Archives for October 2007

MAC Makeup Reviews, Cosmetics – Invisible Set Powder; Natural Flare Loose Beauty Powder; Indianwood and Groundwork Paintpot; Plushlash in Plushblack

October 13th, 2007 by Karen 30 Comments

MAC Makeup Reviews – Part Uno of MAC Pro Store Haul

MAC Loose Beauty Powder in Natural Flare
Price: $21.00 for a 0.28 jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
mac-beauty-powder-loose-natural-flare

Oh. My. Gawd. Becky.

The Loose Beauty Powders are frickin’ amazing.

MAC Loose Beauty Powders are sheer, jet-milled powders used to bring shimmer to eyes, cheeks and skin.

There are eight colors, and I think I want them all!

– MAC Paperwhite: Soft white with pearl reflects
– MAC Micro Pink: Pale pink with red reflects
– MAC Lightly Lilac: Soft lavender with violet reflects
– MAC Daisy Dust: Pale banana with gold reflects
– MAC Natural Flare: Peachy champagne with white and gold reflects
– MAC Peach Haze: Soft coral with gold and bronze reflects
– MAC Dancing Light: Creamy gold with white gold reflects
– MAC Drizzlegold: Flechy beige with copper and gold reflects

I have MAC Natural Flare, a peachy champagne with white and gold reflects. Not only is the color beautiful, it’s incredibly versatile.

In the past two weeks I’ve used it in several different ways, including:

– on top of matte blushes to give them dimension
– as a highlighter on the nose, chin and upper cheekbones
– with lotion and applied to legs and arms
– mixed with sunscreen on days I’m too lazy to wear foundation but still want a little glow.

What I liked about MAC Loose Beauty Powder

– gorgeous, refined glitter that isn’t too in your face
– perfect, natural looking sparkle
– very sheer, yet buildable coverage. Even when I’ve accidentally overloaded my brush and the results still look great
– great for a luminous J.Lo skin look

What I didn’t like about MAC Loose Beauty Powder

– nada! I just wish I picked up a few more colors!

The final word
Words can’t even begin to capture how much I love this product. Ladies, get your hands on this asap. Tis the shizz.

… Loose beauty?
brody-laurner
brody-kristen
brody-nicole

REVIEW: MAC Paintpots in Indianwood and Groundwork
Price: $16.50 for a 0.17 oz jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C+/B-

mac-paint-pot-groundwork-indianwood

I’m a big fan of MAC Paints as eyeshadow bases. Barely a day goes by when I don’t reach for my beloved Bare Canvas.

I’ve been a little hesitant to get on the Paint Pot train because the last thing I need is another MAC obsession to fuel. However, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. And if it’s for the sake of beauty blogging, then I’m down to make the ultimate sacrifice of possible product obsession.

I had great expectations for the MAC Paint Pots and was entirely hoping they’d rock me, Amadeus.

britney-gimme-more

Although I liked the colors, I was disappointed with the texture and performance of MAC’s Paint Pots. My wallet will be happy to know that I will not be shelling out le dough to get all of the colors into my makeup stash.

What I liked about MAC Paint Pots

– great packaging
– natural and pretty colors
– long wearing
– doesn’t crease

What I didn’t like about MAC Paint Pots

– drier formulation

If you’ve used the previous MAC Paints in a tube, you know that one of the big issues is that the product is hard to control. It tends to shoot out of the tube, a lot ends up going to waste and the metallic packaging just sucks!

The MAC Paint Pot packaging is a vast improvement. And the stuff stays on forever and doesn’t crease, which is great. I often use Indianwood just as a wash of color all over the lid on days when I’m too lazy to do a full eye.

However, I just feel so-so about the paint pots as a shadow base. Maybe I’m nuts (hey, it’s entirely possible) but the drier texture of the new formulation doesn’t grab or blend shadows as well as the OG MAC paints.

The final word on MAC Paint Pots

I’ll probably buy Bare Study just to see how it compares to Bare Canvas, but then I’ll stop there. I don’t lust after these enough to collect them all.

REVIEW: MAC Invisible Set Powder
Price: $24.00 for a 1.1 oz jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

mac-invisible-set-powder

By far for the past few months Laura Mercier Translucent Loose setting powder has been my favorite thing to top off every range of foundation — tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation, etc.

Yet old beauty habits die hard, so I’m always on the hunt for new makeup.

I’ve been wanting to try MAC Pro’s Invisible Set for a while, so during my last trip to the MAC Pro store the first thing on my list was this product. The Set powders are loose powders designed to stabilize and fix makeup, and you can only purchase them at Mac Pro stores. By the way — you don’t have to have a card to shop at the MAC Pro Store! All you need is your credit card and a massive amount of self restraint.

The skinny on MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– jet-milled
– contain micronized pigments and talc for pure colors and soft application
– sheer-light coverage
– matte finish

There are seven shades, including:

– MAC Lilac: Whisper soft lavender
– MAC Peach: Light-medium beige peach
– MAC Deep Peach: Medium-deep beige with neutral peach undertones
– MAC Soft Yellow: Creamy soft yellow
– MAC Dusty Rose: Very soft pink
– MAC Porcelain: Soft white
– MAC Invisible: Transparent ivory

One of my issues with Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose setting powder is that it doesn’t have enough lasting shine control. I’ve read that Invisible Set is a great for ladies with oilier skin, so I was very excited to see how it performed in comparison.

I’ve been alternating MAC Invisible Set makeup with Laura Mercier Translucent over the last two weeks. I wish I could scream from the rooftops that MAC Invisible Set is my new favorite powder but I just feel so-so about it.

What I liked about MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– matte finish that absorbs oil for long periods of time (although this seems to be dependant on the base that I use)
– only have to use very little to get good coverage
– no weird grey cast
– huge makeup jar!

What I didn’t like about MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– has a more stark finish and not as “soft-focus” as Laura Mercier Translucent Loose
– requires more thoughtfulness during application. I can’t just slap this on and go. I really have to be careful not to overload my brush and have to dilute, dilute, dilute; otherwise my makeup looks too Memoirs of Geisha
memoirs-geisha-fina
Invisible Set makeup definitely keeps me less oily throughout the day, but on my skin it really depends on what type of base it adheres. I’ve tried it with various types of coverage, from light tinted moisturizers to medium coverage liquid foundations. By far the best results were from the heavier coverage products. When I wear Laura Mercier Oil-Free foundation, Invisible Set makeup really grabs onto the color and won’t let go. But when I use Laura Mericer Tinted Moisturizer, Invisible Set seems to get oilier much more quickly.

On me, Invisible Set gives a more theatrical, dramatic finish than Laura Mercier Translucent. Laura Mercier’s Translucent is like “I’m running barefoot through a field of sun flowers in afternoon light in sun-dappled Tuscany” while Invisible Set is like “I’m wearing Dubonnet red lips, a black Armani suit and four-inch Manolos and you better move out my way when I’m strutting down Market Street.” Get the picture?

You might like MAC Invisible Set Powder if…

– you like to have a range of powder finish options
– wear heavier foundation
– have really oily skin

The final word on MAC Invisible Set Powder…

I probably won’t buy it again simply because of the fact that this particular jar is going to last me into the next lifetime. It’s huge! And I barely need to use any of it to get great coverage.

Also, I also like to have different powder options on hand, and will use this on days when I want a more dramatic look to my skin. It’s a fun option to have in your makeup arsenal, but if you’ve got a limited budget then it’s not a must-have. However, if you’re skin is super oily and you wear heavier products, this could be a godsend.

I think in the future I’ll actually mix MAC Invisible Set Powder with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. I’ll keep ya’ll posted on the results of this Franken-powder experiment.

REVIEW: MAC Plushlash in Plushblack
Price: $11.00
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+ and a big fat HELL TO THE YAH!

mac-plushlash-plushblack

MAC Plushlash will kick your Plushass!

I’m usually a big fan of drugstore (aka cheap!) mascaras and makeup, but MAC Plushlash is actually worth spending your hard earned cash on. And, baby, I know you work hard for that money.

Plushlash awesomeness begins with the huge brush. It’s all puppies and rainbows from that point on, ladies:

– excellent curl hold
– great lengthening and thickening
– deep, dark black color
– doesn’t smudge

Just for fun the other day I applied four layers of MAC Plushlash in Plushblack, and I actually went out in public without feeling like a total freak…
plushlash-none-final
plushlash-plushblack-1layer
plushlash-plushblack-two-layers
plushlash-plushblack-three-layers
karen-four-layers-plushlash-plushblack
After three years of heavy weight domination, MAC Plushlash now knocks out DiorShow as my new fave higher end mascara. LOVE IT!
ll-cool-j-knock-you-out

How’s your Saturday been? I’ve been slightly out o’ commission because earlier today I was listening to “Get Low” by Flo-Rida (She hit the floor, next thing ya know she got low, low, low, low…). I started dancing around the house, which is standard operating procedure ’round here, and then proceeded to pull a muscle when I got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low. Yes, this is what happens when you’re 32 and you don’t warm up! So I’ve been wobbling around all day like a pirate with a wooden leg. Not cute!

Anyway I hope whatever you are doing is fun and that you are enjoying your day!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

If you enjoyed this post, check out MAC Makeup Reviews – MAC Royal Assets Tan Lips Palette and MAC Makeup Tips: MAC Does Makeup for Music, Too.

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!; Product reviews – Bath & Body Works In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove; Tarte’s Sweet Dreams Lipstick

October 12th, 2007 by Karen 32 Comments

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!

This is a picture of my friend, Mary Anne. She’s a breast cancer survivor and the coolest dentist I know.

maryanne-headshot

We met a few years ago at UC Davis (GO AGS), where she had the annoying habit of getting good grades in organic chemistry!

It seemed like our lives were destined to follow a certain track: finish school, get great job, find kick-ass boy, etc.; so when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year it was really shocking. It felt like it was only yesterday when we were at her house at 2:00 in the morning “studying,” aka pigging out and watching Jerry Springer.

Next thing I know we’re kickin’ it at the chemotherapy ward and making jokes about the IV she’s toting around.

Yet despite this difficult and emotional year, I’ve watched my friend handle this challenge with grace and positivity.

One of the many challenges for Mary Anne was navigating the world of makeup and beauty as a cancer patient. How do you deal with losing your eyebrows? What do you do when you feel a hot flash coming on? These are just a few makeup/beauty issues that she had to deal with.

So without further ado, here are a few great tips that she’s learned this past year on how to stay beautiful both inside and out.

And if you have a friend or a relative who has breast cancer or was recently diagnosed please forward this post to her. Let’s make someone feel hopeful today!

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors from the Lovely Mary Anne

Name
Mary Anne

Age and occupation
31 years old (My 31st birthday was very special. It happened to be my last day of radiation!)
Dentist
When were you diagnosed? How did you find out?

During a routine physical exam in October 2006, my primary care physician found a lump on my left breast. Prior to that, I had no idea it existed and never had any symptoms. Nine days later, the pathology report was in. I was in total disbelief when the doctor said “malignant invasive ductal carcinoma,” all I could do was cry.

After feeling the lump for the first time, I thought to myself, “It’s so obvious; I should’ve found it earlier! I did not do monthly breast exams and thought I was immune to cancer because I was young, strong, and heading to the top of my career. Cancer was NOT on my agenda. Little did I know, it was going to be my only agenda item for this year.

Self-breast exams are recommended every month after our menses. Palpating your breasts in the shower with soap is the perfect time to get to know your breasts. Be sure to lift your arm and check the underarm areas as well.

What are makeup/beauty tips that you’d give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful on the outside?

Here they are in order of importance! I had to figure most of this stuff on my own, so I thought I should share them all.

– Hydrate daily. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your body including your lips. I like Cetaphil and Eucerin products.

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, about $11 for 16 oz bottle, at your favorite drugstore

– When you feel tired, your body is telling you something. It’s saying REST, I’m tired!

– With clearance from your doctor, EXERCISE! If you are taking steroids to counter the side effects of chemo drugs, don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little plumper.

fussy-tabby-fitness

– Eat healthy but don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat. Ask your doctor to speak to a nutritionist. Some hospitals offer complimentary consults. If needed, you may also want to consider speaking with a cancer psychologist as well as a social worker to assist with financial aid and participation in cancer programs.

– FLOSS! See your dentist for regular dental care. Post chemo and radiation, I now have xerostomia (dry mouth) and gum recession. Some cancer patients also experience cold/canker sores. I recommend topical fluoride treatments (like Omnii Pharmaceutical’s varnish) and regular cleanings with clearance from your medical physician. Saliva acts as a buffer against the acidic environment that causes tooth decay; so lack of saliva (dry mouth) may result in increased cavities. Speak to your dentist about Biotene (for xerostomia), Periomed (which contains stannous fluoride), Prevention Oncology Rinses (found it in Walgreens, soothing to the tissues), and Colgate’s Orabase (it contains cyanoacrylate, the same stuff in crazy glue, it’s palliative for cold sores). Chew sugar free gum with xylitol. Brush twice a day.

floss-pimp

– Before your hair falls out, try a funky, new, bold short haircut to minimize messy floors and clogged drains. It was only two weeks into chemo that my hair started falling out in clumps. A very sweet hairdresser, Jessica, at Thirteen Salon in Walnut Creek, CA shaved my head. It was one of the most liberating things I have ever done.

Halle Berry with a short style
halle-berry-cute-short-hair

Alyssa Milano with cute, short hair
alyssa-milano-short-hair

– Anastasia’s Eyebrow Kit. I was never one to draw in eyebrows. The kit has everything for a beginner — stencils, mascara, the perfect eyebrow brush and colors.

Anastasia Five Piece Brow Kit, $65.00, anastasia.net or Sephora
anastasia-brow-kit

– Find pretty nail polish. Chemo drugs such as Adriamycin and Cytoxin will turn your nails black. I prefer darker colors like OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and Mrs. O’Leary’s BBQ.

OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, $7.50 at Amazon.com
opi-lincoln-park-after-dark

– Treat yourself to a nice scarf. I found a classy large scarf at H&M for $8!

– Try NARS bronzer and blush. Apply a little bit to give yourself a healthy glow. It works!

Nars Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzer duo, $36 at Sephora
nars-orgasm-laguna

– Attend Look Good, Feel Better, a seminar held by the American Cancer Society free of charge for cancer patients. They give $200-$400 worth of brand name cosmetics to each attendee. They also give free wig and make-up tips. Call your local society for more information.

– Carry hand sanitizer wherever you go.

– When a hotflash comes on, just imagine that you’re in a sauna and think peaceful thoughts. Get a meditation CD.

What beauty tips would you give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful and positive emotionally?

– Pray. Meditate. Yoga. Walk.

– This really helps: Whenever I was feeling down, I started to count my blessings. I thought of all the things I am thankful for i.e. mom, dad, sisters, brothers, nephew, relatives, friends, advances in health care, food on the table, plumbing, clean water, chocolate.

– Remember, life is worth every minute. You can choose your thoughts. Keep a positive attitude and if there is any time to erase negativity in your life, it’s NOW. Choose to LOVE LIFE and never lose HOPE. Plus, when your kids see you love life and do good for others, they will be happier and will contribute more to this beautiful world in their lifetimes. As you go through this challenge, you will be amazed by your strength, courage, and stamina. You will also be amazed by the resilience of your body.

– Growing up, I have always believed that there are virtues that no one can ever take away from me like integrity…same goes for your HOPE, FAITH, and your ability to LOVE.

– Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Truly Forgive.

– SMILE, it doesn’t cost you anything.

– Dance, it doesn’t cost you anything.

– It’s okay to cry. It can be very cleansing. Lean on your family and friends for support.

that-girl-before1a

– Take a picture of your baldness. I wish I did.

– Do something good for yourself everyday.

– Meet other cancer patients and survivors. Make friends at the infusion center. Might as well make your 3-5 hour infusions pleasant.

Welcome to the sisterhood, sista! When you are done, you will come out with GRACE, SERENITY, and POWER! This is where true beauty is found in your heart and soul. There are people who are fighting for you and who want you to win this battle!

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?

I’m looking forward to enjoying family, friendships, life, more rigorous workouts, learning how to cook gourmet meals, travel, and mission trips. I’m looking forward to practicing dentistry again. I love my patients. Oh and, taking a picture with the kitty on this website.
fussy-tabby-closeup

More Fab Breast Cancer Awareness Products

It’s not too early to start thinking about stocking stuffers for Christmas! One gift I plan on getting all the women in my life is In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove, which you can purchase at Bath & Body Works for $9.00.

bathandbodyworks-intouch-glove

This reusable glove reduces friction by 50% and increases sensitivity, so your fingers can glide smoothy across the breast during your monthly breast self-exam. This kit also includes complete exam intsructions, a monthly reminder calendar, and a pretty travel satchel for your glove.

I just tried this glove during my last breast self-exam and it really does make it easier. I now keep the kit in my bathroom and just check off date on the calendar so I can keep track of my exam dates. Every woman on my Christmas list is getting one of these!

Another great stocking stuffer is tarte’s inside out lipstick in the shade Sweet Dreams, which I reviewed a few weeks ago.
tarte-inside-out-lipsticks-zen-sweet-dreams

October is a great month to pick up this pretty dusty-pink rose lippie, because 20% of the retail sales will go to Young Survival Coalition, youngsurvival.org. You can purchase Sweet Dreams inside-out lipstick at Sephora stores nationwide.

Ladies, please do a monthly breast self exam and encourage the women in your life to do the same!

Hugs to you and to all the breast cancer survivors fighting to stay healthy.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

News: Out of Office Message – I Feel Like Total Crap

October 11th, 2007 by Karen 9 Comments

Hey Ya’ll –

So I had this super mega post reviewing my MAC loot from the Pro Store, but I didn’t finish it this afternoon because I’ve had the migraine from hell since I got home from work at 4:00. The right side of my brain feels like it’s trapped at a club with some killer pounding bass, so the whole subject/verb/insert funny phrase here process has not been crackin’.

I wish!
cbale-igotyercure

The most my brain has been able to tolerate were a few episodes of “Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane,” oh gawd!

Will be back tomorrow, in full force. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen
fussy-tabby-sleeps

MAC Makeup, Face of the Day (FOTD): Matte2 in Copperplate, Fig. 1 and Poison Pen; Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog

October 10th, 2007 by Karen 26 Comments

Face of the Day with Mac Matte2, aka When Purple Doesn’t Reign

Try as I might, I can’t seem to get it together when it comes to MAC’s Matte2 shadows. I’ve tried to do a full on matte eye a few times but it’s just too hard for me in terms of blending. Plus, I need a lil’ sparkle and some shine, ya know?

Here’s one of the attempts with three Matte2 colors:
mac-matte2-fig1-copperplate-poison-pen
Fig. 1 — eggplant purple
Copperplate — muted mid-tone grey
Poison Pen — deep mid-tone purple with grey

mac-matte2-fotd-101007

mac-matte-2-1010070-fotd-final

Although I originally wanted to do an all matte eye, I ended up using Next to Nothing (from the Smoke Signals palette) on the browbone to offset the dark colors.

I also used:

MAC Bare Canvas paint as a lid primer
MAC technakohl liner
MAC Plushlash in Plushblack

On my lips that’s MAC Mattene in Composure and on the cheeks is MAC Emote blush.

The colors were really hard to blend, and I had to really put that 217 into overdrive to avoid having stark lines of definition. I also had to work fast too, because once the Bare Canvas paint dried blending was virtually impossible.

And did I mention that I felt too purple to function?
barney-work-that-purple-bitces

prince-purple-rain

I dunno how I feel about this. I guess next time around I’ll try it with a lighter hand, which I think will make me feel less, um, purple.

Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog…

You know that you need tough love some times. And that I’m here to give it to ya!
dear-mbb

Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog,

I think my boyfriend is wearing my eyeliner.

I noticed a few weeks ago that I seemed to be going through my favorite eyeliner (MAC’s Technakohl in Graphblack!) really fast. I mean, I wear it every day, so I’m not surprised when it runs out. But lately it seems like I go through it so quickly. And one morning when I reached for it in my makeup kit, I noticed that the cap was off, which is something I never, ever do.

That night during dinner I mentioned it to my boyfriend, and told him that I thought there was a ghost or something in the house messing with my eye liner. He made a weird face and said that it was probably nothing and that I forgot to put the cap back on. Well, in between bites of pasta I looked closely at his lashline…and it seemed to look thicker, and bit more defined. That’s when it hit me: he’s using my eyeliner!

What should I do? Should I confront him about this? Should I just let it go? Help!

Sincerely,

Confused in California

Dear Confused,

It’s not the end of the world. Think about it: there are plenty of boys out there who work the lined eye with plenty of success.

Pete Wentz does Cleopatra liner
pete-wentz

Prince does the cat eye
prince-eyeliner

Jared Leto does a light smokey grey on the outer 2/3rds
jared-leto-liner

However, if it really makes you uncomfortable, you might want to have a little discussion with him.

Here are a few approaches I’d think about taking if I was in your shoes.

Bait and Switch: Let the boy keep wearing liner…just don’t let it be your expensive eyeliner

I would hide my precious Technakohl away and replace it with a Prestige or Wet n’ Wild liner from the drugstore. I did this a few years ago when El Hub kept using my pricey Bumble & Bumble Gentle shampoo in the shower. He had no clue that it cost an arm and a leg, so I just replaced it with some Suave and he was none the wiser.

Full on Frontal: Ask him straight up why he’s wearing your eyeliner…but be mentally prepared for a potentially shocking conversation

This direct tactic is the one I’d be most likely to take in this situation, but I wouldn’t go into the convo without preparing myself thoroughly. First, I’d make myself a mental list of all the potential answers that El Hub could eventually give me:

“Honey, why are your wearing my eyeliner?”

Potential answer #1
“Because I want to be a rock star like Prince, so I’m quitting my job to start a band!”

Potential answer #2
“Because I’ve discovered that I like wearing makeup. By the way, those stretched out panties you’ve been complaining about? It’s not cause you’ve lost weight. It’s cause I wear them when you’re at hip hop class!”

You get the picture.

Next, I’d brainstorm all of the possible ways I’d react to these answers.

Would this exercise help me in the end? I don’t know for sure. However, I do know that going through the possible scenarios would get me thinking about how to handle each possible situation with compassion, dignity and grace. I would also hope that the exercise would prepare me for *anything* he threw my way. And should shit hit the fan, I would hopefully be mentally prepared enough to not lose my cool and be an understanding and open-minded partner during the conversation.

Make Him Up, 101: If he’s determined to wear the liner, make sure that it at least looks good

So if the boy is hell bent on wearing liner, then the least you can do is to make sure it looks good. I’d perhaps give my guy a lesson on blending and brushes, plus a fresh pot of his own MAC Fluildline in Blacktrack.

Good luck, and keep on trucking.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Just for Fun: Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Hell-to-the-Yah! list – Tuesday, October 9, 2007

October 9th, 2007 by Karen 21 Comments

Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Hell-to-the-Yah! list: Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Hell-to-the-Yah! #1: Midget Mac on I Love NY 2
midget-mac
I don’t care if your television taste is more PBS than trash TV, you won’t be able to resist the couch paralysis that happens when the weirdness that is I LOVE NY 2 unfolds on Vh1.

So far, out of all the weird dudes in the bunch, right now I’m on TEAM MIDGET MAC!

(…although somebody needs to tell him to get rid of those horizontal-striped oversized shirts because they do nothing to lengthen his torso.)

And does any body else think it’s odd that when Midget Mac does his solo interviews you can only see from his nose upward? C’mon, camera man/woman! I know it ain’t that hard to lower the lens!

Hell-to-the-Yah! #2: Chanel for Dummies! Multi-Use Makeup Palette and the Winter Nights Quad
chanel-multi-use-makeup-palette
BEHOLD! Bow down to the awesomeness that is the Chanel palette.

With a combo of best-selling and exclusive colors, this palette is sure to feed my inner lazy makeup beast but will still leave me looking polished. Four eyeshadows, four lip colors and one blush equals one happy (and broke, it’s $85, OUCH!) Karen.

BUT WAIT…there’s more! The lovely reader Glosslizard sent me this pic of the Winter Nights Quad. You know better than to feed the fire, girl!
chanel-winter-nights-quad

Hell-to-the-Yeah! #3: Boot Shopping on Zappos.com
gabriella-rocha-gina-boot
It’s allegedly going to rain today in the Bay Area, which is my lame excuse for spending time in Candy Land, aka, the boot section on Zappos.com.

Where the hell am I going to wear these Gabriella Rocha boots? But I want â€˜em, sigh!

Hell-to-the-Yah! #4: Nordstrom Online Beauty Gift
nordstrom-online-beauty-gift
F*ck faxing or filing! If you’re sitting there festering away in your cube you might as well be doing something productive. Right now on the Nordstrom Web site there’s a beauty special offer — spend $95 (and you know that isn’t hard to do) and get the following “free” (HA!) samples and a gold and zebra clutch:

Bare EscentualsÂ® Prime Time Foundation Primer (packette)
Bliss Thinny Thin Chinâ„¢ (packette)
Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste Body Lotion
Clarins Super Restorative Serum
Clinique High Definition Lashes Mascara
Fekkai Glossing Cream (packette)
Japonesque Snowflake Lashes
KineraseÂ® Intensive Eye Cream
Korres Guava Body Butter
L., a L.A.M.B. Fragrance by Gwen Stefani
LancÃ´me DÃ©finicils Mascara
Laura Mercier CrÃ¨me BrÃ»lÃ©e CrÃ¨me Body Wash
L’Occitane Verbena Shower Gel
MD SkincareÂ® Alpha BetaÂ® Daily Face Peel (packette)
N.V. Perricone, M.D. Face Finishing Moisturizer with DMAEâ€¨Origins Ginger Souffleâ„¢ Whipped Body Cream
Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum
philosophy inner grace shower gel
Smashbox Lipgloss
Vera Wang Parfum
â€¨
Hell-to-the-Yeah! #5: Kanye West’s new CD, Graduation Day
kanye-west-stronger-art
Either you love him or hate him, you can’t deny that the man can make some beats. My new theme song is on Kanye’s latest CD Graduation, and it’s called Stronger. They hook reads like the story of my life as of late:

“Work it harder make it better,
do it faster makes us stronger,
more than ever, hour after
hour work is never over”

Work it harder today on this lovely Tuesday, ya’ll. I know you can do it!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. What’s on your Hell-to-the-Yah list?!?!

Product Reviews, Fragrance, Skincare – Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, Darphin Paris Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water; Face of the Day – Nix’ie Cosmetics Eye Shadow Palette

October 8th, 2007 by Karen 14 Comments

Yay or Nay? – Celeb Perfums

covet-sarah-jessica-parker-eau-de-parfum
The thought of most celeb perfumes makes me want to throw up in my mouth a little. I mean, let’s get real. If my net worth was a jillion dollars I wouldn’t be buying a $14.00 fragrance with my name on it if was kept in a locked glass cabinet at Walgreens.

Plus, I think it’s a touch presumptuous to think that the masses would want to go around smelling like you. If we really got a true whiff of Britney, chances are she wouldn’t emit the scent of “Loquat Fruit and Tonka Crystals.”

So when I got this wee bottle of Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Covet” I was more than prepared to haterade all over it, but a mix of curiosity and masochism drove me to place a few drops on my wrist. I waited and waited and waited for the eau de self-centered celebrity to kick in … but then was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked how it smelled. In fact, it actually smells pretty good — like lemons, your boyfriend’s sweater and baby powder brewed together in a cauldron for a really long time.

I am happy to declare that I don’t hate this! What’s your take on celeb perfumes? Got any guilty pleasures?

Product Review – Darphin Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water

darphin-cleansing-water
I’ve been on a makeup remover kick lately. I’m looking to feed my inner beast of laziness, so my mission is to find a product that that:

– removes long-wearing eye makeup easily
– doesn’t require an extra rinse of water
– smells good
– doesn’t dry out my skin

When I found Darphin, a French skin care line, I thought that I found pay dirt with their makeup remover for sensitive skin. Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water is a no-rinse formula that I apply with a soft cotton ball or pad, and it removes almost all of my makeup and doesn’t require an extra rinse of water. It doesn’t leave my face feeling taught or dry, and has a wonderful light, floral smell that is divine.

The downside? It’s pricey – $50.00 for a 6.7 fl oz bottle (I know, I know!) Also, while this removes most makeup it won’t remove long-wear products, like MAC Liquidlast liner.

It’s a wonderful, luxurious splurge though. Christmas is around the corner, so it might be a nice stocking stuffer for the makeup junkie in your life who has everything.

Face of the Day – A Light Purple Eye with the Nixie Eye Palette

A few weeks ago I posted pics of a beautiful shadow palette from Nix’ie Cosmetics. Here’s a FOTD I did with two of the shadows from that palette:
nixie-fotd-2-sideview-100807
nixie-fotd-2-100807
nixie-lips-fotd-100807
nixie-palette-eye-closeup-100807
On the eyes I used these two colors from the palette.
nixie-colors-100807
And for the rest —
Makeup Forever Lift Concealer as shadow primer on lids
MAC Concrete and 266 brush for brows
MAC Plush Lash Mascara in Plushblack
MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer

Cheeks —
MAC Mocha Blush
MAC Emote Blush

Lips —
MAC Pink Treat Cremestick Liner
MAC Brew Lipstick
MAC Style It Up Lipglass

Face —
Laura Mercier Oil-free foundation
MAC Invisible Set Powder

This colors in this palette have varying levels of color payoff. It was especially evident when I tried it with different shadow bases. I tried MAC Paint, MAC Paint pot and liquid concealer. The concealer grabbed the shadows best and gave the most color payoff and ease of blendability.

I like the colors in this palette for either a sheer wash of color or as a pop of color to line the upper and lower lash line. I’ve been reaching for it often, especially on my 10-minute makeup days.

How was your weekend? I barely spent time inside the house because it was so beautiful outside. It pains me to know that rainy and gloomy weather is right around the corner.

El hub and I went into the city on Saturday night for the opening night of Litquake, a yearly literary festival held in San Francisco. The evening was a tribute to San Francisco author Armistead Maupin, author of Tales of the City and The Night Listener. Several of his closest friends, including actress Laura Linney and Judd and Pam (ha!) from the Real World San Francisco, were there to read from his works and tell stories about him.

Anyway, enjoy your Monday! Another week – and another chance to make a new start, right?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Product Reviews, Makeup – Chanel Garden Party Quad and Makeover with National Artist John Fussell

October 6th, 2007 by Karen 28 Comments

chanel-garden-party-quad-closeup-four-colors-2
Damn ye, makeup gods.

Why did you have to make me fall in love with the Chanel Garden Party quad?

I mean, despite the fact that it’s got:
– Sexy sleek black packaging
– Finely milled shadows
– Sophisticated shimmer that creates a soft-focus lens effect
– Buildable color that’s highly pigmented and incredibly user friendly
– Two gorgeous green shadows that are to die for

…it still frickin’ costs an arm and a leg! That’s fifty-five big ones, sans tax. Holy effin’ crap, Batman!

I’ve been dying to get the Garden Party shadow quad for a few weeks now, so yesterday’s national artist event at my local Macy’s was the perfect excuse to go.

chanel-garden-party-quad-closeup-four-colors

The makeover included:

Skincare

Le Lait Cleanser, Nourishing cleansing milk for face and eyes
Activateur Hydration, Gentle Hydrating Lotion
Beaute Initiale, Energizing Multi-Protection Concentrate (this is a serum)
Beaute Initiale, Energizing Multi-Protection Eye Cream SPF 15
Beaute Initiale, Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid Healthy Glow SPF

Makeup

Face —
Medium Deep Pro Lumiere Concealer ($38.00)
Soft Honey Teint Innocence Foundation ($42.50)

Eyes –
Garden Party Quad ($55.00)
Soft Brown Precision Brow Definer ($28.00)

Cheeks —
Orchid Rose Jouse Contraste Powder Blush ($40.00)

Lips —
Nude Le Cray Levres Precision Lip Definer ($28.00)
Equinox Glossimer Gloss ($25.00)

chanel-teint-innocence
chanel-precision-skincare
chanel-skincare-2

Standout Products that I Might Come Back to Purchase

As far as I can tell all of the skincare used in the session was very gentle, non-perfumey, and didn’t break me out. I may someday purchase the cleansing milk and the serum, which were the stand-out products because they felt very moisturizing.

In addition to the Garden Party quad, I liked the Teint Innocence foundation, which is a light, liquid foundation that has a soft glow to it. I usually don’t like glowy foundations, but this one was very understated and natural. I ended up getting a few samples because I didn’t want to drop the $42.50 for it without seeing the results in natural light.

I also liked the Equinox Glossimer lip gloss, however not enough to spend $25.00 on it. I will put this on my Christmas wish list. Dear Santa, I’ve been a *very good blogger* this year!

The Final Eye Look
chanel-garden-party-quad-eye-green-shadow

The “doe in the headlights” face was because I was doing makeup math equations in my head, which roughly sounded a lil something like, “if x = hours worked times one chanel palette aww hell I WANT WANT WANT WANT IT ALL! BUT SHOULD I BUY BUY BUY IT ALL?”
chanel-final-look

What I Liked About Garden Party Quad

I’m crazy about the colors and the textures of the shadows. This is definitely very sophisticated and grown-up shimmer. I’m naturally not a bright color, over-the-top shadow kinda girl, and the Chanel shadows offer a level of color that fits my comfort level to a tee. The final look is something that I’d wear out to several situations, including parties, business meetings, or even for a nice dinner out with the parents and El Hub.

Things I Didn’t Like About Garden Party Quad

Obvs there was the price, because fifty-five bones can buy me a shizzload of Prestige Pencils at Walgreens. Another thing is that like most shadows I’ve tried, I can’t wear the dark green color on my waterline. You’ll see in the final look that my lower waterline is rimmed with it; less than an hour later I had to take it all off because my eyes were watery. I don’t think that it’s exlusive to the Chanel line though, because most shadows have that effect on me.

Chanel Garden Party Quad — Is it for You?

New to makeup? Then seriously, don’t buy this. It’ll just set the bar and you’ll forever be disappointed by everything else. Plus, it ain’t cheap. If you’re going to be experimenting and really playing with the colors then you don’t want to have feel like you’ve got to ration your shadow usage.

If I was a makeup newbie then I’d start with mid-to-lower priced stuff and move onto Chanel after I 1.) paid off my 4Runner or 2.) got a sugar daddy or 3.) had an adequate arsenal of brushes and decent blending skills.

I’ve used three colors in the palette so far: both lighter and darker green and the peach on the upper right hand side. When I swatched the greens on the back of my hand a few weeks ago I wasn’t sure if the colors were going to work, but after one of the lovely Chanel makeup artists, Laurie, started blending them on the lid I knew it was going to be heavenly.

She started by using Pro Lumiere Medium Deep Concealer as the lid primer, which is concealer “pen” with a brush tip applicator. She added one layer of the peach shadow all over the lid, and then worked the darker green from the lash line to the crease, feathering the color upward.

Chanel National Media Artist John Fussell jumped in, adding and blending colors. He finished the look by adding the lighter green in the center of the eye. To make the color really pop, he used his fingertip apply a concentrated spot of light green shadow close to the lash line. He then tapped a brush to gently blend the light green into the rest of the eye.

The Final Word

It’s official. I’m in love with Chanel shadows. And this is now my makeup cross to bear.
chanel-garden-party-quad-closeup-closed

Rad New Makeup Tricks, Courtesy John Fussell

John was a lot of fun to work with. He works red carpet events in Hollywood and gave me the dish on some of his celeb clientele. Apparently, he Rene Zellweger is his homegirl and he recently talked her out of wearing mink lashes on the red carpet. SMART MAN!

He also gave me a few new makeup tricks to add to my arsenal:

1. To create dimension in blush, use two different brushes. John used one large, fluffy brush to place the color on apple of cheek, but instead of brushing the color from the apple upward into the hairline, he used downward brush strokes. He then used the same brush to apply blush on top of forehead and on chin and around the nose — places where you’d naturally get color when you’re feverish or have a cold.

He then had me smile and used a thin, tapered brush (similar to MAC’s 224 crease brush) to add a concentrated pop of color on bottom of the apple of the cheek. Using two brushes to create different concentrations of color adds contrast and contour.

2. When using pencil to define lips, think of your lips in terms of four points and really work the color into the corners of the lips to give them definition. You can make your lips a “blank canvas” by applying a layer of foundation. He then used a lip brush to apply Soft Honey Teint Innocence Foundation on the lips. He finished by using a lip brush to apply Nude Equinox gloss in a downward, not side to side, motion. Go with the grain of your lip, not against!

3. Your finger is your strongest brush. He demonstrated this when he dipped his finger into the light green to place concentrated color onto the center of the lid. He then blended it in by tapping, not rubbing the color into place. Adding a pop of color to the center is an easy way to take your eye makeup from day into night.

What’s in Store for Chanel Spring 2008 — You Heard First on Makeup and Beauty Blog!

John gave me the inside scoop on what colors to expect for spring. Sapphire blue is going to be the it color, especially for the eyes. Remember the denim shades that Chanel did a few years ago? Apparently these shappire tones will be completely different. Also expect to see touches of bronze. HOT!

Makeup Event Etiquette

I love going to makeover events because it gives me an excuse to try and learn about new lines. Plus, I always learn a makeup trick or two while I’m there.

If you’re new to attending makeup events the general rule is that if you get a makeover you should buy at least one product. Know that when you sit down in that chair it will be very tempting to purchase everything the makeup artist uses to get the look. This feeling happens to me every time I go to one of these things.

What helps me is to have one specific product in mind when I get there because otherwise I end up spending more than I expect to. I have to set a budget for myself. I have fun being a makeup junkie but I also have fun watching the money pile up. (Sorry, I just got the new Kanye West CD and couldn’t help but quote from his song, The Good Life.) If I really want something that’s beyond my list then I get a sample or I tell myself that if I’m still thinking about it in two weeks I can come back and buy it.

Girl Gone Wild: Obscene, Unrated and Uncensored Moments of CHANEL LUST

Oh how I want this bag!
chanel-quilted-chain-purse

But unfortch this is more my price range. Quilted black patent makeup bags from Murval, $24.00.
murval-black-patnet-bag

It’s winter and I needed a new black, casual jacket that covered my bum. The Chanel-esque quilting on this Guess coat won me over. Plus, it’s warm and was on sale!
guess-pant-coat-black1

chanel-chance-fragrance
chanel-allure
chanel-fragrance-coco-madmoiselle

Rabid Chanel lust takes over Makeup and Beauty Blog. Will she be able to stop the obsession before it’s too late?
fussy-tabby-chanel

Stay tuned…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

News: Elizabeth Hurley, Marisa Acocella Marchetto and Estee Lauder “Win the Fight Against Breast Cancer”

October 4th, 2007 by Karen 13 Comments

elizabeth-hurley-closeup-1
Today, while attending the Bloomingdale’s San Francisco Estee Lauder Event with Elizabeth Hurley, actress and Estee Lauder spokesmodel, and Marisa Acocella Marchetto, catoonist and author of the graphic memoir Cancer Vixen, I had the most profound thought:

Hugh Grant has got to be a weirdo.

Boy done lost his mind (or went temporarily blind) when he decided to cheat on Liz with a two-dolla hooker because Elizabeth is absolutely beautiful in person. I stood less than two feet away from her while taking these pictures and seriously, the lady is hot! And I’m a straight woman, ya’ll.

elizabeth-hurley-estee-lauder-bloomingdales-microphone

Elizabeth and Marisa were on the second stop of a three-city tour to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Elizabeth signed limited-edition Estee Lauder products and Marisa signed her book, Cancer Vixen.

I like anyone who throws up the reverse peace sign
elizabeth-hurley-signing

elizabeth-hurley-closeup-2

line-estee-lauder-breast-cancer-awareness-event

A long line of fans and cancer survivors were on hand to meet with the lovely ladies, who chatted and signed plenty of limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness products that were available for purchase, including Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon High Gloss and pink makeup bags from LeSportsac.

Limited Edition Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon High Gloss
estee-lauder-pink-ribbon-pure-color-crystal-gloss

A closeup of Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon High Gloss
estee-lauder-pink-ribbon-pure-color-crystal-gloss-closeup

Limited Edition Pink Makeup bags from LeSportsac. 100% of the proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Fund. Cute, yah?
lesportsac-minna-petunia-bag

elizabeth-hurley-marisa-standing-2

Makeup junkies, if haven’t been to Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco schedule a visit ASAP! You just might get lost in the ginormous cosmetics department on the first floor and leave with big brown bags full of goodies.

Bloomingdale’s San Francisco Cosmetics Department aka MECCA
bloomingales-lobby-cosmetics

bloomidales-elizabeth-hurley-estee-lauder-stage

elizabeth-hurley-marisa-side-view-poster

Friday is just around the corner, ya’ll! Woo hoo! I’m really looking forward to tomorrow because my lovely parents will be driving up to my hood to have dinner with me. Plus, my mom is going to bring me some Filipino dishes she made ‘specially for me. I’m so easy. Bribe me with makeup or food, and I’m devoted forever.

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen