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Palette Love

You know what's my favorite part of the holiday collections?  All the palettes.  The deals are just crazy this year.  And the colors are so, so pretty.  I always say to myself that the next time I travel, I'm just going to pack a few of them and not worry about bringing anything else.  And I could totally do it too and be more than covered for any shades I wanted to wear, but I always last minute and find myself stuffing more makeup in my suitcase at like, 2am.  It's so sad.  Especially because I'm usually just heading to the east coast, not a deserted island where I can't buy any products if I forget or run out of something.  There's a mall ten minutes from where I grew up!  And about forty drugstores.  I think I'd be fine.  Especially with these two palettes, which are currently bookmarked on my laptop because I covet them both.  Tarte's Treasure Chest (pictured above) is seriously the most packed palette I've ever seen.  Every year, Tarte has the best holiday palettes, but this one has an amazing 30% more product in it.  (It's about time being in a recession paid off!)  It's valued at $686, but is available only at Sephora for $52.  Crazy, right?  The jeweled cover opens to reveal:

• 16 all new shimmering tarte eyeshadows
• 16 all new matte tarte eyeshadows
• 16 all new lipglosses
• tarte's mineral powder bronzer in park ave princess
• all new soft pink luminizer
• four new powder blushes    

It's a holiday bonanza!  I can already tell that my sister is going to want to steal this when I finally get my hands on it.

The second palette I can't stop drooling over is Bobbi Brown's Chrome Palette.  The limited-edition compact includes ten shadows and four glosses.  Here are the shades inside:

• White Eye Shadow
• Polar Ice Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
• Storm Cloud Sparkle Eye Shadow
• Iron Eye Shadow
• Thunder Metallic Eye Shadow
• Moonlight Sparkle Eye Shadow
• Cyber Grey Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
• Foil Metallic Eye Shadow
• Chrome Metallic Eye Shadow
• Charcoal Haze Eye Shadow
• Pink Mist Shimmer Lip Gloss
• Winter Bronze Glitter Lip Gloss
• Berry Glitter Lip Gloss
• Chrome Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss

The lip glosses are pretty, but the shadows are gorgeous.  So perfect for the holidays with all the shimmer and sparkle and the metallic shades.  Love!  This one's a little more of an investment at $75, but since I've never bought a Bobbi palette that I didn't use and love, it would be worth it.  The colors may look great at the holidays, but they're also perfect for a night out all year round.  So really, it's kind of like an investment.  (See?  I really can justify any purchase!)        

Get Rich

Bobbi Brown is my mother's favorite brand and every time I use one of Bobbi's products, I'm reminded why.  They're just all winners.  I've very rarely bought something of Bobbi's that didn't totally impress me.  Her newest creation is Rich Color Gloss, a lip gloss that gives you all the benefits of three products in one easily portable tube.  You get the the color coverage of a lipstick, the shine of a gloss, and the feel of a balm without having to lug all those different products around with you.  (Thanks, Bobbi.  My bag already weighs more than a small child!)  Rich Color Gloss is available in eight shades:

• Naked
• Ruby Red
• Pink Raspberry
• Merlot
• Dusty Rose
• Melon
• Tutu
• Pink Buff

Can't wait to try them!

The Rich Color Glosses retail for $20.  They'll be at your nearest Bobbi Brown counter and at bobbibrowncosmetics.com in October.

Do Some Good

“The basics that you and I may take for granted are luxuries for so many women who just want to be able to work and stand on their own two feet,” says Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown and Lauren Bush have joined forces to create the FEED 10 Pouch which will help provide disadvantaged women with food.  Every purchase of a FEED 10 pouch will give 10 women food through the United Nations World Food Program “Food for Work Program,” which provides women with much-needed job training and work in exchange for food.  The canvas pouch is crafted out of sustainable materials using fair trade labor and Bobbi has filled it with three of her favorite Lip Gloss shades: Petal, Rose Sugar and Aubergine.

The FEED 10 pouch will be available in October at Bloomingdale’s for $50.  A small price to pay to do so much good.

Make Your Eyes Shimmer

“With these shadows there’s no need to choose function over style.  They’re long-wearing and come in the most glamorous eye-catching shades ever.”

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi's award-winning cream shadows are now available in 8 gorgeous, shimmering metallic shades.  They're a sheer, creamy texture that's easy to apply and they have some serious glitter power.  The formula is long-lasting and goes all day without creasing.  I tried out Antique Gold - it's a pretty deep gold, but the color is very subtle - it's mostly the glitter that shows up.  (Not that that's a bad thing, just something to be aware of).  I'm dying to try Starry Purple though - purple is the shade for fall and I can't seem to get enough of it.  The shadows are available in these shades:

• Chrome Patina
• Brown Metal
• Starry Night
• Black Pearl
• Starry Purple
• Antique Gold
• Goldstone
• Mercury 

Bobbi's Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows retail for $22 each.  You can find them at your nearest Bobbi Brown counter now.

Get Into the Ivy League

Bobbi Brown's new Ivy League collection is so gorgeous.  It's all about smoky eyes for daytime accented by toned down, more neutral lips.  And pencils!  As Bobbi says, "Pencils are back in a big way for fall.  They're quick, mistake-proof and can go from subtle to bold in one easy stroke."  (And who doesn't love pencils?  They're super easy and totally portable).  I loved Bobbi's Lip Crayons and now they're a permanent part of her line, which makes me very happy.  Here's what the full collection contains:

Creamy Eye Pencils ($20):

Line and go with Bobbi's new and improved Creamy Eye Pencil.  This modern formula applies smoothly and evenly, and provides intense color.  Pencil features a built-in smudger on the opposite end to soften liner for a subtle, smoky effect.  Each pencil comes with a complimentary sharpener.  Available in 9 shades.

• Jet
• Walnut
• Caviar
• Midnight
• Hunter
• Brown Plum
• Dusk
• Charcoal
• Mahogany

Lip Crayons ($22):

Back by popular demand - and now a permanent part of our line.  This amazing lip formula combines the luxurious feel of a lipstick with the ease and convenience of a jumbo, crayon-inspired pencil.  Includes a complimentary custom-sized sharpener.  Available in 6 shades.

• Honeysuckle
• Coral Pink (my fave!)
• Raisin Berry
• Posey
• Dusty Nude
• Wild Rose

Forest Shimmer Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21):

A fresh, new spin on Fall’s strong eye: Forest Shimmer Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.  For a look that’s equally of-the-moment and an Ivy League classic, Bobbi’s blended deepest green with golden pearls to create a liner that really makes eyes pop.

New, Limited Edition Eye Shadows ($20):

First in class and perfect for fall.  Pearlized shadows illuminate lids. 

• Autumn Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow (love this shade!)
• Bash Metallic Eye Shadow

Angle Eye Shadow Brush ($28):

Introducing Bobbi's new Angle Eye Shadow Brush.  Ideal for applying shadow in the corner, in the crease or all over the lid. It is especially handy for contouring and smudging.  Designed to be used with all Bobbi Brown powder eye shadow formulas.

You can order the entire collection online at the new bobbibrowncosmetics.com. 

Nudes Collection

"Nude makeup never goes out of style - it's polished, sophisticated, and always looks modern."

So says Bobbi Brown.  And I couldn't agree more.  Although I love color, there's something about a face wearing nude colors that's so simple and classic.  You just can't go wrong with it.  Bobbi's new Nudes Collection for Fall 2009 is perfect for those days you want to look like you, only better.  (I know that line is from somewhere and it's driving me crazy that I can't remember where!  A hair commercial?  A skin care product?  Where is that stuck in my brain from?)

Here's what you'll find in the collection:

Nude Eye Palette ($60):
A Bobbi must-have eye palette takes you effortlessly from day to night. In three different textures: soft matte, lightly pearlized, and metallic high-shimmer, three eye shadow duos come in our customizable 3 Pan Palette.

Included Exclusive Shades: Navajo Eye Shadow, Pebble Metallic Eye Shadow, Chino Eye Shadow, Beige Linen Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Maple Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow, Caviar Eye Shadow.

If I had to pick one item from the collection to buy, it would be this.  The colors are gorgeous and you'd be able to use it all year round.  Definitely a winner!

Nude Shimmer Brick ($38):
Our iconic Shimmer Brick is now available in the perfect, everyday shade: Nude. This handmade brick features five pure pearl pigments-pink, gold, bronze, beige, and caramel-designed to be blended together to give all skin tones a soft nude, lit from within glow. Layer over Blush as highlighter or use individual shades on lids for a sheer, pearlized look.

I'm slightly obsessed with Bobbi's Shimmer Bricks.  I own pretty much all of them, so it's pretty much a given that as soon as I can, I'll be heading over to the counter to snatch this one up. 

Creamy Lip Color ($22):
Bobbi is adding four must-have new shades to her popular Creamy Lip Color collection . Each of these shades creates a naturally classic look that works beautifully with the Nude Eye Palette and Nude Shimmer Brick.

This innovative lipstick combines rich color, comfortable wear, and a soft, creamy shine. Formulated with emollient Shea Butter and skin conditioners, it glides on smooth and leaves lips soft and moisturized.

The four new shades are Soft Blush, Rose Bud, Rose Garden and Twilight.  Gorge!

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21):
Our best selling Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is now available in what is sure to be the season’s most coveted shade - Caviar Ink. The richest, deepest brown, Caviar is the perfect complement to the Nude Eye Palette. This award-winning liner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.

The Nudes Collection will be on counters and at BobbiBrown.com starting in July.

Buy Some Bobbi

Yay!  Bobbi Brown is one of my favorite brands and it's not often that they have coupons like this, so if you've been scoping out some of their stuff, this is your chance.  From June 9-June 11, you'll get 25% off all orders on bobbibrown.com AND if you spend $60, you'll get free standard shipping as well.  Even more impressive, proceeds from each purchase will support Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ $10,000 donation to Dress for Success - an organization that provides women with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.  It really doesn't get any better than this - a great 25% discount and the ability to do some good with your purchase.  Start making your list now!

Illuminating Bronze

Why do I love Bobbi Brown so very, very much?  I think the answer is because she never disappoints me.  Winter, spring, summer or fall, her collections are great and I love them all.  (What can I say?  It's late and I've been staring at my computer screen for a long time.  And rhyming is kind of fun).  Bobbi's new Illuminating Bronze Collection is the perfect way to get yourself in that summer mode.  (Also, it's way more fun than trying on your bathing suit and cursing yourself for eating that last Ho-Ho).  The item that I'd call the absolute must-have is the new Limited-Edition Shimmer Brick for Body.  I'm slightly obsessed with the "regular" Shimmer Bricks (I think I have them all) and how gorgeous is that above picture?  The oversized compact has three different shimmering bars of color that can be used anywhere on your body that you want to add a little color.  I can't wait to dust it on my shoulders for a night out.  (I know it's kind of pricey at $75, but this one might be worth making a few sacrifices for.  Who needs to eat, anyway?)

The collection also includes the Illuminating Bronzing Powder, which comes in six different shades.  The "ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. Powder glides on evenly and gives skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow."  As much as I love the Shimmer Brick, I think that's more of a nighttime powder.  These are definitely daytime worthy and will be perfect for anytime you want to add a touch of color to your face.

The All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 is another product I can't wait to try.  I haven't been the biggest gel bronzer fan in the past, but if anyone can turn that around, it's Bobbi.  I'm already impressed because this one has an SPF 15, so in addition to giving your face a healthy glow, it protects your skin when you're outside in the sun.  Genius!  As much as I love the look a (good) self-tanner gives me, I also like knowing that when I use this, I can wash it off at night and go back to my usual pale self.  (What can I say?  It's what I'm used to!)

The collection also includes the short handle Bronzer Brush and the new Limited-Edition All Over Body Brush.  The All Over Body Brush is meant to be used with the Shimmer Brick for Body and I would totally buy it, but even my love for Bobbi cannnot compel me to purchase an $85 brush.  (Sorry, Bobbi!  But I promise, if I was rich, I'd buy one for each of my houses!) 

The Illuminating Bronze Collection is on Bobbi Brown counters and at bobbibrowncosmetics.com now. 

Sail Into The Nautical Collection

"I love sheer colors for summer - they're wearable, easy and look good on everyone."

Bobbi Brown

I totally agree with Bobbi.  As much as I love the darker colors of winter, there's something so naturally pretty about the sheer colors of makeup that summer brings.  (And as a bonus, the shades are much less likely to smear and make you look like a clown, which makes me very happy).  Bobbi's new shades for summer, The Nautical Collection, are the perfect colors to wear on the long, steamy days of summer.  Here's what the collection includes:

Sheer Color Gloss - Limited Edition ($22):
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.

• Cabana Coral
• Marina Pink
• Popsicle
• Sailor

Sheer Color Cheek Tint ($22):
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.  Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application.

• Sheer Blackberry
• Sheer Coral
• Sheer Lilac
• Sheer Mauve
• Sheer Pink
• Sheer Raspberry

Perfectly Defined Mascara ($22):
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. The flexible, long-wearing formula resists flaking, doesn't smudge and stays in place all day. And best of all, it removes easily with warm water. Ophthalmologist and Dermatologist tested. Safe for contact lens wearers.

I've tested out the Sheer Color Glosses and the Cheek Tints and they're great - I love how tiny and portable the Cheek Tints are and the Sheer Raspberry gave my cheeks a totally natural looking pink flush.  The glosses are super shiny and perfect for daytime.  If I didn't get seasick from just looking at a boat, this collection would make me want to put on a cute outfit and go sailing!

Even More Palette Love

I already love Bobbi Brown's palette system, so I'm very excited that now her 3-Pan and 4-Pan Palettes are being joined by a 6-Pan one.  (And they're all only $10, so clearly you should buy the biggest one.  It's only sensible).  The 6-Pan means that I can carry around even more of my favorite Bobbi products with me at one time!  (Because my bag isn't heavy enough with the 47 lip glosses that are already in there).  And along with the new, bigger palette, Bobbi's introducing some more options for you to fill it with.  Besides the many eye shadow and lip compacts, here are the new fun things you can fill your 6-Pan with.

• Lip Quads ($20) - There are so, so cute.  Each little compact has four different complementary shades in it that were hand-picked by Bobbi herself.  What I love about Bobbi's compacts is that they have clear protective covers on them so that they don't get accidentally ruined.  Love that.  The Lip Quads are available in three color combos - Coral, Pink, and Rose.  I might need them all.
• Shimmer Blush ($22) - I totally love the Shimmer Blush that I already own, so Bobbi's addition of two new shades, Pink Coral and Plum Wine, to the five that are already on counters makes me very happy.  Especially because I don't own a coral blush, so that one has my name written all over it.
• Foundation Stick Compact ($22) - These limited edition compacts are the first time ever that you can buy Bobbi's famous Foundation Stick formula in compact form.  I kind of want two of these in my shade - one to pop into my 6-Pan palette and one to just carry in my purse for during the day touch-ups.  They're available in Bobbi's full range of shades, plus two new highly requested ones: Cool Beige and Warm Honey. 

Now I'm just trying to figure out what combo of products I should put in my 6-Pan Palette.  I'm thinking maybe a Lip Quad, a Foundation Stick Compact, a Shimmer Blush, a Sparkle Eye Shadow, a Metallic Eye Shadow, and maybe a Lip Gloss Compact.  Or maybe two blushes and one Lip Quad.  Or maybe more eye shadows.  Or maybe...