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

A doggone easy Smoky Eye thanks to NARS Dogon eyeshadow duo! (review, pictures, swatches)

I have a crazy affection for smoky eye looks. I also have a mad love for taupe shadows. Hullo, how did I think I'd escape the lure of NARS Dogon, a taupe and charcoal eye shadow duo that came out for this Summer.

Smoky eyes for Summer? Ah, who cares? I love this palette. I will use the hell out of it!

On the left, a taupe. But what a taupe! It's a little tan-leaning (rather than grey), with an incredible duotone. The greenish nuance really adds bounce, light, and appeal! Similar to MAC Club? Nope, not really. But I will say if you like Club, you'll probably like this color.

The "charcoal" is a slightly blue-green black. Smooth. Pigmented. So very incredibly easy to build-up.

I've worn this duo a zillion ways. Above is one easy one: the dark shade on the lid, the taupe above and through the crease. The charcoal makes an excellent liner, smudgy accent, and crease color, too. The taupe works with myriad other shadows (well, the charcoal does, too!). I've used the taupe alone; as a liner for lighter, matte neutrals; and as an accent in the inner corner. It builds dimension and interest easily - try tapping it over browns, greys, black, greens... anything!

Definitely an A+ shadow duo. Have you tried it?

Pretty Pink Package! Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman - brushes to play with!

I just got a lovely bright pink package holding a set of Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman brushes! Has anyone reading this tried these, yet?

You know Sam Chapman, right? From Pixiwoo? YouTuber extraordinaire... makeup artist...?

I'm putting these brushes to the test over the next few days and I'll let you know what I think. Meanwhile, if anyone has tried 'em, chime in and let me know what you think!

Take a bubble bath to support the rights of all people to get married! LUSH Freedom Foamer (review, info, pictures)

LUSH FIGHTS TO WIN MARRIAGE FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

100% of Proceeds from Freedom Foamer support Freedom to Marry

 

"Here at LUSH we believe that all of our employees, customers and communities are valued and should be protected equally. Because of this, we want to end the ongoing discrimination against tens of thousands of same-sex couples and their families across America. This means everyone – gay and non-gay – having the freedom to marry, with the same responsibilities, dignity, security and expression of love and equality. For two weeks starting on June 13^th, LUSH is turning its shops across North America into ‘freedom to marry campaign centers’ where customers can learn about the 1,138 rights denied to same-sex couples and sign a postcard petition urging the federal government to take action and overturn the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

 

We are also asking customers to take a bath and help dissolve DOMA by purchasing our new limited edition FREEDOM FOAMER BUBBLE BAR ($5.95). 100% of the proceeds of this emerald green bubble bar will go to Freedom to Marry to support their "Why Marriage Matters" campaign. Scented with the uplifting and refreshing scents of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils, the Freedom Foamer will be available exclusively online and at LUSH stores across North America for the duration of the campaign. It’s the perfect antidote to weary soles and a respite for freedom fighters

 

Freedom Foamer is launching the week of June 13^th and will be available online and at LUSH stores nationwide for the duration of the campaign. For more information on LUSH’s Freedom to Marry Campaign: www.lush.com/freedomtomarry."

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I never copy press releases directly, but in this case I thought it was important to do so. I fully support the right to marry - for everyone. And I encourage you to purchase this fun Bubble Bar to show your support, too.

Click the jump for a review, because it's not only a good cause, it's a good product, too!

Mr. Armani, what are you trying to do?! Your Fall shadows are killin' me!

I'll be honest with you, Mr. Armani. Your shadows are amazing. And when British Beauty Blogger posted these pictures, I nearly passed out. The glowing, velvety-looking texture... the cozy-but sexy neutrals... the deep and sultry accent colors at the bottom... Well, they're pretty damned brilliant, Sir. Like BBB, I love that you've put these colors in one pan. Well, two pans. But not 8 pans, like you could have! Two compact sets of complimentary shades in just-right doses of trendtastic brillance. What else should I have expected from such a stellar line?! Can't wait to see what else you've got planned for us this Fall and Winter...

BSB Exclusive: Bobbi Brown Fall and Winter - the scoop!!!!

I went to Bobbi Brown seasonal school yesterday, to learn about the upcoming collections. Pretty nifty! Not all freelancers get to go, so I was thrilled to be there. We got to see the new products Bobbi's team has put together for Fall and Winter (yes, this includes the Holiday collections!). We played with them, learned some new techniques, and swatched away. Want to learn what's in store? Click the jump below!

Summer Whites - China Glaze Snow (nail polish review, pictures, swatches)

I love a fab white manicure! It's super chic in the Winter, of course, but just as stunning (maybe more!?) in the heat of Summer. White hot heat! White nails remind me of the 60's. Tres mod!

This particular polish is from China Glaze's Winter '11 collection. It's called Snow!  I loved that this went on nice and opaque, and this is only 2 coats, girls. Two coats!

I placed the first coat on fairly slowly and thin. The second coat was thicker, and it self-leveled nicely (I had my doubts for a few minutes, though).

I wore this bright white for 4 days before I started seeing minor tip-wear, and no chips. And guess what? It stayed nice and bright white. Can you believe it?

Do you do white manis? Pedis? What is your favorite Summer polish look?

Summer lovin'

Maybe I was inspired by the blue hues at the community pool, but I had an itch to wear some green-tinged blues the other day. And here they are...





Still loving my Bobbi Tinted Moisturizer! And there's more Bobbi in the recipe for this look, too:

• Bronzed Pink shadow all over the lid and through the crease (Bobbi Brown)
• Flipside 24/7 Liner on the top lashline (Urban Decay)
• A shimmery pale teal from a palette on the lower lashline (Shu Uemura)
• A soft pink cream blush topped with cool pink shimmer (Lies - Illamasqua; Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick - Bobbi Brown)
• Lilac lipstick -it's really a blue-pink- topped with a sparkling nudey-pink  gloss (Lilac Rich Color Lipstick and Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss, both by Bobbi Brown)

2 lip swatches. The 1st shows the shimmer correctly,
the 2nd shows the right color.

I like the natural, glowing result. Perfect for Summer! I expect I'll revisit this look again during the upcoming months.

Do you have a favorite look recently?

 

Summer Style Second: Boho Chic Accessories

I don't like anything fussy during the hot Summer months. This sleek dress looks so comfortable - and pretty! I love the asymmetrical hem. I'd throw on some vintage-style sunglasses and bedazzled espadrilles for easy, breezy chic. Piling on some jewelry inspired by nature or with that handmade, hand-knotted appearance, seems just right...

_{1. Chan Luu Crystal Grey Mix Leather Wrap Bracelet; 2. Eternal Youth Bracelets; 3. Chan Luu Multi-Stone Wrap Bracelet in Brown Leather; 4. Chan Luu Cotton and Leather 5-Wrap Bracelet; 5. Honeybee Bracelet; 6. Chan Luu Dark Purple Jade Wrap Bracelet;} 7. Cascading Feather Earrings.