MAC's Latest Multi-Culti Color Collection

Totally feeling the array of "nude" shades MAC just came out with in their All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection. A few shades are re-runs of older shades, but the majority are limited edition and the loose pigment powders have gotten a packaging makeover that's going to stick. I'm dying to get my hands on the goldish "Universal Mix" pigment ($19.50) and the eyeshadow in "All Races" ($14.50)

5N, Empowered, Equality, Myself

Universal Mix, Rich Life

Personal Style, Alls Good

Cross Cultural, Banshee, Showstopper, All Races

Tori Amos for Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox just released a limited edition "Pink and Glitter" collection inspired by my favorite redheaded weirdo (second only to you, Becky Feldman) - musician Tori Amos. The set costs $32 and contains a lip gloss, blush duo and eyeshadow which comes in a (seemingly impractical) trapezoid-shaped pewter bag. It also comes with a free download of the upbeat and jazzy"Pink and Glitter" off Tori's new album Midwinter Graces.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss ($18) in particular is a worthwhile item - I love the non-sticky formula and the colors are all really sheer and unthreatening. But as all beauty editors agree (and I can confirm they aren't lying) Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36) is the ultimate be-all of beauty products.

FYI Smashbox always ships all purchases for free and gives generously in terms of free samples on every order.

Smashbox's Tudor-Inspired Fall Color Collection

Smashbox put out a fairly classic palette for Fall 2009 with foliage-esque gold, russet and pine shadows paired with complementing liners and a neutral lip and cheek. I'm loving the colors (and I'm a huge fan of their products in general - total quality) but I'm confused. The collection is said to be inspired by the English Tudors. According to what I've read, the rage quite consistently from the Crusades up through the Elizabethan era was rosy red on cheeks and lips. I can only assume they're referencing fabrics.

Nonetheless, I'm dying to get my hands on the deep green shadow! At $42 the set is a little steep. To the wishlist it goes...

Jane Cosmetics Bellies Up

Cheapie drugstore makeup brand Jane. has filed for Chapter 11, according to WWD.

Bummer - I never really wore anything but this one coral-colored blush that they made (finding an oil-free blush is daunting), but it was a damn good blush before I lost it in my car.

I guess if you were a fan, it might be a good idea to hit Rite Aid and clean them out right about now.

Fall 2009 Makeup Trends

Click any image to enlarge in a new window

Color! So glad it's sticking around beyond the spring and summer seasons for 2009. Dior's models rocked the rainbow at the Fall 2009 show, and the old 80's up-to-the-eyebrows trend seems to be back with a vengeance. So long as you choose a flattering color for yourself, I say go nuts.

A slash of black liquid liner along the top lids is a classic look, but I like how they also lined the crease to create a longer eye at Moschino. At Vivienne Westwood they punked out the usually ladylike look by applying liner to the entire lid. Try Urban Decay's Liquid Liner in Perversion ($18 - P.S. I find the liners with brushes as opposed to "felt tips" create a cleaner line.)

Usually a summer makeup trend, bright coral showed up on lips and cheeks in two fall shows. Combined with a complementary bright pink lip or a doll-like smoky eye, when done lightly this color is completely wearable on most skin tones. Zac's model is wearing M.A.C. Cosmetics - Eyeshadow in Blackberry ($14.50)and Lipstick in Morange ($14.50). Betsey's model is wearing Stila - Long wear lip color in Hippie ($17)and Convertible Color in Gladiola ($25)on cheeks.

This is a strong look and a tough one to pull off, but with the right evening ensemble (I'd go with something simple, with a feminine accent like a ruffle or bow just for contrast) the goth lipped look can be done. Betsey's model is wearing Stila Cosmetics - Onyx Kajal eyeliner ($18) and Convertible Color in Poppy ($25), both on the lips.

I'm not a big bronzer gal myself, but toned down the full lid of shimmery brown shadow and a peachy nude blush can look really soft. Back in the day this went hand in hand with a heavily shaded brow - I like how they left them natural at the Chloe show (pictured.) Try Smashbox eyeshadow in Sienna ($16), layered with Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy shadow ($14).

And the best for last - conceptual God John Galliano sent the ghosts of gypsies past down the runway for fall, and thanks to some equally masterful makeup artistry, models looked like abandoned childhood dolls left to freeze in a blizzard.

Eyeshadow was applied to the entire socket of each eye, with the inner corners and browbones highlighted with a dash of metallic cream to prevent a completely punched-out look. Cheekbones were carved out with plum powder and brought forward with cool metallic highlighter.

I'm really fascinated by the way it was done, so be on the lookout for a how-to in the future.
A great highlighter I recently tested? Smashbox 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer. ($34 for .98 oz.)

Clinique Launches Spring 2009 Collection "First Blush"

I had the opportunity to try out the spring 2009 collection from Clinique this past week, "First Blush". Highlights include flower-themed eyeshadow duos in ethereal neutrals, high-shine glosses with just a whisper of color, and the standout innovation I adore - Quick Blush.

I have to admit, I'm a child and I played with the products before reading the details, so I had no idea how to use Quick Blush and ended up sticking my finger in the cap (where the blush is.) Here's how it actually works:

With a twist the brush picks up just enough blush from the cap to add a nice flush to your cheeks. Equally impressive is the quality of the super-soft retractable brush, which alone is worth the price of the product. I'll probably clean it and continue to use it even after the blush runs out. Reduce, reuse, recycle, ladies!

The eyeshadow packaging is super cute, and Clinique just has a knack for creating universally flattering shades. Of course I could show you pics of the gorgeous model with artist-applied eyeshadow they sent me, but I wanted y'all to see how they look on a real chick who applied them in about 30 seconds:

[Fresh Bloom Eye Shadow ($16.50 each, from left): Tiger Lily, Apple Blossom, Maple Blossom, Cherry Blossom; Lash Doubling Mascara ($14, all photos); Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in First Blush (1,2) and Honey Shimmer (3,4), $14 each; Quick Blush in Hurry Honey (1,3) and In-a-Rush Blush (2,4) $21.50.]

"First Blush" will be available at Clinique locations nationwide in February 2009, and online at Clinique.com.

P.S. My faves? The Quick Blush in Hurry Honey and the shadow in Tiger Lily.

Stila Honors Barbie's 50th with a Special Collection

Although she doesn't look it (chalk it up to botox - it's not like those boobs are real) Barbie turns 50 years old this year. To celebrate this occasion, America's favorite source of female body dysmorphia will be launching another cosmetics collaboration, on the heels of 2007's $9 million success with MAC Cosmetics.

This year, Barbie Loves Stila. Instead of separately-sold shades like they did with MAC, Mattel and Stila created four separate boxed sets ("beauty cans" ...ew) representing different stages of Barbie's evolution:

Ponytail Doll (a liquid eyeliner and a three-pan compact with two eye shadows and blush)
Malibu Barbie (a pale pink Lip Glaze called Malibu, a black mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a bronzer)
Foxy Doll (mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a blush)
Jewel Doll (bright pink Lip Glaze called Jewel, a Multi-Effect Mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a blush)

Each will sell for $40 exclusively at Sephora. Considering a Stila eyeshadow is $18 and a lip glaze is $22, this will be a good deal providing that all the colors are nice.

Side Note: Am I crazy or does afro Barbie just look like a white Barbie with a really fake-looking tan? Unless it's supposed to be black Barbie post-LaToya Jackson rhinoplasty?

Two Cheeks, Two Blushes

Yesterday I hit Sephora with my good friend Liz, and as always, left with several things on my face I didn't arrive wearing.
Two of those things were cheek colors Benefit PosieTint and Smashbox O-Glow.
Bottom line: similar shades of sweet baby pink, totally flattering on fair-skin.

PosieTint ($28) is like its predecessor cheek stain BeneTint, only it looks less like food coloring and more like the consistency of nail polish. On the finger, it looks like a Barbie disaster, but on cheeks it looks natural (yet still noticeable.) It was the stronger pigment of the two I put on.

O-Glow ($26) is actually a clear non-sticky gel that magically turns the color you naturally blush. Okay, that's total B.S. But the color it did turn looked very natural, whatever chemical "magic" took place to change it.
I'm planning to go back and get some of this one for those minimalist days when fresh-faced actually means leaving the house with almost-bare skin. It's the kind of product I'd market to those hippie ladies who don't wear a stitch of makeup. (Most people, I don't care who you are, need a touch of color to look good.)
I haven't tried it yet (I'm leery of using any lip product tester, even with a disposable brush ...eww) but there's a matching O-Glow lip gloss ($22)that works the same way.

Makeup, Panties, Chocolate and Booze...

These are a few of my favorite things!
In honor of their latest blush Thrrrob, Benefit Cosmetics is putting on a little party at Bloomingdale's from January 31 to February 2 (11 a.m. - 7 p.m. each day.)
If you're in Manhattan, L.A., Chicago or San Francisco on any of these days, head in for a free Thrrrob beauty makeover, Godiva chocolates and specialty cocktails by X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.
Thrrrob will be available for purchase at the event, as will the latest line from Hanky Panky lingerie.
Seriously-- a makeover, free cocktails and candy? You better have a really good excuse to pass this up. See you in SoHo.
(Click image to enlarge invitation.)

My New Favorite: Blush

Most women say that if they had to go with the bare minimum makeup, they'd stick to mascara and lip gloss. Not me. I believe a good blush is the key to lighting up your whole face, and bringing out the color of your eyes.

So as you may have read my search for the perfect blush had to move forward after a promising but ultimately disappointing trial of Revlon's Pinch Me gel. Today I was lucky enough to get my hands on a stick of Smashbox Skin Tint (Retail $28 but it's huge, and worth it- read on), so I gave it a go.

Honestly? The first things I think when I see makeup in stick form are as follows:
a.) clown alert
b.) that's going to cause a breakout
c.) I hope it works out, because I'm lazy

Reaction a. was not quelled when I cranked up the stick and a day-glo tomato color peeked it's head out. (My shade: Smashing Click) But since reaction b. was voided (the box says "oil free") I soldiered on. And I don't want to jinx myself, but I think this blush just might be "the one."

Don't fear: The color. It blends into the most amazing from-within, fresh in from the cold (or the sun) rosy glow.
How to: You only need a small dab on the apple of each cheek. Blend thoroughly.
Feel: The finish is soft and not sticky in the least, though the first dab may feel misleadingly thick.
Whats in it? Vitamins A (antioxidant), C (can boost collagen) and E (moisturizes), Aloe (soothes, moisturizes) and echinacea (I looked into this and I still have no idea what echinacea can do for your skin but, whatever, it's a plant.)
Anything else? You can also use it on your lips. I tried it and would suggest using some gloss with it.

Like a lot of cosmetics websites, Smashbox has a "personal makeup artist" feature that helps you select the best colors to complement your hair/eyes/skin tone. It's not something that hasn't been done before, however, it's by far one of the coolest looking. They also have a pretty nice Tips & Tricks section, where currently you can learn how to make a perfect mod cat-eye.

P.S. They are a bunnyloving (cruelty-free) company as well, so if Skin Tint doesn't go on to break my heart, I may just be their biggest fan.

(Above images are from the Smashbox website.)

New Product: Revlon "Pinch Me" Sheer Blush (Limited Edition)

A good blush makes you look like a little kid who just came in from recess. Most blush makes you look like a clown or a near-sighted old lady who had a stroke at her make-up table. I'm always on the lookout for one that does the former. I was a huge fan of Sephora's now-discontinued "Aquatint" liquid cheek-stain, and I've been desperate to find a replacement, so I picked up the new "Pinch Me" gel blush from Revlon's "limited edition" collection and gave it a shot. (The "Cheeky Cherry" shade, to be exact.)

Verdict: Looks natural, and unlike Aquatint, won't stain your fingers like food-coloring. It also stays on-- I applied at 8 a.m. and it was still there at midnight. What Sucks: Even if you snap the lid on tight, you still have to pump a little cylinder of dried-up gel out of the opening each time you use it. Price: Moderate-to-cheap (about $8.99)

UPDATE: After about a week the only thing coming out of the pump was total liquid stain-- what the fuck happened to the gel? It's 50 degrees out, so uh, I'm pretty sure it didn't melt. I still kind of use it but it is far harder to work with now!