July 29, 2008

Reader’s Request: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Review

It’s so ironic that Kevyn Aucoin’s Makeup Collection has just recently been added to Sephora’s website for purchase.

You see I just purchased Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer while I was in Atlantic City a few weeks ago! Pretty funny that not even a day later Sephora pops me a newsletter to tell me that the line is now being sold through them!

I’ve been waiting to try out The Sensual Skin Enhancer for a while now after my friend and reader, Taryn, had mentioned it. For one reason or another I never got around to purchasing it and I really should have brought it as soon as she recommended it as she has excellent taste in cosmetics.

Turns out this is amazing stuff and finally, after much searching, I’ve located the perfect all in one product to replace quite a few items that I use daily.

The process of looking flawless does take a considerable array of products as I’m sure most of you already know. Good concealer, good powder, good foundation, etc….etc….. The road to a flawless face is a long, painstaking, and time consuming task.

Although I slather myself in SPF come the Summer I still find that I do get a shade darker than I would like when I am outside for long periods of time. That’s just the way my skin is I guess and even an SPF of 20 doesn’t protect me from developing a brown luster to my skin.

Normally when this occurs I feel like my complexion takes a nose dive for the worst and my skin begins to look dull and loses the sign of that healthy glow I normally sport. Lately I’ve been experiencing major dull skin days. It could be due to any number of reasons really. Too much sun, too little sleep, not drinking enough water, etc….

But yes indeed it’s dull.

Since it’s decided to become rather dull-like I’ve found myself hunting through various foundations to regain complexion perfection. I’ve experienced some relief with a few foundations I’ve tried but not total nirvana until I finally took the $45 USD plunge and purchased Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

$45 USD is an obscene amount of money to spend on a tiny jar that promises to deliver me into breathtaking beautiful skin. The pot is 0.63oz in size which accumulates to about the size of a small lip gloss pot. Think small. Think really small. You know me I’ve spent far more on product than that but this stuff is tiny!

Turns out $45 USD isn’t too bad a price and 0.63 oz is actually bigger than I realized. Why? You only need a smidge of the product to gain pure skin perfection. A tiny, tiny amount smaller than a pea will cover your entire face and create the most gorgeous canvas for your makeup.

The Sensual Skin Enhancer quite reminds me of a BB Cream without the huge hype of ingredients that BB Creams normally carry mind you. It performs just like a BB Cream would in the fact that it gives you a workable canvas for your blush, shadow, an d other makeup or you can easily wear it alone to cover up dull, uneven skin, problem skin, etc…. In a similar vein as BB Creams it replaces not only your foundation but also your concealer.

The Sensual Skin Enhancer multi-tasks its way onto your face by not only prepping your face for makeup but also doubling up as a concealer for your under eye area. Dark circles, fine lines, dry skin, all disappear with a tiny amount patted gently under your eyes.

Simply an amazing product! It’s probably the holy grail product each of us have been searching for our entire lives! I’ve never run across a more pigmented foundation product, if it can even be called foundation, that’s beautifully light, long wearing, and natural with amazing concealing power.

Considering the product is so pigmented I did fear that it would feel heavy on and you’d notice right away that I was wearing a heavier product. Not the case at all. It’s light, not greasy, and blends beautifully with your skin. It feels like I have virtually nothing on at all.

When it comes to foundation I don’t follow the conventional rule of shades. I normally take a shade or two lighter than my normal skin tone and although I get strange, puzzled, and horrified looks from various Makeup Artists when I purchase a foundation in a lighter shade I know for myself that’s how I prefer wearing my makeup. It could be completely wrong but I don’t think it’s done me bad yet and I blend it well enough that you’d never notice my coverage wasn’t my natural shade of skin!

I’m mentioning this because I did have a minor problem when selecting the color for The Sensual Skin Enhancer. I was going for the lightest shade available when I swatched on my arm it appeared just right however the MA from the Cos Bar, which is where I purchased this, quickly said it was absolutely the wrong shade for me. I got a tad bit peeved as I always get that snotty “That’s NOT your shade” whenever I am purchasing a lighter foundation. However, I was in no mood to bicker about it and I calmly told her I preferred a lighter shade. She nicely explained that the best shade for me would be SX5 and I was quick to disagree however turns out she was very right. SX5 was the most flattering of the several shades and she was indeed spot on with the color. I am curious what the lightest shade would look like on but she did assure me that it was very, very pale so I think I’m quite happy with SX5 as it kept my skin nice and pale plus it looked natural so no sense complaining right?

The texture and formula is a very heavy creamy base so a little definately goes a long way at concealing dark circles, skin imperfections, redness, etc….If you happen to sport dry skin this will likely be ideal for your skin type. If you’re skin is oily I think a little amount followed up with powder should work beautifully as well. As per the Kevyn Aucuin’s website and the product’s packaging you can also mix a tiny amount with your moisturizer to create a beautifully light foundation. One key advantage to using this was a I noticed that it not only had very long wear but it didn’t go ashy or gray on me.

All in all this is a rather highly priced item and a great indulgence but I don’t mind paying $45 USD for a pot that will last me ages (a little goes along way) plus something that works truly well!

For me, makeup like this, is priceless! Alot of hype surrounds Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer and his makeup line in general. The Muse is here to say the hype is all true. It’s quality makeup that delivers on it’s promises in full!

I give it my highest Muse Approval for purchase! Definitely grab a pot! Your face will thank you for it!

If you’re not loving the idea of $45 USD makeup you might want to stay tuned for the Muse’s upcoming review on Jelly Pong Pong’s Nicola Roberts Dainty Doll Foundation which is nearly half the price as Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer but is it as good? We’ll have to find out! Review Coming Soon….

Find out about other products for creating flawless skin by clicking through some past reviews!

Tarte Peaches and Cream Oil Free Powder Foundation Review

Prescriptives All Mineral Makeup Review

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Duo Review

Bourjois Paris 10 Hour Sleep Effect Review


Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer Review

See an FOTD of the Muse wearing Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

33 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Nell

    Really interesting product!
    But what intrigued me was the mention of bb creams, never heard of those (not into asian cosmetics til now). I googled them, but there seem to be a lot of those out there. Is there a particular brand you�d recommend, what do you think of bb creams in general? great, overhyped, really bad? Let me know, please! In Muse I trust to remove my cosmetic blind spots! 😉

  • the Muse

    hiya nell!

    Very! Multitasking as hell too!

    BB Creams are all the rage in Korea and have recently hit the Japanese and Singaporean markets. I don’t normally rec bb creams as I never found one that I truly liked. i’ve used about 5-7 brands that were all really bad. They are beige and just gross.

    However, a reader suggested I try Skin79 and I’m happy to report it’s amazing and matches my skin wonderfully.

    I’ll be reviewing the gold and summer versions shortly 🙂

    It’s not so much overhyped b/c they do leave up to the hype. Minerals, SPF, good coverage all combined in one product however the problem I faced with BB is color selections. They are all so very beige which is weird as they are big time popular with asian girls and asian girls do have slight yellow tones and beige is SO not flattering on yellow tone or any skin tone for that matter!

    So it shocks me they get so many raves…but finally after searching forever I think I’ve found some I really like 🙂

    You’ll hear a review shortly and a explanation of what BB Creams are, etc..!

    LOL! Thanks 😉 It flatters me you trust my opinion so much!

    Hugs!

  • Dao

    Hi Muse,

    I started to wonder where were you since Saturday as I did not see new posts. Now you’re back with Kevyn Aucoin, great! I love his book Making Faces, do you have it?

    This creme looks promising, do you have a FOTD with it? I need to see!

  • Taryn

    Isn’t it just the bomb? I don’t usually use it unless I have large blemishes to cover, but it’s always nice knowing it’s there. It’s like industrial strength concealer. Glad you’re liking it, Muse.

    BTW, I sent you a message. Check your inbox!

  • MandyPandy

    I tried this a while back (and more than once, as I never really learn my lesson) and I wasn’t crazy about it them. It was simply too much work to have to apply this, but now that I have the amazing CoverFX primer serum, I’m thinking of giving this another go.

  • Haru

    Hey Izzy,

    Great review! I thought you have pretty much perfect skin (except for some dullness), as can be seen from your photos so I was surprised that you would go for something as pigmented as SSE since it seems like there’s nothing you need to cover up! SSE does get lots of raves on MUA.

    Have you read the review of Estee Lauder’s new Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum? I think that may be what you’re looking for. The review sure made me want to run out and buy 10 bottles of it!

    http://blogdorfgoodman.blogspot.com/2008/07/estee-lauder-perfectionist-cp-wrinkle.html

  • *Jen*

    hey izzy i reviewed this recently too!

    Kevyn Aucoin review

    it really is a great multi-taking product-i’ve had mine for over a year or so and i’ve barely made a dent in it.

    oooh i’m really curious to read your review of the skin79 bb cream!

    i haven’t been blogging much because today was the first day of the NY bar. one more day and then the NJ day and i’m done–thank goodness i feel like i’m about to drop dead from exhaustion =X

  • Dancinggal

    Wow, I’m floored by your review of this stuff, so rushed over to make up alley and it seems everyone says the same as you. Am going to grab one of these when my boy hits Canada, seein $45 is how much MAC foundations are here. Hmmm, I want it now! Lol.

  • melanie

    Uhm… Want! I’d do the same thing, I’m sure as I always go for the lightest shade and someone is bound to disagree. I really want to check this out now! *races to sephora.com* 🙂

    I still haven’t tried a BB cream yet but it intrigues me. Have you heard anything about Palgantong’s BB? For some reason I want to try that one. I guess because I haven’t heard anything about it. hehe I’m a weird one.

    Your foundation reviews are great… except for one thing: Your skin really must be flawless! 🙂 Seriously, I tried the Prescriptives and it settled comfortably right into my pores, leaving them large and visible! I read before on here that you don’t have big pores, and I would never wish them upon you my dear… except to get a review from you LOL!! Just kidding I like you so I don’t really want you to suffer large pores. 🙂

    I gotta report back to you on something now that I remember. I tried Alima’s mineral makeup again (I ordered it a while back with same results as BE) a couple days ago and if the BE irritated you, you’ll also want to avoid Alima makeup. 🙁 Sucks but better to know than having the itchies and upset skin!

  • Askmewhats

    Hi Musey!!!

    I love Kevyn Aucoin’s Face Forward book and I didn’t even know he has his own line of products!!! Glad it got your approval!!!

  • Anonymous

    Hi Muse,thank you for the review,very informative indeed!

    Could you please publish a photo with your face wearing this foundation?
    And as far as i remember it contained some mineral oil in it,could you just have a look at the box if that is true?
    Thank you very much!

  • Elaina

    Hey Muse! Thanks so much for the review!! Now I’m excited 😉

  • the Muse

    hi dao!

    😉 I’m back in full writing post 🙂 Normally I don’t post weekends as I get too busy and Monday was just bonkers plus tstorms and all the drama of cable out yak!

    I do indeed have it! It’s a fantastic book and has some seriously awesome tips!

    I’ll do an FOTD tonight and post 😉 Special for you!

    MWAH!

  • the Muse

    hey taryn!

    It’s wicked! Loving it. Thanks for the rec! I don’t have anything major to cover up but I really love how it creates such a flawless canvas for my makeup!

    Plus it does a major fab job on my eyes!!!!!

    Got it 😉 replied in chat yesterday teehee!

  • the Muse

    hey mandy!

    Really????? I freaking love it dude! It wasn’t alot of work at all. I just use a tiny dot here and there and simply smooth it on as regular foundation. Not much work to it!

    Why did you find it difficult to use? It’s as easy as smoothing regular foundation on.

    Curious!

  • the Muse

    hey iris!!!!

    *hugs*

    Thank you lovie! Wow thanks. I think my skin is in good condition aside from certain dullness. pores are a ok. no acne/blemishes to conceal. Aside from my eyes which I definately need extra coverage for 😉

    For me I like to brighten my skin and I also like a bright canvas to apply my other makeup and that’s what this gave me 🙂 Plus a small amount goes a super long way!

    no!?! Off to look now! must have..hehe!

    whoa she said two shades lighter..this sounds like I def need it!

  • the Muse

    hi jen!

    awesome review!

    You really need very little of it! It’s simply really amazing!

    I’ll be doing the review shortly on skin79 🙂

    Phew! I bet you’re tired. Good luck on the rest of your exams!

  • the Muse

    hiya Dancinggal!

    Alot of hype surrounds this little pot and it’s all true 😉 I’ve seen major discussions about it on MUA and forums 😉

    LOL can’t blame you! it’s sincerely good stuff. You should grab it november when sephora has ff 20% off 😉 have an mua’er cp it!

  • the Muse

    hiya melanie!

    lol! get it! 😉

    I ALWAYS do that and ma’s get SOOOOOO pissed!

    lol!

    I haven’t tried Palgangong but I’ve wanted to try their powder for a while now!

    Oh I feel you! I’m always one for trying stuff I never heard of 😉

    Wow really??? 🙁 I don’t have large pores so that isn’t a prob I’m so freaking sorry!

    How about with primer? Does that help any?

    LOL I’ve never had the problem and it’s alien to me when girl’s bitch about it. I’d be curious to try out having large pores for the day lol!

    Ugh thanks for the heads up as I was TEMPTED to add it to my list thank god you warned me..what a waste if I indulged. BE gives me sincerely bad itches yak!

    Always super talking to you Mel 🙂

  • the Muse

    hey nicks!

    😉 MWAH!

    Me too! He does indeed…plenty of damn good ones too btw 😉

  • the Muse

    hello there Anonymous!

    You’re most welcome! I surely will do that for you!

    I’ll look tonight to see if it contains mineral oil as well!

    I hope this will help 😉

    Look for my post tonight!

    Cheers! Thanks for the comment and I hope to talk to you again soon!

  • the Muse

    hi there Elaina!

    Aw I’m glad love! It’s always great to be excited about awesome cosmetics 🙂

    Thanks for the comment! Hope to hear from you again soon!

  • MandyPandy

    I found the formulation tacky and difficult to spread, mix or blend with other shades (I was in between shades 5 and 6, another problem). I think I might have more luck, though, now that I use Cover Fx Primer. It makes base spread much more smoothly, I’m willing to give the SSE another chance.

  • the Muse

    hey mandy my little pandy!

    Really? No probs here like that. Blended wonderfully well. It blends well for me particular if I add a touch of moisturizer and I hose myself down with some toner.

    I was sorta inbetween colors myself I think so I’m tempted to get the lighter shade but the one I did get works so well that’s me being anal about being whiter *rolls eyes*

  • nilla cookie

    All right, I’m totally convinced. I must check this out when I’m at Sephora next time 😀

    PS – I’ve been watching Muse TV and thoroughly enjoying it!!

  • the Muse

    oh you needs it cookie! and after u get it can it be cookie tv time?

    😉

    LOL wow really?! They are terribly crappy vids. I did them a year ago! yak! Must do more one day!

  • mumtaza

    Hey hey Muse! I have a quick question I need help with. I am a MAC NW15, I think you tan better than me. What shade might be a match for me in this formula? And is it scented in any way? Thank you thank you thank you! Pretty please reply?
    Xoxo,Mumtaza

  • Mallory

    Hi Muse! I know this review is years old, but if you’ve got the time, I’d love to know if Kevin Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer has continued to be a HG product you reach for often. I’m having a humongous difficulty finding a foundation with enough of a yellow undertone, and I’ve read this has a few shades with lots of yellow. Would you still recommend it?

  • Dani

    Do you happen to know if there is silicone in this foundation? I want to use Kett sett powder to set it but only if there is no silicone in it and I cannot locate the ingredients. Thanks!

  • Kelly

    Thanks for all the great info I was wondering if you can use the skin enhancer under foundation?
    Just as a concealer?