Drugstore Deals and Steals

For January 31st through February 6th 2010

Kmart

Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip and nail products
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on face, eye and lip products
Pro Manicure Nail Polish is on sale for $2.99

CVS

L'Oreal: Bare Naturale, True Match or Visible Lift foundation, powder or blush is priced at $10 with CVS card
Extra-Volume Collagen, Voluminous mascara, all L'Oreal eye shadow, liner or Colour Riche lipcolor or liner is priced at $5 with CVS card
Go 360 Clean facial cleanser or scrub with scrublet is priced at $5.00 with CVS card
Skin Genesis is priced at $14.99 with CVS card
Age Perfect Moisturizer is priced at $11.99 with CVS card
Lumene: Spend $20 and get $5 extra CVS bucks when you buy any Lumene skin care with CVS card
Revlon: Extra $5 CVS bucks when you purchase a Photo Ready foundation or powder with CVS card
Extra $3 CVS bucks when you purchase a Color Burst lipstick with CVS card
Physicians Formula: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all cosmetics with CVS card
CoverGirl: Buy Lashblast mascara and get a CoverGirl 1 kit eye shadow for FREE with CVS card

Walgreens

Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip, nail color or LaCross implements
Revlon: Photo Ready foundation, powder or finisher is priced at $9.99
Olay: Total Effects Body wash is priced at $7.99
You will receive a FREE CoverGirl Exact Eye Shadow with an Olay Total Effects body wash purchase.
Yes to Carrots: Buy 1, get 1 50% off products
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off cosmetics, skin care or sublime bronzer self-tanner

Target

CoverGirl: 2-pk Lashblast or Luxe mascara is priced at $9.49
Eucerin: 2-pk, 8 oz Eucerin hand & body lotion is priced at $9.99

Rite Aid

L'Oreal: Advanced Revitalift or Age Perfect skin care is priced at $11.99
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all cosmetics
CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all lip and eye cosmetics
Buy 1, get 1 50% off CoverGirl mascara
Almay: $2 single check rebate for foundation and powder
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off lip and nail products

MAC's Hypnotizing: Do That Voodoo That You Do So Well

I was mighty blue,
thought my life was through,
till the heavens opened,
and I gazed at you.
Won't you tell me, dear,
Why, when you appear,
something happens to me
and the strangest feeling
goes through me?
You do something to me,
something that simply mystifies me.
Tell me, why should it be
you have the power to hypnotize me?
Let me live 'neath your spell,
Do do that voodoo
that you do so well. (Cole Porter)

Another sleeper from the MAC Love Lace Collection.
This is a mauve taupe, shroom shade in the frost formula. Kinda gray. Kinda murky. Kinda smitten.

Run to your counters and grab it for $14.50. It was sold out at my local Nordstorm counter. I found it at Saks. It is also still available at MAC online.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Sale at Space NK

This just popped in my email box.
I have no other information.
Let us know if you attend and what brands are marked down!
Happy Shopping!

Oh watcha gonna do, Katie?

You're a sweet sweet girl.
But it's a cruel, cruel world a cruel, cruel world.
(lyrics to What Katie Did by Libertines)

MUA's Cavewoman gifted me with my first Illamasqua product. I was thrilled and delighted. I have been curious about the line since Ben raved about it on We Love Beauty. Ben said "If Nars and Tim Burton were to have a baby...that baby would be Illamasqua".

That simple statement catapulted my lemmings into overdrive. I begged my friend Tbone to visit the London counter and sneak pictures. Tbone successfully distracted the counter and was able to get blur free shots. I poured over those stolen glimpses every night.
I could not wait for the Sephora launch date.
The launch came and went. The reviews on other beauty blogs were not exactly gushing.
I took it as a sign and kept my wallet closed. I would not order sight unseen. I did not have regrets with that decision until I was gifted with Katie. Now I want to gobble up everything!

My first Illamasqua product is a powder blush called Katie. It is a whispery cherry blossom pink. It is outrageously feminine and pretty.


The finish and texture is matte. It is not powdery or ash-like. The ingredients range from Talc to Silica. I also spotted Rice Starch, Mica, Mineral Oil, Beeswax and Titanium Dioxide. I am not on friendly terms with Titanium Dioxide. You might say we are enemies. However, it did not affect the performance of this blush. It did not make the blush settle into my pores. It did not make my skin parched.

It has great lasting power. The color stayed true. The pigment is quite exceptional. It takes just a light tap with your skunk brush to get the right amount of flush.
Katie did not fade or morph through the 8 hour day. My face was in my hands during all the frustrating moments of a typical work day.
My blush never moved.
This was an impressive feat.

The packaging is adorable yet the latch is slightly difficult to open. I have to use my nail to shimmy the clasp. This is annoying and potentially breakable. The foreshadowing is not good for this clumsy girl. Katie retails for $23 at Sephora.
http://www.illamasqua.com/
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=Illamasqua

Let us know what you think of Illamasqua in the comments.
What should I try next?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased and then gifted to me. I have great friends!

Lancome Gift With Purchase At Saks

Lancôme’s is running a gift-with-purchase promotion that runs until this Friday, January 30th, exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

If you spend $50 at the Lancôme counter, you will receive a black mini bowling bag filled with a slew of makeup samples, such as a Color Design eye shadow compact featuring several star shades, Color Design Lipcolor in Pale Lip and the always-popular Définicils Mascara. Choose your own anti-aging trio, including a day cream, eye cream and serum, from the Rénergie, High Résolution or Absolue Premium βx collections.

Lancome's Spring line has arrived at your local counters. The Chris Benz lippie is a hot along with the green themed palette. I am beyond OBSESSED with the palette.

Formula Perfection That's Easily Found

By Melanie Parker

Several years ago, I relegated myself to only salon brand polishes. I stocked up on Essie, OPI, China Glaze, and Misa. I let my Orly, Sally Hansen, and Finger Paints polishes linger unused in their bottles for years. I don't know why. Before the color obsession, I was quite happy with my Sally Hansen Pure Putty and Calming Cocoa colors. Both were neutral crèmes that looks elegant with my long nails. I'm happy to report that their new salon formulas are actually outlasting the salon brands. You really can get the best finish and wear at the drugstores thanks to Rimmel London and Sally Hansen raising the bar.

After getting burned by several lackluster collections and a whole lot of wasted money on Chanel polishes that take too may coats to achieve bottle color and chip easily, I stopped buying polish for awhile. Now, I've started up again and I'm going back to my roots. Well, back to my nail lacquer roots. I'm still going to cover the gray in my hair.

So, I experimented with two new polish formulas easily found on display at the local Walgreen's. First up is Rimmel London's new Lasting Finish Pro formula. Despite there being a lovely peacock blue shimmer, I opted for a traditional blue-based red crème. I wasn't sure if it would be a jelly finish like Sally Hansen Salon's Cocktail Party or not. Luckily, it is not a duplicate. The Rimmel has a wide flat brush that covers the nail thoroughly. Because I like vampy nails, I did three coats of color. The bottle promises that it will last "Up to 10 Days." I took this picture on day 8. There was no chipping and minimal tip wear. I'm impressed. I can't remember if this was $7 or 8, but it was definitely worth it. I will be buying this formula again.

Next up was Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line. As you can tell from the pictures, the bottle shape is different than the Sally Hansen Salon formula polishes is the rectangular bottles. I like this new cap. It has a rubber ridge that you can rest your bent finger on while painting the opposite hand. It also has a wide, flat brush that cover a pinky nail in one stroke. I really like everything about this polish. I love the two dusty crème hues I chose and that they covered thoroughly and completely in two coats. For less than $8 a bottle, this formula is the best I have ever used. Yes, it's better than OPI, China Glaze, and even Misa. I'm hooked!

Commander in Chic is the color I spotted across the aisle that drew me to the display. It looked a little like the Sephora for OPI Metro Chic, but it's a few shades lighter. OPI's You Don't Know Jacques is another mushroom/gray/beige crème polish that it might get compared to, but Commander in Chic is at least 2 shades lighter on the nail and almost has a lavender base color. The closest color that I could find is the Rimmel London Steel Gray, but that was just a tad darker and more taupe, which is ironic since the name would indicate it was gray. I really debated between the two colors in the store, but I am happy I choose Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic because I really love this formula. It's so thick and glossy, even before I added a coat of Poshe topcoat.

Plum's the Word is another interesting shade from this collection. I am quite satisfied that this will quench my thirst for the new Chanel Particuliere. Muted plum crèmes are strong on the fashion scene right now. I like this formula better than Essie Mink Muffs and the Chanel, but I also think it is a few shades lighter. When Walgreen's has a sale on these, I'm going back for Fairy Teal and a few other bright colors.

Disclaimer: These polishes were purchased at the drugstore by the reviewer.

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For January 24th through January 30th 2010

Rite Aid

Maybelline: 40% off cosmetics
Pantene: Shampoo or conditioner is priced at $4.99
L'Oreal: Double Extend Boosting Mascara is priced at $9.99
Eucerin: 25% off Eucerin products
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all nail enamel
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip and nail cosmetics
Lubriderm: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lotion
Aveeno: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on skin care

Kmart

Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip or face products
Nexxus: 155 off haircare

Target

Olay: Regenerist cleanser is priced at $5.49
Maybelline: Color Sensational lipstick is priced at $4.99
RoC: 3-pc Wrinkle Smoothing System is priced at $39.99
1 oz Deep wrinkle night cream or daily moisturizer is priced at $19.99

Walgreens

Ponds: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on 3.5 oz cold cream or 3.9 oz dry skin cream or 30 pack Towelettes
L'Oreal: $5 off on Double Extend 24-hour Lash Boosting Power System
Maybelline: 40% off on foundation,concealer, powder, blush, lip color or implements
Eucerin: 14-16.9 oz skin care is priced at $10.99
Garnier Nutritioniste: $3 off on skin care
Olay: Quench body lotion(20.2 oz) is priced at $7.99
FREE Olay Quench In-Shower Body lotion(8.4 oz) with purchase
Clean & Clear: 25% off on skin care
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics and implements
Neutrogena: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics, facial moisturizers or lotions

CVS

Rimmel: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on all Rimmel cosmetics with CVS card
This sale lasts till Tuesday, January 26 2010. Afterwards, the sale is modified to Buy 1, get 1 50% off with CVS card.

CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on Clean liquid foundation or pressed powder with CVS card
Almay: Extra $2 CVS bucks off on Intense i-Color shadow, liner or mascara with CVS card
L'Oreal: Lash Boosting Serum is priced at $12.49 with CVS card
Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara is priced at $10.49 with CVS card
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics(excludes Double Extend Lash Boosting mascara, serum or kits) with CVS card
Revlon: ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow Quad or Super Lustrous Moondrops lipstick is priced at $5 with CVS card
DoubleTwist, 3D Extreme or Lash Fantasy Mascara is priced at $7 with CVS card
Rapid Lash: Eyelash renewal serum 1 oz is priced at $49.99 with CVS card
Olay: Complete or Age Defying Lotion 4-6 oz, cream 2 oz, or eye gel 0.5 oz is priced at $9.99 with CVS card
Olay: Get $5 extra CVS bucks when you purchase Olay Pro-X skincare with CVS card
Aquaphor: Save $1 on all Aquaphor with CVS card
Eucerin: Spend $20 and get $10 extra CVS bucks when you buy Eucerin with CVS card

“We Miss You,” Hissed the Lovecats

A review of Paul & Joe Honeysuckle Eye Shadow Duo (Spring 2010)
by Jessica M

A few years ago, I went through an intense Paul & Joe phase; then, for no particular reason, I got distracted and started sampling other brands. But I’ve recently been spending more time with Paul & Joe again, and here’s one reason that I still like this line so much: its products combine cuteness and practicality so well that you can feel frivolous while buying something you’ll actually use on a regular basis.

I just purchased an eye shadow from the Spring 2010 “Wild Flowers” limited edition collection: Honeysuckle (#064), an ivory/brown powder duo. Cute: the packaging features a pair of cats on a floral-pattern background. (The limited-edition designs are always inspired by textiles in the latest Paul & Joe fashion collection.) Practical: the shadow itself can be easily depotted, if you’re one of those clever people who like to arrange your cosmetics in palettes. Cute: little flower or clover shapes of warm golden-brown shadow are inserted into the ivory background. Practical: the colors can be swirled together, or else you can wear the ivory as an all-over shade and use a finer brush to apply the brown as a contour shade.

So, how does this product perform? The powder is finely milled and it blends easily; the ivory has a very delicate shimmer effect, and the brown looks softer and subtler on skin than it does in the pan. Some of the shimmer drifted into my under-eye area during application, but otherwise, the shadow stayed put during the day. For me, this is an ideal everyday color duo; plus, it complements any of my usual lip colors. Purr-fect!

The Wild Flowers line also includes two other shadows, Lady’s Slipper 065 (lime green/light pink) and Purple Clover (#066, dusty lilac/grayish purple), plus three potted lip glosses: Baby’s Breath (#001, sheer ivory/creamy nude), Snapdragon 002 (sparkly peach/creamy orange), Primrose (#003, creamy pink/sparkly fuchsia).

The shadows in the Spring 2010 collection sell for $20 each, the glosses for $25 each. You can find them at the Paul & Joe counter at Bergdorf Goodman in New York (call 212-872-2759; Caroline is very helpful!) or online at Beautyhabit.com.

Disclaimer: This product was purchased at Bergdorf Goodman.

Photo credits: Paul & Joe and Jessica M

Title lyrics: The Cure

Clean As A Whistle: MAC Studio Fix Lash

This is a very clean mascara. There is no mess, clumps, or smears. The tube is designed with a narrow opening that catches the brush during removal and re-entry. This helps eliminate mascara from gathering around the wand or junking up the bristles.

The thermoplastic synth-rubber moulded brush coats each lash with a generous amount of product. The brush is whippet thin with fairly small bristles. The spike-like bristles are erect and appear stiff at first glance. However, the bristles are pliable and oddly soft to the touch.

Studio Fix separates each lash with ease. The bristles act like tiny combs. My lash fringe looked separated, uncluttered and clean. It is a light look with little drama. This formula does not add volume, length or curl. The results are more modern looking.

Studio Fix mascara retails for $13.00($15.50 CDN) and is currently available at your local MAC counter. For more details visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/

It is available in Black Fix and Studio Brown.

Credit: MAC

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For Jaunaury 17th through January 23rd 2010

Target

L'Oreal: 24-Hour Lash Boosting power system is priced at $21.79
True Match Roller Foundation is priced at $12.79
Maybelline: XXL Pro Mascara or the new EyeStudio shadow quads are priced at $6.99
CoverGirl: Smoky Shadow Blast is priced at $6.99. Has anyone tried this yet? Let us know in the comments!
Aveeno: 4 oz. Postively Radiant moisturizer is priced at $13.49
Eucerin: 16 oz lotion is priced at $9.99
Burt's Bees: 12 oz Pomegranate & Soy shampoo and conditioner is priced at $7.99
Pantene: 12.6 oz Nature Fusion or 13 oz Brunette Expressions shampoo is priced at $3.29

Rite Aid

CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on eye cosmetics
Prestige: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
L'Oreal: $2 off foundation, powder, blush or concealer

Kmart

CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on eye cosmetics
Olay: Selected Regenerist or Total Effects products are priced at $18.
Almay: 40% off cosmetics

Walgreens

Almay: Buy 1, get 1 50% off cosmetics
L'Oreal: Voluminous, Panoramic Curl, Extra Volume Collagen and Lash Out are priced at $4.99
Revlon: Double Twist mascara or ColorBurst lip color is priced at $6.99
Wet' n Wild: Buy 1, get 1 50% off cosmetics
Biore: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on skin care
Maybelline: 40% off on eye or nail cosmetics
CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics

CVS

CoverGirl: Lashblast Volume or Lashblast Length is priced at $7 with CVS card
Clean Liquid Foundation or pressed powder is priced at $4 with CVS card
CoverGirl & Olay: Simply Ageless foundation is priced at $12 with CVS card
CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Corrector, Concealer or Sculpting Blush is priced at $10 with CVS card
Olay: Definity Facial Care is priced at $24.99 with CVS card
Body Wash 23.6 oz or plus ribbons 18 oz is priced at $6.49 with CVS card
Olay: Regenerist cream, lotion, treatment 1.7 oz, eye derma-pod 24 ct.,intervention or dermabrasion kit is priced at $24.99 with CVS card
Wet cloths 30 ct, cleanser, or scrub 5-6 oz is priced at $6.99 with CVS card
Maybelline: Spend $15,get $5 extra CVS bucks when you buy Maybelline XXL Pro mascara or eye studio with CVS card
Revlon: Buy 1, get one FREE on all Revlon cosmetics or beauty tools with CVS card
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Complete Salon, Continuous Treatment or Color Quicks-Chrome nail color with CVS card
Physicians Formula: Healthy Wear foundation or bronzer is priced at $12.99 with CVS card
Rimmel: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all Rimmel mascara with CVS card
L'Oreal: Extra-Volume Collagen, Voluminous mascara,HiP eye shadow duo or ALL Colour Riche Luminous lipcolor or lip liner is priced at $5 with CVS card
Neutrogena: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all skin care and hair care with CVS card
Cetaphil: Save $1 on all Cetaphil products with CVS card

Sorry that there is no new post for today. I have been struggling with sleep issues and general funks.

I decided to wear a long forgotten fragrance to match my spirits. I chose Serge Lutens Douce Amere.
It is a crazy mix of anise and absinthe. It smells like a bag of licorice.

There is a MAGNIFICENT quote on the online site Luckyscent for this fragrance:

Moody and contrary, this is the unexpected lightness of heart at the sight of a gray, rainy day; the decadent thrill of reveling in a bad mood overlong; the sharp stab of melancholy when you hear of someone else being happy.

Yep.
This is how I feel.

What fragrance did you choose today?
You can purchase Serge Lutens Douce Amere at Luckyscent for $120.
http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/detail.asp?itemid=36118

Credit: William Klein

She Will Always Be Darla To Me...

Inspiration from MA Kelsey Deenihan :
“The Golden Globes is clearly one special occasion and Dexter's leading lady, Julie Benz, couldn't risk having anything but a prefect glowing complexion on that red carpet. When deciding what look Julie was going to be wearing at the Globes this year, her fashion stylist, Joey Tierney, and I talked about a pretty, muted, monochromatic look. Julie's dress is champagne color and we wanted to keep the makeup pretty subtle with some highlights to just bring out a little sparkle.”

How To:

PREPARE: To begin, I applied intense moisturizing concentrate on Julie's skin to give a bit of extra hydration before applying her makeup. The added bit of moisture allows her skin to stay radiant and carry the makeup throughout the night without getting dry or feeling heavy. Next, I brushed on a small dab of the depsea hydrability moisturizing lip balm to soften her lips. There’s nothing worse than dry cracked lips under a natural lipstick when it’s easily avoidable.

FOUNDATION: Julie likes to have a full coverage foundation, especially on big event days. The Shu Uemura Face Architect remodeling cream foundation is perfect for her skin. Face Architect gives buildable coverage without looking too heavy allowing the skin to keep a natural radiance while looking flawless. To set the foundation I took a large powder brush and lightly brushed on Shu Uemura loose powder in 5YR medium light. With a little power behind the brush and circular motions on the skin I buffed the powder into the foundation setting it and allowing Julie's flawless canvas to be ready for color!

EYES: Julie's inner eye and eyelids are highlighted with Shu Uemura eye shadow in white 906. This shimmery white shadow picks up light and brightens her eyes. Above the shimmer is a natural matte color (Shu Uemura beige 835) that I brushed into her crease to give a hint of definition to the lids.

BLUSH: After the eyes I began to start sculpting the face by contouring Julie’s cheeks and temples. I used Shu Uemura Amber 82 blush as a natural contour. I applied the peachy rose blush just under the cheek bone to give added definition to Julie's facial structure. I then took my blush brush and lightly dusted Shu Uemura Peach 43 blush over the apples of her cheeks to softly blend the contour and add a bit of healthy color.

LIPS: The natural lip is Shu Uemura lipstick in BG 907 and lipgloss OR 580N over it.

All the products can be purchased at your local Shu counter or online at http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/skincare/product-family/depsea-hydrability.aspx

Credits: Shu Uemura and Julie Benz's twitter
http://twitter.com/JulieBenz

The Gregory Arlt Education

Gregory Arlt is a rockstar MA. I religiously follow his twitter. He shares a great love for the Feline eyeliner. This makes him a kindred spirit. I heart him.

Mr Arlt is the man responsible for the English rose look for the lovely Carey Mulligan.
His goal was to keep the "skin luminous and cool with a sweet pink cheek, the eyes soft yet defined with gray metallic shadows, and the lips a ‘just bitten’ berry stain."
The soft and pretty look was achieved with MAC Cosmetics. His lippie cocktail was very interesting. It really makes me want to visit a Pro store. It will be my first stop the next time I visit NYC.


SKIN:Foundation:
Face and Body in C2 mixed with a drop of Care Blends Essential Oils and Strobe Liquid (for a luminous glow)
Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium
Upper cheek highlight: Cream Colour Base in Pearl
Blush: Powder Blush in Well Dressed


EYES:
Brow Highlight: Eye Shadow in Phloof!
Crease: Eye Shadow in Copperplate
Lids: Eye Shadow in Satin Taupe
Outer corners: Eye Shadow in Print
Upper liner: Eye Shadow in Print and Eye Shadow in Carbon
Mascara: Splashproof Lash in Blacksplash (upper lashes only)

LIPS:
Gregory created a custom lip balm/stain for Carey. He mixed ½ a drop of rose and mint oils into Lip Conditioner with a drop of PRO Lipmix in Crimson, PRO Lipmix in Burgundy and a ¼ drop of PRO Lipmix in Black to create the perfect berry stain. To get the look at home you can use Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Plum Perfect.

All products can be purchased online at www.maccosmetics.com

Credit: wireimage and MAC

The Good Wife

Mr Buckle really had a great night at the Golden Globes. He is responsible for many of the stunners of the evening. For Julianna Marguiles he went with a light hand. Her skin glowed and she rocked a very light smoky eye. Kristofer also showed us how to use the Orgasm Illuminator.
I am entranced yet slightly nervous about this product.

From Mr Buckle's mouth: “Julianna has such beautiful skin and a gorgeous beaming smile, that I wanted to keep the colors subdued and let her natural skintone shine through,” said Kristofer Buckle for NARS Cosmetics. “I didn't want to use too much color because it might have taken away from her. I wanted it to be all about Julianna so I focused on highlighting her skin by encouraging shine and glow.”

Below is Kristofer’s step-by-step to recreate Julianna’s look:

Complexion:

· Using fingers apply Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) down the center of the nose, across cheekbones, and on the apples of the cheeks

· Apply Firming Foundation all over face, mixing in with the Orgasm Illuminator

· Re-apply Orgasm Illuminator over the entire complexion to encourage shine [Kristofer’s tip: “I used the Flat Concealer Brush to apply the Orgasm Illuminator on top of the foundation creating high gleam.”]


Eyes:

· Apply both sides of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow into the crease and all over the eyelid

· Dab the sooty dark brown side of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow on the outer part of the eye [Kristofer’s tip: “I love the shimmering iridescent in this eyeshadow. A metallic iridescence softens the smokiness of an eye allowing it to look like it is part of the skin rather than looking gothic.”]

· Next, use the sable shade from Brousse Duo Eyeshadow and lightly dust under lower lash line

· Then, lightly tap Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) on the inside corner of the eye

· Curl the eyelashes and apply Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara


Lips:

· Apply Cruising Lipstick (NEW Spring 2010)

· Next, layer Ophelia Lip Gloss (NEW Spring 2010) over the lipstick [Kristofer’s tip: “I love this soft pink, it adds just the right amount of color.”]


Cheeks:

· Dust Super Orgasm Blush onto the apples of cheeks


Body:

· Blend Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) all over neck and décolletage

Orgasm Illuminator will be available at Sephora on February 1 and all other NARS Cosmetics are available at www.narscosmetics.com

Credit: Nars

What A Girl Wants

Christina Aguilera has never looked so soft and lovely like last night at the Golden Globes. I do not know who this Kristofer is...but he is a damn genius on all levels. Those eyes!!!!

It makes me want to get India Song today.

Words from the genius Mr Kristopher Buckle......

“I wanted to create a soft natural look on Christina to compliment her gown and new haircut,” said Kristofer Buckle for NARS Cosmetics. “Her dress choice was a beautiful pastel peach with silver. I didn’t want the look to fight with her gown. The final look is chic and seamless, with a earthy colored smokey eye and glowing skin.”

Well...Mr Kristopher Buckle...you hit it out of the park!

Below is Kristofer’s step-by-step to recreate Christina’s look:

Complexion:

·Use the Balancing Moisture Lotion and apply the Makeup Primer as a base

·Apply Firming Foundation and set with Pressed PowderEyes

Eyes:

·Apply the vanilla side of India Song Duo Eyeshadow as a base, over the entire lid and up to eyebrow

·Next, use the shimmering walnut shade of India Song Duo Eyeshadow and apply to the outer corner and under the bottom lash line

·Then, use the warm rich brown side of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow just under eye rubbing into the lower lash line to create smokey eye

·Curl the eyelashes and apply a coat of Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara to top and bottom lashes, following with 2 coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara for full lashes

·Take Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo and dot in between individual lashes [Kristofer’s tip:“I used the Push Eyeliner Brush to blend the eyeliner in between the lashes, which helped to apply just enough without looking to heavy.”]

Lips:

·Use the Fantasia Lipliner Pencil and Niagara Lipstick

·Next, apply Easy Lover Lip Gloss (NEW for Spring 2010) over [Kristofer’s tip:“Applying a sheer pink gloss on top of a nude colored lip provides a nice modern pop of color.”]

Cheeks:

·Generously apply Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) to cheekbones, décolletage, and shoulders for an all over glow

·Use Malaysia Multiple Bronzer to contour cheeks by blending under cheekbones

·Apply the Mata Hari Blush to the apple of cheeks and lightly tap on browbone [Kristoper’s tip: “Lightly dusting a blush on the browbone gives life to the eye and melds the whole look together.”]

·Next, with short, back and forth quick strokes use Nico Blush to highlight cheekbones

Orgasm Illuminator will be available at Sephora on February 1 and all other NARS Cosmetics are available at http://www.narscosmetics.com/

Credit: Nars

Peaches and Cream

Celebrity Makeup Artist, Vanessa Scali for Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks at 2010 Golden Globes

I am always amazed at the perfection of her skin. It must make people weep. Not a pore. Not a sun spot. Not a wrinkle. Just pure porcelain perfection.

The makeup for this event was shu uemura with an appearance by Lancome.

Inspiration:
“Effortless and chic: sheer satin eyes, pink milk-maid cheeks and a siren mouth. Christina’s dress has a sexy, yet soft look. We mirrored this with her make up. I love the contrast of the angelic, innocent face with the sexy edge of a strong mouth.”

How To:

PREPARE: I used shu uemura’s new Depsea Hydrability Moisture Cream. This cream seriously hydrates, yet disappears into the skin leaving the skin feeling fresh and smooth.

UNDEREYE: Lancôme’s Effacernes in Porcelain.

FOUNDATION: Applied minimal foundation, because Christina has nearly flawless skin. I used shu uemura’s Nobara Cream Cover Stick foundation.

BLUSH: I used shu uemura’s brand new Satin Radiant Stick Blush on the apples of the cheeks.

HIGHLIGHTER/EYESHADOW: I used Satin Radiant Stick in Highlight all over the eye (from lash line to brow) then swept it down to highlight the very peak of the cheekbones.

EYE LINER: To define and elongate the lashline, I used shu uemura’s Drawing Pencil in Black. Also, to open up the eye, I lined the inside rim of the eye with shu uemura’s Eye Light White.

LASHES: For luxurious lashes we added shu uemura’s Flare eyelashes in Black and finished with a coat of Ultimate Expression Mascara.

LIPS: I used shu uemura’s Rouge Unlimited #134

Credit: photo by Frazer Harrison via fashionspot and shu uemura

A Rose Is A Rose

Rose Byrne's beauty look was lovely and breathtakingly simple. I loved the pink cheeks, subtle smoky eye and flushed lip. It was all achieved with Lancome products.

Ana Marie(the MA) prepped the skin with Secret de Vie Toner (her favorite!) and then applied Lancôme Bienfait Multi Vital moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and fresh.

Lancôme Absolue Foundation in Ecru was applied with a foundation brush and blended with a makeup sponge. This helps the foundation go on evenly and keep the skin looking radiant.

To create a sultry smokey eye, Ana Marie used Lancôme Eyeshadow Quad in Innocence Couture. The Positive shade was swept all over the eyelid and Fashion Scoop and Backstage Pass were blended just to the lash line and smudged. Next, Lancôme Artliner in Noir was used to create a cat line for extra drama. Lancôme Définicils Waterproof Mascara in Black coated the top and bottom lashes.

Lancôme Color Design Cream Blush in Petticoat Pink (Why have I not purchased this yet?) was dabbed on the apples of the cheek and then topped with a powder blush, Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cedar Rose. This technique helps keep the cheek color fresh all day, even with the rain!

Shu Uemura Loose Powder in Translucent was dusted on the T-zone to create a matte complexion.

Finally, Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Simmer gave Rose her ultra-glossy pout.

Credits: Lancome and wireimage

She Will Always be Kitty Bennet To Me...

The Education's Carey Mulligan in a custom made Nina Ricci gown.
I see some resemblance to this gown from Nini Ricci Spring 2010.

Credit: wireimage and style.com

Big Love

Ginnifer Goodwin is perfection. Loved the winged liner and understated lips. Loved the Art Deco earrings.
Loved the cobalt blue dress by Vionnet.
Loved the Audrey Hepburn Odine reference.
This is true Golden Globe Nirvana.
The team behind all of this...you kicked ass.

Credits: wireimage,style.com and unknown

Coming Up Roses

Rose Byrne in Lanvin Pre-Fall 2010. I love the three brooches on her hip. Serious glamour.

Credits: wireimage and style.com

Do We Need Any More Orgasms?

The answer is yes.

This arrived in my email box yesterday. As a fan of the blush and The Multiple, this is exciting news. Let us know if you are looking forward to this Orgasm flanker in the comments.

Straight From Nars: Introducing ORGASM ILLUMINATOR, a scintillatingly sheer, weightless fluid that instantly makes skin refreshed, radiant and glowing. Flecks of gold, peach and pink shimmer softly diffuse light, melting into the skin to allow natural luminosity to shine through. (sounds pretty)

Apply ORGASM ILLUMINATOR all over the face for a barely-there, healthy glow. (This is a recipe for disaster for me!)Use as a highlighter for a glimmering accent on the cheekbones. Layer it under, over, or mix directly with NARS Foundations for added overall brilliance. Wear it on the neck, shoulders or décolleté for a silky, subtle, eye-catching sheen.

The ORGASM ILLUMINATOR, a new product category for NARS, joins the cult-followed collection of NARS Orgasm-hued products, which includes Blush, Lip Gloss, Nail Polish and The Multiple. Revered by makeup artists and consumers worldwide, NARS Orgasm products have been the recipient of numerous beauty accolades.

NARS ORGASM ILLUMINATOR contains raspberry and black currant; bisabolol; Indian Frankincense, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate. (This could smell fabulous!)It is non-comedogenic.



Nars Orgasm Illuminator retails for $29.00 and will be available February 2010 at Sephora.


Credit: Nars PR

Which One of You Bitches Is My Mother?

Some Thoughts On MAC's Love Lace Collection

Love Lace is a MAC collection that was launched the day after Christmas. It is one of those collections that flew under the radar. It was a small collection that featured the mighty return of Feline Kohl Power liner, 4 lovely eye shadows and a taupe lip gloss.

It appears that the inspirations range from the lace on the runways(think Prada) to Evita. The collection scews cool and intense. My first thoughts were of this reference:


If you were a child of the 80's, then you know how utterly shocking this mini-series was. My mother flatly refused to let me watch the Lace miniseries. She said I was too young. This was devastating to me. I remember sneaking into the living room and hiding behind a chair to catch glimpses. Lace was glamorous and a 100% naughty.

I wanted to watch and live it.

MAC's Love Lace has a naughty vibe. There are edgy liners, smoke worthy shadows and pillowy lippies. I received three pieces from this collection.
A steel blue shadow called Love Lace. It looks amazing paired with grey and brown eye shadows. It also pretties up a smoky eye. I have had much success with these blue machine gun greys.

There is a new kohl power(or what I refer to as Cat Power) pencil to love. It is called Sense of Style. MAC describes it as a "blackened deep marine blue". It translates as a soot with flashes of a cornflowers. I am smitten with the kohl power's pigment depth and softness.

The sleeper of the collection is a non-assuming lip glass.

It is called Utterly Discrete. This lippie is a cool toned taupe with flashes of pink. I have worn it successfully alone or layered over pink lipsticks. I prefer to wear it solo. It cools down my pigmented lips and looks sophisticated. It is in the same family as Bobbi Brown's Black Pearl and Lipstick Queen's Big Bang's Space.

MAC's Love Lace Collection is currently at your local MAC counter. Let us know what you think of the collection in the comments.

Lipstick
Pretty Please: A pale pink pearl
Intricate: A frosted cool icy taupe
retail price is $14($16.50 CDN)

Lipglass
Icescape: A sheer pale pink with pink pearl
retail price is $14($16.50 CDN)

Eye Shadow
Pincurl: A dusty white frost
Hypnotizing: A frosted greyed mauve
Suave Intentions: Light frosted silver blue
retail price is $14.50($17.50 CDN)

Kohl Power
Raven: Intense red with black pearl
Feline: The best black eyeliner so far on the planet.
retail price is $14.50($17.50 CDN)

Eye Kohl
Fascinating: intense matte white
retail price is $14.50($17.50 CDN)

Nail Lacquer
Light Affair: A creamy pale grey taupe
retail price is $12.00($14.50 CDN)

Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by MAC Cosmetics
Credits: MAC and Youtube

Tarte Event At Bendels

DiorShow Extase Mascara

I have been testing a new Dior mascara. It is a flanker for Diorshow called Extase and is currently exclusive to Sephora. This mascara is touted as a treatment product that also delivers high impact lashes. The treatment centers on a "patented ceramid called SR38", which penetrates and repairs the lash. I have only been testing Extase for a few weeks so I can not attest to long term benefits or changes.

I have noticed a dramatic difference in the volume of my lash. It is fatter. Like it is encased in a snuggie. The mascara contains "spherical black pearl pigments that wrap around each lash for a 3D volume". It also contains something called "Metamorphosis powders" that double the size of the lash by 50%. It will help with thickening up whippet thin lashes.

This thicker formula weighs down the lashes and hampers any curl. In comparison to Dior's Iconic, this formula does not deliver a clean application. I experienced flakes and smudges.
Extase mascara features a tiered, dual fiber brush. The Sephora site states the brush contains black Elastomer fibers and gold Nylon fibers. These fibers deliver definition while providing a generous coating. I found the brush collected too much product.

My final thoughts are that Dior Iconic is a beast. No mascara can compare or compete including others in the Dior family.

Diorshow Extase mascara is currently available at your local Sephora and http://www.sephora.com/ for $28. It is available only in black. Let us know if you have tried Extase in the comments.

Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by Dior Beauty.

Your kiss is on my list: review of Lancôme Rouge Absolu Lipstick in Chris & Tell

By Jessica M and Angie W

Back in September, we were invited (as Blogdorf representatives!) to attend the backstage preparations for Chris Benz’s Spring 2010 ready-to-wear show during New York Fashion Week. We were able to watch makeup artist Daniel Martin at work, and we even met the designer himself. Since Lancôme will be releasing its newest “Pout-a-Porter” lipstick in February, and 2010’s shade is a collaboration with Chris Benz, this seemed like a good time to recap our visit to the Benz show.

Chris Benz’s spring collection was inspired by Cheryl Tiegs in the 1970s and by the Memphis architectural design group of the 1980s, and these influences were translated into exuberant colors and playful patterns of dots and stripes in a line of youthful, uptown-goes-downtown designs.

The makeup for the show was also lively but easygoing; Daniel Martin said that he always tries to achieve a “do-it-yourself” effect in his work with Chris Benz. He used Lancôme’s Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate on the models' skin, Color Design eye shadow in Honeymoon crushed and pressed onto the eyelid, Hypnôse Drama mascara in Black, and the new Pop‘N Cheeks blush mosaic in Coral Flirt. (We also spied a row of Shu Uemura Nobara stick foundations!)

However, the overall makeup look revolved around the lipstick: all the models wore the new Pout-a-Porter Rouge Absolu lippie, whose name – Chris & Tell – had just been chosen through a contest on Chris Benz’s Facebook page. The color was developed by Chris and Daniel, with input from their friend Elettra Wiedemann, who is also a model and a Lancôme muse. Chris recalled that they kept gravitating towards orange-y shades, and they ended up with a pinkish coral that looks slightly different on everybody who wears it.

Daniel applied Chris & Tell directly from the tube or dabbed it on with a fingertip for this show; no lip brushes were used. As he said, "What makes it modern is keeping the face fresh.” The result was a soft and effortless style, a natural look that did remind us a little bit of Cheryl Tiegs in her heyday, with the lipstick as the finishing touch.

Coral lipsticks were definitely popular in the 70s, but Chris & Tell doesn’t have that outdated frosty or chalky look: it’s matte, but just creamy enough to look clean and young. And, as Daniel suggested, if you want to give the color more dimension, just add a balm underneath or a clear gloss over it.

Annie has a sample of Chris & Tell, and she’ll be reviewing it here in the near future. In the meantime, if you’re hoping to own a Chris & Tell lipstick of your own, contact your local Saks Fifth Avenue or Lancôme boutique to put your name on the waiting list!

Photos credit: Jessica M and Angie W
Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by Lancome.

True Love Waits

The spring press releases are arriving in my mail box. I got excited by the Nars offering based on the description below.

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

I was stoked until I saw the pictures. The lippie looks Chamade worthy but the grape nail polish has me at a loss.


“I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed.”

NARS Cruising Lipstick- $24

This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color

NARS Lip Gloss- $24

Easy Lover-Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss

Ophelia- This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish - $16

This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic. (nothing says Catherine Deneuve like a Prince song!)

NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow-$23

This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark

NARS Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow-$32

Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula

NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow-$32

Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts—rich and subtle, traditional yet modern

NARS Glitter Pencil-$24




This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending

The Spring 2010 collection will be available on January 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com

Has this collection arrived at your counters yet? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Credits: Youtube and Nars PR