Product Reviews

Because the Eyes Are the Nipples of the Face: Bobbi Brown’s New Smokey Eye Crayon Kajal Liner

November 7th, 2013 by Karen 21 Comments

Bobbi Brown Crayon Kajal — That’s Bobbi Brown’s new Crayon Kajal in Black Coffee on my lash and water lines

“The eyes are the nipples of the face.”

Yes, truer words were never spoken. 🙂

Ha! OK, let me explain. I was watching My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding the other day (whatever, don’t judge!), and that’s what one of the girls (14 years old, wearing booty shorts with pink rhinestone hearts) said while she was doing her makeup for a matchmaking party her parents arranged to help her find a husband.

FUN FACT OF THE DAY: The quote is originally from The House Bunny, starring Anna Farris.

So that’s what I kept thinking this morning while I was applying my eyeliner, Bobbi Brown’s new Smokey Eye Kajal Liner in Black Coffee.

Face nipples. I’m lining the nipples…OF MY FACE.

The liner’s new and comes in six colors, including the Black Coffee shade I’m wearing here. Their big selling point: that they’re super soft, smooth and won’t tug at your skin. They’re also very, very pigmented (also known as uber-pigmented) and easy to smudge. Better for messy rocker chick looks with soft diffused liner than looks with sharp lines.

The fancy formula stays creamy, so you can buff it out and play with it throughout the day, but it still lasts 5-7 hours along my lash lines.

Which is cool.

Of course, that wear time doesn’t extend to my water lines, where it gives up the ghost in 1-2 hours. If you’re looking for a long-wearing liner that will set and last there, Smokey Eye Crayon Kajal probably isn’t ideal.

Bobbi Brown Crayon Kajal Swatches from the left: Black Amethyst, Black Coffee and Noir — Swatches from the left of Black Amethyst, Black Coffee and Noir

Something like Bobbi’s Long-Wearing Gel Eyeliner might be better. Twelve hours on lash and water lines. Jet, the basic black, used to be my jam. I wore it all the time until my water lines started acting up (no idea why). Now I use Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Perversion.

Now, even with that limited water line wear time, Bobbi never billed these as long-wearing, so there’s that. They’re designed first and foremost for smokey eyes.

Bobbi Brown Crayon Kajal Swatches from the left: Jade, Pacific and Storm — Swatches from the left of Jade, Pacific and Storm

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Of Lists and Lashes: 15 Things I Learned Today About Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara and Life

November 7th, 2013 by Karen 20 Comments

15 Things I learned today about Bobbi Brown’s Smokey Eye Mascara and life in general

Today is a new day.
The world is not falling apart. It only felt like that for a little while.
It helps to set a timer when you write. Ten minutes is a good starting point. More than that, and you’re apt to spew a lot of crazy talk.
When it comes to busting through writer’s block, don’t think too much. Avoid the urge to self-edit. Just dictate the words as you hear them in your head.
It helps to read about writer’s block when you have it (go figure).

A little light reading…

3 Simple Steps for Staring Down Writer’s Block

How to Identify the Dread Writer’s Block and Its Relatives

How to Deal with Writers Block

Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Overcoming Writer’s Block

The constant sound of construction in my neighborhood (it seems like all of my neighbors are doing work on their homes right now) is surely contributing to my agitation.
It almost always helps to make lists.
Playlists are also pretty cool.

It also helps to straighten your hair (seriously), and flat irons are great.

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A Gift That Really Does Keep Giving: The Essentials Eye Palette by Clarins

November 5th, 2013 by Karen 17 Comments

Clarins Essentials Eye Palette — Wearing the new $45 limited edition The Essentials Eye Palette by Clarins

True, there are many lovely holiday gifts out there now for the beauty junkies in your life (and that includes yourself!), but not all of them offer the added bonus of simultaneously helping others.

Chances are your resident makeup loving do-gooder pal will love the assortment of 10 wearable beige, brown and taupe mineral eyeshadows in the new $45 Clarins The Essentials Palette, and when she hears about how Clarins partnered with the PurProject organization to help preserve the Kuntanawa culture and ecosystem in Brazil, she’ll appreciate the gift even more.

According to PurPuroject and Clarins, the Kuntanawa people of the Amazon basin in Brazil heavily depend on the forest for their livelihood, and today they struggle to maintain their culture as deforestation threatens their environment.

Clarins The Essentials Eye Palette — Neutrals, neutrals, everywhere!

Clarins has vowed to plant 10,000 trees to preserve the Kuntanawa culture and ecosystem, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this limited edition palette going to support the initiative.

Clarins The Essentials Eye Palette swatches — Swatches of the darker shades…

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My Warm Skin Tone Is Warming Up To the Neutral Cool Shades in the Bobbi Brown Smokey Cool Eye Palette

November 4th, 2013 by Karen 23 Comments

The Sisterhood of Sparkly Shadows will probably kick me out of the sorority for this, but eff it! — I’m saying it anyways: Bobbi Brown’s Smokey Eye Cool palette could really use one fewer glittery eyeshadows and one more matte brown.

There. I said it. 🙂

“This carefully edited mix of six eye shadows is the perfect palette for those who prefer their smokey eye look on the cool side. Featuring everything you need to take eyes from day to night including Bobbi’s beloved base shadow in Ivory and an array of sparkly and shimmery textures in cool grey hues. A Mini Dual Ended Shadow/Liner brush completes this mirrored compact-all it needs now is a bow.”

— bobbibrowncosmetics.com

I’m really not trying to hate on the sparkly stuff, ’cause you know I love me some glitter.

WOO-HOO! TEAM GLITTER! *fist bumps*

It’s just that I tried to make this work using only the six shadows in the set (it comes with three mattes, one shimmer and two glitters), but I couldn’t tie them all together without a medium brown shade to ease the transition from the lighter shades into the darker ones.

It’s like a piece of the puzzle is missing, ya know?

Now, if I were able to swap one of the Sparkle Eye Shadows, which are Bobbi’s take on pressed glitters, for an easy-to-use golden brown along the lines of MAC Cork, it would be so on…

Bobbi Brown Smokey Cool Eye Palette swatches from the left: Ivory Eye Shadow, Graphite Sparkle Eye Shadow, Smokey Grey Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Truffle Eye Shadow, Platinum Sparkle Eye Shadow and Caviar Eye Shadow — Swatches from the left: Ivory Eye Shadow, Graphite Sparkle Eye Shadow, Smokey Grey Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Truffle Eye Shadow, Platinum Sparkle Eye Shadow and Caviar Eye Shadow

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Get a Flattering Nude Glow That You Don’t Have To Get Naked for With Bobbi Brown’s New Nude Glow Shimmer Brick

November 4th, 2013 by Karen 31 Comments

Wearing the new limited edition Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick ($45)

This is the look I wore on my lady date with Jen and Cindy yesterday, although really, I didn’t expect either of them to notice because 1) the Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick I’m wearing wasn’t designed to stand out like that, and 2) neither of them are hard-core makeup people. In fact, the day Cindy turns to me and says, “OOH! I like how you blended that highlighter into your blush!” is the day I expect to see pigs flying and RyGos ceasing to be frickin’ adorable.

With Nude Glow, that’s exactly what you get — a nude glow, like kind of shine your skin takes on after a really good facial…or an entire day spent chillin’ at a spa (and not doing a damn thing for anyone).

This is one of those highlighters with a super forgiving sheen, and I think that’s why a lot of women — especially mature gals — are going to dig it.

I’ve worn the Shimmer Bricks in Bobbi’s permanent line and have also tried a few of her limited edition ones from previous collections, but this one, with its exceptionally fine powders, seems to be a step above the others.

Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick pan closeup — A closer look at the pan…

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Zombie Enthusiasts and Nail Nerds Unite! The Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Nail Polishes Are About To Trigger a Pigment Feeding Frenzy!

October 31st, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

The Zombie Collection by Bohemian Republik — The Zombie Collection…by Bohemian Republik

Between the The Walking Dead — which my Sundays revolve around, no joke! — and the post-apocalyptic entertainment currently killing it in movie theaters and bookstores, I think it’s safe to say that zombies, like rose gold and kale, are having a moment.

And everyone’s getting in on the undead action, including the beauty world. Feast your eyes on Bohemian Republik’s new five piece Zombie Collection…

Boulder, Colorado-based indie nail polish line Bohemian Republik wants to be known for…

Their formula — which is free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor

Being cruelty-free, vegan and not tested on animals (paws up from Tabs)

Being made in the USA

If you hunger for glitter and pigment like a zombie craves brains, you’ll want to get to know this five-piece collection, which reminds me of a Frankenstein-ian combination of products from Essie, Deborah Lippann and China Glaze.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Gangrene — Gangrene

Gangrene, a creamy kiwi, is my favorite one here. Bright and vibrant, it’s also easy to apply, super smooth and not too thick nor thin.

It’s just right…

I’m wearing two coats in the swatch to keep all the pics in this post consistent, but I’m sure I could have gotten away with one.

The brush attached to these polishes is on the narrow side, which actually makes the polishes easy to apply. None of the brush fibers splay out, either, or do other funky things, and that’s great; however, I do wish it was a little easier to get nice, crisp edges with it at the base of my nails. By no means is it difficult, but it’s not quite as easy as OPI, if you know what I mean.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Decay — Decay

I don’t think these pics do justice to glittery Decay. In real life, and particularly in full sun, Decay comes to life! The semi-transparent bronzed gray base pulsates with gold and teal shimmer.

There’s something so MAC Club Eyeshadow about it…the way it flickers from bronzed gray to gold to teal…

Very, very cool. I’m wearing two coats in this swatch, by the way.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Feeding Frenzy — Feeding Frenzy

Feeding Frenzy — I love this creamy blood red’s clever name. Like Gangrene, the formula is extremely smooth and easy to wield. I’m wearing two coats here, but one would have worked fine.

As far as the color itself, I like it, but it’s not altogether original, I guess in terms of blood red shades, but I think it would look really cool as part of a half-moon mani with this next shade…

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Gray Matter — Gray Matter

Gray Matter! — also known as the color of wet cement. Or brains…

I have to say, Bohemian Rebulik’s creams are shockingly consistent. Like the others, this one’s streak-free, comes loaded with pigment, and lays down lots of color in every coat. I’m wearing two in this swatch.

Gray Matter also gives back. For every bottle of Gray Matter purchased, Bohemian Republik donates $1 to the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Pandemic — Pandemic

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A One Night Stand With the NARS One Night Stand Cheek Palette

October 31st, 2013 by Karen 22 Comments

Filed under “Conversations I Have With My Pan of NARS DOLCE VITA Blush”:

ME: We have to talk.

NARS DOLCE VITA: OK. About what?

ME: Our relationship.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Alright, that was ominous… Should I sit down?

ME: If you want.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Are you breaking up with me? Is this a breakup?

ME: Oh, gosh, no! I still think we should see each other. It’s just… I dunno. I need more…

NARS DOLCE VITA: Space?

ME: No! Excitement. I was going to say “excitement.”

NARS DOLCE VITA: So what — are you a swinger now? You want to start seeing other blushes?

ME: No. I mean, I want to stay together, but it’s been 12 years. I just think we should…re-evaluate our status. Maybe switch to something more fluid? Like an open relationship?

NARS DOLCE VITA: Oh, I get it. Open. OK, just don’t tell me about your one night stands.

ME: Not even the one I’m having right now with the new NARS One Night Stand cheek palette?

NARS DOLCE VITA: Wait — what? Are you? Is he that limited edition holiday palette?

ME: Yes. Six blushes total, and three of them are new.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Oh, great.

ME: I actually think you two would get along.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Right! So, tell me about him.

ME: Well, the new ones are shimmery alabaster Devotee Highlighting Blush, bright pink Mistinguette Blush and fleshy pink Goulue. You already know the others — golden brown Laguna Bronzer, golden peach Orgasm and sheer peach Deep Throat.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Do you…love this palette?

ME: I don’t know. I mean, I probably would if all of its shades were new. I do really like the highlighting blush. It reminds me of NARS Albatross, only more pinkish beige? If I could have it in a single…

NARS DOLCE VITA: OK, stop. Fine, I’m willing to try. If this means that much to you, we can try sharing, but I’m not making any promises.

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My Lips Are Glazed: The Secret to Successful Gift Giving Lies in the New Stila Color Me Glossy Set

October 30th, 2013 by Karen 26 Comments

Shhh… I won’t tell if you don’t. Cross my heart and pinky swear. It happens to the best of us at least once this time of year.

You pick up a holiday set, like the $28 Stila Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze kit, and think, “Woo-hoo! What a great deal.”

You contemplate the set’s three trios and conclude that you could give two of them away and keep one for yourself.

Nothing wrong with that. 🙂 It’s totally cool.

That’s because this limited edition Stila set is designed for all kinds of gift-giving, even gifting to yourself. It comes with three separate trios with three Lip Glazes each.

Each trio even has a tag on which to write the recipient’s name, like “TO: Me, FROM: Santa.” How cute is that?!

Considering that one full-sized 0.08-ounce Lip Glaze regularly costs $22, the nine slightly smaller ones (0.05 ounces each) you get for $28 here seem like a steal (cue the endorphin rush)!

But beware the slippery slope of bargains like these…

It usually starts while you’re futzing with the separate sets, which in this case contain coordinating gloss colors.

You spot a color you like from one pack and a second color from another. Next thing you know, you’ve cherry picked the ones you want to keep for yourself!

Pretty soon half (or more) of them are sitting in your pile “to keep.”

At this point, feel free to blame it on the holiday makeup elves. That’s what I usually do. 😉

Stila Color Me Glossy Swatches — From the left: Amaretto, Kaleidoscope and Passion Fruit

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