ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench

ExOfficio's take on the classic trench: Rain Logic in Stone. Daphne Scarf by Pistil. Demi Turtle Eye Wear by Rudy Project of Italy

SPRING NYC: One fashion piece every office ready professional needs is a trench coat. While you might be thinking "Burberry" when it comes to a traditional trench coat, may I recommend a fresh take on this classic?  The Women's Rain Logic Trench by ExOfficio offers clean lines in a beautiful, silky water/stain proof fabric.  This is where beauty meets function. Don't let the good looks fool you as this is a highly technical, 100% waterproof and windproof raincoat which is fully seam sealed yet breathable.

The Rain Logic Trench has zippered security pockets and packs into its own hood.

What I really like about ExOfficio's re-do of the classic trench is the feminine fit that gives you a waistline without resorting to an external belt. The hood is anatomically fitted as well as removable. The collar is microfleece lined and two-way zip pits allow for easy ventilation.

Internal travel pocket system allows you to breeze through the airport rain or shine. Umbrella: Totes Mini Compact.

The Rain Logic Trench is lightweight, (2.5 layers) and offers a bit of stretch so it flows easily over your clothing thanks to a protective inner sheen for abrasion resistance and durability. It travels extremely well so roll it up into its hood, throw it in your bag and go.  
This coat is amazingly durable and a modern classic that will take you to the office or on your travels. A coat like this adjusts to changes in temperature and weather, keeping you comfortably dry and looking great. The length is perfect for the maximum amount of coverage over your clothing while not overpowering you. Best of all it is SO comfortable to wear. You can be ready for the April Showers that Bring May Flowers in this trench! Now aren't you #lucky?

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Bulletproof Makeup: Estee Lauder's Double Wear is at the heart of makeup that stays put all day.

SPRING NYC: If you are like me and just can't stand another summer of smeary, running makeup, now is the time to step up and try something new, (or maybe old). Years ago, I wore Estee Lauder's Lucidity and liked it very much. Really the main benefit of department store makeup is that you can have it color matched to your skin tone. This will usually give the best results but you should also try wearing it outdoors in full sun.

Since I model fitness and athletic wear, I need a foundation that can make it through the shoot with out transferring onto my clothing. Most of the time I airbrush my makeup which gives me very light coverage and incredible staying power.  I use Kett Cosmetics of NYC and her Hydro Foundation is my holy grail. Here I am below with my airbrushed foundation for a Craghoppers / Pistil Designs shoot:

Kett Hydro Foundation was airbrushed on prior to this NYC photo shoot.

So I was at the mall on Sunday and was given a little postcard for a 10 day supply of any Estee Lauder Foundation of your choice. Since I haven't used Estee Lauder in over 10 years, I thought I would give their Double Wear a try for my upcoming outdoor photo shoots. The counter-lady, Brittany quickly tried two shades on my skin and waited for them to oxidize. The Pure Beige in Shade 2Cl seemed to be the best match. She gave me my 10 day sample and off I went.  Double Wear dries down very quickly so I applied it with a damp Beauty Blender sponge. I didn't use much and simply applied it over my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and Hard Candy's Glamoflage Heavy Duty Concealer. Here is the result from a photo-shoot for ExOfficio:

Estee Lauder Double Wear for my outdoor shoot for ExOfficio.

To me, the Double Wear looks very similar to my airbrush application, even in full sun. I only used a touch of NARS Orgasm Facial Illuminator on my cheeks and Brass Plum Bronzer. I set it with the tiniest dusting of Revlon's Nearly Naked Pressed Powder.  The EL Double Wear did not transfer onto the collar of this very light, Stone colored trench coat. Even with a light application of primer, (Revlon Miracle Blur) did not feel heavy or greasy. The finish is matte to semi-matte and pretty much stayed that way the whole day even though I have oily skin. Once again, I used very little of this foundation but the coverage and longevity were beyond what I expected. I was told that EL is bringing back the Lucidity as a reformulation. That may be a good thing but right now I'm pretty pleased with the Double Wear! #Lucky me.

NEW Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation & Powder

Revlon Trio: Nearly Naked 180 Medium Beige Foundation, Photoready Color Corrector Primer and Nearly Naked 030 Medium Powder

I'm not a serious fan of drugstore foundations but had the chance to purchase and try Revlon's NEW Nearly Naked Foundation and Pressed Powder. I usually like and wear Lancome's Tient Miracle (with pump applicator) as far as liquid foundations go. As for photoshoots I use Kett's Airbrush Foundations. However, I was looking for something ultra light, relatively waterproof, with a decent SPF for summer. I already have the Revlon ColorStay Whipped foundation which has amazing holding power. All the same that foundation is a bit heavy.

The Revlon Nearly Nakeds are said by some to be a dupe for the pricier Urban Decay foundation.  I don't know if that is the case but I think it has more in common with its ColorStay Liquid Foundation cousin. Like ColorStay, there is no pump dispenser so you have to pour a bit out on your hand to start applying with a brush or sponge, (I like the Beauty Blender). You can easily pour too much and make a mess but the formula is not overly runny. I used Bobbi Brown's Makeup Base + Sunblock (SPF 50) and a bit of L'Oreal's Miracle Blur but not a lot else. I quickly applied the NN foundation with a large stippling brush and worked it in over my Kat Von D (Sephora) Lock-It Concealer and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I added a little extra Hard Candy Glamoflage to my chin area and finished it off with a light dusting of the Nearly Naked 030 Medium Powder. Then just a few strokes of Brass Plum Bronzer for a beachy glow that that was it.

The Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation has a SPF 20. Here are the results below shot in full sun on a nearly cloudless day while out riding on my bicycle:

Revlon's NN liquid & powder with Bobbi Brown Base

I would say that the coverage is about medium as I did not build or layer it. I don't have too many freckles or blemishes but it easily covered what I do have. When I blotted it after taking a bicycle ride in 66 degree weather today, there was NO makeup transfer which once again reminds me of it's kissing cousin, ColorStay. I did not wear too much moisturizer as it was warmer than usual and I wanted the lightest application possible. So I'm used to a little more of a dewy finish but this was not dry or cakey by any means. It also did not darken and oxidize. Stayed pretty much the same as when I applied it.  Here is another picture only this time I used their Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer underneath:

I think the Color Corrector gave my skin more of a lift but this picture was also taken as the sun was going down.  Still you get the idea. The fact that the Nearly Naked Foundation doesn't have a pump is not a deal breaker for me. The surprise is how luxe and finely made the matching Nearly Naked Pressed Powder is!  It's like silk and VERY translucent. So it is not as if you are adding more pigmentation to your skin, hiding it underneath opaque layers.  Just the opposite. You can see my skin through the make up which matches my coloring and undertones very well.
If you want to try a refreshing drugstore foundation this summer, check out the Revlon Color Wheel Mirror to pick your best color match in the Nearly Nakeds.