MAC Baby Bloom

This is a new mini collection that was just released by MAC at the end of last week. The mini collections never really hold much appeal for me but this one got me really excited when I first read about it several weeks ago. I immediately started planning my wish list and when I heard that it was released early, I went to the MAC counter at first opportunity. This collection is called Baby Bloom and the colors and products resemble more of a summer collection than one that would be released in the beginning of the fall shopping season.

Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "Shift your look to the sunny side of the street but keep face and lips soft, lightly-tinted, everyday sun safe! Choose from five neutral SPF 15 shades of new Studio Moisture Tint, and five soft-as-air shades of new Suntints SPF 12 Liquid Lip Balm".

Here is the collection...

Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm - A new tinted lip balm with SPF 20 to keep lips hydrated, protected, while still looking brilliantly chic. Provides balm-style conditioning, and everyday sun-shield protection in combination with sheer colour. Nourishing, helps improve the look and condition of lips immediately and with continued use. Features a light vanilla flavour.

- Lilt of Lily - soft creamy pale pink

- Just a Smidge - soft pastel yellow with multi-coloured pearl

- Pink Tinge - clean bright yellow pink with gold pearl

- Full of Grace - soft sheer rose

- Moist Plum - light lilac with very fine pearl

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 - A light, tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 and other skin nourishing ingredients. An easy one step finish specially suited for the season, this sheer tint provides just enough coverage to even out the skintone while creating a flawless, protected, softly moisturized finish. Suitable for all skintones.

- Light - soft pale beige

- Medium - warm beige

- Medium Dark - caramel beige

- Dark - deep caramel

- Deep Dark - rich golden bronze

These lip balms sounded like the perfect product for me when I first read about them, especially the Lilt of Lily and Full of Grace shades. They were the first products that I tried out at the MAC counter. I know that they are tinted lip balms but they were super sheer and had little to no color payoff. When appiled to my lips, it only looked like I had lip balm on, the colors were much too sheer and the different shades all looked exactly the same on my lips. So I passed on all of these. The tinted moisturizer I liked more but I'm not in the market for one right now so it would have been a waste to purchase.

I really think this collection should have been released in May or June, I am totally finished with summer makeup shopping and I bet most other people are either done or beginning to finish up too.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Colour Craft

Colour Craft is the newest collection from MAC, launching in stores today. I can already feel that this will not be a collection for me...look at the promo pic! I could never look like that nor would I ever want to. I am going to look at this collection with the assumption that I will be skipping over it but let's still take a look and see if I can find anything that will work out for me in real life.

Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "Every artist must be daring to hone her craft. Go ga-ga over this dizzying array of new hues. The self-made individuality of arts and crafts finds its way in a soaring one-of-a-kind creation: you. Don't skimp on the materials. Get creative!"

Let's check it out...

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Quad) - Mineralize Eye Shadow spun into a stylish pinwheel pattern of four shades to provide contrasting and complementary colours in a range of glitter, pearl, or shimmering mineralize finishes. Limited Edition.

- Girlish Romp - dirty violet/yellow white/mid-tone pink/pastel coral

- Odd Bits - silver grey/dusty rose/peachy bronze/dark burgundy

- Assemblage - silver white/deep grey/yellow gold/black with silver glitter

- Eccentricity - rich gold/light violet/rich bronze/deep plum

- Natural Flare - copper/yellow orange/rich gold/dirty brown

- Fashion Patch - ice blue/off white/white pink/black with silver glitter

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Colour Crafted - milky pink (Frost)

- Madly Creative - pink neutral with white pearl (Frost)

- Most Popular - purple with yellow undertone (Lustre)

- Ever Embellish - plum brown with red pearl (Lustre)

- Made With Love - bright coral pink (Lustre)

- Trimming Talk - bright fuschia (Frost)

Marbleized Lip Glass - A marbleized melange of three summer-light and get-ready-for-fall tones swirled into one high-shine Lip Glass formula.

- Funky Fusion - pink coral (Cream)

- Pretty Pattern - warm dirty beige (Frost)

- Crazy Haute - blue pink (Cream)

- Miss Marble - muted pink (Cream)

- Electric Edge - cool violet (Frost)

- Nice Mix-Up - burnt ginger (Frost)

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

- Porcelain Pink - soft pinky coral with gold veining

- Sunny By Nature - rich bronze with pink pearl

- Cheeky Bronze - soft golden coral with bronze pearl

Mineralize Skinfinish (Trio) - A Mineralize Skinfinish featuring three complementary shades in a striped pattern. On application provides an overall sheer and radiant effect. Limited Edition.

- Warm Blend - antique gold/mahogany bronze/copper

- Triple Fusion - soft champagne gold/soft golden pink/rose pink with gold nuances

- Smooth Merge - soft champagne pink/deep rose/pale cool pink

Mineralize Blush - A Mineralize Blush specially created for the Colour Craft collection. Each shade features a rich, shimmering pearl veining in contrasting or complementary tone. Limited Edition.

- Hand-Finish - light pink with deep gold veining

- Fad-Dabulous - dirty burnt coral with yellow gold veining

- Daft Pink - deep blue pink with light white yellow veining

- Improvise - mid-tone neutral coral with light white yellow gold veining

- Cheek & Cheerful - mid-tone bronzy brown with yellow gold veining

- Style Demon - dirty brick red with copper veining

109 Small Contour Brush - Use on the face to apply, blend, or contour powder products. Softly rounded dome tip delivers just enough colour; smoothly blends colour into the face. Of natural fibres.

131 Duo Fibre Powder/Blush Brush - A flat, tapered face brush featuring a combination of short natural fibres and longer synthetic fibres making it ideal for the highlighting/contouring of Mineralize Skinfinish and all powder products.

226 Small Tapered Blending Brush - Short, tapered blending brush with ultra-soft, natural bristles. For application and blending of shadow on the lid, and perfect for working the crease.

My only must-have from this collection is the 226 brush, this looks like a perfect brush for blending that is just a smidge smaller than the 224 that I already have. I would like to get the Madly Crative Lipstick but I'm not a fan of any of the other lip products. Many of the eye shadows look like colors that I would want to own but I dislike greatly how all four shades are in the same container, the package totally ruins all of them for me. I would use them twice and all four shades would get mixed together and that would be the end of it. I don't really care for any of the blush shades or the other Mineralize products made for this collection.

This collection looks too hard to work with for myself. This might have been a bit more workable as a Pro only collection.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

MAC Graphic Garden

Graphic Garden is the second collection that has been released for the Nordstrom Event. i had been seeing photos of this collection on the Specktra website for several weeks and now it is finally available for pre-order. I don't know is this collection will be released to any other outlets after the event, though I assume that it will if it sells well enough.

Here is the description from Nordstrom, "A modern graphic garden grows like a haute hologram in black-and-white chic. Sleek metal compacts with lenticular op-art plaques and kits that trick the eye - all to delight the senses. Glossy black-and-white cosmetics bags and indispensible brush sets complete the experience".

Here are the products...

MAC Brushes (Set of 5)

- Define and Blend - A black-and-white patent finish twill bag featuring Graphic Garden's signature rose pattern. Contains a separate zip-up brush holder with five brushes to help shade and define your look: the 129 SE, 190 SE, 209 SE, 219 SE, and 252 SE.

- Shape and Perfect - A black-and-white patent finish twill bag featuring Graphic Garden's signature poppy pattern. Contains a separate zip-up brush holder with five brushes specially selected to help shape and perfect your look: the 168 SE, 187 SE, 194 SE, 212 SE, and 275 SE.

MAC Lip Bag

- Baby Blooms - A small make up bag in the signature black-and-white poppy pattern of the MAC Graphic Garden collection. Features Soft Illusion and Spiceflower Lipsticks and Baby Bloom Lip Glass. These shades appear to be either pinks or neutrals.

- Summer Crop - A small make up in the signature black-and-white rose pattern of the MAC Graphic Garden collection. Features Semi-Annual and Garden Bed Lipsticks and Summer Crop Lip Glass. These shades appear to be warmer and more on the gold side.

MAC Eye Shadow x 6 Palette

- Fresh Cut - Six limited-edition eye shadows in a metal compact featuring the black-and-white MAC logo/floral rose lenticular pattern of the Graphic Garden collection. Features Floral Inc., Sun-Shy, Fresh Cut, Poppy Noir, Bloomcycle, and Part Peony. These shades are plums, lavenders, and pinks.

- Graphic Garden - Six limited-edition eye shadows in a metal compact featuring the black-and-white MAC logo/floral poppy pattern lenticular pattern of the Graphic Garden collection. Features Social Climber, Botanical Blue, Straight Hedge, Wild Wisteria, Linear Lilac, and Graphic Garden. These shades are blues, greens, and lilacs.

This collection is fair. Like with Look in a Box, I am really not a fan of the mini collections since I would rather purchase single shades. I like the Baby Blooms set of the lip products and the Fresh Cut palette but those are the only two products that I would purchase from the collection. I wouldn't mind getting these items but they are not must-haves for me. I am really looking forward to Colour Craft and getting items from that collection.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

MAC Look in a Box

MAC Look in a Box was created exclusively for the July Nordstrom Sale Event. As of right now, it won't start up for another two weeks but since many of the items are available for pre-order, I want to being looking at them. From what I have seen already, I very much doubt that many of these items will even be available after the very beginning of the sale becuase there are some fantastic options available. With my recent of discovery of a major MAC weakness, I had to look at their two new collections before I even opened up the pages on anyone else.

Look in a Box is great option for a gift or for a women who is just starting to get interested in makeup and may not have a full collection yet. MAC has put together three "looks" and has included in each set, the five essential products that are needed to achieve the desired look.

The first look is called Seductress. It is five essential products packaged together to achieve a modern, seductive look. It features Belightful Irisdescent Powder/Pressed, Knight Divine and Naked Lunch Eye Shadows, Bare Slimshine Lipstick, 181 SE Buffer Brush, and a promo sized Zoom Lash.

The second look is called Sun Siren. This package contains the five essential products that are needed to achieve a luxurious. It features Bronze Bronzing Powder, Shroom and Amber Lights Eye Shadows, Get Rich Quick Dazzleglass, Buffer Brush 181 SE, and a promo sized Zoom Lash.

The last look is called Sweet Tease and it is my favorite of the group. This box is put together to create a minimalist, lightly sexy look. It features Shell Pearl Beauty Powder, Mulch and Gleam Eye Shadows, Love Nectar Lustreglass, a promo sized Zoom Lash and a 181 SE Buffer Brush.

Am I pumped about these collections? Honestly...not especially. I would like to get the Sweet Tease box but I'm not all about the others. I like that these collections feature many of MAC top-rated shades and are a great introduction for someone just beginning with the brand. However, many people already own at least one or two of the shades and then buying the whole box would be a bit of a waste. I want the Sweet Tease box but this is not really the collection for me.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

MAC Euristocrats 2

Pardon me while I do a dance for joy...

Ok, I'm back. And what was that dance for you might ask? MAC has just released a new collection of Dazzleglasses. Dazzleglasses have officially become one of my new obsessions and I can't visit the MAC counter without adding one to my shopping bag. Actually I can barely walk by MAC without buying something but we will save that problem for another day. I just love to look at the shimmer and sparkle that this line of glosses produce.

This collection is called Euristocrats 2 and here is the description from MAC, "Six hot new Dazzleglass shades to add the sheen, the sparkle, and the ohh-la-la that never fails to entertain. They're the "something extra" that we've added to the Lipstick and Dazzleglass collection Euristocrats can't get enough of. More, more, more!" Well I can't get enough of them either so I guess that makes me a trendy European!

Here is the collection...

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Patisserie - sheer creamy neutral pink (Lustre)

- Costa Chic - frosty light coral (Frost)

- Saint Germain - clean pastel pink (Amplified)

- Milan Mode - sheer deep pink with multidimensional pearl (Lustre)

- Naked Paris - sheer pink brown with multidimensional pearl (Lustre)

- London Life - sheer deep berry with multidimensional pearl (Lustre)

- Cockney - sheer yellow red with mutlidimensional pearl (Lustre)

Dazzleglass - Lipcolour that dazzles with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Large particle pearls reflect and refract light to mimic the brillance of quartz and opal crystal. Privides exceptional shine with a crystalline iridescense. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight, and moisturizing. Glides on. Wear slone or layer over Lipstick or Lipglass for a dramatic effect. Features our signature MAC vanilla aroma.

- Rue d' Rouge - light red with pink pearl

- Via Veneto - light violet with blue pearl

- Local Colour - neutral yellow pink with gold pearl

- Euro Beat - peach coral with gold pearl

- Internationalist - yellow pink with blue pearl

- Roman Holiday - medium brown coral with pink pearl

- Date Night - soft blue purple with pearl

Lip Pencil - A pencil designed for shaping, lining, or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. the are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades. The colour of Lip Pencils is protected by Vitamin E, which acts as an anti-oxidant, and they contain emollients that moisturize the lips. Lip Pencils can be worn alone, with Lipstick, or Lipglass.

- Subculture - underground pink

- Whirl - dirty rose

- Cherry - vivid bright bluish-red

- Magenta - vivid pinkish-purple

Well, I just saw my Visa cringe. Here is what I from each product line. From the new lipstick shades, I want: Patisserie, Saint Germain, Milan Mode, Naked Paris, and Cockney. Of the Dazzleglasses, I want: Via Veneto and Internationalist. I have never found any allure in lip pencils so I will be passing on those.

More Dazzleglasses and more reasons to buy lipsticks! Euro flair here I come!

photo courtesy of MAC

Chanel Les Naturels de Chanel

Chanel has already released their summer collection about two months ago but I guess that that one collection wasn't enough for them or their loyal customers. This new collection has just been released is called Les Naturels de Chanel and this could very likely be one of their most popular collections to date. This collection is described by Chanel as being "a quintessential makeup colelction of universally wearable, natural colours designed to enhance and flatter the face...and ensure a woman's best look is naturally her own". I predit this collection will have universal appeal among both beauty addicts and working mothers alike.

Here is the collection...

Ombre Essentielle (Soft Touch Eye Shadow) - An instant Chanel classics, this ultra-fine powder eye shadow is sensuous in feel, foolproof in its application, fabulous in its range of finishes: matte, shimmer, and satin. All shades are complementary and can be blended with one another to lighten, darken, or intensify tone.

- Lotus - stunning shimmery beige

- Mahogany - rich matte brown

- Lily - sheer matte pink

- Slate - matte grey

Joues Contraste (Powder Blush) - Unique powder blusher imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture for easy application and subtle shading. Accentuate cheekbones for a youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes soften expression and rejuvenate.

- Orchid Rose - nude rose

Rouge Allure (Luminous Satin Lip Colour) - It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and it is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo.

- Naive - pink nude

- Curious - nude brown

Levres Scintillantes (Glossimer) - Intense frost and shine for the lips. Cool array of the hottest colours in a convenient, easy to use case. Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine.

- Unity - soft brown

- Waterlily - shimmery pink

- Bel Air- peach pink

Instead of making a long list of what I want from this collection, I will make a quick list of what I don't. I don't want either of the two brown lip shades but other than those, I want every piece of this collection. My top two choices are the Orchid Rose blush and Waterlily lip gloss. I predit this will sell out quick and will usher in a trend of looking clean and polished instead of bronzy and shimmery.

photo courtesy of Chanel

Giorgio Armani Summer 2009 Collection - Bronze Mania

So far, I have not used any makeup from the Italian company Giorgio Armani. Living in the non-NYC area, this company is not available at most of the stores near me. However, I have heard many raves about this company so I have decided to look online at their new collection for this summer. This collection is called Bronze Mania and the look is bronze skin, stronger eyes, and minimal lips.

Here are the products...

Sienna Minerals Bronzing Palette - Giorgio Armani captures the vivid earth shades of the sienna landscape in an explosion of vibrant mineral colors. Melted together into a fine Microfil texture, this palette is a unique tapestry of sun-splashed colors. Like a picture taken from the sky, the sun-infused palette earth tones present an all-over blush to bronze and sculpt the face for a golden bronze/reddish-brown glow.

Mediterranean Palette - Limited Edition eye palette, features cool colors of the Mediterranean sea: shimmering turquoise, and deep aquamarine, as well as warm shades of iridescent golden sand and copper mahogany. Also features our most popular bronzer shade.

Body Tints Bronzer - Giorgio Armani's unique weightless pigment free formula blends onto skin. The universal natural bronze shade leaves your skin with a subtle sun-kissed effect. The water-soluble formula features a pleasant gel texture.

Bronze Sparkling Top Coat Mascara - Leaves your lashes with a subtle and luminous glow. A touch of sparkling bronze top coat adds golden hues to the tips of your lashes. Features a professional comb applicator that achieves perfect lash separation and definition.

Smooth Silk Eye Pencil - This silky soft formula allows for precise, easy application and versatile looks. Use it to subtly define or intensify your eye look. Glide the smudger over eyeliner for a sexy, smoky result. Available in a subtle palette from pale taupe to soft black. Silky-soft and rich color pencil. Precise application. Smudge for smoldering effects. For an ultra-glamorous look, extend the eye pencil slightly outside the outer corner of the eyes. Build in other eye lining colors with the Eye Liner Brush and moistened Eye Shadow.

Lip Wax - Lipstick without excess. A modern version of lip color, Lip Wax compact lipstick is a blush of color for the lips. The incredibly smooth and silky texture glides over lips leaving rrich, tailor-made color. The ultra-fine and soft Micro-fil veil ensures a smooth and seemingly weightless result. Like a second-skin garment, the weightless texture dresses lips in a comfortable and an extremely fine film of color with a sophisticated satin finish. To obtain a more precise dsitribution of color, apply with the Giorgio Armani Lip Brush. For a sparkling shine, add a layer of Giorgio Armani lip shimmer.

Lip Shimmer - Embellish lips with this iridescent, sparkling gloss. Lavishes lips with a sultry veil of color. Leaves a shimmering, elegant finish. Paint your lips with the precise brush applicator. Sophisticated, shimmering translucent gloss. Unique high precision brush applicator. Add Lip Shimmer over Lipstick to give more depth, intensity, and shine to the shade.

Hmmmm...I am beginning to get excited about this line of products. I really want to try the Lip Wax since I have heard many raves about it. Since I have been a lip gloss freak for the past few weeks, I really want the Lip Shimmer too. The Mediterranean Palette also looks like a product that will be topping my shopping list. I am curious about the Bronze Top Coat Mascara, i would love to see if it will make my eyes more blue without looking obvious.

Verdict - I need to get the Saks in New Jersey and begin to add this line to my makeup collection

photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Stila Summer 2009 Collection

Stila seems to have had quite a wild ride the past few months, between changing top leadership and many rumors of the company totally going under, the company has been all over the beauty news. Devotees feared that they would never get their favorite lip glosses ever again. Well with a new leader at the helm, Stila has come back and hopefully they will become better than ever. With the joyride of the past few months, I was not expecting any type of new collections from them this summer. However, they surpassed my expectations and brought out a bunch of new products and colors for this summer.

The collection is called Indian Summer and it is known as the "24k Gold Collection". The collection boasts that it is infused with 24k gold. The company states that gold is a known anti-oxidant and has microbial properties. They also state that gold creates a youthful, glistening finish for the skin.

Here is the collection...

24k Lip Gloss - Add some sizzle to your summer with Stila's 24kt gloss! Infused with 24k genuine 24kt gold, this non-sticky formula gives you a vibrant, glistening, gorgeous grin. The smooth textureis loaded with moisture-locking ingredients including Vitamin E to nourish and condition and Vitamins A & C to provide anti-oxidant protection and keep the lips hydrated. The 24kt gold powder nourishes and protects the lips, and gives you a beautiful gold shimmer. Adorned with a genuine handmade Indian bindi, this glimmering gloss can be worn alone or over your favorite lipstick for a dazzling effect.

- Brilliant Pink - intense pink

- Golden Charm - intense yellow gold

- Precious Coral - light coral

- Radiant Sunset - mid-tone red

- Vintage Merlot - deep berry

Charmed Eye Shadow Palette - Go for the gold and the bold this summer with Stila's India-inspired eye shadow palette! Adorned with authentic Indian bindis, this palette features four highly-pigmented new shadow shades all infused with genuine 24kt gold. Long revered for its skin revitalizing properties, this luxurious metal helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and creates a rich, shimmering effect. Create countless looks with these silky smooth eye shadow shades. Palette includes four wet-to-dry shimmer shadows.

- Intense teal blue with green and gold shimmer/mid tone copper with gold shimmer/warm gold with gold shimmer/deep burgundy with black and red shimmer

Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 - Stila's bestselling Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer has gone golden! Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 - infused with genuine 24kt gold - contains the perfect ratio of pigment to pearl, providing a beaming, flawless face in an instant. The anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties of gold leave the skin with a youthful, vibrant summertime sheen, while SPF 15 ensures that the skin is protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Smudge Pot - Golden Noir - Add a little sass to your sultry summer look with Smudge Pout in Golden Noir. This new twist on the cult favorite Smudge Pot sprinkles 24kt gold into the rich matte black base leaving eyes guilded and glam. Long revered for its skin revitalizing properties, this "touch of gold" helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and creates a rich, shimmering effect. The easy-to-apply longwearing formula is perfect for lining, blending, and won't clump or flake.

Mineral Bronzing Powder - Crushed Gold - Radiant, bronzed skin has never looked so good (or been so good for you!). This 100% natural finishing powder gives your skin a warm, natural bronzed glow with one simple dusting. Eco-certified ingredients hydrate and protect, while the pearl pigments and 24kt gold - a known anti-oxidant with added anti-microbial properties - keeps skin youthful and glowing. Mediterranean clay moisturizes and revitalizes the skin with minerals. The paraben-free, fragrance-free formula contains no synthetics - leaving the skin naturally fresh.

Mango Crush Lip & Cheek Stain - This season's latest super-fruit inspired multi-tasker will give you instant glamour gratification. Mango Crush Lip and Cheek Stain is infused with naturally staining mango extracts that react your personal pH levels to create your perfect shade everytime. Used a sheer blush, or a lip tint and packaged in Stila's iconic clickable pen, this formula is easy to build and blend, and leaves your lips and cheeks with a frsh flush of youth. Scented and flavored like a sweet summertime mango and infused with real extract from its namesake fruit, Stila's new Crush contains phyto-nutrients and antioxidants that protect and nourish your skin. Vitamins A, C, and E moisturize the cheeks and lips and leave them with a sheer, fresh, and radiant glow.

Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara - Stila's Lash Visor Mascara has long been an industry favorite. It's quick-drying, long-wearing; waterproof proof formula makes it the perfect do-it-all mascara. And now - it is even better! Stila has put the iconic formula in a bigger metal component - so there is more mascara to love. It also has a redesigned brush for thick, long, luxurious lashes that stay perfectly defined all day! This waterproof formula coats and fills lashes with ease, without flaking. Gentle formula keeps lashes curled and conditioned.

Convertable Color Duo - Marigold - Get that sun-kissed glow you long for with the newest edition to the award-winning Convertable Color Family - Marigold. Infused with 24kt - a known anti-oxidant with added microbial properties - Marigold features two gorgeously golden hues that will give your skin a natural, youthful glow. Wear shades alone or mix to together to create a brillantly bronzed look.

Props to Stila for taking a new ingredient - the 24kt gold - and using it to create a brand new and very unique line of products! I don't know much about the use of 24kt gold in skincare and I doubt that there has been independant research into the effectiveness of this ingredient so I am not sure how well it will perform as an anti-oxidant. That being said... I want the Brillant Pink and Radiant Sunset lipglosses and the eye shadow palette. However, the new shade of the Smudge Pot is calling my name and I am so excited to see this one in real life. I really think this new shade could be the hit of the collection.

photo courtesy of Stila

Lancome Summer 2009 - Tropiques Minerale

I have become quite a fan of Juicy Tubes within the past few weeks so I am really looking forward to this new collection from Lancome. Ever since the end of April, I have been buying lip glosses like there is no tommorrow. Hopefully this collection will contain a several pretty shades for the summertime. Maybe even a shade or two that will complement my faux bronzed skin. This collection is called Tropiques Minerale and is another collection based on bronzy skin and beachy beauty. However, I have a feeling that when I fell in love with their spring collection that it was a quick love affair and one that was doomed to fail.

This collection was not easy to find and piece together so I hope that I have all the products and that they are all correct. I still do not understand why spring looks are up on websites since it is now long past springtime and it is now firmly summertime. So here is what I can find between the Lancome site and the Macy*s site.

Tropiques Minerale Loose Bronzer - Precious earths, exclusively selected for their luxurious silky texture and gentle quality, are layered with mineral pigments in this lightweight powder to mimic the true color of tanned skin. Unique technology with inalterable earths ensures exquisite wear all day. Mineral blend smoothes complexion, while Aloe Vera helps protect skin from dryness.

- Natural Ambre - for deeper skin tones

- Natural Copper - for medium skin tones

- Natural Golden - for pale skin tones

Tropiques Minerale Pressed Bronzer SPF 15 - Precious earths, exclusively selected for their luxurious silky texture and gentle quality, are layered with mineral pigments in this lightweight poweder to mimic the true color of tanned skin. Unique technology with inalterable earths ensures exquisite wear all day. Mineral blend smoothes complexion, while Aloe Vera helps protect skin from dryness. Also contains minerals that provide SPF 15.

- Natural Sunbath - for deeper skin tones

- Natural Sunkiss - for medium skin tones

- Natural Suntan - for all skin tones

Blush Subtil Duo - Delicate oil-free powder blush and cream highlighter. Blush provides natural looking color for a beautiful fresh finish; silky soft, micro bubble formula glides on easily and evenly; oil-free and oil absorbing yet moisture balancing. Highlighter provides complementing sheer cream blush highlighter that enhances the complexion for a subtle radiant luminousity; beautifully blendable cream blush is smooth and non-greasy; incredibly easy to apply; can be worn alone or with powder blush for colro that wears for hours without fading.

- Mauve Mystere - two shades of mauve

- Rose Sophisticate - two shades of pale pink

- Stylish Coral - two shades of coral

Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad - Design eyes with a color designer's palette of finishes: from shimmer to sheen, metallic to matte. Micro-aired powder technology offers supreme smoothness and blendability in the sultriest new shades.

- Bronze Midnight - bronze, two shades of pale gold, deep brown

- Coral Paradise - coral, two shades of pale gold, deep brown

- Safari Escape - gold, two shades of pale taupe, deep green

Also part of this collection are the new Juicy Tubes PURE, which I have already discussed in a post from earlier this month so I do not proprose to discuss them all over again. I have a feeling that I am only getting about half of this collection but the products are scattered all over "New Products" and Lancome still has products from spring mixed in there too. I think I will passing on this whole collection, nothing that I have found has really rocked my boat so far.

photo courtesy of Lancome

Guerlain Summer 2009 - Summer Splash

Guerlain's most popular product of the Spring 2009 Collection was the pale green lip gloss that was designed after the apple in the Garden of Eden. At first glance, I don't see any products that look like they could inspire that kind of madness in the collection that is new for this summer. But you never really know....

I have been stalking the Guerlain website for the past week for a description of this collection from them but they have been very slack in getting this collection up on their website. I guess it is the eternal spring in their world. I had to resort Sephora and Nordstrom to get some information on these new items.

Here is the collection...
Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss (Extreme Fruity Colors) - The first stick gloss by Guerlain, Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss continues to expand its palette of colors to embellish the lips with endless sparkles of light. In it's metallic summer packaging, with a satiny sand color, three new shades light up golden skin.

- Corail des Mers - deep coral

- Grenades des Iles - nude

- Rose Des Sables - deep rose

Ombre Eclat One Shade - "Summer Splash" - Single Eye Shadow - Ombre Eclat One Shade is the largest single eye shadow product on the market. Intense and long-lasting colors allow for light and delicate eye makeup or a more sophisticated, dramatic effect, always with an immpecable finish. Available in many different shades to collect and match according to your mood.

- Sable Blanc - shimmery white

- Sable Blond - cool taupe

Terracotta "Summer Splash" Loose Powder Kohl - All the sensuality of the Orient is captured by Guerlain in this Terracotta Kohl that plunges the senses into the deep blue sea. a richly pigmented loose powder that enhances and intensifies the eyes with a lagoon blue. Presented in its jewel tube, revamped in dune colors for this new shade, this kohl is as easy to use as ever with its integrated applicator.

- No 05 Lagoon Blue - bright blue

Terracotta Sun Illuminating Powder - This summer, the legendary Terracotta Sun Powder travels to sandy beaches flooded with sun and light in the shape of a seashell. With its featherweight formula, extra-soft transparent particles, and delicately pearly reflections, it instantly adorns the skin with a natural and translucent summer glow. An ode to the aquatic world, Terrracotta Sun reveals an embossed metallic shell presented in an elegant brushed brown mother-of-pearl case. Use all over face and decollete.

- Poudre des Sables - mid-tone bronze

Meteorites "Summer Splash" Illuminating Perfecting Pressed Powder - Inspired by Akoya, the most famous seashell from Tahiti, Meteorites Nacre des Mers celebrates Polynesian light. A tonal palette of beige, ivory, and pearly pale apricot enhances radiance and illuminates the complexion, while the pale blue heart sweeps away small imperfections. The compact of perfecting pearls is housed in a refined case with fragments of metallic shell in homage to island seashells.

Blush 4 Eclats Sculpting Blush - Blush 4 Eclats is the ultimate in sculpting blushers. Its cleverly beveled brush is designed to achieve the perfect color effect. By brushing over the palette from left to right, the brush picks up the lighter shades and applies them to the top of the cheekbones. The darker shades naturally cover the lower cheeks to add depth and structure to the contours of the face.

- Soleil Couchant - range of pinky bronze shades

Le 2 de Guerlain Waterproof Mascara - The prodigious Le 2 de Guerlain mascara quickly claimed its place as a must-have tool in all makeup pouches. The main brush provides volume, length, and curl for the longest lashes, while the mini-brush helps to precisely define all small lashes and lower lashes. To keep your Le 2 de Guerlain at hand, even at the beach, it now comes in a waterproof version in new black-gold packaging. To deploy length, the first supple and liquid polymer helps surround the lashes with a flexible coating by encasing natural waxes. To protect curl and maintain hold, the second polymer, a humid resin, forms a setting film over the first coating as it dries.

- Bleu Cruise #25 - navy blue

- Brun Cruise #35 - brown

- Noir Cruise #15 - black

Ombre Eclat - "Summer Splash" Eye Shadow Palette - Four sunny shades in a satiny, metallic case, evoking beaches of fine sand. The Ombre Eclat 4 Shades palette evokes a warmer climates with Perles des Mers. It adoptsd harmonies of a paradise beach dappled with heat, sun, and water. A pearly taupe and an iridescent turquoise set the tone and sculpt eyelids, while a pearly white and a pearly pink beige illuminate the eyes.

I am almost ready to shoot the eye shadow palette all the way up to the very top of my shopping list but i just can't get past the aqua shade in it. I love the other three shades but I know that that one will go unused. I guess I have to give this product some more thought. I will be getting the two shades of the single eye shadow and the waterproof mascara. I also really am curious about how the blush works to contour and I am considering to going to Nordstrom to have someone tell me more about this product. The Meterorites Pressed Powder is almost too beautiful to use, this is a product that I feel like I would buy and then never do anything but gaze at it.

Nice collection...but I am still lemming the green lip gloss.

PS - I apologize for the odd shaping in the beginning of this entry, I cannot get it to work out normally. No clue why...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

MAC Naked Honey

After the let down that was Style Warrior, I cannot say that I am really looking forward to running out to the MAC counter for this collection. Though I must concede one point that I made about Style Warrior. The associate at the MAC counter at Macy's got me to try on the Fierce and Fabulous Lip Glass, which is described as a magenta purple with shimmer. It looks really dark in the tube but was quite sheer and flattering to my skintone when I applied it. So there was one piece of Style Warrior that went home with me. So let's see if Naked Honey might work...

Here is the description from MAC, "Bees do it...now MAC does it! Honey, that is! Three aspects of golden warmth and sun-made sweetness, layered with two honeycomb-derived fragrances. Complementary shades of High-Light Powder, Eye Shadow, and Lipglass are all the buzz for summer".

Here is the collection...

Eye Shadow - Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well.

- Creme de Miel - frosty light yellow gold

- Pollinator - mid-tone warm reddened peach with pearl

- Buckwheat - dark copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl

Tinted Lipglass - A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny, and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application.

- She's a Star - light neutral gold

- Queen Bee - mid-tone apricot with multi-dimensional pearl

- Buzz - dark copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl

High-Light Powder - A High-Light Powder specially created for the Naked Honey collection. Features an embosssed honeycomb pattern. Superfine, impeccably pearlized, it creates soft highlights on cheek, brow, and shoulders - anywhere on the body. Limited Edition.

- Honey Light - a light peachy gold with shimmer

- Golden Nectar - Muted golden tan with shimmer

Naked Honey Skin Salve - Formulated from organic beeswax, sunflower oil, and other natural ingredients, this rich honey-scented and flavored salve instantly moisturizes and helps recondition dry skin. Multi-purpose. Use everywhere. Limited Edition.

Naked Honey Hand and Body Cream - A sensuous cream made from bio-converted honey, and vitamin derivatives. Absorbs quickly for skin-softening moisture. Conditions, nourishes, protects. Use on all areas where ultra-moisture is called for. Limited Edition.

Naked Honey Body Wash - Formulated from bio-converted honey, this body wash cleanses the skin while providing the soothing and moisturizing benefits of lavender, narcissus, jasmine flower waxes, and blue agave extracts. Provides a sensual, calming, cleansing experience. Limited Edition.

Creations Hue : Naked Honey - An aromatic journey that traces honey's fragrant heart back to summer's sweetest blooms. Energy starts to buzz, spirits soar, light floral and woodsy notes float toward an electric finale. Sweet and sexy all the way. Limited Edition.

Creations Hue : Africanimal - A scent that starts with honey-ness that's sdeuctive and given its dash of pepper, not without spice. Add a dark kiss of bergamot and wood, and an aromatic orgy breaks out to create a scent that's all honey but far from sweet. Limited Edition.

I love these three new eye shadow shades, I might considering pre-ordering these before the collection drops tommorrow. Other that that, MAC will get me with its introduction of body products that match this collection. I have used honey based products before, both for their scent and the humectant powers that they possess. I can't say that I am that excited about anything else in this collection though. I would like to try out of the High-Light Powder in the lighter shade but it doesn't really grab at me right now.

photo courtesy of MAC

Shu Uemura Summer 2009 Collection - Eternal Gold

This summer's collection from Shu Uemura is called Eternal Gold and promises to be yet another collection that will be beautiful for perfectly bronzed skin. Maybe this collection will contain several shades of golden eye shadow that would work for me since Shu's quality is second to none in the eye shadow area. Golden shades for lips and cheeks really don't work out well for me but hopefully this collection can wow me in the eye area.

Here is the description of the collection from Shu Uemura, "In this 2009 Summer Mode Makeup Collection, Shu Uemura is influenced by the shimmering gold sunshine that enlightens true beauty. The eternal golden sun collection utilizes the golden rays of the sun that reflect on the skin to enhance glow and create a beautifully bronzed tan. This shimmering range brings out pure and natural beauty in every woman."

Here are the products...

Pressed Eye Shadow - Truest color pay-off and a non-fading finish. The powders capture light absorbing and reflecting it for a multi-dimensional effect.

- ME Gold 350 - metallic true gold

- ME Brown 850 - metallic bronze

Cream Eye Shadow - The unique formula can be layered with pressed eye shadow for a textured, high-impact look; applied alone for a smooth, natural finish; or blended with another shade. 9 blendable and buildable shades in two textures: matte: specially selected shades by specific function for artistic needs - light and shadow control, hue, and complexion control. Pearl: light, neutral shades with pearly effect, perfect for base and for usage with pressed eye shadow. Silicone oils provide a confortable glide, long-wearing and non-creasing.

- P Pink - pearly pale pink

- P Brown 7a - pearly medium brown

UV Under Base Shimmer - Limited Edition. Legendary UV Under Base with a shimmering texture for a natural glow. A weightless mousse makeup base with a ultra thin veil of shimmering pearls that helps even out skintone and texture, reduce redness and minimize the appearance of pores. Use before makeup application to prepare the face for flawless makeup.

Bronzing Powder - Get a sun kissed glow with these summer must-have bronzers in light and warm tones.

- Light - designed for fair skintones

- Medium - designed for medium skintones

- Dark - designed for deep skintones

Natural 50h Goat Brush - Compact-sized brush angled for highlighting and contouring of the face area. Composed of two types of goat hair ideal for the application of pressed powder. The diagonal shape of the brush is intended for multiple usage and the rounded mount is ideal for even application.

Glow On Blush - Enhance and glow. Boundless blush colors to enhnace the cheeks or overall natural glow of the face. Long lasting and great blendability. Can be used wet to intenstify the color payoff. Available in pearl and matte shades.

- P Amber 83 - pearly pale bronze

- P Pink 31 - pearly pale pink

Gloss Unlimited - Easy-to-wear vivid shades in vibrant color. Each shade delievers intense color fidelity and brightness. 3-dimensional shine effect in a non-sticky formula that keeps lips hydrated and soft. Sheer color.

- Br 755n - brown based neutral

Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine - Crystal brillance with dimensional shine. Enhance the lips with luminous colors and crystal-like shine. The light gliding formula melts onto lips, wrapping them in delicate veil of comfort. Satin finish.

- Bg 901s - pale burnished gold

- Pk 301s - pale pinkish gold

Hmmm...I actually have some loves from this collection. I want all of the eye shadows, from both the pressed and cream shadow lines. I would like to try the bronzer in the lightest shade that they make and see how warm it really is. The UV Under Base Shimmer looks like nothing that I have ever used before and is getting me really excited just thinking about how it might work. I also want the P Pink 31 shade of blush, I have heard raves about their blushes from other bloggers and MUA boards so I have high hopes here. I think both of the lipstick shades are beautiful but I feel that they will have too much gold in to suit my skintone.

By the end of this summer...I better have found the perfect shade of bronzer...Every collection has a bunch for me to choose from...

photo courtesy of Shu Uemura

Get Cheeky With Too Faced

Too Faced has just released three new blush shades for the summer. This is the first time that this company has released single blush shades instead of just releasing palette after palette. i don't know about anyone else but I really don't like using blushes that are in palettes since I think that they are too small for my blush to be throughly saturated with pigment. So this introduction got me really excited. The packaging are cute as ever, Too Faced really gets the concept of amazing packaging as well as any company. These shades are said to be good for any complexion but i can't really see all of these shades working for anyone from myself to the deepest of skin tones.

The first shade is called Papa Don't Peach and is the peachiest shade of the collection. "Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush adds a warm burst of fresh peach for a fresh-flushed face. This sheer shade gives your complexion a lovely lift - no matter what your skintone might be." This shade is sheer and natural and would be great for lazy, low maintence days. And the name of this product? This must be my favorite name for a product ever. I love Papa Don't Preach and when I was a kid I called the song Papa Don't Peach.

The second shade is called Pinch My Petals and is the pink shade of the collection. "Too Faced Pinch My Petals is a fresh and light blossom of pinkish mauves that brighten cheeks, forehead, and chin for a perfectly pretty glow. Give yourself a fresh flush with this sheer shade that gives your complexion a lovely lift - no matter what your skintone may be." I love this shade, this might just be a perfect match for me.

The last shade in this collection is called Mocha Mi Amore and is the deepest shade of the collection and the one that I do not think would work out for me at all. "Too Faced Mocha Mi Amore is a rich and creamy mocha brown shade that serves as a pick-me-up for the face or anywhere else you want a natural glow. This sheer shade gives your complexion a lift- no matter what your skintone might be."

I refuse to believe that these shades will work equally well for every skintone, I just don't think that it is possible given the huge variations in skintones and complexions. That being said, I think that Pinch My Petals and Papa Don't Peach will work very well for myself. I cannot wait to give these two shades a test run.

photo courtesy of Sephora

YSL Summer 2009 Collection

Reviewing these collections for summer is turning out to just be variations on a theme. YSL continues right on with the theme of bronze skin and bright blue eye shadow. I don't know about anyone else, but I am beginning to think that there is nothing new in any of these collections. The other day at Sephora, the whole store was done in mermaid blues and bronzers were out all over the place. Maybe I wouldn't be as bitter if I could actually use the pretty blue eye shadows without looking clownish. I think that many of them are really beautiful but they just 100% are not working with my blue eyes. Oh well...

The description of the collection from the YSL website, "This season, the Yves Saint Laurent woman in the mesmerizing beauty and exoticism of Africa. With warm and radiant contrasting colours, she is bold and beautiful and extremely glamorous".

Here is the collection...

Touche Eclat Radiant Touch - Instant highlighter. The best selling must-have, take-anywhere pen brush for adding a touch of light or banishing shadows and signs of fatique from the eye area, the hollow of the chin, the contour of the lips, and the sides of the nose. All skin types.

- #3 Light Peach - golden medium tan

Tresor d'Afrique Collector Sun Powder - Resembling fabulous costume jewelry, the Limited Edition Tresor d'Afrique Collector Sun Powder houses a large pressed bronzer with golden shimmer, to give you a healthy glow. Its silky and protective texture ensures it will last through the day and the Poudre de Soleil N. 2 Golden Sun shade offers an even and luminous tan with only a few brush strokes. Sure to be the star product of the summer.

Tresor d'Afrique Collector 5 Colour Palette for the Eyes - Inspired by the African universe of vivid colors, this summer's must-have Limited Edition Tresor d'Afrique Collector Palette for the Eyes is filled with five radiant and easy-to-wear shades to give you a luminous look. Palette contains five shades: ivory, to be used as a base; turquoise, plum, and navy blue for definition, and toffee to brighten the arch area and bring warmth and contrast to the eyes.

Everlong Waterproof Lengthening Waterproof Mascara - A double innovation for a double lengthening effect; immediate and long-lasting. This performance is due to association of a new generation brush with an exclusive complex - the LASH GROWTH BOOSTER - which favors lash growth.

- #1 Ever Peacock Blue - bright aqua blue

Rogue Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick SPF 15 - This shiny lipstick with exceptional gliding properties illuminates the lips with sparkling, transparent colours. The exclusive long golden cap opens in a "click" to reveal a delightful, hydrating texture that reshapes the lips while ensuring comfort and protection.

- #32 Frozen Mango - bright coral

- #33 Wild Blackberry - deep berry

I saw this collection the other day when I was visiting Sephora and let me tell you that it is stunning. There is simply no other word for it, I spied it from across the room and it stopped me dead in my tracks. The first item that I saw was the bronzer, the compact is amazing and it is the size of a small diner place. I don't know if I could ever use up that much bronzer in one summer since I am still on one that I bought two years ago. The eye shadow palette is also amazing. It is by far the most beautiful of the ones that have been released so far this summer. Neither of the lipstick testers were available to see so I guess both colors are totally sold out there. The Mango shade is sold out on the YSL website already too.

This may be a summer of inimitators but YSL leads the pack with this divine collection.

photo courtesy of YSL

Bobbi Brown Summer 2009 Collection - The Nautical Collection

Bobbi Brown has just released the Nautical Collection for this summer. I don't know about everyone else but I have a great weakness for all things nautical from boats to dreaming about vacations in the Kennedy compound in Martha's Vineyard. This weakness of mine is very Charlotte (indeed she is now the first person that I think of when seeing preppy guys and Hamptons houses). This won't be a collection for the "rockstar" in me that is really trying to get out but I think that I will be stopping by the local Bobbi Brown counter for some summery nautical flair. Bobbi describes this collection as "sheer, wearable and look good on everyone". This entry will be divided into two part - part one will be a discussion on the new products that have been brought out just for this collection and part two will be the current products in her line that are needed to create the look.

Time to dive in...

Sheer Color Gloss - Our newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. the see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season's punchy shades. Limited Edition.

- Cabana Coral - pink coral tint

- Popsicle - light pink tint

- Marina Pink - cherry pink tint

- Sailor - rosy pink tint

Sheer Color Cheek Tint - Bobbi's new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly onto skin. Comes in a swivel-up stick for portability, convenient, and easy application.
- Sheer Blackberry - deep berry tint

- Sheer Coral - bright warm pink tint with golden shimmer

- Sheer Lilac - light pink tint

- Sheer Mauve - pink mauve tint

- Sheer Pink - pink tint

- Sheer Raspberry - deep rose tint

Perfectly Defined Mascara - Perfectly Defined Mascara makes the most of every lash. In one easy sweep, this ingenious mascara lengthens, separates, and curls lashes for perfect definition. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. This flexible, all-day wear formula resists flaking, doesn't smudge, and stays in place all day. Pair with your favorite shade of Bobbi's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Creamy Eye Shadow for eyes that stay put all day long. Best of all, it removes easily with warm water.

- Black - black

Those are the new products. Now we will look at what current products are used to create the new look.

Eye Shadow - Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow is available in a range of shades for lids, lining eyes, and defining brows. This silky, matte formula glides on smoothly and blends easily. Comes in this sleek, flip-top compact that can be used individually or assembled into palettes.

- Navy - deep navy blue

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner - Our popular long-wearing eye liner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.

- Graphite Shimmer Ink - dark grey

- Indigo Ink - navy blue

Well I am not going to do the whole look, if I had brown eyes then it be might a bit different. I really love the new cream blushes, I haven't been this excited over a product since A Rose Romance. I will be getting Sheer Coral, Sheer Lilac, Sheer Pink, and Sheer Mauve. I am also really excited for the Marina Pink, Popsicle, and Sailor glosses. I wouldn't mind trying the new mascara but that will have to added to the mascara list and therefore I might not get to it until the end of summer or the beginning of fall. Overall, this is a great new collection with universal appeal.

photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Lippmann Collection Summer 2009 Shades

For this summer, Lippmann Collection has released two new shades. I am still rather in love with the Purple Rain shade that she released several months ago for the Zac Posen show so I have some pretty high hopes for this collection. The new offerings for the summer season consist of two new shades, both of which are more on the bright side.

The first shade is called It's Raining Men after the timeless song from the 1980s. The name of this color drew me toward it right away, this might be one of the best named polishes that she has ever come up with. The color is described by the company as being a "timeless Parisian red". It is true red with blue undertones and is a cream finish with no detectable shimmer in the formula.

The other shade is called Call Me Irresponsible. I haven't heard any songs with this name that I can remeber so I can't really comment on the provence of the name for this one. This color is described as being a "vivacious violet" and is also a cream finish. This color is bright violet with what appears as large amount of blue based undertones in the color.

Well, I really like both shades in this collection which is kinda surprising! It's Raining Men is the best name ever but I think that the color will be a great addition to my polish wardrobe. Actually both shades would be great additions since I don't own any other shades like these. I am happy that Lippmann did not follow in the neon bandwagon that we have been seeing so far for nails this spring and summer. These two shades prove that it is possible to still have some color in a manicure without it being completely unprofessional.

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

Urban Decay Summer Collection 2009 - Pocket Rocket

I love my Urban Decay Pocket Rocket lip gloss so much that when I checked out their looks for this summer, the one titled "Pocket Rocket" immediately jumped out at me and flew right up to my first choice of their summer looks. I bought the Pocket Rocket gloss in David several weeks ago and very quickly fell in love with it for more than just the novelty value. Don't get me wrong, the novelty value of this product is certainly what draws people to it in the first place and it very responsible for the near empty display that I see everytime that I go into Sephora. However, this is also a great gloss. I love that is shiny and creamy at the same time, lasts several hours, and has a nice little brush applicator to help spread the product.

This look is on the subtle side for Urban Decay and therefore I think that it will have a relatively universal appeal among the masses. Also, only a couple of products are used to create this look so I feel that almost anyone can get this one down pat.

This look starts off with the 24/7 Eye Liner in Zero, a black shade that is a very good seller for the company and is highly rated by all those who have tried it. This is used on the upper lash line and then the eyes are finished off with Big Fatty Mascara in what appears to a black shade. The next step is to use the Sting Deluxe Eye Shadow, a hot pink shade, as blush on the apples of the cheeks. The last step is to use the Pocket Rocket gloss in Eric, a sheer red shade, on the lips.

I am really looking forward to taking this look for a test drive next time that I go out at night. To be totally honest though, I don't quite know how I feel about using an eye shadow as blush. i am sure that the shade is very pretty but I wonder if it could quite possibly be too pigmented to use as blush. This is something that I will have to look into before trying this one out.

photo courtesy of Urban Decay

Givenchy Summer 2009 Collection

It is with a bit of confusion that I write this entry about the newest collection from Givenchy. I went to the Givenchy website to find out more about the newest offerings and that website stated that the last collection released (the one I discussed earlier this spring) was the collection for both spring and summer. However, I had remembered seeing new products offered while I was browing around on the Sephora website several days ago. So after I searched the Sephora site again, I released that this new collection was a Sephora exclusive. Mystery solved.

The Sephora website offers little in the way of a good description (this is the major reason that I preferred to try Givenchy's website first) but this is what they have to define this collection, "Inspired by the body-sculpting effects of the sun, Givenchy enhances the face, eyes, lips, and cheeks of summer with drops of copper and gold for a feminine, glamorous look". Yippee...more gold, more bronze (are we noticing a theme yet?!)...

Here is the collection...

Glow to Wear - A satiny body enhancer that delivers a warm tint to skin. Givenchy Glow to Wear allows you to sculpt and enhance your body up, down, and all around with an effortless bronzy tint and glow! This satiny body enhancer contains a high concentration of mother-of-pearl to create a wet and shimmering finish - giving your skin a luminious boost. Available in the shade Sun Satin.

Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen - A highlighter pen that imparts a bronze glow. Givenchy Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen allows you to illuminate your face with the swipe of a pen. It's made with a high concentration of tiny, white mother-of-pearl to effortlessly highlight and illuminate features and bestow a lit-from-within glow.

- Dawnlight - sheer pearlized pink

- Sunlight - sheer golden bronze

Prismissime Mat and Glow - Sun Caramel - A summertime checkerboard of colors to adda sunny glow to the face. Givenchy Prismissime Mat and Glow imparts just the right touch of caramel to the complexion. Choose your texture - matte or pearly - to match your mood and personalize your luminous look. Blend, shade, or apply in touches for a variety of sculpting, illuminating, and perfecting touches. The nine shades can be mixed together or applied separately to the face, eyes, or shoulders.

Prisme Again! Compact Powder Quartet - This stunning quartet evens out the complexion with a light, transparent matte surface and two luminous colors to create an irresistably radiant and healthy looking complexion. Elegant and discreet, this two-level case also contains a mirror and a brush.

- Sun Mango - bronze sunkissed for light to medium complexions

- Sun Cinnamon - bronze sunkissed for medium to dark complexions

Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet - This chic compact contains two different powder textures, both of them very fine, gentle, and creamy for a variety of effects: matte, semi-matte, satiny, iridescent, or pearly shine - choose your weapon! The two matte textures are in the two upper pans of the case and the two iridescent textures are in the lower two pans. This sexy bi-level mini case also contains three integrated applicators: two shadow shaders and a liner brush.

- Sun Reflection - pale green shimmer/silver shimmer/pale blue shimmer/gold shimmer

Pop Gloss Crystal - This light textured, non-sticky gloss combines moisturizing agents like castor oil and Givenchy's exclusive Pulp Shine Complex of active ingredients including: Pulp'up, a biomimetic tripeptide that stimulates the synthesis of collagen which helps to boost the lips' volume and Vitalip, that helps stimulate cellular activity for the lips, to make lips look more vibrant. Vitalip also acts like a scrub that removes dead cells and stimulates new cells.

- Sun Coral - shimmering peachy pink

- Sun Rose - shimmering muted orange

From this collection, I would really like to try the Prismissime Mat and Glow in Sun Caramel to see how well this works to complement my fake tan. Since this product contains nine different shades, I would hope that it can help to make a fake tan look more natural. Sometimes, I feel that my face doesn't always looks quite like I got a natural tan because it almost appears all one color. If this product could help to correct that issue, it would become Holy Grail material in an instant.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Laura Mercier Summer 2009 - Bronze Goddess Collection

I must say that after viewing and ruling out most the Bohemia Collection in my last post I am not super-excited about looking at the Bronze Goddess Collection. The title already suggests to me that this collection will contains colors that continue to be at odds with my pinky pale skin. However, this collection falls under the category of "summer sun collection" so maybe this one will be more than just makeup.

Here is the description of the collection from the Laura Mercier website, "Laura Mercier introduces Bronze Goddess, her first summer sun collection. The limited edition Body Bronzing Makeup and Sun-Free Gradual Self Tanner give skin an instant sun-kissed glow with a hint of Almond Coconut fragrance. The Bronzing Gel adds the perfect warmth and radiance to the face, whiel the new moisturizing HydraTint SPF 15 Lip Balms provide a splash of colour complemeting your bronzed summer skin. This collection will have you ready for the beach looking sexy, glowing, and gorgeous". Maybe I can get a bit more behind this collection...

Here are the products...

HydraTint SPF 15 - Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 is a multi-purpose lip balm combining long-lasting moisture, SPF protection, and sheer natural colour. Formulated with mint and orange breath for freshening flavor. Adds a hint of colour for the perfect flawless lip. Lips are instantly soothed with ultra-emollient shea butter, grapeseed oil, and green tea extract. SPF 15 shields lips from everyday aggressors with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. Enriched with Laura Mercier's exclusive Lip Complex to keep lips soft and supple throughout the day.

- Apricot Tint - peachy pink

- Berry Tint - plum pink with gold pearl

- Bronze Tint - bronze with gold pearl

- Crimson Tint - natural red

- Mocha Tint - sheer subtle brown

- Nude Tint - sheer flesh tone

- Plum Tint - delicate plum with gold pearl

- Rose Tint - soft baby pink with pearl

Sun-Free Gradual Self Tanner - Laura Mercier Sun-Free Gradual Self Tanner imparts a safe and natural looking summer tan. The deeply moisturizing formula hydrates skin, while providing both instant shimmer and a buildable sun-kissed glow. Lightly scented with Almond Coconut Milk. Streak-free, transfer resistant, and long-lasting. Layer with the white cream until desired instensity is achieved. Intensity of tans will vary - reflects how skin naturally tans with sun exposure. Limited Edition.

Body Bronzing Makeup - Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup instantly reveals, healthy, radiant, bronzed skin without long-term commitment. Satiny smooth formula with light reflective particles helps disguise imperfections. Adds a subtle, add-over sheen. Lightly scented with the Almond Coconut Milk. Streak-free, transer resistant, and easily washes off when ready. Limited Edition.

Bronzing Gel - Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel is a lightweight gel bronzer that smoothes on evenly and blends perfectly leaving the skin refreshed and hydrated. Sheer formula enhances a tan and adds a warm glow. Pigment blends flawlessly into skin. Best used on clean skin. Works on all skin types.Colour is sheer coppery-bronze.

Hmmm...well I am really liking the tinted lip balms. I think that I am going to get the Apricot Tint, the Berry Tint, the Nude Tint, and the Rose Tint. I'm not quite sure about how the self-tanner would work for me since it is meant to turn me the color that I would turn in the sun...which is red. i would like to try to Bronzing gels and see how they work on my skintone before I comment on them. Overall, love the lip balms and this was better than I thought that it would be.

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Summer 2009 Collection - Bohemia Collection

This summer, Laura Mercier has released two summer collections, the first one is called Bohemia and the second one is the Bronze Goddess Collection. We are going to look at Bohemia in this post and Bronze Goddess in the next one.

Here is the description of the collection from the Laura Mercier website, "Laura Mercier introduces Bohemia, her most exotic collection ever. The Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder adds gorgeous warmth and radiance to the cheeks, while the Eye Mosiacs and Kohl Eye Pencils provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades. The Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Golden Radiance gives the skin a flawless glow while healthy, natural tones of Lip Colour complete the look, leaving you earthy, alluring, exotic."

Here's the collection...

Eye Mosiac - Laura Mercier Eye Mosiac combines four coordinating shades in the existing Shimmer Bloc formula to add gorgeous colour and sheen to the lids. Limited Edition for Summer 2009. Adds sheer colour for gleaming finish. Colour glides on evenly and smoothly.

- Mediterranean Sea - indigo, aqua, golden, and copper shades

- Sahara Sun - gold, bronze, and coral pink shades

Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer - Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight, buildable sheer foundation formula that delivers a youthful, radiant finish while protecting skin from the damaging rays of the sun with SPF 20 protection. Skin friendly formula contains a unique Dewy Complex that is proven to keep the skin moisturized and better equiped to combat external aggressors and irritants. Layer with other foundations for a custom blend and radiant finish. Long wearing formula stays colour true and even.

- Golden Radiance - for medium to deep warm skintones

Bronzer Brush - Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush accentuates a natural tan with full round bristles to evenly distribute colour for a smooth, even finish. Hand-crafted from pure Black Goat hair. Short handle offers complete control. Tapered head gently blends colour onto the face.

Kohl Eye Pencil - Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil is formulated specifically for lining the inside of the eyelid and at the base of the lashes. Luxiourous texture for maximum wearability. Allows anyone to achieve the perfect "smoky eye". Soft, creamy formula glides easily along the eyelid. Creates a smooth and well-balanced line. Contains a thicker diamete than the Eye Penicl to create a more pigmented, dramatic effect.

- Black Navy - black with navy pearl

- Black Turquoise - black with turquoise pearl

- Brown Copper - copper brown

Lip Colour Shimmer - Laura Merceri Lip Colour - Shimmer now changes the way you feel about lipstick in one swipe in the newest revolutionary lip colour formula. The wide range of shades and finishes enhances your lips appearence, provides hydration, and cares for the lips like skincare. Lip Colour Complex is a unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients to boost the performance of the lip colour. Offers Vitamins A and E that act as powerful anti-oxidants to soften, soothe, and condition lips for plumper, smoother, and healthier looking lips. Long-lasting coverage with a modern sheen. Colour is refreshed each time lips are pressed together.

- Boho Bronze - copper kissed brown

- Spiced - neutral golden beige

Morrocan Bronze Illuminating Powder - Laura Mercier Morrocan Bronze Illuminating Powder contains four different shades in a neutral colour family providing an overall warmth and subtle glow to the face. Limited Edition. Silky smooth formula glides on evenly and naturally. Velvet composition adheres for longer wear. Pigment blends evenly into the skin for a beautiful sun-kissed look. Oil-free.

- Moroccan Bronze - gilded bronze and copper tones

Meh...I'm not really in love with this collection either...i have really been striking out this summer. i just have to accept that me and bronzy tones will never work and just move on. Both of the Eye Mosaics are very pretty but the only one that I think that i could carry off would be the Sahara Sun one. Maybe I will pink that one up but that's about all that will work for me from this collection.

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier