Category: Allure

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A styling cream for wavy and curly hair

WHAT IT DOES:
Smooths, defines, and conditions waves and curls

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Argan oil (smooths); glycol stearate and hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol (condition)

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
This thick white cream smells slightly like talcum powder.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
It tames frizz but doesn’t leave hair feeling stiff or crunchy—though it may be too heavy for fine curls.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A black liquid eyeliner

HOW IT FEELS/LOOKS:
The tapered brush tip draws lines smoothly without skipping or tugging on the lids.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
The richly pigmented formula goes on inky and stays glossy for hours after application. The tapered brush tip makes it easy to paint on a thin or thick line that won’t smudge or flake.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A sweet-scented body scrub

WHAT IT DOES:
Exfoliates and softens skin

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Microparticles (exfoliate); glycerin, soy glycine protein, fommes officinalis, and vitamin E (moisturize)

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
This dense scrub smells like caramel and white musk and is packed with exfoliating granules.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
The scrub is grainy enough to buff away rough patches thoroughly, but it doesn’t feel scratchy or leave skin pink or raw. Post shower, the body feels amazingly soft and smooth.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A shimmery brown water-resistant cream eye shadow

HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS:
This chocolate brown shadow has tiny gold flecks and feels velvety on skin.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
It stays put all day without creasing. The metallic shade can be worn as a sheer wash during the day or layered under powder shadow for a more dramatic evening look.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A leave-on facial peel for all skin types

WHAT IT DOES:
Exfoliates, softens, and brightens skin

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Glycolic acid (exfoliates); propylene glycol and glycerin (moisturize)

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
This clear gel glides onto skin and fully absorbs after about a minute; it has a lemony scent (with a hint of alcohol).

WHY WE LIKE IT:
The potent exfoliating acid works on all skin types overnight; you’ll wake up with noticeably brighter, smoother skin, without irritation.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A face and body oil

WHAT IT DOES:
Moisturizes extremely dry skin and helps reduce the appearance of scars

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Vitamin A and E (even skin tone); calendula, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile oils (hydrate and soothe)

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
This orange-colored oil smells powdery and feels slightly greasy.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
It hydrates extra-dry skin and makes acne scars and stretch marks less noticeable. Apply it before bed, as this oil takes a while to absorb. And if you’re prone to breakouts, apply only a dab, rubbing the oil between your hands and gently patting the skin.

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A tinted moisturizer with sunscreen

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Titanium dioxide (sunscreen)

HOW IT FEELS/LOOKS:
The oil-free formula is lightweight and provides sheer coverage.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
This BB cream is a great multitasker: It protects against damaging UV rays, masks minor imperfections, and evens out skin tone. It’s available in five shades.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

A pressed-powder bronzer

HOW IT FEELS/LOOKS:
The bronzer is shimmer-free and comes in a mirrored compact.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
This highly pigmented matte bronzer warms up all complexions, giving a beachy glow without any orange undertones or tacky glitter.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
An exfoliating body wash

WHAT IT DOES:
Cleans, moisturizes, and smooths skin

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine (cleanse); polyethylene (exfoliates); glycerin, glycine soja oil, and helianthus annuus seed oil (moisturize)

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
This thick, golden-brown cream contains tiny buffing beads and smells like warm amber and vanilla.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
The creamy body wash produces a luxurious lather, and the small beads gently slough away dead skin. It smells good enough to eat, but the scent left behind isn’t overpowering.

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas

Read this post on allure.com here.

WHAT IT IS:
A mineral-based pressed powder foundation with sunscreen

HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS:
The solid powder comes in a mirrored compact and feels silky on skin.

WHY WE LIKE IT:
You can build coverage from sheer to full without it looking or feeling cakey. The powder is best suited for sensitive and oily skin, so skip it if yours is dry (it can make your skin feel a little tight).

AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012

—Renee Trilivas