Covergirl Lip Perfection Runway Shades
February 9th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Beauté Splurge: Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color
October 21st, 2010 § Leave a Comment
I’ve seen, read and heard so much about Tom Ford’s Private Blend lip colors. They were an Allure Best Winner and Bruised Plum was named “Best Dark Lipstick” in the magazine’s “Best of Beauty” (October 2010 issue). What is Private Blend? Well, it’s Ford’s take on twelve classic lip colors, from bare nude to fire red to deep brown, re-imagined in a modern way.
According to the company, the lip colors are formulated with rare and exotic ingredients including soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil. Sounds pretty luxurious. And the formula has an ultra-creamy texture for an incredibly smooth application.
With the expansive palette ranging from nude to pink to coral to red to purple, which is a girl to choose? I’m definitely feeling Black Orchid and Bruised Plum and for a perfect bare nude lip paired with a smokey eye, Vanilla Suede is calling my name. At $45 each, this would definitely be a splurge, but as Ford himself says, “There is no more dramatic accessory than a perfect lip. It is the focus of the face and it has the power to define a woman’s whole look.” The lip colors are available from Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman and on their websites.
Make Your Lipstick Last
August 4th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
Lipstick woes. I’m sure we’ve all had them. Before you left the house, your lips were painted pretty. But by the time you got to work or finished your morning latte, it was long gone or fading fast. I get asked a lot, “Why does my lipstick wear off so quickly?” “Is there something I can do to make it stay put?” You bet there is. Here are some tips to ensure your lipstick makes a lasting impression.
PREP YOUR LIPS I can’t stress this enough because it really makes a difference in how your lipstick wears. Lipstick holds up best on a smooth surface. When I need to gently buff lips, I use a damp washcloth and Lip Polish to exfoliate. Then I pat on clear lip balm (Episilk is my favorite), let it sink in for a few minutes, then blot with a tissue.
PENCIL IT IN One of my favorite makeup artists, Sam Fine, says he always uses a lip pencil. I couldn’t agree more. Lip pencil adds a layer of pigment and helps color last. The key is to choose one that matches your lipstick. If your lipstick is very dark, then go one shade lighter. Lightly trace the pencil along the inside edge of your lips, then fill in your mouth and blot.
SEMI-MATTE & SATIN FINISH The good thing about many matte lipsticks: They are long-wearing. The bad thing: They can dry out your lips. A happy medium I’ve found are semi-matte and satin-finish lipsticks which are highly pigmented and non-drying. Satin lipsticks yield a creamy, silky finish; Semi-mattes a velvety finish. My faves: ARTISTRY and NARS.
GO BOLD Don’t be afraid of strong color. Go for a bright or dark shade because they have more pigment and they tend to last longer than soft ones.
SWIPE IT ON I like lip brushes for precision application but skip the brush and apply it straight from the tube for richer color payoff. Blot the first coat with a tissue, then add another layer.
FINISH WITH POWDER Don’t worry. The powder won’t dry out your lips if you don’t use too much. Close your mouth, smile and then dust a little face powder on your lips with a fluffy brush. And definitely don’t reapply your lipstick because it could get cakey.
Smooches!
Covergirl Outlast Lipstain
July 29th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
credit: Covergirl.com
I love the concept of Covergirl’s Outlast Lipstain: A pen-like applicator that makes it easy to define your lips and draw on color without any hassle. Think: A marker for your lips. It’s a cool idea but the formula needs some tweaking.
Covergirl says “the water-based colorants of Outlast Lipstain give lips a beautiful, lightweight flush of color that won’t come off, lasting for hours without the heavy look or feel of an ordinary lipstick.”
True, you do get a lightweight flush of color. Lasting for hours? Well…it does last for hours as long as you don’t eat, drink, lick your lips, kiss anyone…You get the picture. My technique was to blot my lips with a tissue after applying the stain. I repeated this until little color came off on the tissue. The color payoff was great on two of the three colors I tried, but the stain started to wear off as soon as I drank something. So any moisture (even licking your lips) seems to break it down. I did like the conditioners that soften and smooth your lips, and you can feel the effect of this when applying it. Unfortunately, it’s not lasting and I did experience some dryness to my lips. The stain does fade pretty evenly from your lips though. Covergirl Outlast Lipstain is available in 10 shades. I tried three: Scarlet Pucker, Saucy Plum (love the vibrancy of both colors) and Flirty Nude (barely showed up on me). Again, a great concept; okay results.
Kiss and Makeup for Valentine’s
January 22nd, 2010 § 2 Comments
Cupid’s arrow is in the air as the holiday of love nears. If you plan to lock lips with a special someone, here are some lip products to put you in the mood for love. Or maybe not. Either way, your pout will be pretty and poppin’.
THE ROMANTIC Your lips won’t go unnoticed with Estee Lauder’s Love Your Lips. The limited-edition collection features 12 Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick shades ($19.50) and 4 NEW Kissable Lip Glosses ($18.00). Each lipstick features a special “L♥VE” logo on the bullet and the glosses are packaged in uniquely designed vials with the same logo. This collection is too cute and the colors range from Pink to Berry, Mauve to Plum or Coral to Red.
LOVE AFFAIR MAC has put together some great colors in this Valentine’s promotion. Or as they describe it:
“…heart-racing lip colours plucked from Cupid’s palette. Be devilish, sweet or divine!”
Whatever your mood, these colors won’t disappoint. Lipstick colors are Violetta, Snob, Lovelorn (my fave), Lady Danger and Lickable; Dazzleglass Creme colors are Totally Fab, My Favorite Pink (my fave for real) and Creme Allure; and Lip liner colors Beet, Red and Dervish.
PASSIONATE FLING These Lorac mini lip glosses from their Croc Mocktail collection are perfect for those who prefer small clutches or purses. If you plan to be out on the town for Valentine’s, just pop your color of choice in the bag for quick touch-ups. I bought this special edition set recently and I’m loving every color. They’re yummy-smelling and the colors will look good on any skin tone. Wear them alone or over your favorite lipstick for added shine. And for only $7.50, that’s a Valentine’s steal.
Kiss Kiss!
Warm Up with Spring 2010 Makeup Trends: Lips
January 8th, 2010 § 3 Comments
Baby, it’s cold outside! But don’t dismay. This freezin’ winter weather can’t stop my warm, fuzzy thoughts about what’s in store for spring makeup. And one trend I’m cozying up to is megawatt lips.
“Brighter shades for brighter times was the makeup message” on the spring runways, according to Vogue. And the focus was on lips rather than eyes. Electric orange, tangerine, lavender, bright reds and fuchsia are going to pack a powerful explosion of color on lips for spring. “There’s more of a wow factor with a really fresh watermelon or coral lip,” according to makeup artist Lucia Pieroni who worked such shades at Missoni.
One thing I’ve noticed in reading about this trend is the use of fruit and vegetable-inspired colors: Tomato, cantaloupe, grape, raspberry, peach. Spring colors will definitely be delicious and wearable. Here are some lipsticks and glosses to consider for some serious pop art.
PRETTY PURPLE Nars Easy Lover Lip Gloss; Chanel Rouge Allure lip color in Provocative; and Neutrogena Moisturizing Lipstick in Cherrytwist.
THINK PINK MAC Pro Lipstick Show Orchid; MAC Lipstick Saint Germain; Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Watermelon; and Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Pop Pink.
ELECTRIC ORANGE Covergirl Shineblast Lip Gloss in Ignite; Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Coral Crush; and Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Day Lily.
Warmer days are on the way so get ready to “push the boundaries of bold” with these super saturated colors.
Product suggestions: Vogue January 2010 issue
Coming up: More Spring 2010 makeup trends for the face, eyes and nails.
Think Pink: Raising Awareness for Breast Cancer
October 5th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
“Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer worldwide and is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The good news is that mortality rates are declining. This is believed to be the result of early detection.”
My mother is a breast cancer survivor and early detection was key in her beating the disease. I count my blessings every day because she is still here. In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blended Beauté is going “Pink” to show our support for this worthy cause. Many of my favorite cosmetics companies are also showing their support by offering limited edition items.
The Pink Ribbon Collection ($40) from Bobbi Brown is a limited-edition lip set featuring an exclusive new shade, Blush Pink Creamy Lip Color and a limited-edition Pink Crystal Glitter Lip Balm, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Your purchase of this collection contributes to Bobbi Brown’s donation of $35,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). It ships for free all month as their thank you for your support.
Prescriptives mixed three best-selling shadows, two flattering blushes, and an exclusive eye color to get the Pink Ribbon Palette ($48.50). Purchases support the brand’s $20,000 donation to BCRF.
Clinique has created a limited-edition Great Lips, Great Cause Lipgloss Key Chain ($18.50) featuring a pink ribbon charm, Clinique “C” charm and three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit and Whisper. $10 of each purchase of Great Lips, Great Cause will be donated to BCRF during October. The key chain is available exclusively at Sephora.com.
Blended Beauté is also supporting BCRF through the sale of the Artemis Woman Microdermabrasion system ($50). A portion of the profits already supports alternative treatments and screenings for women’s cancers. But in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Blended Beauté is going to donate $10 from the sale of each unit to BCRF. Read more about the system here. Simply complete the form below to place your order.
For more information on other companies going “Pink,” visit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“Go Pink. Get Screened.”
Makeup Shelf Life
October 4th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
I received another great question from a reader that I think we ALL can benefit from.
Q: I’ve collected makeup from so long ago and barely use because I never really wear makeup. Should it be thrown out?
There’s definitely a shelf life for cosmetics, and knowing when to toss something depends on the kind and type of cosmetic product.
A good general rule of thumb: If it smells or has a distinct odor, throw it away! Why keep something that stinks AND put it on your face? Yuck! And if you can’t remember when you purchased it, trash it! It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health and skin. Consider the following guideline when cleaning out your makeup bag.
- Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
- Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
- Concealer: 12-18 months
- Powder: 2 years
- Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
- Cream Blush: 12-18 months
- Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
- Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
- Eyeliner: 2 years
- Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
- Mascara: 3 months (Tip: I write an expiration date on it so I never have to wonder how old it is.)
- Lipstick: 2 years
- Lip liner: 2 years
- Lip gloss: 18-24 months
For more timely tips on when to toss old makeup, check out this iVillage article, “Are your cosmetics past their use-by date?
Have a makeup or beauty question that you’d like to have answered? Email blendedbeaute@gmail.com or complete the form below with your question. If it’s featured in a future blog, you will receive a gift from Blended Beauté.
Transitioning Your Makeup from Summer to Fall
September 30th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Fall is officially here and the season for barely-there makeup is over! Put your best face forward with a few tips to transition your look.
FOUNDATION If you love your tinted moisturizer like I do, then you’ll be glad to know that Fall 2009 makeup trends are calling on us to continue using it, but adding a soft layer of translucent powder. Sheer foundation makeup looks more natural, evening out the skin tone only where needed. You may also consider switching to a high-definition makeup for a lightweight, oil-free base that perfects the skin while still looking natural.
EYES Your eye makeup is another way to change from a summer makeup look to a fall/winter look. Draw inspiration from the earth and forests. Neutral tones in the brown family are always safe, but this season’s palettes are rocking more intriguing color combos. Go bold with moss greens, luxurious golds, blues and grays, and purples. Think colorful, yet smokey eyes. “Refined, lined and exquisitely intense,” according to MAC.
EYEBROWS Natural-looking eyebrows have been a mainstay over the last few seasons, and they continue to be a strong trend for Fall 2009. One of my favorite tools for creating a natural brow is the ARTISTRY brow define pencil. It has a very fine point and when combined with short, quick strokes makes brows look super natural. No need to sharpen, this unique twist-up pencil keeps a perfect point after every use. Follow up with grooming gel to keep unruly or long eyebrows in place.
CHEEKS and LIPS Bye bye bronzer, sheer cheek tints and barely-there lips. Fall makeup calls for contoured, almost chiseled cheekbones and dramatic, full lips. Consider using two colors of blush when contouring the cheeks. One that is one or two shades darker than the skin tone to brush just under the cheekbone, and a soft, rosy hue to add a touch of color to the apple of the cheek. Not sure how to create a strong lip for fall? Here’s a great how-to video that will get you ready to pucker up. Popular lip colors for the season include plum, berry, and wine shades, as well as muted reds.
Need more inspiration for the season? Then, take a cue from MAC so your fall face is fashion forward:
“If there’s one thing that Autumn/Winter09 makeup is about it’s a point of view. And a point of power. We’re past a point of girlish innocence and barely-there makeup, especially in a season where beauty is working alongside fashion that holds no bars in terms of brazen styling and attitude. Artists are talking about ‘emotive makeup’, and the spirit they are channeling is that of a woman who’s upbeat, in charge and in control. The main energy? Eighties. Hence, Artists found their way [during this year's international Autumn/Winter collection] to ultra-amplified lips and exuberant hues on the eyes and an underground clubby elegance to black eye makeup but also the more nuanced side of the era, picking up on the contoured, carved face that dominated the decade or the satinized perfection and couture feel that moved makeup into the early Nineties. Speaking of technique, what’s back is one of absolute precision and accuracy. “Whatever the final look this season, it was always pretty obvious that the girl was wearing a structured, deliberate makeup” says Gordon Espinet. So, five minute makeup is over, for now. Time to roll out those brushes and get perfecting….”
August ARTISTRY Specials Ending Soon!
August 29th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
One of my favorite makeup and skin care lines is ARTISTRY® because it’s formulated to make your skin look and feel its best. From TIME DEFIANCE® skin care that fights the visible signs of aging to Essentials makeup in universally flattering shades, it’s a great brand with great products. ARTISTRY has been running the Love It campaign since May 1st with awesome promotions on its skin care and makeup. The Love It concept is simple: Try any product and if you don’t love it, they’ll refund your money. Period. The campaign ends August 31st, so there’s still time to take advantage of some recession-proof deals.
MINIMUM INVESTMENT, MAXIMUM CARE Great skin starts with exfoliation and ends with protection. This is what ARTISTRY essentials Skin Care Systems (Hydrating/Balancing) deliver — with a cleanser to exfoliate, a toner to energize skin, and a lotion to protect against the signs of premature aging. Three steps, three products, instant results. I use the Balancing System and my skin is better because of it. And now, when you order a full-size essentials Skin Care System, above, ($47) you can get a limited-edition ARTISTRY water bottle, below, for $3.99. The water bottle is an exclusive, limited-edition item featuring original ARTISTRY artwork. As fashionable as it is functional, this earth-sensitive aluminum bottle is completely reusable and recyclable. Holds 24 fl. oz. and features a plastic twist-off cap with a handy finger hook to carry anywhere. It is sooo cute! Visit our online store here to take advantage of this offer.
MAKEUP MADE EASY Created for the woman on the go, the Essentials Makeup Kit ($59), below, has everything you need to create an up-to-date look for the fading days of summer or the approaching fall season in one chic bag. I adore this kit because the shades are flattering on all skin tones. It’s a foolproof palette that will have you looking your very best. It’s a great emergency bridal kit; take it on the honeymoon too. In a hurry to do your makeup? Swirl, sweep, pucker and go with this customized cutie. It includes a mineral foundation, concealer, colour quad (eye shadows and blush), lip shine, mascara, and face and eyeliner brushes. If this isn’t makeup made easy, then I don’t know what is. Order any Essentials kit (in Light, Medium or Dark) and get an essentials Skin Care System Travel Set for just $5. Visit our online store here to make face in minutes.
WATCH THE YEARS DISAPPEAR Reverse the visible signs of aging with the Time Defiance Skin Care System ($166.95), below. Time Defiance offers two skin care systems (combination-to-oily and normal-to-dry) with patent-pending age-reversal technology for younger-acting, younger-looking skin. The system delivers astonishing results including improvement in visible fine lines and wrinkles, and skin firmness, smoothness and luminosity. And now, when you order either system, get a Vitamin C+Wild Yam Treatment for $19 — that’s half off the regular price. Beautiful skin can be yours. What are you waiting for?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- We All Scream for Eye Cream, click here.
- A Stroke of Genius, click here.
- Punch up Your Pucker, click here.
colour quad – For eyes and cheeks that naturally stand out, add a neutral touch of colour. Mineral-based and enriched with vitamins A and E, this colour quad delivers radiance that lasts all day.
lip shine – Glossed lips complement any look! Offers more than just lovely lips!
mascara – The all-in-one mascara you’ve been waiting for. It glides on effortlessly for dark, defined, fuller-looking lashes every time.
face and eyeliner brushes – The right tools for ideal makeup application. Use both to create your essential look with ease.
