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NARS

Coral, Bronze and Gold: A Natural, Summery Face of the Day With Tom Ford Summer 2015, NARS Eyelashes, RMS Beauty, Paul & Joe and More

April 21st, 2015 by Karen 12 Comments

tom ford naked bronze
A Face of the Day with some products from Tom Ford Summer 2015, NARS Eyelashes, RMS Beauty and more

My father-in-law does this thing where he answers every “when” question with the word, “Tuesday,” like, “When did you guys go to that dinner?”

And he says, “Tuesday.”

Or, “When was that storm you mentioned?”

To which he says, “Tuesday.”

And he giggles every time like it’s the funniest joke in the world.

Big sigh…

Buuut, I’m borrowing the joke today! 🙂 Basically, I was in the mood to wear something natural-ish, summery and spiced up with sparkling garnish because, dude! — as my father-in-law might say, it’s Tuesday, and Tuesdays are the best days to wear glitter.

I used quite a few new products, too (some of them from Tom Ford Summer 2015!), along with some older faves like Diorskin Air Nude Serum for this bronzed brown and gold eye with pink cheeks and coral lips.

A trick for mornings when you wake up with puffy eyes…

I had majorly puffy eyes this morning thanks to my spring allergies, so to offset that puffiness I deepened my crease with a matte brown. Instead of using an eyeshadow, though, I grabbed Tom Ford’s Terra Bronzer.

Yup! I used it as a transition shade, which I like it for, as it isn’t orangey. It’s more of a golden tan warm matte brown, and I think it layers and blends beautifully.

I really didn’t want to accentuate my puffy lids, so I kept all of the shimmers/glitters on my “mobile lid.”

Yup, mobile lid. It’s the part of the lid that moves when you blink. You can see it when you look straight into a mirror and blink. That part that moves is your mobile lid.

tom ford naked bronze

Anyway! For this look, I did a matte in the crease and kept the shimmer confined to the mobile lid. The combination of shimmer on the lid and matte in the crease appears to deepen and define the crease.

Or at least that’s the idea.

IMO, the best thing from Tom Ford Summer 2015

For the shimmer, I used Tom Ford’s Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze. I dabbed the cream bronze shadow on my lids with a finger, let it dry, then went back in and patted the glitter eyeshadow in the center of my lid to create a focal point.

I really like Naked Bronze, by the way. It’s annoyingly expensive ($60), but it’s so pigmented that I don’t have to use much, and both the cream and the glitter layer and blend sans drama. Even if you did use a ton, it would probably still look effortless.

I think Tom Ford’s cream shadows are among the best products in the line, and if I were to choose one thing from the Summer 2015 Collection, it would be one of the Cream and Powder Eye Colors.

Cream blushes: a makeup tip

For cheeks, I also turned to Tom. I dabbed golden pink Cream Cheek Color in Pink Sand on the apples of my cheeks for a soft, subtle sheen and some natural pink color.

My favorite way to apply cream blush is to do it right after foundation. That way the foundation is still a little wet and the cream blush blends into it more easily. If, on the other hand, I wait until my foundation is dry, the blush seems to sit up on top of my skin where it looks more obvious.

For this look, I stippled the blush with a Real Techniques Multi Task Brush.
[Continue reading…]

There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), NARS, Paul & Joe, RMS Beauty, Tom Ford Beauty

NARS Enters the False Eyelash Fray With the New NARS Eyelashes False Eyelash Collection

April 17th, 2015 by Karen 13 Comments

nars eyelashes
The new NARS Eyelashes, $20 each

We should totally make False Lash Fridays a thing.

You know, like how people do Flashback Fridays on social media? Like that, but we’ll all wear false lashes, and then go about our regular business.

We could posslby even start with these new NARS Eyelashes ($20 each, and being added to the permanent collection).

Wait — say whaaaat!?

Yup, NARS is jumping into the false eyelash fray with a new line of reusable, natural-looking, natural-fiber lashes coming out next month (available in eight styles). How very Shu Uemura of them, right?

They’re all supposed to look reasonably natural, or natural-ish, so there are no insane glitter styles with rainbow gems at the tips.

They also don’t come with lash glue, just as a heads-up, so you’ll need to already have/procure some. A lot of the department store brands (MAC and Shu come to mind) don’t include lash glue with their falsies, so it’s not uncommon…but sometimes it’s still a little inconvenient.

The new NARS Eyelashes ($20 each)

nars eyelashes numero 7

nars eyelashes numero 7

nars eyelashes numero 7
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There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, Eyes, NARS

NARS Summer 2015: Christopher Kane for NARS Collection [VIDEO]

April 6th, 2015 by Karen 6 Comments

Alien astronomers scanning our solar system with their interstellar radio telescopes from their galaxy far, far away will see the Earth glimmering like a pulsar when the new NARS Summer 2015 Christopher Kane for NARS collection materializes on counters April 15.

Because the release is hella glitter-ful, and yes, I just made up that word.

But this is good glitter we’re talking about — captivating, sparkly and complex. Sandwich it between the neon brights and soft nudes in the collection, and you get the new Christopher Kane for NARS.

To followup on last week’s pre-release review, here’s a video in which I ramble on nonsensically talk a little bit more about the collection and the pieces I like best.

The collection arrives April 15 (also known as tax day), at NARS boutiques and narscosmetics.com, and May 1 at department stores, specialty stores and Sephora.

As always, thank you for watching! I hope you’re having a great Monday.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 6 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, NARS, Video

The Christopher Kane for NARS Collection Travels to the Outer Limits of Glitter

April 1st, 2015 by Karen 38 Comments

nars summer 2015 christopher kane collection review
NARS Summer 2015 — NEONEUTRAL — The Christopher Kane for NARS Collection

Like Saturn’s rings and the Kuiper Belt, the Christopher Kane for NARS Summer 2015 Collection has layers upon layers…

First, there’s Scottish fashion wunderkind Christopher Kane himself, the 32-year-old force behind this cosmic cosmetics collaboration with NARS.

Second, THE NAMES. I think homeboy might like some sci-fi (me too!), because the 10-piece release has product names like Outer Limits, Starscape and Parallel Universe. The NEONEUTRAL theme combines the countervailing concepts of vibrant, electric neon and neutral nudes, so it’s almost like eating a multilayered cake in a single bite (yes, my tummy is currently rumbling).

The NARS Summer 2015 Christopher Kane for NARS Collection
Available starting April 15, 2015 at NARS boutiques and narscosmetics.com, and May 1, 2015 at department stores, specialty stores and Sephora.

Coupled with the cool black and hot pink limited edition packaging, there’s a lot going on. The collection includes pieces for eyes, lips and cheeks — two Eyeshadows (one a Duo and the other a Single), two powder Blushes, two Multiples and four Lip Glosses.

Let’s paint our faces, shall we? 🙂 Starting with the eyes…

The Christopher Kane for NARS Summer 2015 Collection: Eyes

Sparkling from a galaxy far, far away, these Eyeshadows bring the glittery noise. Glitter is definitely up in this mix.

In these pics, I’m wearing both of the Parallel Universe Duo Eyeshadows as liners, and the Outer Limits Single Eyeshadow on my lids, and thank goodness I did my eyes first, because there was glitter all over the place. And there’s still glitter all over the place. There’s still glitter in one of my eyebrows, in fact. It’s still there now.

So…fallout is an issue for these eye products, but here’s the thing: the glitter is freaking beautiful.

I don’t think these pictures do it justice. The Single, Outer Limits, is this beautiful multi-tonal rose gold with pink and bronze and orange. Really, really super cool, and I like the Duo, too.

Yes, you probably will have to contend with glittery fallout, but there are some things you can do to minimize the glittery pain.

Here’s also a quick video overview of the collection…

It’s like showing up to play in a basketball game. If you show up in high heels and a miniskirt, you’re not gonna be able to play correctly. Well, here you have to know that you’re going to be dealing with fallout, so use something like a flat eyeshadow brush to press and apply the shadows (wetting the brush head will also help), or your fingers to press and apply, because if you use a fluffy domed brush to swirl, swirl, swirl, the glitter’s just gonna get all over the place.

The Christopher Kane for NARS Summer 2015 Collection: Cheeks

First, the two powder blushes in Starscape and Silent Nude.

OK, Silent Nude? First of all, that name makes me think of weird dirty movies. 🙂

The color is a matte beige, and it doesn’t really show up on my skin. I tried wearing it as a bronzer, and it just… It’s probably better suited to interstellar lasses with lighter skin. I don’t see a lot of orange in it, for what it’s worth.

Starscape Blush, I love, but choose your brushes wisely if you’re going to wear this highly pigmented neon pink; otherwise, you could look like a scary horror movie clown. I used a duo fibre brush loaded with very little product for it — just a nanogram.

The Christopher Kane for NARS Collection: Pics

nars outer limits
NARS Single Eyeshadow in Outer Limits, $25
nars parallel universe
NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Parallel Universe, $35

nars starscape
NARS Blush in Starscape, $30

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There are 38 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, NARS

A Closer Look at the NARS Last Resort Collection Temporary Tattoos and Tahiti Bronzer

March 9th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

NARS Temporary Tattoos
NARS Temporary Tattoos
All inked up with no place to go, thanks to these new NARS temporary tattoos ($35 for a set of four sheets).

As far as fake tattoos go…I gotta say, the new NARS temporary tattoos are LEGIT. If you want to get all tatted up to scare your mom or surprise your friends, they’re well worth the $35.

I wore them to brunch last weekend, and the first thing my BFF Cindy said was, “Good gawd, woman! How could you get all inked up without telling me!?”

Ha! 🙂 Cindy has known me for 25 years (give or take), and she knows that 1) I’m terrified of needles, and 2) I’m one of the last people in the world who would ever get a tattoo (I’m too fickle and would guaranteed change my mind after it’s too late), so the fact that these temporary tats fooled her says something.

It says that these things look real!

They’re still around, by the way, and that’s after three days, during which I had two sweaty workouts and took three showers.

I’m on day four now, and they’re just beginning to look a little long in the tooth (they’re fading and starting to slightly peel), so I’ll probably take them off later tonight.

After what I’m wearing in these pics, I still have quite a few left from the four sheets, but I’m saving them for my next trip home.

My mom is gonna freak out, HAHA! 🙂

NARS Temporary Tattoos
The NARS temporary tattoos

Joining the temporary tats in the NARS Last Resort collection is a new (“air quotes”) bronzer called Tahiti Laguna ($59). “Air quotes” because it’s basically just good, old golden shimmery tan NARS Laguna, but in a big pan with a tiny Ita brush.

And also a couple of moisturizing beauty oils, which I’ve yet to try.

I do love the color of the bronzer (I’m wearing it in these pics to warm up my skin), but sometimes I get a little Laguna overload…

Both the NARS tattoos and Tahiti Laguna Bronzer are available now online and at NARS boutiques and Sephora. They also arrive at NARS counters April 1.

NARS Temporary Tattoos

NARS Temporary Tattoos
The NARS temporary tattoos

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There are 16 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

NARS Last Resort Collection Temporary Tattoos and Tahiti Bronzer [VIDEO]

March 6th, 2015 by Karen 12 Comments

I can only imagine what my mom would say about my current state of tattoo-ness.

“Tattoos are for sailors…”

That’s probably what she’d say, and then insert disapproving frown [HERE].

But I’m kind of liking being tatted up! — albeit it’s a temporary thing with these new NARS temporary tattoos. I feel like a different person.

Just another quick video. I’m also wearing the new Tahiti Bronzer. Both are from the new Last Resort Collection, available now at Sephora.

As always, purr usual, thank you for watching. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, NARS, Video

Springy and Smokey! Smokey Brown and Purple Cat Eyes and a Bright Coral Lip With New Makeup From Benefit, Dior and Smashbox

March 3rd, 2015 by Karen 27 Comments

Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

The sun’s out, I’m not wearing socks (FOOT FREEDOM!), I am wearing coral lipstick, and the eye look I tried this morning did not result in a complete disaster…

Yeah, it’s been a terrific Tuesday so far. 🙂

Today I felt springy and, I dunno, kinda smokey, so this purply brown smokey eye with soft cat eye liner happened.

Note to self: do this liner more often! It’s fairly easy — just black eye pencil with a dark shimmery purple shadow blended on top with a pencil brush — and it takes about half the time as a super crisp black cat liner, otherwise known as “the time-suck of my makeup existence.”

As a side, am I the only person who regularly attempts black cat liner when there’s, like, absolutely no time to get ready, and then inevitably ends up with their two tiny kitten flicks morphing into huge, unsymmetrical bat wings that don’t match?

Yargh.

Siri, remind me to wear soft cat eyeliner like this the next time I need to be saved from myself.

Oh! — this look was also an excuse to try a few new products from Benefit, Dior and Smashbox.

Some quick notes…

  • Benefit’s new Roller Lash curling mascara — This stuff is black, and glossy, and it lifts and curls lashes, but you absolutely, positively must comb out your lashes while they’re wet; otherwise, they’ll stick together like mean girls in the cafeteria.
  • Dior’s Nude Air Serum Foundation — This lightweight, medium-coverage hybrid skin care serum/foundation looks amazing on the skin. My homegirl at Sephora hooked me up (‘sup Nini!) with a fatty-bo-batty sample in shade 040, and when I finish it…I’m probably gonna throw down 53 large ($53) for a full-size replacement.

    Yeah, that good.

  • Smashbox Double Exposure Palette — Yep, these gorgeous, mostly cool-toned shades are a dream to blend.

Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

products I used for this look
Key products I used for this look

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There are 27 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Benefit, Chanel, Face of the Day (FOTD), MAC Makeup, NARS, Rimmel, Rouge Bunny Rouge, Smashbox

‘Cause One Can Never Wear Enough Neutrals: A Face of the Day With the Nude Dude Volume 2 Eye Palette By theBalm

February 27th, 2015 by Karen 38 Comments

A Face of the Day with thebalm Nude Dude Volume 2

I feel like every girl (and every boy who loves makeup; yes, I know you’re out there, and I love you!!!) has a default makeup look they turn to whenever they need to feel just straight-up pretty…and that’s definitely what I needed this morning because I woke up tired today, dude!

For real, I got like two seconds of sleep last night. The wind was crazy loud and howled all night long (“Awooooo!”), which fired up Tabs, who consequently spent the entire evening running circuits around the bedroom, knocking stuff off the dressers, climbing all over my boobs and generally doing naughty tabby things.

That darned cat! If he wasn’t so adorably squishy, I’d be raging mad at him right now. 🙂

I LOVE THIS FOOL

Needless to say, I needed a pick-me-up this morning, so I figured, heck, why not do something makeup-wise that I really like to wear, so I ended up doing my favorite look to wear in the whole wide world — brown smokey eyes, pink cheeks, pink lips.

Yep, mah standby. 🙂

Key products worn in this look, including thebalm Nude Dude Volume 2
Key products I’m wearing in this look

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There are 38 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Ardency Inn, Face of the Day (FOTD), MAC Makeup, NARS, Rimmel, Sephora, theBalm

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