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

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

The Ultimate Wedding Touch Up Bag

This week my husband and I are celebrating a big anniversary, so I'm feeling all nostalgic. I've prepped a beautiful bag to keep me fresh throughout my festivities, and I wanted to share what's inside with you because this is also the perfect kit for brides to use during your wedding reception or on your honeymoon.

Pick a Gorgeous Bag

I still have (and use!) my precious little Orla Kiely makeup bag from my wedding, so choose something that's both sturdy and functional, as well as one that makes your happy. For my anniversary, I picked this gorgeous Ted Baker with cherry blossoms:

Since we're doing a month-long staycation in Washington, D.C., I love the iconic cherry blossoms on this bag - and especially this year because the delicate blossoms pulled through some rough weather against all odds, just like a good marriage (awww...).

Get Practical, but Stay Pretty

It's not fun to think about body odor, but trust - you do not want to be caught without a few ways to freshen up. Still, you can make this process fun by choosing out-of-the-ordinary items. I packed a lovely little deodorant, some antibacterial wipes, my perfume in a travel size, and my favorite mints:

Skincare with Flair

Long days and nights of dancing, being outside, sweating, laughing and crying can take a toll on your skin, so it's important to have a few tricks in your bag. My favorite makeup remover sticks from Almay are a must for cleaning up mascara smudges and travelling lip gloss; I also use them to remove concealer, but more on that later. Keep a multi-purpose balm on hand for lip balm, to groom brows, hydrate cuticles, and a myriad of other uses. A refreshing facial mist keeps you glowing and looking awake, and an eye cream - especially in roller ball from - tightens and brightens. Finally, I have to have a luxurious hand cream:

Makeup Must-Haves

It goes without saying that you should have your lipstick or gloss on hand, but I think it's important to also keep some concealer with you, too. Remember those makeup remover sticks? When your under-eye concealer starts looking a little crazy, just use them to remove everything under your eyes, apply some of your eye cream, and tap on a fresh layer of concealer. This trick will instantly refresh your entire look! Finally, have a pretty powder compact with a mirror so you can touch up anywhere as well as have something to set your concealer. If you're dry like me, and powder doesn't look the best, take advantage of the new blurring technologies to set your makeup.

~~~

I think having a special bag filled with some of your favorite beauty items is such an affordable indulgence because you're not only giving yourself permission to feel beautiful, but you're creating memories as well - whenever you use that lipstick or inhale that perfume, you'll relive some of life's most precious moments. And while it's important to treat yo self, remember that the best makeup is a sincere smile; so even if you aren't a bride, it's the perfect time to do a little beauty spring cleaning and update your makeup bag.

Have an incredible week, and please stay in touch @ElectraLane on Instagram!

Images c/o Author and Google Images

Sheet Masks 101

If you've wondered why a bunch of people on social media are running around looking like Hannibal Lecter, let me explain. Korean skincare is pretty much the standard; Korean women have some of the most beautiful skin you've ever seen thanks to skincare routines with 11 steps or more. While we tend to look at a face mask as a maybe-weekly indulgence, cleansing, toning, masks, and facial massage are just a few among the many daily rituals performed. I had the pleasure of studying with a beautiful facialist from Korea, and she taught me that we only get one set of skin so we must take impeccable care of it.

Just like the recent commercial burst of Eastern health practices (yoga, Ayurveda, meditation...) , Eastern skincare is having its bright and shiny moment. With so many great skincare options popping up everywhere, including the corner drugstore, now is the perfect time to reinvent your own skincare routine - and sheet masks are a fantastic way to start.

Like a regular mask, a sheet mask delivers a hefty dose of potent ingredients to the deep layers of the skin. Unlike a regular mask, however, a sheet mask also provides a protective barrier so that the air doesn't absorb any of the moisture you want in your skin, and basically pushes all the good stuff deeper into your skin.

When should you use a sheet mask? As a part of your morning or evening skincare routine, before a night out, as a weekly refresh for your skin, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. Each mask has a different purpose, so if you want to brighten, tighten, lighten or hydrate, there's a mask for that.

I found an amazing company called FaceTory that offers a mask subscription service - I get 4 masks a month for just under $6 (which is amazing since a Sephora brand mask is $6 for one!). If you'd like to try any of their products or sign up for a subscription, here's a link for 10% off: http://facetory.refr.cc/jessicay.

Finally, I put together a little demo to show you just how to use a sheet mask. Please check it out and give it a *like* if you enjoyed it. Also, don't forget to subscribe to this blog so you never miss new tips, products, and makeup insider info. See you next week!