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

Two New Clinique products: Dark Spot Corrector & All About Eyes Serum. How do they rate?

Clinique has had a whirlwind of releases lately, and I've tested two of their new offerings. I loved one, and was only moderately impressed with the other.  Let me tell you about them...

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Samples of these products were provided for consideration by the lovely folks of Clinique.
See my About page for more info on my review policies.

Givenchy Le Prisme Yeux Mono

A new fave for me: Givenchy's Le Prisme Yeux Mono. One color, four textures, one package. Use it all swirled into one, or separate the 4 corners to make a monochromatic but textured look.I love the traditional pillowy shape of the colors and the soft, blendable pigment lasts for ages. There are 16 shades (this one is Smart Nude, a shade lovers of Shroom and Kitten and the like will simply adore!). By the way, thank you, Givenchy, for putting a mirror in your tiny, pretty compact; it comes in handy!

A sample of this product was provided for consideration by the lovely folks of Givenchy.
See my About page for more info on my review policies.

Team Sam

source

I am currently suffering from an addiction to FLORALS!

I think I'm broken. I'm not normally a floral kinda gal, but lately I just can't get enough! How 'bout you? Love 'em or Leave 'em?

Find out about these lovelies after the jump.

From sparkling Vajayjays to ... er... Penazzling?

Jennifer Love Hewitt brought wide-spread attention to some shenanigans that have been going on in certain spas. "Love" announced that the heartache of breakups can be soothed by putting Swarovski crystals very personal place (as we say in our house: "where your bathing suit covers!"). The trend has been dubbed "vajazzling" (er... bedazzling ones vajajay).

"After a breakup, a friend of mine Swarovski crystalled my, um, precious lady,"
Hewitt told [George] Lopez. "It shined like a disco ball."

source

An intrepid (female) reporter from The Luxury Spot submitted to the process for an article. But now, The Chive has sent a male reporter to have the same thing done. That's right. He was "Penazzled".

Too far? Will your man be trying this? Will you encourage it? Um... not here at Meade Manse!

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Has anyone tried Infusion Organique?

 

Here's the scoop: Infusion Organique is a line of "personal care" and home fragrances that use a lot of organic, free-trade ingredients (but some science boosts the efficacy of the natural ingredients). They refer to it as "the science of organic scent." The line includes scent diffusers, room sprays, candles, hand and body washes and lotions, and perfumes in an array of scents including Buddha's Fig, Sands of Morocco, Indochine, and Açai Rain. Anyone try it?

Girl Crush: Amber Valetta / NARS Summer Collection 2010

Will this collection make me look like Amber Valetta? If so, I'll take two. Of each.

 

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Keep reading for more info...

MAC's newest mascara: Opulash is available for pre-sale now from Nordstrom

I used to work for Nordstrom and MAC, and loved the job. I'd still be there now if I could! The two companies have a great relationship that goes back decades (Nordstrom was the first department store to sell MAC and their bond has only grown). Starting today, you can pick up (via pre-order) a Nordstrom-Beauty Exclusive: a new MAC mascara called Opulash.

It will be in stores starting on April 22nd and you'll see it at other MAC locations some time later in the Summer, but contact your Nordstrom-MAC rep to pre-order it NOW!

 

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Opulash is extra volumizing and curling, providing exaggerated, beautiful lashes. $14

Absolutely need it all: Illamasqua Body Electrics

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Please, for the love of Pete, may I have all of this collection? Illamasqua's Summer '10 collection is called Body Electrics.  Creams, powders, dry oils... all with shimmer and glimmer to light up the face and body. No, it's not realistic for my lifestyle, but with any luck my Alter Ego has a party planned soon!

Butter London: Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat | Best. Basecoat. Ever.

It's gotta be said: Butter London makes the best base coat The Ninja has tried in a long, long time. First, it applies evenly and smoothly. Second, it creates a satin-like finish on the nail, which is cool on its own. And third: it holds onto polish like an angry monkey holds onto his favorite banana*. Have you tried Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat? $18

*Which, The Ninja assumes, must be "tightly".

Here is a bottle shot from the company.
The Ninja's daughter, Littlest Ninja, may have punted the cap
to her bottle under the couch, hence its display of nudity
in the picture at the top of this article.

A sample of this product was provided by the kind and lovely folks of Butter London.
Please consult The Ninja's About Tab for more information on her review policies.

RIP Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain (warning: graphic!)

It struck me that my glasses case was slightly reminiscent of a small casket moments after my Stila pomegranate crush lip & cheek stain stained its last stain with it's lovely fruity flavor and perfect berry shade. RIP, sweet small friend. We had some good times...

What was your last product that kicked the can?

How do I love thee, little Pixi fairies? Let me count the ways!

Pixi for Target. Super cute!

For more info on the Spring/Summer '10 Pixi for Target collection, visit Musings of a Muse.