Archive for August, 2009
NEW Rouge Allure Laque from Chanel!
Posted by Wendy in Makeup Collections/Launches on August 19th, 2009
New! Rouge Allure Laque from Chanel ($32) — a luminous, satin lip lacquer with intense pigment and patent-like shine that lasts up to 8 hours.
Current shades offered (left to right): Coromandel, Imperial, Dynastie, Dragon, Ming, Santal, Phoenix, and Mandarin.
Have any of you tried Rouge Allure Laque? What do you think?
-Images from chanel.com
Brand Spotlight: Caudalie
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions on August 18th, 2009
I’ve been on a months-long search for an antioxidant serum. A lot of beauty editors swear by Skinceuticals CE Ferulic; however, whenever I use it, my skin looks incredibly shiny by mid-day. My quest took me to Sephora, where a SA brought me over to the Caudalie aisle. Whereas many antioxidants use Vitamin C to fight free radicals, Caudalie founders Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas worked with the Bordeuax Univerisity of Pharmacy to harness the antioxidant power of grape seed polyphenols (one of the things that make red wine so good for you!!) as the basis for their skincare line. An added plus? Their products are formulated without parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes. The Sephora SA I spoke with said that the Pulp Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream (Contour Cream for Eyes and Lips – $53) is one of their top sellers for eye care. (*Note: Caudalie is repackaging this product. It is also known as “1st Wrinkle Eye Cream“).
Here’s the lowdown on some brand favorites (descriptions from Sephora.com):
(1) Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79) – My new antioxidant!! This satiny serum for all skin types offers remarkable, scientifically proven anti-dark spot action in just 4 weeks. It helps correct existing dark spots and helps prevent new occurences. Enriched with antioxidants and unique antiaging action that helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, your skin is left even, toned, moisturized and beautifully radiant. Contains Viniferine (a polyphenol that is isolated from the vine stalk and inhibits malanin production) titrated at 1000ppm. Non-comedogenic and oil-free.
(2) Pulp Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream / Contour Cream for Eyes & Lips ($53) – A high-performance gel-cream for eyes and lips. Instantly reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens dark circles, decongests puffiness and protects from free radicals. Main ingredients include grape seed polyphenols and tetrapeptides. *Also packaged as “1st Wrinkle Eye Cream.”
(3) Pulp Vitaminee Energizing Cream ($55) – This rich cream for normal to dry skin is remarkably effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving the overall elasticity of the skin without clogging pores. It restores vitality and imparts a silky, matte finish that lasts throughout the day. Main ingredients inclue grape seed polyphenols.
(4) Beauty Elixir ($15-$49) – Part toner, part serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients. Smoothes the skin, tightens the pores, and provides an instant burst of radiance as it stimulates microcirculation. Main ingredients include grape extract and essential oils.
(5) Gentle Cleanser ($26) – A velvety, gentle fluid cleanser for all skin types, including sensitive. Leaves the skin clean, soft, free of impurities and makeup, and protected against free radicals. Skin regains clarity and health and is perfectly prepared to absorb the benefits of skincare applied afterwards. Main ingredients include grape seed polyphenols and oat milk.
*Want to learn more about Caudalie? Visit Sephora.com or Caudalie-usa.com
-Images from sephora.com
Top 10 Primers at Sephora
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists on August 14th, 2009
The benefits of using a primer under foundation are generally known — they help smooth the skin by filling in fine lines, deep pores and wrinkles, providing a “primed” surface for makeup application. However, primers can also provide additional benefits, such as (1) being oil-free (2) adding hydration, (3) providing antioxidant protection, (4) brightening your skintone, (5) providing SPF protection and (6) being composed of primarily natural ingredients. To help take the guesswork out of your next primer purchase, here is a list of the top 10 primers at Sephora.
Use the following key to help differentiate between the additional product benefits offered by each primer: O=oil-free, H=hydrating, A=antioxidant protection, E=brightening skintone, N=natural ingredients, and S=SPF. Descriptions are taken from Sephora.com
1. Bare Escentuals Bare Vitamins Prime Time = Prepare your skin for the most amazing foundation with this preservative-free foundation primer that’s great for all skin types. Benefits = A, N. Sephora rating: 4.5/5 – 1,182 reviews, $21
2. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 = A mineral based primer with SPF 15 that neutralizes the skin and creates a smooth, uniformed canvas for flawless makeup application. Benefits = N, S, O. Sephora rating: 4.7/5 – 79 reviews, $52
3. Tarte Clean Slate = A lightweight, emollient face primer. Benefits: A, N. Sephora rating: 4.5/5 – 290 reviews, $27
4. Smashbox Photo Finish = Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application. Benefits: A. Sephora rating: 4.4/5 – 1,766 reviews, $36. Also available in Smashbox Photo Finish LIGHT ($30- for oilier skin types), and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl ($42).
5. Laura Geller Spackle = One of Laura Geller’s signature creations — a sleek foundation primer. Benefits: O. Sephora rating: 4.3/5 – 375 reviews, $23
6. Per-fekt Beauty Skin Perfection Gel = A multi-tasking all-in-one vitamin enriched, sweat-resistant and water-resistant skin perfector. Benefits: A, O. Sephora rating: 4.2/5 – 471 reviews, $57.50
7. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer = A lightweight, oil-free complexion corrector that enhances the skin’s texture and primes the skin for makeup application. Benefits: O. Sephora rating: 4.1/5 – 632 reviews, $32
8. Korres Face Primer = A silicone-free, 99 percent natural, antioxidant rich face primer that creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. Benefits: A, N. Sephora rating: 4.1/5 – 216 reviews, $28
9. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer = A vitamin-rich, water-based foundation primer. Benefits: H, A, O. Sephora rating: 4.1/5 – 134 reviews, $30. Also available in Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer ($30) and Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer ($30).
10. Benefit “That Gal” Brightening Face Primer = A silky pink primer that makes skin appear smoother and brighter. Benefits: B. Sephora rating: 4/5 – 392 reviews, $28
-Images from sephora.com
Hope In A Jar: The Making of America’s Beauty Culture, by Kathy Peiss
Posted by Wendy in Makeup Book Reviews on August 14th, 2009
From the back cover:
“How did powder and paint, once scorned as immoral, become indispensable to millions of respectable women? … In Hope in a Jar, historian Kathy Peiss gives us the first full-scale social history of America’s beauty culture, from the buttermilk and rice powder recommended by Victorian recipe books to the mass-produced products of our contemporary consumer age. She shows how women, far from being pawns and victims, used makeup to declare their freedom, identity, and sexual allure as they flocked to enter public life. …”
* * * * *
This book is fabulous! I absolutely could not put it down, and for the 2 weeks or so it took me to read it, I continually turned to whoever was next to me to ask, “Did you know that ….?” Wouldn’t you if you learned that:
-In 1770 the English Parliament passed an act to annul marriages of “those who ensnared husbands through the use of ’scents, paints, cosmetic washes, artificial teeth, false hair, Spanish wool, iron stays, hoops, high-heeled shoes and bolstered hips.’ ” (p26)?
-Even as late as 1915, a legislator in Kansas “proposed to make it a misdemeanor for women under the age of forty-four to wear cosmetics ‘for the purpose of creating a false impression”(p55)?
The fundamental question that Kathy Preiss asks — how makeup went from being regarded as something immoral and deceptive to something that celebrates women (and is a basic woman’s right — see Tangee lipstick ad below) — is one that I think quite a few women have wondered about. Her 270 -page response is such a pleasure to read and is so full of historical facts that I recommend it to anyone interested in how the American beauty industry has gotten to where it is today. An absolute must!! My grade: 10/10. Available at amazon.com.
-Images from Hope in a Jar, p28,29 and 241
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Beauty Products
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists on August 7th, 2009
We’ve all heard that there are great products to be found in your local drugstore beauty aisle. Unfortunately, a visit to your local drugstore can be just as overwhelming as a visit to the department store, with dozens of different mascaras, blushes, foundations etc. all clamoring for your attention. In an attempt to relieve some beauty aisle stress, here is a list of the drugstore finds that are staples in my makeup kit:
1. L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup ($10.49) – I once grabbed this when I was in a hurry for a photo shoot and had run out of some of the foundation shades in my kit. I’m glad I did, because it’s now one of the primary foundations I use! It lives up to its claim of being super blendable, providing a natural-looking light to medium coverage. It also boasts no oils, fragrances or oil-clogging fillers. With 24 shades to choose from, there’s a true match for everyone. I highly encourage you to give it a try 
2. Maybelline Volum’ Express Turbo Mascara ($7.49) – Want to add volume to your lashes without any flaking or clumping? Give this mascara a try! I love using it in the waterproof formula for weddings.
3. Maybelline Great Lash ($4.79) – It’s hard to argue with a classic. Is there a beauty award this iconic mascara hasn’t won?
4. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush ($7.49) — This is one of my latest obsessions. Don’t be worried by the brightness of the shades in the jar. When applied to the apples of your cheeks with your fingertips, the result is a natural, radiant flush of color. An added plus? The air-whipped texture makes it virtually impossible to look clownish. My favorite go-to shades are: #10 “Pink Frosting,” #25 “Rose Petal,” and #40 “Soft Plum”
5. ALMAY Intense I-Color Eye Shadow Trios ($7.49) – The first time I used the ALMAY Intense I-Color trio for “Hazel Eyes,” I was amazed at the silkiness of the eye shadow. All three colors applied as easy as higher-end brands, and by categorizing the trios according to eye color, it’s easy to find one that will make your eyes pop. Each trio comes with an eyelid, crease and highlight color. Perfect!
6. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($6.00) — I have frustratingly sensitive eyelids. Most eye makeup removers start stinging after 5 seconds, so I was relieved when I used Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover and didn’t feel a thing. Just shake the bottle thoroughly and apply with a cotton square. It even removes pesky waterproof makeup with ease.
7. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat ($5.49) — I love it when products do exactly what they claim to do. Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Top Coat really does dry in 30 seconds, and while none of my manicures have ever lasted more than 5 days, I’ve definitely been able to squeeze out an extra 2 or 3 days by using this.
8. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($11.49) — No fancy frills or packaging; just a simple, non-irritating moisturizer that provides a great base for makeup.
9. Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Continuous Hydration Eye ($15.49) – This hydrating under eye cream provides a perfect base for concealer.
10. CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen ($5.79) — Love, love, love this eyeliner. The small, compact size combined with the felt-tip applicator make it easy to achieve either fine or bold lines. Just make sure to shake well before use.
How Well Does It Work? Clarisonic Skincare Brush…
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions, Weddings-101 on August 6th, 2009
I finally did it. After reading fantastic reviews of the Clarisonic Skincare Brush for over a year - including being named InStyle’s “Best Face Tool” in its April 2009 “Best of Beauty” list and receiving 365 reviews on Sephora.com with an average of 5/5 stars – I went to Sephora and got this supposed $195 miracle. Everything I have read says that it is the best investment you can make for your skin since it removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing, thus allowing all of your other skincare products to be more effective. My main reservation (besides the pricetag) was my ultra sensitive skin. I worried that hundreds of tiny bristles moving at 300 movements per second would leave my face looking like a tomato. Luckily, the brush I purchased came with the Sensitive Brush Head, so hopefully this will prove soothing to my skin. I plan on giving my reviews at the 1-day, 14-day and 30-day mark.
Here’s a rundown of the benefits of the Clarisonic brush:
- 2x more effective than manual cleansing
- Removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing
- Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
- Cleanses so well that products absorb better – example: 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C than with manual cleansing
- Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
- Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
DAY 1 REVIEW: Wow. I only used it for the first time last night, but I am very impressed. The brush somehow managed to give me a “very clean” feeling without feeling dry and tight. And no redness! I had just a tiny pink glow for 10 minutes afterward, but I think that’s most likely due to increased circulation. I used my trusted Obagi RosaClear Gentle Cleanser, but the brush does come with Clarisonic’s Gentle Hydro Cleanser. So far, so good!!…
Day 14 REVIEW: As it turns out, the Sensitive Brush Head that came with my Clarisonic brush ended up being a little too harsh after about a week of use, so I ended up buying the Delicate Brush Head, which works perfectly.
Day 30 REVIEW: I am in love with this brush! Ever since I switched to the Delicate Brush Head, my skin has felt thoroughly cleaned and rejuvenated after every use. I can definitely tell that my products are working more effectively as well — one positive benefit being the disappearance (finally!) of a pesky sunspot (wear your sunscreen, ladies!). My advice is that if you can find a way to make the initial $195 purchase (this would be a GREAT present idea for holidays/birthdays), the benefits are tremendous, and you only have to pay $25 every 3 months or so to replace your brush head.
-Image from niemanmarcus.com
Ooh la la! Only at Sephora — 3 New Bare Escentuals Buxom Products…Including Eyeliners!
Posted by Wendy in Makeup Collections/Launches on August 3rd, 2009
First off, if you haven’t discovered the wonders that are the Bare Escentuals Buxom Lipglosses, then run to your nearest Sephora and give them a try (and with 4.6/5 stars and 3,000+ reviews at Sephora.com, appararently quite a few people agree with me!). My personal favorite is “Dolly” – a shimmering, muted plum that matches my lips almost perfectly for my “everyday” look. Each mineral-infused Buxom gloss provides a fantastic finish without a sticky or tacky feeling.
Secondly, if you’re already a Buxom convert, you’re in for a surprise. Sephora now exclusively offers 3 new sexy and curvy additions to the BE Buxom line: (1) BE Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick, (2) BE Buxom Insider Eyeliner (3) BE Buxom Lashliner, and (4) BE Buxom Lashliner Brush.
Sephora describes the latest additions as follows:
–BE Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick ($18) – A Beauty-Insider Exclusive. “Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick works three full-time jobs – it defines the shape of the lips like a liner, fills them in with creamy velvet color, and then plumps them to their full buxom potential. It’s a three-in-one lipstick that’s quick and convenient for defined, colorful, buxom lips anytime, anywhere.” Colors include “Barcelona” (scarlet apple – quickly emerging as a customer favorite), “Berlin” (creamy pecan), “Brooklyn” (harvest fig), “Las Vegas” (vibrant pink), “Milan” (sun-kissed apricot) and “Monte Carlo” (magenta).
–BE Buxom Insider Eyeliner ($14) — “Buxom Insider Eyeliner delivers rich, long-wearing color that’s so gentle you can apply it to the inner rims of your eyes for the deepest, most dramatic definition. … It can also be applied along the outer lash line for the maximum effect and glides on without tugging or irritating your eyes.” Colors include “Amethyst,” “Emerald,” “Onyx,” “Pearl,” “Sapphire,” and “Topaz.”
–BE Buxom Lashliner ($15) — Bare Escentuals’ response to the (well-deserved) gel eyeliner craze. “Lash addicts beware: Buxom Lashliner is highly habit-forming. This may look like just an eyeliner, but it is also a thickening and conditioning treatment that instantly takes the appearance of your lashes from hardly any to very many. … In one fluid stroke, you can fill in the base of your lashes — making them appear lusciously longer and fuller. Colors include “Leatherette” (black), “Sequins,” (black with silver micro glitter) and “Suede” (dark brown). The Buxom Lashliner can be applied with the BE Buxom Lashliner Brush ($15) or any small, angled eyeliner brush.
–Love the top look as much as I do? Sephora has the following instructions for re-creating the look: Using the (1) Buxom by Bare Escentuals Lashliner Brush and the (2) Buxom by Bare Escentuals Lashliner in Leatherette, create a thin line across upper lash line and tail it out at the end. Rim the lower lashline with (3) Buxom by Bare Escentuals Insider Eyeliner in Onyx. Apply (4) Buxom by Bare Escentuals Bareminerals Lash Mascara in Blackest Black. Line and fill lips in with (5) Buxom by Bare Escentuals Big & Healthy Lipstick in Barecelona.
-Images compiled from sephora.com
Indulge Your Inner Gossip Girl — Bobbi Brown’s New “Ivy League” Collection
Posted by Wendy in Makeup Collections/Launches on August 3rd, 2009
If the coming fall has you searching to indulge your inner Gossip Girl, look no further than Bobbi Browns new “Ivy League” collection — complete with a NEW Long Wear Gel Eyeliner shade! In her “Ivy League” video, Bobbi says that plaids, forest greens, ivy colors, pencils and going back to school were the inspiration behind her latest color story.
The collection includes:
–Lip Crayons ($22) = Brought back by popular demand, and now a permanent part of the Bobbi Brown line. Bobbi’s lip crayons combine the feel of a lipstick with the ease of a jumbo lip pencil. New shades include “Coral Pink,” “Dusty Nude,” “Honeysuckle,” “Posey,” “Raisin Berry,” and “Wild Rose.”
–Creamy Eye Pencil ($20) – Bobbi’s new and improved creamy eye pencil applies smoothly and evenly, and it features a built-in smudger on one end to assist with the perfect smokey eye. Shades include “Brown Plum,” “Caviar,” “Charcoal,” “Dusk,” “Hunter,” “Jet,” “Mahogany,” “Midnight” and “Walnut.”
–Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21) in “Forest Shimmer Ink” — a new shade that blends the deepest green with golden pearls to make eyes really pop.
–Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow ($20) in “Golden Leaf” — a golden green
–Metallic Eye Shadow ($20) in “Bash” — an emerald green
–Eye Shadow ($20) in “Ivy” — a dark, black green
XOXO!!
-Images from bobbibrown.com, 2.bp.blogspot.com, nymag.com and blog.pricegrabber.com
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