GIVEAWAY: Gloss from the Grapevine!

I live not far from Woodinville, WA, a small town that has a big reputation in the wine world.  Woodinville is home to dozens of wineries (I used to work in one many years ago!), so I have easy access to some very tasty wines.

Wine not only tastes good, it also has some interesting health benefits.  Scientists, leaders in the health field, and (of course) winemakers have spent big bucks researching wine.  Antioxidants and other ingredients in wine, especially red wine, can reduce heart disease, improve the immune system, and reduce stress.

One company, DeVine, is taking all the benefits from red wine and turning them into some very nice, very subtle glosses, called DeVine Lip Shimmers.  The Lip Shimmers contain the same Polyphenols in red wine that are known to help prevent cell damage.  They're also gluten-free, cruelty-free, and contain no harmful chemicals.

DeVine Lip Shimmers come in a variety of shades.  They all seem very light and subtle--giving a hint of shimmer and shine without looking overly reflective or feeling sticky.  The tinted glosses add a kiss of color to freshen up your look.  The 2-pack shimmers are available in Rosé/Merlot, Champagne/Bordeaux, and Vanilla Spritzer. Currently, they are available for $4.99 at Walgreens and www.Devineshimmers.com.

I've been wearing the Vanilla Spritzer and Bordeaux shimmers lately--both give a good amount of moisture, just enough for the summer months.  Plus they smell/taste pretty good.  And for less than $5 for two tubes?  That beats my old go-to (Burt's Bees) on price for sure!

Want to try it out for yourself?  You're in luck! One reader will receive three 2-packs (in the colors mentioned above), thanks to the folks at DeVine.  All you need to do is leave a comment (include your email address or be sure I have some way of getting in touch with you) AND like DeVine Lip Shimmers on facebook by Sunday, July 24th.  I'll announce the winner on the 25th.

Good luck!

Lustful Looking...

I'm smack in the middle of an expensive summer. Among other things, I'm having a boat-load of dental work done right now...and dental work is spendy.  Add to that the fact that my computer crapped out and needed to be replaced yesterday.  Thanks to all of this, my beauty budget has been slashed.  That doesn't mean I can't window (or web!) shop.

Here are three items that I've been lusting after lately:

Tokyomilk Cosmetic Bags, $14 each.  These aren't ultra expensive, but I love the way they look!  My fave is the sea-inspired Oceanic Dream bag.  They're so cute and the little butterfly detail rocks.

Balsamo Italian Argan Oil Balm, $13.50.  Again, not an ultra-expensive item.  This is one I really want to try.  I love taking boring, every day products and pumping up the volume a bit.  That's just what these artisan-made balms do...and they come in unique and tempting scents like black currant, honeysuckle, and rose hip.  Plus they look cute.  Love it!

Tarte for True Blood Limited Edition Palettes, $52.  True Blood is one of my summer guilty pleasures.  It's a campy, over-the-top show and it's so addictive.  This palette is inspired by the show and includes 17 eye shadows, an eyeliner (I adore Tarte's eyeliners!), mascara, and an eye primer. Perfect for your inner vamp!

Raspberries Aren't Just for Eating

Summer means long sunny days, hanging out on a warm, sandy beach, and eating bowls of ripe, sweet berries. Is there anything more yummy than diving into a bowl of cool, juicy red raspberries?  They're the best!  But berries aren't just for eating.  Raspberries inspire all sorts of beauty products...here are a few to try.

FOR THE LIPS
Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Lipgloss, $22.  This cooling, water-based formula contains the natural raspberry and pomegranate extracts to protect against free-radical damage and smooth lip lines for softer, more youthful-looking lips. It glides on with the creamy texture of a lip gloss and has the long-lasting, vibrant finish of a lipstick.

FOR THE SHOWER
Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet, $16. Are there any scents of bath/shower gel that Philosophy doesn't have?  Some of their offerings are great...others miss the boat.  I really like this one, their Raspberry Sorbet.  This lusciously-scented shampoo, bath, and shower gel is packed with moisturizing agents that smooth and condition the skin and hair, while gentle cleansing agents eliminate excess oils and impurities.

FOR YOUR SKIN
Arcona Basic Five Travel Kit for Problem Skin, $87.  Raspberries taste good and are good for you. The products in the Basic Five work synergistically and are scientifically designed to fulfill a distinct transformational function. Using the Basic Five as part of an advanced daily promises even fresher, more glowing skin and a more contoured, youthful appearance.

Two Picks for the Summer

In the summer, my beauty routine lightens up and becomes a bit more simple.  For me, summer means staying cool and keeping things fun and easy.  It's time for more color, less product, and tricks for looking great despite the heat and the harsh glare of the sun.

Here are a couple new products I found to keep things cool...

FOR YOUR FEET
Summer is the time to bust out flipflops, sandals, and cute strappy heels.  It means ditching socks and stockings, but it also means sweaty, possibly stinky shoes.  That's why Silver Linings are so awesome.  They're super thin liners featuring silver technology that helps to eliminate bacterial odor in shoes worn without socks.  They're great for flats without socks!  You can get Silver Linings for $15.99 for a set of three from Amazon.com or silverliningsnewyork.com; each pair lasts up to a month.

FOR YOUR LIPS
While you should wear a lip balm with SPF when you're out in the sun (no matter what time of the year it is!), it's also fun to have lip balms in fruity flavors to mix things up during the summer.  I really like eos lip balms. (Their mint flavored balms are super refreshing!)  They come in cute egg-shaped packaging, slide on easily, and keep my lips feeling moisturized but not coated in a heavy, sticky mess.  Check out their summer offerings in passion fruit or strawberry sorbet.  They're yummy and feel great and they're certified organic and 100% natural to boot.  eos 2011 Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Summer Pack retails for $5.99 at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target.com and EvolutionofSmooth.com.  Perfect for summer!

Summer Trends: Coral

Summer is supposedly just around the corner.  Here in Seattle, it seems like warm weather is NEVER going to get here, but I know that soon enough it will heat up to the point where I can bust out the short sleeves!  Summer's the time to lighten up when it comes to makeup, but it's also a time to embrace fun, lively colors.

This year, one big color trend is coral.  Coral's great because it gives a pop of color and looks great on almost everyone.  If you want to incorporate coral into your summer makeup bag, here are a few awesome options:

For your cheeks: Cargo BeachBlush in Coral Beach.  This product is great because it combines blush with bronzer.  It will give your face a soft, radiant glow and a nice depth of color.  It's a nice option for faking your tan and having some color on your cheeks.  Available at Ulta for $28.

For your lips: fresh Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Glory.  fresh lip gloss is light and lovely.  This shimmery coral feels natural, not sticky.  The color is subtle but flattering--perfect for your daytime look. Plus it contains SPF 15.  Available at Sephora for $18.

For your nails: Sephora by OPI in Let's Do Lunch.  This nail color is warm and wearable.  It's not the most exciting color in the world, but it's great for everyday.  It's especially lovely on darker skin tones and is worth checking out.  If you're looking for a more pink-hued coral, check Sephora by OPI in How Cute is That?  The name says it all!  Both are available at Sephora for $9.50.

Get Lippy for Your Valentine

So...Valentine's Day is almost here.  Yikes.  that means my birthday is almost here too!  Do you have plans yet for Valentine's Day (or should I say Valentine's Night?!)?  I do!  You're going to be sooo jealous when I tell you this, but my Valentine's Day plan includes working late.  Boy, do I know how to live or what?

My husband and I have been together forever, so we don't make special plans on Valentine's.  I guess we fall into the "I don't need Hallmark to tell me when to love my partner" camp.  But still, I get that it's a fun "holiday" and that special plans can make it all the more exciting. 

I received the tips below from makeup artist Jemma Kid.  Here is her advice to getting an enviable, romantic red pout, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Application:
- No lipstick looks good on chapped lips and some matte lipsticks dry lips even more. Keep lips smooth and moisturized with a balm containing natural oils, such as beeswax, and SPF. If you have chapped lips, apply balm and after a few minutes massage gently with a soft toothbrush or muslin cloth.

- Dab foundation around the lip are and over the lip itself. It will tone down any redness and ensures the line of the lips will be sharp and defined.

- Use a matching waxy lipliner to prevent any bleed around the lips. Spend time drawing the outline, making sure the lips are completely symmetrical and the bow is even. An uneven top lip shows up with red lipstick more than any other color. Start at the V of the Cupid’s bow and take the liner right into the corners.

- Fill in the lip with the pencil to hold the lipstick in place and make it last longer. Go over the pencil color with a lip brush, working it into any creases.

- Paint on the lipstick using a lip brush for precision, starting in one corner and working inward. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat of the brush for larger areas. Blot with a tissue and apply another coat.

- Add a dab of gloss in a clear or slightly lighter shade at the center of the lower lip and press your lips together. High-shine glossy lips create instant glamour, make the lips look fuller, and draw attention to your mouth-a luscious evening look.

Attitude:
- Red lips spell grown-up glamour and should be worn with confidence.

- Hair color is irrelevant when choosing the right shade of red – it’s skin tone that counts. Pink tones are best suited to cooler “blue reds,” while darker, Mediterranean, and Asian skins are better suited to “orange reds.”

- Deep, plumy reds look fantastic on dark skin, cool blue-based reds suit pink-toned and pale skin, while orange-based reds are less draining on a warmer complexion (but make sure it doesn’t accentuate any redness in your cheeks).

- Red lips will be the focus, so keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

- A red-tinted lipgloss will give a more subtle effect.

- Try not to touch your mouth so you don’t risk smudging the lipstick. Matte finishes are more resistant to smudging than gloss.

Jemma says: “Lip color is one of the most fun and accessible areas of make-up, and also one of the most noticeable. From pretty and natural through classic and sophisticated to glamorous and vampish, how we make up our lips can change our mood in an instant”

Hello, Sephora

I love, love, love this.  If you haven't been by your local, friendly Sephora, you're missing out!  They're unveiling their new big collection: the Hello Kitty line.

I'm a grown-up and should know better, but I do love me some Hello Kitty.  Combining Hello Kitty and Sephora to make some super cute products?  Freaking genius!  Here's a link to everything Hello Kitty related at the makeup mecca.  And here are a few of my faves:

Hello Kitty Brush Set, $45
Inside a shiny silver Hello Kitty (that would look adorable on any vanity!), you'll find a lip brush, an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a shading/blending brush, and a face brush.

Hello Kitty Compact Mirror, $18
This cute compact contains a regular mirror and a 3x magnifying mirror.  It's small and perfect for your purse.  (I have a Kuromi compact from Sanrio in my travel makeup bag!)

Hello Kitty Sweet Gloss, $16
This super-sweet smelling gloss is available in a number of light shades.  I like that it's a Hello Kitty gloss for grown-ups.  The packaging is cute but not little girly, and the colors are more adult than bubblegum pink.  This stuff smells so good!

If you're a Hello Kitty fan, you're probably a makeup fan, so be sure to check these products out before they're gone!

Holiday Gifting from NARS

NARS rocks. Their products are always top-notch and whenever I use them, I feel like I am treating myself to something special. If you're looking for something extra special for your friends, family...or for yourself, check out what NARS is offering up this holiday season:

Heading straight into the holiday season, NARS has the perfect sets to please any palette.

Frosted cheeks, glossy lips and high-shine nails in go-anywhere sizes are available as part of the below sets exclusively at narscosmetics.com.

Sweet Disposition Set

A set of three mini Multiples perfect for eyes, cheeks and lips. Essential for a holiday glow, the cult-favorite and iconic Multiple is ideal for creating shimmering accents and dynamic highlights for all skin tones in a creamy formula that blends effortlessly.

Shades:

• Luxor – Iridescent Pink
• Malibu – Pinkish Brown
• Orgasm – Peachy Pink With Shimmer

Price: $40

Crazy Heart Set
A quintet of medium-sized lip glosses to take you through winter from a rosy-glow workday to a sophisticated nighttime celebration. Bold enough to be worn alone but compact enough to be carried together.

Shades:

• Easy Lover – Ultra Sheer Hot Pink
• Babe – Sheer Orange Red
• Orgasm – Sheer Warm Pink With Golden Shimmer
• Turkish Delight – Pink Sorbet
• Misbehave – Sheer Cherry Red With Gold Shimmer

Price: $50

Precious Mini Nail Set
A set of four miniature-sized, high-shine and shimmering polishes in a mix of modern shades for the true beauty maven.

Shades:

• Purple Rain – Gothic Purple
• Versailles – Champagne Gold
• Jungle Red – Bright Red
• Orgasm – Peachy Pink With Shimmer

Price: $30

Things I'm Loving Right Now

As a beauty blogger, I try out a ton of beauty and skin care products.  As a result, my favorite beauty products seem to change constantly.  Here are my three favorite products at the moment:

Revlon Matte Lipstick: this product's been around for awhile, but I've just recently started wearing this in "In The Red."  It provides an intense amount of color and lasts for AGES on my lips.  Since it's a matte lipstick, it does make my lips feel a bit dry, but it's not overly heavy, it's easy to apply, and I love the color.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: this eyeliner just slides on.  I have it in both black (Zero) and brown (Whiskey) and it's easy to use and blend.  It also provides a great deal of concentrated color, so a little goes a long way.  As a bonus, it makes my eyes look awesome!

Almond Oil Daily Hand and Nail Cream by The Body Shop: this goes on light, leaving my hands feeling soft but not greasy.  And that's really important! I'm not wild about the scent, but it's not too distracting.  I use this at night to keep my hands feeling soft all day long.  It also helps keep nails from splitting--thank god!

So...what products are you loving at the moment?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

How to Wear It: Matte Lipstick

Matte lips, from NARS (for Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011)

Matte Lipstick has been a big beauty trend for a while now.  And for good reason: super shiny (and super sticky!) lips can look a bit too...much at times.  Too much gloss has a tendency to look juvenile at best, cheap and oddly "blow-up doll" at worst. 

Matte lipsticks provide a nice alternative.  They give color without distracting shine, but those who have been known to overdo it on the gloss may have a hard time transitioning towards this trend.  There are ton of matte lipsticks on the market at all different price points, so there's no good excuse not to try them out.  The color also lasts longer, so you won't have to touch up quite so much. 

Here are some tips to pulling off matte lips this season:

1. Prep your lips!  Matte lipstick can be "chalky" to some users and it's a bit less forgiving then glossier offerings.  Exfoliate your lips daily--just gently run your toothbrush over your lips to remove dead skin cells.  You can also use a lip scrub, but why waste the money?  A little honey and sugar also help slough off dead skin, leaving your lips softer and not cracked.
2. Apply a light coat of moisturizer (note: not lip balm!) to your lips.  Or...try for a lip primer.  I'm not typically a fan of primers, but for matte lipsticks, they just might help.
3. Take your time and apply the matte lipcolor with care.  Use a lip brush for more precision.

What do you think of matte lipstick?  Is it something you can wear or do you find it too drying? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Beauty for the Cause

Tons of companies are going to offer Breast Cancer Awareness promotions this month.  Be on the lookout for pink-themed products, but before you buy, make sure you know how much money will be given to finding a cure for breast cancer.  I'll be highlighting several products that are running BCA promos in October.  Here's a few to get us started!

Mission Skincare Pink Lemonade Lip Balmer SPF 15
Formulated to nourish, protect and deliver long-lasting hydration, Mission Skincare will donate $1.00 from the sale of each preservative and paraben-free Pink Lemonade Lip Balmer SPF 15 to the Young Survival Coalition - the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

Price: $3.49
Availability: www.MISSIONSkincare.com

Red Flower Moisturizing Body Lotion in Japanese Peony
Rich in certified organic, biodynamic and wild-crafted ingredients, red flower’s moisturizing lotion in japanese peony is 100% biodegradable and free of all dyes, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals and synthetic preservatives. Throughout the month of October, 100% of the profits from the red flower moisturizing body lotion in japanese peony will be donated to Cancer & Careers.

Price: $24.00
Availability: www.redflower.com
 

Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia, Gardenia & Rosa
Fill your home with a scent that gives back – Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia Romantico. Throughout the month of October, 100% of the profits from this floral bouquet of fragrance will go to the Cancer Support Community for breast cancer research - a new non-profit organization which formed in 2009 when the Gilda’s Club joined forces with The Wellness Community. Enjoying the finer elements of life never felt (or smelled) so good.

Price: $62.00
Availability: www.AnticaFarmacista.com

Product Lust: Pure Matte Lipstick

There are some cosmetic companies that can seemingly do no wrong.  And Nars is one of those brands.  They always seem to have new products that are instantly lust-worth.  Their latest offering, Pure Matte Lipstick, is on my "must try" list and it's getting some rave reviews from A-listers. 

Here's what Dita von Teese had to say about it: “Matte red lips are always chic and also easy to keep in place! Right now I love Nars Pure Matte lipstick in Vesuvio which is the perfect classic cherry red,and Terre de Feu which is a beautiful rich burgundy for wintertime.”

Here's some info about the new matte lipstick:

Bright. Bold. Vividly Matte. This innovative, matte lipstick has intense, stay-true color so lips look lush and vibrant. An exquisitely blended formula strikes a perfect harmony between optimal color, an ultra-matte finish and hydration.

A super-rich, super-pampering, super-sexy lipstick in six sumptuous shades. Pure drama.

• Glides on effortlessly, without drag or resistance.
• Defying traditional long-wearing lipsticks, Pure Matte will not dry out lips
• Wild Mango Butter’s advanced moisturizing properties work to repair lips from dryness and scaling, leaving lips supple and soft.

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick is available online, for $25 per tube.  It comes in six awesome shades, each named for far off places (like Tonkin, Volga, etc.). If you want a chance to enter to win Pure Matte Lipstick, head over to the Nars facebook page.

More Fall Trends!

As I mentioned yesterday, a new season means it's time to make some changes and to adjust your beauty routine to reflect the new season ahead. For whatever reason, it seems like the move into fall brings with it the most change...and it makes me want to update my beauty products and clothes more than at other season changes throughout the year.

No matter what season we're in, I think we all want the basics: glowing skin, kissable lips, rich hair color and perfectly styled strands.  Here are some tips and beauty buys to keep you looking effortlessly chic throughout the fall season from the folks over at Proctor & Gamble (don't laugh--they're the home of some of your favorite beauty products like Pantene, Cover Girl, and Olay!).

Hair Color
Variations of warm reds, red-auburns and strawberry will be the color looks of the season. Whatever your hair color, fall looks will be fresh - the days of visible roots are over! Get the vibrant fall color you want with Clairol Perfect 10. The AminoGlycine technology creates depth and dimension using high-gloss, high-shine color for flawless gray coverage in just 10 minutes. (No visible roots!  Ah!  I need to get to my salon ASAP!)

Hair Style
Flat hair is so last season! Fall is all about making a statement with your look – including your hair style. Boost strands to reveal ultimate volume and bounce with the NEW Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Triple Action Volume Mousse. It is formulated to keep hair from falling flat, creating effortless volume by lifting at the root and extending through strands. (I could really use this stuff!  My hair has seemed a bit too flat lately...)

Skin
This season give your skin a fresh start and a firmer, younger look. The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum is a super concentrated serum clinically proven to help firm skin’s appearance across three key zones – the face, neck, and décolletage after only five days. Containing Olay’s most concentrated amino-peptide complex, this hydrating serum is the perfect pre-makeup skin solution.  (I love Olay.  For me, they can do no wrong!)

• Insider tip from Olay Celebrity Makeup Artist Bruce Grayson: “Great makeup starts with great skincare. The key to prepping and hydrating the skin without overdoing it is using a product that’s powerful yet lightweight.”

Lips
Complementing all skin tones, sheer lipsticks in rose, pink, peach and beige will be seen this fall season. Soft color gloss will mimic nude lips and add fullness. COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain gives lips a natural look and the innovative formula delivers precision application and color that lasts without the sticky, heavy layer of many traditional lipsticks. Lips feel bare and look beautiful – what more could a woman want from her lip color?  (I am currently on the hunt for a killer fall lip product and will happily accept any suggestions you want to throw my way!)

• Insider tip from COVERGIRL Celebrity Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern: “To achieve the perfect pout and smooth lips, start by exfoliating your lips with warm water and a wash cloth, then apply an emollient lip balm to deeply nourish lips throughout the night.”

Embrace Fall Colors Sephora

I LOVE the fall.  It's my absolute favorite season.  I love the weather, the way the trees change colors, and all the new fashion and makeup trends.  It's the best time of the year.

Now that summer has met its end for 2010, it's time to start easing into fall beauty trends. With the virtually unlimited product selection at Sephora, incorporating fall colors and fragrance is effortless!

Here's a selection of fall beauty must-haves available at Sephora:


Sephora Collection Colorful Palette in Kiss From 10 ($24) - Give the neutral eye a twist using this natural toned palette perfect for all skin complexions. The four shadows and matte liner featured are all formulated with a color-intensifying HIBOOST complex to ensure a look that lasts.

Sephora Advanced Lash Booster ($17) - The first lash booster mascara that doubles as a cosmetic AND treatment product. It works to improve the four most important lash characteristics - Length, Thickness, Fullness and Strength - for healthy, beautiful lashes.


Sephora Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Dazzling Violet ($14) -This lip gloss combines form and function with a new generation of “multi-holigraphic” shimmers, a special “ultra hydrating complex” to help stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis in the lip, and an elegant, transparent tint that showcases the perfect shade of violet that will give lips an overall boost.

Sephora by OPI Nail colour in Just A Little Dangerous ($9) - Purple is the trend shade for fall. The dramatic eggplant purple will add an edge to any look.

Kat Von D Adora Eau de Parfum ($55) - This new fragrance from Kat Von D exudes a sensual and passionate aura with notes of lychee, boysenberry and thyme, the perfect mix for transitioning your scent to the new season.

Do or Don't: Matchy-Matchy

Megan Fox: Pink dress with red lips.  Should she have reconsidered this look?

I read the following in the August issue of InStyle (I think it was August!  It was the one with Courtney Cox on the cover):

MATCH YOUR LIPS TO YOUR DRESS

...being too coordinated with your clothes and makeup can smack of a faux-pas, but there's an easy side step: zero in on your pout and paint it a shade taken from your outfit.  Best to stick with timeless reds or rich, deep tones; steer clear of bubblegum pinks and frosty hues, which could push the look into costume territory.

I tend to agree with the advice InStyle is doling out here.  This is also one reason why I wear a lot of black: you don't need to worry about your lips clashing with your dress if it's black.  Now, throw on a pink or red dress and then you need to consider these things.  It might not look right if you wear a bright pink lipstick with a deep red dress.  These things really should be complimentary, if not matchy.

But how far does the matchy-matchy have to go?  I personally don't think fingernails need to be painted the same color as toenails.  I don't think that lipcolor has to match nail color, but I still give worry that my nails completely and totally clash with my lips. 

I guess the bottom line is this: You want to create a cohesive look.  You want to look like you made some effort while still appearing effortless.  Does that make sense?  Let me know...and let me know what you think about matching your makeup to your outfit!

Beauty Product of the Week: Color Sensational Lipstick

What is it? Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipstick promises to let you "fall in love with color, all over again with crisper color from pure pigments, creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar, lipcolor so rich, so stunning… it’s sensational." Available in 48 shades at drug stores and big box stores for about $5.50.


What did you think? I haven't worn an actual lipstick in ages.  I've been wearing lipgloss almost exclusively all year long, specifically Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipgloss.  I seem to prefer a lightweight, slicker feel on my lips.  However, I wanted to try out something heavier recently and picked up a tube of Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Cinnamon Stick.

I love the color I get from this product.  It's rich and deep and darn near perfect.  The lipstick itself seems a bit heavier and dryer than other lipsticks I've worn in the past.  I think my favorite drugstore lipstick is from Revlon, but it's been years since I actually picked up a tube.


Here's what I like about the Maybelline Color Sensational line:

• There are tons of colors to pick from
• It's not a long wearing lipstick (I hate lip products designed to be worn all day--they get really dry and icky!)
• It doesn't have a distracting taste/scent
• It seems to last a good long time

Now here's what I'm not crazy about:

• It seems a bit dull (as in lacking in shine), but I suspect I feel this way because I am used to gloss.  A quick coat of clear gloss could fix this.
• It feels heavy and seems to settle into the lines of my lips more than I'd like.

The final verdict? Overall, I think the good outweighs the bad.  For the price, you can't beat it.  I say give it a try if you're in the market for a real lipstick.

Cute Stuff Alert!

Since the end of summer is almost here, I've been reading more fashion/beauty magazines than normal.  In all my recent reading, I've stumbled across three cute products that are either out now or are coming out soon.  Check out these cuties...they're lust-worthy!

Kooba for Laura Mercier Wallet, $85.  Preorder by September 1st from www.nordstrom.com. Here's what Nordstrom has to say about this baby:

Kooba, known for their attention to detail, original styles and distinctive textures, joins Laura Mercier, the founder of the 'flawless face,' in a brilliant partnership to create a limited-edition color palette wallet.

Carry your makeup in style. This trendy textured Kooba clutch holds your wallet essentials, plus a limited-edition Laura Mercier palette of hand-selected shades. Also included is a double-ended professional brush and mini mascara. Many different makeup looks can be created with this versatile color mix for eyes, cheeks and lips. A 'Look Card' with a few of Laura's secret tips and techniques is included. You'll love the portability of this take-along clutch—it's absolutely perfect for touchups on the go!

Guerlain Ecrin 6 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette (in Champs-Elysees--above), $84 from Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman.  According to Allure, "lift the filligreed silver lid and you'll find a mirrored door that reveals six coordinated shadows and a double ended goat-hair brush."  So pretty for so many reasons!

The Gossip Girl Collection from Nicole by OPI.  I've never been a fan of Gossip Girl (I've never watched a single episode!), but the nail colors in this collection are a lot of fun.  Available at Target soon, you'll be able to pick from Scandal, Secrets & Sparkle (a sparkly silver shade), Too Rich for You (a lovely blue), and Nicole...Spotted (a glittery, lighter blue).  I love blue nails in the fall/winter, so Too Rich For You looks irresistibly yummy to me!

Do or Don't: Frosted Lips

Note: Every Wednesday this month, I am featuring a do/don't entry.  I want YOUR opinion on makeup trends.  There's no right or wrong answer, but I bet you have an opinion on some of these topics.  If you all like this, I'll try to make it a regular thing. 

Do or Don't: Pearly lips as seen in an ad from Maybelline.

I was flipping through one of the many fashion mags out there, and came across an ad for a new line of lipstick from Maybelline--their Colorsensational Pearls collection.  The ad stopped me mid-flip and resulted in a groan.  Pearly lips.  Really?  Now, to be fair, Maybelline says their Pearl line is "always flattering, never frosty," but to my eye, that lip color is looking decidedly frosty.

I'm in my mid-30s and remember with a degree of horror and embarrassment how popular frosty makeup was when I was a kid.  I had a 5th grade math teacher (who I hated!) who wore frosted lipstick, covered her eyelids with frosted shadow, and had frosted hair.  It was a hot shimmery mess.  And whenever I think about the frosted makeup, my 5th grade math teacher comes flying into my mind.  Not good.

I know, I know...everything old is new again.  For some reason, 80s inspired looks are everywhere lately.  For me personally, frosted lips are not just a NO, they're a HELL NO.  I am a firm believer that if you lived through the trend the first time around, you're probably too old to jump on the bandwagon the second time around.

But that's just me.


So I ask you: What do you think of frosty lipstick like that seen in Maybelline's ad?  Is it hot or not?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Oh Happy Day!

I'm rather surprised to be typing this, but--despite having to go back to work--I had a pretty darn good day yesterday!

As soon as I left my agonizing, slow day at the office, I headed out to my salon for a much needed dye job.  My horrid roots were touched up and I left with shining platinum hair.  I also made the decision to switch from a side part to a center part.  I haven't had a center part in years!  I forgot how much I liked having my part in the middle--it makes my hair really easy to style.

Here's a shot from my powder room of me with my new hair (and my old, trusty iPhone).

Now that I'm fully platinum again, I can wear red lipstick (yay!!).  The shade I'm wearing in the photo is something I picked up at Target yesterday.  It's Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Cinnamon Stick.  It's a bit heavy, but I'm liking it...and it seems to last a good long while.

I ended my day by going out to dinner with my husband, sister, and nephew.  After dining on super yummy pizza, we headed over to the mall and found ourselves in Nordstrom.  I wandered through their cosmetics section (they ARE having their anniversary sale after all!) and I accidentally fell in love with a perfume: Victor&Rolf's Flowerbomb.  Nordstrom was out of the rollerball, but my husband grabbed his iPhone and checked Sephora's online inventory.  He said they had it, so off to Sephora we went...and I left with my fabulous find...a rollerball of lovely Flowerbomb (thanks, hubby--you rock!).

All in all, it was a pretty good day.  I feel prettier than I did before I got my hair done, and I can't wait to wear my new scent.  Here's hoping to more awesome days this summer!

Okie Dokie, tokidoki!

Have you been anywhere near a Sephora lately? If so, you've no doubt been bombarded by cutesy products from tokidoki.

When I first saw the products, I shrugged them off. I had never used anything by tokidoki, and the graphics seemed a little too tween-ish for my taste. I figured tokidoki was all about packaging and that the actual quality of the product would be an afterthought.

But then I actually tried something by tokidoki--their Prisma Lip Gloss (in Bullets)--and my mind was changed. Apart from being a bit too fruity, I adore this lip gloss. The color is subtle, the shine is insane, and I love the way it feels--and looks!--on my lips. The applicator takes a bit of getting used to: it's a clear silicone paddle that makes lip gloss application a snap once you get used to it.

Based on my experience with Prisma Lip Gloss, I feel a bit better about the tokidoki collection and would recommend checking it out--especially if you're buying products for a slightly younger woman.

Here's what Sephora has to say about their tokidoki products:

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to add a pop of color to your palette! Whether you are an au naturel gal or glam goddess, the new criminally cute tokidoki collection exclusively at Sephora has you covered with the hottest shades of the season. From shimmering bronzer to long-lasting lip stains and eye-popping shadows, the collection offers all you need to create an irresistibly edgy new look!

Add a little mischief to your makeup bag with these colorful must-haves:

• tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – Channel your inner artist and draw a temporary tattoo on the skin or expertly line the eyes with this innovative chisel-tipped liquid liner. Available in eight bold shades.
• tokidoki Fantastico Lip Stain ($15) – This unique marker pen applicator will provide lips with intense color for all-day wear.
• tokidoki Luminosa Powder ($22) – Achieve a luminescent, radiant glow with this highlighting powder.
• tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow ($15) – Housed in signature tokidoki heart and crossbones packaging, these high-pigment shadows layer beautifully for a velvety finish. Available in 16 shades and multiple textures.
• tokidoki Brillante Glitter Eyeliner ($14) – Make your eyes sparkle with these vibrant, glitter-infused pencil liners. Available in 14 vivid shades.
• tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss ($15) – Add sexy shine to lips with this non-sticky, moisturizing formula in a sweet blueberry flavor.
• tokidoki Inferno Bronzer ($22) – A shimmering bronzer gives your face a glowing, warm color that looks stunning solo or over makeup.
  

Blend art and beauty for a criminally chic look with the new tokidoki collection available exclusively at Sephora stores.