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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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.

Mac A Rose Romance Collection

The new Mac Cosmetics collection is about to hit stores. It is an interesting collection with lots of pinks and blue eyes. These colors are present in almost all makeup collections for the summer.

I like the colors in the Rose Romance Collection especially for lips and cheeks. I still have to share with you the pictures I took for the Hello Kitty Collection launch in Barcelona, they are interesting.

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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Urban Decay spring collection is out

The collection includes the usual products in the style that characterizes Urban Decay. It is available in the Urban Decay website as a preview before hitting stores soon.

It is an interesting makeup. It includes glitter eyeliners and a lipstick with shimmer and sparkle. Urban Decay offers a lot of edgy products to create unique looks ideal for clubs and similar.

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.

Shu Uemura holiday collection

This holiday season Shu Uemura brings us deep, playful and festive colors to celebrate and party. The holiday collection is called Mika and it was developed in collaboration with acclaimed Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa.

Some of the products come in decorated packages making them ideal to carry around or to give to a love one. Take inspiration from the picture to create your own looks. You can see the whole collection at Shu Uemura USA

Photo: Shue Uemura

How To Get Red Lips

Bobby Brown nude collection for summer

I do not use a lot of makeup in summer as most people do. Makeup in summer is a lot lighter than in the rest of the year. I found the new Bobby Brown nude collection refreshing and very wearable, although sometimes I prefer more color.

Asian makeup

If you are an Asian and have a yellow skin tone, Joy, a Ford model, has some great tips on how to apply makeup quickly. Actually, even though she is a model, she says that she can put her makeup on in as little as two minutes. Watch as she tells you exactly what to do so that you don't look made up but do have your makeup on and look very natural.

Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008

The new YSL collection is called Pallete Pop. It is said to have been inspired by a romantic greeting card sketched by YSL. It is inspired by flowers and love.

I love the pink color for cheeks and lips; it looks fresh and romantic. The eye makeup is dramatic and it can be used to inspire your own looks.

Simple skincare regimen

Natasha Singer of the Times did a terrific article "Fountain of Youth?" And the tag line says, "Go Wash Your Face." Yes, she was serious.

So what is her advice to be young forever without spending incredible amounts of money on cosmetic surgery or personal care products. Here is a summary of her recommendations:

1. Throw away old personal care products
Unless the package tells you an expiration date, simply throw away after one year especially if you touch the product by hand.

2. Do not smoke
If you do, even rarely, please try to quit. Apart from what it does to your lungs, smoking is hard on the skin too.

3. Leave the pimples alone
The more you touch them the worse they become.

4. Sleep more
There is no better time for the skin to repair itself than when you are sleeping. 6 to 8 hours of good sleep is awesome.

5. Reduce stress
There are many other benefits of living stress free but you will notice an immediate change in your skin when your stress levels are low.

6. Always wear sunscreen
The rule of thumb is that during the time there is sun, you should wear sunscreen. No exceptions.

7. Simplify your skincare regimen
Use no more than four products (a mild cleanser; a sunscreen or moisturizer containing sunscreen; a product that contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, pomegranate, soy and green tea; and an antiwrinkle product containing ingredients like retinoids, a form of vitamin A, or protein fragments called peptides) daily.

8. Wash your face before going to bed
Believe it or not but there is dust all around you, even inside an airconditioned building. So wash off that dirt each night.

9. Buy good quality products but do not spend more than $30 on each item
If something costs more than that you are paying not for ingredients but for advertising, marketing, and the big bucks paid to a Hollywood star to endorse that product.

Heidi Klum makeup

Heidi Klum has managed to thrive in the world of lingerie modeling despite being a mom and being much older than many other models that are in their teens and 20s. She has also launched a highly successful program "Project Runway" in which along with famous fashion designer Michael Kors, Tim Gunn, and editor Nina Garcia, they select a designer. In other words, Heidi knows how to look good on the runway and on the red carpet, and of course, going about your daily lives with little kids. She has now launched a makeup line that borrows tricks used by makeup artists who work on models and celebrities before a big event. With her makeup products you can try to create the look at home by yourself. She has created the makeup line with Linda Hay, makeup artist at Victoria's Secret.

Spray for the legs

I am referring to the spray to make the legs look as if you are wearing stockings. They are not the same but come very close to it.

The absolutely gorgeous model Daniela Pestova told Shape magazine that she uses one of these products for bikini photo shots. Daniela uses Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. There are many other brands and it is worth considering them. If the product can help Daniela look better, it can do more for all legs.

A trip to the makeup counter

If you like to learn more about makeup, your best bet is to go to a makeup counter such as Sephora or Mac. The makeup applications are free, but you need to buy something My advice is do not buy everything; buy foundation if you like it and maybe concealers. Think about the rest. Sometimes the makeup artists on these counters do not listen to you and you can end up not looking as want.

If you go to a counter such as Mac, go to a fine department store, such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom, the products cost the same, but I know the service is much better. Also, go to a quiet store in quiet times so you get more time and attention.

Be specific on what type of makeup you like: natural, modern, etc. Or tell them you like how a celebrity looks (bring the picture in case they do not remember that celebrity). Ask questions and take notes on how they apply your makeup, I do not know about you, but I forget things.

I tell my friends not to be afraid of makeup. I suggest that they read magazines, pay attention to pictures and experiment. Just a little bit of makeup does not cover who you are; it only highlights your strong points. Beauty does not come from makeup, it comes from you.