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.

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. 

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 Eyebrows Are Nuts For Nars Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow

 Nars Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow

Now, my eyebrows can be summed up in one word: pathetic.  They are sparse, thin, flimsy and with no strong, natural defining shape.  I grew up in the 90's and wanted to have Cindy Crawford eyebrows (and mole too).

So with that said, I have always had to fill in my brows, and I'm always on the look out for my favorite eyebrow filler.  For a while I used MAC's eyebrow pencil in Lingering, which is a very taupe.  Then I moved onto MAC's eyeshadow in Espresso.  I also have used products from Anastasia's line.  However, I was always looking for that perfect brown that was dark, but not too dark, without any red in it.

Then came Coconut Grove.  Now $23 is more than I like to pay for a single eyeshadow, but when you consider how little you need to use to fill in both brows, I don't mind shelling out the cash.  Coconut Grove launched with Nars' Fall 2010 collection, but thankfully this dark brown matte taupe is perm!  It always makes a great liner when used wet.



 This shape is uber pigmented!
Simple eye with Coconut Grove on the brows.

NARS Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow is $23 for 0.07oz, 2.2g and is available at Sephora.com and Narscosmetics.com.

L'Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Shadow Duos - Haul and Swatches

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Bright Shadow Duo in Adventurous (114).

HiP Studio Secret Shadow Duos aren't anything new, but I don't think they get tons of love.  Possibly because of the slightly high for drugstore price of about $7.99 per duo.  For me, I just never really felt any motivation to try these.

A negative for me, just as a personal preference, is the packaging.  I find it bulky and chunky.  I never use the applicator stored under the eyeshadow pans, and something about the windows make it difficult to actually get a good sense of the color from the outside.  But luckily, the product doesn't disappoint.  The overall pigmentation and texture is on par with pricier brands.  Some other blogs complained about fall out, but I think it really depends on the shade.  The frostier more metallic colors seem to be slightly less binded vs. the bright or concentrated formulas.  But all in all, I didn't think it was  horrible.  In fact, I am glad I got to try some of these.  Drugstore makeup doesn't mean that you can't have high impact looks with bright shades.  Pigmentation isn't measured by a price tag. 

Some of these duos were picked up recently at CVS' beauty sale at 75% discount.  So if you wanted to try some fun colors but didn't want to spend a lot cash, look out for some of these shades.  Check Nouveau Cheap's site for a complete list of products that are a part of CVS' clearance.  

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Bright Shadow Duo in Adventurous (114).

Not a huge fan of crazy color?  Definitely get this duo.  The soft champagne color is just gorgeous all over the lid.  I am liking the pink shade for spring.

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Charisma (518)

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Charisma (518)

This reminds me a of NARS Mesuline  from the Holiday 2011 collection. The lighter shade in the HiP is more of a soft rose with golden shimmer, where as the NARS is a silvery lilac, but the dark purple shades are very similar.  Dare I say I think the pigmentation in the HiP is better than the NARS duo?!

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Cheeky (508)
HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Cheeky (508).

This one is super pretty with Adventurous.  I would love to make a quad with all these shades!  I will wear this for a smoky eye on Valentine's Day.

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded (806).
 HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded (806).

 I love how ka-pow the gold side is.  It's almost like lamé.  Love it.  The darker shade had some fall-out. 
HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo in Gunmetal.

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo in Gunmetal.

This is one of the ones that had slightly more fall-out than the others.  Not horrible by any means, but after reading some other reviews, I noticed that was an issue for some.  As I had mentioned, I think a lot has to do with the formula.  I think the Metallic formula just isn't bound as well as the other formulas, thus creating fall-out.  If you can get these on sale, I still think it's a pretty good deal.  These colors are so pretty for a emerald smoky eye.

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Bright Shadow Duo in Roaring (234).
HiP Studio Secrets Professional Bright Shadow Duo in Roaring (234).

The flat beige is perfect for creating a crease or adding depth to the eyelid.  With base and primer, the blue side really has a bright impact on the lid.  I like this duo with Sassy.

HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Sassy (208).
 HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Sassy (208).

This is a duo that definitely is less than the sum of its parts.  Each shade alone is gorgeous, but worn together, you get a really muddled look.  This is one duo where it's best to pair with other shades.  I would try either shade with Roaring. 

Have you tried HiP duos before?  Which are your favorites?  Have you been to CVS to see what's on Clearance? 

Happy New Year - 2011 Will Rock - A Look Back at 2010

Peace, Love, Beauty in 2011!

Happy New Year everyone!  Hope everyone's NYE was safe, happy and  most of all FUN!  We have a lot of high hopes for 2011. 

Not to dwell on the past, but we had to mention some of our favorite things from last year.  We are looking forward to all the exciting things in the world of beauty that 2011 has to offer.  We wish everyone the best this year.  Thank you so much for helping Beautyburg get off the ground in 2010, and we know that this is just the beginning of a really exciting future.  Beautyburg's New Year's Resolution is to try to be the best blog it can be!

So... Let's just revisit some of our favorite things from 2010.

These are in no particular order, and some products shown were not launched in 2010 but new to us that year.  For more detail click on the appropriate links to the reviews.








MAC Venomous Villains



E.L.F. HD Powder


OPI Shrek Collection - Fiercely Fiona on the right



Burberry - the makeup line


What were your favorite beauty items of 2010?  What are you looking forward to in 2011?  Do you have any beauty resolutions for 2011?

Our Nars Vintage Nail Polish 200 Follower Giveaway Winner Is......



Thank you everyone who entered!  There were 485 entries!  A new record for Beautyburg!  Thank you so much for helping us grow this blog a little bit everyday! 



Congratulations to VeryBecca!  You may know her from Makeupalley.com where she frequents the Makeup board.  She's the lucky winner of our Nars giveaway.

Also, don't feel bad if you missed out on this giveaway.  I will be posting an end of the year giveaway that is really going to send off the year with a bang!  So keep checking back!!! 

Nars Vintage Nail Polish Swatches - Giveaway Reminder!!! Zulu, Full Metal Jacket and Midnight Express

Click here to enter my Nars Vintage Nail Polish Giveaway!
Ends tonight, December 10, 2010 - 11:59pm PST!

Win Zulu, Full Metal Jacket and Midnight Express!

Here are swatches of the polishes in case you weren't sure if you wanted to enter.  But seriously, why wouldn't you!  Takes 1 sec!  Just need your email.. you can fill in the rest of the form for extra points.. but all you need to enter is an email address!


Zulu - dark jungle green jelly.

 
Full Metal Jacket - If Blue Steel were a nail polish... this would be it.
Silvery, blue toned, dark grey metallic.

 
Midnight Express - Prussian blue jelly.
I can definitely see why everyone went gaga for these polishes when they were re-released.  The colors are gorgeous, unique and have that understated, edgy glamor that is so Nars.  I used three coats on the swatches above.  The formulation on the jelly was slightly thick (but I kinda liked that) and on the metallic was thinner, which worked well for smooth brushstrokes.
Are you still reading this post?!  Go and enter the giveaway!


200 Follower Nars Vintage Nail Polish Giveaway! Zulu, Full Metal Jacket and Midnight Express!

Win Nars Zulu, Full Metal Jacket and Midnight Express!

Thank you everyone for helping us reach this amazing milestone so quickly!

Doing this is really a dream come true for me.  Blogging and sharing this with you brings me so much happiness and pleasure.  I hope that reading this blog will bring even a fraction of that joy to you.

To thank you, current followers and soon to be followers, here is a giveaway for you!  Three amazing Nars Vintage Nail Polishes in Zulu (yes, ZULU!), Full Metal Jacket and Midnight Express can be yours (value $48).

Fill out the form below! Giveaway ends December 10th, 2010 11:59pm PST.  Once the winner is selected, they will have 72 hours to claim their prize!

NARS Holiday 2010 - Bad Influence and Pokerface - Swatches

Bad Influence and Pokerface

Meet the two limited edition polishes from Nars 2010 Holiday collection. Bad Influence is a mushroom taupe creme.  Pokerface is a soft Easter purple lilac with mini-micro silver shimmer.  Both had excellent pigmentation and application. I was really impressed by both of these after my let down with MAC's Style Clan.  These aren't really typical holiday colors, but they are complimentary to the Holiday collection eyeshadows that I swatched here.

Bad Influence and Pokerface retail for $16 each.
Sephora, Narscosmetics.com


Bad Influence
I liked this so much more than MAC's Style Clan. 
See the review for Style Clan here.


Am I bluffin'?  Pokerface.
I love how the shimmer gives this color more depth than just a basic creme.

Can you read my Pokerface?

What do you think of these colors?  Do you like them even though they aren't typical holiday?  

NARSskin - Brightening Serum - Review


Before nails, before perfume but after makeup, I was really obsessed with skincare.  Being about all things beauty doesn't seem that odd to me, but I know for some people they like to stay in their own corners of the universe.  If you are afraid to branch out into skincare because it can be overwhelming, it may help to go with a brand you are already familiar with.

At my recent Nars makeover (click here if you missed the post), Tina walked me through the skincare line.  I had never paid much attention to their skincare, aside from a sample of mud mask which had impressed me.  Shiseido, Nars' parent company, takes the science of skincare very seriously, and Nars' skincare line, NARSskin, is definitely worthy of your attention.

One item that particularly drew me in was the Brightening Serum.  Imagine MAC Strobe Cream but with a luxurious sink-in texture and good for you ingredients. NARSskin claims that helps improve skin's texture and protects against free radicals.  I haven't used the product long enough to see if these claims are true, but I do definitely see a radiance and brightening effect, from the pink pearl iridescence in the product, upon application.

I love "glow" products like MAC Strobe Cream and By Terry Skin Enhancers.  But NARSskin Brightening Serum actually feels to me like good skincare too.  This serum just melts into the skin, and you have to figure that the fennel and Active Phytoseed Complex couldn't be hurting you either right?  So the Brightening Serum is not only a quick fix to help illuminate the face upon application, but hopefully these other ingredients will make a difference down the line in how your skin looks.  Until then, I'll be putting on this serum in the mornings!

The Brightening Serum retails for $61 and is available on Narscosmetics.com, Saks, Neiman Marcus and other prestige retailers.  Check Nars' website for more locations.

1 pump.
Love the pump applicator.

Same dollop - smeared thickly.
See the pink pearl iridescence?


Rubbed into skin.
I didn't get a sense of overwhelming shimmer on the skin.  Just a nice glow and brightening.


To Review:
Pros: Good for you ingredients.  Better texture than other "glow" and "radiance" products (e.i. MAC Strobe Cream and by Terry Skin Enhancers).  Iridescence is subtle after makeup application (no disco face here).  Hygienic pump applicator.
Cons: Slightly pricey at $61 but you do get 2.5oz.  Opaque bottle may make it hard to determine how much is left in the bottle.
Overall Rating: A-

Have you tried NARSskin products before?  If so, which have you liked?  Are you also a fan of "glow" products?

NARS Makeover, Haul and Swatches - Holiday 2010

My haul from my Nars makeover.  
Scroll down to see swatches.

This past weekend, I had a NARS makeover at Nordstrom at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, CA.  They were having a beauty event, and Kimberly, the counter manager, set me up with Karolin, regional artist(?) makeup artist with Nars, for my makeover. 

Karolin did an amazing job creating a fun, party look with some of new Holiday 2010 colors.  Tina, also an artist with Nars, was introduced me to the Nars skincare line.  As a product junkie, I'm always skeptical about skincare products, but I was really impressed with the line.  I purchased the Brightening Serum, which I will review at a later post.



Karolin of Nars, Me and Marlowe.
Marlowe is wearing Casino bronzer (hehe not really).

A close up my makeover.
I love Karolin's liner in this photo.

Here is a breakdown of my makeover:
Foundation: Punjab Sheer Glow
Concealer: Vanilla/Honey
Powder Foundation: Fiji applied with Boton Brush
Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Lid base color: Silvery lilac side of Mélusine with Étrusque on top.
Lid (darker color) and close to lash line: Purple side of Mélusine eyeshadow duo
Mascara: Volumizing and Lengthening
Brows: Bali eyeshadow
Bronzer: Casino and Laguna mixed
The Multiple: Luxor (highlighter used in a C-shape around the eye to the top of the cheek bone)
Cheek: Oasis (used as the contour) and Sex Appeal (on the apple)
Lip: Terre de Feu Pure Matte lipstick
Lip: Moon Fleet lipgloss on top

Nars is available at Nordstrom, Nars' website and Sephora.


A close-up of the eye look.

 Étrusque
Eyeshadow single.  Gilded antique warm gold shimmer.  $23.

 Étrusque


 Mélusine
Eyeshadow duo: silver soft lilac shimmer with purple irridesence and matte mid-toned violet purple.  $32.

Mélusine


Sex Appeal
A soft pale peach pink.  $26.



  Sex Appeal swatched.
For reference, I'm MAC NC35.  Sex Appeal was very light on me.  You could build it up, but this color may be best for those with paler skintones. 


What do you think of this look?  Silver, purple and gold all on the same eye?  I didn't think it would work, but it does!  Check back for a review of Nars' Brightening Serum.