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Archives for January 2011

Is MAC Delft a Dupe for Siahi Fluidline from the MAC Mickey Contractor Collection?

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mac siahi fluidline

With just a couple of days remaining until the big premiere, the new MAC Mickey Contractor Collection (opens Jan. 6 in North America; internationally shortly after that) has a lot of us singing Hooray for Bollywood.

Reader Megan had a question about a product that promises to be one of the stars of the show…

“Do you think Siahi Fluidline is similar to Delft Paint Pot?
 Thanks!”
— Megan

Hi Megan,

Oh, Delft is one of my all-time favorite MAC Paint Pots! I picked it up a few years ago when it was part of the permanent collection, but it seems to have gone MIA since then (at least online).

It’s a shimmery teal with a hint of gold, and it, like the rest of the Paint Pots, feels softer and slightly fluffier than the Fluidlines do to me.

I usually wear the Paint Pots as cream shadows and/or eyeshadow bases, although they’ll double as liners, too.

About Delft, it’s like Siahi’s lighter, greener cousin; however, they both have very different shimmers. Siahi’s looks rather teal to me, while Delft’s is more of a straight up gold.

While I was rutting around in my stash for Delft, I also noticed that teal blue Korres Eyeliner Pencil in Blue Petrol looks a little like Siahi as well, except that it’s darker, with a matte finish.

mac delft paintpot on left and mac siahi fluidline on right
MAC Paintpot in Delft (left) and MAC Fluidline in Siahi (right)
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Dior Montaigne Spring 2011: You’ll Be a Pearl of a Girl in the City of Lights with the Soft Pink Design Quint

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Dior Montaigne Soft Pink Design

Expect a downpour at Dior this spring when the new Montaigne Collection comes to town, but you won’t need your umbrella for this storm. That’s because it’ll be pouring pearls when the 13-piece release for eyes, lips, cheeks and drips on Dior counters, in Dior stores and at Sephora in the next few weeks.

Named after the Paris address where the first Dior boutique opened back in 1946, the palette of pearly grays and baby pinks suggests spring soirees in the City of Lights, and to these soirees you’re wearing pearls. It’s a soft, sophisticated, natural look, and passersby won’t be able to miss your subtly shimmering glow.

To my eye, the Soft Pink Design Quint ($58), one of two for eyes in the release, characterizes the collection’s vibe with its nuanced pinks and grays. It comes with (almost) everything a girl would need to live the eye portion of the look — an eyeshadow base, a liner, two shimmer shadows and one glitter shadow. The only thing missing: mascara.

Below are pics and swatches showing the colors on NC35 and NW20 skin. Take a look, and let me know what ya think. 🙂

Dior Montaigne Spring 2011 soft pink design quad
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Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Eye Base Plays It Cool

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To quote (and then paraphrase) the great Sade, “No need to ask, he’s [she’s] a smooth operator.” Except her charms aren’t working on me. 🙁

The new Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Eye Base ($22) may be a touch too light for this brown girl, but lighter lasses, listen up. This pretty pink primer just might shine for you.

The warm yellow undertones in my skin don’t agree with Smooth Operator (it turns gray on me), but that shouldn’t happen if you like the way you look in shades of cool-toned pink.

Released as a QVC (yep, that QVC) exclusive last December, Smooth Operator Eye Base looks to me like a hybrid of two other products, Benefit Eye Bright Pencils and Urban Decay Primer Potion. It combines the light pink color of Eye Bright with UDPP’s fluffy, smooth texture.

Tarte refers to it as a brightening eyeshadow base designed to prevent shadows from smudging and creasing, and increase how long they last on the skin.

As you can from the name, its claim to fame is the Amazonian clay it contains, which Tarte claims has “intuitive” properties. They say it’s able to adjust to the wearer’s skin. If need be, it’ll hydrate dry spots into nonexistence, or absorb oily patches to eliminate shine.

Now that’s some smart clay. 🙂
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All Hands on Deck! China Glaze Anchors Away Collection for Spring 2011

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Grab a life vest, some floaties and your favorite blue and white striped shirt, seafarers, ’cause it’s time for an adventure on the high seas this spring with the China Glaze Anchors Away Collection.

The 12 limited-edition colors, a mix of nautical-inspired pastels and rainbow brights in shimmer and matte finishes, docks at beauty supply stores and salons soon.

The China Glaze Anchors Away Collection includes…

  • Life Preserver — Highly pigmented and luxurious poppy crème
  • Hey Sailor — Vibrant crème red
  • Ahoy! — Delightfully intense pink that flashes with reflective glass speck
  • First Mate — Sophisticated and rich navy crème
  • Starboard — Hip and playful green crème
  • Lighthouse — Multi-dimensional, bright yellow glass speck
  • White Cap — Whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white
  • Pelican Gray — High shine, cool toned grey crème
  • Sea Spray — Calming pale blue crème
  • Below Deck — A flirty mix of taupe and violet
  • Sunset Sail — Delightful peachy pink high shine crème
  • Knotty — Micro-particle beige shimmer

I’ll have swatches up in just a few, but for now, see anything you like?

China Glaze Anchors Away Collection

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Jan. 3

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  • You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
    Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past three years, which I guess makes this somewhere around Vol. 151. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
  1. Mood:

    2. A little sleepy (today was the first time I’ve had to wake up before 8 in ages) but excited about the day ahead. I’m feeling extra organized and positive!

  2. One thing you’d like to learn in “the 2011”?

    3. While watching The Fighter, a movie about boxing, last weekend, it hit me (haha) that knowing how to throw a punch would probably be a good life skill to have. I don’t plan on joining a fight club or getting into a bar brawl or anything; I just want to have enough muscle memory to clock someone should I ever need to throw down.

  3. One thing you love about yourself?

    4. My weird sense of humor. Sometimes I can be reserved when I first meet people, so when it comes out of the woodwork I think it catches them off guard.

  4. What’s your current beauty obsession?

    5. Bangs — it’s amazing how just a few snips can change your look. I haven’t been this enamored with them since my hair bear days in the late ’80s/early ’90s.

  5. Your favorite eyeshadow brush and why?

    6. I’m majorly infatuated with the MAC 239 at the moment. The dense brush head applies just the right amount of color, and the size is big enough to cover a decent amount of area, yet small enough to do detail work.

  6. What’s your eyebrow maintenance routine?

    7. I pluck below and between the brows with a Tweezerman to give them an arched shape, trim the tops with scissors and then fill in sparse areas with Benefit Instant Brow.

  7. Have you ever actually stuck to a New Year’s resolution?

    8. Yes! During my junior year in college I wanted to get more physically fit, so I set a goal to run the San Francisco Bay to Breakers (a 7.46 mile race that winds through the city) in May. I started running short distances around my house, gradually increasing them over time. When May rolled around I ran the race just fine — well, the flat parts at least. The hills just about killed me.

  8. What’s surprised you most about your life so far?

    9. That I can make all the plans I want, but part of the equation seems to always involve a crapshoot — being at the right place at the right time, knowing somebody who happens to know somebody else, that kind of thing. Sometimes it works in my favor, and sometimes it doesn’t.

  9. What’s for lunch today?

    10. It’s really cold out, so a bowl of hot, comforting corn chowder sounds good right now.

  10. Weekly goals:

    11. Cross off everything on my daily to-do list, cook a couple of healthy dinners and find some new running music.

Another year, another Monday poll, babe. You’re probably back at the grind, getting ready to tackle your regularly scheduled programming (LOL!), but if you’ve got a second, will you please pop in? I’d love to hear from you so we can start the new year together. 🙂

  • To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.



1. Mood:
2. One thing you’d like to learn in “the 2011”?
3. One thing you love about yourself?
4. What’s your current beauty obsession?
5. Your favorite eyeshadow brush and why?
6. What’s your eyebrow maintenance routine?
7. Have you ever actually stuck to a New Year’s resolution?
8. What’s surprised you most about your life so far?
9. What’s for lunch today?
10. Weekly goals:

Let’s set the tone for 2011 by having a fabulous week, ‘kay? I’m sending lots of positive energy your way…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

What Were Your Best and Worst Beauty Experiences of the Week?

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My best…

I had a shockingly great hair week, which is weird considering all the rain we’ve been having. High humidity normally turns my ‘do into a frizzy mop, but lately all I’ve had to do is comb down my bangs after I shower and let my hair air dry. Badda-bing, badda-bang — bouncy waves and perfectly parted bangs. I think my cut has reached its sweet spot — that mythic stage at which it has grown out exactly enough in every imaginable way, and every strand falls precisely where it needs to be.

It’s perfect wash-and-wear hair. Practitioners of the tao de hair sometimes refer to this stage as “hair enlightenment”…and it only lasts for a few precious days each cut.

Okay, that was just crazy talk.

My worst…

I must have gotten food poisoning from my pizza on New Year’s Eve because when we got home after dinner I went to the temple in my bathroom and repeatedly prayed to the porcelain gods. It was over pretty quickly that night, and I didn’t think much of it until the next day when I noticed some little red spots beneath my eyes (!). I think they’re broken blood vessels (from the strain of heaving). 🙁

I sure hope they’re only temporary… Thank goodness for concealer, is all I gotta say.

What were your best and worst beauty experiences of the week? Please share yours in the comments.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. I hope you’re enjoying the last few hours of the official holiday season. Sleep well, and I’ll see you first thing tomorrow morning.

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 120

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Your Makeup and Beauty Blog Horoscope for January 2011
Disclaimer: Tabs is NOT a certified astrologer…but he does read Susan Miller, a lot.

Your Makeup and Beauty Blog Horoscope for January 2011

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Now, more than ever, caring Capricorn, you know what must be done. Act with a sense of purpose, and start the year off right. The New Moon Eclipse in Capricorn will help you focus on your positive qualities, no matter what challenges rise to meet you. Saturn in Libra could signal obstacles at work, but you’re stronger than you often realize and will overcome each and every one. With your nose to the grindstone this month, keep your at-work beauty kit fully stocked with quick pick-me-up products, like a new toothbrush, a luxurious hand cream and/or a new lipgloss or two — little things to cheer yourself up on particularly hectic days.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Mars and the Sun will shine upon your sign later this month, awesome Aquarius, filling you with confidence, energy and strength. Utilize their power to tackle new challenges. Now would also be a great time to start an exercise class or a workout regimen. Pick up some new workout clothes and waterproof makeup, and if weather permits, consider running, cycling or walking outside to help you get fit.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)
With so many forces influencing the sign of Capricorn this month, choose your path wisely, pretty Pisces. The goals you set for yourself this month should be solid and achievable. Reward yourself for each small victory with a new nail polish or gloss, or save up and treat yourself with a bigger beauty splurge at the end of the month.

Aries (March 21- April 19)
Begin the year dressed for success, alluring Aries, and choose a work-friendly makeup palette. With help from the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Pluto traveling through Capricorn and your Career Sector this month, expect to make major strides at work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Prime that pucker, tempting Taurus. Keep your lips exfoliated, and buy a new lipgloss in your favorite date night shade, because Venus in Scorpio promises an exciting romantic adventure. Expect a highly charged month filled with wanton desires and passion!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
If your regular makeup rotation feels stale, gorgeous Gemini, make room in your makeup bag for fun this month. Two words: new colors! 🙂 Neptune in Aquarius are enhancing your creativity, so take a chance on a few shades from a makeup line you’ve never worn before.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You’ll could be busy at work this month, charming Cancer. Your career will keep you on your toes, and you may have the chance to travel or participate in outside meetings. Before you leave for your trip, consider replacing your old makeup bag with something stylish, streamlined and cute. You’ll appreciate having something nice in which to store your beauty treasures while you travel.

Leo (July 23-August 22)
A whirlwind approaches, lovely Leo, and you’ll be extra busy at work. Not to worry — with the New Moon Eclipse in Capricorn, you’ll also be hyper-organized and productive. Consider adding a long-wearing foundation to your beauty routine, since you might find yourself working long hours, and treat yourself to a stylish low-maintenance haircut (one that’s both professional and pretty).

Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Relaxation is the name of the game for you this month, vivacious Virgo. Book a deep-tissue massage, sip relaxing herbal teas, and perhaps stock up on calming essential oils, because the planets are trekking through your Romance and Creativity Sector, and that means you may feel pressures in both parts of your life. Be mindful of taking time out of your schedule this month for necessary rest and relaxation.

Libra (September 23-October 22)
This month you’ll be crossing your tees and dotting your eyes, lovely Libra, as the January 4 New Moon Eclipse in Capricorn will help you stay organized. If you’ve been thinking about overhauling your makeup or beauty stash, don’t delay. Take stock of your inventory, and if you find glaring gaps in your collection, now is the time to fill them in.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Take care, sweet Scorpio, as Venus in Scorpio through January 7 will put your emotions on overdrive. It means more passion in your life and a greater ability to express your feelings, but it also means you may be more sensitive and emotional than usual. Keep your favorite date night makeup on hand, just in case, but also invest in a waterproof mascara, too. You never know when you might feel like shedding a few tears (hopefully, they’ll be tears of joy!).

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
You’re going to have a great month, stunning Sagittarius. 🙂 As Venus moves into Sagittarius on January 7, your cup of love connections will runneth over! Interpersonal relationships will improve, and as the Sun and Mars move into Sagittarius later in the month, you’ll feel more confident, optimistic and alive! Express this newfound energy with a bright new lipcolor, perhaps in a va-va-voom shade of red, orange or pink.

May the stars be with you,

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