Beauty411

Rock the Red, White and Blue!

Happy Independence Day!  What better way to celebrate than to highlight some of the best Red, White and Blue beauty products. 

Nothing says confidence like wearing red, whether it be lipstick or nail polish:

• Sally Hansen Salon Nail Polish in Ru-be or Not To Be: This is an easy to wear, year 'round shade of nail polish.  The Salon Nail Polish delivers a great quality polish and a good value.  Add some white and blue nail art and you've got a patriotic theme going!
• Julie Hewett Rouge Noir Lipstick:  A classic red lipstick, double-pigmented and long lasting. 
• For a lighter formula lip color, try NARS Lip Stain Gloss in Indian Red.

What's not to like about white? 

• To get a more bright-eyed look, line the inner rim of eyes with Lancome's Le Crayon Khol in Blanc.
• Clinique's new Even Better Skin Tone Corrector helps brighten skin and un-do sun damage, dark patches, age spots and the darkness that accompanies acne scarring.
• White teeth are always in style.  Use the Rembrandt Whitening Touch Up Pen for on the go tooth whitening.

You won't be singin' the blues with these products!

• YSL Mascara Aqua-Resistant in Oceanic Blue.  Perfect mascara for at-the-pool.
• MAC Cool Heat Eye Shadow in Blue Flame.
• MAC Naughty Nauticals Pigment in Bell-Bottom Blue.

These are just a few of my picks for red, white and blue beauty.  Have a happy Independence Day!

Tinted Moisturizers: Summer Beauty Essential

Tinted Moisturizers are an essential part of my summer beauty routine, especially once the heat and humidity start to increase.  Most beauty companies have incorporated tinted moisturizers into their lines.  It makes sense; as the technology improves, a standalone moisturizer becomes moisturizer plus color plus sunscreen. As our lives become busier and we have less time, a multi-tasking product like a tinted moisturizer becomes a beauty staple.  If you need a bit more spot coverage, use a foundation brush to apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer.

One of my favorites is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer; I've used it for years.  The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has an SPF 20 and is a sheer, easy to apply formula.  I set with powder and it lasts all day.  There is a good selection of shades and also an oil-free version available.   

 LaMer SPF 18 Fluid Tint is a little more pigmented and feels like velvet when you apply it.  As you'd expect from LaMer, the SPF 18 Fluid Tint contains anti-oxidants, light diffusers and seaweed natural humectants to prevent dehydration.  It comes in three shades--light, medium and dark.

Stila has improved on their already excellent tinted moisturizer by doubling the SPF to 30 and making it an oil-free formula. The Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil Free provides a medium coverage and is a great tinted moisturizer if you need a little more covereage or have combination, acne-prone or oily skin.

Finally, one of the newest tinted moisturizers is from Giorgio Armani.  I haven't tried Face Fabric yet, but if it's anything like the Armani liquid foundation I use (Luminous Silk 5), I'll be impressed.  Giorgio Armani Face Fabric contains SPF 12 and ingredients to allow blending and layering of the product for a perfect finish. 

Is tinted moisturizer a product that you incorporate into your beauty routine in the summer?  What's your favorite? 

Clinique Insider's Club

Clinique Insider's Club is a fabulous new program that gives a select group of 20 women an up-close and personal insight into the world of Clinique.  As the ultimate Clinique "insider", each of the 20 women will have the opportunity to get sneak peeks at new Clinique Skincare and Makeup products.  The select group will also give their input and opinions, which will be seen and heard on Clinique.com!  Insiders will have access to special events and will receive a welcome kit containing full size products and a Flip Video digital camcorder.  Sweet!

You need to apply here to be a Clinique Insider.  Fill out the application, which in 50 words or less should show why you should be picked and submit a one minute video audition.  Do you have what it takes to be a Clinique Insider? 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives: MAC, Bobbi Brown, Chanel and More!

Christmas comes twice a year at my house....in December and in July, when Nordstrom has their Anniversary Sale.  On July 18^th the race to the cosmetic department will begin, as devoted beauty junkies can seize the opportunity to get a hold of these fabulous items, many exclusive to Nordstrom. 

On July 18th through August 3rd, shoppers nationwide will rise with the sun and rush to their nearest Nordstrom.  This ritual signifies the beginning of the two week period where the limited supply of coveted Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive items become available.  So, what is the best way to guarantee a successful shopping mission?  The answer is easy: PRE-ORDER!

This year, over 100 beauty brands are participating.  Some highlights include MAC, Chanel, Juicy Couture, NARS, Kiehl’s, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Bobbi Brown and Philosophy.

You can bet I'll be making my list and checking it more than twice and getting my pre-order in early.  Here are some of the best in beauty: 

Bobbi Brown – Cocoa Mauve Collection, Fall's most-wanted shades for eyes, cheeks and lips in a sleek black nylon cosmetic case.  Colors include Berry Mauve Creamy Lip Color, Iced Mauve Metallic Eye Shadow, Cocoa Mauve Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Sand Pink Blush. Price: $65.00.  I'm so ordering this!

MAC

– Colour Forms Anniversary Collection

• Colour Forms Basic Brush set (red).  Price: $49.50
• Colour Forms Advanced Brush set (purple and green).  Price: $49.50
• Beauty Powder.  Price: $22.00
• Powder Blush.  Price: $17.50
• Lipstick.  4 colors Price: $14.00
• Green: Mac Colour Forms Eye Palette Warm:  $38.00
• Purple: Mac Colour Forms Eye Palette Cool:  $38.00
• Red: Mac Colour Forms Lip Palette Warm: $24.50
• Blue: Mac Colour Forms Lip Palette Cool: $24.50
• Yellow: Mac Colour Forms Lip Palette Neutral: $24.50

Laura Mercier - Twilight gift set - Set includes a mini eye mosaic, double ended brush (angled eye and smudge), Lip Glace in Cinnamon, mini eye pencil in purple sapphire, full size black mascara and a 2 oz tube of French Vanilla Souffle body cream, all in a chic brown patent makeup bag.  Price: $55.00.

Trish McEvoy - Micro Mini Makeup Planner.  Price: $68.00 

Chanel

• Nail Lacquer exclusive Rose Tourbillon.  Price: $20.00
• So Chanel Illuminating Powder.  Price: $65.00
• Quatuor Levres De Chanel Satin and Shine Lip Palette  in 10 Les Roses.  Price: $60.00

Philosophy

• Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion

- Giant -size 32 oz jug of Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion.  Price: $40.00

Purity Made Simple - Giant size 32 oz.  Price: $36.50

Amazing Grace Shower Gel - Giant size 32 oz.  Price: $29.50 

Lancome

• Anniversary Eye & Face Palette - Available in two color ways (warm or cool), the metallic patent leather Anniversary palette includes 2 cheek colors and 4 eye colors, with a convenient shadow brush tucked inside.  Price: $52.50
• Anniversary Gift with Purchase – 7 piece collection
• Juicy Tube Set - Available in two color ways (warm or cool), this gift set includes 4 mini Juicy Tubes in a chic patent leather case.  Price: $39.50 

Bare Escentuals

• In Fashion set

- 8 Piece set has everything needed to celebrate style: bareMinerals Flawless Radiance All-Over Face Color, bareMinerals Eye Color in Bahamas, bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Caviar, bareMinerals Blush in Escape, bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolor in Bavarian Crème, Flawless Radiance Blush, Double Ended Precision Eye Brush, all in a black clutch.  Price: $75.00

For the complete list of offerings and pictures, you need to head over to Nordstrom and browse, plot, drool and start making your list.  Pre-orders start TODAY with shipping on July 18th.  While the rest of the world fights the crowds that day, you'll feel all smug that your pre-order beauty haul will be on it's way to you.  So what are you ordering?

 

 

Besame Cosmetics: A return to old world glamour

Besame Cosmetics sets itself from other cosmetics companies in a variety of ways--gorgeous Art Deco packaging, a committment to effortless beauty and elegant style and a founder that is passionate about her line.  I had the opportunity to try a few pieces from the Besame line and really liked each of them.

The line is built around the Classic-Enchanting lipstick.  This is a semi-matte lipstick in a classic "bullet" shape, that makes application precise.  You can use the "sharp" side of the lipstick to line your lips and the broad side to fill in.  The formula is creamy and highly pigmented.  The Classic-Enchanting lipstick comes in a case that you would love to pull out of your purse, it's that pretty.  I also tried the Lip Glaze, a long-wearing formula which contains vitamins and antioxidants and marine collagen to nourish your lips, as well as moisturize.   

The newest product from Besame Cosmetics is the Gingerbread 1930s Waterproof Mascara.  Upon opening the tube, the first thing you notice is the gingerbread scent; created by using natural conditioning oils and food-grade colorants.  I really like this mascara; it coats the lashes evenly and without clumping and lengthens well.  It has a nice, full brush that doesn't promote clumping.  And the formula is one of the most natural on the market, without parabens and is safe for sensitive eyes.  And like all the other Besame Cosmetics, it comes in a beautiful gold plated tube decorated with chrysanthemums.

Besame Cosmetics can be found online at makeup.com,Zappos.com and on the Besame website, where you will also find a store locator.  Have you tried Besame Cosmetics? 

Sephora Beauty Book: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin And Hair

While certainly not the definitive guide, the recently published "Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority" is a good read, especially for beauty addicts.  Stylized to look much like the Sephora catalog, it's meant to also have the high-energy vibe of the store.  Throw in beauty advice from industry icons and insiders, great photography and lots of dishing on makeup, this book will inspire you to try a new look.

The book is full of tips and tutorials, such as the one on the Smokey Eye, featuring advice from Carol Shaw (LORAC) and Vincent Longo.  One of my favorite sections is the product shopping guide.  The other chapter I find fascinating is "The future of beauty", where experts in the beauty field take out their crystal ball and predict what's coming next.  All in all, an enjoyable reference and a good read for makeup lovers.

Hourglass Lipstick & Lip Liner

My latest lipstick find is by Hourglass Cosmetics.  I've been using the Hourglass Lipstick and Trace Lip Liner and have been very pleased.  The lipstick, in Fresco, is a muted rose shade and a perfect everyday lip color. I found the lipstick to be long wearing, with smooth application and a natural look for me in this color. The lip liner is a double-ended mechanical liner; on one side you have a cartridge that contains a lip pencil, on the other side is a brush for perfect blending. You know how I love a multi-tasking product!

The Hourglass line has new products that are launching this month, including Illume Crème-To-Powder Bronzer, Veil Mineral Primer and Superficial Lash Mascara.  Look for the Hourglass line at Sephora.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics

Napoleon Perdis is an Austrailian makeup artist with a philosophy of empowering women and having a transgenerational approach to beauty.  His cosmetics line launched in the U.S. in 2005 and has been a smash, especially with celebrities like Paula Abdul, Teri Hatcher, Kate Beckinsdale and many others. 

The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream is a brilliant gel-to-powder formulation that is like your own version of an airbrush finish.  Once applied to the skin, you can see skin imperfections fade away, giving your skin a flawless finish.  I used the Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream prior to applying my foundation.  It is amazing to watch the gel finish disappear and when you touch your skin, it feels powdery.  The product fills in the small lines and allows foundation to sit on top of the skin, as opposed to settling in. The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream retails at $70.  Although I did like this product, I would have a hard time justifying spending $70 on what is essentially a primer. 

The Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer is really a multi-tasking product.  In addition to using it as a concealer, you can apply it to eyes and use as an eyeshadow base.  I didn't experience creasing with this product; in fact, it dries to a matte finish and did a good job of minimizing my dark circles.  This long lasting concealer is enriched with antioxidants A, C and E, to give the product an anti-aging treatment edge over other concealers.  The Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer retails at $40.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics are available on HSN, at Sephora, DermStore and on the Napoleon Perdis website.

MAC News: Beauty Powder Blush Collection & Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation

There is one product that will stop me dead in my tracks in front of a cosmetic counter tester unit and that is a blush.  I love buying blushes, and of course, have a drawer full to prove it.  So knowing that MAC just released a new blush collection this week...I had to stop in to my local department store to check it out.

MAC blushes are some of the most pigmented blushes out there.  A little color on your brush really does go a long way.  That said, this Beauty Powder Blush collection has real potential and is especially pretty for spring.  There are 8 shades, with my favorite being the True Romantic blush and Secret a close second.  There is a slight shimmer to the shades, which are shot with gold or silver, or in the case of Eversun, bronze.  Because of the effect and the shades (warm/cool) I think these shades really need to be seen at the counter and applied to your skin, as opposed to ordering online. 

In addition to the new MAC Heatherette collection on counters now, Nordstrom has the new Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation.  This loose mineral foundation has it's own sponge applicator (vaguely reminiscent of the philosophy supernatural mineral foundation) and comes in 5 shades.  Although I was so looking forward to the release of this product, after reading the ingredients, this is not going to be a mineral makeup that's on my list to try.  The Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation ingredients include wheat germ oil, a known comedogenic, as well as bismuth oxychloride, notorious for being an irritant in mineral makups. Many women wear mineral makeup because of skin sensitivies; if you're in that group, proceed with caution.  The Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation retails at $29 and until April is exclusive to Nordstrom.

Do you play the Game? Beauty High - Low

In this month's Harper's Bazaar, there is an article that talks about having that innate sense of style that allows you, for example, to take a designer pair of jeans, paired up with a Gap t-shirt, a Michael Kors handbag and diamond ear studs.  The result?  Effortless chic.  Think Sharon Stone at the Oscars a few years back.  The same principle holds true with beauty products, no? 

I know that on almost a daily basis, I think nothing of mixing high, medium and discount-priced beauty products.  I shop for my cosmetics everywhere (a true addict!). When it comes to skincare, I tend to favor pricier lines.  Because color cosmetic trends change so rapidly season to season, I might buy a palette or a few new eyeshadows and a blush to update my look.  For mascara, I can use everything from Lancome to Rimmel and not really play a favorite.  What about you?  Have you noticed that your makeup comes in all price ranges?  Take the survey and share your cosmetics high-low style.

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