Guerlain ‘Noir G’ Mascara
February 24th, 2012 § 2 Comments
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
I love the concept of Guerlain’s “Noir G” mascara. It’s the first refillable mascara with an integrated mirror. A mascara and mirror seems simple enough, right? I’m more intrigued by the design of this small, sleek contraption that I read consists of 17 parts.
From Premium Beauty News:
“This was a real technical challenge,” admits Thomas Diezinger, CEO of Jackel France, “because the design constraints were not that simple to overcome.” Seventeen parts to put together, the desire to achieve a sophisticated and stylish product with high quality parts, a tight closure, a comfortable gesture with the famous “click” at the close, a very sophisticated mechanism enabling a smooth opening of the part supporting the mirror.”
And just how does it work?
Pull on the case and with a click, the hidden mirror is revealed. A simple twist and the brush appears. Easy to use, you just need to trust your intuition. By simply pulling on the hood the refill appears. You then need to trigger a click on the top of the hood to release it.
What do you think? Too many steps to just apply some mascara? Noir G is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. It retails for $49, refills for $26. No doubt this is some serious luxury mascara.
Beauté Fave: Navy Mascara
October 12th, 2010 § 3 Comments
ARTISTRY Reflective Beauty Mascara in Ultimate Blue (left); and NYX Navy Mascara.
Have a little fun this fall and step outside the basic black box. I am loving navy mascara because it’s a great way to intensify your eye color with a little drama. It’s also the perfect finishing touch for any fall eye look and has a great eye-brightening effect. I’ve worn it alone or on top of my favorite black mascara for an added pop of color. I’ve tried several brands recently and really like the richly pigmented formulas which can go from subtle to ultimate glam. They also have special ingredients for nourishing and conditioning. That’s always a plus to keep lashes healthy looking and strong. Check them out while they’re still hot and get ready to bat your lashes.
Estee Lauder Moisture-Binding Mascara in Rich Navy (left); Bobbi Brown Ultimate Party Mascara in Denim.
- NYX Navy Mascara ($5; available at many beauty supply and drug stores)
Show and Tell: LashBlast Fusion Mascara
July 23rd, 2010 § Leave a Comment
credit: covergirl.com
I can count my favorite mascaras on one hand: ARTISTRY Total Mascara and L’Oreal Voluminous. I love them both for the same reasons: They add volume, lengthen, separate and lift. I never get my hopes up when trying a new mascara because many are just hype. I wasn’t wowed by Covergirl’s LashBlast Fusion, but it didn’t totally disappoint either. First, what’s with the big, chunky packaging for these newer mascaras? LashBlast is in a fat tube and it’s not the first I’ve noticed like this. I know it’s a marketing tactic: Thicker, bigger tube = thicker, bigger lashes, right? I’m nitpicking, but I don’t like fat tubes of mascara. They just don’t look right. LOL! And the brush in LashBlast is a little off-putting and too oversized. I just knew I’d get mascara everywhere except on my lashes. The saving grace for the brush is its fine bristles. They really define every lash. I strongly suggest dabbing excess mascara off before applying. Because it’s such a big brush, it holds way more product than you’ll need. What this mascara did do was make my lashes longer; it didn’t clump (when applying multiple coats), flake or smudge. Great waterproof formula. I would have loved more volume and fullness. For now, I’ll stick with my two that are tried and true. Next review: Covergirl Outlast Lipstains
Trend Beauté: Instant Mascara with Eyelash Extensions
March 15th, 2010 § 2 Comments
I’m sure you’ve seen and heard about eyelash extensions. Semi-permanent lashes that can add length, volume and drama just like a good mascara. After an intensive training and certification course through Shavasana, I now see why people rave about them and I just had to add them to my makeup artistry services.
The lowdown: Your bottom lashes are held down with an anti-aging gel pad and/or surgical tape. Then pre-curled synthetic lashes are attached along your upper lash line and throughout your lashes, using 60-90 lashes per eye, in various lengths to create a sweep effect.
The results: Length. Volume. Drama. Eyelash extensions last 4-6 weeks (without touch-ups) before they start falling out with your natural lashes. With regular touch-ups (every 2-4 weeks) they can last up to 8-12 weeks.
You can flirt and flutter in pure mink extensions, silk eyelashes or synthetic. There are many different styles you can create also. Some popular styles include applying lashes to the outside corner of your eyes for a feminine and fun look or the 50′s-style pinup (extra thick lashes all the same length).
Forget about the mascara, eyeliner and lash curlers because eyelash extensions eliminate the need for them. So if you haven’t mastered applying fake eyelashes on yourself, then these are a great alternative.
Extensions can cost from $150-$500 depending on the style desired and type of lash used. But the end result will have you batting your lashes with confidence.
Live in the Washington, DC area? Take advantage of my Spring Specials for eyelash extensions. Email blendedbeaute@gmail.com or fill out the form below.
Estee Lauder TurboLash Mascara with Gold Effects
November 1st, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Holiday collections from all the major cosmetic companies are out in full force. One product that immediately caught my eye from Estee Lauder’s Ultimate Red collection is the motion mascara with sparkling Gold Effects ($32). It’s the ever-popular vibrating mascara where the “brush does it all” and your lashes “shimmer dramatically with flecks of gold,” so says Estee. If you’ve tried one vibrating mascara, you’ve tried them all in my opinion, but the shimmering gold flecks is what I was curious about. Va va va voom? Not even close. The mascara did nothing for my lashes. No volume, thickness or length. I wasn’t surprised, honestly. Out of all the vibrating mascaras I’ve tried, not one delivers even two out of the three. And the sparkle, shimmer, twinkle on my eyes? Subtle and unnoticeable. I really wanted to like this mascara but as the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold.
Blended Beauté rating: 
Wink (at least the packaging is cute!)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Punch up Your Pucker with Color
July 9th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Summer’s in full effect so pale puckers get ready for some bold color. Feel fun, free and flirtatious with fuchsia. Who says summer is just for bronzed or barely-there makeup? Your time to shine is now with bright, cool, candy coated shades. Need some inspiration? Think Rihanna. This daring diva knows how to work a bold lip — especially fuchsia — and I’m feeling this pretty-in-pink mentality. A bold lip works best when worn effortlessly on a pared-down face (think creamy tinted moisturizer, mascara, well-groomed brows). You’ll stand out in the crowd, on the runway and simmer on the street. Creative director Pat McGrath for CoverGirl and Max Factor said it best in a recent issue of Essence, “The key to working electric color is to keep the look chic and simple.” And yes, you can still do smoky eyes. But go for smoky neutral eyes, bronzed skin and then that eye-popping pink lip. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to go bold!
Rihanna looks electric with a bold fuchsia lip. Reach for MAC's Full Fuchsia, below, to punch up your pucker. I did! (bottom)
Congrats to Georgianna T, the winner of our Artistry Total Mascara giveaway!
A Stroke of Genius
June 27th, 2009 § 2 Comments
Create the lashes you crave with the wiggle of a wand. The new Total Mascara from Artistry is the only mascara you’ll ever need. This multitasking master of beauty transforms lashes with each application. Its rich, creamy formula does all the work but puts you in total control – volumizing, lengthening, separating, and lifting for completely customized lash perfection.
Specially designed with an innovative brush to ensure even application, it’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and has a built-in boost of nourishing vitamin E to wrap each lash with gorgeous, glossy, conditioning color from root to tip.
• One stroke enhances for naturally beautiful everyday wear.
• Two strokes intensify for lush, defined lashes.
• Three strokes deliver lash-lifting power for drama to the max.
Artistry Total Mascara ($15.40) holds its weight against higher end
formulas such as Lancôme L’Extreme Waterproof ($24.00). From natural to all-out flirty fringe, I guarantee you will get the lashes you’ve always wanted or your money back! So, what are you waiting for? Total Mascara is available in black and can be ordered from my online beauty store.
A Blended Beauté can never have enough mascara. Enter today for your chance to win Artistry Total Mascara. Simply post a comment saying “Enter Me” or send an email to blendedbeaute@gmail.com. Winner will be notified via email. Drawing closes July 8th. Good luck!
- One stroke enhances for naturally beautiful everyday wear.
- Two strokes intensify for lush, defined lashes.
- Three strokes deliver lash-lifting power for drama to the max.
Make Me Over
October 26th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
We did it! It’s been a lot of work, but I’m proud to announce that Shades of Shauné has launched a new web 
site and logo. It was time for a makeover, and we want to thank everyone who made this possible: My husband for his insight and feedback; BigFolio and GoDaddy for making this a smooth process; Logo Design Company for the new logo and excellent customer service; the many photographers and models we’ve worked with; and to our clients for your constant support. We hope you enjoy the new look!
This issue of Shades of You continues in the spirit of making over, or as I also like to say, making better. First, we tackle tips for applying false lashes. With the holiday party season approaching, we want to ensure that you will be ready to bat your lashes with confidence. We will also hip you to the hottest makeup looks for the festivities. And lastly, as the food flows and drinks dwindle this party season, learn how to give your lip color lasting power.
Smooches! « Read the rest of this entry »
Blushing Bride
March 18th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Spring is in the air and so is the 2008 wedding season. As the big day approaches for many brides, now is the perfect time to consider skin care and makeup tips for a flawless face and timeless beauty.
Love the Skin You’re In
Start a skin care regimen and stick to it. Don’t wait until a week before you walk down the aisle to show your skin a little TLC. A basic skin care regimen consists of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin daily. An exfoliant or mask should be used at least one or twice a week to buff away dead skin cells. « Read the rest of this entry »
