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.

New From MAC: New View

MAC's given birth to another new collection, aptly titled New View.

Natural and Shimmer. The split personality of powder to sheerly and subtly perfect skin with dimensionality and mineralized starshine. These Mineralize Skinfinish duos are state-of-the-art simplicity, high-resolution finish.

Unlike most powders that are pressed into traditional metal pans, Mineralize Skinfinish is molded onto small round terracotta tiles and carefully baked for 24 hours, allowing for an exceptionally sheer and light application. The Natural portion of the duo will provide a dimensional yet natural matte-finish, while the shimmer portion will add buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face. This unique powder contains vitamin A and E derivatives, which help buffer the skin from environmental aggression and jojoba oil, which calms and soothes the skin. This product can be used on face or body and is appropriate for all skin types. Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested. Use with the 189 Face Brush. With its rounded paddle and chiseled edges, it’s perfect for precise blending and sculpting.

Mineralize Skinfinish
Light Medium/Natural and Shimmer:
Pale golden beige/Warm yellow beige

Medium/and Shimmer:
Soft creamy beige/Light peachy pink

Medium Dark/and Shimmer:
Caramel/Light tan

Dark/and Shimmer:
Deep caramel/Mid-tone yellow gold

Deep Dark/Natural and Shimmer:
Rich golden bronze/Deep copper bronze

Brush
189 Face Brush: Rounded-paddle face brush with chiseled shape on each side for effortless placement and blending of product. Very soft synthetic bristles can even be used by those with sensitive skins. May be used with almost all MAC powder forms and other light emulsions and liquid foundations.

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

New From MAC: Sonic Chic

Now at a MAC counter near you...Sonic Chic.

This collection of Mineralize Blush is reminiscent of an end of summer sunset: warm, soft, shimmering shades of pink, gold and bronze that take you right into fall without skipping a step. The baked powder formula allows for exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. It builds color without heavy coverage. Super-fine provides soft shimmer on skin. The blush enhances and veils the cheekbones for a luminous complexion. Can be worn on face, eyes and/or body. Use with the 181 Buffer Brush for flawless blending, even color. Everyday-efficient, travel-size small, it’s built for speed.

Mineralize Blush
Dainty: Light yellow pink with gold pearl (frost)
Warm Soul: Midtone beige with gold pearl (frost)
Nuance: Midtone peach with gold pearl (frost)
Gleeful: Deep dirty blue pink with gold pearl (frost)
Gentle: Raspberry with gold pearl (frost)
Love Joy: Warm midtone brown with gold pearl (frost)
Merrily: Midtone dirty (burned) red with gold pearl (frost)
Pleasantry: Intense midtone blue pink with gold pearl (frost)
Love Thing: Dirty burgundy with gold pearl (frost)

Brush
181 Small Buffer Brush: Ultra-soft natural, rounded dome tip brush for application of Blush and Powder. Smaller version of existing 182 Buffer Brush.

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

The Dope on Urban Decay’s Summer 2008 Collection

Urban Decay’s Summer 2008 Collection is the chronic. With product names like "Big Fatty,"Baked," and "Blaze" - you know you wanna try it. It'll make you feel good, feel good...

Pops of color are in style this season…and Big Fatty Colored Mascara is the perfect way to embrace that trend. Available in four bold, but wearable shades, Big Fatty thickens and lengthens lashes. Electric Blue and Indigo flatter brown and blue eyes, Purple Haze compliment green-eyed gals, and burgundy adds drama to any eye color. I’m a total Electric Blue groupie, and when I’m feeling bold, I pair it with 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Deviant.

"A colored mascara is the perfect summer beauty uniform. I slick a little on when I'm in a rush or headed out to thebeach and instantly get a ‘just enough makeup to look pretty, but not so much that I'm trying too hard’ look. And it adds aseductive, enigmatic little edge to those minimal makeup days of summer," says Wende Zomnir, Executive Creative Director at Urban Decay.

Urban Decay created two new eyeshadow shades, Blaze and Rush, to compliment the summer line. Blaze (golden peach) and Rush (medium coppery bronze) are smooth, richly pigmented and apply like a dream. To keep from slipping off your lid in humid weather, prep the eye with Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

De-Slick Mattifying Powder is one of the Co-Founder’s favorite products…and mine too, because you know that I’m one shiny beauty blogger come summertime. This shine-thwarting pressed powder contains lightweight, oil-absorbing rice powder. Use it on bare skin or over your foundation. The light purple shaded powder applies invisibly and won’t cake.

Baked Bronzer in Guilded gives you a baked, toasty glow without the threat of skin damage. And it’s literally baked in an Italian oven on a tiny terra cotta disc for 24 hours, then hand-finished by a factory full of motherly Italian women. The result is an ultra-smooth, sheer-finish bronzer that can be used on the face and body and applied wet or dry!

The Big Buddha Brush is Urban Decay’s answer to the kabuki brush. Bronze arms and legs with one sweep, dust on loose powder, or highlight shoulders and décolleté. Big Buddha features soft synthetic white fibers, tipped with purple, giving the brush a unique ombre effect.

Santa Tanita, Urban Decay’s imaginary saint of sunless tanning, answers your prayers for sun-kissed skin. The Santa Tanita Tinted Sunless Tanning Mousse instantly bronzes face and body, while a gradual self tanner goes to work, building a lasting tan that darkens with time. The moisturizing formula was created for both the face and body, and it won’t rub off onto clothes.

Urban Decay is available at Sephora, Ulta, Amazon.com, and urbandecay.com.

MAC Solar Field

Glamour beams across the universe via solar bits: transforming free-formed clusters of rich pigment and pearl. Applies shine and sparkle to eyes, cheeks wherever you want highlights. Crush for full color and sparkle effect; for a light shimmer, sweep your brush over the top of the clusters. Wear with skin made provocatively golden through bronzing powder in solar riche and refined golden. Apply with 168 and 239 application brushes.


Solar Bits
Sunpower: Light metallic tan with gold pearl
Black Ore: Rich black with gold pearl
Bronzescape: Clean yellow brown with gold pearl
Scatterrays: Soft metallic peach with gold pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50

Bronzing Powder
Refined Golden: Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish
Solar Riche: Mid-tone deep orange brown with pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $20.00

168 Large Angled Contour Brush
Suggested Retail Price: $32.00

239 Eye Shader Brush
Suggested Retail Price: $24.50

Solar Field is available now at maccosmetics.com.

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 pleaded with me to do this topic today, and I didn't want to do it," Oprah said. "So I said, 'Absolutely not. I am not doing Oprah's Favorite Things for summer.'" But after thinking about it, Oprah changed her mind...good thing for her studio audience, fans around the globe, and the brands whose products made the cut.


Gayle King, Oprah's BFF and the editor-at-large of O, The Oprah Magazine, stopped by to unveil her favorite of the Spring Makeup O-wards.

"Don't you hate it when you get something in very pretty packaging, and then you open it up and the product is not as good?" Gayle asks.

"The thing with Yves Saint Laurent is that we thought the packaging was so pretty and we liked all of the products. It was hard to pick just one, so we picked everything in the line—the marbled blush, the lipstick and the eyeshadow."

Another standout is the CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara. "This was the first time anybody's come to the offices with a scientist to explain how [the makeup] works," Gayle says. "This is the scientific explanation: A dual polymer system keeps the mascara from migrating underneath your eyes. That's code for it doesn't smudge."

OPI Nic Stick's Paint & Go Nail Lacquer is a portable pen filled with nail polish, perfect for anyone who smudges as soon as they leave the salon.

No one wants to wear heavy makeup in the summer heat, so Gayle's final two favorites made the grade for their light texture.

"Clé de Peau lipstick is silky and feels light on your lips," Gayle says. "And I like the fact that it's so sleek and slender in your purse." She gave Rimmel Mousse Blush major props for its high-quality, light formula and low price.

Oprah also added one of her beauty faves to the list - NARS Cosmetics Kabuki Artisan Botan Brush.

"I love a great brush," she said. "It's perfect for loose powder, for buffing and for blending."

Click here to read about all of the O-wards winners.

Source: Oprah.com

Kim Kardashian Makeup Lesson

Kim Kardashian and I actually have a lot in common. Get your mind out of the gutter…I do not make those types of home videos. She and I both have bubble butts, blogs, and a love of makeup.

Kim is one of those pseudo-celebs who you either love or you hate. Me, personally…I find Keeping Up With The Kardashians mindlessly entertaining. In fact, I’m watching it as I type this. But whatever you think of her lifestyle or morals, you’ve gotta admit that she’s got the smoky eye/nude lip look down to a science.


I must not be the only one desperately trying to re-create Kim’s signature look, because she recently posted her top 10 makeup tips – in response to the oodles of fan question she receives. Kim isn't so keen at proofreading - so instead of copy-and-pasting directly from her site*, I chose to summarize and include links to the products she mentions.

STEP 1: Kim washes her face, applies moisturizer, then applies Intuit Beauty Photo Shoot makeup primer.

STEP 2: To conceal imperfections, Kim uses Cle De Peau Concealer Stick in Ocre or MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in NW25 if she runs out of Cle de Peau.

STEP 3: After Kim puts the concealer on, she applies Make Up For Ever Liquid Foundation – she mixes one pump of No. 5 and two pumps of No. 4 (she uses No. 3 for the winter months, when she’s paler). To blend and apply the foundation for a seamless finish, Kim uses MAC Brush 180 (Small Buffer Brush).

STEP 4: Since she hates dark circles, after the foundation, she puts on a little more concealer just under her eyes. For this step, Kim prefers MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NW30.

STEP 5: To set the foundation, Kim lightly applies MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC 30 with a brush. Then to tan it up, she lightly brushes on MAC Select/Sheer Powder in NW 45.

STEP 6: Kim is “obsessed with blush” and uses MAC Powder Blush in Gingerly. She also mentions her new love for cream blush, saying that it “works a lot better and lasts a lost longer.” I agree.

STEP 7: Now, time for the eyes - Kim’s favorite part. First, Kim applies MAC Paint Pot in Painterly to the entire lid, using her fingers; this prevents powder eye shadow from creasing. Kim loves colored shadow. If she going for a black smoky look, she uses MAC Eye Shadow in Carbon. If she wants a gray smoky eye, she uses Knight Divine or Print. For a brown smoky eye, Kim likes Embark. For a fresh, shimmery eye, she chooses MAC Pigment in Tan. Kim also does bright eye colors, and loves vivid shadows from Make Up For Ever. “I don't think anyone does pigment colors better than them,” she says.

STEP 8: Kim always uses black pencil eyeliner. Her favorite is Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx.

STEP 9: Kim applies Lancome Hypnose Mascara, then layers on MAC Zoom Lash on top. She always uses a separator brush to prevent clumps, and only wears falsies for photo shoots because she's clueless about how to apply them.

STEP 10: Kim lightly lines lips with MAC Lip Pencil Stripdown (what a coincidence) then swipes on MAC Lipstick in Angel. Then she applies NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss on top. For a very nude matte lip, she lines with MAC Subculture Lip Pencil and tops it off with NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle De Jour.

And there you have it. Kim Kardashian in 10 steps. Obviously, these shades aren't universal...so feel free to experiment with colors to find what best suits your skintone. For example, my sister and I just recently found that MAC Lipstick in Syrup plus MAC Plushglass in Foolishly Fab equals our perfect Kim K lip look.

And how much do you wanna bet that Kim ends up as one of the new faces of MAC? If I was her mother/agent, Kris, I'd be lobbying for that.

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

Source: officialkimkardashian.com

These Eco-Friendly Brushes Are Wallet Friendly Too!

You know I tell it like it is. I’ll let you know when it’s worthwhile to blow your dough. But I’ll also tell you when I find an amazing bargain buy – like ecoTOOLS cosmetic brushes.

These brushes feature bamboo handles (bamboo has a low impact on the earth’s resources), synthetic bristles, and metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans. The cosmetic brushes are housed in reusable/biodegradable pouches, printed with plant-based ink, and each item has a “green” tip on the back of the package…so everyone who purchases a piece of the collection discovers another small step that can create a greener lifestyle. Plus 1% of all annual sales provides financial support to environmental initiatives.

The standouts of the collection are the larger brushes. I’ve been using the Powder Brush almost every day since I got it. It’s unbelievably soft, applies my powder like a dream, and it’s only $7.99!

Individual ecoTOOLs brushes cost between $2.99 and $7.99. But for just $10.99, you can own the 5 Piece Brush Set – housed in a 100% linen and hemp cosmetic case.

ecoTOOLs products (they also offer bath and body items) are available at Walgreens, Kmart, and Ulta.

TGBIW Winner Writes Back

Lindsay, winner of the Greatest Giveaway, wrote me the other day to say thanks - and to extol the virues of The Greatest Brush In The World. Here's what she said:

Daneen!

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVE my TGBIW! I received it a few days ago and wanted to use it a bit so I could give you a full report. Bottom line: silky bristles, perfect application...if your readers DON'T have this brush...THEY NEED TO GET IT ASAP!

I'm heading to Philly soon so I will definitely be stopping by Ursula's About PHace to pick up some more goodies!

Thank you again!

Lindsay

MAC Beauty Powder Blush Review

Everytime I get an itch to expand my beauty arsenal, I pick up a new treat for my eyes or lips - and I often forget about my cheeks. I've been alternating between the same two blushes for about about a year, so I was overjoyed when MAC debuted their limited-edition Beauty Powder Blushes.

Available in eight gorgeous shades, these silky, smooth blushes offer a high-color payout. A little goes a long way - so gently sweep over cheeks, and use a slightly heavier hand on the apples for a bright pop of color.

MAC generously gifted me with four blushes from the collection. See below for swatches. Joyous has become my personal fave, and I have been applying with the fabulous 169 Angled Brush.


Left to right: Joyous - Peach with gold pearl; Sweetness - Intense blue pink; True Romantic - Mid-tone pink with silver pearl; and Serenely - Deep brownish red with gold pearl.

Here Comes The Bridal Kit - New From Bobbi Brown

Every year an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the United States. And June is the most popular month for marriages – accounting for 10.8% of weddings.

March may seem somewhat early to start thinking about wedding season. But, trust me - many June brides are already at their wits’ end, trying to decide on a makeup look that will be immortalized in their wedding photos and videos.

Last year at this time, I was preparing for my own nuptials - so I remember what an exciting, yet physically/mentally/emotionally taxing time it can be; I clearly recall agonizing over the makeup I would wear on my wedding day.


This Spring, Bobbi Brown, the bridal beauty authority, has done the hard work and assembled her wedding day must-haves in a new Bridal Kit. Exclusively designed with brides and their bridal parties in mind, the Bridal Kit contains special occasion essentials that flatter all complexions. The sleek white case includes: Ivory Eye Shadow, Black Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Black No Smudge Mascara, Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss and a Short Handle Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush.

With the exception of the eye shadow, I own all of these products – and would highly recommend them to future brides. I’m speaking from experience, as I used a few Bobbi Brown products on my wedding day. Plus, if you were to purchase these products separately, it would cost you more than $100 (not including the cosmetic case) – but the Bridal Kit only costs $75.

Click here for a video of Bobbi's Tips and How-To’s for Brides.

Paris In Springtime: Fafi for MAC

New from MAC is the Fafi Color Collection – now available at MAC stores and counters everywhere.

Inspired by the graphic expression of French graffiti artist Fafi, this hip Spring collection includes is filled with bold, empowering hues, unapologetically girly lip shades of pearly pinks and tangerine reds, iridescent powder, brown, blue and green Paint Pots and Quads, and whimsical cosmetic accessories.

"We had the idea on a shoot to capture the spirit of a young woman having fun playing — with clothes, technology, fashion," said James Gager, senior vice president and creative director of MAC Cosmetics worldwide. "We were inspired by Japanese anime, and as we researched the movement, we discovered Fafi. We asked if she would collaborate with us on a photo concept, and the creation began from there."

LIPSTICK
Fun ‘n’ Sexy: Blue pink with blue pearl (glaze)
Not So Innocent: Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (glaze)
Utterly Frivolous: Rosy coral with pink pearl (lustre)
High Top: Grey purple with blue pearl (glaze)
Flash-n-Dash: Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (glaze)
Strawbaby: Coral rose with rainbow pearl (lustre)

LIPGLASS
Cult Fave: Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (frost)
Sugar Trance: Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (frost)
Squeeze It: Brassy plum (frost)
Totally It: Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (frost)

EYE SHADOW X4 - Fafi Eyes 1
Howzat: Deep grey with silver sparkle (satin)
Hey: Neutral tan with white pearl (veluxe pearl)
Pink Venus: Washed pink (lustre)
Vanilla: Soft pale-peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer (velvet)

EYE SHADOW X 4 - Fafi Eyes 2
Bold as Gold: Yellow gold with gold pearl (lustre)
You’re Fresh: Pale green with silver sparkle (lustre)
Shockwave: Intense orange with silver sparkle (velvet)
Prankster: Muted dark blue (satin)

PAINT POT
Nice: Vice Dirty purple with purple pearl (frost)
Girl Friendly: Creamy grey pink (cream)
Layin’ Low: Creamy beige (cream)
Cash Flow: Green gold with gold pearl (frost)
Perky: Cream coral with white pearl (satin)
Rollickin’: Aqua blue green with white pearl (frost)

FLUIDLINE
Blacktrack: Solid flat black

EYE KOHL
Smolder: Intense black
Fascinating: Snake-eyes matte white

ZOOM LASH
Zoomblack: Rich black

POWDER BLUSH
Hipness: Intense coral with soft white pearl
Fashion Frenzy: Mid-tone blue pink

IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER
Sassed-up: Soft coral pink with gold sparkle
Verve-acaious: Intense yellow gold with gold pearl
Belightful: Gilded peach bronze

NAIL LACQUER
Girls Will Be Girls: Pink with coral pearl
Boom!: Rich eggplant with purple pearl

BRUSHES
210 Precise Eye Liner: Firm, extra-fine tip brush for precision lining with emollient or water-based products.
129SH Powder/Blush (with decorated pouch): Soft natural fluffed dome Brush for application of powder products on cheeks and face. In a special decorated Fafi-themed pouch.
208 Angled Brow Brush: Firm, angled tip Brush for precision application of brow and eye-lining product.
182 Buffer Brush: Ultra-soft, large, rounded dome tip Brush for use with powder face and cheek product.

BAGS
Rectangle MAC/Small/Clearly Fafi
Rectangle MAC/Mini/Clearly Fafi
MAC Tote/Clearly Fafi

A Croc Of...

A good set of makeup brushes is a must-have in every girl’s beauty arsenal. But here’s a bit of advice when it comes to brushes (from one beauty junkie to another)…good isn’t necessarily synonymous with expensive. Case in point: Starlet Cosmetics 7 piece Folder Brush Set.

This kit includes:

Blush Brush – duo usage for applying loose face powder or cheek blush color.

Eye Primer Brush - for applying base to eye lids and under eye area. You can also use this to apply light neutral eye shadow colors.

Shadow Brush – use this brush to contour eyes with various shadow colors.

Crease Brush – using medium to darker colors, create depth with this crease brush at the corners of your eyes.

Liner Brush – an angle brush for filling in brow color, or to apply dark shades to line your eyes.

Lash Brow Groomer Brush – use the comb side to separate lashes after applying mascara, then use the brush side to comb and tidy brows.

Lip Brush - Offers a smooth application of lip gloss or lipstick.

I was pleasanly surprised by the quality of these brushes. They're soft, plush, and cruelty-free. Since I got the set, I've been using the brushes to apply all of my makeup. Magnetic enclosures keep the case closed and prevent brushes from sliding out; and a zippered pouch offers enough room to stash a compact and lipgloss inside. The kit’s sleek design ensures that it will fit into your favorite purse.

So for the price of one 'high-end' makeup brush ($38), you can get seven!

Upgrade U

Looking to upgrade from that Ikea pencil cup you use to store your makeup brushes? Well, look no farther than Paul & Joe’s Brush Holder.

With its vintage, yet modern look and chrysanthemum design, you’ll want to display it on your vanity - rather than hide in the recesses of your bathroom cabinet. This is a beauty accessory necessity for the stylish, not the stylus.

Also worth checking out are the chic, desktop wallpapers available on the website - inspired by prints used in the Paul & Joe 2007 Fall/Winter line.

And, for the hell of it, here's a little Beyonce (cuz we don't see her nearly enough)...

Got Problem Skin? No Problem!

Worried that your makeup brushes may have something to do with your plugged-up pores? Sephora’s Deluxe Antibacterial Brush Set may offer a solution. This seven-piece, professional-quality brush set is treated with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic compound that attacks and destroys harmful bacteria. The soft, synthetic fibers distribute just the right amount of pigment and the set comes packaged in a chic, silver, tri-fold brush case.

Set includes a foundation brush, concealer brush, powder brush, angled eye shadow brush, eye blender brush, lip/eyeliner brush, and a brow brush/lash comb.

Philadelphia Phocus: Ursula Augustine

When I visited Ursula Augustine in her Rittenhouse studio, I patiently waited while she finished the makeup of a customer. As she was leaving, the woman warmly hugged Ursula and said, “See you on Saturday” before walking out of the door. Being that it was Thursday, I asked, “Is she a regular?” Ursula explained that the woman isn’t just a regular; she does her makeup 20 days out of every month. The moral of this story? Ursula Augustine has skills, and she takes care of her customers.

Ursula is a board-certified cosmetologist with an impressive career that spans over two decades. Earlier this year, she opened Philadelphia’s only makeup studio, About pHace – and since then, has been very busy, thanks to features in The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Magazine (she was voted Best of Philly 2007, Makeup Application). Ursula’s creative talent is no news to me, as we have been acquainted for years. So for my first Philadelphia Phocus, I decided to pay her a visit and find out how the new business is doing.

The first thing I noticed while touring Ursula’s studio was the organic tea bar; depending on the day, Ursula’s customers can choose blends such as Blueberry Echinacea or Exotic Chai. And while they sip tea, customers can leaf through some of the books in her library. Ursula prefers non-fiction, particularly biographies – from Marlon Brando to Chuck D, and everyone in between. Ursula’s space, is a calm retreat in the midst of bustling downtown Philadelphia; with its waterfall wall sconces and meditation area, it’s easy to understand why Ursula’s customers come back again and again. But, naturally, talent is her ace in the hole.

In addition to her makeup artistry, Ursula recently unveiled her own line of cosmetics and skin care products that blend natural products with beautiful packaging. Her makeup line is mineral based, but this is no Bare Minerals knockoff. The foundation is liquid powder – so it’s minerals without the mess. The foundations and powders come in a variety of shades to compliment every skin tone.

Ursula’s eye shadows and blushes are gorgeous, yet very wearable – and her lipsticks are available in three finishes: matte, lip shine, and micro-bubble (which release oxygen to the lips throughout the day, keeping them hydrated). The item that blew me away, however, was the Retexturizing Face Primer – which, literally, melts into skin and leaves an invisible layer of silk on the face. Amazing is the only word to describe it.

Ursula’s own line of skin care is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and natural preservatives. When asked to name her favorite product, she couldn’t decide. “It’s like picking your favorite child,” she complained. Finally, she narrowed it down to two – her Oolong Tea and Carrot Oil Eye Cream (which smells like she poured it straight out of the teapot into the jar) and the Pumpkin Apricot Walnut Facial Scrub that she kindly gave to me as a gift. The scrub, which Ursula created years ago with her Cuisinart, is unlike any I have ever tried. It uses ground walnuts (not walnut shells) because they are gentler on skin. And the product can be used without water - just apply and tissue off, which means that you can pamper your skin anywhere, anytime.

It gets better…Ursula offers “pHace Lift Parties” - so you and a group of your friends can enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres while taking a “Smoky Eye Class” or learning how to get that “J.Lo Glow”. She divulged that she’ll soon be adding karaoke to the menu!

Ursula’s About pHace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio is located at 1700 Sansom Street, Suite 201. For more information and to contact Ursula, visit her website.

Spoiled Pretty Tip: If you visit Ursula’s studio, ask her about the TGBIW brush. The acronym stands for “The Greatest Brush In the World”, which was shortened to fit on the brush’s handle. Created with a blend of sable, mink, and inner-thigh goat hair, the brush's name doesn’t exaggerate.

Photos courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Sonia Kashuk's Got The Midas Touch

This holiday season, Sonia Kashuk turns everything you touch into gold. Starting in November, Sonia Kashuk Beauty, will introduce a luxe Holiday 2007 collection that reflects the opulence of the season with gilded cases and accessories.

The Glitz and Glam Brush Set includes a Blush Brush, Large Eye Shadow Brush, Concealer Brush, Small Eye Shadow Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, Smudge Brush and Lash/Brow Comb.

The brushes in Kashuk’s Prized Possession Kashuk Tools Set are made with the finest quality hairs and a comfortable, ergonomic design for flawless application every time. The thee-piece set includes a Blush Brush, Blending Brush, and Angled Eye Shadow Brush encased in a beautifully ornate box.

The Gold Mine Accessory Kit contains gold Cosmetic Scissors, Deluxe Eye Lash Curler, Emory Board, and Tweezers - all carried in a suede bag for easy access in your purse.

The most stylish travel mirror on the market, Looking Glass Case and Mirror, is held in a gorgeous gold faux-snakeskin zippered case and is your ideal travel companion.

The Treasure Chest Train Case is perfect for displaying on a vanity or jet-setting during the holidays. The suede lining inside, complete with slots for every makeup brush to be stored and organized, makes this makeup case a must-have travel accessory for this holiday season.

Sonia Kashuk Beauty is available exclusively at Target, and prices range between $14.99 and $29.99. Fabuless!

An Eye Opener

Yves Saint Laurent’s new makeup artist, Val Garland, shares the following beauty tip:

“Dip a flat eyeliner brush into mascara and paint the tops of your lashes from root to tip. Voila – instant falsies!”


My new fav? Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! It curls, lengthens, volumizes, and adds inky shine - with a surprisingly light formula that doesn't weigh down lashes and never clumps.

Beauty Begins With A Solid Foundation

...or a liquid one (or a tinted moisturizer). Whatever floats your proverbial boat!

Today, I payed a visit to my neighborhood MAC store – and left with a bag chock full of goodies. But my favorite purchase of the day (and of the summer, as a matter of fact) is the 187 Duo Fibre Brush. It is, in a word, fantabulous.

The 187 Brush contains a combination of short, goat hairs and longer, synthetic fibers. This combination of bristles creates a unique shape that allows for a light, airy dusting of powder products to the face and body. It also works beautifully with emollient-based products and liquid foundations.

Jillian, a helpful (and wonderfully talented) makeup artist at the Philadelphia MAC store, shared some tips for using this brush. She explained that brush 187 is can be used to apply foundation, powder, blush and bronzer in 3 ways.

Use the brush in strokes (like painting) to distribute product onto the skin. The next application technique is called stippling, which means that you tap the brush onto the skin. Stippling results in more coverage, so tap the white part of the bristles onto the face to mask dark circles, acne scars, and hyper-pigmentation. Finally, swirl the brush on the skin to erase seams, which creates an airbrushed finish.

So if you weren’t blessed with a flawless complexion, there’s good news. Now, you can buy one. I did...check out my "after" picture (you don't even want to see the "before" pic)...and it only cost $42.

Run, don’t walk, to your nearest MAC store or counter and buy this brush. And if you can't get to a MAC location, let your fingers do the walking (er, running) and type maccosmetics.com into your web browser.

Sephora Has Stuff On Sale?!?!

Sephora doesn't advertise it, but they regularly offer beauty products at reduced prices - up to 75% off! Just type "sale" into the search field and hit GO. And voila!

The following is a sampling of the deals and steals Sephora is offering right now...











Sephora Medium Sable Dome Long Handle Eyeshadow Brush
Apply a wash of color to the lid, or blend away harsh edges with this soft sable brush.
$4.80 (Original Price $12)











Nars Hot Sauce Lip Palette
Palette includes lip colors in Tobago (sheer warm taupe-grape with soft shimmer), Dolce Vita (sheer dusty rose), Gipsy (sheer, warm berry), Catfight (semi matte nude-rose), Flair (sheer burnished berry), and Captiva (sheer currant).
$30 (Original Price $55)











Sephora Professionnel Radical Eye & Lip Makeup Remover
Created especially for the delicate eye and lip area, this gentle makeup remover instantly whisks away all traces of lip color and eye makeup.
$4 (Original Price $8)