ProductWhores

Fashion Forward

So my latest nail obsession is the nude look that's been in all the magazines I've read lately.  (Note - it's possible I'm coming very late to this trend, as the stack of magazines piled up in my living room was starting to resemble a newsstand, so I blew through about half of them this weekend and had a sad moment when I realized one of the ones I was reading was from April of LAST YEAR.  Clearly if I don't get my act together, I'm going to wind up on an episode of "Hoarders" at some point).  Anyway... nude polish.  I love it.  It looks so classic and elegant on pretty much everyone, and it's especially nice because it's easy to touch up and even though I am terrible at doing my own nails, even I can manage to give myself a nude manicure.  My current favorite is Fashion from Deborah Lippman.  It's the perfect taupe cream and it transitions perfectly from day to night.  (And oddly enough, just as I was typing this, I got an e-mail about the polish that Anne Hathaway was wearing at the Oscars last night and it was Deborah Lippman's Naked, a new shade for spring that's a sheer bare beige.  So maybe I'm not as behind on my trends as I thought!)  I might have to go from Fashion to Naked this weekend...

Colour Goddess

 

So unlike most of the women in Los Angeles, I actually dye my hair darker than it is naturally.  Which means that I'm constantly worried about fading and I'm always trying to make my color last as long as possible (because salon visits are expensive and I like buying shoes).  Lately, I've been using TIGI's Bed Head Colour Combat Colour Goddess products and I'm really liking them.  (There's also a Colour Combat Dumb Blonde line for blondes).  I've been using the entire trio of products - the shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner and the three of them are a great combo if you're someone who's prone to knots (like me).  I've only been using it for about a week now, so it's hard to tell if it's sustaining my color, but my hair is super shiny and soft after using all three, has very little frizz, and it's definitely good for my split ends, since I'm not tugging a brush through it anymore, trying to get out the crazy tangles in the back.  It also has one of the best scents of any hair product I've ever used.  Seriously!  It's described as "toffee heaven" in the press release, but that doesn't do it justice.  It smells like an amazing dessert, like walking into the best bakery you've ever been in in your entire life.  The bottle's sitting next to me right now at work and I keep unscrewing the top and sniffing it, which is getting me a lot of weird looks, but whatever.  I just let another girl here smell it and she instantly fell in love too.  If you like sweet smells in your products, the line is definitely for you.  (I really can't rave about the scent enough. It's that good).  The line is sold in salons, so to find one near you, visit tigihaircare.com.   

I'll keep you posted on how my color looks in a few weeks!

Note: Samples of these products were sent to me by a PR representative working with TIGI

Skincando goes Luxe!

I have already raved about Sara Damelio's AMAZING Combat Balm (seriously, I use this stuff every, single day and won't let it get to the bottom of the jar before I'll frantically be searching to order another), so it's no surprise that I literally jumped at the chance to try her new luxe skincare line (there was actual frantic, excited jumping when the box arrived).  The new line contains Miracle Cream (a luxuriously rich facial moisturizer suitable for all skintypes), Eye Balm (duh, it's an eye balm, just as the name suggests) and Brew (a lip balm which contains the essential oil Myrrh).  If I had to choose a favorite to the line it would definitely be the Miracle Cream.  This stuff is thick, thick, thick and smells delightful (delicately lavender).  I love the way it melts into the skin and really gives my skin a nice glow.  I would not recommend it for daytime use (unless you have some extra time to spare in the morning before you put your makeup on) but as a night cream, it is just as the name suggests - a miracle doer.  My dry skin loves how moisturizing this cream is, but also how it does not irritate me in the least.  It does take a while to sink into the skin, but it is oh-so-worth the wait because your skin will feel magnificent by morning.  And the smell?  I just adore the smell - yes, yes, I lay there at night and just breathe it in - so what?!  The Eye Balm is equally lovely and a little goes a very long way (this is a very thick balm, as well), so again I would use at night so you're not frantically patting it trying to get it to dry so you can apply your foundation.  I was surprised at how very little actually made a difference in my under eye area - no more tightness and my eyes actually look rested (which they are not, so this stuff does work a minor miracle).  All products are all-natural and are made by hand when they are ordered (gotta love that!).  Miracle Cream retails for $40.00 and Eye Balm retails for $70.00.  When you place an order, definitely add in a Combat-Ready Balm for $5.00 because that stuff is really the balm (eek, I just typed that, didn't I?)

Note:  Samples of the above products were sent to me by a PR representative working with Skincando

Peony & Python

Bobbi Brown never fails to thrill me and her new Peony & Python Palette continues that tradition.  It's gorgeous, right?  I'm loving all the purples for spring that are coming out now.  (And how cute is the case?  Love it!)  Here's the official info on it:

Inspired by lush peonies and the casual chic sensibility of world-renowned fashion label Tibi, Bobbi introduces the Peony & Python Palette.  Soft pink lilacs merge with sumptuous greys to create a distinctive eye look that’s equal parts lovely and edgy.  The shadows are housed in an eye catching compact embellished with a whimsical yet modern print created exclusively for Bobbi Brown by Amy Smilovic, designer and founder of Tibi.

The palette is part of the limited-edition Peony & Python collaboration between Bobbi Brown + Tibi.  It's on Bobbi Brown counters in March, but you can get it right now on bobbibrown.com.

Find Your Bliss

I love when I open my e-mail and I have fun new makeup news in it!  Yesterday, I got an e-mail from Stila with all the info on their new Garden Bliss set.  Through today, they're offering an exclusive pre-sale to all Stila Stars members on stilacosmetics.com, so move quickly if you're interested.  The set includes:

• Deluxe sample of Guava Lip Glaze
• Deluxe sample of Glamoureyes Mascara
• Gold Makeup Clutch
• Garden Bliss Palette (includes 4 shades of eyeshadow - pale ivory with shimmer, golden beige with shimmer, grass green with gold shimmer, and deep aubergine with shimmer and a cheek powder in rosey pink)

It's super adorable, right?  I'm pretty sure I own all the Stila palettes of this size, so I'm going to have to add this one to the collection.  (Although I have to admit, I'm not really the kind of person who gets my bliss from gardens.  I'm pretty sure my bliss is exclusive to the Barney's shoe department). 

You can order it here through today for only $32. 

Lady Gaga Returns

No Bad Romance here.  If anything, this love affair’s going stronger than ever…  After The Monster Tour mayhem, Gaga’s back to being our VIVA GLAM Goddess once again, spreading the good word about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women, men and children everywhere.  We’re unveiling a hot new shade inspired by The Lady and her passions, in both Lipstick and Lipglass.  And by now you (and the world) know every cent from the sale of MAC VIVA GLAM goes toward the MAC AIDS Fund.  The MAC World feels like a permanent part of the Gaga Galaxy, doesn’t it?  On the VG displayer as limited edition for a full 12 months.

For everyone who loved Lady Gaga's first collaboration with MAC, she's back!  Her new Viva Glam Gaga 2 lipstick (a light warm beige) and Viva Glam Gaga 2 lipglass (a light neutral pinked beige) are on counters now.  They're really interesting shades - neutral, but not the kind that make you look like a corpse when you put them on.  And who doesn't love the fact that every single penny of the purchase price goes towards the MAC AIDS Fund?  (Kinda makes those brands who donate $1 an item or so look a little less generous, doesn't it?)  The cases are kinda cool too, with the Lada Gaga signatures on them.  It's a totally guilt-free purchase.  (And how often does that happen?)

You can check out the shades and order them online at maccosmetics.com.

Britney Has Good Taste

I admit it, I still have a soft spot for Britney's music.  During her crazy, head shaving phase, I kinda gave up on her, mainly because she kept shopping at the CVS I go to and all the paparazzi would follow her and then I couldn't even get toilet paper without having to park like, a block away.  It was super annoying.  But now that she's apparently moved out of the neighborhood and has stopped roaming the candle aisle of my drugstore at 3am (I mean, who needs candles in the middle of the night?  And cheap candles at that!) I'm back to liking her again.  And I love her taste in makeup.  In her new "Hold It Against Me" video, she's shown using MAKE UP FOR EVER's Aqua Cream #2.  

I'm totally obsessed with pretty much all the Aqua Creams, so I was psyched to see it.  They're such a great product - I use them constantly - and they're perfect for Britney to dance with because they're sweat-proof and melt-proof.  If you haven't tried them, make it your mission this weekend to change that. Britney would want you to!     

Future Face

MAC forges ahead with a three-in-one force: Powder, Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer altogether.  First, Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder blurs the line between skincare and makeup, with a pressed texture that beautifies as it benefits. Gives a sheer to medium, smooth, even coverage for a flawlessly soft and even tone with caring, comforting properties. Studio Fix Fluid and Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 shade extensions fill in all the gaps.  A broad, all-inclusive shade range means M∙A∙C Artists can cover everybody, one beautiful conquest at a time.  Call your clients most in need of convincing, and watch what happens!

Future Face will be on MAC counters on February 17th.  Here's what you'll find in the collection:

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation ($26.50):

• N18
• NW18
• NW22
• NW33
• NW44
• NW46
• NW48
• NW58

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 ($29.50):

• Medium Plus - Tan beige
• Dark Plus - Neutral tan beige

Studio Careblend/Pressed ($23):

• Light - Soft pale beige
• Light Plus - Pale golden beige
• Medium - Soft creamy beige
• Medium Plus - Tan beige
• Medium Dark - Caramel beige
• Medium Deep - Rich golden tan
• Dark - Deep caramel
• Dark Deep - Rick golden bronze

Brushes:

• 190 Foundation Brush ($32)
• 150 Large Powder Brush ($42)

You can order it online at maccosmetics.com.

Magically Smooth

Before this past week, I hadn't tried a new drugstore foundation in awhile, mainly because I've been trying to stick to a budget and that budget does not include stops in the makeup aisles (although apparently, it does still involve trips to Pinkberry because I can't seem to quit those).  For the last week though I've been testing out L'Oreal's new Magic Smooth Souffle and I'm finding it a great budget alternative to higher end foundations.  Souffle is an appropriate name for it because the consistency of the product is sort of whipped and cream-like - it's definitely thicker than the majority of the foundations I own, but that works to give it a good amount of coverage once you put it on.  I usually have pretty clear skin, but for some reason, the past couple of weeks my chin has been breaking out and this really covers that and makes it look clear again.  (Thank God!  Nothing makes you feel more like a teenager again than looking in the mirror and seeing a huge zit on your face.  I swear, I've been using that old trick of letting my hair fall over it when I'm talking to people just because it looks so bad).  It's not the most moisturizing product in the world, but it's not drying either - I think it basically just leaves my skin exactly like it normally is, which is fine with me since I use moisturizer in the morning anyway.  I do wish it had an SPF in it, but again, not a dealbreaker since I use an SPF 30 every morning anyway.  All in all, I'd say it's a definite budget friendly find that I can see myself using a lot, especially if I can find it on sale, which is usually pretty easy if you keep your eyes open.  (That's the problem with Pinkberry - it never goes on sale!)    

Note: A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with L'Oreal

Nesting on Valentine's Day

 

Whether or not you have someone special in your life on Valentine's Day (totally a worthless holiday I think, except for the fact I always use it as an excuse to buy myself See's Candy or instruct my husband to do so), you should treat yourself to something that makes you happy.  Really, you don't need a particular day to justify your spending, but it does help - and I have a fabulous idea.  I just was introduced to NEST diffusers and every single woman needs one immediately.  I have never used a diffuser that actually works like this (the smell goes through multiple rooms in my home and doesn't fade over time).  They come in 6 yummy scents but I have fallen for Wasabi Pear.  I know, it sounds totally weird but it's so refreshing - pear mixed with some watery scents and a very slight hint of wasabi (if you don't like wasabi, don't worry because it's really not a strong smell in this one).  Anyway, the diffuser is gorgeous (glass bottle with thin, white stripes), the reeds are black which I love and the container should last three months.  They are pricey (so don't say I didn't warn you) at $34.00, however, they are really fabulous and look stunning on any table.  I actually went out and bought another one to give as a housewarming present (see, I'm spreading the love even on Valentine's Day which I don't believe in).  Best diffuser I've ever tried - anyone have another one they love as much as I love this one?  Ooh, or has anyone tried the "cheaper" NEST ones at Bed, Bath and Beyond?  I want to know if they are as fantastic.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with NEST.