Laura Mercier Animal Testing Update

This makes me so happy! Christine, from Laura Mercier got in touch with me after reading my rant and review regarding Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer. Ladies, this will put your mind at ease….Laura Mercier does NOT test their products on animals. They also do not contract outside companies that test on animal. I am so relieved! I love my concealer, and I really did not want to give it up and luckily, I do not have to! I am still going to Holts on a mission…to get more Laura Mercier goodies!!

Rethink Breast Cancer Booby Ball 2010

Booby Ball 2010 is going to be amazing! I am so excited. Ticket are on sale now! Get your's fast, because they sell out quick! This event will be taking place on October 16th at the Kool Haus. This years Booby Ball will have a Studio 54 feel, be a part of the fun and help out an amazing cause! Get your tickets at http://www.boobyball.com/. See you there!

Bobbi Brown Black Velvet Collection

Metallic Eye Shadow
Black Berry
Black Cocoa
Black Charcoal

Sparkle Eye Shadow
Black
Black Velvet

Eye Shadow
Black Charcoal
Black Chocolate

Kohl Eyeliner
Black
Black Chocolate
Black Plum

Lip Color
Black Maple
Black Raspberry

Metallic Lip Color
Black Garnet

Lip Gloss
Black Chocolate

Creamy Lip Color
Black Mahogany
Black Cherry

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer - Rant & Review

I feel like I am always on the quest for the perfect concealer. My under eye circles are not that bad, but they do need a little help. I had been using Benefit’s Erase Paste for the longest time until boredom struck and the creasing just became unbearable. I found myself walking along Bloor Street one day and I strolled into Holt Renfrew…ok, fine….I often find myself walking along Bloor Street and strolling into Holt Renfrew, but that is besides the point! Anyway, I asked the lovely girl behind the Burberry counter for her advice. I originally wanted to see if Burberry had a good concealer, but unbelievably, Burberry has not yet released a concealer. However, their foundation is formulated to work as concealer. She suggested that I try Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer and so I did. She helped me find the perfect match (shade #3) and I was on my merry little way.

Here is the lowdown:

- It conceals discolorations and dark circles around the eye area
- Great application, very smooth
- Long lasting
- Creamy, yet thick (think Erase Paste, but with much less creasing)

The website states that you should use it after you apply foundation, not sure why. However, the girl at Holts did not tell me this, so I have been putting it on before applying foundation. I think it works great and it does not matter when you apply it.

Now here is my issue, after I purchased it and used it I read the back of the miniature box that it comes in. If you have purchased Laura Mercier products you know exactly what I am going to say….the back of the box reads….FINISHED PRODUCT NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS. Um, is that a good thing? No. No. No and NO. What they are saying is that once the product has been formulated to perfection they stop testing it on animals. Heartbreaking. I refuse to support any brand that is cruel enough to test on animals. Laura Mercier, shame on you. I was really taking a liking to the concealer and I thought my search was over…but, apparently not…back to Holts I go…not complaining…

Chanel Les Khakis de Chanel Nail Collection

In celebration of Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out, Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, has created LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL, a collection of three Le Vernis Nail Colours. Ultra sophisticated shades Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert can be worn alone or combined for an urban chic camouflage effect. Each shade will retail for $25.00 and be available on September 10th.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick for Fall 2010

The NARS Pure Matte campaign, photographed by Creative Director and Founder François Nars, features Canadian model Heather Marks. Under Nars’s direction, makeup artist Diane Kendal designed a makeup look that emphasized a bold and matte lip. The end result is audacious, sultry and sophisticated.

Kendal began by applying Siberia Sheer Matte Foundation to the center of the face and blended outward. Vanilla Concealer masked imperfections. Snow Loose Powder was pressed into skin and the Botan Brush buffed away excess powder. Using the Yachiyo Brush, she applied Desire Blush to the apples of the cheeks and blended up towards the temples. For the eyes, Abyssinia Single Eyeshadow was brushed onto the lids with the Eyeshader Brush, followed by Blondie Single Eyeshadow into the crease with the Large Dome Brush to achieve depth. The inner corners were highlighted with the left side of All About Eve Duo Eyeshadow using the Eye Contour Brush. Iceberg Eyeliner Pencil lined the inner membrane of the lower lash line and Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo created an impactful upper lash line. Brows were defined by applying Blondie Single Eyeshadow with the Brow Brush. To complete the look, two coats of Larger than Life Lengthening Mascara were applied to the lashes. Jungle Red Lipliner Pencil was used to define the shape of the lips. To create the luscious matte hue, Vesuvio Pure Matte Lipstick was swiped directly onto the lips.

Pure Matte Lipstick ($25.00)

Volga Deep aubergine
Bangkok Soft rose
Tonkin Cinnamon plum
Terre de Feu Black cherry
Tashkent Nude beige
Vesuvio Full bodied red

MAC Cosmetics Nail Trend A/W 2010

Mistress of the art of the sophisticated nail, Jin Soon was inspired this season
by the sensual pleasures of the Forbidden City – colours taken from the
sculptures, tiles, architecture, fabrics and decorative papers of Imperial China.
Jin synthesized this vision to arrive at a collection in exotic and ravishing
combinations of orange, blue, taupe, green, purple and, of course, lacquer red.
These hues are opaque and rich with pearl essences for a subtle dimension.




Nail Lacquer (Frost)
Concubine Blackened red with sophisticated red shimmer
Earthly Harmony Muted taupe with sophisticated copper shimmer
Ming Blue Cobalt blue with sophisticated teal and red shimmer
Rain of Flowers Blackened violet with sophisticated violet shimmer
Imperial Flower Bright reddish orange with gold and red shimmer
Jade Dragon Emerald green with sophisticated teal shimmer
Overlacquer Clear










North America August 26, 2010 at all M·A·C locations
International October 2010 at all M·A·C locations

American Apparel Nail Lacquer - Passport Blue, Summer Peach & Factory Grey

I am officially in love with American Apparel polishes. They are incredible and at 3 of $18, super affordable.



Passport Blue - an amazing navy blue, perfect for fall. Very pigmented, went on super smooth and creamy. This is two coats.



Summer Peach - a very lovely peach colour. However, the application was a little tough with this one. I found it to be a little thick. However, I do love the colour. This is also two coats.



Factory Grey - I love this colour. LOVE. This shade is going to be HUGE for fall. The application was amazing, just the right consistency. I am head over heels in love.

I have picked up a few more colours and I will be swatching them very soon!

Have you tried any of their polishes? What did you think? Any colours you are in love with?

xoxox

MAC Cosmetics Rodarte Collection Pulled

M·A·C Decides Not to Ship M·A·C Rodarte Makeup Collection Out of Respect for Women & Girls of Juárez and their Families
This decision will not impact M·A·C ‘s commitment to donate all of its projected profits from the collection to benefit the women and girls of Juarez.

Out of respect for the people of Mexico, the women and girls of Juarez and their families, as well as our M·A·C Mexican staff and colleagues, M·A·C has made the decision not to ship the M·A·C Rodarte limited edition makeup collection. This decision will have no impact on M·A·C’s commitment to donate all of its projected global profits from this collection to local and international groups that work to improve the lives of the women and girls of Juarez. We are currently conducting due diligence to ensure we donate to organizations with a proven record of directly supporting the women and girls of Juarez.

M·A·C and Rodarte are deeply and sincerely sorry and we apologize to everyone we offended. We have listened very closely to the feedback of concerned global citizens. We are doing our very best to right this wrong. The essence of M·A·C is to give back and care for the community and Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. We are grateful for the opportunity to use what we have learned to raise awareness on this important issue.

L’Wren Scott for Lancome Collection for Holiday 2010

Come November, designer L’Wren Scott’s collaboration with Lancome will launch. The line includes nail polish ($14.50), lipstick ($29.00), lipgloss ($29.00), eyeshadow palette ($42.00), and mascara ($24.50).

“The first thing I thought of was that I wanted to do my signature red — my bordeaux,” explained Scott, who worked with Lancôme’s artistic director for makeup, Aaron De Mey, on the capsule collection, which includes a red lipstick, lip gloss and nail polish, among other items.

Scott said she told Lancôme executives, “I would like to try to interpret a red lipstick that could be worn from day to night.” Proffering a makeup-stained hand from earlier demonstrations, she showed how the lipstick can look sheer or dark, depending on its application. “And when you put the gloss on, it takes on a whole other life,” said Scott. — WWD

Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian Lace Collection

Dolce & Gabbana present their signature collection of versatile colour cosmetics- magically and meticulously conceived by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Each season’s colour direct from the runway inspires each collection anew, to be re-interpreted afresh. The design duo salute their treasured past with a timeless present… and anticipate the future.

Introducing the Sicilian Lace Collection… lingering romance, deep intimacy and sun-splashed sensuality in nuanced naturals that exude a warm glow. Inspired by a key element of the Dolce&Gabbana collection: lace, the classic symbol of pure femininity, encompassing the transparency of desire and the sleek aura of modernity.

Introducing The Make Up’s inaugural limited-edition product, the Sicilian Lace Bronzer. Imprinted with a delicate floral lace pattern, exuding both femininity and luxury, the Bronzer becomes a coveted must have for Summer 2010. Created for the Dolce & Gabbana woman who seeks a life of passion, spontaneity and style, the bronzer imparts a touch of golden sensuality to the skin.

For the Lips
Caramel (105) Classic Cream Lipstick (New) ($30.00)
Perfection (50) Shine Lipstick ($30.00)
Caramel (135) Ultra-Shine Lipgloss (New) ($30.00)

For the Eyes
Nude (110) Smooth Eye Colour Quad ($59.00)

For the Face
The Sicilian Lace Bronzer (New, Limited Edition) ($49.00)

For the Nails
Perfection (220) Intense Nail Lacquer (New) ($20.00)









via: Temptalia

From LA, with Love

Ok, so I have been seriously MIA lately. I know, brutal. I have been putting my heart and soul into a brand spankin' new fashion site that I am running with my fashionista friend, Lauren. However, I do want to keep Primped and Proper running. With that being said, my posts will now only be related to beauty. I will do product and collection launches, hauls and reviews. For your fashion fix please visit From LA, with Love. It is beyond amazing and I know you will love it!

xoxox