Bravon Beauty Review

When I find a celebrity whose makeup I love, I social media stalk them until I find out who does their makeup. For her awesome combination of brains and beauty, I adore Kimberly Guilfoyle - attorney, former model, and co-host of the hit TV news show The Five. Her makeup artist is Vincenza Carovillano (@makeupvincenza), and the particular lip I loved was a combination of lip glosses by Bravon Beauty. Bravon Beauty was founded by Bravon Pascua. He's also a former model and was the International Makeup Artist and Trainer for Bare Escentuals - so if you like that line, this brand has a similar price range and feel, but, in my humble opinion, has much higher-quality products (I didn't do an ingredients comparison, I am basing this claim off of the feel and wear of the products).

I ordered the gloss combo and, when it arrived, I was thrilled that Bravon Beauty graciously included some incredible samples (thank you!!). With these products, I  created an easy summer look that wore all day and was extremely comfortable even in 90 degrees + humidity.

Pictured below are the non-Bravon products and tools I used, with the exception of my mascaras and lash curler (L'Oreal Voluminous primer and Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot/ Kevyn Aucoin lash curler). From left to right: e.l.f. powder brush, Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen (great stuff - here's 20% off of your first purchase), Anastastia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Soft Brown and Clear Brow Gel, and Urban Decay 24/7 eye liner in Empire.

To start, I mixed Bravon Smooth Start Perfecting Foundation Primer in Clear with the Glossier sunscreen. This serum-like primer has a great slip (meaning makeup slides over it), an extremely light texture, and contains antioxidants to protect the skin - plus it helps makeup stay in place all day without touch ups. Next, I tapped the Hydrating Dual Action Concealer in Light 2 around my entire eye as both a corrector and lid primer since it is slightly orange. I was most impressed with this product since it canceled out my dark circles and hydrated my under-eye area.

For the skin, I pressed Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation in Soft Beige around my face's perimeter, Alabaster under eyes and the center of my face, then blended both products together to create dimension and subtle contouring. This gorgeous, every day foundation is hydrating without being greasy, conditions the skin, and is oil-free. This would be excellent for mature skin where some makeup can settle into wrinkles, or as a medium coverage foundation with a very light feel. When layered over the primer mentioned above, it's also long-wearing!

I then set the foundation with a light dusting of The Eraser Tinted Diffusion Powder in Natural Light. This like like an Instagram filter for your face, and simply using this over the primer would be a a beautiful option for those who don't want to wear foundation every day but still want some coverage.

I lined my eyes, then, with my finger, pressed the Magnetic Eyes Shadow Solo/Satin in Mystic Mauve on my lids and up into the crease. This has a light sheen, but nothing sparkly or metallic. I prefer something with more pigment, but this is lovely for those who just want a sheer wash of color. Side note - this isn't actually loose when you purchase the shadow, they just scraped some out for me.

I added some warmth with the Dual Nature Contouring Bronzer in 60 Degrees and Sunny (great name!). Again, the actual product is pressed, and I enjoyed how this color seemed like a blush/bronze hybrid.

The Illuminat Contouring Highlighter in Twilight Glow was the one product I wasn't in love with since I feel that for a highlighter, it's a bit opaque. Still, I swirled this over the bronzer as I would a blush and it added a nice, luminous effect to my cheeks.

I lined my lips with the Lip Prefix Primer Liner in Nutmeg and y'all, this is so good. This neutral lip liner is slightly waxy, which serves two purposes: it slides over your lips unlike a traditional pencil, which can be drying and drag, and it grips onto your lips so it lasts forever.

Next, I mixed the Bullet Balm Lip Tint in Strawberry Jello (pictured on top) with the Bullet Balm Lip Shimmer in Caramel Sundae (bottom) and tapped them onto my lips. Like the eye shadow, I prefer something more pigmented, but this is perfect for someone who just wants to swipe a little color on the go.

Finally, I mixed the Lip Spa Aqua Gloss in Champagne (top) and Cherry Cosmo (bottom) - final result in the center - and blended that with my finger from the center of my lips outward. I love, love, love these glosses as they aren't sticky and, somehow, are extremely long-wearing. I love this peachy color combo for summer, and these are just beautiful wearing, looking and feeling glosses.

Here's the final look in natural light, with no editing or filters:

In Conclusion...

If you like Clinique or Bare Minerals/Escentuals, you will love this line. So much. I'm super impressed with a few of the products, and I am so grateful to have learned about this wonderful makeup line.

Keep in touch by following along on Instagram @ElectraLane, and please don't forget to subscribe...I don't want you to miss any makeup artist-inspired tips or tricks that will teach you to Be Your Own Makeup Artist. See you next time! - JY

Drugstore Beauty Winners

It doesn't matter how much something costs - if I don't use it, that's money down the drain. Since I can't test drugstore skincare and beauty products, I tend to shy away in favor of higher-end products that I know will work because I've had the chance to speak with a brand rep, test the color on my skin and potentially sample the goods before I make a financial commitment. During recent trips to Ulta and Target, I stocked up on my usual Maybelline mascaras and NYX Cosmetics Butter Glosses, but also some new goodies that have received outstanding reviews. I'd like to share the products I discovered that are so amazing and affordable that they'll replace my higher-end makeup.

Instead of YSL Touche Eclait for $42, try...

L'oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter for $11

The cult favorite Touche Eclat earns its status for bringing light to the areas of your face that you want to brighten. I have used it in the past, but I never re-purchased (I now use Make Up For Ever lift concealer). It was lovely, but I couldn't justify the return on investment. Until now. Other than its intended use, this is a perfect item if you don't need concealer but want a little brightness on the inner corners of and under your eyes, or to keep in your bag for an afternoon touch up. It's light enough that you can layer it on top of itself - or other products - throughout the day without looking cakey.

Instead of  NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for $30, try...

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer for $6

I will always consistently use five beauty products, and concealer is at the top of the list (the others are bronzer, eyeliner, brows and lip gloss). I wanted to hop on the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer bandwagon, and I have a tube, but I find it's too heavy and drying for my under eyes. This version is much lighter, but offers the same amount of coverage, so you can layer it to fit your needs. It works so well with the Magic Lumi Highlighter, too.

Instead of the Beauty Blender for $20, try...

Real Techniques Beauty Sponge at $11 for two

One of the reps at Ulta said this was his go-to sponge, so I had to try it. I was blown away! My issue with the Beauty Blender (other than the price) is that it makes me so nervous - I want to make it last as long as possible, and since that includes wetting it then cleaning it every single time, I end up only using it for fancy makeup and on clients. Enter this little orange egg. You can use it wet or dry, and it does everything the Beauty Blender does.

Instead of YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-In-Stick Lipstick for $37, try...

Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color for $11

This sheer, hydrating gloss/lipstick combo is my new favorite lip color to keep in my bag for every day touch ups - pictured here is the color Sheer Pink Lust. Also, it's Claire Underwood's signature color. Sold.

In Conclusion...

You just saved over $90. Remember my love affair with Lazy Perfection? If you want a comprehensive guide with many more drugstore dupes, use some of your savings to purchase the book as Jenny Patinkin created an entire chart of her approved products. Holler. Make sure you subscribe to keep up with the latest beauty tips and tricks, and follow me on Instagram @ElectraLane to stay in touch until next time!

Images c/o Ulta.com and Jessica Yost

How to Attain Lazy Perfection Every Day

Last week, I loved on a wonderful, new book called Lazy Perfection, a comprehensive beauty guide for normal people. I showed you what was in my Lazy Perfection makeup kit, and this week I'd like to walk you through how I utilize those products. Before watching my current version of the five-minute face, please keep a couple of things in mind: this is my five-minute face. If you don't like something about it, don't do it! This is, simply, my version of daily Lazy Perfection, and hopefully you can draw on it to create your own.

In Conclusion...

Thank you so much for watching! If you have any questions, please email me (Jessica@ElectraLane.com) or ask questions in the comments on Instagram or Facebook (@ElectraLane). Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any tips or tricks, take care of you, and I'll catch you next week. -JY

Lazy Perfection

Electra Lane was created because I wanted to demystify makeup for normal women who don't get their inspiration from flamboyant YouTube stars (not that there's anything wrong with that - they are extremely talented and likable, but their looks just aren't going to cut it in my day-to-day routine). Almost every woman who has been in my makeup chair, while they love having their makeup done, in reality just wants to know how to do her own makeup for every day circumstances, then how to pump it up for a night out. In fact, many women I know are too busy to apply daily makeup, but they still want to feel pretty.

My answer was to start a blog that (hopefully) speaks to that demographic, but an incredible resource and guidebook has just arrived on bookshelves:

Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying by (makeup artist and makeup brush connoisseur) Jenny Patinkin will rock your makeup world in the best way. Whether you're a busy mom, never learned how to put on makeup, and/or just want to refresh your look, this book is for you. And, she conveniently lays out different "tracks" you can follow - simple, sophisticated and sexy - based on your overall personality and/or you makeup needs for the day.

Patinkin goes through how to purge your makeup bag, shop for new makeup, and what exactly you need in your personal makeup kit (and, of course, how to apply it!). With all the overwhelming, and sometimes confusing, beauty products available, I love having this road map.

After you order or pick up Lazy Perfection I can't wait to see your revamped makeup kit, so please tag me on Instagram @ElectraLane! I thought I'd kick things off by showing my current Lazy Perfection kit, and next week I'll show you my LP-approved every day look, so stay tuned.

A quick note - I'm not taking the time to add links to the products listed below because, frankly, I'm not getting compensated. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email me (Jessica@ElectraLane.com), but most of these items can be found at Sephora, Beautylish.com or your local drug store.

Brushes

Jenny Patinkin takes all of the guesswork out of choosing brushes with her curated kits, so Google where to find them if that's something that interests you.

Foundation and Concealer - my fingers!

Blush - Wayne Goss Air Brush - it's limited edition from Beautylish.com, but the #14 brush is also incredible and will be back in stock soon

Highlight - any fan brush - I love this Sculpting Set from Real Techniques, I purchased mine for $11 from Amazon, and you get great, budget-friendly blush, bronzer and highlight brushes

Bronzer - MAC 168 angled brush

Shadow Brushes - the Wayne Goss Eye Set, which has five brushes, but all you need is a pencil brush, a fluffy brush, and a couple of crease brushes (like MAC 217) - one for the crease and one for blending

Brows - Anastasia Beverly Hills 12 because it has a small angle brush on one end and a spoolie on the other

Makeup

Primer - Laura Mercier Primer - Protect for sunscreen; Becca Backlight Priming Filter for a luminous base (sometimes I'll mix them)

Eye Primer - Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

Foundation - MAC Face and Body mixed with primer as a tinted moisturizer; Armani Luminous Silk for photos; IT Cosmetics CC Cream for everything else

Under Eye Corrector - Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector - you don't need this unless you get really dark circles

Concealers - Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer for face and REALLY heavy duty under eye coverage; IT Bye Bye Undereye Illuminating for under eyes; Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer for brightening (the same one I use for shadow primer)

Powder - Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush (pressed); RCMA No Color Powder (loose)

Bronzer - NARS Laguna, but let's be honest, there are a million amazing bronzers...just do what works for your skin tone

Highlighter - The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Blush - I don't have a ride-or-die, but anything by NARS is worth the investment - Sex Appeal is a favorite

Four Eye Shadows - Cockwise from top left: Soft Peach and Bengal by Anastasia Beverly Hills, New York and Galapagos by NARS

Liner - MAC Smolder (black) and Teddy (brown) for pencils, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner for gel, and Urban Decay Blackout eye shadow for powder

Brows - MAC Brun eye shadow and a clear brow gel

Mascara - Maybelline Falsies in Blackest Black

Lashes - Ardell Medium Individuals, Demi Wispies strip, KISS clusters

Lip Liner - MAC Subculture

Up to Four Lip Glosses - Marc Jacobs Enamored gloss in Sugar Sugar, any NYX Butter Gloss (but I love Creme Brulee), NARS Turkish Delight and Charlotte Tilbury Seduction

Up to Six Lipsticks - This is a bitter topic because my favorite NARS Lip Laquer in Chelsea Girls, a stunning gloss/lipstick hybrid served up in a pot, was discontinued. I'm stretching my stockpile as long as I can, but nothing has measured up - even the Chelsea Girls gloss NARS came out with to "replace" it. It's darker, thinner and just not the same. SO I'm including NARS gloss in Chelsea Girls as a favorite lipstick...but I'm not happy about it. Other favorites include Charlotte Tilbury Valentine and Nude Kate, and MAC Snob and Hue.

Tools

Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler; Beauty Blender; tissues; Almay Oil-Free Makeup Removing Sticks, pointy Q-Tips; powder puffs; Tweezerman Tweezers; DUO clear lash glue; two sharpeners, one for lip liner and one for eye liner

In Conclusion...

Get the book, read the book, change your (makeup) life. CHEERS! - JY

Images c/o Sephora.com, Beautylish.com, MACcosmetics.com, Amazon.com, thebalm.com, drugstore.com, CharlotteTilbury.com, Jessica Yost

Sun Saviors

Despite temps hovering in the 50s last week here in Alexandria, VA, we are, in fact, on the verge of Memorial Day, aka the unofficial kickoff to summer. Which means more outside time. Which means more opportunities to get wrinkles, sunspots, and leathery skin. We don't want that (and skin cancer is a real thing), so after much trial-and-error, please allow me to introduce my favorite sunscreens.

Face and Body

When I'm walking my puppies (@thesuperbeagles) or hitting the beach, my tried-and-true sunscreen that works on my face and my body is the Everyday Sunscreen by Supergoop!

It's light and hydrating without the greasy feel you get with most sunscreens. There is a light scent, but the fragrance hasn't irritated my sensitive skin yet. I keep the tube right by the front door so I'm sure to apply it before I leave.

Under Makeup

Also one that I've used for years, the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Protect is a face primer and sunscreen in one:

With an SPF of 30, I feel confident this protects my skin. I have tried several everyday/under makeup sunscreens, and I've always come back to this one because it's non-irritating, I don't get slimy throughout the day, and, most importantly to me, it doesn't break me out. And, bonus, my special tinted moisturizer mix is a squirt of this plus some MAC Face and Body Foundation (an exceptional, lightweight, waterproof (!), buildable foundation that works on your - you guessed it - face and body; this smaller tube lasts forever and is only $28, it's a makeup artist secret and a staple in many kits); I put it on my face, neck and chest for all-day coverage and protection.

TBD

I am so looking forward to trying this - Glossier's Invisible Shield sunscreen for the face:

I ordered this a few minutes after it launched, and it literally just arrived, so I can't speak to its efficacy. What I can say is all of Glossier's skincare products are fantastic, and this serum-like sunscreen is receiving rave reviews. I'll keep you updated, but if you'd like to give it a go here's MY LINK for 20% off your first Glossier purchase.

In Conclusion...

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. I'm not obsessive about it, but I know that I've used a daily facial sunscreen since I was 10 years old (seriously) and thankfully don't seem to have any significant sun damage yet. And, remember, sun damage can take years to show up, so it's super important to cover up even if you don't see any adverse reactions.

Make sure to subscribe to this blog - you don't want to miss next week's post! Until then, let's hang out on Instagram @ElectraLane. Thanks for stopping by. -JY

Images c/o Supergoop.com, Sephora.com, Glossier.com and Jessica Yost