What’s New in My Beauty Routine | ft. Elemis, Armani and Dior Makeup

A while back I started a series here on the blog called What’s New in My Beauty Routine. The idea behind this series is that I would share with you products that are new to me and that have become consistent key players in my beauty routine (with emphasis on consistent). However, in order for a product to be featured in this series, there are some requirements that need to be met. The main criteria is that said product has to deliver on its claims! Period. All expectations associated with the product have to be met, otherwise there really is no point to continue the use. Products featured in this series are also products that I use several times a week if not daily, so consistent use is another key criteria.

Let’s kick of this installment with three products from some of my favorite brands: Elemis Skincare, Armani Beauty and Dior Makeup …

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm

I’m always on the lookout for a hydrating and illuminating primer, as I think it makes such a big difference in how my makeup looks and wears throughout the day. The Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm is a multi-tasking lightweight daytime moisturizer that can also be used as a radiance booster and hydrating primer over your regular moisturizer. I like to use this product primarily as a primer over my Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Daytime Cream previously mentioned here. The texture is a light, silky cream that is instantly absorbed, yet rich enough to soothe my skin. I do detect a delicate fresh scent, but it’s not bothersome nor does it aggravate my sensitive skin. The balm is formulated with a potent Vitamin complex, Purple Orchid, Noni and Acai to brighten, smooth and reduce the appearance of aging skin. A complete list of ingredients can be found here.

What I like about this balm is that it does an excellent job diminishing the appearance of my pores, illuminating and hydrating my skin. I usually dot the balm in sections of my face and massage it into the skin using outwards and upwards movements, right before I apply my foundation. I currently use several foundations depending on what my skin needs and what’s on the agenda for the day. You can read more about my foundation routine and which foundations I currenlty have in the mix in a previous post here.

I have noticed that when I use the balm as primer, my foundation applies easier, lasts longer and fades less throughout the day. Even once I remove my makeup at the end of the day, my skin doesn’t look tired and dull. In terms of finish and results, this balm is similar to the Burberry Fresh Glow Fluid Base reviewed here and Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow covered here. However, I find the Elemis balm a bit more hydrating than the other two primers. The Elemis balm is a great primer option for the winter time and for dry skin in general.  I would definitely suggest getting a sample from Nordstrom and trying it out.

Dior Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Powder

Nothing like starting a fresh, new powder and the Dior ones hold such a special place in my heart. The first base product I ever bought for myself was not foundation, but a powder compact from Dior. Now it’s been a few years since I tried any Dior powders and while I’ve had this particular one for a while, I only recently started using it daily.

The Dior Nude Air Powder is sheer, finely milled and looks almost imperceptible to the naked eye. It’s also formulated with orange extracts, vitamins and minerals to support a toned complexion, thus it has some added skincare benefits as well. I have shade No. 30 Medium Beige. This powder has quickly become one of my favorites alongside Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Powder, both reviewed in my Luxury Makeup Worth the Splurge post here. In terms of packaging, the Dior Nude Air Powder comes in a stunning compact complete with a mirror and a kabuki brush, which is perfect for on the go touch-ups. I would definitely repurchase!

Giorgio Armani Eccentrico Mascara

I tend to finish mascaras quite quickly and go thru several different ones every year. Mascara is the one product where I take shelf life to heart. My eyes are very sensitive plus I wear contacts every day, so I can never be too careful. You can read more about The Shelf Life of Beauty Products in a previous post here.

I decided to try the Giorgio Armani Eccentrico Mascara after realizing over the past few months, while trying a deluxe sample of the latest version of Chanel Le Volume, that I do enjoy plastic wands. My eyelashes have become sparser over the years. I find that a plastic wand with short, well defined bristles, has the ability to grab each individual lash. Thus, making my eyelashes look fuller.

The Armani Eccentrico Mascara comes in a slick red-and-black tube with a plastic wand. The bristles on the brush are small and placed at an angle, making it very easy to apply without making a mess on the eyelids or under the eyes. The formula is on the wet side and I really like that finish. It doesn’t smudge or clump throughout the day. Because the brush does such a great job grabbing, separating and lenghtening each lash, it does give the impression of volume and a fuller eye look. On its own this mascara doesn’t curl the lashes, but I always use my Kevyn Aucoin Curler reviewed here. In terms of wand, formula and results, the Armani Eccentrico is very similar to Chanel Le Volume. But I find the Armani a bit less fluid than the Chanel, thus buildable without looking too heavy.

If you’re going for a dramatic look, I would suggest building the mascara while it hasn’t dried on the lashes. Otherwise it becomes stiff, as most wet formulas do. A big plus of this mascara is that it does not have any noticeable scents. Thus it’s suitable for sensitive eyes. It comes off easily with my Sephora Eye Makeup Remover (reviewed here), without tugging at the delicate skin around the eyes.  The shade I have is Obsidian Black. I am very impressed with this mascara and would consider repurchasing it during the Sephora Sale.

What are some new beauty products that you’ve been trying lately? Do share in the comments below.

This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.