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

The MAC Makeup Look at the 2014 SF Academy of Art University Graduate Fashion Show

May 9th, 2014 by Karen 7 Comments

Unfurl your mighty wings, oh majestic makeup pegasus, and sparkle like the magical creature you are! At the San Francisco Academy of Art University Graduate Fashion Show last night, the makeup look was winged, audacious and sexy sci-fi.

The annual show showcases the work of graduating students in fashion design, textile design, jewelry and metal arts. It’s open to the public, too, so it’s a cool chance to literally see the latest thoughts and trends in fashion from the next generation of designers.

MAC sponsored the makeup, and the look created by Senior MAC Artist Victor Cembellin featured dramatic winged liner and glitter, which sparkled under the runway lights.

Here’s a sneak peek at the backstage makeup area and some pictures from the show…

Victor working his makeup magic backstage

The glitter used in this look, by the way, is something brand-spankin’-new from MAC. Coming soon!

It’s super sparkly with multicolored flecks — equal parts dramatic and tasteful.

The soon-to-be-released MAC glitter used on the models

After checking out the makeup, a beautiful dress caught my eye…

Dress by Fashion Designer Nicole Bell and Textile Designer Holly Hapka

I love anything with birds and floral designs. 🙂 This one was a collaboration between Fashion Design Student Nicole Bell and Textile Design Student Holly Hapka.

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What’s Your One Hair and Makeup Look That Works for Every Occasion?

May 9th, 2014 by Karen 29 Comments

When in doubt, wing it out.

LOL! For real, though. For me, black winged liner always does the trick. I can dress it up with a bold lipstick or dress it down with some nude gloss. Either way, it always seems to work out.

As for hair, I usually like to wear mine down with loose waves, and I like my waves a little messy. Not too “done.”

But first, lemme take a selfie (that’s Kerastase Spray a Porter in my hair!)

Lately, for beachy waves, I’ve been using (and absolutely loving) Kerastase Spray a Porter.

Damn, I absolutely LOVE that stuff! It’s great for beachy waves that aren’t crunchy.

What’s your one hair and makeup look that works for every occasion?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. For once I didn’t fall asleep on my couch by 9:30 on a Thursday night, LOL! Nope, I headed to SF to watch the Academy of Art graduation fashion show, where the graduating fashion design students show their final work on the runway. MAC did the makeup, and I got the full scoop on the look backstage.

It was fun! I’ll post some pics and details on the makeup soon.

P.P.S. Oh, yeah. One more thing… 🙂

Setting Off Alarms Now at Sephora Stores, the New $59 Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow in The Siren

May 8th, 2014 by Karen 14 Comments

On a Sephora pitstop the other day — you know, one of those quickie visits where you just zip in and zip out, zoom-zoom! — I did a double-take when I walked by the new Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow in The Siren by Marc Jacobs Beauty ($59).

How colorful and fun is this limited edition palette!? It’s inspired by the ocean and fire shades.

And, um…am I crazy for wanting to sweep that red in the crease?? I can kind of see that happening, LOL!

The Siren is setting off alarms now at Sephora stores and online. 🙂

30 Days of NARS: Sixties Fan Lip Gloss, Day 25

May 8th, 2014 by Karen 6 Comments

Meet Sixties Fan, another member of the pigmented posse, also known as the new 30-piece NARS Lip Gloss Line ($26 each).

A rich and shiny pomegranate, Sixties Fan is available now at NARS counters and also online.

The 30 Days of NARS series features a different NARS Lip Gloss every day

Cheeks, Lips and Nails Bask in Bronze, Coral and Pink Shades With Guerlain’s New Summer 2014 Collection

May 8th, 2014 by Karen 19 Comments

Wearing the new Guerlain Summer 2014 collection

I know you’re not supposed to stare at the sun, but in the case of Guerlain’s new summer 2014 collection, it can’t be helped.

The sun symbol on the new Celebration Powder Compact and the bottle of Terracotta Le Parfum is so mesmerizing that I keep losing myself in its golden glow…

While daydreaming about the many eco-adventures I could have while wearing the bronzer and blush compact on my face (I’ve been flirting with the idea of a trip to Costa Rica or Belize), Tabs hopped in my lap! It gave me such a start that I accidentally dug my nails into the pan.

Shoot.

Oh, well. Whatcha gonna do, right? #makeuploverproblems #bronzeraddictissues

This succinct six-piece limited edition collection basks in bronzy, sunny, summery shades of brown, orange and coral for lips and cheeks…and there’s also a gorgeous bottle of perfume.

Not much going on in terms of eye makeup this year — just a single waterproof mascara in Guerlain’s fabulous Cils D’Enfer Maxi Lash formula, which, no joke, makes my lashes look like Zac Efron’s.

I like what I see, but it would’ve been nice to also get some cool metallics or eye kolhs this year.

A few thoughts on the new collection, which is available now at Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman stores and online…

Guerlain Terracotta Sun Celebration Powder Compact ($76): Two shades of matte bronzer to sculpt, and matte pink and coral blushes to brighten cheeks and skin. There’s also a touch of gold (it’s an overspray) for shimmer.

The bronzers apply sheer when I swatch them with my finger, but deposit more color on my skin when I apply them with a brush. Same goes for the blushes. The powders appear effortless and natural on the skin, and blend sans drama.

Guerlain Terracotta Le Perfum — Terracotta Le Parfum EDT ($73)

Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum ($73): My new favorite “summer in a bottle” scent, it has notes of bergamot, tiare flower, ylang ylang and vanilla.

This soft, summery fragrance is like a forbidden kiss on a tropical beach at sunset… I like to reapply after about 5-6 hours to keep the scent going.

Guerlain 940 Nahema Stack Gloss DEnfer maxi Shine — Gloss D’Enfer Maxi Shine in 940 Nahema Stack ($30)

Guerlain Gloss D’Enfer Maxi Shine in 940 Nahema Stack ($30): Non-sticky and smooth, this sheer bright orange gloss feels delightful on my lips, where it lasts about two hours. It tastes and smells a little like rose-flavored candy, too.

Mmm…

Guerlain 602 Tonka Imperiale Le Vernis Nail Lacquer — Le Vernis Nail Lacquer in 602 Tonka Imperiale ($25)

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Kerastase Lift Vertige Root-Uplifting Gel Inspires Roots to Greater Heights

May 8th, 2014 by Karen 22 Comments

**WARNING** Bathroom Alert! **WARNING**

You may find yourself so moved by the lovely lift in yo’ hair after using Kerastase’s Lift Vertige Root-Uplifting Gel that you suddenly break into dance in the middle of your bathroom while singing “La cucaracha! La cucaracha!” and shaking the bottle and your round brush like a pair of maracas.

It happens.

Seriously, Kerastase, you’re doing it right. My hair is overdue for a trim (and, thus, really heavy), but somehow, some way, your Lift Vertige still manages to pump up the volume at the roots.

The gel formula elevates roots without a “cardboard” feel for volume right at the crown.

Provides volume and lift at the roots

Long-lasting root support

Enhances shine

Provides UV and heat protection

— kerastase.com

After shampooing and conditioning, I work a few pumps of Lift Vertige, which smells faintly of jasmine, into my hair while it’s wet from the roots to the mid-shaft.

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Spring Is in the Air With L’Occitane’s New Néroli & Orchidée Body Milk, Eau de Toilette and Fragrance Beautifying Cream

May 7th, 2014 by Karen 11 Comments

The first time I wore L’Occitane’s new Néroli & Orchidée, seriously, I literally could not stop sniffing myself.

Oh, gosh! It smells so good! Floral and refreshing, but not heavy, and it lingers all day long, too.

Néroli & Orchidée blends the scents of two precious white flowers in a beautiful harmony. A heart of radiant neroli essence from the Mediterranean is blended with caressing white orchid absolute from Madagascar. Fruity bursts of orange and heart notes of peach complete the sensuous bouquet.
— loccitane.com

Lately in the mornings after my workout and shower, I grab either Néroli & Orchidée Body Milk ($20) or the Fragrance Beautifying Booster Cream ($35). Both absorb quickly without leaving any kind of residue behind. So great for warm weather.

And the Fragrance Beautifying Booster Cream is really interesting. It moisturizes your skin and his a light floral scent, but it also complements and extends the life of the other La Collection de Grasse fragrances if you layer them on top of it.

It works with all of L’Occitane’s La Collection de Grasse scents, but my favorite combo is with Néroli & Orchidée.

Then, after the Body Milk or Beautifying Booster Cream when thoroughly I’m moisturized, I spray a couple spritzes of Néroli & Orchidée ($75) on my wrists and neck, and I’m good for the entire day.

Give it a sniff next time you’re visiting a L’Occitane counter or store.