MAC Reel Sexy

If you aren't on MAC overload at this point then we will look at the only full color collection that came out this week, Reel Sexy.  Reel Sexy has been the collection that is most widely debated and discussed in the beauty industry, it brings back the limited edition Eye Duos.  The Eye Duos are considered by many to be one of MAC's worst products and it annoys me that they continue to come back collection after collection.  I know that someone must be buying these, otherwise MAC wouldn't continue to re-release them, however I have never found a good reviews of the formula and often times the duos themselves are such odd combinations that I have never been even been tempted to purchase one.  So here we go again with the Duos, if one really appeals to me than I will go to the counter and play with it to see if MAC improved the formula with this collection.

"Our main feature - a cinematic drama starring Ms. Kristen McMenamy, supported by an entire cast of limited edition Dynamic Duo Eye Shadows, Nail Lacquers, Cremesheen Glass, and Mineralize Skinfinish - sublime! Rave reviews all around!"  Kristen McMenamy was one of the big supermodels in the late 80s and early 90s, in fact she is one the originators of the "supermodel" concept and modeled in the huge Versace campaign in 1994.  MAC has done collections with artists and designers so far this spring and now I see that they are expanding out and including supermodels in their creative group...

MAC Reel Sexy!

Dynamic Duo 1: Eye Shadow x 2 - A limited edition Dynamic Duo Eye Shadow starring a hot shade of coral and a handsomely rich plum.  Just what you need when the lights go back up.
- coral with yellow pearl (Veluxe Pearl)/dirty-toned purple (Matte)

Dynamic Duo 2: Eye Shadow x 2 - A cinematic Eye Shadow duo where Royale blue takes the lead while the softer Crystal tells its own story - love, romance, eternal chic!  Limited edition.
- violet duochrome with pearl (Frost)/clean violet (Matte)

Dynamic Duo 3: Eye Shadow x 2 - What dynamic casting!  Teal takes the lead in this limited edition Eye Shadow duo.  Its Reel Sexy co-star Pearled Earth adds contrast with a sparkling touch of frost.
- dirty-toned purple (Veluxe Pearl)/teal blue (Matte)

Dynamic Duo 4: Eye Shadow x 2 - Prep yourself for a cinematic experience that could only be Reel Sexy!  See what happens when two popular returning shades, including Pink Feather, get together for this exciting double feature.
- midtone pink (Satin)/blackened violet (Matte)

Zoom Lash - Major drama.  Lasts all day.  Creamy velvety formula builds density and conditions.  Feels light, supple.  Ultra-sculpted brush has three-sided fibres to embrace and separate each lash, hugging every curve.  Coats in one stroke from root to tip.  No smudging.
- Zoomblack - pure deep black

Eye Kohl - A soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines, and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth, matte/pearl finish.  Ophthamologist tested.
- Heirloom - wink of metallic lavender
- Hyacinth - dirtied mid-tone blue
- Resort - deep amethyst plum
- Smolder - intense black

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips.  Stands out on the runway.  Simmers on the street!  What made MAC famous.
- Reel Sexy - light bright coral
- Watch Me Simmer - bright pink-orange
- Pink Popcorn - lavender
- Heroine - bright violet/purple

Cremesheen Glass - A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of MAC Lipglass.  Soft, comfortable, non-sticky.  Applies with a doe-foot applicator.  Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own.
- Private Screening - mid-tone peach
- Cinestyle - mid-tone blue gray violet
- Star Quality - bright orange coral
- Colour Saturation - dark cool wine

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face.  Various formulas.  Different looks.
- Pink Cult - mid-tone dirty neutral pink
- Magenta - bright magenta

Mineralize Skinfinish - A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish.  Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.
- Lightscapade - soft candlelit beige with multidimensional shimmer

Nail Lacquer - Revolutionary new high gloss formula.  Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted.  Visibly different.  Provides no-streak/no-chip finish.  Contains conditioners and UV protection.  Go hi-lacquer!
- Vivid Effect - vivid orange coral
- In the Dark...Purple - vivid violet
- Screening Room - bright mid-tone teal

I can't really say that I like any of the Duos this time around...I don't think that there is one that I even like enough to buy and try out.  One major aspect that I noticed about the Duos is that most of the eye shadows are the Veluxe Pearl or Matte finishes.  These are the two finishes from this company that vary the most in texture and pigment payoff, Veluxe Pearl has a few standout shades but most have major application issues...this might be the reason behind the lack of love for many of the Duos.

I was a bit let down in the lip area of this collection too.  None of the shades really appealed to me and since many of them are already sold out online, I doubt that I will be buying any of these shades.  I have been wanting to play with the Cremesheen Gloss formula since I spied a great shade of pink gloss on one of my friends but nothing from this new collection jumped out at me and made me want to run to the MAC counter.

So what do I like from this collection?  I love the teal nail polish shade and I knew that I would when I first saw the promotional images for the collection.  The other product that I really like is very different than everything else that I currently own in my makeup collection, the Eye Kohl in Heirloom.  I don't own a lavender eye liner and this product would be key in creating a colorful lavender eye look. 

Hopefully some of the May MAC releases really grab me since nothing in the past few collections really motivated me to run to the counter...

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC In Extra Dimension

Collection Number 3 of the week from MAC is a cross between a targeted product collection and a full color collection, it is larger and more varied than the two previous collections but still doesn't contain products and shades for the entire face.  In Extra Dimension is a small collection that revolves around a new eye shadow formula, a liquid-powder hybrid unique to the MAC cosmetics line.  In addition the eye shadow formula in this line, MAC also introduces a new highligher to their line with this collection.

"Introducing a new liquid-powder formula with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights, and models the face.  Two products to try: Extra Dimension Skinfinish and Extra Dimension Eye Shadow."  I am more interested in the eye shadow than anything else in this collection, liquid facial highlighters are not a product that I typically use and I don't really plan to start them anytime soon.  I guess this is the collection that I am the least excited for in this group...
MAC In Extra Dimension...

Extra Dimension Eye Shadow - A liquid-powder Eye Shadow with prismatic reflections in ten shimmering tints.  Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect.  Lasts up to 6 hours.
- Grand Galaxy - dirty midtone violet
- Young Venus - pale white pink
- Blue Orbit - light iridescent purple
- Warm Thunder - dirty silver gray
- Modern Pewter - dirty olive gold
- Sweet Heat - bright peach champagne
- Havana - dirty copper brown
- Lunar - royal blue
- Rich Core - dirty aubergine
- Dark Dare - charcoal black

Extra Dimension Highlighter - A liquid-powder highlighter with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights, and models the face.  The cool, creamy near-fluid formula creates a luminous, well-defined finish.  Wears 10 hours.
- Whisper of Guilt - light soft white with shimmery sheen
- Supreb - soft peachy nude with multi dimensional shimmer
- Glorify - copper with golden shimmer

234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush - Specifically designed to deliver two unique results for eyes; the natural goat hair in this split fibre picks up and applies powders and pigments, while the synthetic fibres blend colour for professional quality results.

128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush - Designed for exceptional Blush application, this split fibre brush delivers a soft, diffused look with its unique combination of natural and synthetic fibres.

I would consider picking up a few of the eye shadows from this collection but that is about all, my thoughts on liquid highlighers still hold and I don't think any of these shades would be all that flattering on me anyway.  This type of eye shadow formula would actually fill an empty place in my makeup collection, all of my shadows are either powder or cream.  My favorite shade in the new formula is the one that I have included a picture of, Grand Galaxy.  This deep lavender shade is actually like nothing that I currently own and I am so attracted to this shade.  If I like this formula, I would then buy the following shades: Young Venus, Warm Thunder, Modern Pewter, Sweet Heat, and Havana.  I am very hopeful about this formual since lately I have been interested in creating bright, colorful eyes for the spring and this formula could be a huge asset to creating this look.

Next up is the only full color collection from MAC...Reel Sexy!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Tres Cheek

The second of the four MAC releases this week is a targeted collection for the cheeks, Tres Cheeks contains a series of new blush shades.  The traditional blush formula is one of the only products that I have never tried from MAC, I have used the Beauty Powder as blush but for some reason I have never bought one of their original blushes.  Lately I have been buying so many blushes from NARS and Illamasqua that I haven't been looking at other brands the way that I normally do.  Prehaps this series of new shades will change that for me and I will be picking up a few MAC Blushes on the coming weeks. 

Tres Cheek contains only new shades of the original formula, to the best of my knowledge this is not a new formula just a series of new shades.  "Blush as vibrantly, softly, or hip as you dare in shades that reflect your mood, style, and skin tone.  Six new limited edition Blush Powders in red-orange, peach, pink, and lavender that are seamlessly sheer, and stay as bright on the skin as they are in the palette."

The six new shades...

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face.  Various formulas.  Different looks.
- Pink Tea - neutral beiged pink
- Immortal Flower - bright peach
- Full of Joy - lavender
- Lovecloud - bright midtone pink
- Modern Mandarin - red-orange
- Peony Petal - bright blue pink

My favorite shade is the one that I have pictured, the Peony Petal is a bright blue pink that will work very well with the all the makeup shades that I currently own.  I am always buying more pink and rose blushes that promise to have full pigmentation and now I have more to add to my collection.  In addition to Peony Petal, I want to order Full of Joy and perhaps Pink Tea also.  Pink Tea looks as though it will be a less dramatic shade so this one might be best for professional environments.  I am interested in the Full of Joy shade, the pale lavender.  I am curious as to how this shade will appear on the skin, it is very pale and cool so if I can't pull it off than I don't know who it will be flattering on.

Time to go blush shopping again!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Prime Future

This week is the biggest week of the month for MAC, several new collections are coming out.  Some of the collections are full color collections and others are more targeted toward a specific type of product.  First we will look at the targeted product collections and then we will get into the full color collections.  Why MAC is deciding to release four collections in one week and have little to nothing coming out the rest of the month is beyond me but I will just appreciate all the new products that I have to buy and try over the next month from this company.

Prime Future consists of two new types of primers, I love the Prep + Prime product from MAC so I am excited to see what else has been released in this collection.  I liked the original product from Prep + Prime but the eye primer in this collection left a lot to be desired so I am hoping that the new products will be more like the original.  "MAC Prime Future: Introducing two new all-over face primers.  Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion saturates skin with a concentrated burst of hydration.  Velvety Prep + Prime Skin Smoother instantly fills in fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin texture, and mattifies while softening the skin."

The new primers from MAC...

Prep + Prime Skin Smoother - A velvety skin perfecting primer that instantly fills in fine lines and.  wrinkles.  Contains powerful anti-oxidants, evens skintone, and mattifies - while softening the skin.  Convenient compact makes it perfect for on-the-go moments.

Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion - A lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration, making it a unique hybrid between skincare and priming.  Gently soothes, revives, and replenishes the skin while preparing it for foundation.

I would use the Skin Smoother product now and the Moisture Infusion more in the cool weather.  I hope that both of these are permanent since I want to try both of them, I will buy Skin Smoother within the next few months and then wait a bit for the Moisture Infusion.  I am very much looking forward to buying and reviewing these products in the hopes that they measure up to the original Prep + Prime product.

photo courtesy of MAC

OPI New York City Ballet Collection

I have finished up all the official spring color collections and now I am covering a few of the smaller ones that came out this season (with much less hype and fanfare).  Yesterday I looked at the Mad Men collection from Estee Lauder and today we are looking at a second spring collection from OPI.  Both these little spring collections are much better for me than the actual collections from these companies, I wish that they were expanded since I love pretty much every shade in them.

The New York City Ballet collection consists of six polish shades that are pretty pales and are based off the costumes in the ballet itself.  "The soft color palette and effortlessly chic style of the urban ballerina comes to life in this elegant ensemble of six dreamy lacquers."  I have been indulging in all shades of brights lately and now I think that I need some pales in order to balance out my collection. 

Here are the six shades that are offered in this little collection...

- Barre My Soul - sheer nude beige cream
- You Callin' My a Lyre? - soft neutral pink cream
- Don't Touch My Tutu! - sheer neutral white cream
- Care To Danse? - sheer cool lavender cream
- My Pointe Exactly - sheer cool pale gray cream
- Pirouette My Whistle - clear backgrouund with large and small pieces of silver glitter suspended in it

All the shades can be layered with the glitter shade in dress them up and make them slightly more trendy for the season. All of the shades are sheer and need to be layered to really pop on the nail, Care to Danse? seems to have to have the most pigment (based on the swatches that I have seen) but even this shade isn't all that pigmented.  My favorite of the shades is the pale pink shade, this one reminds me of a Deborah Lippmann polish shade that I ran out of and now have a much harder time finding than I used to.  I actually would love to buy all the shades in this collection expect for Barre My Soul, it seems a bit too warm to be as flattering as the others for me.

This collection will sell out very quickly since these shades will work well for any occasion, from work to play.  These are the perfect shades to wear to the office and anyone can pull them off, it is refreshing to see pale shades instead of all the brights that I have been seeing for the past few months.

photo courtesy of brides.com

Estee Lauder Mad Men Color Collection

I have been a fan of Christina Hendricks for a few years now even though I don't get to watch Mad Men near as often as I would like to.  Noting how obsessed I am her look, you can all imagine how excited I was to see that Estee Lauder was working with creative team on the show to create a limited edition makeup collection for the spring.  This collection began to show up about two or three weeks ago and it came out just in time for the beginning of the new season at the end of March.  This small makeup collection is inspired by the show and the looks of the decade that it is set in, I would love to get this dressed up for my job every day!

This collection consists of only lip and cheek products, all of which are housed in a jeweled compacts that are as lovely as the product housed inside them.  From what I have been told by my mother, this is the way that cosmetics were traditionally sold.  First you bought the case itself and then you purchased and repurchased the product to put inside.  Personally I love expensive packaging and I think that I would like purchasing makeup like this, visions of a Tiffany & Co lipstick case are coming into my head right now.  Perhaps some past trends needs to come back very quickly...

I believe that this collection will only be at the Estee Lauder counters and the company's website so I pulled all of the information from the website.  "The heart of the Mad Men Look: Lipstick and Creme Rouge in elegant, vintage designs from the legendary Estee Lauder '60s collections."  I already spy a deep red cream lipstick from this collection...

Estee Lauder and Mad Men!

Mad Men Lipstick - Inspired by the award-winning AMC drama Mad Men, the must-have classic makeup item that captures the iconic cherry red lips of the era.  Lipstick case and carton are inspired by vintage designs from the legendary Estee Lauder '60s collection.  This limited edition lipstick lavishes your lips your lips.  Cream satin finish.  Smooth, rich lip color.
- Cherry - deep cool red cream

Mad Men Creme Rouge - Inpisred by the award-winning AMC drama Mad Men, the must-have classic makeup item that captures the iconic rosy cheeks of the era.  Compact and carton are inspired by vintage designs from the legendary Estee Lauder '60s collection.  This limited edition blush is creamy, light, easy to blend.  Dewy, smooth, natural finish.
- Evening Rose - deep cool rose

I love both of these products, the females on Mad Men all have pale skintones and since these shades were made to use on the show, they will be so flattering on my skintone too.  I love both of the two new products, I really wish that more would have come out with this collection since I know that I would want all of it.  If I had to choose my favorite piece of the collection, it would have to be the lipstick shade, I love this red.  However if I am being practical then I would buy the blush since i know that Iw ould use it at least three or four times a week.

I need to both catch up on my Mad Men episodes this season and I need to head out to the nearest Estee Lauider counter and do some shopping.  This might actually be my favorite collection from Estee Lauder and I would have loved if this collection was much larger.

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Giorgio Armani Spring 2012 Collection

It is the last week of March and this spells the end of the spring collections, the summer collections are beginning to trickle out and I am actually on my last of the spring collections.  I saved the Armani beauty collection for last since I often lust after these collections but have very few chances to get my hands on any of these products, I have to order online or pick them up when I get into New York City.  Otherwise, nothing from this makeup line is really available anywhere around me.  I do feel somewhat bittersweet every single time that I review the seasonal collections from this company, I often end up falling in love with at least one piece of the collection and then I have a very hard time getting my hands on it and I have to decide how important the product actually is to me...

This collection consists of four key products for spring and doesn't focus in only on one feature.  This collection doesn't have a name or a description, something that I found a bit on the surprising side since Armani's collections normally have a theme that ties them together.  My early favorites from this collection look like they will be one of the eye shadow palettes and the new bright pink blush shade.  I am currently only looking for products and shades that will be able to see me all the way through the rest of the spring and then well into the summer months. 

Here is the last of the spring color collections!

Eye Palette - The new secret of radiance, the precious "Luce d'oro" pigment gives a special luminosity to the eye.  Two are the must-have products for the season: a palette that combines soft pastels with the luster of antique gold and one that presents a harmony of gold and copper accented with a moonlight silver.
- Eye Palette #1 - pearl violet/jade green/sheer gold/greige
- Eye Palette #2 - gray/metal fiber/copper pigment/crystal brown

Tourmaline Pink Blush - A subtle blush softer than the classic formulas where white, beige, and pink replace the classic white powders.  Micronized to the extreme, this blush leaves a translucent glow that illuminates every complexion.
- 1 - series of pinks and beiges

Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Pure wave of light in an exquisite texture.  Offered in two versions, antique gold and copper, this exceptional pencil brightens eyes with metallic definition.  Remarkably soft and creamy upon application, the formula is as precise as a kohl, as intense as an eyeliner.  It creates long-lasting, water-resistant outline which stays intense for hours.
- 4 Antique - antique gold
- 5 Copper - bright metallic copper

Gloss d'Armani Lip Gloss - Thanks to the exclusve Color-Fil Shine Technology, Gloss d'Armani has the abilty to form a supple mesh that traps pigments and pearlscent particles.  A supple, silky weave of shine, Gloss d'Armani stays radiant for over eight hours.  Four unique colours: Greige d'Armani, Caffeine, Wild Rose, and Blush.
- Greige d'Armani - cool gray beige
- Caffeine - medium brown
- Wild Rose - medium cool rose shimmer
- Blush - cool medum pink

I really only love two pieces of this collection, the eye shadow palettes.  I tried to choose one of the shades to call my favorites but I love both of them equally so I just can't decide.  I have heard many raves about the Armani eye shadow pigmentation and texture and both of these palettes possess a great range of shades.  Other than that, I like all of the other products but I don't find any of them special enough to chase down.  The blush wasn't quite as pretty as I thought that it would be when I looked at the picture in detail, it has too many beige hues in it for it to have that cool bright pink hue that I have been into this whole spring.

Well I can't believe that I am done with the spring collections!  Now it is time for the summer collections to begin rolling out!

photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani

MAC Perennial Pinks

I have been going crazy for pink shades the past two months...as you guys all know!  I am not the only one though, the whole beauty industry has been very focused on pink hues this whole season and have been releasing so many great collections around this range of shades.  I am so happy that MAC has brought together a collection that is full of their best pink hues, I have been looking forward to spending some time at my local MAC counter and picking up a huge haul of new products.  Some of the best pinks that I have seen all season are from MAC collections and many of them sold out within days of hitting the website and counters.  This collection is named Perennial Pinks and it is a group of pink shades that are in the permanent collection and therefore shades that I have get much easier than the limited edition hues.

"It's Springtime...and colour is in full bloom.  Shop this online selection of our favourites."  I will be making a list of these shades and visiting my closest counter very soon!

Here are MAC's favorite pinks!

Eye Shadow - Highly pigmented powder.  Applies evenly, blends well.
- Pink Venus - washed pink (Lustre)
- Sushi Flower - pinky coral with pink shimmer (Satin)

Sheen Supreme Lipstick - Combining the colour impact of a Lipstick with the shine sheen of a Lipglass, Sheen Supreme creates the perfect hybrid - with no compromise.  Lightweight, non-sticky, slick to apply and comfortable to wear.  This is a must-have for all those who have created this kind of fusion.
- Behave Yourself - light blue pink
- Blossom Culture - soft pink with pearl

Cremesheen Glass - A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of MAC Lipglass.  Soft, comfortable, non-sticky.  Applies with a doe-foot applicator.  Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own.
- Fashion Scoop - clear pink
- Partial to Pink - light creamy yellow pink with light gold pearl

Cremeblend Blush - A blush that manages to make a simple blush state-of-the-art.  Creamy, easy to blend medium coverage formula imparts a natural finish that's smooth, dewy-fresh, long-lasting.
- Something Special - light coral
- So Sweet, So Easy - bright yellow pink

I'm not a fan of the pink eye shadow shades, I like the Pink Venus shade but I find the Lustre Eye Shadow formula to be very hit or miss, I have some great ones and some that I have to set aside so much extra time to use since they apply horridly.  I will play with this at the counter and then decide what I want to do with it.  My two favorite pieces are from the lip and cheek products.  I love the Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Scoop,  a very light pink shade that will work well in the spring and summer months.  My second favorite piece is the Cremeblend Blush in So Sweet, So Easy.  I love this bright pink blush and cream formulas are very often my favorite formulas.

I need more pinks!

photo courtesy of MAC

LUSH Easter 2012 Bath and Body Products

Peeps!!!  My college is in the same city that the Just Born candy company was founded in so Peeps and all the rest of their candies have been a huge part of my life since I was a young child.  So I can't even think about Easter without thinking about those pink and yellow marshmellow chicks, I have already starting buying them for my family this year and I am gettting excited for the holiday itself so I can pig out on candy!  In addition to all kinds of candy, I have found some great new limited edition LUSH products that are Easter-themed.  Eating candy while taking a candy scented bath sounds like my version of heaven and these products might make my dream a new reality!

Here are the new Easter-themed products from one of my favorite body product companies!

Carrot Top Reusable Bubble Bar - Hop into the tub this Easter with our latest (and some might say greatest) reusable bubble bar!  This bubbly carrot may not improve your eyesight, but it will fill your bath with piles of frothy lemon and buchu scented foam.  Simply grab the carrot by its top (get it?  Carrot Top?) and swish, swish, swish around your tub.  This beauty is good for 7 - 10 bathes, so you should have lots to keep you busy until the Easter Bunny makes his to your house.

Immaculate Eggception Bath Bomb - Pink - The Immaculate Eggception is our newest Easter invention - and how innovative it is!  Inside each giant fizzy egg is a secret surprise.  What is it?  You'll just have to crack the Bath Bomb shell to find out!  Get a hold on your egg, line up the crease with the edge of a hard surface and give it one good WHACK!  Once it's cracked, you can drop the shell in your tub for a beautiful ylang ylang, grapefruit, and vanilla bath.  And of course, enjoy the mysterious treat inside too.

Immaculate Eggception Bath Bomb - Yellow - The Immaculate Eggception is our newest Easter invention - and how innovative it is!  Inside each giant fuzzy egg is a secret surprise.  What is it?  You'll just have to crack the Bath Bomb shell to find out!  Get a hold on your egg, line up the crease with the edge of a hard surface and give it one good WHACK!  Once it's cracked, you can drop the shell in your tub for a beautful ylang ylang, grapefruit, and vanilla bath.  And of course, enjoy the mysterious treat inside too.

Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb - Fluffy Egg is enormously popular every Easter.  While we love the cheery pink color, we think it might be because Fluffy Egg smells like vanilla ice cream that fell into a cotton candy machine.  The scent comes from the (now retired) Candy Fluff Dusting Powder, so those of you who adore Creamy Candy Bubble Bar will fall madly in love with Fluffy Egg.  This limited edition holiday bomb is better for you than chocolate, so you can use as many as you want - without the guilt!

Donkey Oaty Bath Bomb - We'll be honest.  We don't really know why we've got a donkey for Easter.  It's very odd.  We originally had the idea of creating a Bath Bomb pinata that you hung over the bath and then smashed, so we made a big donkey bomb.  Although we liked the idea, we couldn't work out what should be inside of the donkey (eggs?  A little donkey?) - so we made him a bit smaller.  Donkey Oaty has been blessed with the gorgeous Charity Pot fragrance, a beautiful and fresh floral perfume.

Hippy Chick Bath Bomb - Hippy Chick is back, and better than ever!  This grapefruit, bergamot, and frankencense fizzer has fluttered back into our hearts this Easter.  Hippy Chick is the Bath Bomb version of our best-selling Happy Hippy Shower Gel, which was one of our original Cosmetics To Go (an early incarnation of LUSH) products in the late 80s and early 90s.  Simon Constantine recreated its pink grapefruit fragrance when he joined the company as a perfumer, and now we simply can't get enough.  It's the perfect Bath Bomb to get you going in the morning!

I really only think that I need one or two products from this group, it is already two weeks until Easter and I don't have enough time to take 4 or 5 full bathes before then.  My first pick from the collection is the Fluffy Egg, I love Creamy Candy and therefore I know that I will love playing with this product too.  The other bomb that I would like is the Hippy Chick one, This one will be great to relax with as a the weather gets warmer or when I need a pick-me-up after the gym.

Peeps and LUSH!  Time to get redy for Easter!

photo courtesy of LUSH

Tarte Spring 2012 Collection

Tarte is a product line that I have really been getting into after trying out their Tarte and True Blood Eye Palette late last summer.  I am still using the palette consistently and I have been liking many of the shades more and more over the past few months.  This company has a huge group of products listed under their "What's New" tab on their website and I am so excited to try some new products from this company, I am loving some of these new blushes on first glance.  The one item that I have wished that Tarte would release is still not in this collection, all I want is for this company to offer single eye shadows instead of only having their great shades in huge palettes.  I don't need any more eye shadow palettes but I just love their shadows so much that I will keep buying them every single season.

This company didn't have a specific group of products listed as a "Spring" collection so I just looked at what was listed as "New" on the company's website so I might have missed a product ot accidently added an extra one.  So I do apologize in advance if this isn't perfectly accurate but I know that there will be some great choices from this company and I can't wait to check them all out!
The newest products from Tarte!

Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner - Get gorgeous, defined eyes that won't budge throughout your day thanks to natural carnuba wax, our botanical waterproofing agent that forms an impermeable layer to protect against rain, sweat, tears, and creasing.  Carnuba wax also acts as a built in primer to ensure smooth application by softening the skin and icnreasing hydration.  Nature's most perfect ingredient, Amazonian clay, intensifies pure color pigments while working to nourish lids, reduce surface oil and improve overall texture.
- Olive - medium neutral olive green
- Golden Plum - deep warm plum
- Deep Teal - deep aqua teal
- Black - deep black
- Brown - deep warm brown
- Navy - medium navy blue
- Plum - deep cool plum

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Shimmering Blush - As a follow up to Tarte's best-selling Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes, Tarte introduces the same award-winning formula in four brand-new shimmering shades.  Spiked with tiny, finely-milled specks of gold and silver, one swipe will add the perfect amount of sheen to your cheeks.
- Adored - shimmering light pink
- Glisten - shimmery peachy pink
- Buff - shimmering nude
- Frisky - shimmering bright coral

Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss - Drench lips in healthy color and mega-watt shine while pampering them with the benefits of nature's pure miracle: maracuja oil.  Always hydrating and skin nourishing, each maracuja-infused shade will keeps lips moisturized while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The result: lips that appear fuller and more plump.
- Adored - cotton candy pink
- Dollface - pink grapefruit
- Charmed - pale pink
- Amused - hot pink
- Blissful - warm peach
- Glisten - peachy nude
- Tipsy - coral
- Blushing Bride - plummy rose
- Flush - berry
- Natural Beauty - cherry red

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 - Like airbrushed without the air!  Achieve total skin balance thanks to this Amazonian clay-powered foundation.  Whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination; this skin-smart foundation also reduces the appearance of pores, while minimizing discolorations and imperfections to ensure a perfectly flawless complexion.  Get 12 hours of flawless coverage with this long-wearing UVA/UVB SPF 15 formula.  With a weightless texture this buildable and blendable, everyone can achieve skin that looks healthy and natural.  Available in a full range of shades for all skintones.

Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush -  Airbrushing without the air!  Achieve a flawless even complexion by applying our foundation with soft circular buffing sweeps.

Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara - Tarte's biggest beauty breakthrough, Amazonian Clay, is now exclusively available in this hydrating, replenishing, and reparative mascara, clinically-proven to increase lash volume by 121% instantly!  Just as it intuitively restores hydration and balances texture in skin, Amazonian clay intuitively hydrates, replenishes, and repairs dry and brittle lashes making this the first and only "smart" mascara that instinctively reads and treats your unique lash concerns, delivering the benefits you need and volume you desire.  In a consumer panel survey, 91% of subjects saw healthier lashes in just 3 weeks!  This high performance natural ingredient also performs by absorbing any excess oil to keep lashes balanced and keep product in place.  The result is healthier and more voluminous lashes that won't ever flake or transfer.  Gifted works overtime to keep lashes intact, healthier, and stronger by preventing lash loss and promoting lash health.
- Black - black

Lip gloss is my major interest from this collection, I really want to try this new formula and I already see some shades that I want to buy next time that I get to Sephora.  I love the pinks and roses that are available from this product with the following shades being my favorites: Adored, Dollface, and Amused.  I was very into lipstick all throughout the winter but suddenly I am craving lip glosses and again and these shades look great for the spring and summer seasons.  I'm not sure how I feel about the shimmer finish of the new blushes, they could be lovely against tanned skin or look way too dressed up for a day look.  I have a feeling that the finish on these might depend more on the shade and it's pigmentation than anything else, I will have to see these with my own eyes and decide from there on. 

I am also very interested in the foundation however I am not in the market for a new formula right now.  I will table this product until I am foundation shopping again and then I will see if I am still interested in it or if this company has released something to top it.

photo courtesy of Tarte

YSL Spring 2012 Collection

Warm weather is now officially here and spring is in full swing.  The collections are beginning to wind down and the beauty industry is already looking toward the summer collections and trends.  I have less than the five collections left to look at and I think that I will be down with the spring product by the beginning of April and begin moving onto the summer collections.  The look on the YSL model is one of my favorites for the spring, the brightly colored eye look.  This company's eye shadows are among the best in the industry so I very happy to see that they jumped on the bandwagon with this trend and are giving us some great choices to create this look.  With some of these dramatic eye shadow shades, I have been dying to try matching my colored eye makeup look with my pastel nails, I will be trying it out for going out first since this one will be way too much for the office.  I have been more into color this year than any other year before!

This collection offers two brightly colored eye shadow palettes so we have tons of bright eye makeup choices from this collection.  That fact really gets me excited since I now have a rainbow of hues to choose from this collection.

The newest collection from YSL...

Rock Candy 4-Color Eye Shadow Palette - For the first time, a spring look inspired by Lloyd Simmons, YSL's International Makeup Artist.  This limited edition eye shadow palette draws inspiration from a sweet treat and features four shades each with a different finish: matte, shimmery, satiny, and velvety for a fresh spring look.  Apply the darkest shades close to the upper lash line to intensify the eye.  Place the light shades on the eyelid.  Add a final touch of radiance by highlighting the browbone or the inner corner of the eye with the lightest reflective shades.
- pale pink/deep navy blue/bright magenta/medium lilac
Ombres 5 Lumieres Palette - A versatile palette of shadows in four captivating colors and finishes, ranging from shimmer to sheen and metallic to matte - and one coordinating highlighter. All shades harmoniously blend to create any look you desire - soft and subtle or dazzling and dramatic; your options are endless.  The silky, longwear formula is infused with an optical smoothing effect that reveals breathtakingly radiant color that look luminous in any lighting.
- No 13 - bright aqua/pale pink/pale mint/bright gold/medium blue purple

Voile de Blush Gel Blush - Voile de Blush is a water-based gel blush.  It provides a sheer wash of color to subtly tint your cheeks.  The ultra-light and refreshing texture allows an easy and flawless application to the cheeks for a radiant glow.  The result: a lowing, natural look, perfect for springtime.
- No 1 - bright red
- No 2 - medium peach coral
- No 3 - medium rose

Rouge Volupte Pearl Lipstick - This creamy and nourishing lipstick is enveloped in a luxurious gold case with the elegant YSL logo.  Lips instantly feel soft and supple, drenched in sophisticated color with a satiny-pearl finish.  The secret - an exclusive blend of nourishing and soothing ingredients combined with pearls to caress lips in a sensual shine for irresistible lips.  Long lasting and highly comforing formula, leave lips looking smoother, fuller, and more radiant.
- No 113 - deep wine pearl
- No 114 - bright pink pearl
- No 115 - neutral medium beige pearl
- No 116 - pale blue pink pearl

Manicure Couture Duo - Discover the new limited edition Manicure Couture Duo duos in candy colored hues created to perfectly complement the new Spring Look collection.  In two mouth watering color combinations: Bubble Gum Pink and Tangerine Orange, Mint Green and Chocolately Brown.
- No 7 - Bubble Gum Pink and Tangerine Orange
- No 8 - Mint Green and Chocolately Brown

The collections from this company have been getting better and better every single year!  This used to be one of the collections that I never really cared about and never bought any items from but I see so many products that I must have from this new series of products.  I want to start with both of the new eye makeup palettes with the Ombres 5 Lumieres Palette being my favorite of the two new products.  I am very interested in the new Gel Blush formula, I want to try the rose shade of this product.  Neither of the other shades will really work for me but I am hoping that the formula would work well for me since I ahve heard very good comments on gel blush formulas.  Last but not least, I must try the new lipstick formula in both of the pink hues that it is offered in.

I like both of the new polish duos but I can't really see that I will buy either of them.  The shades aren't unique enough for me to warrant purchasing them, I could buy any of these shades from China Glaze or OPI and I would have a much better shade selection from which to try.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

OPI for Sephora Betsey Johnson Collection

Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers and I love her cocktails dresses more than anything else in her line of products.  This is the time of the year that I love getting dressed up and going out at night so I am so excited to wear my favorite dresses and heels from her line.  A few months ago, I tried out the newest fragrance from this designer, Too Too.  It was a nice floral fragrance but I didn't feel that it matched up to the high standards of Betsey's clothing and accessories lines.  I had been saving the rest of my bottle for spring since it is a lighter floral and now it is time for me to get it back out.  While playing around on the Sephora website, I found another exciting offering from Betsey Johnson, the OPI and Sephora line has created a whole line of polish shades for spring inspired by creations from this designer.  The perfume may not have been my favorite but I love the bright nail polish hues that I am seeing here.

This has been a great spring season for nail polish, I have foubd so many that I love in all variety of shades and finishes.  For the longest time, I only liked pale neutrals but over the past few months I have been trying every type of shade and I have been falling more and more in love with all shades of pinks over the past two months.  Pink has been my obsession since Valentine's Day and it will continue all the way through the rest o the season.  Betsey Johnson and pink hues have always seemed to go hand and hand so I am so excited that she now has a line of nail polishes out!

"The energetic Sephora by OPI Betsey Johnson Collection features seven striking hues as well as playful nail designs, long lasting trend tips, and the first ever Sephora by OPI scented polish -  a hot, neon pink shade infused with Too Too, Betsey's newest fragrance."  I see that a neon pink polish is the featured shade of this collection!  And that it is scented with Too Too, we have been seeing scented polishes from a series of beauty product lines this spring and they aren't a selling point for me.  I don't mind that the polish is scented but it wouldn't be a strong enough selling point for me to purchase the polish if I wasn't already a fan of the color.

Here is OPI for Sephora and Betsey Johnson!
Betsey Johnson Mini Nail Colour Set - A set of six petit nail lacquers in flirty hues designed by Betsey Johnson.  From wild brights to pretty neutrals, this collection of six mini nail colors from Betsey Johnson is the perfect accessory to any wardrobe.  The long-wearing, chip-resistant shades are full of personality and reflect Betsey's own style obsessions.
Nail Colour - Fashion-forward, wearable nail colors for the modern woman who is looking for an effective, safe, environmentally conscious brand.  Sephora by OPI Nail Color,  a line of 54+ trend setting shades, puts the final touch on fingertips and toes with a top quality formula you ahve come to expect from OPI.  The long lasting, chip-resistant polish ensures flawless results with each application, and its green ingredient list excludes DBP.  Sephora by OPI combines the quality and color expertise of OPI, the world leader in professional nail color, with Sephora's reputation for the latest in beauty and sophistication.
- It's My Pink! - opaque hot pink scented with Too Too perfume
- Forever Wild - opaque black grape
- Alley Cat - opaque fuchsia
- Cartwheels On The Catwalk - opaque sea green
- Pushing Your Luck - opaque red
- XOX Betsey - opaque sandy nude
- Sparkling Personality - multi-color silver glitter

Betsey Johnson Trend Tips - A collection of self-stick tips for a fast, flirty manicure anytime.  Get a trendy, attention-deserving manicure without a visit to the salon with this set of real nail lacquer strips designed by the fabulous and fun Betsey Johnson.  The fuss-free, self-adhesive strips are easy to apply and require zero dry time.  Decoriate with glittery skulls, romantic lips, or a hot pink cheetah print for nails that are full of personality.
- Skulls - pale gray background with deep charocal skulls with red eyes
- Cheetah - hot pink background with black cheetah pattern
- Lips - pale pink background with red and bright pink lips

My favorite pieces of this collection are the single nail polish shades.  My favorite is the It's My Pink! shade, I just have been loving these bright pinks this season and I will wear them all through the summer months too!  I also like the Cartwheels On The Catwalk shade, this is a great pale green and one of the best nail polish names that I have heard in the past few seasons.  The other shades are nice but I don't love any of them, I wouldn't mind having them but I'm not going to jump through hoops to find them. 

I wasn't very happy to see the picture of the nail polish set, I was hoping that it would be small versions of the Betsey Johnson shades but the ones that are pictured look nothing like the shades in the collection.  If the shades in the set were the exact ones in the collection, I would buy the set itself.  I'm not really into the decals either, it took me long enough to get into bright shades and the nail art decals are just too much for me to pull off.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Make Up For Ever Spring 2012 Collection - La Boheme

Make Up For Ever has had some huge product releases over the past few months, making them a key brand in the front of my local Sephora store.  Lately, we have mostly been seeing brand new products for the lips and eyes but not actual new collections.  I was at Sephora the other day and only saw a huge display of this company's new lipstick formula but no type of trend collection or even a group of products that suggested to create a great new look for season.  Finding this somewhat odd, I decided to visit the Sephora website and confirm that nothing in the way of a trend collection came out for this company.  What I found was that a small spring collection was released however it will only be carried on the Sephora website and won't be found in any store.  Why?  Good question...I have no idea why the company would decide to do this since these palettes would sell out in the stores but I don't know what this decision was based on.

The new collection is named La Boheme, a French word translating out to "Bohemian".  This collection consists of an eye palette, a mascara, and then lipstick shades to complement the palette.  The eye palette is the hero of this little collection and I think that it will sell out quickly even though it can only be ordered on the Sephora website.  This palette will really be helpful in creating many of the colorful eye makeup looks that re so popular this season, this palette contains such a variety of shades that this might be the only palette you need this spring to try out some bright new eye looks.

Here is the La Boheme collection...

La Boheme Baked Eye Shadow Palette - A palette featuring baked eye shadow in six pearly shades for creating a range of soft, romantic looks.  Enriched with mineral powders and a high concentration of pearl, La Boheme Baked Eye Shadow Palette includes luminous shades with a lightweight texture and a silky feel.  Apply dry for a natural-looking result or wet to intensify the color and finish.
- Lagoon Green - bright aquamarine shimmer
- Vegetal  Green - medium moss green shimmer
- Beige - warm pink beige shimmer
- Parma Purple - medium cool purple shimmer
- Brown - medium cool brown shimmer
- Coral - warm peach shimmer

La Boheme Aqua Eyes - An award winning, waterproof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof eyeliner that doubles as a vibrant eye shadow.  Now available in a rich brown, matte-finish formula, this bestselling eyeliner has become a favorite among all women who fear the dreaded raccoon eyes.  Formulated to glide on effortlessly and withstand the most extreme conditions, it stays put on eyelids without melting for precise application and intense color throughout the day.  The La Boheme Collection comes beautifully wrapped in limited edition packaging.  Aqua Eyes is available in an extensive range of 25 vibrant shades.  Fun Fact: Dany Sanz originally created this product for performers of water ballet.
- Gypsy - matte dark brown

La Boheme Rouge Artist Natural - A collection of limited edition, light coverage lipsticks with a soft, shiny finish.  Rouge Artist Natural's ultra creamy formula hydrates the lips with a natural sheen.  Enriched with nourishing properties, its smooth texture glides on effortlessly and its colorful pigments compliment the lips with a transparent finish.  These fresh and romantic shades add the perfect touch to your favorite spring look.
- Boheme - iridescent peach beige
- Folk - iridescent red coral

The eye palette in this collection is one of my favorite pieces of this season, I really wish that it was available in the stores instead of just the website.  I love the range of shades in it, especially Vegetal Green and Parma Purple.  This palette is going on my list of Most Wanted products for the next month, I don't need another eye shadow palette but I really love this one and I want to try out the Baked formula from this company.  I will also check out the Aqua Eyes, I can always use a neutral eye liner in my collection and I have a friend who loves and swears by this product. 

This might be one of the smallest but best collections for the spring season, that palette is great and will create any type of colored eye.  Furthermore, the package of this palette is awesome and I would love to show it off in my makeup bag.  This might be the one palette that you need to create all the colored looks for this season!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Trish McEvoy Spring 2012 Collection - Resort Collection

Today I realized how much time is flying...we are over half way through March.  What does this mean for my blog?  It means that I am beginning to come to the end of reporting on the spring makeup collections since hints of the summer collections are beginning to be seen.  Realistically, once April rolls around, spring collections are no longer "new" and the summer collections will pretty much all be out before the end of that month.  I am down to the last handful of my spring collections and now I am getting excited to really begin wearing all of the great shades and looks that I have been seeing for the past three months. 

We have less than ten collections left to look aqnd today we are going to look at the Resort Collection from the Trish McEvoy company.  I have limited contact with products from this line since they are harder to find and aren't available in any store around me.  I might have to move to New York City just to round out my beauty product collection.  Trish McEvoy, Bond NYC, Illamasqua...
I found the details and the pictures of this collection on the Nordstrom website.  The spring collection from this company is named the Resort Collection and I would have thought that this was a summer collection had the website not stated what season it was designed for.  "Instantly create the glamorous look and vibrant glow of a long vacation with the Resort 2012 collection.  Delivers intense definition and glow with a palette of warm sand dune shadows, ocean blue liner, and shimmering coral lips." 
Here is the collection from Trish McEvoy...

Golden Glow Face Color Duo - This customizable duo of bronzer in Golden and blush in Glow offers a softly shimmering bronzer paired with a shimmering pink blush for a brightened complexion and lit-from-within look.
- Golden Bronzer - medium shimmering bronze
- Glow Blush - medium warm shimmering pink
Eye Definer - This ultra-pigment rich shadow delivers perfect depth and intensity for the densest lining, shading, and contouring.
- Mahogany - deep warm brown

Intense Gel Eyeliner - Trish's intensely pigmented, longest wearing  gel eye liner in pencil form glides effortlessly along the lash line for high-powered definition and the built-in sponge tip allows for effortless creation of a sultry smokey eye.
- Arabian Nights - deep navy

#65 Angled Contour Brush - Handcrafted for exquisite quality and durability, Trish's #65 Angled Contour Brush is diagonally shaped to expertly place and blend color on the contours of the face for effortless sculpting power.  Designed with brass ferrules, the brush is precision-cut for technically perfect results.

#66 Cream Blender Brush - Handcrated for exquisite quality and durability, Trish's #66 Cream Blender Brush is designed for the even placement and blending of cream products to the eyes and face.  Designed with brass ferrules, the brush is precision-cut for technically perfect results.
Glaze Eye Shadow - This shadow's perfectly peral hue can be used to illuminate the inner corner of the eye, brow bone, or lid.  Glaze Eye Shadows gives eyes a delicate shimmer or a hint of color.  Use one shade or layer shades for a new sultry look.
- Rose Gold - pink gold shimmer

Eye Base Essentials - Trish McEvoy's Eye Base Essentials is a shadow primer and upper-eye brightener designed to correct darkness and discolorations of the eyelid, instantly creating a more vibrant, bright-eyed look while locking shadow in place for crease-proof, all day wear.  How to Use: Apply a generous amount of Eye Base Essentials to the ball of the eye.  Using Trish Laydown Brush, blend upward and outward to cover the entire eyelid, including the inner corner of the eye, for maximum brightness.  Get as close to the lash line as possible without touching the lashes.
- Nude - translucent

Lash Curling Mascara - Create a flirty, mesmerizing gaze with this exclusive lash-curling formula.  It delivers maximum power, curling each lash for an instant eye-opening experience.  Long-wearing, water-resistant, and non-smuding formula.
- Jet Black - true black

Flawless Lip Color - Trish's innovative texture provides the coverage of lip color with the feel of gloss, creating the perfect balance of color and shine while keeping lips hydrated for a soft, radiant finish.  Housed in an easy portable pen, a dose of shimmering color is only a click away.
- Coral Shimmer - warm bright coral
- Perfect Coral - muted neutral coral

Lip Liner - A long-wearing, smooth texture designed to complement Trish's lip colors.  Added benefit, the brush on the end for easy application.
- Barely Rose - neutral rose

Based on the model's look for this collection, I feel that many of these shades will be in the end of spring and the beginning of summer.  I will need a bit of a sunny fake tan to pull off the bronzer/blush combination and the lip glosses, I might have to skip over many of these products for the moment and revisit this collection when I start looking for products to complement my summer skin.

The Glaze Eye Shadow is the only product that I really want to order at the moment, this is another rose gold shade for the eyes.  I keep harping on this trend but I really think that this is one of the moment flattering looks that I have seen all spring and I feel that so many people can pull it off, no matter what your eye color or the undertones in your skin.  The Eye Definer shade is another good basic, the deep brown shade will be able to be used throughout the whole year in all different types of eye looks.
Not my favorite of the season but there are some very good picks for eye makeup in this collection.  Trish McEvoy isn't a company that is known for bright, over the top makeup so I wasn't expecting an Illamasqua-type of collection.  Any of these shades would work well for a casual weekend look or a daytime professional look.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Stila Spring 2012 Collection

I have been putting off this post for quite a while now, I have found the new products for spring on the Stila website but have never seen them under anything other than the "What's New" tab on their home page.  I was hoping to find them all in the same area, under a heading of "Spring" or something that identifies them as the official spring products.  But alas, I am now seeing hints of the summer products on beauty blogs so I decided to take my best guess at what are the spring products from Stila and what are holdovers from last holiday.  I am a little lacking on information here so I do apologize in advance if this isn't totally correct in any instance. 
I like Stila products but I haven't been able to count any of the ones that I have tried among my top favorites yet.  Many of the shimmery shades (especially for eyes) are very pretty but I find that this company rarely puts out products and shades that are very unique and can't be duplicated by any other brand.  So I don't know that I am expecting much from this series of products and I still dislike when a company can't find a theme for their new products and shades and just throws them all under the heading of "What's New".

Here is the newest collection from Stila...

Jewel Eye Shadow - The perfect blend of pigment, binder, and pearl delivers a weightless feel on the eye, leaving lids glamourous and glittering.  Transparent talc delivers excellent color release and the perfect blend of binding oils ensure adherence.  Choose from eight sparkly shades.  High levels of pearl provide a brilliant sparkle effect.  Smooth and creamy texture.  Sheer, weightless wash of glimmering color.  Excellent color release and all day wear.  Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection.  Buildable shadows can be worn wet or dry.
- Blue Sapphire - shimmering periwinkle blue
- Black Diamond - shimmering deep charcoal
- Amethyst - shimmering medium purple
- Opal - shimmering light pink opal
- Rose Quartz - shimmering medium cool rose
- Citrine - shimmering medium bronze
- Aquamarine - shimmering bright aqua
- Golden Topaz - shimmering medium warm gold

Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Color - A gel-based primer, shadow, and liner that glides on with ease and stays in place until you say when!  This unique formula is infused with emollients for smooth, comfortable application and provides long-lasting, bold color that won't fade or crease over time.  Designed with optimal playtime, for application and smudging.  Smudge Crayon will be available in eight gorgeous hues.  Three-in-one gel-based eye primer, shadow, and liner.  Multi-pearl formula.  Waterproof.  Creamy, non-tacky finish.  Long-lasting and crease-resistant.  6+ hours of continous wear.  Vitamin E protects and conditions, while aloe soothes and supports healthy skin.
- Kitten - shimmering pink champagne
- Midnight Blue - deep navy
- Umber - deep chocolate brown
- Antique - medium pink gold
- Pink Violet - medium cool lilac
- Rose - medium cool pink
- Smoke - medium charcoal
- Black - deep true black

Sparkle Luxe Gloss - Sparkle Luxe Gloss is a decadent lip gloss that provides a subtle pop of color and rich glossy texture.  Infused with highly pigmented, ultra-fine pearl for dazzling sparkle and shine, plus camellia oil and Vitamin E to nourish and protect your pout.  Available in four glistening shades.  Ultra-fine pearl shimmer for brilliant sparkle.  Luxurious, glossy texture.  Subtle pop of color.  Camellia oil helps moisturize and nourish lips.  Vitamin E provides anti-oxidant protection.
- Tiara - pale cool pink shimmer
- Dazzling - medium bright pink shimmer
- Fairy Dust - medium warm pink coral shimmer
- Bling - medium warm pink shimmer

Hydrating Primer SPF 30 - Featuring exclusive synergistic combination of moisturizers and skin protectants.  Hydrating Primer SPF 30 provides hydration and nourishing benefits for the skin.  This skin-conditioning formula leaves skin with a soft, dewy finish and creates an impeccable canvas for faultless makeup application.  Packed with potent vitamins and antioxidants, in addition to Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays and help prevent premature aging.  Exclusive formula provides hydration, soothes, and refreshes the skin.  Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen SPF 30 protects the skin from the sun's damaging rays.  Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and provides firming benefits.  Lightweight formula.  Contains an aray of skin protecting vitamins and antioxidants, such as Asian ginseng, shea butter, avocado, hazelnut, jojoba oils, and echinacea.  Perfect for all skin types.  Paraben free.

Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm - Age is nothing but a number with Stila's Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm, a luxurious, priming beauty balm that seemingly turns back the hands of time by visibly improving the look and feel of skin and creating an impeccable canvas for flawless makeup application.  Luxurious beauty balm glides onto skin and leaves a silky, powdery finish.  High definition formula helps reduce pore size and provides oil and blemish control.  Contains innovative micro spheres, which have been shown to hide skin imperfections and reduce wrinkle depth by up to 84%.  Features an exclusive complex, which helps reduce redness and skin irritation.  Enriched with Tripeptide-37, bamboo and pea extracts, which help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Infused with natural, skin-protecting emollients which have been shown to increase anti-oxidant activity by up to 89.7%.  Uses the smallest particle size of coated pigments for seamless, smooth coverage.  Ideal for all skin types and skin tones.  Oil-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist tested.

In The Garden Palette - The new In The Garden Eye Shadow Palette is a stunning collection of Stila's award-winning eye shadows in wearable, botanical-inspired shades for every skin tone.  The palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Starfish (black with gold and green pearl), and an 8 page look book with detailed how-to-tips and tricks.  A gorgeous palette with 10 shades of Stila's award-winning eye shadow formula that can be worn wet or dry.
- Chinois - matte creamy white
- Breeze - shimmery beige
- Bark - shimmery taupe
- Freesia - shimmey violet blue
- Rosette - metallic pink violet
- Nectar - matte creamy beige
- Honey - metallic bronze gold
- Sage - shimmery translucent green
- Moss - dark olive green with shimmer
- Juniper - deep shimmery forest green

Jewel Eye Shadow Trio - A sparkly trio of luxe jewel eye shadows provide a sheer, weightless wash of color that delivers just the right amount of glittering glamour.  High levels of pearl provide a brilliant sparkle effect.  Smooth and creamy texture.  Sheer, weightless wash of glimmering color.  Buildable shadows can be worn either wet or dry.
- Opal - shimmering pure white
- Rose Quartz - shimmering cool blue pink
- Amethyst - shimmering deep plum

It seems like Stila has a high shimmer theme going on through out this group of new products, the Jewel Eye Shadows were originally introduced with a holiday collection and must have been so popular that Stila made them a permanent part of their collection.  Kind of a odd time of the year to do though, very few companies are showing tones of shimmer in spring collections.  I like the lip gloss shades and some of the eye shadows too, so I will be heading off to Sephora to see these in real life.  From the lip gloss, I want the Tiara and Dazzling shades, I really don't need to be adding more pink lip glosses to my collection so I will only buy these shades if the formula is fantastic.  From the Jewel Eye Shadow formula, I like the Citrine and Golden Topaz shades.  I wonder how different these are from the Vincent Longo Diamond Eye Shadows since I already own shades like these in this formula...

I love the Garden Palette and this one will be used a lot to create fun, bright spring makeup looks.  The new Eye Crayon also looks like a product that will be getting a lot of use from too.  My first pick would be Kitten since I already use this shade a lot against red lip looks.  I am hoping that this shade in the crayon formula will be longer lasting than the eye shadow and will create a look that will stay on all night.  Also from this formula, I want the Antique Gold, Pink Violet, and Rose shades.  I want to try using these shades to create a long lasting rose gold look for my eyes, I have fallen in love with the rose gold look since I first played around with it when looking at the newest Bobbi Brown collection and now I want to find more products and shades to create different versions of this look.

I like many of the products in this collection but I am hoping that the summer collection will make a bit more sense and will ahve some type of theme to carry it off...

photo courtesy of Stila

Illamasqua Spring 2012 Collection - Human Fundamentalism

The Illamasqua spring collection has finally arrived on their website and I am so excited that is it out.  you guys all know that I have been crazy for Illamasqua products lately and am always lameting how impossible it is for me to find them around where I live.  I visited Sephora yesterday and they still have no word on if they are every going to carry this brand in the store closest to me.  Honestly I can't even imagine how large my collection of their products will be if i can buy them really easily, it might get even bigger than my NARS and Urban Decay collections!

I have been seeing some pictures of the new collection for the past but I haven't had much time to really sit down and look at them but today I have some extra time and I am so excited to check out every single piece of this collection.  The new collection is called Human Fundamentalism and it is the most unique collection that I have seen this whole season.  Illamasqua collections often hold this title but I think that this one might be even more unique than any other that I have seen.  The matching bright blue fake lashes and lipstick?  This collection takes the blue trend that we have been seeing this spring to a whole new level, one that no other company has even come near this season!

"Human Fundamentalism is an explosion of your alter ego.  It's becoming who you are and not who you're told to be.  Because beauty isn't conformity, but the fundamental human desire to express your inner self on the outside.  We stand for the freedom of expression, embracing our glorious imperfections and showing the world we're not ordinary but extraordinary, even if society refuses to accept it.  We're beyond conformity.  Beyond control.  Beyond hiding who we really are.  We are not a religion, but the singular opposite.  We are Illamasqua."  This collection is a series of bright shades for every aspect of the face, this is one of the brightest collections that I have seen this whole season and I love how Illamasqua uses the shades in this collection on people of all ages and skintones.

Illamasqua's newest collection!

Fundamental Palette - Experiment with contrasting textures, from glistening Liquid Metal in molten pewter to matt Cream Pigment in mint green, to express every inch of your alter ego.  Coupled with two vibrant Powder Eye Shadows in Hype (bold yellow) and Inception (rich violet), prepare for unparalleled levels of nonconformity.
- Molten Pewter Liquid Metal - shimmer pure cool pewter
- Bedaub Cream Pigment - matte mint green
- Hype Powder Eye Shadow - bold yellow
- Inception Powder Eye Shadow - rich violet

Neutral Palette - Create sculpted highlights and stark contours anywhere on your face and body with these four pivotal Powder Eye Shadows.  From our new antique gold shade, Vintage - exclusive to this palette - and matt shades Stealth (creamy buttermilk) and Wolf (rich chocolate brown), to the smoky charcoal depths of the new shade Obsidian (rich black), express your inner light and darkness with riotous glamour.
- Vintage - medium antique gold
- Stealth - creamy buttermilk
- Wolf - rich chocolate brown
- Obsidian - rich black

Powder Eye Shadow - Each of these glorious colours makes a statement that is as individual as you are.  Highly pigmented, prepare for an intensity that's not just colour-true but extremely long-lasting.  Experiment and be bold.
- Pivot - yellow green
- Vernau - yellow ochre
- Sex - pure white, matt finish
- Obsidian - rich black
- Burst - blue green
- Can Can - bright lilac purple, matt finish

Lipstick - Let your lips speak volumes.  Indulge in colour-intense lipstick with a highly pigmented formula, available in a choice of flawless finishes, from creamy matt to iridescent finishes.  Illamasqua Lipstick glides on smoothly and doesn't give up without a fight for the perfect all-night pout.  A must have for professional makeup artists, and those who want to make a statement.
- Apocalips - teal, matt finish
- Box - deep scarlet red, matt finish

Skin Base Foundation - Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined form unlike anything on the UK market.  Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment.  Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens, and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.  Available in a wide range of shades to match all skintones.
Sealing Gel - One drop of this cult product turns any powder into a colour-intense, water-resistant paste that dries quickly and lasts for hours.  Blend with Powder Eye Shadow, Pure Pigment, Eye Brow Cake, or Eye Liner Cake and use across the face and body for endless creative opportunities.  Be bold, be original and stand out from the crowd.

Precision Ink - Create looks with attitude that no one can ignore.  Precision Ink's fine tip allows for defined application.  Long-lasting and waterproof, it's perfect for use anywhere on the face and body to bring out your bold side.  You can even use it as a nail art pen; simply seal with Illamasqua Top Coat.
- Scribe - pure white

Nail Varnish - A spectrum of bold shades with a range of finishes, including matt, rubber, and high gloss.  Award-winning, extremely hardwearing and chip-resistant, there's an Illamasqua Nail Varnish for every shade of humanity.  Apply two coats for intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish.
- Stance - fuchsia violet, gloss finish
- Nomad - bright jade, gloss finish

Is this entire look for me?  Of course not but I still love this collection and it is one of my favorites of the spring season.  Do I think that I will be pulling off the teal lipstick?  No but I can respect anyone who tries to create the look that is on the model.  With this collection, I know see how much this company uses the Sealing Gel to create some of their artistry looks, I have often wondered how some of the varied makeup looks can be created with the products in their collection and I believe that the answer lays in the use of the Sealing Gel product.  I am very curious about this product and I will begin trying to find some reviews and more information on it before I decide to order it or not.

I have wanted the Box shade of Lipstick since I ordered the Maneater shade so I can say that this is my first choice from the collection.  I think that I might put it aside until next fall though since it appears to be a deeper wine shade instead of a true red.  I want both of the palettes from this collection, but if I have to choose only one, the Neutral Palette is my choice.  A palette of neutrals is rare from Illamasqua and I bet that these shades will have great pigment and wear.  The only additional eye shadow shade that I want is Can Can, the bright matte lilac shade.  I am so excited to play with the Can Can shade and see how bright of a lilac eye that I can pull off.  Last but not least, I want to add both shades of the Nail Varnish to my nail polish collection.

I may not be able to pull off every piece of this collection but I do love the looks that have been created with it and I can't wait to order more products from this company!

photo courtesy of Illamasqua

Bobbi Brown Spring 2012 Collection - Rose Gold Collection

The Bobbi Brown Spring 2012 collection is based around one of the big trends in jewelry that we started seeing last fall and hasn't lost any popularity over the past few months.  Last fall, I started seeing rose gold colored jewelry in all of the fall fashion magazines and that trend later spread to nail polish.  This spring, Bobbi Brown is taking this shade to the extreme and basing her entire spring color collection around it.  This shade is said to be universally flattering to every skin tone and easier to wear than many other hues of gold.  I could barely wear gold shades to begin with so it remains to be seen if this actually is an improvement for someone with my pale, cool skintone or if this will be a collection best suited to those of us with a warmer skintone and a bit of a tan all the time.

After seeing this collection for the first time, I decided to play around with some items that I already own and see if I could create a rose gold look.  I used a pink-gold eye shadow (MAC Et Tu Bouquet from A Rose Romance) and a true gold eye shadow (Urban Decay Deluxe Eye Shadow In Honey) to try and get the look on the model for this collection.  I loved the look on my eyes but I don't know how well it would work on my cheeks and lips.  However I am so excited to try some of these shades out on my eyes!  However it does appear that this collection contains more face and lip products than eye products so I am a bit disappointed in this area.

Here is the Rose Gold collection from Bobbi Brown...

Shimmer Brick Compact - Handmade in Italy, this award-winning editor's favorite highlights skin with five bars with pearlescent shimmer.  Each bar also doubles as eye shadow.
- Rose Gold - medium rose shimmer/medium gold shimmer/medium bronze shimmer/deep bronze shimmer/deep rose shimmer
- Wild Rose - deep warm rose shimmer/deep gold shimmer/warm medium bronze shimmer/deep tan shimmer/medium gold shimmer

Rich Lip Color SPF 12 - Bright, get noticed color.  Introducing Rich Lip Color SPF 12.  Lightweight, yet intense, Bobbi's latest formula combines pigments with a clear base to deliver pure, crisp color with just one swipe.  Plus, it's creamy and moisturizing, so lips feel as good as they look.
- Beige Gold - pale nude with golden pearl
- Lilac - light pink tint
- Miami Coral - pale peach nectar
- Nude Rose - medium tone rose brown
- Wild Rose - raspberry pink

Rich Color Gloss - Bobbi has sized up all her glosses to give you an extra dose of shine.  Rich Color Gloss has the full color coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss, and the luxurious feel of a balm.  It moisturizes, conditions, and lasts throughout the day without feathering, plus the new tapered applicator lets you apply it like a pro.
- Pink Cocoa - heather beige
- Angel Pink - soft pink
- Pink Gold - soft pink with gold pearl
- Pink Sorbet - soft pink raspberry

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner - This award-winning liner gives you the look of a liquid liner with the ease and feel of a gel formula.  Long-wearing, water-resistant color glides on and lets you get it just right before it dries - than stays without a smear or crease.  Awarded "Best of Beauty" by Allure Magazine (2011).  Awarded "Best Liquid Eye Liner" by The Knot Magazine.
- Caviar Ink - deep black-brown

Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow - Sheer, lightly pearlized shadow, which can also be used as a highlighter shade under the browbone.  Comes in this sleek, flip-top compact that can be used individually or assembled into palettes (sold separately).
- Rose Gold - golden pink

Shimmer Lip Gloss - Bobbi has sized up all her glosses to give you an extra does of shine.  Shimmer Lip Gloss offers beautiful, non-sticky shine with a touch of iridescence and is perfect on its own or over your favorite lipstick.  Formulated with Aloe Extract to soothe and soften lips; Vitamins C and E for anti-oxidant protection; and Jojoba and Avocado Oils to moisturize lips. 
- Golden Nectar - peach coral shimmer

Lip Gloss - Bobbi has sized up all her glosses to give you an extra dose of shine.  Lip Gloss is formulated with soothing botanical extracts - including Avocado, Jojoba, and Chamomile Oils and Aloe Extract - to keep lips soft and supple; plus a new tapered applicator lets you apply it like a pro.  Scented with a hint of Vanilla.
- Pink Sugar - silvery pink
- Rose Gold - pinky gold
- Confetti - light shimmery pink

Face Blender Brush - A great multi-purpose brush, ideal for dusting Shimmer Brick Compact on cheekbones for a natural-looking, shimmery glow.  The Face Blender Brush can also be used with Sheer Finish Powder, Blush, or Bronzing Powder.

I think that this collection might be my first time purchasing a Shimmer Brick from this company, however I would use it only on my eyes instead of all over my face.  I love the Rose Gold shade and this will be the perfect addition to my collection of products that I have been using to create the pink gold eye makeup look.  I was hoping for a bit more variety in the eye makeup shades and I was disappointed that I couldn't find single shades with the rose gold cast, I guess that I will just buy the Shimmer Brick and hope that it performs at the same level on the eyes as it does on the face.  I bet that I will end up buying the Rose Gold shade of Shimmer Eye Shadow, I hope that it works well with the Rose Gold Shimmer Brick.

I am excited to see a large variety of lip gloss products and shades available in the collection, I have little experience with Bobbi Brown's makeup but I have heard so many positive comments about her lip products and I know so many beauty ladies that adore her formulas.  From the Rich Color Gloss formula, I really love the Pink Gold and Angel Pink shades, I hope that the Pink Gold isn't too warm for my skintone.  From the traditional Lip Gloss formula, I love the Confetti Pink shade, I love this shimmery pink shade and I think that it is sheer enough that I can safely wear it now and then all the way into the summer season. 

I really like this collection and I love how wearable the shades in it are.  Until I started playing with a rosy gold eye look, I never knew how much I loved this combination of shades.  I have been wearing my combination of these shades for the past few days and I still continue to love the results.  I need to try more products from Bobbi Brown, I have a small counter from this company in my local Macy*s but it is hidden behind the MAC counter and I often forget that it exists until I walk right by it...after buying a pile of stuff from MAC.  Time to keep walking past the MAC counter...

photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Chanel Las Vegas de Chanel Collection

Is the new trend for Chanel to be releasing small collections that are associated with major cities?  In the middle of winter, they released the Knightsbridge Collection, a small collection that was created to celebrate some of the landmarks of London.  Now they have released a collection based on Las Vegas, Las Vegas de Chanel.  This collection consists of four products, all of which are gold or have some gold hue in them.  I laughed when I first saw this collection, I finished reading Cat in a Vegas Gold Vendetta by Carol Nelson Douglas a few weeks ago and the color "Vegas Gold" is apparently a real hue and a big deal in that city.  This collection actually brought the book to my mind before even thinking about the MGM Lion or the big casinos on the Strip.  I have wanted to go to Las Vegas for quite a long time now but have never been able to go.  Hopefully that will change in the next five years...

As I stated above, this collection is all about gold and gilded makeup.  I can see myself easily pulling off one of two pieces of this collection at a time but I think that I would resemble a Vegas showgirl if I tried to wear all four pieces at once.  Perhaps this is what women wear when they go all out at night in this city, I wouldn't know since I have never been there.  However, I am thinking that many of the shades in this collection would work very well with red lip shades and I bet that I will be adding a few to my makeup collection.

Las Vegas de Chanel!
Lucky Stripes Iridescent Powders for Eyes and Cheeks - Designed to highlight cheeks and eyes, this Exclusive Creation is embossed with the stars of the legendary "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas!" sign.  Subtle variations of gold, peach, and bronze can be applied on their own to sculpt the face or blended together to achieve an overall warmth and radiance.  A beveled sculpting brush offers precise application.  Part of the limited edition Las Vegas de Chanel Collection.

Le Vernis - A stroke of luck for the fingertips, this dazzling new semi-sheer, gilded lacquer glides over nails to create a playful finish.  Part of the limited edition Las Vegas de Chanel Collection.
- Gold Fingers - semi-sheer pure gold

Rouge Coco Shine - The iconic Chanel lip shine debuts in an exclusive new shade - a brilliant, sheer gold inspired by the opulence of a gilded city in the desert.  This high-rolling hue is part of the limited edition Las Vegas de Chanel Collection.
- Brilliant - sheer gold shimmer

Le Crayon Levres - Create the show-stopping effect of fuller lips by applying a golden line to the center of the upper lip and adding a touch of light.  Part of the limited edition Las Vegas de Chanel collection.
- Vegas Gold - pure shimmering gold

I am in love with the face and eye palette from this collection, I would use it mostly on my eyes.  All of the hues in it would set off my blue eyes and I can see myself getting so much use from this product.  Now I have to visit my Chanel counter and see if this collection will be carried all over or if I will have to go to Chanel boutique (closest one is well over an hour away) to get my hands on this product.  I am thinking that it might be worth the travel time since every shade will work well with eye makeup shades that I already own.  I like both the lipstick and the nail polish but I would like to try the lipstick out first since I am concerned that it might be too warm to be flattering for me.  Of course, these shades will work better once I begin self tanning for the summer.

Oh how I need to visit Las Vegas soon!

photo courtesy of Chanel