Talk About Cosmetics - Elevé Cosmetics Hibernation’s Over, Beaches!

Bronzer is my absolute favorite makeup product in the summer. There are few things prettier, in my humble opinion, than a bronzed and beautiful look when the mercury starts to rise. Hibernation’s Over, Beaches! That’s the name of the bronzer that just launched for summer from Elevé Cosmetics and it’s also what I’m talking about today.

This bronzer is gorgeous! It’s a true brown infused with some seriously stunning golden shimmer. It has the most perfect illuminating finish that leaves the skin looking golden and glowy. The shade of the bronzer is identical to what a natural tan might look like, with added gold flecks for a little something special. Since it has shimmer I like to use it as a blush and it also makes an incredible eye shadow!

The formula is so nice. It’s pigmented but easy to work with and blend. It blends seamlessly into the skin and feels so lightweight once it’s on. It can be applied in a sheer way for just a touch of color or built up without ever looking too intense or powdery. Even though it’s a powder it seems to melt into skin, because it’s so silky once applied. The glitter never feels or looks chunky or out of place. I usually prefer matte bronzers but this one has just a touch of subtle shimmer.

I had never tried anything from Elevé Cosmetics but the company seems really awesome. The line was created by former ballet dancer and makeup artist Gertie Wilson, who saw how much makeup could boost confidence and promote positive self-esteem. She wanted her products to inspire women to “rise up” and feel their best. She’s doing this with a lineup of high-quality natural cosmetics made with healthy, non-toxic ingredients. The products are enhanced with skin-loving beneficial ingredients and the entire line is cruelty-free, vegan based, and free of GMOs, gluten, parabens, phthalates or anything else questionable.

To learn more about the brand you can visit the website by clicking here. You can also find Elevé Cosmetics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(FTC: This product was sent to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Cosmetics - Gressa MINIMALIST Glamour

If you're looking for a foundation that glides on like butter, blends seamlessly into your skin, feels weightless but hydrating, and makes your skin look like you just got a really expensive facial then you should look no further than Gressa and their MINIMALIST Corrective Serum Foundation. You might as well add the Contouring Serum Bronzer and Illuminating Serum to your cart as well because this trio is magical. These products never ever make you look like you're wearing a face full of makeup and instead make your complexion look beautifully flawless and healthy. The radiant and dewy finish is something that is absolutely stunning and jaw-dropping.

Okay, before we continue on I'm fully aware that these products are a little pricier than the average cosmetics, but trust me when I tell you they're totally worth it. A single drop of each of these magical elixirs goes a very long way so you won't be using too much too quickly. I fully believe in investing in skincare and these products are skin care with an added cosmetic bonus.

The MINIMALIST Corrective Serum Foundation currently comes in 8 colors and comes in a lovely .5 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper. I would say that this is a light to medium coverage foundation that can be built up. It does a wonderful job evening out skin tone and even conceals blemishes and dark spots. I'm using shade 03 and it's a great match for me. On days when I want more coverage I use 4 drops to cover my entire face but I can get by with 2 on lighter days. Gressa has their own Immaculate Buffing Brush they recommend but I'm currently using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to apply this foundation. I actually drop the foundation directly onto my brush, although they recommend starting on your hand, and apply to the center of my face blending out.


You know that feeling when you put on foundation but you can't stand how heavy or tacky it feels and you can't wait to be able to wash it off? Well, that doesn't happen with this stuff. After I apply it I forget I'm even wearing it. I have dry skin and this serum to powder foundation glides on easily and doesn't cling to any dry patches. It adds a nice amount of hydration so I never look cakey or dehydrated. I do have to set this with a powder or I've noticed that it transfers fairly easily. I've been using the Pacifica Perfect Lotus Universal Powder in Light to set it (after applying the Contouring Serum and Illuminating Serum) and the combination is really nice.


The MINIMALIST Contouring Serum Bronzer is awesome. It's seriously so good I can't even put it into words. I love bronzer and I love to contour so it sort of seems like this product was created just for me, or at least for people like me. Be careful though because if you use a heavy hand you'll apply way too much, which I have done a couple of times. I've gotten the hang of it though and I now use one single drop on my Real Techniques Sculpting Brush. I dab it onto the back of my hand and then apply to my face and I get the perfect amount to shape and warm up my entire face. It's such a beautiful shade that's not at all orange or muddy. It makes me look makes me look believably bronzed and adds definition to my face. I haven't tried this yet but I bet you can even add it to lotion to make a wash off tan or apply it to foundation to make a darker, more summery shade.


The MINIMALIST Illuminating Serum is a seriously pretty luminous pearly serum that adds a subtle glow to make skin look even more radiant and alive. It's a pink pearlescent shade that adds a hint of something special to the tops of the cheekbones or anywhere else you desire a little highlight. It's not glittery or metallic, nor does it make you look like a disco ball or a little girl who got into her older sisters makeup stash. It's easy to use and I absolutely love the effect. I imagine you could also add this to lotion or foundation to get an all-over glow. My only problem with this is that my dropper seems to not work very well. The other two bottles have droppers that are in perfect working order but this particular one is very difficult to get anything out of.

I'm only wearing the Gressa MINIMALIST Corrective Serum Foundation, Contouring Serum Bronzer (on cheeks and eyes), and the Illuminating Serum in the following photo. I am also wearing mascara and lip balm, but no added concealer. I also did not retouch these at all.

All three of these products have the GRESSA Healing Complex which is a" proprietary powerhouse blend of carefully selected botanical extracts that care for your skin by providing it with overall balance, radiance, and clarity", so not only are these products absolutely beautiful they're also good for your skin. What's not to love? Nothing! I'm seriously in love with these 3 products. Thank you Gressa for making such gorgeous, luxurious, and healthy products that lend themselves to making my skin look as good as it possibly can!

Gressa has also mentioned adding eye tints and cheek colors to their collection and I am SO excited about those. I can't wait to read more about them! I also have my eye on their AUX ROUGE Lip Boost. So pretty!

If you're interested in learning more about Gressa or their products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Gressa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Talk About It - Alima Pure ( + CLOSED GIVEAWAY!)

I am a huge fan of Portland based natural beauty superstar, Alima Pure, and their line of lovely cosmetics. I seriously adore the brand and their vast selection of cruelty free, high quality, and eco-friendly mineral makeup. A few weeks ago I posted a Wish List Wednesday on the Beautiful Basics Facebook page featuring the Sombra Contour Powder and many of you e-mailed me asking me to review it which prompted me to write to the company. The founder of the company, Kate O'Brien, generously sent me the Contour Powder and a couple of other products I'll get to shortly.



I'm a firm believer in the power of contouring. It's actually my favorite part of applying makeup and it's something I always, always do. I have always used my favorite bronzer to shape my face but have often found that the color is unconvincing. Don't get me wrong, bronzing is another favorite step in my makeup routine but it tends to work better as a way to warm up the face rather than sculpt it. Alima Pure's Sombra Contour Powder has become my absolute favorite, must have makeup product.



Sombra is a dusty tan color, with no red or orange in it at all, that is very pigmented but easy to blend. It's also buildable so it's extremely versatile. It's incredibly natural looking and helps define bone structure. I apply this powder to the hollows of my cheekbones, the crease of my eyelids, and the sides of my nose to create definition and slim out my face. It mimics natural shadows and adds so much depth to my face. I don't think I will ever be without this wonderful powder.


I have also been experimenting with the Natural Definition Mascara in Black, another product that many of you have asked me about. I have very sensitive eyes and mascara can be a huge irritant for me but this formula is awesome! It goes on smoothly, wears well throughout the day, feels soft instead of crispy, and provides natural looking length and definition. I would say this works as well as any traditional mascara without the harsh and scary ingredients.


I have always been curious about Alima Pure's Lip Tints so I was excited to see that I had been sent one! I received the shade Holly Berry, which if you're a regular reader you probably know is right up my color alley. This particular shade is described as Spiced Rose and on me equates to a "My Lips but Better" color. It is surprisingly pigmented which makes me curious about the rest of the lineup! The formula is wonderfully moisturizing and gentle on my sensitive lips. It smells (and tastes a little) like a delicious, organic chocolate bar and lasts quite a long time!



I have nothing but good things to say about these products, and Alima Pure as a whole, and hopefully the lucky reader who wins the giveaway with fall in love with this trio as much as I have. If you want the chance to win these products, as well as the cute pink Alima Pure makeup bag, all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. Don't forget to "like" this post. All entries will be verified. Giveaway open only to US readers. Good luck!



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Talk About Cosmetics - Painted Earth Mineral Sheer Matte Bronzer

Hellllllooooo Beautiful! I hope you are having a fantastic day!

I can freely and openly admit to the world that I am a bronzer junkie. I like to think of myself as an expert on all things bronze so I decree that from this moment on you should refer to me only as THE Bronzer Queen… just kidding! That would be super weird if I did that, but in reality, I do love bronzer! I love makeup in general but if I absolutely had to pick a favorite type of product I would no doubt choose bronzer. I can even go as far as to select a favorite bronzing product, which I have been using fanatically since it made its home in my makeup collection in May.

I am talking about Painted Earth's Mineral Sheer Matte Bronzer in Sunkissed. Never have I worn a bronzer that convinces those around me that I have a natural sunkissed glow about me as well as this one does. When I use this bronzer it's frankly like I am applying hours of basking in the sun directly to my face with a brush, instead of harmful UV rays. The color is perfect and never looks orange, muddy, or dirty and the texture of the powder is so fine and silky soft it seems to blend into the skin.



I swirl the colors together with a big, fluffy Kabuki brush and apply to the points of my face where the sun would naturally hit (forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose) and get a lovely wash of bronze glow from it. I have also used this bronzer on my eyelids as well. I could go on and on about this stuff but I'll leave it at this – I'm in love with it! It's a little pricey at $33 but since a little goes a long way I think it is totally worth the investment.

You can visit Painted Earth online by clicking here to be taken to their website. You can also visit Painted Earth on Facebook and Twitter.

(FTC : This bronzer was given to me free of charge for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own and honest. Being given this product for free has not changed my opinion about it. )

Talk About Cosmetics - Mineral Hygienics

Lets talk minerals… mineral makeup that is! I first started experimenting with mineral foundation way back in 2006 during my college days. I discovered that applying a light dusting of the stuff was much easier and more time efficient than liquids and creams when I was running late to class. I also discovered that I preferred the feel and finish of mineral powder.



These days I have been using Mineral Hygienics and their cruelty free, 100% natural formulas. I have really been enjoying the look and feel of the products I got to try. In addition to being pure, animal friendly, and fabulous, the products actually come in fairly large jars so you're getting a good amount of product for your dollar!



The company has 15 shades of their Sheer Mineral Foundation with both cool and warm undertones, from the fairest of the fair to deep shades, so everyone should be able to find their perfect shade. I was sent Light, Medium Light, and Medium. Light and Medium are perfect for me since they have a slightly more yellow undertone (Medium Light is a little pink and is perfect for my Mom!) and I actually wear both at the same time. What I do is use Light in the center of my face and Medium around the outer parts of my face, which helps add dimension. However, they are very similar in color and both work well for my skin tone.



The ingredients list of Mineral Hygienics foundation is comprised of Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica and may also contain Iron Oxides and Ultra Marines. The formula is very fine in texture and blends into the skin really easily. It almost melts into the skin once applied and looks flawless, but not in an artificial way. It never looks flat, nor does it have shimmer that makes it look overly luminous. The formula has a very natural looking finish that can be applied in a sheer layer or built up for more coverage. It also doesn't irritate my skin like some other mineral foundations can.



In addition to the Sheer Mineral Foundation I have also been using the Sheer Perfection Mineral Finish in Transluscent. It seems a little strange to set powder with powder but this particular product can be used as a powder primer that evens out the tone and texture of the skin or as a finishing touch on top of foundation. I find that I don't use this every day but I do, however, like to use this to touch up when I start to get a little shiny in the afternoon or evening.



The final Mineral Hygienics product that I have been using is the Cool Kiss Mineral Bronzer. This product is a shimmery, cool-toned Mineral Enhancer that doesn't look great on my skin. I have found that it is just a touch too shimmery for my tastes for me to wear as a cheek product but it looks so amazing as an eye shadow! I've been rocking it on my lids and really love the effect!



I was also sent the Full Coverage Kabuki Brush and it couldn't be more perfect for buffing my minerals into the skin with. It provides such an even coverage, has super soft and fairly dense bristles, and is the perfect size and shape. I absolutely love the handle because it makes it a little easier to use than regular kabuki brushes.

You can learn more about the company and their product offerings by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

DIY Bronze Glow

Do you have an event coming up that you want to look golden, glowy, and glamorous for? Or maybe you just want to perk up your pale skin with a little color. Instead of using harsh self-tanning products or going out into the sun (or even worse – the tanning beds) try mixing up your very own bronzing powder with simple ingredients you probably have at home.




All you have to do is mix the cocoa powder and cinnamon together until you have the perfect shade for you. Everyone has different skin and different preferences so some of you may want more cocoa in the mix while others may prefer more cinnamon. Once you have the perfect shade, just pour the powder into an old jar or container and apply to your skin where you want a golden glow!

If you want to bronze your body all you need to do it add your powder into enough of your favorite lotion to cover whichever parts of your body you want to bronze. The best part about this is that it's temporary so as soon as you get home from your event you can hop in the shower and rinse the golden glow down the drain. Make sure to let dry completely before putting on any clothes and don't get wet while it's on your skin.

Talk About It - Monave Mineral Makeup (+ closed Giveaway!)

I'm really happy to bring you another review of a cosmetics company and their wonderful mineral makeup review today. Monave Mineral Makeup is the brainchild of Deborah Bilezikian, who had the dream of creating a line of simple, high quality, and high performance products. To read about the journey that Deborah took to create Monave click here. 


All Monave products are made using the highest quality mineral makeup ingredients. Their formulas are completely gluten free and 95% of their products are vegan (the other 5%, like their potted and liquid glosses, contain beeswax – the only animal byproduct they use!). You will never see parabens, dyes, or bismuth oxychloride in the ingredient list of any Monave products nor will you need to worry that their products have been tested on animals, because they haven't! To check out the ingredients that make up each product you can click here.

I tried out a few foundation products and love all of them! My absolute favorite, however, is the Loose Mineral Foundation in Kerrie. Kerrie is the perfect color for me and I'm so happy that it works so well. I have fair skin that has a slight yellow undertone. The website says that it's perfect for those who have a "peaches and cream complexion". The coverage this mineral powder provides is really remarkable as it completely evens out the skin tone without making my face look flat. It seems to last all day and stays looking nice. It works well on it's own or over a liquid or cream foundation, which is something I like to do when I want an impeccably flawless finish.


I also tested out the Cream Foundation and Vegan Mousse Foundations in the color Claire. Claire is a light shade that works for those with neutral or pink undertones. I said above that I have a yellow undertone but it's very slight so I can also use shades like this one. The Cream Foundation is a little heavier and thicker than the Vegan Moisture Mousse but both formulas are really great. Both varieties apply easily, blend well, and look nice on the skin while providing coverage. They both sink into my skin as opposed to sitting on top so it doesn't ever look like I'm wearing a mask or too much makeup. I like both a lot but I'd say that I've been reaching for the cream version more often since it feels so silky smooth and since my Mom raided my makeup stash (which she is more than welcome to do as often as she wishes) and fell in love with the mousse.

I decided to choose a very neutral, every day wear kind of eye shadow to test out from Monave and ending up going for Crème Brulee. This shade is completely matte and works wonderfully as a base shade on the lid. It helps cover up redness and allows the eyelid to become a blank canvas, which is the perfect first step in doing any eye look. This is a bit darker than my skin tone so it looks nice on it's own too. The formula is very smooth and easy to blend and work with.


The last product, and the only one I didn't like, is the Mineral Bronzer in the color Gran Marnier. It is totally my fault that I didn't fall in love with this product. There is nothing wrong with the formula, it's just this particular shade doesn't do anything at all for my skin tone. The powder itself is nice and smooth but the color I picked doesn't really show up on my skin. On a brighter note - it's matte, which is a quality I look for in a bronzer.

(Wearing the Cream Foundation in Claire, Loose Mineral Foundation in Kerrie, Gran Marnier Bronzer, and Creme Brulee Eyeshadow)

In addition to mineral makeup, Monave sells a wide variety of other products including facial and body skin care, hair care, kits to create your own products, and they even do wholesale. Deborah believes that "all women deserve high quality, natural makeup, so Monavé has a wide array of shades for all complexions, lifestyles and ages." There is literally a Monave product that is perfect for everyone so check out the website today!

Monave has so graciously offered a DIY Natural Lip Kit for one of you, my lovely readers, to win! To enter to win use the Rafflecopter form below.

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Talk About It - Revolution Organics

Today's Talk About It is all about Revolution Organics and their fantastic all natural Freedom Lip Glosses and Freedom Glow Beauty Balms. This company has been getting a lot of attention lately including being featured in InStyle, O Magazine, Lucky, Whole Living, Marie Claire and dozens of other magazines. Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe even proclaimed her love for Freedom Glow by naming it one of her top 10 conscience cosmetics.

After being able to try their products, it's not a surprise that Revolution Organics is such a hot topic. I truly believe that their products are superstars of the Natural and Organic cosmetics world. Melissa Shabinsky and Alexandra Zanella, the creators of the company, took a brilliant idea and turned it into a reality.

Their idea sprung from a personal desire to simplify their lives and make the most healthy and responsible lifestyle choices they could, down to the cosmetics that they used. They wanted products that were not only healthy but also luxurious and multi-purpose. Their website says, "Our vision translated into a collection of healthy, pure, certified organic products that filled our beauty void … we hope it fills yours."

They certainly filled my beauty void! I love their products. The colors are remarkable and the textures are so smooth. They only use organic plant-based ingredients (like oils, herbs, butters and perfume blends) that benefit the skin in some way, so they help your skin instead of harming it and they really are excellent multi-taskers. They were designed to do more so you can use less. They are also USDA approved!

Their product line includes 5 Freedom Lip Glosses, 3 Freedom Glow Beauty Balms, an All-Over Skin Crème, an All-Over Body Balm, and a Lip Balm. I was sent the lip glosses and the beauty balm to try and I can't begin to tell you how obsessed I am with them! All 8 products I have from Revolution Organics are utterly fantastic.

Freedom Lip Gloss comes in 5 shades with adorable packaging and a clever name. These are perfect for me since they have no sticky, tacky feeling to them whatsoever. They are also really moisturizing and have a lovely color payoff. They are made with organic plant proteins and extracts as well as jojoba oil, shea butter, aloe vera, olive oil, beeswax, and mineral based pigments. They are chocked full of vitamins and antioxidants and they are packaged in an eco-friendly tube that is recyclable and biodegradable. They are a bit pricey at $26 each, but it's worth it, because do you know how much lip gloss and lip stick women eat on average in their lifetime? It's gross!

Here is a rundown of the shades:

Innocent is a really soft baby pink

Integrity is a shimmering golden rose

Truth is a sheer pink

Freedom is a strawberry red

Vibe is a warm peach

I was attracted to all of the colors but I was a little put off by Vibe at first, because it appeared to be kind of a rusty shade that I wasn't sure would flatter my skin tone, but once I applied it I fell in love. It really warms up my complexion and looks great! All of the shades are very wearable and lovely.
For as much as I love the Freedom Lip Glosses, I'm even more passionate about the Freedom Glow Beauty Balms which have become my go-to beauty products. Freedom Glow Beauty Balms are creamy stick products that can be used anywhere – eye lids, lips, cheeks, and even décolleté – that come in 3 flattering colors, and really provides a glow. Just like the lip gloss these are 100% natural and healthy.

They have a gorgeous, dewy finish that makes you look like you're glowing from the inside. They're perfect for travel, tossing in your purse when you're on the run, or keeping on your vanity. They are super blendable, creamy and hydrating, and really easy to use. All 3 shades look great on me, and I'm really addicted to all of them.

(Bronzed is a golden tan, Sunkissed is a coral peach, and Blushed is a pink)

I even use Bronzed as my contour color and apply either Sunkissed or Blushed on my apples. I think Blushed will be especially perfect in the winter for a "just came in from the cold" flush. All 3 colors are very natural and would work for anyone. I don't have a favorite shade although I probably get the most use out of Bronzed.

If you're interested in Revolution Organics you can find them at http://www.revolutionorganics.com and if you try anything please let me know what you think. I highly recommend these products, and I'll be showing you how to use them once I get my new youtube channel up and running. See you soon, beauties!

(FTC: These products were so generously provided to me for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, and my own and honest.)