Archives for 2014

Blossoming Soon: Two New MAC Collections for Spring 2014, Namely MAC A Fantasy of Flowers and Prep + Prime CC Colour Correct

January 22nd, 2014 by Karen 22 Comments

MAC A Fantasy of Flowers Spring 2014 Collection — New from MAC for spring 2014: A Fantasy of Flowers

G’mornin’, glory. 🙂

So, PR pics aren’t usually my thing (I’ll take my Canon and a pile of products any day, son!), but with these two new collections from MAC, I had to share.

MAC A Fantasy of Flowers

My inner (wannabe) botanist is super stoked about A Fantasy of Flowers. Its 34 pieces of prettiness arrive online January 30 and at counters February 6 in North America (international babes, it hits your shores in March at all locations except Japan).

The release looks like a veritable botanical garden of gorgeous Mineralize Eye Shadows, Blushes, Skinfinishes, and floral-themed Lipsticks, Cremehsheens and Nail Lacquers, too.

And the blooming doesn’t stop there. The release also features three brushes and a pair of mascaras…but really, you know I’m drooling over the pretty, pretty colors, LOL!

MAC A Fantasy of Flowers Lipsticks from the left: Fleur D'Coral, Naked Bud, Dreaming Dahlia, Rose Lily, Snapdragon and Heavenly Hybrid — Lipsticks from the left: Fleur D’Coral, Naked Bud, Dreaming Dahlia, Rose Lily, Snapdragon and Heavenly Hybrid

We’ll see six petal-perfect Lipsticks in MAC’s Lustre finish, namely pale creamy peach Fleur d’Coral, neutral sheer nude Naked Bud, sheer reddish-coral Dreaming Dahlia, sheer pastel pink Rose Lily, mid-tone blueish pink Snapdragon and mid-tone berry Heavenly Hybrid ($15 each US, $18 CDN).

MAC A Fantasy of Flowers Cremesheen Glasses from the left: Nectarsweet, Flare for Fantasy, Pagoda, Playful Petal, Star Quality and Galaxy Rose — Cremesheen Glasses from the left: Nectarsweet, Flare for Fantasy, Pagoda, Playful Petal, Star Quality and Galaxy Rose

And for a finish that shines like morning dew, take a gander at the six gleaming Cremsheens ($20 each US, $23 CDN). Choose from soft pinkish-peach Nectarsweet, mid-tone pinkish beige Flare for Fantasy, frosted cool pink Pagoda, electric magenta Playful Petal, bright orange-coral Star Quality and mid-tone violet pink Galaxy Rose.

But what about eyes and cheeks?

Well, how ’bout a bouquet of shimmer with a bevy of Mineralize Skinfinishes, Pigments and Fluidlines…

Mineralize Eye Shadow ($21 each US, $25 CDN)

In the Meadow, an icy shimmering white, dirty olive green, golden mint green and pale yellow (frost)
Pink Sensibilities, a pinkish brown, chocolate brown, yellow pink and icy blue pink (frost)
Golden Hours, a copper bronze, golden brown, soft golden peach and pale yellow gold (frost)
Great Beyond, a deep blue violet, dusky plum, icy white lilac and soft mauve violet (frost)

Pigments ($21 each US, $25 CDN)

Lily White, a pale buttery yellow shimmer
Chartreuse Bouquet, a shimmering acid green
Violet, a vivid bright violet purple
Pink Pearl, a shimmery lavender-pink

Fluidlines ($16 each US, $19 CDN)

Sassy Moss, a vivid green
Phlox Garden, q vivid violet

Haute & Naughty Lash in Black ($21 each US, $25 CDN)

Mineralize Skinfinishes ($30 each US, $35 CDN)
Perfect Topping, a pale pearlized pink
Stereo Rose, a copper bronze

Mineralize Blushes ($25 each US, $29.50 CDN)

Azalea in the Afternoon, a mid-tone cool pink
Petal Power, a coral pink with gold shimmer

MAC A Fantasy of Flowers Mineralize Eye Shadows in Golden Hours (left) and Great Beyond (right) — Golden Hours (left) and Great Beyond (right)

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The Tarte Cheek Stains Don Snazzy New Outfits, Shrink Down Several Sizes…

January 21st, 2014 by Karen 23 Comments

Cheeks, by Tarte. LOL! Sounds like a fancy fragrance commercial. But seriously, I’m wearing the new Tarte Cheek Stain in Fearless ($30)

I sure do like the new packaging for these Tarte Cheek Stains. So, so pretty…but I loved the old-school packaging, too.

I get it, though. It’s good to switch things up every once in a while. Heck, I’m a firm believer in frequent wardrobe changes. El Hub makes fun of me all the time because, seriously, I bring along at least two extra pairs of shoes (and sometimes jackets) whenever we leave the house. I mean, you just never know when you’ll need a different pair of shoes.

Right…?

No? Is that just me?

Oh, well. 🙂

The newly repackaged Tarte Cheek Stains, $30 each

Importantly, these eight gel- and cream-based blushes work just as well as the originals. Two swipes on my cheeks, either atop bare skin, tinted moisturizer or foundation, then some quick blending with my fingers, and I’m flushed and blushed for the day.

Fab-ooo for quick, natural-looking cheeks, and each of the shades has a corresponding color in Tarte’s new LipSurgence Power Pigment pencil line — ya know, if I want to get all matchy-matchy (I must admit, sometimes, I do).

But…sad face time. 🙁 Why are these so small? I mean, I like minis as much as the next makeup lover, but these are half as big as the originals (0.5 ounces versus 1), and yet cost the same amount.

What gives?

I’ve been loving and wearing Tarte’s Cheek Stains for a good 7+ years and have always felt that, sure, even though they’re $30 each, because they lasted such a long time, they still seemed like a great deal.

Now? Not so sure.

Tarte Cheek Stains from the left: Blissful, Blushing Bride and Exposed — From the left: Blissful, Blushing Bride and Exposed

Tarte Cheek Stains from the left: Fearless, Flushed and Natural Beauty — From the left: Fearless, Flushed and Natural Beauty

Tarte Cheek Stains from the left: Tipsy and True Love — Tipsy and True Love

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Introducing the New DHC Face Color Palettes… How Very Paul & Joe!

January 21st, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Do you DHC?

It’s a Japanese skincare brand (famous for their bestselling Deep Cleansing Oil).

Next month the brand releases several new makeup products for lips, faces and cheeks.

I’m really feelin’ the new blush duos… There’s something very Paul & Joe about them, don’t you think?

DHC Face Color Palette EX in Glowing Rose — Glowing Rose

DHC Face Color Palette EX in Radiant Ruby — Radiant Ruby

Just use the darker shade to tintify (my word) the apples of your cheeks, followed by the lighter shade to highlight your upper cheekbones. Or, mix both shades together for something completely new. Either way, cheeks get a sheer, natural-looking glow.

If you dig the no-makeup makeup look, these could be right up your alley.

One thing to consider: the three pinkish/rosy shades are quite similar. In fact, I can hardly tell them apart in their pans or on my skin.

The blush duos, which contain sodium hyaluronate, jojoba and olive oils, and hydrating ceramides to help them blend like butter on the skin, are available in four shades — Glowing Rose, Radiant Ruby, Pearly PInk and Sunny Bronze.

If you’re interest is piqued, make a note in your calendar for February 1, which is when they’re available through DHC’s catalog (you can sign up to receive it here), or snag them online at DHCcare.com for $20 each.

DHC Face Color Palette EX in Pearly Pink — Pearly Pink

DHC Face Color Palette EX in Sunny Bronze — Sunny Bronze

DHC Face Color Palettes Swatches: Glowing Rose (two swatches on the left) and Radiant Ruby (swatches on the right) — Glowing Rose (two swatches on the left) and Radiant Ruby (swatches on the right)

DHC Face Color Palettes Swatches: Pearly Pink (two swatches on the left) and Sunny Bronze (swatches on the right) — Pearly Pink (two swatches on the left) and Sunny Bronze (swatches on the right)

For Potent Pigments in Petite Pencil Packaging, There’s the New LipSurgence Power Pigments by Tarte

January 21st, 2014 by Karen 16 Comments

Tarte Fearless — Wearing the new Tarte LipSurgence Power Pigment in Fearless on my lips

I shop in the petites section, I collect mini perfumes, and I have a reoccurring dream where I’m opening my front door, and there on the ground before me is a basket of baby munchkin kittens looking for a nice lady to adopt them.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: I do believe that good things come in small packages. 🙂

Cute! The new Tarte LipSurgence Power Pigments, $24 each

Like these sleek LipSurgence Power Pigment pencils by Tarte. They’re new for spring, streamlined and skinny (unlike my favorite tabby), and being added to the permanent line.

Compared to Tarte’s existing 0.10-ounce LipSurgence pencils, these diminutive 0.04-ounce ones, which are supposed to be more pigmented, are so petite that I almost mistook them for travel minis. The bigger versions look downright gargantuan by comparison!

Tarte LipSurgence Power Pigment comparison — The O.G. larger pencils on the left and the new Power Pigments on the right

What’s the skinny on Tarte’s tiny LipSurgence Power Pigments?

They’re available in eight vibrant, look-brightening shades.
The antioxidant-rich formula has a refreshing hint o’ peppermint (both flavor and scent).
According to Tarte, the tiny tubes make precise application easier, while minimizing waste and the size of your carbon footprint (uh…).
They also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant, as well as a natural anti-inflammatory and preservative; shea butter, which is supposed to help skin maintain its elasticity; and carnauba wax for smoooove application.

Each of the eight shades is also designed to perfectly pair with one of Tarte’s new recently repackaged Cheek Stains (review coming soon).

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To Brighter Days! Limited Edition Skincare Goodies From the Tarte Spring 2014 Collection

January 21st, 2014 by Karen 14 Comments

Ravishing…

What a great word.

Ravishing never goes out of style, ya know? “She had ravishing, radiant skin.”

That just sounds great. 🙂

Tarte’s new spring 2014 collection has some limited edition skincare products designed to create exactly that — someone/something ravishing — with pieces to brighten dull, winter skin.

Here’s to brighter days (she called, raising her coffee cup in the air)!

Limited edition Supersize Maracuja Oil ($75)

Tarte Supersize Maracuja Oil — Limited edition Supersized 3.4-ounce Maracuja Oil ($75)

I try to always have a bottle of Tarte’s Maracuja Oil in my bathroom, and I use it for a bunch of things, like taking off hard-to-remove long-wearing makeup, moisturizing the dry patches on my cheeks and hydrating my shredded carrot-like cuticles.

Even El Hub loves it. He uses it as a shave oil because, apparently, it’s the only thing that doesn’t irritate his sensitive man skin (awww!).

Supersized Maracuja with a regular-size bottle — The Supersized 3.4-ounce Maracuja bottle beside a regular-sized 1.7-ounce one

Brace yourself for sticker shock, though, as the extra large limited edition bottle costs a whopping $75 (!). But, considering that the regular-sized 1.7-ounce bottles cost $46 apiece, if you’re a maracuja oil maven, it’s a pretty good deal…and you can also re-purpose the cute limited edition box for something else, like storing brushes or lipglosses.

Limited edition Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatement ($38)

Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatement — Limited edition Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatement ($38)

Look at that jar! I give it extra points for cuteness. 🙂 I love the design on the cap of Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment ($38). It’s a brightening eye cream with a host of helpful-sounding ingredients, like vitamin C, rice bran, mango and coconut, and oat sugar. It’s supposed to brighten, smooth and tighten skin and — you know — do a whole host of great things, like diminish fine lines and dark circles over time. I like it. I use it all the time to prep my eye area for makeup. It sinks in quickly, which is nice, and does a good job of de-puffing my lids.

Does it make my fine lines and dark circles go away? Uh…not yet, and I don’t know if it will. But then, I am not very good about committing to the same eye cream for the weeks and months it usually takes to detect a difference with products that make awesome-sounding claims.

Tarte Bright By Night Skincare Discovery Set ($10, a Sephora exclusive)

This little cutie, the Tarte Bright By Night Skincare Discovery Set, is a Sephora exclusive that comes with travel-sized versions of Tarte’s Maracuja Oil and C-Brighter Eye Treatment for $10.

The bottles are tiny…but $10 seems like a good deal. You’d never have to leave home without your Tarte skincare faves.

Tarte’s To Brighter Days spring 2014 skincare products are available now online and at Sephora and Ulta stores.

What’s the Most Wonderful Experience You’ve Ever Had at, or as a Result of a Trip to, a Makeup Counter?

January 21st, 2014 by Karen 13 Comments

Hands down, the class I took with Bobbi Brown Manager of North American Artistry Marc Reagan last spring.

Not exactly a “bumping into someone at a makeup counter” kind of experience, but it was counter related, and did come about as a result of a trip to a makeup counter.

The class was organized by the gals at the Bobbi Brown counter at Saks in San Francisco, and it. Was. Awesome! I learned some of the best makeup tips I’ve ever learned in that class. It was also frightening, sitting in front of a group of people without a stitch of makeup on (Marc demonstrated some techniques on me), but liberating…once I got past the whole terror part.

Not including that class, let’s see…

Oh! The last time I got my makeup done at Sephora was a total blast. It was for Valentine’s Day last February, and the gal who did my makeup, Chelsea, was a makeup artist rock star! — incredibly talented, chatty and really knowledgeable.

It was one of the best makeovers of my life, one of those unforgettable ones where you leave feeling like a million bucks. 🙂

What about you, my friend? What’s the most wonderful experience you’ve ever had at, or as a result of a trip to, a makeup counter?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sheer, Why Not? To the New Physicians Formula Nude Wear Nude Glow Makeup Collection, Sheer, You May Glow

January 20th, 2014 by Karen 23 Comments

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Nude Glow Collection

OK, so even if rose gold has jumped the shark, and I’m not saying it has, I don’t care. I’m not over it yet, and apparently Physicians Formula isn’t either, because it’s all over their new Nude Wear Nude Glow makeup collection like attitude on cats. 🙂

What’s up with the new Physicians Formula Nude Wear Nude Glow collection?

How ’bout lingerie? The pieces were designed to feel like luxurious lingerie on the skin.
The formula feels as light as a feather, almost like nothing at all, and the finish is practically, except for a gorgeously understated glow, invisible.
We are talkin’ sheer! Hence the name, the products have something PF calls “Nude Glow” pigments — translucent pigments, as opposed to traditional opaque pigments, that allow your skin’s natural color and radiance to show through.
The seven-piece collection includes the Nude Wear Nude Glow Powders ($14.95 each, and available in Light and Medium); Nude Wear Nude Glow Bronzers ($14.95 each, available in Light Bronzer and Bronzer); Nude Wear Nude Glow Blushes ($12.95 each, available in Rose and Natural); and one Nude Wear Nude Glow ($12.95, available in a single shade, Touch of Glow).
All have been added to the Physicians Formula permanent line, and are available now at drugstores, in many grocery stores and also online.

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Nude Glow Blush in Natural

A pinkish peach powder blush with an opalescent glow.
I bet this one would look pretty as a highlighter.
Hello, sheer! Super sheer! — and totally fool-proof. Perfect if you tend to be heavy-handed with blush.

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Nude Glow Bronzer in Bronzer

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Unsung Makeup Heroes: NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation

January 20th, 2014 by Karen 14 Comments

“Feline enthusiast.”

“Beauty addict.”

“Beyonce advocate.”

“Defender of dental floss.”

“Hater of the word, ‘panties.'” (YUCK! I can’t even stand seeing it in print.)

“Advocate of enabling (primarily in the makeup arena).”

“Enemy of under-eye circles.”

Like you, I wear many badges, and I wear them all with pride. 🙂

“Foundation philanderer.” I’m growing quite fond of that one, too.

Interestingly, I’m able to remain committed to the same cat for seven years (I don’t count my dalliances with Charlize and Orangey, my two favorite neighborhood kitties), yet I’m unable to stay with the same foundation for more than a few months.

Weird.

Just when I think I’ve found THE ONE, I stumble on to something else, and frequently describe it as having, air quotes, “changed my life.”

As of now, that distinction goes to NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation, and yes, it really has “changed my life.” 🙂

At least I think it has… I certainly love it; that’s for sure.

Yeah…I’m kind of on a serious NARS kick right now, and Radiant Cream has something to do with it.

It’s a great little foundation, especially if you like medium-to-full coverage and have combination, or straight-up dry, skin.

I’ve been fiendishly obsessed with MAC Face & Body for the better part of a year, and I still love it…but I’ve temporarily set it aside in favor of this. For now. I mean, I still have mad love for Mac Face & Body, but like I said — I’m on a serious NARS kick.

This stuff handles my combination dry/oily skin like RyGos handles ab work — beautifully. Even the dry parts. It smooths and evens out my skin tone without catching on any flakes or drawing attention to my dry or scaly bits (gross, but true). Great coverage, and it looks natural.

Wearing NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation in Barcelona

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