A few Illamasqua glosses. From top to bottom: Sheer Lipgloss in Explode, Intense Lipgloss in Move, Sheer Lipgloss in Electrify and Intense Lipgloss in Temper (each $19).
Illamasqua Glosses
Can You Guess the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes?
If you can guess the names of these MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, the makeup angels will write a haiku in your honor.
Well… maybe not. You *will* get extra cool points, though!
Accessory to Commit Makeup: Introducing Tarina Tarantino Beauty
I was just walking along the sidewalk today, minding my business, when a Sephora store reached out and grabbed me by the eyeballs!
Well, it was the window, really … a display for the new Tarina Tarantino Beauty collection (exclusive to Sephora).
As soon as I saw the rows of pink compacts and faux diamonds (and wiped up the bit of drool on my chin), I knew what I needed to do!
WHEE! It’s swatch time. 🙂
A few observations and items of note about the collection…
- Since Tarina’s jewelry’s so colorful and quirky, I was expecting crazy makeup colors too. Well, it has some of that, but there’s also a solid core of really wearable neutrals, and even the edgier purples and pinks are still tastefully done.
- The playful yet wearable vibe reminds me of Anna Sui and Paul & Joe.
- Big ups for the Eye Dream Hypershadows ($19), Dollskin Cheek blush ($25) and Dollskin Powder ($32); all of the powder products feel finely milled, soft and apply with concentrated pigmentation. It almost felt like I was playing with Dior!
- The Eye Dream Hyperliners ($17) are creamy smooth ala Urban Decay’s Glide-On Eye Pencils, but instead of setting after a minute like UD’s, they stay creamy and moveable.
- If you’re a fan of Stila’s Smudge Pots, you might like the Magic Hour Cream Shadows ($19). I think they have a similar texture and color payoff.
- I can see Tarina’s not a big fan of matte lipsticks as all of her Conditioning Lipsheens ($22) have either a creamy or a shimmery finish.
- Hold on to your sensitive noses because the Gem Glosses ($19) have a strong fruit punch scent that … made my stomach churn (I have a VERY sensitive nose, though).
Here are swatches of the color products. Lemme know if you’re interested in seeing the face and highlighting powders, too.
Eye Dream Hyperliners ($17 each) in 1. Tommy Jet, 2. Rockstar Love, 3. Puppeteer, 4. Locket Book, 5. Ultra Violet, 6. Amethyst Android, 7. Cute Robot, 8. Glamorous Thief, 9. Kanzashi
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Tuesday Beauty Tips: Because Words Matter
What do you say (to yourself)?
How would you describe your inner voice? Is she a supportive personal cheerleader, one who lifts you up with positive words of encouragement, or is she constantly criticizing your every move? If yours is the former, consider yourself blessed.
Some of us (I’m one of ’em) have slightly less supportive inner voices. Mine’s a perfectionist, and I appreciate her chiming in when I’m working on a big project with lots of details to manage; other times, though, she can be a real pain in the @ss, pointing out my faults and reminding me of everything I do wrong: “God, you’re so dumb,” or “That was the worst possible choice you could have made,” or “Why even bother? You’re never going to get your crap together.”
It comes down to a question
New in Beauty, Mar. 2: Thierry Mugler Exclusive Perfumes, and Drugstore Bronzers Galore!
New in Beauty
- Thierry Mugler fans, Nordies has a few fragrance exclusives you might like: Angel by Thierry Mugler Sunessence Blue Lagoon ($80) and Alien by Theirry Mugler Sunessence Sun Sapphire ($80)
- JK Jemma Kidd
Show Stopper Water Resistant Bronzer ($23) sounds like something I’ll wear often in the summer, summer, summertime! - Smile wit’ yo eyes! Watch Tyra on Wednesday, March 3, for a chance to win a shopping spree from Torrid
- Pixi’s Lumi Luxe Bronzer Palette ($25) might be perfect for pale beauties
- I love mascara, but I dunno if I could throw down $50 for a tube of Cle de Peau Beaute Mascara, yowza!
- Neutrogena launches Neutrogena Clinical Skin Care, a line of products inspired by bioelectricity
- Win a trip to New York City
from Broadway Nails - Would you like to take NP Set’s Pretty Presto Cosmetic Set ($17) on vacay?
- Speaking o’ NP Set, the Romance Cosmetic Set ($32) looks pretty snazzy
- I lurve my pink and green Caboodle, but this One-The-Go Swag Purple one ain’t half bad ($13)
- Pur Minerals Hot Rocks ($24) to brighten eyes, lips and cheeks with pink and pearl pigments
- Hmm… I wonder if Sally Hansen’s Color Quick Chrome Pens ($8 each) are easy to use?
- The Hair Rules line ($20-45) celebrates textured hair with cleansers, conditioners and styling products for kinky, curly, wavy and frizzy hair
- Laura Mercier adds three new limited-edition shades to her Lip Glace ($22) gloss collection
- New skincare from Shu Uemura: White Recovery Pure Vitamin C Intense Brightening Serum ($95), Cleansing Oil ($35) and Ex+ Instant Spot Brigtener ($45)
- The Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Cosmetics Bag ($15): cute or tacky?
Rise and sine, morning glories. 🙂 To steal and then paraphrase (LOL!) a line from will.i.am, “I got a feeling…” about today. It’s going to be beautiful!
What’s your plan today? — which reminds me, do you keep a to-do list every day? I’m always looking for new organizational tips. I use lots of to-do lists, mostly on Post-It notes, but what do you do? How do you organize your time?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
5 Random Acts of Beauty to Soothe the Savage Beast
For the most part, I think being a woman ROCKS, but the occasional mood swings = not my favorite part of being a girl.
Today I was fine until five, at which time a bit of crankiness crept in (caused by a combination of the weather and my efforts to avoid refined sugar). But instead of unleashing my inner BRAT-A-SAUR, I nipped it in the bud with beauty. 🙂
I started with these NARS blushes, which I’ve had since Christmas but never really played with until now.
Extra, Extra! Sonia Kashuk’s Matte Oil Blotting Papers are EXTRA Large
Sonia Kashuk went big with her Matte Oil Blotting Papers ($7), not only making them significantly larger than comparable ones from MAC (about a quarter of an inch longer on all sides), but also giving three times as many sheets for just about half the cost (100 sheets for $7, versus 30 for $13.50 of the ones from MAC).
If you’ve never used blotting papers before, they’re usually just thin sheets of tissue paper used to absorb oil and remove shine from skin without the need for additional layers of makeup. Lots of different brands make ’em, including MAC ($13.50), Shiseido ($17), Too Faced ($12) and Clean & Clear ($6).
You wouldn’t think there’d be much difference among different brands of blotting papers, but there can be, both in terms of size and performance; some feel softer than others, too, and use different kinds of paper or fabric. Some even contain absorbent powders or clay.
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Calla Lily
I love the graceful, delicate lines of the calla lily.