Archives for December 2008

JK Jemma Kidd Plumping Gloss: Angelina, Where’s the Blue?

December 1st, 2008 by Karen 11 Comments

Years ago I read that wearing blue lipgloss could make your teeth look whiter, and ever since then I’ve been on the lookout for shades of blue…

…like Angelina, a shimmery blue from the JK Jemma Kidd Plumping Gloss line ($17).

First, the good news: Angelina doesn’t sting! Unlike so many of the other lip plumping formulas I’ve tried, Angelina doesn’t hurt. Some lip plumpers chemically burn the lips, causing them to swell, or “plump,” but that’s not the kind of plumping action I’m looking for, thank you very much.

I also like the lemony taste and fragrance and that the formula doesn’t feel too sticky or thick, despite the inclusion of subtle blue glitter in the mix.

Now, the not-so-good news: this isn’t much of a lip plumper. The formula didn’t make my lips look any fuller than usual (as far as I could tell), and the blue tint is barely noticeable (shoot!). Oh, and the teeth? No difference in whiteness. My fangs looked their normal shade (I drink coffee every day, yo).
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NARS The Multiple Duo and The Multiple Bronzer

December 1st, 2008 by Karen 17 Comments

The Multiple Duo in Portofino/Malibu

When Nars Cosmetics decided they wanted to release some new highlighting and contouring products, where did look for inspiration?

Answer: they looked to one of their most popular products ever, The Multiple, a beauty cult favorite.

I’d been looking forward to trying the new oil-free, cream-to-powder The Multiple Duo ($45) in Portofino/Malibu and The Multiple Bronzer ($37) in Malaysia since they debuted last month, but because I’d never used any of the original The Multiple products, I had no clue how and where to apply ’em!

Thank goodness for Nars National Trainer Janice Daoud. She was nice enough to offer a few of her favorite application tips and tricks

“Whether you’re a minimalist on the go or a makeup diva,” says Janice, “these two products are both beautiful on the skin and easy to use.”

The Multiple Duo ($45)

The Multiple Duo combines two complementary Nars The Multiple Shades in a single compact. The four limited-edition duos include:

Copacabana/St. Barts: Glistening pearl/taupe shimmer
Maldives/Riviera: Pink champagne with shimmer/pink
Portofino/Malibu: Shimmering coral/pinkish brown
Maui/Palm Beach: Dusty rose/rich bronze

The Multiple Duo Application Tips

Use your fingers (you’ll get better results than a brush) to apply and blend The Multiple Duo shades.
Use The Multiple shades to shade and define your cheeks. “To contour,” says Janice, “apply below the cheekbones and blend into the skin.”
For a glowy look, “highlight the complexion along the cheekbones, and lightly down the bridge of the nose for radiance.”
To really highlight the cheekbones and get that gorgeous glow, Janice recommends the Copacabana/St. Barts duo.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Dec. 1

December 1st, 2008 by Karen 70 Comments

Key West, November 2008

Mood:

Determined.

Fragrance:

Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture.

Brush lust:

Laura Mercier Corner Eye Brush.

Mascara:

Flirt! Far Out Lengthening Mascara in Extreme Black.

Best thing about last weekend:

Watching lots of really cheesy Hallmark holiday movies on TV. Oh, and sleep.

Skin issue:

Ugh, my forehead is breaking out like crazy!

Fave hair product:

Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco Conditioner because it removes all the knots and tangles in my hair.

Celeb I’d like to hang out with today:

Britney Spears. Did you see For the Record, her “documentary” on MTV last night? She seems lonely.

Nails:

They’re naked right now, but when I’m done with work today I’m going to try shades from the Essie Winter 2008 collection — Shift Power on my fingers and Sexy Divide on my toes.

Weekly goals:

Start (and finish) my Christmas shopping, be kind to myself even when I make mistakes and try to eat less crap.

Happy Monday! Are you ready to play? All you have to do is copy the empty list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

Le list

Mood:
Fragrance:
Brush lust:
Mascara:
Best thing about last weekend:
Current skin issue:
Fave hair product:
Celeb I’d like to hang out with today:
Nails:
Weekly goals:

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen