Beautiful Things My Mother Taught Me


Mom and me, circa 1979 Disclosure: This post is sponsored by CoverGirl. Mother’s Day is this Sunday and I’m so excited. Not just because Mr. Spoiled Pretty and my son, Westley, are treating me to a decadent brunch. But because it’s an opportunity to celebrate my hero, Andrea Stamps. I must admit that until two years ago, Mother’s Day was just another CONTINUE READING

Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles: 2 for $22


At Christmastime, I agonized over what to get my son's daycare teachers. There are 12 of them - and even though he has his two main teachers, they all have interaction with him and take excellent care of him. So I needed to buy 12 gifts to show my appreciation, without breaking the bank. $10 each seemed doable, except CONTINUE READING

IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Creme SPF 15


As a beauty expert, I’m embarrassed by how late I am to the BB Cream party. In the past year, so many friends and colleagues have asked me about BB Creams—what’s the buzz, which brands are the best, etc. —and they would look at me funny when I admitted to not having tried BB Creams yet. I mean, they CONTINUE READING

CoverGirl Outlast Brilliant Shine Nail Gloss in Vio-last


I’m very fickle about my fingernails. Before I paint my nails or get them professionally did, I spend a inordinate amount of time pondering my polish options. I consider the season, recent trends, my wardrobe that week and anywhere special I might go. But despite all of this planning, I’m usually over my polish choice before it even dries. Not CONTINUE READING

My New Arm Candy: Rebecca Minkoff Swing Bag


After beauty products, handbags are my secondary addiction. But when it comes to arm candy, I have discriminating taste. For me, the perfect handbag seamlessly marries fashion with function, is handcrafted from high-quality materials, has really unique hardware and is classic but edgy - all at the same time. I don't like to carry the of-the-moment "it" bag. I CONTINUE READING

Bust a Move On Over to Saturday.com


Earlier this month, Kate Spade (aka creator of cuteness and the reason why I can't seem to keep money in my wallet), launched a brand new line called Kate Spade Saturday. Kate Spade Saturday is a new global lifestyle brand created to channel the spirit of Saturday seven days a week. This younger, more accessible sister to kate spade new CONTINUE READING

Eye Shadow

Bobbi Brown’s New Platinum Collection

Posted on by daneen in Bath and Body, Eye Shadow, Lipgloss | Leave a comment

bobbi+brown+platinum+collection Bobbi Browns New Platinum Collection
Bobbi Brown introduces her new Platinum Collection – a necessary indulgence for any Bobbi Brown fan!

bobbi+brown+platinum+pink+shimmer+brick Bobbi Browns New Platinum CollectionThe collection features the new limited-edition Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick which comes in a unique metallic silver finish and contains five bars of color that will beautifully highlight cheeks or anywhere you want to add shimmer. The shades included: soft pink, platinum, bright pink, golden coral and rose, can be blended together or used individually.

In addition to the Shimmer Brick, Bobbi also adds new shades to her line of ever popular Long Wear Cream Shadows, Shimmer Lip Glosses and Lip Glosses that reflect this spring’s trend of strong and smoky eyes and glossy, high-shine lips.

Bobbi also introduces her new, limited-edition Shimmering Body Oil which is infused with pink and platinum pearls. Perfect for giving skin a radiant glow, the oil also moisturizes and conditions with a blend of essential oils. Lightly fragranced, the Shimmering Body Oil features a sneak peek of Bobbi’s Party, a new fragrance that will debut Holiday 2009!

The Best Cat Eye at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009

Posted on by daneen in Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Makeup Brush, Mascara | Leave a comment

 The Best Cat Eye at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009

Despite going backstage at countless Fashion Week shows, the best darn cat eye belonged to my roommate, Katie – who flew in from Nevada to report for Makeup Bag and assist the lovely Erika.

 The Best Cat Eye at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009

Little K (she reminds me of Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, so I gave her a nickname) creates her ferosh cat eye using the following products and tools:

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
MAC Small Angle Brush (#263)
bareMinerals Rocker Eye Kit (she uses 1980s Eyecolor and Rock Star Eyecolor)
Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Smoky Eye
DuWop Lash Venom Mascara

#NYFW

Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Lashes, Lip Balm, Lipgloss, Lipstick, Makeup Brush, Makeup Case, Mask, Powder | 7 Comments

mac+hello+kitty2 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection

Hello Kitty Color Collection

mac+hello+kitty1 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty CollectionAll that’s girly and sparkly.

This sophisticated color story takes its cue from both the fantastical world of Hello Kitty and the glamour of the spring fashion shows. It will feature plush pinks, rich purples, turquoise for extra pop, three-dimensional lickable lips and lashes that were made to bat, all packaged in a sophisticated yet adorable graphic black design to give the line that baaaaaad kitty edge.

MAC paired six playful Lipstick shades with six sparkling Lipglass glosses, two Tinted Lip Conditioners that will have your kisser covered, and two bright and punchy eye quads that can be accented with reflective eye Glitter and Glitter Eye Liners, all of which are perfectly framed by the thickest, most decadent Plush Lash Mascara. Beauty Powder Blush in shades of pink and peach will give the MAC Hello Kitty woman a demure, rosy flush and nails are decorated in fabulous shades of pepto-pink, modern grey and creamy white Nail Lacquer.

MAC Hello Kitty Accessories

hello+kitty+accessories Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty CollectionTo Kitty-fy your life.

Finally, we know how devoted Hello Kitty collectors are, and with that in mind we’ve designed an accessory collection like no other. Hello Kitty was created with the idea that everyone should be able to snap up a gift for a friend (or yourself!), and there’s literally something for everyone.

Of course makeup lovers will adore the Criss Cross Half Lashes, Makeup Bags and Vanity Case with the exclusive pink and white collaboration logo. We’re rolling out a Brush Collection, adorable Purse Mirror, Mirrored Key Clip, Beaded Bracelet with darling charms, and the sure to be cult classic 14” MAC Hello Kitty Plush Doll. Snatch up these playful, yet practical graphic Makeup Bags at any MAC location.

Kitty Lipstick Strayin%27 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
LIPSTICK
Cute-ster: Sheer peachy pink with pearl
Big Bow: Sheer bright intense blue pink
Fresh Brew: Creamed coffee
Fashion Mews: Sheer pale lavender
Strayin ’: Frosty midtone mint
Most Popular: Sheer deep berry
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Kitty Lipglass SheLovesCandy 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
LIPGLASS
Sweet Strawberry: Sheer berry with blue pearl
Mimmy: Light creamy pink with pink and gold pearl
Nice to be Nice: Sheer bright intense orange with pearl
Nice Kitty: Sheer neon pink with blue pearl
She Loves Candy: Pale blue pink with gold pearl
Fast Friends: Sheer bright intense purple with pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Kitty LipCond Popster 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
TINTED LIP CONDITIONER
Popster Lively: Coral Pink
Pink Fish: Soft Neutral Pink
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50

Kitty EyeQuad LuckyTomPeach 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
EYE SHADOW x 4: LUCKY TOM
Stylin ’: Midtone violet blue with multi-dimensional pearl
Lucky Tom: Dark charcoal brown with gold pearl
Crème Royale: Yellow wheat gold
Paradisco: Soft bright pinky-coral with golden shimmer
Suggested Retail Price: $38.00

Kitty EyeQuad TooDollyPink 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
EYE SHADOW x 4: TOO DOLLY
Too Dolly: Frosty midtone mint
Stately Black: Rich blue with silver sparkle
Yogurt: Soft pale pink
Romping: Rich magenta with pink pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $38.00

Kitty Pigment DeepBlueGreen 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
PIGMENT
Milk: Frosty pale silvery pink
Deep Blue Green: Rich, deep bluish green
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50

Kitty Pigment ReflexBerryPink 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
REFLECTS GLITTER
Reflects Blue: Sparkling Blue
Reflects Very Pink: Sparkling fuchsia pink
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50

Kitty GlitterEyeliner HerGlitz 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
GLITTER EYE LINER
Her Glitz: Blackened gold with multi-dimensional glitter
Glitterpuss: Orangey bronze with multi-dimensional glitter
Kitty Power: Pink with multi-dimensional glitter
Girl Groove: Clear/white teal reflects and multi-dimensional glitter
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50

Kitty PlushLash Plushblack 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
PLUSH LASH
Plushblack: Black
Suggested Retail Price: $12.00

Kitty CremeBlush Fun%26Games 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
BEAUTY POWDER BLUSH
Fun & Games: Soft orange peach
Tippy: Midtone blue pink
Suggested Retail Price: $18.00

Kitty Powder PrettyBaby 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
BEAUTY POWDER
Tahitian Sand: Soft coral peach
Pretty Baby: Soft sunny pink with gold
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00

Kitty Lash 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
LASH
Hello Kitty Lash: Half lash with overlapping hairs to emphasize outer corner of eyes.
Suggested Retail Price: $12.00

Kitty NailLacquer OnTheProwl 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
NAIL LACQUER

Something About Pink: Blue pink fuchsia
On the Prowl: Light creamy grey
Vestral White: Creamy white
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00

Kitty Tote 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY TOTE
Rectangular tote bag with collaboration inspired graphics and logo.
Suggested Retail Price: $45.00
Available exclusively at maccosmetics.com.

Kitty PetiteMakeupBag 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY PETITE MAKEUP BAG

Small soft train case silhouette with full zip closure.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00
Available at all MAC locations.

Kitty MakeupBag 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY MAKEUP BAG
Medium soft train case silhouette with full zip closure.
Suggested Retail Price: $35.00
Available at all MAC locations.

Kitty SoftVanityCase 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY SOFT VANITY CASE
Large soft train case silhouette with full zip closure. Fabric is black vinyl with pink and white collaboration logo.
Suggested Retail Price: $55.00
Available exclusively at maccosmetics.com.

Kitty PurseMirrorClosed 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY PURSE MIRROR
Compact inspired by collaboration; interior contains standard mirror on one side and magnifying mirror on alternate side.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00
Available at MAC retail stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only.

Kitty Brush1 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY BRUSH COLLECTION
Round plastic jar inspired by collaboration that holds 3 SE brushes with blank handles.
187SE Duo Fibre Brush
109SE Small Contour Brush
239SE Eye Shade Brush
Suggested Retail Price: $49.50
Available at MAC retail stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only.

Kitty MirroredKeyClipFront 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY MIRRORED KEY CLIP
Bag zipper clip with 2 charms inspired by collaboration; key chain and mini mirror.
Suggested Retail Price: $16.00
Available at MAC retail stores and maccosmetics.com only.

Kitty BeadedBracelet 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY BEADED BRACELET
Black beaded bracelet with 3 charms; inspired by collaboration.
Suggested Retail Price: $34.00
Available at MAC retail stores and maccosmetics.com only.

Kitty PlushDoll 300 Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection
MAC HELLO KITTY PLUSH DOLL
14” plush doll in black, pink and white nylon.
Suggested Retail Price: $42.00
Available at MAC retail stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only.

Available North America February 12, 2009 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com; International March 2009.

Crushing On Bobbi Brown’s New Blushed Pink Collection

Posted on by daneen in Eye Shadow, Lipgloss | 2 Comments

Bobbi+Brown+Blushed+Pink Crushing On Bobbi Browns New Blushed Pink Collection
Here’s a little secret: I don’t typically wear makeup during the work week. Call me a hypocrite if you want to. But if it’s a choice between ten extra minutes of sleep and a pretty face – well, I choose unconsciousness.

Though, I recently acquired a new makeup collection that has me rethinking my routine. Bobbi Brown’s Blushed Pink collection is so brilliant, literally, that I can’t not wear it. I am so enchanted by the products that I’ve even set my alarm a few minutes early. This is major.

bobbi+brown+Sparkle+Eye+Shadow Crushing On Bobbi Browns New Blushed Pink CollectionOnly Bobbi Brown could figure out a way to make sparkly shadow and glittery lipgloss appear office-appropriate, romantic, and chic – all at the same time. You will absolutely DIE when you see (and touch and apply) Bobbi’s new Sparkle Eye Shadow. The featherweight formula instantly lights up eyes with a unique combination of shimmering pearls and glitter in a translucent base. Wear it alone for a sheer wash of sparkles or layer over an opaque shadow to give the eye depth and texture.

I’ve tried a million and one eye shadows in my lengthy tenure as a beauty addict; and I have NEVER experienced a shadow that is simultaneously shimmering and subtle. I don’t really have the words to describe this product’s magic. You’ll just have to see it to believe it. Visit your local Bobbi Brown counter and play around with the Sparkle Eye Shadows (I’m partial to Mica), but be sure to bring some spending money because you won’t be able to leave without taking home a piece of this collection.

And while you’re at it, check out the new Lip Compacts that Bobbi created to complement the season’s soft, sparkly eye. All three shades are gorgeous, but Baby Glitter Lip Gloss is simply divine!

Blushed Pink is limited-edition, so don’t think about buying this collection. Do it. Do it now. As I type this, like-minded beauty addicts are depleting the supply. Get yours before it’s gone.

Blushed Pink is available at all Bobbi Brown counters and at bobbibrown.com.

SAG Awards Beauty: Angelina Jolie

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Celebrities, Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Lipgloss, Mascara | 1 Comment

angelina+jolie+sag+2009 SAG Awards Beauty: Angelina Jolie
Angelina looked stunning in a dark, navy blue Max Azria gown. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton wanted to create a 60’s look and chose to focus on Angelina’s eyes by applying lots of eyeliner and mascara. She used Lancôme Artliner in Noir just above the lash line. To compliment Angelina’s eye color and to make her eyes really stand out, she applied a bluish grey eyeshadow – YSL Ombre Solo Double Effect Eyeshadow in #3 Silk Blue – to the eyelid. Finally, she applied several coats of Lancôme Courbe Virtuôse Mascara in Black. Mary added a touch of pink to the apples of Angie’s cheeks using Shu Uemura blush in M Pink 31. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Rose Jolie, natch.

SAG Awards Beauty: Kate Winslet

Posted on by daneen in Beauty Tips, Celebrities, Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Hair Styling, Lip Pencil, Lipgloss, Mascara | Leave a comment

kate winslet sag awards 2009 SAG Awards Beauty: Kate Winslet
This year at the 15th Annual SAG Awards, Best Supporting Actress winner Kate Winslet accessorized her gorgeous Narciso Rodriguez gown and dazzling Chopard jewels with a little help from Fekkai, Lancome, Avon and Serge Lutens.

kate+winslet+sag+2009 SAG Awards Beauty: Kate WinsletKate’s glamorous low bun and side swept bang were created by Frederic Fekkai stylist Renato Campora using Fekkai products. To get the look, apply More All Day Density Styling Whip to wet hair for added volume. On the bottom portion only apply Coiff Magnifique Ultra-Light Finishing Creme to ends for a smooth blowout and to protect hair from the heat of styling tools. Using the Large Round Brush, blow dry hair and part on the right side. Once completely dry, use a one inch curling iron throughout hair to create tousled movement with dimension. Apply Technician Glaze to ends working it through with fingers for texture that is not too heavy. Tease the top of the head – ever so slightly – to create a touch of height. Next pull hair back into a low ponytail. Create a loose braid and twist it around to form a bun. Secure with pins. Making a braid helps to keep the bun from appearing to severe and gives it the soft modern touch.

kate+winslet+lancome+sag+2009 SAG Awards Beauty: Kate WinsletCelebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey played up Kate’s eyes with lots of black eyeliner, mascara and shimmering shadow paired with a soft neutral palette on her lips and cheeks. Jillian used Lancôme Artliner in Noir on the upper lash line and then lightly dusted Jillian Dempsey Professional for Avon Eyeshadow Trio in Pebble Wash on the eyelid. She finished the eyes with a few coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara in Black. For the lips, she used Serge Lutens nude lip liner and filled in the entire lip. Finally, she applied Color Fever Gloss in Engaging, a very sheer nude shade, for a high-shine pout.

NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Bronzer, Concealer, Eye Shadow, Lipgloss, Lipstick | Leave a comment

nars+heart+of+desire NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
Introducing NARS Spring 2009, a color collection inspired by the 1970’s boasting pastel hues and berry shades for a look of pure chic.

Both strong and sophisticated, this collection features two new must-have products, the Blush Duo and the Duo Concealer.

hungry+heart NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Blush Duo
François Nars has always considered blush a critical beauty building block. The double compact opens to reveal one highlighting and one sculpting shade, allowing you to literally shape your desired look.
Hungry Heart – Iridescent gold ivory and pink sand with golden sheen

praline+toffee NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Duo Concealer
Since the skin on your face is not created equal, one shade of concealer usually won’t suffice.
This new palette features two complementary shades that can be blended together or used individually. Creamy and completely crease-resistant, the Duo Concealer is lightweight but still able to provide smooth, opaque coverage to eradicate skin redness, imperfections, and under-eye shadows.
Vanilla/Honey – Fair complexions
Custard/Ginger- Light to medium complexions
Praline/Toffee – Medium to dark complexions

hula+hula NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Duo Eyeshadow
To celebrate spring’s delicate femininity, François Nars introduces two new shimmery and frosty hued Duo Eyeshadows to the collection.
Egea – Frosted sage and smoky lilac
Hula Hula – Strawberry with gold particles and hazelnut with gold glitter particles

baby+girl NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Single Eyeshadow
Whether your mood is classic or playful, these three new Single Eyeshadows provide all the color combinations necessary to complete your makeup look. Go for a subtle, natural look with shades of pink and gold or a touch of sophistication with a sweep of the matte dusty red hue.
Baby Girl* – Cotton candy with golden undertones and gold particles
Grenadines – Matte garnet
Night Sun – Bright marigold with gold particles

orgasm+south+beach NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Multiple Duo
This two-in-one convenience pairs the complementary colors of Orgasm and South Beach of the versatile, multi-purpose cult favorite for eyes, lips and cheeks.
Orgasm/South Beach – Peachy pink and apricot with shimmer

cap+vert NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Multiple Bronzer
NARS extends its Multiple Bronzer shade range with this new hue. Rich in anti-oxidants, this bronzing stick is formulated to strengthen, support and repair the skin while creating an all-over warmth and contour for the entire face.
Cap Vert – Medium to dark complexions with red undertones

sweet+revenge NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Lip Gloss
Drench lips with this new sheer and shiny shade to echo the delicate and fresh feel of the season.
Sweet Revenge – Sheer pink grapefruit

shringar NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire
NARS Lipstick
This new sheer jewel tone adds a pop of color, for juicy berry-stained lips. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and leaves a hint of sexy shine.
Shrinagar – Metallic raspberry

The Spring 2009 collection is currently available at narscosmetics.com.

*Is there anything finer than a shimmery NARS shadow named Baby Girl?



pixel NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire