All About The Pretty

Tarte Cosmetics hEYE Impact Waterproof Creaseless Shadow/Liner Duo

Review by AATP Intern:

Immediately when I saw the Tarte Cosmetics hEYE Impact Waterproof Creaseless Shadow/Liner Duo I knew it was loave at first sight.  I’ve always been a fan of eye crayons because of how easy they are to apply and their portability factor. Most crème shadows slide all over the eye area and migrate to the crease, but I didn’t have that problem with this one. The color was fabulous and had great pigmentation and I was actually able to apply the liner to my inner eye, which is almost impossible with other liner pens. I know this product will be heading on vacation with me for years to come.

Koh Gen Do Foundation

Review by AATP Intern:

I recently tried Koh Gen Do's foundation and powder.  Koh Gen is a Japanese skin care company established in 1986 for an actress with sensitive skin who was on a quest to protect her skin from the conditions on the set of TV shows and movies. Koh Gen Do’s philosophy is creating skin care that’s gentle to the skin and they didn't disappoint. Their Moisture foundation feels like a luxurious cream when applied to bare skin or over makeup primer. The foundation is sweat proof in the summer and locks in moisture, excellent to wear when you’re surviving the long East Coast Winter (thankfully a long way off).

The powder was very matte mattified my skin and the soft puff made it extra wonderful to apply. These products contain no synthetic fragrance, pigment or petroleum-based mineral oil. My favorite part of this makeup is the soft skin I am left with not only while wearing it but also after removing it at night. The powder comes in a translucent shade that appears white in the container but works perfectly on my skin. The foundation is only available in three colors, all of which are fairly light, but if you happen to fit into that category you should really check it out. 

Avon SpectaColor Lipstick

What beach day would be complete without a fun toy for playtime? For a beauty addict like me that plaything is the new Avon SpectaColor Lipstick that landed in my beauty stash. This lipstick comes in a liquid form with two colors that you can customize to make the perfect shade for you and your situation, all enclosed in one chubby tube. Each SpectraColor lipstick has seven custom shades to choose from so you’ll have the perfect color for every occasion, day or night.

 

Once you’ve chosen your desired intensity press the button on the bottom and viola! a perfect portion of glossy lipstick is dispensed. The best part about this lipgloss/lipstick hybrid is the hydrating, non-sticky and long lasting formula. Enjoy your fun in the sun (or at least sneak to the window near your cubicle) and worry not about your lipstick, Avon has you covered. To locate an e-Representative, visit www.avon.com.

François Nars Personal Appearance in San Francisco

François Nars, the makeup genius himself is making a special appearance at Nordstrom San Francisco Centre signing copies of his books X-Ray and Makeup Your Mind as well as the limited-edition NARS Loves San Francisco Set. 

 

You lucky SF girls!

Here are the details:

Nordstrom San Francisco Centre

865 Market Street

San Francisco, CA

NARS Counter (415) 243-8500 ext 1098

Saturday, June 6th, 2:00-3:30pm

Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronze Collection

I had to check my computer screen numerous times when I saw Bobbi's Illuminating Bronze Collection.  Then I saw the collection in person.  I was hooked.  I mean the type of hooked that started planning trips to the beach, pool, and the lake just so I can use the Shimmer Brick for Body. 

It's no secret that I love Bobbi's Shimmer Brick (please bring back Brownie - please, please, please).  But when I took the brush and applied it on my arm it was as if heaven sent this shimmer love down for me. 

• Limited-edition Shimmer Brick for Body
• Limited-edition All Over Body Brush
• Illuminating Bronzing Powder
• All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 in Golden Sun – a gel-based bronzer

Get the Natural Glow with Josie Maran Cosmetics

By Felicia Sullivan

 

Raised in a bohemian household in Northern California, Josie Maran grew up appreciating natural, effortless beauty. At the time, makeup – heavy and mask-like – seemed anything but natural. After a decade of modeling and a multi-year Maybelline contract, in 2007 Maran sought to create a line of unfussy, wearable cosmetics with a touch of whimsy. Her line would not only be earth-friendly, but also universally flattering.  This is makeup you apply with your fingers; this is the no-makeup, makeup look. And it’s downright delicious.

Now you’ve heard Julia sing the praises of the luscious Argan Oil, termed “liquid gold” by the NYT, and highly revered by Europeans for its healing and moisturizing properties, but believe me when I say Josie Maran’s earthy line is equally fabulous. Never have I loved a whole line at first application. From the biodegradable (compacts only), recyclable, and sleek pink packaging, to the luscious palette colors, to the unbelievable glide of the lipsticks that makes you feel as if your pout is draped in silk and velvet, you will want to wear her long-wearing, lightweight, clump-free cosmetics. Below are my line covets:

Lipstick (Mysterious), $20: Although I’m having a major plum moment, it’s chic to play it down for day, especially as we embark on the warmer months when less is key, and this remarkable deep mauve/sheer wine color is simply magic. The lipstick is formulated with rich conditioners like Jojobba Seed Oil and Coconut Cream, ensuring that your lips are enveloped in comfort all day long.

Eyeshadow (Chianti), $20: To be honest, I have problems with most shadows simply for the fact that I rely on primer for effortless glide. Not with Maran’s shadows. The shades are vibrant and the glide, incredible! The reddish plum of the Chianti is so transitional, that I play it down for day with a soft lavender and rock it out full-force for evening with a hit of charcoal for major eye drama.

Crème Blush (Sunrise), $22: I have seen the glory that is crème makeup and I’m never going back to powder (save a few compacts with which I can’t seem to shake). I love how this blush gives your cheeks a wash of color that mimics your natural flush. A little dab of this flattering pink hue and I look airbrushed and glowing. Divine!

Maybelline’s Pulse Perfection Mascara: Cue the Eye Drama

By: Felicia C. Sullivan

 

For as long as I can remember Maybelline Great Lash mascara has been a cosmetic bag mainstay, simply for the fact that it consistently delivers voluminous, rock star lashes on a drugstore budget. Why do I love it? It conditions as it lengthens, it leaves my puny lashes clump-free, and since it’s paramount that I toss my mascara every three months (don’t be a glutton for pink-eye punishment), I don’t experience heart palpitations over parting with this cheap-chic cosmetic.

 

But then I discovered the miracle that is the vibrating mascara. I know what you’re thinking: have we really become this lazy? At first I was skeptical about vibrating makeup, but that was before. Before the volume. Before the long-lasting wear. Before the instant glamour. However, when the vibrating powermascara delirium faded and the sticker shock settled in, I crawled back to my ubiquitous pink and green tube.

 

And suddenly it was as of someone was blasting Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” from neighboring rooftops when I learned that come July, my beloved Maybelline will debut Pulse Perfection Mascara – the most technologically advanced mascara yet – for a budget-friendly $14.95! Pulse Perfection is the first-to-mass vibrating mascara delivers 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute. The battery-powered mascara offers a patent pending vibrating elastomer brush, which gently pulsates against lashes.  The horizontal micro-motion is designed to mimic pro makeup artist application technique (zig zag), and extend it to its maximum potential, mistake-free and effortlessly. 

 

But does it deliver? Oh, it must certainly does. With just the push of a button, my lashes went from zero to sixty in terms of volume, length, and color intensity. And unlike some of the vibrating mascaras currently on the market, which practically vibrates your hand off, with Pulse Perfection you’re in the driver’s seat, giving you coat-building control. Consider me impressed by the mascara’s smooth, luxe separation, which, pardon the pun, was pure perfection. This is bat-your-lashes delicious.

 

Now you can get captivating lashes with Maybelline’s exclusive online preview sale. For one day only on May 18^, 2009, consumers can visit Maybelline.com/pulse or a participating retailer to snag Pulse Perfection: Target.com, Walmart.com, CVS.com or Walgreens.com.

Flirt! Lash-a-delic Fast Defining Mascara

My coworker Joyce and I have talked products for the past 2 years. She's like my beauty big sister who not only informs me of what she's been buying, but she also tells me what I should be buying.  This was the case with the Flirt! Lash-a-delic Mascara.  Joyce comes to my office and tells me "have you heard about the new Flirt mascara?"  I replied, "no."  She said "look.at.my.lashes.they.are.perfection." 

So, I stood up and looked.  Her lashes had that spidery-tingly-lengthy-as well as-voluminous look.  Lash perfection was staring back at me.  I was just in Kohl's, but I was there buying Food Network serving dishes and a punch bowl for a party and didn't have time to look at the beauty products.  Last weekend I was finally able to get my hands on the mascara.  It's good. It's mighty mighty good.  Joyce was right. It pays to listen to my big beauty sister.

Sheerin O'kho First Class Flight Mask

Sheerin O'kho's First Class Flight Mask changed my life on the way to Playa.  My allergies had been acting up and I started getting small bumps on my forehead. Sheerin's products are made with natural ingredients that work with the skin. I knew I needed to get this situation in order well before I hit any beach.  I applied the mask just like the directions - a thin layer on the face for the duration of the flight. 

Right before landing I wiped it off and before I could moisturize my face it hit me: this mask was made for my face.  It provided the healing my skin needed.  I did the same thing on the return home and despite the sun, beach, and sunscreen - my skin and I arrived home fabulous.  

CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe Mascara

I always have a weekly dialog with Erika about beauty products.  Ever since we have met it's been a constant conversation of what we love.  I read her beauty site, just like so many of my beauty friends, and then I make purchases.  Erika really likes the CoverGirl LashBlast mascaras, but I always hated the wands and the excess packaging.  Erika's comments are always "get over it." 

On my weekend run to CVS, I decided to get the CoverGirl LashBlast in Black and the LashBlast Luxe in Black Cabernet.  What in the world have I been waiting on.  I wanted to slap myself when I looked in the mirror.  My lashes were so amazing. As always I want to thank my BBBFF (Beauty Blogging Best Friend Forever) for making sure that after all these months I have finally joined the masses of women who love this mascara.  I have to pick up the waterproof version for Playa del Carmen next week.  I still don't care for the packaging, but at least the LashLuxe is pink and my lashes are happy!

B. Kamins Diamond Radiance Facial at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown

It's finally spring in DC.  The cherry blossoms have peaked and we've had a weekend of pure and delicious sun and it's not in the 20s.  For me it's a time for spring detox. Some people like to do the master cleanse, juicing, or fasting.  I prefer the cleansing of a different kind.  It means time at the spa and having my skin cleaned and prepped.  This is what the B. Kamins Diamond Radiance Facial at The Ritz Carlton in Georgetown did for me. 

The facial consists of a vegetable cleanser, deep-detox micro-stimulator and other fab products, but the top products of the facial are the Diamond Radiance Cellular Matrix Fortifier SPF 15 and the Diamond Radiance Therapeutic Deep Wrinkle Concentrate. 

What does all that mean? It means this is an anti-aging facial to give off a glow just like you had around 6 months.  Literally.  I walked out the facial and did not put a stitch of makeup on. Not even when my honey decided to take me to dinner.  My skin felt like butter and my face was sparkling like a diamond.  You get the picture.  This is the perfect facial for a Mother's Day treat. 

Giorgio Armani Beauty Crema Nera Eye Compact

In 2008 Giorgio Armani Beauty introduced Crema Nera.  The revolutionary skin care cream based on the minerals found near the volcanic island of Pantelleria.  I have been waiting for an addition to this line and here it is.  When I found out that G.A. Beauty would introduce an eye cream I became like one of Pavlov's dog.  I actually hyperventilated with joy. 

The idea of eye creams are lost to some and they don't believe they work, but being on the side closer to 40, I believe they do.  Are the wrinkles coming, of course, but I know this Crema Nera Eye Cream is going to keep them at bay.  Along with a few tips from Tim Quinn -Giorgio Armani Beauty's Celebrity Makeup Artist and National Artistic Director. 

MAC Brunette Blonde Redhead Collection: Brunette Mineralize Skinfinish Powder

"It's been a long time coming, but I know a change gone come."

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powders have always brought a change to my life.  Even though this collection has been out for awhile, I realized that I didn't blog about what product that sent me over the moon, rainbow, and stars - then back to earth again with a beautiful glow.  MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Brunette has a permanent spot in the beauty arsenal. 

The powder is just as wonderful as the regular mineralize powders, but the luscious blend of 4 varying shades look so amazing on my cheeks.  I use it over my everyday blush and when people ask me where I got my glow - I hate to tell them.  But as a beauty informant I must always bring the beauty.

MAC I need this to be a staple of the line.  This limited-edition wonderful powder compact is sheer delight to my beauty enjoyment.  It would be a crime, if it didn't remain a permanent fixture.  Just in case, I ordered another one last night.

Prescriptives MotorEyes Instant Action Volume Mascara

Prescriptives MotorEyes Instant Action Volume Mascarais the latest in Prescriptives long history of great mascara.  This mascara is exclusive to QVC until April, so if you want to purchase it  - head on over there.  After watching the show I was stoked because I wanted to see how this mascara compared to a lot of other motor/vibrating/pulsating mascaras on the market.  For me, the formula is phenomenal and I had great plump lashes, but the execution of the mascara did not show me anything new.  Of course, I'm actually not supposed to see how fast the want pulsates, but that's the fun in a motorized mascara.  I want to see the action taking place. I have to ask myself would I purchase then again? Yes, not for the motor, but because my lashes looked long and luscious.

Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation SPF15

This Spring Bobbi is introducing her newest foundation. The foundation will give the lightest amount of coverage. I'm going to try and see how it compares to my tinted moisturizer because I love how my face looks using it.  Bobbi’s Inspiration:  “This foundation offers the lightest amount of coverage without being transparent. I named it Skin Foundation because it doesn’t look like foundation—it looks like skin.”

The foundation comes in the following shades:

• Alabaster

• Porcelain

• Warm Ivory

• Sand

• Warm Sand

• Beige

• Warm Beige

• Natural

• Warm Natural

• Honey

• Golden

• Warm Almond

• Almond

• Warm Walnut

• Walnut

• Chestnut

• Espresso

Estee Lauder Global Makeup Stylist Rick DiCecca's Inauguration Looks

Estee Lauder's Global Makeup Stylist, Rick DiCecca is in DC creating special inauguration looks.  No matter where you are celebrating these looks will work.  The colors work well on most women.  To see Rick in person doing his magic was a treat.  For the day look I suggest having lunch at Ben's Chili Bowl then heading down the U Street Corridor for a day of shopping.  For evening, you can't beat dinner at Nathan's or Cafe Milano in Georgetown.

For Day:

• Classic Red Lipstick
• Rosewood Blush
• Black Sumptuous Mascara
• Soft Brown Artist's Eye Pencil
• Amber Honey Eyeshadow Quad Palette

For Evening: 

• Plum Frost Lipstick
• Rose Nuance Blush
• Black TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara
• Jet Black Eye Pencil Duo
• Blue Smoke Eyeshadow Quad Palette

Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy

One of my favorite books ever is I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron.  Nora's writing is funny and I could not stop putting it down.  There are times when I find myself re-reading portions just to get a laugh.  This book belongs in a place on your shelf next to all those "how-to" beauty books.  I know there will come a day when I feel bad about my neck, but right now I feel great. 

Why?  It is because of the Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy that has been helping my neck situation.  Situation?  The situation is realizing that at the moment it looks great, but the day will come when it doesn't so I'm slathering on this product to slow down that day.  I believe in preventive beauty medicine such as beginning your skincare routine before you see any signs.   

Beauty at the 66th Golden Globes Awards

The Golden Globes Red Carpet was full of beautiful clothes and fashion.  I really enjoyed seeing lots of color on the faces.  It was a welcome change and it also signaled that we are ready for spring.  It's going to be very cold for Inauguration Day, but I might wear my spring makeup to events just because I'm looking forward to warmer temps.  My favorite face was Maggie Gyllenhaal.  Here are some of my favorite looks.

Kate Winslet in YSL

• Makeup artist:  Jillian Dempsey
• Eyes: Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner in Black on the upper lash line first and then applied dark brown eyeliner and smudged it on the lower lashes.Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Chic on the eyelid and Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara in Black.
• Cheek:  custom blending several shades of coral, peachy blushes together
• Lips:  Avon Pro-to-Go Lipstick in Cherry Glisten

Salma Hayek in Bottega Veneta

"A New Level of Pretty" - Prescriptives Lip Shine

I've learned not to make New Year's Resolutions.  I like to call them New Year's Expectations.  I expect to keep "preserving the pretty" and living a true and authentic life. This year my theme is to "A New Level of Pretty."  For me it means to focus on writing, take more cooking classes, travel more, continue to be kind to others, read more, finalize the blog redesign, take more pictures, and work hard on my yoga teacher training.  Pretty = living a life full of laughter, love, and beauty. 

I'm giving myself a boost with Prescriptives Lip Shine in Mocha Chill. Prescriptives new lip shines are high in moisture.  I love the sheer pigmentation of this lip product.  It has a nice shine and you can always add just a little more gloss if you like.  I didn't and I was very happy with the outcome. 

The Oprah Winfrey Show is doing a new series this week on Living Your Best Life.  The first episode is falling off the wagon and not putting yourself first.  I will be watching and following along with the series. My post focuses on her same concept, but with a beauty twist.  So, for all you ladies who have fallen off the wagon and not given yourself time to focus on yourself - well this post if for you.  I was emailing a reader about scheduling time for herself in her calendar.  I understand we are all busy, but if you take the extra 5 minutes a day to put on your trinity (lip product blush, and mascara) it will make you feel pretty.

Happy New Year and My Life in Pictures

Happy New Year everyone.  I wish everyone a blessed, happy, and prosperous new year.  I'm sure most of us have made new year resolutions, but I prefer to call them New Year Expectations.  I made my list of things that are realistic such as a continued desire to be healthy, happy, and whole.  I want my life to be full of love, lip gloss, and laughter.  One of my main goals is to document my life more. 

I live an awesome life and I don't have enough pictures to show for it.  For the past few days I have been watching Carson Kressley's How to Look Good in Pictures and it's helping me.  I plan to invest in a really good Makeup Bag worthy camera.  If you've ever been around Erika she has a paparazzi typed camera and I must get one of those.  I know I'm definitely going with Nikon and after watching Ashton Kutcher in all those commercials I want a Coolpix and the D90 as well.  The photos will be on the blog and Facebook.  I hope you will follow along. 

And speaking of Makeup Bag, she interviewed me for her site and has captured some great photos of me.  It's inspiration in my picture quest.

B. Kamins Lash Fortifier

I have spent the past few weeks trying out B. Kamins Lash Fortifier to see if it really does work in conditioning the lashes so they grow longer.  My lashes are a pretty decent length as it is, but I rub my eyes a lot and I have a tendency to pull up on them if I feel something is in my eye.  I normally just rub eye cream in my lashes at night to condition them, so it peaked my interest that a specific product would do the same.  After a few weeks my lashes don't look as sparse and they do appear longer.  It's a subtle fullness that I noticed when using my mascara.  The one problem I have with the Fortifier is the application.  I wear contacts and I take them out before I apply the product.  It's hard for me to judge whether or not I'm putting on enough unless I'm almost kissing the mirror.  I wonder if the product would be applied if it came in a tube like mascara.  Just my personal observation. 

Lancome's Oscillation is Here!

Lancome Oscillation is on sale now.  After all the buzz you want to make sure you get one quickly.  Apparently the waiting list is over 20,000.

The key to great results with Oscillation is its application technique. 

Apply in slow, straight, and steady strokes;

Don't zig-zag and don't wiggle;

Don't over pump the wand.  There's a lot of product on the want for multiple coat;

Oscillation takes a few tries to get used to it; and

It's also great for lower lashes.

Happy lash loving ladies.  I can't wait to get mine.

Paris: Lancome Institut

The Lancome Insitut at 29 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore is one of the places that I want to visit and wrap myself in the cocoon space for a treatment.  I'm trying to see if I can plan a girlfriend getaway back to the city. 

My favorite part is the chandelier of Tresor perfume bottles.  I could go on and on about the beauty of this piece.  It makes me thing of what perfume bottles I would want to hang in my home if I could.

NP Set Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  After falling ill on the plane (never eating airline food again), I'm feeling back to myself.  The one thing that gets me back to my normal life after a trip is hitting the grocery store and Target.  I love browsing Target shelves early on a Sunday morning, coffee in hand, the dollar section at the front, and the beauty section after getting all the items on my list. 

What wasn't on list was the NP Set Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires.  But that didn't stop me.  This is beautiful shimmer tint that works wonderfully with a tinted moisturizer for a hint of "my-skin-is-glowing-like-a-night-light."  I used it yesterday and then again this morning.  I am really enjoying this for the cooler weather.  But, don't get heavy handed because too much makes you bronze like a penny and that is not a good look. 

Sunday morning rain is falling
Steal some covers share some skin
Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable
You twist to fit the mold that I am in
But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do
And I would gladly hit the road get up and go if I knew
That someday it would bring me back to you
That someday it would bring me back to you

Sunday Morning by Maroon 5

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Julie Haus - Spring 2009

I was hooked at Julie Haus on the balm makeup.  The makeup complimented the dresses so well.  Between the makeup and the dresses I don't know which one to get first.  Here's the look that lead makeup artist Dwight O'Neal created. 

FACE:  Start out with evening the complexion by dabbing timeBalm concealer on any imperfections with your ring finger. Be sure to even out any under-eye circles and blemishes. Follow this step by applying a pea size amount of Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer over the entire face. Set the face with the Sexy Mama translucent powder.

EYES:  The eyes are soft and defined. To achieve this, begin by applying Lighter than Light timeBalm concealer over the top lid as a primer - this works well because the product does not crease allowing the eye shadow to stay true to its color and increase its wear time. Next set the concealer with the Sexy Mama Translucent Powder by dusting it all over the lid, followed by adding the Caught in the Act Courtney Shady Lady Eye Shadow lightly in the crease and along the lash line of the eye. For the brow bone lightly dust on the Luscious Lani Shady Lady Eye Shadow, utilizing it as a highlighter color that will assist in emphasizing the eyes. Follow this step by wetting the Sexy Stacy Shady Lady Eye Shadow using it as a thin eye liner. Apply 5 coats of the Two Timer black mascara only on the top lashes, creating the illusion of false lashes on the top eye lid. Finish the eyes by shaping brows with the brown Pick up Liner lightly for definition.

CHEEKS:  For cheeks give the face definition by lightly contouring it. Slightly dust Bahama Mama along the side of the cheeks. Take it a step further by sculpting the jaw line, nose and along the forehead to create the perfect oval face. Last buff down the bronzer until it blends down appearing to be natural with the complexion.

LIPS:  Lastly, Pop an index finger amount of the Prom Queen Stainiac on the center of the lip, then fill in the remainder of the lip with the Plump Your Pucker Coco My Coconut lip gloss, to create a kissed stained lip.

Hair was slightly tousled with lots of movement.  I was so wrapped up in Oscar Blandi that I only remembered one major thing - Jasmine Protein Mist.  I must get me some of this.  Sephora has a travel collection and that is on the list of must haves.

Shobha NYC Hair Removal Experts

NEW YORK, NY - Shobha, NYC's hair removal expert, offers September Savings on sensitive and effective hair removal treatments at its three Manhattan locations and its online boutique!

Week 1 - Week 4 (Sep. 2 – Sep. 28):  free shipping on all www.myshobha.com orders! (domestic only)

Week 2 (Sep. 8 – Sep. 14): complimentary eyebrow threading with any waxing appointment (not valid for visits with upper level specialists)

Week 3 (Sep. 15 – Sep. 21): 2-for-1 eyebrows when you come with a friend (at least one person must be new to Shobha)

Week 4 (Sep. 22 – Sep. 28): complimentary upper lip threading with an eyebrow threading (not valid for visits with upper level specialists)

Week 1 (Sep. 2 – Sep. 7): 2-for-1 bikinis when you come with a friend (at least one person must be new to Shobha)

NYT: SKIN DEEP - En Garde - The Great Mascara Duel

By Natasha Singer

CALL it the Battle of the Battery-Operated Mascaras.

Both companies said the purpose of an electronic mascara wand is to better separate and more evenly coat lashes than a traditional brush would.

By the end of the day, more than 5,000 mascaras had sold out at outlets like Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan, Neiman Marcus in Houston and sephora.com, said Kerry Diamond, the vice president for communications at Lancôme USA.

On July 31, Lancôme, which had been scheduled to trot out its own battery-powered wand in November, fired back with a one-day advance sale of the mascara, called Ôscillation, in a handful of stores nationwide.

On July 17, Estée Lauder introduced TurboLash, a mascara with a battery-operated vibrating brush, at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The night before, the company’s Web site, esteelauder.com/turbolash, sold out of its stock of about 1,000 mascaras, said Elana Drell Szyfer, the senior vice president for marketing at Estée Lauder.

Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss High Shine Sheer Concentrate

Happy Monday everyone.  Thank you for being patient with me on last week when I continued my little holiday and didn't post.  Thank you so much.  I have revived and renewed.  It was partly Cabo - more on that later this week and organizing, organizing, organizing.  It has been glorious.  A pick part of the glory came on Friday afternoon when I made a sojourn to the Chanel counter.  I needed a beauty fix and the Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss gave it to me.  A beautiful  shade, Ironic Tonic, is giving me my Aha! Moment.  This purple-ish clip of color does not give this color its due.  It's a sheer mauvy-pink shimmer that gives a sheer layer of color on your lips. 

I am happily applying this color every chance I get. 

NARS Gothika Lip Gloss

I'm so ready for this holiday weekend.  I have a stack of summer magazines to plow through and enjoy.  I'm also spending part of the weekend in Annapolis near the water.  I'm on a water kick right now.  A few beach trips can do that to a person.  I needed a little more inspiration so I turned to Mr. Tahiti himself - Francois Nars.  NARS Gothika Lip Gloss is a perfect summer treat for the lips. It's not new.  It's an oldie but goodie.  It's a berry colored sparkler. 

Have a safe, fun, and lip-glossed filled weekend. 

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup

Prescriptives is launching its All Skins Mineral Makeup next month.  It comes in 18 different shades.  Additional benefits include:  suitable for all skin types; oil-controlling; sweat and humidity resistant; water resistant; non-acnegenic; dermatologist tested; and ophthalmologist tested.  Technology:  Minerals, including Calcite and Mica, and semi-precious gems, including Amethyst and Rose Quartz for a lightweight feel. Squalane and Lecithin provide skin conditioning benefits. Silica helps keep skin shine-free. Contains antioxidant 2CME, a molecule that combines Vitamin C and E which boosts their effect.  Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection. 

I will definitely check it out.  I know Prescriptives will have my shade of mineral makeup.