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

The New Eight-Piece Tom Ford Spring 2015 Collection Is a Study in Contrasts

February 25th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

Like the big, burly bouncer at da club who goes by the name, Tiny, Tom Ford’s new eight-piece spring collection is a study in contrasts. Pitting light against dark, and sheer against opaque, it takes the idea of sweet spring pastels and gives them the middle finger.

Sure, it’s an immaculately painted middle finger, but still.

Yeah, this collection wants to start sh*t! On the surface, it seems like the furthest thing away from a typical spring release, far more rowdy rockstar glam than happy Easter.

Blackened blue and forest green nails; rich plum, sapphire and cocky khaki lids; and nude lips and colorful lashes. I mean, just look at that model…

That girl is not sitting primly at high tea right there and wearing a prissy floral dress.

But delve a little deeper, and the collection reveals a softer side… Take the three new eyeshadow duos in Ripe Plum, Raw Jade and Crushed Indigo ($60 each).

Tom Ford Eye Color Duo in Crushed Indigo — Eye Color Duo in Crushed Indigo

Tom Ford Eye Color Duo in Raw Jade — Eye Color Duo in Raw Jade

Tom Ford Eye Color Duo in Ripe Plum — Eye Color Duo in Ripe Plum

All three have Tom’s latest shadow formulation and can be worn wet or dry (the formula’s very similar to the NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows).

To go full-on, high-intensity rockstar, wet a flat eyeshadow brush, and apply one of the darker shades. Or, go with one of the lighter shades applied with a dry domed brush for a softer veil of opalescent color (that’s how I’m wearing them in the pics below).

To really embrace the contrasty concept, start by laying one of the darker shades all over your lids, then apply one of the lighter shades directly on top in the center to catch some light.

While these do have a metallic finish, it’s not a source of stress. They don’t apply crazy frosty, so any fine lines should be fine.

As for the two tinted mascaras in the collection, well, let’s just say that if you’re going for something bold and bright like the girl in the campaign poster is wearing, you may need to prep your lashes first with a couple coats of a black curling mascara.

Tom Ford Extreme Mascara in Teal Intense — Extreme Mascara in Teal Intense

Tom Ford Extreme Mascara in Black Plum — Extreme Mascara in Black Plum

With either of them — Teal Intense or Black Plum ($44 each) — on my lashes alone, the colors don’t show up. I have to prime my lashes first with a black mascara. In these pics I’m wearing the mascaras without having done any prep work, and the tints are barely visible.

The mascara formula also relaxes the curl (grr).

There are also three nail lacquers in the release — Black Jade, Indigo Night and Bitter Bitch ($32 each). I’ve tried Black Jade and Indigo Night this week, two of the three, and both of them look almost black on my nails.

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Indigo Night — Nail Lacquer in Indigo Night

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Jade — Nail Lacquer in Black Jade

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Doohickeys That I Probably Don’t Need But Want Anyway

February 25th, 2015 by Karen 34 Comments

Ever since I discovered the wonder and glory that is the Progressive Wedge & Pop Apple Slicer, I’ve learned that I’ve become that person.

You know — that person who probably doesn’t need weird kitchen doohickeys but still wants them anyway. 🙂

The other night I discovered that the Pini Ace Hardware in Novato contains a plethora of rand-o kitchen utensils, doodads and culinary accoutrements.

Who knew?

I’ve actually been spending a lot of time there lately because of Tabs. El Hub and I are building that enclosure/private tower/playpen for him, which has resulted in us taking a lot of trips to the hardware store, usually after dinner at night (we go at least three times a week).

What typically begins as a trip to get gloves or screws usually ends with me marveling at something interesting but altogether unnecessary in the kitchen aisle, like the Fox Run Banana Slicer ($1.95) at the top, which perfectly portions your bananas into convenient slices (great for cereal!).

Or, there’s the Chop2Pot Plus…

Don’t you hate it when you’ve chopped a few carrots or tomatoes on your cutting board, and then when you go to carry them over to the pot — whoops! — the cats trips you up and you accidentally spill them all over the floor?

Yeah, me too.

Enter the Chop2Pot Plus ($16), a cutting board that folds up along the edges.

Hello, convenience. 🙂

Tovolo Stoptop Clip — Tovolo Silicone Ladle Clips

And where, exactly, have these Tovolo Silicone Ladle Clips ($3.95 each) been all my life? I’m not much of a cook, but when I do bust out ye olde pots and pans, it seems like I’m always looking for a place to put down my ladle.

Keep your stovetop clean by holding the ladle over the pot. Genius!

Speaking of pots, these three sheepish Tovolo Pot Lid Lifters ($10.95 for the set) are not just cute; they’re also helpful. Use them to keep pot lids lifted and prevent food from bubbling over.

So, I’ve never actually made an ice cream sandwich, but if I did, I could make them look cute with these Tovolo Ice Cream Sandwich Molds ($11.99).

I call first dibs on the heart-shaped one!

Cusinart Double Toaster — The Cuisinart Double Toaster

What does one do when both she and her husband prefer their toast slices scorched to varying levels, and they’re both really, REALLY hungry for toast?

Toast FOUR slices simultaneously, to varying levels of toast-ness, with the Cuisinart Classic 4-Slice Toaster in Metallic Red ($74.99).

And for when you need an onion holder shaped like an actual onion, there’s the Hutzler Onion Saver ($7).

Why I see poetry in this, I do not know…

Lastly, these Tovolo Whale & Octopus Sandwich Shapers ($7), because I may not be able to eat actual octopus (it’s a texture thing), but at least I can eat a sandwich SHAPED LIKE AN OCTOPUS, if I want to.

The ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand: For Loose, Screen Siren-Style ’40s Waves the Very First Time

February 25th, 2015 by Karen 14 Comments

[SHH…] I’m growing my hair out so I can take full advantage of the new ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand, and yes, it’s a secret that El Hub does not need to know (although he’ll eventually realize it), because it would bring him too much joy. 🙂

That man. I swear, I get my hair cut half an inch, and he freaks out!

What is it with dudes and long hair?

So, this wand is really freaking cool. Like, $245 cool, which is how much it costs, and that’s coming from a girl who usually doesn’t like clip-less hair tools.

I know, I know — clip-less wands are super popular these days, but I’ve got trauma, man. When I used one a few years back, I nearly burnt my fingers to a crisp, and after that incident, I started sticking to curling irons with clamps, like the ghd Curve Soft Curl I tried earlier this month.

Buuut one must be willing to try new things (both with hair and in life), which is why I decided to give the ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand a whirl.

And now I’m so glad I did, because I love so many things about it.

First, the shape. Check it: the barrel is a flattened oval, almost like a curling iron, but instead of creating traditional bouncy, round curls, it builds loose, s-shaped, old-school Hollywood waves on medium length and long hair.

Like the equally expensive and comparably impressive ghd Curve Soft Curl, this ghd tool, the Classic Wave Wand, comes with all the bells and whistles.

From ghdhair.com…

Oval barrel designed to create classic deep waves with movement

Cool tip designed for more comfortable curling

Safety stand for securing the tong on a hard surface while not in use

Patented tri-zone® technology locks in your curls with the right, even heat

Advanced ceramic coating specially designed for smoother curling

On-off switch and indicator press and hold design avoids accidental use during styling

Light & sound indicate on-off and ready to use

Sleep mode automatically turns off if left unattended for 30 minutes

Universal voltage and professional length swivel cable

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For a Shot of Shimmer, Try These Laura Mercier Fairy Dust Eye Shimmers

February 24th, 2015 by Karen 30 Comments

The new Laura Mercier Fairy Dust Eye Shimmers, $28 each — The new Laura Mercier Fairy Dust Eye Shimmers (five shades, $28 dollars each)

Yes, I’m picturing an invisible factory staffed by thousands of flittering fairies who crush precious gems with tiny magic hammers.

This, because of the new $28 Fairy Dust Eye Shimmers by Laura Mercier.

I’m also thinking, “Ooh, shimmer!” 🙂

As it turns out, these loose eyeshadows are more shimmery than glittery — like powdered pearls — so if you want bigger bits of bling, steer your tush toward Urban Decay, or somewhere else with mounds of glitter.

To use these, there’s a flat, wide brush attached to the bottom of the twist-off cap. Just swipe the brush, which should already be loaded with pigment, directly on your lids.

You can wear them on their own, blended with other shadows, or use ’em as like a sparkly topcoat, by layering them on top of an already finished eye look.

Laura Mercier Fairy Dust Eye Shimmer Swatches from the left: Crushed Copper, Crushed Platinum, Crushed Amethyst, Crushed Lapis and Crushed Opnyx — Swatches from the left of Crushed Copper, Crushed Platinum, Crushed Amethyst, Crushed Lapis and Crushed Onyx

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These Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours Are NOT Quick-Drying…Which in This Case Is Good!

February 24th, 2015 by Karen 26 Comments

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour, $28 each — The Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours, $28 each

Um…but of course I couldn’t leave Sephora last night without grabbing at least some swatches. You know me all too well. 🙂

As I was making my usual rounds at the store down the street (I always start in the left corner by the front door and then meander counter-clockwise), Laura Mercier’s Painted Wash Liquid Lip Colours ($28 each) stopped me in my ASPCA Vans.

Bonjour, Laura! J’adore bright lipsticks.

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour swatches from the left: Petal Pink, Red Brick, Coral Reef, Vermillion Red, Golden Peach, Fuchsia Mauve, Nude Rose and Orchid Pink — From the left: Petal Pink, Red Brick, Coral Reef, Vermillion Red, Golden Peach, Fuchsia Mauve, Nude Rose and Orchid Pink

Laura’s new line of lightweight liquid lipsticks is available now in nine vivid, deme-matte shades — Rosewood (a rosy brown), Petal Pink (a warm pink), Red Brick (reddish brown), Coral Reef (a pinkish coral), Vermillion Red (an orangey red), Golden Peach (a pale peachy pink), Fuchsia Mauve (a plum), Nude Rose (a pinkish brown) and Orchid Pink (a reddish pink).

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How Do You Like to Wear Your Ponytail?

February 24th, 2015 by Karen 25 Comments

With my hair in a ponytail — Rockin’ a classic ponytail while walking Sir Tabs (I think this was last spring…or three hairstyles ago)

It depends on the situation, like, if I’m doing one for straight-up comfort, like to go running, then I’ll go with the classic pony — pulled back, with the height in the middle of my head toward the back, roughly above my ears.

It’s the old efficient standby that gets the hair off my face and, when my hair extends past my shoulders, keeps it from whipping into my grill…which gets really annoying after a few miles.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about running it’s this: ponytail placement is EVERYTHING.

And when I’m not running, sometimes I’ll go with a more styled pony, like really high up on my head with a pouffy, messy tail and the hair on the front and sides of my head completely slicked down (fun fact: I’ve noticed that when I wear my hair like this it also works as an improv face lift, weird!).

I don’t wear that one a lot, though, because sometimes it gives me a headache…and it’s a pain to keep all the stray baby hairs around my forehead in place.

More often than not, I’ll wear an undone, messy low side pony pulled to the left where I let the stray hairs just fly out and do whatever they want.

Hooray for purposefully messy/boho-style hair! 🙂 I’ll pour a 40 of Vitamin Water on the sidewalk if it ever goes out of style.

What’s your preferred pony? High or low? Casually to the side or dead center? Half up, half down? Let’s talk ponytails this morning.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Help Yourself to a Glass of Homemade Vitamin Water, AKA a Strawberry and Orange Infusion

February 23rd, 2015 by Karen 33 Comments

I have a serious Vitamin Water Zero addiction, and by “addiction,” I mean that I could easily chug three or four bottles every day.

They’re just so darned tasty!

But I’ve also been trying to cut back a little on processed and packaged foods and drinks lately because I recently realized (again, because I re-realize this all the time) that I feel really good when I eat more of what my husband calls “rabbit food” — lots of veggies, fruit and not a lot of processed carbs and pre-made schtuff.

We’ll see how long the phase lasts this time, ’cause it’s all fun and games until someone opens a jar of Nutella…

Anywho, in my latest attempt to curb my Vitamin Water Zero addiction/habit, I’ve been making improv fruit infused water at home.

Why? Because it’s easy and delicious. 🙂

This time I used some gigantic strawberries I found at Trader Joe’s and some little oranges from my orange tree.

Chop, chop, chop into thin slices…

Then plop the slices into a pitcher and fill with water.

Let that chill in the fridge for a few hours, and voila! — water infused with the flavors of yo’ fruit!

Give it a try sometime. I highly recommend strawberry and orange, and cucumber and lemon/lime.

Ooh! And Grapefruit and pomegranate’s also delish.

No, It’s Not Jason Voorhees. It’s a $6 Face Mask by the Sephora Collection

February 23rd, 2015 by Karen 26 Comments

Hmm… How does one take pics of herself wearing a fabric face mask and still look cute? I’m lookin’ for ideas. If you have any, by all means, please share with the class.

‘Cause I dunno.

Walking around the house looking like Jason Voorhees does have its perks, though, like, it makes doing work at your desk seem less like work, because it’s hard to get stressed while one of these cloth face masks is doing its plumping and hydrating thing.

I’m also that much better prepared to scare away the neighborhood kids when they come a-knockin’ to sell chocolate bars, because THIS LADY DON’T NEED ANOTHER CHOCOLATE BAR, SON.

I checked out these Sephora Collection masks today! The rainbow display was hard to miss.

So, I really like the face masks by SK-II, but clutch my pears! — those things are obscenely expensive ($135). They’re maybe a once-every-two-years thing.

These Sephora masks, on the other hand, are only $6 each, and there are eight.

From the Sephora website…

Lingzhi Mask: Creates the appearance of smoother, plumper, and younger-looking skin.

Lotus Mask: Refreshes tired skin and reduces signs of strain and fatigue.

Honey Mask: Nourishes and balances to soothe and refresh dry or sensitive skin.

Pearl Mask: Perfects and brightens with natural-origin pearl to create high luminosity.

Ginseng Mask: Tones and energizes while providing a tightening effect for a plumped and supple complexion.

Green Tea Mask: Mattifies and purifies to soothe skin, absorb sebum, and reduce the appearance of outbreaks.

Rose Mask: Provides deep moisture and brightening properties through natural rose extract.

Pomegranate Mask: Awakens, energizes, and protects the skin with antioxidant-rich natural pomegranate extract.

I chatted with a friendly Sephora makeup artist in the store, and she mentioned that the Rose Mask was their bestseller, so I grabbed one of those. She also recommended the Honey Mask for straight-up hydration, and since the masks are only $6 each…

Twist my arm, why don’t ya! 🙂

She also said that her personal favorite was the new Lotus Mask for refreshing tired skin, so maybe I’ll try that one next time.

All of them are easy to use. Just open the package, apply to clean, dry skin, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then remove and gently massage any remaining product into your skin. No need to rinse.

When I got home from Sephora this afternoon, I washed my face and used the Rose Mask.

I was surprised by the amount of product in the fabric, considering that it’s only a $6 mask.

I think the SK-II masks I’ve tried in the past were juicer? — for lack of a better word, but this one is still moderately juicy, LOL!

When I removed the mask today and did a little facial massage, as per the directions, my skin felt a little less dry. I think I also looked less tired and more radiant.

That said, the areas around my mouth and cheeks that were dry before I used the mask were still a tad tight…although a bit better, so maybe this particular mask isn’t as ideally moisturizing as I’d like.

But it’s $6…which is $129 less than the SK-II masks (!).

I’m really looking forward to trying the Honey Mask next. Hopefully that one’s even more moisturizing.

If you’re interested, Sephora has an online-only deal going on now where if you buy four masks, you get a fifth mask free.