Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Free Talika Lipocils


Want a free Talika Lipocils, the new lash boosting product for lashes? Head over to this Facebook page and follow directions listed below and on the page and you could end winning even more.



Grand Prize-Win a collection of Talika products worth $1000, with products for eye contour lashes and brows, along with anti aging skin care.

Winner will be featured on Talika.com, Twitter and our Facebook Fan Page.

2nd Prize-Win a collection of Talika products worth $500. Winner will be featured on Talika.com, Twitter, and our Facebook Fan Page.

3rd Prize-Win a 6-month supply of Lipocils Expert to keep your lashes big, bold and beautiful.

Here’s How it Works-We’ll ( Talika) send you the new Lipocils Expert lash booster for FREE. All you have to do is submit a video to share your experience using the product, and your before and after results.

All videos are entered into the contest, and featured online on our Facebook contest page and web site where friends and visitors can vote for the 3 finalists.

Our panel of judges will select the Grand Prize winner, 2nd prize winner and 3rd prize winner.

Step 1: Get your Free Lipocils Expert by registering at Facebook page.

Step 2: Start your video documentation, be sure to get a good before shot

Step 3: Submit video after 28 days of use to show your results (we will send a link)

Contest Period-Register for your free Lipocils Expert between June 18th 2010 12:00 am and July 31st 11:59 pm ET.

Submit your videos between July 18th and August 31th , 2010 Winners to be announced on September 3rd , 2010.

Contest Rules -See Official Rules for details.

Senna Lip Pics Case

One of the cute items found at The Makeup Show last month was this cute set of glosses from Senna Cosmetics. Called Lip Pics it has several photo sleeves and a wristband as well as 5 medium size lipglosses.
The set comes in Lights ( what I have) and Brights. The glosses are light in texture, and fairly sheer. This is so perfect for teens , tweens, or well lets face it, adults. We all love cute palettes don't we ?

Currently a last chance item on the website, they are $ 35.00 each and there is free shipping thru June 30 ( today).



Tuesday, June 29, 2010

MAC In The Groove

MAC In The Groove brings back Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose as well as 3 more MSFs. The new eyeshadows are mainly matte, but a satiny matte and there are 9 new trios. Mineralize Blush is a duo of matte / pearl and there are 5 , as well as 6 new Cremesheen Glasses and 6 Cremesheen Lipsticks.

Here are a few highlights from the large collection which is on counters July 8.


Full List:

Lipstick -

Call My Bluff -Mid-tone creamy coffee (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Jazzed -Bright coral pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Creme de Nude- Pale muted peach beige (Cremesheen) (Permanent)
I Like It Like That- Deep Blue pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
All Styled Up -Bright yellow pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Go For It -Mid-tone blue purple (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

Cremesheen Glass -

On the Scene- Light Coral beige (Limited Edition)
You’ve Got It- Mid-tone silver grey (Limited Edition)
Going Casual- Sheer lilac (Limited Edition)
Fashion Whim- Light Beige (Limited Edition)
Right Image- Mid-tone blue pink (Limited Edition)
Chillin’- Light white blue (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Trio)-

Love to Love -Satin beige/Pearly Bronze/Satin Brown (Limited Edition)
In the Groove -Satin green/Pearly burgundy/Satin coral (Limited Edition)
Making It Easy- Satin red brown/Pearly beige rose/Satin dark beige (Limited Edition)
Togetherness -Satin lavender/Pearly purple/Satin grey (Limited Edition)
Style Influencer- Satin silver/Pearly deep blue/Satin deep mauve brown (Limited Edition)
Soften the Mood -Satin light brown/Pearly rose/Satin light blue (Limited Edition)
Fresh & Easy- Satin pink/Pearly burgundy/Satin grey (Limited Edition)
Calm, Cool, & Collected- Satin deep green/Pearly green/Satin beige (Limited Edition)
Blue My Mind- Satin light blue/Pearly deep teal/Satin black (Limited Edition)

Powerpoint Eye Pencil -

Stubborn Brown- Deep Rich Brown (Permanent)
Permaplum -Deep plum with pink shimmer (Permanent)
Navy Stain -Royal blue with shimmer (Permanent)

Mineralized Skinfinish -

By Candlelight -Golden pink (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
Stereo Rose- Coral with golden/bronze shimmering nuances (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
Comfort -Golden bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
Petticoat- Pale rose with gold and amber veining (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Mineralize Blush (Duo) -

Happy Together -Satin caramel/Pearly beige (Limited Edition)
A Little Bit of Sunshine- Satin light brown/Pearly beige (Limited Edition)
Hang Loose -Satin bright pink/Pearly lavender (Limited Edition)
Band of Roses- Satin blue pink/Pearly light plum (Limited Edition)
New Vibe -Satin deep rose/Pearly bronze (Limited Edition)

Monday, June 28, 2010

MAC Alice & Olivia incl. So Rich, So Pretty Nail Polish


Hip+Happy= Alice+Olivia for MAC is one of the tag lines for the new line inspired by Stacey Bendet of Alice and Olivia . Bendet is known for her dark, smoky eyes, bright polish and pale lips and that's reflected in the line .
It's full of fun brights and my absolute favorite is the nail polish in So Rich, So Pretty. This is a bright, sparkling purple that just pops. I love it and had a hard time capturing the exact shade in my photos.

There are 3 new pigments in the new sized jar , 3 new Dazzleglass Creme and 4 nail lacquers.
The Dazzleglass creme in yellow ( I.Want.Candy) looked scary at first but it looks fab on. It's more a sheer beige/gold that only a little yellow on the lips and goes well on it's own or over a deeper color. Sparklicious has uber shimmer and is pinky pearl shade. If It's Pink, is well,pink. Hot pretty pink.

Nail lacquers are So Rich, So Pretty( purple), Morning After( creamy turquoise) and Military( Black matte with silver sparkle).

Alice and Olivia is in MAC stores and online only as July 8.

A Visit To Phyto Universe in NYC

Phyto haircare has a very special space in Manhattan that you may not have heard of. It's called Phyto Universe and is one of the more serene places in the bustling city.

Phyto Universe showcases , naturally, all Phyto products but while not a salon, also does hair treaments , scalp and hair diagnoses as well as Lierac skincare facials. On the glam side, the space is also home to the small but gorgeous Caron perfume boutique.


The highlight for me is the living plant wall. It took my second visit there to get up close and really see this wall. It is 3,000 sq.ft and is indeed a large wall of living plants. Specially designed for the space , the plants are sort of tucked into a material in the wall and a misting system keeps them hydrated. It's really stunning and I want a smaller version of my own.


The treament rooms are on the spacious but have a spare almost Nordic look. The wood doors are reclaimed from a 14th century Chateau. Lierac now has it's own room for face and body treatments.

The Caron boutique is tucked in a corner and is the one place where you can get all the urn parfums bottled to order as well as buy most any Caron item. Powder puffs, face powder and all manner of scent. Standing under the chandelier looking at the Baccarat urns, for a moment you feel transported to Europe.

Phyto Universe is located at 59th and Lexington ( Mere blocks from Bloomingdales). There is a side door you need to go to for entry. If you look up when at that corner, you can see the plant wall several stories up.


All images: The Beauty Alchemist

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Shiseido New Luminizing Eye Color Trios


Created by the always amazing Dick Page, Shiseido releases in August- Luminizing Eye Shadow Trios.

All the shade combinations were inspired by Page's travels and photos he has taken, according to an interview with WWD.

There are 7 palettes including Snow Shadow, and Opera. The formula includes "micromatic color pigments to reflect light and create vivid, translucent shades" , as well as Super Hydro Wrap Vitalizing DE, for improving dryness, and giving eyes an all day moisturized look, as well a dual optimizing powder for all day wear.

These look quite pretty, especially the 3 shades of green one.

Retail will be $ 33.00





all info/image:wwd

YSL New Belle D'Opium

YSL parfums is tweaking the original, iconic Opium perfume for a fall launch. The original remains, but new Belle D'Opium is a 21st century update with a few softer notes. I haven't gotten a sniff test yet, but I am liking many of the new notes. It will still apparently be very musky, which doesn't appeal to me, but does to many. I was never really a fan of Opium and while it is a classic to be sure, very different from what many want to wear today. I can't say whether that's good or not. I do know my tastes have changed a lot from the days when Opium was a top fragrance choice.

Belle D'Opium according to fragrance co-creator Honorine Blanc will include notes of jasmine, Casablanca lily, mandarin, incense and white pepper.
You can visit both the new YSL Beauty's Facebook page or the special website set up called whatsyouropium.com blog for pictures from the star star studded preview party , more info and to leave comments of your own.

Look for Belle D'Opium in October.

Images: YSL What's Your Opium Blog ,wwd

Thursday, June 24, 2010

A Look at Chanel Fall 2010


Chanel Fall 2010 hits counters in July. The new collection focuses on dark eyes and softer lips. The peach lip colors I got a sneak peek at are pretty and perfect for summer and into fall.


Shown are new Rouge Coco in Chintz, a pale , creamy peach with little to no shimmer which is a bit paler on lips than it seems in my image. Glossimer in Petit Peche (my favorite), a sheer, light peach with lots of sparkle, and Joues Contraste blush in Rose Temptation, a woodsy rose with a tiny bit of shimmer. This is definitely a fall into winter shade .


The details on the rest of the collection follow.


Joues Contraste Powder Blush with three new shades: Pink Explosion, a luminous pink; Rose Temptation, a shimmering rosewood; and Plum Attraction, a bold glistening plum.

Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color- three new shades — Chalys, a delicate coral; Rose Dentelle, a tender pink; and Chintz, a soft peach $30.00

Levres Scintillantes Glossimer- in four new shades: Petite Pêche, a pale peach; Coral Love, a bright coral shimmer; Rose Dilemma, a soft pink; and Teaser, a vivid pink.

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow- now in Enigma, features a shimmering peach, deep plum and two iterations of deep smoky grey.

Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow-two new shades : Taupe Grisé, a chocolate grey, and Vert Khaki, a cool khaki green.

Stylo Yeux Waterproof LOng Lasting Eyeliner- in Cassis, a pitch-dark plum. $28.00

Le Vernis Nail Color- the trend-defining nail colour — Paradoxal, a dark grey-violet — emerges as the new statement-maker of the season.


On counter: July 2010 Available at http://www.chanel.com/, CHANEL boutiques, and department and specialty stores.

Hold Hairspray from Living Proof


Living Proof, the line created partially by MIT scientists first de-frizzed the world with No Frizz . Now we have Hold , a frizz dampening, flexible hairspray.

Hold uses the exclusive humidity-blocking technology PolyfluoroEster, created by Living Proof's team of scientists. With summer humidity is full swing in many areas, the frizz fighting gets even harder. Hold is one more way to help beat it

Hold also is flake free, non -drying and soft. It doesn't have that harsh, hard hold some sprays can have but still manages to keep styles from frizzing up. If you are looking to keep a style in rock solid place this may not be your pick, but for keeping a basic style calm through the day Hold works. They also created a blend of polymers that when combined form a " flexible web of fibers that form to join hair strands together, but not freeze them into place ".

It comes in a large can or a nicely sized travel one. Prices are $ 24 and $ 14 respectively.

Hold is on sale now exclusively at , QVC , Sephora.com and http://www.livingproof.com/

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Gets Married



Last Saturday was one of the bigger Royal weddings in some time. That of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her commoner fiance Daniel Westling. It's said that the bride worked hard to be allowed to marry her choice . She finally got her wish after 8 years of dating.


I am an unabashed royal follower, so I was awaiting this day since the date had been announced. It figures my computer would be down then . There were few images on the net early and via my phone but ABC World News did a feature, bless them.

When I got back online a first stop was the wedding pictures and stories .

HRH Victoria looked like one of the happiest brides I have ever seen . A huge ,radiant smile throughout. I thought her gown was a bit plain, but all the Scandinavian royal brides have gone that route it seems. The 16.5 ft.train was beautiful and her crown was a WOW. It has large cameos on top and is such a stunner that the plainer gown works.

Her mother Queen Silvia wore a huge, tall diamond crown called the Braganca Tiara. For the weddings, they open the vaults.
Most of the main royals of Europe attended . In this group are ladies who usually get the style thing down well. Somehow, perhaps in a bid to not upstage the bride, most didn't do so well on Saturday.

Crown Princesses Mary of Denmark and Mette Marit of Norway usually are two of the chicest ladies. Mary's light green was simply ok. Mette Marit's ruffles were not the best. The brides sister Princess Madeline went for ruffles as well. At least the shades of blue both wore were lovely and suited them. Now the day before at the pre- wedding gala , all the ladies hit it out of the park.

Queen Rania of Jordan was sleek and chic as always in a bright purple . Crown Princess Letizia of Spain had a gorgeous gown, but do you see her arms ? She is scary, worrisome skinny.

Sophie , Countess of Wessex went for understated but elegant and did it well. This is pretty much her normal go to look. She knows what works for her.

3 cheers for the royal bride. I wish them to be as happy always as their wedding day.






































All images: Canada.com and Hello.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Lancome's Michelle Phan Goes To Paris


Lancome's vlogger Michelle Phan is making her first trip to Paris and via the company's Facebook page, you can see many of her experiences. If you can't there yourself, you can get a little Vive la Francais this way.

At the Lancôme Paris Facebook page click on the Michelle + Paris tab. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lancome-Paris/17002121901#!/pages/Lancome-Paris/17002121901?v=app_108201685893793 and click on the pink roses to unveil Michelle’s experiences as they happen day by day.

From Lancome:

"Today( June 22) is Michelle’s first full day in Paris and she’s already seen so much, from historic Notre Dame to The Pont des Arts, the bridge crossing the Seine River where Kate Winslet filmed the now-legendary Trésor commercial. Future stops include a visit with Lancôme’s Artistic Director for Makeup Aaron De Mey and a Génifique facial at the Lancôme Institute.

All of these experiences will inspire Michelle’s next Lancôme video. On Thursday, June 24th—Michelle’s third day in Paris—you and Lancôme’s Facebook followers can choose from several themes so please make sure to check back then."

Monday, June 21, 2010

Tom Ford Azure Lime


Tom Ford gives us Azure Lime for the summer season and beyond. Inspired by the island paradise of Mustique, it's the newest addition to the Private Collection line.

Azure Lime is ,as you would imagine, a citrus fragrance. It's not simply citrus though. This has a very masculine edge to it as you get to the drydown making it a true unisex fragrance. The citrus is first and then what seem like cypress and moss notes are there. ( I have no official note list). A tiny bit of vetiver maybe as well. It all mixes with the lime, which stays very present throughout.

This is strong for a citrus based scent. Not overpowering strong, but strong in the sense that it lasts long and has good sillage. These are good things.

Azure Lime is perfect for summer and blooms in the heat and feels less masculine. It's seriously hot here right now and this smells even better than when I first tested it as the citrus comes through stronger. I can't get enough citrus so that works for me even though I am not loving the masculine notes as much.

Available at Bergdorfs, Saks , Neimans at $ 180.00 for 1.7 oz



Saturday, June 19, 2010

Computer Problems :(

 
Hey folks - my computer has been affected by a nasty virus so I won't be posting for a few days. Hopefully everything will be back in working order by Tuesday! Hope to see you here then. :)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

David Yurman Luxurious Dusting Powder


It's rare to find nice scented powder anywhere these days let alone one in a boudoir jar edged in gold. I am a big dusting powder fan, so I was thrilled to see this gorgeous new one from David Yurman. This large glass jar topped with the iconic David Yurman gold cable border just exudes elegance, and who doesn't need more elegance in their lives ?

The powder has a bit of shimmer to it and has the most of the same notes as the David Yurman perfume -including patchouli and floral essences of rose and peony. It is however, very light. It has good sillage and the scent lingers long but it's not heavy. Powders usually aren't. That makes it good for the warmer weather most of us have been having.

The luxurious dusting powder is LE, includes a puff and sells for $ 80.00 at http://www.davidyurman.com/, Saks, Nordstrom , Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.


Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Lancome Flash Bronzer Tinted Self Tanner for Legs



Lancome has updated their Flash Bronzer line. At first this put a bit of a scare into those of us who loved the old versions. People like Lucky magazine's Jean Godfrey June , who often raves about this and who, like me, uses it on her face as well as legs. She recently wrote in Lucky that she now loves the new Body version even better.

I haven't tried the Body one yet but Flash Bronzer for Legs is still tops.

This one has shimmer in it, where Body doesn't. It's very moisturizing without being sticky and has very little self tanner "smell". It dries quite fast and is transfer resistant. This all makes it very easy to use. You can do a quick application and go.

So far I've used it 3 times and have had no streaks. I get a light medium shade on my legs that lasts for several days . It is tinted but the tint is light. You look a bit more golden but nothing overwhelming.

New also for the line this year is Flash Bronzer Anti -Age, a tinted anti-aging face self tanner with SPF 15. For those who don't want an extra step of anti-ager and then applying self tanner, this does it all.

All are available now online at http://www.lancome-usa.com/ or the counter nearest you.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Korres for Men


Korres is a brand many of us use and like , but they also have a great men's line and shower gels that are unisex scented and suitable for the guys. With Father's Day on the horizon , here's a look at some of the products.

One that seemed nicest to me is Marigold & Ginseng Aftershave Balm. This is a light lotion featuring marigold ( antiseptic) , ginseng( firming) , witch hazel( astringent) , ProVitamin B5 and Korres' trademarked Active Aloe for moisture.

The lotion has a very light herbal scent, sinks in fast and left my hand (where I tested) feeling soft and smooth. The Dad liked that it was cooling on skin and said it would be nice on/after a hot day.

The line also features a men's eye cream with SPF 6 called Ruscus and Chestnut Eye Cream SPF . ( No girly smell, the chesnut gives it a woodsy, nutty smell) , Ginseng Face Gel Cleanser and more.


On the shower gel end , the Basil Lemon or Juniper and Rum are a good men's choice . The Basil Lemon has a light lemon note and a little herbal/basil spice. It's refreshing especially for summer and the fragrance isn't overpowering and won't linger past the shower too much. The shower gel also has the Active Aloe for added moisture . I haven't smelled the Juniper /Rum but it sounds really good.

All are available at http://www.korres.com/ , Beauty.com
icon and Sephora or Sephora.com ( No men's skincare online yet).

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup


It's summer and it's hot. When you have oily skin like I do, that means it going to be even oilier, greasy and well ,you get the idea.

A foundation with some acne helping ingredients seemed like a great idea. I have used Rimmel's Stay Matte and like it well enough but it's really sheer . I prefer more coverage. For some reason acne helping makeup =light coverage . Doesn't anyone get that spots and pores need more coverage? Well it seems Clinique did.

Their new Acne Solutions makeup is fabulous. I expected I would like it but not like this. I get medium/full but light feeling coverage that lasts all day. That almost never happens. The foundation goes on smoothly , evenly and looks great on. It isn't matte but manages to block the oil in my T Zone incredibly well. I needed to blot down only once . Most days it's at least twice and that's with a matte foundation/primer.

I have used this both with and without my CoverFx Clear Prep primer. It's better with the primer certainly, but does well both ways.

Acne solutions has .5 % salicyclic acid in the formula , so you get a low dose of acne banishing meds with your foundation.

With more adults having acne, this is a great choice for women who have oil/acne but don't want barely there formulas.

Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is on counter now and is $ 24.50

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Boots Debuts US Facebook Page


Boots now has a US Facebook site and a place for you to become a US Boots club member. There is so much more to Boots in the UK, but I've always been happy to have any part of them here. Good to see them bringing even more interaction to the States.



Saturday, June 12, 2010

Emmy Rossum in Dior Beaute


A lot of celeb looks cross my desk and some grab my attention more than others. I loved the eye look on Emmy Rossum for The Wildlife Conservation Society Gala in NY.
She really just glows and it's possibly the best I've seen her look. It's a a great idea of how fab beige /taupe/browns can be on eyes , and that peach blush- perfection.

All makeup by Dior and makeup artist Shab Siarezi .

Eyes: Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection, Dior Liquid Eyeliner in Brown, Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Black

Skin: Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in #002 and #003, DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation #200

Cheek: DiorBlush in Peachy Keen #553

Lips: Dior Addict Lipcolor in Undressed Pink #219

Friday, June 11, 2010

Chris Benz goes Mad Men for Resort


Many designers are showing resort collections now. Some of these shows bring us some of the nicest clothes and while they don't get as much attention as other shows, they're worth looking at.

Chris Benz seemed channel the Mad Men look for hair and makeup at his show. Makeup artist Daniel Martin calls it “1950's Californian Lady-of-Leisure" which places it before Mad Men, but the look carried over into the early 60's as well. Either way , it looks smashing on the model.

What was used :

Fuchsia lips paired with eyes that were lined on top (“just don’t call it a cat eye,” says Daniel) finished with sculpted cheeks and full, shaped brows.

To create the look, Daniel used Lancôme’s new Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation, Blush Subtil in Mauve Coquette and Tropiques Minérale Bronzer in Natural Sunkiss.

For the eyes, Daniel lined with Artliner in Noir and topped lashes with Hypnôse Mascara. The bright lips are courtesy of Le Crayon in Berry (all over the lip) topped with Color Fever Lipstick in Rock Icon Fuchsia.


Credits: Model: Karen Desouza @ Fusion. Photo: Gray Scott

Thursday, June 10, 2010

FLOWERBYKENZO La Cologne



FLOWERBYKENZO ( yes all caps ) La Cologne is the summer light version of Kenzo's very popular Flower fragrance.

La Cologne starts off with powder and citrus together, the bergamot at the forefront and a hint of a soft rose note. Into the mid -point the green notes come in , not strong but mixed with the florals. By the drydown you've got some vanilla as well. To me it's a fresh rosy citrus floral.

It's somewhat like the original, but since I am a citrus fan , I like this more. It's light but not sheer and has good sillage.

The bottle is clear cylinder and it arrives in a paperboard cylinder box. Points for great packaging here, but that's the norm with Kenzo .

Full note list:
-Bitter orange, bergamot, orange and mandarin (essence).
-Rose( essence), orange blossom( absolute), and Neroli
-Musks and vanilla

FLOWERBYKENZO La Cologne retails for $ 72.00 for 3 oz /90ml



Wednesday, June 9, 2010

La Mer for World Oceans Day


Ok yesterday was technically , officially Oceana's World Oceans Day but as with Earth Day , shouldn't it always be important? With what's happening in the Gulf of Mexico , now we need to be more aware than ever.

La Mer has partnered with Oceana for 5 years on this event and this year they have created a limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day “blue” Crème de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana. This is the first time the look of La Mer’s signature Crème de la Mer jar has been changed; “going blue” signifies the brand’s continued commitment to the oceans.

Mad Men's January Jones participated in a World Oceans Day dive and you can view the video of the gorgeous fish and coral reefs if you'd like. Most importantly- treat the ocean/beaches with kindness this summer.