish that gives me some glow. What I love about this is that there’s no orange at all – just a beautiful golden bronze that I can lightly use to perk up my ghostly skin. This came out with the Katy Perry collection in a variety of shades but it seems like just the darkest one, Bronze, is still available.

What do you think of my bronzers for people who don’t use bronzers? Would any of these be suitable for you?  —  Marcia

Join my friends who have their own bronzing favorites.


Filed Under: Bronzer, Highlighter, IT Cosmetics, Makeup Wars, Pixi Beauty, Senna

Shiny and glowy Makeup Wars

June 20, 2016

Makeup Wars time. It’s been a while since I shared my thoughts on MW and this time I’m only sharing half of the subject: bronzers and glowy items. I’m a glowy person (at times) and rarely bronze. Pale is okay around here though every once in a while a bronzer sneaks in the back door. Onto my most used “glows” lately.makeup wars glowy open

PAT McGRATH LABS, SKIN FETISH 003 NUDE

Don’t hate me because this is beautiful and s.o.l.d. out. It didn’t take long to sell out and when I reviewed it I warned you. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d made a mistake buying this or not but the powder is so pretty and so hard to resist. It also comes with a buffing brush (I don’t use it though) and a Shiny Stick highlighter and balm duo. This is here to remind us all, don’t underestimate Pat McGrath and don’t wait.

Pat McGrath Skin Labs Fetish 003 Nude powder

Pat McGrath Skin Labs Fetish 003 Nude powder

Pat McGrath Skin Labs Fetish 003 Nude Shiny Stick Highlighter and balm duo

Pat McGrath Skin Labs Fetish 003 Nude Shiny Stick Highlighter and balm duo

URBAN DECAY AFTERGLOW POWDER HIGHLIGHTER in AURA

With pink being my favorite color, when Urban Decay came out with the beautiful Afterglow Highlighters, I had to buy Aura. It’s pink perfection without being over the top. Aura is a light pink iridescent powder that gives me a radiant look. It’s subtle unless I build it up but I prefer using it as an all over glow applied lightly with a stippling brush or as a cheek highlighter over my blush. I like it on my browbone too so it’s getting more use than just as a highlighter. These are only $26 and not limited edition but that doesn’t mean that it’ll be around forever.

Urban Decay Afterglow Highlighter in Aura

Urban Decay Afterglow Highlighter in Aura

TOM FORD SKIN ILLUMINATING DUO in MOODLIGHT

The name of this duo is confusing at best. On Nordstrom’s website they call it Moonlight and I think I might have too when I first wrote about it. Even though Moodlight is $80, in the long run it’s saved me money. I often crave beautiful products that I don’t use often enough. This gorgeous powder duo reminds me I don’t need more. Described as “a soft white shade is like the luminous glow of daylight and a radiant golden shade is like the romantic illusion of candlelight. These lightly shimmering shades can be applied individually or layered together to create a multidimensional glow” Moodlight gives me the golden tones I want especially with complimentary eyeshadows.

Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Duo in Moodlight

Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Duo in Moodlight

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE UNDER EYE in ILLUMINATION

This might seem like an odd fit here and in a way it is. I’m a big fan of Bye Bye Eye and when I received this in Illumination (in Light) I wasn’t sure about it. I don’t really want anything shiny under my eyes. But this became a surprise favorite once I saw how much brighter my under eye area looked. I use it sparingly, unlike my swatch, after foundation is on. It contains Drops of Light Technology™ for added radiance and a lit-from-within glow. As with all IT Cosmetics facial products it has anti-aging ingredients. To top it off, it’s waterproof which certainly helps on these 90 degree days.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illuminating Concealer

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illuminating Concealer

SENNA BRILLIANT BRONZE BAKED MINERAL BRONZER & HIGHLIGHTER in DAWN

A bronzer isn’t on my face very often but every once in a while that paleness can get to me and I want to fit in with the crowd that worships bronzers. One of my favorites is by Senna which you just don’t hear enough about. Brilliant Bronze is available in three combinations: Dawn (light bronze & seashell pink highlighter), Sunset (deep bronze & golden highlighter), and Gold Star (sparkling yellow gold & champagne highlighter). It is a shimmery option which makes it bronze AND glowy. It’s a combination of warmth and illumination. I love the description that Senna gives: “This delicate mineral veil contains specially cultivated fresh water pearls with amino acids and proteins to hydrate and nourish skin, keeping it luxuriously soft and smooth.”

Senna Brilliant Bronze in Dawn

Senna Brilliant Bronze in Dawn

While I have many more highlighters and even bronzers, these are the ones I wear these days. What about you? What are your favorites? —  Marcia

Join the Makeup Wars ladies that are bronze, glowy, and beautiful.


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Filed Under: Highlighter, IT Cosmetics, Makeup Wars, Pat McGrath Skin Labs, Senna, Tom Ford, Urban Decay

Brow and lash love for 2015

January 5, 2016

Make-up, applying mascara

As I was doing my makeup for New Year’s Eve I realized that the biggest change in my cosmetic life for 2015 was that I absolutely can not go without doing my brows anymore. A combination of age and illness created eyebrows that just didn’t cut it anymore. I went for most of my life not touching my eyebrows with much more than a tweezers. They had a great natural shape and were filled in nicely. That’s not the case any more. That’s why I decided to share the 2015 eyebrow and eyelash products that have made a difference for me.

PIXI BROW POWDER PALETTE  –  Shades of Brows

Pixi Beauty Brow Palette

Pixi Beauty Brow Palette

This is my most used brow product for everyday. My hair isn’t necessarily the same shade from color to color so I appreciate having a choice of shades that I can use straight or mix. Right now I’m dipping twice into the darkest shade and once in the one lighter since my hair is very dark at the moment. I’ll get it colored soon and can reevaluate how I want to use the colors. One of the best buys at $12 I’ve found. *

PIXI ENDLESS BROW GEL PEN

Pixi Endless Brow Gel Pen in Medium

Pixi Endless Brow Gel Pen in Medium

The Endless Brow Gel Pen is another best for me from Pixi. This is not a universally loved product but I like it so much that I bought 3 the last time I ordered from Pixi. It’s not really a pen, it’s a pencil that is gel-like in texture. It’s a heavier look than the brow palette because the gel is thicker. I like wearing this when my brows really need attention.

SENNA COSMETICS BROW SHAPER

Senna Brow Duo in Brunette

Senna Brow Duo in Brunette

I love Senna Cosmetics but I hadn’t tried their eyebrow products before because I just didn’t care about my eyebrows. Now that I have this Brow Shaper with the plumping brow shade and pomade I really appreciate why Eugenia Weston, owner and cosmetic guru, is so well known for eyebrows. These powders really cling to my eyebrow hair and fill in naturally where I’ve lost some hair. Another reason to love Senna. *

IT COSMETICS HEAVENLY LUXE BUILD A BROW BRUSH

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Build A Brow and It Cosmetics Tightlining 10-in-1 Dual Ended brush

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Build A Brow and It Cosmetics Tightlining 10-in-1 Dual Ended brush

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Eyebrow brush

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Eyebrow brush

OMG, this is the best brush ever for eyebrows. It was created for IT’s Build a Brow Creme Gel Stain and it’s great with that but it also shines with every gel or cream brow product I’ve tried. The bristles are staggered so they really get into your brows to deposit color. This is totally unique and totally worth every penny of the $24 price.

BENEFIT ROLLER LASH MASCARA

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Officially named Roller Lash Super Curling and Lifting Mascara, this is one of my favorites of the year. I find Benefit Cosmetics to be hit or miss but after reading the raves for this I caved and I’m glad I did. The curved wand really does help curl your lashes although I always use an eyelash curler. The combo of the eyelash curler and Roller Lash gives me eyelashes that stay curled for a good 12 hours. This was good for me for a solid three months staying easy to wear and easy to remove.

CATRICE LASH MULTIMIZER VOLUME MASCARA

Catrice Ultimate Lash Multimizer Volume Mascara

Catrice Ultimate Lash Multimizer Volume Mascara

Catrice Ultimate Lash Multimizer Volume Mascara wand

Catrice Ultimate Lash Multimizer Volume Mascara wand

At $7.99 this is 1/3 the price of the Benefit mascara and almost as good. The Multimizer is a volume and definition mascara. While it doesn’t help add curl, it holds it well. The older this gets, the better it gets. Which means a new one is in my future.

BARE MINERALS LASH DOMINATION VOLUMIZING MASCARA

Bare Minerals Lash Domination

Bare Minerals Lash Domination

BareMinerals Lash Domination

BareMinerals Lash Domination

2016 was the year I realized I loved volume mascaras. Before that I always thought I was looking for length and definition but the mascaras I like best this year turned out to be volumizing. Who knew? Besides charming me with the polka dot packaging, Lash Domination * charmed me with the twisty turny brush and lashes that looked great. They call this a 10-in-1 mascara since it Volumizes, Lengthens, Thickens, Separates, Lifts, has All-day wear, is Mineral fortified, Resists clumps, Fights Flakes, and is Smudge-resistant. After reviewing * this, I bought another.

SURRATT BEAUTY RELEVEE LASH CURLER

Surratt Beauty Relevee Lash Curler

Surratt Beauty Relevee Lash Curler

Surratt Beauty Relevee Lash Curler opened

Surratt Beauty Relevee Lash Curler opened

I didn’t need another eyelash curler but I wanted this Surratt Beauty one after reading all the raves. Everyone has different shaped eyes and the lash curlers that a lot of people rave about (Shu, ELF etc) pinch me. This Surratt Relevee has been a delight to use. It opens widely, does a great job fitting my eyes and creates a curl that really lasts. If I want to use the method of inching up my lashes I have to use a magnifying mirror so I can see my lashes better.

As usual with a list like this, I’m sure I left out other wonderful products that I discovered in 2015. Even if I did though I know I’m recommending the ones that really have stood out to me. Have you tried any of these? What would you say stood out the most for you this past year?  — Marcia

*items were PR samples, rest were self purchased  **affiliate links used

 

Filed Under: Bare Minerals, beauty, Benefit, Catrice, eyebrow pencil, Eyebrows, eyelash curler, Eyelashes, IT Cosmetics, Mascara, Pixi Beauty, Senna, Surratt

My favorite foundations for winter – Top 10 Tuesday

November 17, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday has rolled around again and I’m excited to be sharing my favorites for foundation. I have more than on my list but just as important as my favorites are my two tools of choice so that took two spots. I purposely left out CC Creams even though I will use them in the winter but I wanted to stick with foundations for a change.


Beautysets - Top Ten Foundations
These are in no particular order. These are all sitting on my vanity right now! I may not be neat but I’m happy!!
1.
BOBBI BROWN INTENSIVE SKIN SERUM FOUNDATION is pretty new to me and pretty impressive too. It has SPF 40 in it and is available in 18 shades plus it’s very forgiving. I’ve been wanting a serum foundation and the one I bought from Armani a few years ago never felt right. The makeup artist I went to loves this foundation and gave me a sample. That brought me back to buy it. It’s very lightweight and you wouldn’t expect it to hide imperfections but it does. It feels great on my skin too.
2.
TOO FACED BORN THIS WAY ABSOLUTE PERFECTION FOUNDATION just moved into my house last week. I keep reading about it and Sephora F&F finally put me over the edge. I’ve worn it twice which really isn’t enough to put it on a list but both times I was quite happy with the way it looked and lasted. This $38 foundation comes in 18 shades and is oil-free. I love that it has ingredients to help with hydration (coconut water and hyaluronic acid are two).
3.
IT COSMETICS O2 O2 ULTRA REPAIR LIQUID OXYGEN FOUNDATION ($38) was my foundation favorite of the year for 2014 and remains a favorite 11 months later. I’m a huge fan of IT Cosmetics but with all brands some products are better than others. This is a ‘better than others’ foundation. Fair matches me perfectly but it only is available in 5 shades which might be a problem for some. One of the biggest reasons to love IT is their anti-aging ingredients (Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Niacin, Hyaluronic Acid and Grape Seed Oil plus Vitamins A, C, & E). This is actually a serum foundation which I didn’t realize until I was typing this up!!
4.
SENNA LASTING ILLUSION FOUNDATION* has been one that I’ve counted on for an airbrushed finish for almost two years. This is a fuller coverage than most of the others I own and there are many days and occasions that I crave that coverage. It’s a matte satin that reflects light away from imperfections. Senna isn’t talked about enough but in my opinion people are missing out on this great Hollywood indie brand. ($48, 7 shades)
5.
MALLY BEAUTY EFFORTLESS AIRBRUSH PERFECT SKIN MOUSSE is another foundation that people need to know about. One of the problems with Mally Beauty is that it’s hard to find – all the great places that carry the line only carry parts of Mally. This is only sold at Mally’s website and it’s worth it to shop there. The coverage with this mousse is perfection. I need so little but I could build it up if necessary. Plus it comes with a fabulous foundation brush that feels wonderful and works like a dream ($45*).
6.
GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION – there are no words for this foundation. I’ve gone through 3 bottles since I started using it and I’m sure to go through more. It’s available in 23 shades and it’s worth every penny of the $62 cost to me. It’s weightless and oil-free and the coverage is like silk.
7.
RIMMEL LONDON LASTING FINISH FOUNDATION is the opposite in cost from Armani and not similar to it in finish, but it’s the best drugstore foundation I’ve ever bought. The problem with drugstores is being unable to test colors but I got lucky with O91 Light Ivory. At first I noticed a perfumey fragrance but once applied I noticed it for about 15 seconds and never again. If you are looking for great coverage to last through the day and you have $6.99 laying around, this is what to spend it on.
8.
GERI G INNOCENT FOUNDATION isn’t known at all. I just reviewed it again along with their Transceutical Canvas so I hope that this comes more to the forefront. It’s a medium coverage that can be built up. On the days I’m looking a little worse for the wear, I turn to this to make my skin look its best. The downside is that it only comes in 4 shades and the swatches on the website aren’t really helpful. ($38)
9.
BEAUTY BLENDER SPONGE is amazing. Don’t accept imitations. I don’t care that it’s $20 while others are much less, this is the one that works. It now comes in many colors like the new royal purple. The black one is called the Pro one but I don’t think it’s any different than my pink ones. Trust me when I tell you that this could change your makeup application.
10.
ARTIS OVAL 10 ELITE BRUSH* has become holy grail to me. It changes your paradigm about what a foundation brush is and you won’t want to look back. The softness, the bristles (2500 of them!), the ergonomics, and the luxuriousness of this $72 brush make it worth the high cost. If was told I could just take a few items out of my house this would be high up on the list. It’s that precious. Review here.
.
Which of these 10 products do you have or want? What’s your top 10? — Marcia


*denotes products sent for review consideration, some affilate links used

Filed Under: Artis Brush, beauty, Beauty Blender, Bobbi Brown, Foundation, Geri G, Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, IT Cosmetics, Mally Beauty, Rimmel London, Senna, Too Faced, Top Ten, Top Ten Tuesday

Senna Cosmetics brushes are the way to go

March 30, 2015
Senna Cosmetics brushes I love

Senna Cosmetics brushes I love

I have a few things I have to get off my shoulders. I hope you are ready.

* I love cosmetics!

* I adore cosmetic brushes!

* Senna Cosmetics is one of my all time favorite brands.

That wasn’t too bad for either of us I hope. Earlier today I reviewed some of Senna’s cosmetics including their In the Mood for Nudes collection, Slipcover Foundation, HD Eye Lift and Baja Matte Bronzer. That Makeup Wars review was so long it spilled over into this one that’s specifically about the Senna brushes I have. I’ve owned 4 of these for years and I was lucky to receive 5 more from Senna.

Senna Cosmetics

Senna Cosmetics

Airbrush Blender brush 25 ($40) is what people call a skunk brush. It’s black bottom fibers are dense while it fills out into looser white fibers that do the work. This is a brush you need in your collection if you don’t have one already. It’s a multi-tasker that works great for bronzer and highly pigmented powders. I use it too for a highlighting powder to give an airbrush appearance. “Softly shagged dual synthetic and natural hair and dual length brush seamlessly applies and blends liquid, cream and powder foundations and bronzers.”

Airbrush Blender brush 25

Senna Airbrush Blender brush 25

Foundation 39 Brush ($30) is a brush that everyone needs to have in their brush collection. It’s possible to apply foundation with your fingers but you don’t always get the ideal coverage that way. This brush is both soft and firm. The tapered point helps you in the crevices of your face, especially around your nose. It works equally well with liquid and cream formulas but it’s a necessity for a cream since your fingers just won’t cut it with something like Slipcover Foundation. If this isn’t enough to convince you, use it with moisturizer, primer or cream blush. See all the uses!!

Senna Foundation 39 Brush

Senna Foundation 39 Brush

Multi 24 Brush ($20) is one I didn’t know I was missing in my life until it came my way. I love this little guy. “This is the go-to tool for concealing, blending, un-smudging, priming and more.” What a treasure. You can use this at home or on the go. Just use it!! You’ll thank me.

Senna Multi 24 Brush

Senna Multi 24 Brush

Angle Brush 506 ($20) is a great blush brush that I’ve had for years. It’s so soft and so accurate. “Rounded front angle covers the apples of the cheeks and narrow tapered end softly blends color off the edge of the cheek naturally.”

Senna Angle Brush 506

Senna Angle Brush 506

Baby Face 21 ($30) has been a favorite of mine for so long. I use it for everything. The size of the brush head is wonderful for blending anywhere on your face. It’s great for a pop of color on your cheeks, for a touch of powder (Senna HD Eye Lift) under your eyes, and for highlighting areas especially when contouring. “A Senna favorite and must have! An ultra-soft, pampering brush to apply loose powder in eye area to set concealers and brush on highlighter powders. Great for spot blushing and dusting color onto eyelids.”

Senna Baby Face 21

Senna Baby Face 21

Baby Face 21

Baby Face 21

Concealer 12 ($18) is a synthetic cruelty free brush that does what it’s supposed to – it helps conceal! It’s on the firm side so that you can lay your concealer down and afterwards blend with it.

Senna Concealer 12

Senna Concealer 12

Deluxe Fluff 600 ($18.50) is a brush I use mostly for blending. It’s wide and soft. It’s very flexible. I’ve used it for an all over eyeshadow color but my favorite use is when my eyeshadows are all on and I use this to blend away the seams so my shadows are well blended.

Senna Deluxe Fluff 600

Senna Deluxe Fluff 600

Detailer 623 ($27) this is one of the first brushes ever created for Senna. It was designed to give a soft liner look. I find it works better for me to use it for a hint of color under my lower lashes. It can also be used on your brows or to apply lipstick precisely.

Senna Detailer 623

Senna Detailer 623

Brow Pro 40 ($20) is a double ended brush that meets all your brow needs. The firm angle tip on the brush side is great for precise work with powders. I like that it’s not bigger than my brows so that I control it, it doesn’t control me. And it doesn’t hurt like some brow brushes can. The other side is a spoolie (groomer comb) so that you can brush your brows both before and after makeup application. Use it first to tame your brows and get them into shape. Then use it after with a pomade to set your brows for an all day last.

Senna Brow Pro 40

Senna Brow Pro 40

These are only a fraction of the wonderful brushes from Senna. Out of these 9 brushes my must haves are the Brow Pro, Multi-Brush and Baby Face. These are unique and incredibly helpful. Which brushes would you pick? — Marcia

Be sure you visit Makeup Wars today to learn more about Senna Cosmetics and to find out about other favorite brands from my friends.

*some brushes sent for editorial consideration

Filed Under: Brushes, cosmetic tools, Senna

Makeup Wars starring Senna Cosmetics

March 30, 2015
Senna Cosmetics Nude Eyes, eyebrows, bronzer and cream foundation

Senna Cosmetics Nude Eyes, eyebrows, bronzer and cream foundation

This week the Makeup Wars bloggers each picked a favorite high end brand to share and maybe even convince you that their brand is the best. I chose Senna and the lovely ladies at Senna Cosmetics were kind enough to share some of the latest items. Lisa and I have reviewed a lot of Senna over the 5 years of our blog for several reasons.

1) We’ve been charmed by Senna for a dozen years. We started using it way before we began blogging. One of our biggest thrills was to meet and talk with Eugenia Weston at IMATS and have her personally recommend items for us.

2) Senna is an indie company owned by Eugenia Weston. She actually creates the products and doesn’t just put her name on something she’s bought.

3) Senna is cruelty free. Plus Senna Cosmetics are reasonably priced compared to so many of the higher end companies.

Senna matte nude eyeshadows

Senna matte nude eyeshadows

I’m going to share some of Senna Cosmetics newest products as well as long time favorites. For spring Senna is all about nude shades with their In the Mood for Nudes collection. The 5 main items in this collection are 4 matte eyeshadows and their Baja Matte Bronzer.

The Nude Matte eyeshadows are available in 4 shades. The difference in 3 of the shades is the undertone of them. All 3 of these are beautiful nudes to wear over your entire eye or in strategic places. What I love best about these is that my favorite under the brow shade was discontinued a few years ago and I’ve never found a replacement until now. It thrills me to have these 3 and these are getting daily use.

Senna Blend matte eyeshadow

Senna Blend matte eyeshadow

Senna Blend matte eyeshadow

Senna Blend matte eyeshadow

BLEND is the most neutral and is considered a neutral skin tone shade.

Senna Moonlight matte eyeshadow

Senna Moonlight matte eyeshadow

Senna Moonlight matte eyeshadow

Senna Moonlight matte eyeshadow

MOONLIGHT is a warm beige, it’s ivory on me with warmer slightly peach undertones.

Senna Essence matte eyeshadow

Senna Essence matte eyeshadow

Senna Essence matte eyeshadow

Senna Essence matte eyeshadow

ESSENCE is a creamy pastel peach.

Senna Nudist matte eyeshadow

Senna Nudist matte eyeshadow

Senna Nudist matte eyeshadow

Senna Nudist matte eyeshadow

NUDIST is a neutral brown that’s great for lids or crease.

Blend, Moonlight, Essence and Nudist

Blend, Moonlight, Essence and Nudist

Using these gives you a beautiful neutral eye or you can add in a darker shade for more definition or glitz. While these are matte eyeshadows they apply like a satin, they don’t look chalky, they just look smooth.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore your eyebrows. If anyone knows eyebrows it’s Senna since Eugenia Weston created one of the first and most famous eyebrow kits, the Form-A-Brow Kit. I have both a Brow Gel and a Brow Shaper Duo in use.

Senna Brow Fix, Brow Shaper Duo and Brow Pro 40

Senna Brow Fix, Brow Shaper Duo and Brow Pro 40

Brow Fix in Golden Brown

Brow Fix in Golden Brown

Senna Brow Fix in Golden Brown

Senna Brow Fix in Golden Brown

SENNA BROW FIX is available in 3 shades (clear, golden brown, taupe) to set your brow shape, color your brows and control them. It has tiny texturizing fibers in it to make your brows look fuller. If you have full enough brows then use this to set them and add a little more color. Or if you are like me, then use them over a pencil or brow powder to lock in the color and shape.

Senna Brow Duo in Brunette

Senna Shaping Brow Duo in Brunette

Senna Brow Shaping Duo in Brunette

Senna Brow Shaping Duo in Brunette

The Brow Shaping Duo also comes in 3 shades (Blonde, Brunette, Ebony) and is my preference. I’ve lost a lot of hair in my brows since my fall and I need the fullness and coverage this provides. The powder side is a micro fiber infused pressed powder and the pomade is a conditioning one. Brunette is a great match for me. My modus operandi is to apply the powder with the Brow Pro 40 brush, then apply the pomade over it. The combination of the two products intensifies the color as well as sets it in place. My brows last the entire day with this.

Senna Slipcover foundation in Buff with Foundation 39 and Multi 24 brushes

Senna Slipcover foundation in Buff with Foundation 39 and Multi 24 brushes

Senna Slipcover in Buff

Senna Slipcover in Buff

I raved before about Senna foundation since Lasting Illusion Foundation in Alabaster is one of my very favorite liquid foundations. Along comes Slipcover Foundation and it’s right up there with the best. Slipcover is a cream to powder foundation that comes in an amazing 18 different shades plus 3 duos if you change shades in different seasons or if you want to do some contouring. This oil free foundation applies like a dream with a foundation brush like Senna’s Foundation 39 or the wonderful Multi 24 brush. It then transforms into a semi-matte powder. So it’s one and done. I don’t need to set with a powder but it doesn’t look like a powder finish. It stays flawless and looks good all day on me. I love that Buff (porcelain) is so light and a color that blends perfectly on my skin.

Senna HD Eye Lift with Deluxe Fluff 600, Concealer 12 and Baby Face 21 brushes

Senna HD Eye Lift with Deluxe Fluff 600, Concealer 12 and Baby Face 21 brushes

Now that we have our eyes done, what about under our eyes? That’s where Senna’s HD Eye Lift comes into play. This used to be called Mineral Eye Lift which I’ve used before down to the pan. It’s been revamped and it’s still as great as ever. Now it contains HD light diffusing mineral pigments that help brighten your under eye area. It’s a subtle lift that helps brighten under eye darkness, set your concealer and it can also highlight any areas of your face. It contains Golden Seaweed to help stimulate collagen repair while you are wearing it. Call me sold.

Senna Baja Bronzer with Airbrush Face 24 and Angle Blush 506

Senna Baja Bronzer with Airbrush Face 24 and Angle Blush 506

Senna Baja Matte Bronzer swatch

Senna Baja Matte Bronzer swatch

Senna’s Baja Matte Bronzer is a sheer bronzer which is especially good for people who are very fair toned. It’s neutral enough that it will look good on most skin tones. I’ve used it half a dozen times and it’s never turned orangey on me. It’s recommended to use a powder brush with it but depending on how much color I want I prefer my Angled Blush brush or my Airbrush Face brush. This contains light-reflecting pigments which are said to diminish the look of imperfections. If I can wear this comfortably than anyone can! I love that there’s no sparkle in it.

I’m sure you can tell why Senna was my choice as soon as Makeup Wars decided on this topic. It’s a wonderful cruelty free, independent line created by a strong woman who is famous for being one of the top makeup artists in the world. I’m proud to share Senna Cosmetics with you. Because this review is so long, I’m continuing it later today to share some more products. — Marcia

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*some products sent for review

Filed Under: Bronzer, Brushes, cosmetic tools, Eyebrows, Eyeshadow, Foundation, Highlighter, Makeup Wars, Senna

Spring eyeshadow favorites

March 24, 2015

Beautysets - Favorite eyeshadows for Spring
Favorite eyeshadows for Spring
At last Spring has arrived and with it comes lighter shades of cosmetics and a lighter disposition. For Top Ten Tuesday this week we’ve all selected eyeshadows that we love or want for spring. Read on for my choices and then click the icons for a bevy of beauties from my fellow Top Ten ladies. — Marcia
1427060953_jester_white_bgMAKEUP GEEK FOILED EYESHADOW in JESTER Springtime and green go together like a horse and carriage. Green is emerging in nature and on my eyes with this gorgeous metallic shade. Jester is a bright mossy green with a gorgeous gold to it. Not to be missed.*
1427060725_0607845019312NARS DUAL INTENSITY EYESHADOW in HIMALYA and DIONE are two favorites of mine. Himalya is a shimmering topaz while Dione is metallic champagne beige. I find these to be pretty sparkly on me but they add a nice dimension to my browbone especially.
1427060585__10115112TORY BURCH “CATCH” EYESHADOW PALETTE is on my wishlist. I just ordered a safer neutral Tory Burch palette from Nordstrom but I have my eye on this one if the quality makes me happy. The light purple, pink and peach scream spring while the unusual blue calls out summer too.
1427060531_74422-ready4BARE MINERALS MODERN POP READY EYESHADOW, THE MODERN ICON is one I’ve been wearing a lot so I guess I was rushing spring. The shades on these are muted pastels so they aren’t the typical pink, peach and lavender you are used to. It’s become a favorite like all my Bare Minerals Ready shadows already are. Review coming up soon. *
1427060448_32140378_000_b__medium_?1427060448STILA IN THE MOMENT PALETTE is going to get me back into Stila eyeshadows. I think I need a warm weather vacation so I can buy this without guilt. It has all the right colors for spring and summer.
1427060326_32884033_008_b__medium_?1427060326ARDENCY INN MODSTER MARUKA HONEY PIGMENT EYESHADOW in HEAVEN is total love for me. I think this is a year round color but boy will it make me feel bright and alert this spring. I’ve bought several others since my review and I’m in love with the gorgeous intensity of these. *
1427060204__9573580JOUER LONG WEAR CREME EYESHADOW in STARLIGHT is one I don’t have yet but it’s being sent as I type. I love a cream eyeshadow and I think this is going to be sensational. I want it as a base shade and will share it soon. I expect it to be a hit.
1427060138_itmfn-shadowSENNA EYESHADOWS from the NUDE COLLECTION gorgeous neutral eyeshadows are on the horizon for review. I’ve loved Senna eyeshadows for at least a dozen years and these new neutrals in Moonlight, Essence, Blend and Nudist are wonderful. These are all mattes that apply like a dream. They are the perfect base coat and work beautifully for a subtle eye. *
Welcome spring!

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*items are press samples

Filed Under: Ardency Inn, Bare Minerals, Eyeshadow, eyeshadow palette, Makeup Geek, Senna, Top Ten, Top Ten Tuesday, Tory Burch
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