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