Eyes

Bring the Brow Bar With You: Get a Pencil, Wax and Comb for $9 With the L’Oreal Brow Stylist Sculptor

September 25th, 2014 by Karen 21 Comments

As far as successful rebellion campaigns go, the long-running one being waged by my brows has been quite successful…from their point of view. If I had a fat tabby for every sparse spot or stray brow, I’d be living the cat lady high life, I tell ya.

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Sculptors in Blonde and Deep Brunette — Two of the three L’Oreal Brow Stylist Sculptors in Blonde and Deep Brunette

Lately my forces have been attempting to squash the rebellion with L’Oreal’s new Brow Stylist Sculptor ($8.99, and available in Blonde, Brunette and Dark Brunette), a dual-ended product that comes with a pencil for brow filling on one end and a clear, matte setting wax on the other.

But that’s not all. You also get a stiff brush for combing through those unruly brow hairs, which is quite handy. It’s built right into one of the caps.

Just fill in any sparse spots using the brow filling pencil, comb through with the brush, and set the hairs in place with the wax.

I won’t go so far as to say that I’ve squashed the rebellion with these, but we’ve made progress…

I wear Deep Brunette, the darkest shade. It’s a dark neutral brown with a slight gray undertone. The brow pencil end feels waxy and soft, much like Benefit’s Brow Pencils. When I use it, I think my brows look great for five or six hours, but the formula breaks up slowly as the day wears on. On top of that, the wax only offers light control, and the bushiest parts of my brows could use something with stiffer hold.

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Sculptor in Deep Brunette Before (left) and After (right) — Wearing Deep Brunette, before (left) and after (right)

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Public Nakedness Epidemic Continues With the New $65 Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Palette

September 23rd, 2014 by Karen 21 Comments

NOVATO, California — Police, weary after years of higher than normal public nakedness, are bracing for another surge. Tabs the cat, kitty supermodel and current Makeup and Beauty Blog mascot, feels that it’s Urban Decay’s fault.

“Meow!” says Tabs.

Whatever the cause, all signs point to even more public nudity, and the trend shows no sign of stopping. In fact, a new palette by Bobbi Brown could make things worse.

“Mrow!” says Tabs of the new Nude on Nude Palette.

The $65 palette comes with 12 powder eyeshadows in a mix of neutral mattes, shimmers (metallics) and glitters (sparkles).

The palette contains…

5 x 0.05 oz. matte eyeshadows in Ivory, Naked, Birch, Truffle and Espresso

4 x 0.05 oz. metallic eyeshadows in Golden Pink, Bare, Smoky Topaz and Golden Bronze

3 x 0.06 oz. sparkle eyeshadows in Chiffon, Graphite and Gold

While many makeup lovers still appear hungry for more neutral eye makeup palettes, some are ready for a change. “I love me some practical browns and beiges,” says one woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, “but I wouldn’t mind if something fresh and new came along to blow my high ponytail back, ya know?”

“Meow!” says Tabs, and police agree.
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In a Galaxy Not Far Away (CVS and Walgreens Stores), You’ll Find The Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners

September 19th, 2014 by Karen 20 Comments

Wearing the new Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners in Enchanted Emerald and Enchanted Lapis ($6.99 each)

It’s only a matter of time before Ryan and Eva call and ask me to babysit this “alleged” fruit of their loins, and when they do (Guys, seriously, call me. Ryan, I mean you. Please call me.), I could show up dressed like a responsible citizen, perhaps wearing one of these Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners ($6.99 each and available in three shades) in a thin, tasteful cat eye with a dainty flick at the end…but why would I do that?

The three Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners, $6.99 each

I don’t want to look responsible… I want to strike fear into Eva’s heart! Girlfriend needs to know that we, as in all of womankind, are on to her.

Gurl, we know that baby isn’t his! Stop playin’ already. 🙂

But seriously, word on the street is that these limited edition liners are flying off the shelves at CVS and Walgreens stores (I haven’t seen them on the Milani website), and I can see why. They exude personality. Technically gel eyeliners, they have a glittery overspray on top, and they sure are eye-catching, aren’t they?

So sparkly! Like gazing at a newly formed galaxy…but, like, in a pot.

Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liner in Enchanted Emerald — Enchanted Emerald

Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liner in Black Opal — Black Opal

Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liner in Enchanted Lapis — Enchanted Lapis

When you get through the overspray, you’re greeted by complex, interesting colors. Take the Enchanted Emerald shade, which from some angles looks like a deep, glossy black, and from others, a peacock blue with an undercurrent of tropical teal…

Super pretty!

I’m into all three of these, but not just because of their dynamic colors. I also like the creamy, almost wet texture and the astronomically shiny finish. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it before.

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For Long, Lush, Lifted Lashes, Try the Funky Brush: New Lancome Grandiose Mascara

September 18th, 2014 by Karen 16 Comments

Yo, is Cyberdyne Systems engineering mascaras now? Because everything about Lancome’s new Grandiose Mascara ($32, available in one shade, Noir) says, “BEHOLD! I am from the future, primitive bipedal creature, and I am here to rewrite mascara history as we know it! I mean…as you know it, because I already know it, of course, so I’m referring to you. As YOU know it… That’s what I meant to say. Oh, never mind!”

The wonderfully weird curved neck and tapered tube, the black rose silhouetted on the side — it’s as if an advanced artificial intelligence developed what we humans were too daft to figure out.

It’s all very sci-fi, if you ask me. 🙂

The purpose of this mascara’s programming is pretty obvs. The funky brush. Lancome says they spent three years developing a brush that could grab every last lash — even the hard-to-reach buggers that hide in the inner and outer corners — and coupling it with a formula for a dramatic, fanned lash look with lots of length, volume and curl.

Inside the box, there’s even a fairly detailed schematic demonstrating wand positions and brush flips, which may or may not leave you feeling as though you’re about to attempt brain surgery (or build a cabinet from Ikea).

Lancome Grandiose Mascara instructions — Umm…

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The Urban Decay Black Magic 24/7 Glide-On Double Ended Eye Pencil Set: Urban Decay Sacrificed Newness To Create This Magical Binding

September 17th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Of the many valuable lessons I’ve learned watching Game of Thrones, including 1) that dragons can’t really be tamed, 2) always bring a weapon to a wedding, and 3) stay away from places called King’s Landing, the most valuable lesson by far has been this: just say no to blood magic.

Because it never turns out right! I just think as a general policy, it’s wise to avoid it.

Thanks for the sage advice, George R.R. Martin. 🙂

While we’re at it, it’s probably also a good idea to avoid black magic. I mean, I may have been expelled from Hogwarts after one semester (my parents were so bummed!), but even I know that.

Urban Decay Black Magic Double-Ended Eye Pencil Set Packaging with a MAC Lipglass for scale — Beside a MAC Lipglass for scale…

Of course, black magic as it pertains to makeup? — that’s a different story. By all means, feel free to allow Urban Decay’s new pigmented, silky smooth Black Magic 24/7 Glide-On Double-Ended Eye Pencil Set ($39) to cast its spell on yo’ lash lines.

This captivating kit comes with four dual-ended pencil liners. Each one comes with one of UD’s signature black liners (black cream Zero, smokey black Black Velvet, charcoal satiny black Black Market or blackest black matte Perversion) on one end and a different intense, colorful shade (deep brown matte Demolition, deep gray matte Smoke, dark eggplant Tornado or bright turquoise LSD) on the other.

This time, there are no new shades up in the mix. Zero, Black Velvet, Perversion, Demolition, Smoke and LSD are re-promotes from the permanent line, while Black Market and Tornado are re-promotes that previously appeared in other sets.

Urban Decay Black Magic swatches from the left: Zero, Black Velvet, Black Market and Perversion — Swatches from the left: Zero, Black Velvet, Black Market and Perversion

Urban Decay Black Magic swatches from the left: Demolition, Smoke, Tornado and LSD — Demolition, Smoke, Tornado and LSD

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Like Actual Shadowboxing Is for Boxers, Urban Decay Shadow Box Is Great for Beauty Beginners (and More Experienced Makeup Mavens)

September 16th, 2014 by Karen 11 Comments

Urban Decay’s new $34 Shadow Box Eyeshadow Palette has better balance than an advanced yoga class! — and that gives me So. Much. Hope.

I may never be able to achieve perfect balance in my day-to-day life, but with my makeup? Haaay! Girl can get close. 🙂

With this palette, I’ll be able to push what my makeup-averse friend Cindy calls “my makeup agenda,” and next time I see her and my friend Jen (my two best childhood gal pals), you better believe I’m going to do that.

This is a great one for beginners (makeup-averse friends) and people new to the brand.

Jen and Cindy aren’t exactly makeup obsessed, but it’s been my life’s mission to change that. One day, I will be victorious!

Here’s my plan: first, I’ll lure them in with Shadow Box’s stylin’ black and purple case, which houses 12 powder shadows — nine of UD’s bestselling shades and three brand new ones (Indo, Moonshadow and Baked Cowboy).

Next, I’ll hook ’em with the neutrals, and the browns, black, golds and bronzes. Yup, half of this palette is comprised of everyday shades, which makes it gloriously practical.

Urban Decay Shadow Box Swatches from the left: Sin, Indo (new), Bordello and Tornado — Swatches from the left: Sin, Indo (new), Bordello and Tornado

Urban Decay Shadow Box swatches from the left: Smog, Blackout, Flash and Mushroom — Smog, Blackout, Flash and Mushroom

Urban Decay Shadow Box Swatches from the left: Lost, Freelove, Moonshadow (new) and Baked Cowboy (new) — Urban Decay Shadow Box swatches from the left: Lost, Freelove, Moonshadow (new) and Baked Cowboy (new)

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Glide Through Your Days and Nights With Nine New Colors and Plenty of Perversion in the Urban Decay Ten 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set

September 15th, 2014 by Karen 12 Comments

I’m a big fan of Perversion.

I like to get it on…my water and/or lash lines. I’m always down for that action. Oh, yeah…

I appreciate that Urban Decay included a full-size Perversion Glide-On Eye Pencil in their new $52 Ten 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set ’cause really — a girl can never have too many jet-black pencil liners. Still, I think it might’ve been cooler if they’d swapped it out for a new color.

Nine of the 10 long-lasting, smooth pencils in the limited edition kit are minis in new shades, while Perversion, the solitary full-size pencil in the set, has been around the block a few times, if you know what I’m sayin’. 😉

With the minis being new shades, I wonder why UD didn’t go all out with new shades for the entire set, but I digress…

Taupe plays a major role here, so if you like earth tones and grayish browns in matte or shimmery finishes, whee! — you’ll have a great time. I know I did with Smokeout, the satiny blackish taupe, which I’m wearing below.

I’m hoping, and crossing my fingers, toes and eyes, that UD releases a full-size version of Smokeout soon. I see some serious Unsung Hero potential there.

Color junkies, don’t despair about the taupe. The set also includes a nice mix of blues and purple, and even a shot of gold, giving those who aren’t totally Team Taupe room to play.

Urban Decay Ten Swatches from the left: Perversion, Glitter Rock, Moonspoon, Vacancy and Faint — Swatches from the left: Perversion, Glitter Rock, Moonspoon, Vacancy and Faint

Urban Decay Ten Swatches from the left: Gonzo, Smokeout, Mugshot, Stargazer and Voodoo — Gonzo, Smokeout, Mugshot, Stargazer and Voodoo

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In Vice3, Urban Decay Clutches to Its Vices With 20 New Eyeshadows

September 12th, 2014 by Karen 26 Comments

Vice, thrice. Nice!

I enjoy humming the Miami Vice theme song to myself when I use the new Urban Decay Vice3 Palette ($60).

Duun-dah-dun, dah-dahdun dah-dah-dahda-dun.

Dahdun-dahdun-dun-dun-dun, dahda-dun-dahdun-dahdun-dun-dun-dun…

Why?

Because I can. 🙂

But that’s just one of many reasons to break into song while using this palette, with another being the included cute matchy-matchy clutch.

(In some circles, I go by the nickname “Clutch Collector,” or “Hoarder of Bags,” or “Lover of Anything She Can Stuff Gel Pens and Cat Treats Into…That Still Zips Up.”)

Urban Decay Vice3 packaging — The latest in Vice from Urban Decay…

The new case is one of several tweaks Urban Decay made to Vice3, the new followup to their popular Vice and Vice2 palettes. The brand also trimmed it down, making it slimmer and easier to travel with (this Vice is goin’ places!); raised the price by a taco (that’s $1 in layman’s terms); changed the layout; and included 20 new eyeshadow shades.

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