Christian Siriano for VS Makeup

I know I'm a little late on posting this collection, but I am loving the Christian Siriano make up collection for Victoria's Secret. The packaging is chic and the colors are bold, a perfect look for fall. My favorite item is the lip gloss in Sublime, and pale pink nude.

Tousle Me Softly

I hadn't used Herbal Essences since junior high, so torn between nervousness and excitement when their new Tousle Me Softly collection arrived in the mail. Nervous because do I really want to return to something I used when I was 13? My hair was awful then! Excited because the cheery purple bottles promised my hair would be scented with a "tousled fusion of wild violet & pomegranate." The main thing I noticed in this collection is that it's fairly heavy and weighs the hair down, which I love, but is not for everyone.

Shampoo and Conditioner for a Tousled Look: I am extremely picky about the shampoo I use, but I found that this one worked well, especially when used with the conditioner. I've always felt that the instructions to use products from the same brand was a marketing ploy, but these really complemented each other and left my hair smooth and soft.

Tousle Me Softly Mousse: My favorite product in the collection! Smelled amazing, held my waves, and really cut down on frizz.

Tousling Spray Gel: I liked it as a 'freshener' later in the day for my hair, but thought it was too crunchy when used on wet hair.

Flexible Hold Hair Spray: I know it's bad for the environment, but I believe that aerosol hairspray is an essential. My beliefs have only been made stronger with use of the Tousle Me Softly hairspray. It comes out in more of a stream than a fine mist, and left my hair looking like it was coated in a glaze.

Finishing Touch Cream: I feel like this product is almost misplaced in this line. It would be better packaged as a smoother/defrizzer than a curl enhancer. Either way, this product is great and adds tons of shine. Just make sure to learn from my mistakes--a little goes a LONG way!

Stila Indian Summer Collection

Stila's Indian Summer collection is infused with genuine 24kt gold! 24kt gold is a known antioxidant with added anti-microbial properties. It feels so luxurious and

Highlights of the collection include the mineral bronzing powder in Brushed Gold is a 100% natural finishing powder that gives skin a warm, natural bronzed glow skin with one simple dusting. Eco-certified ingredients hydrate and protect, while the pearl pigments and 24kt Gold keep skin youthful and glowing. In my opinion, the only drawback to this product is that the brush picks up a lot of excess powder, which I then shake off, wasting more than is necessary.

Another great product in this collection is the charmed eyeshadow palette. Adorned with authentic Indian bindis, this palette features four highly-pigmented new shadow shades all infused with genuine 24kt gold. The palette includes four wet-to-dry shimmer shadows: intense teal blue with green and gold shimmer, mid tone copper with gold shimmer, warm gold with gold shimmer, and deep burgundy with black and red shimmer. The palette is summery, shimmery, and - dare I say? - mermaid-esque...

Smashbox Untamed

Unleash your wild side with our lush, tropical safari-inspired collection for eyes, cheeks and lips. Sultry, exotic shades and luxurious, creamy textures create a sexy summer smolder.

I love Smashbox, but this collection just seems a little too dark for Summer. It feels like more of a Fall collection to me. The only product I'm interested in is the Eye Brightener, which I think would be great in an evening bag as a quick makeup pick-me-up.

Untamed Creamy Cheek Color:
This luxurious creamy cheek color instantly gives you a sexy summer flush.
Colors-
-Terracotta (sheer bronze nude)

Untamed Waterproof Shadow Liner Trio:
Take a walk on the wild side with these waterproof shadow liners in vibrant shades of the tropics.
Colors-
-Savage (golden olive/ bronze/ neutral beige)
-Exotic (plum taupe/ dark purple/ peach champagne)

Untamed Lip Gloss: Two fierce new lip gloss shades with major bite.
Colors-
-Raw (deep red)
-Flesh (creamy nude)

Double-Ended Eye Brightener: A portable pencil that instantly highlights and brightens for eyes that roar for attention.
Colors-
-one shade (pale pink sheen/ pale gold sheen)

Bobbi Brown Nautical Collection

Lately I've been a big fan of a natural look with a pop of color either on my cheeks or lips. Bobbi Brown must have been thinking the same thing when she created her Summer 2009 Nautical Collection. The Nautical Collection features two new products--Sheer Color Lip Gloss and Sheer Color Cheek Tint. Says Bobbi, "I love sheer colors for summer -- they’re wearable, easy and look good on everyone."

Bobbi’s new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on smooth and blends evenly onto skin. Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application. Available in six shades for $22 each.

Sheer Color Cheek Tint available in:

Sheer Raspberry
Sheer Mauve
Sheer Lilac
Sheer Coral
Sheer Pink
Sheer Blackberry


The newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season’s punchy shades. Available in four shades for a limited time for $20 each.

Sheer Lip Gloss available in:

Marina Pink
Cabana Coral
Sailor
Popsicle

The Nautical Collection will be available in May 2009 at Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.

NOTE: Just as an aside, how cute is that sweater the model is wearing? I love it!

Laura Mercier Bohemia Collection

Laura Mercier introduces Bohemia, her most exotic collection ever. The Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder adds gorgeous warmth and radiance to cheeks, while the Eye Mosaics and Kohl Eye Pencils provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades. The Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Golden Radiance gives the skin a flawless glow while healthy, natural tones of Lip Colour complete the look, leaving you looking earthy, alluring, exotic.

Truly, the Illuminating Powder in Moroccan Bronze is to-die-for. It's quickly become my latest obsession. A swipe on the cheekbones and around the brow bone is all you need for a quick complexion pick-me-up, and it doesn't leave your skin looking 'muddy' like some other bronzers.

You Say You Want A Bronze Evolution...

I'm really liking Clinique's Bronze Evolves look for summer. It's simple and natural--very low-maintenance glam. Sun-warmed tones provide a subtle glow that can go from a touch-of-sun, to full-out Bronzed Goddess. The Almost Bronzer, Liquid Illuminator, and Daily Moisturizer come in two different shades for customized results, and the Long Last Glosswear has added SPF 15 protection.

Note: Through April 17th receive free standard shipping and two deluxe samples with any $30 purchase.

Project Victoria's Secret

'Project Runway' winner Christian Siriano is partnering with Victoria's Secret to design a new collection of makeup, called Christian Siriano for VS Makeup, marking his first foray into cosmetics. Scheduled to debut this Fall, it will be the first collection in the new Very Sexy overhaul, to be called VS Makeup.

WWD Reports:

"Lip products are priced at $10 (lip liner) to $14 (lipstick); eye items from $10 for eyeliner to $18 for an eye shadow quad; face products from $12 for concealer to $20 for foundation, and tools from $2.50 for a pencil sharpener to $18 for a bronzer brush.

By contrast, Siriano's limited edition lineup will be priced slightly higher than the VS main line. The collection includes five shades of eye shadow, each $14; black eyeliner, $12; three lip gloss shades, each $14; a bronzer-highlighter trio, $24; a face brush, $32, and a ruffled cosmetics bag, $16. Siriano’s items will be packaged in gold compacts with the Christian Siriano for VS Makeup logo engraved on top."

MAC 'Sweet Sugar'--Sticky Sweet Goodness!

This spring, M·A·C is all temptation...frostings, finishes, fillings. Each of them whipped, creamy, deliciously stylish, as inspired by the world's most popular sugar-sweet desserts. Never has a season looked so eat-me-up gorgeous! The entire 'Sugar Sweet' collection makes me think of carnivals and cotton candy. I love the Tricolour Lipglass, with the pearly layers that blend together with each application. It's about as pastel and girly as you can get. I love it!

Take a trip to the Cote d'Azur

I am completely in love with Chanel's summer collection, Cote d'Azur. I actually want every product from this collection, but if I had to choose only three I would pick the Soleil Tan De Chanel, Le Vernis nail color in Orange Fizz (a bright coral), and the Aqualumiere Gloss in Candy Glow (a pink apricot). I know I'm trying to save money, but it may be time for a splurge...

Beauty In, Toxins Out

Last month MD Skincare launched their Beauty In Toxins Out Natural Beauty Collection. "The full line is a revolutionary approach in body treatment and revitalization. The collection will successfully reverse damage our skin suffers from exposure to environmental pollutants. This is accomplished through a daily showering, bathing and moisturizing experience. Achieve results on a whole new level with high concentrations of botanical extracts, essential oils, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals along with a proprietary blend of detoxifying chelators."

I love that the line is all natural, and the Detox Duo left my skin hydrated and silky, but there was nothing amazing about this line that you can't find elsewhere for less. Ultimately, I'd buy it if it was on sale, but otherwise I'll stick to my Mountain Glow body exfoliator.

MAC Kitty Kouture--Meow!!!

MAC's Kitty Kouture, the high-end line of their Hello Kitty collection, was released today. "The ultra-luxe way to be pampered and playful! Announcing our limited-edition, glittering Swarovski crystal compacts, the collection privé of Kitty Kouture world. The ultimate in exclusivity, a sophisticated client's social status is all but assured!"

The Hello Kitty Dazzleglass in Dazzlepuss is my favorite--a sheer bright pink frost with red and blue pearl. The Hello Kitty Sheer Mystery Powder is nice, but at $90 it's for hard-core Hello Kitty fans only. The original Hello Kitty collection was cute, but this couture collection is trying a bit too hard to be elitist and trendy.

Cle de Peau Beaute Goes Mod

The latest look by Cle de Peau Beaute reminds me of Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde. I love it! For a new take on the 60s cat-eye look you MUST try the Intensifying Cream Eyeliner--it's fabulous!

How To Do It:

Face-

-Apply Smoothing Base for Line over whole face.

-Apply Cream Foundation over whole face and blending in from the center of the face outward in several circular motions.

-Apply Concealer to dark circles or any imperfections. With the Brilliant Enhancer, two clicks should release enough formula to draw a line from the cheek bone to the temple, draw a line down the bridge of the nose and dot the tip of the chin. Blend in. Apply excess to the inner corner of the eye.

-Apply Cheek Color Duo in Shade 5 to the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards towards the hairline.

-Highlight the cheekbone with the lightest shade of the Cheek Duo by applying the highlight to the top of the cheekbone near the eye.

Eyes-

-Using Eye Color Quad 20 apply shade C, the lightest shade, to the entire eyelid to create a base.

-Apply shade B from the lash line to the crease of the eyelid.

-Apply shade A, the darkest shade, across the lash line.

-For accents, apply shade D, to the crease at the inner corner and to the crease at the outer corner of the eye. Also try Shade 10 or Shade 19.

-Line the eye subtly or dramatically with the Intensifying Cream Eyeliner. Draw a line along the upper lash line from the outer corner to the inner corner of the eye.

-Complete the look by generously applying Volume Mascara in Shade 1 to both upper and lower lashes.

Lips-

-Apply Extra Silky Lipstick 119. Other options are 114 for a berry tint or 112 for a barely there nude.

Are you a Rockaholic?

Tigi's new Rockaholic line has been flying off shelves. Tigi says, "We are a culture surrounded and influenced by everything music - it is you and everyone you know - the way we dress - how we style our hair - the way we think. Admit it, you are a Rockaholic. Unleash your inner icon and get addicted today." The product I'm most excited to try is the Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo. I love the look of second-day hair, and I've heard this product is amazing.

Think Green. Live Pink.

Victoria Secret's Pink body collection is made of natural, organic, and 100% vegan ingredients. The simple, flirty packaging reflects their motto of "Think Green. Live Pink." The collection includes body lotion, body wash, sugar scrub, hand cream, hand sanitizer, refresher spray, and lip balm. My favorite is the Everything Refreshing Spray, which may or may not be my secret to after-gym happy hours. With Organic Citrus essences, it instantly freshens up hair and body with a light, clean scent.

The 80s Called and Want Their Eye Shadow Back

Estee Lauder's Orchid Garden collection is an exclusive to Nordstrom. Highlights include the Illuminating Gloss and Illuminating Powder, but the rest of the collection makes me feel like I'm back in the 80s. I mean, pink eye shadow...really? I didn't like it when I wore it in 7th grade, and I still don't like it. The bushy eyebrows and frosted gloss just add to the 80s vibe. This look is NOT okay with me. Would you wear it?

Bobbi Brown Platinum Collection

I love the Bobbi Brown Platinum Look. It's relaxed, but still mysterious. It's a great going-out look for summer. The look includes the new Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick, which gives the face a fresh glow.

Get the Look:

• Apply the Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick onto cheekbones with the Face Blender Brush.

• Apply either Confetti Shimmer Lip Gloss or Bright Pink Lip Gloss.

• Using the Cream Shadow Brush, sweep Steel Long-Wear Cream Shadow over the lid and along the lower lash line.

• Add highlight by using the Cream Shadow Brush to sweep Platinum Long-Wear Cream Shadow onto the brow bone.

• Apply two coats of Black Everything Mascara.

• Fill in and define brows with the Rich Brown Natural Brow Shaper.

Well, Hello Kitty...

The much-anticipated Hello Kitty Collection from MAC has finally arrived. "When innocence meets MAC, anything can happen...Be transformed with the mild-go-wild shades, lashes, and too chic-to-be-cute accessories of this special-edition collection." This collection will sell out fast, so buy now!

I have a feeling this is going to be like the Barbie collection a few years back, and it's going to go crazy on eBay. I sold a MAC barbie on eBay for three times what I paid for it at the store, so you may want to consider this collection an investment (check out the cute charm bracelet).

MAC Brunette Blonde Redhead

Almost a year ago I got this crazy idea that if I dyed my hair black I would look like Angelina Jolie (I told you it was crazy). It didn't work. Unfortunately, I couldn't dye my hair back to blonde right away because my hair was so damaged--it was a looooooong four months. During that time, I had to get all new makeup to complement my new hair color. I have always put more stock in skin tone over hair color, but the makeup I used as a blonde was washing me out with my dark hair. I soon realized that I had to use a heavier hand with makeup and apply darker colors than I previously did. The geniuses at MAC must have realized this too, because they have come out with a Brunette, Blonde, Redhead collection that plays up your hair color. Simple idea, amazing results!

Laura Mercier's Gilded Garden

Laura Mercier's Gilded Garden collection with be coming out next month, and I will be first in line for the Mosaic Shimmer Bloc (top right corner of picture).

The collection includes: The Gilded Garden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc, 4 shimmery eye colours, Lip Stains in Hibiscus and English Rose, and Lip Colour - Stickgloss in Azalea and Tiger Lily.