Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Review & Photos!

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer ($45) was created to mimic the appearance of healthy, radiant skin. It's a cream foundation and concealer wrapped up in one product. Containing honey and jojoba oil, this foundation is creamy, moisturizing and creates a soft, natural dewy finish.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is available in (16) shades: SX01, SX02, SX03, SX04, SX05, SX06, SX07, SX08, SX09, SX10, SX11, SX12, SX13, SX14, SX15 and SX16.

I chose SX08, which is a warm medium shade with strong yellow undertones. It's suitable for the MAC NC35 coloring.

The texture of this cream is a bit different than other cream products I've used. It compares to the creaminess/goopiness of Benefit Erase Paste, but it's more dense and not as tacky. For instance, it's absolutely nothing like MAC Studio Finish Concealer (MAC Full Coverage Foundation) or Cinema Secrets/Graftobian/Ben Nye Foundations which are like the standard cream compact makeup - often dry and dense or with a similar consistency to a concealer stick. It's so much more creamy - luxuriously creamy, but it's also very thick/dense. Because of this, you need a tiny amount (about 1/4 the size of a pea or less) to provide full coverage to the entire face.

Since the formula is so concentrated, it doesn't move around well on dry skin. Whenever wearing this foundation, moisturizing and/or priming the face is an essential step. I usually use a silicone based primer for it to spread better, or apply a generous amount of moisturizer. Then, I like taking a concealer brush and wiping a line of product on each cheek, my chin and forehead. Then, I take a duo-fiber brush and with small circular motions blend it in completely. After it's blended, I like taking a facial mist and spritzing my face and using the duo-fiber brush again buff my face more to make sure everything is perfectly blended.

The result is completely flawless skin that actually looks like skin.

(Wearing Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer SX08)

The consistency is a little tricky, so it might take a few trials and error to get it right. You might benefit from mixing equal parts moisturizer or primer to thin it out a little bit, or using a dampened beauty blender or cosmetic sponge. I've read a review where the person mixed it with a BB cream with amazing, full coverage results. I have yet to try a BB cream, but I'm definitely going to give that a try when I do.

The finish isn't really what I'd call dewy - it's more of a satiny, healthy finish. I feel it's necessary to set with a powder, otherwise I'll get a little shiny on my nose and chin area.

The lasting power is amazing. It gets me through a full day (still looks amazing at bedtime) without touch-ups.

One thing I love the best of all is how comfortable it is on my face and how it doesn't break me out. I love how much coverage cream foundations provide, but you tend to feel them on your skin. After wearing a cream/cake foundation, by night time I'm feeling anxious to wash my face. It's almost like I can feel the pimples forming. As much as I love wearing Cinema Secrets, at the end of the day it starts feeling uncomfortable and I can't wear it more than a few days in a row before getting a blemish. Not this though, I can wear it every day with no problems.

In the photo on the left, I wiped a couple lines of product on my cheek - this will cover half of my face. In the photo on the right, I've started to blend the product with my duo-fiber brush. (The color is a little darker than my face right now, but it matches my neck perfectly.)

In the photo on the left, I've completely blended the product on my face. Everything is covered, but my face looks very one dimensional. To add a little dimension to my face, I added YSL Touche Eclat (highlighter), bronzer and blush. My makeup is finished on the right.

I love this foundation and I think it can work well for almost anyone. Even though it's a heavier coverage foundation, you can really adjust it however you'd like. For those with pigmentation and acne scars, I can see this working miracles. 

I'm planning on purchasing a couple additional shades - maybe a lighter shade I can use for a concealer and highlighting, and an additional shade for when I'm not tan. SX 08 works fine as long as I'm self-tanning, but it's too dark/yellow for when I'm not. 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is rated 4.1 out of 5, with a 71% repurchase rate based on 296 reviews on Makeupalley.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Covers undereyes and blemishes really well
• Super pigmented/full coverage - you can sheer it out for a lighter or medium coverage
• Long-lasting - doesn't budge all day and night with a setting powder
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Can be a little tricky to work with at first.
• The first ingredient is mineral oil, and although it doesn't bother me at all, I know that it can be bothersome to some.
• Expensive, but a little goes a long way

Repurchase? Yes! I'm planning on purchasing additional shades.

Price: $45, Barney's, Dermstore.

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

1)      L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!

2)     Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.

3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!

4)      It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.

5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.

6)      Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer– Got a hold of this a couple weeks ago and I’ve been playing around with it here and there. I got it in a color that’s too dark for me now (which is why I haven’t reviewed it yet) but so far, I’ve been mixing it with some of my lighter foundations and wow, this little jar packs some intense coverage. If I ever need extra concealing, this is my new weapon.

7)      Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara– I’ve gotten tired of trying other mascaras only to look like a raccoon by the end of the day, so I resorted to an old favorite of mine. Covergirl Lash Blast is the only mascara that doesn’t smudge on me, and although I’ve grown bored from the big bulky tube and wand, it’s better than having to touch up my under-eyes every couple of hours. If you have problems with smudging, I highly recommend picking up a tube.

8)      Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum– I know that everyone has their own preference to scents, so this may not be one for everyone, but I cannot get enough of this perfume. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned it on my blog, but I always keep the bottle (it’s a deluxe sample – 0.16 oz) in my bag and dab it on my wrist and neck 1-2 times a day.  Periodically I’ll smell it in the air and it somehow brightens my day and soothes my senses.

9)     E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads– Goodbye traditional nail polish remover, don’t let the door hit you on your rear on the way out.  These pads work very well, don’t stink like acetone, there is no leaky mess, and they’re convenient and easy for travel. 

10)   Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss– So I don’t normally pay close attention to the lasting power of my lipgloss, but lately I’ve been wearing Chanel Bagatelle every day, and aside from being beautiful all on its own (no lipstick companion necessary) noticed that it’s a little soldier in disguise. It stays on my lips fighting for hours of wear before needing a re-application. I’m sure the formula can possibly differ between shades, but this one in particular is an A+ in my book, and I’m tempted to try more.

I'll have reviews up for some of these products shortly.

What are you loving right now?

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

1)      L�Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel � As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, d�collet� and arms, and I�ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it�s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn�t stink, or break out my skin � yay!

2)     Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter � Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It�s fruity, it�s sweet, it�s spicy � it�s everything you could ask for.

3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil� I�ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don�t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells � that alone will make me want to keep using it!

4)      It�s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin� I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I�m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I�ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.

5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum� One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I�m using my Reviva Labs.

6)      Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer� Got a hold of this a couple weeks ago and I�ve been playing around with it here and there. I got it in a color that�s too dark for me now (which is why I haven�t reviewed it yet) but so far, I�ve been mixing it with some of my lighter foundations and wow, this little jar packs some intense coverage. If I ever need extra concealing, this is my new weapon.

7)      Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara� I�ve gotten tired of trying other mascaras only to look like a raccoon by the end of the day, so I resorted to an old favorite of mine. Covergirl Lash Blast is the only mascara that doesn�t smudge on me, and although I�ve grown bored from the big bulky tube and wand, it�s better than having to touch up my under-eyes every couple of hours. If you have problems with smudging, I highly recommend picking up a tube.

8)      Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum� I know that everyone has their own preference to scents, so this may not be one for everyone, but I cannot get enough of this perfume. This isn�t the first time I�ve mentioned it on my blog, but I always keep the bottle (it�s a deluxe sample � 0.16 oz) in my bag and dab it on my wrist and neck 1-2 times a day.  Periodically I�ll smell it in the air and it somehow brightens my day and soothes my senses.

9)     E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads� Goodbye traditional nail polish remover, don�t let the door hit you on your rear on the way out.  These pads work very well, don�t stink like acetone, there is no leaky mess, and they�re convenient and easy for travel. 

10)   Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss� So I don�t normally pay close attention to the lasting power of my lipgloss, but lately I�ve been wearing Chanel Bagatelle every day, and aside from being beautiful all on its own (no lipstick companion necessary) noticed that it�s a little soldier in disguise. It stays on my lips fighting for hours of wear before needing a re-application. I�m sure the formula can possibly differ between shades, but this one in particular is an A+ in my book, and I�m tempted to try more.

I'll have reviews up for some of these products shortly.

What are you loving right now?