One of my favorite makeup artists is James Kaliardos. I love seeing what he's created for each and every fashion week! He's now a consulting makeup artist for L'Oreal Paris, and helped create the Studio Secrets Professional line with Linda Evangelista. The goal of the line is to give us a line full of backstage secrets!
I got to try the Magic Perfecting Base. OH-EM-GEE, ya'll! Love it. It's this bizarre fluffy gel-mousse-cream-balm that is as light as air. It slicks on so smoothly and silkily, mattifies like a champ, and just wipes away pores and small lines and other minor imperfections. This primer is the coolest texture, thanks to its "high elastomer content" and "soft, light powders". It's great alone, and amazing under makeup. Oh- it's also 100% oil- and fragrance-free, plus it's not going to clog your pores or give you spots!
It's $12.95, but trust me: that's money well-spent! You gotta getcha some!
Has anyone else tried it yet?
This product was provided for consideration for review. Read more about BSB review policies on the About tab.
Listen, there are three gals out there who are really plucking my last nerve, and it's time I brought it out in the open. I don't like to bottle this stuff up.
I read a lot of websites, blogs, what have you. Three of my very, very favorites who blog about makeup are Makeup & Beauty Blog, Musings of a Muse, and The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself. The blogs are well-written and fun to read. You really get a picture of what the bloggers are "about". The women themselves are beautiful, smart, funny, successful, and they're inspirational women.
I hate them.
Yes, it's a love-hate relationship to the nth degree. Don't get me wrong: they're really nice lassies. Very sweet. I love chatting with them on Twitter (Karen: @KarenMBB; Musey: @Musings of a Muse; Karla: @KarlaSugar) and hope to meet all of them soon.
But here's the thing: these girls secretly want me to be broke perpetually. I don't really understand what kind of "friends" they think they are. I mean really.
Exhibit A: Karen - Makeup & Beauty Blog Not only does she tempt you with beautiful pictures of life in general (girl has a great eye!) but she also visits Hawaii a lot and taunts you with her trips. Amusing stories reference a very tolerant husband, El Hub (the man must have patience to deal with all of that makeup talk!).
And then there's That Cat. The official mascot of Makeup & Beauty Blog and international supermodel, Tabs (shown right in a recent work). He's really who runs the show, I believe.
Oh- and then there's the spectacular give-aways! Did I mention those? So I can be sad twice: once when she shows me something I don't own, and then again when I don't win it.
And on top of that there's the amazingly persuasive writing that's always paired with great pictures of products (plus swatches). And the looks she creates are always a great blend of Sassy-Sophisticated-Beachy. Somehow. I don't know how she does it. But she makes me want to buy way too many products. Recent evidence includes...
Do you see what I mean?! And The Really Bad Thing is that I nearly always agree with her opinions once I've had the opportunity to try a product myself. That's the worst.
Exhibit B: The Muse - Musings of a Muse I don't even really know where to start with this girl.She's one of those New Yorkers who has access to everything. Pile on an obsession with Asian brands, concealer, unusual products, and great bath & body goodies and you've got the recipe for disaster. I love seeing what she's recently found! No brand is safe from her reach. Musey (I can call her that 'cause we're tight; you can call her "The Muse".) nearly always pairs her makeup reviews with an example of how the product looks incorporated into "A Look". Show-off.
We have some mutual obsessions, which doesn't help her case. I think she waits to see what I like, then she immediately starts posting items that I'll want. She's an evil mastermind. Shared loves: Lush, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Bath & Body Works, and products for the fairest of skins. See? EVIL MASTERMIND.
By the way, she just revamped her website and made navigation even easier, incorporated a Daily Photo feature, and added a fab Submit Your Own Review area where you can... well... submit a review.
I'm not really down with her "Doctor Who thing" but she may not understand my obsession with skeletons. Kindred spirits can still agree to disagree from time to time. Though, clearly she hates me. Evidence...
Exhibit C: KarlaSugar - The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself She of the arm that all beauty lovers will recognize! She started her blog as a way to show some friends products that they couldn't see locally. Quickly, she built a reputation as Excellent Swatcher and has managed to swatch just about every single product ever created (an estimate).
She's fun, she's matter-of-fact about products, and she's succinct. Her blog is a joy to read and her pictures are always lovely. I enjoy, too, that she describes her view of a shade, since I find companies are sometimes a little too clever with providing a color assignation. Since she's touched every product in the universe, she also can compare x to y, which is helpful if you already own y!
She's also really getting into give-aways, which is fun but since I never win I am bitter.
What kills me are her Armani swatches (see image to the right). I try to pretend the brand doesn't exist, because I love everything they make but can't swing the cash to hoard it. KarlaSugar does not care.
Recent evidence that she hates me...
Guerlain Summer 2010 I dare you not to want those shadows and Kiss Kiss glosses and lipsticks. I mean... all of them.
Sneak Peek: MAC Digi-Pops Did I need to know about the MAC collection for Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale? In a word: NO. An array of lippies (new lipstick formula! more Dazzleglasses!) and shadows and brush sets and ...
Korres Mango Butter Lipstick Every time I see these, I pick them up, look at them, then put them back. Now that I've seen the swatches, I suspect my next trip to Sephora will be ending differently. And it's all KarlaSugar's fault!
Zoya Flash and Sparkle Yeah, that's right. She swatches polishes, too. Now I've got The Nail Ninja breathing down my neck wanting more nail lacquers, too. Thanks a lot.
What's with these girls? Why can't they just play nice?
What do you think of these bloggers? Do they hate you, too?
Hi, luvvies! How is your week shaping up? Not too much more now, my friends.
Listen, I have something on the horizon and it's not just Lulu's 1st birthday (!) on Saturday. I can't spill yet, but I sure can catch us all up on the recent comings, goings, and amazing happenings in the world. Do me a favor: let me know what I've missed!
Here we go...
Beauty Goodies
John Frieda is taking his show on the road. You can get personalized attention from a top John Frieda stylist - a 15 minute lesson and consultation will address your specific hair issues and find out what products can help you bring out your best! Oh, did I mention that you'll also have access to a BCBGMAXAZRIA pop-up shop, so you can rock some sweet styles to complement your perfected hair? Find out where and how here.
by Kilian lovers rejoice! The line has released a limited edition Gold Travel Fragrance Set, exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman. It's an artisanal-style black enamel with a gold finish that really embodies the "L'Oeuvre Noire" collection. The set will include a new scent, Rose Oud (from the Arabian Nights collection), plus the L'Oeuvre Noire yummies Love, Liaisons Dangereuses, Straight to Heaven, and Back to Black. See my review of a few of the scents here. New York gals: meet the founder himself on May 14th from 2-6 at Bergdorf Goodman (on the beauty level, of course!).
If you've been hesitating on purchasing the Illamasqua Spring collection, shame on you. But actually, your waiting may have paid off! You can save money by ordering all of the nail lacquers in a new LE set. It includes all three of the Body Electrics shades -JoMina, Prism, and Force- plus a bottle of Nail Base Coat.
I loves me someClarins skincare, man. I'm hustling over to Gilt Group TODAY to pick up some goodies.
They've got faves like Best of the Sun Ultimate Protection Duo (Original Retail: $65, Gilt: $33), Clear Skin Solutions Kit for Combination/Oily Skin
(Original Retail: $52, Gilt: $35), Super Rest Luxury Collection 4
Piece Kit + Gold Case (Original Retail: $196, Gilt: $149), and Multi-Active Day Cream for All Skin Types
(Original Retail: $64, Gilt: $32). Clarins is renowned for their sun protection products, and I can personally vouch for the Multi-Active Day Cream: that's good stuff!
Purple Lab has some new products going on sale at HSN! Um, yum: Pearlesque Show Primer for a dewy glow (for only $22.50); Runway in a Box ($59.50); Check and Chic Makeup Duo ($37.50), and Huge Lips, Skinny Hips Lip Plumper in Lychee Martini (barely peach shine), Goji Berry Smoothie (berry rosy sparkle), Love Your Thighs (exotic coral), and Limo to Lobby (pale pink - more pink than Cult Fave Kitty Pole Dancer) for $20 each. Yeah, I wouldn't mind getting my hand on that primer and on Goji Berry Smoothie and Love Your Thighs. How 'bout you? Getcher info here. Showtimes: April 29th--- 2am-2:30am, 2pm-2:30pm, 8pm-8:30pm; April 30th---10am-10:30am, 3pm-3:30pm
Really nifty makeup applications tools make my day. Check out the new one from Pür Minerals! You can pick your eye makeup, assign the model your own eye color, and even pick different brushes. It's so much fun, I may have to block the website or I'll never get any work done. No, really: try it!
I'm kinda lemming Philosophy's Field of Flowers set, so if you're getting me a Mother's Day gift, that may be a place to start. :)
The set, which is only $35, includes the body lotion (8oz) and perfume (2 oz), though you can get a few other versions of this lovely peony scent, too.
Not a huge Laura Mercier person. What I should say, really, is that I haven't tried a lot from her line. However, I do know that her body products are a-maz-ing! We used to run from the MAC counter over to Laura's and dip our hands in the delicious lotions and then sniff ourselves for hours. :) I haven't tried Crème de
Pistache,have you? It's the scent of pistachio nuts plus almond, praline and hazelnut
"nuances" and freshly whipped cream. Um... yeah. Now, what's the most fun? The Honey Bath, the Souffle Body Creme, or the Body Scrub?
Where are my Bond No. 9 fans? Gimme a "WOOT!" There's a new one coming out and it's another in the Andy Warhol series. I don't have to tell you that I love the Warhol scents soooo much! This one is inspired by Montauk, Long Island. Four of Warhol's iconic Sunset series will dress the trademark star-shaped bottles. Expect this one to be good! Debuts Memorial Day, but I've got a sample coming and a review pending!
Got sensitive skin? I do, at times. One of the lines that is closest to my heart, Patricia Wexler, MD, has created a line for the sensitive-skinned among us. It's called Anti-Aging for Sensitive Skin. That kind of says it all, doesn't it? The line includes a Gentle Exfoliating Peel ($34.50); MMPi20 Comforting & Renewing Serum, which will decrease reactivity while diminishing the signs of aging ($55); Calming Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39.50); and Soothing & Renewing Night Cream ($39.50). Can't wait to try it, especially the peel - I can get away with a lot of moisturizers and serums, but not exfoliators!
Check out these sleek Mattene/Slimshine-like lippies! They're new from NARS and are called Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment. These shiny, sheer, subtly tinted balms are packed with Wild Mango Butter, Vitamin E,
Polar Berries and Açai Oil and come in six shades: Aurore
(seashell pink), Greta (mauve), Paloma (cantaloupe), Lara (pastel pink),
Angélique (strawberry) and Bianca (pearl). I'd love to test these, but unless some cash falls in my lap I'm not going to be able to. If you try them, let me know how they are, OK?!
Speaking of lips, another favorite brand is promoting a new SPF-for-lips product. Check out Bobbi Brown's Treatment Lip Shine SPF, which contains natural Cocoa & Shea Butters, and Jojoba, Apricot Kernel & Avocado oils. Oh, don't forget the Peptides, Vitamin C & Paracress, which stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I confess: I could certainly use that around the lips, ya'll. How 'bout you? Did I mention the TWELVE shades?
Whew! That's a lot of "new"! What else ya got? Whatcha looking forward to? See a clear winner or loser?
Have a good day and weekend. Hope it's fab! Have a funny for the road:
When I called Elizabeth Wto find out about the article I was writing today they let me know about a promotion they're running for Mother's Day. I thought I'd pass the info on to you!
Use the coupon code below to receive 15% off of your online purchase. Now that I've made contact with the company, I should be receiving future promotional info, too, so we can stock up on the lovlies!
See my post about Elizabeth W and their Lilac perfume here.
Lilacs are my #1 favorite flower. Well, they're really a bush or shrub, but that's not the point. The bloom...the scent: my absolute favorite! Sadly, I'm really, really allergic to them. Seriously, if a lilac bloom is on the other side of the house, I will still feel like someone shoved and itchy mohair sweater up my nose and my eyes will water 'til they can't anymore, and then water again!
A few years ago, I picked up Lilac, one of the Elizabeth WSignature Scents (and Woods, too, which they no longer make). Here's a review of the Lilac and a bit about the company. Yummmm....
I think there are Short Hair Women and Long Hair Women. Some women seem perfect for super short cuts - in fact there are women who should never grow their hair long again- hullo, Halle Berry, Rihanna, Pink, and in my opinion Alyssa Milano. On the flipside, I guess there are women I can't even picture with short-short 'dos, like Jennifer Aniston, Mylie Cyrus, Megan Fox and Jennifer Lopez.
It may come as a huge shock to you, but I have a fondness for über-short hair. Please, try to gasp quietly. ;) Still, I was a little surprised at my (negative) reaction to seeing that supermodel Agyness Deyn had gone all-out and buzzed all of her hair off. She's no stranger to short hair, or change, but I have to say this isn't one of my favorites of hers. Observe:
(click to see larger)
What do you think? I personally find it a bit more androgynous than I like, plus I love white/platinum on her. But as long as she (and her booking agents!) like it, that's all that matters.
I collected a boatload of pictures of super short cuts; some I like, some not. Let's take a look, and then I'll share some of the secrets to being able to pull off über-short hair. If you wanna see, keep reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Most of you have probably heard of Lauren Luke (AKA panacea81), but for those of you who haven't I'll give you a brief rundown on her (there's more in the book!).
The illustrious Ms. Luke is a popular YouTube personality who started selling makeup to help support herself and her son. She found she got a lot of questions about how to wear/use the products, so she started making explanatory videos to demonstrate. Her folksy, laid-back, conversational style drew viewers like flies; she's had more than 68 million views (more than half of which are from the US!).
And now sister has a flourishing YouTube channel, her own makeup line (called by Lauren Luke and sold online and through Sephora!), and a book. The looks she puts together range from basic to complex to celebrity-inspired. Read more for the review...
PS: I'm really eager for her upcoming line of brushes to be released!
It's the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day today. Yay! Here are some great things I found to help you be beautifully kind to Mother Earth...
HauteLook has some eco-friendly items 50% - 70% off of the normal retail price.
Organicare:
USDA-certified organic skincare from a company that’s 100% carbon
neutral
Jonano:
organic designer clothing for women
EcoSkin:
contemporary designs for women made from environmentally-sustainable
luxury fabrics
miYim:
organic, inspired toys for kids
Sustainable
Kids: organic children’s apparel and a free, post-paid donation box
for a school in Haiti
SIGG
and SIGG for Kids: the original reusable (and virtually unbreakable)
aluminum bottle
What a great opportunity to pick up some SIGG bottles! (And the other stuff, too)
I'm loving these eco-friendly toothbrushes from Radius! How clever is it to take flax, wood, and dollar bills and recycle them into toothbrush handles?! They're 93% recycled materials with 47% of the products being from renewable resources. Also loving that the handles themselves stick around; you pop the head off when its time is up and replace it with a new one. Genius! And I love that Radius makes it plain that they've taken design and customer preferences into account along with ADA requirements. The toothbrushes are meant to be comfortable for both hand and mouth with a wide brush that hits the gums and the teeth for ultimate oral health! Please note: it's only the Source line that's made from recycled items! BSB REVIEW COMING SOON!
I'm so thanking the PR rep who introduced me to Wembé, since their all-natural soaps are so damn good! They look so pretty (like chunks of yummy) and smell and work great, too. Made by a mom and son from Paraguay, they take advantage of the healthy contributions the rainforests have to offer. BSB REVIEW COMING SOON!
Zia Natural Skincare promotes themselves as one of the first all-natural cosmetics lines; their products contain no synthetic fragrances, phthalates, aluminum, sulfate-based surfactants, artificial colors, formaldehyde donors, petrolatum, or mineral oil. The line contains skincare to help you look young, keep your skin clear, protect from the sun, coddle any skintype, pamper your man, and makeup your face -- all naturally. I got to dip my fingers in two of their masks! Love ensued...
BSB REVIEW COMING SOON!
And last but not least, there's...
Yay for everyone's favorite purveyor of natural bath and body products, Lush, who was just deemed "one of the most environmentally-conscious employers in Canada" by MacLean's (read about it here)and Canadian Business Magazine (read the article here). The magazines were impressed by the same things that make me a fan: minimal product packaging (and what must exist is post-consumer recycled, recyclable and biodegradable materials when at all possible); Charity Pot, a great moisturizer that directs 100% of its proceeds to charity; a plan to greenify their world by planting gardens next to their corporate office; and hiring a full-time "Green Officer" among a million other things.
Many products from Lush are Vegan, all are vegetarian, none are tested on animals, and all of them are highly effective, fun to look at and use, pleasant smelling (though a debate rages about one of my faves, Dream Cream), and cleverly named. What's not to like?
Visit the Lush site's Protect the Planet page to learn more about packaging, waste, and greener living. Lush is 100% BSB-approved.
SHOP NAKED AT LUSH!*
*The products are naked (no packaging on most), folks. Keep your pants on.
PS: Take advantage of the fab new Knot Wrap service at Lush. It saves the world by minimizing packaging and gift wrap while providing a pretty way to dress-up gifts that is a gift itself: recyclable material or vintage scarves are carefully wrapped around your gift to beautify now and later!
We bloggers get a tone of pitches in our mail from PR companies eager to entice us to give free advertising to their clients. I don't "bite" on most - but this one, man... I'm glad I got on this mailing list! YUM!
Dale and Thomas Popcorn has these delish-looking snacks that I really want to try. I'm a mom, so quick! Somebody order me some of these Mother's Day Specials! *nom nom*
Take a look at the site and tell me you aren't hungry, too! lol
Ya'll, I can't wait to check this out! I love Urban Decay, and I love perfume oils. Now I can have both? SHUT UP!
Revolver sounds fab: a peppy, fresh and pretty top note combo (lychee, pineapple leaf) and sexy middle (fig!) added to a base note blend that sounds right up my alley (amber, Egyptian musk). And I like the roller ball applicator approach (less messy than an open top!). I'm excited. What about you?
Please note: Revolver is only available through UrbanDecay.com while supplies last (starting on 4/27). You won't find it at Sephora or wherever else you buy your UD!
More Givenchy, because like Depeche Mode I just can't get enough. Here, the Parad'Eyes Liners in two shades: Mauve Impression and Nude Impression. These liquid liners contain mother-of-pearl bits to render them ultra-shimmery. I love the metallic mauve shade (which leans a touch towards a nearly-pink lilac) but the stand-out is the peachy-gold "nude". I love to put it under the lower lash line then smudge it a bit with my finger for a subtle glow that really makes the green, gold, and brown in my eyes sparkle! The wear is good; they last many hours-- though not through rain, sleet, snow or dark of night. But hey, even the Post Office doesn't go by that anymore!
A sample of this productwas provided for consideration by the lovely folks of Givenchy. See my About page for more info on my review policies.
One of our favorite celebrity manicurists is the amazing Sophy Robson (her blog is a must-read for nail fanatics!).
She recently Tweeted something that got us all atwitter (ha!) and we
couldn't wait to share it. Plus, it's a great reason to post a picture
of Tom!
One of our favorite celebrity manicurists is the amazing Sophy Robson.
She recently Tweeted something that got us all atwitter (ha!) and we
couldn't wait to share it. Plus, it's a great reason to post a picture
of Tom!
Interrrresting. The Nail Ninja posted an article in February about Seche Vite and how it may not work with every polish. Now, Irish blog phenomenon Beaut.ie (a favorite of ours!) seems to be taking a page from our book and writing the same thing. The Ninja is particularly peeved because the Beaut.ie article uses her exact words.
Ninja: "Seche Vitemay not play nice with the chemicals in someBig 3-Free polishes." Irish Lassies: "The upshot of this is that it may not play nice with nail varnishes that are themselves 3-Free..."
Also interesting is the fact that the pigment load theory was developed in a discussion between The Ninja and Nonie Creme of Butter London (see our article for quotes from her chemist) --- and now someone else has the same theory?
The Ninja is flattered to be quoted... but she wasn't in this case. She wasn't sourced at all. She may have to jump into the Ninja Jet and straighten out some Irish lassies.
C'mon, Beaut.ie... play nice and give us a little link. We're a small blog and we don't get to break news as often as you do. We'd love a little credit!
I'm sure you've heard, but Japanese brand Shu Uemura has pulled out of the US in all retail locations. I'm devastated. It's amazing to stand at a Shu counter and see the pretties. The colors and quality are stellar. You can still buy Shu Uemura online, though, which is some consolation. Take a look at the Summer offerings, called Gem Glams...
I am drawn to the amazing sparkles of the shadow singles! The lippies and cream shadows look pretty, but peep that gemstone-inspired powder which can be used swirled together all over the face or taken in bits to highlight and contour the visage or eyes or whatever one wishes! Don't let the unusual colors scare you- they're there to balance the complexion!
OK, both of my kids are my love child-ren. But I mean my MACLovechildLipglass. Have I ever told you about her? I don't think I have.
Lovechild was my first "bold" color for the lips, though keep in mind that's in comparison to my norm at the time, Oyster Girl*. This color is not too bright, not too dark - she's just right; she's thick like most Lipglasses, but not at all gritty or gummy. She's a beautiful shade that MAC calls "coppered plum" and that I'd call plum with a dash of bronzey shimmer. Definitely opaque enough to wear alone, she's also fabulous over similarly colored lipsticks like Sophisto and O (more faves of mine!). Don't be afraid to layer her over a too-brown shade to "plum her up" ** or over a red that's a touch to red, which will mute her a bit. There are a few swatches after the cut.
* Here's a comparison of the two, so you see why I thought I was being crazy-bold!
** "Plum her up" is a technical term used by makeup artists. Or maybe just by me. Whatev.
I'm not cool enough for MAC to give me samples, so I bought this puppy with my own duckets.
See my About page for more info on my review policies.
Clever packaging? Check. Edible-looking pillows of well-pigmented color? Check. Mirror? Check. A tucked-inside brush you can actually use? Check! I highly recommend the GivenchyLe Prisme Blushes! Swatches on the next page, so keep reading!
A sample of this productwas provided for consideration by the lovely folks of Givenchy.
See my About page for more info on my review policies.
