Tuesday, August 31, 2010

philosophy Fall 2010 and Crispy Marsmallow Bars 3 in 1

Fall 3 in 1s have arrived from philosophy.   One of the new scents  is Crispy Marshmallow Bars. This smells caramelized vanilla nutty, and is a fairly light scent, but oh so good. 

 Candy Corn, called i love Candy Corn, makes it's  welcome return and also new is Cookies and Cream.  I gave Candy Corn bottles to both my dad and uncle and they were mad for them.  Both are  big, tough guys who normally use Lever 2000 or such,  so you know these  are not for ladies only.

 All of these  are  LE and online at Sephora.com    and http://www.nordstrom.com/  now.

The fall lineup hits http://www.philosophy.com/ shortly.


Retail  for each is $ 16.00

Monday, August 30, 2010

LORAC Behind The Scenes Eyeshadow Base

Sometimes you find a great  product without even trying. This happened when I got the LORAC   Private Affair Palette.

I noticed one of the  drawers had the brand's eyeshadow primer in it.   As I've mentioned numerous times, I have major eye makeup melt.  Urban Decay's primer works ok at best, Bare Escentuals was much better and recently I've been using L'Oreal's Magic Perfecting Base as eye base, which has worked best of all.  Now I have the LORAC base and think at last I have found the one for me that helps beat my very  oily eyelids into submission.

This gives me  long wear , which for me translates usually into half a day or a bit longer, before I begin to see fading.  For those who have less melt issues, you may get far longer. To get that much out of  it was major for me.
LORAC products kind of fly under the radar, hence my not even noticing this before. Well that and I have somewhat given up on finding a truly great primer for me.

One of the key things with Behind The Scenes , is that it is oil free.  It is creamy and thick but not too much of either and dried quickly.

Available at Sephora.com   and http://www.loraccosmetics.com/  for $ 20.00

Christina Hendricks Previews New Lancome at Emmys

The stunning Christina Hendricks wore the new , upcoming Lancome foundation Teint Miracle -Lit From Within  to the Emmys last night. Much of her makeup was Lancome and was done by Vanessa Scali.   Hendricks dress was Zac Posen.

The look :

Face:
Vanessa prepped the skin with Lancôme’s La Base Pro. To perfect Christina’s already luminous skin, Vanessa used Lancôme’s new Teint Miracle Lit-From-Within Makeup. “It has an amazing transparent quality that leaves the skin looking flawless and luminous without being shiny,” said Vanessa. “I applied it with a brush and then blended with my fingers.” Blending with her fingers heated up the foundation a bit, allowing for a seamless finish. Vanessa followed with Effacernes Concealer under the eyes, her “all time favorite concealer.”

Cheeks:
For a fresh pop of color I used Lancôme’s Blush Subtil Shimmer in Pink Pool on the apples of her cheeks. Dabs of Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Fluid Sheer #2 highlighted Christina’s cheekbones.

Eyes:
The eye shadow was mix of YSL’s Ombre Solo Eyeshadow in Cashmere Brown and Midnight Black. “I applied these all over her lid, under the bottom lashes and blended it out past her natural lash line to softly elongate the eye,” reported Vanessa.

Eye Liner:
To define and elongate the lash line, Vanessa lined the eyes with Lancôme’s Le Crayon Khôl in Black. “I used a touch of liner under her bottom lashes but smudged it for a softer look,” said Vanessa. For added depth, Vanessa used Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Noir at the very base of Christina’s lashes.

Mascara:
Several generous coats of Lancôme Définicils Waterproof Mascara in Black were used on the top and bottom lashes.

Lips:
Christina’s lips were a mix of Lancôme lip colors for an effect that Vanessa described as “red with a little dash of pink.” A sheer coat of Color Design Matte Lipstick in Corset was topped by La Laque Fever Lipshine in Cyber Coral.


photo:getty images

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Tina Fey and Chanel Beauty Emmys 2010

 Makeup Artist Kara Yoshimoto Bua did Tina Fey's look for the Emmys for  Chanel using a few new products ( highlighted) . All quotes from the artist.

The inspiration:

Bua says she was inspired by Tina's beautiful eyes and black beaded overlay dress to do a slightly smokey elongated eye, and keep the lips and cheeks soft and pretty.

The focus was on Tina’s eyes and beautiful skin. I prepped with Jurlique Rose Water and the new Chanel Sublimage Concentrate. We kept her lips fresh and moist with the beautiful Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Insolence, and Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Praline d'Or.

On her cheeks I used a bit of Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Rose. On her eyelids, I used the darker shade in Chanel Eyeshadow Duo in Gris-Subtil, extended out and up.

Finally, I finished her eyes with the new Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Purple. It has a slight plum tone that compliments Tina's eyes, hair, and skin tone... This mascara is my new favorite... Lengthens and thickens like crazy!"

Friday, August 27, 2010

Paul Mitchell New Awapuhi Wild Ginger

Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi  has been a well loved line for a long time. To celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary there  is new Awapuhi Wild Ginger , a line of products for super hair strengthening with keratin.

According to their website Keratin  is "Considered the "spine" of the hair shaft, and keratin protein is a vital element in strong, healthy hair."

Wild Ginger contains  KeraTriplex™  an exclusive blend of isolated keratin proteins specially designed to repair and seal damaged hair. ( It comes from New Zealand sheep's wool). They say this complex is virtually identical to the keratin in our hair.

I've tried the Moisturizing Lather  Shampoo, Keratin Cream Rinse and Finishing spray. The first sign of a good shampoo, I feel, is consistency. Wild Ginger is very thick, almost emulsified. It works into quite a lather and gets hair very clean. No build up. The cream rinse then really conditions the hair , but by being a cream rinse , it's light and doesn't weigh hair down yet adds a lot of softness .

This line can be used by anyone but is especially good for those with any damage , and color treated as it sulfate free. Even if you hair isn't damaged( mine isn't) it gives you healthy, shiny hair .

The line also has an in salon  keratin treatment , KeriTriplex 2 step repair.

Full product list:
Moisturizing Lather Shampoo
Keratin Cream Rinse
Keratin Intensive Treatment
Styling Treatment Oil
Texturizing Sea Spray
Shine Spray
Finishing Spray

Available at Paul Mitchell salons and  in Saks and Neimans store salons  in September.





Thursday, August 26, 2010

Pacifica California Star Jasmine


Pacifica has added California Star Jasmine to their fragrant line up.  Star jasmine grows on the path to the home of Pacifica's founder  and inspired  her to make a scent based on it and life in her beachside neighborhood.

The perfume is a soft, sweet, light jasmine , with some citrus  . It's breezy and easy to wear. Since it's not strong and stays close to the skin this can be an everyday,  warm or cool weather scent. It's a little woodsy ( the driftwood note) and  has a fresh air feel as well a hint of beachiness.

The scent comes in solid perfume, body butter, roll on perfume and spray perfume.

Available at http://www.pacificaperfume.com/ and  Sephora.com 

Spiegel's Fabulous at Every Age Contest

Spiegel, the online clothing retailer for women, is celebrating the unique style of real women with its catalog Reality Dressing: Fabulous at Every Age.

It's great to see something celebrating women's style and beauty at any and every age  .

 This year, Fantastic Sams® Hair Salons and Spiegel want to offer five women from 20 to 60+ the chance to participate in a photo shoot and be featured in an upcoming catalog.


If chosen, winners will arrive in style to New York City where they’ll have their hair styled by a top stylist from Fantastic Sams, be dressed by a personal Spiegel stylist and then photographed by a national known photographer.

From now until Friday, August 27th,  you  can enter by going to http://www.facebook.com/Spiegel  and uploading a photo along with a brief description as to what makes you Fabulous at your age. The public will vote on the 5 winners – one from each decade (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s and up).

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Korres Quercetin and Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Eye Cream

Awhile back I tried and loved Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Day Cream SPF 10 .  Korres has been expanding the popular Quercetin and Oak line and now there is an eye cream.

Meant for wrinkles, puffy eyes and circles, it addresses all the needs.

I've been using mine for about 10 days. So I can't say if it's line reducing yet . Thankfully puffiness and circles aren't an issue .   What I  like is the more natural aspect ,  the wrinkle and free radical fighters in it and that it is light but gets the job done. It's lightly moisturizing , not greasy, sinks in fast  and  feels good on the eye. There is a slight herbal smell but nothing offputting.

Quercetin is an anti-inflamatory if I recall correctly.    For allergy relief I used to use a natural vitamin blend that had Quercetan as a main ingredient. And  I had decent success in reducing allergy symptoms when using it.

In addition to the Quercetin, the eye cream also  has myrtle ( elasticity), Rhodiola rose extract( to combat puffiness)  .There are a few more you can read about on their site if you're interested .

Quercetin and Oak  eye cream is of 93 % natural content and has no mineral oil, silicones, parabens  , synthetic dyes , animal by products,  and is suitable for vegans.

Available exclusively at  at  Sephora.com   for $ 41.oo

Monday, August 23, 2010

Hourglass Femme Rouge in Grace

I gave a little look at Hourglass Cosmetics new Rouge Femme last week and now I have a look at the actual lipstick.

My shade is Grace which is a caramel nude  and is a very warm shade. It looks light honey caramel on  the lips, with peach undertones.


The lipstick itself is very  creamy and has a  satin finish. Not matte, but there is also no shimmer.  There is moisture here with vitamin E and antioxidants. It feels very smooth , soft  and hydrated on . Rouge Femme is  full coverage  and lasts well.  Hourglass says it's waterproof.   Also , these are paraben free.

The case is metal and quite heavy and also happens to be refillable, which is nice.  

Rouge Femme comes in  12 shades  and sells for $ 30.00

 Available soon  at Sephora.com , and stores as well as Barneys New York.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Laura Mercier " What is Flawless " campaign

Laura Mercier, has  launched a new, fun and interesting campaign called “What Is Flawless?”

The idea is to get the conversation started on what everyone's individual idea of flawless is, and how it covers so many areas and is not simply about specific beauty.

My answer - My mom.   I could list  so many more, but she was my first  thought.

Plus, for each answer submitted the company will donate to the Gulf Relief Foundation $ 1.00 (with maximun final donation being up to $ 50,000). It's an easy way to help the Gulf without taking any money from your own pocket.
How to submit:

Visit: http://www.lauramercier.com/store/content/whatisflawless.jsp

You can also  follow Laura Mercier on Twitter @lauramercier (#whatisflawless).  or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/lauramerciercosmetics?ref=ts

Friday, August 20, 2010

Dior Rouge Dior Haute Couleur Lipstick


Dior's Rouge Dior is a new  luxury lipcolor for fall. Housed in a snazzy new case with the cannage pattern, the new lipstick comes in 32 new shades developed by Dior creative director Tyen.

Rouge Dior feel incredibly good on the lips. It sits lightly yet has plenty of pigment so it looks full and lasts very well ( a bit remained even after a dip in the pool). Lips have moisture but it's not slick . This is full coverage, true lipstick but with a soft edge.

The formula is creamy and moisturizing as well treating lips  with "tinted and extra-plumping hyaluronic spheres which instantly soften, lift and replenish lips to express the incredible depth of tones and radiance for each of the line’s couture-inspired shades. While the larger hyaluronic
spheres stay on the surface of the lips to fill in wrinkles, micro-spheres go deeper to plump the lips from below the skin’s surface"


My favorite shade is Beige Indecise ( 298), a true light nude beige with no pink. I also really like Sensual Bronze ( 411) which is  a medium brown .

With the comfort factor and large shade range, there should be a Rouge Dior for everyone.

On counter in October and will retail for $ 30.00


Shades: Mazette #028, Diorama #066, Mitzah Lilac #264, Beige Indecise #298,Pink Junon #349, Elegant Pink #351, Pink Baiser #361, Pink Songe #365,Sensual Bronze #411, Samarcande Brown #434, Andalouse #435, Red Muse #444,Pink Caprice #475, Bright Amber #513, Bronze Zerline #522, Rare Amber #526,Pink Cocotte #551, Dolce Vita Pink #555, Blazing Red #638, Rouge Blossom#644, Diorling Pink #647, Devilish Pink #678, Mirza Mauve #713, Zinnia Red#743, Favori Red #752, Star Fuchsia #766, Mysterious Mauve #786,Indiscretion Mocha #815, Hypnotic Red #862, Fantastic Plum #874, Daisy Plum#976, Ara Red #999.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Les Khakis de Chanel

So many special launches to celebrate Fashion's Night Out Sept. 10. This is one that everyone can partake of, not just those in NYC.

Les Khakis de Chanel , a collection of 3 Le Vernis Nail Colours created especially to celebrate Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out by  Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel  Makeup.
 Shades  are Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert and  can be worn alone or combined for an " urban chic camouflage effect".

I think I like Khaki Rose the best from the images, but Khaki Vert looks pretty fab too. How about you ?

$25.00 per bottle


Available at Chanel boutiques, http://www.chanel.com/ and select department stores beginning Sept. 10.

MAC Superslick Liquid Eyeliner

Superslick Liquid Eyeliner is  a new liquid eyeliner from MAC that comes out with Fabulous Felines and will be in Villainous Villains as well.

This new liner is very shiny and has sparkle. The pen is very fine and fairly stiff and easier to use than most liquids I've tried. That said, I'm not the best with liqiud liner but using these went better than expected.


The best part- they really last. My acid test was using it on my unprimed eyelid. Even with primer most things wear on me. Superslick, after 6 hours was still looking good with only a little fading and no running, smudging. It's supposed to be super long lasting and it is.  MAC claims 15 hours and on those who get better eye makeup wear, you may have longer results. It has HOLD.

My shades are Signature Blue and Pure Show. I love the gold, because, well I love gold. I am not a blue person much but this is pretty and looked good . There are 4 other shades-Desires and Devices ( dark green), Defiantly Feline ( chocolate brown), Treat Me Nice ( emerald green), Nocturnal (bright silver), Smoky Heir( dark blue violet), Marked for Glamour ( mid -tone grey) and On The Hunt( true black).

Retail is $ 17.50 and is available August 26.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Jason Wu for Bergdorf Goodman Doll


Fashion's Night Out Returns  Sept. 10 this year . I am sure if you read any fashion sites or feeds, you've heard.  One of the cutest things I've seen for it thus far. The Jason Wu for Bergdorf Goodman  doll wearing  his resort line and carrying a tiny Bergdorf's bag , natch.

This is LE, presumably only at the store and only that night for $ 150.00

Event list: http://www.fashionsnightout.com/

Sales at CVS and Beauty 360


It's time for the CVS semi annual beauty sale, and Beauty360 is also running some specials that may appeal to you.

Beginning today through August 23rd, you can save 20% on your favorite prestige makeup products purchased from Beauty360.com by entering the special code SIZZLE at checkout. Follow the  link for additional details and to start shopping: http://tinyurl.com/29n9rum

At CVS  the following specials are running :


Week of August 15th
-Neutrogena Complete Line– Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off
-L’Oreal Cosmetics – Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Month of September

-Maybelline Lip and Eye – Spend $10 Get $3 Extra Care Bucks
-Nivea and Eucerin – Spend $15 Get $5 Extra Care Bucks
-Acne Free and Wrinkle Free – Spend $20 Get $10 Extra Care Bucks

In addition if you make a  beauty purchase of $15 or more, you  will receive a coupon for one of four cute charms (one per week) 2 of which are shown.

Online Beauty Sales ( these are online http://www.cvs.com/ only):

- 25% off all beauty August 30th – September 5th
- 20% off all beauty September 6th – September 26th

Monday, August 16, 2010

LORAC Private Affair Palette

LORAC's Private Affair palette provides all the fixings of a great smoky eye.

Comes with 6 very pretty, loaded with shimmer shades, along with a dual ended , good quality brush for shadow/smudging and a mini Behind The Scenes eye primer in a neat pull out compartment.

The shadows have nice pigment,  are very smooth and creamy feeling, but with the brush there is  fallout. Using fingers you get none.

 I love the lighter shades of  Champagne Rose and Soft Taupe( 2nd and 3rd shadows respectively) on their own even. Great day shades, then grab the grey and burgundys and smoke it out.

The whole set is $ 38.00 exclusively at  Sephora.com and in stores.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Linda Evangelista for Talbots


Some images from the new fall Talbots campaign featuring  model Linda Evangelista.

Talbots is  trying to re-position themselves and attract a younger customer.  I have always found Talbots to be good quality but like many, it wasn't usually my style. These 2 coats, however, could definitely work. Shows they are moving in the right direction without totally alienating their core shoppers.

Linda,  well she looks beautiful yes, but a bit too over botoxed?  She looks tighter than tight and pulled.  She's a beauty, so why all that?  I have a feeling her natural self is just fine.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

MAC Digi Dazzle Lips in Wham & Baby's on Fire

MAC has dazzled their lipsticks in the manner of those Dazzle and Superglass beauties. Now we get Dazzle lipstick  with high shimmer, and pieces of glitter. It's shine and sparkles all over the place. 

My swatches are of Wham ( no relation to the 80's group) , which is decribed as a plum brown and that's just what it is. I really like this shade. 

Next is Baby's on Fire, which is called a deep red. It seems more bright than deep to me.

It's worth noting that both of these applied sheerer than the tube looked. For me that was a good thing . You can build and that means the deeper shades are more wearable for those of us who don't go too dark. If you do, just apply another coat.

Dazzle lipstick is creamy and moisturizing  and the glitter isn't gritty feeling.  

It's LE and on counters and online now.



Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Hourglass Cosmetics New Femme Rouge Velvet Lipstick

Here's the newest from Hourglass cosmetics-  12 shades of  lipstick called Femme Rouge Velvet.

I will hopefully have swatches in a few days.  I'm loving the carving detail and that bronze-y gold shade on the left.

Coming soon also is Film Noir Full Spectrum , their new extra volumizing mascara. Film Noir debuts on QVC Aug. 13th at 10 PM.

About Femme Rouge Velvet :

• Immediately hydrates and softens lips for a plush, cushiony feel and shine
• Unique blend provides excellent skin-smoothing, moisture-enhancing, and reparative properties
• Custom-designed bullet features an embossed Hourglass icon
• Light, airy formula glides on without feeling waxy and heavy
• Vitamin E conditions and treat with protective super antioxidants
• Water-resistant, long-lasting, and paraben-free
• Refillable

$ 30.00

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Fragrance posts for Beautystat.com


 I recently became the fragrance editor for  Beautystat.com.  Here are links for my two most recent posts .

Le Paradis de Nina by Nina Ricci

Eat,Pray, Love Fragrance Trio by Fresh

Monday, August 9, 2010

L'Oreal Beauty Destination on YouTube

Destination Beauty is a new collab between YouTube and L'Oreal featuring videos, product info and tips.

Videos will be uploaded weekly and feature YouTube beauty gurus as well as experts like makeup master James Kaliardos.
 There's even  a hair section .

www.youtube.com/destinationbeauty

Friday, August 6, 2010

Guerlain Holiday 2010 sneaky peek

I have a sneak look at Guerlain Holiday .

 Getting my attention is the Or Imperial Sublime Radiant Powder as it comes in the same Guerlain bee bottle as their perfumes and has an atomizer.

-Or Imperial Sublime Radiant Powder Face and Body- $ 85.00- A silky loose powder with a subtle gold iridescent finish and comes in a gold/copper shade.  Comes in the iconic bee bottle.

- Midnight Star- $ 73.00 skincare primer to help erase fatique. Comes in mini capsules for individual use
- Meteorites Perles D'Or- $ 56.00 - has gold and violet shades for complexion


-Meteorites Poudre D'Or  $ 170.00 - compact with black swarovski crystals, features the Imperial Bee.

-Ombre Eclat- 4 shades in Velours D'Or. Honeycomb embossed .

-Le 2 Volume- mascara with basic brush in black, 2nd brush in gold copper.

-Rouge G Le Brilliant in B64 Bee- an intense ,shiny violet shade

-Kiss Kiss Strass in  323 Rouge Imperial , a  vibrant dark red and 363 Rose de la Reine, a rosy beige

Lancome and L'Wren Scott Collection

Image for the Lancome /L'Wren Scott collab to hit counters in late fall and a look from her last collection that inspired it.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks

Make Up For Ever has revamped their lipstick line and come up with a full  50 new shades, promising something for everyone. So much so that in Sephora stores there will be a handy chart to help those who are unsure of what shade might be best, to consult. It tells your best red, pink or nude based on skintone and haircolor.

These new lipsticks are super pigmented, with the company saying they have 50% more pigment than traditional formulas. Having tried a few, I can tell you they're right. These pack a punch.

These are thick in texture but not  heavy on the lips. They are soft and comfortable feeling, not dry and last very well.  A little goes a long way  and they are full coverage.

My favorite of the shades I tested was 24 a nude, peachy beige. It's a medium beige with very warm undertones. I also tried 44 a blackberry red that was a recommended chart shade for me. Now nothing is going to get me to wear a red lip, I simply don't like how they look on me.  But I will say, 44 was a good shade for me if I was going reddish/bold. So the chart was right.

The return of " real " lipstick is back this fall . Me, I'm a fan  and happy to see it. Yes I love gloss and I really love shimmer in any lip, but a real, full lipstick is a wonderful thing. Rouge Artist Intense fits that bill. If you love Mad Men and want that lip look, look here. The shades range from pink, to coral, to orange, to brick to black. There are also  3 textures: matte, pearly and satin. All  of mine shown  are satin which have no shimmer but are not flat.

At  Sephora.com   and in store at $ 19.00