Primped and Proper

Friday, February 20, 2009

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

My girlfriend Lauren raved about Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat Radiant Touch so much, I knew I had to get it. I have used it a few times and it has quickly become a very special item in my makeup bag. It’s kind of like a magical wand posing as a luxury concealer. It is great for really and I mean REALLY covering up dark circles. It also has light reflecting pigments that work wonders for brightening your eyes. It comes in a glamorous gold pen shaped tool, with a brush at the end. Just give it a click and the magic can be applied. You can also re-use it throughout the day and it won’t look cakey. Refer to Sephora and you can get really great tips on where it should be applied for optimal radiance.

Make Up For Ever Microperfecting Primer

I have been testing out Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer all week now and I think it’s an amazing product. My last primer was awful. It made my skin super dry and flaky. I absolutely hated it. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer actually moisturizes my skin and leaves it feeling super soft and smooth. But, before I was ready to make it a staple in my makeup bag, I had to put it through some rigorous tests. The first was to see if it dried out my skin, which it did not. Next, I had to make sure that it actually held on to my makeup for the entire day. It passed with flying colours. I usually do my make up at about 7:30 am and by the time I get home around 6 pm, it’s is pretty much all gone. I was pleasantly surprised when I got home, looked in the mirror and did not shudder at the reflection. My makeup was still on, and it was almost as fresh as it had been when I first applied. I slowly started to fall in love. But, I was not done yet. I decided to see how well it would hold up after an even longer day. Same routine, I applied at 7:30 AM, went about my business and got home at about 10 PM that night and would you believe if I told you, my make up still looked great? Well believe it! It did! How have I ever lived without this product? You would think that I would be completely sold by now, but I was not done. I had one more test. I decided to see how it would hold up after a work out. Now, I am not one of the girls that glams up before going to the gym, but if I have makeup on, I don’t go out of my way to take it off. So, I jumped on the elliptical, make up looking fab and all, and worked out for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes had elapsed, I took a good look in the mirror…my face was still pretty flawless, and my cheeks still bronzed and blushing…Ladies, we have a winner. This product is also oil - free and it comes in six colour correcting shades and one transparent shade. If Make up For Ever discontinues this product while I am living and breathing, all hell will break loose.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Fashion Flash: Alexander McQueen for Target

I kind of wish I lived in the US, preferably close to a Target store, so I could be one of the first to get my hands on this line. Alexander McQueen has designed a diffusion line for Target based on his lower - priced McQ line. The line will be available in store and online March 1 through April 11, 2009. Prices haven't been determined, but it's inspired by the Duke Spirit, a British band with an affinity for the sounds of late eighties and early nineties grunge bands. Lead singer Leila Moss was McQueen's muse for the collection who is shown in the picture above. The collection is described to have a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. For example, a chambray sleeveless shirtdress has stud detailing, there’s a mesh wrap dress and an open yarn zipper cardigan. Graphic prints and silk-screen photographs give tunics, dresses and T-shirts visual interest. The Leila silk-screen T-shirt with a necklace collar was designed for The Duke Spirit lead singer, while other band members are immortalized on a sleeveless jersey T-shirt. A sateen strapless pleat dress in a tattoo print of mermaids, dice and anchors is an example of McQueen’s penchant for pairing feminine fabrics with tough details. Alexander McQueen at an affordable price? This is all too much...

Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up

It's about time!! Dolce and Gabbana have launched a line of make up and Scarelett Johansson will be their campaign model! I can not wait to see their glamorous gold packaging housed in gold pouches and to test out their products. The first collection will be inspired by Mediterranean shades and the lipsticks will be rose scented.

Here is what they have to say about it:

"We see make-up as another thing for women, like a dress. We worked on the make-up line like we work on a clothing collection — you can change make-up like you can change your clothes, depending on your mood. We wanted to create make-up with a scent. Domenico and I remember when we were children and opened our mother’s handbags — the scent of her lipstick trailed out. I observed that when women open make-up, they smell it first,' Gabbana added.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Sephora by OPI Digital Diva Collection

Sephora by OPI Digital Diva Collection is the perfect set of nail polishes for spring and summer 2009. It may be snowing now, but that doesn't mean that the sunny days aren't around the corner. So, if you need something to pull you out of your winter depression this kit is exactly what you need. The colours are really fresh and vibrant! My favourites are I'm Wired and Lost Without my GPS!

CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base

Let me start off by saying that I hate, and I mean hate all mascaras that come with so- called "primers" or "mascara base" that leave your lashes looking awful, because the white stuff always pokes through. I used to try all of them and every single time I was disappointed. As, I am sure you know, I love Lancôme. I swear by Lancôme and I will try anything Lancôme releases at least once, because they are just that wondeful. I am not going to lie, I didn't want to try the Cils Booster XL Super-Enchaning Mascara Base, because I didn't want Lancôme to break my heart. I got over my fear a few days ago and decided to make the purchase. Lancôme didn't dissappoint, not one tiny bit. I am still in love with Lancôme nor is my heart broken. Cils Booster XL Super-Enchaning Mascara Base (I know, it's such a mouthful) is fantastic. Use it a few minutes before you want to apply your actual mascara ( doesn't have to be Lancôme, but you know that they make amazing mascaras) and let it dry. It lengthens, separates and gives you crazy volume! It also hydrates your lashes which is a plus! I love love love!!!

Sephora Opening at Fairview

Beauty is coming to Fairview Mall! Sephora will be opening shortly, North York beauties get ready to have everything at your fingertips! Also, for you ladies that love Forever 21, get excited, because it will also be opening up in Fairview Mall! I love their earrings, they are so much fun and I always walk out of there with at least 2 pairs!!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Lancome Pink Irreverence Spring 2009 Collection

Lancôme’s new Spring 2009 Collection inspiration comes from French heroines Madame Bovary, Sylvie Fleurie, Marie Curie and Brigitte Bardot. It pairs bright, bold pinks with deep blacks and boasts both shiny and pure matte textures. Here are the full details of the limited-edition collection, which is on counters now. This brand of make up is definitely one of my favourites!

La Laque Fever Full Color Lip Shine

Electric Pink
Optical Rose
Lucent Nude
Iridescent

Color Design Eyeshadow Quad

Irreverent Madame

Laque Liner:

Pure Black
Pure Sparkle

Color Design Illuminator for Eyes and Face

High Expectations
Hard To Get

Color Fever Gloss

Piha Black

Le Vernis Nail Polish

Piha Black
Sassiness (A gorgeous pink, Lancôme calls this "the ultimate color of spring”)

Guerlain Exotic Paradise Spring 2009 Collection

The cornerstone of the collection is the Limited Edition Exotic Paradise Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow Palette. The celebrated metallic compact designed by Hervé Van der Straeten is done in a pure and fresh bronze-green; subtly etched with delicate plant motifs and an elegant, slender bird of paradise. Open the compact up and inside you'll find a botanical-inspired palette of pink, orange, green and brown, embellished with an exotic leaf motif in pearly green. It's a work of art!
As for the rest of the collection, here is a run down...

Guerlain KissKiss Glosses are inspired by three forbidden fruits: Orange Interdite 804, Cerise Tentation 805, and Pomme du Desir 806.
Ombre Eclat Mono Eyeshadow in a new, high-tech formula that offers impeccable hold and three distinct finishes. Velvety, Sparkly or Pearly, the powder glides onto the eyelid. Each compact contains 3.6g of color, which makes it the largest single-eyeshadow product on the market. And the case? Gorgeous.

Guerlain Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow Primer: This magical new creation from Guerlain is an eye primer inspired by a professional makeup artist’s secret. Using a neutral skin color, a radiant beige, this unifying base was specifically created to prime the skin for makeup and guarantee perfect hold. Smooths and primes to make eyes appear revived and crease less.
KissKiss Couleurs Précieuses feature four new shades that reflect the joy of spring. KissKiss Maxi Shine features four new shades inspired by candy and exotic fruit.

This collection will be out in stores shortly! If you can wait you can get it online at Neiman Marcus!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Givenchy Spring 2009 Maharani Make Up Collection

The Givenchy Spring 2009 Maharani Make Up Collection takes its' inspiration from the beauty of Indian women. This collection shows off the colors of India--bright pinks, oranges and gold’s. The collection includes:

Sari Glow Iridescent Blush (limited edition) in Maharani Orange, a luminous golden peach and Maharani Pink, luminous rosy pink. The powder is customized with Indian bindies for the ultimate accent.

Prismissime Visage Face Powder (limited edition) in Maharani Pinks and Maharani Apricots. Each compact contains 9 pearlized shades for a beautiful, radiant finish. Can be used on eyes and face.

Magic Kajal Eye Pencil: Inspired by the kajal used by Indian women, this eye pencil should be used in the inner rim of the eye. The formula contains wax, oil and vitamin E for a smooth, long lasting application.

Precious Sari Glittering Eyeshadow (limited edition): Inspired by the shimmering effect of a mirrored sari, this glittering eyeshadow comes in shades of Maharani Silver and Maharani Gold. The container is adorned with golden bindies--a truly, unique touch!

Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick (limited edition) in Maharani Rose and Maharani Henna.

Take a look at everything here.