Sheesh, we haven’t even opened our holiday gifts yet and already I have the 2010 MAC Cosmetics Trend Report for Spring & Summer. I was actually a little turned off by the whole introductory description of it, but I guess I need some pictures to prove that it’s something to get excited about.

The “Anti-Glamour” season is coming… does that sound depressing or what?

From MACPro.com:
Of difference: we’re at a moment in beauty when identikit perfection looks positively passé. Touching on tribal elements with striking originality (underground society), taking a couture approach to nude makeup (pale ‘n’ dandy), feeling the heat of a carefree, sun-warmed vibe (american nomad) or getting creative with the murano-glass palette being passed about (dye-a-tribe) feels eminently more interesting and appropriate. “The essential point with makeup this season is that it’s about projecting emotion and attitude, about not looking the same as everyone else,” explains Terry Barber.

Gorgeousness of last season has been replaced by marks of urban grooming and freshness; or, of making one unexpected, attitude-projecting beauty statement that employs striking colour and construct to a punchy end. On both counts, the quieter leaders of individuality are important in showing us what’s to come: a mascara-less lash and the ubiquity of a bleached brow both emphasize the features, planes and shadows of the face to instantly underscore its uniqueness. “It’s definitely an anti-glamour season,” confirms Gordon Espinet. Bring on the tribal gathering!

All I could think of is that we are all going to end up looking like bleached out like Tilda Swinton (Narnia). No mascara? Bleached brows? How can this be cute?

Look #1: Underground Society (AKA: The Cullens? Seriously. This is Edward Cullen meets Courtney Love) It’s all about not looking cute.. it’s about expressing individuality by being a minimalist. What if my individuality is multi-faceted..and being cute?

MAC Spring 2010 LookMAC Spring 2010 Look

MACPro.com Description: An aerodynamically misplaced streak of liner. A lip packed in Pigment or duo-chromatically constructed…a hardass brow. “It’s more of an attempt to project an attitude of individuality and a sense of ownership than about looking gorgeous in any traditional sense,” explains Terry Barber.

Quotes
Gordon Espinet “These makeups are all about one element on the face. Rather than defining the features, it’s almost more about the product being an accent on a practically naked face… it’s minimal makeup, maximum impact, and definitely with an edge.”

Key Products
Chromaline In Black
Black Chromaline In Cyan
Penultimate Eye Liner In Rapidblack
1 Lash
Crush Metal Pigment In Stacked 1
Glitter In Pink
Lipmix In Ochre
Lipmix In White
Paintstick In Pure White
Eye Shadow In Rule
Eye Shadow In Very Violet
Lipstick In Russian Red
Lip Pencil In Cherry
Pro Pigment In Acid Orange
Lipmix In Blue

Look #2 : Pale N’ Dandy. Wake up and do nothing. Just walk out the door, I guess.

2010 MAC Spring LookMAC Spring 2010 Look

From MACPro.com: Take bleach to your brows… (Ok.. people at home reading.. I caution you.. do NOT bleach your freaking brows unless you have experience doing this. Go to a salon if you really want to do this!)
Or pull them into distinctive focus. A brow, or distinct lack of one, is essential on this season’s uncomplicated face…sit them on skin that’s under-refined yet ultra-alive with gloss and light-reflective textures…ensure your lips are fresh and free of colour…leave lashes bare. Such are the touchstones of this season’s über-nude look. Yet, there’s nothing alien or odd about this pallor. Pulling reference points from English aristocracy and portraiture to grooming on the verge of grunge, this girl is tough, urban and consciously plays with a certain androgynously sensual beauty. (Did I NOT say Tilda Swinton like ten times already?) She doesn’t care a lot, but she cares enough, and minimal amounts of makeup upgrade what’s naturally there. It’s a look brought to life by the dominance of shine-enhancing textures. “It’s about pale with a texture to it,” says Gordon Espinet. Hydrated and bathed in light, this skincare-effect makeup is low-level languid for the most enigmatic feel. “It adds a vulnerability and openness to the face,” says lyne desnoyers.

Quotes
Tiffany Johnston “Gloss texture on the eye and brushed through the brow is officially the most popular product of the season.”

Key Products
Gloss Texture
Strobe Cream
Strobe Liquid
Lip Conditioner
Face And Body Foundation In N1
Cream Colour Base In Luna
Eye Kohl In Fascinating
Brow Set In Clear
Studio Moisture Tint Spf 15
Select Moisturecover Concealer
Care Blends Essential Oils
Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
Fix +
Set Powder In Invisible
Prep + Prime Lip
Brow Set In Mink
Sculpting Powder In Emphasize
Shaping Powder In Lightsweep
Pro Longlash In Barelash
Lip Erase In Dim
Lip Erase In Pale

Look #3: American Nomad. I’m loving the whole beach girl Chapsticked lips look with the gold eye. Very Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon.

MAC 2010 Spring LookMAC 2010 Spring Look

From MACPro.com: Surfer girls after a day at the beach…
California tans in shades of dusty sands…Peter Lindberg meets West Coast hippie: this summer’s girl has eased up on her spf 50 obsession and faced the elements for a dusky tan. “It almost seems like a non-beach tan…more like she’s been stuck in the desert for a day,” says Gordon Espinet. So she’s got a relaxed athleticism that’s all about skin and sport; a play on boyish bravado with a tawny, tan cheek. It’s about going lo-fi with high-tech products to achieve the most translucently youthful and health-pumped finish possible. Get laid back, soak in the sun-warmed vibe, and think “discreet and effortless” with the season’s gentle take on bronze…

Quotes
Charlotte Tilbury “It’s healthy, honeyed, recession-proof makeup…Sports Illustrated ’80s icons and gorgeous athleticism.”

Key Products

Crush Metal Pigment In Tan
Lipstick In Fresh Brew
Sculpting Powder In Sculpt
Cream Colour Base In Mid-Tone Sepia
Bronzing Powder In Matte Bronze
Mineralize Blush In Warm Soul
Lip Erase In Dim
Powder Blush In Taupe
Powerpoint Pencil In Duck
Lipstick In Twig
Crush Metal Pigment In Stacked 2!
Brow Pencil In Lingering
Eye Pencil In Coffee
Cremeblend Blush In Joie-De-Vivre
Blushcreme In Cherché
Zoom Lash In Lofty Brown
Face And Body Foundation In C5 And C6
Pro Blush In Clove
Crush Metal Pigment In Stacked 1!
Eye Shadow In Electric Eel (How did bright blue eyeshadow get thrown into this list?)

Look #4: Sculpture Club I’m pretty much loving this.. no soft focus, just hard outlined textures. Pretty cool.

Mac 2010 Spring Eye LookMAC Spring 2010 Look

From MACPro.com: Natural is a built beauty for A/W09. After seasons where a more scrubbed, virginal pure complexion stood at the fore, what looks new for naturalness now is a distinctly constructed, considered forming of the face. In terms of effect, think ‘surgery’ without the ‘plastic’, but regards technique this is sculpting, highlighting and contouring at its most advanced.
“Highlighting and contouring is seriously back – it’s all about those old Eighties techniques and tricks that makeup artists used before retouching…I’m doing a lot of triangular shapes to contour and thinking about contrasts between matte and shimmer and light versus dark,” declares Charlotte Tilbury. “It’s punk couture,” adds Tilbury, who was also feeling “lots of burnished reds and coppers – offbeat Eighties colours, super super blended,” she stressed. And make that blending professional, please. “This is photoshopping, pre-photoshop,” says Val Garland, commanding that “it’s not finger makeup, it’s brush makeup.”

Quotes
Val Garland “We don’t live in a photoshop world so we need to use technique to get there: the more blending you can do on contours the less literally Eighties they’ll be. Use brushes, and don’t buy cheap, buy well.”
Charlotte Tilbury “It’s recreating that feel of ‘80s album cover beauty.”

Key Products
Studio Sculpt SPF15 Foundation
Face and Body Foundation
Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
Cream Colour Base in Pearl
Sculpt Powder in Emphasize and Light Sweep
Strobe Cream
Cream Colour Base in Tint
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light
Sheertone Blush in Gingerly
Eye Shadow in Cork
Lip Pencil in Hodgepodge
Lipstick in Shy Girl
Lip Erase in Dim
Lip Conditioner

As Seen At:
ANNE VALERIE HASH
ALESSANDRO DELL’ACQUA
BALMAIN
BLUMARINE
CHLOÉ
DANIELLE SCUTT
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
JAEGER LONDON
MARIO S SCHWAB
MEADHAM KIRCHOFF
PREEN
PROENZA SCHOULER
RODARTE
TOMMY HILFIGER
VERONIQUE LEROY

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2009 is coming to an end, so I thought I’d recap on some of the beauty highlights from this year’s collections. These choices are based on my own experiences with these products, what I’ve heard from friends & blogs, and what I see listed as “best-sellers” on Sephora.com, Beauty.com, Ulta.com and top department store websites.  If you want to chime in to give your opinion on any of these, or if you want to add to the list, just leave a comment below! Enjoy!!

Top Mascara:

Maybelline Lash Stylist.  This product was discontinued early on this year, but it still remains my top searched keyword on this blog. Thousands of women have expressed interest in this product and have grown to love it, and are now completely upset that Maybelline decided to give it the boot. With its V-shaped comb wand and thickening & lengthening formula, this winning combo sent lashes into space. The price was right, at around $7 per tube, it beat most expensive department store brand mascaras in the butt.
Top Selling Mascaras: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara, CoverGirl Lash Blast, Dior DiorShow Mascara.

Top Liquid Foundation:

This is a toss up between Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation and Boots No7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation. I like them both, and I do like many, many other foundations, but as far as top performing, these are the best that I’ve used. I used to be a huge Revlon ColorStay fan, until the original formula changed, and I switched to MUF HD. I ran out of the MUF HD rather quickly ($40 per bottle) and found the Boots foundation at Target, and loved it ever since. I switch on and off between Boots and the Maybelline SuperStay foundation, but SuperStay it does not and it’s running down my chin by noon. It’s a nice foundation for sure, but it doesn’t perform like I expected.
Top Selling Foundations: Max Factor Lasting Performance, MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation, Prescriptives ‘Virtual Skin’ Super-Natural Finish.

Top Mineral Powder Foundation:

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup SPF 10. This powder is high-end, but I find that it’s the best finish you’ll find as far as mineral makeup goes. It glows and not in a bad, greasy way! I wear this on top of my liquid foundation for extra coverage. I’ll share some best-sellers: bareMinerals MATTE SPF 15 Foundation is among the top-seller on many store’s lists, PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 won an Allure Editor’s Choice award for being awesome, and I’ve tried a sample of this stuff at Ulta and I actually liked it, but didn’t have a chance to purchase.

Top Concealer:

Depending on how much coverage you need: Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ÉCLAT is actually a brightening product with a bit of color in it to help conceal and liven up dull areas. I love how the product doesn’t cake up or settle in lines. I don’t like greasy concealer either! For a bit more coverage, the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage duo concealer is pretty good. There is a light side and a dark side so that you may mix to your perfect matching color. I’ve used this product before and thought it looked flawless for a little while, but got cakey and greasy on me later. Friends have sworn by the product and said they didn’t experience what I did, but they have different skin types than I do. I’ve also tested the Kat Von D. tattoo concealer at Sephora and found that my friend’s tattoo was nowhere near being covered up (have you seen the pics where K.V.D’s tattoos are virtually erased by this product? hahah Photoshop.. hello?).

Top Foundation Primer:

Since I struggle with primers with my oily skin, I am going to let my friends and store ratings do the talking in the case of makeup primers. I have tried Per-fekt, loved it, but felt that it wasn’t doing anything spectacular to my skin. I’ve tried Clarins, Make Up Forever, MAC, so trust me, just about everything, even have tried Monistat Anti-Chafing gel (Yes, you heard me.. Monistat) which contains the same ingredients as most high-end primers. The only primer I have been using lately and is working the best for me is a product that was created by my aesthetician, there is no brand name! You can’t really buy it unless you see her, either. My friends swear by the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light, which should be great for oily skin. I haven’t tried it enough times to give my final verdict as to whether or not I am impressed by this product. Feel free to leave a comment about which foundation primers you like the best.
Top Selling Foundation Primers: Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Hydrating, Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base.

Top Eyeshadow Primer:

No contest here. Urban Decay Primer Potion is the only thing that keeps my shadows from creasing up. I’ve used it for years and the tube itself will last about a year. If your eyelids still get oily after using this product, dabbing a bit of setting powder over it should help. UDPP (for short) is a best-seller across the board.
Top Selling Eyeshadow Primers:Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow, Laura Geller Spackle Trio, Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Top Eye Cream:

I’ve tried Strivectin, Arcona, Benefit’s Eyecon, MAC’s Fast Response, and a plethora of drugstore brand eye creams that claim to de-puff, de-line and de-darken. I haven’t been repurchasing anything in particular, so obviously I haven’t seen any dramatic results from anything I’ve tried. Since eye cream is normally expensive territory, I don’t tread too often. Since I just started using the Strivectin eye cream about a month ago, I still have to give it time to ‘do something’.
Top Selling Eye Creams: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream (Allure Editor’s Choice Award), Philosophy Eye Hope Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream, Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

Top Moisturizer for the Face:

I gotta say, I love my Strivectin Wrinkle and Stretch Mark Cream! I have noticed a difference in the coloring of my skin, it’s less blotchy and my pores have reduced a little bit, all after one month of use. I also noticed some acne scars disappearing and acne itself seemed to pop up less. As far as wrinkles go, I don’t have any to mention just yet, but I do feel like the cream firms the skin a little. My makeup goes on a bit smoother with use of this product, and since I do not need moisture for oily skin, I am fine with this, it doesn’t add any grease. I love the tingle factor!
Top Selling Moisturizers: Estée Lauder ‘Nutritious’ Vita-Mineral Moisture Gel (Only at Nordstrom), La Mer Moisturizing Cream (Very thick, more for mature or dry skin),and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (My mom likes this).
Top Tinted Moisturizer: Since I normally don’t have much luck with these, I’ll let the best seller’s list do all the talking: All Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizers, Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox ‘Sheer Focus’ Tinted Moisturizer, and drug store favorite, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer.

Top Body Moisturizer:

I’ve loved this product for a long time – Hempz Herbal Moisturizer (the bottle with the pot leaf on the front). It not only smells real yummy, but it performs! Made with pure Hemp seed oil and extracts, Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Ginseng, I really haven’t found anything to beat this. Not a lot of people have heard of it since it’s usually only sold in beauty supply stores and high-end nail salons. You should give it a try!
Top Selling Body Moisturizers: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion, Kiehl’s Crème de Corps.

Top Nail Color Brand:

This is a toss up between O.P.I nail color and Chanel nail color. I love the color variety that O.P.I offers, especially the pinks and corals, but Chanel’s nail color has lasted the longest on my nails out of anything else I’ve tried. I stopped buying nail polish a while ago because I have way too many!
Top Selling Nail Color Brands: Lippmann Collection (Celeb manicurist, Deborah Lippmann), NARS Nail Polish, Essie Nail Polish.

Top Brow Product:

I was using a MAC matte eyeshadow to fill in my brows, but now that my hair has been lightened to nearly blonde, I need to find something new .. stat! Just about everything that is Anastasia brand is a best-seller as far as brow products go. Anastasia is the celebrity eyebrow guru, and if she had anything to do with Megan Fox’s brows, I’m in. Although, I heard she gets her brows done at the Pink Cheeks salon in LA. Lucky bastards!
Top Selling Brow Products: Prescriptives Groom Stick for Brows, Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duos, bareMinerals Brow Color (loose mineral powder).

Top Fix-It Product:

I do not think I can live without Benefit High Brow. I use this product nearly every single day, it seems to last forever, and it saves me! I use this pink/beige creamy pencil under my eyebrows to highlight, brighten and to cover up unplucked brow hairs. It leaves my eyes looking polished, helping my eyeshadow blend a little better, also. My trick is to put this product on BEFORE filling in my brows. It helps the brow product glide on smoother.. plus, if you put this on after you have filled in your brows, it tends to wipe away some of the brow product if you are not careful. I also use this product in the inner corners of my eyes to brighten up my look, as well as using it in the water line of my eye instead of using a white eyeliner pencil.

Top Eyeshadow:

This is a super toughie. I have only owned one of these, but I have to say that Makeup Forever eyeshadow is superb. I use the shadow in Sephora when I go there to “play” and I am always impressed with the texture, color selection and blendability of MUF. I plan on purchasing more of these shadows in the future. Next up, of course I have to mention MAC eyeshadow. I love the pan refill shadows for my big palettes, the MAC Pigments and the color selection cannot be topped. One more! I also use and love Bare Escentual Mineral eyeshadows. These puppies last ages and always blend flawlessly. My drug store favorite eye shadow is the Milani brand eye shadows, which I have found at both Target & Walgreens. You can fit Milani single shadows inside of a MAC Pro palette, which is a total added bonus!
Top Selling Eyeshadow: Prescriptives ‘U-Pick’ Eye Color, Stila Eye Shadow Pans, NARS Single Eyeshadows & drug store favorite, Jane Eye Zing.

Top Liquid Eyeliner:

My favorite liquid liner was made by Chanel, and I do not see it listed anywhere for sale. Bummer! It was not the automatic pen liner, it was a very small well of color, with a very small and precise brush. Pretty sure it was the best ever.. and where did it go!? Well, there is yet another that I use, which is the Maybelline Line Works Ultra-Liner Waterproof Liquid Liner. For around $6 you can’t go wrong. The only thing that people may find strange about it is that it comes off in one piece when you wash your face. It’s almost like a thin strip of rubber. I’ve been swimming with this eyeliner on, and it worked without running! One of the cons to this product is also the fact that it’s a little shiny, it’s not that noticable, but if I want the product to look more matte, I will apply a bit of a black matte shadow over the top with an angled brow brush.
Top Selling Liquid Eyeliners: Lancome ARTLINER – Precision Point EyeLiner, blinc brand eyeliner, MAC ‘Penultimate’ Eye Liner, and drug store brand CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen (Allure Editor’s Choice award).

Top Gel/Creme Eyeliner: With MAC’s launch of the Chromaline collection,  I’ve been all over these gel liners like crazy.  MAC Chromaline Gel liner in Black Black is my best friend.  It stays put, does its job and doesn’t act like a brat. I love it! I also use this product in the waterline of my eyes and it doesn’t run. I also have used MAC Fluidline, but it dried up in the glass jar rather quickly, so I am sticking to this new product.
Top Selling Gel/Creme Eyeliner: Stila Smudgepots, Make Up Forever Aqua Creamliner, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (Have used in several tutorials), and Allure Editor’s Choice winner, L’Oréal Paris HIP High Intensity Pigments Color Truth Cream Eyeliner.

Top Pencil Eyeliner:

I don’t exactly use pencil eyeliner anymore since the discovery of the MAC Chromaline gel eyeliner, but I do have a great suggestion for those looking for an awesome pencil liner – Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. End of story. That is THE eyeliner of choice, and is one of the 2009 Allure Best of Beauty Winners.
Top Selling Pencil Eyeliners: Jane Iredale Pencil Eyeliner, Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes, MAC Splashproof PowerPoint Eye Pencil, and CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Self Sharpening Eye Pencil.

Top Blush:

I have several fave blush brands: MAC Blush (color choice is awesome), LORAC Blush (Great pigmentation!), Milani Blush (Great drug store brand with awesome quality, very similar to NARS) and NARS Blush (Nice finish, great quality).
Top Selling Blushes: bareMinerals blush (I have several of these and use them when I am doing a more natural look), Makeup Forever Powder Blush (Have tried and loved! Intense pigment), Bobbi Brown blush (Allure Winner), and drug store fave, CoverGirl Classic Color Blush.

Top Bronzer:

I’m as pale as a ghost, so a little bronzing goes a really long way. Since I have oily skin, I have to be careful that my bronzer doesn’t turn into a muddy mess later on. I prefer a matte bronzer and use NARS Matte blushes as a bronzer & MAC’s Bronzing Powder compact, which has an ever so slight shimmer.
Top Selling Bronzers: Laura Geller Bronze-n-Brighten, Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, drug store fave, Jane Oil-Free Bronzing Powder, and Allure Beauty Winner, Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer.

Top Lip Liner:

I am straying away from lip liner a little bit (going for the ‘just gloss’ look), but if I need to define my lips and not worry about feathering or bleeding, I use the Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner. Just like the 24/7 eyeliner, it is pretty much awesome. I use the color “Naked” (Matte mauve/nude) and it works with just about every lip color I own, except for light pinks.
Top Selling Lip Liners: bareMinerals Escentuals Quick Stick, NARS Lip Liner Pencil, MAC Lip Pencil, and drug store fave, Milani Easyliner for Lips Retractable Pencil.

Top Lipstick:

I am a lipstick girl when I have the time through the day to reapply it (like when I am going out on the weekends) and I have probably over 200 lipsticks sitting around the bathroom in bins, boxes, makeup bags, etc. It’s kinda sad! I love so many different lipsticks, so many brands, I can’t pick just one fave. I’ll just list the brands that I use most often, how about that? Let’s start with YSL (Yves Saint Laurent), the lipstick is elegant and just makes me feel rich, pretty, and maybe a little famous. A lot of celebs wear YSL lipstick (including Dita VonTeese -her signature red) and well, I feel celeb-ish when wearing it, too. Of course, I love MAC lipstick, the range of colors is ridiculous, the wide range of textures is just crazy. I also like Boots lipstick, Milani Lipstick, NYX lipstick (for the bright pinks), Vincent Longo lipstick (the texture is really smooth), and Chanel lipstick. Lately, I’ve been wearing the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick and I’ve liked it, but I think it lacks pigment (sheer is sometimes not my cup o’ tea).
Top Selling Lipstick: Trish McEvoy Cream Lip Color, NARS Lipstick, LORAC Lotsa Lip Lipstick, drug store fave, CoverGirl TruShine, and Allure Winner, Revlon ColorStay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor.

Top Lip Gloss:

Ahh lip gloss, something I can’t live without.. I’m sure you share the same sentiment. My favorite all-time gloss was the Clinique Colour Surge Lip Lacquer High Shine Sheers in shade New Rain. It was the perfect high-shine gloss, and was purchased around 2004. I found an Amazon store that had it in stock and I had to purchase it. I am so glad I found it! Since the product has long been discontinued, I really don’t think it’s fair to list it as a 2009 product, but I thought I would share since you may or may not be interested in finding it online, I’ve seen some floating around. Just like I mentioned in the Lipstick list, I probably have hundreds of lip glosses, and it gets quite unorganized at times. I tried putting peaches, pinks, browns, etc. in zip lock bags and storing them away, but it just didn’t seem to work out since I am such a huge hurry out the door for work. Things just end up getting tossed in my purse or in another drawer. I’ll list the products that I’ve used the most this year, and loved: Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss (elegant, sheer, beautiful colors), Chanel Glossimer (Highly pigmented, rich, long-lasting), Tarte glosses (natural, feels good, sheer), MAC Lipglass (awesome color selection, liked mostly the limited edition colors) Mark. Cosmetics Juice Gems in Juicy Fig (Similar to Lancome Juicy Tubes, but very inexpensive).
Top Selling Lip Gloss: Lancome Juicy Tubes, NARS Lip Gloss, Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips, Target best-seller, e.l.f Hypershine lip gloss, and Allure Winner, Clinique Long Last Glosswear.

Top Lip/Cheek Stain:

This is not exactly my area of expertise since stains never work on me. I used to buy the Eyeko brand lip markers, same as Paris Hilton used, and they were the best. Discontinued, of course. Sucks. I was so disappointed by the Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stains that I really didn’t care to try anything else. I’ve heard that the Sephora brand stains are good, as well as the Smashbox O-Glow stain, it looks damned good on my friends, that is for sure!
Top Lip Stain Sellers: Luna Twilight DuWop Lip Venom, Tarte Rise & Shine, Benefit Benetint, and Pixi Lip Blush at Target.

Top Highlighter:

I shape and contour my facial features with both a bronzer and highlighter. I feel like the MAC Iridescent Powder/Pressed in Belightful (a peachy bronze shimmer) has always done a good job giving me my glow to go.
Top Selling Highligters: bareMinerals All-Over Face Color, Too Faced Absolutely Invisible, Candlelight, Les Tissages Lames de CHANEL Shimmering Tweed Highlighter, Benefit Cosmetics 10, drug store top pick, Physicians Formula Virtual Face Powder, Translucent Pearl, and Allure winner, Jemma Kidd Makeup School Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème.

Top Pressed / Loose Face Powders:

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder. Love it. Cool packaging, awesome product.. but I’m always running out. When I go out to a concert, club or whatever, I like to occasionally use MAC Studio Fix powder, although I breakout like a mo-fo the next day, but the finish looks damned good.
Top Selling Powders:Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, MAC Blot Powder/Pressed, Avene Tinted Compact SPF 50, MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation, drug store fave, Coty Airspun Face Powder, Translucent Extra Coverage, and Allure winner, L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder.

Top Makeup Brushes:

I have a lot of brushes, but I always carry the following: Bare Escentuals Handy Buki (for powder, blush, bronzer, everything), Beauty Strokes Hi-Lite / Blender brush (basic application of eye shadow color), Beauty Strokes Crease Blender brush, MAC 224 crease blender brush, Brandon slanted eyebrow brush, MAC 180 flat top foundation brush (discontinued), MAC Pencil brush (for applying dark colors to crease or creating a smokey look on lower lash line), Mark. Cosmetics small concealer brush (for dabbing concealer, applying wet products), and Benefit Get Bent eyeliner brush (applying liquid liner, cream liner, cake liners).
Top Selling Makeup Brushes: Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush, Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Refillable Buffing Brush, bareMinerals Buffing Brushes, Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush, Eco Tools 5 Piece Bamboo Brush Set, and Allure winner, the Giorgio Armani Beauty Foundation Brush.

Top Face Wash (normal skin):

I try a new face wash every year and see if anything miraculous happens. I’ve tried really expensive “anti-aging” face washes that felt and smelled real nice, but I didn’t see my skin improving much. I have thrown my hands up to Mother Nature and decided that there is no such thing as a face wash that is going to make me look that much younger. I just want something simple and cheap, but most importantly, leaves no trace of makeup behind. Basis brand Cleaner Clean Face Wash is my number one face wash. I’ve already repurchased twice, which means I like it! The price is as equally amazing.. less than $6 for a 6 ounce tube! You gotta give it a chance! When I break out, I do use the ProActiv Face Wash, which is not used to remove makeup, but it really helps clear up my occasional acne.
Top Selling Face Washes: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, Avene Cleanance Soap-free Facial Gel Cleanser, Philosophy Purity Made Simple, drug store favorite, Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash and Allure Beauty Winner, Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser.

Top Skin Care Brand:

I am a skin care flip-flopper. I have been recently using a no name brand that an aesthetician developed for her spa, and I really like it. I have really oily skin and I like my skin care regime to be really light. So since I really can’t hail any brands that I’ve loved recently besides the above mentioned creation, I’ll let the best-sellers do all the talking.
Top Selling Skin Care Products: Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Night Creme, Estée Lauder ‘Nutritious’ Vita-Mineral Moisture Gel Creme, Fresh Rose Face Mask, Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminée Eye and Lip Cream, and Allure Winner, Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System.

Top Lashes:

MAC’s Hello Kitty Lashes may have been a limited edition item, but the “20 Half Lashes” from MAC seems a little similar. I love half lashes for the outer corners of my eyes, it gives me that cat-eye look with little effort. I find full lash strips to be uncomfortable, I don’t like being able to feel them resting on my eyes. Another awesome half lash product is the Vincent Longo La Dolce Vita Lashes that includes an awesome glue!
Top Selling Lashes: Ardell Fashion Lashes Strip Lash, 120 Black, shu uemura Soft Cross False Eyelashes, Makeup Forever Strip Eyelashes, and Laura Mercier Corner Faux Eyelashes.

Top Shampoo:

I’ve just recently bleached all the black out of my hair, so my hair needs some TLC! I recently purchased a shampoo that I really for my chemically treated and damaged hair, it’s Dumb Blonde by TIGI Bed Head. Great name! Great smell, almost like gummi bears. It’s really moisturizing, and it’s really similar to the Sally Beauty Supply APHogee Deep Moisture Shampoo, but without the fancy smell. Everyone always tell me to “Get Pantene!”.. but that product contains silicone that weighs the hair down and eventually causes a ton of buildup in the hair. NO thanks! I also love the Frederic Fekkai Moisturizing Shampoo with Shea Butter, it smells SUPER good and leaves my hair very nice, but the price of the product was getting a little heavy.
Top Selling Shampoos: Klorane Gentle Shampoo with Oat Milk, Frederic Fekkai Technician Shampoo For Dry, Damaged, Color-Treated Hair (I tried this and didn’t see much happening to my hair), Kiehl’s ‘Sunflower’ Color Preserving Shampoo, drug store fave, Neutrogena Clean Shampoo, Replenishing, and Allure Beauty Winner, Kérastase Resistance Bain Volumactive Volumising Shampoo for Fine and Vulnerable Hair. I’d also like to mention that the Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo is a popular product that I plan on buying soon. I hear it’s great to use when you don’t have time to wash your hair!

Top Conditioner:

Again, I gotta give props to the Tigi Dumb Blonde line of products! The Dumb Blonde Reconstructing Conditioner is pretty damned good so far. Again, smells like lovely candy that I want to chomp. I leave this in my hair for as long as I can, it seems to really nourish my poor bleached locks. I just started dabbling with Aussie 3-minute Miracle, as suggested by numerous websites that talk about bleach blonde hair.. I haven’t come to the conclusion that it’s good just yet. The Frederic Fekkai Moisturizing Conditioner with Shea Butter is a fave, but like I mentioned before, the Fekkai line of hair products if quite pricey.
Top Selling Conditioners: Terax Hair Care Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner (I used to buy tubs of these on ebay quite frequently, it’s expensive!), Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment (I have this at home and it’s really funky to use, but I think it works alright), Kiehl’s ‘Sunflower’ Color Preserving Conditioner, drug store favorite, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner, and Allure Beauty Winner, L’oréal Professionnel Série Expert Volume Expand Volumising Cream Conditioner for Fine Hair.

Top Overall Hair Care product:

I use a lot of heat on my hair.. the dryer, the flat iron, sometimes curling iron, several days per week. The Regis Cashmere Kera-Forte Fortifying Sealant Spray is great for using before and after I use any heat products on my hair. LOVE THIS STUFF. I got my friends hooked! You can only purchase it at Regis salons. It makes my hair look and smell like I’ve just stepped out of a salon!
Top Selling Hair Care & Treatment Products: PHYTO Phytophanere Dietary Supplement (Top seller in more than two stores online!), Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Treatment Mask, and Allure Beauty Winner, For Fine/Normal Hair – Matrix Biolage Fortethérapie Intensive Strengthening Masque.

Top Brands of 2009:

I do have to say that MAC Brand has really impressed me this year. With the darling packaging of the Baroque Boudoir collection, the amazing variety of holiday gift sets, and the release of the Chromaline gel eyeliners, you can’t go wrong with MAC. I’ve been a fan for a really long time, but this year I think I was the most excited about the launches. I am looking forward to seeing what MAC has to offer in 2010.
More Top Selling Brands: Bare Escentuals, NARS, Urban Decay, Sephora brand, Bobbi Brown, L’Oreal, Maybelline, CoverGirl, Boots, Revlon.

If you have any products to boast about or brands that you want noticed, please post a comment below!

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Ok.. thousands, maybe millions of women were screaming, crying, and possibly vomiting over the discontinuation of Maybelline Lash Stylist mascara. My blog was infested with housewives, teens and makeup junkies of all kinds around the globe, in search of their favorite comb-wand mascara.

Maybelline Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara

Ok.. so are you sitting? Maybelline has most likely brought Lash Stylist back, but redesigned and slapped a new name on the package: Volum’ Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes Mascara is born.. and I am totally having kittens over this! Especially wondering how the hell I didn’t know about it and it’s been out since freaking May.

Oh, Maybelline.. did you think you could fool us by relaunching and remarketing our product? We’re pissed that you tricked us, but yes, we are still going to buy the son-of-a-bitch mascara because we loved it THAT MUCH. It’s the same comb and hopefully, the same formula. Will we be able to sleep at night?? NO.. because just like the rest of the products I fall in love with, this may be gone in time, too. I have no idea yet where to purchase this online since I have not seen it yet. I JUST found out. If it’s been out since May, why can I not find it online? Is this also discontinued.. again? What is going on?

Update: This mascara is apparently only available in Malaysia. I am still waiting to hear more.

Please post your thoughts!!!

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Beauty Best-sellers lists, and Holiday Gifts!

KristaDior.com is nearing it’s 40,000th visitor to the site, which is pretty amazing considering I didn’t start really rolling this blog out until last year. Thanks to websites like StumbleUpon.com, which helps you find blogs, videos and photos of things within categories you specify, (yes, there is a beauty category!) I have had a huge boost in traffic!

I just wanted to share with you guys a bit of what is popular as far as searches and best-sellers on some of my favorite merchant’s websites:

The first site I want to share is my all-time favorite place to get drugstore makeup. Drugstore.com / Beauty.com actually rewards you for your purchases. Not only do you receive 5% in credit back on each purchase, but you also get some really cool free samples. I get back about $7.00 each month to spend on a cute lipstick, new eyeshadow or whatever I feel like!

Drugstore.com / Beauty.com Best Seller List:

SKINCARE:

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment .54 oz $50
A CEW beauty winner award for Best Prestige Eye Treatment, this highly-moisturizing and anti-dark circle treatment helps with melanin formation and poor circulation around the eyes, which are the two main causes of dark circles. Sounds impressive? Give it a try!

Beauty by Borghese Holiday Gift Set
Beauty by Borghese Holiday Gift Set $52

Seems like this was also a best-selling holiday gift last year, this set Includes:

- Effetto Immediato Spa Soothing Tonic (4 fl oz) A lightweight, liquid, non-foaming lotion cleanser for the face that gently removes impurities while comforting skin. An herbal-infused formula with natural plant extracts that tone and clarify, improving the youthful appearance of skin. Ideal for Normal-to-Dry, Very Dry and Delicate complexions.
- Crema Saponetta Cleansing Creme (2.5 oz) – Deep-cleanses the pores, eliminating makeup, pollutants, clogging, cellular matter and debris. Leaves skin feeling healthy and renewed.
- Fango: Active Mud for Face and Body (2.5 oz) Gives devitalized, over-tense skin a new surge of vitality with clear, youthful radiance. Moisturizes and relaxes tired lines. Helps firm and elasticize body skin. Leaving skin in a receptive state for further Borghese treatment.
- Dolce Notte Night Cream (1 oz)
Dramatically smoothes, helps skin act younger and brings new vibrancy in the morning. Non pore-clogging. Especially good for sensitive skin.
- Crema Straordinaria Da Giorno Day Treatment SPF 25 (1 oz)
Created to deliver high-performance skincare in a gentle, hydrating, and effective formula, Day Treatment Lotion SPF 25 is the must-have accompaniment to Crema Straordinaria Night Treatment and Crema Straordinaria Eye Treatment.
- Curaforte: Moisture Intensifier (1 oz)
The moisture booster essential for healthier looking skin. Worn beneath your moisturizer, it gently lifts away dull, compacted surface cells, allowing more of your moisturizer to penetrate. Actually increases skin’s capacity to hold moisture by 200%. In a matter of days, fine dry lines are minimized…skin looks radiant, more alive.
- Fluido Protettivo Advanced Spa Lift for Eyes (1 oz)
Active protection to give eyes with a past a beautiful present. Specifically formulated tot treat and protect the most vulnerable area of the face, this lightweight fluid diffuses many environmental aggressors, including free-radicals, through a tripe-action, antioxidant defense system. With daily use, eases dark circles and puffiness…visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.

Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil
Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil 15.2 fl. oz $75

I did try a sample of this a few months ago, and I will say that I am a big fan of cleansing oils. This cleansing oil does contain Mineral Oil, I’d like to add for those with sensitivity to it. I breakout if my makeup contains mineral oil, so I am not sure how this would work for me long-term. This oil also contains: prune extract for clarifying, Sakura Leaf extract to improve the skin’s texture, and Deep sea water, which is water found in 200 meters below the surface, which naturally provides moisture to the skin.

MAKEUP

DuWop Twilight Venom
DuWop Twilight Venom – Limited Edition for the Twilight Movie $16

Who knew a movie could boost the sales of a lip plumper?! Rather than it being a typical lipgloss, this is a shimmering crimson lip stain with avocado oils and Vitamin E. Searches for the Twilight makeup collections are high up on the list of searches on KristaDior.com.

Bare Minerals Lustworthy Lips and Lashes
bareMinerals Lustworthy Lips & Lashes $15

This kit would be a cute stocking stuffer or gift for a gal pal! The kit includes:
- Mini bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara in Black A paraben-free, bareMinerals-infused mascara that defines, separates, lengthens, and nourishes lashes with clump-free precision.
- Mini Strawberry Creme 100% Natural Lipgloss
A buttery-smooth, bareMinerals-infused gloss that polishes lips with pure sparkling color. Natural oils and Cupuacu Butter deliver lasting hydration, protective antioxidants and superior shine without stickiness.

smashbox Eye Wish Eyeshadow Palette
Smashbox Eye Wish Eyeshadow Palette $44

I really like the variety of colors in this kit! There’s a vibrant purple, a sultry plum and dazzling metallics. 12 vibrant shadows with 4 liners and a mini Photo Finish Lid Primer.. all in a cool package with a mirrored travel case. The kit also includes a Look Book with 13 step-by-step perfect looks.
- Eye Shadow Shades: Matte nude pink, Champagne, Pale gold, Silver, Amethyst, Matte deep nude, True gold, Soft smoke, Cabernet, Emerald, Raspberry, Deep slate
- Liner Shades: Deep wine, Bronze, Black, Navy Blue
- Lid Primer Shade: Warm beige

FRAGRANCE

I am skipping over to Sephora to see what’s hot on their lists!

Gucci Flora Fragrance
Gucci Flora 1 oz $52 available in additional sizes.

Sephora says: Gucci Flora is a subtle, sophisticated, floral fragrance inspired by princesses from the past, present, and future. The Flora Donna is a young, classic, and refined woman with the ‘Gucci edge’ of power and sensuality. The first Flora scarf was exclusively designed for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966 and soon became one of the most popular Gucci icons. Notes: Citrus Accord, Peony, Rose, Osmanthus Flower, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood. Style: Elegant. Natural. Spontaneous.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Women
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Women Starting at $45 for .8 oz.

This is a total classic! I always see this fragrance on best-sellers lists and I do love the clean smell that this fragrance gives.. and it lasts!

Sephora says: A stunning perfume, overwhelming and irresistible like the joy of living. Surprising and colored: the liveliness of Sicilian citron, the happiness of Granny Smith apple, the spontaneity of bluebells. Feminine and resolute: the intensity of jasmine, the freshness of bamboo, the charm of white rose. Deep and true: the character of cedarwood, the fullness of amber, the embrace of musk. Notes: Sicilian Citron, Bluebell, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine Sambac, Bamboo, White Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Musk. Style: Deep and true.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Daisy by Marc Jacobs starting at $20 for .24 oz. rollerball.

I just LOVE my Daisy Shimmer Rollerball that I got last year. This fragrance is amazing and I am not surprised that this still continues to be on best-sellers lists!

Sephora says: Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. At the heart of Daisy is a floral with vintage edge: violet. Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavor of Marc Jacobs’ feminine, edgy designs. Always elegant, always enchanting – but not too serious – Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth. Notes:  Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods. Style: Bright. Alluring. Eternal.

BATH & BODY

Bliss Skincare Kit
Bliss “Best of Bliss” Holiday Kit $45

I have several Bliss products and have loved everything about the brand. I really do like the body butter and was glad to see it included in this best-selling kit for the holidays.

Drugstore/Beauty.com says: Perfect for trying or taking ‘to-go’, this sampler of our most sought-after stuff will make all of your ‘blisses’ come true. Includes deluxe try-sizes of lemon+sage body butter and soapy suds, triple oxygen instant energizing mask, fabulous foaming face wash and a packette of best of skintentions spf 15 daily moisturizer.

- lemon+sage body butter (4.2 fl oz)
- lemon+sage soapy suds (3.4 fl oz)
- triple oxygen instant energizing mask (0.34 fl oz)
- fabulous foaming face wash (2 fl oz)
- best of skintentions spf 15 (0.10 fl oz)

HAIR CARE

Rene Furterer Hair Products
Rene Furterer Hair Products starting around $23

I’ve never heard of this brand until today, unfortunately I can’t tell you how great it is, but I am reading some of these fabulous reviews on the product and I am tempted to try or gift it this year! The top selling hair product on beauty.com is the Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo ($24). Cleanse hair without water?!?! Umm.. wow. The smallest version of this product is sold out!

Drugstore / Beauty.com says:
Naturia Dry shampoo cleanses hair without water. Its highly absorbent argilla powder restores volume and lightness to hair, making styling easy. It can be used as often as needed and is adopted to everyone’s life style. Its fresh scent comes from essential oils for true sensory pleasure.

For those of us that like to use water with our shampoo, there is the Rene Furterer best-seller, Forticea Stimulating Shampoo.

STUFF FOR DUDES

Jack Black PureScience Traveler
Jack Black PureScience Traveler Kit $25

Dudes need gifts too, right? My dude really likes this kit and it’s manly enough so even the toughest guys won’t get weirded out by it. Airline Approved!!
1. Cleanse: Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser (3 fl oz), morning and night.
2. Shave: Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather (3 fl oz), anytime you shave.
3. Moisturize and Protect: Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 (1.5 fl oz), morning and night.

Only three steps, fool-proof, dude-friendly.

So that’s it for now, shoppers. Happy shopping and start early, it helps! I buy gifts for one person per week and it’s really helping spread out my money so that I don’t go into a negative balance come Dec. 24th.

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Ok, so umm.. I can understand a movie like Twilight coming out with a soundtrack.. getting a little cheesy with a clothing line.. but a cosmetics line?? Straight RIDDICK! “Ohh , look at me.. I am wearing ‘I heart Edward’ glitter gloss #2′..”

Ok, so I am not a tween, but I think the tweens are going to beg and scream for this to go into their stockings this holiday season:

Twilight “New Moon” Cosmetics – Luna Twilight:

Luna Twilight Cosmetics

With products like “Mortal Glow” Blushing creme, and DuWop Lip Venom’s vial o’ blood lip plumper (not really the name, I’m just being a smartass), you can’t go wrong with making the tweens squeal with glee over even more Twilight crap. (Thinking back to when I was 15, I wanted everything and anything with Joey Joe’s face on it from New Kids on the Block) Yeah, I guess I understand, but.. ehh.. from a 30-something perspective, it’s so LAME!!! Let me know if this crap is any good.

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Ok.. you’re gonna kill me.

Once I stepped my size 11 foot into Neiman Marcus, it was all over. Golden Retrievers playing toss with Louboutains, Shitzus prancing among the Chanel suits, I didn’t know whether to be disgusted or enchanted with the whole “rich old ladies with their dogs” experience at Stanford Mall. I love dogs, don’t get me wrong, I have an adorable Shiba Inu at home who would just love to rip apart some Manolo Blahniks, but I will admit that these furry friends made me and my friend a bit nervous.

My whole purpose of this trip was to get my hands onto (or into) a jar of Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation. I’ve been wanting this stuff for what seems to be a decade, and I finally have it. Oh, Lordy. Ok, yeah, it’s $68 for 1 oz. Yeah yeah. I even splurged and purchased the matching foundation stick at $42. Ohhhhh.. god. So lemme tell you something: My skin is thanking me for doing this. My skin loves me right now and it’s hugging me.

I was so focused on covering my skin, and not letting it breathe, not letting my real skin shine through. I tried the foundation at the counter with two lovely counter reps and they matched me with the correct shade. I could not believe what I was seeing. My skin.. only better! The gel formula was cold upon application, and distinctively different from any foundation I’ve tried before. I could not see the makeup on my skin at all, even close up in the mirror. Here are more details about Future Skin:

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation

This oil-free gel foundation provides SPF 10 protection and a matte finish.

• Contains 60% charged water and seaweed.
• The formula is exceptional due to its ability to transfer water into the skin without the support of any oil.
• A protective field prevents water evaporation and blocks environmental oxidation.
• Provides adjustable coverage (medium-full) using light reflective circular pigment to ease the appearance of flaws.
• Offers a city level of sun protection and has a refreshing, lightweight texture.

I have stopped breaking out entirely since using this product. I unfortunately had to stop using the Revlon Colorstay Mineral Foundation & Powder due to itchy skin and breaking out. I ended up getting a cyst on my jawline while using the Revlon minerals, just as I had while using Bare Minerals. Go figure! Although the finish of the Revlon product was full coverage and matte, I simply cannot do that to my skin anymore!

The Chantecaille Foundation Stick ($42) is what I am carrying for touch ups through the day:

Chantecaille Stick Foundation & Concealer

• Dual-purpose, moisture-rich formula.
• Provides smooth, even coverage, thanks to aloe vera and rice bran oil.
• Gives the skin a shine-free glow.
• Calms skin through a blend of botanical antioxidants, including ginkgo biloba and green tea (camellia oleifera), plus vitamins C and E.
• Protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays with SPF 8.

My skin is loving loving this stuff. You will have to try it for yourself to see the wonderful results, and this is especially great for people who don’t want a made-up look. It’s natural and looks natural. It clearly is worth the price because it is skin care disguised as a foundation. You can only find it at Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th as far as I know.

To sum it all up..

Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation from Japan

Pros: Beautiful natural finish, natural ingredients, helps my skin, blends flawlessly, great for all skin types.

Cons: Needs touchups a few times during the day, not completely a matte finish, the price is a bit steep for those of us that use one jar of foundation per month.. but seems to be worth it anyway.

Chantecaille Foundation & Concealer Stick from Japan

Pros: Easy to use and carry, great for quick touch-ups. Very natural looking and not thick.

Cons: Not completely a matte finish, does not take the place of using powder.

Now.. I couldn’t let you go without showing you the brush I bought! A man in a full suit, just like he was going to the prom or a funeral, sold me a Bobbi Brown foundation brush which was recommended to me by friends.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush

I think it’s a nice brush, but I still prefer my MAC 180 flat top foundation brush which is no longer sold. Bummer.. still a nice foundation brush, but doesn’t really replace my fave.

So the day at Stanford mall was a success..

Chantecaille Foundation: $68

Chantecaille Concealer: $42

Watching a Mongolian Chow Chow take a huge crap on the lawn while trying to eat BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger at a fancy outdoor Bar and Grille…Priceless.

Chow Chow

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Got my makeup stash.. review time!!

I can barely lift my fingers to type, I am sooo tired. It was my fiance’s birthday, went to a Giants game, did family stuff.. it was non-stop action and I am drained! BUT.. I still managed to stay perfectly matte despite the running around. Keep reading…

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse Makeup

This makeup is my newest best friend! I LOVE it (so far). I’ve talked so much smack about minerals, especially those of the “bare” kind. I have mentioned in my blog before that mineral makeup of a certain famous brand gave me huge cystic acne issues. My dermatologist was pretty familiar with other cases like mine and she told me to stay away from powder foundation mineral makeup from that brand. She told me that the makeup works well for a few months, then your skin starts clogging up with the minerals and you get blackheads, cysts and much more. I quickly discontinued my use of the powder and started going back to liquid, I was using Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation for a long time, then the original formula was discontinued. It was never the same! I saw the ad for the Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse foundation (with Halle Berry) and I just had to try it.

The foundation LASTS and I didn’t need to touch up with powder once! It went on pretty dry, and I used a foundation buffer brush. This foundation seems to only work well on oily skin because it even looked a little dry on my oily skin at first. I also used the Revlon Colorstay Mineral Foundation powder (gasp!) over the top for extra coverage and it worked wonderfully. I did not use the wimpy brush that comes in the container, I used one of my nice ones for application.

Revlon Colorstay Mineral foundation

So, these new mineral Colorstay products work hand in hand and I am satisfied. I have had NO breakouts at all. The foundation does not turn colors on me, it stays true because it controls the oil that would otherwise seep into the makeup and darken the pigment of the makeup. Eww!

So let’s recap :

Mousse Foundation –
Pros – Stays matte, stays true to its color, fills in pores and imperfections. Stays on all day!

Cons – Very dry at first, but when it warms up to your skin, that dry look goes away.

Mineral Powder –
Pros – Nice matte look, stays true to color, controls oil!

Cons – Not sure if I like how it is packaged. I don’t want my brush inside of my product like that since I like to keep my stuff clean. I use the brush for touch ups, but I will not use it as my applicator in the morning.

Next item: CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara

CoverGirl Lash Blast Length Mascara

This is the product everyone was excited about?? Ughh.. horrible!!! I can’t believe that CoverGirl took pre-orders for this crap. Yeah, umm.. it lengthens lashes.. but nothing else. It doesn’t thicken them or add any volume. My lashes were so wimpy and thin! I ended up sticking the brush into another mascara just to coat the brush because there was barely anything on it. I guess this would be nice if you already had thick lashes to begin with.. but wow.. this was pure disappointment.

Next item: Barbie Loves Stila Smudgepot

Barbie Loves Stila Smudge Pot

Uhhh Ooops. I ordered BLACK and ended up getting Cobalt Blue. Something happened to the website I guess and they gave me the wrong thing. I wasn’t too impressed with this product. The packaging was amazing.. but the stuff inside was okay. I used it as an eyeshadow with a flat synthetic brush and it was super bright and bold, no creasing, etc… but I don’t wear blue eyeshadow all the time, so I really find this product of little use to me. I might try it as a base with purple or other bold colors to see if it brings them out more. When I used the product on my lower waterline inside of my eye, it would not stick and it ended up surfing right into my eye. It didn’t want to stay there at all.

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor, Madison Mauve

Next item: Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor, Madison Mauve

I usually stay away from drug store lipstick since I can’t try them on.. but I had to try these! This color, Madison Mauve, is amazing. It’s got a very slight iridescent look to it, but the feel is so nice. It stayed on for quite a while, too. I didn’t want frost, and this is a little frosty, but still cute. I saw a color on Christy Turlington called Make me Pink and I need to get it. Check out the site about the lipstick here, and watch the Flash movie play the Christy Turlington color.. it’s pink and SO adorable.

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MAC , ME and MORE

Gabriella Rocha Ballerina Slippers
Ok, so I’ve been into shoes lately and not makeup. There is always a stream of cash flow going in one direction, and that’s been high shine patent leather ballerina slippers.. in purple. I have an obsession with purple, red and gold lately. I smell a tutorial coming.

Besides my shoe fetish of the month, I’ve been noticing that I am getting a lot of views coming from LiveJournal lately. I did a little digging and found that I am either being linked on a journal or made fun of.. one or the other. There is one particular LiveJournal that I found, heh, one that makes fun of people who are goth or punk, and other people who tend to prefer alternative makeup styles. Now, I will admit that I found it funny at first, until I realized that I, myself, indeed.. may be listed on this journal as a “bad” makeup doer. I can’t find the post that I was listed on, but I find it quite amusing that this pathetic little girl wastes her time sifting through Google and Yahoo image searches to find pictures of people’s makeup. Ohhh.. if only the youth of today would spend their time learning something valuable. The bitch isn’t getting paid to write, so I don’t see how the journal can be of value to her. Difference between me and her.. I get paid.. she doesn’t. End of story. If you’re interested in seeing the blog, or perhaps are curious to see what she wrote about me (I still can’t find it) please view it here: LIveJournal BadMakeup

On with the show…

MAC.. oh dearest MAC, money sucker of my wallet. What do you, pray tell, have in store for me this Fall / Winter / Holiday.. lord. Thanks to the lovely lady at http://temptalia.com, I’ve seen a sneak peek.

MAC DSquared² Collection Launches on Oct 12th.

Well, I am seeing a huge trend with the bold lips. Dark burgundy, maroon, deep purple, reds, lots of serious kissers coming in the cold months ahead. I am not excited about dark lips, to be honest. I think it’s too high maintenance for me.. but after seeing the new MAC lip color, “Blood Red” I am dying to try on that deep berry shade and turn on True Blood to watch Sookie and Bill make out.

MAC In High Def Collection Coming next week, Sept. 10th

I love high def makeup even though I think that sometimes it’s a scam. The collection this season isn’t anything new, it’s basically the Face & Body Foundation, Mineralize powders and brushes. Whooopeee do. Been there and done that. I love it all, don’t get me wrong.. but we’ve seen this stuff.

For those who love Marc Jacobs fragrances (I have them all!), get excited about the new Lola fragrance, which is Daisy’s older sister. heheh! Gorge bottle and I have no idea what it smells like, but the bottle is to die for!!
Marc Jacobs Lola Fragrance

I also am interested in checking out the Sephora Perfect Ten Brush Set, which is a $150 value priced at only $72!! It looks like just about everything you need is included in the set.
Sephora Perfect Ten Brush Set

I just got the Beyond Belief Facial Cleansing & Makeup Remover Towelettes from Sally Beauty Supply and I have to say.. fantastic! They are refreshing and just awesome quality for only $4.29!

Beyond Belief Facial Cleansing and Makeup Remover Towelettes

Enjoy your extended weekend, folks and I’ll be heading to the beach! (Then to Catalina Island later this month!)

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One of my darling readers, Heidi, has created a petition for us to sign to help bring back Maybelline Lash Stylist mascara. As you probably already know, our beloved comb brush mascara has been discontinued, vanished from stores around the globe.. and we want it back! So click here to sign your name to help bring back this lovely product into our lives:


Maybelline Lash Stylist Petition

Also see my other blog about Maybelline Lash Stylist which also contains a comment discussion that include sightings, poems about missing the product (lol!), and basically people who are pissed just like you and me. Click here

Thanks again, Heidi, for taking time out to put this together for us. Please keep us posted on how things are going.

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Dos & Don’ts at the makeup counter

Makeup Counter at Macy's

I’ve had 5 years experience working at a retail makeup counter, and I know all of the frustrations and woes that a makeup artist can go through when customers are clueless. I am creating this guide using my experiences to help you, the customer, plan a better trip to the makeup counter.. it will help both you and the makeup artist create a better environment for eachother. =)

1. Reasearch! What are your specific needs?

It’s best to get an idea of what you are going in for.. do you need a new foundation? A new shade of lipstick for spring? Or perhaps you are hoping to look like a flawless celebrity… we can dream, right?? Magazines and the internet are great tools for “shopping” for new looks. There is a 99.9% chance that the cosmetic brands you will encounter have a website that lists all available products, new products, and ideas for the upcoming seasons. Don’t be afraid to print out a photo of a celebrity or look that you admire and want to go for. I really loved it when customers brought me photos from magazines and said, “I want to look like this!”. It gave me a clear idea of what the client wanted and it was fun. Now, I am no plastic surgeon, but I am sure with common sense, you will know that a makeup artist isn’t going to totally transform you into Megan Fox.. right? I can most definitely match the lovely coral lipstick that Miss. Fox is wearing and see if it’s a good match for you.

Research the store’s policy. Some makeup counters require a minimum purchase for makeovers.

Also, if you have sensitive skin or have special needs where your face is concerned, please research the brand’s ingredients. If they don’t list anything, then go ahead and shoot them an email to customer service and ask them about their products. I spent hours and hours with clients who would talk about their sensitive skin and would freak out anytime my makeup brush touched their face. After the client had purchased hundreds of dollars worth of makeup, they returned it the next day, saying they itched all over… if you know you are alergic to something, please do check out product ingredients beforehand. It will save you both so much time and hassle.

There are also makeup forums where you can talk to other men and women about specific makeup products, reviews and a lot more. Check out: www.makeuptalk.com
I have been a member of that site for many years and anytime I have a concern or question about particular products, I consult my buddies there!

So once you have a plan.. it’s time to get your wallet and head down to Makeupland!

 

2. Where should I go? Are there any good places?


Honestly, stick with Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Saks 5th. I haven’t been to Bloomingdale’s makeup counters yet, but you might want to ask around. Places like Sephora and Ulta are good for people who are picking up replacement products or gifts. I like to play with the makeup there, but I am scared of germs (hello, Swine Flu??). I am not trying to deter people from going there, I just think that dealing with a makeup artist that knows everything about one brand is better than dealing with an associate who has very little knowledge about 30 different brands. I find that high-end makeup counters offer the best service and staff knowledgable, courteous people. Don’t be afraid to scope out the counters for your new makeup guru buddy, ask for his or her business card and schedule some one-on-one time so they can get you familiar with the products. I find that Mondays – Tuesdays are the best days to get alone time with your makeup guru. Mornings are probably the best time of day to go. Not only will the makeup artist be refreshed and ready to go in the morning, but they won’t be tired and rundown from a day’s work. I hated end-of-day appointments!!!

 

3. What can I expect once I get to my appointment?


You can choose to come with a clean face or not. If you are wearing makeup, it’s okay. Just be prepared to remove your own makeup with either makeup removers that are provided by the artist or soaps and cleansers given to you by the artist. I was lucky enough to work near a bathroom with a good sink so that customers could wash everything off before we started.

You better expect to get what YOU want but also be open to the makeup artist’s suggestions. Don’t be bossy or talk about your life stories.. we are not your personal shrink. A makeup artist’s worst nightmare is the scary customer that comes just to talk about their son’s horrific wife, or ex wife.. or any kind of drama. We are there to make money, and time is money. Normally, a makeup artist is only supposed to spend about 30 minutes or less on a client, unless it’s a wedding makeover, then they may be allowed more time with the bride (or an entire bridal party!). I can’t say it enough.. be courteous to your artist and don’t take up too much of their time. They have specific daily goals to meet! Don’t be scared to ask, ” How are we doing on time?” just to check in with your artist to let them know you are aware of time restrictions. If it’s a super slow day, you might get lucky and get to spend a little more time.

As far as what the makeup artist will do, it all depends on the counter. Some counters focus on their color line, like MAC, for instance. Some places focus on their skincare, like Clinique. The artist may use a primer before they apply a foundation, or they may use a moisturizer. Remember to let your artist know ahead of time if you are allergic to something. A total DON’T at a makeup counter is to try a foundation on your hand. What good will that do unless you are a hand model? You must try foundations on the face, or you will not know what it will look like. If you can, try to take a mirror outside to look at it in natural light. This rule also goes for any other makeup ..you are not going to see the true color of the eyeshadow, lipstick, etc. if it’s on your hand. If you absolutely need to test eyeshadow on your hand, make sure to put an eyeshadow primer on your hand to see what the true pigment will look like. Your hand is dry and produces very little or no oil, so everything will look diffferent than if it was on your face.

4. Should I buy everything that the makeup artist shows me?

Only you can be the judge of that. If you already have a foundation that you are happy with at home, then stick with it until you are through using it and come back to purchase the new foundation if you want to try it. There’s no use doubling up on stuff you already have at home. Ask if any of the products that you like are limited edition, because chances are, if the lipgloss you are totally swooning over is limited edition, it will be unavailable for purchase in a few months. Of course, the goal of the makeup associate is for you to buy as much as you possibly can.. so be smart and make sure you buy only the things that you NEED and possibly only one or two “I have to have this or I will die” products. I’ve been in many situations where I know that I don’t need a lipgloss, but it just made me feel like a million bucks, so as long as you can still pay your cable bill, you should be okay. Do not even go near the makeup counter if you are totally low on cash or can only use a credit card. I made the mistake of putting a lot of cosmetics on credit and I am still paying for those mistakes.

TIP: You want it all? You can have it all, but it will take time. Let’s say you loved everything the artist put on you, but there is no way in hell you could afford it. Buying ONE product per week, or every two weeks is the way to collect makeup safely. Eventually, you will get everything you want, but you will have to be patient. Spreading your purchases out is the best way to go if you are hurtin’ for the cash money.

5. What should I do if I don’t like the product?

Sometimes at the makeup counter the customer just nodded “yes” to everything the makeup artist says because they either trusted them too much or they didn’t want to be mean and say that they hated everything. Please.. please speak up if you don’t like the brown lipstick or the overly glittery eyeshadow. The worst thing that happened was a customer who I caught in the bathroom freaking out and crying because they didn’t like the makeup job that I did. Yeah, my feelings were hurt and I felt like I totally wanted to get defensive, but I did not know that the customer didn’t like shimmery products. If the customer told me that they hated shimmer or didn’t like the look, they should have spoken up. They ended up returning all of the products at another counter.. even though the rules at my counter was that you had to purchase $50 in cosmetics to get a makeover in the first place. So not only was the customer not satisfied, but I also lost money that day due to lack of communication. When I do makeup, I normally show the customer what I am doing every step of the way and even ask them if they are sure they want shimmer or matte products. If the artist applies an eyeshadow that you aren’t too crazy about, you can ask to try a different shade or to possibly play up the shade with a contour color in the crease. It can be quite difficult to remove an eyeshadow quickly, so sometimes the artist will put a color over the top of the unwanted color and everything gets muddy looking. Normally, I would wipe away as much shadow color as I could, then re-apply the eyeshadow base or a concealer before continuing on with a new color.

If you must return the product, try to return it to the counter where you bought it and maybe look for replacement products. You can try to reschedule a complimentary makeover with the artist or try a different artist. Please let them know you weren’t too crazy about the look and would like to try something else. Always be nice!! If the makeup artist is being bitchy about the situation, then I advise trying a whole different person or counter, you don’t want to deal with a negative Nancy when trying to update your appearance!!!

6. What if I just didn’t like getting my makeup done by another person and I want to try to learn how to do it on my own?


If all else fails, there’s YouTube. There are many extremely talented makeup artists on YouTube, you will just need to find the one that has a style that best suits your own. A lot of these artist show you how to apply the makeup, but of course, they will not really discuss what colors will suit you or what their suggestions are for you, you will have to experiment with that on your own. Check out magazines and pictures of people with similar coloring to your own. I also would suggest purchasing makeup palettes with various colors you can play with. There is a really cool eyeshadow palette from Coastal Scents, which is a cool website with tons of palettes and ideas: http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=130

7. Once you get the look you want, perfect it!!

Once you figure out what looks good on you, you can practice.. practice and perfect your look. Don’t be afraid to branch out and experiment with things like face shimmer, bronzers and various types of highlighters. I recommend that you try to get facials done regularly so that your makeup will look great on flawless skin. I have recently gone in for microdermabrasion treatments and I follow that with a glycolic peel from Avon every few days. I noticed my pores are reducing in size and that my makeup looks a lot better. I also use an eye cream on a daily basis (I switch from Arcona to Benefit’s Eyecon) and I also use an eye de-puffer in the mornings (Benefit’s Ooh La Lift and Mark Cosmetics Hook up eye de-puffer gel). Just have fun with it, it’s just makeup!!

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