Category: eyes

NARS ‘Night Caller’ Fall 2014 Color Collection

I know… I know. We are just in the middle of summer and pre-fall clothing is already on the racks and fall color collections are hitting counters. NARS’ seasonal collection, always a gorgeous treat, launches today and it also includes the launch of Night Series Eyeliners. So even in the sweltering heat, you might want to consider your future fall lip and eye.

So what is the inspiration for this collection? Here is how the NARS team described the products:

“Eyes shine in amethyst and quartz shadows while intense black liners flecked with rich purple, gold, and green pearl provide intriguing depth. Lips smolder in warm reds and cheeks are softened with a wash of glistening pink.”

My picks from the collection include Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore and Night Series Eyeliner in Night Flight. First, is there a better lip shade for fall than a deep cranberry? This cranberry has a bit of a zip (think less brown) that brightens the face and flatters the pout. Plus, the Satin Lip Pencil is one of my favorite formulas with a balance of pigment and moisture. The pencils contain vitamins keeping lips healthy. And the jumbo pencil is super easy to use while still being precise.

I have a feeling I will love all the Night Series Eyeliners, but I have only gotten my paws on Night Flight. Needless to say, I am sold. The black with cobalt blue pearl is a deep and inky navy that can easily pass for black. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find sophisticated blue shimmer. I am a huge fan of blue-toned eyeliners, but if you prefer something else, there is also black with purple, gold or green undertones. I’ve found both blue and purple can really highlight the green in my hazel/brown eyes. NARS eyeliners have great staying power, lasting both along the lash and in the waterline.

Check out the behind the scenes video of the campaign shoot:

Available today on narscosmetics.com and 8/1 at at Sephora and department stores.

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Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler

As you probably can imagine, I am always trying out 2-3 versions of each type of makeup. Three eyeliners, two foundations, three blushes, etc… But one item I tend to stay loyal to is an eyelash curler. Keep in mind, this is one of my “must have” products. I love the way it can open your face and eyes in just one step.

It all started with a long relationship with Revlon. Then I had a love affair with the classic Shiseido. I went luxe for several years with CHANEL. But sadly that ended with a worn out tool. Might I add, it was a beautiful relationship and worth every penny.

Just in the nick of time, Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler landed on my doorstep. The key to these long term relationships is the curve of the implement. And this one is just right for my large and deep-set almond-shaped eyes. What makes Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler really special is the USDA-certified organic blue chamomile plush pad (note: each curler also comes with two replacement pads).

These pads have a super-cushiony feel and are gentle on lashes. The chamomile conditions the tiny hairs, keeping lashes long and healthy. The curling action doesn’t crimp, but imparts a long lasting swooping curl.

No wonder Winks by Georgie came up with such a revolutionary curler. Their faux lash collection hit shelves in 2010 with much deserved fanfare. They are the only strip lashes that I can apply and still look natural. Bonus: they are reusable and come with a botanically infused adhesive.

Right now, Neiman Marcus is holding their Beauty Tools Event. Receive limited-time gifts when you shop our best tools of the trade online! The curler is currently on back order but certainly worth the wait with an expected ship date of 8/1.

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Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Beat The Heat on FOX23’s Tulsa Live

How to beat the heat while keeping our polished but still natural looks in place? I’ll be on FOX23’s Tulsa Live (formerly Great Day Green Country) this morning chatting all about how to keep makeup in place now that we are in the full swing of sweltering summer heat.

Starting top to bottom, make sure to protect your strands with Biolage COLORLAST Shine Shake with SPF. This spray adds tone and shine while providing a UV filter that can keep colored hair from fading. Aveda recently added Sun Care Protective Hair Veil to their lineup. This is also a lightweight, water-resistant UV-defense mist, which forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, minimizing color fading, damage and dryness.

Swap out regular eyeliner and mascara for waterproof versions. Instead of heavy eyeliner, opt for liquid liner between last roots on the top lid only. This will ensure staying power, especially if you use a waterproof formula like Eyeko Alexa Chung Lash Enhancing Eye Do Eyeliner. Flower, Drew Barrymore’s makeup line available at Wal-Mart, makes an inky waterproof mascara that can stand up to the most brutal summer heat. FLOWER Extreme Measures Lengthening Mascara uses an hourglass shaped brush for tons of coverage and shine, not to mention conditions lashes.

Under (or instead of makeup) try L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream with SPF 30. The oil-free formula smoothes onto skin and absorbs any summer greasiness. I love that its ability to blur lines, pores and texture makes foundation unnecessary – great to skip a layer in the sticky heat.

Mai Couture Papier Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter papers are perfect on the go touch-ups while absorbing excess oil and adding a needed summer glow. They are also perfect for holiday travel allowing you to skip liquids and extra brushes.

For the ultimate in staying power, use Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and makeup will not budge. Weightless and undetectable, the formula was developed in partnership with SKINDINÄVIA and works with all skin types. By controlling the temperature of your makeup, eyeliner, foundation, eye shadow, blush and concealer stay in place in both hot and humid (and cold and windy) conditions. Bonus: it also prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.

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My Summer Makeup Look With NYC Cosmetics and a GIVEAWAY

Looking for a way to change up your summer makeup look? And even better… at super prices? Look no further than NYC Cosmetics at Wal-Mart. This brand is inspired by the city that never sleeps with great sophisticated shades that are affordable. Below, you’ll find my steps for how I am using NYC Cosmetics to change up my summer look.

While I can’t say dating in the forefront of my mind right now, I am loving this smokey eye – something new for me. And you know my new found love for a bold lip. Here is my how-to for Date Night (or an evening on the town with the girls):

Starting with the Individual Eyes Custom Compact in Smokey Charcoals, I apply the included primer. I like using the lightest shade all over my lid and then the third shade in my creases for a natural looking eye. But as you can see in the video, if you want to amp up the effect, the four available shades allows for that.
Using the Show Time Velvet Eyeliner in Noir, an intensely dark, pigmented eyeliner, I line my waterline. I then follow up with the High definition Liquid Eyeliner in Extra Black along the lash line.
It wouldn’t be date night without bold lashes, so next I apply Big Bold Volume by the Lash Mascara in Extreme Black. My new favorite budget mascara for intense, full-bodied lashes.
In the summer, bronzer is my jam. So I like to use the Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in All Over Bronze Glow. It is easy to sweep across cheeks, temples and jawline for a natural looking glow.
Last but certainly not least, lips that can withstand a date – dinner and maybe a smooch or two. The Expert Last Lipstick, Traffic Jam lasts for hours on me and is the perfect summer red.

Now is the ideal time for a complete update because on the NYC New York Color page you can watch NYC makeup artists show you how to five different looks for under $20. Bonus: when you’ve watched a video you’ll be eligible to download a coupon for $1 off any NYC New York Color product! Here’s the NYC makeup artist’s Get Date Night Ready video tutorial for a slightly different take than my go-to look!

And who can resist a giveaway! One lucky reader will win the products used in one of the five looks and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. Enter using the widget below:

#NewYorkColorMakeover

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.

Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal

I usually gravitate towards creamy and thinner concealers for under eye. I tend to like the luminous and natural looking finish. But sometimes, you just need a little help from some friends. And that friend lately happens to be Miracle Skin.

While I am not suffering from many blemishes, I do have a nasty case of dark circles and a small scar on my chin. My normal favorite (this one) wasn’t quite providing enough coverage. Enter Miracle Skin Treat & Conceal Multifunctional Concealer.

This comes out of the tube in a paste-like form. But it actually spreads and applies smooth while providing a dose of moisture. The best part, is the coverage is substantial so you don’t have to cake on layers – something not so fun in the summer heat. Skin is also soothed with White Rose and Chamomile and the concealer can help correct signs of aging at the same time.

Note, you just need a very very small dot of product for coverage under both eyes – this stuff goes a long way. When I get a little more than intended, I love using it as an eye primer. My perpetual dark lids are transformed into nude and prepped for my favorite summer golden shadow. Or I just wear it alone for a bare, natural look.

Available in four shades – I use Medium and, believe it or not, I find it to be ever so slightly light. Available at Nordstrom.

Cle de Peau Beaute Make-up Remover Sheets

It is birthday season in my group of friends and lately that means a lot of festivities on this weekend. I don’t think we honestly stopped from Friday until Sunday afternoon this week! Thank goodness I have a trip to Napa scheduled for some R&R in a few weeks – hahaha!

So, you know what boozy, fun filled weekends mean? Late evenings and a general lack of desire to do a productive skin care routine. So when I walk in the door, I bee-line for Cle de Peau Beaute Make-up Remover Sheets. Slightly smaller than other wipes, these luxurious versions are specially designed for the eye area.

Stubborn eye makeup is whisked away with a oil-based remover. And the silky tissues leave tired skin revived and nourished. I love that it packs a generous 50 sheets in one pack – I can usually get away with one sheet for both eyes. That’s not to say these aren’t without a luxury price tag, but the glamorous experience will keep you honest about taking off makeup after a long night.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.