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

The Nail Ninja asks: Whose nails are these?

This gorgeously coiffured beauty sparkles as she signs copies of her work recently. The answer is after the cut!

Celebrity makeup looks: Guess who?

Who rocked this bold orange lip and Twiggy-style eye mascara?

answer after the cut...

The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style. Day 6 - WOODS IN WINTER (a fragrance review)

Have you ever taken a walk in the woods in the Winter?

When you hike in Winter, it's totally a different experience from a walk in another season. The ground crunches slightly underfoot. Birds flit from barren branch to woody thicket. The air is cold and sharp until you exhale it in warm puffs.

The woods in Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's (BPAL) Woods in Winter are full of barren trees, icy streams, and juniper drooping from the weight of snow.

This is a fairly masculine scent, if you need a label, though the soft juniper (think: gin) scent is a great seasonal choice for anyone who wants to "go there" but without smelling like a G&T or the cardboard pinetree hanging from the rearview.

I really like Woods in Winter, even though it's not at all what I was expecting (I was thinking "cold, white, icy" but got "still, grey, barren").

I'll definitely be wearing this one on cold days when I want to sink into the mood (rather than trying to fight it with a warm cozy scent).

 

WOODS IN WINTER

When winter winds are piercing chill,
And through the hawthorn blows the gale,
With solemn feet I tread the hill,
That overbrows the lonely vale.

O'er the bare upland, and away
Through the long reach of desert woods,
The embracing sunbeams chastely play,
And gladden these deep solitudes.

Where, twisted round the barren oak,
The summer vine in beauty clung,
And summer winds the stillness broke,
The crystal icicle is hung.

Where, from their frozen urns, mute springs
Pour out the river's gradual tide,
Shrilly the skater's iron rings,
And voices fill the woodland side.

Alas! how changed from the fair scene,
When birds sang out their mellow lay,
And winds were soft, and woods were green,
And the song ceased not with the day!

But still wild music is abroad,
Pale, desert woods! within your crowd;
And gathering winds, in hoarse accord,
Amid the vocal reeds pipe loud.

Chill airs and wintry winds! my ear
Has grown familiar with your song;
I hear it in the opening year,
I listen, and it cheers me long.

Wild hemlock and juniper berries scattered in the snow beneath leafless trees bedecked with glittering icicles.

The Nail Ninja asks: Whose nails are these?

This recently-single, dark-haired beauty wore this mani while partying in Vegas with some girl friends for her birthday.

Answer after the cut.

Last minute gifts for the beauty lover... Or just about anyone!

Ok, who have you forgotten?
Or who is it who has you stumped? It happens every year, doesn't it? Someone hands you a carefully-wrapped goody and you end up mumbling something about theirs being "lost in the mail". Or maybe you are just stymied and don't know what to get someone. Here are some easy gifts from a variety of price ranges and fairly common stores for your consideration...

Neiman Marcus has you covered if you want to go luxe!

1. Jack Black It's the Balm set houses 3 of the brand's famous lip balms. $19.50
2. Lolita Lempicka's Midnight Flower candle sparkles outside and in. $55 
3. Bobbi Brown's  softly pigmented shadows come with a just-right dose of major finely-milled (read: not scratchy or chunky or immature) reflects glitter in the Sparkle Glamour Quad - $40
4. Love this tutu-adorned bottle of Viktor and Rolf's upbeat scent, Flowerbomb! $105
5. Give the teens in your life the gift of self-acceptance and easy beauty with Bobbi Brown's Beauty Rules book. $24.95
6. The luxury and hard-hitting moisturizing goodness of Kiehl's Creme de Corps now comes in a soy milk and honey WHIPPED formula Body Butter. $35 
7. Trish McEvoy's got a secret: she makes some damn good fragrances! Here's any easy way to introduce them to someone (you?). $65 
8. Give someone you know some Bliss this holiday! The callus conquerer isn't sexy, but the smooth feet and comfy softening socks may just be (in a weird kinda way). $56

 
Great stocking stuffers can be had at Target, or pick up a few things to toss in a basket, tote or pretty makeup bag!

1. Burt's Bees has "nautral" down pat! Pretty tinted lipbalms, softening hand treatments, even great products for men (hubby loves the shaving cream!).
2. Do you have any huge celeb fans on your list? Target has the whole gamut of celeb scents!
3. Grab a pretty palette from one of the Target makeup artist lines. Perfect for almost anyone, but especially appreciated by teens looking to build their stash.
4. Pick a theme and build on it. These little honey-scented bath bombs are a great place to start. Add bath supplies orother honey-smelling goodies. Voila!
5. What little girl wouldn't flip her lid for these adorable Hello Kitty and Disney Princess polishes, lip balms, and other sweet things?
6. Sonia Kashuk makes great brushes. Her nail polishes and makeup ain't too shabby, either.
7. Speaking of nail polish, did you know Target also carries Revlon, Nicole (by OPI), and other great lines? Stocking stuffers, at your fingertips!

Keep reading for more...

BeautyBloggers.org makeup auction helps women & children via Doctors Without Borders... and you.

BeautyBloggers.org. Go there. Bid on makeup. Help give people hope. Proceeds go to  Doctors Without Borders.

a beautiful day in the neighborhood + skin softening and tooth whitening goodies + some great reads

Snow. Not much, but four inches is enough to shut down the workings of Central Virginia. I agree with Andy Tauer when he suggests we may be becoming wimps. Still, I may as well stay home and not add to the confusion. With two sick little ones (again!), I don't belong out there anyway.

Instead, I'm wrapped up and comfy, enjoying the quiet woods around our house, my Lambie slippers (last year's), our holiday decorations, and a few too many Toll House Cookies.

On the downside, and there is one despite my adoration of the snow, the cold air outside and the warm air inside are wreaking havoc with my skin! Keep reading to see my solutions, and please share yours in the comments.

Also below, random beauty (and other) links.

Clockwise from top left: Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Cream, which I can get in a 3-pack at BJ's so there's one nearby at all times; eos sphere lipbalm, so cute and fruity and it works!; Eucerin Plus Smoothing Essentuals is great for the bumpy, dry, ooky skin pervasive in my family and the fragrance-free formula doesn't compete with my perfumes; ok, I threw in an oddball- smileactives Tooth Whitening Pens for snowy white teeth quickly and easily; Nuxe Rive de Miel Handcream is also nearby and almost as good as the Eucerin plus has a yummy light smell I find addictive; Nuxe's lip balm is amazingly effective despite its odd (really odd) thick and somewhat chunky texture.

 

•  Aspiring Fashionista? These tips help you fake it 'til you make it.
  
  
• Lovely Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick swatches. I have two of these and love them!
  
  
• Would you consider treating yourself like a toddler? All i know is jen needs to go to bed early or she gets cranky!
  
  
• Hysterical! WikiLeaks, but these don't...
  
  
• Fashion choices for the Zombie Apocalypse.
  
  
• Behind-the-Scenes of Black Swan's amazing makeup and hair.
  
  
  
• Another beautification procedure I won't be trying: cosmetic surgery for feet.
  
  
  
• Is "Beauty Sleep" a real thing? Excuse me...I've gotta go take a nap.
  
  
• This interview with Jen Brill, a photo and stylist agent, has me feeling high-maintenance.
  
  
• Curious about eyelash extensions? Here's a video of Ted Gibson getting his "installed".
  
  
• Adorable  Giles googley eye mani how-to!
  
  
• I have a journal filled with quotes that motivate, inspire, console and amuse me. If you, too, are into quick dips into other people's words & worlds, check out these Quotes That Show You How To Live Your Best Life.
  
  

 

Have a great weekend!!!

xoxo,
*jen

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The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style. Day 5 - THE SOLDIER (a fragrance review)

I always get confused with the whole toy soldier, nutcracker thing. Maybe because so many nutcrackers are soldiers?

This review is for Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's (BPAL) Yule scent, The Soldier, from their collection of Nutcracker-inspired scents.

They are trying to confuse me...

THE SOLDIER
Red musk, vanilla cream, black tea, black pepper, leather and pie.

The first time I tried The Soldier, I was amazed and amused by a burst of rootbeer! It was followed fairly quickly by red musk and leather.

The second time I tried The Soldier, it went straight to red musk and leather. There was a momentary whiff of something like licorice, but it was gone so fast I may have imagined it. I was disappointed.

The third and fourth times I tried The Soldier were like the second. I was disappointed.

At no time did I pick-up vanilla cream, tea (black or otherwise), black pepper, or pie. I was disappointed.

Still, as musky leathers go, this is a great one. A little rough, bad, and dead sexy. I may try layering it under my beloved Bandit (Piguet) for extra oomph!

ps: love the label art!

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style. Day 4 - ROSE RED (a fragrance review)

A rose by any other name...

For awhile there, I worked as a sales gal at a florist shop. I loved being surounded by the gorgeous flowers (of course), loved hearing lovers' messages as they sent their special someone a bouquet, and found it a privilege to help people in their time of sorrow when selecting funeral or memorial arrangements.

One of the tasks we got assigned during slow times was to trim roses and other flowers for the premade wrapped bouquets displayed in the front of the shop. I got plenty of thorn scratches, but learned a lot about how different flowers looked and smelled when paired together.

One of my favorite flowers to clean were a certain variety of huge, dark red roses. They were so fragrant. So pungent! I was violently allergic to them, but still grabbed them every chance I got!

Stick your nose into your wrist after applying Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's (BPAL) Rose Red - it's exactly like sticking your nose in those roses I love! Big, fat, freshly picked, deep red rose.

Earlier variations of Rose Red (also produced in 2003-2005, 2007, and 2008) are sometimes described as "green", meaning, I assume, leafy and stemmy. I also see "wet" come up in reviews for earlier versions. This year's is neither, at least on me. It's a pure blast of gorgeous rose that dries down to a closer-to-the skin rose with a bit of sparkle.

I always said I wasn't interested in rose scents. I was wrong.

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style. Day 3 - MOTHER GINGER (a fragrance review)

Are you a fan of The Nutcracker?

I'm embarrassed to admit I've only seen it once and was bored to tears. A lot of people, though, make a tradition of going to see it performed during the holidays.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has some Nutcracker-themed oils in their Yule collection this year. This is a review for Mother Ginger...

From beneath her skirts emerge eight gingerbread children: gingerbread, French vanilla, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and marshmallow cream.

So... those are also the notes to the perfume. Having smelled Gingerbread Poppet in years past, I sort of expected this to be a similar, if candied, version.

Nope.

I smell a vague whoff of ginger tea with the merest splash of lemon.
Later: the same.
Still later: nothing. It's gone.

Slathered, it's more noticeable, but on me still a soft and effervescent ginger tea. Nice, but not spectacular.

Meanwhile, here's a cool clip showing dancer Alex Kalinin transformed into Mother Ginger!

The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style. Day 2 - LICK IT VIGOROUSLY (a fragrance review)

I never gave it much thought before today, but I wonder what Christmas elves smell like?

A little sawdust, a whiff of glue, and a soft breath of snow?

Whatever else, I imagine Santa's helpers smell like a healthy handful of fresh candy canes!

If you'd like to play elf this season, get your head in the game by first splashing on a dose of Lick It Vigorously, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's lovely sugared peppermint brew.

It's not edible, but I bet in addition to enhancing your inner elf, it also would work well as a mood-booster (unless you hate peppermint, that is!). Try a slow sniff when you have a headache or a tummy ache - peppermint is thought to be a potent aromatherapy aide for those issues.

I may just drop a bit of Lick It Vigorously in an oil burner on Christmas Eve to settle any rattled and frayed nerves and really set that mood (and make Santa and the elves feel right at home when they stop by!).

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style. Day 1 - GROßVATER TANZ (a fragrance review)

What are your favorite holiday memories and traditions?

If something foody -a meal, a treat, a smell- was on your list, you're in good company. Most of us relish The Three F's of the holidays: family, friends, and food!

One of the (many) things Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) does exceedingly well is foody scents. They're not usually my cup of tea (rimshot!) but every now and again there's one that grabs me and forces me to pay attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROßVATER TANZ The Nutcracker: 2010

I often read the fragrance notes for a scent prior to sampling it, since I have (had?) such a poor ability to pick up notes. Today, I'm glad I did things a bit differently.

When freshly applied, GROßVATER TANZ smells of milky Fruit Loops. Lots of them. I always think of freesia when I smell this sort of fruity blend, as to me that flower smells just like those fruity O's!

The fruit scent slowly softens (about 5 minutes in, maybe a bit longer) and gains the softest bit of nuts and gentle spices. It smells maybe like you're sitting near someone eating a slice of warm gingerbread with thick and sweet icing and candied fruits on top. Meanwhile, you're still holding a vase of freesia.

And that's pretty much where the scent stays on me for about a half an hour or so until it gently fades away, like a good indulgence should.

For me, this is a fabulous pick-me-up that I'll likely use often. Perfect for a hit of cheer any time, like during moments of stress or even right before bed... which would surely result in visions of sugarplums...

Official Description:
GROßVATER TANZ
The evening’s celebration winds down with a traditional German folk song: rice porridge, candied fruits, heavy cream, powdered clove, and Lebkuchen. $20

The Twelve Days of Christmas, BPAL-style.

 

Look what showed up in Mama's mailbox the other day, ya'll!! The BPAL elves sent some goodies. Sadly, they came too late to beat the holiday delivery deadline, but the oils are still up for sale 'til sometime in January so you can still order some. So... twelve oils, twelve days 'til Christmas. That worked out perfectly!

The Nail Ninja says: here is The Ninja's holiday mani.

...only, she doesn't know how to accomplish it. So, she'll keep looking.
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Hollywood Style Awards: Trend Spotter

Are you looking for the perfect go-to look that easily adapts to any occasion? Um, duh, right?!

Take a cue from the ladies who attended the Hollywood Style Awards and go easy & sexy with complexion-enhancing makeup; blended greys, browns and taupes on the eyes; and your-lips-but-better glowing smiles...

What do all of these ladies have in common?

They didn't overdo it! No glitter. No bold lip. No heavy liner. No strong eye.

Those statement looks are gorgeous, of course, but sometimes it's refreshing to see the real woman, isn't it? While I think Anna Lynne and Emmy could have used some color (bronzer or lipstick, maybe) and Holly could ease off the brow pencil some, this look is the real style winner. What do you think?

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Radiance is back. Make Up For Ever Uplight Face Luminizer Gel hitting shelves soon...

Do you sometimes feel a bit lackluster in the Winter months? Suffer from Seasonal Skin Disorder? Want to put a bit of glow back on your lovely face and some pep in your step?

Sister, me too! Help may be coming in the gel-licious form of a new luminizer from Make Up For Ever.

Here's why I am excited enough to mention it:

1. The gel formula. Gel-style products like this are likely not going to overdose skin in creaminess, heaviness, or smothering ingredients. Read: probably even oily-skinned lasses can benefit!
2. Eight shades. Something for everyone unlike most lines, who offer maybe one or two.
3. Three finishes. "Dewy" looks to be the finest shimmer and natural, "Pearl" is probably more high-shine and "Sparkling" is likely going to be maximum radiance.
4. The formula contains over 70% water. Again, this won't smother the skin!

If you like a glowy, dewy look, Make Up For Ever Uplight Face Luminizer Gel may be your next must-have. I know I will most certainly be checking them out!

I will point out that truly luminous skin comes from being healthy and hydrated, and no gel shimmer can fake that. Make sure you're exfoliating once or twice a week and using the right moisture-bearing products for your skin type. Many of us need to step it up a notch in the Winter! Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see an article about hydrating and moisturizing!
PS: Aussie readers, I know it's Summer for you, so don't forget your SPF. :)

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Cozy. Pretty. Plus, some random thoughts. (Like: Baby, it's cold outside!!!!)

Brrrrr! It's a cold one here at the BSB campus! How are things where you are?

I'm bundled up in an oversized chenille sweater, velour sweats, and cozy socks. Please don't misunderstand: there will be no complaints from me. I adore the cold weather. It's the best time of year, and when it's unseasonably warm it just doesn't feel like the holidays, anyway. I just wish I could wrap the kids in wool and send them outside... They're stir-crazy and driving me NUTS! Later in the afternoon, when the sun has had a chance to do its thing for awhile, I'll bundle them up and send 'em out to burn off some energy. Besides, that's a great excuse for some hot chocolate!

The downside to the cozy thing is my pure laziness! I don't have the desire to do much but curl up with my family, a snuggly throw, and a good book.

I did manage to muster up the energy to try two of the new Aromaleigh shadows that showed up in the mail the other day. Amazing. She really has a gift! But just one question... I thought the brand had closed their (virtual) doors...?  (swatches and reviews coming soon... for what it's worth)

In search of coziness, even from my lip products, I grabbed an old blast from the past: Algorithm 3D-glass from MAC. Boy, did I love those! They wear so lushly, feel plump and look juicy, and had a semi-sheer wet look that I simply dig. Why on earth did these never become "perm"?

So many questions, so few answers.

Here are some more random thoughts...

• One of my other cold (or rainy) weather habits is to douse myself in a favorite scent. This morning, prior to my shower, I splashed on some Vanilliary (LUSH Gorilla). That wasn't cutting it for post-coffee, clean me, and I couldn't really pick another scent. So, I'm testing a classic: Jicky (Guerlain). Created in 1889, when all fragrances were "unisex", the scent is really working for me! It starts with citrus, has a vetiver + floral heart, and a simply stellar deep and rich base that seems to go on and on...
  
  
• The word "unisex" is bizarre.
  
  
• I got a press release urging me to share a grey roots touch-up product with you guys as "a stocking stuffer". Um... I have to say that if Santa were to leave that in my stocking, I'd be pissed and demoralized. Not how I prefer to start a holiday! You?
  
  
• This is possibly the best gift guide I've seen so far this season. I'm no chic hipster, but I'll still be checking out almost all of these places and products in the next few months, starting with some A Scent of Scandal candles! (PS: I can personally vouch for Man Glaze's polishes and Lipstick Queen's lipsticks.)
  
  
• I already put most of these 10 Secrets of the Happiest People in the World tips to use every day. In fact, they are blessedly easy to turn into rewarding habits! You can bet your root touch-up stocking stuffer that I'll be working on adding the rest into my personal philosophy. Do you have hints that weren't on the list?
  
  
• I am not at all interested in reading (or writing!) about Spring makeup collections. It's the holidays. I want WINTER and HOLIDAY. This retail push to get info and products out earlier and earlier and earlier is getting ridiculous. How 'bout you? Are you already thinking Spring?
  
  
• WWD reported, and MAC PR confirmed, that Lady Gaga was selected to be the next spokesperson for the line's Viva Glam product line. As always, I commend MAC for their initiative (100% of the proceeds for the VG products goes to help people impacted by HIV & AIDS). However, isn't Gaga just too obvious?! Been there, done that, too- she and Cyndi Lauper promoted the line the last go around. Couldn't you get someone less predictable, MAC? Like Adam Lambert or another male rocker?
  
  
• I swooned for Glee the other night. You? In case you missed it, below is Kurt singing Baby, It's Cold Outside with Blaine. Is it totally dorky that I want the Glee Xmas album, STAT?!
  
  

What's on your mind today? And what are your cozy go-to's? Do you have "comfort makeup"? Favorite cold weather clothes? Hobbies? Customs? Let's chat in the comments!

Inspiration...

I usually post inspiration images on my Tumblr these days, but these mixed media pieces shot by Michaelangelo Di Battista are so striking I didn't want you to miss them!

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Gift Guide: 8 great jewelry ideas

OK, so it's not makeup... but isn't there some room on your wishlist shopping list for some pretty baubles?

1. You've probably seen Dogeared Jewelry items before, but the sweet charms and pretty shapes are worth mentioning repeatedly. Here is one of their Make aWish necklaces; make a wish as you put it on and wear it until the cord breaks, at which point your wish will come true.
2. I'm equally charmed by Swarovski's jewelry, like this little bunny!
3. How many people in your life would adore these little letter-bearing necklaces?! Moms and grandmas would love their little ones' initials, but you could also spell names or cheeky little messages.
4.  I'd love a few of these for my charm bracelet. How 'bout you?
5. Simple. Stunning. I love the lines and shape of these winter tree earrings!
6. Dogeared has Wish bracelets, now, too. Can you tell I'm smitten?
7. This simple bangle is perfect for the woman who likes clean lines but also wants to flash a bit of sparkle.
8. This pendant is almost like stained glass. The poppies cheerfully bob their heads in the copper frame. This would make my day every time I put it on.

Need this gloss in my life...

Isn't it amazing? Click the image to visit Temptalia's review.