Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone on the left and MAC Strobe Cream on the right
Hmm… I wonder what Tabs is doing right now.
I’m typing this on my laptop at the little desk in my hotel room in Tahoe (Stateline, on the Nevada side of the lake) while El Hub quietly snores behind me like a husky, little angel. Between you and me…I’m hoping that my clacking on the keyboard wakes him up so that I can innocently ask him to go get me some coffee from the Starbucks in the lobby. 🙂
Tabs is back at the Novato offices of Makeup and Beauty Blog, probably working from his cat tower in the living room.
I bet he’s probably thinking (and laughing maniacally!) about how he woke me up early yesterday…
At exactly 4 a.m., he stealthily approached the bed while El Hub and I were still sawing logs, somehow made it up on to the comforter without making a sound (amazing considering that he weighs almost 20 pounds), and then threw himself on my bladder!
Whether it was for sport or gravy, the world will never know…
Needless to say, it woke me up, and not on the right side of the bed, so out came the shimmery face lotion.
Perfect for partying till the break of dawn (ZOMG! I can’t believe there were mornings I’d walk through the door at 6 a.m.!) or for pet owners/assistants with acrobatic, time-insensitive cats, these little bottles are potions of face-perking power!
Like yesterday, I rubbed a dollop of the shimmery lotion all over my face, after my sunscreen but before my foundation (and/or tinted moisturizer, if I were to wear one), using my fingers, but sometimes I’ll use a foundation brush.
The subtle shimmer peeks through my face makeup to brighten and freshen my mug.
At the moment, I’m alternating between the new Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone and my good ol’ MAC Strobe Cream (aka Mr. Reliable).
Both products have very fine flecks of shimmer — great, because similar shimmers with larger flecks look a little too disco for me in person and in pictures — and neither one gives me breakouts.
Take that, Tabs! Mommy 1, tabby 0. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF!
Do you recommend shimmery face lotion for both powder and liquid foundation?
Hi Peggy,
Yup, you can use it with both. I tend to do this trick with foundations w/sheer to medium coverage though. If you go for a full coverage matte it’s not as easy to see the shimmer peek through.
What a naughty boy you have there, Karen. BECCA’s SSP never failed, it’s brilliant. I sometimes do the same thing.
And have a nice time with El Hub 🙂
That’s a good tip. I use Aveeno Positively Radiant – achieves the same effect as the MAC and Becca strobe creams but combines the shimmer step with face lotion. I also have the L’Oreal Magic Lumi primer – it also works well and you only need a small amount to get coverage from it. Neither one has broken me out, and I’ve used Aveeno for years because it is recommended by my dermatologist.
Illuminators and highlighters are life savers! I love the Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector ! I’ve tried a sample of the Strobe Cream, its quite similar to the Clarins product, will pick up the full sized bottle next!
Are you wearing a different foundation today, gurl? You are freakin flawless! 🙂 have a great time in Tahoe, I’m sure Tabs is doing just fine 🙂
Hi Julia,
Yeah, I’m trying a new combo! Using the new Prep+Prime Natural Radiance Base with MAC Face and Body. Thank you for noticing!
Have a great Friday!
You look gorgeous in those pictures, you should do a tutorial on how you style your hair because it looks beautiful!
I wish my hubby was home to get me some Starbucks…Enjoy Tahoe!
Hi Agata,
That’s a good idea! I just might have to do that. 🙂
Is today your day off? Hope you have a relaxing day!
Aww, Tabs! That was naughty – I’m guessing he did it for sport! 🙂
Hehe, those pictures… You’re never too serious, I love that 🙂 And you’re hair always look so perfect, I’m jealous.
Oh wow, you look so gorgeous in these pics!
I’ve been using a highlighter (The Josie Maran liquid one) on top of my tinted moisturizer and under the setting powder (and in the inner eye corners) for a bit of a “I totally slept great” look.
I
I love Strobe Cream and im sorry my first comment got chopped. Dont know why.
ps – your hair is stunning!
Thanks Nina! Happy Friday. 🙂 What are your plans for the weekend.
I can’t believe I used to party and dance all night til the early morning and then go to work ! Wish I had that kind of energy now. I have a small tube of strobe cream but I rarely use it because I use my powder highlighters everyday. Also after using my vitamin C serum and day moisturizer with SPF I don’t feel like putting more lotions on. Hope you and the Hubs are having a fun getaway!
Hello,
Just a tip…if you put another product (except powders) on top of your sunscreen, it will cancel the protection you are getting from the sunscreen unless that product also has SPF.
Interesting. I’ve actually never heard of that… will have to investigate.
I tried the Becca one, and I looooved how it looked–so natural with just the right amount of glow to it. But it made me break out 🙁 Super bummed. I’ll have to give MAC Strobe Cream a try instead.
I have a sample of Strobe Cream but I STILL HAVE NOT TRIED IT! Keep thinking I should do it but I’m just too lazy. I know you’ve been a big fan of Strobe Cream though, so I will try soon!
I must get a breakdown of your makeup Karen. YOU. LOOK. FLAWLESS! Seriously, especially the eyeshadow & lippie. They were made for you.
Have fun in Tahoe! Don’t miss Tabs too much.
Your adventures with Tabs always crack me up! Would you recommend wearing Strobe by itself? As in over moisturizer and nothing more?
A lil’ bit of shimmer goes a long way!
For this purpose I usually use Guerlain Météorites pearls in Mythic, so a powder product. It’s slightly shimmery and brightening so it has the same effect. I’ve never actually tried a liquid or cream product like that !
I think this is an excellent tip for those with dry, normal, and, possibly, combination skin. However, since I’m so super oily (who knew that at 38 I’d still be so greasy), I prefer to only use highlighter on the very top of my cheekbones.
Hope you’re enjoying Lake Tahoe! Can’t wait to get the update on the trip!
I WANT Moonstone so bad! Have you tried the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #2, Karen? I just tried it last night and fell in love–but it’s a little pricey. Moonstone is so gorgeous, I’m wondering which I should go with?
You are so pretty! I love it when you where the gold/neutral colors 🙂 These looks inspire me to try looks that will hopefully make me a bronze beauty too 😉
I have never used a shimmery lotion…I have a combination skin…Not really sure how shimmery lotions would work for me..By the way..Totally love your expressions in this post!
I love moonstone on you! I will have to try after I finish Laura Mercier primer in radiance. I am hoping sephora carries the full line of Becca, I missed it after it disappeared from Nordstrom. Have fun in Tahoe. Ooh get some marionberry pie at Ikeda’s, soooo good.
I am scared of sparkles but dis looks nice!
btw i love Tabs
meltedmarsbars.blogspot.com
@Karen
I’m an NC43 and want something that makes me look like I am glowing from within (LOL Cheesy I know) Do you still recommend Moonstone or one of the the other two shades in Becca? Help!