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

Hello, Vintage compact, 3 Custom does nude lips, Guerlain does tropical, and MAC & Lady Gaga do good...

Hi, everyone! I haven't posted all week becauseI've been busy. My Mother came for a visit and we've been playing with the girls, shopping, and eating. We've had a blast. :)

Take a look at this neat compact she brought:



It belonged to either my grandmother or her sister, my great-aunt. It's a lovely black enamel and goldtone pattern. The best I can tell it, it's from the 40's or 50's. It's huge, bigger than my hand, and has a nice heft. Even the back/bottom is exquisitey patterned and lovely. Despite the fact that every particle of powder has been used, it's in excellent condition - even the mirror! The tag on the puff is marked "Rex Fifth Avenue". Pretty cool, huh? Kind of makes my MAC powders look stupid... ;)






Other things that have caught my eye lately:

Three Custom Color Specialists have released a lovely coral-beige nude lipstick that escapes all of the problems other nude lippies have (namely: chalkiness, too orange, too pink, too yellow, washing out the complection). It's called Nude Attitude, and it will work on everyone ( and it's moisturizing and long-wearing - and only $21.50).





Guerlain's Terracotta Inca collection has me itching for a tropical trip! It's releasing at the end of March, so book your Tahitian vacay accordingly. Here's the jasmine-scented (!) Sublime Radiant Powder and the Terre Indigo Four Shade Eye Shadow. See some more lovelies over at British Beauty Blogger!




A few snapshots from Vivienne Westwood's Fall '11 fashion show, to give you a head start on practicing this makeup look _(via):


Have you gone to MAC lately? I mentioned the 3 Custom nude lip, which I've yet to sample, but MAC also has a new lippie in the same vein. It's the latest Lady Gaga + Viva Glam shade, in lipstick and Lipglass. The shade looked frightfully beigey to me, but I had a chance to work with it (and wear it) last weekend and it's really, really flattering and wearable! Just the right dose of pink to keep it lively. Give it a shot, won't ya? All of the proceeds go to support people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Also, check out the new Viva Glam site - it's pretty rad.




So that's what new here, aside from a few swatches and reviews I've got pending and a couple of boxes that just showed up on the porch today. What's new with you?

xoxo,
*jen

Art + Makeup + Skincare + Fashion + Pop music = Right up my alley! (Or: What do Three Custom Color Specialists, Katy Perry, Will Cotton, Miles Ehan, and Mario Badescu have to do with each other?) #sweetup

 
Hi all!

First: let's all applaud my longest post title  EVER! *clapping*

Second: I'm baaaaack!

How have you all been? I've had such a slow start to 2011. But as I mentioned before, while I've been uncharacteristically quiet, I've not been totally lazy! I've swatched, sample, tested and reviewed and it's now time to write! I'm starting up again "fer serious" with a super-fun collaboration from one of my favorite brands, so keep on reading... I hope you enjoy it.  :)

xoxo,
*jen

 

What do Three Custom Color Specialists, Katy Perry, Will Cotton, Miles Ehan, and Mario Badescu have to do with each other?

I have a post in the works about skincare. I know, I know... You're stifling a yawn, right? Well, I hope you'll still read it: it's got an angle that I think might interest you, and it fits in well with my new Simply Pretty (easy, pretty makeup) focus. And here's a great lead-in! I've got some products to show you from skincare great Mario Badescu and one of my favorite makeup brands, Three Custom Color Specialists. I'm also gonna throw a few art, fashion and music references at you, too, to keep it fun.

The Tale:
A major meeting of the minds spawning several genres of creativity.

The Players:

• Three Custom Color Specialists - with a scrumptious candy-colored palette trio housing a pretty, pale pink eyeshadow, a fresh fuschia stain, and a silky pink gloss with a Cotton Candy taste.
• Mario Badescu - with three yummy-smelling skin perfectors that will Sweeten Up Your Skin for Spring.
• Will Cotton - hip artist who has been focusing on candy-coiffured cuties and lovely ladies in repose on cotton candy clouds.
• Miles Ehan - up-and-coming designer and friend of the artist, who helped design dresses featured in some of Cotton's Cupcake Couture pieces...and who has a new collection launching.
• Katy Perry - muse.

The Gist:
Painter Will Cotton is exhibiting his work at LA's Michael Kohn Gallery. His friends, Chad Hayduk and Scott Catto, co-founders of 3 Custom Color, were there to celebrate. This inspired the cotton candy-colored palette from the brand, who then paired with Mario Badescu to feature their makeup with Badescu's Skincare in a sweet little promotion. Miles Ehan is launching a new collection, as well.

The Sweet Spot:
Join 3 Custom, Badescu, and fashion designer Miles Ehan for The Sweetest Thing Tweet Up (#sweetup), tomorrow. It will coincide with the launch of Ehan's new collection in NYC, and is a great way to be involved when you don't live in New York.

I'll be reviewing The Sweetest Thing (the palette) and some Badescu skincare. So will other bloggers. There will be GIVEAWAYS, too, and lots of opportunities for fun and chatter!

I'll see you on Twitter
tomorrow, January 27th!
#sweetup

I'm @Jen_Meade.

And be sure to come here to BSB
for pics, reviews, and makeup looks
with these products*.
*Sadly, I don't have a nice snazzy dress to model. ;)

See ya then!

 

ps: some of Cotton's work is artistically NSFW, fyi.

 

_{image credits: Candy Curls by Will Cotton, Katy Perry's albbm cover, Cotton's studio}

The perfect Autumn color for lips and cheeks? Three Custom Color - Caramel Rose Lip & Cheek Stain (pictures, swatches, review)

I was looking around to figure out if I had any products that I could use in my transition from Summer makeup to Fall makeup. I mean, something new. lol

Luckily, my gaze landed on the package I got from the other day from Three Custom Color Specialists. I already showed you The Best Brown Eye Shadow Ever that I got (and keep wearing to the exclusion of all other shadows). Well, right next to it was another little compact with that signature swooping "3".

Promising, isn't it? But does it have the answer to my Fall conundrum? Does it house something spectacular? Something warm but wearable on my cool skin? Something soft but colorful? Something that wouldn't add insult to injury when it comes to my already drying-in-the-air skin?

Keep reading and I'll let you know.

Best brown shadow ever! Three Custom Color exclusively at Urban Outfitters: Party All the Time. (swatches, pictures, review)

My love affair with Three Custom Color Specialists continues.  I am so excited about this eyeshadow I can't sit still. I know, I know... but it's really pretty!

Here's the thing: don't go looking for this one at Three Custom. Nope. You'll find it only at Urban Outfitters. And only online. But listen, I had a hard time finding it on the website, so here's the link.

So, before I show you the money eye shadow, let me tell you why I'm so crazy about this gem. I've got a handy little list:

1. It's brown.
   I'm really into neutrals right now.
2. It's in the Three Custom Wet/Dry formula.
   Sure, you can use any shadow wet or dry, but sometimes it ruins the pan or just doesn't work well wet (clumps, chalkiness, or streaking). Not here. These glide on and stay put. Dry they're pretty, wet they're insane!
3. It's going to rock equally well on any skintone.
   No, really. It's got enough going on that I can't see it falling flat on anyone.
4. It's sparkly!
   I'm such a magpie. I adore sparkle. This is just right, too. Fun, light-catching, and shimmery but not OTT or chunky or "young".
5. It's versatile.
   I have paired it with a few dark colors and vaious shades of gold and it's pretty darn good with all of them.
6. It's buildable.
   I can put this on sheerly, pack a bit on top to get a medium depth of color, or really layer it and get a deep glow. This also allows me to go from day to night easily!

Here ya go...

I included two shots of each thing (pan, on eye, swatches). The first of each item is in indirect lighting, the second is in direct lighting. You can see how natural this looks, but how radiant it can be, too. For the swatches, it's shown applied dry (the sheerer version), wet (nex tto it), and then with Teddy eye liner from MAC (thinner stripe) and Woodwinked eye shadow (again, from MAC, running perpendicular to the three other swatches).

I also showed a full-face picture with the shadow on so you can see it's not over-the-top. I wore it to pick up my daughter at school and it was totally appropriate (unlike some looks I wear there!).

Today a woman at Ara's school said "You always look so.... [gestured wildly at her face with a puzzled expression]... [long moment of silence] ... radiant." Um... thanks! lol

 

• 

To Summarize my review:
Color:
I'd call this a deep warm bronze. It's nearly chocolate, in fact. It is by no means a matte (flat) shade; it's chock-full of tiny soft glitter specks in a million different colors.

Packaging:
It's in the typical (pretty) Three Custom gunmetal palette. It's a bit smaller in diameter than a MAC blush and much thinner (along the lines of a Rock and Republic case, though not as heavy). It's a sturdy but chic package that doesn't grab fingerprints (yay!) and slips nicely into even the smallest cosmetics bag. Also, it's got a mirror inside, which is always appreciated.

Application:
As soon as I opened it, my heart sank. I just knew it was going to be scratchy and I hate writing negative reviews (especially for brands I adore!). I was relieved to find out that it's really smooth and easy to apply. Wet, dry - it goes on well. There is fall-out though (minor but noticable), so you may want to consider doing your eyes before your face and cleaning up in between. It was not scratchy at all, and it was simple to remove and didn't leave little glitter bits behind.

Wear:
Excellent. Applied wet, I get all-day wear. Over a primer, same deal. It does rub off easily without a primer when applied dry, but what doesn't?

Price/Value:
$22.50. I think this is an excellent value. It's definitely a high-end quality product. Thanks to its versatility and unique shade (I have nothing like it in my kit and I've got a lot of browns!), I think it's a must have. It's pigmented, which helps its value, because you don't have to load tons of product on to get color pay-off.

 

Final Thoughts
Party All the Time is a party, but not a crazy one that leaves you hungover and confused about what happened and whose phone number is written on your forearm. Nope.
In a word: Back-up-worthy

Remember: You want this, but you must order it from Urban Outfitters online only.
Pick up a purse and a cute lamp while you're at it!

What do you think of this shadow? What are your favorite browns? Do you have a sparkly brown like this? Are you as addicted to putting shadows on wet, like I am? Do you want some hot chocolate?

_{This product was furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof. Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.}

Three Custom Color Specialists:

I've had a brand-crush on Three Custom Color Specialists for awhile now. It started before I began blogging, back when I'd only read about them in magazines. Now that I've tried a few things from the line, I have to say my crush hasn't gone away.

Mental note: I need to finally get off my ass and send in that discontinued lipstick I have so they can mix me up a batch of it! It's my perfect nude lippie. What am I waiting for?

I ended up getting samples from their most recent collection, Get Away, and I'm pretty happy with them. I mentioned the collection here, and now I've got pics and swatches and a proper review.

Keep reading for more...

White Heat: The book and the lipgloss

Cool collaboration alert!

Three Custom Color Specialists
Lip Gloss in White Heat

New York Times Best-Selling Author
Brenda Novak's newest book: White Heat*.

Both debut on July 27th!

For reviews of both and a few special deals, keep reading

Get Away with Three Custom Color

I adore Three Custom Color Specialists. Sadly, I was not one of the bloggers who received samples from their new lipstick collection, Get Away. I didn't even know about it until I got my email from the Three Custom Color Specialists website. Bummer.

The formula is a new one, and these are the introductory shades (each one is $21.50). You'll find the lipsticks super-color saturated and packed with moisturizing ingredients like fortified Vitamin E, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil. That does sound moisturizing, doesn't it?! I wonder how long-lasting the formula is, since moist lippies often don't wear long. The website implies that this is a long-lasting formula, but offers no details. Wish I knew the answer...

Inspired by some places I'd love to visit:

BORA BORA  Cool, vivid fuchsia with a subtle blue opalescence
SANTORINI  Rich raspberry with silver shimmer
COPACABANA Bold coral with gold shimmer
MAJORCA  Warm paprika with a soft bronze shimmer
ST. TROPEZ  Sandy peach-beige with champagne shimmer

It will come as no shock that I'm most interested in the fuchsia and the raspberry! ;)
Which ones do you want to try?

Gotta Try It! Three Custom Color Specialists: NOIR

Three Custom Color Specialists is such a great line, and now they've gone and busted out a sheer black lipstick and a black gloss. For Spring. Actually, Noir is a plummy burgundy dark-but-flatteringly sheer shade that translates easily to any skintone by letting just the amount of natural color show through. You know I'm all about it!

Would you try it?

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.

Three Custom Color Specialists + Sculpz = head-to-toe beauty

OK. Technically you'll have to take care of your toes yourself, but Three Custom Color Specialists will handle the rest with their Sculpz promotion.

There it is in black and white: spend $60+ online at Three Custom and get a free Sculpz Shaper Shorts to try, for free!

Beautiful makeup and a smooth shape can't be beat! 

My personal suggestion is to stock up on their amazing Concealer/Foundation (I reviewed it here) and get one of those discontinued favorites from your makeup bag specially made for you! At least... that's what I plan to do! :)

Three Custom Color Specialsts - 3 days only: 40% off promo code!

VISIT 3 CUSTOM COLOR SPECIALISTS

As many of you know, over the last few months our site has been experiencing periodic trouble – timing out, not displaying images properly, running painfully slow, etc. We have been working very hard with our server to get these problems ironed out, but it has been slow going. We have now been assured that our site is running smoothly and will it continue to do so moving forward.

We can only imagine how frustrating it has been for so many of you, and while we have done our best to help you personally over the phone and by email, we realize that in certain cases, our help was only a small consolation after wrestling with our uncooperative website.

We are so grateful for your continued support of our brand, and now that the site is up and running properly, we wanted to thank you and treat you by offering a 40% sitewide discount for 3 days, starting today (thru midnight Oct. 1). This is a great time to stock up on your Ready to Wear and Custom favorites or to try something new that you’ve been curious about!

Enter code LOVE at checkout.

3 Custom Color Specialists - special on QVC

See that up there? That's a 3 Custom-Color Specialists palette. 

It's chock-full of Crème Concealer/Foundation in 3 shades.

3 Custom just debuted their line on QVC with these Crème Concealer/Foundations, and sold out 3 of the 6 shades they demo'd! Can you believe it? Don't worry, they're making more and you can snap yours up. Meanwhile, if you've got a hard-to-match skintone, plan on tanning (or paling) soon, or are a makeup artist looking for a dependable staple with amazing versatility - you need these products!

That palette above, 3 shades of the Crème Concealer/Foundation, comes in two versions (one with deeper shades than the other).

You can get it at QVC.com for $61.36. 

Guess what? It's $67.50  on the 3 Custom color site! 

Dude. That's a good deal!

Read here to find out why I love this Crème Concealer/Foundation (an item I still use daily!).

----------

What is it: This concealer trio set includes three of our creme concealer and foundation shades to provide a flawless, customized finish. Comes equipped with mirror, brush, and spatula for custom blending.

Who is it for: Suitable for all skin types.

Why is it different: This product's unique, silky-smooth formula is completely goof-proof. Concealer trios are perfect to take you from summer to winter and back again and to target areas of the face with lighter or darker shades. The set comes equipped with a mirror, brush, and spatula for custom blending.

How do I use it: Use in isolated areas with our concealer brush or your fingers. To use as a full-coverage foundation, apply with a dry sponge, foundation brush, or fingers, pushing into skin. For medium coverage, apply with a moistened sponge or brush. For sheer coverage, mix with your favorite moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer. Set with powder for extended wear.

From 3 Custom Color Specialists.

Light to medium is for fair to medium skin tones. Medium to dark is for medium to deep skin tones.

3 Custom Color Specialists | Robert Jones Signature Collection

I really hate that Elizabeth Bank's commercial for L'Oreal, whichever hair color that is (Feria?). I tried to find a clip on YouTube or somewhere else on the net, but couldn't, which only tells me I'm not the only one who hates it. Anyway, do you know the one I'm talking about? Where she's tossing her blonde mane around and showing completely unrealistic white teeth in a grin before she says, "I fell in love..."

That's what I hear in my head whenever I put on my new 3 Custom Color Specialists Creme-to-Powder Blush in Morning After, from their Robert Jones Signature Collection. Only, when it's in my head the voice is still annoying, but the sentiment is real!

 

 

I dunno - they're the color specialists, but when I saw that they describe this color as a "peachy pink" I was confused. It's a pink, for sure, but I see no peach. 

This is the exact shade that my eldest daughter's cheeks turn when she's been playing outside. Perfection!

Review:

Color: clear, bright, slightly yellow-pink. Probably something most people could wear.

Packaging: Ingenious. It's clear, so you can see the color, and you sort of swing the pan out to the side to access the product. The swinging thing reminds me of the packaging for a type of bandage I seem to recall, but it's nice. There's a little half-loop to rest your finger on, so you don't have to really wrestle with the thing or risk sticking your finger in the color. I think these stack (see pic on right).

Application: Very easy to apply. The color is easily blendable and fairly buildable. I have used fingers, a MAC 188 brush, and a BeautyBlender (sponge) to apply, and all worked well. I admit, my preference is the 188, though. 

Wear: Very good. I got multiple hours with minimal fading, though if you need it to last 'til cocktails, I'd either take it with you (easy! it's so portable!) or layer some powder blush over it in the AM.

How I'd rock it: I think this blush would make a great focal point in an innocent look or even a flushed, just-in-from-the-cold look. It's fairly neutral in shade, so you can use taupes and neutral browns on the eyes with this (though bronzes and gold may be jarring) or maybe even some pale plums and navy blues. Lips could be a similar tone, or maybe a pink stain. 

Price: $22.50

---

Check out the rest of the Robert Jones Signature Collection on the 3 Custom website! Sneak peek here:

3 Creme-to-Powder Blushes and 3 Lipglosses

 

 

You can check out Robert Jones' books here.

Loves it! : 3 Custom Color Specialists | Creme Concealer / Foundation

This versatile formula is appropriate for all skin types and is designed to provide the most effective coverage for redness and dark circles. Use in isolated areas with our Concealer brush or your fingers. For full coverage all over the face, use with a dry sponge. For sheer coverage, use a wet sponge or blend with moisturizer. Also available in refills for your Refillable Trio Compact.

 

I got to test a little sample of this sucker a few months back, and while I feel badly that the review has taken so long to write-up, it's not because the product isn't good! Let me tell you: it's spectacular.

This really pigmented cream is so smooth and spreadable that it's a delight use (no tugging!). Because it's so rich in pigment, you can use it as a concealer - and a great concealer it is! It slicks onto any area (blemishes, circles, spots) and conceals neatly, without looking makeup-y and thick. Use a dry sponge to get full-coverage foundation. Sheer it out as described above for a softer look with less coverage. I prefer the latter method, mixing with my moisturizer to get nice, even, all-over coverage of the intensity I desire -- where I want it. I've also used it this way: dotted on my face where I'll want coverage (nose, cheeks, a bit on the chin and forehead), then blended out with my makeup brush which I spritz with my Evian/Fix +/Depsea Facial Mist.

PS: I got 3 colors to test, the lightest of which was a match to my skin color. I have played a bit with the darker colors as contours and LOVE the results. This product will be added to my kit, ASAP!

Similar idea: Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer.
Why I like this more: The 3 Custom Color Specialists product isn't as heavy, spreads more easily than the KA SSE, and sits more nicely on the skin. Bonus: The 3CCS Creme Concealer / Foundation is half the price of the KA SSE!

Grade: A+     A MUST HAVE!

Review: 3 Custom Color Specialists | Whisper Lipstick!

 

I tried a new company recently, and I want to tell you about my experience. I have written about my interest in 3 Custom Color Specialists (here) and was lucky enough to get a sample of their new lippie called Whisper. It actually comes in lipstick and lipgloss formula, but I chose to test the lipstick. Here's how it went...

But first, some background on the color:

Trae Bodge, makeup artist and co-founder of 3 Custom Color Specialists (that's her on the right!), loved Spring '09's runway looks for their soft, smoldering goodness and glowing bronziness. Inspired, she created Whisper, a creamy shimmering nude shade for lips that helps you achieve that look from the runways.

Use Mood Lighting Shimmer Cream to sculpt the face and bring out the best of your bone structure, giving a sexy highlight. Here are more tips for that glowy, healthy look from Trae:

• Bronze your skin wtih On Fire Mood Lighting Shimmer Cream, concentrating on the areas where the sun kisses you: forehead, chin, cheeks, nose, and the crease of the eye (create a "V").
•  Highlight these areas with Radiance Mood Lighting Shimmer Cream to give radiance: brow bone, upper cheek bones, eye lids and inner corner of the eyes. 
• Line eyes with Dark Brown Eye Liner and soften by buffing. Two coats of Black Mascara will finish the eyes, but you can perfect them futher with a dose of Light Clarifier Pencil on the inner rims of lids!
• Use Whisper on lips - either the lipstick, the lipgloss, or BOTH!

Keep reading to find out about Whisper lipstick!