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Bronzer

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Ten Things I’m Loving Right Now

November 16, 2009

Here’s November’s List of Ten Things I’m Loving Right Now. As always, I want to hear your lists too! And they don’t have to be beauty/makeup related.

1) Henri Bendel Candles from Bath & Body Works $26 – these are the best candles I’ve tried with so many feel-good scents. My favorites are Vanilla Bean, Fig, Quince, Pomegranate – and my husband loves these too.


2) L’Occitane Holiday Sets – Still loving the scented hand creams, in particular the Shea Vanilla and Frangipani scented ones! I wish they weren’t limited edition. Also love the Shower Celebration set – wish all the scents came in larger sizes (I believe the only one available individually right now is the Almond Shower Gel).


3) Paul & Joe Lip Lacquers $20 – You’ve seen these in my look features earlier in the month and my regular readers know that I bought practically every color. They are absolutely fabulous and I hope these are here to stay. They are great alone or over a liner/lipstick. I can’t rave enough about them. Cute packaging, nice pigment, non-sticky texture, very wearable colors. I’ve purchased my Paul & Joe items from Bergdorf Goodman, The Primping Parleur’s Online Boutique, Beautyhabit.com and Dermstore.com – but check the Paul & Joe Beauty website for locations around the world.


4) PhytoSpecific Integral Hair Care – this is a spray hair treatment which is supposed to “restore moisture, smooth, redefine curls, detangle, make setting easier, and protect hair from heat damage.” I have thick slightly wavy hair which I cannot air dry because it poofs up into a huge frizz ball. Up until a year ago when I started using this, I religiously blow dried and straightened my hair daily. I tried a number of no-frizz serums and straightening sprays, but I still had to go through the daily ritual of blow dry/straighten. This spray is incredible for me and once I spray and comb through, it allows my hair to air dry without turning into a huge frizz ball. I haven’t tried any of the other PhytoSpecific products, but I do love the shampoos in the regular Phyto line.


5) Dolce & Gabbana Caramel Blush $44 – I love nude blushes and this one is pretty without looking muddy on my skin. You can buy D&G online at saks.com, but I highly recommend ordering through the Saks NY or Beverly Hills counters because you get excellent customer service and the makeup artists who run the counter are very good at recommending colors. If you have any questions about other products, you can ask me too! I’ve accumulated quite a few things from them since they launched the line.


6) Edward Bess Daydream Bronzer $48 – By far my favorite powder bronzer of the moment. Wasn’t so thrilled with the hefty price tag, but I have to say that it gives that natural tanned glow. My skintone is on the pale side right now, I’m the equivalent of what’s in between MAC NC30-35. Normally I’m more of a NC35-40ish. You can purchase Edward Bess at Bergdorf Goodman or online at EdwardBess.com. Compared to some other bronzers:


7) Le Metier Eye Brightening & Setting Powder $36 – I’ve always been skeptical of brightening powders mainly because I usually don’t see a difference when using them. This, however, is every bit as great as Ellyn (from Neimans King of Prussia) and Lisa (my fellow Le Metier fan) have both raved. I use the shade Revive which is good for medium-tanned skintones. The next shade down Refresh is quite a bit paler. Seems like they need a shade in between. I use it after I apply my foundation in place of concealer under the eyes and it is an instant-brightener/evener all in one. (FYI – Neimanmarcus.com has free shipping with code and a promotional Peche Lip Creme with any Le Metier purchase, good as long as supplies last.)


8) MAC Pigments: Naked, Fairylite, Your Ladyship, Shimmertime – I like light/neutral pink shimmers for a natural barely-there all over eye color. I believe all of them have been discontinued except Naked, but you can get a full sized Shimmertime Pigment in one of the MAC holiday sets and Naked is also available as a mini in one of the holiday pigment sets.


The swatch picture couldn’t capture the real color, so I’ll try my best to describe the differences:

  • Naked is the most neutral
  • Fairylite has the most pink and most visible silver sparkle/micro glitter
  • Your Ladyship has a golden sheen to it
  • Shimmertime is the most pink/frosty throughout

9) MAC Style Black Mineralize Eyeshadows: Gilt by Association, Cinderfella, Young Punk $19.50 each – Yes, I do like MAC products even though I don’t write much about the line! I was afraid these would be too glittery, but they work well when applied with a damp brush or over a gel liner for a pretty smoky eye. It appears they are sold out online, but most MAC stores usually still carry seasonal stock so check your local store.


10) Hot Chocolate – I know many of you prefer I stay on the beauty topic, but I really love this time of year because it’s the perfect time for hot chocolate, apple cider, and warm teas. A classic favorite is the Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate that they only carry during the holidays. I’ve seen a few at Godiva and Crate & Barrel that I’m dying to try out. I know Trader Joes has a lot of holiday ciders and goodies, so I’m hoping they have a hot chocolate too. Do you have a favorite hot chocolate?

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More Dolce & Gabbana Goodies

November 8, 2009

These were from Saks.com from Friends and Family last month. Fuschia Nail Polish, Red Nail Polish, Soft Lipstick, Nude Lipgloss, Tender Lipgloss:

Desert Bronzer:


Compared to Edward Bess Daydream (left), Giorgio Armani #5 (right), Le Metier de Beaute Sunkissed (bottom):


L to R – Soft Lipstick, Nude Lipgloss, Tender Lipgloss:


Another view, Tender Lipgloss (left), Nude Lipgloss (middle), Soft Lipstick (right):


Fuschia (corally shimmer) & Red Nail Polishes:


Overall thoughts: I have to admit I’ve grown to like Dolce & Gabbana a lot more than I initially did. Although I did love everything from my first haul (First Look: Dolce & Gabbana Makeup) thanks to some great recommendations from Melissa at Saks NY – I wasn’t completely thrilled because I felt everything was overpriced.

However, after having tried more of the line, I’ve come to like the high quality of their products. Some can be a hit or miss. For me, I like the nail polishes as long as you get the newer skinny brush (rather than the original fat chunky ones), I love the eyeshadow quads and duos for excellent velvet like texture and rich pigment, and the classic lipsticks are vibrant and moisturizing.

The blushes in my opinion are pretty, but seem to be more on the soft side. I prefer to go a bit heavier with my blush, but they are nice if you like a natural soft cheek (think along the lines of the Laura Mercier reformulated blushes).

The lipglosses may vary per preference. I haven’t been able to try them all, but really liked Baby, Seduction and Sunset. They have a thicker rich texture. Nude and Tender are pretty, but I find them more sheer than rich. Still very pretty.

I have a couple of the holiday items coming in the mail soon, check back for it later this week.

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Edward Bess Daydream Ultra Luminous Bronzer

October 3, 2009

I am excited to feature more pictures and swatches of Edward Bess products in the next few days. My feelings for his line have grown from intrigue to anticipation to pure adoration for his high quality and richly pigmented classic colors. For face products, Edward Bess currently has two shades of his Ultra Luminous Bronzer and for my skintone I was recommended Daydream.

Daydream is a satiny soft bronze color that is somewhere in between matte and shimmery. One thing I love about many of the Edward Bess products is that at first glance, the colors look basic and ordinary, but if you look closely at the bronzer and eyeshadows you can see a soft glowy-ness with gorgeous shimmers that give it a natural depth once applied to the skin.

Here is Daydream compared to some other neutral bronzers I have: Becca Duende, MAC Golden, Bobbi Brown Bali Brown, Giorgio Armani Bronze Mania #5 and Chanel Sierra (discontinued). My swatches ended up looking muddy, but to help compare Edward Bess Daydream to the other shades, it is the truest-tan brown, without any hints of orange, more pigmented and darker than MAC Golden, similar to Bobbi Brown Bali Brown minus the shimmer and a bit more tan.

I think this would work well with medium-tones. The price of this bronzer is $48 which I felt was steep, but I know it will give me the tanned glow I love without having to worry about too much shimmer or looking too flat.

Overall thoughts: The products in his line are priced on the higher side than the average high-end luxury brand with prices along the lines of Armani, Chanel and YSL. Even so, I want more of his products and wish he made blushes! Hopefully he will release some in the future at a reasonable price.

FYI, according to Fabulous Over Forty’s article Edward Bess: The Latest of Color and Class, expect to see a cream blush out for the holidays around November!)

I look forward to trying out more of his products, perhaps visiting New York to see the entire line in person, and hope his line will see the same success as Bobbi Brown who also started her line at Bergdorf Goodman with 10 classic lipsticks (of course in his own unique personal way). For pictures of more Edward Bess items I have, check out First Look at Edward Bess: Naturally Chic.

Stay tuned for more posts about the lipsticks and glosses!

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Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer + Bronzer Palettes

September 21, 2009

Here are the Armani Bronzing Powders that I own. I believe all have either been limited edition or discontinued except for 1, 2, and 5. Nordstrom.com & Neimanmarcus.com still have #8 (which I do not own). Often times counters will still have stock of discontinued colors.

Every summer, Armani releases a collection they call “bronze mania” many times the collection will include a two tiered palette with eyeshadows or highlighter on top and bronzer on the bottom. Here are a few previously released limited edition palettes compared to the individual shades.

* Please note that this collection is not comprehensive of all products that have been released, only the ones I own.

Some more bronzer posts and comparisons can be seen HERE.

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Day 2 of Beauty Tools & Essentials: Face Brushes

July 27, 2009

Powder Brushes: I tend to splurge heavily on powder brushes. The most luxurious powder brush I’ve tried is the Trish McEvoy #5, but I find myself using my MAC powder brushes more often. The Laura Mercier Blending Brush is a more coarse brush meant to apply mineral foundation to the face in a circular motion. The MAC #150 and #134 are similar in size, but the #150 is fluffier giving a sheerer application while the #134 is denser and fuller. I also like to use this for highlighting powders.

1. MAC Large Powder Brush #150
2. MAC Large Powder Brush #134
3. Stila Large Powder Brush #8
4. Trish McEvoy Powder Brush #5
5. Trish McEvoy Bronzer Brush #37
6. Laura Mercier Blending Brush

Blush Brushes: Being obsessed with blush, I probably have the most blush brushes out of all the types of tools I own. Most of these I own duplicates of so I don’t have to wash them as often. Some like the MAC #129 are meant for both powder and blush.

1. MAC Powder/Blush Brush #129
2. MAC Blush Brush #116
3. Stila Blush Brush #1
4. Laura Mercier Cheek Colour Brush
5. Shu Uemura Natural Brush #20
6. Trish McEvoy Sheer Blush Brush 2B (revamped version)
7. Trish McEvoy Sheer Blush Brush 2B (older version)

Angled Face Brushes: These are meant to help contour the face. I have yet to master the art of contouring, so I use these for blush and highlighters.

1. MAC #174 (pro, discontinued)
2. MAC Large Angled Contour #168
3. MAC Angled Contour #169
4. Shu Uemura Natural Brush #2oH
5. Trish McEvoy #27A

Foundation or Cream Product Brushes: The oldest brush is the Prescriptives foundation brush which I believe was the first mid-highend/department store line to come out with one. Other companies like Bobbi Brown and MAC followed soon after with their own versions. I have to say that out of all the ones I’ve tried, the Prescriptives foundation brush is still my favorite (has lasted since 1998 when I purchased it). There are several cheek cream blush brushes out there, all of which are too small for me to find functional, so I often use these foundation brushes for cream blush as well.

1. MAC Face Brush #189
2. MAC Foundation Brush #190
3. Chanel Foundation Brush #16
4. Prescriptives Foundation Brush
5. Giorgio Armani Blender Brush
6. Stila Concealer Brush #11
7. MAC Concealer Brush #195

Bronzer, Contour & Highlighting Brushes: In addition to blush, I’m also into bronzer. I have to admit, I don’t love all of these. Whenever I get my makeup done at events, I often get sucked into buying the tools they use and push. My recommendation – definitely go to events, they are a great way to learn new techniques and color combinations. Do some of your own research first about the line by looking at each company website and browse through the products in advance so get an idea of what they have to offer. That way you’ll have a better idea of what to look for, ask to try out, and start a shopping list.

1. Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush (new version)
2. Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush
3. NARS Bronzing Powder Brush
4. Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush (old version)
5. Stila Double Duty Cheek Contour & Blush brush#21

Highlighting Brushes: I cannot live without the MAC Duo Fibre Brush #187 and absolutely love the new Duo Fibre Powder/Blush #131 (released with Color Craft). If you could only have 2 highlighter brushes, these would definitely be the ones I’d pick. Like the concept but not the price? I’ve seen similar brushes at Target for less.

1. MAC Duo Fibre Brush #187
2. MAC Small Duo Fibre Face Brush #188
3. MAC Duo Fibre Powder/Blush #131
4. MAC Tapered Face Brush #138
5. MAC Tapered Cheek & Highlighter Brush #165
6. Trish McEvoy Blending Brush #48
7. Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush

Short & Kabuki Brushes: I find myself drawn to short brushes because I find them cute and often they are made with super soft materials. The Laura Mercier Face Brush is intended to be used with the Mineral Finishing Powder as well as other powder formulations. I find the handle too short for the size of the bristles making it difficult to hold. The Laura Mercier Mineral Primer Brush has a half moon-shaped head and small handle I find difficult to hold, so I find that I rarely use this one as well.

1. Bobbi Brown Face Brush
2. MAC Small Buffer Brush #183
3. MAC Small Buffer Brush #181
4. Laura Mercier Face Brush
5. Laura Mercier Mineral Primer Brush

Again, if you have any brushes for the face that you love, please share!!!

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Trish McEvoy Sparkling Bronze Collection

July 27, 2009

Fall collections are already trickling out, but I wanted to do a feature on some pretty bronzey colors from Trish McEvoy who released a small collection of new products in her Sparkling Bronze collection this past May. I love the line for her high quality brushes, unique planner system, and innovative products. This was one of the first high end lines I got into years ago with an interactive makeup lesson at Saks Fifth Avenue where the artist has you repeat the makeup application to one side of your face after each step so you can recreate the look on your own at home.

Every single artist from the line I have met has been amazing – all talented in creating pretty looks, friendly personalities and super fun. It’s been a while since I’ve purchased things from the line because of the continuous product revamps (I must have seen at least 5 different versions of her Sexy Lipgloss as she has changed the formula and color of the years), but still check out her new products every once in a while.

The colors in her Sparkling Bronze Collection feature the following items:

* Bronzer in St. Tropez – a soft shimmery natural bronzer, she describes this as having “the ideal proportions of pink undertones to mimic the prettiest naturally tanned complexion.”

* Lip Gloss in Irresistible – a super sparkly bronze gloss with micro-glitter. I would say this has the same sparkle factor as MAC Dazzleglasses, but this has more pigment. Has a nice slightly minty scent which gives a cooling effect.

* Lip Color SPF15 in Golden Glaze – this is a sheer soft golden color. Reminds me of MAC High Tea lipstick but not quite as pale.

* Pen Luminzer in Luminous Bronze – this is my favorite, gives a soft glow to the skin in a twist up pen.

* Eye Definer Pencil in Sparkling Bronze – a unique dual-sided chubby eyeliner with a smudge tip on one end to blend the color. I wouldn’t really call this “sparkling” but it is a gorgeous deep brown shade.

Top – St. Tropez Bronzer

Bottom – Irresistible Lip Gloss , Golden Glaze Lipstick, Luminous Bronze, Sparkling Bronze

Swatches, left to right: Bronze Illuminator, St. Tropez (applied heavily over foundation/primer), St. Tropez (applied over bare skin), Sparkling Bronze Eye Definer, Golden Lipstick, Irresistible Lipgloss

Comparisons, left to right: MAC MSF Sunny by Nature, Trish McEvoy St. Tropez, MAC MSF Cheeky Bronze (so you can see how pink it really is)

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Le Metier de Beaute: Eyes & Cheeks

July 10, 2009

The Sheer Brilliance Glosses & Lip Cremes from Le Metier de Beaute have been my favorite products in the line, but I have also added a few gorgeous neutral eyeshadows and blushes to my collection. Included in this post are some eyeshadow, blush, highlighter and bronzer pictures from Le Metier de Beaute.

Eyeshadows come in a single-compact format or in a set of four packaged in a unique swivel-stacking system they call their Kaleidoscope Kits. Most of their Kaleidoscope Kits are pre-made and contain shades exclusive to each kit. The Persephone Kit did contain shades available in single-compact format. Check out these links to Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman or Karen’s Makeup and Beauty Blog to see the more product photos.

Eyeshadows, left to right: Mulberry, Jojo, Milan, Spicy

Close up of Mulberry & Jojo

Close up of Milan & Spicy

From Persephone Eye Kit: Rose Quartz (available as a single)

From Persephone Eye Kit: Alexandrite (available as a single)

From Persephone Eye Kit: Canvas (available as a single)

From Persephone Eye Kit: Sequoia (available as a single)

Whisper Highlighter, Fresh Blush, Echo/Sunkissed Blush Bronzer Duo

Close up of Whisper & Fresh (note Whisper doesn’t show on the websites for purchase but is available at counters)

Close up of Echo/Sunkissed Duo (which I received as an extra from the King of Prussia Le Metier Counter)

Overall thoughts: the eyeshadows are soft and with pretty pigment. I would say the pigment is in the medium-full range – not quite as rich as Urban Decay, but not as sheer as MAC Lustre Eyeshadows. The blushes have the same pigmentation as Nars, but have a more natural finish – I find some Nars shimmery blushes can be a bit too frosty if applied with a heavy hand. The Le Metier Bronzer is absolutely divine giving a soft warm glow. A HUGE thanks to Ellen at Neiman Marcus King of Prussia for including this!

Interested in more Le Metier? Check out these links:

Le Metier de Beaute Nail Lacquers (see pictures of nail polishes in Phlox, Lenton Rose & more)

Le Metier de Beaute: Feature on Lips (pictures of Sheer Brillance Glosses & Lip Cremes – my personal favorite with a gorgeous selection of pinks and beiges)

Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Event: Siena Lip Gloss GWP (details on various GWPs from Neimans for Le Metier)

Makeup & Beauty Blog: Ever Heard of Le Metier de Beaute? (pics of kaleidoscope kits & more)

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