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.
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 someClarins 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!
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:
Clever packaging? Check. Edible-looking pillows of well-pigmented color? Check. Mirror? Check. A tucked-inside brush you can actually use? Check! I highly recommend the GivenchyLe Prisme Blushes! Swatches on the next page, so keep reading!
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.
MAC's limited editions products can be joyously beautiful. Sadly, they often bring pain and heartbreak along with the joy. Pain, when you start to hit pan, heartbreak when you lose, break, or run-out of a shade you'll never see again. Fury (did I mention the fury!?) when the product you love and need to replace is suffering from escalating prices on eBay. Such is the life of my favorite contouring product, Emote blush.
Not every brick-and-mortar Sephora carries UK import and beautyaholic obsessionIllamasqua, but some do and I finally got to see the line in
person. Here is my story...
I used to refer to Sephora as "Makeup Mecca" and I believe I'm going back to that. In "the olden days" there was no Sephora nearby, and so I'd visit when I went to NYC (not often). I'd twitch and shake through my trip until whomever I was with finally caved and let me hit Sephora, then I'd finally calm down. I couldn't get enough of the smells (the melange of perfume was somehow always pleasant), the colors (!), and the hustle and bustle, and I'd spend as long as I could swatching and sniffing and wishing for more expendable income.
Thankfully, I'm not the only one who loved the store and so they have spread and there's a Sephora near my home and near my old home and probably near your home! It's still exciting to go in and see so many choices, but I'm not quite so antsy about it. NOW THEY HAVE ILLAMASQUA - but not at my local store, so I had that whole twitchy feeling and eager anticipation going, just like back in the day!
I got a chance to scurry on up the hell that is I-95 and see the line in person at Sephora Georgetown. I have to say, after having admired it online for months and having fallen in love with MILF, a sexy mint-green polish that wears like the biggest badass on the block, I was not at all disappointed!
I met my best friend, Angela, in Georgetown and she indulged me in a swatchfest that lasted around two hours! Meanwhile, the lovely staff of Sephora watched with bemused smiles as they perdiodically darted by to swatch the products themselves (the collection had literally just landed in the store the day before!). I had a great time swimming in the colors and textures, and wanted to buy just about every item.
I can't wait to go back up for the official launch fete they will have, but until then I'll be playing with what I bought and admiring my own swatches.
SHOUT OUT TO THE AMAZING STAFF AT SEPHORA, GEORGETOWN (DC)!!!
This is Part 1 in a series in which I fondle Illamasqua. Take a look at
the display below and stay tuned, because part 2 is coming in a matter
of moments...
Its silky smooth silicone-based formula glides on and cushions makeup so it doesn't settle in fine lines or pores.
The soothing aloe soothes any skin irritations you may have, while Vitamin E helps keep skin hydrated.
A unique, fully-stabilized Vitamin C complex protects skin from all sorts of nasties and decreases the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation. Vit C is a powerful antioxidant!
It can be used alone or under foundation to perfect and protect.
It's by Mehron, so it's 100% professional and amazing!
I've been using this for a few weeks and think it's even better than my former favorite, MAC Prep + Prime. Love, love, love!
It's only $19.95 on the Mehron website. While you're there, make sure you check out their uber-cool color makeup products!
I did not purchase this product - it was sent as a PR sample. However, this fact did not influence my review at all - if it had sucked, I would have told you. And by the way, I was not paid to review this.
Above is a picture of a MAC counter. That's a lot of makeup, isn't it? And it's not even as fully overwhelming in pictures as it is in person - and that's coming from someone who used to work at one of these counters! As a former MAC artist (and one who makes certain to stay on top of new releases), I think I have some insight into the brand and I'm going to start sharing some bits here and there.
So here are 10 things I think everyone should have or at least try, and 5 things you needn't bother getting. This list only comprised of permanent items - nothing Limited Edition.
When you ask any MAC fan what their "must-haves" and "skip its" are,
the list will vary, but having worked with hundreds of women these are
the ones I think should be basics for those of you just starting to build a
makeup stash. And for those of you with ginormous collections: if
you're missing any of these you may want to check them out!
10 MAC Must-Haves
Tempting eyeshadow - MAC describes this eyeshadow as "sinfully rich cocoa". The Lustre formula shadows have intense frost and pearl and give a metallic finish, but don't let the reflective qualities scare you! This color starts off my list because it is my number one favorite MAC product; this is the one I would be devastated to find discontinued if it ever were! It's a completely neutral brown that might be lumped into the "bronze" category, though not everyone can wear bronzes. Not only does this shade go perfectly on any skintone, it also works with ANY other eyeshadow color. ANY color. I have worn this with grey, black, white, purple, blue - even acid green and stark yellow. It's what I call "the great shadow stabilizer" and perfectly balances any "out there" color you may want to try --- but aren't sure how to wear! It's also fairly buildable: you can put on a light sweep for a delicate glow or build up layers to get a fairly deep shimmery brown radiance. PERFECTION.
You need a Paint Pot in a shade approximating your skintone. No, you're more than likely not going to get a perfect match - but here's the thing: you're going to cover it anyway. That's why you just need one that's in the general range of your skintone. Do I wish they'd make a few more matte, skin-like shades? Yes. But is that necessary? NO.
The Paint Pot is a creamy dries-to-powderish goodness eyeshadow that many people use as an eye primer. It can help you neutralize your lid color (hides veins or discolorations), and since it's long-wearing and creaseproof it's PERFECT as a base to other eye colors. Lay this down first, then press powder shadows on top - color is closer-to-true and holds on like there's no tomorrow.
Fair-to-medium-skinned girls with cool undertones need Painterly, an odd putty-colored pinky-brown-nude oddity.
Fair-to-medium-skinned girls with warm undertones need Soft Ochre, described by MAC as "yellow beige".
Darker complexions should grab Groundwork ("midtone neutral taupe") or Quite Natural ("dirty chocolate brown"). You'll have to see which you prefer, and again: neither will match your skin exactly, but choose whichever one gets closest to your depth of color rather than matching your skin exactly.
Prep + Prime Lip is a staple in my makeup kit and my personal stash. I wear it every time I use lipstick, and I put it on every client I work with (especially brides!). It's a solid, twist-up product that is meant to condition your lips and help the lipstick you put on top of it look good and look beautiful. It minimizes feathering and contains Vitamin E and antioxidants. But most of all, it works! There's a trick to getting nice long wear: put it on and let it set (do something else for awhile) before slicking on the lipstick. AMAZING WEAR WILL ENSUE!
Blot Powder (Pressed or Loose) is an absolute must for anyone who gets even the slightest bit oily. NOTE: The Loose version of this powder used to be sold at counters, but now is available only at Pro locations or by calling the Pro toll-free number: 1-800-866-6464- you need not be a Po to buy either way.) Use it to control shine or to set your foundation or to absorb the oil on your lids/cheeks/chin/t-zone before putting on other makeup.
Here's the story about Blot Powder: it was created for backstage -fashion shows and photoshoots- and meant to absorb oil without adding any color or texture. That's it. That is its whole purpose: absorbing oil. It's jet-milled (tiny, tiny particles) silica and mica with only 3% pigment, so it's not going to change the color of your skin or the makeup you layer it over.
Let me reiterate the main point here: it will not build up, look cakey, or change colors.
As for the "which color should I get" dilemma, really don't stress over it in this case. There's only 3% color pigment, folks, so just pick something in the general area of your skintone and go with it. No one will notice if you don't pick the exactly correct color, I SWEAR! If it helps, I am the fairest of the fair-skinned and I can wear the Deep Dark Blot without it being noticeable. Really.
Seriously. Try it. Then send me an email to tell me how right I am - I never tire of hearing it!
Every girl needs a good cheek color, and Springsheen fits the bill. I'm a bit of a blush junkie, but if I have to pick just one this is it! It's a semi-sheer sexy pinky-peach with a shimmery - but not chunky-glittery- sheen. Since it has a bit of pink (cool) and a bit of peach (warm) it works on cool or warm skins and with whatever look you pick for eyes and cheeks. I like this better than that other pinky-peach,NARSOrgasm, which just isn't as versatile as Springsheen, despite its cult following. By the way, darker complected lassies can surely wear Springsheen - it works great!
Lipstick is key, but it's nearly impossible to find one that all women will agree upon, even those some are foolish enough to deem "universally flattering." A shade may look acceptable on all women, but one thing I learned early on in my artistry career is this: women are VERY opinionated about their lipsticks! The must-have I'm going to suggest for lipsticks is this: you must have a peek at the Viva Glam line. The quick run-down for those who don't know: Viva Glam lipsticks are sold for charity (to support HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention - read more here). MAC isn't comprised of a bunch of dummies, so since they want to sell as many Viva Glam lipsticks as they can, most of the Viva Glam lipsticks (and glosses) are fairly neutral, so you're bound to find one that works for you and that you love! Here they are:
VGIV - midtone rose with gold pearl; frost VGV - neutral pink with pearl; lustre VGVI - terracotta plum with plum; lustre VGVI SE - soft blue-pink; lustre
VGI is a great red, wearable on most skintones, so if you're looking for a red, start there! VGVI is beloved by many (though I'm partial to the SE version, which is a sheerish pink). VGIII is a nice neutral for mid-to-dark skins, and a pretty deepish color on those with fairer skins.
Everyone needs a good black eye pencil, and my pick for a basic black is Smolder. This Eye Kohl wears pretty well (though may not hold-up in the waterline) and can be dotted on between the lashes for a natural look, slicked on the lashline, and smudge if desired. Also good for faking a beauty mark!
My next must-have is another Eye Kohl: Teddy. MAC describes it as "intense bronze" and it's an incredibly wearable liner. It's just the right amount of brown with a tiny smidge of shimmer - just enough to look lively but not enough to call too much attention. Perfect for any skintone and a major part of my kit!
If MAC is famous for two things, it's their colorful eyeshadow and their Lipglass - a semi-sticky (so it stays put!), vanilla-flavored lipgloss formula. It may be more tacky (sticky, not tasteless!) than you like, but you've got to at least try it. I adore it! Try neutral shades first. My suggestions:
C-Thru - peachy-beige with shimmer; cream
Nymphette - sunny golden pink; frost Oh Baby - golden bronze with sparkling shimmer
J'adore! C-Thru is a lovely "nude lip" shade that really suits fair-to-medium complected folks with warm undertones, but even cool-toned girls can wear it sheerly. It's probably a bit too chalky for very dark-skinned lasses, but worth a try! Nymphette works on most people because it's a bit peachy, a bit pinky. LOVELY! Since it's both pink and peach, it goes with cool and warm colors on the cheeks and eyes, too. Oh Baby is is beloved by many a dark-skinned girl, but those of us with fairer skins shouldn't overlook it! It's one of my favorite fall shades, and I'm as pale as they come. The multi-colored shimmer (not chunks!) helps it work on all skintones. I love it. All three of these shades layer well over a ton of other colors - make sure to try things that don't even seem like they'd "go" - play around!
OK, OK, so it's not makeup, but I consider the Pro Makeup Remover a must--- BIG TIME. This unique formula removes makeup gently and leaves behind NO RESIDUE. Big deal, right? Actually, it is. This was created for backstage environments, enabling artists to quickly and easily remove makeup from a model leaving a surface that is ready for immediate reapplication! Normal cleansers leave bits of product or oils behind, and that residue erodes any makeup put on top of it. How does this apply to your life? Well, most of us aren't perfect, and keeping a bottle of this lifesaver lets you take off that poorly applied red lipstick or that wobbly eye liner so you can try again right away. It's a huge time-saver. Also ab a bit on a Q-tip or makeup wedge and neaten up your winged liner for sharp perfection!
(Only have enough $$ to have one remover around? Pick this one and make a little bottle of olive oil to keep by your vanity - that will dissolve any tricky long-wear products or mascaras. Then sweep Pro Remover over the area to remove the oil. VOILA!)
5 MAC items you can SKIP!
Any MACmascara. Every company has things they do exceedingly well and things they just can't make well. MAC's Achilles Heel is their mascaras. Yes, some are passable (Plushlash, Mascara X) and every one has its fans, but the cold hard fact is that the MAC mascaras are simply not good.
Most MACfoundations. OK - I know, you're a fan of __________, but the honest-to-goodness truth is this: MAC foundations break out a lot of people and clog the pores on almost all of us. Sorry. If it works for you, great! The shame of it is, MAC's color range for foudations can't be beat anywhere, so if you're hard-to-match you've gotta try them anyway. Just make sure you have GREAT skincare.
Which brings us to this: you can pretty much skip MACskincare. Yes, some of it is good, but most of it is not very good. You can get much better skincare from other lines. I say this not to insult MAC, because I love MAC. But this is a makeup line, not a skincare line. 'Nuff said.
A skincare product deserving its very own bullet point is STROBE CREAM. I can hear the screaming already from some of you. Here's the thing about Strobe Cream: it's meant to be a special effect. It was never desigined to be your everyday moisturizer. It was never created to be used mixed in your foundation every single day. It's meant to create a highlight or shimmer effect, and can be used as a moisturizer or mixed in your foundation (or a zillion other ways), but don't do it every day! The product has ingredients that are probably too emollient for your combo or oily or sensitive skin, and even parched skin gets blocked-up pores from the shimmer ingredients in it. It's a fab product used sparingly, every now and again, for effect. IF YOU USE STROBE CREAM DAILY AND YOU HAVE BAD SKIN, ACNE OR CLOGGED PORES STOP USING IT EVERY DAY!!!
Prep + Prime Eye is terrible. It's supposed to be a primer for under your eyeshadow. It's supposed to neutralize eyelids. It barely does either. On many of us it creases. The colors are not really skintone. Use a cream eye shadow as a base (see Must-Have #2 above). This stuff is worthless to most of us.
Are there any MAC secrets I can expose for you? Drop me a comment below or send me an email! Or Tweet me. ;)
I got just about all of the new Urban Decay products, the ones from the Fall collection, and I wanted to show you some product pics, swatches, and my first ever video review!
Ruthless | pale sandy taupe shimmer I cannot get enough of this color. It's gorgeous and versatile and beautiful and perfect. It's like a fair mushroom. SWOON. The consistency is great and it slides right on.
Frigid | deep purple w/blue sheen
Freakshow | deep purple w/red sheen I'm going to review both Frigid and Freakshow together, because to me they're nearly the same color. They're a touch dusty, as many dark purples are, and the shades are really, really similar. Yeah, there's a red pearl on one and a blue on the other, but do you need both? I'm going to have to do a few looks and see how well they play with others. That may make the difference...
Oil Slick | glossy black w/silver microsparkle I like this a lot - sheer with silver sparkle (!). The only downside is that I have no place to wear it regularly. Yeah, I'll be able to layer it and have fun, but alas, I don't get dressed up often and wearing this with t-shirts seems a bit much.
Confession | deep, semi-sheer burgundy LOVE this one. Very, very pretty. It's nearly a purple on me, which I love. Although, again: the t-shirt thing.
Naked | creamy pink-nude This is probably the perfect midtone pink. Enough said.
I like both of these pencils, though Wallflower goes a bit orange on my pink-ish lips. Not as bad as many nude lippies, do, but still. I'll save it for my warmer lipsticks. Paranoid is great, but darker than my natural lip (which is fine - I'll wear it tons), I just can't consider it a "nude" on me, personally. These really do last - in fact, the swatches were hard to wipe off! ;) By the way, neither of these actually goes with any of the lipsticks released in this collection (Paranoid is a bit darker than Naked on me).
There are 4 new primers (the two face primers were not received/reviewed):
Eyelash Primer Potion | Lashes get thicker, longer, stronger! LOVE this primer! I'm a big fan of lash primers, but this one is even better than I expected it to be! No clumps, but nice long, thick lashes. No flaking. Dude...
Lip Primer Potion | A foundation for your lips so your lipstick stays without budging or feathering. I really like this one, too, though I think MAC's Prep & Prime Lip holds onto color better. This one, though, prevents feathering better. If Prep & Prime Lip and UD Lip Primer Potion had a baby, I'd be happy!
There are 6 new cream eye liners called Ink for Eyes:
Empire | eggplant
Binge | midnight blue
Demolition | brown
Zero | black
Loaded | deep green
Pyrotechnics | iridescent glitter, clear base
These cream liners are FABULOUS. I love the coffin-shaped cases. I love the consistency. I love the amazing double-sided brush! I just adore these. And they last for-ev-er. I've never been a fan of brown liners, especially those with no shimmer, but Demolition is my favorite - the shade is incredible. Zero is deep black and silky (no shimmer) and excellent for cat eyes, winged liner, and putting on the upper (and lower) waterline where it stays put! Pyrotechnics is a sheer base with shimmery, cool iridescent glitter and it's great as an unexpected pop in the inner corner (above) and layered over... well, anything! Binge, Loaded, and Empire are all great shades (none have shimmer) and I'll use them a lot, but note that you may have to layer those a touch to build to the desired intensity. Still, very easy to use and not a pain in the butt at all.
As for the video, I want to say a few things: this isn't fancy, and I'm still mastering exactly where to position the camera and such (hence some product close-ups that are so close they're a bit blurry). And there's a bandage on my hand from that ridiculous run-in I had a little while ago with a can of beans. It looks stupid, but there ya go. That's me - clutzy, new to video taping, and an Urban Decay junkie!
Every July, Nordstrom celebrates its anniversary with a sale on items for Fall. The sale features many exclusive items that will not be out elsewhere 'til Autumn or are only sold at Nordstrom. MAC always goes all-out with their own exclusive collection to honor the department store that first sold their products.
Brush Bags: (LE) $49.50USD
A black and white twill bag with a separate brush holder featuring a rose or poppy pattern. There will be two types of bags:
Define & Blend Brush Set
129SE Powder/Blush Brush
190SE Foundation Brush
209SE Eye Liner Brush
219SE Pencil Brush
252SE Large Shader Brush
Shape & Perfect Brush Set
168SE Large Angled Contour Brush
187SE Duo Fibre Brush
194SE Concealer Brush
212SE Flat Definer Brush
275SE Medium Angled Shading Brush
Eye Shadow 6 Palette: (LE) $35.00USD
A black metal compact with a black and white plaque featuring the
repeat signature MAC logo that morphs (holographic) into a black and
white floral pattern when viewed from different angles.
Fresh Cut Palette
Floral Inc. - (Frost)
Sun-Shy - (Lustre)
Fresh Cut - (Veluxe Pearl)
Poppy Noir - (Velvet)
Bloomcycle - (Veluxe Pearl)
Part Peony - (Lustre)
#213SE Fluff Brush
Graphic Garden Palette
Social Climber - (Veluxe Pearl)
Botancial Blue - (Frost)
Straight Hedge - (Veluxe Pearl)
Wild Wisteria - (Lustre)
Linear Lilac - (Veluxe Pearl)
Graphic Garden - (Velvet)
#213SE Fluff Brush
Lip Bags: (LE) $35.0USD
A black and whie twill makeup bag featuring a rose or poppy pattern.
Summer Crop Lip Bag
Lipstick: Semi-Annual - (Lustre)
Lipstick: Garden Bed - (Lustre)
Lipglass: Summer Crop - (Frost)
Baby Blooms Lip Bag
Lipstick: Soft Illusion - (Frost)
Spiceflower - (Amplified Cream)
Lipglass: Baby Blooms - (Frost)
View Face Charts for Graphic Garden @ Specktra.net!
Look in a Box Collection
09 Jul (The Bay) / 17 Jul (Nordies) 2009 [US/Canada]
UNK 2009 [international]
Area of Distribution: This is an anniversary collection that will only be available at The Bay, Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com.
Look Box: (LE) $59.50USD
A black carton featuring a photo of a model wearing the look (these are
north america only). These will also include a face chart and a
step-by-step how-to facechart.
Sun Siren Look Box
Bronze Bronzer - Bare shouldered bronze
Shroom Eye Shadow - Soft muted golden beige with opalescent shimmer (Satin) (Permanent)
Amber Lights Eye Shadow - Golden peachy-brown with golden shimmer (Frost) (Permanent)
Get Rich Quick Dazzleglass - Warm yellow brown (Permanent)
Mini Zoomlash Mascara in Zoomblack- Pure black (Permanent)
#181SE Mini Kabuki Brush - Compact-sized buffer brush with a
dome-shaped, natural bristle head. Feels luxuriously soft on the skin.
Deposits blush, flawlessly blends to provide a soft, even distribution
of colour. Ideal for all powder products. The perfect size for your
everyday makeup kit.
Knight Divine Eye Shadow - Carbon black with silver/blue reflects (Veluxe Pearl) (Permanent)
Bare Slimshine - Light neutral pink with subtle gold pearl (Frost) (Permanent)
Mini Zoomlash Mascara in Zoomblack - Pure black (Permanent)
#181SE Mini Kabuki Brush - Compact-sized buffer brush with a
dome-shaped, natural bristle head. Feels luxuriously soft on the skin.
Deposits blush, flawlessly blends to provide a soft, even distribution
of colour. Ideal for all powder products. The perfect size for your
everyday makeup kit.
Sweet Tease Look Box
Shell Pearl Beauty Powder - Fresh mid-tone peach with gold pearl (Repromote from Sundressing)
Mulch Eye Shadow - Intense golden reddish brown flecked with golden bronze shimmer (Velvet) (Permanent)
Love Nectar Lustreglass - Ultra-soft apricot with pearl (Permanent)
Mini Zoomlash Mascara in Zoomblack - Pure black (Permanent)
#181SE Mini Kabuki Brush - Compact-sized buffer brush with a
dome-shaped, natural bristle head. Feels luxuriously soft on the skin.
Deposits blush, flawlessly blends to provide a soft, even distribution
of colour. Ideal for all powder products. The perfect size for your
everyday makeup kit.
The dets: Shop the entire US line July 21st on Sephora.com, or at their new Times
Square store on July 30. It'll also be available in more stores come
Fall.
I can't say it enough times! Edgy UK brand Illamasqua, with its inspired, rich, color-packed makeup and the best names in the biz has its roots in 1920's Berlin and its claws all over makeup artists and makeup fanatics everywhere. And it is coming here. To the States. Really. In Sephora.
I plotz! My heart races, my pulse quickens, my fingers itch to swatch!
My thoughts: This completely saves me the stress of making a shopping list for my friend in London to pick up. However, I'm the teensiest, tiniest bit down, 'cause I'd hoped that when Illamasqua came to the States it would be in a department store or boutiques, so they'd have artists dedicated to the brand. Instead, it gets tossed into the hodgepodge that is Sephora. Meh... I'll be ok, I loveSephora. I just wanted to have the Illamasqua experience be.... MORE. In the UK, the artists are dressed to the nines and the counters look stunning -it seems like a touch of theater mixed with a-ma-zing makeup. What's better than that!? I think some of the flava will be lost at Sephora. Boo! Well, regardless, I hope one of the Sephora stores near me gets the line in the Fall. Doubtful, but at least I can see the goods when I go to NY in a few months. Can't wait!
(this is one of the most stunning promo pics I've ever seen!)
SCRATCH | Let's start with the nails, 'cause a) I'm a polish addict, as you know, and b) I'm convinced this formula is the A-#1 best-wearing lacquer in the industry, if MILF is any indication (my review here). So, what don't I want, right? OK, I guess I'll narrow it down a bit:
For starters, I want to test their Top and Base Coats to see if they make the ridiculously long wear of the varnishes last even longer - and if they work on other polishes, too. So sign me up for one of each! Gonna grab: Alarm, Snap, Boosh, Baptiste, Unnatural, Rampage, Jan, Lament, and Phallic.
That leaves the following on my UK wishlist: Scorch, Snap, Glory, Poke, Brigette, and Demure.
BITE|Illamasqua makes three categories of lip products, and naturally I want to sample from each! They offer Lipstick, Sheer Lipgloss and Intense Lipgloss. From what I've heard the Intense Lipgloss is incredible - completely opaque and just stunning! And the colors - -- oh, the colors! I am not up for blue lips, but for those who are, Illamasqua has ya covered. I want to get my hands on:
Lipstick| I think it's clear from the swatches selected below what colors I like in lipsticks. :) Now, I would love to get my hands on Vengeance, but it's EU only - so that will go on my "bribe a friend to pick it up list"! :) As a note: Box is the shade created painstakingly by Illamasqua artistry genius Alex Box, and she considers it the perfect red for cool, fair complexions. I've gotta try it!
Gonna Grab:Box, Resist, Underworld, and Corrupt.
Sheer Lipgloss | Illamasquat lipglosses are in a cool long and skinny tube applicator with the coolest transparent tip! Packaging alone is a "WIN" and I can't wait to try the formula based on the pictures I've seen.
Gonna Grab: Soul, Divine and Tantrum.
Intense Lipgloss | Completely opaque coverage - that's what I understand you get with these. I'm slightly intimidated by the bold colors (wrong for dropping kids off at preschool!) so will stick to "safe" shades at first. Of course, Petulant is a bold fuchsia, so my idea of "safe" may differ from yours. :)
Gonna Grab:Move, Petulant, Frenzy, and Fume.
That leaves Fury Intense Glossto add to the UK list !
Lure | The skin products. I love trying foundations, but usually am left disappointed. How will Illamasqua measure up? And blushes are one of my major temptations, even though I certainly don't need more...
Primer | I love and completely believe in the power of Primers! Illamasqua offers two - a Matte finish and a Satin finish. Both are SPF 20,and both are available at Sephora. Can't wait to try them.
Powdered Metal| Um, yes please. All three. Yes, at least one (and probably two) of these seem to dark for my skin, but who cares!? I'm sure I'll find a use for them - if not personally, surely on freelance jobs. At the very least, Bebhionn will be mine! Mine I say! Sadly, they are not available here in the US (at least at this time). Onto the UK order they go!
Foundation | I'll be starting with the Rich Liquid Foundation, which offers believable-but-full coverage but may also pick up Light Liquid Foundation - a more sheer version only available in the UK. Also available here in the US: Cream and Powder foundations.
Powder and Cream blushes | Well, it's Illamasqua, so we know these are going to be highly pigmented. I can't wait to try them! It's hard to tell from online swatches, but Rumour looks like it may be a great contour on my fair, cool skin - too bad it's a UK item. The UK portion of the line has tons of neutral shades for bronzing and contouring -check it out! Wonder why it's mostly color products here? Hmph.
Pierce | The eyes have it, as we all know. It's my favorite range of products to check out, whatever the line, and IIllamasqua is no different!
Powder Shadow | Uber-pigmented shadows, guys and gals! I won't bother saying more, except Imagine looks like a color I may never take off; I love periwinkle! Predator and Daemon will have to be on my UK order.
Pure Pigments | AKA- loose shadows. Metallic. High-shine. OK to wear wherever. I expect greatness from these and hope I'm not disappointed. I do hear great things about the container's small opening - less fear of spillage and loss! I especially am curious to see how Fervent compares to MAC's Blue-BrownPIgment, and how Involve stacks up against my beloved MAC Violet!
Lashes | My lifestyle has nothing at all to do with wearing False Lashes, except when I'm freelancing at MAC and wearing theirs, but I am completely enamored of and obsessed with them. Love them! Take a look at the ones I'm peepin':
I haven't named everything available at Sephora - I'm quite sure you can browse the site for yourelf and see what is there. :) I just wanted a shout-out to my faves.
Makeup blunders are oft-talked about and can make any woman sweat. Two
of the most common are wearing thewrong shade of makeup and putting ontoo much.
But don't think this problem is limited only to us "normal
folk"! I don't know who did Megan Fox's makeup for this recent photo
op, but it doesn't really matter: if it was a makeup artist, SHAME ON
HIM/HER; if it was Megan herself... well, shame on her, too, since
she's been in the business long enough to know better.
How to prevent these errors:
Select the right shade | Maybe Megan's MUA needs to read our primer on this, huh? Critical steps-
Know your skin's undertones! Megan may be cool-toned,
if my guess is correct (it's hard to tell from pics sometimes). This
foundation is def warm-toned, though. The result is not "a nice fake tan" or whatever the goal was, here. The result is a jolt to the eye that says "An Oompa Loompa Barbie head was put on my bangin' Malibu Barbie body!"
Matchthe color to your skin. Do not try to give yourself a tan using foundation. Nor should you try to make your skin look lighter with foundation!
Fill in the blanks. If your face and neck aren't the same color, the only acceptable option is to use a bronzing product to bridge the gap. Using a big fluffy brush, lightly dust on a powdered bronzer to lighter areas, so as to make the difference less apparent. What also works: tinted moisturizer or mixing your foundation with body lotion to subtly deepen the skin on the throat and decolletage if necessary.
The last word: step back! If you're not sure whether or not you have this problem, find a large mirror and step back a few paces. See a difference between face, throat, and chest? You'll need to compensate. Do this from time to time, and always before a big event to make sure you're not missing anything. Hello, Megan! This means you!
Use a light hand | Here we see a horrific example of heavy handedness. Yes, the shade is wrong, but it can't be fixed by loading on more product! How to deal-
Again: step back! Have you ever seen artists who step back to take a look at their work while painting? Sometimes you get too close to the work, and you need to see the big picture. As an artist, I do this, and I do it when I'm working as a makeup artist, too. I even do it when I'm putting on my own makeup! By stepping back, you can not only catch pesky little shade mismatches, like above, but you can see if you've make your brows two different shapes, if your blush is over enthusiastic, and if your winged liner is taking off in two different directions. Had Megan's MUA stepped back, she might have noticed the claylike effect she'd created here.
Thinner is better. Yes, artists like to talk about how makeup is "buildable", but that doesn't mean you need to layer it on three inches thick! Full coverage makeup, like must have been used here, really need not be built up this way. And let's face it: if you need to put this much work into getting the coverage or affect you want --- are you really using the right product? I think Megan is hiding bad skin, or the results of bad skin, but she needs to shop around and find a product (or combination of products) that will help her cover the issues without the result seen here. It can be done - I've done it. (Megan, call me! We'll talk!)
Use the lightest formula you can get away with! You can mix and match, btw. Maybe all you need is a tinted moisturizer everywhere but around the chin where you may need more coverage. Experiment!
Technique matters. I find it best, even for photo ops, to follow the motto "less is best." I use this method to get perfect, camera-ready skin on most women:
Prep skin with moisturizer then primer. Let that sink in for a few minutes.
Conceal under eye circles first - use a pinkish if you're cool-toned, peach if you're warm.
Dab foundation in center of face, first, since this is where most of us need more coverage. Then blend outwards.
Use concealer on any spots still visible.
Tool time! Get the right tools for the job to ensure your work holds up to scrutiny. I like duo-fiber ("skunk") brushes for foundation, or really whatever brush works best for you. Using fingers can create streaks, and using a sponge puts on a lot of product quickly and often thickly. If you must use a sponge, try getting it slightly damp first (wring it out, though!) to help soften the application.
Troubleshooting: Take it off - take it all off! This is the best way to remedy an overly zealous application like here. Don't have time to take remove your makeup, or it's not quite this bad? Try taking a damp tissue and blotting it on the face to pick-up some of the excess. Using a big fluffy brush to dust on a translucent powder may also help.
What makeup faux pas would you like to rant about?
Now that it's March, (and there's finally snow on the ground here in Richmond, VA!) it's time to switch gears and think about Summer. How 'bout thinking bronze?
Estée Lauder has already released details of their Summer collection, a reappearance of the Bronze Goddess theme, but with great new products enhancing the collection.
Collection highlights:
NEW, LE Sun Blush Illuminator
4 bronzers | Soft Matte Bronzer,Soft Shimmer Bronzer, Soft Duo Bronzer (in 2 shades)
Luminous Liquid Bronzer
NEW, LE Palette | Sand & Sea
NEW, LE Duo Tone Eye Pencil
A NEW, LE shade of Pure Color Lipstick | Golden Goddess
3 new shades of High Gloss | Golden Goddess, Coral Goddess, Rose Goddess
1 new shade of Pure Color Nail Lacquer | Golden Goddess
2 shades of Pure Color Gloss Stick | Orange Poppy, Pop Pink
A new sun collection featuring an SPF 30 lotion for face and 3 self tanners
Bronze Goddess fragrance
Look for this collection in March so you can get a jump on your Spring Break or early vacay!
For more details and product images, keep reading!
Take a look at some great new MAC rumors I've found via Style.com's Beauty Counter! A: A new MAC collection for later this year that features all black makeup products. B: A set of nail polishes for MAC created with Jin Soon featuring matte nails.
Read on to get the scoop, and as always: we'll keep you posted on any more news about these collections!
Colour Ready. It's a repromote of a few items, and a release of some new Perm items. So who can complain, right!? I love the "new-perm" collections, because even if they're squoze in between some other great collections, I feel like I can wait 'til the time ($) is better. Don't you?
By the by, the powder is getting rave reviews from makeup artists who have been testing it for a few seasons. Sounds promising...
Well, enough chatter. Here's the scoop, as always to be updated when I get more info!
Mineralization has swept the beauty nation, but MAC
makes the next move with Grand duos: Mineralize blush that has a
marbelized mélange on one side, and a complementary mono-shade on the
other.
Soft-shimmer, super-shine pearl in a pretty tricolour veining to
enhance and glorify cheekbones, followed with the pop and dimension of
solid colour shimmer without an overly-frosted look. The 188 Small Duo
Fibre Face Brush makes the transition magnificent. A sophisticated but
simple new way to get your vital minerals.
Skin - Cheeks | Mineralize Skinfinish Blush Duos - gorgeous compacts of mineralized blush goodness, half a solid color, half a melange-y swirl.
Moon River | Blue pink mélange, Pale yellow pink
Love Rock | Gold violet mélange, Bright blue pink
Grand Duo | Copper pink mélange, Plum
Light over Dark | Orange yellow mélange, Deep brown
Earth to Earth | Purple bronze mélange, Yellow brown
Tools - Brush | #188 - A flat-topped, full circular brush used for lightweight application
and blending of any formula colour – fluid, cream, powder or pigment.
Ideal for creating soft layers or adding textures. Made from a soft
blend of goat and synthetic fibres. | Permanent item
Take a look at the pics (keep reading) then tell us what you think. We love the MSF Blushes, right? How do you think these will fare? Any already calling you? I may be interested in Love Rock and maybe Grand Duo. I dunno... I'll really have to see them in person.
Completely unrelated to M Lab is this next item: kitten.
I like kittens. I really, really like kittens, in fact, and I think
that anyone who doesn't care for kittens must be deranged. I have the
same philosophy about anyone who doesn't like bacon. But kittens and kitten are not the same thing, and I am really pretty lukewarm on the latter.
Kitten is the name of one of Stila's
best-selling eyeshadows. It's a "shimmery nude pink" frost, and the way
some people talk about it there's never been another eyeshadow made in
the world! As far as that goes, there are a few other Stila shadows I
like better, and certainly a few over at the MAC Urban Decay and NARs
counters!
Stila based two new products on the popularity of this shadow, kitten, and since much of my issue with kitten is the texture, I thought I'd check these out as other options. The first kitten spin-off is the silk eye shadow wash,
a long-wearing, lightweight, liquid-to-powder version of the gold-pink
Kitten shade. The second spin-off product in this litter is silk shimmer gloss, a lipgloss with silk proteins and ulta-fine shimmer that gives that lovely warm pink kitten-esque look.
The Verdict: I was quite interested in silk eye shadow wash, since I like cream shadows and because the only thing that keeps me from being a kittenfanatic
is the texture of the shadow. When it comes to cream shadows, I tend to
dislike them when they're coming out of a tube and applied with a
sponge-tipped applicator (that's how I like my lipglosses, not my
shadows!). This is no exception! I find that I have to sploosh the
applicator (a technical makeup artist term, "sploosh") around the eye
then smooth it out with my finger. That sucks. The color is nice,
though, if a bit frosty. I'm over the shimmer highlighter under the
brow arch, but if you're not this will work well there. It's also a
decent base for shadow, since it doesn't crease too much once you
spread it out. I find it feels a bit heavy on the eye, though, and
that's not cool. This shade would probably pop on medium-toned skin.
As for silk shimmer gloss,
this was a complete waste of money (I did pay for this one myself - and
then returned it). It's sheer and it's faint and the shimmer is
negligible. Why put on a $22 lipgloss if it's going to barely be
noticeable and then fade off before you're even out the door? I take my
lipglosses very seriously, and this one just pissed me off. All-in-all:
a dud.