Tuesday, February 1, 2011

MAC Wonder Woman Mighty Aphrodite Blush

Part( Much?) of the allure of the MAC Wonder Woman collection is the packaging.   I love the outer packaging best, the boxes. The comic imagery there is fun and very detailed.

Of course in the boxes  is some great makeup. There are   2  blush duos and one  is Mighty Aphrodite. This is the lighter of the two and will work on most any skintone I think. It's a very pretty  medium /light  peachy pink with a small  additional brighter  pink shade .  Both have gold pearl shimmer. MAC describes Mighty Aphrodite  as having peach tones but they really seem to me to be  more pink.

Wonder Woman hits counters Feb. 10 and online now.

Powder  Blush Duo is $ 24.00

Monday, January 31, 2011

The Lip Balm Guide to Super Hydration


With temps in the cellar here and in many places across the country , even so called warmer climes, lip balm is a must.  Good lip balm is even more of a must because not all are created equal.  I apply all day and night and begin to have chapped lips the minute it gets below 60 degrees.  After a fellow blogger was looking for product recs for her continuously parched lips, I decided it was time to do my lip hydration  post, one I've had in pipeline for awhile.

Things to know-

1.If it has shea butter, it's got mega moisture, many of those listed below fall into this category.

2. The more thick, and viscous a  balm, the more barrier protection from wind it will give you.  Ones like the Clinique  listed below as well as old standy Aquaphor which now comes in  a handy  lip treatment tube  fit this type.

   That said,  here is my list of personal favorites that  work in  freezing cold.  There are plenty other balms I love and use in milder, say 40-50 degree weather. But for the coldest times, these get highest marks. Links will go to my  original review if there was one.

Philosophy Kiss me Tonight- Also should be called The Lifesaver or maybe LipSaver.  This is meant as an overnight treatment, but can be used daytime as well, it just doesn't lend itself to being used under lipcolor.  It's a thick, jelly balm which  makes a  coating on lips. Its stays there long and is super healing and softening with shea and mango butters One of the few products I keep a backup of.


Shu Uemuea Depsea Hydrability- Almost oily in texture at times this one covers the lips with a heavy gel/balm and keeps out the wind and softens the lips. Ultra hydrating, no tint, no scent. Contains  depsea water as well as hyaluronic acid and macadamia oil.  Available  only online in US  at http://www.http//www.shuuemura-usa.com 


Clarins Colour Quench Balm - The balm you want if you want major moisture , gloss and color in one. These pack  more pigment than most balms and come in a huge color selection from light to bright. They also have shea butter, vitamin E and a nice fruity scent. You'll see my original post dates to 2007, these have been a staple for a longtime.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lipcolor-  Lipstick with shea butter. When you want lipstick but you need help with chapped lips, look here. These have nice pigment, are a lipstick tube but pack  much more moisture than most lipsticks. I use my nude shade, Bronzed Pink,  all winter every year. It's what I usually reach for when I want lipstick  not balm.

L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter- The small tin of pure shea butter is just what lips need . Apply right on for healing and moisture . The real deal , simple and basic but  nothing works like  pure shea.

Clinique Super Balm Moisturizing Gloss- As the name says it's a glossy balm. It's also thick enough to stand up  to wind and cold. The colors are sheer and the formula has aloe vera and vitamin E.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Lucky Shops Comes to LA

Lucky Shops has been on the East side in NYC for seven years now. For the first time they are staging it in LA this April.

What you need to know if you want to attend:

At Lucky Shops you'll enjoy: complimentary cocktails,* giveaways, music and more.

Where is it?

Siren Studios
6063 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

When is it?

First Dibs Friday: Friday, April 8, 12PM- 6PM
Saturday Shop-a-thon: Saturday, April 9, 10AM – 5PM

What happened last year?

In 2010, LUCKY SHOPS hosted more than 60 designers and shops from around the globe in New York City, including: Diane von Furstenberg, Tracy Reese, Foley + Corinna, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Botkier, Helen Ficalora, Jodi Arnold, Vena Cava, and many many more. Most merchants sold current as well as off-season items at up to 70% off.

*Must be 21 years or older to enjoy complimentary cocktails. While supplies last.



Friday, January 28, 2011

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011

The only words to describe the Dior couture show this week are the big adjectives. Amazing, stunning. It was those and more. I  was wowed with just a glimpse.

The quality of light in the fabrics at time reminded me of a painting. The exquisite detailing, the big sashying skirts.  The headpieces by Stephen Jones.

The makeup  was fabulous as well. Porcelain doll faces, absolute precise lines.  Over the top ,but this is couture. Pat McGrath worked her usual magic using Dior Ara Red #999 for those lips. I loved the bold eye colors , but they were not Dior, so no details.



 I can only hope that at least one Oscar attendee dons one of these gowns for us to see. Since Natalie Portman is the face of Miss Dior Cherie, we'll see.

All images: Style.com