Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Creme in Tahini - swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I'm a big fan of the Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme, so naturally (eventually) I had to try the concealer: the Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Creme. Just like the foundation, the concealer is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. Check out my before & after and full review below.

Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Creme
Shade: Tahini

 

Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Creme Info & Review

Cost: $32.00 (0.16 oz full size)
Availability: Available on the Becca website, at Sephora, at Ulta, and everywhere else Becca Cosmetics are sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

PRODUCT DETAILS...

Uniquely lightweight, this creme delivers a high concentration of pigment and emollients for a undetectable, crease-proof coverage without a sticky or cakey feel.

High concentrations of pigment completely cover dark circles, imperfections, redness and hyperpigmentation. Rich emollients provide lightweight, undetectable, crease-proof coverage. Medium to full coverage (buildable).

Currently available in 12 shades.


MY REVIEW...

I love the Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme so trying the concealer that goes along with it was just a matter of time. I think what held me back was selecting my shade. I wanted to be in person to do it and I was trying to avoid Sephora so I don't over spend. But inevitably I was in Sephora and heard someone else rave about this concealer, so that was my cue to go ahead and get it (I can tell myself that, right? Sure. Let's pretend that makes it okay... anyway....).

I chose the shade Tahini, which is one of their light shades. It's a great match for my skintone, but not very brightening under the eyes since it is such a close match. It does a good job at covering up my dark circles, and you can also conceal blemishes with this.

This is a very thick, creamy concealer - so a little goes a long way. For application, I prefer a brush or my fingers. I tried using a Beauty Blender to blend this out under the eyes and just wasn't happy with it. I felt it sheer'd it out far too much and with how thick this concealer is, I didn't want to build it up. A brush or finger application gives you perfect coverage and blends great.

I also find this is a very emollient concealer - similar to how the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye is... so for me, I need to set this with a powder and I recommend that you do as well. Although, it's supposed to be crease-proof and I feel it is. I find if I use too much it will leave that tacky feeling, but if you run into that issue just use less next time because a tiny bit goes a long way with this concealer!

I like this concealer, but I'm not sure how crazy I am about it as far as if I would repurchase. I'll have to see how I feel after using this up completely. I have repurchased the foundation many times... I've gone through about 4 bottles of that. It's a staple for me because of the coverage and lasting power. I feel like the concealer should be a twin sister to the foundation, and work just as wonderfully and live up to the expectations... instead it feels more like a cousin of the foundation... it's still family, but it definitely comes from a different mother or father.

I think the shade selection is pretty good, especially for those with deeper skintones. For those with fairer skintones you may find these too dark. I think I could go a shade lighter if I wanted to brighten/highlight - such as using the shade Banana -  but for now I'll work with Tahini and just add a brightener on top if I feel it's necessary.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this concealer? Have you tried this, or would you consider adding this to your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below!

xoxo with love & beauty,
Crystal Valentine

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone & Shimmer Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold - pics, swatches, review, comparison

Hello, Beautiful!

All the hype I've heard is completely true; the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors are AMAZING. I have one of the liquid versions to show you in this post - in the shade Moonstone - as well as one of their pressed versions, in the shade Rose Gold - a limited edition holiday shade. I also recently acquired a mini liquid version in Opal as a free sample from Sephora - and to no surprise, I loved that one as well. These highlighters are holy grail status and I wish the photos could show you how gorgeous these are, but I'll let you know right now that these photos don't do any justice to the beauty of these highlighters. I plan to do a video review with live swatches on my YouTube channel soon. For now, check out my full review on each version - liquid and pressed - as well as all the product info, after the pics!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (liquid)
Shade: Moonstone

 

 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (liquid) Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $41.00 (1.7 fl oz full size). Available on the Becca Cosmetics website, at Sephora, and everywhere else Becca Cosmetics are sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

A sheer, creme-liquid that perfects skin with ultra-fine light-reflecting pearls for a soft, natural glow. The ultra-fine light-reflecting pearls that melt into your skin for polished, natural-looking radiance. Water-light and sheer, it has a prismatic effect that allows it to adjust in any light so your refined glow is never lost.

Antioxidants A, B, D, & E guard against daily damage caused by free radicals. Contains soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients. Avocado oil is emollient and an antioxidant. Witch hazel tights skin and reduces inflammation and redness while aloe extract soothes the skin. Dermatologically tested. For use on face or body.

Aside from using this as a subtle highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bones, you can use this all-over face before you apply your foundation. You can apply before your primer, mix with your primer, or even mix with your foundation or tinted moisturizer for an all-over radiant glow. You an also mix a couple pumps into your lotion to give your body an all-over soft glow.

As I mentioned at the start of this post, I am crazy in love with this highlighter! It is simply put, the most gorgeous highlight I have EVER used on my face.

I have the full size in the shade Moonstone - which is what I show in this post - but I recently got a mini tube from a Sephora order in the shade Opal and wow is that also gorgeous! I'll be featuring both in an upcoming YouTube video!

I can't even say enough good things about this highlighter. I know it's $41, but after you use it you'll never waste money on another highlighter again. In fact, i've hardly touched any other highlighter in my collection since this came into my life and I find it hard to even want to use anything else. It looks natural and glowy without being glittery or over shimmery. It's just that PERFECT GLOW you want. Blends into skin beautifully too.

I do find that one pump is too much if you're only looking to highlight cheekbones and brow bones - like I usually do, so I try to do a half pump. I don't like to waste the product so I will use any left overs on my collar bone, inner corners of my eyes, even down the bridge of my nose. Before I started to do half-pumps and I still did a full pump, I would take the extra product and put it in a sample jar and re-use that extra the following day -- which is another option for you if you don't want to waste any product. The mini tube of the shade Opal I got with a Sephora order is a lot easier to control how much product comes out, so I almost wish the full size came in a tube rather than a pump - but I've figured out ways to make it work.

There are four shades in total:  Moonstone, Opal, Topaz and Pearl.

The descriptions of the shades are:

• Moonstone: pale gold
• Opal: golden opal pearl
• Topaz: golden bronze pearl
• Pearl: white pearl

I love Moonstone and Opal -- I think they are pretty comparable and similar on my skintone, but still different. I would say Moonstone and Opal are your go-to shades if you're unsure of what to get. If you're looking for a bronze glow then go with Topaz. I haven't swatched Pearl yet so I really can't comment on that shade.

Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this highlighter. It is GORGEOUS. If you're not into liquid highlighters then check out Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed -- same great beautiful highlight shades but in a pressed version.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (pressed)
Shade: Rose Gold

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (pressed) Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $ (1 fl oz full size). Available on the Becca Cosmetics website, at Sephora and everywhere else Becca Cosmetics are sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

A sequel to the cult favorite liquid Shimmering Skin Perfector, this creamy powder luminizer is like crushed gemstones in a compact.

Refined luminosity in any light. This formula features ultra-fine luminescent pearls that absorb, reflect and refract light so your natural glow is never lost. Unlike the traditional pressed powder method, which simply mixes and compresses dry ingredients, this unique process blends pigments with proprietary liquid binders, resulting in unparalleled, creamy application with balanced color dispersion.

This formula features multi-toned, ultra-fine pigment pearls that adjust to skin's natural undertones. Formulated without parabens.

Currently available in three shades, plus the limited edition Rose Gold that I have in this post. The other shades are: Moonstone, Opal and Topaz -- and they are the same shades as the liquid version, just pressed powder.

This gorgeous pressed powder version of Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector (the original is a liquid) is as beautiful on the skin as it is in the compact! The Rose Gold shade is a limited edition Holiday 2013 shade - so get it while you can if you're interested!

I do find that the Rose Gold shade on my skintone works more as a blush highlight rather than a highlight like I use the original in Moonstone for, but I can make it work - it's just not as everyday for me as Moonstone is. It makes a gorgeous eyeshadow too! Gives your skin a rose gold glow - so pretty!

This has a soft, creamy, silky texture to it that blends out beautifully. I do find that this has more shimmer to it than the liquid version that I have, so maybe that's why I don't find it as everyday for me but you may love it.

If you're not into liquid highlighters then these are the perfect option for you. The powder versions may be better suited for those that wear powder foundations - like Bare Minerals, for example - and who prefer to skip liquids. I personally prefer the liquid version, but everyone has their preferences. I still think Becca's pressed version of their Shimmering Skin Perfector is the best pressed powder highlight I'd tried as well. Becca knows what they're doing when it comes to giving your skin a natural, perfect glow!



My Comparison & Thoughts on Both...
So what is the difference and which is right for you - liquid or powder?

I'll start by saying both products are beautiful and you can't go wrong with either of them. The one I've been using more on a daily basis is the liquid version in Moonstone; it has absolutely stolen my heart and I've fallen hard for it and left my other highlighters tucked away in their drawer. However, at the same time, I think the Rose Gold pressed version is gorgeous too! I have swatched the Moonstone shade in the pressed version and it's next on my list.

I personally think a lot comes down to your makeup preference. Some people like to use all powder foundations - like Bare Minerals, as an example - and if you're a powder product type of gal, then you'll love the pressed version of Becca's beautiful highlighters. Also great if you like to apply your highlight after you've set your foundation with a powder or if you find you have very oily skin and avoid liquid and creams.

If you like to use liquid or cream foundations, then you may prefer the liquid version. I think the liquid version is more versatile - as you can mix it in with your foundation or even your moisturizer/tinted moisturizer/BB Cream/CC Cream, etc. - in addition to just apply it to your face. You can wear it under your foundation, and it doesn't matter why formula of foundation you apply on top.

The only downside to the liquid is you shouldn't apply a liquid over powder products - so if you do like to use a powder foundation and want the liquid, then I would recommend using the liquid before your foundation. You'll still get a glow from the product, even under foundation - but of course if you want a more noticeable glow/highlight rather than a subtle look then you'll want to apply it after your foundation.

I have used both as an eyeshadow for a natural eye look and they're pretty on the eyes - I do find the pressed Rose Gold has more pigmentation to it as an eyeshadow. You can also use both products on the body too - although not sure how well they will stay on your skin and not transfer, but still gorgeous for a night out. Use on your collar bone and shoulders if you plan to wear a sleeveless dress or top! Also could use on your legs to make them look extra glowy and gorgeous.

Comparing the shades I have, Moonstone works better for my skintone as an everyday highlight shade. Rose Gold has more shimmer to it and slightly more pigmentation. However, I did swatch Moonstone in the pressed version at Sephora and thought it was just as pretty as the liquid version so maybe just the Rose Gold one has more shimmer -- hard to tell unless they are all in front of me at the same time.

But like I mentioned already, you really can't go wrong with either one - they are both gorgeous formulas that look natural and beautiful on the skin. I love them both! The hard part for you will be deciding which formula - liquid or pressed - is right for you.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of these highlighters? Do you prefer the liquid or the pressed version? Have you tried them or are they on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Becca The One Perfecting Brush - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Becca has just come out with a new brush, and it's pretty large in size and may have you wondering how in the world do I use this thing? Well let me tell you, this brush is great! Can replace these 10 tools: foundation, powder, contour, bronzer, stipple, blush, fan, and concealer brushes, kabuki, and sponge -- speeding up your makeup application. I started by using this for applying my contour - and it does an amazing job at that - but then I played around with using it for my foundation and powder too. Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

Becca The One Perfecting Brush

Becca The One Perfecting Brush Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $49.00. Available on the Becca website, at Sephora, and everywhere else Becca cosmetics are sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

A bouquet of brushes in One Perfecting Brush! A true beauty multi-tasker, The One Perfecting Brush takes the guesswork out of brush work. Cuts makeup application in half by replacing these 10 tools: foundation, powder, contour, bronzer, stipple, blush, fan, and concealer brushes, kabuki, and sponge.

From start to finish, primer to powder, The One Perfecting Brush can be used with liquids, creams, powders and anything in between. Non-porous, high-quality goat hair allows product to sit on top of bristles rather than absorbing, ensuring a seamless application with no wasted product.

Target specific areas with your favorite highlighter for an air brushed effect. Contour with powders, creams or liquids for sculpted perfection. Build and layer foundations and setting powders for smooth, natural coverage. Offers versatility and precision for a perfected look in seconds. The Becca website has a great list of how to use this brush.

Products can be applied without having to clean between uses - allowing you to go from liquids to powders with ease. Works well for layering liquid or powders over foundation application. Pairs well with all Becca foundation formulas, Shimmering Skin Perfectors (liquid or pressed), and Beach Tint.

I'll start by commenting on the size and shape of this brush - it's unlike anything I have in my brush collection and it's pretty large, yet easy to hold and easy to use. It's bristles are soft too.

I originally started using this brush to apply my contour and bronzer, which I think is a great first-place to go with this if you're a little unsure about how to use it. It applies my contour to my cheeks like a dream - almost too perfect, if there is such a thing! I would dip the one end of the brush in my contour shade and apply to my cheek bones and blend down. The rest of the brush (without the product on it) would pull it and blend it so beautifully. I put a pic of me using this to apply my contour on my Instagram page.

Then I decided it was time to try it out with foundation - which seemed like the one use for this I was most nervous about. However, I was amazed at how well it applied my liquid foundation. Blended it nicely and you could stipple it on too if you needed to do so. Then I applied my powder foundation and same thing - easy to use and it was FAST.

One thing I want to point out is this brush made applying my foundation and powder foundation super fast - it's a claim I thought was completely true. They also say you don't have to clean this brush in between products, and while that scared me, I did it anyway and I had no issues. I would still spot clean between uses (day to day) if you plan to use several products with this same brush, but overall it worked flawlessly.

I know this brush isn't cheap, but it's a brush that can work for multiple uses in your makeup routine - really making it several brushes in one. It's great quality and really did speed up my makeup routine. I am going crazy over this brush - it's been so much fun to use and it's unique in shape and size. I know some people were asking if it was similar to the NARS Ita Brush - which I don't own but have seen in person and read up about. They are both made from goat hair and they look similar, but the Becca brush is much larger and much more full in bristles. I'd say the NARS Ita Brush is mostly good for contour and maybe blending, but the Becca The One Perfecting Brush is good for many uses. If you're trying to decide between the two I'd recommend the Becca The One Perfecting Brush. I can honestly say I haven't been this impressed with a makeup brush in I don't know how long!

I'm in love with the Becca The One Perfecting Brush and would definitely recommend!!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this multi-tasker brush? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.