Lipgloss

MAC Dazzleglass

Posted on June 19, 2008 by daneen in Lipgloss | 2 Comments

MAC Dazzleglass is a lipgloss lover’s dream come true. These dazzling, multi-dimensional glosses give a high-wattage shine. Non-sticky and lightweight, they can be worn on bare lips or layered, to take your lipstick to the next level.

The brush applicator applies evenly, and the glosses feature the signature MAC vanilla aroma that you know and luvre.

Above: Dazzleglass in Glamour O.D. (Bright coral red with red pearl) and Comet Blue (Violet blue).

Above: Glamour O.D. layered over Hollywood Nights (from the Heatherette Collection); Comet Blue layered over Hollywood Nights.

By Popular Demand: Daneen Wearing Nars Babe Lip Gloss

Posted on June 6, 2008 by daneen in Lipgloss | 7 Comments

After I posted my review of NARS Babe the other day, I was innundated with comments and emails, asking me to take photos of me modeling the gloss. And because I’m all about the people, I took my new Nikon CoolPix camera for a test drive – and here’s what I came up with.

So what’s the verdict?

I’ve Got You Babe

Posted on June 4, 2008 by daneen in Eye Shadow, Lipgloss | 3 Comments

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.

If NARS Orgasm Doesn’t Work For You, Read This…

Posted on May 31, 2008 by daneen in Blush, Lip/Cheek Stain, Lipgloss | 5 Comments

I hate when beauty brands or makeup artists speak in absolutes. When I hear that a product allegedly works on all skin tones, I want to shout, “That’s impossible – nothing works on everyone!” So for a couple of years, I’ve been walking around feeling sorry for myself because Orgasm looks like crap on me. Every time someone gushes about how Orgasm is a must-have for every woman’s makeup bag, I want to throttle them.

Don’t get me wrong…I think it’s an ab fab color. And it does look gorgeous on most women. But on me, it looks like sparkles. The first few times I tried Orgasm, I thought I was doing something wrong. I thought if I applied it differently, magic would happen. So I used a brush. Then a puff. Then my fingers. I applied it lightly. Then heavily. And nuthin’.

Then, when NARS released Orgasm The Multiple, I though that it might be the answer to my Orgasm prayers. But, again…nuthin’. Just sparkles.

But guess what…I am happy to report that I’ve finally found my Orgasm. Except it’s called Torrid, and it’s perfect for light brown girls like me. This sexy flush of coral shimmer is exactly what I thought Orgasm would be. So if you’re like me, and have been silently cursing Orgasm all of these years, go and brush your shoulders off. While all of your friends are going on and on about their Orgasm, you’ll be enjoying a Torrid affair.

And while you’re at the NARS counter, check out Sandpiper/Daredevil Lip Gloss/Stain. Sandpiper is a shimmering amber coral gloss (when NARS does shimmer, they don’t mess around) and Daredevil is a deep scarlet stain. It’s great to keep in your purse because it takes you from day to night. Just be careful with the stain.

Make sure to exfoliate your lips in advance, because the stain will highlight dryness and flakes. And when you apply, dot the stain on the middle of the lips and blend outward with your finger (cuz the pigment is potent). “Don’t go all up in there with the stain,” says Jason, my new fave makeup artist at the Walnut Street Blue Mercury store. Thanks for the words of wisdom, Jason!

NARS Summer 2008: Exotica

Posted on May 30, 2008 by daneen in Eye Shadow, Lip Pencil, Lipgloss, Lipstick | 2 Comments

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, Porto bello 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.

Uncond itional 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 M atte 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 Ma tte 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.

Free Lip Product For First Timers at Bésame Cosmetics

Posted on May 30, 2008 by daneen in Gift With Purchase, Lip Pencil, Lipgloss, Lipstick | Leave a comment

Bésame Cosmetics has a new First Time Customer Gift Policy…

All new customers receive a free full size lipstick, lip glaze or lip pencil!

To take advantage of Bésame’s benevolence, click here. Happy shopping!

Now Screening: Spoiled Pretty And The Quest For The Holy Grail

Posted on May 23, 2008 by daneen in Holy Grail, Lip Balm, Lipgloss | 3 Comments

Tonight, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I will be braving the crowds to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I am so wound up. I’ve been waiting 19 years for this! Hopefully, I won’t end up sitting next to someone who likes to shout at the screen. Or someone who pays $10 for a movie ticket, then yaks on her cell phone half of the time.

Anyway, buying our advance tickets got me thinking about the third movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade…you know the one where Harrison Ford and Sean Connery go in search of the Holy Grail? Which got me thinking about my holy grail beauty products. Odd train of thought, I know. But you’ll thank me after I introduce you to my new obsession.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss is exactly what it sounds like. It hydrates even the most parched pout, but looks and feels like a non-sticky lipgloss. The formula protects with antioxidants and can be worn on bare lips or over lipstick.

It’s available in eight shades, but you really only need Lilac. It’s one of those rare tints that looks gorgeous on everyone…like my pal Amber, who familiarized me with this ab fab gloss.

Update: I give the latest Indy movie a C+. If you’re a fan of the series, check it out. But don’t get your hopes way up. And as luck would have it, I ended up next to a woman who thought out loud (very loud) the entire movie. I totally jinxed myself.