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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loving the shimmer and shine of Summer weather! My NOTD...

Bobbi Brown's Tinted Moisturizers - the real scoop. PS: Super fair-skinned girls, you'll want to read this!

I have these pesky little freckles. A lot of the time, I think they're super cute. But sometimes I want a flawlessly even complexion. Because of that, I always figured I needed a full-coverage foundation, or at least close to it.

WRONG!

Working for Bobbi Brown recently, I've been using their Tinted Moisturizers (TM) on customers and have been very impressed.

Bobbi's Tinted Moisture products
Their oil-free TM is new, and the original version has been recently repackaged. Both now come in a sleek black squeeze tube. The oil-free version is gel-based and perfect for oily skins - or those of us with oily bits; the original version has jojoba in it and leaves skin soft and hydrated - which is great for normal and dry skins. Guess what? There's a third product in this line! It comes in a pot rather than a tube and it's rich and moisturizing; the EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm is ideal for the driest of dry skins.

Here's some of what they have in common:

• They're really lightweight and comfortable on the skin
• All are incredibly easy to blend, they melt into the skin
• A little goes a long way
• All work well with fingers, sponges or a brush
• Bobbi's Tinted Moisturizers leave skin even-toned without covering it like a mask

Here's the stuff you may not have heard about these products...

1. They run dark.
   You'll probably need to go at least one shade -maybe two- lighter than you think you will need. When it's wrong, it's too yellow. You may not want to buy these without swatching them on your skin.
2. They are runny.
   Part of that amazing blendability comes at a price. The original and oil-free tinted moisturizers are thin and therefore may make a bit of a mess coming out of the container --- go slow.
   
   AND
   
   
3. You're going to fall in love with them!
   Definitely. I did!

 

I've seen the oil-free version of this product mentioned on a lot of blogs lately. Hey, it's the newest product, right? But don't let the original and balm versions slip by you if you don't want to do the oil-free thang!

Oh, and as promised...

Fair-skinned girls, this one's for you:

Embrace the pale!!! Bobbi's tinted moisture products come in an uber-fair Alabaster. I can't make promises for the very, very fairest of us all, but many PPP's may be pleasantly surprised. Take a look at my swatches - the Alabaster is too pale for me*. WOW.

*In these swatches, Alabaster  matches my inner arm,
which is really fair. My face is slightly darker,
making Extra Light Tint perfect for me!

For reference, I also swatched Stila's 10 Wats Illuminating Foundation
which, along with Armani's No. 2 Luminous Silk Foundation,
is my go-to shade match. You can see that the Stila is even more
yellow than the two Bobbi products.

I will be wearing these through the whole summer. I have found that using Bobbi's Oil Control Lotion on my oily bits (chin and nose) works great with the original formula. My skin looks amazingly radiant, the cheeks are perfectly hydrated, and my oily spots are kept in perfect check. And with my red areas (around the mouth and nose) evened-out, my freckles show through in the cutest way. I'm sold.

More swatches can be viewed after the jump...

_{Disclosure: I work as a freelance makeup artist for Bobbi Brown.
My opinions aren't for sale, though. And these products were gratis,
but that doesn't make me love them. Their performance does!}

I want to drink my lipgloss. Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bellini. (review, swatches, pictures)

I'm not much of a drinker. I don't go out and get bombed, and never really did. But a nice cocktail or glass of wine, well every now and again that just hits the spot!

I'm assuming that Bobbi Brown had the Bellini cocktail in mind when she named my new favorite lipgloss. I make the connection because I'm startling brilliant (and the gloss's peachy color kinda clued me in). Or maybe Bobbi named it after Bellini, the composer? That makes less sense...

via

 

Yeah, probably not.

Anyway, this new gloss debuted in the Almost Bare collection for Summer '11. In addition to repromoting Bobbi's fragrance, Almost Bare, the set includes three new dark-skin-friendly bronzers and a few other items designed to give you that sunkissed, just-from-the-beach look.

The High Shimmer Glosses are pretty exquisite. Two are fairly dialed-up colors: Citrus is an on-trend coral, Pink Tulle is hot pink. Bellini, on the other hand, is a peached pink that I consider the perfect nude for any time of year.

Take a look:

I wanted to include that oddly dark lip swatch, because I think it showcases the MEGA-SHIMMER in this formula. It's basically fine reflects glitter jampacked in a not-so-sticky base. Where MAC's amazing Dazzleglass formula showcases the beauty of micro-shimmer reflects beautifully, too, Bobbi's version is a bit more grown-up, if you will. Also, MAC tends to throw a bit of duochrome playfulness into their Dazzleglass, and the Bobbi shades are straight-up reflects in a pretty uni-chrome (?) shade. Think MAC's Reflects Pearl, maybe.

Other highlights of the new High Shimmer Lip Glosses:

• Not too sticky, but does have a bit of tackiness
• Really catches the light!
• Soft and comfortable; not heavy
• Sponged-tip applicator (rather than Bobbi's usual brush tip)
• Fresh minty scent (but I don't really taste it)
• Not gritty or crunchy, just smooth and slick

Did I mention that these are flying off the shelves? Yup. I love mine so much it might warrant a back-up, and I rarely say that these days!

So, pretties, do you drink bellinis? Know any songs by Bellini? Dig the nude warmth of the Almost Bare collection? Have any great weekend plans?

A Bellini is a long drink cocktail that originated in Venice. It is a mixture of sparkling wine (traditionally Prosecco) and peach purée often served at celebrations. It is one of Italy's most popular cocktails. - The Wikipedia gods

 

 

<sub>I purchased this gloss with my own pennies. About 2,220 of them.
Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.

Additional Disclaimer: I am somewhat affiliated with Bobbi Brown.
I freelance for them. I do not receive any financial benefit for writing reviews
for the brand (or any brand). I don't even get free products from them like
some of the bigger blogs! All opinions herein are my own, etc...</sub>

 

Essie: Lapis of Luxury (nail polish swatches, pictures, review)

This polish was a surprise find. I was just minding my own business in Ulta, looking at the latest color collections in the nail polish section and finding myself restless and bored. OPI's Texas did nothing for me, and most of the other displays were mostly empty - and what was left in them was boring. A sign announced that Essie polishes were "Buy 2, Get 1 free" so I took a closer look...

CORNFLOWER BLUE! My dream color! The actual name of the polish is "Lapis of Luxury". It's a just-barely-purpled blue. It's a cream formula that applied really, really well (2 coats), and wore great, too! Definitely going to be showing up a lot on my tips and toes this Spring and Summer.

Do you have any cornflower blue polishes? Do you have a "dream color" you're looking for? What are on your tips and toes right now?

Disclaimer 1: I purchased this polish with my own money.

Disclaimer 2: The images were adjusted in photoshop to accurately
portray the cornflower blue shade, which was impossible to capture.

I decided to finally foot the bill and get a pedicure. And just in time for flip flop weather!

How long has it been since you treated yourself to a manicure or pedicure?

I believe it's been an embarrassing TWO YEARS since my last professional pedi! Before you cringe away in disgust, it's not like I've been ignoring my tootsies. It's just that since I had Baby #2, time and finances have been directed elsewhere and all of my pampering has been self-administered!

Anyway, I finally submitted to the capable hands of someone else, and my feet are thrilled. Hooray for taking time for ME! Gotta do this more often...

I admit, I skipped the salon mani and did my own. I'm incredibly picky with my nails and I've gotten fairly good at doing my own. Besides, for whatever reason, I don't find salon manicures relaxing. I'd rather save the money and time and do it myself. I chose a cool grey with a hint of purple simply because it contrasts so beautifully with the eye-searing coral neon on my toes! Why be predictable?

Colors used: China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy (Summer '10) on feet; Essie Smokin' Hot (Holiday/Winter '10) on fingers

(see my favorite pedi prods here & here)

So how long has it been for you? Do you go for mani-pedis regularly? Are you a do-it-yourselfer? Do you prefer to treat yourself with massages? Facials? What's your go-to pamper pleasure? What do you scrimp on?

Target saves the day: Pixi lumi luxe radiance powder no 1 peach petal (review, pictures, swatches)

Sometimes a product comes into BSB to be processed (photographed, swatched, tested) and makes it directly into the daily routine. I saw "sometimes" but really I mean "rarely".

 
Pixi Lumi Luxe Radiance Powder made it into the daily rotation so quickly and so thoroughly that I totally forgot to review it! I started considering it such a must-have that I forgot about BPLLRP (Before Pixi Lumi Luxe Radiance Powder). Also known as The Dull Ages.

What it is: A mutipurpose powder prodcut with tasteful radiance (read: shimmer and glow, not glitter and shine).

What it does: Well, what doesn't it do?! I've used it as eyeshadow, highlighter, blush, bronzer... It's light, soft (you'll see on the swatches). But despite its subtle and quiet demeanor, it imparts a glorious glow, brightening the complexion and washing all of my Winter woes away.

Tell me more: The powder is finely milled (smooth, not scratchy). The "background" is a tawny peach-tan. The roses are two shades of, well... rose. The leaves are a golden beige. Blended together they're just enough color to act as a bronzer for pretty fair folk.

Where you can get it: Target! For only $26!

Bonus: The super cute pixie and flowers on the packaging and the roses embossed onto the powder.

What are your most recent favorite products?
Have you used Pixi before?

I have to admit, I usually walk right by the Pixi display because it (and the other testers at Target) is always disgusting! But now I've tried two things from the line and both were excellent. I've gotta take more of a look the next time I'm at Target.

 

More pics after the cut.

 

Gorgeous & Gone: OPI Blue Lagoon (a blue holographic nail polish)

Every now and again I allow myself to use one of my discontinued or older limited edition nail polishes. The rest of the time they sit on the shrine and I light candles around them.

One of my favorites is OPI's gorgeous mermaid scale shade of blue with the lightest touch of teal: Blue Moon Lagoon.

It's a bit thick and gloppy, but then...my bottle is old and half-empty. It may be time to seek out a few back-ups.

I hope you enjoy these swatches and the video below, which shows how different this polish can look in the light and the shade!

Do you have any favorite discontinued polishes? Let me know in the comments! I've gotta go relight the shrine's incense burner...

 

Gotta have it! MAC lip pencil in Plum

Nfu-Oh GS 14. You need this polish.

If you believe all other polish compnies, a smooth black polish with visible glitter is impossible to create.

Or is it?

 
Nfu-Oh GS14. Maybe the perfect nail polish.

Black with rainbow holographic glitter.

Amazing.

Here's my dynamic swatch video. There's not much else to say...

 

 

China Glaze: Crackle Glaze ~ Fault Line, Lightening Bolt, Broken Hearted (nail polish review, swatches, images)

In case you didn't know, crackle topcoats are the new nail polish trend.

 I tested three shades of China Glaze's new crackle topcoat called Crackle Glaze.

I have gone on record before saying I am not a fan of this trend. I did say I would give it a shot -  I've been known to be wrong on occasion.

It's not that this cracked, contrasting colors lacquer look isn't cute.*  It's not that it reminds me of the 80's.** It's not that I consider it too "young" of a look for me.***

It's just busier than I think is attractive. And it looks sloppy (hello, chips!).

That said, it's not as ugly as I thought it would be. You've gotta pick your colors well, and I think the white crackle looks too much like a Wite-Out Top Coat (read: yuck). But I kind of liked the pink over the black. And the purple over a shimmery teal looked great in person (but was a b*tch to photograph).

In all, kinda neat - on the right person.****

Of course, since it's China Glaze, the three shades of Crackle Glaze that I tested (Lightening Bolt, white; Fault Line, purple; Broken Hearted, pink) were easy to apply and wore fairly well (4 days).

What are your feeling about the crackled polish look?

_{*it's not
**it does
***it really is
****not me}

China Glaze: Anchors Away - Starboard (nail polish swatches, pictures, review)

I don't wear green nail polish. It's Over The Top.

Um...

Except for this one...

It's called Starboard, and it's part of the Anchors Away collection from China Glaze.

As with most other CG polishes, Starboard applied smoothly, wears well, and looks great. It's a pretty midtone green cream with a touch of blue in it (but not at all a "teal").

Even if you aren't looking for The Perfect St. Pat's polish (and this should surely be a contender!), it's a great shot of Spring for the tips or toes.

More pics after the cut...

_{Note: shown with an Nfu-Oh glitter on the ring finger.}

Nail polish review and swatches: China Glaze - Anchors Away collection - Below Deck

With all due respect, I thinks it's time to let the putty/mushroom polish thing go. Everyone has made at least one now, right? Don't get me wrong: it's one of my favorite colors to wear on my nails, but damn! It's everywhere.

This one is a good one, though. Below Deck. It's part of China Glaze's Anchors Away collection. It reminds me of driftwood.

It's different from others I own in similar colors thanks to miniscule blue shimmer that isn't at all apparent once topped with topcoat, but helps give the polish a nice glow.

Wear is fantastic (it's China Glaze, after all) and while just a tad on the thick side, it applied smoothly.

Now, can we all stock up on these shades and give the new mushroom releases a rest, please? At least for a little while?

In case you were wondering how similar Below Deck is to other putty polishes, I have some comparisons after the cut. To summarize, though: they're all pretty damn similar unless you're a collector, in which case none are dupes.

New: Givenchy Naivement Couture Collection- Spring/Summer 2011 (swatch, images, review)

Givenchy,'s Spring/Summer collection (called Naivement Couture)  can post several marks in the Win Column.

• Amazing visuals (see right)
• Orange, the "It" color
• Gorgeous textures
• Over-the-top PR rhetoric

Aside from the last item in the list (you can find said hyperbole after the cut), the collection is breathtaking. That is, unless you dislike orange.

I got to play with the shadow palette and eyeliner. For my review, swatches, and more pics, keep reading.

China Glaze: Anchors Away collection - Life Preserver & Sunset Sail

Remember "Mannequin Hands"? That was last year's trend of polish that matched your skintone. I still say I can only carry this off if my polish has a bit of peach to it. Enter China Glaze's Sunset Sail (from their Anchors Away collection). It's the prettiest peachy-nude I've seen in ages. Just a tiny bit of shimmer keeps it lively, though it's so subtle it only serves to prevent a chalky look (I can only see it in the sun). Lovely! Warning: the first coat is a streaky mess. I found one thin coat followed by a second thicker coat is ideal. The result is smooth and even. _{(shown above left)}

I have a weakness for orange, even though it's not always flattering on my pale, pinkish skin. Life Preserver is a particularly Fall-like shade, which sounds weird for Spring but is actually spot-on trend and a refreshing change from pastels! It's a pumpkiny rusted shade China Glaze calls "poppy". Amazingly pretty, perfectly wonderful to apply. _{(shown above right)}

These shades make me feel like this:

PS: I'm so stuck in the accent nail rut at the moment! I did one mani with Sunset Sail + Life Preserver as the accent, and another with Life Preserver + Sea Spray as the accent. A full display & review of Sea Spray is coming soon.

 

<sub>These products were furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof.
Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.

Rudolph Carl Gorman-Woman With Poppies via</sub>

 

China Glaze: Anchors Away collection - Ahoy!

How pretty is Ahoy! From China Glaze's Anchor's Away collection? I love this raspberry color. Ahoy! is going to be in constant rotation around here. The glass flecks are incredible and really catch the light nicely. This was my Valentine's Day manicure. I love China Glaze!

The Nail Ninja: Little Drummer Boy (by China Glaze) {nail polish review, pictures, swatches}

The Nail Ninja says: while deep blue isn't what one automatically thinks of for a holiday nail lacquer collection, it's kind of genius. This China Glaze blue, Little Drummer Boy, is just shy of leaning green, and it has a very pretty lighter blue microshimmer. Maybe you have similar blues, but a blue collector will enjoy the unique spin this shade brings to the table.

The only downside: what a pain to clean up. Medium-to-dark blue varnishes always stain The Ninja's cuticles and skin during removal. Were she not so distracted, she'd have remembered to slick on some cuticle oil before carefully sliding the remover-saturated cotton away from the nailbed. Whoops. Instead, she had to resort to a hearty scrubbing then a full manicure including cuticle remover. Sigh. She'd lile to say she'll do better next time, but it's doubtful...

The Nail Ninja: Sugar Plums - more than it appears (by China Glaze) {nail polish pictures, reviews, swatches}

The Nail Ninja says: It's a matter of record that The Ninja adores a plum polish. This one, Sugar Plums,  is sneaky, though. What appears to be a fairly typical, unassuming plum with miniscule silver shimmer is actually a radiant shade with a bit of holiday mystery. The secret? A resplendant multi-colored mini sparkle that comes out only when the time is right... sorta like Santa.

The wear and application are stellar, as always. Thanks, China Glaze! Swatches are 2 coats.

The Nail Ninja: Frosty {by China Glaze} (nail polish swatch, review)

The Nail Ninja says: Don't disregard Frosty, one of the holiday selections from China Glaze. It's ethereal and sheer with one coat, gloriously shimmery with two, and pristinely chic in three. Easy to apply, this pretty white polish glides on and wears well. Look closely and you'll note its resemblance to shimmering snow with a thin layer of ice on top.
_{Shown here with an overlay of Nfu-oh GS-7 as an accent nail.}