Makeup

The Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 28 in Purple Blue: The Guiltiest Pleasure!

March 28th, 2016 by Anna Oh 25 Comments

alexa chung illustration anna oh ao beauty — Illustration of Alexa Chung and her signature smokey eye, by Anna Oh

Yes.

That’s right.

I’ll give you a minute…

If your body is ready now, this is THE Natasha Denona 28 Eyeshadow Palette in Purple Blue ($239), and it’s about to sell out on Beautylish as we speak!

The hype around this product is very real for many reasons, the first one being the price (!), the second being the colors, and the third being the formula.

First…

The price

For $239, this single item is one of the most expensive eyeshadow palettes on the market. The pans work out to roughly $8.50, and you’re getting 28 of them. If you only collect Natasha Denona eyeshadows, this is a great value.

But if you’re like me and collect eyeshadows from almost every brand, this is a question mark (?) for sure. Buying 28 Makeup Geek or MAC eyeshadows (like the $6 refill pans) would actually save you money!

These are presented as “pro-quality” and “ultra-pigmented,” and they’re packaged in a VERY smartly designed, sleek, and surprisingly small palette. I really appreciate the wide variety of different colors and finishes.

The colors

The colors speak for themselves. Beautiful and subtle, but loud and incredibly nuanced at the same time. As the “Purple-Blue” palette, you get an incredible range with some added pinks, silvers, and taupes. I would say that I’m a neutral lover with an appreciation for color, and I find that this palette is very wearable, save for three or four of the colors. I think the range of colors rounds out the palette for color lovers and neutral lovers alike.

natasha denona 28 eye palette purple blue swatches — Swatches: all 28 eyeshadows of the Natasha Denona Purple Blue Palette

The Purple Blue palette contains:
28V electric violet, 82V nina’s orchid, 51M rosewood, 80M piggy, 40M lavender gray, 11M metallic steel blue, 11V steel blue, 38M gray-brown, 24V aubergine, 22M maroon, 60M golden rose, 63M oxide, 84V powder blue, 09M quick silver, 32P deep slate gray, 75P satin skin, 52M golden beige, 70P cool plum, 92M petroleum blue, 89V koh tao, 03V deep pacific, 12M glaze, 23P smoky plum, 49M vintage, 05M calypso blue, 65V smoke, 04M chromatic, 01V navy

Paraben-free.

70 g / 2.5 oz.

natasha denona 28 eye palette purple blue — My favorite row in the palette!

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Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lipstick Swatches

March 28th, 2016 by Jen Clark 32 Comments

We live in a world filled with uncomfortably drying matte lipsticks.

They are EVERYWHERE!

But I took a much-needed break from the discomfort with the Cruelty Free Lipsticks by Too Faced this week, and let me tell ya, it felt gooood.

These lipsticks are smooth and balmy with a surprising color payoff. Normally, when I go for moisture and comfort, the appearance takes a hit, but not this time! Even with nasty, cracked lips with dry patches (I have notoriously dry lips, mm yummy), these smooth over the top and make them look a lot better than they did, and I appreciate the heck out of that.

There are 22 gorgeous shades to choose from, 10 of them being brand-spankin’ new! There are a couple of perfect nudes, some amazing pinks, and even some stunning darker vamp-y shades.

I just have to gush over the packaging for a sec… Ugh, it feels so luxurious! There’s something about a heavily weighted golden lipstick tube that just makes you feel a little bit better about life, and I love to wear these partly for the experience of putting them on.

I doubt that I’m the only one who feels that way, or at least, I hope I’m not the only one who gets that excited about lipstick. 🙂

Now, I’m just going to warn you, but beware of the shades with glitter/shimmer in them, and there are quite a few, because this is not a subtle glitter. I’m talking, I felt like I could have been the sixth member of the Spice Girls. You may now call me Shimmer Spice.

I’m not saying I hate them. In fact, part of me loves them! Just make sure you’re aware that they pack a punch if you plan to order online. Take a peek at the swatches down below if you want to see what I’m talking about, although it’s not as obvious as it is in real life.

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lipstick in Unicorn Tears — “Unicorn Tears” — an iridescent shimmer

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Clinique Lid Pop Long-Wearing Eyeshadow: Clinique’s Latest “Pop” Sensation

March 25th, 2016 by Anna Oh 16 Comments

clinique spring 2016 lid pops — The Clinique Lid Pop long-wearing eyeshadows for spring 2016 ($17 each, available now)

Hi everyone!

Clinique is back for spring with eyeshadows based on their uber-popular long-wearing, buildable Cheek Pop line.

Also known as “the prettiest eyeshadows ever!” the new Clinique Lid Pops ($17 each) come in eight satiny and shimmery shades, and here’s a look at four of them.

This powder gelee formula is downright PRETTY on the skin. Petal Pop and Cream Pop reflect nicely on the lids, and the matte color — Cocoa Pop — has a beautiful satin sheen.

Unfortunately, Surf Pop doesn’t fare so well in swatches or on the lids. Blue is an unforgiving color to start with, and this one needs better pigmentation to prevent patchy application.

I wonder what Clinique plans to release next into their “Pop” product line!

The Clinique Lid Pops

Vanilla Pop
Cream Pop
Petal Pop
Grape Pop
Surf Pop
Aqua Pop
Willow Pop (I really want to get this one!)
Cocoa Pop

Clinique Lid Pops (L-R) Petal Pop, Surf Pop, Cocoa Pop, Cream Pop

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The Paul & Joe Spring 2016 Collection: Sometimes Versatility Comes in Small, Lovely Packaging

March 24th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 11 Comments

My makeup looks tend to be simple. As I don’t often wear a full face of makeup, I opt for what I know, and what I find suits my lifestyle, as I’m sure most of us do.

What I’m talking about, I guess, is convenience, and convenience is just one of the many things that makes these few products from the Paul & Joe Spring 2016 Collection special.

Launched as a cosmetics line in 2002, and named after owner Sophie Mechaly’s two sons, feline-fabulous brand Paul & Joe has been a French staple since 1995, when it began as a menswear company before expanding into womenswear and children’s fashion.

Now available in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia, the line has expanded significantly since its start.

Their philosophy says it all:

“Thoroughly enjoying life, valuing every moment- that is the philosophy of Parisians and Sophie Melachy herself. PAUL & JOE BEAUTE projects a lifestyle that brims over with a sense of happiness and well-being.”

Happiness is a present element when it comes to the packaging of these gorgeous spring products. This week I got my hands on the beautiful #11 compact, as well the #101 face and eye color combo, the #2 cream blush, and the #7 powder blush.

The compact itself is sold separately, and the products, such as the blushes, are designed to be interchangeable with the compact. This packaging is incredibly convenient for touchups throughout the day.

The Face and Eye Color Palette, the largest of the four products shown here, is also my favorite.

It’s stunning! And although I’m really not a fan of perfumed cosmetics, I can’t help myself. I like it here (it’s faintly citrusy with a hint of lily).

Paul & Joe Spring 2016 Face and Eye Color Palette — One of the few French words I can actually remember is the word for butterfly (*papillon*)

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The Benefit Dandelion Collection for Spring 2016: Pretty in Pink

March 24th, 2016 by Anna Oh 27 Comments

Hi, everyone!

As one of the prettiest (in my opinion) collections of spring 2016, the Benefit Dandelion Collection is an expansion of Benefit’s bestselling Dandelion Brightening Finishing Powder ($29), with the new Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlighter ($26) and Dandelion Dew Liquid Blush ($28).

This is a small and concise collection with every product layering on top of each other to create a beautiful and brightening flush.

benefit dandelion collection shy beam dandelion dew — Benefit Spring 2016 Dandelion Collection

benefit dandelion collection dandelion box powder — Benefit Dandelion Powder

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Cheeky New Products From Chosungah 22: So Tiny Lip & Cheek, C&T Blend Fresh Mix Liquid Foundation and Bounce Up Pact Powder Foundation

March 23rd, 2016 by Anna Oh 14 Comments

Chosunga 22 — Wearing Chosungah 22 c&t Fresh Blend Foundation and SO TINY in Orange on cheeks and lip (mixed with MAC Pure Fiction gloss)

Hi, everyone! It’s time for another K-beauty break with a new brand available at Sephora. Chosungah 22, a beauty line by Korean makeup artist Sungah Cho, is based on the principal that makeup is a platform for play and self-expression. The packaging is usually brightly colored with lots of polka dots and plenty of bold graphics.

Now, I am one of the biggest suckers when it comes to awesome packaging…but I’m happy to report that these products aren’t all fluff!

Here are some neat things the brand has to offer…

beauty illustration anna oh chosungah so tiny — Illustration of the Chosungah 22 So Tiny Lip & Cheek

These cute little bottles are the So Tiny Lip & Cheek Face Colors ($14 each at Sephora), and they are, indeed, tiny! They’re long-lasting lip and cheek colors that dry down without any tacky residue. The matte, dry texture means that you’ll probably want to mix them with a balm or gloss to make them easier to use on your lips.

chosungah 22 so tiny lip & cheek swatches — Swatches of the Chosungah 22 So Tiny Lip & Cheek (L-R) Peach, Orange, Pink, Purple, Dark Red

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The Ultimate Italian Makeup Look May Not Be What You Expect

March 23rd, 2016 by Carolina Braina 34 Comments

“Italians are always well-dressed.”

Who hasn’t heard that one at least once in their life?

It’s one of many stereotypes about Italians and, just like any stereotype, it’s not entirely true…but it does have a kernel of truth to it.

In my experience, people here are generally very concerned with the way they look, and they’ll usually put a lot of thought into what they wear.

There’s also a general sense of decorum that people are expected to observe. For instance, you’ll never see college students go to class in sweats and flip-flops. Here, dressing appropriately and looking nice are real social conventions.

So, what is makeup’s role in a country where most people always try to dress well and look good?

Well, Italians don’t normally use as much makeup as you might expect. A typical Italian look, which I’ve recreated for you today, will usually feature very few products.

Care to know which ones? 🙂

Foundation (often a shade too dark)

Italian Makeup Look — The foundation I’m wearing today is Diego Dalla Palma 2 W. W. Mattifying Foundation in 43 Warm Beige

That’s for two main reasons. The first one is that many people think the purpose of foundation is to make them look tanned, while the second one is that it’s pretty hard for those here with lighter skin tones to find the right color match.

The lightest shade of foundations from Italian brands will usually be my skin tone or darker and, although I’m pretty pale, I’m definitely not the palest. Even international brands will often have a more limited shade range here than abroad.

Bronzer

Most Italians don’t contour very much, but they definitely like to bronze. A LOT.
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Get the Too Faced The Sweeter Side of Sexy 4-Piece Collection for $49 This Wednesday, an HSN Daily Special! #TOOFACEDXHSN

March 22nd, 2016 by Jen Clark 16 Comments

HSN is doing something crazy!

They’re selling this amazing Too Faced The Sweeter Side Of Sexy Makeup Collection for $49 this Wednesday (as of this moment, that’s tomorrow). Take advantage of this, people. It’s a great deal (HSN’s regular price is $59).

Not only do you get what looks like a giant chocolate bar…but it’s filled with some of the best Too Faced products. You get four full-sized items for $49 (AND free shipping), including the coveted Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette (regularly $49 all by itself), a Better Than Sex Mascara ($23), a Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer ($20), and the Love Flush Long Lasting Blush in Justify My Love ($26). That’s a $118 value for $49! #TOOFACEDXHSN

“Too Faced The Sweeter Side of Sexy 4-piece Collection with 1-Year Allure Magazine Who doesn’t love chocolate in all its forms? Take your indulgence a step further with this kit that showcases a cocoa-infused collection of eyeshadows. Decadently rich pigments give you endless color possibilities, and a long-wearing shadow primer helps lock it all down. Finish your look with a bold, beautiful blush and a swipe of luxe, smudge-proof mascara. It might not be edible, but this complete collection is just as scrumptious as the real deal. (No drooling, please).”

— hsn.com

What you get

0.56 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette

0.21 oz. Love Flush 16-Hour Blush – Justify My Love (bright pink with fine gold sparkle)

0.35 oz. Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer

0.27 fl. oz. Better Than Sex Mascara – Black

1-year Allure magazine subscription –> a nice extra

Not even kidding — all four of these products have been staples in my makeup collection, so ya know…I’m pretty much an expert on how well they all work.

The Semi Sweet Chocolate bar palette was given to me for Christmas 2014, and I have used little else since then. The shade selection is everything! You can create so many different looks, and you have everything that you need. There’s no need to go digging into another palette for a matte transition shade or an uber pigmented matte black because they’re already in here. The shadows blend like a dream and have amazing color payoff, to boot.

Not to mention, it smells like hot chocolate. 🙂 Every time you open the palette, it’s like opening a container of hot chocolate on a cold night, as the powder slowly spirals upward towards your nostrils, and you get a whiff of that cocoa-y goodness (the powders even have real cocoa powder in them).

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