I'm always on the look out for new types of make-up and creams.  BB Creams, beauty balms or blemish balms, are gaining some traction stateside.  It's already a hit in Asia, but these creams are truly the multi-tasker of make-ups.  These lightweight creams contain SPF, work to moisturize, conceal, and treat skin in one single, simple step.  Essentially, it is mean to minimize the need for concealer and foundation by camouflaging lines and imperfections.  There are tons of brands who are now including this product in their lines and some even coming to a drug store.  I'm a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer devotee, but I may have to check these BB Creams out!

The other day I spent a lovely Sunday morning at Sephora working with one of their make-up artists to play with new product and get some recommendations.  I often find myself in a make-up rut and I love to try out new product and see what works best for me and my skin.

What I tried:

• Make-up For Ever HD Foundation, Primer, & Powder: Exclusive to Sephora, this brand is designed with a photo finish in mind.  Overall, I really liked the brand, but it was a lot more make up than I was used to.  It blended well and looked great on.  

                       Verdict: I might purchase it for use on bigger events, but definitely not everyday.

• NARS Laguna and Orgasm: Laguna as a bronzer and Orgasm as a blush.  The makeup artist who I worked with did a lot more contouring than I am used to and it looked fantastic.  I have NO idea how to re-create the look (although she did instruct me as to how), but I will be YouTubing in the future to get a better understanding.  

                     Verdict: I already use Orgasm and would consider Laguna as a supplement bronzer to my

• Benefit They're Real Mascara: I've been hearing a lot of hype about this mascara and it really was excellent; however, I'm hooked on Mary Kay's Lash Love.  

                     Verdict: Definitely not switching.

• Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio - Auto Expose: I loved how this eye shadow looked with my eye color.  It is also fool proof to apply with great coverage and lasting ability.

                     Verdict: Purchased

• Buxom in Dolly: Every year I resolve that I will pay more attention to my lips.  I will wear lipstick more.  And every year, I fail.  This year, I took a step in purchasing a lip color and gloss that I adore.  Not only that but this brand plumps your lips and makes them look fuller.

                     Verdict: Purchased

• Make-up For Ever Lip Line Aqua Lip (3C): I suffer from imperfect lips: my top lip is thin and my bottom lip is full.  Therefore having to add an extra umphf to my upper lip is a must.

                     Verdict: Purchased

• Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation: This an an all-natural brand that works to reverse spots, aging, etc.  I really liked the light formula.  My make-up artist sent me home with a sample and so far it has worked really well with my skin type.

                    Verdict: Will purchase later once my current daytime moisturizer runs out.

• Philosophy Eye Hope Eye Cream: I liked the consistency and I think I do need to up my game as far as eye care is concerned-my dark circles are only going to get worse from here!

                    Verdict: Seriously considering purchasing later.

• Sephora by OPI Nail Color: I've been looking for a rainbow glitter top coat for a while and happily found it in Sephora.

                    Verdict: Purchased

• Bumble & Bumble Styling Creme: An old standby of mine that I love and couple with Josie Maran Oil product.  This time of year my fly-aways are a little out of control so I need this additional help to power through.

                    Verdict: Purchased