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

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

Karen

MAC Creme Team Cremesheen Lipsticks and Lipglosses: What Would You Get?

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I’ll take my lipsticks and lipglasses with extra cream, please. 🙂

Mark your calendars for the arrival of the new MAC Creme Team collection next Thursday, my fellow MAC Cremesheen lipstick lovahs!

The collection offers new Cremesheen lipsticks, limited edition Lipglasses and Cremestick lip liners. I’m really looking forward to Cremesheen Glass (available only until March), an ultra sheer and moist lipgloss with a creamy finish.

Are you already thinking about what would you get? I know I am!

Cremesheen Lipstick, $14

  • Crème Cup: light blue pink
  • Shy Girl: creamy neutral coral beige
  • Crosswires: clean pinky orange
  • Lickable: bright clean blue pink
  • Lavender Whip: light cool lavender
  • Crème in Your Coffee: creamy mid-tone pink brown
  • Spice is Nice: creamy dark warm brown
  • Hang-up: deep berry


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MAC Cosmetics Well Defined: New Studio Sculpt Foundation, Concealer Hits Stores Next Week

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Heya, MAC-aholics! My friends over at MAC just sent me some tidbits on the new Well Defined collection.

It features a new line of gel-based concealers and foundations called Studio Sculpt, which will be added to MAC’s permanent product arsenal.

I haven’t had the greatest luck with MAC foundations in the past (Studio Fix broke me out like *WHOA*), but I love their concealers. My dark circles and I will be all over that lil’ pot with a quickness. 😉

Studio Sculpt Concealer, $16.50

  • NC 15, NC 20, NC 30, NC 35, NC 42, NC 45, NC 50, NW 15, NW 20, NW 25, NW 30, NW 35, NW 40, NW 45, NW 50

Inspired by the needs of M·A·C makeup artists, who demanded a full-coverage concealer that never becomes dry and cakey, the gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections. Its silicone coated pigments help retain color purity for superb coverage that blends easily yet covers completely with just a small amount of product.

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation, $28

  • NC 15, NC 20, NC 25, NC 30, NC 35, NC 37, NC 40, NC 42, NC 44, NC 45, NC 50, NC 55, NW 15, NW 20, NW 25, NW 30, NW 35, NW 40, NW 43, NW 45, NW 47, NW 50, NW 55

Every drop contains uniquely formulated micronized silicone-coated pigments that keep color true, so it appears to sink into the skin without ever becoming mask-like or cakey. A cushiony gel base helps color slip onto skin for a medium-coverage silky finish.

Made for all skin types, this lush formulation is especially suited for dry, sensitive and mature complexions; with continued use, skin becomes increasingly hydrated and supple.

191 Foundation Brush, $32

  • A large, flat, square-shaped synthetic fiber brush with a fine, firm edge for distribution and blending of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.

Concealer Brush, $22

  • A flexible, synthetic flat brush with slight pointed tip for application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products.

Prep + Prime Skin, $23

  • An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones that calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder.

M·A·C STUDIO SCULPT FOUNDATION SPF 15 Q&A WITH GORDON ESPINET, VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY, M·A·C WORLDWIDE

Q: How does this formula perform differently from other foundations in the M·A·C line?
Studio Sculpt is incredibly versatile, which makes it unique for many reasons, since its texture is silky and creamy, gliding effortlessly onto skin while providing a natural, velvety finish that’s both modern and natural. It can be blended with moisturizer for a more sheer finish that’s never streaky, or combined with concealer for more full coverage. Create a matte finish by applying powder afterwards, or use Studio Sculpt alone to emphasize skin’s natural sheen and highlights.

Q: Why was this product key for you and your team during fashion week? Has Studio Sculpt been used in any photo shoots?
We have anxiously wanted to offer a foundation that leaves skin looking well-hydrated and completely nourished, and can stand up to being used in various ways. Studio Sculpt can be sheered out or used with powder; it always looks flawless, which is a backstage dream. It is the perfect formula for both film and digital photography, in black and white or color. It’s extremely user-friendly, and the finish remains true and consistent in both color and texture.

Q: Is Studio Sculpt appropriate for HD TV use?
It’s absolutely perfect for High Definition television, because the texture is flawless and it helps skin read as real looking, not overly made up. More importantly, Studio Sculpt’s coverage can be easily manipulated into something very sheer, or layered to offer more coverage where necessary, while remaining even-toned and consistent in texture.

Q: What are some application techniques for the non-professional user?
Begin with a pea size amount on the back of your hand, and use any foundation brush to apply onto hydrated skin. Mix in a bit of your favorite moisturizer (try Strobe Cream or Strobe Liquid), which will create a sheer, luminous finish that makes skin appear to be candlelit. Use any M.A.C concealer over areas that need additional coverage.
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New Essie Naturally Clean Moisturizes with All-Natural Ingredients

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I wash my hands. A lot.

I do it to lessen my odds of catching colds and because I’m a little obsessive.

Perhaps my almost unnatural love of hand cleansing is what has me so stoked about the Essie Naturally Clean collection. The products in the release are 100% natural and contain essential oils like eucalyptus (a natural antiseptic), vitamins and antioxidants. Essie went au natural with Naturally Clean and shied away from harsh chemicals, yea!

The collection had me at hello.

I like the light lemon scent of these five products and their minimalist packaging. Of the five, I’ve tried three:

Purifying Nail Polish Remover ($6 for a 4-fl. oz. bottle; $16 for a 16-fl. oz. bottle)


Viva la FAST!

This stuff works like greased lightning! It removes nail polish faster than you can say the words, “Why, yes, Christian Bale, you may certainly massage my feet.”

Purifying Nail Polish Remover effortlessly lifted the remnants of the Essie Spring 2009 swatches (aka the infamous “broke ass manicure“) that were still clinging to my nails.

I soaked a cotton pad in it, pressed it down on a polished nail and then wiped from cuticle to tip. It only took one swipe — amazing! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

100% Purifying Hand Treatment with Nourishing Botanicals ($24 for a 8-fl. oz. bottle)

Essie loaded Purifying Hand Treatment with lots of good stuff: aloe and vegetable glycerin to moisturize skin, eucalyptus oil to sanitize and vitamin-enriched rice bran for antioxidant protection. It’s like an all-natural version of Purell with added moisturizers.

At $24 it’s hella expensive — certainly more expensive than Purell — but it’s natural, works well, feels good and, thankfully, a little goes a long way. A pea-sized amount thoroughly cleans and moisturizes both hands. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Purifying Hand Wash with Nourishing Botanicals ($14, 8-oz. bottle)


In winter, frequent hand washing can leave my paws feeling tight and looking ashy.
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Givenchy Sari Or Bobbi Brown Blushed Pink: What Would You Get?

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The soft pastel pinks of the Lady Dior Collection ushered spring in with a dainty whisper — “Hello, lovah…”

Then, the rockin’ hot pinks of Lancome’s Pink Irreverence Collection took the spring spotlight.

But I guess Dior and Lacome weren’t the only ones to get the Pink Is In for Spring memo. Pink also plays a central role in the Sari and Blushed Pink collections from Givenchy and Bobbi Brown.

I think both collections look gaw-geous. If you were forced to pick between the two, which one would you get?

Givenchy Sari Collection: bold and bright

The Givenchy Sari Collection ($21-53) bursts with color, as vibrant pinks blend with juicy slices of orange.

The collection of blushes, glittering eyeshadows and lipsticks was inspired by bright Bollywood films, and it features bold eyes and lips oozing with rich color.

Precious Sari Glittering Eyeshadow, $26

  • Maharani Silver: shimmery silver
  • Maharani Gold: shimmery gold

Prismissime, $53

  • Maharani Apricots: shimmer and matte apricot shades
  • Maharani Pinks: shimmer and matte pink shades

Sari Glow Iridescent Blush, $42

  • Maharani Pink: luminous rosy pink
  • Maharani Orange: luminous golen peach

Magic Kajal Eye Pencil, $21.50

  • Magic Black: black

Precious Sari Glittering Eyeshadow, $26

  • Maharani Silver: shimmery silver
  • Maharani Gold: shimmery gold

Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick, $27

  • Maharani Rose: deep vivid rose
  • Maharani Henna: warm brick red

Bobbi Brown Blushed Pink: soft and sweet

In contrast to Givenchy Sari’s brights, the Bobbi Brown Blushed Collection ($20-24) takes a softer approach to pink.

Lips gently glow with nude pink gloss, cheeks flush with bright matte pink blush, and eyes glitter with pastel metallic shadow. The look is ethereal and romantic, and it reminds me of ballerinas, Jane Austin heroines and forbidden — but oh-so-true — lurve!
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4 Ways to Wear the Lancome Pink Irreverence Spring 2009 Collection

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All it takes to change your look is a swipe of lipstick or gloss.


– Ancient makeup proverb

Lancome’s Pink Irreverence Spring 2009 Collection has a lot to offer.

I took some products from the collection and mixed ‘n matched the lip colors like witch’s brew. The cheeks and eyes don’t change in these four looks, but the lip products made it easy to change each look in a snap.

The products…

Look One: Creamy pink lips

  1. Color Design Lipstick in Forget Me Not all over the lips

Look Two: Shimmery pink lips

  1. Color Design Lipstick all over the lips
  2. La Laque Fever Lipshine in Optical Rose all over the lips

Look Three: A shimmery pink with touches of black

  1. Color Design Lipstick all over the lips
  2. Forget Me Not La Laque Fever Lipshine in Optical Rose all over the lips
  3. Color Fever Lipgloss in Piha Black in the outer corners of the lips

Look Four: Deep, shimmery pink lips

  1. Color Design Lipstick all over the lips
  2. Forget Me Not La Laque Fever Lipshine in Optical Rose all over the lips
  3. Color Fever Lipgloss in Piha Black all over the lips


Swatches from left to right: Confidence Noir eyeliner, High Maintenance blush, Forget Me Not lipstick, Optical Rose lipcolor, Piha Black gloss

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Smashbox Muse Collection Spring 2009: Why I Love Foundation Primer

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Dear Smashbox Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer,

I heart you so. When I wear you beneath tinted moisturizer, I feel like I’m glowing. You make my skin dewy and fresh. With you by my side, I feel even better than I do when El Hub cleans the house without me having to ask him to.

Yours Always,

Karen

Do you ever wonder if you *really* need a foundation primer?

Experts say it creates a smoother canvas upon which to work, filling in pores and fine lines so that foundation and powder appear smoother and last longer.

Sounds good, right? Thing is, sometimes I’m too lazy for the extra step. I mean, I’ll bust out my tube of Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer for big events like weddings, but I’ve never really thought of foundation primer as a daily essential until I tried Smashbox’s Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer in Bare Canvas.

Released as part of the Smashbox Muse Spring 2009 Collection, Hybrid 2-in-1 is an unscented liquid primer designed to function as either a makeup primer or a shimmery gold highlighter (hence the 2-in-1).

Smashbox suggests a couple ways to use it: 1) Worn beneath foundation where it smooths the skin and imparts a subtle glow, and 2) Applied on top of foundation to the cheeks, nose, brows or lips for a brighter glow.

I tried both ways, and when I used it as a primer beneath Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and MAC Blot powder, I thought my skin looked effing AMAZING!

For context, without Hybrid 2-in-1, my skin’s like strip mall runway show with me wearing a burlap bag and Tevas. But WITH Hybrid 2-in-1, my skin’s like Gisele Bundchen in a blinged-out VS bra and angel wings! 🙂

First off, I think it makes my skin significantly smoother. I can really see the difference where I have some fine lines on my forehead. A thin layer of Hybrid 2-in-1 applied sparingly before my other face products gives the skin on my forehead an almost porcelain glow.

The glow takes 2-in-1 to the next level for me. It’s not like the matte, dimensionless look I get sometimes with foundation and powder alone — that mannequin look? No, Hybrid 2-in-1 has more depth than that, more radiant and luminous. This might be wishful thinking, but I feel like I look a little younger, too. 🙂

The glowy goodness doesn’t stop there, as Hybrid 2-in-1 looks good in photos, too. Some shimmery products will reflect photography flash on my forehead and chin and make me look like I’m wearing an oil slick in pictures, but that didn’t seem to happen with Hybrid 2-in-1.

I’m using it in this face of the day from last week…
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