Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion: A Not-to-Be-Forgotten Gem

No surprise, Urban Decay's Eye Primer Potion is a beauty addict's must have.  However, with all the rollover of new products in and out the spotlight, it's sometimes hard to keep focused on the products that won our hearts years ago.  Such is the case with this little gem.

There is just nothing else out on the market like this.  I'll be quick as I know for many of you I'll just be preaching to the choir, but here is a product that simply has no real competition.  The first time I tried it, it came as a travel size in an eyeshadow kit I received around the holidays.  I knew it had garnered rave reviews, but really how good can an eye primer be for goodness' sake?  It seems like an unnecessary step to feel obligated to incorporate into one's makeup routine in the rush of early morning activity (especially when "one" is not a morning person to begin with - everybody say, "Woooo-yah" - ok, maybe don't say it; it sounds ridiculous). 

Truth be told, the two second step of applying a thin touch of Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion to eyelids before shadow is SO worth the effort.  Not only does it, like facial primers, create a smooth canvas and foundation for your other eye products, it keeps your shadow put ALL DAY!  It still amazes me even years later.  Take yesterday for instance.  I put it on around 6:30 in the morning, and came home at five minutes to ten at night with my shadow looking exactly as it had when I first applied it - same pigmentation, same concentration, no smearing, no fading, no creasing.  How many products can you count on to that degree?  Not many, I dare say.

Here's why it works:
It packs a punch with just a dab of its silicone-enriched, smooth-as-silk formula lightly applied on each eyelid before applying shadow. It dries down instantly and invisibly to create lids that are serious shadow magnets—a little goes a majorly long way. Just apply a thin coat, let it dry, and apply eyeshadow as you normally would. Then enjoy your vivid, crease-proof shadow that won't budge till you take it off. Seriously!

Oh, and by the way, Urban Decay Eyeshadows as well as their creamy 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are gorgeous.  My favorites? Too many to tell (a story for another day).

Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion retails for $18, now comes in several shades/tints, and is available at Sephora, Urban Decay and Beauty.com.

Skinstore Offers Philosophy at 15% Off!!

Just a quick little PSA to let you know Philosophy is now 15% off at Skinstore!!  Whoohooooo ....

Philosophy is a brand that VERY rarely offers discounts on their products. Items to consider?  Well, how 'bout those in the image above?  They're ALL new products from philosophy now and all are bound to make you and those around you happy campers.  The clean, fresh scents, the natural, lit-from-within glow of healthy skin, the indulgent scrubs, firming creams, bubble baths and 3-in-1's.  If you're already a philosophy girl, there's no need to tease you further, and if you're not a philosophy girl, why the heck not?  LOL.

ALL NEW FROM PHILOSOPHY

Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti Aging Moisturizer luxurious miracle cream features a unique complex that helps replenish skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving it feeling satiny smooth; loaded with vitamin c and glutathione helps enhance natural collagen production and brighten a tired complexion for a firm, radiant result, plus the antioxidant benefits of resveratrol help soothe, calm and protect skin against environmental attack

The Supernatural Instant Sunshine is a good-for-skin, mineral powder bronzer that provides sheer, natural-looking, sunny color for a healthy sun-kissed glow

State of Grace Mini Fragrance Wardrobe includes amazing grace, pure grace and inner grace fragrances .33 oz. wear amazing grace when you want to feel amazingly clean and beautifully feminine, pure grace when you want to feel fresh and clean, and inner grace when you want to feel peaceful and balanced

I Think You Are Wonderful a sweet way for you to let someone know how wonderful they are; a delicious duo (8 oz each bottle) of mandarin orange and cherry scented 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble baths; guilt-free indulgences make for a pampering shower or bath experience and gently cleanse and condition skin and hair

With Gratitude a special gift featuring a 16 oz. pomegranate 3-in-1 bath and shower gel created to cleanse and condition skin and hair with its moisturizing, high-foaming formula as it invigorates the senses with its delicious pomegranate scent

The Supernatural Superbeautiful a superhealthy, hybrid makeup created for the woman who doesn't consider herself a professional makeup artist and needs an easy-to-apply, get-out-the-door makeup; a new hybrid alternative to traditional liquid makeup uses pure, natural color in a skin-loving, water-based formula that won't pollute your pores and is as good for your skin as any skin care product; the healthy, good-for-skin formula is infused with natural, plant-based moisturizers; minerals; vitamins; antioxidants; and spf 20 to deliver sheer color, moisture and protection in one step; available in many shades/tints

Advanced Makeup Optional Kit incorporates retinol, spf and exfoliation to provide a "step up" from the basic makeup optional skin kit. this daily a.m. and p.m. skin care regimen is designed to treat multiple skin concerns associated with aging, protect and prevent against future damage and help restore a healthy, youthful, glowing complexion; these are all full sizes

The Color of Grace Amazing Grace Shimmering Face Powder be touched by the beauty of grace with this sweetly shimmering, pale pink powder which instantly brightens your complexion as it releases an uplifting touch of amazing grace fragrance; one soft, shimmering pink shade captures all things pink and beautiful for a look that is flattering on all skin tones and may be worn alone for a heavenly glow, over makeup, or to refresh your skin and spirit any time

Field of Flowers Body Lotion and Spray Fragrance Gift Set ultra-rich body lotion 8 oz. and spray fragrance 2 oz. gift set is the fresh, floral scent of peony, created to make a woman feel positively lovely; the luxurious body lotion moisturizes, softens and conditions dry skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth and extremely touchable

Unconditional Love Mini Layering Set is love without limits; experience the soulful, passionate, enduring scent of unconditional love perfect for women who want to feel surrounded by love and happiness throughout the day

The Big Skinny Skin-Smoothing Exfoliating Scrub infused with a delectable, cocoa scent, this skin-contouring body scrub promotes circulation through exfoliation and massage, which helps reduce the accumulation of stagnant fluids that contribute to lumps and bumps in the skin

The Big Skinny Self-Tanning Firming Cream this ultra-rich body cream is formulated with a progressive, self-tanning technology that delivers gradual, natural-looking color and is infused with skin-firming agents designed to smooth and tone the skin; subtly fragranced with the delectable scent of cocoa
The Supernatural Moonlight translucent, illuminating powder instantly highlights your compexion leaving behind a luminous finish

Pink Frosted Layer Cake High Foaming Shower Gel brings instant happiness and smiles to people of all ages in a high-foaming shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath brings the deliciously sweet scent of a pink frosted layer cake right to your shower; you can't help but experience pure joy from the scrumptious smell as you work up a rich, creamy lather from head to toe

All this philosophy loveliness and much more is available at Skinstore now and may be purchased at 15% off with philosophy purchase of $65 or more PLUS free shipping through June 11, 2010 only!

Click HERE for 15% off your $65 or more philosophy order + free shipping

ELLE: Newest Top 10 Beauty Essentials

Elle lists their new must-haves in beauty essentials! It's no surprise many of these gems are multi-taskers.  Why not get the most from your beauty?  Here's the scoop on the best and brightests stars on the horizon.

ANTIAGING MAKEUP
Invest in a tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF (and be sure it's broad spectrum - UVA and UVB protection) to help combat age-revealing lines and wrinkles. A product with nourishing botanicals is a plus!

New Products to Try:
The powder in Sisley Paris Phyto-Poudre Compacte has camellia oil and plant extracts of mallow and linden; Chanel Vitalumière Moisture-Rich Radiance Fluid Makeup SPF 15 is reformulated with smoothing hydrators, marine extracts, and mineral-based pigments.

MULTITASKING LIP CARE
Expect more from your lipstick or gloss—besides imparting color, the perfect tube should also protect and moisturize.

New Products to Try:
With mango butter, antioxidants, and SPF 15, Nars Pure Sheer SPF Treatment keeps lips kissable; vitamin- and moisturizer-packed Pure Color Gloss by Estée Lauder unveils next month; Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 replenishes moisture and collagen

SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE
Even if you go through fragrances like boyfriends, don’t ditch them all—keep one perfume that’s true to your personality and save for special occasions.

New Product to Try:
Next month, Philosophy debuts the fifth scent in its Grace collection, Philosophy Eternal Grace. I pre-ordered this for advanced shipment and cannot wait for it to be delivered. Will certainly post a review for you when it's here.

GO-TO NAIL POLISH
Choosing from a multitude of colors at the nail salon is a treat! Just be sure to have your own bottle of polish handy for those times you can’t make it to a pro.

New Products to Try:
Indulge your girly side with Lancôme Le Vernis in Ms. Perfectly Pink or go bold with Essie Nail Polish in Pretty Edgy, part of the company’s summer collection (available June 1).

EYE REJUVENATOR
The delicate skin around your eyes is the first facial area to show signs of aging. To keep eyes looking fresh, incorporate an antiaging serum or moisturizer into your daily skin care regimen.

New Products to Try:
VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Eye Serum and RareMinerals Active Triple Treatment Eye Cream are each chock-full of depuffing and firming ingredients.

GLOW-GETTING COSMETICS
Grandma may have pinched her cheeks, but there’s an easier (and less painful) way to get an instant glow—whether you opt for liquid or powder, a blush-toned highlighter is a must.

New Product to Try:
Swirl a large brush in MAC Marine Life High-Light Powder, part of the brand’s To The Beach collection (now available), and bedazzle your cheekbones in seconds.

FACE MOISTURIZER
Keep skin supple by not skimping on moisturizer—even if your complexion is blemish-prone or oily, a light layer of lotion works wonders.

New Product to Try:
Estée Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Crème delivers hydration without clogging pores and comes in three different formulas (normal/combination skin, dry skin, and SPF 15).

LASHWORTHY MASCARA
A coat of mascara can wake up eyes instantly—no shadow or liner required. The key: Finding a lash-pumping formula that doesn’t leave hair brittle.

New Products to Try:
CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion is a buildable mascara that creates length and volume, minus troublesome clumps; Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Waterproof Mascara gently adds smudge-resistant curl and definition.

CREAMY BODY LOTION
Avoid scaly arms and legs with a moisturizer. Apply daily on shower-fresh skin for optimal results—lotion humectants will draw leftover water droplets into the dermis.

New Products to Try:
Almond milk and oil in L’Occitane Almond Milk Veil nourish, while almond protein firms; Fresh Citron de Vigne Body Lotion revitalizes the skin with vitamins and shea butter—and perks up the senses too (it smells like a vineyard).

NOURISHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Minimizing your use of hot tools and styling products can improve the health of your strands, but there’s no reason you should go it alone—a great shampoo and conditioner can be hair-savers.

New Products to Try:
L’Oréal Professionnel Source de Richesse shampoo and conditioning mask boost hair health with all-natural, eco-friendly ingredients.

For more information, please visit elle.com for their latest beauty news, trends and tips for getting the most from your beauty essentials.

source: elle; images: elle, nordstrom, sephora, temptalia (close-up image of MAC high-light powder)

REVIEW: Lady Vengeance by Juliette Has a Gun

The Juliette Has a Gun line of fragrance creates perfumes made out of rose. Fragile but thorny, the romantic flower comes in different versions. Its ambition? To lead a new rock & elegant trend in the perfumery world, by creating romantic and original creations. And while I'd agree the line does succeed in creating romantic fragrances, they fall a bit short in the original category - more on that in a bit.

Offbeat dandy of the perfume world (he's known to wear fedoras), Romano Ricci has quite a background. A great grandmother in haute couture, a grandfather perfumer, he is definitely into creation. After years of quiet training with some of the greatest, he convinced Francis Kurkdjian (the nose behind Indult fragrances), the untouchable master of perfumery, to work with him, and launched Juliette Has a Gun.

For purposes of this review, I'm concentrating on Lady Vengeance. 'Tis an elegant fragrance with a bit of mysterious rose, sultry vanilla and seductive patchouli, which offers a bit of edge, a bit of earthy-woodiness to it, though not overpowering. It's a sweet fragrance, though not too, and I think may best be worn in fall or autumn when the coolness of the air may summon the warmth of the fragrance. I'd also wear this to bed at night as sultry, sexy dreams are sure to abound with the lovely blending of Bulgarian Rose, vanilla and patchouli Lady Vengeance exudes.

The packaging with its black opaque bottle, yet feminine style works to support the theme of Juliette Has a Gun - Shakesperian heroine goes wild - and assists in focusing on the trendiness of the line as well. Edgy yet girly, sexy yet subtle, it works. The fragrance also comes in refillable purse bullets; again, the rocker chic vibe is hard to miss.

Lady Vengeance is one of those fragrances that changes over time. Spray it on your wrist and enjoy the headiness of the aroma, then sniff again after an hour and indulge in another variety, another dimension of the notes.

The rose is by far the focal point of the fragrance. Having said that, there are a number of other fragrances on the market with a very similar scent. I've heard it be compared to Agent Provocateur (though not as complex), Midnight Poison (though fresher, lighter), L'Artisan Voleur de Rose (though not as gutsy and a bit sweeter). So although this isn't the most original rose fragrance available, it is quite delicious and definitely worth grabbing whether you're wanting to indulge your own olfactory sense, or drive another to want to eat you up!

Lady Vengeance is available in 50 ml and 100 ml bottles retailing for $85/$110 respectively.  The purse bullet set with refillable vibes retails at $75. You'll find Lady Vengeance, along with other Juliette Has a Gun fragrances, at the beautifully modern, always illuminating, niche beauty boutique b-glowing.com. Enjoy! xo

images: b-glowing, BeautyNewsNYC, stylehive

QUICKIE MAKEUP TIP: Diminish Wrinkles, Lines, Pores

Ladies, ever wonder how to get just a littttttttle bit more help diminishing wrinkles on the forehead, small lines around the eyes or large pores?  Here's my lil' quickie tip!

Everyone tells you to apply primer, pore perfectors, etc. BEFORE you apply your foundation and concealer - and you should, that's true.  Doing so yields a smooth canvas for the other products.  However, to get the most out of those products, apply a bit of the perfecting product AFTER you've applied makeup as well.

As a woman in her early forties (yes, that's right early, not mid, not late, holding on for all I can - haha), I need all the help I can get in reducing the look of those pesky forehead lines and the "11" between my eyes. So after I'm completely finished applying my makeup, including finished with loose/setting powder, mascara, lips, blush, etc. (cuz you scrunch up your face when you apply mascaras as stuff and those lines scrunch right along with you), I press in a dab of line relaxing/pore minimizing product into those lines and on the sides of my nose. 

Warning: Just a little dab pressed in will do ya, cuz if you try to apply or press in too much your makeup will look cakey. That's not a good look!

My favorites that have gotten me through for years are: Clarins Smooth Perfecting Touch (enjoys a huge fan following, you could also try its drugstore dupe - the new L'Oreal Secret No. 1 Perfecting Base), Serious Skincare Insta-Tox (makeup artists swear by this stuff), Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector (not touted much but super effective with very visible results) and my newest find thanks to ShopNBC.com - Dr. Rey's Sensual Solutions Inhibitox Instant Wrinkle Erase.  The Inhibitox is probably my favorite, also the most expensive of the ones named, but I tell you, a little tiny dab pressed into lines and pores will perfect your face for hours. It's strong stuff. And the jar will easily last a year!

Here's where you can find these lovelies, or try it with what you already have on hand. Clarins Smooth Perfecting Touch (.5 oz jar - $32) at Clarins counters and Clarins USA online, Serious Skincare Insta-Tox (.75 oz tube $28.50) at HSN.com and online at Serious Skincare, Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector ( tube - $17.50) at Clinique beauty counters on Clinique online, and Dr. Rey's Sensual Solutions Inhibitox Instant Wrinkle Erase with AActive6-Exotics (1.7 oz jar - $110/$150) is available online at ShopNBC.com for $110 or at Nordstrom for $150.

A New Vision of Lash Loveliness: MAC Opulash

MAC introduces Opulash Mascara.  This little gem is said to sweep and curl lashes with the most extreme volumization ever from MAC.  It's all in the brush, enlarged and engineered to grab roots, lift, hold, replicate and exaggerate.  Totally dramatic! I can't wait to try it.

For help in finding the right MAC mascara for you, use their MASCARA FINDER to find a mascara for every look.

Free shipping now through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, June 6, 2010 on orders shipped to U.S. addresses only.  No offer code necessary. Visit MAC Cosmetics for more information and to shop their fantastic products!

GILT GROUPE: Jouer Beauty on SALE Today

Jouer, meaning “to play” in French, offers a range of lush cosmetics in linkable containers — to help you custom-create your own perfect makeup palette. But ingenious packaging aside, the true draw of Jouer is the wearability of its shades, formulated to blend with all complexions. Founder Christina Zilber started the line in 2004 to give women effortless, gimmick-free makeup, and the result is an ever-growing, 133-product collection that includes luminous face, eye, lip and cheek color, all made from natural botanicals and mineral-rich ingredients.



It’s fun to play with makeup, especially when it’s as pretty as these mineral-rich cosmetics from Jouer, which means “to play” in French. Choose among flattering blushes or get that special glow with Jouer’s luminizing tinted facial moisturizer, which is available in a range of shades to match your skin color. You’ll also have fun experimenting with summery eye-color and lip-color sets.
 
Gilt offers Jouer Beauty on sale today, 6/3/10, beginning at 11 am CT.
 

Click HERE to shop Jouer Beauty and more on SALE today!

New! Balenciaga - the Scent

Edgy and provocative. Just like a Nicholas Guesquiere runway fashion.

Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum is described as a demure violet with airy blossom and delicate peppery notes. A fragrance that is mysterious and fragile.

A luminous, sophisticated fragrance with beautiful ingredients shaped in an innovative structure. Both modern and classic, just like traditional haute perfumery. A Chypre Violet with the green, fresh signature of the flower and its leaves, blended into a precious harmony of pure woods. A refined, feminine fragrance with a unique trail.

Available at Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and other fine department stores. The fragrances retails between $70 and $130 and more is also available online at Balenciaga.

source/image: Barney's

GILT GROUPE: La Perla SALES Event Today!

There’s nothing hidden about these Perlas. For over 50 years, La Perla has fused traditional craftsmanship with modern technique to create gorgeous lingerie. La Perla’s trademark is its delicate cuts in durable fabrics, so each pretty piece can outlast trend after trend and wash after wash. From bras and panties to bustiers and bathing suits, the line loves to mix a neutral color palette with sexy pops of burnt orange, turquoise or tomato red.

Also, tune in later this evening as Gilt Groupe offers Alice Ritter:

She’s dubbed herself “French romantic meets Annie Hall.” French designer Alice Ritter’s collection of easy dresses and breezy tunic tops are all about soft lines underscored with a Manhattan edge. Her combination of feminine romance and tough Parisian cool in the form of signature plaid blouses, country summer frocks and motorcycle jackets have made her a favorite of stars like Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes and fashion publications like Elle and Vogue.

Within this selection from Alice Ritter, an earthy elegance and citified chic seem to meet in the middle. Look for gingham tunics and dresses, plus ruffled peasant blouses with smocking and stitching at the placket. Offsetting these are rivet-dotted sheaths, boxy silk numbers and cotton jackets boasting edgy motorcycle styling.

Gilt Groupe offers La Perla on sale today beginning at 11 am CT and Alice Ritter beginning at 8 pm CT.  Also on sale beginning today at Gilt: La Perla Lingerie, Geren Ford, Moschino Signature, Piranesi Jewelry.

Click HERE to shop La Perla, Alice Ritter and more on SALE today!

HAUTELOOK: Random House Publishers SALE!

Random House is the world’s largest English language trade publisher, bringing you the best in fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. It has been owned since 1998 by the large German private media corporation Bertelsmann and has become the umbrella brand for Bertelsmann book publishing. Random House publishes some of the most distinguished American authors and collections in literary history.

Join Hautelook beginning Wednesday, 6/2/10 at 8 am PT for a wonderful sale on iconic fashion cocktail table books, magazines and more.

Click HERE to shop the Random House Sale!

THREE CUSTOM COLOR SPECIALISTS: Bridal Must-Haves & Expert Advice

Three Custom Color Specialists has been a part of many a-bride's makeup preparation for the special day of their wedding. They'll tell you they enjoy doing bridal trials at their Color Studio and being a part of so many weddings year after year. And they mean it!

"We’ve seen it all, from big cosmopolitan affairs to intimate ceremonies in the country. No matter what type of occasion, one thing remains-- for all blushing brides and their bridesmaid beauties, gorgeous and timeless makeup is essential on this special day!"

You'll find more information on their Bridal Trials and On-Site Bridal Makeup Services, via their listing in the Summer issue of New York Weddings or click here.

And since June is here, the month of weddings, what better time to consider makeup application and what products to be sure to have on hand for the special day than now.  3CCS offers the quintessential bridal makeup.  I've seen professional makeup artists choose this brand for bridal application more than any other out there! Why? Their textures are fantastic, the shades and colors are stunning, the pigmentation is of high quality, it sets beautifully and the top reason given when asked - it will last through the whole event.  You're not going to go wrong with their products; it just can't be done. Simple, but true!

Bridal Makeup Artist and Three Custom Color Specialists lab technician, Julianne Carlucci, shares her essential tips for a timeless wedding day look.

Looking for even more bridal makeup recommendations, detailed application tips or fabulous products for the summer months? Visit Three Custom Color Specialists online.

GILT GROUPE: Zac Posen Sample Sale Today!

Showing astonishing talent, Zac Posen debuted his ready-to-wear collection in February 2002, at the age of 21. Before that, he had honed his talent by enrolling at age 14 in the pre-college program at Parson’s School of Design, after which he was mentored by curator Richard Martin at the Costume Institute. At 18 he was accepted into the womenswear degree program at London’s Central Saint Martins College.

Upon returning to New York in 2001, Posen set up an atelier in his parents’ living room. A year later he was chosen to present a capsule collection as part of GenArt’s “Fresh Face in Fashion” show. Zac Posen continues to receive awards and accolades, and his strong, feminine aesthetic has become a favorite of style leaders including Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren and Beyoncé.



Zac Posen’s time spent studying at the Costume Institute is evident in the dressmaking details on these satin jewels. Origami-like pleating shapes halters, colorblocked piecing gives curves to shifts, and draping is the unexpected accent on sleeves and bodices. Always red-carpet-ready, these frock stars celebrate femininity whether they’re chosen for a special occasion or as a random act of glamour.
 
Gilt Groupe showcases Posen's designs in their sale beginning Tues., 6/1/10 at 11 am CDT
 

Click HERE to shop the Zac Posen SALE!