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First Impressions of the (Fab) Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner and Lash Paint Mascara

May 19th, 2016 by Anna Oh 27 Comments

tarteist-liner-mascara4

I’ve worn eyeliner nearly every day of my life since I started wearing makeup, and I consider myself an experienced liner lady (like, if eyeliners were cats, that’s me!). When I find a great product, I usually don’t stray from it, and I’ve been faithful to my current favorites until now.

Will the new Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner ($24) and Lash Paint Mascara ($23) from Tarte dethone my tried and trues?

Let’s find out!

Tarteist double take eyeliner lash paint mascara

Before I apply my eyeliner and mascara!
Before I apply my eyeliner and mascara!

By the way, in this look I’m also wearing Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, Makeup Geek Eyeshadows, L’Oreal Brow Stylist Definer, Tarteist Clay Blush Palette, and Ofra Cosmetics Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in “Miami Fever” (by KathleenLights). And yes, I am forcing myself to use a different lipstick every day and have fallen in love with this color, again.

Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner

Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner--my new favorite thing
Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner — my NEW favorite thing
Tarteist double take eyeliner
The two different tips…

[Continue reading…]

There are 27 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Makeup, Product Reviews, Tarte

These MAC Soft Serve Shadows Are Sooo My Cup of…Ice Cream!

May 19th, 2016 by Adia Goss 27 Comments

mac soft serve shadows
Wearing the MAC Soft Serve Shadows in Big Bad Blue and Put Me To Shame ($22 each, available online starting May 26, 2016; in stores June 2 through July 14)

Seriously, sparkly cream eyeshadows are my go-to shadows most mornings (if I’m wearing eyeshadow at all), and I LOVE this cushiony cream-to-powder formula. I am 100% completely onboard with these creamy new MAC Soft Serve Shadows. There are 11 of them in the new Soft Serve collection with lots of pretty shimmer!

I think you’ll love these if you also like the Dior Fusion Mono or Chanel Illusion D’Ombre cream eyeshadows because the formulas are very similar. I like applying them with my fingers because they’re easy to build up and blend, but once they set, they stay put.

Basically, these are my dream eyeshadows.

mac soft serve shadows
Aren’t these colors delicious?

The 11 shades

  • Bounce Around (Light, cool taupey silver)
  • Cushy Life (Light warm golden beige)
  • Best Make Up (Light golden highlighter)
  • Plead Gilty (Vibrant sparkling gold)
  • Quite Yummy! (Light pink)
  • So So Saucy (Mid-tone peach)
  • Put Me to Shame (Mid-tone dirty taupe)
  • Softened Up (Mid-tone warm brown)
  • Girls, Girls! (Soft pastel purple)
  • Big Bad Blue (Soft pastel blue)
  • Jealous Girl (Mint green)
mac soft serve shadows
I’ve been into keeping my favorite makeup on display lately. Anyone else into that?

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There are 27 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, Guest Post, MAC Makeup, Makeup, Product Reviews

The Best in Beauty From the Boot, Vol. 11: MADINA Milano

May 19th, 2016 by Carolina Braina 17 Comments

MADINA Milano Italian Makeup
Wearing MADINA Exact Color Bronzer all over my face and neck, MADINA Crystal Glass Powder on my forehead and sides of the nose, MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer in the classic 3 shape, MADINA Chic & Shine Highlighting Stick on my cheekbones, and MADINA Exact Color Lipstick on my lips

You know that feeling when you fall so madly in love with someone that you wonder how you survived for so long without them? Well, it’s the exact same feeling I had when I recently tried MADINA Milano’s makeup for the first time!

The products that have stolen my heart include Pat McGrath’s favorite highlighter and a lipstick that looks good enough to eat…

Are you intrigued?

Just keep reading, then! 😉

MADINA Milano Italian Makeup

MADINA Exact Color Bronzer (€10/$11.37)

MADINA Exact Color Bronzer

OK, I don’t know how it does it, but the MADINA Exact Color Bronzer makes my complexion look so much better without having any actual coverage. When I apply it all over my face and neck, it gives me the most gorgeous sunkissed glow that doesn’t pull orange AT ALL, while it makes my skin look smoother and keeps it shine-free longer.

As if that weren’t enough, it also acts as some sort of tinted primer by making my foundation go on so much more easily.

I’m telling you, gurl, this is Holy Grail status.

MADINA Crystal Glass Powder (€16/$18.20)

MADINA Milano Crystal Glass Powder

The MADINA Crystal Glass Powder is actually not a powder, but I guess it’s called that because you can use it on top of your makeup like you would a finishing powder.

It’s basically just pure silicone that you can either use as a primer or on top of your base to minimize the look of pores and fine lines. I personally like to pat it on after foundation using the flat side of my dry Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I don’t use it on a daily basis, but for special occasions it really works wonders!

MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer (€16/$18.20)

MADINA Milano Crystal Glass Bronzer

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There are 17 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Madina Milano, Makeup, Travel

Making Memorably Relaxing Moments With the New CND SPA Collection Scrubs, Masques and Lotions

May 19th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 20 Comments

CND Spa Collection Bright Citron and Gardenia Woods Scrubs and Masques
CND Spa Collection Bright Citron and Gardenia Woods Scrubs, Masques and Lotions

There aren’t many luxuries I long for at my age. As a millennial living in New York City, there are only a few things I really, really want. Mostly, I’d like a steady income, lower rent, an endless supply of Trader Joe’s Turbinado & Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds and Spindrift Seltzer…

I digress.

When it comes to trying spa and luxury skin care treatments, however, I have many big dreams that have yet to be fulfilled. I have super sensitive skin, as you may have heard me talk about in my previous posts here on Makeup and Beauty Blog, so I am VERY hesitant to get any sort of commercial facial, but one thing I would love to do is have a sensory deprivation session. Unfortunately, they’re rather pricey, especially in this city.

Until the day comes when I can afford fancy spa visits and other amenities, I make due with things I can do at home.

These are some of my recent favorite products, the new CND SPA collection, available at Select Ulta stores. I’ve tried the Bright Citron Lotion, and the Masque, as well as the Gardenia Woods Scrub, and the Soak.

I’d never used any CND products before trying these. I don’t believe there are any of their salons in NYC yet (correct me if I’m wrong!), but these, which are part of a new line, have been satisfying in every respect.

You may have read about my addiction to lotion and how my lotion kingdom has overtaken my nightstand. Well, these new products have mostly stayed in my bathroom, but they’ve already worked their way into my regular bath-time routine.

CND Spa Collection Bright Citron Scrub and Masque
The CND Spa Collection Bright Citron Masque and Lotion are my favorites

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There are 20 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Skin Care

Blooming Lovely With Clean Blossom, a Rich White Floral Perfect for the Hot Summer Months Ahead

May 18th, 2016 by Jessica Revitte 15 Comments

Clean Blossom Perfume
Mid-spritz. Clean Blossom Smells of a warm summer day.

Okay, you guys, I’ll admit it. I’m literally obsessed with perfume. I have upwards of 30 bottles, ranging from Stella to a few Diptyque, Jo Malone and even Serge Lutens, so it’s safe to say that in my time I’ve sniffed a fair few fumes (I dare you to say that three times fast).

One of my greatest pleasures in life is pairing a fragrance with my mood. There are two kinds of perfume lovers; those who find a cherished fragrance and don’t mess with success, preferring to repurchase bottle after bottle, and those who are a fragrance’s fair weather friend, adoring many and exhibiting fickle favoritism. I unquestionably fall into the latter category.

And, of course, as the trees are finally bursting forth from their skeletal winter forms and blooms are popping out of every garden bed it’s only fitting that I reach for a flourishing floral with a strong bouquet, and for that I have recently been drawn to Clean Blossom ($72 for 2.14 oz).

Clean Blossom Perfume
Beautiful and feminine Clean Blossom

Clean fragrances have been available for over a decade, all owing their popularity to the very first (unsurprisingly entitled Clean), which was said to have been inspired by the beauty in a bar of soap. Since the first smash hit, Clean has released a bevy of “spin-offs” all inspired by simple fragrant pleasures: skin, linen, laundry and rain.

Blossom is the latest release in the deceptively simple range. To my nose it smells of heavy white floral blossoms on a hot summer day. There is a definite dewiness that makes me think of the sunny early morning hours, when the plants are still damp and the smell of night mingles with dawn. Top notes of neroli, lilac and freesia account for the heavy floral burst. Supported by middle notes of orange blossom, lily and magnolia, it is unquestionable that white floral reigns supreme as the chief impression left by Clean Blossom. Musky cottonwood and sandalwood serve as base notes and account for the subtle yet unmistakable deep scent of night that lingers in the floral air.

It’s poetic, and I adore it.

Perfume tells a story, so I always do my best to look up the perfumer’s inspiration. Sephora often provides this information, and I find it provides insight and context into the selected elixir of top, middle and bottom notes:

“Blossom is based on one of my favorite flowers, neroli (orange blossom). Its distinctive aroma fills the air of my childhood places—the south of France, the French Riviera, and the Italian Coast—as well as my current home in Arizona. The name ‘neroli’ is a tribute to Princess Nerola, who made this flower essence famous by using it as a perfume at the end of the 17th century.”

— Claude Dir, master perfumer at Mane and the creator of Clean Blossom

Clean Blossom Perfume
A blooming spring and summer floral: Clean Blossom

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There are 15 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Clean, Fragrance, Guest Post

Would You Rock Pastel Brows? Introducing the MAC Soft Serve Collection Dare Hue! Brow Pencils

May 18th, 2016 by Adia Goss 29 Comments

mac soft serve brows
Introducing the new MAC Soft Serve Eyebrow Pencils!

Well…this collection is definitely outside my comfort zone. The first time I saw the new Dare Hue! Brow Pencils from the MAC Soft Serve collection ($16.50 each, available online May 26, 2016; in stores June 2 through July 14), I kept asking myself, “Are these definitely brow pencils? Because maybe these are really supposed to be eyeliners.” But, no, these are definitely brow pencils.

mac soft serve brows
The six limited edition MAC Dare Hue! Brow Pencils, part of the new MAC Soft Serve collection

These six pastel-hued eyebrow pencils are pretty impossible for me to pull off with my coloring, but I gotta hand it to MAC for totally stepping outside the box. This is the kind of crazy-unique product that I expect from MAC, and I think it’s cool that the brand is still staying true to its non-traditional roots!

mac soft serve brows
Swatches of the MAC Soft Serve Brow Pencils (top to bottom) in Frisky Fresh, Violet Infused, Pink Confetti, Blonde Not Bland, Clearly Groomed and What A Highlight.

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There are 29 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, Guest Post, MAC Makeup, Makeup, Product Reviews

Maintaining Clear Skin With Help From Caudalie Paris Vinosource Moisturizer

May 18th, 2016 by Anna Oh 7 Comments

Kiko Artist Collection
Exfoliants have done THE most for my skin

I don’t talk about skin care enough, considering how much time and money I actually invest into it. And I actually get lots of compliments on my skin too! But before I found a regimen that worked, I had a very bad case of cystic acne that would flare up over and over again, like clockwork. The same areas would break out, heal, then break out again.

Caudalie Paris Vinosource Moisturizers
Caudalie Paris Vinosource Moisturizers

My current nighttime routine helps keep my skin happy, and now my skin is pretty much blemish-free…except for at this very moment, of course, because the Universe is a funny place. But generally these days I only need to focus on healing the damaged skin (can still look red and raw), exfoliating, and moisturizing.

clinique, estee lauder
My current skincare line-up (L-R) Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion, Clinique Charcoal Mask, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum

Skin Prep: The Cleanse

The most important part of my nighttime routine involves removing every stitch of makeup before I go to bed. I won’t go too into detail, but I double cleanse, either using a makeup wipe + cleanser or cleansing water + cleansing oil, and I also always remove my eye makeup separately with a bi-phase product. Sunscreen and waterproof eyeliner remove easier with separate, targeted products, but your skin care products won’t do a thing for you if there’s still makeup sitting on your skin throughout the night.

Layer, Layer, Layer

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion
Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion

These next few products are the exfoliants and serums I layer under the moisturizer…

Exfoliants have done THE most for my skin. Instead of using a physical scrub, I obsess over my Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion ($14). It’s super gentle but also super effective, and it somehow keeps my skin clear with just a thin layer. If I feel like my skin needs a little boost, I’ll use the Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Clay Mask ($25).

I’m partial to the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum ($92) and Advanced Night Repair Eye Serums ($65), which I’ve seen my mom use, and I always come back to them. I’ve always lived in an “Estee” house, and I have no complaints so far!

Helloooo Hydration

skin-caudalie

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There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Caudalie, Guest Post, Skin Care

The Three Scintillating Scents That Are Singing Me Into Summer

May 18th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 7 Comments

Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ($124), The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Body Oil, and Mixologie ($99)
Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ($124), The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Body Oil, and Mixologie ($99)

Here in New York City, the weather has officially broken out of what seemed to be a neverending cold snap, and I am loving it. The evenings and early mornings can still be a little chilly and, much to my mom’s chagrin, some parts of the state are still getting snow days! But that’s way up in the Adirondacks. I’m extra happy to be downstate at the moment dousing myself in these three floral, feminine scents.

These have been putting a little extra spring in my step since before the weather got warm.

The first one is…

Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ( $97 for 1.6 oz., or $124 for a 3-oz. bottle)

I’m a sucker for packaging, and this bottle is everything my little heart (or should I say my eyes?) desires. Like the scent itself, it’s feminine, it’s pink, it’s delicate — everything I secretly love while trying to retain a hardcore princess persona.

Narciso-Rodriguez-for-her-Eau-de-Parfum-2

Also, can we talk about this bottle? As someone trying to expand her style into more of a sophisticated look, this bottle could not be better. It feels heavy in my hand, and that beautiful creamy pale pink? That’s the bottle, not the liquid. 

I am mildly obsessed with the bottle… .

Narciso-Rodriguez-for-her-Eau-de-Parfum

As for the fragrance, the brand describes it like this: “Radiant notes of rose petals, iris, and hints of amber, the result is a pure fragrance of soft florals and powdered musc.” The only argument I have with that is the spelling of musk. 😉 The outcome is a soft, ultra-feminine fragrance that lingers on my skin and clothes and kind of makes me feel like a woodland creature.

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There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Fragrance, Guest Post

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