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

BPAL: Vampires Don't Sleep Alone - the reviews

Remember a few weeks back when I told you that Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) founder Elizabeth Barrial had written a book with D.H. Altair (of Dark Delicacies)? That book being "Vampires Don't Sleep Alone"*, of course, and it's a handy little thing: a how-to on dating vamps.

As is her habit, Ms. Barrial couldn't help but make companion fragrances! We're reviewing them all for you. And by "we" I mean "me", of course. Because I work alone here. :)

Stay tuned for the reviews of these amazing scents! I'll update this page with links as I review them, so if you'd like to bookmark this and refer back over the next week then I have to say you're a genius!

CICUTA
Dry, dusty rose petals, candle smoke, frankincense, and saffron.

INTERFECTOR
Ruthless, unfeeling, and inhumanly violent: tobacco, sharp woods, frankincense, and bunn.

TOMBEUR
Deadly and seductive: vanilla-infused sandalwood, blood musk, antique patchouli, vetiver, lavender, bitter almond, amber, and a trickle of Snake Oil.

SILENTI
Grave beauty: Spanish moss, lilac, wisteria, myrrh, and olibanum.

TRANSEO
GA cologne that (almost) blends well into human society: benzoin, orange blossom, cumin, King mandarin, gaiac wood, juniper berry, Calabrian bergamot, Ceylon cinnamon, and blood camouflaged by wine.

MISERICORDIA
Eons of grief and unending hunger: magnolia, black currant, castoreum accord, lavender, labdanum, amber, rose otto, and opoponax.

PHILOLOGUS
Ancient books, crackled parchment, faded incense, and candle wax.

VESPILLO
A grounded, earthy scent, evocative of the soul’s finer qualities: patchouli, clove, neroli, night-blooming jasmine, sage, and iris.

SANCTUS
Diabolically otherworldly: golden osmanthus, lily of the valley, celestial musk, and frankincense.

VILF
Because isn’t that what this book is really about? Vampire smut: patchouli-infused honey, red musk, red sandalwood, red ginger, pink pepper, Peru balsam, dark Eastern florals, Himalayan cedar, smoky vanilla, bitter clove, and leather.

Three Custom Color Specialists:

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

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

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

Keep reading for more...

Get Away with Three Custom Color

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

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

Inspired by some places I'd love to visit:

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

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

Random beauty

So much New out there! There's Summer '10 coming at us, and peeks at Fall/Winter, too. I don't know which way to turn and my wallet is hiding in fear. Take a look at a few of the best:

• YSL Summer '10 looks like a bowl of juicy fruits. I can't take it! And I'm not normally one for bronzers, but those look yummy. If this isn't on-counter yet, it will be soon (due June '10).  _via 
  
  
  
• If I'm completely honest, it's been a long time since Bobbi Brown has wowed me.  It seems like now is the time! Check out these peeks at the upcoming Chocolate & Navy and Denim & Rose collections. The "All About Eyes" set looks perfect for those looking for staples, and the Gold Face Palette is surprisingly tantilizing to me! I'm also interested in the Highlight Pen which, if done in the typical quality way Bobbi does things, could become a "must"; thankfully they'll be permanent additions to the line. _via
  
  
  
  

• No matter how old I get, I still like a little glitter. MAC's got what I need in the form of their new Digi-Pops collection (originally a Nordstrom exclusive for their upcoming Anniversary Sale, later going "wide"). The new Dazzle lipstick looks glitteriffic (and is reportedly not a gritty disaster on the lips), and we know I have much love for Dazzleglass. Let's just say it's not just the boys going crazy for this collection*. I expect Dazzle lipsticks Sweet Bits, Naughty You, and Snazzy and Dazzleglass Boys Go Crazy to find their way to my home. See swatches on the famous arm of Karla Sugar right here.
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  What's caught your eye lately?

  
  

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? ;)

Urban Decay to launch a rollerball perfume oil called Revolver

Ya'll, I can't wait to check this out! I love Urban Decay, and I love perfume oils. Now I can have both? SHUT UP!

Revolver sounds fab: a peppy, fresh and pretty top note combo (lychee, pineapple leaf) and sexy middle (fig!) added to a base note blend that sounds right up my alley (amber, Egyptian musk). And I like the roller ball applicator approach (less messy than an open top!). I'm excited. What about you?

Please note: Revolver is only available through UrbanDecay.com
while supplies last (starting on 4/27).
You won't find it at Sephora or wherever else you buy your UD!

MAC for Alice + Olivia

If you like Alice + Olivia (and I do!) you will be interested in their collaboration with MAC, due out this July.

more info after the cut!

Givenchy Le Prisme Blush

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 Givenchy Le 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.

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.

Girl Crush: Amber Valetta / NARS Summer Collection 2010

Will this collection make me look like Amber Valetta? If so, I'll take two. Of each.

 

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Keep reading for more info...

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

Absolutely need it all: Illamasqua Body Electrics

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Please, for the love of Pete, may I have all of this collection? Illamasqua's Summer '10 collection is called Body Electrics.  Creams, powders, dry oils... all with shimmer and glimmer to light up the face and body. No, it's not realistic for my lifestyle, but with any luck my Alter Ego has a party planned soon!

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.

Dior: Addicted to Dior - Summer '10

Dior launches their summer collection Addicted to Dior at the end of April, 2010. The promo pic looks très 80's to me. It's got some lovely shadows, gloss, and something called "a complexion enhancer".

Keep reading for a run-down of the collection...

MAC on the horizon: Too Fabulous, Pret à Paper Collection, To the Beach (now with more pics and new info!)

Got some upcoming MAC info for you today. Take a look-see:

(Since this is a pic-heavy and info-heavy post, the pics are small-ish. Click on them to see them in all of their glory!)

 

Too Fabulous

Lips and cheeks get the pretty young thing treatment…Cremesheen Glass makes a comeback for Spring 2010. Introducing six new très jolie shades and three bring-back essentials, because the world wants more of this creamy, high-flying gloss formula that provides sheer, Just Superb colour with a touch of sex-o-shine!

To accentuate them, a combination of six Lip Pencils ranging from neutral to pinks and browns, to delight and define. And here’s a lovely thought: six new Mineralize Blush Duos are also making a limited appearance. Inspired by the original, they provide a gossamer sheer and lightweight application…all Too Fabulous.

Cremesheen Gloss

• Fashion Scoop – pure pink
• Just Superb – natural pink
• Naked Boy Bait – light nude color
• Partial To Pink – light peach pink
• Richer, Lusher – peach coral
• Loud & Lovely – micro – Blue-Pink
• Double Dare – Rojo Alicante
• Delight – natural intermediate colors
• Over Indulgence – naked brown
  
  
  
  
  

Mineralize Blush Duo

• Rhapsody in Two – light pink and peach colors (frost)
• Two Virtues – light pink and violet (frost)
• Chic Couple – light yellow-brown with peach (frost)
• Bi-Tone – rose red with brown (frost)
• Buddy Up – deep rosy pink with yellow (frost)
• Sun & Moon – natural brown with pink-brown (frost)
  
  
  
  
  

Lip Pencil

• Mouth Off – deep peach coral
• Trimmed in Pink – slight blue pink
• Boldy Dare – dark red-brown
• Chesnut -brown

source, source

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Pret à Paper

“Craft Paper Couture – an inspired idea cut like a pattern and whipped up into a frisky little “funny face” frock. Then, strip it back to its essence for Summer 2010 for a Pret-a-Papier colour collection. It was a Project Runway challenge of sorts, with paper as the source, the instigator of ideas, the beginning of something simply, basically beautiful. Lipstick, LipGlass, Eye Shadow, Paint Pot, Chromografic Pencil, Studio Fix Lash, Impeccable Brow Pencil, Sheertone and Mineralize Blushes, and Nail Lacquer in a seamless spectrum of parchment-to-vellum beiges, with an occasional, clever colour spill, coral among the most au courant.”

(some of these may be "working names" given to products before release)

Eyeshadow

• TissueWeight: Frosted Pale Peach (Frost)
• Bamboo: Light Beige with Peach (Matte)
• Cut To Fit: Frosted Red-Bronze (Frost)
• Gazette Grey: Dark Green-Grey With Gold-Pearl (Velvet)
• Memorabilia: Dirty Purple (Matte)

Eyekohl  (one presumes these are for natural lining of the lower waterline to brighten eyes?)

• NC 15 / NW 20
• NW 25 / NC 30

Impeccable Brow Pencil

• Dirty Blonde - cool light brown [PERM]
  
• Taupe - mid-tone dirty taupe [PERM]
  

Paintpot

• Ground Work - midtone neutral taupe [PERM]
  
• Coral Crepe: Soft Coral
  

Lipstick

• ArcheType: Sheer Light Gold (Lustre)
• Dressmaker, Dressmaker: Creamy Light Peach Coral (Lustre)
• Made To Order: Creamy Mid-Tone Dirty Coral (Lustre)
• Kraft: Creamy Mid-Tone Warm Brown (Amplified)

Lipglass

• C-ThRU: Peachy – Beige With Shimmer
• Fold and Tuck: Mid-Tone Bright Coral W/ Soft Pearl
• Pret-a-Papier: Dark Reddened Bronze W/ Pearl

Sheer Tone Blush

• Instant Chic: Mid-Tone Muted Coral
• Garb: Light Golden SunTan

Mineralize Blush

• Light Over Dark: Light Yellow Brown/ Dark Peach (Frost)

Nail Lacquer

• Brown Bag: Mid-Tone Warm Dirty Beige (Cream)
• Originality: Sparkly Copper Bronze (Frost)

Studio Fix Lash

• Black

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To the Beach

There is fun in the sun, to be sure, but to the beach is more of a sensual state of mind – a pleasure we all feel near the sea. The girl and boy from Ipanema, from Cap D’Antibes to West Palm Beach…All around the world, the seaside has a romance, and a kind of golden, sexy alchemy we’re all drawn to. This collection encapsulates it, with a new, lapping-wave Lip-Pencil and High-Light Powder in coral shades, Nail Lacquer – A Scorcher! – Eye Shadow, Kohl, and Powder Blush to get away from it all effortlessly. Sandbags, seashells, the magic of marine life decorating packaging in the most soothing sultry shades of summertime. Close your eyes, and go To The Beach!

The face must be protected at all times! But we have ways to bronze and beautify…fake it, but get colour that looks sun-kissed! A safe way to evoke the golden glow of a glorious walk on the beach, the magical moodiness of sunsets all over the world, colours shifting from glowing gold to glorious bronze to sundown brown. The Chic Glamour of faraway places, a ticket to paradise inspired by the dream of a life lived sur la mer. Bronzing Powder, Cream Bronzer, Lustre Drops, Bronze Body Oil, and our stylish City-To-Seaside to the beach bags…wherever you are, see you at the beach!

Eye Shadow – $14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN

• Sand & Sun: Light Peach (Matte)
• Firecraker: Frosted Mid-Tone Red Orange (Veluxe Pearl)
• Sweet & Punchy: Bright Yellow Green (Veluxe Pearl)
• Shimmermoss: Green with Green Pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
• Humid: Intense Green with Shimmer (Frost)

Lipstick – $14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN

• BeachBound: Sheer Frosted Pale Peach (Glaze)
• Lazy Day: Light Dirty Blue Pink (Lustre)
• Thrills: Rosy Copper with Gold Pearl (Frost)
• FunBathing: Mid-Tone Bronzed Plum (CremeSheen)

Lipglass – $14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN

• Easy Lounger: Light Baby Pink with Multi-Dimensional Pear
• Flurry of Fun: Sheer Sparkly Peach
• Splashing: Mid-Tone Blue Pink with Soft Gold Pearl

Lip Pencil – $13.00 U.S. / $15.50 CDN

• Life’s a Breeze: Soft Pink
• Temperature Rising: Loudmouth Orange

Eye Kohl – $14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN

• Float on By: Dark Green Turquoise
• Rosemary & Thyme: Mid-Tone Olive Gold with Shimmer

Powder Blush – $18.50 U.S. / $22.00 CDN

• Hipness: Intense Coral with Soft White Pearl (Frost)
• Get-Away Bronze: Mid-Tone SunTan (Frost)

High-Light Powder – $26.00 U.S. / $32.00 CDN

• Marine Life: Multicolour Pressed Powder

Nail Lacquer – $12.00 U.S. / $14.50 CDN

• In the Buff: Muted Taupe Avocado (Cream)
• Scorcher: Creamy Bright Coral Red (Cream)

MAC To The Beach Bag – $49.50 U.S. / $59.50 CDN

Available at MAC Stores only.

Cream bronzer – $25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN

• Beach Bronze: Golden Glow with Soft Gold Finish
• Weekend: Mid-Tone Deep Orange Brown with Soft Pink Pearl

Luster drops – $18.50 U.S. / $22.50 CDN

• Pink Rebel: Blue Pink with Gold Pearl
• Sun Rush: Peachy Bronze with Gold Pearl

Bronzing Powder – $22.00 U.S. / $27.00 CDN

• Golden: Muted Golden Tan-Beige with Golden Shimmer
• Refined Golden: Finely Spun Golden with Soft Pearl Finish

Bronze Body Oil – $22.00 U.S. / $27.00 CDN

• Glowing Tan with multidimensional Golden Shimmer

Brush 130 Short Duo Fibre – $38.00 U.S. / $45.50 CDN

A short, round dual fibre with flat head composed of both natural bristles and synthetic fibers ideal for application with creams, emulsions & various powder products.

Brush 130 Short Duo Fibre Powder/ Blush- $34.00 U.S. / $41.00 CDN

Flat, tapered face brush that contains a combination of short, natural, fibers and longer, fibre optic fibries ideal for light application and highlighting/ shading with various face powders; Ideally suited with mineralize skinfinish powder products.

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I'm becoming a big (HUGE) Givenchy fan. Here's a summer sneak peek...

No words besides this: think summer then take a look at these...

The Pisces in me wants to swim in these.
What do you think!?

Those polishes... that pink and brown "tanning powder"!

SWOON.

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MAC "To the Beach" collection! More details...

Lordy, I love me some  MAC sneak peeks!

Remember this picture?

More details:

Collection name: To the Beach
Possible Release: May '10
Includes:

• The return of Luster Drops

• The introduction of a cream bronzer
  
  
  I'll keep listening to the gossip and let you know what else I find out! :)

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MAC. Summer '10. Shells. Starfish. Coral. Orange packaging.

I don't know anything else but this:

Courtesy of Twitter's evachen212 by way of Cosmetosaur.

Thoughts:

Another MAC summer collection in orange packaging. Sigh*.

*you can take that sigh any way you want: frustration or bliss

I have two orange nail lacquers from MAC, and they both look really similar. I sure hope this one is different.

I'd like to have seen open palettes. Curious as to what's in the green and orange ones.

The seahorse product looks very pretty, even if the gold is all overspray... which it probably is. Looks like it may give a nice coral glow to the skin. The whole embossed, multicolored, under-the-sea thing looks familiar, though, no? I thought MAC set trends, not copied other brands?

I got interested in the pencils, 'til I realized they're just repackaged Eye Kohls. YAWN. Hope there's a new shade or two, at least. The one I can read is Rosemary & Thyme. If the colors of the packaging are a clue, I can confidently say I won't be needing a pink or orange eye liner.

Here's hoping for the lippies and shadows...

I don't mean to sound like a downer. The packaging and concept is really nice, and packaging whores and those new to MAC will have a great time with this collection. I just always hope for something so new and so novel I am blown away. Not sure this is it...