BSB: Beauty news, makeup swatches and pictures, nail polish articles, makeup tutorials, product reviews, and how-to's from a MAC-trained makeup artist.

Fashion Week Fall '09 | MAC Face Charts - 2.14.09 | Adam, threeasfour, Ruffian

To see the looks and charts, keep reading!

Fashion Week Fall '09 | MAC Face Charts - 2.13.09 | Yigal Azrouel, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson

Keep reading to see the charts!

NY Fashion Week Fall '09 Schedule for February 16th

9am-5pm	Natorious by Josie Natori Presentation	sponsored by
	Bryant Park Hotel, 40 W. 40th St.
9am-7pm	Spanx Fall Preview - Confessions of a Shape-aholic
	The Bryant Park Hotel, 24th Fl 40 W. 40th St.
10am	Carolina Herrera Show
	The Tent, Bryant Park
11am appt	Brooks Brothers Collection Preview
	Brooks Brothers, 346 Madison Ave., 6th floor (44th St.)
11am	Carlos Miele Show
	The Promenade, Bryant Park
11am	Zero + Maria Cornejo Show
	Robert Miller Gallery 526 W 26th Street
11am-1pm	Organic by John Patrick Presentation
	CHI, 128 W. 37th St. (Broadway/Seventh Ave.)
11:15am	Alejandro Ingelmo Presentation
	25 Mercer St., Ste 2C (Howard/Grand)
12pm	Jill Stuart Show
	Astor Hall (5th/42nd St.), NY Public Library
12-1:30pm	Vittadini Presentation
	Int'l Ctr of Photography, 1113 Ave of the Americas (43rd St.)
1pm	Gerlan Jeans Show
	306 Bowery (Houston)
1pm	Tracy Reese
	The Salon, Bryant Park
1:30-3pm	Ideen Presentation
	725 Washington St. (Bank St./West 11th St.)
1:30-4pm	Lutz & Patmos Presentation
	425 W. 13th St., Showroom—Suite 406
2pm	Donna Karan Collection Show
	711 Greenwich St. (Charles St./W. 10th St.)
2-7pm	Rozae Nichols & Rozae by Rozae Nichols Presentation
	Susan Inglett Gallery, 522 W. 24th St., Ground floor
3pm	Thakoon Show
	Eyebeam, 540 W 21st St.
3-5pm	Corpus Presentation
	The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery (3rd St.)
4pm	Yeohlee Show
	225 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
4-5pm	Luca Luca Presentation
	Plaza Hotel - 768 5th Ave., Palm Court at CPS
4-6pm	Betsey Johnson Presentation
	498 7th Ave, 21st Floor
4-6pm	Bodkin Presentation
	Horticultural Society, 148 W. 37th St., 13th floor
5pm	Cynthia Rowley Show
	The Jane Hotel, 113 Jane St Ballroom Entrance
5pm	Tony Cohen
	The Salon, Bryant Park
5pm	Toni Maticevski Show
	The Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th/7th Ave.)
5-6pm	Altuzarra Presentation
	Andrew Kreps Gallery, 525 W. 22nd S.t at 10 Ave.
5-7pm	Alice + Olivia Presentation
	80 W. 40th St. (5th/6th Ave.)
5-7pm	House of Cassette Presentation
	W Hotels Backstage Lounge Bryant Park
6pm	Terexov Show
	The Promenade, Bryant Park
6-7pm	Elie Tahari Press Presentation
	Elie Tahari, 11 W 42nd Street, 14th floor
6-8pm	Generra Presentation
	The Event Space, 122 W. 26th St. (6th/7th)
6-8pm	Chris Benz Presentation
	169-175 Tenth Avenue (20th/21st)
7pm	William Rast Show
	The Tent, Bryant Park
8pm	Marc Jacobs Show
	NY State Armory, 68 Lexington (25th St.)

Happy Valentine's Day!

I can't get no satisfaction., originally uploaded by Angelo Nairod.

Enjoy it no matter how you want to enjoy it.

LOTD | 2.11.09

 

Today's look of the day was done to remind myself that I know how to do bright and shocking eyes. I don't often wear these shades, but I guess I was missing my days at MAC or something, and I just needed to rock some color! I balanced the eye-heavy look with a nice light pink lip, so as not to appear too clownish.

The breakdown:

• FACE | Skin | Primer | Lancôme La Base Pro, applied with fingers; let it set for a few minutes.
• FACE | Skin | foundation | Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation [slightly luminous foundation] applied with a MAC #188 brush [round-ended duo-fibre brush]. Technique: Use this brush in circular motions around face to distribute the foundation, paying attention to blending around eyes, nose, jawline.
• FACE | Cheeks - contour | contoured with MAC Emote (LE, Smoke Signals) [slightly darker than skintone matte grey-brown blush] with MAC #168 Angled Contour Brush. Technique: Sweep into hollow under cheekbones, starting at edge of face near ear, moving toward center of face (but don't go too far!); can also sweep on margin of face up to temple and down to jawline.
• FACE | Cheeks - color | lightly blushed with MAC Warm Soul Mineralize Blush (LE, Sonic Chic) [midtone beige with gold ] with a MAC #128 Powder Blush Brush. Technique: Start at apple (full part) of cheek and sweep up towards temple; make sure it's well-blended.
• EYES | base | MAC Paint Pot in Painterly [skintone match creaseproof cream shadow] applied with fingers.
• EYES | color | MAC Rose Blanc (LE, Strange Hybrid) [Soft yellow gold with gold pearl] applied from crease to brow MAC #239 Brush [flat eye brush]. Technique: patted/pressed the color from lashline to brow.
• EYES | color | MAC Eyepopping (LE, C-Shock) [Soft limegreen with gold/yellow pearlized pigments] applied from lashline to just above crease with a MAC #239 Brush [flat eye brush]. Technique: patted/pressed the color from lashline to brow.
• EYES | color | MAC Springtime Skipper (Barbie Loves MAC collection, LE) [Minty green with gold pearl] applied to the middle of the lid with a MAC #239 Brush [flat eye brush]. Technique: patted/pressed the color from lashline to brow.
• EYES | color | MAC Wondergrass (LE, C-Shock) [Intense kiwi green] applied in a swirling motion to outer 1/3 of lid and up through and above the crease a MAC #217 Brush [blending brush with synthetic fibers]. Technique: Place brush in center of desired area, then move in circular motions to apply color.
• EYES | color | MAC Bang on Blue (LE, C-Shock) [Royal blue with pink pearlized pigments] applied to the extreme outer corner of top lid with a MAC #217 Brush [blending brush with synthetic fibers]. Technique: Place brush in center of desired area, then move in circular motions to apply color.
• EYES | liner | MAC Blacktrack [gel liner] to top and bottom inner lashlines ("waterlines") with a MAC #209 brush [small, rounded, slim brush]. Technique: I pull up my top lashline by pressing on the top lid, which exposes the waterline; I pull down the bottom lashline by gently putting pressure on the undereye area. Press gel liner or other waterproof liner onto the waterline. If your lashline is wet, a cotton swab carefully run along the line will help the liner adhere. EYES | lash
• EYES | liner | Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Grafitti on top lashline.
• EYES | liner |Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Flipside on bottom lashline and outer 1/2 of top lashline.
• EYES | lashes | Stila Multi Effect Mascara in Black [lengthening, curling, volumizing]. Technique: Place brush against base of lashes and wiggle as you move it out to the tips. I use 2 coats on top, 1 coat on bottom. 
• EYES | brows | MAC Lingering brow pencil [soft taupe]. Technique: Lightly reinforce the bottom line of the brows, then fill in sparse spots using soft, short strokes following the lie of the hairs; brush with a clean mascara wand or "spoolie" to blend when done.
• LIPS | lipgloss | Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Color in Rose Quartz (note: this is an almost exact dupe for MAC's Strange Hybrid lipstick (LE, Strange Hybrid) [soft cool pink frost]. Techinique: Unlike other long-wear lipsticks, this one doesn't have a lot of rules: brush on color product (carefully!); wait a minute or two; use gloss side if desired.

 

New in Nails | 2.11.09

Ah, nail polish...

Wanna see what's new? There's always something! Take a look:

• The Polish Addict shares her views and swatches of the new China Glaze Romantique collection. For those not familiar with the line, China Glaze usually divides its larger collections into sets by "cool" and "warm" colors. That's how TPA has divided her posts, so make sure you visit both write-ups, cool and warm, and you won't miss a thing! My faves are below, but tell us what you think! Left- Harmony, right - Magical.
  

• Blogdorf Goodman (a great blog, if you haven't visited before!) tells us all about Zoya's Twist collection, new for Spring '09. I need to see a therapist about my conflicts with Zoya... I worked at a spa where this was the color used and it's left me addled. The names are almost always cute, and the rainbow of colors they have is stunning, but the products don't work well with my beloved Seche Vite. If you use a 3-free base and top coat, it's better, but I just can't get over not using my Seche. At any rate, here are my picks from the collection, but please go visit Blogdorf Goodman for a view of the whole set and get their impressions. Below left - Malia; right - Harley.
     
  

• I think I'm going to break-up with Scrangie, because she costs me so much money. Here's her preview of Color Club's Spring collections, Catwalk Queen and Femme Fatale. OK, you have to buy some just because of the collection names, right? Oh... maybe just me again. These seem to be the anti-Spring Spring collections, because they're not candy-colored pinks and pastel peaches. These collections is stunning, and you'd better bet I'm ordering some ASAP. It's hard to pick a few to show you here, but I'll try to narrow it down. Scrangie has two posts, so don't miss either one: Catwalk Queen and Femme Fatale. Pictured below, left - Catwalk Queen, right - Worth the Risque and bottom center - Fashion Addict.
  
  

•  Essie's True Love Valentine's Day Collection is out now. These colors are hand-picked (like pink and red roses) from the everyday Essie collection - just for you! Rock your lovey's world with just the right shade of sweetness ... or sultry sexitude.
  
  Below, left to right, top row: After Sex, Bordeaux; middle - Decadent Diva,  bottom row - Fishnet Stockings, Limo Scene, and Vanity Fairest.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I think this is a nice range for this holiday. I notice most women at the nail salon can't help put pick a pink or red for Valentine's Day, and these are some primo choices, don't you think!? Let us know what your experiences are with any of these colors, will ya? 

• Sephora by OPI has busted out some new shades, and they're electric! I've been waiting to see what their next LE colors look like, since the ones that debuted in Fall were so hot - and sold out like lightning. So... take a look, and you may want to go grab them as soon as possible before they're sold out, too:
  
  
  
  Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about for Spring! What say you!? May need to snap-up each of them, but especially I'm Wired, Hi Def (such an orange whore, aren't I?) and IM Beauty (for a great pedi!), and Lost Without My GPS, and Techno Girl and Access 24/7... ummm... I just named them all.  Well, they are amazing...

• Essie's Spring collection is already out, and Perfectly Polished Tips has swatched it for us. Here's the line-up, followed by a sneak-peek of one of the colors, but you'll have to visit PPT for more info.
  
  
  
  Run and get it, blue lovers. Essie Mesmerize:
  
  

• Really, Scrangie. Do you hate me? What's with this lemming-a-minute thing you're doing to me!? Take a look at SuperStar Nail Lacquer, and know what I'm chasing now. These bright and cheeries are going to fit in nicely this Spring, and I can't wait! Hell, if it's not going to snow in Richmond, VA then I may as well pray for Spring, right?
  Here are some swatches, but go visit Scrangie for more info and to get your own lemming foisted upon you, too! Left- Orangeu An A-Lister, right - Park Avenue Purple.
  

I've gotta try it! SteamCream

Darn these bloggers out there for making me want. We in the beauty-loving business often refer to a strong desire to obtain a cosmetic or makeup item as "a lemming". Well, thanks to The Muse, I have another lemming, and it's not even one I can run over to the local mall to pick up, as is often the case with items Ms. Muse is touting. *grr*

Here's what I want this time:

Look at these amazing little tins of creamy goodness. What is this product!? Of course I'm going to tell you, if you keep reading...

LOTD | 2.10.09

I loved this look, ladies and gentlemen! I rarely go for a red lipstick, mostly because I'm so fair. But other concerns with a strong red lip are these:

1. They're hard to maintain. Red lipstick on the teeth is not cute, nor is a smudge across the lipline or only half of a red lip. Statement lips should be statements because of their perfection, not because of the mess they leave behind!
2. Red is a hard color to get right, and a lot of reds can make you look "off" or make your teeth look yellow or call attention to flaws or... well, you get the drift!

With a red lip, I never like a fully done face. Is this because I started wearing makeup in the 90's? This is what I DON'T want to look like (with apologies to Robert Palmer):

Whatever the reason, I have a fear of a bold red lip. But Chanel has made it easy, as you see in the LOTD photos here!

If you want the breakdown and info on the lipstick, keep reading...

Love this look!

179 of 365: in a makeup funk, originally uploaded by Panda Cat Baby ★.

I am just loving the candy colored eyes I'm seeing in some Spring promos and here, from Flickr's Panda Cat Baby.

What do you think!?

Beauty.ie breaks cute little news for us gals stateside

If I get a chance to cross the pond sometime soon, I'm going to track down one of my favorite groups of bloggers: beauty.ie and hug everyone responsible for this great blog.

Haven't been to their site? Now is a good time to fix that! They've just now posted a great little peek at something LipSmackers is doing...

It's Paul Frank, you cheeky little monkey!
Go to beauty.ie for more details...

PS, girls at beauty.ie: I'll offer up my services for a CP when these come out if you want to email me!

Well, hello there, Kitty! We've updated our MAC Hello Kitty post...

See what this is about:

And find out about some other new Kitty goodies, like: video from the MAC YouTube Channel, behind-the-scenes pics from the fab promotional shoot, and info on how to get your own Kitty couture clothing by an internationally renowned designer or two.

Click here to be transported to MAC Hello Kitty Heaven!

Beauty School Stash Staple | Hothouse

This is a staple in my stash: Hothouse, which was an LE lipglass at MAC (from the Strange Hybrid collection). But the concept can be duped fairly easily. It's a bright pink, nearly fuchsia. It's perfect for fair, cool-toned girls like me, but works equally well on any cool-toned skin. This shade perks up any look, and gives a nice light and life to the face. Great for days you're feeling spunky, but also fab on a day where you're feeling drab.

Similar products:

• MAC Pink Poodle lipglass (but this has gold shimmer, where Hothouse does not)
• Make Up For Ever Fuchsia Pink 29
• NARS Boogie Nights may give the same look for some

Click here to see other Beauty School Stash Staples!





What lip colors are critical parts of your makeup wardrobe?

Guerlain | Paradis Exotique | Spring '09

(image courtesy of mischo beauty)

Isn't this a GORGEOUS eye look!? I may have to do a version of it soon!

The look is from Paradis Exotique, the Spring collection from Guerlain. This image comes from a post on Mischo Beauty, which is a great blog, so if you want to see the (fabulous!) products, take a look over there.

Recent LOTD

Here's a look I did recently but failed to post promptly. :)

The breakdown:

• FACE | Skin | Primer | Lancôme La Base Pro, applied with fingers; let it set for a few minutes.
• FACE | Skin | foundation | MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation [matte powder foundation] applied with a MAC #188 brush [round-ended duo-fibre brush]. Technique: Use this brush in circular motions around face to distribute the foundation, paying attention to blending around eyes, nose, jawline.
• FACE | Cheeks - contour | contoured with MAC Emote (LE) [slightly darker than skintone matte http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT158&PRODUCT_ID=2511&viewall=yesbrown-toned blush] with MAC #168 Angled Contour Brush. Technique: Sweep into hollow under cheekbones, starting at edge of face near ear, moving toward center of face (but don't go too far!); can also sweep on margin of face up to temple and down to jawline.
• FACE | Cheeks - color | MAC Tenderling [soft matte pink] with a MAC #128 Powder Blush Brush. Technique: Start at apple (full part) of cheek and sweep up towards temple; make sure it's well-blended.
• EYES | base | MAC Paint in Bare Canvas [skintone match creaseproof cream shadow] applied with fingers.
• EYES | color | MAC Soba [golden brown with  slight amount of gold shimmer] applied from lashline to crease with a MAC #239 Brush [flat eye brush]. Technique: patted/pressed the color from lashline to brow.
• EYES | color | MAC Satin Taupe applied with a MAC #239 Brush [flat eye brush] on the outer 1/2 of the lid; also swept under lower lashline with same brush. Technique: patted/pressed the color on lid, used tip to apply under lower lashline.
• EYES | color | MAC Club applied with a MAC #224 Brush [soft, tapered eye brush] on the outer 1/3 of the lid. Technique: swirled in small circular motion on outermost corner, getting some under the lower lashline, too.
• EYES | liner | MAC Blacktrack [gel liner] to upper and lower, inner rim of lashline ("waterline") with MAC #209 brush [small, rounded, slim brush]. Technique: I pull up my top lashline by pressing on the top lid, which exposes the waterline; I put my ring finger on the area under the eye to gently tug the lower lashline down. Press gel liner or other waterproof liner onto the waterline. If your lashline is wet, a cotton swab carefully run along the line will help the liner adhere.
• EYES | lashes | Stila Multi Effect Mascara in Black [lengthening, curling, volumizing]. Technique: Place brush against base of lashes and wiggle as you move it out to the tips. I use 2 coats on top, 1 coat on bottom. 
• EYES | brows | MAC Lingering brow pencil [soft taupe]. Technique: Lightly reinforce the bottom line of the brows, then fill in sparse spots using soft, short strokes following the lie of the hairs; brush with a clean mascara wand or "spoolie" to blend when done.
• LIPS | lipgloss | MAC Hothouse lipglass (LE) [bright pink, nearly fuchsia]. Technique: None - simply swipe it on. 

FOTD | 2.6.09

Today's look is brought to you by:

• FACE | Skin | Primer | Lancôme La Base Pro, applied with fingers; let it set for a few minutes.
• FACE | Skin | foundation | Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation [slightly luminous foundation] applied with a MAC #188 brush [round-ended duo-fibre brush]. Technique: Use this brush in circular motions around face to distribute the foundation, paying attention to blending around eyes, nose, jawline.
• FACE | Cheeks - contour | contoured with MAC Emote (LE) [slightly darker than skintone matte brown-toned blush] with MAC #168 Angled Contour Brush. Technique: Sweep into hollow under cheekbones, starting at edge of face near ear, moving toward center of face (but don't go too far!); can also sweep on margin of face up to temple and down to jawline.
• FACE | Cheeks - color | lightly blushed with MAC Light Flush Mineralize Skin Finish (LE) [shimmery light pink] with a MAC #128 Powder Blush Brush. Technique: Start at apple (full part) of cheek and sweep up towards temple; make sure it's well-blended.
• EYES | base | MAC Paint in Bare Canvas [skintone match creaseproof cream shadow] applied with fingers.
• EYES | color | MAC Wintersky (LE - Chill) [soft midtone pink with a shimmer] applied with a MAC #239 Brush [flat eye brush]. Technique: patted/pressed the color from lashline to brow.
• EYES | liner | MAC BootBlack liquid liner (high-intensity black). Technique: Slowly line along top lash, close to base of lashes; at the outer corner, slightly flick the line up and out to create a bit of a wing.
• EYES | liner | MAC Blacktrack [gel liner, flat black] to upper, inner rim of lashline ("waterline") with MAC #209 brush [small, rounded, slim brush]. Technique: I pull up my lashline by pressing on the top lid, which exposes the waterline. Press gel liner or other waterproof liner onto the waterline. If your lashline is wet, a cotton swab carefully run along the line will help the liner adhere.
• EYES | lashes | Stila Multi Effect Mascara in Black [lengthening, curling, volumizing]. Technique: Place brush against base of lashes and wiggle as you move it out to the tips. I use 2 coats on top, 1 coat on bottom. 
• EYES | brows | MAC Lingering brow pencil [soft taupe]. Technique: Lightly reinforce the bottom line of the brows, then fill in sparse spots using soft, short strokes following the lie of the hairs; brush with a clean mascara wand or "spoolie" to blend when done.
• LIPS | lipstick and gloss | Chanel Ultra Wear Lipstick in Amethyst (LE) [mid-tone blue-based pink longwear lipstick]. Techinique: Unlike other long-wear lipsticks, this one doesn't have a lot of rules: brush on color product (carefully!); wait a minute or two; use gloss side if desired.

MAC collection: Well Defined | 2.5.09

(image above and immediately below courtesy of bjooti.net)

What makes the topography of an interesting face so compelling?
The shapes, forms and planes are often made, not born.
The secrets of sculpting features, creating volumes where they were once lacking,
defining areas that didn’t seem so important,
all but hold the power of transformation in your hands!
Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation and Studio Sculpt Concealer put infinite possibility at your fingertips!
191 Square Foundation Brush is state-of-the-art application for foundation,
195 Concealer Brush finishes with ultimate precision. Among the finest tools we have.

I am so looking forward to this collection! New foundation and concealer to appeal to the makeup artist in me and to the I've-gotta-have-it MAC junky! The products were developed after a lot of hard work and collaboration between MAC's Product Developent team and the Pro Artists - so it's been tried and tested in real life and backstage! And a little goes a long way with both products, which means more bang for your buck in this economy. And more $$$ for lipglasses!

A nice packaging for the foundation, Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation, helps sell what's already sounding like a great product. The squeezey tube minimizes waste, which is great, and won't break if you drop it on the floor! And in case you're wondering how it goes on? GREAT! It glides on, gives some time to blend, but then stays put for hours. Chock-a-block with hydrating ingredients, the requisite antioxidants, and some SPF protection (courtesy of titanium dioxide and octinoxate), this formula is suited for all skin types but especially great for mature, sensitive and dehydrated skins.

The Studio Sculpt Concealer answers makeup artists' search for a full-coverage concealer that doesn't cake or look dry. It's gel-based and works great with the foundation, with similar perks to the foundation, like the way it slips on, the buildable coverage, and the long-wear. Silicone-coated pigments will help keep the color true, which is needed for concealer. No pesky change-ups halfway through the day!

If the imagery doesn't appeal to your inner artist, then maybe the product descriptions will:

• FACE - foundation | Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation | "A rich, luxurious Cream Foundation in tube.  This lush uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while instantly revitalizing dull and dry skin.  Smooth and even application yields a medium buildable coverage with a natural-satin finish. | This will be a perm addition. Gel-based cream formula.  Available in the normal range, NC 15-NC55 and NW 15 - NW 55. Loving the 55s! It's about time this shade was routinely available.
• FACE - concealer | Studio Sculpt Concealer | Full-coverage that never becomes dry and cakey with a gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections. | This will also be a perm addition.  A nice variety of shades: NC 15, 20, 30, 35, 42, 45, and 50; NW15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50.
• FACE - primer | Prep + Primer Skin is a perm item that has been out for awhile. It's a liquid primer with silicones in it, so it slides on and stays put, filling in the bits that need to be filled. Ingredients inside help calm irritated skin, while others minimize redness and sap up any extra oil.
• TOOLS - brushes | #191 Foundation brush (A large, flat, square-shaped synthetic-fibre brush with a fine firm edge for distribution and blending of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.) Perm.
• TOOLS - brushes | #195 Concealer Brush (flexible synthetic flat brush with slight pointed tip for application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products).  still waiting on confirmation as to this item's status as LE or Perm.

Later in this article: notes from around the web, Editor's Notes, product pics, and a Q&A with 2 MAC bigwigs!

Want more? Read more...

Shu Uemura collection | Mirage

So here's the thing. I really like Shu Uemura. I love the concept behind the line, I love the colors, the textures, the feel, the way it performs.

I love everything about it! And this Spring they've got a gorgeous collection called Mirage. The concept: "an optical phenomenon that gently arises like a mirage. Enhancing the uniqueness of every woman's face, natural positions of light and shadow are accentuated using expertly chosen palettes of color and contrasting textures."

Monet's 'The Water-Lily Pond', 1899, courtesy of www.nationalgallery.org.uk/

Using Mirage should be like an Impressionist painting, the company tells us, with colors that appear randomly placed when you look at them up close... but with a step back an image pulls together. So the collection is used this way - defining each feature just-so, playing with light to make every advantage your advantage.

Want to know more (and see the products)? Keep reading...

Borghese | Virtuale Flawless Foundation SPF 15

What's flawless-looking skin? I say skin that's smooth, even, and radiant, wouldn't you? Well, there a quite a few products claiming to give this look. One of them is Borghese Virtuale Flawless Foundation SPF 15. Let's take a look at the claims:

Borghese Virtuale Flawless Foundation SPF 15 promises to fulfill your wishes and grant you flawless-looking skin. Borghese takes it further to say that your skin will look more youthful! Full-coverage will help hid what you want hidden, and optical diffusers will help minimize the appearance of fine lines. Skin looks luminous and the look is long-lasting.

Eight shades are available:

So,how does it work? Stay tuned, as I'll be testing the product soon and will give you a review. Meanwhile, if you've tried Borghese Virtuale Flawless Foundation SPF 15, let us know!

Fashion Moment: Barbie does Fashion Week

No, that's not the name of a new movie you'd have to keep in a fake box! It's a true news item. Barbie turns 50 this year, and the fashion world is coming together to celebrate!

Fifty designers celebrate her 50th by coming together in one show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. On February 14th, Valentine's Day, the designers will show their creations for Barbie! These one-of-a-kind outfits will be life-sized, rather than the traditional diminutive styles we're used to for the fashion icon, and will feature looks for her past, present and future.

Here's who is participating:

• Alexander Wang
• Anna Sui
• Baby Phat
• Badgley Mischka
• Betsey Johnson
• Bob Mackie
• Brian Reyes
• Calvin Klein
• Carmen Marc Valvo
• Catherine Malandrino
• Chris Benz
• Costello Tagliapietra
• Derek Lam
• Diane von Furstenberg
• Donna Karan
• Erin Fetherston
• House of Field
• Jeremy Scott
• Juicy Couture
• Kai Kuhne
• Kenneth Cole
• Koi Suwannagate
• Lyn Devon
• Marchesa
• Michael Kors
• Monique Lhuillier
• Naeem Khan
• Nanette Lepore
• Nicole Miller
• Norma Kamali
• Peter Som
• Rachel Roy
• Rag & Bone
• Rebecca Taylor
• Reem Acra
• Robert Best
• Rosa Cha
• The Blonds
• Three As Four
• Tibi
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Tory Burch
• Tracy Reese
• Trina Turk
• Tuleh
• Twinkle
• Vena Cava
• Vera Wang
• Vivienne Tam
• Yeohlee
• Yigal Azrouel

Pictured above right, by the way, is on of the American Heart Association Barbie dolls. The organization will receive $100,000 from Mattel in support of the Go Red For Women movement. If you're a Barbie fan, go buy one and help a sister out.

HOT!

Make Up Eye, originally uploaded by V|A.

Found on Flickr - this image is just so Retro-Disco Diva! I love it.