Bobbi Brown - Fall 2009 - Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow

"With these shadows there's no need to choose function over style. They're long-wearing and come in the most glamorous, eye-catching shades ever."
- Bobbi Brown

Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow ($22)- Bobbi's sheer, lightweight cream shadow with a glittering, high-shimmer finish. Available in 8 shades:
-Chrome Patina- Golden Pewter
-Brown Metal- Warm brown sparkle
-Starry Night- Navy blue sparkle
-Black Pearl- Medium purple
-Starry Purple- Deep purple sparkle
-Antique Gold- Deep gold sparkle
-Goldstone- Gold sparkle
-Mercury- Silver sparkle

MAC - In High Def

CAMERAS EVERYWHERE, MEDIA MADNESS, INSTANT IMAGES FLASHED AROUND THE WORLD IN SECONDS....

You ARE being photographed! Better be optimum-optic, high-frequency fabulous, these are modern times! The In High Def collection is makeup designed for he new-technology demands of the professional world...

The sharp tone, colour and picture clarity of Hi-Def TV. For girls and boys who want to look good no matter who's looking.

FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION FORMULATED FOR FLAWLESS REPLICATION; at last, you can achieve the perfection expected on screen at all times. A complementary collection of Lipstick, Lipglass, Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural applied with the 187 Duo Fibre and 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brushes fool the eye, and the camera. The very best in the new look of Hi-Def, made easy.

Lipstick ($14 US/$16.50 CDN)
-Close To Real- Light Neutral Peach Pink (lustre)
-High Def- Mid-Tone Neutral Coral (amplified)
-Sharp Focus- Deep Brown Plum (lustre)
-Resolutely Red- Deepened Claret (lustre)

Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural ($25 US/ $30 CDN)
-Light- Soft Pale Beige
-Light Medium- Pale Golden Beige
-Medium- Soft Creamy Beige
-Medium Plus- Tan Beige
-Medium/ Dark- Caramel Beige
-Medium Deep- Rich Golden Tan
-Dark- Deep Caramel
-Deep Dark- Rich Golden Bronze

Face And Body Foundation ($32 US/ $38 CDN)
-C1- Soft Ivory
-N1- Soft Alabaster
-C2- Golden Creamy Beige
-N2- Porcelain Beige
-C3- Golden Sandy Beige
-N3- Creamy Natural Beige
-C4- Golden Natural Beige
-C5- Pale Golden Honey
-N5- Caramel Beige
-C6- Rich Golden Honey
-C7- Warm Caramel
-N7- Warm Bronze
-N9- Deep Warm Bronze

188 Brush ($34 US/ $41 CDN)- Small duo fibre face flat topped, full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of any face or cheek formula

187 Brush ($42 US/ $50.50 CDN)- Duo fibre face large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face products.

MAC - Fall 2009 As Seen By Marilyn Minter, Photographer

Reflects Glitter ($19.50 US/ $23.50 CDN)
-Reflects Copper- Sparkling Saffron
-Reflects Rust- Sparking Warm Red

Glitter ($19.50 US/ $23.50 CDN)
-Gold- Sparkling Chunky gold
-Fuchsia- Sparkling Fuchsia

Pigment ($19.50 US/ $23.50 CDN)
-Cocomotion- Dirty Gold Bronze w/ Gold Pearl
-Brash & Bold- Bright Magenta
-Heritage Rouge- Dirty Brown Plum
-Push The Edge- Deep Bright Purple w/ Pearl

Gloss Texture ($18 US/ $22 CDN)- Clear gloss

MAC F/W '09 by Jin Soon - Cool Reserve

I got my hands on a bottle of one of MAC's newest Nail Lacquers ($12), Cool Reserve, a dirty grey lavender. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I do like that it doesn't make my hands look washed out, which grey can sometimes do. What do you guys think?

MUST HAVE: Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick

I LOVE Argan oil. It's pretty much the shit. Check out Josie Maran's newest product: the Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick ($22). It's a multi-purpose balm that soothes dry skin and chapped lips, tames fly-aways, alleviates itching, soothes strech marks, calms sunburn and much more. Includes argan oil, tea tree oil, avocado butter and shea butter. The tube is recyclable. MUST HAVE NOW. Only available at Sephora.

Total Beauty Review: Herbal Essences - Tousle Me Softly Collection

The new Herbal Essences collection, Tousle Me Softly, was designed to work together to achieve a touchable tousled look from wet to set. The shampoo and conditioner provide a lightly conditioned base to set your style while the polymers hold hair in place.

-Tousle Me Softly Shampoo and Conditioner ($2.99) - Cleans hair and removes styling product without stripping essential oils and moisture. First of all, I have to say that I do really enjoy the smell of these products. It's a mix of wild violet and pomegranate. Yum. I usually use Head & Shoulders (yes, I'm admitting it) frankly because I'm afraid that if I stop the dandruff will come back. I took that risk, solely for the sake of beauty research. I am happy to say that both the Shampoo and Conditioner work, but my hair was slightly more frizzy than it usually is.

face candy grade: b+

-Tousle Me Softly Hair Spray ($2.99) - A lightweight, non-sticky hairspray that doesn't leave hair crunchy. The main thing I like is that this spray doesn't smell gross and alcohol-y like most traditional hairsprays. Maybe you need to really spray it on and all over your head for the desired hold, but I couldn't really notice any hold whatsoever.

face candy grade: c

-Tousle Me Softly Finishing Cream ($5.49) - A hair cream with styling and conditioning polymers. Apply to wet hair for for softness or dry hair to reduce frizz and fly-aways. The texture is kind of like... cold pudding. So don't be fooled into thinking that it's a pomade that will really mold and shape your hair. I do find that if I use the shampoo and conditioner, this step is more necessary, mostly to reduce the frizz. I'd like it if it provided more hold.

face candy grade: c

-Tousle Me Softly Mousse ($2.99) - A very light-hold weightless mousse. I have a short, pixie cut so this mousse didn't do a whole lot to my hair. It may work for someone with longer hair, to create volume, but after I put it in, I couldn't even tell it was there.

face candy grade: d

-Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel ($2.99) - A medium hold spray gel. This was my favorite product of the collection. I spray this gel through damp hair then pull out sections to get a piece-y look on my bangs. I mix a little bit of the Finishing Cream with Jonathan's Dirt and then pull more sections out. Once it dries, it's shinier and still has a "wet" look to it. Provides medium hold.

face candy grade: a

These are the prices that came with the press release. Looking online, prices seem to be more around the $5 mark.
Read more reviews at Total Beauty.

Mario Badescu Sale @ Giltgroupe.com

A Mario Badescu Sale is starting at Giltgroupe.com in 10 minutes! Sign up for access, here.

MAC - Fall 2009 As Seen By Maira Kalman, Illustrator

Technakohl Liner ($14.50 US)
-Colour Matters - Bright lime
-Obviously Orange - Mid-tone coral
-Artistic License - Bright turquoise blue
-Full of Fuschia - Deep blue magenta
-Graphblack - Rich graphic black

Eye Shadow ($14.50 US)
-Crest the Wave - Rich yellow (Frost)
-Off the Page - Mid-tone mustard orange (Frost)
-Maira's Magic - Yellow pink (Satin)
-Haunting - Light turquoise blue (Satin)
-Purple Shower - Mid-tone magenta with silver pearl (Satin)
-Violet Trance - Deep blue purple (Matte)

Rock & Republic Beauty/ JK Makeup Sales

Rock & Republic Beauty is on sale NOW at Hautelook.com. Join by clicking here.

Jemma Kidd Makeup School is on sale NOW at Giltgroupe.com. Join by clicking here.

Essie - Fall 2009

-Chinchilly- Granite Grey
-Angora Cardi- Deep Dusty Rose
-Mink Muffs- Smoky Taupe
-Midnight Cami- Shimmering Twilight Blue
-Bright Tights- Electric Orange
-Pink Parka- Hot Pink

Buy them for $8 separately, the whole set for $48 or 4 mini polishes for $17 at Essie.com.

MAC - Fall 2009 As Seen By Richard Phillips, Painter

MAC Celebrates the idea of the artist in every shade and stripe... Makeup as art form. We've selected 3 individuals who exemplify this idea. Bold, heroic, big; giggly, playful, clever; dramatic, original, abstract: Fall '09 as seen by Richard Phillips, Maira Kalman and Marilyn Minter. Be inspired!

Make-Up Art Cosmetics Fall '09 As Seen By Richard Phillips, Painter

Lipstick ($14 US/ $16.50 CDN)
-Front Lit- Light White Yellow (frost)
-High Strung- Deep Pink Silver (frost)
-Lovin' It- Cool Neutral w/ Yellow Undertone (lustre)
-Hold The Pose- Brown Plum w/ Gold Pearl (lustre)
-Full Body- Deep Red Plum (lustre)

Lipglass ($14/ $16.50 CDN)
-Young Thing- Yellow Neutral w/ Gold Pearl (frost)
-Personal Taste- Dirty Rose w/ Pink and Gold Pearl (frost)
-New Spirit- Light Yellow Coral (frost)
-On Display- Purple w/ Yellow Pearl (frost)

Eye Shadow x 4 - Notoriety ($36 US/ $43 CDN)
-Skintone 1- Light White Pink (lustre)
-Skintone 2- Dirty Gold (frost)
-Notoriety- Dirty Brown w/ Golden Pearl (velvet)
-Rich & Earthy- Rich Coral Bronze (veluxe pearl)

Eye Shadow x 4 - In The Gallery ($36 US/ $43 CDN)
-Lightfall- Pale Pink (satin)
-Look At The Eyes- Light Violet (frost)
-In The Gallery- Deep Blue Pink (matte)
-Private Viewing- Deep Brown Plum (matte)

Eye Shadow x 4 - Photo Realism ($36 US/ $43 CDN)
-Photo Realism- Gold Shimmer w/ Gold Pearl (frost)
-Fresh Approach- Cool Mint Green (veluxe pearl)
-Image Maker- Dirty Grey Green (frost)
-Grey Range- Deep Blue Green (veluxe pearl)

Plush Lash ($13 US/ $15.50 CDN)
-Plushblack- Black

Powder Blush ($18.50 US/ $22 CDN)
-The Perfect Cheek- Dirty Pale Pink (matte)
-Notable- Dirty Brick Brown Red (satin)

Tarte - Fall 2009

Reduce 24/7 Natural Lip Sheer with SPF 15 ($14 US/ $23 CDN)- A golden coral moisturizing lip gloss with the power of a lipstick.

Green Siren Natural Wax Cheek Stain ($28 US/ $36 CDN)- An all natural, golden apricot Tarte Cheek Stain. Every purchase supports Sambazon's Sustainable Acai Project, which helps preserve the Amazon Rainforest and improves living and educational opportunities for communites in Brazil. Packaging is recylable.

Lifted Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol ($20 US/$26 CDN)- A firming eyelid primer. Firmitol tightens eyelid skin. The packaging is infused with EcoPure, a recyclable, non-toxic resin-additive that makes plastics biodegradeable in less than 1-5 years that will only start to degrade once placed in a landfill.

Natural Beauty Complexion Collection ($54 US/ $70 CDN, Sephora Exclusive)- Includes:
-Clean Slate Natural Face Primer
-The Eraser 4-in-1 Natural Concealer
-ReCreate Natural Anti-Aging Foundation with Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology SPF 15
-Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder with SPF 8
-Mineral Powder Bronzer
-New: Foundation Brush (synthetic bristles with wood handle)

Available in:
-Fair: (ReCreate in ivory 02, the eraser fair, provovateur powder fair)
-Light: (ReCreate in warm bisque 06, the eraser bisque, provocateur powder light)
-Medium: (ReCreate in warm sand 12, the eraser medium beige, provocateur powder medium)
-Deep: (ReCreate warm walnut, the eraser walnut 16, provocateur powder walnut 14)

Dark Circle Defense Natural Under Eye Corrector and Brush ($32 US/ $42 CDN)- This brightening concealer not only covers dark circles, puffiness, redness, fine lines and wrinkles, but it is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of eye puffiness in 4 weeks. Available in 2 shades:
-Light to Medium
-Medium to Deep

Femme Fatale Refillable Natural Eye Palette ($44 US/ $57 CDN)- A reusable, gold studded palette that holds 10 shadows, a double-ended brush and double-ended eyeliner. Comes with a "direction card."
-Top row (left to right): shimmering blush, iridescent smoke, shimmering violet, shimmering indigo, shimmering onyx
-Bottom row (left to right): shimmering light gold, shimmering copper-rose, shimmering deep bronze, shimmering jade, shimmering garnet
-Double-ended eyeliner: shimmering emerald and shimmering orchid

Femme Naturale Refillable Natural Eye Palette ($44 US/ $57 CDN)- A reusable purple palette with a flower applique holds 10 shadows, a double-ended brush and double-ended eyeliner. Comes with a "direction card."
-Top Row (left to right): shimmering buff, soft sand, golden peach, shimmering sage, soft sienna
-Bottom row (left to right): golden tan, soft petal pink, golden plum, shimmering cocoa, golden navy
-Double-ended eyeliner: golden bronze and shimmering auburn

Tarte.com is offering 40% OFF of EVERYTHING! Enter code FF09 from August 17th to August 24th, 2009. Also receive FREE SHIPPING on orders of $60 or more.

Total Beauty Weekly Web Tour

Beauty Anonymous reviews La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF15.

Alison of the Advice Sisters has discovered Fragrant Waters by Bath & Bodyworks cool rollerballs and regular flacons that will surpise and delight you!

Face Candy interviews purse designer Katherine Kwei about her beauty routine. Plus, WIN A $920 Katherine Kwei purse!

Fabulous Over Forty has a week long review of the Fall 2009 Beauty out in stores now.

Beauty Blog Network - Weekend Beauty Read

Beauty Anonymous reviews La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF15.

A Touch of Blusher reviews RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks.

Decorative Diva shares her thoughts with you on a new Coconut Bodywash.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Elizabeth Arden's Intervene Line in her attempt to postpone getting older!

Beauty Junkie in SF discovers Sonia Kashuk has a blush for everyone, as long as you can get to Target!

Face Candy interviews purse designer Katherine Kwei about her beauty routine. Plus, WIN A $920 Katherine Kwei purse!

Beauty and Fashion Tech reviews and swatches the Bobbi Brown Nude Eye Palette.

Girl Gloss looks at Three SPF 15 or Higher Lip Balms for Sunny Days.

Elke starts her 5 Minute Summer Makeup How To Series, in 6 easy steps.

Toya from The Life of A Ladybug wants to know if you'll do just about anything for the beauty and strength of your hair, like ... put bull semen on it!

philosophy - The Sweet Shoppe and Party Girl Sets

The Sweet Shoppe Set ($30) is a trio of candy inspired 3-in-1's, as I call them.
-Squishy Red Fishy Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath
-Mouthwatering Watermelon Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath
-Bubble Gum Blow Out Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

(note: The Bubble Gum Blow Out flavor is the only one that's available in a 16 oz. -at least that's what Sephora's website tells me.)
The Sweet Shoppe Flavored Lip Shine Duo ($20)
-Mouthwatering Watermelon Flavored Lip Shine
-Bubble Gum Blow Out Flavored Lip Shine

These are both right up my alley. I LOVE my candy. Has anyone ever seen the John Waters movie Pecker? (If you haven't, you should. It's cute.) I'm like the little sister who goes into sugar trances and eats sugar right out of the bag. Haha, just kidding. But come on, the blog is called Face Candy right? I reaaaally want the Lip Shines. I covet my philosophy Lip Shines.

BUT, if you're not into candy, maybe you have another vice? Check out the Party Girl Set ($30) it has:
-Bling Tini (Apple)
-Tan Tini (Bellini)
-Tini Tini String Bikini (Pomegranate)

YUM! Leave it to philosophy to have something for everyone. Okay, it's Friday night and I just made pasta and I forced myself to write this before I went in the other room to eat it while watching "I Love You Man," so I'm going to do that now. Have a great weekend!

Urban Decay Friends & Family Event - 30% Off

At UrbanDecay.com, from August 10th- August 20th, get 30% OFF your order by entering code FNFF1 at checkout. I definitely took advantage of this. You should too. Happy shopping! Tell me what you get! Note: They take PayPal now.

I got:
-24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Paranoid
-24/7 Concealer in FBI
-Grind House Double Barrel Sharpener
-Ink For Eyes in Zero

I saved $19.20 and ended up paying $44.80 + shipping ($5)= $49.80.

Review: Bio-Oil

I first saw Bio-Oil (2 oz. for $11.99) at CVS in the lotion aisle. I was intrigued but didn't pick it up. Later on that week I received one in the mail. Sweet. Among its main ingredients are Vitamins A & E and Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile and PurCellin Oils. It contains no preservatives and has no water in it, which makes the growth of bacteria impossible.

I am all about oils, let me tell you. I love 'em. They're such a delightful change from lotion. This one feels lightweight and doesn't have an overpowering scent. There is a scent, it's slightly floral. Probably a combination of the lavender, rosemary and chamomile. I love that it's a multi-tasker. I can use it all over my body AND on my face. BONUS: My cat recently attacked the crap out of my arm one night while I was sleeping, so we'll see if it helps with the (many) scars. I also like that you can get it at CVS for $12. Overall I'm liking it.

face candy grade: A

Here's a list of the things it can help with:
-SCARS- Reducing the appearance of old and new scars
-STRETCH MARKS- Prevents stretch marks
-UNEVEN SKIN TONE- Reduces appearance of pigmentation marks
-AGING SKIN- Improves skin elasticity
-DEHYDRATED SKIN- Protects against the elements
-SUNBURN- Soothes and hydrates skin

New Product: DuWop Lipmousse

Is this not the most intriguing looking lip color you've ever seen? DuWop's new Lipmousse ($22) is not a lipstick or a gloss. It's a hybrid. The showerhead like applicator dispenses drops of color, similar to those Revlon twist up sponge tip applicator glosses. The name escapes me. Color payoff is maximum without the heavy layers that we're used to. I am quite excited to try these out.

Available in:
-Baked Apple- Light Reddish Rose
-Creme Brulee- Pinky Beige
-Cupcake- Vibrant Rose
-Ganache- Dark Plum Brown
-Sorbet- Bright Pink
-Tart- Berry Plum

Hautelook and Giltgroupe Cosmetic Sales of the Week

Hautelook.com is having a Laura Mercier Sale starting 8/11/09.
Hautelook.com is having a Urban Decay Sale starting 8/13/09.
To join Hautelook.com, simply click here.

Giltgroupe.com is having a Rock & Republic Cosmetics Sale 8/14/09.
Giltgroupe.com is also having a Clarisonic Sale 8/14/09.
Join Giltgroupe.com by clicking here.

Interview With Katherine Kwei - WIN A PURSE!

It is no secret that I have an obsession with purses. It's true. My obsession began when I spotted
Katherine Kwei's Edna Tote on Gossip Girl's Serena Van Der Woodsen. Read about it here. Well, good news, Katherine Kwei's bag line is expanding! Check out the new purses above, The Isabel line has 2 styles: "Pebble" -sting-ray print on goat skin and "Embossed"- ostrich print on goat skin. The one on the top left is called the Isabel Bag, in Navy Pebble. Isn't it gorge? WIN IT! It retails for $920, but I'm happy to announce that Ms. Kwei quite generously donated one for a giveaway! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post saying why you want it, between August 10th and 23rd and I'll choose a winner at random on the 23rd.

I was lucky enough to ask KK a few questions, half about beauty and half about fashion. I'm a KK as well, so we bonded over that. :) Enjoy!

Beauty Q's:
1. What is your skincare routine?
I have always been a cream freak! My mother seriously started me on creams when I was 14 years old, just as I was entering high school in the US from Hong Kong. I use a gentle facial cleansers daily once in the morning and once in the evening. I exfoliate once a week (usually on a Sunday when I have more time). I use toner, CE Ferulic, Hydrating Gel, face moisturiser, eye cream (I have terrible eye bags and lines unfortunately from all the rubbing I did when I was a child) and lip balm. I know it's so much stuff but my skin is super dry. I am trying to drink more water to help hydrate my skin from the inside as well. I also put on SPF 30 sun block in the morning as I tend to freckle up easily in the sun.

2. Name your top 5 must have products.
CE Ferulic and B5 Hydrating Gel from Skinceuticals, Chantecaille Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser (my new find), Vaseline for my lips (I know, so bad but I love it), and Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye makeup remover (only stuff that gets out my super hard core Japanese mascara that never comes off).

3. What is your favorite feature to play up with makeup?
I really only work on the eyes which I would line heavier and make smokier. I don't wear mascara on a daily basis so if I put it on then it's for something 'special.'

4. Who are your beauty icons?
This is a hard one. There are so many women! Jane Birkin, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, etc... It's a fine line between 'beauty' and 'fashion' icon. My friends and mother though I have to say are the ones that really inspire and who I find the most beautiful.

5. Do you have any beauty advice for Asian girls?
Asians usually tend to get spots more easily and usually don't like them (although I love my freckles which makes me an exception). So I would suggest to find good sun block and use it all the time. Use moisturiser and start taking care of your skin as soon as possible. You must be very disciplined.

Fashion Q's:
1. What inspires you?
I take inspiration from almost anything with no specific muse (i.e. colourful display of fruits in a local HK market, to vintage fabric store in London, feeling I get when I see an old tree in a Holland Park). I do love to travel though and get inspired by the colours I see in the landscape, clothing people wear, etc...

2. What gave you the idea to start your own line of bags?
I was working at Louis Vuitton at the time when I decided I wanted to try my own line of bags. It was when Marc Jacobs first launched his collections with the company and I remember seeing the reaction and frenzy of his success with the first Stephen Sprouse Graffiti line of Monogram bags and the Monogram Verni, etc... It was so exciting and refreshing to see how classic pieces from the Monogram line could be reinterpreted to be fresh and new. I wanted to create this as well using my Chinese art and cultural background, and giving it a modern and innovative 'look.' I therefore threw myself into any 'bag' I could find and eventually received my Masters in Accessories Design at London College of Fashion. While I was studying I came up with my signature Chinese 'eternity' knot-inspired weave which achieved the beautiful aesthetics I was striving for both in design and workmanship, but was not bound by trend, and blended my love of tradition with modernity.

3. What kind of woman is interested in KK bags?
My designs appeal to many different groups of women which is very flattering. Ultimately though it is a woman who has a strong sense of style who I think loves to be a bit whimsical as well.

4. What's your favorite brand/style of purse (that's not in your line)?
This is an easy one - I love Bottega Veneta!

5. What do you have planned for the line in the future?
We are working on creating more 'diffusion' line pieces at a lower price point as well as increasing our small goods collections (i.e. wallets, key chains, etc...)

Thank you so much to KK for your generosity and kindness. Face Candy loves you!

Total Beauty - Weekly Web Tour

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the new L'Oreal HiP Matte Shadow Duos!

Dao from My Makeup Blog discovered the awesome MAC 217 brush and loves it!

The Advice Sisters has found a great online web site for adding a bit of bling at bargain prices It is King Ice!.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up fall 2009 The Romantic Collection.

Check out Lipgloss Break's Review of Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket & Enter to Win One for Yourself!

Face Candy compares L'Oreal's Voluminous Naturale Mascara and L'Oreal's Waterproof Voluminous Mascara.

Butterflydiary loves her Jamba Juice, and gets a hint of it with Clinique Vitamin C lip smoothie in Nude-tricious.

Photographer and makeup artist Ellis Faas launched her self-named cosmetics line in Europe earlier this year. She is on the cusp of something new and different in cosmetics. Julie at More Than a Pretty Face interviews Ellis Faas about her cosmetics line and her work.

Beauty Blog Network - Weekend Beauty Read

Fabulous Giveaway!! Enter for a chance to win Tight Curves- Perfect Protein for Women Only worth $59 and naat hair care products worth $22.97 at Beauty and Personal Grooming

Decorative Diva has been busy this week! See what she's been up to!

A Touch of Blusher reviews Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Serum.

Felicia from ThisThatBeauty was recently interviewed by the Brown Bombshell Beauty! Check out Felicia's makeup bag and skincare favs!

Face Candy LOVES Sonia Kashuk's Spring 2009 Collection.

New: Christian Siriano for Victoria's Secret Beauty

"This Fall the inspiration is Egypt: the warmth of the desert, the blue of the Nile . It's about the juxtaposition of soft fabrics and strong shapes." - Christian Siriano

Because WHO doesn't remember Mr. Siriano from Project Runway? He was a hot tranny mess! Juuuuust kidding. He was quite entertaining. PLUS he's from my hometown! That practically makes us homies! Haha, he went to the Baltimore School for the Arts, located like 2 minutes away from my house. And I'm all about supporting a fellow Baltimoron. (Especially one with a makeup line this sweet!)

Silky Eyeshadow($14)- Satiny, pigment rich eye shadow. Available in 5 shades:
-Sahara- Nude
-Sandstorm- Copper
-Oasis- Greenish Blue
-Royalty- Deep Chocolate
-Gilded Fierce- Black with Gold Sparkle

Kajal Eye Liner ($12)- A creamy, deep black kohl eye liner. This totally reminds me of Givenchy's Eye Kohl. For $12, it's worth a try right? And check out the packaging! Hot. Available in:
-Eclipse- Blackest Black

Lip Gloss ($14)
-Embrace- Champagne
-Sublime- Warm Coral
-Chic- Deep Berry

Bronzer/Highlighter Trio ($24)- An illuminating trio of bronzing powders. Available in:
-Sunspell Bronze

Face Brush ($32)- A silky, natural-hair brush in a blue satin pouch.

Petite Makeup Bag ($16)- A compact, square-shaped, zip-around clutch in a cocoa patent finish.

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Makeup Line was also re-vamped to include 180 new shades, 20 superior formulas and new packaging. So go check it out! Do you guys shop at VS for makeup? I don't usually. I have to say that I'm an online makeup shopper. What can I say? I like packages to arrive to my house.

New: NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

NARS has 2 new mascaras. Both are enriched with Vitamin E and Macadamia Nut Oil. Neither smudge or flake. Available at Sephora.

Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara ($25)- Features the signature square brush with honeycomb fibers to coat the lashes evenly. Adds instant volume.

Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara($25)- Features a conical wand with high-fiber bristles to separate and define lashes. The unique nylon fibers lengthen lashes.

Sonia Kashuk - Spring 2009

This is a collection that I'm very excited about. The quality and price of the items are incredible. Available at Target, not too much of it is available at Target.com, so I suggest perusing your local tar-jay.

Shimmering Loose Mineral Blush ($8.99, not pictured)- Loose powder blush available in Angelica- pale baby ink and Fairy- warm peachy pink. The lid is "self locking," I have yet to see if it actually keeps the lid on. I'm a bit skeptical about that. Other than that I like the hot pink top w/ mirror and there's a powder puff that sits on top. I tried Fairy, the shimmery powder inside has the perfect amount of shimmer and hint of color. I couldn't use it as a highlighter, it's too pink.

face candy grade: b

Super Sheer Liquid Tint ($9.99)- Liquid Blush. Available in Peony, Rose and Poppy. I tried Poppy- bright coral pink and Rose- raspberry red. This is totally what I imagine Giorgio Armani's limited edition Fluid Blushes were like. But I have no reference for comparison. :( Oh well. These are awesome. Truly awesome. I want Peony now! The gel provides a nice smooth application with a bright pop of color. A teensy weensy little bit will do you so a tube will last you a long while.

face candy grade: a+

Beautyifying Blush ($8.99)- Powder Blush. I used Nude- medium tan and Lily- medium coraly pink. I LOVE the packaging! The white is very sleek and they're magnetized! The lid sticks to the pan! No stupid little clicky thing. Genius, I say. Genius. The powder inside is fine and has buildable color.

face candy grade: a+

Creme Blush ($9.99)- Long lasting creme formula. Available in new shade: Blossom. In the package, Blossom looks nice and warm but on the cheeks, it's more opaque and cool pink. Maybe it's because the color was on the light side it didn't stay on for too long.

face candy grade: b-

Velvety Shine Lip Crayon ($7.99)- A moisturizing, satiny smooth lip crayon. Available in new shades: Hot Pink, Pale Pink and Luscious Pink. I have Pale Pink and Hot Pink. MUST HAVE Luscious Pink! These chunky crayons provide color and gloss. BEST CRAYON EVER! I still like Bobbi Brown's Lip Crayons, but they're almost 3x the price of these!

face candy grade: a+

Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Gloss ($8.99)- A sheer gloss in a sleek tube. Available in new shades: Beauty and Flawless. Flawless- medium terracotta, Beauty- bright pink with subtle shimmer. Because they're on the sheer side, the texture is thinner and you have to re-apply more. Other than that, they're high-shine and non-sticky. No weird smell. Check out this post by Karen @ Makeup and Beauty Blog, where she compares them to Chanel Aqualumiere Glossimers.

face candy grade: a

Dramatically Defining Long Wear Gel Eye Liner ($8.99)- Gel eye liner. Available in Indigo, Cocoa and Ebony. I tried Indigo, which reminded me of Lancome's Indigo Charm Eye Liner, maybe a bit brighter. I had high hopes for this one, but after about 45 minutes, it started to flake and disappear. It might work for you, but it didn't work for me.

face candy grade: d

Review: no no Hair Removal Device

The no! no! (NOW $99 or so I'm told by bitches in my comments, $125, it used to be $250) is a painless treatment for hair reduction. It uses a new technology called Thermicon, a revolutionary new concept in hair removal, suitable for all hair types and skin colors. Basically, there's a wire in this little box that burns off leg hair safely. One good thing about it is that unlike razors and waxing, there's no pain or skin irritation, like in-grown hairs. no! no! is not a razor, so it won't get rid of ALL the hair by itself. The company recommends using both. And that's what I don't understand. If you're going to use a razor, why bother using this? I received one, but I just didn't have the patience to figure it out and frankly, I'm Asian, so my leg hair is minimal. Once I got it going, it worked, but I can barely see my leg hair anyway. Seriously, I shave like 2x every 3 months. Even in the summer.

I don't want to say it's not awesome, because it could be if that's really your thing. There's people who love it and hate it. Some have seen a real reduction in hair or slower growth. If you've got $250 and excessive leg hair, be my guest. (Or you could just shave. Or Nair. Or wax. Or whatever). I'm just saying that it didn't do much for me and it has that yucky burnt hair smell after you use it. <---- which is why I stopped using it actually. So think about that.

face candy grade: f as in FAIL

Available in Black, Blue and Pink at Sephora (Mine's Red, but I don't know where you can get that one)

*** AFTERTHOUGHT ***

I've been getting a lot of negative comments about this post. I reviewed it honestly and to my best ability. If you don't like it, please feel free to write your suggestions down on a piece of paper and SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS! Some people like it, some people hate it. I happen to hate it. Get over it.

Total Beauty Review: Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash & Beauty Bar

I'll admit I was skeptical when the Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash and Beauty Bar arrived. At first I thought the sweet caramel smell was too strong. But when I got in the shower, it was nice. The burnt brown sugar and karite butter moisturize and exfoliate. Don't worry, it doesn't make you smell too sweet. I don't like that. I've been using the Body Wash in the morning, but the Bar is just as good. I never thought I would, but I encourage you to try it. Body Wash available in 18 oz. ($4.49) and 12 oz. ($3.50) bottles.
Beauty Bars available in 2 bar ($2.99), 4 bar ($4.49), 6 bar ($6.49) and 8 bar ($7.99)

face candy grade: B

Read more reviews at Total Beauty.

Lancome - Declaring Indigo - Fall 2009

Fall 2009 celebrates the revolutionary spirit of a magnificent Parisian woman, a free spirit. It is a declaration of beauty just for you, the beginning of a new era.

Ink Artliner ($23.50)
-Brun Elegance- Deep Brown
-Indigo Charm- Deep Blue
-Noir Magnificence- Black

Indigo Charm is sooo pretty! It's a deep royal blue gel liner that's creamy and dries so it won't smudge. This one is up there with Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner. Now i want black and brown. Try it for a bright pop of color on your top lash line (or bottom if you feel daring!)

face candy grade: A

Color Design Liberty Palette ($42)
-Golden Audacity
-Indigo Charm
-Nude Elegance

Virtuose Divine Lasting Curves Mascara ($24.50)
-Royal Gold

This deep blue with gold shimmer mascara has me quite intrigued. I'd like to try it out.

Color Fever Gloss ($25)
-Berry Glamour- Deep Purpley Pink
-Raspberry Glimmer- Creamy Medium Pink
-Rouge Magnificence- Red
-Declaring Gold- Gold
-Golden Rouge- Champagne Pink

I recently tried this in Phia black and I have to say that I really like it! I was sure I wouldn't. But it is awesome for a rocker chick look and it makes any pink lipstick plummy and glossy and slightly naughty. PLUS it's perfect for the eyes. Talk about multi-tasking... This will go everywhere with me.

face candy grade: A+

Color Design Lipcolor ($22)
-Berry Sensual- Bright Orangey Red
-Paris Rouge- Bold Fuschia
-Rouge Liberty- Deep Maroon

Le Crayon ($22)
-Berry Sensual- Bright Berry Pink
-Rouge Liberty- Bright Orangey Red

Le Vernis ($18)
-Golden Audacity- Gold
-Indigo Paris- Navy Blue
-Rouge Liberty- Red

Indigo Paris is, to put it bluntly, the shit. GO OUT and get it now. Run, don't walk. Bright, blue, shimmery, multi-dimensional shininess. The picture above is inaccurate. It's so much deeper and darker and more beautiful than that. That's all I can say. Will post a picture soon.

face candy grade: A+

Blush Subtil ($29.50)
-Rouge Glow- Mauve

La Rose Liberte ($40)- Gold Highlighting Powder

photo: lancome.com

NARS - Fall 2009

“For this collection, I wanted to create something fragile and strong, and seductive but not aggressive,” said François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.
"This edgy, alluring look begins with the ultimate bedroom eyes. A harmony of champagne and charcoal eyeshadow hues built to a sultry finish. A soft sheer complexion invigorated with a sculpted, flushed cheek. The primary focal points: bold, deep-plum-tinted lips and tips. The result is charming, glamorous, and resolutely modern. In other words, completely NARS."

-Fast Ride Lipstick ($24)- A seemingly dark purple that translates into a sheer mulberry.

-Tokiado Express Nail Lacquer ($16)- Named after Japan's most heavi,ly frequented high-speed rail route, it's a opulent black amethyst doused with ultra-fine gold dust particles. I MUST HAVE!

-Silk Road Duo Eyeshadow ($32)- Icy Pink and Rose Gold.

-Brumes Duo Eyeshadow ($32)- Velvety Matte Charcoal and Sparkling Blue Slate.

-Indian Summer Duo Eyeshadow ($32)- Frosted Champagne Shimme and Deep Matte Mustard.

-Mekong Single Eyeshadow ($22)- Blackened Espresso scattered with Rose Gold. MUST HAVE!!!