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

Like lotsa mascara? Here's the product for you! Bobbi Brown's Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara

OK, it's a helluva long product name. I guess all the short ones were taken? Regardless, this mascara is my new go-to. Super dark black ink, soft curl, nice hold, and a decent length boost, all without flaking? Um, no brainer, right?

Here's the really cool part: Bobbi Brown's newest mascara, Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening, has a nifty little (patented) channel that acts as an ink well, holding extra mascara.

Who cares? You do, if you like multiple coats of mascara like I do! Every time you dip your wand back into the mascara tube, you introduce bacteria and air. With a typical mascara brush, this results in a drastic increase in the yuck factor, and also means you have to pitch your mascara frequently. With this brush, the smooth formula can be swept on each eye, multiple times, with no double-dipping. Sweet.

Bonus points for no smudging and perfect lash definition!

What's your favorite mascara? Do you double-dip? Are you mascara monogamous, or do you tend to play the field?

_{Standard disclaimers:
A) I didn't buy this, but it wasn't PR gratis, either. I was given it as a prize.
B) I am affiliated with Bobbi Brown, kinda. I freelance for the line.
They don't pay me to write reviews, my opinions are my own, and so forth.}

Beauty FAQ: Why do we use eye shadow primer?

Once upon a time, there was a lovely young maiden young-ish matron who sought a solution to her troubles.

She didn't seek a handsome prince (she has one, thank you).

She wasn't saddled with a horrid stepmother and jealous stepsisters (she has a sweet mom and two lovely brothers, though she is a stepmother herself -ask her son if she's evil or not).

In fact, she had everything she ever needed except one thing... Flawless eye makeup.

She sought high and low for the solution to her troubles. She simply wanted to know how to keep eyeshadow from fading, prevent any shadow from creasing, stop eyeshadow smears, hide lid discolorations, brighten the eye area, and make eyeshadow more appear vibrant and intense!

Unless you didn't read the headline, you're not going to be surprised that the answer is right here in this post. The secret is EYE SHADOW PRIMERS, people!

An extra, but not time-consuming or costly, step that quite simply changes everything. It may take a slight bit of trial and error to find the right product for your specific needs, but once you get it, you get it!

My best recc: a crease-proof cream shadow in a shade slightly lighter and brighter than your skin. This will help brighten the eye area and give it lift, even before you've put on your shadow.
I suggest finding the right matte/flat shade first, though adding darker shades, neutrals/invisibles, and shimmers are fun latter purchases.

Try: MAC Paints (shown), MAC Paint Pots, Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams, Bobbi Brown Cream Shadows, or the old standby, Urban Decay Primer Potion. Other makeup junkies seem to swear by T0o Faced Shadow Insurance and NARS Smudge Proof Shadow Base, but I haven't tried them yet, so can't personally vouch for 'em.

Extra Bonus Tip: to really increase color pay-off and vibrancy, use a coordinating cream base + powder shadow combo!

Coming soon: THE PRODUCT YOU NEED IF YOU'RE A SHIMMER OR GLITTER SHADOW JUNKIE!

Do you use shadow primers? Why or why not? Which ones work for you? Any that are giant "FAILs"?

le 2 de Guerlain Volume mascara Or 2 Nuit 13 ~ with gold/copper topcoat (swatches, review, pictures)

A tale of two mascaras. Or, more accurately, a tale of a two-sided mascara, Guerlain's le 2 de Guerlain Volume mascara Or 2 Nuit 13, to be exact.

In the 2010 Holiday version, one side of the graceful and unique tube houses a sleek lengthening mascara in darkest black. The other side hides a sponge-tipped applicator delivering holiday cheer by way of creamy yellow gold goodness.

Which side will prevail?

My bets are on the defining, non-flaky ink that actually imparts (not just promises) curl and volume along with length. But the shimmering metallic does a great job of highlighting lashes and as a touch of shimmer in the center of the lid - a mighty contender indeed!

The curl you see here is only from the mascara. I didn't use a curler!


While it looks pretty intense wet, the gold dries down to a subtle and flattering shimmering gold accent.

 

_{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.}

Need to check it out: MUFE's Aqua Cream

I can't stand it. Look at those pots! What's inside? Get this: crease-proof, water-proof and budge-proof cream color that is meant for use on lips, cheeks, eyes and face.* They're super-intense colors and are long-lasting, too. I mean really. The potential for these products is endless.

The shadows contain a special blend of evaporating oils to transfer pigment spheres to skin with super strong hold, while filmogen polymers encase the pigments to seal moisture out and render them streak-proof. ^source

Make Up For Ever's new Aqua Cream Waterproof Cream Color comes in 22 shades, is only $22 and currently only available at Sephora, the MUFE store in NY.

I'd love to see them alone and as a shadow base! Can't wait to dip into the taupe, coral, peach, and purple. Have any of you tried them yet? How are they?

*Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

Easy rocker eyes!

 

Like the headline says, here's an easy tutorial for getting a rocker-style eye - with only a few products, too! What's nice about this look is that you get the flava of a smokey eye without too much hassle, and you can make it as dark and sultry as you like. Plus, it works on any skintone or shade and with any dark shadow(s). How easy is that?

Are you a Dior Collector? You'll wanna see this... / @britbeautyblog

£65. August 2nd. Selfridges London. Only 150 available.

And the best part? It's actually more mauve-grey than this. Learn more, including the inspiration for the pieces, at the incomparable British Beauty Blogger (and see her photo which is more color accurate).

Now... who do I pay to stand on line at Selfridges for me? ;)

News and other cool stuff

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 some Clarins 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! 

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  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:

Givenchy Spring '10 - Parad'Eyes Liner

 

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.

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.

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

Next up from Urban Decay: Pocket Rockets (!), a palette, and mini polishes!

It's The Summer of Love!

New Urban Decay means Happy Dance Time here at the BSB campus! We've got a brand new palette with sexy, bronzey, summer tones and a pop of purple, a few new shades of the Man Candy gloss Pocket Rocket, and a set of mini polishes. What? Hullo, empty wallet!

Keep reading to see more pictures from The Summer of Love collection.

Product Round-up / February 2010 / Drugstore vs. MAC Eye Makeup Remover Smackdown!

I went to ye olde drugstore and picked up a few eye makeup removers. These are a couple of the tried-and-true perennial favorites. Wanted to see how they stacked up to what I'm used to using.

L'Oreal Clean Artiste Waterproof & Longwearing and Maybelline Expert Eyes Oil-Free go head-to-head with MAC's Gently-Off and Pro removers and MAC Wipes. Wanna know how it all turned out? Keep on reading...

2 Steps to Pretty, Courtesy of Napoelon Perdis

 

My first go 'round with Australian makeup artist Napoleon Perdis made me a little nervous. I always look forward to trying a new line, but have to admit: I'm a bit skeptical of the "celebrity makeup artist" lines. Sometimes they're a bit more buck than bang.

I had the opportunity to try 3 brand new Napoleon Perdis products (they'll be available in March, '10). Let me tell you how it went...

Geek Beauty!

It's a heated eyelash curler.

No! It's a USB-powered heated eyelash curler.

Never get caught on Skype with straight lashes again!

curl up with one

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.

Have you tried it? Benefit Stay Don't stray

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

A 360 degree primer for concealers and eyeshadows.

They say...

Preps: The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into skin, brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.

Protects: Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with Vitamins C & E, and is paraben-free.

Perfects: It's long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eyeshadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup.

We say...

A primer specifically for under the eye, to keep our concealer fresh and smooth? Plus, it works well on the lid? Sign us up!

Have you tried it? Share with the class!

Code.ai <-- Not a computer language, but a lash and brow boosting serum!

 

You, too, can have full and lush brows. Lashes, too. You don't have to use that Latisse stuff that "could" stain your skin - oh, and your actual iris.  YOUR IRIS!!  Go to a doctor, get an expensive prescription, stain my eyelids and permanently mess up the eye color I've had since I was a baby? Sure, sign me up! Um...NO.

Code.ai to the rescue with their non-prescription lipo-peptide-infused* boosting products. They've put a lot of research into making a safe, easily-absorbed, product containing fully-disclosed and high-quality ingredients. And it meant to do what it says while not changing the color of your iris. (YOUR FRIGGIN' IRIS, MAN!!) 

And as a special bonus, you don't have to look at Brooke Shields mugging for the camera!

*they're compatible with the skin's natural oils
and so don't need extra chemical soup to get absorbed.

In as quickly as a few weeks, lashes will be darker, longer and fuller-looking and brows will be filled-in and fuller. The only downside to products of this nature is that you need to keep using them, especially on the lashes. The natural life cycle of hair is that they fall out, right? So keep on applying the serums to keep up the full-fringed and -browed look you desire.

• No prescription needed

• Clinically Tested

• Dermatologist Tested

• Paraben Free

• Not Tested on Animals / no animal byproducts

• Hypoallergenic / Non-Irritating

• No Harmful Side Effects

• Safe for Chemo Patients

The products

There are actually three Code.ai products:

1. LASH EXTEND SERUM L-117 | LIPO-PEPTIDE AMPLIFYING COMPLEX WITH MYRIPLEX TECHNOLOGY^TM

   
   
   
   According to the company, naturally darker, longer, fuller lashes are yours thanks to the fancy peptide science. Other ingredients include "hydrolyzed wheat protein, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol" which are found in "high quality hair products". Basically, they're going to keep your lashes nice and soft and conditioned and healthy.

2. LASH EXTEND PRIMER L-122 | PROTECTIVE LASH BUILDING CONDITIONER, DARK NATURAL TINT
   

   
   
   A colored (rather than white or semi-translucent), clump-free mascara primer is a novel idea! You can wear it alone, if you wish. In addition to adding length and conditioning the lashes, this primer serves as a protective barrier for the lashes, protecting them from the potentially drying or damaging effects of mascara, curlers, makeup remover, and tears of rage. Wait... maybe that's just me!

3. BROW BOOSTING SHAPER B-216

   
   

   "Dual-action"! It helps boost hair growth, saving those of us with sparse or patchy brows, but it also helps shape the brow like a brow gel. Well, that's because it is part brow gel! The holding factor* also ensures that the ingredients easily make their way where they need to.
   

   *psuedo-scientific-sounding phrase I made up
   
   
   source
   
   

How to apply

Super-dooper easy-peasey! Admittedly, I may have been hanging around kids too much with that correct-but-irritating phrase. Let's just pretend it didn't happen. The facts remain: it's no problem to use these products.

• Lash Serum goes on top and bottom lashes, if you like. Draw it on the base of the lashes, just like you do when you're putting on a liquid liner. In fact, the pointy and skinny brush resembles most liquid liner applicators. Careful now: don't get it in your eyes, friend! Those bottom lashes can be tricky. My tip: go from underneath the bottom lashes and dot it on the base of the lashes and in-between them. Use it twice a day and let it dry completely before putting makeup on top.
• Lash Primer is applied prior to (or instead of) mascara in the way you would apply any other lash product. Duh! However, if you're following it with mascara, put the mascara on while the primer is wet, which is different from many other primers. You can reap the conditioning benefits by also applying this at night, after your serum.
• Brow Serum whisks right onto brows with a mascara-style "spoolie" wand. Put it on twice a day by stroking upwards and outwards, starting at the inner corner of the brow. If you must fill-in your brows with makeup, please do so first and top it using the technique just described.

source

Testimonials

Completely un-retouched* images of a happy patron:

*That's a lie. I may have photoshopped this picture.

Actually, there are some great testimonials and before-and-after shots on the Code.ai website.

My review

I got the opportunity to test both serums (but not the primer) in small sample packages.

• How long does it take? Code.ai says it may take 6-8 weeks for maximum impact and that you should keep using it to maintain the new growth. The sample packages were small, so I only tested for about 3 weeks, but I was pleased with the results nonetheless!
  
• Applicators The applicators on the samples, were good. They did exactly what they needed to do, and the size was perfect: not too clunky or cumbersome. I can't promise that the applicators on the full-sized products are the same, though.
• Packaging Again, I had samples, but one thing I can tell you is that I love that the lash serum and brow serum tubes have different colored text on them. It makes it easy to grab the right one without any of that pesky reading nonsense. For the record, the lash serum has silver text, the brow is gold.
• Formula From a user's standpoint, the formulas were great. I can't speak to the science of the whole thing, though. The brow serum was a nice viscosity, sliding onto the brow area well and grooming the brow hairs as advertised. It wasn't terribly sticky, but there was a degree of what I can best describe as wet tackiness left that may not be pleasing to some consumers. The lash serum was more liquid than the brow serum - quite light and fluid. It was easy to put on, though, and didn't run all over the place because the brush was small and didn't pick up too much product. Also, it didn't get in my eyeballesque area, which is good.
• Results Sadly, I took before pics, but the computer ate them when it died a few weeks ago. Rats.
  
  Lemme show you a recent pic, though, on which I put some handy-dandy arrows to show you where I had real problems with sparsity on the brows. These areas are much improved! I had been suffering from that nasty trick of aging - fading brows on the outer half. I also had over-plucked the inside of the brows (closest to the nose) and have a tricky area that gets dry and thin. Those areas have changed, and now I'm quite please with the inner corners and got such great results with the dry-and-weird spot that I may be purchasing this product for ongoing use.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  My lashes showed a bit of growth - not drastic, but they were really starting to lengthen when I ran out of the sample! I'd say it's completely worth a try if you have short, sparse, brittle, or otherwise wimpy lashes.
  
  I would strongly recommend this product, especially for women and men who have lost brow and lash hair to illness or chemotherapy.

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me by a PR company for consideration. I got tiny little sample sizes, not full-sized products, in case you're really nosy. And no one bribed me or even told me I must write a review - positive or otherwise.

Bobbi Brown | Chrome

I know, I know: I've been incommunicado this week. Sorry! It's the teething baby again. She's wearing me out! I'll show you her cuteness so you're not mad:

Now... back to the makeup!

I am not obsessed with Bobbi Brown, but there have been a prevalence of posts about her line. Here's why: a) because she's got some sweet stuff going on right now and b) because I'm going to be freelancing for her this Winter, so I've been more exposed to her line lately. I told you about some of the sweet stuff the other day, but I extended my swatch fest past the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows and onto the Chrome collection. (Well, some of it)

Look for my new series "What I learned from Bobbi"
-insider info from my freelancing training-
COMING SOON!

Chrome Collection

“Chrome is cool and icy- it’s a very modern, but still pretty way to illuminate the skin.” – Bobbi Brown

This collection is what it sounds like: a sort of celebration of smooth metallics. Where the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows were glittery, these shades are molten!

Chrome Palette | $75

Chrome Palette- her cool, contemporary take on holiday beauty. Featuring icy shimmering accents for eyes and lips, this chrome fold-out palette includes everything you need to create countless party-read looks including: 10 eye shadows, 4 lip shades, a Mini Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Lip Brush.

For those of us who don't have a gazillion Bobbi Brown eyeshadows or a truckload of shimmery neutrals, this palette is a great find (though I loathe lipsticks and lipglosses in palettes!). The 10 shades are neutral-metallics, so most likely you can wear a majority of the colors in there. And the metallics aren't so OTT that you look like a Disco Ball! As usual, Bobbi's formula glides on and looks smooth and silky. A very nice, if pricey, palette! I'm kicking myself for not swatching them, but my buddy KarlaSugar has on her amazing blog The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself, so I'll throw to her!  $75

 
Lookit that! Some of those colors look like marble and granite, don't they!?

 

Chrome Lips | $22

 

Chrome lips are another trend Bobbi loves for the holiday season- which is why she is introducing three new limited edition products for lips: Port Lip Color, Chrome Metallic Lip Color and Plum Pearl Metallic Lip Color.

I had high hopes for Chrome, thinking it would be a bangin' silver lipstick. Blah- it was really sheer and essentially looked like an off-grey lipgloss. The other two shades are pretty, and probably unique in the Bobbi collection, but are shades you can also find elsewhere. Worth picking up if you love the Bobbi formula, but check your stash if you're just looking at the colors.

  click to enlarge

Chrome Brushes | $55

The collection also includes Bobbi’s holiday Chrome Mini Brush Set- the perfect present for the beauty-junkie in your life (or yourself!). The set, which comes in a chrome zip-around cases features a Mini Face Blender, our new Mini Angle Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Eye Liner brush. 

I like the chrome brush case - cute! And my experience with Bobbi's mini brushes is that they're pretty darn good. I absolutely, positively adore Eye Liner Brush. It's the best eye liner brush I've ever worked with! I'm not terribly big on angled shadow brushes, but this one is dense enough to be fairly versatile. The Face Blender is one I'm not as experienced with - any Bobbi fans out there? Chime in and tell us if this brush is a "go" or "no-go"!

Chrome Shadows | $22

Nothing says holiday glamour like eyes dressed up in new Chrome Eye Shadow. Developed with highly reflective pearls, this opulent formula looks like liquid metal on lids and reflects light beautifully. Featured in our signature eye shadow compact, customized for the season with a luxe chrome finish.

Absolutely my favorite find recently! When I say that, I mean it's my favorite from all of the lines, not just my favorite Bobbi product. These are silky and dreamy and just perfect metallics! Now, I admit: the gold is a bit more gold than I personally want to wear, but it's divine and if gold is your thing --- GET IT! The Pewter is like a soft taupe, and you know how I love taupes! Silver- well, silver is my favorite makeup color, I think, and I snapped that shade up at the counter. I would have gotten Pewter, but they were out-of-stock, damn it all!

I'm going to do a LOTD post later today on this, but here's a sneak peek of my eye makeup featuring the Silver shade of Chrome:

Bobbi Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow --- pictures and review (pic heavy)

 

Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow

Our award-winning cream shadow - now infused with glistening sparkle. Lightweight formula goes on comfortably and leaves a soft, velvety finish. For sheer color, use your fingers. For a dramatic look, use the Cream Shadow Brush and apply two layers. Stays color-true and crease-free all day. Available in 8 glamorous new shades. Mercury featured in the Rich Color Gloss Look [shown below].

 

I was tipped off to these cream shadows by a buddy online, and just had to take a peek during a recent trip to the Bobbi Brown counter. I promised I'd swatch and review, and so I am!

Since I wasn't familiar with the product, and am also trying to learn "the Bobbi way to do things", I sat down and let the artist at the counter put some on me, just to see a) how she (and Bobbi) thought it should be applied and b) what color she'd pick.

The artist decided I needed to see Brown Metal, which is not at all what I would have chosen (hence the reason it's fun to let someone else pick sometimes!)

I was told exactly what Bobbi's website says: it can go on sheer or you can layer it to make it a bit more intense. I got the "intense" treatment.

Ahem.

Bobbi looks aren't terribly intense, are they!? Witness:

For the record, the only thing on my eye is the Long-Wear Cream Shadow. It was placed on the lid and into and a touch above the crease. I had no primer on, no mascara... just the Cream Shadow.

The Swatches

Before I get to the review part, let's take a look at the swatches*:

*Note: because I'm a moron I didn't swatch Brown Metal, the one I had on!

1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone

1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone

1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone


1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone

The Review

Application

The application on these was really nice. Very typically of a good cream shadow, they slid on well and spread fairly easily. They didn't feel chunky at all.

Shades

The swatches are sort of piled on, so you can get an idea of the color. When applying with the finger, they are terribly sheer, and layering for "intense look" makes them somewhat more opaque. If you really layer, you can get it to look like the swatches, which is awesome. My particular favorites, colorwise, were Chrome Patina and Antique Gold, with Goldstone coming in a close third. All of the shades are quite shimmery and also have some small glitter in them.

By the way, if the application of Brown Metal on my eye is any indication, it's not terribly brown. It looks more like a champagne frost with a lot of glitter.

Wear

Yes, they are smudge-proof and last quite awhile, but they also crease and the glitter flies off fairly easily. By "smudge-proof" I mean the base color doesn't seem to smudge... but the glitter will wipe off when touched, even lightly. Maybe not all of it, but enough to see it on your finger. Note in the picture below how the color has sorta glopped up a bit from me opening my eye? This picture was taken a mere 15 minutes after application! Not good. Not-so-creaseproof!

Here are some other pictures that attest to wear:

Those were taken about 1/2 an hour after applying the swatches. Again: the swatches were heavily placed, so not a completely accurate version of how most people would wear them. But makeup junkies like to make a statement, so if you were planning on trying to pile it on this is what's going to happen!

Final Thoughts

I adore the colors in these shadows! I think if you're looking for a sheer wash of pretty metallic color, these are a great purchase. Even just looking at the faded swatch marks on my hands 6 hours later attests to the pretty nature of these colors.

They are quite sparkly - not metallic. Unless "metallic" now means "glittery". If you have very creased eyes or are a glitterphobe, you won't love these.

If you're looking for high impact from your color and flawless long wear, you're going to want to keep looking.

I also would suggest that if you have deep-set eyes you may want to only place these on the lid, so you don't have to worry about the creasing issue. I would love to play with these on a flat, open eye! I bet you could create some great looks with that eye shape. As for me, with my deep-set eyes and love of high-impact, I think I'll pass on these. There are other metallic products out there I prefer, and if you use the right basecoat they're creaseproof and long-wearing.

Have you tried the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Metallic Shadows?
What did you think? What colors do you like?

Disclaimer: Not needed. By the nature of the fact that I don't own them, they were neither purchased nor given to me.

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Edited to add:

I thought it would be nice to show you what the hand swatches looked like now - 9 hours later! This is probably a good indication of a) what a sheer application would look like and b) the actual impact of the glitter and shimmer. So: