A selective editorial on style
Latest Beauty Products
Staying up to date with the beauty industry whether it’s makeup, skincare or haircare can be a chore. Lucky for our readers, we have a staff of guest bloggers dedicated to discovering the latest trends and styles taking shape in the beauty industry.
Spring 2012 Eyeshadows
01 day ago
Spring 2012 is shaping up to be a great season for makeup, especially if you like wearing pastel colored eyeshadow. Every makeup line from Maybeline to Dior, and Stila to Estee Lauder have Springtime appropriate pastel colors in their eyeshadow palettes this season. I’ll admit I already own many pastel and jewel tone eyeshadow, and it’s true I feel compelled to wear them during the Spring. This season is no different, we’re seeing a lot of updated “Easter egg” colors, and tons of greens. Many of this seasons purple, yellow and blue eyeshadow shades aren’t appropriate for the business casual workplace, but they are perfect for nights, weekends and making your standard tee shirt and jeans outfit POP!
Most drugstore and designer palette’s this season offer colors in medium pigmentation that are translucent, but not sheer. The shades have satiny, and in some cases glittery finishes instead of the matte finish we’ve scene in previous seasons. Of course, all eyeshadow will look it’s best if you start with a base layers of eyeshadow primer. I just bought my first eyeshadow primer a few months ago, and it’s done wonders for me (no more creases). Here is Ellie’s review of some of the most popular eyeshadow primers on the market.
Here are some of my favorite Spring 2012 eyeshadow colors:
Chanel Eclosion Quadra Eyeshadow ($58) has a relatively safe warm-neutral pallet for Spring 2012. Each color has a slightly different variation of shimmer. The colors are very similar to Chanel’s Dunes Quadra and Spices Quadra. If you already own either of these Chanel palletes, you probably don’t need to drop more money on this new Springtime palette.
Clarins Blue Sky Eye Quartet Mineral Palette ($40) is part of the Clarins Spring 2012 palette Colour Breeze. Blue sky has three blue shades, two of which are actually work appropriate because they are ‘washes of blue’, and a white shade. The blues contain flecks of glitter in silver and blue jewel tones to help enhance the shade. Be aware that without a primer, you will lose some of the eyeshadow flecks to your face.
Dior 5 Couleurs Garden Edition Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palettes ($59) apply with a fantastic creamy texture. The look is more frosty iridescent than shimmery, which is a finish unique to Dior this season. Best part, the color really lasts all day. With Dior it is true, you get what you pay for!
Estee Lauder Pure Color Topaz Mosaic Five Color Eyeshadow Palette ($45) was inspired by the warm, sun-bleached tones of the desert. The neutral bronze and shimmery copper tones make this palette another safe, and somewhat affordable bet for the season.
Lancome Roseraie Des Delices Eyeshadow Palettes ($49) are filled with soft pastel shades that evoke lush gardens, white lace sundresses and indulgent Ladurée macaroons. The two high-end palettes for the season come in candy-coloured quartettes: one with feminine roses and peaches, the other in refreshing greens like seafoam and turquoise.
MAC Cook Eyeshadow Palettes ($38) are available for a limited time at select MAC counters. Pictured: Call Me Bubbles and Colour Added. The Spring 2012 MAC Cook shades offer a similar assortment of colors as the other major players this season. Call Me Bubbles is very desert chic, with nice sheen. While Colour Added offers the alternative, risky colors of the season. Makeup wearers either love, or hate MAC; so it is importnat MAC offers every “HOT” shade each season to continue to speak to the customers that love them…and make sure they don’t go running off to a competitor.
Stila Jewel Eyeshadows ($20) come in eight new shimmery colors for Spring 2012. These colors work against the whole pastel palette, and bring in more of s New Mexico, or Mjoave feel. The colors are all appropicately named after stones. I bet you can easily pick out “Opal” and “Amethyst”.
If you’re on the market for some pastel and jewel tone eyeshadows, Spring 2012 is the perfect season for you. Find you favorite shades, and stock up. We all know how quickly color trends change!
Illamasqua Nail Varnish
01 week ago
I fell in love with Illamasqua ever since I discovered their amazing Lipstick. Illamasqua is known for their intense and very bold make-up and when I noticed their Nail Varnish collection I just had to try it.
Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant colors that stand out. The formula is hard wearing and chip resistant and contains individual finishes from matte to high gloss. Apply two coats for high intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Make a statement and talk with your hands!
The advertisement at Sephora promised a “rubber look” so I was intrigued. I used two coats of the color Vice (rich magenta/satin finish) with a base coat underneath. I wasn’t impressed with the matte look, and didn’t see it as looking rubber-like, so after two days I added a top coat which made the color pop and look very lovely.
The varnish itself is thick, covers well and doesn’t chip easily. The thing is, I can get the same quality from OPI, ORLY and Nails, Inc. at a lower cost (Illamasqua is $14, the others are $9.50 or less). So in this case, I would recommend to try it before you buy and decide for yourself.
As I was researching for this post I also saw on Illamasqua’s site a Handmade Toxic Claw.
Individually crafted, each original piece is a miniature work of art that transforms your look. Designed to be worn on either thumb, customise your Toxic Claws with Illamasqua Nail Varnish for a versatile and truly unique finish. False nails will never be the same again!
Not sure what to say about this one, except it’s sure to be noticed!
Lime Crime: Experience these high voltage show stoppers
02 weeks ago
“SHUT THE FRONT DOOR”.
LimeCrime Opaque lip hues are beyond the regular rouge. In one swipe, “pow” you get intense color galore.
Now after you shut that front door go run to a nearby mirror…starring back at you, will be pure pigment. Pigment that’s not dry but rather creamy, moist and delicate not the norm. You’ll also find they are long lasting so little touch-ups are required.
“Wear them on a date, wear them when you want to be noticed…”
The collection is edited down to about 14 show stoppers. I hate when cosmetic lines have endless colours to pick from. Isn’t it just down right senseless and unnecessary? A sure way to get people’s head’s to spin.
After trying: No She Didn’t; Great Pink Planet; Coquette, Countessa Flourescent..I’m thirsty for more damit!!
Seriously, these lipstick/lipgloss textures are criminal so I can see why the name.
Bottom line, don’t sleep on this brand. In one tube there’s awhole lot of punch or in the case of the gloss – a whole lot of glitter and gold that meets the eye!
Okaaaay, getting down to the nitty gritty, thee co$t…Price point retails for $15.99 each.
Where do you buy: For now, http://www.limecrimemakeup.com but I’m sure that will change as popularity builds!
Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen
12 weeks ago
For the last week I’ve been using samples of the Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen. The trio of products are formulated to moisturize your face and neck, as well as provide anti-aging and re-texturizing benefits.
Twice a day you are to use the Truth Serum Collagen Booster, which is a high-potency vitamin C complex that prevents and corrects signs of aging while promoting brightness. The serum feels like a light gel which absorbs very quickly on the face and neck.
In the AM, after the Truth Serum, apply Sheer Transformation. This cream is also very light-weight, you might be tempted to think it’s too light, but let it absorb and you’ll notice your skin won’t be tight or feel dry. Sheer Transformation helps fade skin discoloration, nourishes and re-texturizes the complexion.
In the PM, after the Truth Serum, apply the Invigorating Night Gel. Over time this light-weight gel stimulates cell turnover, exposing a younger, firmer-looking complexion. This product is in the form of a gel, thicker than the serum, very similar to hair gel. Some people have found it sticky, in my case I liked the way it was quickly absorbed by my skin. I did notice the stickiness when I applied a thicker layer. It’s not what you would expect from a night cream, but it works!
After one week of using these products, I have noticed a difference. My skin feels a lot softer and I’m considering switching to the Three Little Wonders when my current face cream is finished.
The trio costs $70, which is a lower price than buying them separately. My suggestion as always is to try a sample first before committing to a purchase, and even though the bottles are only 1 ounce, a little does go a long way.
Alien by Thierry Mugler
02 weeks ago
I rarely review perfumes because they’re too subjective, a great scent can smell awful applied on my body and be amazing on someone else. But I just had to make a comment about the sample I found on Vogue. It’s for Alien by Thierry Mugler.
It’s a spray packet, you lift the tab, push it back down and a small spray comes out of it. I loved it! OK I loved the packaging, not the scent.
Even though the perfume is not for me, I just can’t throw away the sample. I’ll be passing it on to a friend of mine.
China Glaze Hunger Games / Capitol Colours
13 weeks ago
Brand new colors from China Glaze, will come to stores early March just before the release of The Hunger Games. The new collection is called Capitol Colours and each polish is a representation of a certain aspect of the story. You’ll be able to find the collection at Sally Beauty Supply and ULTA Beauty.
In my case, I think Electrify and Smoke & Ashes will be perfect for my collection!
Agro
Dress Me Up
Electrify
Fast Track
Foie Gras
Harvest Moon
Hook & Line
Luxe & Lush
Mahogany Magic
Riveting
Smoke & Ashes
Stone Cold
Urban Decay Naked2
01 month ago
A big hit for Urban Decay has been its collection of neutral eyeshadows called Naked Palette.
This palette can be called anything except boring, with 12 gorgeous neutrals that work on any skin color. The palette includes glittery, shimmery and matte textures.
Now the most anticipated sequel will soon be available, named Naked2.
This collection features 12 new neutral colors that range from pale and deep, to matte and sparkly.
Naked2 is currently available only online through Sephora.com and is expected to be available in stores by the end of January. They expect the palette to be in very high demand, so either order it online or call your local Sephora consultant to verify dates.
Balancing Neons and Nudes
01 month ago
I’ve been a loyal supporter of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for many reasons. The make-up is subtle and simultaneously fun, there is a variety of beautiful, versatile colors, and the overall “Bobbi look” is natural and fresh. Considering I wear little make-up and always strive for a more conservative and undone look, Bobbie always delivers. This season, she is featuring her Neons and Nudes Collection, the perfect blend of subtlety and brightness for the winter season. How simple yet genius, right? We all know the fashion rule, “Bright here, neutral there,” and we stick to it for obvious reasons. The beauty of this new collection is balance: balancing brightness and neutrality for a glowing, natural look. While the new collection offers a nude eye palette, an ink liner, a lip gloss in Citrus, Cosmic Pink, and Ultra Violet, an eye shadow in Blue Bell and Ultra Violet, a lipstick in Atomic Orange, Neon Pink, and Uber Beige, I am most impressed with the blush in Nude Pink and Nude Peach. The colors are incredible and offer just the right amount of color for a radiant look–and they work with any skin tone. They complement bright lips and neutral eyes, as well as bring the whole face together. Whether you’re looking for a less-is-more look in the day or a festive, flirty look in the evening, this collection is simply the one!
