Guerlain’s makeup collection Spring 2010

This spring Guerlain brings us the Cherry Blossom makeup collection. The collection includes a quartet of eye shadows, blush, pressed powder and perfume. Also new lipsticks: Rouge G de Guerlain Le Brilliant and KissKiss Strass.

The colors are classic for spring and its many shades are very versatile. If you like pink hues, this collection is for you.

The collection is on sale now.

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Chanel makeup Spring 2010

The new makeup collection for Chanel is called Les Impressions de Chanel. It has 19 pieces that included neutrals, shades of pink and deeper warmer browns and plums.

“Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, honors her legacy with LES IMPRESSIONS DE CHANEL — a collection of clean, classic neutrals that are infinitely wearable and effortlessly chic. Quintessential shades, ranging from pink and beige to warm brown and khaki, enhance the complexion and illuminate the face, highlighting a woman’s natural beauty,” the company said in a statement announcing the launch of this collection.

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NARS makeup Spring 2010

The NARSs Spring 2010 makeup collection was inspired by Catherine Deneuve in her role as Lucille in the 1968 film La Chamade. The ad model is the famous Amber Valletta.

The tones of the collection are classic spring, they are soft, sexy, stylish and versatile. In this collection you will find: NARS Cruising Lipstick (soft pink), 2 lip glosses, Purple Rain Nail Polish. D. Gorgeous Single Eye shadow, a dusty lilac powder eyeshadow, Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow and Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow. Also NARS Glitter Pencil, this is a bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue that delivers powerful, vibrant color.

The collection will be available on January 15.

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Smashbox for Christmas

Smashbox’s holiday collection has been available for some time in the shops and they have very good kits for gifts.

I like the look they have created. It is a lot of makeup, but this is for the model only. It is an easy to wear look: a wash of shimmery purple on eyes, softly flushed cheeks and glossy pink party-ready lips. The following picture shows an smoky eye.

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Dior Insider Auctions

I finally signed up for the Dior insider auctions. I think this is a very cool idea, basically you are registered at Dior and then you can participate in auctions for special packages such as:

Cherie Diva.
2 round trip business class tickets to Paris
2 night of at a very expensive hotel
Lunch at Laduree (my favorite patisserie in Paris)
An afternoon tour of Paris and a visit to the Dior offices
Dinner at an expensive restaurant
A surprise gift

The current bid for this package is more than $4000; it is approaching the cost of the activities, but the funds will go to a charity and the whole experience as described on the website is priceless. There are many other auctions, this is one of the most expensive ones. I think it is a cool idea because the packages are special, granted they are expensive, but perhaps a good gift for a special occasion.

I am not planning to participate in any auction right now, but I will keep an eye for the right package.


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Product review: Temptu airbrush makeup

During the weekend I tried the new airbrush makeup system by Temptu. According to the press release back in August this company has been embellishing the faces of famous people and models for years for photo shoots, filming and live appearances.

I lined up at Sephora to get my experience with airbrush makeup. Before I tried it, I observed other people. One lady had a lot of melasma or sun damage, her pore size was small and her skin was very good beside the dark spots. The makeup covered them well, but still you could see a little of the heavier pigmentation. She looked good, but no different than using regular foundation.

My application was easier, I think. I asked for a light application for day use. These are some of my observations and experience:

1- The machine looks easy to use

2- Cost wise it is a “big” initial investment. The machine costs about $220.00 in Sephora and a set of 2 foundation pods cost $55.00. I was told each pod will last about two months.

3- My husband questioned what will happen if the machine breaks down after the warranty runs out? It is a sophisticated small unit. He said that it is unlikely it can be repaired by you.

4- I think time wise I can apply foundation faster with a sponge or makeup brush.

5- One thing I love about the system is that it is very hygienic, because the dispenser never touches the skin and it does not need to touch anything. There is nothing to clean or dispose.

6- The application is pleasant, I felt like a gentle blow of cold air and the micro particles start to cover the skin.

7- I asked if the particles could get inside the nose or the contact lenses. I was told there are no risks. I am still concerned about this, because when applying next to the nose the particles can be breathed in and with daily use I am not sure it is totally healthy.

8- Afterward the foundation looked natural, my tone was even out perfectly and expression lines were less visible. I was happy with the look.

9- I was not very happy with the feeling, my skin felt sticky all the time.

10- The foundation lasted all afternoon and evening until I washed it out.

11- I love how the blush looks. It looks very natural

12- I am concerned about the limitated options. If you purchase this unit you will need to use only their products at this time. This limits the textures, colors and prices. I love to try new products and that will not be possible. What happens if this brand or another brand launches a new and better system? You would need to think about the big initial investment.


Conclusion
I think this is a great resource for makeup artists and I would like to use it for special occasions in a professional application. I will not buy the machine at this time, because I prefer to use a mineral foundation and have the freedom to pick the brands and textures I like. I read in some forums that it has caused pimples in some people.

If you are interested go to a Sephora store and try it. If you buy the machine and you are not satisfied you can return it.


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Czarinna makeup collection

The new collection of the Swedish makeup brand Make Up Store is called Czarinna (Czarina) as the title of the former Russian queens.

It is a more traditional collection than some of the collections in this line of makeup that is characterized by its cutting edge designs a little provocative at times.

The new collection has very wearable colors with deep smoky eyes perfect for autumn and winter. We love the photos, a little nostalgic and exotic.

In the US, Make Up Store does not have many shops, but it is present in many countries. They publish a magazine for makeup artists that is sold in Barnes and Noble and you can also see it it in their site


Photos: Make Up Store

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Dania Ramirez is the new CoverGirl

CoverGirl Cosmetics announced today that Dania Ramirez is now a CoverGirl. Dania participated in X-Men, The Sopranos and Heroes.

“Being a CoverGirl is about recognizing internal and external beauty, regardless of age or background. As a role model, I hope to inspire women to be confident enough to achieve everything they want to achieve,” says Dania Ramirez.

“I am truly honored and thrilled to represent a brand I have loved since first discovering it as a teenager and it is a privilege to now be among the highly regarded list of CoverGirls.”

We will see Dania in CoverGirl in January 2010. She is a role model, when she moved from Dominican Republic Dania did not speak a word of English and she manage to become a successful actress and a CoverGirl.

Photos: Vanity Fair Magazine

Sue Uemura Tokyo Kamon Girls

Sue Uemura has launched a limited edition of its cult following cleansing oils. The popular oils are now available in colorful kawaii bottles designed by Moyoco Anno.

Moyoco Anno according to Wikipedia is a “famous Japanese manga artist and a fashion writer, with numerous books published in both categories. Her manga and books have attained considerable popularity among young women in Japan.”

The bottles are definitely cute. As you know these oils are very popular among makeup artists who worked with actors, models and TV personalities who use a lot of makeup frequently and need a way to eliminate the makeup without severally irritating the skin. Their main ingredient is mineral oil, but they are well developed and can easily be eliminated and do not leave a grease layer on the skin. They are not cheap at $75 a bottle, but for their intended use they are great.

Photos: Sue Uemura

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Mac Style Warrior

The new Mac makeup collection will be out in a few days. It is called Style Warrior and the packaging reflects the jungle inspiration. It is refreshing to see more colors for this season, besides pink. It is an edgier collection with a touch of exoticism.

Mac says: Introducing a dramatically different and deliberately diverse color story, an eclectic and expressive way to exalt and admire the strength and solidarity of beauty with no barriers. All exotically packaged in stylized zebra and leopard prints to keep it wild and uninhibited – like the Style Warriors we blazing the fashion war path in great cities.

It is a great makeup collection, I love the intense colors for eye shadows and the bronzers. I always love to see the Mac Cosmetics collections, there are so many of them a year that it is difficult to try the products from all of them.

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Prescriptives Summer 2009

Precriptives has reveled its new makeup collection for this summer. It is inspired by their fragrance Calyx. This perfume is very refreshing and energizing and the new makeup also has these attributes.

The line has many citric colors such as light greens and oranges for eyes and lips. I find the products very attractive and an alternative to the sea of pinks in most makeup lines for the summer.

Dior makeup Summer 2009

This is the Dior new makeup collection for summer. It is full with pinks in different intensities and tones. It does not have a lot of bronzers, but it does have two of them, one in browns and one in pinks.

If you like pink this is your makeup for summer, it you do not like pink there are many other options.

Laura Mercier Bohemia Collection

For the summer 2009 Laura Mercier introduces the Bohemia Collection. The collection has earthy tones and blue hues for the eyes. It reminds me of the 70s because of the blue for eyes and the bohemian part, I love the look for summer.

It has a bronzer called Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder to add a warm touch to cheeks. For the eyes it has the Eye Mosaics and Kohl Eye Pencils to “provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades.”

It also includes a tinted moisturizer and lipsticks in natural tones.

YSL Makeup collection summer 2009

Yves Saint Laurent has its new makeup collection for summer ready. As you can see in the picture it has fierce colors, it makes me think of the French Riviera. The colors are intense and elegant.

It is inspired in Africa; it has blue mascara and a set of eye shadows that includes blue and deep purple.

Estee Lauder makeup 2009

The new Estee Lauder makeup collection for this summer is already here. It is called Vivid Garden and it has a lot pinks and shimmery tones.

I like the Illuminating powder, it comes with many colors that can be used separately or mixed for cheeks, eyes and for a little of color anywhere. The Illuminating Powder is also very pretty as you can see in the picture.

Anna Sui Summer 2009

I am intrigued by Anna Sui’s summer makeup collection. It is a bit Gothic I think, but so far it is one of the most interesting collections for summer. The collection is called “Beach Collection black diamond”

If you look at the promotional images closely the makeup is “summery” with light nude lips and intensive, but no so much, eyes (with less mascara of course).

While I love Anna Sui’s packaging, I think she needs to move to a more environmentally friendly alternative. The collection will be available in the US probably mid May.

Mac Sugarsweet

Mac Cosmetics new collection is Sugarsweet. It is a delightful makeup collection inspired in frostings, fillings and finishes. The colors look like cupcakes’ colors, this means pastels mostly in rosy, peachy, chocolate brown tones.

The collection has great easy to use colors for spring. I like the multiple color glosses, I will check them out at the counter.


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Smashbox Spring 2009

The new Smashbox collection is called Muse. According to the line’s National Artist, Hank Hoffman, the objective is to provide a palette so every woman can crate her own looks. It is a vivid palette with greens, deep purples, peaches and pinks.

A daring makeup, but as you can see in the pictures it is subtle. I hope the pictures inspired you to experiment.

Hello Kitty Mac video

As you know Mac Cosmetics and Hello Kitty have a make up collection out. You can read my review Hello Kitty Mac.

Now I am speechless. I like Mac and Hello Kitty both, but this promotional video is not my taste. It starts fine, it looks surrealistic and a bit like a Target ad, but it changes and believe it or not it has something that looks like S&M. It is not to my taste, because Hello Kitty is beloved by kids, it has traditionally symbolized kawaii and innocence (there are sex toys with the character in Japan though, but that is in Japan).

Thanks to Bella Sugar where I saw the video.



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Givenchy Spring 2009

Givenchy has revealed its new collection. The theme of this collection (or inspiration) is Bollywood, the name of the Indian movie industry (Hollywood of Bombay).

The collection has metallic tones for the eyes and vibrant tones for the lips. I like the packaging and the lipstick’s colors.

Estee Lauder Spring 2009

Fuchsia is the color of the season for Estee Lauder this spring in a colection called Fuchsia Now. I like the Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder ($32.00). According to the company it is a multi-use shimmer powder to highlight, warm up and glow all over. I'll try it on in my next trip trip to the mall.

Estee Lauder is also launching soon a new mineral foundation.

Mac Hello Kitty is almost here

In early February the new Mac Cosmetics makeup collection in partnership with Sanrio will be in stores. More pictures are now available (via /www.iswii.net). The images show a sort of Goth Hello Kitty. I think some of Kitty's kawaii factor is not fully there.

I like the packaging, it is girly but maybe a bit too much, and it is definitely Mac. The colors reflect a more edgy Hello Kitty than we are used to, but Kitty has always been versatile and the colors are girly. I will make sure I check it out and try it on when it comes to stores although I think it is not for my age group, but a lipstick will not hurt.
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Shu Uemura Spring collection 2009

In like the new Shu Uemura collection, the colors are perfect for spring. The collection includes a lot of sheer tones and pastels ideal for a fresh, youthful look. It is named Mirage and it is supposed to play with shadow and light and be inspired by the master of impressionism painting Claude Monet.

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Hello Kitty and Mac Cosmetics

I am happy that two of my favorite brands are teaming up: Hello Kitty and Mac Cosmetics. WWD reported today that next February the Hello Kitty Mac Cosmetics makeup will hit the market in the US and in March the rest of the markets. I hope my husband buys me a Mac Kitty product for Valentines.

The girly, kawaii part of me loves makeup packaging with characters.

Smashbox holiday collection: Rapture

I love the Smashbox collection for this season, it is so feminine and playful. Smashbox defines it as, sensual and ethereal beauty look with sparkly eyes and peachy cheeks. I think young girls will look so pretty with this type of makeup.

Stila smoky eye

I love this Stila eye makeup kit for smoky eyes. It has instructions and all the colors you need. It is bit pricey, but it is very practical for traveling or bringing it to the office.

If you want to learn how to create the smoky eye, try youtube.com, there are a lot of good videos to teach you. The smoky eye makeup is easy and it can be done with any colors.
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Nars new collection

Nars has launched their holiday collection. As you can see in the picture, the metallic tones are an important part of the collection. I love the eyes and how a strong brow combines with the shimmery golden shadows.

Make up from Sweden: The Make Up Store

Ladies, I wanted to share with you news about a product line that I have recently come across. It is called The Makeup Store and it comes from Sweden. It is a trendy, modern, and chic makeup line. They have stores all over the world, and in the United States, they have stores in Miami and Denver.

It is similar to Mac Cosmetics but a bit trendier and edgier.

They have an extensive collection of products. I particularly love their eyelashes; they have many styles including some with feathers.

I also like their eye shadows, especially the loose eye shadows. They have some fab Swarovski crystals that can be used to adorn any part of the body.

I also like the fact that their lipsticks have many beneficial ingredients such as avocado oil,
beeswax, jojoba and Shea butter.

If you come across a Makeup Store, it is worth visiting.

Rouge Lips

L'Absolu Rouge Advanced Replenishing & Reshaping Lipcolor Pro-Xylane™ SPF 12 Sunscreen is one of Lancome's new products. L'Absolutely Voluptuous Lips is a creamy formula with Pro-Xylane™; this is an ingredient to make your lips fuller and smoother. It also has sunscreen 12. I wish the sunscreen will be higher, but perhaps this is not possible in lipstick and I will probably eat it.

This new lipstick comes in other great colors.

Nars new collection

Shanghai Lilly is the name of Nars cosmetics spring collection. The colors are deep and intriguing, they describe it as a dichotomy of innocence and seduction. The colors are very wearable and easy to combine with your existing makeup.

Shu Uemura Rebirth

The spring collection of makeup in the Shu Uemura line is called Rebirth and it has beautiful bright colors as shown in the pictures on this page.

Bobbie Brown's Pink raspberry

The new color for spring in the Bobbi Brown line is pink raspberry, either on eyes or lips. Bobbi Brown has put together a set to get her spring look going. According to Bobbie, pink raspberry makes all skin types more beautiful, specially brunettes.

Bobbie recommends to put pink raspberry on the cheeks and cool tones on the eyes. For a more modern look, Bobbie recommends using a sheer blush in pink raspberry. According to her, most women have the colors that work well with them, but adding a new lip or cheek color adds to their look.

Shu Eumura collection

Shu Eumura collection Muse has great holiday and party colors. The
goldish palette can look good on almost all skin types if used in the right
tones.