Makeup

News – Classic Makeup and Beauty Blog Posts; Beauty Blog Network Weekly Beauty Read

October 28th, 2007 by Karen 12 Comments

fussy-tabby-classic-hits-final
Taking it Back to the Old School

Sometimes it’s fun to visit your roots. I’m feeling nostalgic today, so here’s a compilation of a few classic Makeup and Beauty Blog posts.

Work those high heels at the club with these Tips for Making High Heels Comfortable.

Got lash envy? Here are a few MAC tips and tricks for perfect lashes.

A little self-promotion never hurts.

It’s time to start Christmas shopping. Pick up a few gifts for your family, then pick up a few MAC Favorites from Allure Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards for your bad self.

Remember MAC Sheer Mystery Powder?

Ha! I actually brought a tube of Rimmel After Dark Lipglass to the club last night.

The Beauty Blog Network Hotties are in the House

But wait! There’s more beauty to be had with the best o’ the week from The Beauty Blog Network!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic – Christine Tries out Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub
A Touch of Blusher – Foundation Face-Off: Chanel & SUQQU
All Lacquered Up – Check out Essie’s Winter Collection Before It Hits Stores
Beauty and Fashion Tech – Beauty and Fashion Tech Looks at the New MAC Holiday Collection and Provides Swatches
Beauty and Personality Grooming – Facial scrubs for dry skin
Elke Von Freudenberg – Elke finally (gulp) loves pink lipstick
Etailers Mall, The Blog – Sarah features the Deadly Kiss Choker from After Dark Jewelry.
Makeup Moxie – Customized Clinique Happy Photo Bottles
Musings of a Muse – MAC Formal Black 2006 vs MAC Antiquitease 2007 with Photos and Comparisons
Mystical Beauty’s Musings – The Body Perfumery Gloss Me! Hair Serum Review
Savvy Skin – Laser Hair Removal – Worth Another Chance?
Temptalia – Antiquitease: Royal Assets & Heirlooms Review & Swatches
The Life of A Ladybug – Toya’s ode to Kevyn Aucoin
Makeup Loves Me – Lancome’s Color Fever Gloss in Volcanic Pink
And just in case you missed it (oh no you didn’t) my post from earlier in the week covering Makeup Trends from LA Fashion Week and Tips from Smashbox Makeup Artist Lori Taylor.

Booty Short Stress

I report with a touch of sadness that last night’s pole dance class did not happen. Our instructor never showed up (BOO) so all of my booty short stress was all for naught. We ended up going to get suishi and then to a club called Suede. For the record, it’s hard to dance with cat ears on.

Club cuties

How was your Saturday night? Did you go to any pre-Halloween parties? ‘Twas a fun night but now I’m exhasuted. I think I’m gonna chill out for the rest of the day.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup Tips, Product Reviews, Skincare: Smashbox’s Lori Taylor Gives Makeup Tips from Los Angeles Fashion Week; DHC Rose Toner; Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion

October 24th, 2007 by Karen 26 Comments

Makeup Trends from Los Angeles Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Tips from Lori Taylor, Smashbox Makeup Artist

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles was last week. So maybe you weren’t hanging with Paris Hilton in the front row at the shows this year … but hey, neither was I! We’ve always got next year to look forward to, right?

This year Smashbox sponsored the makeup. To absolutely nobody’s surprise, the flawless skin trend we saw at the San Francisco and New York shows was a big theme this year on the L.A. runways, too.

Want to get the look at home? Here are a few tricks from Smashbox makeup artist Lori Taylor, who was nice enough to share a few backstage tips with Makeup and Beauty Blog.

What was the biggest makeup trend we saw at the LA shows this year?

la-fashion-week
Perfect and Flawless skin. During the shows we used tons of High Definition FX Foundation and Function 5 Self Adjusting Foundation. Also, smoky eyes of colors such as metallic green and purple. And bright lips with lipstick, not gloss!

What tips can you give women who want to re-create these looks at home?

Apply a sheer wash of color on the eye in black or brown, and then use metallic burgundy; soft, sheer purple; or taupe metallic shades. Use a ton of mascara and a liner in color. For the lips use a velvety lipstick or a sheer color.

When you’re working backstage, what are your can’t-live-without Smashbox products?

High Definition FX Foundation, Function 5 Self Adjusting Foundation and Photo Op Under Eye Brightener. We were all fighting for it backstage!

What is your favorite part about doing makeup for runway shows?

I love the fast and chaotic pace as well as the responsibility of being the head makeup artist.

Least favorite part?

My least favorite part is that I’m not so much hands on anymore. Once I create the look the other artists take over.

A pic of Lori Taylor with Smashbox Founders Dean and Davis Factor
lori-taylor

Toner-o-Rama with DHC Rose Toner and Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion

I like to blog about whatever beauty and skin issue is plaguing me at the moment. The big problem du jour right now is my skin. I’ve been breaking out and getting dry patches…so NOT cute.

When my skin goes nuts it means it’s time to review my skin regimen. I just switched to a cleanser which I’m starting to really love, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple. The next step? Finding a complementary toner that both moisturizes and fights the good fight against pimples.

(Side note: I don’t believe that you have to stay with one skin care line, because IMHO that’s just marketing-schmarketing. I always end up using a mix of brands because I haven’t found a line that I love enough to be solely devoted to.)

Toner…Not Just for Copy Machines

Toners are liquid products that you use after you cleanse your face, and you apply it with a cotton ball to your face and your neck. The purpose is to take off the last traces of makeup and prep the skin for moisturization. Some toners also have other benefits, like fighting zits (yes!) and moisturizing (yessss!). I must confess; I’m not always an avid toner user. Sometimes I don’t feel like my skin needs it and sometimes I’m just plain lazy. If I can skip a step I’ll leave it out, ya know?

But when my skin is going nuts like it is now I’ll make the extra effort to really baby it. Here are two toners that I’ve been test driving: DHC Rose Toner and Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion.

DHC Rose Toner Smells Divine, Fights Zits Like a Champ

DHC Rose Toner is lovely-smelling toner made from distilled damask rosewater for ladies (and gents) with blemish-prone skin.

The benefits:

– calms overactive, stressed complexions
– controls excess oil
– tightens pores
– all-day oil control

What I liked about it:

– smells fantastic, like I’m wandering around in Oprah’s rose garden
– cute packaging!
– excellent oil control

What I didn’t like about it:

– dried out my skin

When I was younger my skin was really oily, breakout prone and tougher than Tina Turner on a world tour. If I was ten years younger then DHC Rose Toner would be right up my alley. The dry patches on my face are a new thing for me, so unfortunately this toner was a little too drying to use over my entire face. However, Rose Toner did a fantastic job of drying up my zits. I’m going to use it as a spot treatment in the future, rather than an all-over toner.

You might like it if:

– you have younger, oilier skin that can tolerate stronger toners
– need lots of oil control

A 3.3 fl. oz bottle is regularly $21.00, but is on sale for $15.50 until November 30, 2007 on the DHC Web site.

Also … a lil’ birdie told me that there’s a full Rose skincare line available in Japan but not in the US. It’s a DHC best seller and apparently the entire line is phenomenal. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that they make it available in the US soon!

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion, Where Have You Been All My Life?

Before I buy new skin care products, I read other beauty blogs and check sites like makeupalley.com first. I like to do background research on a product because it gives me a good idea of what it does and whether or not it might work for me.

I got the idea to try Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion from the skin care board on makeupalley.com and all I gotta say is PRAISE JEEBUS! This stuff is the sh*t!

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion is a gentle exfoliator that contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. It’s moisturizing, doesn’t have an offensive smell and is so far doing a great job of clearing up my skin.

The benefits:

– exfoliates skin
– moisturizes, yet doesn’t leave a weird, sticky film behind

What I liked about it:

– texture (it’s thicker than a regular liquid toner but not as thick as a gel)
– doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight
– doesn’t contain alcohol
– has salicylic acid, which penetrates skin to exfoliate pores
– very gentle
– doesn’t break me out

What I didn’t like about it:

– absolutely nuthin’! Love, love, love all around

You might like it if:

– you have combo skin
– you need a non-drying salicylic acid treatment
– you have sensitive, acne-prone skin

I wanted to add a salicylic acid (BHA) treatment to my daily skincare routine because I’ve read that for some people, the combination of benzoyl peroxide with a BHA works wonders to keep skin pimple-free.

How do these two work to keep breakouts at bay? BHA is a chemical exfoliant that keeps pores clear, and benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria present in the pores. So far this combination has been working for me quite well. My pimples are starting to clear up, and my skin doesn’t feel as dry and tight.

If you go to the Clinique counter to buy this don’t let the MUA talk you into any other toner. I went in after work one day and I hadn’t blotted in a few hours so my skin looked really oily. The makeup artist tried to push the “oily skin” toner on me. I’m glad I stuck to my guns because Mild Clarifying is a new skincare staple. I love, I love!

A 6.7 oz bottle is $11.00, available at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Sephora.

But Paris Says the Stars are Blind…

I’ve been having a weird few days.

Weird as in:
– I go to the local Punjabi Burrito place (I’m so not kidding) in Marin to buy a Punjabi Burrito and find out when I get to the counter that they don’t take credit cards; it’s cash only. And of course I only have five bucks on me and the Punjabi Burrito costs $7.50. And of course I’m hungry enough to start gnawing on my arm.

Weird as in:
– Every night for the past few days I’ve been waking up at 3:00. No rhyme, no reason. The clock hits 3:00 and there I am. Ready to knit, do calculus, build a better mousetrap, blog. You name it, I can do it at 3:00 in the morning because I’M WIDE AWAKE.

Weird as in:
– Random neighborhood cats have been wandering into my apartment. The weather’s been hot so I’ve been leaving the front door open when I write. The cats come in. They sniff around the random beauty products strewn across the floor. They meow. They leave. They always leave. I feel cheap and used.

I dunno, maybe it’s mis-alignment of the planets or perhaps something is in retrograde.

Anyway, I hope that your week’s been going well and that it’s going by fast. Hey, at least we’re halfway there!
bon-jovi-halfway-there
Rock on…it’s all we can do!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!; Product reviews – Bath & Body Works In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove; Tarte’s Sweet Dreams Lipstick

October 12th, 2007 by Karen 32 Comments

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!

This is a picture of my friend, Mary Anne. She’s a breast cancer survivor and the coolest dentist I know.

maryanne-headshot

We met a few years ago at UC Davis (GO AGS), where she had the annoying habit of getting good grades in organic chemistry!

It seemed like our lives were destined to follow a certain track: finish school, get great job, find kick-ass boy, etc.; so when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year it was really shocking. It felt like it was only yesterday when we were at her house at 2:00 in the morning “studying,” aka pigging out and watching Jerry Springer.

Next thing I know we’re kickin’ it at the chemotherapy ward and making jokes about the IV she’s toting around.

Yet despite this difficult and emotional year, I’ve watched my friend handle this challenge with grace and positivity.

One of the many challenges for Mary Anne was navigating the world of makeup and beauty as a cancer patient. How do you deal with losing your eyebrows? What do you do when you feel a hot flash coming on? These are just a few makeup/beauty issues that she had to deal with.

So without further ado, here are a few great tips that she’s learned this past year on how to stay beautiful both inside and out.

And if you have a friend or a relative who has breast cancer or was recently diagnosed please forward this post to her. Let’s make someone feel hopeful today!

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors from the Lovely Mary Anne

Name
Mary Anne

Age and occupation
31 years old (My 31st birthday was very special. It happened to be my last day of radiation!)
Dentist
When were you diagnosed? How did you find out?

During a routine physical exam in October 2006, my primary care physician found a lump on my left breast. Prior to that, I had no idea it existed and never had any symptoms. Nine days later, the pathology report was in. I was in total disbelief when the doctor said “malignant invasive ductal carcinoma,” all I could do was cry.

After feeling the lump for the first time, I thought to myself, “It’s so obvious; I should’ve found it earlier! I did not do monthly breast exams and thought I was immune to cancer because I was young, strong, and heading to the top of my career. Cancer was NOT on my agenda. Little did I know, it was going to be my only agenda item for this year.

Self-breast exams are recommended every month after our menses. Palpating your breasts in the shower with soap is the perfect time to get to know your breasts. Be sure to lift your arm and check the underarm areas as well.

What are makeup/beauty tips that you’d give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful on the outside?

Here they are in order of importance! I had to figure most of this stuff on my own, so I thought I should share them all.

– Hydrate daily. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your body including your lips. I like Cetaphil and Eucerin products.

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, about $11 for 16 oz bottle, at your favorite drugstore

– When you feel tired, your body is telling you something. It’s saying REST, I’m tired!

– With clearance from your doctor, EXERCISE! If you are taking steroids to counter the side effects of chemo drugs, don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little plumper.

fussy-tabby-fitness

– Eat healthy but don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat. Ask your doctor to speak to a nutritionist. Some hospitals offer complimentary consults. If needed, you may also want to consider speaking with a cancer psychologist as well as a social worker to assist with financial aid and participation in cancer programs.

– FLOSS! See your dentist for regular dental care. Post chemo and radiation, I now have xerostomia (dry mouth) and gum recession. Some cancer patients also experience cold/canker sores. I recommend topical fluoride treatments (like Omnii Pharmaceutical’s varnish) and regular cleanings with clearance from your medical physician. Saliva acts as a buffer against the acidic environment that causes tooth decay; so lack of saliva (dry mouth) may result in increased cavities. Speak to your dentist about Biotene (for xerostomia), Periomed (which contains stannous fluoride), Prevention Oncology Rinses (found it in Walgreens, soothing to the tissues), and Colgate’s Orabase (it contains cyanoacrylate, the same stuff in crazy glue, it’s palliative for cold sores). Chew sugar free gum with xylitol. Brush twice a day.

floss-pimp

– Before your hair falls out, try a funky, new, bold short haircut to minimize messy floors and clogged drains. It was only two weeks into chemo that my hair started falling out in clumps. A very sweet hairdresser, Jessica, at Thirteen Salon in Walnut Creek, CA shaved my head. It was one of the most liberating things I have ever done.

Halle Berry with a short style
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Alyssa Milano with cute, short hair
alyssa-milano-short-hair

– Anastasia’s Eyebrow Kit. I was never one to draw in eyebrows. The kit has everything for a beginner — stencils, mascara, the perfect eyebrow brush and colors.

Anastasia Five Piece Brow Kit, $65.00, anastasia.net or Sephora
anastasia-brow-kit

– Find pretty nail polish. Chemo drugs such as Adriamycin and Cytoxin will turn your nails black. I prefer darker colors like OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and Mrs. O’Leary’s BBQ.

OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, $7.50 at Amazon.com
opi-lincoln-park-after-dark

– Treat yourself to a nice scarf. I found a classy large scarf at H&M for $8!

– Try NARS bronzer and blush. Apply a little bit to give yourself a healthy glow. It works!

Nars Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzer duo, $36 at Sephora
nars-orgasm-laguna

– Attend Look Good, Feel Better, a seminar held by the American Cancer Society free of charge for cancer patients. They give $200-$400 worth of brand name cosmetics to each attendee. They also give free wig and make-up tips. Call your local society for more information.

– Carry hand sanitizer wherever you go.

– When a hotflash comes on, just imagine that you’re in a sauna and think peaceful thoughts. Get a meditation CD.

What beauty tips would you give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful and positive emotionally?

– Pray. Meditate. Yoga. Walk.

– This really helps: Whenever I was feeling down, I started to count my blessings. I thought of all the things I am thankful for i.e. mom, dad, sisters, brothers, nephew, relatives, friends, advances in health care, food on the table, plumbing, clean water, chocolate.

– Remember, life is worth every minute. You can choose your thoughts. Keep a positive attitude and if there is any time to erase negativity in your life, it’s NOW. Choose to LOVE LIFE and never lose HOPE. Plus, when your kids see you love life and do good for others, they will be happier and will contribute more to this beautiful world in their lifetimes. As you go through this challenge, you will be amazed by your strength, courage, and stamina. You will also be amazed by the resilience of your body.

– Growing up, I have always believed that there are virtues that no one can ever take away from me like integrity…same goes for your HOPE, FAITH, and your ability to LOVE.

– Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Truly Forgive.

– SMILE, it doesn’t cost you anything.

– Dance, it doesn’t cost you anything.

– It’s okay to cry. It can be very cleansing. Lean on your family and friends for support.

that-girl-before1a

– Take a picture of your baldness. I wish I did.

– Do something good for yourself everyday.

– Meet other cancer patients and survivors. Make friends at the infusion center. Might as well make your 3-5 hour infusions pleasant.

Welcome to the sisterhood, sista! When you are done, you will come out with GRACE, SERENITY, and POWER! This is where true beauty is found in your heart and soul. There are people who are fighting for you and who want you to win this battle!

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?

I’m looking forward to enjoying family, friendships, life, more rigorous workouts, learning how to cook gourmet meals, travel, and mission trips. I’m looking forward to practicing dentistry again. I love my patients. Oh and, taking a picture with the kitty on this website.
fussy-tabby-closeup

More Fab Breast Cancer Awareness Products

It’s not too early to start thinking about stocking stuffers for Christmas! One gift I plan on getting all the women in my life is In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove, which you can purchase at Bath & Body Works for $9.00.

bathandbodyworks-intouch-glove

This reusable glove reduces friction by 50% and increases sensitivity, so your fingers can glide smoothy across the breast during your monthly breast self-exam. This kit also includes complete exam intsructions, a monthly reminder calendar, and a pretty travel satchel for your glove.

I just tried this glove during my last breast self-exam and it really does make it easier. I now keep the kit in my bathroom and just check off date on the calendar so I can keep track of my exam dates. Every woman on my Christmas list is getting one of these!

Another great stocking stuffer is tarte’s inside out lipstick in the shade Sweet Dreams, which I reviewed a few weeks ago.
tarte-inside-out-lipsticks-zen-sweet-dreams

October is a great month to pick up this pretty dusty-pink rose lippie, because 20% of the retail sales will go to Young Survival Coalition, youngsurvival.org. You can purchase Sweet Dreams inside-out lipstick at Sephora stores nationwide.

Ladies, please do a monthly breast self exam and encourage the women in your life to do the same!

Hugs to you and to all the breast cancer survivors fighting to stay healthy.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Just for Fun: Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Hell-to-the-Yah! list – Tuesday, October 9, 2007

October 9th, 2007 by Karen 21 Comments

Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Hell-to-the-Yah! list: Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Hell-to-the-Yah! #1: Midget Mac on I Love NY 2
midget-mac
I don’t care if your television taste is more PBS than trash TV, you won’t be able to resist the couch paralysis that happens when the weirdness that is I LOVE NY 2 unfolds on Vh1.

So far, out of all the weird dudes in the bunch, right now I’m on TEAM MIDGET MAC!

(…although somebody needs to tell him to get rid of those horizontal-striped oversized shirts because they do nothing to lengthen his torso.)

And does any body else think it’s odd that when Midget Mac does his solo interviews you can only see from his nose upward? C’mon, camera man/woman! I know it ain’t that hard to lower the lens!

Hell-to-the-Yah! #2: Chanel for Dummies! Multi-Use Makeup Palette and the Winter Nights Quad
chanel-multi-use-makeup-palette
BEHOLD! Bow down to the awesomeness that is the Chanel palette.

With a combo of best-selling and exclusive colors, this palette is sure to feed my inner lazy makeup beast but will still leave me looking polished. Four eyeshadows, four lip colors and one blush equals one happy (and broke, it’s $85, OUCH!) Karen.

BUT WAIT…there’s more! The lovely reader Glosslizard sent me this pic of the Winter Nights Quad. You know better than to feed the fire, girl!
chanel-winter-nights-quad

Hell-to-the-Yeah! #3: Boot Shopping on Zappos.com
gabriella-rocha-gina-boot
It’s allegedly going to rain today in the Bay Area, which is my lame excuse for spending time in Candy Land, aka, the boot section on Zappos.com.

Where the hell am I going to wear these Gabriella Rocha boots? But I want â€˜em, sigh!

Hell-to-the-Yah! #4: Nordstrom Online Beauty Gift
nordstrom-online-beauty-gift
F*ck faxing or filing! If you’re sitting there festering away in your cube you might as well be doing something productive. Right now on the Nordstrom Web site there’s a beauty special offer — spend $95 (and you know that isn’t hard to do) and get the following “free” (HA!) samples and a gold and zebra clutch:

Bare EscentualsÂ® Prime Time Foundation Primer (packette)
Bliss Thinny Thin Chinâ„¢ (packette)
Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste Body Lotion
Clarins Super Restorative Serum
Clinique High Definition Lashes Mascara
Fekkai Glossing Cream (packette)
Japonesque Snowflake Lashes
KineraseÂ® Intensive Eye Cream
Korres Guava Body Butter
L., a L.A.M.B. Fragrance by Gwen Stefani
LancÃ´me DÃ©finicils Mascara
Laura Mercier CrÃ¨me BrÃ»lÃ©e CrÃ¨me Body Wash
L’Occitane Verbena Shower Gel
MD SkincareÂ® Alpha BetaÂ® Daily Face Peel (packette)
N.V. Perricone, M.D. Face Finishing Moisturizer with DMAEâ€¨Origins Ginger Souffleâ„¢ Whipped Body Cream
Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum
philosophy inner grace shower gel
Smashbox Lipgloss
Vera Wang Parfum
â€¨
Hell-to-the-Yeah! #5: Kanye West’s new CD, Graduation Day
kanye-west-stronger-art
Either you love him or hate him, you can’t deny that the man can make some beats. My new theme song is on Kanye’s latest CD Graduation, and it’s called Stronger. They hook reads like the story of my life as of late:

“Work it harder make it better,
do it faster makes us stronger,
more than ever, hour after
hour work is never over”

Work it harder today on this lovely Tuesday, ya’ll. I know you can do it!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. What’s on your Hell-to-the-Yah list?!?!

Product Reviews, Makeup – Chanel Garden Party Quad and Makeover with National Artist John Fussell

October 6th, 2007 by Karen 28 Comments

chanel-garden-party-quad-closeup-four-colors-2
Damn ye, makeup gods.

Why did you have to make me fall in love with the Chanel Garden Party quad?

I mean, despite the fact that it’s got:
– Sexy sleek black packaging
– Finely milled shadows
– Sophisticated shimmer that creates a soft-focus lens effect
– Buildable color that’s highly pigmented and incredibly user friendly
– Two gorgeous green shadows that are to die for

…it still frickin’ costs an arm and a leg! That’s fifty-five big ones, sans tax. Holy effin’ crap, Batman!

I’ve been dying to get the Garden Party shadow quad for a few weeks now, so yesterday’s national artist event at my local Macy’s was the perfect excuse to go.

chanel-garden-party-quad-closeup-four-colors

The makeover included:

Skincare

Le Lait Cleanser, Nourishing cleansing milk for face and eyes
Activateur Hydration, Gentle Hydrating Lotion
Beaute Initiale, Energizing Multi-Protection Concentrate (this is a serum)
Beaute Initiale, Energizing Multi-Protection Eye Cream SPF 15
Beaute Initiale, Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid Healthy Glow SPF

Makeup

Face —
Medium Deep Pro Lumiere Concealer ($38.00)
Soft Honey Teint Innocence Foundation ($42.50)

Eyes –
Garden Party Quad ($55.00)
Soft Brown Precision Brow Definer ($28.00)

Cheeks —
Orchid Rose Jouse Contraste Powder Blush ($40.00)

Lips —
Nude Le Cray Levres Precision Lip Definer ($28.00)
Equinox Glossimer Gloss ($25.00)

chanel-teint-innocence
chanel-precision-skincare
chanel-skincare-2

Standout Products that I Might Come Back to Purchase

As far as I can tell all of the skincare used in the session was very gentle, non-perfumey, and didn’t break me out. I may someday purchase the cleansing milk and the serum, which were the stand-out products because they felt very moisturizing.

In addition to the Garden Party quad, I liked the Teint Innocence foundation, which is a light, liquid foundation that has a soft glow to it. I usually don’t like glowy foundations, but this one was very understated and natural. I ended up getting a few samples because I didn’t want to drop the $42.50 for it without seeing the results in natural light.

I also liked the Equinox Glossimer lip gloss, however not enough to spend $25.00 on it. I will put this on my Christmas wish list. Dear Santa, I’ve been a *very good blogger* this year!

The Final Eye Look
chanel-garden-party-quad-eye-green-shadow

The “doe in the headlights” face was because I was doing makeup math equations in my head, which roughly sounded a lil something like, “if x = hours worked times one chanel palette aww hell I WANT WANT WANT WANT IT ALL! BUT SHOULD I BUY BUY BUY IT ALL?”
chanel-final-look

What I Liked About Garden Party Quad

I’m crazy about the colors and the textures of the shadows. This is definitely very sophisticated and grown-up shimmer. I’m naturally not a bright color, over-the-top shadow kinda girl, and the Chanel shadows offer a level of color that fits my comfort level to a tee. The final look is something that I’d wear out to several situations, including parties, business meetings, or even for a nice dinner out with the parents and El Hub.

Things I Didn’t Like About Garden Party Quad

Obvs there was the price, because fifty-five bones can buy me a shizzload of Prestige Pencils at Walgreens. Another thing is that like most shadows I’ve tried, I can’t wear the dark green color on my waterline. You’ll see in the final look that my lower waterline is rimmed with it; less than an hour later I had to take it all off because my eyes were watery. I don’t think that it’s exlusive to the Chanel line though, because most shadows have that effect on me.

Chanel Garden Party Quad — Is it for You?

New to makeup? Then seriously, don’t buy this. It’ll just set the bar and you’ll forever be disappointed by everything else. Plus, it ain’t cheap. If you’re going to be experimenting and really playing with the colors then you don’t want to have feel like you’ve got to ration your shadow usage.

If I was a makeup newbie then I’d start with mid-to-lower priced stuff and move onto Chanel after I 1.) paid off my 4Runner or 2.) got a sugar daddy or 3.) had an adequate arsenal of brushes and decent blending skills.

I’ve used three colors in the palette so far: both lighter and darker green and the peach on the upper right hand side. When I swatched the greens on the back of my hand a few weeks ago I wasn’t sure if the colors were going to work, but after one of the lovely Chanel makeup artists, Laurie, started blending them on the lid I knew it was going to be heavenly.

She started by using Pro Lumiere Medium Deep Concealer as the lid primer, which is concealer “pen” with a brush tip applicator. She added one layer of the peach shadow all over the lid, and then worked the darker green from the lash line to the crease, feathering the color upward.

Chanel National Media Artist John Fussell jumped in, adding and blending colors. He finished the look by adding the lighter green in the center of the eye. To make the color really pop, he used his fingertip apply a concentrated spot of light green shadow close to the lash line. He then tapped a brush to gently blend the light green into the rest of the eye.

The Final Word

It’s official. I’m in love with Chanel shadows. And this is now my makeup cross to bear.
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Rad New Makeup Tricks, Courtesy John Fussell

John was a lot of fun to work with. He works red carpet events in Hollywood and gave me the dish on some of his celeb clientele. Apparently, he Rene Zellweger is his homegirl and he recently talked her out of wearing mink lashes on the red carpet. SMART MAN!

He also gave me a few new makeup tricks to add to my arsenal:

1. To create dimension in blush, use two different brushes. John used one large, fluffy brush to place the color on apple of cheek, but instead of brushing the color from the apple upward into the hairline, he used downward brush strokes. He then used the same brush to apply blush on top of forehead and on chin and around the nose — places where you’d naturally get color when you’re feverish or have a cold.

He then had me smile and used a thin, tapered brush (similar to MAC’s 224 crease brush) to add a concentrated pop of color on bottom of the apple of the cheek. Using two brushes to create different concentrations of color adds contrast and contour.

2. When using pencil to define lips, think of your lips in terms of four points and really work the color into the corners of the lips to give them definition. You can make your lips a “blank canvas” by applying a layer of foundation. He then used a lip brush to apply Soft Honey Teint Innocence Foundation on the lips. He finished by using a lip brush to apply Nude Equinox gloss in a downward, not side to side, motion. Go with the grain of your lip, not against!

3. Your finger is your strongest brush. He demonstrated this when he dipped his finger into the light green to place concentrated color onto the center of the lid. He then blended it in by tapping, not rubbing the color into place. Adding a pop of color to the center is an easy way to take your eye makeup from day into night.

What’s in Store for Chanel Spring 2008 — You Heard First on Makeup and Beauty Blog!

John gave me the inside scoop on what colors to expect for spring. Sapphire blue is going to be the it color, especially for the eyes. Remember the denim shades that Chanel did a few years ago? Apparently these shappire tones will be completely different. Also expect to see touches of bronze. HOT!

Makeup Event Etiquette

I love going to makeover events because it gives me an excuse to try and learn about new lines. Plus, I always learn a makeup trick or two while I’m there.

If you’re new to attending makeup events the general rule is that if you get a makeover you should buy at least one product. Know that when you sit down in that chair it will be very tempting to purchase everything the makeup artist uses to get the look. This feeling happens to me every time I go to one of these things.

What helps me is to have one specific product in mind when I get there because otherwise I end up spending more than I expect to. I have to set a budget for myself. I have fun being a makeup junkie but I also have fun watching the money pile up. (Sorry, I just got the new Kanye West CD and couldn’t help but quote from his song, The Good Life.) If I really want something that’s beyond my list then I get a sample or I tell myself that if I’m still thinking about it in two weeks I can come back and buy it.

Girl Gone Wild: Obscene, Unrated and Uncensored Moments of CHANEL LUST

Oh how I want this bag!
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But unfortch this is more my price range. Quilted black patent makeup bags from Murval, $24.00.
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It’s winter and I needed a new black, casual jacket that covered my bum. The Chanel-esque quilting on this Guess coat won me over. Plus, it’s warm and was on sale!
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Rabid Chanel lust takes over Makeup and Beauty Blog. Will she be able to stop the obsession before it’s too late?
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Stay tuned…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

News: Elizabeth Hurley, Marisa Acocella Marchetto and Estee Lauder “Win the Fight Against Breast Cancer”

October 4th, 2007 by Karen 13 Comments

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Today, while attending the Bloomingdale’s San Francisco Estee Lauder Event with Elizabeth Hurley, actress and Estee Lauder spokesmodel, and Marisa Acocella Marchetto, catoonist and author of the graphic memoir Cancer Vixen, I had the most profound thought:

Hugh Grant has got to be a weirdo.

Boy done lost his mind (or went temporarily blind) when he decided to cheat on Liz with a two-dolla hooker because Elizabeth is absolutely beautiful in person. I stood less than two feet away from her while taking these pictures and seriously, the lady is hot! And I’m a straight woman, ya’ll.

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Elizabeth and Marisa were on the second stop of a three-city tour to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Elizabeth signed limited-edition Estee Lauder products and Marisa signed her book, Cancer Vixen.

I like anyone who throws up the reverse peace sign
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A long line of fans and cancer survivors were on hand to meet with the lovely ladies, who chatted and signed plenty of limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness products that were available for purchase, including Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon High Gloss and pink makeup bags from LeSportsac.

Limited Edition Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon High Gloss
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A closeup of Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon High Gloss
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Limited Edition Pink Makeup bags from LeSportsac. 100% of the proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Fund. Cute, yah?
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Makeup junkies, if haven’t been to Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco schedule a visit ASAP! You just might get lost in the ginormous cosmetics department on the first floor and leave with big brown bags full of goodies.

Bloomingdale’s San Francisco Cosmetics Department aka MECCA
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Friday is just around the corner, ya’ll! Woo hoo! I’m really looking forward to tomorrow because my lovely parents will be driving up to my hood to have dinner with me. Plus, my mom is going to bring me some Filipino dishes she made ‘specially for me. I’m so easy. Bribe me with makeup or food, and I’m devoted forever.

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

News: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Product Reviews, Makeup, Makeup Tools/Accessories:Breast Cancer Awareness Products from Clinique, Prescriptives, Splendid and Smashbox!

October 3rd, 2007 by Karen 14 Comments

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When they first arrived they were not met with a happy welcome.

Of course the first step was denial. Never mind that whenever I ran or cartwheeled or climbed trees they were always bouncing every which way. I was 11. I was a tomboy. My agenda involved riding bikes, playing baseball: I absolutely had no plans to grow up, acquire boobs or wear bras in the near future.

But then there they were. And one day, when my best friend and I were running around her yard pretending to be Olympic track stars, her mom noticed that I was sprinting in the most peculiar way. Without thinking, I cradled my arms underneath my bosoms to prevent the No-These-Aren’t-Boobs from bouncing around as I ran sans arms for the Gold.

Her mom made a quick jaunt to our house and gently mentioned to my mother that I might want to get something to rein those suckers in. And although in my mind tomboys didn’t need no stinking bras and I was determined to live in my life of boob-denial, my mom sat me down that evening and declared, “YOU WILL BE GETTING A BRA THIS WEEKEND.”

And so I went to bed that night in tears.

Even though I was just 11, I knew that my life was changing, and that from now on, things would be different because I was growing up. That frightened me most of all.

While the relationship between my breasts began with a rocky start, I can say now that I appreciate them. They’ve helped me score numerous free beers. Oh, and my husband claims they were really “easy on the eyes” on our first date.

But in all seriousness, I thank the powers-that-be every day that the boobs been healthy thus far. Within the past few years I’ve had a few friends who’ve been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. These amazing women are survivors, and are my heroes.

So, in honor of these wonderful ladies I’ll be doing several posts this month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Several of my favorite beauty lines are selling special products with proceeds that go to different Breast Cancer organizations. If you’re planning on buying a lipstick or a blush this October, please think about purchasing something that supports the cause. It’s a small step, but you can still make a difference. See – makeup can be a powerful thing!

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Product: Limited Edition of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Check out the cute Clinique and Pink Ribbon cell phone charms!
Use: As a moisturizing facial lotion
Price: $35.00 for a 6.7 fl. oz pump-top bottle
Who this benefits: $10 per Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding the most innovative clinical and genetic research at leading medical centers worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org or call 1.866.FIND.A.CURE.

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Product: Prescriptives’ Limited Edition Pink Ahead Colorscope Eye Color
Use: A shadow trio to highlight, define and contour eyes – wear each shade alone or blend them together to create your own customized look.
Price: $17.50
Who this benefits: Purchasing a product from this collection helps Prescriptives donate $40,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Product: Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights and Smashbox Face & Body Brush #19
Use: Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights is a powder highlighter that gives skin a natural-rosy hue. Apply with Face & Body Brush #19 to your face or dÃ©colletÃ©.
Price: $59.00
Who this benefits:A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the set will go directly to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, a grassroots advocacy group dedicated to finding a cure.

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Product: Splendid and Estee Lauder’s Limited-Edition Pink Camouflage Tank Top
Use: To cover your bosoms and to raise awareness that early detection saves lives!
Price: $42.00
Who this benefits: Splendid will donate 25% of the proceeds from the sale of each tank top to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I hope you get the chance to hug the women you love on this wonderful Wednesday.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

News: Nix’ie Cosmetics Palette, Blissmobile + Brownies in San Francisco, October 3-21st; Makeup – Chanel Garden Party Quad Lust

September 25th, 2007 by Karen 16 Comments

Nix’ie Palettes are Too Sexy for This Blog

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SoCal girls may already be in-the-know about Nix’ie, a cosmetics line with two free-standing stores in Redondo Beach and Valencia, California. I met a makeup artist recently who raved about their shadows with a great and fanatic urgency! Nix’ie sells these awesome palettes for $9.00, and you can fill â€˜em up with any of their 200 (!) shades, which you purchase separately. Each shadow pan is $15.00 and the pans are quite large, too.

I’m becoming a huge fan of palettes and can’t wait to bust into this one.

Blissmobile + Free Brownies = Hell to the Yeah

In addition to being afraid of bright pink and orange eye shadows, I have a fear of vans —
especially white, windowless, kidnapper-friendly ones.
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When you stare at this van, do you think of puppies and rainbows? Probably not. You know that whenever a white van is in the equation nothing good can happen.

Despite this, I realize not all vans are scary dens of hell. Take for example the blissmobile, a happy-go-lucky vehicle that makes me want to solve some crimes with Fred, Velma and the rest of the Scooby gang.
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Don’t be scurred when you see the blissmobile cruising the streets of San Francisco from the Ferry Building to the Castro Street Fair between October 3-21st. No kidnapping will be involved, just some brownie taste testing! Bliss is on a mission to find the best brownies in SF to serve at their San Francisco spa, and they’re taking it to the streets. They’ll be passing out brownie samples from three bakeries, and then you’ll get to choose which one you like the best on the spot.

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Free brownies, hello?

(And if you’re not familiar with bliss products, then you need to stop by Sephora or Pure Beauty stat and get yourself a tube of lemon + sage body butter. It rocks!)

Stay tuned for more bliss news in October, as I’ll be heading to the bliss spa to get a much-needed manicure.

Lusting for Chanel’s Fall Color Line
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I’m going to Macy’s next week to get a makeover from a Chanel national artist, and I can already forsee where the hell this party is going. I am determined to go that counter and purchase the Garden Party Quad ONLY. Yup. That’s it. Nothing else.

It’s like when a boy at a college party puts down his red plastic cup (full of Natty light keg beer) and looks longingly into your eyes and says, “Let me give you a massage.” Ya’ll know that you are gonna get more than just a massage, ladies and gents.

Anyway, it’s Tuesday (woo hoo) and sunny and beautiful here! I hope that wherever you are that you can enjoy the sunshine on this fantastic day. Keep smiling!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen