NARS MODERN ODYSSEY REVIEW (fall 2007) by storybookheroine

Not since last fall have I purchased an entire NARS collection. A few favorites came from along the way (Albatross highlighter, Moon Fleet lipgloss, Calliope Velvet matte, Corinthe lipstick) but mostly I wasn’t interested in the colors or found the other pieces I purchased disappointing. NARS 2007’s Modern Odyssey collection brings me back to the brand that sparked my obsession for cosmetics and showed me taupe is not the only color I can wear (although it’s still my favorite).


Modern Odyssey is an inventive play on unique and unusual metallic neutrals for the eyes and lips that are highly wearable and universally flattering. The collection is composed of three powder eye shadow duos, ranging from slate blue to golden taupe to rose; one single powder shadow in a barely there tan with golden shimmer; two lipsticks, in a warm sheer strawberry and a metallic golden nude; and glosses in the perfect nude beige neutral pink and a to die for beiged berry. The quality, pigmentation and range of colors for NARS fall neutral palette is bold, innovative and exceptional; the textures, from shadows to glosses, are the best yet from the brand and I hope NARS continues with this trend.


NARS fall 2007 (descriptions from Sephora)


Flamenco lipstick (sheer strawberry)
Promiscuous lipstick (shimmering creamy tan)
Chantaco lipgloss (deep berry beige)
Tempest lipgloss (neutral pink beige with shimmer)
Brazil shadow duo (warm sand pearl/ rose pearl)
Kalahari shadow duo (bronze pearl/ milk chocolate)
Underworld shadow duo (smoke grey pearl/ deep blue grey pearl)
Voyage shadow single (tan with gold shimmer)



THE SHADOWS


Underworld



For someone needing to branch out their color palette Underworld is an incredibly beautiful addition to my collection. By nature I am not a blue eye shadow wearer but this duo has the most amazing shades of silver and slate blue. The lighter color is interesting and deceptively complex. A light smoked silver with the faintest hint of blue, it instantly brightens the eyes and I love it on its own as a wash. The slate blue is perfect, not too cool toned and creates a very sexy smokey eye. The duo is somewhere between a metallic and a pearl finish which I absolutely adore. It’s a gorgeous, must have duo. Like Shu Uemura shadows, it is well pigmented and silky when applied. The shine is exceptional and I do not feel it over powers my eyes. I am truly shocked I like this as much as I do, generally I stay away from color and stick with the neutrals but this blue I can wear and feel comfortable. I've mixed this with Kalahari for a really pretty complex smokey eye and also used Underworld by itself for a smokey eye. If I feel it looks a bit cool on me I run Voyage over it to warm it up, but it's not really an issue unless I layer the color to be dramatic. It is a bold color choice for me so I keep the cheeks and lips neutral. My favorite look with Underworld is a smokey eye, Lovejoy to contour, Nico on the cheek, Albatross to highlight and Promiscuous on the lips (it’s a very alluring combination but any of the new fall lips will look great with this too).



Kalahari



If you buy only one piece of NARS fall it will be the Kalahari duo. It has the same Shu quality, pigmentation and shine as Underworld but in one of the best neutrals duos since NARS came up with All About Eve. Kalahari is a combination of golden taupe and a darker slightly brown taupe with a hint of pink. These have so much shine and glow they are best described as metallics but don’t let that scare you, they are very easily translated to a daytime office look as well as a night time flashier eye. This is sure it be a big seller for NARS and an easy staple shadow for anyone looking for gorgeous neutral taupes with depth. As someone who has too many neutrals it is wonderful to find something I do not already have in another line. I find I can easily wear this in the day and take the same colors to a more dressed up smokey eye for a bolder look. The shine, once applied, is stunning. I think anyone looking to mix it up a bit with neutrals would be happy with this duo. Nars describes Kalahari as gold confection and sugared cocoa, my take is it’s a ME light coppery gold (very neutral and wearable) and a darker, slightly less ME light to medium chocolate color. Both are very buildable and very pigmented. Great metallic taupe when mixed together and wearable with almost any blush or lip color.



Brazil


This is a duo I've been fussing with for 2-3 weeks now. Brazil is pair of metallics in ginger and rose. Normally I do not wear pinks and a metallic rose is a bit beyond my comfort level but I've found it does make a pretty neutral warm eye (this duo is so warm cool toned people should avoid it). The ginger shade is very pretty but these are so much more pigmented than I thought it is extremely easy to mess up and look like you are wearing dirt, very warm toned dirt. The rose shade has a similar problem, too much and it's pink eye city. Blending the two together is very nice and honestly if you are warm toned and have the skills to apply this I see the potential to be quite beautiful. The only way I found to use this is to apply the rose crease to brow and the ginger on the lid and blend like my life depended on it, adding a good line of Mambo eyeliner (brown) on the upper and lower lid to give a nice polished look. The colors are very pigmented and show so much darker that I would expect.



Voyage

I absolutely adore this single. When I saw the picture months ago I was hoping for a neutral version of Nars Fathom and Voyage is exactly it! A beautiful sheer tan, sort of a YLBB color, with bits of fine gold particles that catch the light. I love using it on it's own for a pretty no makeup look but layered with other shadows the gold shimmer shows through and warms up cooler colors. I've worn it alone and mixed with the new fall duos Kalahari and Underworld, both looked great with it. If you like the natural look and enjoy extremely sheer sparkling colors this is for you. If you like the Nars Fathom single this is for you. If you love lots of pigmentation this is not for you. I am really happy with this single and I know it will get a lot of use on my low maintenance days. Looks great with Nico blush on the cheeks and Promiscuous or Tempest on the lips.



THE LIPSTICKS



Promiscuous


Promiscuous was instant love for me. A super gorgeous light gold metallic, it’s so different than other nudes I own. The satin finish is buildable from gold nude to a flashy gold metallic. It’s my single favorite item from the collection and I have worn it almost everyday since I purchased it. Nars describes this as a shimmering honey beige, true enough but I think of it as a shimmering golden nude. The formula is satin so it has plenty of shine and is well pigmented and long wearing. Promiscuous is a great semi metallic light neutral gold and pairs very well with the all the fall 2007 collection eye shadows. It's unique in the color range of Nars. Light enough for day and polished enough for night, I love it! I think both warm and cool toned people can wear this and looks great layered with other lipsticks and glosses. If you liked Nouba or Viva Las Vegas you must check this shade out, I think it's fantastic!


Flamenco


Flamenco is a really interesting and surprisingly beautiful color. A freshly crushed strawberry shade, this is the exact type of color that would go bright fuchsia on my pigmented lips but Flamenco did not! It stayed a true warm strawberry. Flamenco is a NARS sheer formula and the color is described as a sheer strawberry. It’s full of shine and the color is incredibly buildable so you can crank it up for night time and down for day. On me, I can go from strawberry to almost red by layering the color on. Lots of pop and glossy shine with this one and I get an old Hollywood glamour feel wearing it. This one will make so many of us who have a hard time with pinks and reds turning very, very happy and fits the bill for red fall lips.


THE GLOSSES

Tempest


Tempest is very similar to the Bettina velvet matte (same shade on me) and Chelsea Girls lip lacquer (just a bit different). It’s a non sticky formula with more shine than Orgasm, for example. Tempest is a nude beigy pink and just the shade I’ve been looking for. Normally I have a hard time with pink nudes. My lips are pigmented and anything with pink in it becomes overwhelmingly so. The beige in Tempest neutralizes this for me without the need for lip liner or a reverse liner but still carries the nude pink as well as the beige perfectly. It’s a great nude for anyone who has a hard time with nudes staying nude or turning on them.


Chantaco


Chantaco was a total surprise for me. I pictured this going fuchsia or worse on me but like I mentioned about Tempest the beige makes all the difference. It is a rich shiny berry with a hint of shimmer and a touch of beige. Really stunning, Chantaco is the perfect muted berry beige shimmer. The color is so pretty and flattering and still bold enough for evening but workable for the office. Again this is a non sticky gloss formula and more moisturizing and shiny than say Orgasm lipgloss. On me it’s very close to Dolce Vita lipstick which I love.

I think the beige in these two glosses perfect for neutralizing pigmented lips that have problems wearing pink, berries and other colors in that color family because these shades can come up too pink or too bright on pigmented lips. If you have this problem these are must haves and if you don’t you still need these glosses. NARS really outdid himself on creating shades that are fool proof for this fall. I find myself straying outside my normal color selections and trying something new. I’m very interested in seeing if the trend continues to the holiday collection.

Other existing colors in the collection (SEPHORA MAY DIFFER)


blush
Lovejoy (bronzed rose shimmer)
Albatross (sheer light golden sheen)
Nico (natural glow)
Gina (tangerine)


shadows
Sophia (cool brown)
Mykonos (copper)
Lili Marlene (true gray cream)
Zardoz (ink black)


gloss
Chelsea Girls (nude beige)
Hellfire (molten copper with shimmer)


lipstick
Dolce Vita (sheer dusty rose)
Honolulu Honey (satin flesh toned beige)
Casablanca (satin classic coral)


NARS Modern Odyssey can be purchased at
http://www.narscosmetics.com
http://www.sephora.com
and major department stores

Photo Credits: Blogdorf Goodman, Storybookheroine and Nars.

Disclosure: The products reviewed in this post were purchased by the reviewer, Storybookheroine.

Allure September Review

Do not get sidetracked by the Brittany Spears cover and the fuss surrounding the article. There are some great beauty finds in those pages.

Page 76 They used Elizabeth Arden products on Miss Spears. The article concerning the photo shoot and the non-interview is delightfully witty. I will never look at a Cobb salad without a smirk again.

Page 88 Giorgio Armani's Crema Nera. They had me at volcanic minerals. It is $275 at Saks.
Tigi Bead Head Glow Mineral Illuminator looks so shimmery good. It is $25!

Page 92 Booster shots to mix with everyday creams. I want the entire myBLEND line. I need radiant boost and speedy recovery!
They do not give any information on where they can be purchased.

Page 94 Navy nails from Rescue Beauty. It is called Under The Stars. They also recommend Rehab by Deborah Lippmann and Nailtini's Navy Grog. I recommend again...Zoya's Indigo and the new polishes from MAC's Blue Storm collection.

Page 122 A star with actual style....Drew Barrymore.

Page 124 The red silk top from The Limited. It is $44.50

Page 150 The fabulous Dick Page discusses the fall runway beauty looks.

Marc Jacobs: Deep-set and dramatic eyes. Page bleached the eyebrows and re-drew them with a brown pencil. He used the same pencil for the lips but "dabbed a warm lipstick on to soften the lips". He circled the eyes with a cream shadow and layered "the same brown shade in powder to make the color much deeper".

Narciso Rodriguez: He used a bronzer on the skin and used a taupe pencil on the lash line. He used a gold bronze powder on the lids for depth. Page added a rosy blush and a tinted lip balm to complete the look.

Michael Kors(my favorite beauty look on the runway BTW): The eyes were lined with gunmetal gray to create a blue black effect.
Best Quote: "Michael and I wanted the lips to be glossy but not so slick that it looked like the girl had been eating pork chops". I can imagine Kors saying that! I can not wait for new episodes for Project Runway. I miss his brutal barbs.

Page 173 A fragrance article by Kate Atkinson. This deserves a separate post!

Page 190 My second "impossible high end handbag lemming". This one is also from Miu Miu. It is a gray ostrich handbag. This is a rec from the stylish Rachel Roy.

Rachel has high praise for Bobbi Brown's Velvet Plum blush and Mahogany eyeshadow.

Page 192 Carolina Herrera Jr loves OPI's Malaga Wine and Guerlain Terracota Loose Powder Kohl in Noir.

Coco Rocha loves Chanel's nail polish in Allegoria. She also recommends Lancome Definicils mascara and Vincent Longo's Copperleif Eye Shimmer in Souffle.

Page 194 Irina Lazareanu loves Dr Hauschka Skin Care Rose Day Cream. She proclaims it "Pure Genius".
She is also loyal to DiorShow mascara and loves Chanel cuffs. I love her!

Bonnie Morrison(a fashion PR gal) loves Lancome juicy tubes in Cherry Burst, Sally Hansen nail lacquer in Grenadine Glaze, a FANTASTIC gray leather jacket from Richard Chai, a beautiful leather handbag from Givenchy and Frederic Malle's Angeliques Sous La Pluie.
I think I love her more than Irina!

Helena Christensen is a fan of the fragrance Le Labo's Rose 31. It is a lovely one!

Robin Coe-Hutshing loves MAC's lipstick in Lame and has a great fondness for Laura Mercier eye shadows.

Liya Kebede loves YSL's nail polish in Black Tulip. This is a very dark plum color.
She also adores Lauder's Eclair lipstick.

More fall makeup on pages 200-209.
This deserves a separate post!

Page 217 Message in a Bottle by Brooke Le Poer Trench
Miss Trench reports that 1.92 billion was spent on fragrances in 2006. I believe that more than half was spent by me and my friends on Makeupalley's fragrance board. I love many designer fragrances along with little known niches. I do not get caught up in the name but more into the juice. My prized Jar fragrance stands right next to my Paul & Joe Bleu bottle from Anthropologie.

I loved the little snippets concerning the inspiration behind some well known scents. Thierry Mugler's angel was inspired by his childhood love of cotton candy. Michael Kors had a very chic aunt who was always surrounded by a cloud of tuberose. Giorgio Armani asked his perfumer to create a scent that smelled of diamonds.
The perfumer chose rose.

What were your favorite moments from Allure this month? Let us know in the comments.

Credits: Allure

http://www.allure.com/

Sensai's Total Lip Treatment Review

This innovative system promotes the production and improves the quality of collagen to reduce the lines on and around the lips that come with ageing.

I am in my mid-thirties and have started to focus on skincare that is going to help me combat the signs of ageing. My goal is to help slow it down as much as possible. There will be no botox or surgery in my future but instead creams, lotions and various pixie dust.

This Sensai lip treatment is part of my pixie dust routine. I have no idea how or why it works but it does. It contains Shilan Extract (a popular ingredient in all Sensai products) and other natural goodies. It "helps promote collagen production while improves collagen quality". It also helps diminish age related lines around and on the lips.

I never gave my lips any special treatment except for lip balms and Lancome's Behnaz lipstick. I realize that I have "short changed" them.
This lip treatment leaves them the smoothest and most hydrated they have ever been. I have been smacking and touching them ever since.

To Use: Apply in the evening or whenever necessary as the last skincare step. Take an appropriate amount(1 push of the dispenser) onto to the fingertips and massage on the lips and the surrounding area.
Available for purchase at Takashimaya in NYC, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys in NYC, and select Saks.

Credits: Blogdorf Goodman and Kanebo
http://www.kanebo.com/
Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by Sensai

Zelens Skin Science
Cellular DNA Protection Day Cream review

This is a feather light cream that provides "long lasting environmental protection and optimum hydration of the skin". This jar is chock full of 14 antioxidants and natural ingredients. Plus it feels so glorious to the touch. The mint-like scent is refreshing and a joy to smell in the morning. It is created from Shiso extract, a Japanese mint leaf "known to possess antioxidant and anti-allergenic properties".
It also has the added bonus of SPF 15 and added moisturizers to help skin look younger and radiant. My skin has improved with this product. My last break out is under control and my face is starting to get it's glow back. No one has stated I look any younger but then I am surrounded by people who are well aware of my age. I know that my face looks 1000 times better than a few weeks ago....so I am sold.
There are magical liposomes in this jar.
Speaking of the jar....
The jar is attractive enough to be on a vanity filled with lovely perfume bottles. I loved the calming green color.

Ingredients: Acetyl Tyrosine(promotes melanin production), Adenosine Triphosphate(cellular regeneration), Almond Oil(helps with suppleness), Aloe Vera, Alpha-Lipoic Acid(antioxidant), Bisabol(anti-inflammatory),Centella Asiatica(stimulates skin fibroblasts), Coenzyme Q10(potent antioxidant), Ginko Biloba(decreases UVB-induced sunburn cells), Glucosamine(reduces age spots), Glycerin(emollient), Glycyrrhetinic Acid(anti-inflammatory), Green Tea, Honeysuckle Extract(detoxifier), Hydrating Firming Complex, Hydrolized Vegetable Protein, Jojoba Oil, Ketoglutaric Acid(cell repair), Lactoperoxidase(enzyme included in the cellular antioxidant defence mechanism), Panthenol, Perilla Extract(shiso), Proline(tissue repair), Pynogenol and Resveratrol(anti-infammatory), Rosehip, Shea Butter, Spin Traps(molecules that trap and detoxify free radicals),Squalane, Sunflower Seed oil, Superoxide Dismutase, Thioctic Acid(antioxidant), Vitamin A, C and E and Wheatgerm extract.

Available for purchase at http://www.zelens.com/ and Space NK stores. See http://www.spacenk.com/

Photos: Blogdorf Goodman, info from Zelens
Disclaimer: A press sample was provided by Zelens.

Review for September Lucky:

Things that caught my eye...

Page 66 Sarah Michelle Geller(she will always be Buffy Summers to me!) is the cover girl this month. She is wearing Elizabeth Arden cosmetics. I fell for the quality of Arden eye shadows last year. They are so wearable yet luxurious. I love their creamy like texture and their subtle wash of color on the eye.
The colors used on Buffy were: Intrigue Eyeshadow in Neutral Cashmere. This quad is priced at $30 which is a steal in comparison to other high end brands.
The lippie is Ceramide Plump Perfect in Perfect Petal.
The mascara is Double Density Maximum in Black Brown.

The dress is gorgeous and is priced at $897. It is available at Barneys.
You can enter to win the entire cover outfit along with the makeup at luckymag.com/deals

Page 72 Konstantin Grcic's chair for $550. It makes me think of the chairs at Bond 9. I will have to dig up a picture!

Page 94 What I want Now! I loved Noria Morales picks. Of course...I covet the citrus coat. It is available at activeendevors.com

Page 99 Lucky proclaims that Velvet Coats will be a huge trend for fall. I love the cheap recs from Forever21(It will be a miracle if it is ever spotted in an actual store!) and the gorgeous blue violet coat from Spense. This is $88 at Macys and looks 1000 times better than the high end jackets. My recommendation is the beautiful blue velvet jacket at J Crew. I caved on it and can not wait to wear it!
The green and plum versions are also lovely.

Page 106 The sweater coat from Jamison. It is $288.
The Kooba short sleeve leather jacket...OMG...$595. I can not drool enough over that jacket.

Page 108 Lucky Girl Cara Zolot's dress. It is by Madison Marcus and is priced at $285.

Page 111 My weakness this summer has been short 1960's inspired jackets. My obsession will continue into fall luckily. There is a great jacket on page 111 from Spense. It is $78 and is found at Macys.
Other jackets worth coveting:
Page 114 paper thin leather jacket from Cynthia Steffe for $635. Available at Saks.
Page 122 Freedom of Choice jacket from Anthropologie for $168
Page 126 Wool melton Jacket from Alice Temperley for Target for $35
Cashmere "Hiroshi" Jacket from Wilster for $484
Page 316 The Tweed Jacket from Lafayette for $498. It is at Neiman Marcus.
Page 317 The muted mustard jacket from Kingan Jones for $369.
The wool blended jacket from Nordstorm. It is priced at $158 and looks fab with the pumpkin t-neck!
All three skirts featured in this spread are fantastic.
Page 319 The emerald green/peacock jacket from Banana republic. It is priced at $148. I am thinking this one will be coming out soon. I have not spotted it online or at the store yet!


Page 132 Peachy Nude Miu Miu bag. I think this might be my new impossible high end handbag lemming. I have been "lemming-less" for quite a while!

Page 134 Buffy wears a dress from Guy Baxter. It is lovely and priced at $398.

SMG has great taste in shoes from the prized Louboutin to the peep toe platforms from YSL. I wish I could walk in them!

" I keep a bronzy liquid eyeshadow in my makeup bag at all times. It adds a subtle little shimmer for night and gives a cool almost nude effect for day."
She recommends Chanel's Ombre D'Eau Fluid Iridescent eyeshadow in Fountain. This is $30 and is available at your local Chanel counter.

Page 153 Natalia Brilli's leather bag. It is very gothic looking. I love the inky black color.

Page 176 The Arielle De Pinto silver and gold vermeil necklace. It is $700.

Page 207 Beyond Black Nail Polish
This is a great spread on nail polishes. Thy rave over Chanel's Tulipe Noire, Essie's Material Girl, L'Oreals Stroke of Midnight(I want to try this one) and OPI's Light My Sapphire. I would add Zoya's Indigo...which is the best navy for fall. Zoya's entire fall collection is the best in comparison to everything I have seen and tried so far.

Page 208 Shu Uemura's sweet lip gloss in Cherry. It gives a pop of color!

Page 213 Smudgy black liners from Jemma Kidd and YSL.

Page 214 Recs for peach eyeliners, a rave for D.L & Co candle and another blurb about the elusive gel cream from La Mer. I received a postcard from my local La Mer counter about coming in for a sample jar. This was months ago. They still have not received the samples. I try to not hold this against La Mer.

Page 216 Primers that I have not tried. The Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer (#1 beauty lemming) and Laura Mercier's Mineral primer.

Makeup Palettes from YSL, Tarte and Mark. The YSL palette looks like a bento box.
It is priced for $67 and comes with a mini mascara.

Page 218 The new Gap body line(I have not tried it yet) and Clinque's Black Honey inspired line. These are "limited edition" and look promising. There is Black Plum,Black Raspberry and Black Raisin.

Page 227 Eye Creams
I have tested and loved Chanel's Sublimage. They described it like pudding...which is 100% accurate. It feels like it has been whipped for hours.
Lancome's Secret De Vie cream is also fab. I thought it was better than it's high end competition.

Page 228 Jean Godfrey-June loves the new Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia solid perfume compact. I have not seen it in person but it looks ultra lux and feminine. The scent is divine BTW.

She also mentions the lip stains from Laura Mercier. I really need to try violet.

Page 244 There is a blurb on Susanne Lang's Lotus Blossom. The counter is gone from Barneys and Saks in NYC. I am glad to see they are still in production and available for purchase. I loved their Black Orchid scent.

Page 246 Fall Dramatic Lips
They recommend Nars Flamenco. This goes on sheer and layers well.

Page 247 Rocker Eyes
Think Amy Winehouse...but with a way lighter hand.
They recommend Clinque Liner cream, L'Oreal Voluminous Eyeliner($7!) and Prescriptives Lucky Stroke Liner. I recommend Boots Liquid Black Liner.

Snowy Shadows
MAC Moonbathe's Claire De Lune(if you can find it!) and Prestige's Glisten. I love MAC's pigments in Fairylite and Silver.

Covergirl's Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava. I need to just hurry up and get this! The raves have been universal.

Page 250 Poppy King's Oxymoron gloss in Minor Crisis is out!!!!!!!
I love this woman and her lippie addiction. The SA at NYC Barneys dished about this product to me months ago. Once Tbone mentioned my blog...she instantly clammed up. All I got out of her was that it was a matte gloss product.

Page 252 A rec for Fresh Gloss in Dahlia. Another lippie to love!

Hamadi Shea Spray for $18 at beautyhabit.com
I love this frizz away miracle! The whole line is amazing and worth coveting.

Shoes
Page 262 The Steve madden patent leather with yellow and plum. Priced at $150.
Page 264 Flats Galore! I loved the Etro flats with the Pegasus charm. They are a whopping $495. I wish Payless would copy this.
Page 270 Betsy Johnson's High Heeled Oxford for $230.
Page 272 Dove Gray Satin pointed flats for $336 by Pedro Garcia
Page 274 Platform Mary Janes. I am so glad I saved mine from college.
Page 280 Gray boots from Coach. They are called Maxene and are $498.
Page 286 Kelly Green Platforms from Nine West. They are $89.

Trends on page 294
I loved the spread on the 1940's trend. I covet the Vera Wang Kohl's coat which is priced at $128.
I can not stop dreaming about the crystal beaded necklace on page 295. It is $525 at Bella Accessories.
I also love the silk shirt by Karen Walker on page 296.
I have to cave on fishnet stockings this fall along with a pair of t-strap heels.

Modern Gamine on Page 301
Love the silk dress and the strap on the green coach bag.

Deco on page 302-305
I want everything.
Seriously.

Page 310-314
I loved this section. They break down the trends and give great recs for products. This is the whole reason why I truly adore Lucky.
1. The gray fleur-de-lis flats from J Crew. Priced at $228.
2. Deborah Sweeney wool bleted coat for $463.
3. Swiss Dot Shell by Malene Birger for $207.
4. Copper Chain bracelet for $185. It is by Thea Grant.
5. Cinched Waist Polo from Fredperry.com. It is $170.
6. The yellow onyx earrings for $560.
7. The enamel cuff for $210. There is a great one also at J Crew.

Pager 328-329 I love the style of Chessy Wilson. She showcases some incredible pieces from her wardrobe that are covet worthy.

What were your favorites from Lucky this month? Let us know in the comments!

Photos: Lucky

You and your readers at “Blogdorf Goodman” are invited to experience Sarah Jessica Parker’s new fragrance, Covet, and join The Case of the Coveted Bottle!

By joining in the search for the missing bottle and the effort to “free” SJP from prison you will have a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash and prizes! The game officially began this past Tuesday at 12 AM and will continue until October 15th. There will be weekly clues released as the case unfolds. Players will have to try hard to solve the challenges and work together with the online community. And you never know what might pop-up on the MySpace page!

(http://www.myspace.com/covetsarahjessicaparker)

I love games and the thrill of competition.
Let me know if you participate and win!---Annie

Le Labo's Jasmine 17 Review:

This jasmine scent is quite lovely. It is not complicated with a mishmash of notes. It is a straight up jasmine with just a dash of musk.

Jasmine 17 is not a man catcher fragrance.

I have never caused any "havoc" or riots wearing it.

It is just a bottle filled with pretty.

Le Labo fragrances are available at Barneys in NYC and at the Le Labo boutique at 233 Elizabeth Street.

Description from Le Labo website: This natural Jasmine is the floral perfume par excellence, and was created as a modern alternative to the old-fashioned traditional floral signatures. Its short formula gives it such a distinctive character that once you wear it, you’ll never forget it.

A unique floral impact whose sensuality and femininity is amplified by a majestically harmonious chord of musk, sandalwood and vanilla. We refuse all responsibility for any havoc this perfume might create in your circle of male friends…

http://www.lelabofragrances.com/

Disclaimer: This perfume was a gift from my friend Griffie.

Back To The Beach

Becca Tint in Peach
By Storybookheroine


Just in time for the end of summer, Becca has released Beach Tint in Peach. The follow up to the award winning Watermelon, Peach is a medium matte peach stain for the lips and cheeks. This multi use product is oil free, streak free and water-proof so excellent for a long day with no touch ups or days at the beach. Peach has the same fruity smell as Watermelon and is perfect for the peach cheeks so popular this fall.


What are your favorite multi use makeup products?

(pictured top Peach Beach Tint, Bottom Watermelon)

Disclaimer: The featured product was purchased by the reviewer, Storybookheroine.

Baby's got blue skies up ahead...



There are two blue nail polish shades being released from MAC with the Blue Storm Collection.



Rainy Day Metallic gunmetal grey with lilac pearl (frost)
Whirlwind Metallic royal blue with green, blue and purple pearl (frost)

Suggested Retail Price: $10.00 U.S./$12.00 CDN

For our NYC Friends:

THE GLAMMIES TAKE MANHATTAN!

Who: Glamour Magazine to benefit “Look Good...Feel Better”

What: Glamour will hit the NYC streets with the “Glammy” trailer. Bring your old makeup bag and trade it in for a new cosmetic case packed full with Glammy award-winning products. For every piece of makeup traded in Glamour will donate $1 to the charity “Look Good..Feel Better.”

When: Tuesday, August 21st(TODAY!), 8:30am – 2:00pm

Where: Washington Square Park, NYC

Let us know if you attend!!!!

My #1 Fragrance Lemming: Bond 9 Saks

The Special Edition Blinged Out Bottle

The bottles, shaped like typical Bond flacons, are emblazoned with the store's iconic, black-and-white logo. Rahme has also designed an eye-catching special edition 3.4-oz. bottle of the women's scent encrusted with 350 Swarovski crystals on the front, 350 on the back and 300 on the outer carton for a total of 1,000.

An edition of 500 pieces has been made and they will retail for $550 each. The regular men's and women's bottles will retail for $125 for 1.7 oz. and $185 for 3.4 oz. (info from WWD)

I would love to find something like this in my Christmas stocking.

I have seen it in person and the photograph does it no justice.

It just shimmers and sparkles like it is on fire.

Blogdorf Goodman's Poll for Monday August 20th 2007:

Mood: Stressed but excited.

Music: The Ettes Dead and Gone. I love them!

http://www.myspace.com/theettes

Lippie of the Day: Dior Kiss Spicy Guava lip gloss

Fragrance of the Day: Serge Lutens Fumerie Turque

Favorite Facial Powder: Chanel's Rose Blossom. This is a sparkling dusty pink shade. I am entranced by its loveliness! It is available at your local Nordstorm counter.

Weather Report: Gloomy and fall-like. I am wearing my new sweater from BCBG. It feels like a blanket.

Quote of the Day:

"Men are so low...they will go with a snake if you hold it's head". Quote is from my co-workers mother, Vern Alt.

Blogdorf Computer Update: My computer techie had a major situation concerning the hard drive. I am almost ready to throw in the towel and cave on a notebook. Any suggestions on brands?

Cavewoman also had computer problems this weekend.

Is mercury in retrograde again?

Keep both of us in your techie prayers!

The Dog Days of Summer: Armani's Bronze Mania Gold
Sheer Bronzer


It has a super-fine texture with a variety of sun kissed shades. It retails for $42.
It is available at your local Saks Armani counter.

Credits: Blogdorf Goodman
Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by Giorgio Armani Cosmetics

Covet Review

By Cavewoman


If you have seen the TV ad for the new scent called Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, you might be thinking it's really Carrie Bradshaw in that ad! It certainly reminded me of the Carrie character that Parker played for six seasons of Sex And The City. Right down to the red-soled Louboutin pumps! The commercial is as adorable as Parker and Bradshaw. Lifting her ruffled party frock, she breaks the glass of the store window with her Louboutin-clad foot, to get to the bottle of Covet inside the window , because, as she says from her jail cell, "I had to have it!"

When I saw the precious bottle, I had to have it, too. But would I like the juice itself? I went to Macy's to try it out.

The notes for Covet are: wet grass, geranium leaves, Sicilian lemon, lavender, chocolate, honeysuckle, magnolia, muguet, musk, vetiver, bois de cashmere, teakwood, and amber.

I sprayed the tester bottle onto my arm. Within less than three minutes, all I could smell was musk. Anyone who knows my taste in scents knows that musk is the kiss of death to me in a fragrance. There are very few exceptions, to be sure. But I loved Parker's first scent, Lovely, and so I thought I'd live with that test spray for a few more hours to see what happened, and not just reject the scent at that moment. Parker seems to love lavender and musk, because those notes are also in her first scent. Covet is much more gourmand than Lovely, and the musk note is identical in both of them. I like that she used these notes in both scents. It shows her personal touch in the development in both of them.

But I digress. Covet's musk lingered for hours, not unpleasant at all, but then again, it was musk. I still wanted the bottle. A second trip to Macy's had me reaching again for the tester. This time, a kind and knowledgeable SA showed me the body lotion and told me that it was a really good body product and she was wearing it herself. She offered her arm for me to take a sniff. I was surprised to be able to smell the florals and the chocolate notes on her skin. She suggested to me that in order to bring out the top and mid notes on my own skin, and to hold off the development of the musk, that I try the layering of the body lotion and then the spray. That was all it took. I had to have it! I caved.

It is truly amazing that the layering of the body lotion under the spray brings out all the notes and allows them their fullest development. I'm amazed at the results. The musk takes longer to emerge and when it does, it doesn't dominate the woods and amber. It just accents them and enriches them. I'm not usually tempted to buy ancillaries, but this combination produced the fullness of Covet as I'd wanted it to be when I first tried it.

Did you know that the cap, a circle of amber jewels, has a hole in the center? My SA told me that SJP will bring out a neckpiece for Holiday, so we can all wear our Covet caps as pendants! I'm not waiting. I'll wear mine on a ribbon or a cord right now and into Fall, with chunky tweedy sweaters and soft cashmeres. And a layering of Covet underneath, of course. Body lotion first, then spray. I think I need a pair of Louboutins to complete my outfit.

Disclaimer: The featured product was purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Review by Cavewoman

Emporio Armani Diamonds is the latest addition to the Armani group of fragrances, and the beautiful and talented Beyonce is the spokesperson for this scent. I personally find her to be absolutely stunning, a perfect beauty. I had high expectations for a scent named Armani and a spokesperson named Beyonce. Neither of them failed me. Just look at her.

The scent itself is presented in a faceted clear glass bottle that resembles a cut gem. Notes listed for Diamonds are raspberry, lychee, rose, freesia (sorry, Miranda,) lily of the valley, patchouli, amber, vetiver, cedarwood, and vanilla. I was surprised to see this list, because half of it is base notes. But I had a feeling that I'd like the scent, on that basis plus the rose note.

What I love about the lychee note is that it kind of has a plummy feeling to it. It combines with the raspberry to give a very fleeting fruity top note to the scent. Don't worry if you're not a fan of the fruit notes, they don't stay more than a minute or two. The rose comes softly, the freesia keeps it from being too overpoweringly rose, and the lily of the valley adds a lightness to the flowers. The mid notes are well-balanced, mellow, and gentle. I applaud the perfumer for holding back on the patchouli as well as he or she did. Patch tends to dominate base notes most of the time, and it is hard to keep the patch subtle, but it is in Diamonds. The amber is warm and cozy, not the usual powdery amber that I'm not very fond of these days. The cedar is mysterious and sophisticated, and the vanilla keeps the base notes of woods and vetiver from becoming too masculine.

We fragrance fanatics tend to turn our noses up (literally) at the plethora of fruity-floral department store scents that have dominated the launches in the past several years. One after another, nothing different about them, citrusy, in-your-nose, crispy, thin, synthetic, these scents seem to be cut from the same mold. Now Armani presents something substantial, something well-designed, womanly, elegant, and pretty! Rose-patch fans won't find this as patchy as Voleur De Roses by L'Artisan, nor will they find it as rosy as Rose Barbare by Guerlain, but still, rose-patchouli fans could find another addition to their collections with Emporio Armani Diamonds. I am thrilled with this scent, and even more thrilled that it might be the beginning of more of these deeper, richer scents at the department store fragrance counters. I feel hope.

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman

Lancôme has put its old site to rest and pulled off a total redesign to make http://www.lancome-usa.com/ the breeziest destination for beauty products and services on the Web.

To celebrate the new site, Lancôme will offer free shipping from August 6th through 13th(Today is the last day!!!) as an exclusive offer to your readers. To redeem the offer, type in promotional code: BLOG.

This is a great opportunity to finally cave on the destiny cube. It was inspired by a 18th century Chinese secret box.

It reminds me of my trusty "magic eight ball".

Me: "Does he like me Eight Ball?"

Eight Ball: "Outlook not so good".

Credits: Lancome and Wikipedia

Blogdorf Goodman's Getting Nailed Poll:

What polish are you wearing this week?
These photographs are of Nars Midnight Express. It is a gorgeous navy shade.

Garbo and Chanel

Credits: SilentLadies.com and Style.com

Blogdorf Goodman Poll for the Weekend:

Mood: Zen-like

Music: Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play

Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day

The sun is up, the sky is blue

It's beautiful and so are you......

Plans for Weekend: Computer shopping with Cavewoman.

Blogdorf Goodman Computer Update: The computer is toast.
I will be buying something called a "Key" to save my pictures and music.
Afterwards my computer will be wiped clean and hopefully resurrected.
I promise that reviews will be coming soon.
I plan to gush over MAC, Chanel, Kanebo and the new Prada Iris perfume.

Beauty Lemmings: Bond's Saks for Her fragrance.
This is lovely!

Lipstick of the Day: Rose Sinner by Lipstick Queen

Fragrance of the Day: Chinatown by Bond

Have a great weekend!!!!

Brushed With Greatness Project

Nars Ita Brush by Storybookheroine

The NARS Ita brush was released as one of two Kabuki Artisan brushes made of super black goat hair and based on traditional Japanese Kabuki brushes. Advertised for contouring (something I rarely do), I did not feel the need to spend $38.50 to watch it gather dust. A month later I was given the Ita as a gift. Still puzzled as to how to use the brush, it was not until I started using Albatross (a highlighter by Nars, really perfect you must go look for this) that I understood how useful a tool this is. The long flat line allows me to pick up just the right amount of highlighter, sweep it with precision across the top of my cheekbones, then blend it down into my blush seamlessly. It's amazing, application was never so easy! As someone with 50 or so brushes not a single one does the job like my Ita. It is my go to cheek brush. I use it for bronzer on the hollows of my cheeks, to apply blush to the apples then sweep it back up the cheeks, to add highlighter and blend to pro like perfection! Above all it blends everything you do so well you can branch out and be creative. It's really made a difference in how I apply my cheek colors and the overall result. The Ita makes it very easy and fast so you will find yourself doing things you normally passed on in your everyday face. Overall a fabulous brush with a design unlike any other cosmetic brush I have seen. It reminds me of the Japanese wash brushes used in watercolor painting. I cannot wait to try the other artisan brush in this series, the Boton, and I would be very curious about any other releases in the Artisan line.

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Storybookheroine.

The unexpected caress of leather among flowers. Mimosa, iris, tuberose, and climbing rose. A floral perfume touched by leather.

It is finally available on the Hermes site.

Bottles range from $75 to $115.

Anyone smell it yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Credits: Marni and Hermes

Brushed With Greatness Project

Miscellaneous Brushes by Cavewoman

This last photo includes a little mix of odds and ends from my brush collection, one from this or that company, that are worthy of mention here on Blogdorf's Brushed With Greatness.

At the top is a Victoria Vogue white-bristle brush that might have been designed to be a shadow brush, but it's too large for that. I bought it at a drugstore, with one specific purpose in mind, to apply Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder to the undereye area over concealer. Its soft and moderately floppy bristles fit perfectly into that area, giving a very even, light application of the powder, keeping it right in the undereye area. It grips the powder very well, too. It is the perfect brush for this one important makeup task that I do every day.

The Armani brush was sold to me at Saks, to go with the Luminous Silk Foundation. I've never used the brush with liquid foundation, Armani or not, because I just can't get a grip on the idea of natural bristles with liquid foundation. Granted, my MA at Saks used it to apply the foundation flawlessly to my face, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it. I use this brush for blush.

The Japonesque flat wide brush sits in my collection, neglected. I'm not sure what the purpose of this shape of brush is. Please let me know what I should do with it!

The lash comb/spoolie is a recent acquisiton from Tarte. It's a great lash comb, better than my expensive Rubis which lost some teeth one day when I was cleaning it. I love the long handle, it's easier to use than the folding Sonia Kashuk, and the spoolie is nice for brow grooming.

The red-handle synthetic brush is the Lola Cosmetics concealer brush. Way way too big for undereye concealer application, but okay for spot-concealing on the face. I have actually used this brush for foundations. It works well with cream foundations. It may seem a bit small for face work, but it was certainly too big for the undereye area.

The Maybelline shadow brush was cheap and nicely shaped for blending crease colors.

Two short-handle shadow brushes from Garden Botanika are good for travel bags. One of them has a very useful v-shape, great for working a smokey color into the outer crease area. I've never seen another company offer a brush with this shape.

The little stubby Cover Girl shadow brush was also a travel purchase. Who would think that such a nicely-made, well-balanced, usefully-shaped tiny brush could be found in a blister-pack on a peg at the Cover Girl wall!

I need to repeat Discovery #1 here.
I have too many brushes.

Disclaimer: The featured products were purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman

Giorgio Armani's Bronze Mania Summer Foundation

This is a cream to powder foundation that feels velvety soft and glides on like a dream. It is a red-ish mother of pearl shade that gives a rich sun kissed glow. This is darker than I am used to but for the first time in my life....I look Sicilian. Like I have been sun bathing near the coast.

It retails for $55 and is available at Saks.

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product as provided by Giorgio Armani.

Brushed With Greatness Project

Beautiful by Nature by Cavewoman

This retractable brush came from a markdown bin at Bath & Body Works. It is called Beautiful By Nature and I snagged three or four of them. Who could resist a $4 brush? Not the cavewoman. I brought them home and set them aside in a drawer. I didn't really need them and didn't know what to do with them.

And then, I bought a laptop computer. A week or so after I bought the computer, I noticed that the screen was getting a bit dusty. Now how in the world can you clean a flat computer screen?
You dig into your brush stash.
The B&BW retractable brush is my computer-screen-cleaning brush.
I've since given away the rest of my B&BW retractable powder brushes to my friends with flat-screen monitors.

Have you ever used a makeup brush for a non-makeup purchase? Now is the time for True Confessions!

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman.

From Luca Turin: The masterpiece is, in my opinion, Lie’s Sécrétions Magnifiques, helpfully illustrated on the website by a schoolboy drawing of an ejaculating penis. What he has done is revolutionary: he has used a nitrile as a main note in a fine fragrance. In plain language, he has put a loud note of harbor bilge in an elegant floral and made it fly. The list of really bad smells that make good fragrances better was never long: indole and skatole, both naturals, contained in flowers and shit. Now there are three.

Mark my words: perfume will never be the same.

Visit the review @ http://tinyurl.com/38sv5r

Visit my gushing over Hotel Slut @http://blogdorfgoodman.blogspot.com/2007/05/review-for-putain-des-palaces-by-etat.html

Etat Libre D'Orange fragrances are located at Henri Bendels in NYC. They are covet-worthy!

What are your favorites from this line so far?

Brushed With Greatness Project

Misc Brushes by Cavewoman

During the initial "skunk" brush craze, I hesitated to buy MAC's version. It seemed huge and weird to me. I resisted all the raves on the MakeupAlley makeup chat board, I didn't need this brush, I don't wear bronzers, or highly pigmented blushes, etc etc etc.
Or so I thought.
A trip to Saks always includes a thorough perusal of all counters in the cosmetics department. Annie and I found Lancome's version of the "skunk" and we were impressed by its smaller size, nicely shaped handle, and softer, more flexible bristles. It's a more user-friendly "skunk" than the famous MAC #187. I have not regretted caving on the Lancome version. If you own a bronzer or a bright blush that requires a light hand in applying, a "skunk" is a necessity. I'm not sure if Lancome continues to offer their version. The smaller fluffy Lancome shadow brush was included in a long-time-ago gift with purchase. I keep it in my travel bag, and it's a nice shape for an overall wash of eye color.

My love of all things Prescriptives isn't limited to color and treatment. Prescriptives is well-known for fine foundations, and it extends to their brush collection for face products as well. My very first loose-powder brush was a Prescriptives brush, and you can see that it's been pretty well used over the years. And still it performs as well as it did when it was new, washes beautifully, stays soft, even though I can't seem to get the handle clean anymore. The foundation brush has a good point at the tip for working foundation into the nose area, as well as under the eye. But my favorite brush from Prescriptives is the angled blush brush. This ultra-soft, short-handle brush was a recent discovery at the Lauder outlet store. A perfect travel size, the bristles are expertly tapered and lay down a soft and even application of blush, without applying too much color in one area. Blending is a breeze with this superb brush. I'm liking these angled blush brushes right now.
I think I'll go see if I can spruce up the handle of that old Prescriptives powder brush.

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman

I spy.....

Caroline Murphy's vanity table in House and Garden.

I spy lots of Estee Lauder products including my beloved Tom Ford Bronzer.

http://www.houseandgarden.com/magazine/athome/athome_carolynmurphy

Brushed With Greatness Project

Chanel Brushes by Cavewoman

Luxury abounds at the Chanel beauty counters.

When our local Kaufmann's (now a Macy's store) finally opened a Chanel counter, I was second in line. First in line was a fella who purchased Vamp nail polish. I know who he is and I will keep his anonymity. I bought a lavender dome-shaped pressed face powder that day, and a fluffy powder brush to go with it. You see the brush in the photo.

I added to my Chanel collection little by little over the years, both in color cosmetics and in brushes, and all have stood the test of time perfectly. The brushes in the photo are mostly 8 years old and older, with the exception of a shadow brush I picked up a few months ago. I use that brush often enough to justify a second one. Some of the short-handle brushes have traveled many miles with me and have served me well.

One of the brushes in the photo is in an altered state, and I'll explain why. I was heading to Italy and trying to arrange and choose my makeup to fit into my Trish McEvoy planner. I needed my Chanel eyeliner brush on that trip. This brush has very short stiff bristles and is perfect for applying a dark shadow over top of eyeliner, which helps to make the liner last all day. My Chanel brush was too long to fit in the planner. I grabbed some wire cutters and snipped off the end of the wooden black-lacquered handle, filed the rough edges with an emery board, and dabbed the cut tip with a black Sharpie. And there it was, my perfect liner travel brush. I shared my story with Chris, our local fabulous Chanel makeup artist, who gave me absolution from my Chanel sin. I think my next Chanel purchase will be another one of these useful eyeliner brushes.

I won't chop this one.

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman.

Blogdorf Goodman Poll:

Mood: Not the best...see picture.

Computer Update: It is still with my techie. It appears that it will never be able to restore itself again.

Music: I have been listening to Radiohead's Ok Computer...Let Down is on a continuous loop.

Today's drink of choice: Coffee with blueberry creamer.

Nail Polish: I am loving and wearing Magnolia Rose from Chanel. This is available at Nordstorm.

Lippie: Chanel's Luminous satin Lip Color in Rose Blossom with Chanel's Fluorescent lip gloss layered over it. I also did a dab Dior Kiss lip gloss in Sorbet Meringue.

Beauty Lemmings: Everything at Kanebo!

Last big purchase: A leather coat with a peter pan collar at HM.

What do you miss? Blogging(I miss you guys!) and it appears that I missed a Luckyscent 25% off sale. Can you believe they had a code?

Best magazine this month: I am loving Allure.

Plans for the weekend: Meeting up with some friends on Sunday. Pouting on Friday and Saturday.

Have a great weekend!

Brushed With Greatness Project

Sephora brushes by Cavewoman

Standing in front of the huge display of Sephora's own brand of brushes is almost an overwhelming experience. There are brushes for just about every single makeup application you can imagine, and some for application that you didn't know you needed and for techniques or products that you probably don't even have, or use! If there is a specific brush for a specific product or makeup application that has eluded you in other brands, go to Sephora. Their house brand of brushes is the most extensive collection I've ever seen.

Sephora brushes are beautifully crafted workhorses. Synthetic and natural bristles, short and long handles, black or silver handles, pro or amateur, the brushes are displayed in groups according to use, so it is not too hard to zero in on the type and shape you want.

My Sephora brushes are all eye-product application brushes. Don't pay attention to the Pro designation, as Sephora is phasing out their original black-handle brushes (mine say Pro on them) and offering new Pro brushes in both natural and synthetic bristles. Right now the old black handle brushes can be found at a nice half-off discount. The fine liner brush at the bottom of the photo was only $4. Less than the price of a Starbucks Frap!

Take a close look at the brush at the top, it is the smudge brush. This brush is identical in shape to the NARS smudge, but half the price! But if you check at Sephora, look at all the brushes carefully in the smudge brush jar display. The older ones have these very short stubby bristles that don't move when you use the brush. The newer ones have slightly longer bristles. I prefer the stub.

Not in the photo, but soon to be added to my Sephora brush collection, are the new synthetics. A bit pricier than usual for Sephora's brand, these are the most incredibly soft brushes I've ever seen (or felt) and the Cleveland Gang were full of ooohs and ahhhs as we tested the powder and blush brushes on our hands. I see a massive caving ahead, for all of us!

Sephora brushes hold up beautifully. Choose the short-handle for your travel case, and the long-handle for your vanity table. And don't forget the sets, which change seasonally and make great gifts for your makeup-loving friends.

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman

Brushed With Greatness Project

Bare Escentuals brushes by Cavewoman

It stands to reason that a company that became famous for its revolutionary foundations would offer great brushes to go along with that foundation. I'm not a fan of Bare Escentuals loose mineral foundation, although I've tried several times to understand the love and raves this product receives. The minerals made my face feel tight, itchy, and they appear very shiny-weird on my face, but the brushes from Bare Escentuals work well for any other powder product from any line.

Tightly packed bristles with a superb dome taper are the brush style for BE. Short and long handles are available, depending on personal preference. I use my BE short handle brush to apply (shhhhh) Milani loose mineral foundation (much preferred to BE) and also for finishing powder. They're definitely not the softest brushes in my collection, but they have a great 'grab' -- they pick up plenty of product. These brushes are designed perfectly for loose powder foundations. They don't shed, and they hold up well to the tap-swirl-buff technique that BE recommends for applying their foundations. Any loose mineral foundation is best applied in that manner, too.
BE offers a lovely, soft, synthetic brush called Soft Focus, both in a regular handle and a retractable version for portability (and keeping the inside of your purse or makeup bag free of loose powder fallout!) These Soft Focus brushes work beautifully for buffing on a loose finishing powder, and I use mine for my La Mer Translucent powder. I'm impressed with the even application and very soft, full dome of the brush.

And then there is the little, tightly packed, exaggerated-dome brush that resembles a mini of the Nars Bronzer Brush. This is the Handy-Buki by BE, and I can't rave enough about the versatility of this brush. Originally offered by BE as a buffer for its mineral foundations, this brush works well for a bronzer-user-novice like myself, and it's great for applying a highlighting powder over blush. I use it to apply MAC Lightscapade at the cheekbone. DuWop has a Blushbooster that I want to try over my regular blushes, and I think that this Handy Buki will be perfect for that, too.

On your next trip to a BE boutique, try to resist (it's almost impossible!) the adorable cake-stand displays of super-pretty, shimmery-glimmery shadows and blushes, and head to the brush display. Or, if your ability to resist is weak, you can order BE brushes from QVC.com.

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman.

Brushed With Greatness Project

Tony +Tina brushes by Cavewoman

Sometimes you get a second chance.

I passed up the beautiful Tony & Tina brushes so many times at our Cleveland Nordstrom store. Maybe I was too involved in playing with those splendid pots of glitter, (I blame that on Miss Blogdorf herself, who loves sparkly loose shadows and shimmery powders, maybe she distracted me!) but whatever it was that led me away from the brush sets at the Tony & Tina display, I was sad to learn that the line had been discontinued, and that my chance to grab the beautiful synthetic-bristle brushes would be gone forever.

Rumor has it that Tony & Tina broke up.

And then we started to hear of the brush sets showing up at TJMaxx! I scoured the stores and found a few sets, under ten dollars, and sent them out in swaps and gifts. I forgot to save a set for myself! And then, one day at the fabulous TJMaxx store that Chanel dresses, I spotted a few of the shadow and powder brushes packaged on their own, and this time they would be mine.

I've heard that Shu Uemura made these brushes for Tony & Tina. I'm not sure if that is true, but the quality of these brushes is amazing. The powder brush is incredibly soft and flexible, and I reach for this brush when I'm using my La Mer loose powder. The handle has a nice heft to it, and is perfectly balanced, easy to keep clean, and pretty! The bristles are densely packed, but the dome is nicely rounded and not the least bit stiff or scratchy. I can't say that the shadow brushes get much use because I tend to reach for flat brushes, but these round, nicely shaped shadow brushes are great for crease work and for blending. I used to be a natural-bristle-only brush buyer, but now I check out synthetic bristles in other lines. Be alerted that Sephora's own brand has a new group of synthetic-bristle brushes that are so fabulously made and so soft, that they had the Cleveland Gang gasping in delight! Synthetics have come a long way, probably due to the fine Tony & Tina brushes establishing a great standard for synthetics.

What synthetic brushes do you own, how do you use them, and how are they performing for you?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Caveoman.