IMATS New York - Saturday April 9, 2011 - Day 1 Coverage!

 IMATS welcome to New York!!!

82 Mercer was the place to be this morning at 8am.  The line was already down the block.  IMATS, International Make-Up Artist Trade Show, is in the Empire State for the first time and found its way to Soho this morning.

What I found exciting about IMATS vs other makeup trade shows is its focus on artistry in the industries of fashion, entertainment and not just what's considered "normal" beauty.  On the first floor, there was an amazing makeup mini-museum devoted to the artistry of makeup in television and movies.  I have some special photos from this that I'll be sharing on a later post.  The speaker sessions range from things everyone makeup artist, professional or amateur should know, such as Makeup for Ageless Beauty, to topics which are really targeted for hardcore theatrical makeup professionals like Zombies 101 - Intro to Creature Creation. 

 I was able to get in a few moments early before the chaos of the sold-out crowd came in. 
 Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Spring Collection 2011
 Inglot just as doors were beginning to open.  The counter was crowded all day.
 Eve Pearl working her magic.
 Mehron booth.
 Beautiful rose tattoo body painting at Mehron.
 So pretty!!
 Gettin' groovy at Lit!
 Naked Cosmetics skincare.
 Naked Cosmetics pigments.
 Hakuhodo brushes.  So luxe.
 Stila booth getting stocked.
 Someone getting eyelash extensions at Evalash.
 Yes, they are getting LIVE at the booth.
 Yaby Cosmetics foundations and palettes.
 Body painting.
 Loved this comic theme.  That model was a good sport! 
Tate Steinsiek speaking about Zombies.

There is so much more to report, but now it's time to actually to have dinner!  Check back later for more coverage.  Tomorrow is also another day!  So there will be plenty to report!

For more information on IMATS go to www.imats.net.

Glowy Day of Beauty With GlowyJoeyBunny! Our NARS Makeovers!

 Bleecker St. never looked so bright!  GlowyJoeyBunny and me!
 Nars new flagship at 413 Bleecker Street.

On Friday, before the IMATS madness, the beautiful and bubbly GlowyJoeyBunny, who writes for PinkSith.com, and I reunited for a day of fun and beauty.  First, we stopped at Rescue Beauty Lounge and got our nailz did.  We gabbed with owner and founder, Ji Baek, who is not only smart, beautiful and fashionable... but also insanely funny. I'm saving that portion of our day for another post so stay tuned for that one. 

Post Rescue, we went to have lunch at The Spotted Pig.  They should either rename it The Stuffed Pig, because it's full of itself, or The Spotted Snail, because of the service.  It took us 1.5 hours to get 1 egg and toasts essentially (though they were both delicious... see below).

We abandoned our never-arriving lunch for our makeovers at NARS.  I was excited to check out the new flagship on Bleecker Street.  It's great to see more beauty on this block, among the multiplying Marc Jacobs stores and Magnolia cupcakes.

 Check out JoeyBunny's awesome NARS tote.
 I know it's her monocur but don't you think we're both glowy here? hehe

Makeup on JoeyBunny:
She wanted to go for a fun summery look to combat the grey-ish weather we were having on Friday.  Cindy, JoeyBun's artist, went for bronzy cheeks and bright lips.
Eyes: Copacabana The Multiple on browbone, Nepal Single Eyeshadow on lids, Sophia in the crease to the orbital bone, lower lashline.  Coconut Grove in the outer V to deepen.  Bali on eyebrows.
Face: Laguna bronzer and Madly blush for cheeks.
Lips: Jungle Red lip liner, Schiap lipstick, Easy Lover gloss.


Makeup on Robin:
I wasn't specific on my look but just wanted to try some of the new products from the Spring collection that I hadn't tried yet.  Kara, my artist, created a light smoky neutral eye with a colorful lip, but kept the overall look soft and approachable.
Face: Punjab Sheer Glow foundation mixed with The Brightening Serum (which I love).
Eyes: All three shades in the new trio, Calanque, were used on my eye look.  Zardoz cream eyeshadow to line the eye, and Bali Single Eyeshadow on the brows.
Cheeks: Maldvies The Multiple to highlight.  Madly blush.
Lips: Marnie lipliner, Baroque Gloss Pencil.

 Louboutin, always a pleasure.
 Outside The Spotted Pig.
 Spring is here at The Spotted Pig.  Our food is not.
 Chicken liver toast.
Deviled egg.

Thank you J for the bestest, funnest day of beauty ever!  I hope we can make it a regular when I come back to NYC! :)

If you're in the NYC area, definitely check out the new flagship store.  We hear that Francois occasionally drops in!  But if you can't make it, you can check out www.narscometics.com.

Live From New York It's Beautyburg!!!!!

 Me in Times Square. 

I don't think I have ever photographed myself in Times Square before today.  Living here, it was just a place that I walked through twice daily on my way to and from work.  Well, here I am in Times Square taking a photo and loving every second of it!



 MAC Times Square

I never went into this location much when I lived here because it was more of a tourist center.  Today I went to check out the Quite Cute collection which released today.

 One thing to love about Times Square... SEPHORA!

This is the flagship Sephora store in the US.  It's still one of my favorites to go to.  The staff is super friendly, even with the overwhelming traffic.   I've seen the layout change over the years, and I'm always impressed with how tidy they keep it.

Another reason to love Times Square.... ANOTHER SEPHORA!

Yes, another Sephora just 1.5 blocks away.  LOL.  Unnecessary you say?  Try telling me that when I'm trying to hunt down the Naked palette.  Pssshtttt...

Today, I also stopped by Inglot, but I'm going to wait to get my 20 pans at IMATS or their Chelsea Market studio.  I also went to a PRO social at Make Up For Ever's studio which was really fun.  Koren of EnKoreMakeup was there!  Such a nice treat to meet a YouTube celebrity.

Big day tomorrow!  Stay tuned.  Follow me on Twitter for the real time updates and scoop on what  I'm doing and where I am! :)

Spring Flower Makeup Series - Vibrant MAC Lipsticks For Spring!

A lipstick selection inspired by ranunculus.
 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
Ranunculus come in a variety of colors.

Nothing says spring to me more than bright, pretty lips.  Here are selection of colors from MAC that put a spring in my step.  Some were limited edition and no longer available but Show Orchid and Impassioned are two of my favorite and are permanent! 

Do you have a favorite spring shade?  I love fuchsia and bright pink in spring and then transition to coral for summer.

 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
 
Do you like bright lips for spring?

Weekly Doodles Vol. 001 - New York I Love You


I'm having so much fun with these scanned questionnaires that I've decided to make it a weekly thing.  Feel free to copy the same questions and leave your answers in the comments! 

This week's topic is about my favorite place, NYC.  I'm headed back to New York for IMATS, and it's going to be a great reunion.  I missed you New York!!!

1. Why LOVE NY?

2. Fav NYC Zip?  Fav Places For: Food? Fun? Shopping?

3. Best NY Moment In Pop Culture?

4. Best Time of Year For NYC?

One of my favorite NYC moments... 

I was at this show almost in the front by the stage.  It just felt magical when the balloons dropped.  LDC Soundsystem just did their last show in MSG this past weekend.  I would have loved to have been there!!!

$1.99 For An Eyeshadow Isn't Just Once Upon A Time - Essence Fairytale Eyeshadow in Fairy Berry and Humpty Dumpty

 Essence Fairytale Eyeshadow in Fairy Berry and Humpty Dumpty.

So for all my European friends who pout when we US girls flaunt our Wet N' Wild hauls, all you have to say is one word to throw the beauty bargain trump card back in our faces: "Essence."

Essence products are so cute and fun, and most importantly cheap!  Ulta carries some products, but their stock, or at least in the stores by me, are rather limited.  When I see a display, I ravage it.

That's exactly what I did recently when I saw the Fairytale limited edition collection display at my local Ulta.  I purchased 2 eyeshadows, 1 gloss, 4 nail polishes and 1 glitter eyeliner.  The eyeshadows are just such pretty fairy shades.  This soft purple and steely silver don't looked muddy on the eye.  What I like about these shades is that they are soft, girly and totally say spring without being pastel. 

 Fairy Berry and Humpty Dumpty.
  Fairy Berry and Humpty Dumpty.
 Fairy Berry - a shimmering cool grey purple with silver sparkle.
 Humpty Dumpty - a shiny grey steel silver.
Fairy Berry and Humpty Dumpty
 The display.

Essence Fairytale Eyeshadows are limited edition and available at Ulta stores.

Smile It's Sunday - 1500 Followers! - More Added To Our Spring Giveaway!

 Smile everyone!  Do you find smiling infectious?

Hi all my Beautyburgers.  I have really missed you guys.  Hugs!!!  The past two weeks have been a big change for my personally, and unfortunately, I haven't been giving this blog as much attention as I want to.  As much as things have been really positive in my life lately, I can't help but feel sad that I was neglecting this blog and you, the readers and fellow bloggers.  So please forgive me!  I am trying hard to find balance in my life, but please know that Beautyburg is extremely important to me.  It's my passion and lifeline!

This week I'm flying back to New York for IMATS, International Make-up Artist Trade Show.  It should be really fun and amazing.  This is the first time IMATS has been in NYC, so I can't wait to see what it's like.  I am excited to meet other bloggers, see amazing makeup artists and of course haul.  If you plan on being there, let me know!  I would love to meet up. :) 

I will be bringing you updates while in New York, so follow me on Twitter for the latest updates.  Aside from IMATS, I also plan to hit a lot of other fun beauty related places while in New York.  I have plans to get my nailz did at Rescue Beauty Lounge and check out the new Nars boutique in Soho!

I'm also smiling today because we hit over 1500+ followers this week.  Thank you guys so much for checking in and reading Beautyburg.  As I mentioned before, this blog means so much to me, and it's beyond touching to see it grow!  Thank you! 

 I don't think they have places like this in NYC!
 Marlowe is looking for the Easter bunny.
Just as an extra, I found a few extra polishes to add to our Spring Basket Giveaway.   If you haven't entered yet, click here to do so.  The contest ends April 15th, 2011 at 11:59pm PST. 

MAC Master Class with Senior Makeup Artist Louise Z. - Eras Reinterpreted!

 Louise Z. & Me

This past weekend I went to one of the three MAC PRO Master Classes that I signed up for this spring.  When living in NYC, I never was in a position to take advantage of these, so when I saw that three upcoming classes worked with my schedule, I was game!  Plus the fee for your class is completely refundable in MAC product.  Win win, right?

Louise Z., Senior Makeup Artist, was conducting the class.  The theme was Eras Reinterpreted.  During the course of the class, we discussed makeup and cultural icons of three different decades: 1920's, 1940's and 1960's. 

Many of the MAC PROs attending the class worked as makeup artists, but it seemed that the majority of students in the class had little experience with editorial makeup.   I try to do what I can at home, but of course, I'm still just a beginner.  It was great to see a master in action.  I regret not being able to take advantage of these classes more while I was in NYC, but that's life eh?  Thank you Louise for an inspiring class.  I learned a lot from your notes and also loved your attitude on makeup. 

Here were some of Louise's tips on editorial makeup:
  • Do your research - know the references, know the designers/photographers/models/icons/movies/culture/experience... Everything!  Immerse yourself!  Knowledge is power, so doing your homework will help you see eye to eye with the designer, stylist, client, whoever you are working with to get that special look.
  • Editorial doesn't always mean literal - A reference can be just that... a reference.  A nod to a certain idea.  Not a carbon copy.
  • Editorial can be wearable - Just because it's titled as editorial doesn't mean that it can't be wearable.  See Louise's 1960's inspired look as an example.  A nod to mega lashes and nude lips of the era without being a straight-up Bardot clone.
Louise Z.'s 1920's inspired look.  This could be straight out of Vogue!
 Love this vampy smoky eye.  I might try recreating this!
 Louise's nod to the 1960's.
 Notice the drawn on lashes. 
Louise's Editorial Must Have blushes.
Louise's Editorial Must Have Eyeshadows.  Happy to see Orange in the in mix!

To read more about the class go to the MAC PRO website.  To sign up to be a MAC PRO go here.

Eve Pearl Lip Color in 209 Amaretto - Brown Lips Didn't Die With 90210

Eve Pearl Lipstick in 209 Amaretto.

Now I am a child of the 90's.  Maybe it's me getting old, but something about that decade felt like the last great wave of cool underground edge.  Before everyone had the internet... when people just had one phone.... things felt more precious. 

If you wanted to be cool, you did your research.  Things are so easy now.  Want to know what your favorite celeb has on their face at the red carpet?  It's usually online in full detail with a video tutorial on YouTube before they've even handed out the first award.  Back in the 90's, I always wanted to know what lipstick Kelly and Brenda were wearing.  They had this perfect brown, brick red matte shade that epitomizes that era for me.  I remember trying color after color to get that 90210 brick red.

Possibly due to my exhausting attempts to find the perfect Brenda and Kelly shade, I always associated brick red lips with 90210.  And subsequently I've always associated 90210 with the 90's along with MC Hammer, Roxette, Z. Calvaricci and other things I loved at the time but feel dated now.

So sure enough, it's been a while since I've even thought about brown reds for lips.  (Full disclosure) The lovely Eve Pearl and her team sent me a lovely package to thank me for some recent reviews I had done.  Her products seriously blow me away, but I had to say when I saw the tube of lipstick.... my first reaction was oh no 90210!  I thought why would they pick this color? But of course, not to look a gift horse in the mouth, I decided to try it. 

The formula on this lipstick is sublime.  Very nice slip.  It doesn't feel cakey on, and there is great pigmentation with a very light, glossy texture.

Now for the color.  In the tube, 209 Amaretto looks bronzey, warm brown with golden shimmer.  And on the lips, it is that... but more.  There is a rosiness to it.  This color is glossy, moisturizing and has a great sheen.  It isn't that dry matte that was popular among our friends at Beverly Hills High.  Amaretto brings out a brightness on my face.  The hue is a perfect amount of color and intensity without being overbearing or brash.  The overall effect is colorful but polished... A blushing, brownish red that makes me think that there was legitimacy to why I thought brown lips were so great back in the 90's. 

I am going to IMATS In a couple weeks in New York, and you will see me getting more lippies from Eve Pearl because of the formula.  Will you see me there in brown lips?  You just might. :) 



 Ingredients:
MICROCRYSTALLINE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, POLYETHYLENE, BEES WAX, CERESIN, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, ISOSTEARYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, BIS-DIGYLCERYL POLYACYLADIPADE-2, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, OCTYLDODEANOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E) B.H.A, HEXAPEPTIDE-11 +/-: MICA, C.I.77891 TITANIUM DIOXIDE, C.I.77491 IRON OXIDE RED, C.I.77492 IRON OXIDE YELLOW, C.I.77499 IRON OXIDE BLACK, C.I.15850 D&C RED NO.6, C.I.15850:1 D&C RED NO.7




 Super moiturized.
Donna, Kelly, Brenda.... call me!

Eve Pearl Lip Color Lipstick in 209 Amaretto is $24 for 4.2g, 0.147oz and is available at www.evepearl.com

What's your take on brown/red lips?  Do you have a favorite 90210 episode?

Week In Review - Miss Something?! - This Week's Preview!

Marlowe gets grumpy.

So here's what happened last week in case you may have missed something.  Last night, I went to a MAC Master Class which was really fun.  The topic covered was called Eras Reinterpreted.  Senior MAC Makeup Artist Louise Z ran the class, and it covered editorial ways to reinterpret some classic iconic eras without looking too literal.  I will have a post on that soon, and I may even try recreating some of her looks.  

Until then, here's some stuff from the past week.

 I want to say YES to clear skin.  
 I'm still working on my Dove VisibleCare challenge.
 New feature at Beautyburg... HOLLA!  It's Haul Holla Vol. 001!!!
And of course there's Vol. 002... there will be a lot of volumes in the future.
What would you wish for? 3 wishes handwriting tag!

What do you have going on this week?  Is everyone in the US done with their taxes?  I gotta get that together :-/

Sunday Night At Beautyburg - Finding Balance


Happy Sunday everyone!  A really late Sunday (Monday in some parts of the world) post for me.  This past week has been insanely busy.  I am trying to find balance in life, work and love (namely this blog).  I just want to do everything all the time, and we all know that's not really sustainable... so where to draw the line? 

I picked this photo from a really scenic park on the German/Czech border where I went hiking once.  At the time I was in a similar situation and had to pry myself away from work for what felt like a forced vacation.  I was constantly checking my Blackberry.... staying up at odd hours to see what was going on back in New York.  But at some point on the vacation, probably when I was on this hike, things kinda came into perspective.  I was worrying myself sick with stress when I was literally half a world away.  And it just seemed stupid.

So bringing it back to now and today.  I am trying to find balance in my life where I still find time doing the things I love to do (meaning this blog) and getting everything I need and want to do done.  I can easily over-commit myself, so I am stopping myself from feeling like I have to force myself to blog and put out content in a way that isn't sustainable (e.g. staying up past midnight to make sure that I have three posts out the next day).

So until I find that groove, don't be upset at me if I'm posting only once daily.  I am working on finding a balance, but please know that this blog is such a passion and pleasure for me.... and I wouldn't want to give it up, ever.

I hope you guys have a great week.  I am looking forward to tomorrow! Good night!!!

Three Wishes Handwriting Tag - What Are You Wishing For?


A couple weeks ago, there was a handwriting tag questionnaire going around some of the beauty blogs.  I normally don't really care for surveys, but I really enjoyed seeing everyone's handwriting and getting a little bit more of a glimpse into people's personalities.

I have been dying for another excuse to do a handwriting survey, so I decided to just start my own.   Feel free to play and link your wishes in the comments below!  I love these.

How to play:
1. Write 3 beauty-related wishes.
2. Take a photo or scan it and post it on your blog.
3. Tag some friends!

Can't wait to read some of your responses!  What would you wish for????

Who Doesn't Want To Say Yes To Clear Skin? Yes To Tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser

 Who doesn't want to say YES to clear skin?

In my professional and personal life, I have a hard time saying "no."  Oh you want me to take you to the airport at 4am?  YES.  Do you want to borrow my Yigal Azrouel gown for party and you'll send it back to me dirty and not dry cleaned?  SURE OK.  You want me to throw a dinner party for you, your boss and two of your coworkers... and you're on your way over right now?  GREAT.

But..... when it comes to my beauty life, I love to say HELL TO THE NO, all the time.  If something doesn't perform and exceed expectations, it's dead to me.  There are no second chances once I've been burned.  The standards are set high, and the hurdle to try to impress is set even higher.

With that said, my first run in with the Yes To Carrots line of products was a hand cream that was moisturizing, soaked in and didn't leave my hands in slippery, greasy mess... all while leaving a cooling sensation and crisp scent.  However, that was for my hands... and Yes To Tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser was for my face!  When it comes to skincare, we all expect mountains to be moved.  We want to be wrinkleless, poreless, smooth, luminous and of course acne free! 

Now I have only been using the cleanser and not the entire Yes To Tomatoes line, but I am liking it.  The cleanser is foamy and gets my face squeaky clean.  But it isn't stripping or drying, which is hard to find in acne products.  You don't stop getting acne after you've hit your 20's (or even 30's... aging myself here).  I also appreciate that it's 99.6% Natural, Petroleum, SLS & Paraben Free and cruelty free.




INGREDIENTS: Water (aqua), Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Extract*, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Aspalathus Linearis (Red Tea) Leaf Extract, Maris Limus (Dead Sea Mud), Citric Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance 

I think I won't mind saying "yes" more often to Yes To Tomatoes.

Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Clarifying Cleanser is $9.99 for 95ml, 3.38oz and is available at drugstores, mass retailers, supermarkets, Target.com and www.yestocarrots.com

Do you ever forget to add the "e" in "tomatoes?"

NARS PRO-PRIME - Could Beautyburg's Marlowe Be A Model?

 Marcel Nars for Nars PRO-PRIME

 What could be more than a pretty face?  How about a smooshy one?  Nars has come out recently with two new primers: Pore Refining Primer $32 and Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 $32.  These add to the arsenal of three other face primers in the Nars collection, as well as Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (my current favorite shadow primer).  I am interested in trying the Pore Refining version, but what I'm more interested in is the possibility of Marlowe being the next face of beauty.  Do you think he has what it takes to become a supermodel?  He does like to indulge in froyo, but he keeps his model form by snacking on broccoli stems.  What do you think?  Should I send his headshot to Francois?!  (I'm completely joking by the way, except the sentence about the food.. all true there.)

 Could Marlowe be the next Nars supermodel?
 Classic profile.
 Model's diet: broccoli stems.
But sometimes he likes to treat himself to froyo.

My Lazy Girl Waves - How I Get Soft Waves From Home To The Office

 Waves made on my commute.
 Flat.  Meh. No body or life.
I love this formula, and the scent is divine.  However, the bottle is just ridiculous.  A really unfortunate design.
 I use about two pumps on my ends.
 I rub the smoothing cream into dry hair. 
Bed Head's After Party doesn't weigh hair down and sets hair very softly.
 Twist the length of my hair.
Key step.  I wrap it in a scrunchie.  Yes, I know that scrunchies are about as fashionable as knee high nude hose with white nurse shoes; however, scrunchies damage hair less than rubber bands or elastics.  Also, they don't leave that dent in your hair after you've had your hair up in a bun or ponytail.

I twist my hair and put it in a bun holding it all together with a scrunchie.  Then by the time I'm at my desk, my hair has set and I have soft waves or at least some body in the hair. 
 
More body the longer you leave it in.  
Though there is always the temptation of just leaving your hair up all day. 
What do you do as your quick fix for looking polished at work?

Announced Our 3 Barielle Treatment Winners!!!!

3 Barielle Treatments from a ridiculous CVS clearance.


Thanks everyone who played in our mini giveaway!  It was great hearing about all your scores (ka-ching).  I love a good deal.  It's such a rush finding something really great at a really low price.  Or discovering a very hard-to-find item while merely browsing.  All great feelings! 

So now onto our winners.... 

Our Twitter winner is @MsSaroun
Our Comment winner is Very Emily!

I will be contacting you shortly about your prizes! 

Don't worry if you didn't win this one.  We have two giveaways going on right now, and I am planning a really fun one for May.  So keep checking back!

Happy Hump Day! - From Marlowe

Happy Hump Day from Marlowe.....

How is your week going for you?  I have been super busy this week!  Marlowe has too.  He has been going to daycare a lot this week and really enjoying it.  Have you thought about your weekend plans at all yet?  What's going on for you this week?  Are you busy?  Stressed?  Happy?  Chillaxin'?  Tell us below!..... but after you tell us...... you should.................
........................
.........
....

Get back to work!!!

Hehe! :) Just something for fun from me and M.  Hope you're having a good week!  Tell us what you're up to!

Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in Unlimited - Photos, Swatches, Review

 Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in Unlimited 

When Milani does something right, it's usually really right.  My bff and I had a long discussion about liquid vs. felt tip eyeliners.  She has been using a product from L'Oreal for over 10 years.  I love the intensity of liquid eyeliners and creating sharp beautiful cateyes, but I had never been a fan of the brush applicators that usually came with them.  Felt tip always "felt" as if they had more control to me, and I never find that the long, fine tip brush applicators were actually that precise.  The brush part felt almost too long for my eyes, and most times, the brush applicator frayed.

But her devotion to liquid eyeliner inspired me to re-examine them.  Milani launched a few new shades for their Infinite Liquid Eyeliner product.  I purchased Unlimited, a deep matte brown.  I didn't get excited to see the long brush applicator to be honest.  But the bristles from this brush applicator seem to hold its shape better than what I remember of the L'Oreal one, which would get a few stray stragglers.

What impressed me most was the color.  The brown shade is a rich, dark brown that I'm loving.  The durability is excellent.  Once dry, it does not budge.  You should really use an oil-based remover to get it off.

Am I a liquid liner convert yet?  Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner has been great for lining close to my lashline.  I may try this with my own brushes instead of the applicator to create a serious cat eye.  I think I'll get better and more precise results.  But I think I am going to suggest this one to my friend.  I think she's appreciate how thick and smoothly the formula applies.  I'll get back to you if she tries it.  I would love to know what a liquid liner devotee would think of this.



 Long pointed brush applicator.  Using it for 2 weeks and no fraying yet.

Such a rich dark brown.  Love it.

Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner is $5.99 at milanicosmetics.com and at drugstores nationwide.

Do you like liquid liner?  Do you find it hard to use?  Or you feelin' felt tips?

China Glaze Island Escape Collection for Summer 2011



From the press release: Take an exotic island escape with China Glaze this summer with a tropical, shimmering rainbow of brilliant bright colors! Mix and match these hot hues to add a candy-like pop to that summer manicure and pedicure. Colors in the collection include:

  • Papaya Punch Crème based vivid orange.
  • 108 Degrees Flirtatious berry pink with specks of micro glitter.
  • Senorita Bonita Passionate purple shimmer w pink micro glitter.
  • Blue Iguana: Bold and daring sparkly blue.
  • Cha Cha Cha: Vivacious shimmer green.
  • Electric Pineapple: High intensity crème based lime green. 


Escape this summer to a far away place with China Glaze. Vacation in color!

The China Glaze Island Escape collection will be available as open stock colors, 6 piece box collection, 6 piece counter display, 12 piece counter display and 36 piece rack.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze.  Find them on Facebook here.


Do any of these sound exciting to you?  I am not a big fan of papaya the fruit, but Papaya Punch sounds awesome.

Dove VisibleCare Softening Creme Body Wash - Do The Commercials Lie? Road Test!

 Dove's new body wash.  VisibleCare Softening Creme Body Wash

Have you seen these ads on TV?  They take before and after photos of women's skin after a week of use and then show them their "close-ups" on a wall.  The images are magnified close-ups of their skin.  The before looking dehydrated and rough.  The after looking plush and supple.

I know what you're thinking.... yeah right.  So I'm going to road test Dove's VisibleCare Softening Creme Body Wash for myself.  I don't have a way of taking a magnified photo of my skin, so you'll just have to take my word for it.  I'll check back in with you in a week's time, and let you kno how it goes.

 My old favorite was actually also by Dove.  
I liked Dove's Ultra Rich Velvet Cream Oil Body Wash.  
 Visibly more beautiful within 3 weeks?  Let's take that challenge.
 Patents pending....

Missed the ads on TV.  Go to dovecloseup.com for pictures and a coupon.