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

Nando, Purple Lab, and the world's largest speed dating event!

I have the most fun clip of my TwitBuddy*, Nando, covering a really cool event that happened recently in NY. Karen Rabinovitz, founder and creatrix of Purple Lab NYC and another TwitBuddy* of mine, conceived the idea of having The Largest Speed Dating Event Ever in the Whole World.

*To be clear: they are not "twits". They are pals I met through Twitter.

 

Called Find Your Luvah, the event hosted approximately a zillion "emotionally available" New York singles (ages 21-35) at the W Hoboken hotel. Each person met with 20 other singles in 3 minute intervals. It was hosted by Master Matchmaker®, Steve Ward from VH-1’s hit reality series, Tough Love and CEO of Master Matchmakers!.

It also was the coming out party for Purple Lab NYC's "ultimate dating tool": Luvah. How cool does this sound? An "Aphrodesiac 3-D Lip Color," this lip product is a one-two hit of lip stain and seriously sexy gloss. Natural ingredients boost the female libido, plump lips (without stinging like a bad date), and give good scent. Each color is named after a type of boy dated on the way to True Love (the first two colors are Mama's Boy and Rich Jerk). The product is on Pre-Order now, so get in there and sign-up! By the way, women at the Find Your Lovah event got to sample the product in advance. Lucky gals!

Watch Nando give us the Find Your Luvah scoop!

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About the Crew:

Purple Lab NYC

Purple Lab NYC is the newest makeup you need to have!

Founded by creatrix Karen Rabinovitz (formerly of Marie Claire and Elle, whose work you may have seen in Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, The New York Post, Glamour, In Style, Details, New York Magazine, TimeOut New York, Gotham, Hamptons, and Women's Wear Daily; and co-author of "How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less,"a sassy hybrid of nonfiction personal essays and tongue-in-cheek self-help tips; "The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-Inch Heels and Faux Pas,” which designers Michael Kors and Diane von Furstenberg raved about, and "Fete Accompli! The Ultimate Guide to Creative Entertaining."; and a regular on VH-1’s “The Fabulous Life,”; seen on MTV’s Made, E!, Style, The Tyra Banks Show, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and morning shows across the country) it's a playful, sexy brand that focuses on female empowerment. The products are already getting raves everywhere, and are clearly only gong to get more and more successful.

Visit Purple Lab NYC's website to learn all about these products (I've GOT to get my hands on some of these!), watch them on YouTube, track PurpleLab on Twitter, chat with Karen on Twitter, schmooze with Sharon (the brand's Communication's Director) on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, peep 'em on Flickr, or even keep up on MySpace if you're still MySpaceing.

Nando

If you've never heard of Nando, or his website (cult?) Nandoism, you need to check him (it! the phenomenon!) out, STAT. His website's tagline: "It's not Nirvana, it's Nandoism.com". Nando provides a fab perspective on gay dating in New York City, but trust me... everyone can learn a thing or two from him and the great community of commenters and guest posters on his site. He's upbeat, hysterical, and very real - all traits I adore. ssite

His sites cover things as varied as "How to Fight on Twitter" and "10 Phrases That Kill the Mood" to more serious subjects like "Gay Teen Suicides" and "Dealing With an Ex".

You can Tweet with Nando, watch him on YouTube, and chill with him on Facebook. 

 
LuvemOrLeavem.com

This website is new to me, but it's pretty cool relationship advice for women, headed by Advice Maven, Tina Tobin.

Here's the deal: If you have an issue and need advice, Submit a Dilemma, or simply go and Read a Dilemma. If you wish, vote "Luv Em" or "Leave Em" and feel free to leave a constructive comment to help a fellow woman out.

Visit LuvemOrLeavem, read the blog, and visit them on YouTube.

Yu-Be -seriously awesome skin care

 

I have narsty cuticles. They're always dry and crunchy looking. It's just gross. I also have really dry feet. No, seriously, you have no idea. I know this one guy at the local nail salon just groans when he sees me coming. (I tip well to make up for it)

So for eons, I have snapped up anything that promises hydration. Quite a few years ago I stumbled upon Yu-Be, billed to be "the #1 selling medicated, vitamin-enriched skincare cream in Japan since 1957". Sounded promising!

I picked up a small tube, tried it, loved it, emptied the tube, and couldn't find it again anywhere.

Sh!t.

But now it seems the company is on a major publicity push and I for one couldn't be happier!

They say:

• It's pronounced "YOO-BEE".
• Ingredients:
• • Contains camphor, which "is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of menthol" and "acts as slight local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance helpful in treating itching from dry skin and mild skin rashes."
  • It's glycerin-based. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it pulls water towards it, and therefore into the skin when applied topically.
    
  • The glycerin in Yu-Be is plant-based.
  • Yu-Be also contains Vitamin E (and antioxidant and protectant) and Vitamin B2 (smoothes out skin and adds yellow color).
  • On the downside, they do contain "a very small amount of Methylparaben" and have no SPF (neither of which bothers me a whit).
• "It's the uniquely high Glycerin content and absorbability, achieved through a special manufacturing process in Japan, which makes Yu-be so effective on severe dry skin and truly sets it apart from other creams."
  
• Yu-Be products are not tested on animals, and are gluten-free. They are also free of artificial colors, artificial fragrances, and petrolatum. (That is not to say it's fragrance-free--- it smells strongly of camphor!)
  
• Absorbs instantly.
• Stays locked-in for hours.
  
• Use it anywhere on the body, including face and lips. Also is safe for anyone, babies included!
• Many people claim that Yu-be is helpful for their Eczema and dermatitis. 

 

I say...

1. The original Yu-Be cream - $24 for the pot, $15 for the tube
   It comes in a pot (2.75oz) or a tube (1.25oz).
   
   I love this stuff. Really. I use it with other products for my heels and cuticles (namely something with an AHA or other exfolliant, and also with shea butter), but alone on lips and minor skin irritations. If you're not as callus- and hang-nail prone as I am, you could probably use it by itself easily.
   
   
   
   
   It's phenomenal on lips, including on Ara's dry and chapped smackers. Don't think she much likes the smell, but in a day and a half she goes from painfully chapped to smooth as ... a kid's lips. :)
   
    
   
   
2. Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish - $18
   My new One True Love! Helps you take part in the strenuous exfoliation of Japanese ofuro (bathing ritual).
   
   
   
   
   
   Ingredients include fine grains of bamboo and rice bran (to exfoliate), extracts of ginger root and ginseng (to tone), and green tea, geranium oil, and camphor ("to provide a soothing and refreshing sensation"). It comes in a big 'ole tube, too, and a little goes a long way because the grains don't dissolve.
   
   Seriously, ya'll: BEST. SCRUB. EVER. It's not overly rough, but it's no pansy, either. It doesn't make me itch (!) and it gets my skin nice and clean and soft.  I use it on my arms and legs and it gets rid of those little bumps some of us get there. If you get them, I think you should definitely give this a try. Ara gets them badly, and this is gentle enough to use on her but takes care of the problem. I also use it just to polish up my hands when I'm doing a manicure.
   
   Afterward, I follow with...
   
   
3. Yu-Be Body Lotion Pump - $29
   10.25oz
   
   It contains the same yummies that are in the Skin Cream, and it's great. Instantly absorbed into the skin, and the smell is more mild than the cream. Softening, soothing, smoothing hydrating goodness. Yes, yes.
   
   
   
   
   
4. There's also a lip product: Yu-Be Lip Therapy. I didn't test this. - $5

You can get Yu-Be through the Yu-Be Store, Beauty.com & Sephora.com.

Have you tried Yu-Be?

What do you think?

What's your A-#1 Go-To
Moisturizing Super Product?

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of Yu-Be
for consideration only, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

Surf's Up | 1.31.10

Hey, everyone. Hope your day is going well? It's been a bit of a rough week here at Chateau Meade, what with stomach viruses, 12"+ of snow, and canceled plans. When not worrying about someones recycled stomach contents, I managed to dig up some Good Stuff for you. Take a look (in no particular order)...

• "A clean, fresh, dewy, smokey eye" wedding makeup tutorial. (It is the most requested wedding look, trust me!)- Kandee the Makeup Artist (god, i love that chick!)
  
  
  
  
• Lego-inspired fashion - Funky Trend
  
  
  
• Loving these great Latin-style accessories (like that's shocking if you know me!) - Miss Butler's Etsy Shop (via Nando / @Nandoism)
  
   
• If you're like me and have been living under a rock you haven't yet heard of this lovely British gentleman whose wife has been recording his nocturnal emissions (ew! no! he talks in his sleep!) in which he's... not quite his normal self! - Sleep Talkin' Man
  

  
  
  

  
  
• Pants for Kids and Parents is simply genius!- Matt Brown (via GalaDarling / @GalaDarling)
  
  
• Absofuckinlutely hysterical expose on what Christian Bale and Kermit the Frog have in common - ohnotheydidnt
  

  
  
  
• Clever book cover and bookmark pairs! - Icoeye (via GalaDarling / @GalaDarling)
  
  
  
  
• Art. Made from or on teeth. No... really! TEETH. - If It's Hip, It's Here
  
  

  
  
  
• Speaking of teeth, it seems front tooth gaps are all the rage with the kids these days. -Stylelist
  

  
  
  
  

  
  
• I simply adore Padmita's creative eye makeup!Here: The Glitter Cut Crease.  - Padmita's Make Up Blog
  

  
  
  
• The peculiar challenges of Chinese Braille. - BoingBoing
  
  
  
  
  
• If you're a fan of Illamasqua's clever and novel blush techniques, take a look at this how-to! - Beauty & the Blog
  

  
  
  
  
• Love RuPaul's Drag Race? You can get yourself all dragged up using this clever Dragulator! - via BellaSugar
  
  
  I love an excuse to post this pic of RuPaul!
  
  
• LOVE Dani's taste in jewelry! - FerOHHsh
  
  
  
  
  
• I found Karen's review of Clinique's High Lengths Mascara hysterical (and informative). - Makeup and Beauty Blog
  

  
  
  
• I could look at Kristen's Tumbler all day long... She finds the most beautiful pictures! - Aromaleigh / Miss K
  

  
  
  
  
• *tsk tsk tsk* Reporter who goes undercover as a homeless person wearing Chanel? *disgusted sigh* - via Nylon Blogs
  
  
  
  
• Are The Muse and I the only ones waiting for these Lush Lip Scrubs to jump the pond? - Musings of a Muse
  
  
  
  
  
• Please enjoy some Hoff...
  
   

Here's the BSB Top Five from this week:

• Ever Wish You Could Bathe in Your Snake Oil? (BPAL + Villainess)
  
• Lesson 1-Skintone: Am I Cool or Warm?
• Obsessed With Alice in Wonderland? BPAL Has a Scent forThat.
• Obsession That Never Seems to Go Away
• 3 From Three Custom

What are YOUR web faves? Please hit us up in the comments!

Dear Coutortured (FerOHHHsh)

Dear friend,

via Funky Trend

 

Ever wish you could bathe in your Snake Oil? (BPAL/BPTP + Villainess)

MORE sneak peeks?
You got it!

It seems we're your source for Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab
and Black Phoenix Trading Post previews.

PS: Welcome to Villainess fans!

I haven't tried anything from Villainess Soaps before, but was more than happy to dive into these lovely soaps that are the a collaboration between the cult fave brand and my sweet, diabolical Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab / Trading Post!

Look at the gorgeous packaging!

Snake Oil

I was really a bit worried about this one, since I can only take Snake Oil in small doses. Shouldn't have been at all concerned, because the delicate smell is amazing. The soap is soft, silky, and really, really great. I'm more of a liquids-in-the-shower kinda girl, but this has changed my mind! It also tempts me to explore other ways of using Snake Oil...

Xmulzencab

I suppose this is an all-together new scent, as I couldn't find it on BPAL/BPTP or Villainess. Apparently the Xmulzencab were Mayan bee deities. The scent isn't overtly honey, which is a touch disappointing to a honey-lover like myself! I am not terribly familiar with black laurel flower, and don't smell plumeria or South American ginger. In fact, what I smell is basically "herbal soap". It's still a lovely soap, and I love using it, but it mostly just smells... herbal soapy.

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of BPAL/BPTP
for consideration only, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

Wizard The Abomidable Snow Cat is not amused...

... that I thought taking his picture was more important than letting him in!

Obsession that seems to never go away...

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I can't get enough of feathers!

If you're interested in purchasing any of these, click on the "source" link directly below the image.

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Had I known this feather wedding skirt (below) existed, my wedding pics would be very different.
Maybe next time...

(just kidding, honey!)

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OMG. It is quite possible you will see a pic
of my chubby cherub with these SOON!

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PS: Also check out her awesome crystal bullets!

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Because I can't be stopped,
there's more after the jump...

Global warming my ass! Scenes from a Central Virginia morning...

The second major snowstorm of the season begins...

BPAL: Carnaval Diabolique- The Horror Coaster

Another scent from the eagerly anticipated extension of the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab Carnaval Diabolique collection. 

I expected:

...wood, metal, maybe some blood.

What I smell instead:

...plus maybe some red musk.

About an hour after applying it, I get a touch of iron. Maybe.

Yesterday, I told you how my nose is better at picking out identified notes. Like, when someone says "this has iris and vanilla" I'm like: "Ahoy! I smell it!" but if you handed it to me without telling me, I might be able to pick some of the notes out, but a great many would escape me. It's kinda like looking at that boat on the horizon and the dude next to you just can't see it, but you know it's there. Once you point it out, he's like "Ahoy! I see it!" Ya know?

I didn't need anyone to point out the cinnamon in this one. QUITE Clear. Not overbearing, but very distinct.

If you're sensitive to cinnamon, I'd be careful with this one,
as it may irritate sensitive skin.

Surprising, spicy, sweet, and not too foody. Definitely a unique and fun scent!

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of BPAL
for consideration only, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

3 from Three Custom Color

Yum! I got me a nice holiday present from Three Custom Color Specialists, one of my favorite companies! A trio of items for the perfect Evening Out Eyes.

Who doesn't need a black liner, red lipstick, and sophisticated silver-toned shadow in their bag of tricks!?

1. Aurora
   One of two Opaline Creme Eye Definers made by the company, Aurora is black with the slightest tiny bit of shimmer. You can use it safely on the lashline, waterline, or even smudge it out.
   
   Thoughts: EXCELLENT. Not uber-black, but still lovely and deep and opaque. Plus, it's bang-up on the waterline!
   
   
   
2. Silver
   Pretty silver shadow that you can use wet or dry.
   
   Thoughts: This is a nice silver for all complexions, because it's not icy-cool. I still prefer a very silver shadow, but this is a nice one that doesn't scream "METAL!" While there's a lot of dust on the packaging (not good) at least there's no fall-out when you apply it (good). And the fact that it's easily used wet or dry is a bonus.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Bette
   A sheer red lipstick made for The L Word collection. "It's like a power suit...for your lips"
   Thoughts: I am still not comfortable in a red-red lipstick, but this one sure is flattering. Again, neutral, so it's perfect for anyone. It's sheer, which makes it more wearable, and has a nice gloss to it. The downside: it shows your chapped lips, so please don't be like me- apply only on soft and smooth lips! 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

Pulling it all together:

Have you tried 3 Custom Color Specialists?

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of 3 Custom Color
as a holiday gift, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

MAC. Summer '10. Shells. Starfish. Coral. Orange packaging.

I don't know anything else but this:

Courtesy of Twitter's evachen212 by way of Cosmetosaur.

Thoughts:

Another MAC summer collection in orange packaging. Sigh*.

*you can take that sigh any way you want: frustration or bliss

I have two orange nail lacquers from MAC, and they both look really similar. I sure hope this one is different.

I'd like to have seen open palettes. Curious as to what's in the green and orange ones.

The seahorse product looks very pretty, even if the gold is all overspray... which it probably is. Looks like it may give a nice coral glow to the skin. The whole embossed, multicolored, under-the-sea thing looks familiar, though, no? I thought MAC set trends, not copied other brands?

I got interested in the pencils, 'til I realized they're just repackaged Eye Kohls. YAWN. Hope there's a new shade or two, at least. The one I can read is Rosemary & Thyme. If the colors of the packaging are a clue, I can confidently say I won't be needing a pink or orange eye liner.

Here's hoping for the lippies and shadows...

I don't mean to sound like a downer. The packaging and concept is really nice, and packaging whores and those new to MAC will have a great time with this collection. I just always hope for something so new and so novel I am blown away. Not sure this is it...

BPAL: Carnaval Diabolique- The Alley of Games

Carnaval Diabolique

The Alley of Games

Another scent coming soon from the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab Carnaval Diabolique line.

This one is entitled The Alley of Games. I don't know what games are available at the Carnaval Diabolique, but at most carnivals the games are familiar ones: squirting water out of a water gun at a target, the ring toss, showing one's strength by hitting moles or other inanimate objects, hitting balloons with darts... ya know. The usual.

I doubt very seriously that this is what you'll find at this carnival!

I can't wait to read the description Beth provides.

What does it smell like, pray tell?

I'll also be quite curious to hear the scent description, because for the life of me I can not place any scent except possibly the faintest whiff of rubber (?).

BPAL lovers will understand it when I say that this scent is a medley that reminds me of the smell that wafts out of the box in which I store my oils. YUM! But picking notes out of that is damn near impossible for my untalented nose.

Scent Musings

I find I am able to distinguish notes when I'm given a description, but only super familiar scents speak for themselves. I'm notorious for a somewhat dull nose (dull as in not so smart, rather than not so shiny).

That's why I somewhat dread doing write-ups on scents for which I have no description. Sometimes it's clear, but most of the time it's like a near-sighted person staring around without her glasses, but with noses.

Am I alone in this?

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of BPAL
for consideration only, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

I wish I could pull it off...

Steampunk.

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5 Steps to Smooth Lips

Winter is kicking my ass, hydration-wise. Super annoying. Here's how I battle back and keep my lips soft and lovely...

1. Grab yourself some table sugar and some olive oil (or jojoba or pure argan).
   

2. Put a pinch of sugar in your palm, then drip a few drops of the oil on top.

3. Blend the sugar and oil together with your finger, then put the mess on your lips and scrub gently for a few minutes.

4. Rinse well.

5. Apply balm.

VOILA!

Like OMG! I like need these. Um... like: now.

No idea why I busted out my 80's Valley Girl for these. Sometimes these things happen.

But seriously, I need these:

 

THEY'RE FREAKIN' CROCHETED LIP BALM HOLDERS
FOR YOUR KEY CHAIN!

PREFER POTS?
No, not "pot". POTS of lipgloss.

Also adorable: inhaler covers / keychains

And look at this journal cover. SO cute.

Visit BeaG.etsy.com to getcha some.

Take a peek at some awesome palettes by UNII!

UNII Cosmetics

  Magnetic Palette

Check it:

You can get a cool, attractive UNII palette with a magnetic base (inside) and a gloriously big mirror for only $29. It's easily customizable, and you can put any manner of cosmetics pan in there. Blushes? Sure! Lip glosses? No problem.

You can even (GASP!) mix brands and snuggle your MAC shadows right up next to your MUFE, and let your Stila mingle with your Bobbi Brown.

Stuffing it:

Round. Square. Rectangle. Big. Little. Hell, if someone comes up with a hexagonal shadow, you can depot it and put it's little butt right into your UNII palette. Sizewise, smaller than a MAC palette, these are also a bit thicker, FYI. 

What if it rains?

It has a rubberized seal, so leaks won't...er... leak. Huh? Um, the point is, if you have it in your bag and a soda mystifyingly opens and leaks everywhere (trust me, it can happen) you won't ruin the contents of your UNII. And if you have liquids inside and... umm... well, they won't leak, but they're not really meant for liquids so don't do that.

Magnetic attraction!

It even comes with a magnetic sheet that's sticky on one side (to stick to your product pan), so you can trim off a piece and use it to magnetize items you depot! And extra rad: the other side (the side with the UNII logo) is easy to write on, so you can identify that color for later reference!

Speaking of depottting...

There are little instructions/suggestions on how to depot right on the packaging (which is SCHWEET, by the way!), and on the website.

The features I love the most:

I adore the mirror inside and the secure clasp
that I know won't be letting me down!

GENIUS! The thumb rest included in each palette can be moved
willy and nilly so you can hold it the way you find most comfy!

Packaging whore?
I am.
I feel like we've saved some trees with this totally clever
oragami-style packaging.
As it opens, you depotting info and other tips on using the palette.

I'm sick of black.
Black, black, black.
 I get it.
It goes with everything, it's sleek, and easy.
It's also BORING!
My UNIIs come in 5 colors:
blue, purple, yellow, white, fuchsia

I simply adore my UNII palettes and plan to get more. I love how versatile these are and I can have nifty, sexy, pretty palettes for jobs (and just for me!). If you haven't already peeped the slideshow at the top of this post, please do so and check some of the ways I've customized mine (for now).

Have you tried UNII palettes?

What do you use for storing depotted / pan products?

Have your tried it? supersmile professional [teeth] whitening system

They say

• "Simple, safe and effective"
• "Clinically proven to maintain the vibrancy of professionally bleached teeth, while brightening  natural teeth as well as restoring bondings, veneers, caps, crowns, bleached teeth, braces and dentures to their original whiteness."
• "Formulated with CALPROX® - a proprietary form of calcium peroxide that dissolves the protein pellicle on teeth that attracts stains to the tooth surface and holds them captive."
• Supersmile is the invention of Dr. Irwin Smigel, president and founder of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, and world renowned as the “Father of Aesthetic Dentistry.”
• Super smile is responsible for some of the most recognizable smiles in the nation including; Jimmy Fallon, Kelly Ripa, Johnny Depp, Diane Von Furstenberg, Elizabeth Taylor, Justin Timberlake, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Calvin Klein.
  

I say

• An easy way to brush teeth into celebrity-caliber whitening? I have my doubts as to how bright most of us can get with a product like this, but if I can get that Kelly Ripa smile sign me up!

Have you tried supersmile?
Let us know how it works
or what your preferred whitening
technique is by
Commenting below!

A soft pink look with Aromaleigh (Valentine's '09) and Smashbox

I wanted to play around with Aromaleigh's Valentine's 2009 Collection, which features a lot of soft, romantic colors. The end result wasn't as pink as I'd intended, but it's certainly a really good work-friendly pink look. And bonus: no lab mouse eyes from the pink shadow!

 

Eyes

• 

  Prep eye with primer of choice. (MAC Painterly Paint Pot)
• Lay down a soft pink-nude color from lashline to brow. (Aromaleigh Pillowtalk)
  Technique: Pat/press it on, rather than sweeping it on.
  Brush: a flat eyeshadow brush is best.
• Place a slightly deeper pink with a metallic tone up above the crease, as appropriate for your eye shape. (Aromaleigh First Kiss)
  Technique: I swept back and forth in a windshield wiper motion.
  Brush: the same brush as above.
• Contour the eye as appropriate for your eye shape; use a chocolate brown . (Aromaleigh Intrigued)
  Technique: I pressed the color on. Feel free to dampen the brush slightly to deepen the color if desired.
  Brush: Same.
• Apply a dark bronze shade as liner, top lashline only. (Aromaleigh Lovelorn)
  Technique: I dampened a round, pointed liner brush and applied it while holding the brush at a 40 degree angle.
  Brush: See above.
• Use a soft golden color into the area around the tear duct and under the brow bone as highlight.
  Technique: I pressed the shadow onto the skin.
  Brush: Flat eyeshadow brush.
• Line top and bottom waterlines for extra definition, if desired. (new product I'm testing)
• Mascara (new product I'm testing)
• Brows (new product I'm testing)

Face

• Foundation (Armani LSF)
• Cheeks (Aromaleigh Soulmate buffed in w/ a MAC 188)
• Highlight (Aromaleigh Be Mine) 

Lips

• Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Sweet
• Smashbox Limitless-Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Boundless

Above, just the lipstick
Below, lipstick w/ gloss on top

Butter London: Fash Pack

Butter London

Fash Pack

One of The Ninja's favorite colorways, and yet she doesn't know what to call that hue. Some say "greige", some call it "mushroom", some say "putty", others just stick with "taupe" or "brown" or "grey/gray".

Regardless of what you call it, this is an incredibly flattering shade and entirely satisfying. Not unlike $OPI's Metro Chic (a ninja fave!), OPI Over the Taupe, Essie Mink Cuffs (more brown), and OPI You Don't Know Jacuqes, this color placates a restless ninja with it's reassuring and grounded shade that's not quite taupe, and not quite grey/gray.

This type of shade cures the ills brought on by too many glitters or brights or (god forbid) reds. It's a little bit fashionable, a little bit unexpected (in The Ninja's world we don't see a lot of this type of color, though Fifth Ave wouldn't be so shocked by it!). It's also subdued by tough.

Application

DREAMY. The first coat, which The Ninja applied quite thin, was terrifying and streaky. The Ninja knows to expect this from Butter London and it's ok. It's only the first coat, after all. The second coat she put on was a bit thicker (medium-thick, if you take her meaning) and that's all she wrote! Perfect, streak-free coverage in two coats? Who could ask for anything more!?

Wear

Amazing. This time, The Ninja used a Big 3-Free top coat and base coat (as opposed to the Seche Vite she used with Branwen's Feather). No tip wear after 2 days of fairly hard use, and no problems drying (though The Ninja loves Seche's uber-quick dry time, and found it hard to manage the ninja babies and wet nails for the extended drying period). No smudges, no problems. And it seems to be on like iron!

The only problem...

See the green/teal in the bottle above? The Ninja has found Butter London shades to separate easily when left to sit. No big deal, though! A gentle roll between the palms (don't shake!) and it's back to 100%. Just a warning for those who freak at things like that! :)

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by me.
Technically, by my mother. A fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

BPAL: The Fire-Scorched Carousel (Carnaval Diabolique Extension)

The Fire-Scorched Carousel
Carnaval Diabolique

I just love the imagery of a fire-scorched carousel, don't you? I mean, clearly it's dark and terrible and one hopes there were no injuries and so forth, but I bet a fire-scorched carousel is a sight to behold!

Maybe I'm just twisted.

The scent is lovely, but I'm a bit prejudiced.I love burnt wood smells, and I think the craftsmanship of carousels is fascinating. So you see: I was predisposed to liking this one!

I smell a good bit of burnt, yummy resins and I adore that whole genre. Incense comes to mind, and a bit of smoke. I also smell something a bit candied or sweet, which may be my imagination or a twist of one of the resins. It could be cherry wood or even mahogany from the carved horses and other creatures.

If there's leather in this scent (from the reigns) I don't smell it. I do detect what I assume is ozone, though none of the metal I smelled in The Ferris Wheel. 

Love it. One of my favorite BPALs so far, and completely unlike my other favorites!

Look for new Carnaval Diabolique scents
coming soon to a BPAL near you*!

*so, like there's only one BPAL but you know what I mean, right?