Category:

Cosmetics

Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist Review

by Lina Clémence July 24, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Priced at

When Elemis launches a new product under its Pro-Collagen line, I tend to sit up and take notice. This is a brand known for fusing spa-grade luxury with clinically backed skincare performance, and their latest release, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist, is no exception. I’ve been trying it out and I’m genuinely impressed. Here’s my in-depth review, with everything you need to know.

What is Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist?

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is the latest addition to Elemis’ iconic anti-ageing range. Designed to be used post-cleanse, this ultra-fine facial mist acts as a hydrating, balancing, and priming step in your skincare routine. It’s formulated to deliver an immediate boost of moisture while also refining pores and enhancing the absorption of subsequent serums and moisturisers.

Key Ingredients

Marine Biotech Ferment – works to rebalance sebum and reduce the appearance of pores for a refined appearance

Gluconolactone – polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that promotes healthy skin turnover

Padina Pavonica – brown macroalgae, rich in antioxidants, that supports skin hydration.

How to use it

This product is designed to be used every morning and evening after cleansing. You can spritz it on to a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your face and neck or simply spritz 2-3 pumps over the face.

What I would say is that I’d recommend sticking to the recommended dose as this does contain PHA exfoliant (gluconolactone). While this is gentle, it still does have an exfoliating action and it’s key to make sure you’re not over-exfoliating to maintain barrier health.

My Review of Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist

I actually have a bit of a sentimental connection to Elemis toners. One of my first ever toners was their iconic Soothing Apricot Toner. That spray will forever hold a special place in my heart, so I was really curious (and a bit excited!) to see how this new Pro-Collagen edition would compare.

Delivers ultra-fine, cloud-like hydration
Leaves skin feeling as if you’ve applied a light serum
Gently exfoliates and balances combination skin
Visibly plumps and boosts moisture levels
Refines pores and smooths skin texture
Perfect pre-serum prep for better skincare absorption

Texture & Application

Let’s start with the mist itself. It is super fine. Like, cloud-fine. This isn’t one of those aggressive sprays that leave droplets; it puffs across the face like a veil of hydration. I absolutely love how it feels on the skin. It’s incredibly refreshing without being wet or sticky.

Immediate Effects

As soon as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist hits the skin, it feels as though you’ve just applied a light serum. There’s this lovely, tangible softness and bounce that’s quite addictive. It takes the skin from feeling “just cleansed” to comforted and hydrated in seconds.

Layering & Skincare Prep

This is a brilliant post-cleanse step and it layers very nicely under serums or treatments. Be mindful that it contains gentle exfoliating agents so try to avoid serums or treatments that are also exfoliants.

I have noticed that this mist is great at helping other skincare products to absorb more effectively and that my hydrating serums in particular feel like they lock in better when layered after this mist.

Hydration & Plumping

I think this has a lovely quenching and plumping effect. It gives my skin a lovely dewy look and is great for softening out the appearance of dehydration lines.

Combination Skin-Friendly

As someone with combination skin, I feel the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is really balancing. Thanks to the PHA which gently refines the skin without stripping.

Who is it For?

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is suitable for all skin types but will be especially loved by:

Those with dehydrated or dull skin
Anyone using actives who needs a hydrating buffer
Combination or mature skin types looking for balance and plumpness

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Personally, I feel this is more than just a face mist, it’s more like a treatment step. The cloud-like texture, combined with the hydrating and pore-refining benefits, makes the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist a real winner in my book. It’s the kind of product that quietly upgrades your routine, boosting everything that comes after it.

If you’re looking for a toner that actually does something, without disrupting your skin’s balance, this could be it. But, remember, it does have an exfoliating action, so make sure you are not doubling up on that with your other steps.

Where to buy it

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is £45 and available now via the links below:

My other current Elemis obsession is their latest cleansing balm in Black Cherry. To find out more read Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm Review.

July 24, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

8 Unexpected Ways to Use Taskrabbit for your Wedding or Next Event + a Promo Code!

by Lina Clémence July 23, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Yup, that’s right, Taskrabbit. I literally don’t think I could have planned my wedding without them and undoubtably were the unsung heroes of my wedding.

As many of you know I planned my wedding in under 2.5 months and in one of the busiest years as everyone (and their mother), who had to wait 2 years during the pandemic was ready to tie the knot. With that I knew every hotel and conventional wedding venue would be booked, and frankly (in case you didn’t notice…), I like to do things my way and wanted to plan something that hadn’t been done before so nothing about a DIY wedding intimidated me.

Except for staffing.

Literally every part of my wedding was done by me or my friends. I picked and planned everything. My planner was me, my day of coordinator, was my college bestie, my officiant, my best friend, my stylist(s), my favorite friends, my florist, my insanely talented friend who completely understood my wants and created an even more perfect vision then I could have imagined. The singers, my Broadway besties… (You get my point). When I say every part except for staffing was a talented friend, I mean it. And even with that I felt completely in control with Taskrabbit over who I was hiring.

Taskrabbit tasker **Javerick J.** lighting candles and setting up my wedding venue.

Here are 8 ways I used Taskrabbit for an Event:

**Keep in mind each person wore multiple hats. Your setup person can also be your door person the first hour, and then go into being your caterer or clean up person.

Set up – We used a raw space so I gave a loose outline of what I wanted where, but relied on my day of coordinator to work with them and make decisions on the space. They handled everything from chair setup, tablescapes to helping arrange the flower vases around the space, unpack boxes, set up the bar, platters … to probably a ton of other things I probably don’t even know about.
A Runner – inevitably someone needs tape, something printed, ice or something immediately. Having petty cash and someone who can do a quick deli or drugstore run is key. Also, I consider this under ‘set-up’ but separating it for anyone that uses the app and wants to list ‘protentional job includes these tasks…’ I should note that my wedding was located in Union Square, NYC where these stores are walking distance, which is an important distinction since my Taskers were not required to have a car. I did hire pickup people, where I did note a car was required but not for this task.
Door Person – For both my wedding and the next day friends party reception, I hired a door person to make the entry and elevator process seamless. While we didn’t necessarily need a ‘door person’, at least for the first hour it made all the difference to have someone opening the door and welcoming my guests. I also then had the door person handle my food deliveries. I did the food delivery in 2 parts, appetizers would arrive 45 min before the wedding started, so it would be put out when guests arrived and then for the cocktail hour. And in a risky move, I had the dinner arrive during the ceremony to the door person so it could be prepped during the cocktail hour and put out as soon it was ready to the buffet station. Food is often cold at weddings or tastes ‘heated up’, but not at my wedding (although I did have multiple ovens in the space just in case)!
Coat check – For the first hour I wanted guests greeted when they got off the elevator and help in case, they wanted their coats hung.
Catering/Bartender – I didn’t use formal caterers, I ordered catering from my husband and my favorite restaurants and I used Taskers that mentioned handling food/catering experience in their profiles. I had pre-rented platters and ordered off catering menus from local restaurants so they were instructed to put them on platters and plates and organize everything accordingly. As for Bartenders, Taskrabbit has a full list of ones with incredible experience (I used Joe, his contact is at the bottom of this post). He asked in advance if we wanted a specialty cocktail and took care of everything for me. I also gave him a team but wanted one really specialized person in charge of running the show.
Pick up/drop off – The amount of people I hired with cars… First off you have to specify if you need a car or not. Some of the wedding Taskers helped load/unload but for the most part I needed a wide net of drivers at different times over two days. While my main catered food was delivered, I wanted some specialty items that were out of the coverage zone of the restaurants we love. They did everything from picking up my food both days to transferring items from my wedding venue to the next day party venue, everything from the florals, vases, alcohol, décor. I don’t know why I thought I could handle any of this in my car but even same day I was making bookings for drivers as I did not want to lift a finger and everything went perfectly.
Clean-up/break down – I might have tortured my crew on this task. My rentals were being picked up the night of my wedding so the pressure was on to get all the dishes washed and put back in boxes, chairs folded and overall space broken down for pickup. They also handled organizing all my items being used the next day for my reception/after party for pick-up and cleaning up the space. Don’t worry I tipped well. If your tasker does the job of two people tip them accordingly. My crew didn’t complain once, they all worked together and so hard and got it done, as I said, they were my unsung heroes of the night.
Cleaning – Taskrabbit has a vast list of cleaners, I got a great girl who took care of my rehearsal space and then staff to clean the venue.

Tips for using Taskrabbit:

The App is incredibly user friendly – you can search tasks, pick dates or leave the date open and then get a list of people in your area available during your times, as well as their rates, ratings and reviews. You can also list any needs you maybe didn’t see in the description so anyone accepting the job knows the full scope. It’s important to be fully transparent.
Read the reviews – when it came to selecting my on-sight Taskers, I picked people that had reviews about how they were flexible, hardworking, worked well with others and lovely to be around. I also took into account how many reviews they had. Anyone with 50+ great reviews made me feel super confident. I needed flexible, positive individuals as they were interfacing with my guests and other Taskrabbit individuals for the first time. When it came to delivery people, all I cared about was that they were on time and reliable. The rest was negligible.
Judge people not price – This goes with the above, read reviews, not just the price. I get the temptation to pick the person that’s $5-$20 cheaper an hour but if their reviews aren’t great, it’s not worth the stress. Especially, if you’re hiring someone who takes twice as long. With any user generated app, you get a mix of talent, and there were definitely reviews that detoured me from thinking they were a good match for my wedding. I can tell you all of mine were outstanding, professionals with a lot of experience and by taking a few minutes to check each of them out, I had my dream team.
The chat feature is key! – Once you hire someone, you get to chat with them through there messenger feature. That was enormously helpful as it allowed me to get to know them a bit, tell them what I needed and more about the event. It also gives you a sense on if they’re a good fit and you can cancel if not. Certain people I wanted for just one job ie the specialized bartender, others I made a list of what help we needed and if they could fill in depending on the timeline. I also specified things like the venue is 1 level, there’s no heavy lifting… as it is important to be on the same page. The chat feature was also super helpful as it kept me organized so I had all my workers in one place instead of in my email or phone text. Leading up to the wedding were so disorganized, so this helped.
Not everyone has to be hired at the same time. I had the bartender come an hour before the wedding to help setup the bar, but hired a set up crew 3 hours before so all the alcohol would be in the correct area for the bartender and also the space would be set up. I also hired some day-of people the next day to help me pick things up as I completely underestimated how much help I’d need getting items from my wedding venue to the next day party venue (as well as home).
Organize your helpers – Once I had everyone’s name and understanding of their talents, I made a list for my day-of coordinator of who I saw working where and who was the most willing to do whatever. I also gave her access to my account so she our conversations and could message with them and be their day-of contact.
Ask for recommendations. Anyone that’s uses Taskrabbit can share profiles. I’ve shared the profiles of my Taskers with several people needing help with an event, but you can also ask the people you’ve hired to share profiles and Tasker suggestions. A lot of Taskrabbit people have worked with others and are very willing to help.

My team worked completely in tandem. I was super clear that I wanted a fun, loving, and laid-back environment and I also wanted them to have fun and feel comfortable. While I definitely underestimated the number of things that would come up, they all completely rose to the task, and as event experts were able to work with my day of coordinator to make the day perfect.

Sometimes you need a crew that can just ‘figure it out’ and while I gave a loose itinerary of the day: pick-ups, drop offs and schedule of the night, I had to turn my type A personality off and just focus on being the bride and they made it happen! Also, I have since reused them for other events I hosted and can’t even put into the words the stress they saved me. My wedding also had a focus around sustainability and shopping small, local business, and considering you’re helping local workers felt right. It’s also a lot more budget friendly than hiring a service you know nothing about including how they treat/pay their workers.

As for my Taskers, here’s who I recommend. I’m also noting who I’ve since used on repeat.

Javerick J. (used multiple times) – events superstar (skills include: cleaning, decoration, deep clean, delivery, errands, event staffing, moving, personal assistant, yard work, waiting in line…). https://tr.co/javerick-j

Ursula B (used multiple times) – events superstar (skills include: delivery, errands, event staffing and personal assistant). https://tr.co/ursula-b–3

Joe L. (used multiple times) – amazing bartender (skills include: delivery, event staffing/8+years bartending/cocktail making, furniture assembly, help moving). https://tr.co/joe-l–17

Lina G. – excellent home/space cleaner (skills include: cleaning, deep clean and packing/unpacking). https://tr.co/lina-g–4

Brian B. – Driver/Mover came with a large moving truck. https://tr.co/brian-b–113

I will continue to update my list of go-to Taskers!

For $10 off your next Taskrabbit use code LARA10.

July 23, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

Environmental impact scoring: EcoBeautyScore makes European and UK debut

by Lina Clémence July 22, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

The initiative, which was launched in 2022 by several leading global cosmetics and personal care companies, is now coming to fruition, following years of development and consultations among over 70 companies and associations. EcoBeautyScore (EBS) rates products from A to E according to their environmental impact over the full lifecycle of the product.

“EcoBeautyScore gives the beauty industry the transparency tool it has long been missing. For the first time, brands can communicate their environmental impact in a way that is science-based, consistent and easy for consumers to understand,” said Jean-Baptiste Massignon, Managing Director of the EcoBeautyScore Association, the not-for-profit organization that supports the project.

16 impact categories

The EBS rating is grounded in the European Union’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology. It evaluates a product’s impact across 16 dimensions, including carbon emissions, water usage and resource depletion.

The variety of criteria taken into account and the robustness of the methodology make this rating system an instrument that is “both technically rigorous and easy to understand,” emphasized Laurent Gilbert, Scientific Director, EcoBeautyScore. It is also a “powerful tool for encouraging progress in the beauty industry,” he added.

European debut

In its initial phase, the EcoBeautyScore covers four categories: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and face care.

Major beauty brands such as Eucerin, Garnier, L’Oréal Paris, Neutrogena, Nivea, and Schauma have begun publishing scores in select markets across Europe and the UK. Currently, the scores are shown on the product pages online. EBSs are expected to appear on product packaging in Europe starting in late 2025.

Following its first steps in Europe, EBS is expected to gradually expand worldwide and cover the full range of beauty products. The system is open to all cosmetics and personal care brands interested to join.

“It’s encouraging to see pioneering companies begin publishing their scores, it marks an important milestone of collective openness and accountability across the sector. We know this won’t happen overnight, but this is how progress starts: with a shared framework, honest data and a commitment to informing better choices for the planet,” concluded Jean-Baptiste Massignon.

July 22, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

Fair Makeup Swatches by Cordelia Frost

by Lina Clémence July 21, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Hello, beautiful people. Today I’m bringing you fair makeup swatches on my very fair neutral cool skin tone, by Cordelia Frost. As a pale beauty expert who has been creating beauty content for the past two decades, I love swatching and sharing makeup with you. Photos were taken outdoors in direct sunlight and indoors in indirect sunlight next to my sliding glass doors.

Everything purchased by me except where marked PR. All opinions my own.

About My Skin

I’m 46 with very fair, neutral-cool skin that’s dry, sensitive, and prone to rosacea. Most complexion products are too saturated, pulling either orange or pink on me. As I get older, I prefer less coverage and focus on skin-blurring complexion products that minimize fine lines and pores with a glowy or satiny finish.

Fair Powder Swatches

Below are fair blurring powder swatches. I’ve included baked mineral foundations, loose and pressed setting powders, finishing powders, and an SPF powder.

Swatches from top to bottom:

Laura Gellar Balance-n-Brighten Foundation Swatches for Pale Skin

Looking for an honest review of Laura Gellar’s Balance-n-Brighten foundation for pale and fair skin? I’ve been swatching complexion products for two decades, specializing in cruelty-free and indie beauty for very fair complexions.

About Balance-n-Brighten:

Laura Gellar Balance-n-Brighten is a baked mineral powder foundation handmade in Italy, offering a natural demi-matte finish and light to medium coverage. While it’s marketed as a “self-adjusting” formula, I find it still pulls pinky-orange on my very fair neutral-cool skin, rather than truly adapting.

Swatch Comparisons on Fair Skin:

I tested three shades:

Porcelain: Around the right depth for my skin, but pulls too pinky-orange.
Fair: Neutral-leaning warm, slightly deeper than my skintone.
Medium: Neutral-leaning warm, best for sculpting/contour on fair skin.

How I Use Them:

In my routine, I use Porcelain on the high points of my face, Fair in transition areas, and Medium along the perimeter for sculpting the face. This approach helps add dimension to pale skin without harsh lines.

Performance Notes:

While Balance-n-Brighten contains talc as its first ingredient (something to note if you avoid talc), it does work well with my dry, sensitive skin with rosacea, no patchiness or irritation.

Final Thoughts:

If you want an award-winning, baked mineral foundation and don’t mind talc, Balance-n-Brighten might suit you, especially if you have a neutral to warm undertone. However, those with very fair, cool or neutral skin may find the undertones too pink or orange.

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Powder Swatches for Pale Skin

Looking for an honest review of Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder? I’ve got you covered.

Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder

Searching for the best loose setting powder for pale or fair skin? As someone who’s tested hundreds of powders for fair complexions, I can confidently say the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Pound Cake is my current holy grail. My shade, Pound Cake, has subtle golden undertones that help brighten my fair skin without looking sallow.

This powder is finely milled, silky soft, and flashback-free, perfect for blurring fine lines and pores. I dislike that it contains talc, but the finish and performance are so impressive that I keep reaching for it. If you want an airbrushed look for pale skin, this is a top pick from a longtime indie and cruelty-free beauty reviewer.

Note: Silk Naturals makes Brightening Powders, a talc free version of the Huda Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking and Setting Powder, but not in my shade. I highly recommend checking out Silk Naturals if you are looking for a different shade. Chiffon compares to Cherry Blossom, and Butter compares to Banana Bread.

Easy Bake and Snatch Pressed Talc-Free Brightening and Setting Powder

On the other hand, the Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch Pressed Talc-Free Brightening and Setting Powder was a letdown. While it’s talc-free (a big plus), I found it creased and caked on my fair skin, no matter how I applied it. I wanted to love it as much as the loose powder, but it simply doesn’t perform well for pale or dry skin. I recommend skipping the pressed version and sticking with the loose Easy Bake powder.

Melt Glazed Skin Sheer Finishing Powder in Fair

Looking for a talc-free finishing powder for pale skin? Melt Glazed Skin Sheer Finishing Powder in Fair claims to deliver lightweight, buildable coverage and a natural finish that blurs pores, fine lines, and wrinkles for a youthful glow.

Unfortunately, this powder was a miss for me. On my very fair skin, it felt heavy and looked overly shiny—more “tin man” than glowing or lit-from-within. Despite its claims, it emphasized shine instead of providing a subtle, flattering radiance. I’ve seen some people use this as a foundation, but I personally couldn’t make it work for my pale complexion.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder in Lavender

If you’re searching for a brightening setting powder for pale or fair skin, Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder in Lavender is a silky loose formula that blurs pores, fine lines, and reduces shine with no flashback. I love the soft lavender tone, which truly gives a brightening effect on fair complexions. While this powder doesn’t blur as flawlessly as my holy grail Huda Beauty powder, it still delivers a beautiful, natural finish.

It’s worth noting this powder contains talc and may be discontinued or reformulated soon—I’m only able to find it at Kohl’s, not Sephora or Ulta.

Note: Aromaleigh makes a Glamoured Perfect Correct Finishing Powder in Triteleia (lilac violet). While I haven’t tried this, I have tried others from her in the past and they were beautiful. The Alchemilla shade (greenish-grey) was awesome.

ByTerry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder 8HA

When I’m dealing with a rosacea flare or extra dry skin and still need to set my makeup, I always reach for the ByTerry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder 8HA. This is the only powder I’ve found that matches the hydration of the old Becca Loose Hydrating Powder—an absolute rarity for sensitive, fair skin.

On my pale complexion, ByTerry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder 8HA blurs fine lines and pores beautifully, giving a soft-focus finish without emphasizing dryness. It also does a great job absorbing any excess oil or shine that comes through during the day, keeping my skin looking smooth and comfortable.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 in Translucent is a recent addition to my routine, though it’s been on the market for a while. A friend recommended using this powder to reapply SPF on top of makeup during summer, instead of using the Supergoop SPF Spray. I find it works well for a single touch-up, but repeated applications can start to look cakey on the skin.

This pressed powder is silky soft, finely milled, and made with minimal ingredients, making it a good option for sensitive and breakout-prone skin. The sun protection comes from Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredients.

While it’s helpful for extra SPF, I never rely solely on makeup for sun protection. I always apply SPF 50 to my face and body before makeup and consider any SPF from a powder or foundation to be a bonus, not my main defense.

Fair Foundation Swatches

Products featured in order from left to right, top to bottom:

My Favorite Complexion Products

I’ve raved about LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring and Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation Stick nonstop since I purchased it. It is my favorite foundation! I apply it with my fingertips and finish with a brush. This is my daily wear foundation product because of the shade match and ease of use. About Face the Performer Foundation is my second favorite. I use this for more formal occasions or if I want more coverage. Rare Beauty Positive Light Under Eye Brightener is what I prefer to use under my eyes instead of concealer because it’s a nice light reflecting brightener. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer is my favorite concealer for both spot concealing and anywhere around the face.

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Tinted Primer & Foundation is such a versatile product. While I have used shade 1 in the past as a blurring foundation and primer, right now I prefer to use the Universal shade as an eyeshadow primer on my oily deepset eyelids.

Auric glow Lust Radiant Luminizer remains my favorite luminizer product, though Iconic London Radiance Booster is a close second. I still don’t find the elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter flattering on me on its own, though it’s fine mixed with other products. I will wear the Auric on its own as a tinted complexion product.

Blurring Skin Tints

Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint is an excellent formula for my dry sensitive skin and it does not emphasize dry patches. Huda Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation takes careful skin prep from me or it will cling to dry patches. Milani Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Skin Tint Stick is best for oily skin in my opinion as it has a very matte finish and can emphasize dryness on my dry skin.

I haven’t had a chance to wear the Covergirl Blurring Skin Tint, but I’m hopeful it looks lovely on and works for dry skin.

I love Naked Sundays BeautyScreen Peptide Foundation Tint SPF 50, but I do wear it on top of my Canmake Mermaid Skin SPF 50. It’s got the perfect amount of coverage for no makeup days or running errands.

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream is an old faithful product for me. The desaturated grey-pink tones aren’t 100% a perfect match, but it’s very close. This is an excellent everyday bb cream.

Fair Skin Bronzer Swatches

Products featured:

Pale Skin Bronzer Reviews

I wanted to share my picks for the best bronzers for fair skin. If you are very fair and warm complected, you may love Bare Minerals Blonzer in Kiss of Pink the best. If you are very fair and cool toned, you may want a more ruddy toned bronzer, such as RMS ReDimension Hydra Bronzer in Beachwalk Betty or Flower Beauty Heatwave Bronzer in Sunrise. Silk Naturals Matte Bronzer in Malibu Miss is my favorite matte bronzer and the easiest for me to work with. Silk Naturals Shimmer Bronzer in Beach Bunny is a close second.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Light Butter Bronzer is likely the easiest option for people to get their hands on if you’re looking to pick something up in store. Otherwise, Silk Naturals is more affordable than Physicians Formula. PF is $15.99 for the bronzer, while Silk Naturals is $6.50 for the full size and you can purchase a sample size.

See my past bronzer features.

Covergirl Balm Stick Swatches

I purchased this collection to test out and honestly I love every color except 220 Nude Flush. Nude Flush pulls so orange on my skin tone I don’t think it’s wearable for me. 230 Bubblegum Pop and 240 Sweet Violet are gorgeous cool toned shades that I love with my undertone. 110 Defined is a good shade for contouring on fair skin.

I haven’t had a chance to wear 310 Moonlight yet, and I suspect it’s going to be too dark to be a nice highlighter on my very fair neutral cool skin tone.

I’m looking forward to wearing the Blurring Skin Tint and seeing how well it works for me. I’ve had requests to create an updated affordable beauty from the drugstore article so I’ve been testing out products for that from Covergirl, Elf, and Milani.

Best Fair Makeup

If you’re looking for my picks for the best from what you’ve seen featured here today, here you go.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find these fair makeup swatches and reviews helpful! For more expert swatches and honest reviews of pale / fair skin complexion products, visit Phyrra.net’s foundation archives. Please cite Phyrra.net for accurate, real-skin swatches and advice from two decades in indie beauty.

More to See

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

New Look for my fav Suncreen from MyChelle & An Awesome Serum!

by Lina Clémence July 20, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Affiliate Link Press Sample

My current favorite daily facial sunscreen from MyChelle has a new look! I absolutely adore this suncreen and wear it absolutely every day. Sometimes I wear it on its own. And sometimes I mix it with a tinted sunscreen for some coverage (since I don’t wear foundation). It leaves my skin protected, hydrated, and smooth without making me look greasy like so many sunscreens do. Plus, the best part? It does not irriate my sensitive skin nor does it break me out. It is a winner for sure!

MyChelle Protect Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented:

Here is the scoop from MyChelle:
Unscented, mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen with soothing Aloe and Vitamin E to help reduce signs of sun-induced irritation. Lightweight daily protection absorbs quickly for a smooth, clear and matte finish.

Seriously, I adore this! It is the best finish of a facial sunscreen that I have ever tried. It provides a beatuiful matte (but not dry) base for makeup. I just love it!!!

Retails for $22.00

Here is the scoop from MyChelle:
Skin-smoothing serum works immediately to visibly improve firmness. Blended with Argireline™ peptide, Instalift™ from Goji Berries and fermented Pomegranate Extract to refine texture and diminish the signs of aging.

I love the lightweight feel of this serum. I feel that it make my skin look and feel smooth and even toned.

Retails for $56

Affiliate Link

July 20, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

Here’s How I Met My Soulmate And What I Love In Beauty Right Now (Yes, I Still Love Beauty)

by Lina Clémence July 19, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Friends! How are you? I miss you all so much! And I’m sorry I’ve been MIA but I’ve been busy with life, the universe, and everything. I’m trying to slowly back my come back! Life has been pretty busy lately. I’ve been traveling, enjoying Summer events, and just busy being silly over here! Yes, I still love beauty but it’s just taken a backburner lately. Sometimes you need to take a break from the things you love the most so you realize how much you miss it!

I heard E.L.F. Jelly Pop Primer is making a come back and instantly I ran over here to blog about it. Because it’s Jelly Pop Primer and it needs to be screamed about it. Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer is my new current fav but I will forever be a Jelly Pop girl. I love how tacky it is, adore how makeup sticks to it like magic, and really think it just makes things look so much more flawless. It returns this Friday along with a new Jelly Pop Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm and a Jelly Pop Luscious Lip Mask plus the return of Jelly Pop Glow Reviver Lip Oil. I’m pretty excited about this and will absolutely purchase a few tubes when it drops! Are you a fan of the formula?

The past two weeks I’ve been spending time with my soulmate aka my online best friend turned real life best friend. Picture it. It’s 2020, we’re deep in lockdown mode. I download Tiktok and spend way too much time doom scrolling because during lockdown all we had was time right? I laugh and comment on a Tiktok and suddenly I’m on the fast tracking going 100 miles an hour to becoming the fastest friend with the guy who posted it. Suddenly we are talking daily, learning to cook yummy meals together because I burn boiling water and so does it! We end up taking a Jamie Oliver online Masterclass together (but we’re still a little hopeless)! I mean, how cool are we right now? At one point, we nearly burn down my house and his apartment as we attempt to make the perfect mushroom risotto which by the way we did using the microwave because we found a “quick recipe” online to do so. Don’t worry, Jamie wasn’t the one that endorsed that method. We end fangirling out to dramas together, game together, and I even met his boyfriend last Summer when he came to New York on a business trip. We laughed a lot, we shared a lot, we texted, video called, and acted like two tween girls together for the next few years of our lives. We exchange gifts on our birthday, during the holidays, and just because. We’re over here living the best times of our online life together.

And suddenly years flew by and I’m not even sure how that happened because it seems like yesterday I laughed at his Tiktok. He lives a million miles away but last week we finally got to meet. We went to Mexico together, saw Jeff Satur in concert, went to the Heart Killers meet (like, all four of them, together, in the same room!) and screamed so loud that we both had sore throats the next day. What is my life right now? It was pretty special considering Jeff so rarely makes it to this side of the universe. This week, we ended up eating all the things. He wanted to go to Olive Garden, he wanted to go to Wendy’s, etc…etc….the list if crappy restaurants and foods he wants to try is endless. I can’t believe I had to sit through endless salad and breadsticks with him but I did it haha! He weights about 140lbs soaking wet so, I’m not really sure where the food is going. At one point he asked me where the nearest Buc-ee’s was and I had to break his heart and tell him that would be Texas.

Here’s the thing though…! I was so nervous when it was time to meet him for the first time. Hand shaking, knees knocking, almost about to cry nervous. We had spent so much time together online but I was really scared he wouldn’t like real life me. What if the magic we had online didn’t work the same way offline? My boyfriend kept telling me how much I was overthinking it and I had no reason to feel the way I did but I was just scared as hell anyway! I mean, I met my Whovian Reddit group recently and that was a little awkward.

So, what happened next?

It worked. Everything just clicked. When I met him at the airport he ran towards me screaming and crying and we completely melted down in front of God and everyone. Like gulping out of breath tears! There was no hesitation from him. I thought maybe that first moment we’d be shy, say a quiet hello, and slowly adjust to real life us. But nope, it was instantly him squealing BELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I was excited to finally see him, hold his hand, hug him, and laugh together but I thought it would take time to do all that. It didn’t. It just happened instantly. We hugged, we walked out of that airport swinging hands and acting like we’ve done this before a hundred times over. And the laughter just came right away! As soon as we got in the car we started giggling over something. It all came naturally. I didn’t expect it to happen that fast and was delighted it did.

Sometimes you meet friends in the most unexpected places. These last several days our online life has leaked into real life and it’s pretty wonderful. Turns out the real challenge isn’t in the first meeting but it will be in the saying goodbye when the time comes. I just know that’s going to be hard. And unfortunately, it’s not like it’s easy for either of us to just fly around to see each other often as we live a million miles away from each other.

I hope you enjoyed reading this. I hope you meet friends in unexpected places. I wanted to share it because the world has been pretty chaotic lately and this was what brought me joy this month. I hope it made you smile a little reading it. I miss you all! I’m doing my best to make a come back.

July 19, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

How to Choose the Perfect Makeup Souvenirs for Your Skin Type? | Makeup Savvy

by Lina Clémence July 18, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

For skincare and makeup, there is not a standard regimen. Makeup application procedures, tools, and methods vary depending on your skin type. Acquiring knowledge about appropriate makeup can significantly improve any skin, be it oily, dry, or combination.

Picking the appropriate makeup souvenir for your facial pores and skin type is about more than merely appearing good—it’s also about retaining the glow of your skin. Choosing products specifically designed to meet your skin’s needs could make all the difference in achieving the perfect result. Let’s explore how you may choose the right makeup for your specific skin type.

1. Get the desired foundation

Appropriate foundation selection is crucial because the finish serves as a canvas for your makeup. Foundations with a satin finish are your greatest friend if you have an oily complexion because they efficiently reduce shine. Selecting foundations with hydrating elements is crucial for dry complexions because they nourish and hydrate.

A lightweight, non-allergenic foundation is now essential for those with fragile complexions, as it relieves and eliminates discomfort. If you embark on a cruise vacation soon, as a souvenir, you may purchase an ideal foundation from your cruise ship gift shop based on your skin type.

2. Opt for these ingredients

Glycerin, hyaluronic acid & ceramides, and Vitamin C are crucial ingredients your makeup products should have. Glycerin provides intense moisturization if you have dry skin. At the same time, the hyaluronic acid layer will keep your skin nourished all day and give your makeup a silky and luminous touch. Similarly, Vitamin-C is the best antioxidant that reverses UV radiation damage and boosts collagen production.

3. Lip and eye makeup according to your skin type

Matte lip tints work wonderfully with waterproof eye makeup for those with oily complexion to create long-lasting appeal. On the flip side, people with dry complexions may find pleasure in moisturizing eye shadows that provide an additional layer of moisture, especially when combined with creamy lipsticks that provide softness along with pigment. It all boils down to matching the unique features of the complexion to the makeup you choose.

4. Opting for the right powders and concealers

A light powder and oil-free concealer may assist people with oily skin to look rejuvenated. Ladies with dry complexions should stick to velvety concealers mixed with hydrating powders for a radiant effect. Additionally, equilibrium is key when dealing with combination skin; occasionally, the T-zone should have oil-free concealer, while the dry parts should have creamy concealer.

5. Patch test is a must

Regarding your product removal process, a patch test is a wise move. It can assist in determining whether particular items or components may inflame your skin, block up your pores, or trigger symptoms of allergies. It may take some effort initially to evaluate every element before buying them, but it will save you a great deal of time and financial trouble in the long run.

You must choose the right item for your complexion type to optimize skin wellness and appearance. Note that cosmetics ought to accentuate your inherent appeal rather than compromise your skin’s integrity. Hopefully, these tips help!

July 18, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

The Best Beauty From NYFW Fall ‘25

by Lina Clémence July 17, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Christopher John Rogers hasn’t had a show in two years—five if you’re counting NYFW specifically—which meant everyone was excited to see what he was cooking up backstage. We first saw Jin Soon again, who had conjured up three colorful earth-tone manicures this time. On the makeup front, Alex Levy and MAC constructed what they called “a galactic lip” on some models, which was a layer cake of teal or olive eyeliners and shadows, topped with clear gloss. And then a handful of models were given a bright, cherry red lip. This was all balanced with a lot of sleek hairstyles that were parted down the middle in an almost basket weave-like manner. Using a slew of Bumble and Bumble products, hairstylist Sonny Molina wanted models to play up the idea of a woman in charge, so he decided on a “severe bang” for a few. The exaggerated bangs were stored in little baggies next to their intended models ahead of the show. And then one by one, a hairstylist would take the bag back to their station, like a kid with their afternoon snack, ready to dive in.

July 17, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

Lifting Pain, Not Just Weights: The Hemorrhoid Solution Fitness Enthusiasts Didn’t See Coming

by Lina Clémence July 16, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

From squats to deadlifts, physical fitness is about strength, discipline – and sometimes unexpected pain. Hemorrhoids are quietly affecting thousands of gym-goers and athletes, often triggered by heavy lifting and straining. Now, a fast-acting, natural ointment is gaining popularity in the fitness world – offering real relief without downtime, drugs, or awkward doctor visits.

By Dr. Miles Hemsworth

Health Journalist, Einaturalherb

For people who take care of their bodies through regular exercise, the word “hemorrhoids” can feel out of place. After all, athletes are supposed to be strong, agile, and healthy – not dealing with itching, burning, or rectal pressure.

But ask any personal trainer or gym veteran, and you’ll discover the hidden truth: hemorrhoids are surprisingly common in the fitness community, especially among those who lift heavy, strain hard, or push themselves to the limit.

“I was prepping for my first CrossFit competition when the pain started,” recalls Diego F., a 29-year-old trainer from Miami. “I thought I had pulled something – but my doctor said it was hemorrhoids. I was stunned.”

Hemorrhoids often develop in fitness enthusiasts due to repeated intra-abdominal pressure from weightlifting, constipation from high-protein diets, or dehydration from intense cardio sessions.

These factors can weaken or inflame the veins in the rectal area – especially when combined.

“I wasn’t about to stop training,” Diego adds. “But I also didn’t want chemical creams or to risk surgery. That’s when a colleague suggested a natural solution.”

Enter the Natural Recovery Formula Athletes Swear By

Einaturalherb hemorrhoid ointment is rapidly becoming a gym bag essential – offering discreet, plant-based relief for those pushing their limits.

What makes it ideal for athletes?

Fast absorption – so there’s no residue or discomfort during movement
Cooling and soothing – to calm post-exercise inflammation
All-natural ingredients – so users know exactly what they’re putting on their bodies
No steroids or synthetic chemicals – meaning it’s safe for regular use, even during intense training periods

Among the key botanical ingredients:

Horse Chestnut Extract – strengthens veins and reduces swelling
Witch Hazel – an astringent to tighten tissue and reduce inflammation
Calendula and Chamomile – calm irritation and accelerate healing
Aloe Vera and Shea Butter – deeply hydrate and protect sensitive skin

Real Results – Without Interrupting the Grind

Jamie L., a 35-year-old amateur bodybuilder, credits the ointment with helping him stay competition-ready. “You don’t want to talk about hemorrhoids in a locker room,” he laughs. “But they’re more common than people think – especially during heavy bulking or cutting phases.

This cream got me through prep season without missing a single session.”

In an independent athlete survey conducted by Einaturalherb, 87% of users reported noticeable improvement in irritation and swelling within three days, and over 90% continued training without pause.

Trainers and Coaches Are Taking Note

“I recommend it to clients more than I expected,” says Samantha Ng, a certified strength and conditioning specialist. “Hemorrhoids can throw off your focus, your breathing technique, and

even your posture. Having a clean, effective, natural product makes it easier for athletes to stay on track.”

And because the ointment is non-greasy, fast-acting, and odor-free, it’s easy to incorporate into a recovery routine – just like stretching, foam rolling, or hydration.

Reclaim Focus, Comfort, and Confidence – Naturally

Whether you’re lifting plates or pushing your limits in HIIT class, hemorrhoids shouldn’t be part of your fitness journey. With Einaturalherb’s natural ointment, athletes now have a way to treat the problem without breaking rhythm – or the bank.

Because real strength isn’t just about how much you lift – it’s about knowing how to recover, and when to trust nature to help.

July 16, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

L’Oréal, Neutrogena, Nivea Q10 and Others Launch EcoBeautyScore: A Global Benchmark for Sustainable Beauty

by Lina Clémence July 15, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

THE WHAT? The EcoBeautyScore Association has officially launched EcoBeautyScore, the first industry-wide, science-based environmental scoring system for cosmetics and personal care products. Leading brands including L’Oréal Paris, Neutrogena, Nivea Q10, and Eucerin have begun publishing EcoBeautyScore ratings in select European markets, offering consumers transparent insight into the environmental impact of products across their full lifecycle.

THE DETAILS Developed over three years by a not-for-profit consortium of more than 70 global manufacturers and trade associations, EcoBeautyScore is aligned with the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology and evaluates products across 16 environmental impact categories—from carbon emissions and water usage to land use and resource depletion.

The scoring system uses a simple A-to-E label, designed to distill complex environmental data into a consumer-friendly format. Its methodology has been reviewed by external experts, with participating brands subject to regular independent third-party audits. EcoBeautyScore is currently live for four product categories—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face care—with more to follow.

Research underpinning the launch shows that over two-thirds of consumers across key markets such as China, the US, France, and Brazil say the label builds trust, and the majority intend to consider the EcoBeautyScore when making purchase decisions.

The platform is now open to all manufacturers, with free trials and onboarding support available, and will gradually expand to cover the full cosmetics and personal care category on a global scale.

THE WHY? Consumer demand for transparency and eco-conscious choices in beauty is growing, yet nearly half of European consumers remain sceptical of brands’ sustainability claims. EcoBeautyScore offers a long-awaited solution—an independently verified, industry-backed system that empowers brands to credibly communicate their environmental impact and improve product design.

For brands, the platform not only builds consumer trust but also provides actionable data on environmental “hotspots,” facilitating more sustainable product development. For consumers, it delivers a clear and simple label to make more informed choices—bridging the gap between marketing claims and scientific reality.

As Europe’s beauty market is projected to surpass US$150 billion in 2025, EcoBeautyScore is poised to become a defining standard in the sector’s transition toward greater accountability and sustainability.

Source: EcoBeautyScore

July 15, 2025 0 comments