I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a party debuting Benefit’s FIRST liquid foundation last week. I was familiar with their powder foundations, as well as concealers, but was excited to try their newest creation. At the event, I walked pass a sign that caught my attention: One small step for complexion, one giant leap for perfection! Okay, I’m hooked.

I sat down with one of the many talented Benefit makeup artists and proceeded to be “swatched”. They have nine shades, I was Champagne. She first prepped my skin with their The POREfessional primer balm ($29.00). This product is the bomb if you have large pores like myself. It smoothed the way for the foundation to go on flawlessly. Then she used the eye cream It’s Potent! ($32.00) Boy, was this potent. When she was done with my foundation, I asked her, What concealer did you use? She told me NONE. Just the eye cream. Give me one! I need this stuff!! So that was just two products right there and I was NOT leaving without them.

Okay, back to the main product, Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup. Just a few pumps and it seamlessly spread over my face to create a gorgeous canvas. I had a few trouble spots so she was able to layer in order to give me the coverage I needed without looking cakey. I looked in the mirror, and boy did I look brighter! It’s also oil-free, so you combo/oily gals need not to worry. Then, with a dusting of Dallas face powder/bronzer ($28.00), I was ready to go out for a night on the town!

Some other great facts about this foundation:

Oil-Free, SPF 25
Helps to boost cellular respiration for a “plumping effect”
Contains Vitamin C and E derivatives known to prevent signs of aging

For $34.00, you can’t let this product get away…

This product will be available:

March 2012 at major retailers
February 2nd on HSN
Feb 15th at www.benefitcosmetics.com

If you are in the Tri–state area, be sure to stop by the Benefit Boutique located at 454 West Broadway @Prince St in New York City! Click to see our review of its grand opening!

- makeup artist, Erin Sutera

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FOUNDATION: Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15. A lot of other name brands that we have tried, tended to leave our skin looking dry in patches and dull. This new formula provides translucency and also shine free coverage.

The formula in the product consists of vitamins and minerals that moisturize and condition the skin leaving the finished look silky and smooth. Available at all Bobbi Brown counters for $ 38.00 or go to www.bobbibrown.com. The Face Brush is $ 42.00 and the Powder Puff is $ 15.00.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15 The new All-Smooth Makeup with SPF 15 incorporates the brand’s advanced patented technology from the powerhouse de-aging serum, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus.

It wears well on the skin, goes on without any fuss, and is easy to blend with your fingers (see pics HERE). It retails for $32.50.

CONCEALER:  Maybelline’s new Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer gets our two thumbs up in terms of dramatic transformation.

Since it is marketed as a treatment concealer, it also works to correct the problem over the long haul — a major plus. Application is easy thanks to the sponge tip applicator and Maybelline has all skin tones covered offering shades from fair to medium to dark.   Check out the Before & After photos HERE.

For $8.49, this is a good concealer to have. The bottle ensures you’ll have this for a long time — at least 3-4 months. Purchase this in drugstores or online retailers.

MASCARA:  L’Oreal’s Voluminous Million Lashes mascara.

This mascara actually lives up to it’s claims-it provides volume and separates lashes with each swipe of the brush (see Before & After photos HERE). The brush has many bristles (more than I’ve ever seen!) that provides a good coat that lasts throughout the day. Not only does this mascara provide amazing results but it’s also available at an affordable price-can’t beat that ladies!

Hypnôse Doll Mascara

Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara does give you doll-like lashes, and they do become shiny. There’s more of a lengthening effect than a plumping effect (see Before & After photos HERE), so if you want volume, this is not the mascara for you. But if you’re going for definition, shine and length, then yes –I’d give this two thumbs up. Grab one for $25 at Lancome.com.

LIPSTICK / GLOSS: MAC Glamglass

If you want to make a statement, you certainly will with M.A.C.’s  Glamglass which launched in the Summer of 2011. This moisturizing gloss leaves lips silky while providing an intense shine. With 11 shades to choose from (see them all HERE) each retailing for $14.50, there’s something for every event. I certainly don’t see this product leaving my make up bag any time soon!

NAIL POLISH: Chanel and Zoya

Chanel Mimosa could have been Summer 2011′s IT nail polish color. This gorgeous shade looks beautiful on all skin complexions and makes a perfect pedicure color.

Zoya’s Touch was the ultimate ‘Business Professional’ collection. These three soft nude shades reach opaque finishes with only one coat making it perfect for busy . See more hot nail polish pics HERE.

GIVEAWAY:  We want to share some of our faves with you so we are giving away FIVE L’Oreal’s Voluminous Million Lashes mascaras to lucky fans.  To enter, leave a comment below telling us what mascara you’ve been using in the past year.  We will pick a winner in a couple of weeks (US only please – we apologize to our International fans).  Good luck!!

ANNOUNCING WINNERS: 

Congratulations to:  Christina, Alina B, Joanne K., Tammy S. Jisue.  We just contacted you to get your mailing address. Thank you all for entering!

- Amelia Keith of PrettyInTheQueenCity.com and BeautyStat editorial staff

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Our second makeup competition is on!

We picked finalist based on the 2 categories below:

1) Full Face with makeup: this includes lips, foundation, eye shadow…the works.

2) Eyes Only (creativity and artistry encouraged).

We narrowed down the field by picking those who went for a Spring feel yet made it uniquely their own.

Okay, ready?  ………………………………. Below are the finalists! and click on the images to ENLARGE.

CATEGORY 1:  FULL FACE

Vote for Emily below.

Emily used: Lancome Ageless Mineral powder foundation, Bobbi Brown colour correcting concealer, Lancome Dual finish powder, Lancome Le crayon eye brow pencil in ‘Taupe’
Maybelline Eye shadow in ‘Silken Taupe’, Lancome Artliner, Lancome Hypnose Mascara in 01 black (waterproof), Mac Lipstick in ( Up The Amp)

Vote for Cherise below:

For Cherise’s “frosty eyes” look, she used Espresso eye shadow, Groundwork Paint Pot, Blanc Type eye shadow, Brun eye shadow, Carbon eye shadow, Dazzlelight eye shadow, Blacktrack Fluidline Eye liner gel, Smolder eye khol pencil, Peachtwist Sheertone Shimmer Blush, Extras…False lashes (#36), Duo Adhesive, Studio Fix Foundation, Mineralize Skinfinish Powder (over top of the foundation)
All MAC products

Vote for Nicole below:

To get this look, Nicole says “I LOVE Bare Escentuals Make-up, I swear by it! In both pictures I am wearing BE foundation and eyelid primers, BE Foundation, concealer, warmth and mineral veil. My eyes are done with BE eye shadows and Almay eyeliner and mascara.”

Vote for Chamallie below:

For this look, Chamallie says “For me Pinks and Lavenders are what spring is all about. I wanted to do something youthful, fresh and sophisticated at the same time. This is a look I’d rock having lunch in Miami with my girls on a perfect spring day.”

Vote for Torrie below:

For this look, Torrie says “It’s a fresh spring look with a warm glow!”  Torrie is wearing MAC studio sculpt in NC45, MAC mineralize skin finish in dark, Lorac bronzer, MAC blush in Ambering Rose, Dior Show Mascara in black, Urban Decay eye shadow in scratch, NYX eye shadow in champagne, Mark eye liner in cleo, and MAC eye liner in black track.

Vote for Jessica below:

For this look, Jessica says “I was going for a modern retro pin-up look with a (pink) spring twist”. She used black radiance complexion perfection shine control primer, e.l.f. clarifying pressed powder ‘spice’
l’oreal touch on colour ‘get down plum’, black liquid liner, rimmel london eyeshadow quad ‘smokey noir’, e.l.f. eyeshadow ‘wild wheat’, marykay eyeshadow ‘sugarplum’, lancome hypnose mascara ‘deep black’, jordana easy liner for lips ‘silver lilac’, e.l.f. lipstick ‘gypsy’, nyc liquid lipshine ‘fashion ave fuchsia’

Vote for Magali below:

For this look, Magali used:  foundation: black opal rich caramel, eyes: HIP l’oreal, lipstick: revelon, lipgloss: iman honey

Vote for Connie below:

For this look, Connie says “I went for the popular bold red orange lip with Mac’s Morange lipstick.  I’m also wearing cover girl lash blast volume, missha perfect cover m bb cream, and elf healthy glow bronzer in luminate”.

Vote for Katisha below:

For this look, Katisha says “this is what i call my signature look. i love a bold lip (usually hot pink, my fav color) and glowing skin. Not to mention i’m on trend since bold lips and cheeks are in for the spring!!!”

Vote for Mahogany below:

Vote for Lauren below:

For this look, Lauren says “Here is my spring look! I am loving the bright neon colors that are in this Spring, so I wanted to keep my eyes pretty monochromatic but of course glamorous with big lashes. Then I focused color on my lips with this hot pink matte look.”  Lauren used Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Face Primer, Almay pure blends foundation in neutral, DiorShow Airflash Foundation, Physician’s Formula Healthy Bronzer in Medium, Auraline Beauty pink blush from Natural Palette
MAC Brow Shader in Walnut, MAC Brow gel in clear, NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact for Brown Eyes and Green Eyes, MAC Paint Pot eyeliner in Black, False Lashes from Forever21, NYC New York Color ShowTime Volumizing Mascara, MAC LipErase, Auraline Beauty Lip Liner in Candy

CATEGORY 2:  EYES

Vote for Avi below:

For this look, Avi used:  *MAC PROLONGWEAR NC45, *MAC MSF MEDIUM/DEEP, *JESSE’S GIRL EYEDUST “SUNLIT CACTUS”, *L’OREAL HIP IN “PERKY” (ONLY GREEN), *TOO FACED SHADOW INSURANCE CANDLELIGHT, *ELF CLEAR LIPGLOSS, *ELF BLUSH IN BLUSHING ROSE

Vote for Kissable Lips below:

Vote for Leslie below:

Vote for Taneisha below:

For this look, Taneisha says “I  have done a bright purple eye with green Liner on the rim of the eye, all Mac products.  I also have a bronze eye, with cobalt blue liner on the rim, and its Mac products also. I also tried a purple eye with black liner, and blue lepoard spots made with Blue Atlantic e/s/

Vote for Sherry below:

Vote for Amy below:

For this look, Amy says “A look I did using all Beauty From The Earth minerals. My inspiration was a beautiful island sunset!”

Now it’s your time to vote.  Simply post a comment below telling us who you vote for.  Please only vote for 1 person per category.  And you may vote for yourself.

Good luck ladies!  We will be picking a winner by Wednesday, April 13th.

Remember, the winner will receive a beauty hamper worth $300, and the runner up will receive a beauty hamper worth $200.

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Neutrogena is a brand that we’ve grown up with.  We know them as the “Dermotologist Recommended” line that is famous for it’s pioneering anti-aging skincare products, fast-acting anti-acne products and even it’s new natural, purifying cleansers.  But did you know that they have a fast-growing makeup line too?  We asked one of our expert evaluators to test drive the mineral powder and show us the results (with photos!)

Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder is the first and only gentle powder to blend soothing minerals with MicroClear® technology that cuts quickly through oil to speed the delivery of maximum-strength acne medicine straight to the source of breakouts. SkinClearing Mineral Powder works quickly to treat and help prevent breakouts blemishes without the dryness or flakiness of other acne treatments.

This is Antonella before she tried the powder (click on the images to enlarge).

Below, Antonella is wearing Neutrogena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder in Natural Ivory #20.

She says the color really blended nicely with her skin tone.  She will continue to use the product and report back as to how well it prevented breakouts.  But she definitely recommends this powder for normal to oily skin, since the powder is so good at oil absorbing. Antonella also recommends that you always apply concealer before powder. The powder on top sets the concealer (doing the reverse can make for a pasty uneven mess).

So tell us, will you be giving this powder a try?  Are you using a powder or foundation that helps prevent breakouts?   Post a comment below to be eligible to win a free anti-acne product.

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Red Carpet Look:

Anne Hathaway’s red carpet look (the actress wore Red Valentine Couture) was one of our absolute favorites, in no small part because of her scarlet lip. Chanel’s celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee used the following on the actress:

Makeup Look: Thin black line with a defined socket and a deep rose lip stain. She used the Chanel foundation Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup in Limpide throughout the show.

Concelear: Kanebo Brush Type Concealer in CB 1 Light (used throughout show);

Powder: Cle de Peau Loose Translucent powder (used throughout show);

Cheek: CHANEL Powder Blush in Fandango (used throughout the show). To define cheek bones – Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium;

Eyes: Black line created with Bobbi Brown Long Wearing Gel Liner in Black Ink, socket defined with Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Truth;

Brow: Lightened eyebrows with Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette and filled gaps in with Anastasia long wearing brow tint in Universal Dark;

Lips: CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Rivoli – applied then powdered to appear matte.

In between changes Kate used By Terry Rose Salve to remove lip colors and keep lips fresh.

***Change time to show look: 90 minutes***

First Show Look: Givenchy Cream Dress with diamond details

Makeup Look: A bold line with a youthful lip

Eyes: Line thickened with Bobbi Brown Long Wearing Gel Liner in Black Ink. Diamante Lash clusters added – custom made by Kate Lee. Individual black diamante added by hand on top of the lashes.

Lip: Cle de Peau Lipstick in T1

***Change time to show look: 7 minutes***

Look # 2: Lavin Tuxedo

Makeup Look: A Sophia Loren style eyeliner under eye with a pale luminous lip

Eyes: Line added under eye with Bobbi Brown Cake Eye Liner in Black

Inside the eye lined with CHANEL Intense Eye Pencil inClair, and continued outside outer eye corners to enhance the separation of upper and lower lash line.

Lips: CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine Lip Colour in Evasion

***Change time to show look: 7 minutes***

Show Look #3: Vivienne Westwood black and white gown

Makeup Look: A moist pink lip with bold mascara

Eyes: Add CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara Noir on bottom lashes

Lips: CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine Lip Colour in Romance

***Change time to show look: 8 minutes***

Show Look #4: Oscar de la Renta Metallic Fringe dress

Makeup Look: Warm Glowing lip

Lips: NARS Lipstick in Promiscuous

Eye: NARS Soft Shadow Pencil in Hollywoodland in the inner corner of the eye

***Change time to show look: 17 minutes***

Show Look #5: Atelier Versace Wine colored dress

Makeup Look: A subtle blushed glossy lip

Lips: NARS Lip Gloss in Belize

***Change time to show look: 8 minutes***

Show Look #6: Armani Prive reflective column dress

Makeup Look: Bold Bright Matte Lips

Eye: CHANEL Intense Eye Pencil in Noir added to inner upper and lower lids.

Lip: CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Insolente

***Change time to show look: 15 minutes***

Show Look #7 FINALE: Tom Ford Broken Mirror Dress

Makeup Look: Glossy Smokey Eye with a sexy nude lip

Eyes: Darkest charcoal color from the Ombres Perlees de CHANEL palette blended from lash line to socket and melted away before the brow bone. Black line inside eye refreshed.

Lips: Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in Blush Nude

Tell us, which of these makeup looks do YOU like best?

And check out Anne’s many hairstyles HERE.

- Charu Suri

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M.A.C’s new Future Face is seriously all that: a powder, foundation and tinted moisturizer all in one. We’re about as tickled pink here as can be: think what a time saver this innovation is!

The Studio Careblend/ Pressed Powder blurs the line between skincare and makeup, and it has a pressed texture that makes skin truly beautiful. It’s all about sheer, even and soft coverage with seriously comforting properties to boot.

In the Future Face collection, you’ll also find a Studio Fix Fluid and Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 , just in case you have a reason to fill in the “gaps” in your foundation.

M.A.C. has launched so many foundation trailblazers of late, including the beloved Mickey Contractor collection and Cham Pale. We’re thrilled to see that the company is striving to leave no stone unturned when it comes to saving face. We at BeautyStat also believe that the foundation to a beautiful face starts with flawless skin.

Here’s what the entire launch entails:

STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15 FOUNDATION ($26.50)

STUDIO MOISTURE TINT SPF 15 ($29.50)

Medium Plus Tan beige; Dark Plus Neutral tan beige

BRUSHES

190 Foundation Brush ($32); 150 Large Powder Brush ($42)

STUDIO CAREBLEND/PRESSED ($23)

Light Soft pale beige; Light Plus Pale golden beige; Medium Soft creamy beige; Medium Plus Tan beige; Medium Dark Caramel beige; Medium Deep Rich golden tan; Dark Deep caramel; Dark Deep Rich golden bronze

Stay tuned for Before/ After pictures of Future Face. And let us know which of these gems you’ll be hauling home first.

- Charu Suri

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We here at BeautyStat have promised to give you the chance to win the hottest new beauty products to hit the market, and we are aiming to please. So without further adieu, below are the first set of winners for 2011 (winners chosen by random number generator).

And the winners of the Review & Giveaway: L’Oreal Paris’ New Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup

are: Patricia and Little Miss H. We emailed you both to claim your prize. Please reply back to us by this Friday evening.

And the winner of the (Giveaways): The Best Anti-Acne Routine for 2011 – Product Reviews

is: Stephanie. We emailed you already so please reply back with your mailing address to claim.

Winners, please reply back to us by end of day, Friday February 4th to claim your winnings.

If you did not win, don’t worry. See more exciting giveaways below:

Review & Giveaway: L’Oreal’s new Double Extend Illuminator Mascara

(Giveaway & Review) The Glamorous Vial of Well Being: 21 Drops Essential Oils

(Giveaway & Review) NAIR Debuts New Milk & Honey Roll-On Sugar Wax, Cool Gel, Men’s Depilatory

(Review, Swatches & Giveaway): L’Oreal One Sweep Eyeshadows

Bonus points by giving this post a LIKE and sharing it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

PLUS – Don’t forget to VOTE in our first EVER Makeup Contest. See link below.

BeautyStat’s Makeup Contest Top Finalists: VOTE for your Favorite

We’ll be giving you reviews of all products, bit by delicious bit, drop by drop. First, I wanted to talk to you about the company’s new Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup, which is part of the Studio Secrets Professional collection.

This is an air-whipped, lighter than a feather foundation that glides effortlessly on your skin. It has an airy base and the skin feels comfortable, as though its wearing a second skin. The formula is designed to smoothen imperfections, tackle fine pores like a champion, and erase dark spots with just one little dab.

The Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup uses the Mati-Crystal technology that promises to deliver a matte effect all day. When I tried the foundation, I was surprised at its lighter-than-ether texture. It’s LIGHTER than whipped cream, and full of silicone elastomers that enhance the silky, velvety properties of this makeup.

There’s a luminous (not oily) finish to this makeup, and the coverage lasts for several hours (for my oily skin, I had to do very minimal touch ups during the day).

Because it’s so lightweight, this Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup doesn’t even need a primer. It’s that good! It retails for $15.95 at drugstores.

It comes in 12 shades, even perfect for Snooki.

We are giving away two jars of the Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup to two lucky winners. Simply enter a comment below to be considered.  Bonus points for posting this link on your Facebook wall.

Plus check out our review and giveaway of the new L’Oreal Infallible Mascara.

- Charu Suri

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Powders, creams, liquids…my head is starting to spin at the options. There is a plethora of foundations calling the shelves of cosmetic stores their home. Foundations are meant to even out your skin tone and the first step in choosing the right foundation is determining your skin type.

Kim Kardashian always has a glow to her olive complexion which looks as smooth as butter and impeccable. I was thinking we can take some tips from her make-up, artist Joyce. Joyce shares her magic secrets she used to achieve Kim’s skin for her 30th birthday. Like any canvas, you have to prime the skin. Prior to applying Kim’s foundation, Joyce uses Givenchy’s Mister Mat Mattifying foundation primer. “I like to keep Kim’s overall skin to appear matte so I use Sheer Matte by NARS. Blend into the skin with a foundation brush for a flawless touch,” Joyce says.

For those that do not know, matte is when the skin has little or no shine. Oil-free and matte foundations better achieve this look. If someone has dry skin though, they may want to try a cream foundation otherwise their skin may look flaky. A great foundation for dry skin is Laura Mercier’s Creme Smooth Foundation, maintaining moisture in the skin without making it look oily. After your skin looks super fresh, it is time for some body shimmer.

Ms. California Girl, Katy Perry loves bronze and shimmer. For the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, Katy shined, literally; the light reflected off her toned legs. Katy was wearing Scott Barnes Body Bling on her legs: it comes in Platinum or Original. Keeping with the Victoria’s Secret theme, their Sexy Little Things Noir is great for that extra bit of sparkle. An added bonus is the scent; a blend nectarine, sultry amber and exotic cattelaya orchid.

The holidays is only another reason to sparkle!

- Nicole Iannitti, EyeLoveCosmetics.com

As a dark skinned lass, I’ve hunted for cosmetics like a CIA undercover agent, with the vain hope of snagging something that was my perfect shade. And you all know how impossible that can be.

Well, not too long ago, I fell in love with Iman Cosmetics and honestly I’ve been wearing these concealers on a daily basis. I feel they are one of the only lines that really understand that Indian skin really has yellow undertones and the available shades are beyond perfect.

Today, I want to discuss the richness and beauty of the Cover Creams. The texture, consistency and quality are second to none:

If you want something to erase those under eye shadows, puffiness or dark circles, these superheroes will truly protect you.

Available in two shades of Clay (medium and dark), two shades of Earth (medium and dark), and a light Sand these shades make the eye eclipse a thing of the past. Not only does it conceal, it protects and nourishes the skin with natural earth and marine minerals, botanical extracts like Goji Berry, Green Tea and Vitamin E. For Indian skins, I suggest the Clay concealers. For African American skins, Earth seems a suitable choice. For Mediterranean complexions, we definitely favor Sand.

They blend easily with the finger tips; or, of you’re particular, try using the Beauty Blender sponge. Here’s how they look on our bare hands:

These creams retail for $11.99 at Amazon.com.

Tell us, if you’re a dark skinned beauty, have you found the perfect concealer? Spill your secrets because we’re sure as heck nosy to know!

- Charu Suri

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