• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Makeup

New & Noteworthy: Clinique Uplighting Illuminating Powder, Pop Oil and High Impact Custom Black Kajal Liners

December 12th, 2016 by Karen 10 Comments

clinique fall 2016
New & noteworthy makeup from Clinique

In the pursuit of creative well fill-edness, also known as “trying to keep my creative well filled,” I’m trying to form some mentally healthy new habits and rediscover old ones that have helped me in the past, like wearing makeup on the weekends.

You guys…on one hand, it’s liberating to just run out of the house without a stitch of makeup on, but on the other hand…sometimes when I’m out and about and catch get a glimpse of myself in a window somewhere, I’ll think, WTF?! Who the hell is that person? She looks EXHAUSTED. 🙂

Shoot, back in the day, I’d put on concealer just to go get my mail! THAT’s how dedicated I was to le face paint, but I’ve gotten way chiller about leaving the house without makeup over the past year, especially on weekends.

I’ve been getting back into it again lately, though, because I swear…a little bit of shimmer here and a touch of color there, and I see the whole world differently.

It definitely changes the way I feel about myself.

Anywho, I wore some makeup last weekend, and it felt really freakin’ good. I used some things that came out from Clinique in the fall and are in the permanent collection now, and they were just lovely!

Clinique Uplighting Illuminating Powder, $27

clinique up lighting powder
All three shades of Clinique Uplighting Illuminating Powder ($27 each)

SO GOOD for casual weekend makeup! These sheer pressed powders have a subtle tint and pearl. You can wear them as an all-over setting powder or use them them to highlight specific areas, and they’re basically like highlighting powders for non-highlighting girls/guys.

The opalescent finish is very low-key, very natural-looking, and you might not even see it at first, but it’s there adding a little something-something.

There are three shades, and the one I like is 02 Golden Glow. It makes my skin look dewy…but not sweaty dewy.

These $27 Uplighting Illuminating Powders are a lot like the $46 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, so if you like those, these are a more affordable alternative. Keep in mind, though, that these only come in three shades, whereas the Hourglass Ambients come in six shades and are much, much finer.

Still, I think these are perfect weekend powders for running errands or grabbing coffee, and for that $27 you get a big 0.33-oz. pan.

[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Clinique, Makeup

Brand Spotlight: Studio 78 Paris

December 10th, 2016 by Karen 12 Comments

studio 78 paris
Brand spotlight: Studio 78 Paris

Chic, French, fun, natural and fabulous.

Who is that coy cutie peeking out from behind the leaves on these pieces from the Studio 78 Paris makeup line? I want to hang out with her and her fabulous mane of cascading foliage. 🙂

studio 78 paris
“Studio 78 Paris carries the prestigious ECO CERT organic certification. Using botanical ingredients combined with a gorgeous shade range Studio 78 Paris was created by Margareth Halfon who got her experience developing products for Guerlain Makeup and Rouge Baiser. These perfectly pigmented products are also gentle enough for sensitive skin.” –credobeauty.com

The playful pigments in the Studio 78 Paris makeup line are products of founder Margareth Halfon’s creative mind. The organic beauty brand is still mostly under the radar here in the U.S., but Credo Beauty does ship their products and many other clean/natural beauty brands internationally to our side of the pond. And if you’re interested, now’s the time to act because you can also get 20% off orders over $75 through Dec. 11 using code CredoLovesFriends.

In many ways, I dunno…Studio 78 Paris seems like a line that could (and should) be the next underground cult fave of beauty girls who know what’s cool before social media and magazines call it cool — chic black and white packaging, playful pigments, and a simple elegance that’s totally casual.

Everything in the line carries the ECOCERT organic certification, which means that their products all have at least 95% plant-based ingredients, and no GMOs, parabens, phenoxyethanol, nanoparticles, silicon, PEG, synthetic perfumes and dyes, or animal-derived ingredients, unless it’s things that are naturally produced by animals, like milk and honey. The packaging is also biodegradable or recyclable.

I’ve tested a few of their products so far, including…

On the Beach Blush, $34

studio 78 paris blush
On the Beach Blush

This long-wearing baked mineral blush is pretty pigmented and has a soft satin finish that I really like. You can sheer it out if you don’t want a ton of color on your cheeks, or you can build it up in layers for a brighter look.

I usually like when my blush doesn’t look too “blushy,” and this peachy shade is one of most natural-looking blushes I’ve ever worn. I think it looks A LOT like the impeccable Chanel Joues Contrastes, which are IMO the crème de la crème of natural-looking blushes. Sadly, Studio 78 Paris only makes three shades.

BOO! [INSERT WHINY VOICE HERE] 🙁

INGREDIENTS: mica, zea mays starch, squalane, zinc stearate, cocos nucifera oil, helianthus annuus seed oil, prunus armeniaca kernel oil, persea gratissima oil, chamomilla recutita flower extract, parfum, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, limonene, linalool. May contain: ci 77891, ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499, ci 77947, ci 77510, ci 77007, ci 77288, ci 77289, ci 77742.

Liquid Lipstick in Ruby Wedding, $32

studio 78 paris lipsitck
Ruby Wedding Liquid Lipstick, a.k.a plummy red perfection

[Continue reading…]

There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Brand Spotlight, Makeup, Studio 78 Paris Keywords: Credo Beauty

Brand Spotlight: Lily Lolo

December 9th, 2016 by Karen 13 Comments

Lily Lolo Mineral Makeup

lily lolo makeup
Lily Lolo Mineral Makeup

Lily Lolo.

Could that be the cutest name for a makeup brand ever? It’s so sweet! The gal who created the line, Vikki Kahn — named it after her two sisters, Lisa (Lily) and Lorraine (Lolo).

Aww! 🙂

Lily Lolo is a 100% natural British brand of cruelty-free mineral makeup, and their products are free of parabens, synthetic perfumes and dyes.

lily lolo vikki khan
Lily Lolo founder Vikki Khan

british-beautyYears ago, or so the story goes, the founder, Vikki, ordered some mineral makeup from the U.S., and she was so impressed by it and talked about it with all her friends, but nobody over there knew what the heck she was talking about! They didn’t know what mineral makeup was yet! So Vikki started Lily Lolo out of the spare bedroom in her home, and now the line is growing fast and sold internationally.

20% off Friends & Family sale at Credo Beauty

Lily Lolo is one of many fab clean/green beauty brands available now at Credo Beauty, and you can get 20% off orders over $75 right now through Dec. 11 using code CredoLovesFriends.

Lily Lolo (for some reason, I keep wanting to call them Lily Lilo) has a pretty broad makeup selection, too, like mineral powder foundation, blush, highlighter, bronzer and bb cream, eyeshadow palettes, eyeshadow singles, liners, primer and brow products, lipstick, gloss and lip pencils. And the prices are in the MAC range, so they aren’t drugstore, but they aren’t Tom Ford-level either.

So, what is mineral makeup?
Everyone’s got a different definition, but mineral makeup usually refers to makeup made from minerals like iron oxides, talc, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are ground and milled into micro particles, and most mineral makeup formulas are free of organic dyes, preservatives and artificial fragrances, so some people feel that they’re better tolerated than regular non-mineral makeup brands, but it all depends on the company and their ingredients. Mineral brands often use fewer potentially irritating ingredients, but it varies, so check your labels.

Lily Lolo has much more information about the ingredients they use on their website.

Um, the looks Lily Lolo has done for their campaigns? WOW! — absolutely gorgeous, like what celebs would wear on the red carpet to the Oscars.

It’s glam, but it still seems approachable, and that speaks to my makeup soul. 🙂

lily lolo pedal to the metal look
One of Lily Lolo’s recent campaign looks

I’ve tried a few things from the line, and my favorite by far is the Laid Bare Eye Palette, which is $34 and comes with eight neutral powder shadows in shades of beige, tan, gold, khaki and charcoal.

lily lolo laid bare palette
Lily Lolo Laid Bare Eye Palette ($34)

Their eyeshadows are made with pure inert minerals and completely free of GMOs, nano particles, talc, additives, harsh chemicals, parabans, gluten and bismuth oxychloride, dyes, fillers, fragrance, preservatives and petroleum-based chemicals.

The shadows swatch super shimmery, but when you blend them out on your lids, they look less shimmery, so what you end up with is a soft, satiny, red carpet glow.

I’ve worn the palette a few times (most recently in this Tom Ford Winter Soleil post yesterday), and I keep getting compliments on it. I think it has a special sauce where it isn’t too shimmery (it’s a soft, satiny glow), and the shades aren’t too in your face.

I’m always kind of shocked at how quickly I can do a complete eye look with this palette. The powders are just THAT easy to blend, and there’s very little fallout at all. If you like green/clean beauty products, and you’re on the prowl for a solid everyday eye palette, check it out.

lily lolo champagne illuminator
Lily Lolo Champagne Illuminator ($26)

[Continue reading…]

There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Brand Spotlight, Lily Lolo, Makeup Keywords: Credo Beauty

Mad About Metallics and Tom Ford’s Winter Soleil Lip Foils

December 8th, 2016 by Karen 27 Comments

tom ford winter soeil lipsticks
A few of Tom Ford’s new Winter Soleil Lip Foils from the left: Venus Rising, Spanish Flame, Private Life and Creme Conque, $53 each

I’m not usually a sexy robot lips/metallic lipstick kinda gal, but Tom Ford’s Winter Soleil Lip Foils are making me love the look. The pearl particles are super fine, so my lips look like they’re glowing. It’s more of a glowing effect than a frost.

Tom’s Lip Foils are $53 each, which, yeah…is totally bananas. ??? But that’s Tom Ford.

tom ford venus rising
Tom Ford Venus Rising
tom ford creme conque
Tom Ford Creme Conque

[Continue reading…]

There are 27 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, Makeup, Tom Ford Beauty

Brand Spotlight: Kjær Weis

December 8th, 2016 by Karen 19 Comments

kjaer weis brand spotlight
Kjær Weis is an innovative cosmetics line created by Danish-born, New York-based makeup artist Kirsten Kjær Weis

All we need now are some jingle bells and ribbons! ?

I’m a big fan of giving gifts to yourself during the holidays (and giving gifts to other people, too, of course), but, you know…sometimes, if you don’t do it, who will?

In the spirit of holiday self-gifting, have you checked out any products from Kjær Weis before? They’re my new favorite luxury natural beauty line.

20% off for Friends & Family at Credo Beauty

If you want to #treatyoself, enter code CredoLovesFriends now through December 11th to get 20% off orders over $75 from Credo Beauty, where you can find Kjær Weis and many other fab natural/organic beauty brands. Happy shopping!

Kjær Weis. Um…how do you say that? Is it a hard “k,” hard “j”? Well, it’s pronounced “kee-yar wise,” and it’s the last name of the brand’s founder, New York-based makeup artist Kirsten Kjær Weis.

kjaer weis packaging
Shiny packaging!

KirstenKirsten said that when she was creating the products for the brand, she wanted to use natural ingredients, but she wanted everything to perform as well as products from the big beauty brands.

The makeup is made in Italy using certified organic or certified natural ingredients from around the world, and everything is labeled either “certified organic” or “certified natural” by Italy’s organic governing body.

They don’t use any artificial ingredients, so no parabens, petroleums, or artificial colors or fragrances, and everything is cruelty-free.

Also, because a common issue with products that contain natural ingredients sometimes is that the colors vary from one individual item to the next, Kirsten hand-inspects every batch to make sure that the colors and textures are all consistent, which I think is pretty cool.

kjaer weis
Here I’m wearing Kjær Weis Cream Foundation in Illusion, Cream Blush in Sun Touched and Lipstick in Love

It’s an elegant “less is more” line with a focus on enhancing your natural features, and the product range has been edited down to the kind of beauty basics a gal might take with her on a weekend trip, like cream foundation, cream blush, cream bronzer and highlighter, lip tints, lipsticks and powder eyeshadow.

They use ingredients like…

  • Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract — A medicinal herb that can stimulate collagen production. It’s an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties, and it’s supposed to be great for sensitive skin.
  • Glyceryl Caprylate — A naturally derived “preservative” from coconut and palm plants that acts as a moisturizer and emulsifying agent with excellent antibacterial properties.
  • Cera Alba — A refined form of beeswax. According to Kjær Weis, theirs comes from ecologically sound apiaries, and it’s used as an emulsifier and consistency regulator. Beeswax has a structure that provides a breathable barrier against outside elements while nourishing the skin.
  • Rosa Damascena Flower Oil — Derived from the rose plant. A natural perfume.

You can find out more about their ingredients here…

kjaer weis k2
Wearing the foundation, cream blush and lipstick

I’m already completely hooked on the line. I’ve only tried three things so far, but I want to try everything else! ERRRRTHANG.

kjaer weis cream foundation
Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation in Illusion

[Continue reading…]

There are 19 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Brand Spotlight, Kjaer Weis, Makeup Keywords: Credo Beauty

Sneak Peek: New From Maybelline for Spring 2017

December 8th, 2016 by Karen 24 Comments

maybelline-spring-2017-eyeshadows

Um…yes, I realize that we’re talking about spring, even though it isn’t even Christmas yet.

I know! It’s weird to me too, but that’s the makeup world. Lots of weird.

Here’s a quick peek at new products from Maybelline coming to drugstores next month. Does anything here strike your fancy?

New from Maybelline for Spring 2017

  • Colossal Big Shot Mascara ($8.49) — Has wavy bristles for boosting volume
  • Brow Precise Perfecting Highlighter ($7.99) — A full-coverage highlighter for brow arches
  • Expertwear Eye Shadow ($3.99 each) — Powder eye shadow singles with jet-milled pigments in bold and satin finishes, available in 20 shades
  • 24Karat Nudes Palette ($11.99) — A palette with a gold theme and 12 new shimmery shadows
  • Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes ($7.49 each) — Warm creamy matte nudes in 10 shades
  • Lip Studio Color Contour Lip Palettes ($13.99 each) — Lip palettes with six lipstick shades, available in Blushed Bombshell (nudes and pinks) and Vamp Fatale (reds and plums)
  • Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquids ($7.99 each) — Liquid lipsticks in statement shades available in 10 new colors
  • Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner ($7.99 each) — Twist-up skinny lip liners in 14 new shades
  • Baby Lips Color Balm Crayon ($6.99 each) — Balm-like crayon for bright, juicy color
  • Dream Cushion Foundation ($15.99 each) — Luminous, lightweight coverage for a smooth fresh glow, available in 8 shades
  • Dream Brightening Creamy Concealer ($7.99 each) — Has light reflecting pearls for brightening, available in 6 shades
  • Face Studio Master Camo Color Correcting Kit ($12.99 each) — Color-correcting palettes with highlighters, concealers and color correctors for light, medium and deep skin tones
  • Face Studio Master Blush Color & Highlighting Kit ($12.99) — Gel-based blush kit with three blushes and a highlighter
  • Face Studio Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter ($9.99) — Two shades with various levels of shine for a dewy glow

maybelline-spring-2017-vivid-matte-liquid

maybelline-spring-2017-lipsticks

[Continue reading…]

There are 24 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Maybelline

13 Sweet Holiday Sets

December 6th, 2016 by Karen 7 Comments

sweet holiday sets
Sweet holiday sets!

BREAKING NEWS (MBB) — In what may come as a shock to absolutely no one, men and women around the world are procrastinating and putting off their holiday shopping. 🙂

Really, though, how do you expect me to focus on finding the best holiday deal on socks when distractions like Mariah Carey’s new reality TV show exist?

P.S. Homegirl does *all* of her on-camera testimonials in lingerie. Clearly, MC is living her best life.

If you’re still looking for gifts for your work wife, BFF, sis, mom, significant other or any other beauty-loving babes or boys in your life, and you have no idea where to start, here are some sweet holiday sets to consider.

1. Laura Geller So Scrumptious Vol. 4

Laura Geller’s six-piece So Scrumptious Vol. 4 set is all about the glow. It comes with warm, shimmery shades to illuminate cheeks, lids and lips, and it also includes a velvety face primer and a dual-ended face brush. It’s $59 and available meow at Ulta and laurageller.com.

laura geller so scrumptious 2
What you get in the Laura Geller So Scrumptious Set…
laura geller so scrumptious 2
Scrumptious, also known as “deliciously delightful”
laura geller so scrumptious 2
Laura Geller So Scrumptious swatches

2. By Terry Impearlious Baume de Rose

By Terry’s Impearlious Baume de Rose gloss set is for lords and ladies who love fancy-schmancy moisturizing glosses that aren’t overly sticky.

Seriously, though, who needs a dozen roses when you could have lipglosses that smell like roses and last a lot longer than a week?! By Terry Impearlious Baume de Rose is $65 and available now at department stores and barneys.com.

byterry baume de rose
The By Terry Impearlious Baume de Rose set, $65
byterry baume de rose
Swatches…

3. By Terry’s Impearlious Ombre Blackstar Gift Collection

byterry ombre blackstar
The $155 (!) By Terry Ombre Blackstar set

[Continue reading…]

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Kits and Sets, Makeup

The NARS Unfiltered I and Unfiltered II Cheek Palettes

December 1st, 2016 by Karen 13 Comments

Surprise! No Orgasm.

[awkward pause]

Um…why is it that everything I say lately sounds unintentionally dirty? I don’t know. 🙂

These two new NARS Unfiltered Cheek Palettes are coming soon to the Sephora website on December 6th and then to narscosmetics.com and Sephora stores on December 15th, and they. Are. Gorgeous!

nars unfiltered i unfiltered ii
The NARS Unfiltered I Cheek Palette on the left and the Unfiltered II Cheek Palette on the right ($59 each)

Each one has five new limited edition blush colors and one repromote.

That bright red, though!!? You might recognize it. That’s Exhibit A in the Unfiltered I palette, and the other repromote is Hot Sand in Unfiltered II.

I’m so impressed with these palettes! The blushes are NARS soft, NARS smooth and NARS pigmented. This right here, girlfriend? This is the brand at its best.

And, yeah, no Orgasm.

Unfiltered I (new LE shades marked with an *)

  • *WATCH ME: Opalescent gold (sheen)
  • *ME FIRST: Apricot (sheen)
  • *TAKEOVER: Copper rose (sheen)
  • *OUT THERE: Deep russet (matte)
  • *CHIC: Rich raspberry (matte)
  • EXHIBIT A: Red (matte)

Unfiltered II

  • *CONQUEST: Pastel peach (matte)
  • *UNDEFEATED: Pale pink (shimmer)
  • *POWER PLAY: Vivid pink (matte)
  • HOT SAND: Peach champagne (sheen)
  • *FAME: Pink amber (sheen)
  • *CANDID: Mauve raspberry (shimmer)
nars unfiltered i closeup
Closeup of NARS Unfiltered I, starting with the top row from the left: Watch Me, Me First, Takeover; bottom row: Out There, Chic, Exhibit A
nars unfiltered ii closeup
Closeup of NARS Unfiltered II, starting with the top row from the left: Conquest, Undefeated, Power Play; bottom row: Hot Sand, Fame, Candid

[Continue reading…]

There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face, Makeup, NARS, Palettes, Video

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 132
  • Go to page 133
  • Go to page 134
  • Go to page 135
  • Go to page 136
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 502
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

Makeup and Beauty Blog features daily product reviews, makeup tips and beauty news — like an interactive version of a monthly print magazine, except with occasional pictures of my cat.

Recent Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 893

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 892

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 891

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 771

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

Copyright © 2025 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.