Everyday Essentials: Must-Have Neutrals

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Everyday makeup that makes your daily routine quick and effortless begins with neutral eyes.

Neutral Eyeshadows do not have to be boring. Sure they can contour and accentuate the eyes for a natural-look. But they can also enhance any smokey eye, hide flaws and/or be used to contour and highlight the face, fill-in brows and brighten the under-eye.

Here are a few of my must-haves:

MAC – Brule

Chanel – Lotus

Urban Decay – Naked

MAC – Uninterrupted

NARS – Bali

Bobbi Brown – Grey

How To: Fierce Feline

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Make a bold statement with a winged eye. This look can make eyes appear larger and more defined.

Product: I think liquid provides the most drama and the easiest control. Favorite: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner  If you prefer a softer winged look try pencil or eyeshadow. Favorite: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner-Gel Crayon

STEP 1

For easy application, set mirror at chin level and look downwards. Gently drag the liner along the lashline and past the top outer corner of your eye. Follow the upward curve of your eye with the eye liner. For a dramatic winged look, draw farther out and angle the liner more.

STEP 2

Create the winged effect by starting at the outer corner of the line you just drew and work back toward your eye. As you get closer to the inner lash line, draw a thinner line. You want the effect of the liner to be thin to thick from the inner corner of the eye to the outer.

STEP 3

Follow the natural shape of your eye and connect the liner to the inner corner of your eye. Fill in any missing spaces along the lash line.

How To: Copper Eyes

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Copper eyeshadow can make a bold statement and intensify the natural color of your eyes. However, if not applied correctly can also make eyes look tired, bloodshot and/or red.

To avoid looking like Marla Singer in Fight Club, choose an accent color to blend with the copper. Whether your copper is shimmery or matte, a deep matte tone blendeded with the metallic shade will look more natural. Because the copper is so bright, it should be used as your primary color rather than pairing it with another bright color.

Needed:

• 2 Eyeshadow Brushes
• Copper Eyeshadow  – Favorite: Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Fire Glow
• Deep Natural Matte Eyeshadow – Favorite: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Naked or Buck

How To:

• Press eyeshadow brush into the Copper Eyeshadow. Tap the brush to remove any excess powder. Swipe the brush across the eyelid and blend up into the crease.
• Blend eyeshadow until you are satisfied with the color and shape.
• Using the Deep Natural Matte Eyeshadow, blend into the crease and outer “V” of the eye. Making this “V” area a little darker will make the eyes appear larger.
• Run a clean blending brush over your eyelid, using a quick circular motion. This will get rid of any harsh lines.
• Apply the Deep Natural Matte Eyeshadow under the eye. If you have small eyes, sweep eyeshadow from the middle of the eye to outer edge. For more drama, blend a tiny bit of the Copper Eyeshadow into the matte color. Do not use a lot or eyes will look red and “angry.”
• Line eyes and apply lots of mascara.

Modify this look depending on your eyes shape and color.

Drugstore Find: Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

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Maybelline’s Color Tatoos are a fantastic drugstore find. These cream eyeshadows last just as long as any other more expensive version and are just as vibrant and pigmented. Constantly creating new colors and finishes, my current favorite is  Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded.

Barely Branded is a warm champagne tone with a metallic/frosted finish. A great dupe/alternative to MAC Bare Study Paint Pot (one of my favorites). A very versatile shade, Barely Branded can be warn on it’s own or as a base to brighten and make shadow stay-put. It has a wonderful creamy consistency that is great for quick and easy application and does not crease or fade, hour after hour.

For a great basic cream shadow that is easily accesible and inexpensive try Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded.

Brow Builder: It Cosmetics Brow Power

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IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil is no ordinary pencil. This ultra-fine, high-definition, long-wearing, automatic eyebrow pencil adjusts to your specific brow color and supports healthy hair growth.

The super-skinny tip draws the tiniest of lines, allowing you to easily mimic the look of natural brow hairs. The spooly-end brushes and polishes the brows, perfecting the look. How can one pencil be universally flattering? By using softer strokes to match lighter hair, including blonde and silver and pressing a bit harder for darker hair, including medium brown to black.

The crayon-like texture goes on very lightly, so you can layer for the particular look you are going for – whether it’s natural or a bold “statement” brow. The formula is smudge-proof, waterproof and filled with good-for-you ingredients like panthenol, Vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains GrowLuxe technology, which is formulated with Saw Palmetto, Nettle Flower Extract, Horsetail Flower Extract, Green Tea Extract and Grapeseed Extract – promoting healthy hair growth. The American Cancer Society approved Brow Power as being safe for ultra-sensitive skin; this plus the GrowLuxe formula makes this pencil perfect for those who have lost their brows due to chemotherapy. In fact, for every Brow Power pencil sold, IT Cosmetics donates one pencil to the Look Good, Feel Better Program which helps women with cancer regain their confidence in their physical appearance.

Amazing? Yes.

Holy Grail: FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara

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Inspired by the desire to enhance her eyes both on and off camera, Japanese TV personality Aya Yasuda created FAIRYDROPS – a Japanese makeup line that features amazing mascaras.

Japan’s best-selling mascara was brought stateside to sample. The version, FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara, is a do-it-all mascara that creates incredibly lush, doll-like lashes and my new HG.

The Brush: Unique in shape, the patented 3-sphere brush is placed on a curved wand that kisses the lash line. The brush catches every single, tiny lash creating perfect definition and length.

The Formula: The dense, fibrous formula does not clump or run. (which is interesting because there are a million tiny fibers). Formulated with a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients such as squalane, jojoba seed oil, panthenol, hydrolyzed collagen, and sodium hyaluronate, every lash is coated and accentuated. Available in one shade – black – the formula is water-resistant and wears all-day without a smudge. Then can be removed effortlessly with a little warm water. Magic!

The Result: The best and most creative mascara I have used. Replaces my previous holy grail, HERE. The fibrous wand does all the work for you. In just one coat – lashes are feathered perfectly, lengthened, defined and exactly how it is described – “doll-like.”

The Problem: This mascara has been discontinued and is no longer sold at Sephora, online. There are still a few at the stores but in limited supply, so get yours before it’s too late. (Also check your local Asian markets, Amazon and EBay)

 

Festival Beauty Essentials

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Festival First Aid Kit:

When running water isn’t available, cleansing wipes are something of a lifesaver during festival season. Use on both face and body when needed. Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes will fight bacteria and decongest the skin.

Cool-off with Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Spray anywhere at anytime to hydrate the skin, tone the skin, set makeup or for a quick refresh.

After prolonged sun exposure, skin needs more nourishment than ever. That is why I love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate. It feels like a body lotion but has high SPF.

Protecting your skin from the sun is more important than ever at festivals since shade is often hard to find – so is protecting your lips. Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment has SPF 36, feels great on the lips and looks super glossy.

Look instantly glowing while protecting and treating the skin with Boscia BB Cream Bronze. This one-step wonder creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms, and soothes the skin. It contains broad-spectrum SPF 27 PA++ and helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections. Boscia’s BB Cream Bronze creates a sun-kissed complexion with just a hint of shimmer.

Continuing the rant on sun protection – ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush is my go-to powder. Cream sunscreen is impossible to reapply all-day – especially when wearing makeup. Use the built-in brush to apply as needed with no caking, residue and/or irritation.

Pack products that are finger-friendly – like cream blush/lip pots and eyeshadows. Festivals are a great time to experiment with color. Stila Convertable Color in Sweet Pea is the perfect pop of color for both cheeks and lips. It creates a dewy complexion and pouty lips. Find cream eyeshadows that are long-lasting and won’t crease. I love Jouer Creme Eyeshadow in Chiffon. It creates the most amazing shine on the eye that almost looks wet and stays-put all day. This is also a great product to have handy because it moonlights as a highlighter.

Though I loathe waterproof mascara – it is a must in situations like these. YSL Singulier Nuit Blanche is a great mascara and not too impossible to take-off. It will not run or smudge and the brush is amazing.

No festival beauty guide would be complete without a highly-effective and much-loved Dry Shampoo. Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo not only does a great job to rid your hair of oils – but is an amazing styling product. It will give your hair extra volume without feeling sticky or stiff. Speaking of sticky – don’t be the smelly kid in the group and pack your Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant.

Have fun – Be safe – Stay hydrated!

How To: Fresh Face

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A fresh face is always in style. Let your inner beauty shine by enhancing your already-beautiful features – not covering them up. Channel that glow-y radiance and opt for an au naturale, fresh face.

NEEDED:

◊ Your Makeup Bag

HOW TO:

PERFECT THE SKIN:

Wash face with your favorite gentle exfoliator. This will help the makeup to blend easily. Favorite: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

MOISTURIZE & EVEN OUT SKIN TONE:

Keep skin hydrated with a sheer moisturizer. Try one with light reflecting properties – for a healthy radiance. Favorite: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

To even out skin tone, grab your favorite – Tinted Moisturizer, Foundation, BB Cream or Mineral Powder – and apply. Choosing the product that provides your favorite finish on the skin – matte, dewy, satin or natural – your choice. Favorite: Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Use a damp sponge to create a flawless finish. Favorite: Beauty Blender

CONCEAL FLAWS & HIGHLIGHT:

For visible breakouts and dark spots use a pigment-rich concealer. Dab, blend and build coverage in thin layers. Never use too much concealer, it will just accentuate problem areas. Favorite: Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal 

Concealing under-circles will instantly light-up the entire face. If you have very dark undereye circles, first apply a salmon-toned color corrector. Favorite: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

With a luminizing pen dot product under the eye and blend downwards. A luminizing pen brings light and radiance to the skin. It immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion. This product can then be used as a highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones and cupids bow. Favorite: YSL Touche Éclat

BRONZE & BLUSH:

Warm-up the skin with a light dusting of your favorite bronzer. Place only where the sun would naturally hit the skin. Temples, cheekbones, a little on the nose and under the jawline for contour. Favorite: Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer

Choose your favorite cream blush. Cream blushes in warm peaches and pinks gives skin a natural, subtle flush. Place on the apples of the cheeks and blend. Favorite: Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Petal Pink

POWDER:

If your skin gets shiny, follow with an oil-absorbing powder. Use only in the T-Zone area. This step can be skipped for those with dry or normal skin. Favorite: Laura Mercier Universal Setting Powder

If you find that you’ve over-powdered, take a tiny bit of light moisturizer, rub it between your palms, and then lightly press your palms onto your cheeks. This will bring back a bit of life to the skin.

BROWS:

Defined arches frame the face, pulling your features into focus. Make sure the brows are groomed and tweezed. Brush and fill them in sparingly with a brow pencil. Favorite: Anastasia Brow Wiz

EYES:

Apply a cream eyeshadow one shade lighter than lid color to the eyelid. Set with a matching eyeshadow and apply this eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eyes. This color can be matte or shimmer – your choice. Favorites: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot & MAC Eyeshadow in Vanilla

Then apply a soft warm brown eyeshadow to the crease area to contour the eye. Using the same soft brown eyeshadow, apply along the lower lashes – blending to ensure no hard edges. This can also be done with your bronzer. Favorite: Urban Decay Single Eyeshadow in Naked

TIGHTLINE:

For extra definition, tightline the eyes with your favorite eyeliner, gel liner, or liquid liner. How-To Tightline Post: HERE.

To make eyes look brighter and wide-awake, apply a nude colored eyeliner to the bottom inner rim.  Favorite: Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener

LASHES:

Defined lashes are essential, even for a no-makeup look, you can forfeit shadow and liner, but never mascara. Curl eye lashes and apply two coats of mascara to the top lashes. For an extra boost, use a flat eyeliner brush to grab a bit of mascara from the wand and apply to just the roots of the bottom lashes. Favorite: Fairy Drops Scandal Queen

LIPS:

To get a pretty “your lips but better” look – choose a lipstick, stain, balm or liner that matches your lips perfectly. Press the color into your lips with your fingertip rather than applying it directly from the bullet. Concentrate it in the center and blend out. Favorite: Fresh Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment

Spring Beauty: Mint

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Minty-fresh hues are not just for fashion, apply them to your beauty routine as well. Not only is it a fun pop of color, but this pale, cool-toned color has an immediate brightening effect.

Apply it all over the lid for a sheer wash of color or try the “Thin Mint” and line just under the eyes for a bright and instantly awake look. Both drugstore and luxury brands have a wonderful selection for a “Minty Mani” but if you feel bold and daring, wear this amazing Lime Crime lipstick in “Mint To Be.”

Here are a few of my favorites:

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ~ Cosmetic Glitters in Mint: $14.00

bareMinerals ~ Velvet Eyeshadow in Velvet Pistachio: $14.00

NYX Cosmetics ~ Jumbo Eye Pencil in Horseradish: $4.50

China Glaze ~ Nail Lacquer in Re-Fresh Mint: $7.50

NARS Cosmetics ~ Eyeliner Pencil in Parrot Cay: $22.00

Illamasqua ~ Cream Pigment in Bedaub: $26.00

Lime Crime ~ Opaque Lipstick in Mint To Be: $15.99

Stila ~ Eye Shadow in Cha Cha: $18.00

Ellis Faas ~ Creamy Eyes in E117 Mint Green: $36.00

Silicone Savant: Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel

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Tired of under-eye concealer picnicking in fine lines and caking around the under eye area?  Then Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel is a must-have for you.

This multi-tasking, silicone savant leaves the eye area smooth, airbrushed and “lit from within.” The formula consists of a light-reflecting tint, soothing cucumber extract, antioxidants, hyaluronic microspheres, peptides and ceramides, that all work to smooth-away the appearance of puffy, tired looking eyes, blur fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and hydrate.

The cooling palladium tip applicator is excellent for getting the circulation moving in the morning. It applies the mousse-like gel effortlessly and feels very soothing on the delicate under eye area. Very similar to a primer, fine lines are less noticeable, as if they had been “softened” or blurred. It feels like an eye treatment, brightens, erases and keeps any product layered on top from settling and/or caking.

Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel is available in four varieties – Awake (colorless), Bright (sheer, light neutral), Refreshed (sheer, medium beige) and Vibrant (warm tan for olive). Eye Perfection Gel can also be used as an eyeshadow primer and also as a subtle highlight on the cheek bone and/or brow bone area.

How to Use:

Premeasure a drop of eye perfection gel by squeezing out onto the cooling palladium tip applicator before applying around the delicate eye area. With cooling palladium tip applicator, gently pat and smooth from the outside corner of the eye inward. Gently smooth with fingertips. Use sparingly as eye perfection gel is not diluted with water. Layer for desired perfection or coverage. Do not use eye cream before application as the skin may not absorb eye perfection gel properly. A slight cooling sensation is normal.

About Per-fékt:

As one of the beauty industry’s leading entrepreneurs, Richard Anderson has successfully launched some of today’s leading beauty brands including The Lancaster Group, Yves Saint Laurent and Bobbi Brown Essentials.

While working in the beauty industry over 14 years, Anderson discovered one dominant complaint and growing frustration for women. NO TIME. Because of today’s high performance and personally demanding world, women simply don’t have the time to invest in a lengthy beauty ritual. With never a spare moment schedules, women need simple and dependable beauty products that can multi-task as gracefully as they do.

In order to fill this need and capitalize on this niche market, Anderson utilized his vast connections and industry knowledge to create Per-fekt Beauty, Inc. Per-fekt is fully committed to launching technologically advanced products that simply ‘per-fekt’ the way women wear cosmetics.

Lash Topcoat: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius

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Waterproof when you want it to be. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius instantly waterproofs, refreshes, and protects any mascara all day, without the typical drying or clumping. It’s advanced, lightweight formula glides on smooth, dries quickly, and gives your lashes a glossy lacquer finish that lasts all day. Feel un-phased in the face of a downpour or smug at your best friend’s wedding, Lash Genius will protect you.

Lash Genius comes in a typical mascara-type tube with short, stiff  bristles. The formula is a slightly milky-colored gel that feels a bit tacky to the touch. It applies beautifully with a slightly wet texture that instantly adds shine and gloss to the lashes. Lash Genius is fragrance, paraben, and cruelty free.

Never decide on which formula to purchase of your favorite mascara again. I never seem to buy waterproof mascara. The formula, on me, feels thicker and heavier and it is a pain to remove. Don’t get me wrong, Lash Genius is a pain to remove, however, it does the job of a waterproof formula (better) and lash lacquer – all-in-one. So… it’s worth it.

Glow-T 2012: Best in Beauty

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Happy New Year! As 2013 begins, I want to recap on my favorite beauty products of 2012. These are items that I constantly reach for and will continue to use in the new year. From skincare to cosmetics, here are Glow-T’s Best of 2012Beauty Products:

Best BB Cream: Dior Hydra Life BB Cream

Best Cleansing Balm: REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm

Best Nail Polish: HIPPxRGB Nail Foundations

Best Skin Brand: Alpha-H

Best Minerals: PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals

Best Lip Product: Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres

Best Moisturizer: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

Best Tinted Moisturizers: Jouer Luminizing and Matte Moisture Tint

Best Facial Mist: Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water

Best Eye Product: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows

Best Hair Product: Kérastase Grand Crus Oils 

Best Dry Shampoo: Kenra Dry Shampoo

Precious Jewels: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows

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If you want the saturation and shimmer of loose pigments but hate the mess… Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows are for you!

Create a bold and beautiful statement with these jewel-toned, multi-dimensional pigments that impart lustrous high-color payoff and long-lasting wear. The buildable, powdery-fine formula blends seamlessly for ease of application and can be layered for a variety of looks. From soft and neutral to strikingly colorful these six silky and shimmery shades compliment every eye color.

Designed with an innovative roller ball tip for effortless application, the finely-milled pearlescent shadows glide on with exquisite precision. The crease-free, mineral powder formula makes this shadow perfect for shading and illuminating the eyes.

The Loose Shimmer Shadows can be applied wet or dry to achieve various shade depths. Use a wet brush to apply the shadow if a darker hue is desired. For a lighter finish, simply roll the applicator over eyelids. Things to know:

• Gives luster, sheen and glimmering effect to your eyes
• Unique roller ball applicator is convenient and fuss free
• Ultra-light weight formula blends instantaneously without creasing
• Offered in 6 luminous gem-inspired shades: Citrine (gold), Rose Quartz (warm pinky gold), Amethyst (bright purple), Jade (vibrant green), Topaz (warm bronze), and Lapis (bluish plum)

I have never seen pigmentation like this. It is so concentrated it almost looks and feels like liquid. The roller-ball makes application a cinch and there is no messy clean-up due to fall-out. The colors are absolutely magnificent and range from basic to bold. They are crease-free and long-lasting – even without a primer. Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows  are great for a simple wash of color or dramatic smokey eye and perfect for your New Years look!

How To: Lips & Lashes

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Holiday parties are the perfect opportunity to take risks and add a little drama to your makeup look. My favorite festive look is sophisticated, classic and can be worn at any event. Lips & Lashes. By highlighting both of these features you will look instantly polished at any event this season.

LIPS: Prep your pout for mistletoe kisses. Go with classic red or a bold bordeaux. For those who are not used to wearing a bold lip, it’s time to get confident and try something new for your next holiday event.

For finding the best red for your skintone and how to apply the party-ready lip – check out these posts:

Four Favorites: Red Lipstick

How To: Perfect Red Lip

LASHES: If you have been wanting to experiment with false lashes, let this holiday season be your time to take the leap. Get fiercely flirty eyes in minutes using individual lashes.

Individual lashes are great for beginners. They look extremely natural, are comfortable to wear and easy to apply. Additionally, these lashes can also be placed wherever you need them. Add to the corners of the eyes for a bit of extra interest or to the center of the eye for an instant doe-like effect or all over for extra thickening and lengthening.

Individual false eyelashes come in two options: flares and singles. For a more dramatic look – try flares. I suggest getting them in small or medium (long… is really long). Flared lashes are available in two types: knotted and knot-free. Knotted have a knot at the top of the cluster to join the lashes. They provide extra surface area that make applying a little easier. However, knot-free look more natural.

NEED & RECOMMENDED:

♦ Lashes: Duralash Natural Knot-Free Medium Black

♦ Glue: Duo Eyelash Adhesive

♦ Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant

♦ Eyelash Curler: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Eyelash Curler

♦ Mascara: Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes to Kill’ Mascara

HOW TO:

1. Use tweezers to grasp the sprig of lashes as close to the base as possible.
2. Place a dot of glue on a flat surface and dip the base of the sprig into the glue using a light touch.
3. KEY TIP: Wait at least 10 seconds for the glue to get tacky before applying.
4. Now, start on the outer corner and lay the lash behind your natural lash. Use a “picket-fence” approach when applying.
5. Once the glue is dry, curl the lashes close to the base of your lashes, being careful not to press too hard. The faux lashes will curl much more than your natural lashes.
6. Then, finish by applying mascara to “marry” the faux with your natural lashes.

Gift Guide: Holiday Palettes

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For a beauty junkie, there are few things prettier than a palette, and the holiday season creates some of the most charming examples. This year’s crop are as lovely as can be, with ornamentation and colors to match every taste. Give as a gift or keep for yourself, they do only come but once a year. Here are a few favorites:

Lancome ~ 2012 Holiday Color Collection: Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette: $49.00

Dior ~ Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette: $85.00

Laura Mercier ~ Color-To-Go Portable Palette for Eyes, Cheeks & Lips: $48.00

Aerin ~ Holiday Color Palette: $70.00

Pixi ~ Early Bird Kit: $34.00

e.l.f. ~ Studio Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette: $10.00

Pint-Sized Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

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Launching in the US tomorrow, November 29th, is the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. This pint-sized palette features five matte shades and one demi-matte shade. Four of the six shades are new and exclusive to this palette.

Perfect for travel or on-the-go, this palette can fit in your wallet or purse. It contains six full-sized eyeshadows, which include: Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte), Foxy (very light yellow/beige matte), Walk of Shame (very light pinky nude matte), Naked 2 (rosy taupe matte), Faint (warm, dusty brown matte), and Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte).

Urban Decay’s matte eyeshadows are some of the best I have used. They are in no way chalky, powdery or dry but super silky, finely-milled and pigmented. They are also long-lasting and true-to-color.

Starting on November 29th the Naked Basics Palette will be available at Urban Decay, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s. If you love neutrals and nudes to create a subtle and dramatic definition, then you will love the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.

Powerful Peptides: REN Keep Young and Beautiful Anti-Aging Eye Cream

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“Keep Young and Beautiful” with REN’s new anti-aging eye cream. REN Keep Young and Beautiful Anti-Aging Eye Cream promises to dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and deep expression lines around the eye area.

Rich in skin-plumping peptides and moisture-boosting collagen, REN’s new eye cream contains Hexapeptide-11, a plant peptide that stimulates collagen production for firmer skin. Peptides, or mini proteins if you want to think of them that way, are active molecules that send signals to your cells. When collagen breaks down, it forms specific peptides that signal to your skin that it was damaged and needs to make new collagen. So by applying peptides topically, we can trick the skin into thinking that it has lost collagen and needs to make more.

REN Keep Young and Beautiful Anti-Aging Eye Cream is wonderful for sensitive skin, as it is free from perfume, petroleum and parabens. The lightweight formula feels incredibly moisturizing and sinks into the skin in seconds. After just three weeks of using the product I have noticed a more hydrated and smoother eye area. I will continue to use this product as I have already noticed a positive difference. I expect to see more positive changes in the near future.

Silicone Savvy: Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal

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Erase and repair imperfections with Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal. The first-ever naturally derived silicone-based concealer is designed for use on both the under eye area and the face. It will CORRECT, COVER and PROTECT all of your skin’s concerns leaving you with a flawless complexion.

This multifunctional concealer is formulated with the brand’s signature MST complex – white rose and chamomile extracts to calm inflammation, vitamin K to reverse dark circles, and vitamin F to improve skin tone. It also has an additional laundry list of actives to correct all of your top skin concerns:

• Minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet
• Reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for a brighter look
• Diminish the look of age spots, discolorations and sun damaged skin
• Firm and tone the look of skin in the eye area
• Cover and heal dark spots, blemishes and surface redness
• Smooth, even and easy application, may also be used as an eye shadow base

The silicone-rich formula is what makes this product stand out from the rest. The smooth, velvety texture glides over any imperfection and/or dryness without caking or flaking. It is truly groundbreaking for covering dry-patches and irritated skin/blemishes. When I use retinol products for the eye area, it can get a bit drying. This is the only under-eye concealer that does not accentuate the dryness and/or sink into the creases. All the while, treating and repairing the areas of concern.

ABOUT MIRACLE SKIN TRANSFORMER:

Sarah McNamara tapped into more than 15-years of experience in the corporate beauty world to bring us Miracle Skin Transformer. Miracle Skin Transformer creates the first-ever, one-step application products designed to instantly transform your skin. Developed with naturally-derived silicones, these formulations contain powerful protection and hydration benefits leaving you with a smooth, radiant, airbrushed finish… in seconds.

Over the course of her career, Sarah has repeatedly found that “consumers are choosing to buy less in order to buy better, reflecting a desire for products that possess greater meaning in their lives.” After years of launching multi-million dollar brands within corporations, Sarah is well aware of the industry’s marketing tactics encouraging women to purchase more products than they really need to.

Today’s beauty consumer is savvier than ever. They want products that fit their active lifestyles and their beauty regimes, which include visits to dermatologists and cosmetic spas.

In August of 2010, after one year of extensive research with leading chemists, Sarah launched Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 on http://www.miracleskintransformer.com. Partnering with major beauty magazines, deluxe-size samples were offered to consumers who signed up on the website in the months leading up to the launch. This sampling promotion gave the brand an instant database of consumers, over 350,000 signed up.

In addition to consumer research groups, social media has played a key role in building consumer relationships and validating the concept and formulation of the brand.

Sarah’s vision is to continually pioneer innovation in skincare products with all- natural, ethically-obtained ingredients. All Miracle Skin Transformer products use a naturally-derived silicone base made from sand, and contain the MST Complex – a unique blend of targeted high-performance natural active ingredients, free of petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and dyes.

Sarah positioned Miracle Skin Transformer as a prestige cosmetic brand via a successful online and national magazine PR campaign. It has been featured in The New York Times, Redbook, Brides, InStyle, Marie Claire, Shape, Star, W, People Style Watch, and other leading fashion and beauty magazines. It was also featured on the Dr. Oz Show as one of beauty’s “2 Minute Miracles” in November of 2010.

Miracle Skin Transformer currently sells at niche pharmacies and beauty stores nationwide, as well as at http://www.beauty.com. In August 2011, Sarah will unveil Miracle Skin Transformer Body, a body treatment that enhances the skin with color pigments, protects with SPF and natural silicone, and hydrates with vitamins and other plant extracts. Continued distribution in premium retailers and working with top departments across the country, as well as international distribution within next year.

A New Zealand native, Sarah McNamara has lived on 4 continents and held senior positions with Elizabeth Arden, L’Oreal, Unilever, Valentino, Fendi, and even Goldman Sachs. She currently lives in New York City, with her husband and 2 boys, Nicholas and Aidan. Sarah McNamara is available for speaking engagements at functions or events on topics such as “Starting a Business from Scratch” and “Building a Brand through Social Media”. Her achievements and recognitions speak for themselves and make Sarah a great choice as a motivational speaker.

Earth Tones: Dolce & Gabbana Stromboli Eyeshadow Quad

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Nothing reflects Fall like smoldering earth tones. My new favorite eyeshadow quad, Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Color Quad in #130 Stromboli.

The eyeshadow quad consists of a light gold, a burnt sienna, a warm chocolate and a metallic charcoal. There are so many color combinations possible and each one compliments the other.

The texture of the finely-milled eyeshadows are creamy and buttery. Extremely pigmented and blend-able, so I recommend using a light hand when applying. These eyeshadows wear about six-eight hours before fading.

To get a smoldering earth tone eye look:

Apply the dark metallic charcoal close to the lash line and beneath the eye line. Then, blend the burnt sienna and warm chocolate hues in the crease for definition. Lastly, add the light gold to inner corner for a highlight.

Dream Cream: Jouer Cream Eyeshadow

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Jouer Cream Eyeshadow is the do-it-all eye product for quick, low maintenance makeup. Line, shade and/or contour your eyes with these easy-to-blend beauties.

These cream eyeshadows are like nothing I have tried before. Extremely lightweight in texture, the formula glides effortlessly onto the lids. They feel like velvet on the skin and the smudge-proof formula lasts all day. The consistency is both layerable and buildable providing options for a sheer or dramatic application.

Available in five gorgeous shades:

♦ Chiffon – shimmering ivory pearl

♦ Feather – shimmering pink champagne

♦ Organza – shimmering lavender taupe

♦ Cashmere – shimmering golden taupe

♦ Suede – shimmering golden bronze

When deciding on whether to use a cream or powder eye shadow, take into consideration factors such as your age and skin type. Powder eye shadows that contain shimmers may settle in wrinkles, fine lines and/or sagging eye lids. Cream shadow is a better option for women of age as they will create a smooth base. If you have very oily skin, using a cream eyeshadow can be frustrating. When combined with your skin’s natural oils, the eyeshadow may quickly smear or seep into the crease. This is an easy fix – as cream eyeshadows can also be used as primers. First apply your favorite cream eyeshadow then set with a powder or powder eyeshadow to absorb excess oil. Not only with the color last and last – but mixing these textures reveals beautiful dimension and light-reflecting properties.

All Jouer products offer a smart packaging solution. Constructed with interlocking sides, every product from lip gloss to face powder “snap-together,” making it easy to mix and match your favorites into the perfect palette.

I am currently having a small love affair with Jouer Cosmetics. Quality formulas, wearable colors and intelligent packaging – what more could you ask for. More reviews to come.