Me Plus MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo Equals Love Connection

Of the roughly 22,000 couples who met on Love Connection, 31 eventually married. If MAC Cosmetics were running the show instead of Chuck Woolery, I suspect the odds would have been much higher. You see, MAC recently introduced me to "Love Connection," a Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo from their new Electro Flash collection, and it was true love at first sight.

Described as “Pale beige with gold and blue veining/Warm gold mono,” this baked duet of shadows has a super-fine pearl finish that’s like multi-dimensional fairy dust on your lids.

Appropriate for daytime and evening wear, this shade is sure to become your number one steady. I haven’t worn another shadow since Love Connection and I met a few weeks ago. Just be sure to prep the lid with a primer. If you apply with a brush, pat it on – as it has a tendency to fall under the eyes…or use a sponge-tip applicator.

You really must try Love Connection to understand why I’m so enamored. MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos are available at MAC counters and maccosmetics.com.

Spoiled Pretty will return in two and two. Honestly, it’ll be a little longer than that…but I couldn’t resist.

Patience Is A Virtue: MAC Cult of Cherry Available in September

The Cult of Cherry is luscious, dramatic, undeniably eroticized. Ripened lips, Spiced Hot Chocolate eyes or Illegal Purple nails, combine to seduce with a sweet-and-shock, way-to-go dark. Separates the bitter from the sweet. This drama just gets more delicious.


Lipstick
Crème Cerise: Sheer yellow taupe (lustre)
Lightly Ripe: Sheer mid-tone pink (lustre)
Russian Red: Intense bluish red (matte)
"O": Intense purplish red with metallic gold (frost)
So Scarlet: Clean grape burgundy (amplified)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S.


Lipglass
Cherry Blossom: Sheer light pink with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Rich & Ripe: Mid-tone pinkish red with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Cult of Cherry: Clean red with red pearl (frost)
Liqueur: Neutral brownish mauve with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Jampacked: Sheer grape with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S.

Mattene
Rapturous: Deep berry red (matte)
Kirsch: Blackened cranberry (matte)
Chock-ful: Blackened brown (matte)
Bing: Blackened eggplant (matte)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 U.S.

PowderBlush
Blooming: Frosted deep dirty peach (frost)
Plum de Bois: Frosted deep pink bronze with gold pearl (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50 U.S.

Nail Lacquer
Silverstruck: Frosty greyed taupe with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Illegal Purple: Creamy blackened eggplant (cream)
Suggested Retail Price: $10.00 U.S.


ZoomLash
Zoom Black: Rich black
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00 U.S.

Eyeshadow X4 – Spiced Chocolate Quad
Nanogold: Sheer yellow pink with pink pearl (frost)
Brash: Frosty reddish copper (vxp)
Spiced: Dirty deep reddish brown (matte)
Sweet Chestnut: Frosted cranberry (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 U.S.


Eyeshadow X4 – Tempting Quad
Next to Nothing: Sheer yellow beige with pink pearl (frost)
Sharp: Frosty bright yellow gold (satin)
Dark Edge: Dirty chocolate brown (satin)
Tempting: Rich coco (lustre)
Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 U.S.


Eyeshadow X4 – Shadowy Lady Quad
Light Fall: Dirty light pink (satin)
Smudge Violet: Frosty blackened lavender with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Deep Truth: Very dark blue (frost)
Shadowy Lady: Darkly veiled plum (matte)
Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 U.S.

Available:
September 2008 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com.

New From MAC: Starflash

Hollywood's new Power Couple. Our 12 new limited-edition Starflash shadows, combined with Kohl Power Eye Pencil. Shades for a smooth, creamy, cushioned life. Provides the double-wattage impact that will take you to the new stylesphere!

Starflash Eye Shadow: A remarkably creamy jet-milled pressed Eye Shadow that provides a distinctive pearly finish. Provides smooth-as-silk application with no dust or fly-aways. Medium buildable coverage allows versatility in application. Use discreetly or build it up. Long-wearing. Lasts all day without creasing or fading. Blends effortlessly, stays colour-true. Limited edition.

Star By Night: Frosty midtone blue
Talent Pool: Frosty blue green with gold pearl
Smoke & Diamonds: Frosty dirty taupe
Top Hat: Frosty dirty indigo
Lotusland: Frosted pinky lavender with gold pearl
Sunset: Frosty clean midtone pink
Bold & Brazen: Frosty light copper
Grand Entrance: Frosty neutral pink beige
Glamour Check: Frosty reddish brown
Mink & Sable: Frosty olive green
Dreammaker: Frosty yellow gold
Go: Frosted bronze
Suggested retail: $14.50

Kohl Power Eye Pencil: A kohl pencil that has all the intensity and colour power of ultra-soft carbon. Specially formulated to provide deep, fully opaque coverage, provides an intense, smoked finish with duo-chrome pearl. Versatile in application: blend or smudge.

Orpheus: Intense black with gold pearl (frost)
Mystery: Rich black with green and teal pearl (frost)
Feline: Rich black (frost)
Raven: Intense black with red pearl (frost)

Suggested retail: $14.00

Plushlash: A mascara formulated to instantly plump up lashes for extreme voluptuous effect. Works fast. Builds volume smoothly and evenly from root to tip. Delivers a silky, flexible, full fan of lashes. Fluid formula lightly coats lashes one layer at a time without smearing, smudging or clumping. Goes on via an innovative, specially patented wand with a v-shaped groove that prunes the bristles on one side while leaving the other side full and lush. The short bristles coax the lashes upward to an extraordinarily sophisticated yet flirtatious curl, while the other side separates and combs the lashes root-to-tip creating a long, well-defined glamour lash. Volumizing, lengthening, curling, lifting. This mascara features everything you want, with all the top mascara no’s: no clumping, spiking, smudging or flaking.

Plushblack: Black

Suggested retail: $12.00

Now available at MAC counters and maccosmetics.com.

Coming Soon: Bobbi Brown Metallics

On counter in August, Bobbi Brown's Metallic Eye Shadow is back by popular demand in 17 shades. Featuring a broad shade range including rich bold colors and pastels, the high-shimmer, high-pigment formula creates a sexy and sophisticated look. Color applies evenly and stays crease-free for all-day wear. Individual shadows can also be popped into Bobbi’s new customizable palettes.


And on counter in September/October, Bobbi presents her new Metallic Lip Color- the newest innovation in shimmer. Featuring high-shine emollients and light-reflective pearls, it will leave lips with a soft creamy feel and medium coverage and will be available in 15 multi-dimensional shades.

Swatches coming soon!

Front Row Look Palette from the Stila Backstage Beauty Collection

Be both a trendsetter and a do-gooder when you are the first to snag the Front Row Look Palette from the Stila Backstage Beauty Collection. Let your inner makeup artist go to work creating the softly smoldering eye that is destined to emerge as one of Fall’s top beauty trends, and exercise your inner philanthropist at the same time.

10% of proceeds from the first 625 sold will be donated to Step Up Women’s Network to support teen programs, women’s health education and advocacy professional mentorship and social networking opportunities.

The Front Row Look Palette features the essentials to create the soft smoky eye seen all over the runways at the Fall 2008 fashion shows. Tucked inside a chic faux patent compact is a trio of eye shadows; Bouquet, a matte nude pink, Moonlight, a shimmering white, and Fog, a light grey. They are accompanied by a Smokey Quartz Kajal Eye Liner. Tying it all together is a beautiful faux leather rosette pendant - a versatile accessory that encourages you to get creative.

Stila Front Row Look Palette retails for $40 and is now available at stilacosmetics.com. Order yours today, before this limited-edition palette struts off the catwalk for good.

*Add Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain to your shopping cart when you order the Front Row Look Palette, and get free shipping. Enter code CHERRYCRUSH at checkout.

Kim Kardashian's New Lighter Makeup Look

Kim Kardashian decided to try out a lighter eye make up look...and she wants your opinion. Head on over to Kim's blog and tell her what you think!

To achieve this lighter look, Kim used:

* Lorac Glam Rocks Loose Metallic Eye Shadow in Metallic Pearl
* MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack
*Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here!

Source: officialkimkardashian.com

Lancome Fall 2008: Maharani Jewels

Gorgeous goes global with Maharani Jewels. Lancôme’s latest color collection pays homage to India, where the beauty brand opened last year. Many of the makeup shades and creations seen floating down the catwalk recently were reminiscent of the country’s fascinating colors and intricate designs. From deeply colored spices, to the natural hues of the landscape, to vibrant pigments that color traditional Saris, to the gemstone-toned jewels that adorn the neck of a Maharani, or princess, each of these rich pieces highly influenced Lancôme’s fall palette.

La Base Pro

This amazing oil-free makeup base creates a smooth, radiant and long-lasting canvas for a more perfected makeup look. Exclusive Lancôme Elasto-Smooth™ technology refines skin’s texture and diffuses light to visibly reduce imperfections with a satin-soft finish. Makeup glides on seamlessly. Color stays more true and vibrant for a radiant, air-brushed look all day.
Suggested Retail Price: $42.00

Poudre Elephant Teint

This is the perfect product to achieve a gorgeous glow. In India, the elephant is one of the most revered symbols, denoting royalty, inner strength and nobility. Now this iconic symbol can be found embossed in the powder of this new limited-edition bronzer.
Suggested Retail Price: $36.50

Maharani Juicy Tubes

Inspired by the intricate motifs of Mehndi art, these Juicy Tubes are embellished with a golden design of scallop lines, dots, teardrops and paisley shapes.

Shades range from Mango Mystere to Guava Enchantment and Autumn Jasmine.
Suggested Retail Price: $18.00

Le Crayon Khôl Kajal

This ultra-soft khôl divinely glides across lids, lining them in exquisite deeply pigmented color. Natural jojoba oil and organic beeswax make application smooth and comfortable. For sultry eyes, evocative of a Bengal beauty, India Ink imbues an intense black for a captivating look. For softer, but equally sexy eyes, smoke out the rich brown hue of Amber Night or delicately apply the lustrous color of Smoky Henna.
Suggested Retail Price: $23.50

Maharani Color Design Eye Shadow Quads

The raw and natural tones found throughout India’s countryside are seen in the Lotus Splendor palette with its earthy brown, peach and copper eye shadows, while the Secrets of Benghal palette features soft pink, dusty mauve, eggplant and highlighting shadows. Paired with Le Crayon Khôl Kajal in India Ink, the combination of shadow and dark liner work in harmony to create a sultry, intense eye look.
Suggested Retail Price: $40.00

The Maharani Jewels collection is now available at lancome-usa.com, specialty stores, the five Lancôme boutiques and counters nationwide.

The Early Bird Catches The NARS Fall 2008 Collection!

Great news...

NARS’ Fall 2008 Collection will actually be available on narscosmetics.com two weeks early – starting next Tuesday, July 15th!

And here are some product shots, hot off the presses...


Beautiful Liar Lipstick: sheer spiced coral


Señorita Lipstick: sheer shimmering cherry blossom


Female Trouble Lip Gloss: lilac mauve


Fez Single Eyeshadow: velvety cocoa


Isolde Duo Eyeshadow: frosted ginger & shimmering copper


Cordura Duo Eyeshadow: shimmering warm rich brown & shimmering sooty dark brown


Dolce Vita Blush: dusty rose


Rebell Yell Nail Polish: dusty pomegranate

80s Ladies Week: Oh, Cargo...You're So Fine!

If you caught yesterday’s installment of 80s Ladies Week, you know that I’m pretty handy with the pom-poms. So it should come as no surprise that one of my childhood idols was singer/choreographer/fellow Philadelphian, Toni Basil.

For today’s 80s-inspired product review, I’m going to steal a line from Toni’s pop music classic…

Oh, Cargo you’re so fine,
You’re so fine you blow my mind.
Hey Cargo!
Hey Cargo!

On the 4th of July, I was invited to a late-evening barbecue not too far from my own apartment. I had to hoof it because there was no chance of finding parking anywhere in the vicinity of the art museum, which serves as backdrop for the city’s Independence Day festivities. The weather was pretty typical for July - hot and humid – with a light drizzle.


So before heading out the door, I finger painted with Cargo’s Melt-proof 3 in 1 Eye-Cheek-Lip Palette and swiped on some Better-than-waterproof Mascara. Eight city blocks later, I showed up at the party looking perfectly polished - and you know how shiny I can get. And when I returned home late that night, my makeup still looked freshly applied!!!

The Cargo Melt-proof Make-up Collection, which also includes a Melt-proof Bronzer, is limited-edition and costs $39 (retail value is $90). Pick this up immediately, you'll thank me later. You will be absolutely amazed at the staying power – it’ll blow your mind!

Cargo products are available at Sephora, Amazon.com, and cargocosmetics.com.

Isn't 80s Ladies Week totally rad? Be sure to check out Amber’s 80s inspired product review over at Beauty Blogging Junkie.

New From MAC: Electro Flash

Dagnabit, MAC. Don't you know we're not made of money? You keep churning out kick-ass collections. We remain broke, but beautiful. Thanks a lot.

Visa card, I'd like to introduce you to MAC Electro Flash. Electro Flash, meet my worn-out Visa card.

Short-circuit expectations. X-ray vision means you see ahead of the rest. Electricity is our most precious resource…everybody, electrified! Light up this world, and the next!

Electro Flash Mineralize Eye Shadow in nine new duos with unblinking courage, in convincing new combinations: tri-colorr shimmer minerals with marble shine – plus a monoshade on the other side. Add Lipglass and Lipstick finishes with quantum physics energy, in companion colors and electro-lustres.

Lipstick
Vanity’s Child: Sheer pale beige with pearl (Lustre)
Fast Thrill: Frosty clean mid-tone pink with pearl (Frost)
Mellow Mood: Glossy mid-tone dirty pink with pearl (Lustre)
Dangerously Hot: Creamy deep brown red (Amplified)

Lipglass
Cultureclash:
Frosty clear baby pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)

Major Minor:
Frosty mid-tone beige with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)

Sonic Vibe:
Frosty mid-tone pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)

Li’ Hot Pepper:
Frosty burnt red with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Duo)
Play on Plums Mélange/Mono:
Peachy gold with pink and bronze veining/Bronzed burgundy mono

Sea & Sky Mélange/Mono:
Silvery pale blue with deep blue and silver veining/Bright blue mono

Hot Contrast Mélange/Mono:
Dirty red with silver and black veining/Black mono

Love Connection Mélange/Mono:
Pale beige with gold and blue veining/Warm gold mono

Two to Glow Mélange/Mono:
Dirty bronze with pink and orange veining/Orange mono

Odd Couple Mélange/Mono:
Warm gold with lavender and bronze veining/Purple mono

Polar Opposites Mélange/Mono: Dirty purple with silver, indigo and pink veining/True silver mono
Fresh Green Mix Mélange/Mono:
Golden olive with blue, gold and aqua veining/Lime mono

Pink Split Mélange/Mono:
Dirty rose with bronze and pale blue veining/Pink with gold pearl mono

Brush
227 Large Fluff: Large size paddle with fluffed double chiseled, rounded tip.

Available
International (except Asia): July 2008 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com.
Asia: August 2008 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com.

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Clutch

On a summer night, you don’t want to be schlepping a heavy handbag. A clutch is the perfect accessory to carry your beauty booty. But with a smaller bag, you must be careful not to cram. Your cell, keys, wallet and other basic necessities will take up a majority of your clutch’s empty space. So you need to be efficient with the cosmetics you add to your bag. What to carry in the clutch? Travel sized tools and multi-purpose products, of course!

It’s Friday. Thank heavens for that, right? And you know what that means - day five of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week!!! Spoiled Pretty is giving away Felix Rey’s deliciously chic Michelle Clutch. This bag is the ideal combination of elegant and earthy. It is crafted of oven straw with mirrored-leather bow detail and has a magnetic-snap closure front flap. And leave it to Felix Rey to put a surprise inside…the interior is lined in leopard print fabric! The bag also features a detachable wrist strap.


One reader will receive the Michelle Clutch, chock full of the following:

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara: My holy grail mascara gives you a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look.

Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo: Say goodbye to cream shadows that crease & smudge. Whether it’s a hot day or you’re on a steamy date, this waterproof-shadow is sure to last! We’ve brought you one of our favorite makeup artist tricks for creaseproof cream shadow—two simple steps in one little wand.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: These sheets soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind a residue. Use them anytime, anywhere to remove oil and shine throughout the day.

Goody Mosaic Mini Versa Comb: This 3-in-1 comb is small enough to fit in your purse, but large enough to maintain your style.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Felix Rey Clutch Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Thursday, July 3rd. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Friday, July 4th, I’m going to make some lucky lady’s Independence Day by proclaiming her the winner! Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

And be sure to check out the other bag giveaways. You can enter all of the giveaways, but you can only win once. Good luck!

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Everyday Bag

The average weight of the contents of a woman’s purse has skyrocketed over the past five years. Exactly how much does the typical gal lug around? More than five pounds of crap – that’s how much! Researchers predict that by 2018, the average handbag will weigh more than 6.6 pounds. High-tech gadgets have been blamed for the 38 percent increase…but lets be real, ladies. Those eight lip products add up.

If you’re anything like me, your purse is chock-full of nonsense…old shopping receipts, gum wrappers, enough Starbucks napkins to last a lifetime, and seven dollars in coins lining the bottom of the bag. I’m not going to be a hypocrite and tell you to throw that mess out. But I do have some suggestions for how you can pare down your beauty stash this summer, and lighten your load by at least a couple of ounces. Summer heat is oppressive enough…and let’s face it – Scoliosis isn’t sexy.

* Instead of tossing your regular hairbrush and comb into your purse, opt for a purse-sized set. But make sure that you invest in quality products…I don’t know about you, but those “nifty” pop-up purse brushes never work for me. And if it doesn’t work, you might as well not carry it. Right?

* Palettes and multi-purpose products are great options…they offer innumerable options without sacrificing space.

* If you’re prone to t-zone oiliness, you could carry around a translucent powder compact. But powder tends to cake in the heat, so you’re better off carrying some blotting papers. Plus you’ll shed some weight.

Today is day three of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, and to get you over the hump, I'm spoiling you pretty with this handbag from Creations By Kage.


The "Stormy" tote is, in two words, effortlessly sumptuous. The bag is like buttah - all Kage creations are made of the finest Italian leathers. The line is geared towards the girl with very sophisticated taste who wants a really unique bag made of finest materials and the highest quality, but doesn't necessarily have to own a "name" brand. Designer Kristin Holstein says her bags have a certain elegance to them, as they are clean in design, with simple pleats and the Kage signature horseshoe detail. "The symbol of the horseshoe means so much to me. Not only does it represent good luck, but it reminds me of my mother and her love of horses. They constantly give me inspiration, and will always be a significant theme in my design process."

For the winner, this bag will be accompanied by the following goodies:


Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara: Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. This happens to be my Holy Grail mascara.

Goody Mosaic Ouchless Purse Brush: The ultimate in snagless styling. This brush is smaller sized – perfect for travel or on the go styling.

Goody Mosaic Mini Versa Comb: This 3-in-1 comb is small enough to fit in your purse, but large enough to maintain your style.

Tarte Infinite Glow Bestsellers Palette: Get a natural, radiant glow with this chic palette that has everything you need to tan, glow and pout in minutes flat! This bestsellers palette includes Park Ave Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer, award-winning Gel Cheek Stain in Tipsy and a moisturizing 24.7 Lip Sheer in a new shade May Flowers. This luxe faux-croc, compact with mirror is perfect for on-the-go application!

MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duos in Domino Effect, Emerald Coast, and Peach Basket: Sweep on these loose powder eye shadows for a subtle shimmer or lay it on thick for a metallic effect. The couture-color combinations let you create vibrant shadow effects with the brilliant artistry of a pro.

DentaBurst “Be Ready To Shine” Kit: DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners are an effective way to clean teeth and freshen breath on-the-go. Unlike mints or gum, they remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth, leaving them feeling smooth and clean. The kit contains 72 individually-wrapped Dentaburst, a business card case, and a calendar/planner.

RoC Retinol Correxion Hand Repair Cream SPF15: This revolutionary formula not only moisturizes but has been scientifically shown to fortify the outer layer of skin and is clinically shown to even out the look of discolorations and age spots for more youthful looking hands. In addition, its SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen protects hands from damaging UVA rays that may contribute to skin damage and premature aging of the skin. Allure Magazine Best of Beauty winner.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Oil-Absorbing Sheets soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind a residue. Use them anytime, anywhere to remove oil and shine throughout the day.

Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner SPF 15: This unique lip treatment provides essential long-lasting moisturization to help condition and protect dry, chapped lips. With an exclusive combination of natural oatmeal and natural skin conditioners, including jojoba oil and shea butter, it restores moisture and locks it in long after applying. It contains UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect lips from the sun and is good for daily use.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Creations By Kage Handbag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, July 1st. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Wednesday, July 2nd, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

And be sure to check out the other bag giveaways. You can enter all of the giveaways, but you can only win once. Good luck!

Shu Uemura's Summer Collection, Plus 20% Off!

Since the opening of the shu uemura’s first Beauty Boutique in Tokyo in 1983, each year a limited edition Boutique Birthday Collection of the season's most festive beauty items is created in celebration.

This year, to mark the 25th anniversary, the late Mr. Uemura created the most special and unique collection yet. HANA-BI is inspired by the three fundamental elements in nature: terre (earth), rose (flower), and source (water). The collection includes a series of 100% natural origin fragrances formulated with Depsea water, three color palettes, and two shimmering liquid eye liners.

My favorite of the HANA-BI bunch is the Fleur de Source Palette. These powder shadows feel cool and creamy on the skin. Lightly apply to create a soft and natural effect or layer them for a more dramatic look.

And, as if this new limited-edition collection wasn’t exciting enough, shu uemura is offering all their “friends & families” 20% off all orders and FREE standard shipping! The promotion will begin on Thursday, June 26th and end on Sunday, June 29th*. Enter promo code SHUSUMMER** at checkout.

*Valid: from 6/26–6/29 at 11:59pm EST.
**You must be signed in and enter promo code to receive the discount.

Lise Watier Summer 2008: La Toscana

Yesterday, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary with dinner at Barclay Prime, a “luxury boutique steakhouse” in the Rittenhouse section of Philadelphia. My dress and heels were basic black, so I decided to wear color on my eyes. Lise Watier’s new summer collection, La Toscana, provided the perfect palette to make my peepers pop!




The shadows in the Eye Quartet in Mer (Sea Turquoise, Satin Terracotta, Soft and Matte Sand, and a Rose-Brown bathed with Golden Sheen) have been baked on a ceramic tile to pay homage to Tuscany. They can be used wet or dry; dry for a light, diaphanous effect, or wet for an intense, opaque finish.

I lined the inner rims of my eyes with the Glitter Pencil in Turquoise – a smooth, pigment-rich liner.

If you’re more “turf” than “surf”, try the Terre Quartet and Glitter Pencil in Vert.

And be sure to check out La Toscana’s other offerings:

Pink Marble Blush Powder
Toscana Gloss Sticks (ultra-hydrating with an olive oil base)
Havana Dry Oil Body Glow
Havana Precious Bronzing Pearls
Havana Sun Dust Bronzing Powder

I've Got You Babe

While accompanying my mom on a recent trip to the Willow Grove Mall, I found myself drawn - like a moth to a flame - to the NARS counter at Bloomingdale's.

I was beyond thrilled to have finally hunted down the elusive Galapagos Eye Shadow, which was sold out at the first four stores I had visited. Before ringing me up, the saleswoman asked if my order was complete. I said yes, but then my eyes were seduced by the beauty of Babe Lip Gloss. It took me all of 30 seconds to decide that my lips would look delicious drenched in its sheer, fruit-punch red goodness.

I've worn Babe every day since, and I'm enamored. Punch drunk love, I call it.

NARS is available at Amazon.com, Bloomingdale's, Blue Mercury, Lord and Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

NARS Summer 2008: Exotica

Last month, NARS introduced its summer 2008 color collection: Exotica.

Encapsulating the wildness of sensuality, Exotica features a sultry palette of edgy neutrals that evoke intense carnal desire. Nude pigments in luscious textures impart sinful mystique, capturing the essence of the elegant seductress. Shades of matte ecru and bitter chocolate with golden accents enliven eyes with mesmerizing intrigue, while hues of sparkling mauve, succulent cherry red and sheer brandy give lips intense passion.


As the name implies, Portobello Duo Eyeshadow is comprised of two mushroomy shades. The first is a matte ecru and the other, a soft matte mushroom. Neither of these shades showed up well on my tan skin, but they would be gorgeous everyday shadows for lighter ladies.


Unconditional Love Duo Cream Eyeshadow is a matte seafoam paired with a soft shimmering copper. These creams tend to crease, so prep the eyelid with a primer before applying (here’s one I recommend).


Supervixen Lip Gloss is a sheer sparkling mauve – a great universal nude color.


Misbehave Lip Gloss is a sheer cherry red with gold glitter flecks. The glitter is a little bit bigger than what you’re probably used to, so be sure to try before you buy.


Mindgame Lipstick is a sheer brandy. It’s moisturizing, and a great choice for when you decide to play up your eyes and keep the mouth understated, but polished.


Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil combines the convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-size crayon design. If you love the dusty mauve color, but aren’t thrilled with the matte texture, this bestselling shade is also available as a lipstick and a gloss.


Roman Holiday Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is a delicate pastel pink. This shade is feminine and pretty, but how many people can pull off pastel pink without looking like a blast from the past (namely, the 80s)? Not many is my guess.


Last, but not least, is my favorite product from Exotica – one that I know you’ll love a lot-ica. Galapagos Single Eyeshadow is the most divine shadow I’ve seen all year. If I could dream up my ideal eyeshadow, it wouldn’t come close to Galapagos’ bitter chocolate infused with gold. I'm just not that creative. Dust it all over the lid, or apply with a fine brush to line the eye. Galapagos is so hot that you’ll want to buy more than one, just in case.

MAC Cool Heat

Temperatures sizzle…but the perfect balance lies within reach. Cool Heat. Not an oxymoron: summer’s chillest look. Five Slimshine lipsticks, seven eye shadows, and two skin-cooling fragrances: Summer’s favorite Turquatic, and introducing its sister shade, Turquatic heat. Some looks are too hot for summer to handle but not Cool Heat. For this time of year, it feels just right.



Slimshine Lipstick
Tropic Glow: Blue pink with silver pearl (frost)
By Degrees: Neutral brown pink (frost)
Gentle Summer: Light clean yellow pink with white pearl (frost)
High 90’s: Clean pink orange (frost)
Swelter: Sheer clean red (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50

Eye Shadow
Solar White: Frosty muted white gold (frost)
Warming Trend: Frosty light taupe (veluxe pearl)
Warm Chill: Frosty seafoam green with gold pearl (frost)
Gulf Stream: Frosty mid-tone blue green with green pearl (frost)
Cool Heat: Frosty teal with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Climate Blue: Mid-tone violet blue with pink pearl (velvet)
Blue Flame: Dirty metallic navy blue (veluxe pearl)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Creations
Hue: Tuquatic Keynotes: Lotus Leaves, Corsican Cedrat, Anemone, Orris and Blue Cedar
Hue: Turquatic Heat Keynotes: Cedrat saturated with the clear effervescence of Mineral Water, Lotus Flower, Opulent Orris, Jasmine and Tiare Soul.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.50

Cool Heat will be available June 2008 (US) and July 2008 (international) at all MAC counters and at maccosmetics.com.

MAC Neo Sci-Fi

Out to shock the fashion galaxy with their supersonic ray gun shades and neon orange compacts cases. Spinning glamour into another orbit: a magnetic field of alluring hot fluorescents, modern buffs, beiges flesh tones set against cyber-chromatic array Nail Lacquers destined test laws your style gravity. This is your beauty’s future.


Lipstick
Sci-Fi-Delity: Burnt red with gold pearl (frost)
Pleasureseeker: Creamy peach (glaze)
Astral: Midtone brown with red pearl (lustre)
Electro: Bright orange (lustre)
Sunsonic White gold (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Lipglass
Supreme Bronzed brown with white pearl (frost)
Naked Space Creamy midtone nude peach frost)
Pink Grapefruit Orange with gold pearl (frost)
Soft & Slow Midtone creamy plum (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Eye Shadow
Magnetic Fields: Black brown with silver pearl (veluxe pearl)
Femme-Fi: Frosty golden cream (veluxe pearl)
Evening Aura: Frosty golden pach (veluxe pearl)
Time & Space: Frosty copper (frost)
Expensive Pink: Pink with gold duochrome (veluxe pearl)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Cremestick Liner
80%: Deep, deep cocoa
Buerre : Dirtied plum
Summerfruit : Pale coral
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Plush Lash Mascara
Plushblack: Deep black
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00

Sheertone Shimmer Blush
Spaced Out: Shimmery peach
X-Rocks: Shimmery dirty mauve
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50

Nail Lacquer
Metalist: Neutral coppertone with white pearl (frost)
Plasma Blu: Turquoise blue with mathematic white pearl (frost)
Neon 8: Bright orange with matching pearl (frost)
Phosphor: Bumble bee yellow (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $10.00

Neo Sci-Fi is now available now at maccosmetics.com.

What's Victoria's Secret? Beauty Products On Sale - Up To 90% Off!

Been saving your pennies for a rainy day? Now's your opportunity to cash in and save big. Shop Victoria's Secret beauty clearance - get up to 90% off select products from VS, Vincent Longo, Lippmann Collection, Talika, TheBalm, and Anna Sui. Here's just a preview of the steals and deals...


Vincent Longo Diamond Lip Gloss
Originally: $22
Clearance: $8.99


Lippmann Collection Heaven In My Hand Warmers
Originally: $39.50
Clearance: $3.99


Anna Sui Eye Color
Originally: $17
Clearance $6.99


TheBalm Stainiac
Originally: $14
Clearance: $5.99


Wexler M.D. Universal Anti-Aging Starter Kit
Originally: $45
Clearance: $24.99

Oprah's Favorite Things For Summer

Today, Oprah surprised her audience with her top things for summer. When producers first approached O about doing this summer version of her favorite things show, she wasn't feeling it. "My producers pl