Category: eyes

NARS Eyeshadows and Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

NARS has a decadent selection of eyeshadows that I have come to love. But there are so many shades! Both singles and duos that are all so tempting. So I’ve narrowed down the collection to my current favorites – all of which are newer colors except one.

First, a bit about the formula if you haven’t tried NARS eyeshadows. I love the duos for their easy, fashion-forward and always complimentary pairings. They are well-pigmented but not hard to handle. And are great for blending. In fact, InStyle awarded the formula “Best Overall Eyeshadow” 2011 InStyle “Best Beauty Buys”. For the duos, I simply put the lighter color to my brows and the darker on the outer part of my lid.

  • Kalahari – bronze pearl/ milk chocolate. This is an easy basic with great shimmer.
  • Paramaribo (new) – metallic brass / metallic bronze. My current obsession. Not near as yellow or green as it appears in the pan.
  • Mandchourie (new) – bluish grey / denim. I love a wash of the lighter color on my lid and the darker blue as an alternative to black eyeliner. Great for a blue, smokey eye.
  • Lhasa – (new) A lavender, grey that is perfect all over the lid. A great neutral.

And I can’t mention NARS eyeshadow without mentioning their Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, literally the best shadow primer out there. There is zero creasing and the shadows apply like a dream. Special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract keeps the lid smooth. Plus, the color stays vibrant all day long using a polymer and mineral-powder blend to grip the pigment.

(images of product and swatches from http://www.narscosmetics.com)

Chantecaille The Coral Reefs Palette

I’ve always thought the Chantecaille palettes were beautiful. But couldn’t justify the high price tag ($79). I can’t wait to tell you why I think this one is different. First, these shades are utterly wearable. But we will get to the beautiful colors in a bit. Second, the palette is refillable (I never knew this). Third, the mirror is HUGE and great to have on hand. Fourth, five percent of the proceeds benefit the Marine Conservation Institute in an effort to protect 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020. This seems like a small percentage, but it helps with the sticker shock. And last, this is a well-built, inclusive palette that would be so perfect for travelling.

So, now for the actual product. These shadows are blendable, soft and nicely pigmented. The gold shade on the corals is just a thin layer and comes off in the first use. Pity because it is so pretty, but you’ll be so excited about using the palette, it won’t matter.

The Pink Pearl (top left) mades a great eyeshadow base, all the way up to the brow. I also use it for highlighting. The Reef (top right) is a perfect crease color. You can also use Driftwood (bottom left) for a dramatic eye, but I like it for liner, smudged along the lashes. And what makes this palette different is that it includes a cheek color. Coral (bottom right) is a slighly peachy, sheer pink. Overall, these shades would love fab on a variety of skin tones. And when you break it down, the cost is slightly more palatable.

Drugstore Hits and Misses

1. Almay Eyeshadow Trio Smoky Smoky Hazel – Sorry to start out on a negative note, but skip this guy. The powder has very little pigment and is quite dry. I like the idea of a kit that caters to eye color, but they missed on this one.

2. L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow – Instead, pick up these pots. They look like pressed powder but have a creamy formula. They apply like a dream. I wish they had more colors and some less metallic options but only because I love them so much. I have Endless Pearl, which is relatively matte and a great base color. Bronze Taupe is a beautiful, warm and multifaceted neutral. These appear much more expensive than they are. Also, they mean it when they say don’t discard the little interior plastic to press down the product. If it isn’t on there the powder loosens. Whoopsie.

3. Ardell Fashion Lashes Black (110) – I am relatively new to false lashes and was incredibly intimidated to try them. But I gave it a whirl with these, using Duo adhesive. It was a breeze! They look very natural and I got loads of compliments. They were comfortable to wear didn’t damage my own lashes. Use tweezers to hold the lash strip. Put a dot of glue on the back of your hand. Slowly and carefully dip the lash strip into the glue several times along base of the lashes. Lay onto your lashes, add mascara and liner to blend with your own!

4. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Blackest Black – This guy is an award winner and no surprise why. The formula has massive staying power. The color is a perfect, deep black. The brush is easy to handle. Need I say more?

5. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake – I’ve been ooing and ahing about this innovative product all over the social media waves. The texture is what makes this blush different. It almost feels like a makeup applicator sponge at first. It is malleable but springs back. It applies like a cream, but dries to a long staying powder appearance. The effect is not matte but there is no shimmer (which I love). I picked up Coffee Cake, a nude peach that works great for a tonal, natural face.

6. eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm – I reviewed these here, but I just had to mention them again. They are fabulous balms and are so easy to find in a big purse. They have loads of flavors with medicated and SPF options.

7. Maybelline Color Tatoo 24HR Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze – Another standout drugstore eyeshadow. This is creamier than the L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow, with slighly less pigment but a little more staying power. Bad to the Bronze is a lighter version of Bronze Taupe. I also wish this came in more colors because I love it so. Many of the shades are dramatic and on the cooler side.

8. eos Shave Cream, Ultra Moisturizing, Lavender Jasmine – If you like a foaming shave cream, this isn’t for you. But the smell is what sold me. It also comes in pomegranate raspberry, island blue, cucumber melon, vanilla bliss and sensitive – fragrance free. It is massively hydrating and almost feels like conditioner.

9. eos Refresh Active Care Hand and Body Lotion – Again, they got me on the fabulous scent. The fresh cucumber lingers just enough. It isn’t greasy in the least bit. These products aren’t tested on animals and paraban-free. I’m becoming quite the eos fan.

Spring Trends for Daughter-in-Law Diaries

I am so excited to be guest posting over on Daughter-in-Law Diaries today! Creator, Ali Katz, launched her site as a forum and resource for ladies who are adjusting to their new roles as daughter-in-laws. What a cool idea! She is receiving some phenomenal press – Ali is definitely going places. Head over and check out the new site – I am not even married, and love it 🙂 And here is a sneak peek of the post. Congrats, Ali!

How to incorporate my favorite spring trends into your beauty routine:

Bold Brows

 

via BellaSugar

This Spring, we will see loads of bold prints and colors appear in our closet. To compliment the adventurous look, brows will be stronger and fuller. A prominent brow actually better frames the face. On it’s own, a filled-in, groomed brow can finish the face just as much as a swipe of lipgloss.

To get the look, fill in your brows with Le Metier de Beaute Brow Bound Eyebrow Pencil. It is dual ended with a brush at one end. Use this to comb out the brow hairs first. Then use it after to blend the gel-like formula. Then, to hold the brows in place, comb through Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear.

Bronzed Glow

via tumblr.com

The runway celebrated golden skin that looks just sun-kissed. Instead of risking sun damage, wrinkles and skin cancer, use one of the new bronzing palettes. Use a large brush to lightly dust below the cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, along the hairline and on your neck. Try Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Season to Season Bronzer or Guerlain ‘Terracotta – Four Seasons’ Bronzer. Then add a little Benefit Sunbeam on your cheekbones and brow bone.

Bright Nails

via Belle Belle Beauty

Work those neons and pastels into your nail wardrobe as well. Bring out your inner child and try blues, greens, fuschia and nail art. I love Essie polishes because they are high quality, but at a low commitment cost. And they always have a range of on-trend colors. Their new Resort collection features the bold “Sure Shot” and perfect, purple pastel “She’s Picture Perfect”.

 

 

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara is for the ladies who, like me, want a mascara that gives massive length but doesn’t go overboard on thick lashes (@lovelylanvin, this one is for you). I like the dimension that long, separated lashes give to my relatively large eyes. The black color is not matte, but glossy. I haven’t had any fall out, smudging or flaking.

But Eyeko goes above and beyond. While my lashes are healthy, I am always up for more nourishment. Eyeko includes pro-vitamin B and natural oils to strengthen the fine hairs. And I love the guitar pick-like tool that is included. Hold this shield behind your lashes when applying to get complete coverage. The tube is innovative, allowing you to get out every last drop of product.

And I would be remiss to not mention a little singer named Adele uses this stuff on her magnificent lashes.

Just a note about this review:

This product was purchased for review. But Belle Belle does receive sample products for consideration by PR. We never do paid reviews or guarantee reviews and are committed to remain truthful and honest to our readers.

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Laura Mercier Portfolio Animation Collection

Laura Mercier has some new product launches just hitting counters that are really exciting! Featuring creamy, sheer and rich colors, the products all fit into the custom compact making them perfectly portable. And the Custom Artist Portfolio, totally new for Laura Mercier, reminds me of the Trish McEvoy organizing system (which I love). It is actually a good value at $98 because it includes all these goodies:

  • Rigid outer shell case wrapped in metallic, pewter snakeskin material
  • Four multi-size mesh cosmetic bags, easily removable with built in magnets
  • Laura’s unique pocketed brush page
  • Two refillable 6 and 3-well Custom Compacts that hold your favorite eye, cheek and lip godets

The Lip Glaze offers sheer, spring colors. I love applying this with my finger for a wash of color. They have three new, limited-edition shades:

  • Soft Pink
  • Plum
  • Lotus Bloom

Sheer Crème Colour is a crème face colour that provides a soft veil of colour for a “bonne mine” (healthy glow) effect. One of my most favorite new spring products, these are great for highlighting. Available in three new, limited-edition shades:

  • Pearl Glow Veil
  • Pink Cheek Veil
  • Bronze Veil

The Second Skin Cheek Colour is a very fine, pressed powder that is literally fool-proof. I love the lightweight wear of these blushes. Available in five new, permanent shades (18 total):

  • Heather Pink
  • Peach Whisper
  • Soft Iris
  • Honey Mocha
  • Sweet Mandarin

Also included are three new, limited-edition shades of their Eye Colour:

  • Merlot Sateen (I wasn’t sure about red eyeshadow, but this really does work!)
  • Golden Crème Luster
  • Seashell Pink Sateen