Category: eyes

Favorites from the NARS Andy Warhol Collection

I can’t really remember a collection being met with such fanfare as the NARS Andy Warhol collection. The iconic imagery makes for some pretty darn cool gifts, but I wasn’t too sure how wearable the actual products are. Alas, I found some great gems for those who prefer a more subtle, neutral look.

NARS ‘Andy Warhol’ Self Portrait Eyeshadow Palette Self Portrait 2 is straight forward black, ivory and silver. A wash of silver makes for a pretty, festive lid, while black makes a great liner. I have been using the ivory in the corners of my eyes to illuminate. Note: the black pigment on his face is a thin layer. Black will only remain in the background on the left.

NARS ‘Any Warhol’ Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Silver Factory is slightly edgier. When I wear a glitter/sparkly eye, I usually reach for gold. This silver is such a flattering alternative – I think I am hooked. The smooth pencil glides easily on the delicate eye. The creamy formula blends nicely. And I love using this as a festive primer and letting just a bit of metallic peek through.

NARS ‘Andy Warhol’ Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Viva already has a special place in my heart. I cannot believe I haven’t tried the Larger Than Life Lip Gloss. The finish is ultra shiny, but it doesn’t feel thick. It hydrates my poor dry lips. And has great staying power for a gloss. The shorter brush makes for a little extra work, but I like the precision it offers. Note: this actually looks like a rosy nude on – not sure why it looks so bright in both pictures.

NARS Andy Warhol Swatches from Belle Belle Beauty

Shop these and other favorites from the NARS Andy Warhol collection:

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Laura Mercier ‘Art Deco Muse Collection’ Illuminating Eye Color

I had to have these Laura Mercier Eye Colors as soon as I set my eyes on them. Lately, I’ve been doing inky black liner and one-note metallic eyeshadow all over the lid. The look is festive and glam – perfect for the holidays. Available shades are:

Gilded Bronze (left below)
Gilded Moonlight
Gilded Platnium (right below)
Gilded Rose Gold

These shadows have great color pay-off and can be layered for a foil effect. They aren’t creamy at all, but manage to somehow go on smooth and even. Cheers!

The Hourglass Eye

When I saw Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Gypsy on Christina Hendricks at the Emmy’s this year, I had to have it. I do realize that this will, in fact, not make me look like Christina… but a girl can try, right? These two neutral colors are so glam in their nuanced peach and bronze. The swivel compact is so modern, although I am not really sure it improved the actual product. It was a blast to play around with though. The brush is far too short to use regularly, but can work in a pinch on the go. With primer and layering, the color is realtively long-wearing. And the shimmer is balanced – not too over the top.

Film Noir Kohl Eye Pencil is a supremely elegant liner that you won’t be able to resist having on your vanity. The formula is creamy and blendable. Once it sets, it stays put even on the water line. The long, pointed pencil allows for presice application. And I can’t help but feel like a movie star while using it. It comes with a sharpener. I hate to admit it took me about two weeks to figure out this also doubled as a cap. So toss the original cap and use the one with the attached sharpener instead. I love how convenient this is, albiet slightly challenging to discover (at least for me). I apply this like any other kohls – check out my post here for tips.

Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil is the spitting image of Tom Ford’s Brow Sculptor. The brow brush is slightly shorter and wider and the crayon is a bit waxier. But I prefer the way the Hourglass version blends. Both have the same angled wedge of waxy pigment. But as you brush through the applied color, the finish looks like powder. I have a couple greys popping up in my brows, and this covers expertly. And the bald spots are seamlessly filled in. I truly believe a groomed brow makes you look younger, perkier and more awake.

bareMinerals® ‘Simply Irresistible’ Collection

If you have a makeup junkie on your Christmas list (or are just a makeup junkie yourself), this has got to be one of the best holiday sets I have come across. This nine-piece collection has ultra-wearable, but festive eye, lip and cheek products.

Overall, this is a serious value with items anyone would love to wear. The collection includes the following:

Eye colors in Queen Phyllis (light buttercup), Heirloom (shimmering grey) and Posh (sparkling carbon).
Cheek Tint in Charm (candy heart pink).
Secret Radiance All-Over Face Color (golden candlelit sheen).
100% Natural Lipgloss in Pink Marzipan (delectable magenta).
Round the Clock™ Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight (blackout).
Flawless Definition Curl and Lengthen Mascara in Black.
Double-Ended Tapered Blush and Shadow Brush.

The Cheek Tint and All-Over Face Color have shimmer but are fairly neutral. The Cheek Tint is very sheer (don’t fear that bold pink in the picture) while the All-Over Face glow has great impact and is stunning – perfect for a holiday party. The cheek pots have dials on the dispenser, so you can throw them in your purse with no mess.

The eyeshadows, on the other hand, do not have dials so they might be tricky to travel with. There is very little fall out with the eyeshadows except for the intense Posh, but the shimmery black shade makes it worth it. Heirloom is a unique grey shade that I plan on wearing every day. The shade looks great with inky liner and big lashes.

The mascara and eyeliner are in classic jet black. And the waterproof eyeliner is creamy and stays put all day long. The hydrating and shiny lip gloss is a subtle pink shade with a cake batter scent. The brush is good quality, although I have an issue with dual ended brushes – so hard to store!

The One of the best parts was this pamphlet with details on how the products can be worn together.

The CHANEL Eye

I haven’t ever really fallen for CHANEL cosmetics. I understand and respect that some people are devotees, but for some reason, none of their products really jumped into my “must have” category… until NOW. I had a chance to experience one of their national makeup artists and a whole new world opened.

The foundation was a little heavy and the lip was a little clunky… but the eye makeup was some of the best I have ever experienced. I purchased and have been wearing the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Noir Intense, Beauté Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base and Inimitable Intense Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique in Noir (these product names slay me).

The creamy Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner applies smoothly to both the waterline and right on top of the lashes. The waterproof formula dries with a shiny, opaque finish and stays all day long. The Beauté Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base, at first, seemed like a excessive step. But this white, nourishing formula builds and heals the lashes, prepping to plump fluffy lashes ready for a coat of mascara. You can also use this as a treatment at night. Inimitable Intense Mascara has a classic brush shape with stiff brisles that manages to coat every last lash.

If you are looking for a modern yet simple, long wear eye that can go from casual to black tie, these three products get the Belle Belle seal of approval. Wearing them every day makes the luxury splurge worth it. And dare I say they all might be in the holy grail category? Perhaps, yes. Also, worth mentioninng… I use the CHANEL Eye Lash Curler and love it.

Shop the items here:

September’s Favorite Things

1. I can’t quit reaching for my summer bronzer – I am just not quite ready to give up that sun-kissed glow. This bronzer by the Balm has just enough umph and a balance between pink and brown. It also looks great on the lids. (available at Nordstrom)

2. This Victoria’s Secret eye kohl fits perfectly across my lids. I close my eyes around the crayon and drag it outward. This gives a thin, yet intense, jet-black line for a more smoldering eye. I can’t find it online, but it is worth checking out if they have it in the store.

3. BareMinerals Well-Rested Face & Eye Brightener is similar to the YSL Touche Eclat, but has a balanced mineral infusion of radiance. It truly energizes and awakens the eye area. It is sheer so it works on all skin tones. (available at Sephora)

4. As far as BB Creams go, 3LAB is my go-to. I love the coverage, consistency and match to my skin tone. It is on the heavier side but I find if I apply it with the included roller contraption, it goes on super even and natural looking. (available at Nordstrom)

5. I am definitely feeling the spicy, cozy scents for the fall. And this Amber is a clear, clean incarnation that has a hint of musk. (available at Amazon)

6. These hair ties are basically ingrained in my life. They are everywhere: car, bedside tables, purse, bathroom, kitchen. I love they don’t tear or break long strands and they hold up like a champ. I think I have some that around 3 or 4 years old. They even hold my long hair in a top knot (twistbands are available at Birchbox)

7. And for my NYFW “best find”: Clarins Beauty-Flash Balm. This mask/treatment is ideal for a busy day or big event. After not enough sleep, I slapped this on before a big brunch and found my skin looked hydrated, glowy and not the least bit tired. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then apply makeup. Your look will have an extra radiance. (available at Neiman Marcus)