This year the iPhone 5 was released around the same time the cosmetics industry witnessed the release of several new highly anticipated products. One represents an amazing feat in innovation technology that will revolutionize our lives. The other is a phone. If only those who waited in line outside of the Apple stores camping out for days subsisting on potato chips and disposable adult diapers hoping that they may be one of the few to actually receive a phone knew of the simultaneous release of these amazing new beauty products, Sephora would assuredly anticipate a week long camp out of die hard groupies.
From skin to cosmetics, here are this year’s truly noteworthy breakthroughs:
1) KATE SOMERVILLE IllumiKate CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Arguably the only Western version of a CC cream to actually perform the way Korean CC creams do so well, this multifunctional tinted complexion correcting cream protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays while minimizing imperfections with buildable coverage. Broad spectrum SPF 50+ protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays while known brightening agents arbutin, licorice extract, and natural amino acids help improve and even out skintone for more luminous, younger-looking skin over time. Available in four tones ranging from fair to tan, this all in one wonder fuses Kate Somerville’s dermalogic prowess with the hottest trend in skin coverage today. ($48-www.sephora.com)
2) LANCÔME DreamTone Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector
When Lady Macbeth screamed “Out out damn spot!” she was undoubtedly referring to this new generation of customized skin tone correcting serums. With formulas for fair, medium and dark skins, this powerful skin tone correcting serum targets imperfections and leaves skin looking flawless. Dark spots and blemishes will appear diminished, color imperfections and redness will be reduced, and the look of sallowness will be replaced by a warm, peachy glow. After about two weeks of daily application, my skin did indeed look smooth, beautiful, and healthy and my lifelong loathed freckles actually faded significantly. Like Macbeth, this serum is destined to become a classic. ($98-www.sephora.com)
3) Soothe Dermal Repair Balm by Epicuren Discovery
The best one hit wonder to reach America since Jesse’s Girl, this balm puts the salvation in salve! Ease your dry, sensitive skin with this luxuriously rich and deeply moisturizing botanical balm. Enriched with a symphony of immediate and long-term calming and protective ingredients to allow your skin to recover and create a balanced, healthy appearing complexion. Although best applied at night due to its highly emollient consistency, this skin balm repairs whatever curveballs life throws at our complexions. ($65-www.alphabeauty.com)
4) Murad Hybrids® Eye Lift Illuminator
And we thought hybrid technology was limited to unattractive compact cars….this hybrid formula by veteran dermatologist turned skintrepreneur Dr. Murad instantly brightens the eye area with this neutralizing violet formula. In addition, this magic wand increases skin firmness by 50% in 15 minutes while minimizing the appearance of dark circles. Who needs plastic surgery when you can carry this wonder wand in your little black clutch? ($35-www.murad.com)
Cosmetics:
1) Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lip and Cheek Color in “Flirty Kiss”
Some Australian exports we can live without-namely Mel Gibson. However this little beauty from down under is downright fantastic! Aussie brand Mirenesse is known for their bold glossy hues and extreme wearability and this bold yet sophisticated hue is a foolproof way to add polish to any ensemble. Hours of comfort and hydration are reasons enough to invest in this product but wait that is not all! Each pencil doubles as a dreamy cheek stain…I have been singing “I come from the land down under” for the past two weeks ever since I received this little mate. ($26.55-www.birchbox.com)
2) MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in “Pink Beige”
This ultrapigmented, long-lasting waterproof cream combines the highest-quality pigments with mother of pearl particles to give immediate rich color payoff with a luminous finish in just one application. The perfect glistening pink gold to ensure wearability on eyes, lips and cheeks, this long-lasting formulation will not crease or smudge under the most extreme conditions and its creamy and elastic texture allows for easy blending. For those of us with less than five minutes to transform from beast to beauty in the morning, this shade is perfection-subtle enough for office wear with youthful shimmer and huge color payout to make us feel pretty even covered in baby spit up and steak grease. ($23-www.sephora.com)
3) ELLIS FAAS Light in “Lilac”
More than just a highlighter, this stunning liquid color dries upon application and gives the illusion of having a small metallic sheet on the eyelid. This formula is so good it actually stays on for hours without any creasing whether worn alone or as a base for another layer of eye shadow. Endurance and huge color payout are worth the investment in this silver bullet and since Ellis Faas herself is from Amsterdam, this little wonder won’t go up in smoke. ($42-www.sephora.com)
