I got the NARS Ita Kabuki brush as an amazing gift-with-purchase at a recent Nordstrom Trend Show Event. It’s one of the NARS Kabuki Artisan Brushes and this one has a wide flat brush with black goat hair and comes in a nice black box. I love that the brush is extremely soft and feels so smooth on the skin. The shape intrigues me as I am enamored with odd-shaped brushes – however, there’s a slight issue: I do not know how to use this.
Do any of you have it? If so, how do you use it? I know it’s meant for contouring and highlighting but I still feel clumsy swiping it. It’s so wide that it covers my entire cheek and then some. I need to go back to the NARS counter to ask them to show me how it’s to be used. If any of you own this, I’d love to hear your tips on how you use this one!
I did have the regular Ita Brush before but never used it so I ended up gifting it away to another happy home. I do have to say I’m a bit worried about how I’m going to keep the handle clean and prevent it from getting sticky.
Have you ladies ever been to a Nordstrom Trend Show? For those not familiar, call your local Nordstrom and ask! I think Nordstrom.com has a list of events per store, so you can search in advance. The events vary per store, but it seems like the Nordstroms near me typically have around 2 Trend Show Events per year. They are a store-wide event that starts early in the morning (around 8 am) for an hour presentation featuring various products, trends and models wearing the season’s current makeup trends. They have raffle giveaways, coffee, cute gift bags. All you have to do is sign up in advance and you can get your makeup done at any counter too. Most of the lines usually have some sort of promotion or gift. They can be hit or miss. And also very crowded. On more recent events, if I can’t get the first makeover opening appointment, I’ve opted to skip the show and just get my makeup done during one of the later time slots to avoid the crowds and pushing (yes, sometimes pushing).
I’ve been to about 4 in the past few years and the ones I’ve been to are really fun (although extremely packed). The gift with purchases can be a hit or miss sometimes but recently, there was an incredible promotion going on with NARS. I was so excited to get my makeup done again but unfortunately I had last minute change of plans and wasn’t able to attend. Thankfully, my sales associate was willing to do a pre-sale for me so I was still able to get the GWP. The first level GWP was with a $75 purchase and the step up (to get the multiple duo and brush) was with over $150. Definitely well worth the purchase and much better than previous GWPs at other counters which have been a mini double-sided lipgloss with a $75 purchase which I think is hardly an incentive.
Here is the GWP: Mini South Beach Multiple, Multiple Duo, Full-Sized Mindgame Lipstick, 2 Mini Lipglosses, Kabuki Ita Brush
Happy Friday everyone! Here are some recent Dolce & Gabbana additions from the past few months. A bit from spring, summer and the regular line. I really love Dolce & Gabbana for their high quality products. The pigment is great and textures/finishes are superb. Blushes have a soft flawless finish. Nail polishes are richly pigmented, creamy and apply extremely smooth. Lipsticks have a subtle rose scent that fades and have great coverage (lasting power varies per shade). If you remember my first article on Dolce & Gabbana (back last May when the line first launched) I wasn’t sure that the price justified the purchase. In playing around with my purchases more, I have come to really appreciate the quality of the products. Granted the prices are still hard to swallow sometimes – I have been happy with most of the things I’ve purchased, even with a couple things I didn’t think were really me (such as Apricot Blush and Caramel Lipgloss). The customer service of the Dolce & Gabbana sales reps I’ve worked with is excellent as well. There’s nothing that can compare to having a great experience with knowledgeable sales associates who are helpful, professional and know what they are talking about.
In the U.S. these are exclusively at Saks stores and saks.com. I prefer to order through the stores because they occasionally have great gift-with-purchase events. Various GWPs include full sized mascaras and lipglosses – although the minimum purchase requirements are typically higher (ranging from $100 to $250 depending on the event). I definitely recommend calling your local store to check out their upcoming events. Check DolceGabbanaMakeup.com for locations and more product info.
Left to right: Tan Blush, Glossy Lipgloss, Delicate Lipstick, Emotion Lipstick, Petal Nail Polish, Nude Nail Polish, Drama Nail Polish
Glossy Lipgloss – I exchanged my Caramel Lipstick for this at Beverly Hills. I was a bit nervous about exchanging it because I hate returns, but the sales associate was very kind, especially since it was unused and still brand new. Even he agreed that Caramel was an unflattering color. Glossy is a really pretty gold shade – but on the lips it’s a bit too glossy for my taste but I guess that’s the point of lipgloss. I have to use this one sparingly.
Delicate Lipstick – A lovely fresh and light golden apricot, really pretty for both spring and summer.
Emotion Lipstick – Another winner, lovely cool pink with gold shimmer. Reminds me of MAC Fabby but better.
Petal Nail Polish – A cream nude pink shade. It’s like Chanel’s Jade Rose but a notch up in color and without any iridescence.
Nude Nail Polish – I love this nude shade. My application was sloppy but I think if applied the right way, it would give a perfect nude manicure.
Drama Nail Polish – A neutral lavendar cream. I’m not sure how I feel about this one. Purple creams like Paul & Joe 06 and this one look pretty in the container but on my fingers the just seem a bit muddy looking.
Tan Blush – I ordered this sight unseen and have to admit I was shocked at how flat and greyish looking it was when I received it. However, on the cheeks it makes a really nice contouring shade. There are some comparisons to other brands (MAC & NARS) below, but due to their nude-ness, I couldn’t get swatches to show up.
L to R: Delicate, Emotion & Glossy
L to R: Petal, Nude & Drama
Tan Blush:
Dolce & Gabbana Tan compared to MAC Emote, MAC Strada and NARS Zen
Have you seen the Dolce & Gabbana Spring or Summer collections yet? Any winners for you? In case you missed it, you can find my report on the Dolce & Gabbana Spring Collection here.
It’s not often that I get to a MAC Pro store, so I get excited any time I am near one. Pro stores are just like the freestanding stores (there are 3 near me) but they carry certain products that are exclusive to their locations and that are “developed by makeup artists for makeup artists and industry professionals.” Being the fan that I am of nude-makeup looks, I was excited to check out the Nude Story collection a couple weeks ago at the MAC Pro Store on Robertson Blvd. Naked Pigmentis a staple for me that I use on a weekly basis so I was excited to check out MAC’s newest variations of the shade. (Those not familiar with MAC pigments, note that Naked is in the original container and the new nudes pigments are in the new container/packaging.)
I have to say Naked is still my favorite. I was hoping that Naked Dark would be the equivalent of my holy grail nude eyeshadow Camel (long discontinued). It’s close but not quite what I wanted. Naked Dark and Naked Deep Dark go on borderline orangey on my skin if applied wet – but I still like them for layering and contouring. I am in desperate need of a tan so in a few weeks, hopefully they will be more “nude” on me versus “tan.” I wonder why MAC skipped all the other shades in between such as Medium and Medium Dark. However, a bonus of MAC pigments is that you can mix them together and create your own colors.
Here they are swatched over MAC Prep & Prime.
Some have asked me to include some details on the brushes I use with each makeup item for a while. I will definitely try to include this feature more often. I did feature all my eyeshadow brushes about a year ago. Check out this post for the photos and comparisons Beauty Tools & Essentials: Eye Brushes.
For MAC Pigments, there are a variety of brushes I use depending on how light or dark they are. For the medium-deeper ones I like more denser brushes. For lighter colors, the ones I find myself using the most frequently include the ones below (left to right):
Laura Mercier All Over Eye Colour $30 – I like this brush for an all over wash. The shape allows for a quick and easy swipe giving a smooth even wash of color.
MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush $28 – I like this because its fluffiness gives a sheer wash of color for a nice highlight. It’s also a great brush to blend different colors on the eyes together to remove any harsh lines.
MAC 213 Fluff Brush $22.50 – This is a smaller brush that is nice for a more detailed color application. It’s not as dense as some others which also makes blending easy.
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Brush $28 – To me this is essentially the same as MAC’s 213. The one photographed was part of the Black Plum Brush set (click here for more details).
MAC 217 Blending Brush $22.50– The white-haired brushes by MAC are my holy grails of brushes. I wish MAC would make more brushes in this type of material. Soft, smooth, has a great tapered shape. I use these for just about everything.
MAC 239 Eyeshadow Brush $24.50 – Again, can’t rave enough about these. Densely packed so you can get a heavier application of shadow but makes blending easy.
There was already much debate about the pigments when MAC released the new packaging containing significantly less product for the same price. I have mixed feelings about it – all of which have been expressed by many others. All I will say is that I feel the new packaging is more difficult to work with. Previously I always dipped my brush into the pigment and tapped off the excess back into the container. Now the size is so small that any tapping would result with the entire contents ending up on my floor. Here you can see what I mean.
Original packaging:
New packaging:
That being said, it won’t stop me from purchasing pigments (as it clearly didn’t stop me from purchasing the new nudes). One more swatch view + a mixture of all three plus a bit of Vanilla pigment on the far right (which I am still experimenting).
Have you tried these yet? If so, what’s your skintone and do you find these to be “naked” on you?
It’s no secret there’s a soft spot in my heart for just about everything from Edward Bess. Forever Yours Ultra Slick Lipstick ($32) was part of last fall’s release of three new lipsticks all in slightly different variations of pink-plum-rose tones. Forever Yours is the most neutral of the three pinky-rose shades and gives a nice polished and rosy color to your lips. His lipsticks are smooth, medium-to-full coverage, creamy and lightly scented with a fruity fig scent. Even though this shade was released for fall, it’s versatile enough to wear year round for just about any occasion.
Those not familiar with the line, Edward Bess is currently available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in NY – visit his website EdwardBess.com for more info or you can click on the Edward Bess label at the bottom of this post for more photos and reviews I’ve written about his eyeshadows, lipglosses, other lipsticks, compact rouge, bronzers and blush. Also featured here are a few guest reviews from other fellow Edward Bess fans including London Makeup Girl, Leanne, Alexa and Leslie – which I hope will give you a better idea of what others think about his line (what they liked and what they didn’t work so well for them).
Back to Forever Yours – here are some more pictures and swatches. For reference – I have light-medium skin and use Chanel’s Shell Teint Innocence (liquid).
Swatched on my lips:
Compared to NARS Dolce Vita for reference:
I bought this sight unseen last fall and have to admit I was a bit worried purchasing three without seeing them in person first. However, I was thrilled with all three although they were all really similar. There is just a slight difference in undertone between Tender Love, Night Romance and Forever Yours. The brightest one is Night Romance which my mother loves (which is huge because she is a die-hard loyal to Estee Lauder). The girls at the Edward Bess counter are fabulous at describing the colors over the phone. You can also check out this post here for a swatch card of the lipstick and lipgloss shades.
The Revlon unit at CVS caught my eye with these pretty satin finish eyeshadows. I don’t think I’ve ever tried Revlon eyeshadows before (even thinking back to my high school days). During my early teenage years, I was more of a Cover Girl, Jane, and Clinique kind of girl. These days I typically don’t purchase drugstore items since I am usually left disappointed by the items I pick out, however, I was so awed by the lovely sparkle in the compact that came home with 2 shades: Polished Bronze 10 and Nude Slip 20 and have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the finish and pigment. These were about $4 at CVS.
I’m wearing Nude Slip on my eyes and it gives a lovely wash of shimmer – reminds me of MAC Naked Lunch (although I didn’t pull it out to compare). Both have an incredibly soft texture and are easily blendable. There was a stunning black shimmer that I am anxious to go back and try.
How was everyone’s weekend? The weather here in Southern California has been a bit odd the past few days – at least by the beach. Sunny bits here and there and then mostly cloudy. This was Sunday’s outfit/look.
Top: J.Crew ruffle tank Skirt: J.Crew white denim mini Belt: J.Crew patent burgandy skinny belt Shoes: Prada flats Purse: Chanel
I didn’t plan to have mostly J.Crew on – but it seems to happen more often these days, although I do have to say it’s with their older pieces from past seasons. I love how comfortable the ruffle top is, but unfortunately, if it’s not tucked in or tied with a belt over, then it looks like a huge tent.
Face: NARS Beverly Hills + South Beach Multiples mixed on cheeks MAC Getaway Bronze Blush on top
Eyes: Clinique Seashell Cream Shadow as a base NARS India Song Duo MAC Orpheus Eyeliner
Lips: NARS Beverly Hills + South Beach mixed/dabbed on lips MAC Love Nectar Lustreglass + Beach Lounger Lipglass mixed
I’m really loving those Multiple Tints from NARS (see my review of 2 of them here NARS Beverly Hills & Cadaques Multiple Tints = Pure Genius). Beverly Hills pulls more bright pink than red on my skin for some reason, but I still like it. Works well dabbed on lips for a slight tint. I liked it mixed a little with South Beach. I mixed the two on the back of my hand first and then applied on the lips. For cheeks, I swiped Beverly Hills on each cheek then South Beach on top and blended quickly with the fingers.
Also wanted your opinions: for the Chanel – is this something I can still pull off or is it totally OUT of style? It’s an older one, I don’t think Chanel makes the line anymore – at least definitely not the brown-on-brown. It’s just been sitting in my closet for ages. I keep forgetting to bring it out. Input would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Chanel Jade Rose was released as part of a limited edition collection last September. Luckily for those who missed out the first time, Jade Rose will be re-released with the upcoming fall collection, so those trying to find it will have another chance to buy it. I wrote about it when I received my order last fall and did a few photo comparisons (see here, Chanel Jade Rose Nail Polish) but realized I never featured it swatched on a full manicure, so here it is.
Jade Rose is a creamy nude pink with slight iridescence in the bottle. You can barely see the shimmer-glow once it’s applied on the nails though, unless you are in direct sunlight. The result is a creamy nude pink on me. I gave a bottle to one of my friends for Christmas – she loves this (more so than me), but she is fairer in skintone (probably the equivalent of a MAC NC15) so it looks more peachy on her.
When I first received this, I was less than thrilled. Even for a neutral-lover like me, it was just another boring shade of neutral pink. However, the more I wear it, the more it grows on me. It’s a demure shade of pink that gives a nice classic polished look to the hands without drawing too much attention to them. This required three coats though. Two coats left a streaky finish, even by a professional. I personally could not find a dupe for this.
Compared to my other soft shades from Chanel & Dior, left to right:
I got the NARS Ita Kabuki brush as an amazing gift-with-purchase at a recent Nordstrom Trend Show Event. It’s one of the NARS Kabuki Artisan Brushes and this one has a wide flat brush with black goat hair and comes in a nice black box. I love that the brush is extremely soft and feels so smooth on the skin. The shape intrigues me as I am enamored with odd-shaped brushes – however, there’s a slight issue: I do not know how to use this.
