Cosmetics
What’s In My Night Stand? & SoftLips
Cotton gloves and socks (a gift to me from a previous co-worker), under eye cream (for nighttime; I use whatever samples I’ve accumulated and I’m not totally brand loyal), assorted travel-sized Victoria Secret lotions from the Secret Garden Collection, a big tube of Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream (which I use especially during the winter months), an aromatherapy/herbal eye pillow, a pair of pink Yoga Toes, Opi Soften Foot Cream, a sample pot of Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion, a small mirror, and a modest collection of lip balm (SoftLips, my new favorite).
Yes, I’m crazy about SoftLips and want to collect all the flavors hehe. They will make awesome Christmas stocking stuffers. I’ve already started to accumulate some for those on my Christmas list. Every year I start early so I don’t have to scramble or end up buying less thoughtful gifts. So far I love Pearl best.
*Photocredit: Various Sources
Magic Makeover & Gina Simone
The height of the bridal season is almost here once again and I have wanted to do this post for a while now…
I was browsing one afternoon on The Knot and was excited to find a wealth of wedding resources. At the time, I wanted to splurge a little on a professional makeup artist who could make me look perfect for my special day. I needed one less thing of concern; it was crazy as it was. Gina was such a pleasure to work with and I loved the bridal look she chose for me =). Soon after, I recommended Gina to one of my husband’s friends for her late summer wedding and she also loved working with Gina. I believe Gina may be working mostly in Florida now. At the time we met, she was living in New York. Give a call to Magic Makeover; professional, punctual, patient, great to work with- what more could you ask for?
*Photocredit: Cassarino Studios
Benefit Cosmetics
A great cosmetic brand from the days I started really loving makeup. I was crazy about their Spice lipstick and Mint Souffle facial cleanser (my sister loved it too). Both these items have been discontinued to my dismay. My recent visit to their site shocked me a little with a shift in their priorities. I was so sad their color lines for both eyes and lips have been nearly done away with =(. The light at the end of the tunnel for me includes Dandelion, Benetint, and Georgia. These three and more are also carried by Sephora (to my knowledge as of today). Check them out =)
*Photocredit: Benefit Cosmetics
Poppy King Is Indeed The Lipstick Queen
I just want to say YEAHHHH she’s back! The first time I saw Poppy King Cosmetics was in 1996 at Barney’s New York and the spotlighted collection was called Seven Deadly Sins. It disappeared before I could get better acquainted with the brand =(. Now I’m overjoyed that her new line Lipstick Queen recently launched and is readily accessible to most lip product lovers. Medieval may be the one magical way I can pull off a red shade without looking too “unlike me.” Below are a few things I’m very excited to try…
*Photocredit: Lipstick Queen
Bare Minerals
I received their starter kit (purchased from Sephora.com) last week and absolutely love it. It’s easy to apply, goes on evenly with sweeps of the application brush, and leaves the skin feeling silky soft. No caking, no oiliness, no acne. Of course, the brushes have to be cleansed and kept clean, as with all brushes. I also have their sample-sized nighttime kit too but haven’t tried it yet. Maybe tonight? I’m not sure whether or not I will enroll in their mail order program since I haven’t figured out how soon I will need refills. For me, it’s probably best to buy as I need. This is their website just in case you’re interested–> http://www.bareminerals.com/. They have a few videos on their homepage. I viewed those before I bought their products. I’m a little lazy and totally dislike a time-consuming beauty regimen. Men are so lucky that they can roll out of bed without need of a tedious regimen. Bare Minerals combined with my Tarte 4 Day Stay Mascara has saved so much time for me. Putting on makeup is so much less of a chore now.
*Photocredit: Sephora
Looking for Sample Sizes of Must-Have Fragrances?
I am very scent fickle so sample sizes and minis work best for me. Plus, I like small bottles that could easily fit into my purse. I do have atomizers, but filling them can be very tricky without a mini funnel. I don’t usually commit to any one fragrance, though I do have some I like and wear more than others. I would never want full-sized bottles to be going to waste.
Some of my current favorites:
The Fragrance by Body by Victoria Secret
Red by Hugo Boss: A beautiful fragrance I bought during my Italian honeymoon =)
L’Instant de Guerlain: I’m very sad that the pump mechanism broke, causing me to not be able to cap it correctly. I’ve lost a lot of it to evaporation =(. Almost time for a new bottle.
Coco Chanel: For the longest time I thought Chanel scents were meant for older women. One day a younger business woman who had it on passed by and I thought it was lovely on her. I changed my mind after that but even a little spritz of it can be pretty strong.
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf
Hanae Mori: A lovely, gentle scent I wore on my special day as I walked up the aisle =)
Orchidee by Yves Rocher: I will never forgive them for discontinuing it =(
Michael by Michael Kors
Fancy by Jessica Simpson: Reminds me somewhat of Flowerbomb and maybe that’s why I like it?
Anyway, sorry for the detour… Yes, the real reason for my post… I was one day looking for sample sizes of Solange’s perfumes and also Juliette Has A Gun by Citizen Queen. I found an online shop called Lucky Scent/Scent Bar. I wish I could visit the store but it’s on the west coast. I hope my order arrives soon.
*Photocredit: Scent Bar
The Most Amazing Mascara & Cosmetic Palettes
I was online one day searching for limited edition holiday cosmetic kits (curious of what they are offering this year) and found the most amazing mascara from Tarte called 4 Day Stay Lash Stain. I’ve had it on since yesterday night- no smudging, clumping, flaking, irritation, and my lashes look perfect after a long soapy shower (not like the commitment of eyebrow tattoos). The tips of my lashes are still soft and curled even after all that! I highly recommend to give this a try at the least. I will post another update after the four days are up but for now, I’m certainly loving it. I also like Tarte’s Limited Edition Makeup kit- great long-lasting wear and generous sized color pans =). Two holidays ago I bought Sephora’s big color palette (very similar to the third item pictured and was a Christmas self-gift) and liked that as well even though the color pans were kind of tiny. I really enjoy playing with colors so I’m fairly easy to please as long as I have variety =). Typical Gemini, I guess?
Since I’m on the topic of cosmetic kits; why is it that only the duty free shops at airports sell the cutest kits e.g. travel kits by Guerlain or Christian Dior? Basically stuff that isn’t available to you when you are visiting their counters? I have to credit NARS for catching on and understands the needs of gals on the go. Also smaller palettes which offer a variety are better than full-size products for those who are as fickle as me. Cosmetic seasons… “too short of a season”…..before long new stuff comes out. Several years ago I read a wonderful book called Color Stories by Mary Lisa Gavenas. If you have some leisure time, do pick up a copy.
Wow, look at the time? Another day gone by. Goodnite everyone *yawn.*
Updated on 12/17/2008: Before I forget to mention it; after four days of wearing and showering with Tarte’s miracle mascara, everything still turned out perfect. I will definitely stand behind this product- it talks the talk and walks the walk!
*Photocredit: Amazon
Art Deco, Beyu, & Rouge Bunny Cosmetics (Germany)
I purchased a magnetic compact by Art Deco from a German Douglas store. It holds a blush color, seven eyeshadow and base pans, plus 2 eyeshadow applicators on the side. You can customize any way you like =)! More companies should come out with magnetic compacts such as this one. The Beauty Box System Mosaic reminds me a little of the palettes by Japonesque. Guerlain Cosmetics, many seasons back, also sold a Mozais Compact which they later sadly discontinued. These compacts are great for travel. I love Art Deco’s eyeshadows, eyeshadow base, and blush powder refills =). I also purchased eyeshadow palettes by Beyu and love them too- lots of glitter within each color pan. I received a compliment from my husband on the day I wore colors from the blue palette. I wish I had bought something from Rouge Bunny but didn’t because I felt guilty of the already over-excess in make-up purchases. Usually when I’m in a foreign country, I like to purchase a well-regarded brand(s) the natives are wearing… When in Germany, Do as the German Gals Do =)…..
Collistar
Whenever I’m in Italy, I’m always on the lookout for Collistar. Collistar is to Italy what Guerlain is to France. Wonderful long-lasting colors and cute compacts. This time, when I was shopping in Pisa, I bought some Collistar goodies for me and my mom. The first time I saw this brand was in La Rinascente in Florence (a really cool department store). There hasn’t been another italian makeup brand yet that I’m as interested.
*Photocredit: http://www.collistar.it
My Lust for Guerlain
My first Guerlain purchase was in 1999. It was none other than their Meteorites =). I still love Meteorites- it is Guerlain’s yearly re-invention. Every season I try to visit the counters at Saks or Neiman Marcus. Unfortunately, my three most favorite Guerlain make-up artists have moved on (Pamela, Polenka, & Julio). Julio used to joke and say to a colleague “no, there’s nothing you can sell to her, she has everything…” I really miss them- the experience is not really the same. At least Judy in sales is still there.
- Rainbow Meteorites
- Meteorites Light Diffusing Perfecting Primer
Guerlain can help you achieve the classic look; great for work and any other formal settings. My second favorite cosmetic company is NARS; their palettes are definitely more edgy. These are my faves from NARS:
*Surbaya Eyeshadow (brown sugar/ chestnut) on creme shadow El Dorado (light copper)
*Star Sailor (heather gold/ antique bronze) on creme shadow Cosmic Girl (gold)
*Cleo (seafoam shimmer/ rich teal shimmer) on creme shadow Grand Bleu (icy blue)
*Fuji (army green with shimmer) on Nomad (creme shimmering moss green)
*Dolce Vita Lipstick (sheer dusty rose)
*Nouba Lipstick (frosted ginger with shimmer)
*Napoli Lipstick (sheer pinkish beige)
*Bamboo mascara (pure brown)
*Oasis powder blush (pink)
