Category: eyes

Folklore Collection From Laura Mercier

The Spring/Summer collection from Laura Mercier just hit counters. And this collection, inspired by cultures of South and Central America, have definitely been warming me up. Did I mention it was in the 40s here this week? Where are you, Spring? The rich, earthy colors are easy to wear and suit a summer glow perfectly. Or manage to fake one until the sun reappears.

First up is the product that seems to me the one that is getting the most buzz. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Baked Blush Bronzer in Ritual

is one of Laura’s classic formulas but with five shades that blend together. Each tile of bronzer is hand-mixed. When I first applied Ritual, I had a WHOA reaction. It was pretty darn dark. But for my light to medium skin and with a lighter hand, it proved a great option for a more dramatic warming. The natural color stays beautifully. And will transition well into the summer months.

I’m a long time fan of Laura’s Crème Eye Liner and the new Espresso shade offers a softer version of black that works so well in the summer. If you are on the hunt for a long-wear eyeliner, give this waterproof formula a whirl. Could it just be perfect for the beach? I think yes.

And I’ve saved the best for last. These creamy lipsticks hitting counters lately have me swooning. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Lip Crayon in Folklore has that hydrating feeling but great long-wear. And the shocking pink translates to a punch of spring color on the lips. Bonus points for the packaging, allowing great precision application.

Shop the post:

KORRES Volcanic Minerals Volumizing Mascara

I remember my first experience with KORRES – I was trolling the aisles of Sephora with my good friend in New York City on a winter day about 10 years ago. We stumbled across a small display with the most decadent body butters (which I was hooked on for years). Since, I’ve fallen hard Korres Lip Butter in this shade. And now you can add a mascara to that growing list.

First, a little about KORRES. The company is rooted in Greece with a commitment to natural skincare, color and body products. Evolved from the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens, KORRES today strives for environmentally friendly formulas.

Their newest mascara is derived from volcanic soil to give the deepest, darkest color. While the product discription talks a lot about volume, I’ve found length is where this formula prevails. The glossy, luminous finish with a natural look is perfect for the spring “not too done” look. It leaves my lashes feeling conditioned, but still wears well throughout the day. The tapered brush head has cross-hatch bristles, making it easy to get even those small lashes in the bottom inner corner.

Polymers derived from Sunflower Seeds adds luminosity and depth to deep obsidian black color. Cotton extract mimicks the strength of cotton fibers, improving the strength of your lashes while you wear the mascara. And Vegetal Waxes, Thyme Extract, Quackgrass, and Marine Algae extracts condition and hydrate.

Available at Sephora.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Anastasia Brow Wiz

I was sold for a long time on this brow product. And I loved it… I really did. But so many of my fellow bloggers were talking about Anastasia Brow Wiz. I just had to pick one up and see what the fuss was about.

Clearly, I was missing out. This thin little pencil wormed its way into my heart. The ultra-slim design allows for sharp brush strokes, mimicking the actual look of a brow hairs. The precise end also allows for a polished and detailed look.

Medium Ash is a magic shade for me. Often, we are tempted to go darker than our actual shade. But Medium Ash is light enough to look natural, but dark enough to fill in sparse areas. (Brow Wiz also comes in Brunette, Ebony, Ash Blond and Caramel.)

I use short strokes to fill in sparse areas and give volume to my thinning outer corners. Then use the attached brow brush to blend for a natural look. Honestly, I can’t imagine not having this little guy on my vanity in the future – it is that good.

The Late Winter Eye in Five Steps

Sometimes, I get in a makeup rut. But sometimes that is only because it works so darn well for my mood, season, trends, etc. I’ve reached for these same five products so many times over the last couple of weeks, I had to share.

note: I know so many artists suggest applying foundation and concealer after eye makeup because of fallout. But for some reason, I just have a hard time evaluating when I don’t have a clean complexion. Plus, for this simple look, you don’t have too much risk for rogue eye makeup. So after foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer and/or powder… here’s what’s next:

1. First, I use this to prep the eye and eliminate any redness in my eyelid.

2. I love eyeliner… a lot. And I use two different eyeliners because they do two very different things. First up, Dior Crayon Waterproof Eyeliner in Trinidad Black. I use this just like a Kohl eyeliner. I push the pigment into the base of my lashes on the under side. My technique is closing my eyes around the pencil and dragging it outwards. This takes practice but ensures even and quick application. Then I make sure to apply on my waterline on my lower lid.

3. I dug this gem out from my archives a couple weeks ago. I had forgotten how lovely it is! Using this brush, I apply Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow Cyber Copper just up to my crease. That’s it! I’m all about simple when it comes to eyeshadow. If I am feeling motivated, I use this shade on my brow bones for a highlight.

4. And now for my second eyeliner. The NARS ‘Stylo’ Liquid Eyeliner in Carpates is a dream to use. The liquid stays put and the well designed pen allows for precision in both thick and thin lines. I place the pen just on the top of my lashes, right at the root, all the way across my lash line. If you are a cat eye fan, add a flick at the end.

5. Last but not least, mascara. I am a big believer in drugstore mascara mostly because I am vigilant in tossing a tube after three months. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara, Water Resistant in Very Black is my current favorite. I get loads of volume and length but induvidual lashes still look feathery and separated.

The final look:

Speaking of Dior, attention Dior fans and Tulsa readers: today marks the launch of Spotlight on Dior, a make-up collection designed to compliment Raf Simons’ first ready to wear line for Christian Dior.

The collection is available exclusively at Saks and features:

Diorshow Art Pen, a high precision, felt-tip eyeliner for creating the perfect catwalk eye
Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in Fishnet Black, shadow stick and blending powder in deep black
Diorshow Flash Corrector Pen, a correcting pen that removes makeup mishaps in a single swipe
Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows in shades of purple, orange, crimson, aqua and shimmering white
Dior 5-Couleurs Eyeshadow in Iridescent Leather
Dior Vernis in shades from from cool aqua to bold purple

Come celebrate the launch at Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa on Saturday, March 16 from 10 to 5 pm. Enjoy wine and sweet treats and get Beauty advice from Regional Dior Artist, Erik Martinez. To book an appointment with Erik or learn more about the Spotlight on Dior Collection, please contact Amanda Viles, Saks Fifth Avenue Marketing Director at 9183.744.0200 ext. 203.

Highlights from Youngblood Cosmetics Spring 2013

I applaud Youngblood for their truly distinctive and fresh Spring collection. From a daring eyeliner to a real God-send for those with oily skin, each addition fills a product need elegantly. I’ve been trying out three products: gel eyeliner, new lipstick and anti-mattifier. Here’s the roundup.

I can’t stop hearing about blue for the spring and I was hesitant at first. Well, I’ve come around to embrace this trend whole-heartedly – whether you go for subtle navy mascara or bold turquiose eyeliner, this look is ultimately wearable. The New Incredible Wear Gel Liner in Lagoon is for a look with more impact. I am a huge fan of gel liners as they are easy to apply and last ages. This one is no different and with safe natural ingredients, limiting irritation. The finish has a golden sheen and the iron oxide makes for a deep, rich pigment.

The new lipstick in Debalicious is a petal/bubblegum pink shade – could you get more Spring? I think not. The formula is packed with natural oils and Candelilla wax to soften and hydrate lips. While the finish is on the matte side, the formula glides on creamy. The shade will really pop on those with deeper skin tones, but is totally wearable on my light-medium complexion as well.

Attention those with shine issues: Anti-shine Mattifier is a unique and effective solution for oil control. The formula absorbs surface oil while Nigella and Pumpkin Seed oils purify and balance the skin. So your skin will be oil free throughout the day. I don’t mind the included sponge for application, but I think it is best applied with fingers to spots prone to oiliness.

All these goodies are now available on www.ybskin.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Chantecaille Limited-Edition Save The Sharks Palette

Time after time, Chantecaille stuns with their palettes benefiting wildlife. They honor their cause while still being beautiful and wearable. This season’s is no different. The Save the Sharks Palette is graphic and fresh that translates into either a neutral or bold look but both very feminine.

I’ve been wearing the palette out and about for a couple weeks. First, I love that the artwork of the palette is not disturbed by use (this isn’t always the case). The dual shades of each pot blend beautifully, and with a smaller brush you can use the individual shades.

Great White – a creamy, iridescent beige inspired by the apex of our oceans’ ecosystems, the Great White shark. I use this on the brow bone and in the corner of my eyes for a highlight.
Gray Reef- a true, shimmering taupe with a touch of grey inspired by the Indian and Pacific Oceans’ Grey Reefs sharks. I swipe this on on my lids, just to the crease. This is perfect for a quick everyday look.
Black Tip – a deep ocean blue in the pan, this shade is closer to navy/black and inspired by the inky fin of Black tip sharks. While I reach for this only occasionally, I like using an eyeliner brush to apply right at the lash line. I think setting a liquid liner with a powder like this improves staying power.
Sea Anemone – a iridescent and sheer pink shade inspired by the underwater gardens of the tropical seas. This makes for a great highlighting blush, but don’t be afraid to use it on your lids too. Pastels on the lids are a thing this spring, ya know.

I love a look good, feel good product. For each purchase of this palette, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to BLOOM Association. BLOOM works towards banning shark fining. Several shark species have been decimated by 95% largely because of Asia’s growing and unregulated shark fin trade. The fins are used in a soup and the practice of harvesting is done in barbaric ways. The decimation of the shark population also hurts our ecosystems.