I swung by Nordstrom to pick up a couple pretty hand soaps for my new vanities, and as I was walking out, the new Bobbi Brown Everything Eyes Palette caught my eye. It's available exclusively at Nordstrom, so I decided to splurge since I've been on the road a lot and have needed a multi palette with brushes to keep in my gym bag for a few months now!
I spend most of my time searching for the latest and greatest in beauty, so today I will present the best of my favorite arrivals to my base makeup wardrobe. A new class of foundation formulas has emerged this Spring season, and I have carefully curated the best five options for you to consider. I will also share which powders they pair best with. All details after the jump!
As much as I love dramatic eye looks, I rarely wear smoky eyes or even dark eyeshadows these days. I like to keep things natural and simple, especially when the weather is gloomy, so I have found that the easiest way to perk up my look is to focus on brightening the eyes. A little bit of highlighter in the tear duct area and perfectly curled lashes with a hint of elongating eyeliner is really all it takes to add some polish to any outfit. I like to think of this as a template tutorial, so feel free to layer on more blush and add some half lashes to the outer corners of the eyes! Have fun with it xo
The Bobbi Brown Holiday collection is full of wearable surprises and is still available online! I absolutely love and look forward to the preppy, chic black and gold packaging that Bobbi releases during the winter months. They make perfect "feel good" gifts for co-workers and family members and/or tasteful treats for yourself. Check out the photos with all swatches after the jump!
Tom Ford blush fanatics, and the blush obsessed in general, must own Tom Ford's Cheek Brush. The Cheek Color and Cheek Brush duo will yield a brighter and lively complexion in a mere minute. With a pat on the pan, the Cheek Brush collects just enough product and deposits it softly on the skin. The flat face of the brush can create a youthful dolly-cheek effect, while the tapered ends can be used apply color to the tops of the cheeks for a sculpted blush effect. I find that it pairs best with Tom Ford's pearly Cheek Colors, but this brush performs so well, it can make any blush look divine. See more details and comparisons after the jump!
Earlier this year, Bobbi Brown released the Skin Perfecting Retouching Powder collection, a set of six new corrective loose powders. She says, "Retouching Powders instantly make your skin look better − yet they're completely undetectable." The formula works magic with its gentle plant-based ingredients and natural mineral powders to help soothe and calm skin white absorbing excess surface oils. See swatches after the jump!
The month of May was filled with the best of beauty! There was finally a "miss" worth talking about, since after all it is from Chanel, and I knew the hard-core Chanel fanatics in my audience would appreciate this mention. I also rediscovered some of my old favorites, which is what tends to happen when you shop your stash. My routine has been very minimal, as I have had to ease up on the makeup since my skin has been so volatile (thank you, hormones). I have, however, seen progress in my skin's condition, so this means I will be back to wearing a complete face and testing more makeup for you full-time! Hope you enjoy these summer season appropriate Favorites xoxo
Makeup Reviewed:
Dolce & Gabbana The Foundation Perfect Matte Liquid in 100
Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Nude
Kerastase Ciment Thermique
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural with BB Bronzer Brush
Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in 4 Peach
Kenzo Ki Skin Whitening Cocooning Cream [see more info here]
Kenzo Ki Skin Vital-Ice Cream [see more info here]
Chanel Volume de Chanel Mascara in Black
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Black
Lancome Gloss in Love in Peach Show 146 and Just Strass 200 [new releases]
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Nail Lacquer in Vapor
Makeup Worn:
Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Nude
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in B30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Natural 1
Givenchy Le Prisme Blush Powder in 25 In Vogue Orange
Ellis Faas Light in 303 Bronze as Eye Base
Lorac Pro Palette - Light Bronze Eyeshadow with Mauve in Crease
Sephora Long Lasting Liquid Eyeliner with Precision Brush in Black
Ardell Accent Lashes No. 305 with Armani Eyes to Kill WP Mascara
Lancome Gloss in Love in Peach Show 146
Makeup began as an interest, a hobby, a passion.. now makeup is my life, though I never imagined it would be. I can confidently tell the world that the thrill of cracking open a fresh tube of lip color will never lose its appeal, and I know I am not alone! Over the years, I have received many inquiries regarding where to start when building a high-end kit, which is why I created the video below. I wanted to introduce a few ideas and show you my personal favorites in action. I have worked with countless makeup artists in the past decade in many capacities, so I have been lucky enough to snoop through hundreds of kits (including some backstage at Fashion Week NY) and have fine-tuned my own based off what I have learned. Keep in mind this is just my perspective, and it merely covers the tip of the iceberg that is artistry.. I hope you find the recommendations helpful!
Makeup Used:
Bobbi Brown Eye Corrector and Concealers from BBU Palette
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Natural
Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in Peche
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink
Armani Eyes to Kill WP Mascara with Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara
Velour False Lashes in Lash in the City
Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss is 4 Buff
Nail Polish:
Givenchy 12 Purple Crosiere
Now here are some additional thoughts:
--Most of the Bobbi Brown products used and reviewed in the video are part of the Bobbi Brown Pro Makeup Starter Kit. The classic colors and best-selling formulas included in the kit are a great place to start shopping once accepted into the BB Pro program (40% off retail prices, redeemable only through BobbiBrown.com), which you may apply for through her website. The new Retouching Powders with the Sheer Powder Brush are also must-haves for makeup artists. The finely milled loose powder formula is available in 6 shades and suits all skin types and colors, so I highly recommend them to be used in conjunction with the Sheer Powder brush. Interestingly enough, the pink shades can double up as blushes! Also, my BBU Palette is undoubtedly my favorite Pro product. It makes my life so much easier because I can access any shade I need might need in one palette, and the packaging is incredibly streamlined.
--The ZÜCA shown in the video is the Artist Sport case, in Mystic/Black, which retails for $209 USD. There is a Pro version but it is more expensive, so I find the Artist is a great place to start. The Artist case is incredibly useful and travel friendly, though it does not fit in commercial airline carry-on bins. I love playing tetris with my makeup when organizing each of the four vinyl-lined utility pouches and am always amazed at how many products I manage to cram into each one.
--I buy many of my disposable sponges and cotton swabs from CVS because it is convenient to do so, but you can purchase disposable mascara wands and sanitizers like Beauty So Clean from stores like Camera Ready Cosmetics or Naimies.
Do your research.. know your makeup and understand your cliente. Best of luck and happy shopping!
The Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Light/Medium Matte is one of their newest additions to the brand's bronzer lineup. I first encountered the Pink Leopard Bronzer years ago, but because I much prefer matte bronzer, I was very excited to hear news of this Light/Medium Matte release. I would say it definitely takes the cake for new matte bronzer of 2013, and you can find out why after the jump!
This post is for anyone who has previously asked me the question, "What eyeliners are the best?"As many of you very well know, my favorite makeup products to try are foundations, eyeliners, and nail polishes. So it should come to no surprise that this comprehensive shopping guide is thorough, with lots of options! I love variety, whether it is in finish, color, or texture.. don't we all? I hope you find the reviews helpful, text breakdowns of Top 3 at the end! Enjoy :)
Eyeliners Reviewed:
Lancome Artliner in Noir
Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner
MUFE Aqua Liner Waterproof Liquid in Navy
Stila Sparkle Liquid Liner in Electric [and for those asking, the Stila All-Day Pen liner smudges on me]
Lancome Waterproof Artliner in Beach Bum
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner in Woodstock
Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Waterproof Pencils
Lancome Kohl in Love Pencils in Chocolate Affair, Deepwater Blue, and Jade Crush
Chanel Stylo Yeux Long-Lasting Waterproof Pencil in Rose Platine [DCed]
MAC Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner Pencil in Undercurrent
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 8
Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black Ink
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils in Gold [LE]
Inglot AMC Matte Eye Liner Gels in 90 and 77
Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Foundation
Cle de Peau Powder Foundation in O20
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Grey
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Burberry Eye Shadow in Dark Sable
MAC Eyeshadows - Blanc Type and Era
Lancome Color Design Infinite 24H Eye Shadows - Tremendous Turquoise & Boundless Blue
Lancome Artliner in Noir and Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Tom Ford Lip Colour Shine Lipstick in Quiver
This brush guide has been a long time coming, but I finally was able to film this video because I was fortunate enough to have been able to purchase a Hakuhodo brush at The Makeup Show in LA recently! I plan to add more Hakuhodo, Tom Ford, and the revamped Chanel brushes to my collection, but not much will change otherwise for years to come. The brushes reviewed in the video below are tried and true, so give them a go because they are worth your time and your money!
Since it was highly requested in the comments in my last Favorite Powders episode, I filmed this Favorite Concealers video at 1AM today! I know there are quite a few reviewed, but most of you know by now that I like variety and I switch things up based on how often I am traveling or when my skin condition changes.. I have been experiencing some acne recently from stress and lack of sleep, so I will try to get around to filming a concealers/makeup video for acne soon! Hope you enjoy.. Don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date!
My Favorite Concealers:
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 03 Fawn
Dior Diorskin Sculpt Concealer in 002
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Sand
Lancome Regenerie Eye Multiple Action Eye Cream & Concealer Duo in Medium
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealers in Frais/Cool for eyes & Medium for face
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-4
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30
*Better for spots: MAC Pro Longwear
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in 003
Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Foundation in B40
Becca Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer in Frais/Cool on eyes
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Grey
Tom Ford Cognac Sable Eyeshadow Quad [Copper Glitter only]
Lancome Artliner in Black and Ardell Demi Wispies Lashes
Guerlain Shine Automatique Lipstick in 760 Lou Ling
Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust
Who doesn't travel? Even for an overnight trip, you need to be prepared. So I put together this video to show you how I like to pack my beauty essentials and what, in particular, I can't bear to travel without. I think people will be most excited to see my travel bags since I get asked tons of questions whenever I show them. [Please continue reading for all the details you need to know about the bags!]
And for those of you who asked about my Model Mirror in the past, check them out here: http://lestaitai.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=1
And don't forget to take advantage of the whopping 25% off discount they've offered my subscribers with the coupon code Mirror Mirror! Model Mirrors make the best stocking stuffers and they're also great gifts for the girls in your lives that seem to have 'everything' ;) *Please note: I have no professional affiliation with Les Tai Tai and they do not compensate me in ANY way - no compensation or commission whatsoever. I just really believe their products are worth the money!
Now for the Model Mirror giveaway guidelines!
1. This giveaway is reserved for those who live in the US. If you're under 18, you need parental permission to enter.
2. In the comment section of the video [please go to the video's page directly on YouTube to enter -- your entries here on this blog will not be valid] please tell me the brand of my travel make-up bag is and what your #1 travel essential is!
3. Only one comment per day! Hence, one user may be allowed 14 total entries into this giveaway.
4. The contest will end December 4th, 2011 at 12AM PST.
The black/gold Bobbi Brown travel case that I showed in the video is no longer available since it was a limited edition piece from her Holiday '10 collection but the newest silver/silver edition for Holiday '11, called the 'Party Collection' Deluxe Travel Kit, can be found here on Nordstrom's site: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bobbi-brown-party-collection-deluxe-travel-kit/3232027?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=40It's a splurge at $115 but trust me, it's worth every penny!
Make-up Worn:
Chantecaille 'Just Skin' Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
D&G Powder Foundation in Tan
D&G Blush in Tan [contour]
Shu Uemura Stone Grey Brow Pencil
Edward Bess Single Eye Shadow in Dusk
Lancome Artliner in Noir
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP in Black
Shiseido Majolica Majorca Cheek Customize in OR211 Peach
Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Forbidden Flower
Nails:
Butter London Victoriana
Lenses: Queenie Royal Grey Lenses from PinkyParadise.com *Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :) --Please note: I do not make any commission whatsoever from the use of this code!
*The products are shown true to color for the sake of those who need to order online without seeing the product first. If you would like to see the palette in action as well, check out my tutorial!
Bobbi Brown's Fall 2010 Denim and Rose Collection caught my eye first and foremost because of the packaging. I'm not a denim addict but it's a rare occasion when a palette packaged in denim is released. That translates to MUST-BUY! Plus, the palette does not have a standard closure.. it has a zipper! And I love zippers as accents, especially when they're practical! :)
Colors Included: Navajo and Gray Denim [new] shadows, Pink Granite and Dark Rinse [new] Shimmer shadows, Pink Rose blush, Cool Rose and Indie Rose lipstick, Iced Lilac glitter lip gloss, and Hot Rose [the bright pink] lip gloss.
Fall is my favorite season of the year but this palette shouldn't be limited to use in the fall. All the shades are classics and universally flattering. All the shades are wearable, even the deep Indie Rose lip color. I like to apply it sheerly with a lip brush and use the Hot Rose lip gloss! The only product that I absolutely dislike is the Pink Granite sparkle shadow. It has MAJOR fall-out and does not stick to my eyes, even with a primer. You could spritz your brush with water and apply it that way but I personally do not like to use my shadows wet or with a mixing medium so I was disappointed in that shadow as it looks lovely sitting in the pan.
It was a bit on the expensive side but because all the colors are so easy to use on a day-to-day basis, it is worth the $70-something [that's including tax] you will spend. I will be reserving this for travel, as it's convenient and portable, so it's not the best purchase for me. But I'm positive the ladies who are always fixing themselves up on the go will appreciate this versatile and wearable palette!
It is a limited edition piece so pick it up while you still can!
