Archives February 2023

Viva l’Italia!
Italy.

Land of pasta, romance, wine, George Clooney’s villa on Lake Como, as well as baked powder. A long time ago, somebody told me that if you want the very best baked powders, go to Italy, which somebody at Antonym Cosmetics obviously did, since their bad-@ss $38 Baked foundation hails from the boot,

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Viva l’Italia!

Antonym Cosmetics Baked foundation in medium Dark on top of Antonym Skin Esteem foundation in Tan
I believe it’s a bit inaccurate, though, to phone call this a baked foundation. “Baked tinted moisturizer” may be more apt. First, this isn’t full coverage, as well as it isn’t super dense like so many other baked foundations are. The protection is sheer however build-able as much as medium, as well as the velvet matte surface is one of the most convincingly skin-like completes I’ve ever seen.

Medium Dark is the second to darkest shade

Antonym Cosmetics Baked foundation in medium Dark ingredients

Talc, Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Zea Mays Starch*, Squalane, Octyldodecanol, Hectorite, Water, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Benzyl Alcohol,Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbic Acid. *Ingredient From organic Farming (+/-) may Contain: Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

Like every powder product I’ve tried from the cruelty-free organic Antonym line so far, this is all type of fabulous. It’s a great deal like MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, a.k.a. “The only powder I’ve used daily for the last five years.” (It’s that serious.).

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But as much as I like MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, I believe this has an even finer formula, as well as since I like it when my skin really appears like skin, it’s amore! It looks oh, so natural, whether on bare skin, where I’ll usually apply it after a sunscreen by Drunk Elephant, or after foundation or tinted moisturizer.

If your powder prerequisites include full-on Insta-glam opaque coverage, you most likely won’t be into this at all, however if you just want to even things out while retaining the bit freckles, beauty marks as well as occasional feline scratches that make you, you, Antonym Cosmetics Baked foundation is where it’s at.

Recommended for all skin types, particularly those belonging to people who like natural-looking completes as well as very little coverage…and presuming you can discover a shade that works for ya, since there are only six available. It is available in Fair, Light, Nude, Medium-Beige, medium Dark as well as Dark.

MAC definitely has them beat there, for sure, with their 18 shades of Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

(Psst, Antonym! inspect out what Fenty likewise did, as well as expand your shade selection.)

If you’re interested, I’d suggest getting it from Sephora, since you may want to utilize their generous return policy if a shade doesn’t work out for you.

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Your friendly community beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF. ?

The Lip Maestro (one of one, $38), Ecstasy Lacquers (five of six, $38 each) and the Rouge D’Armani Sheers (six of six, $37 each) from the Giorgio Armani Front Row Collection, available now
If I someone told me that I was going to sit in the front row at Paris fashion Week for the Chanel show, my first reaction would be, are you for real!? I would love that, but then…what would I wear? A designer closet, I do not have, and I don’t know if I could get away with high-waisted black Zellas.

Hmm…

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The Giorgio Armani Front Row Collection: A new launch of LE lipsticks and gloss-like liquid lipsticks

These are nudes with ‘tude. There are six nude lipsticks ($38 each), six nude lip glosses/liquid lipsticks ($37 each) and a long-wearing nude liquid lipstick ($38) in the release, but before you grab a cup of Sleepytime Tea and peel off your pants (a.k.a. your trousers, for those of us from the UK) to take a nap, these are not snooze-worthy nudes. This is an Armani-style magnum opus of nude with pink, coral and beige works of art.

But let’s be real here — you can find these color families for less. That’s true, but Armani’s lipstick, liquid lipstick and lip gloss formulas (these are all unscented and unflavored) are different in the best possible way. While I was swatching these, I kept thinking, “Why aren’t more brands ripping off Armani??”

Lip Maestro (liquid lipstick): Front Row Collection

Lovely Lip Maestro in 514 ($38) is the solitary liquid lipstick in the launch. An opaque neutral pink, it has a half-matte, half-satin finish, which is something you don’t see every day.

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Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 514 ($38)

It latches onto lips like a long-wearing liquid lipstick, but man! — it is still SO comfortable and moisturizing. It doesn’t crack or look weird after a couple of hours like so many other liquid lipsticks do.

(Note to self: start obsessively fancying the other Armani Lip Maestros.)

Ecstasy Lacquer (liquid lipstick): Front Row Collection

There are six shades in the collection, and I’m all about the coral shade (511) and all of the pink shades…especially 510 and 512.

Giorgio Armani Ecsasy Lacquer in 605 ($38)
Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Lacquer in 512 ($38)
They actually feel like a semi-sticky gloss when you put them on, but they hang on for dear life! We’re talking three or four hours at least. I can still see them on my lips after a hot cup of coffee, and when they fade, they don’t leave behind that weird white line in the center of your lips.

Giorgio Armani Ecsasy Lacquer in 511 ($38)
Giorgio Armani Ecsasy Lacquer in 510 ($38)
Giorgio Armani Ecsasy Lacquer in 205 ($38)
Rouge D’Armani sheer (sheer lipstick): Front Row Collection

In a word, impressive. These six feel slick and light like a lip balm, but the colors are more concentrated, like they should be thicker and heavier than they are.

Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani sheer in 605 ($37)
Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani sheer in 513 ($37)
Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani sheer in 512 ($37)
It’s funny to me that these are called “Sheer” because they have So. Much. Pigment. They’re bomb (or balm, hahaha).

Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani sheer in 511 ($37)
Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani sheer in 510 ($37)
Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani sheer in 205 ($37)
The verdict

I feel like some of Armani’s makeup is perhaps overpriced (their eyeshadows and face powders), but I think their lip products are totally on point, even for $37 and $38. all of these are pigmented, long lasting, moisturizing and comfortable as heck. and the formulas are unique. I love everything about this collection (except for the prices). Insert raise the roof hands *right here.*

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The Front Row Collection is available now for a limited time at Giorgio Armani counters and online. definitely jump on this one if you get a chance.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

new $22 too faced Lip Injection glossy Juicy color Plumping Lip Gloss
Holy habaneros, girl! somebody get a fire extinguisher because my lips are on FIYAHHH! — and I’m not talking jalapeños. I’m talking next-level ghost pepper to the Nth degree flames rising up from the depths of the earth’s primordial molten core HOT! ?? That’s how my lips feel when I wear these new too faced Lip Injection glossy Juicy color Plumping Lip Glosses.

These bees sting like battling rivals on the dance floor!

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Thankfully, it does subside after a few minutes…

So, yeah…on one hand, I feel like I’m making out with a ghost pepper when I wear these, but on the other hand, I like how they shine (like the twinkle in Nick Jonas’ eye when he sings about lost love).

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I also like how long they last and how thick they feel, so they stick to my lips for 3-4 hours.

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Let’s Flamingle, a watermelon pink

Babe Alert, a peach with subtle shimmer
Like a Boss, an orchid
“Note: You may experience a slightly intense tingle that can last up to 5-10 minutes. apply only within the perimeter of lips. If applied on skin, a short-term redness may occur. If any discomfort is present, remove and discontinue use. keep away from children.”

–toofaced.com

Spice Girl, a pinkish nude
Milkshake, a nude
Angel Kisses, a pale pink
They’re expected to be lip plumping, and dare I say it — I think my lips actually do look a little bigger when I wear them. Kindasorta?

These are new for fall 2016, and you’ll find all six shades at too faced counters and online.

Milkshake INGREDIENTS: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Polyethylene, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Mica, Flavor/Aroma, Water/Aqua/Eau, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tin Oxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) root Oil/Zingiber Officinale root Oil, Carmine (CI 75470). Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Iron Oxides, (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Spice girl INGREDIENTS: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Polyethylene, Flavor/Aroma, Water/Aqua/Eau, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Mica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) root Oil/Zingiber Officinale root Oil. Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Angel Kisses INGREDIENTS: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Polyethylene, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Flavor/Aroma, Water/Aqua/Eau, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Mica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) root Oil/Zingiber Officinale root Oil. Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Babe Alert INGREDIENTS: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Polyethylene, Flavor/Aroma, Water/Aqua/Eau, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Mica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) root Oil/Zingiber Officinale root Oil. Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Let’s Flamingle INGREDIENTS: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Polyethylene, Flavor/Aroma, Water/Aqua/Eau, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Mica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) root Oil/Zingiber Officinale root Oil. Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Like A boss INGREDIENTS: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Polyethylene, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Flavor/Aroma, Water/Aqua/Eau, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Mica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) root Oil/Zingiber Officinale root Oil. Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

#hoarders
It seems like every season all of the brands come out with new eyeshadow palettes, right?

It’s like the thing to do now.

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But how often do people actually use those palettes? speaking for myself, a lot of the time I’ll fall in ? love with a palette, use it vigorously for a month, and then stick it in the drawer where I keep my nude/natural palettes (the ones with every shade of brown you can possibly imagine are the ones I love the most).

Then I’ll kinda forget about it for a few months…

Even though I’m a bonafide eyeshadow palette #hoarder, there’s still really only one I use all the time.

I know, right?! It’s the MAC Nordstrom Naturals Palette, which has 15 fantastic shades from the permanent line all in ONE PLACE.

The MAC Nordstrom Naturals Eyeshadow Palette
Granted, it’s not a very flashy palette or revolutionary or anything, but the shades happen to be the ones I use the most, like, Wedge, Carbon, Brun, Satin Taupe, Woodwinked, Mulched… The only thing missing is Soft Brown, but I typically have a single pan of that in my makeup bag anyway.

Unfortunately, Nordstrom Naturals was LE, but you can recreate it with an empty $8 MAC pro pan palette and the pro palette Refill Pans (which are only $6 each!).

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How about you? Which eyeshadow palettes do you reach for on the regular? There are so numerous purr-worthy palettes out there to collect and love (and hoard, haha!), but which ones do you actually use on a daily basis?

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen

phone call me Sasquatch…
The benefits have been discussed right here on MBB before, as well as I have good friends who promise by it, however I’ve yet to provide it a try.

I thoroughly acknowledge that my upper lip as well as my chin might most likely finish with a razor shave, because, yeah, in some cases I get close to turning into a full-on hipster lumberjack, however I just can’t bring myself to do it.

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This will most likely noise crazy…but I believe it would make me feel as well much like a dude shaving his face. I know, that makes no sense at all! however I’d still rather wax or pluck.

How ’bout you? have you ever shaved your face?

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Your friendly community charm addict,

Karen

P.S.

Today’s makeup look!
I contend that Wednesday is the very best day of the week to wear blue eye makeup, since you’re halfway with the week. You made it halfway, which requires something of a small celebration. You’re stating to the universe, “You can’t stop me, universe! I’m halfway there, as well as I’ll be chilling on Saturday viewing Magic Mike in my pajamas very, extremely soon.”

I used a bit of blue today — blue, purple as well as taupe (Yes! Taupe is dope.), gold as well as a smidgen o’ brown on my eyes, together with pink cheeks as well as lips.

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Axiology Lipstick in Identity
So much shimmer

I’m utilizing the RainForest of the Sea II Skin Twinkle illumination Palette, which is very shimmery, for some glow. I used a layer beneath my blush as well as bronzer, just to tone down the shimmer a bit.

Clockwise from the upper left: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea volume II Skin Twinkle illumination combination as well as Tarte Blot Party, Tarte Rainforest of the Sea volume II Eyeshadow Palette, comprise For ever Ultra HD Concealer, Axiology Lipstick in Identity, Tarte color Your world Color-Correcting Palette, hourglass Ambient illumination Bronze in luminous Bronze Light as well as hourglass Ambient illumination blush in Radiant Magenta
Swatches of the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea volume II Skin Twinkle illumination Palette

I’m likewise using the orange shade from the Tarte color Your world Color-Correcting combination beneath my under-eye concealer, since I was additional exhausted when I woke up this morning (someone’s vehicle alarm went off at the witching hour as well as blared for — seriously, I’m not kidding — an entire hour).

I like it… I believe it’s quite good. It’s a tad on the thinner, drier side, like Laura Mercier trick Camouflage, however it works well under concealer as well as powder.

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To bring down the radiate on my forehead, I dusted Tarte Blot celebration powder, likewise from spring 2017 (just OK).

Highly recommended!

And then I utilized the very best thing I’ve tried from Tarte’s spring collection so far, the Rainforest of the Sea volume II Eyeshadow Palette.

Swatches…
Babe, these shadows are amazing! A great deal of the time Tarte’s powder eyeshadows are extremely dusty, as well as when you run a clean across the pan, the grains are quickly chosen up as well as flicked away. Basically, they can be extremely messy, however these aren’t. They’re powders, however they’re soft as well as creamy powders, as well as they’re blissfully simple to blend. extremely recommended!

Wearing concealer as foundation today! I mixed two shades of comprise For ever Ultra HD unnoticeable Cover Concealer
Concealer as foundation

Let’s see, what else did I do…? Oh, yeah! I was in the mood to utilize concealer as foundation, because every foundation that I’ve been utilizing lately (even my preferred hourglass Vanish Seamless) has been looking additional dry on my skin lately, so I mixed it up by dotting comprise For ever Ultra HD unnoticeable Cover Concealer, which is one of the the most skin-like concealers around, around my deal with as well as blending it out with a beautyblender. I mixed shades Y31 as well as Y41, as well as I liked exactly how it turned out. The protection doesn’t look dry, as well as I pushed it to medium coverage.

That blue, though!!

Lastly, that pop of blue on the lower water line? I’m so feelin’ that best now. It’s from a now-defunct liner by Tom Ford called Exotic Teal 07, however you can get the exact same look with MAC Technakohl liner in Take the Plunge.

On my lower water line is a killer shade by Tom Ford, the Eye Defining Pencil in 07 Exotic Teal, however you can get the exact same look with MAC Technakohl liner in Take the Plunge
If you’ve been using blue shadow in the outer corner or crease lately, swish a blue liner on that lower water line. It’ll be killer.

Who else used blue today?

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Tell me a bit about your look today. Did you do blue, too? Twinsies!

Your friendly community charm addict,

Karen

That’s the Lancôme Patio Mediterraneen Palette, Lancôme Le Metallique metallic liquid Eyeshadow in Or Farniente, as well as the Lancôme water resistant Eyeliners in tempo Mediterraneen as well as Brun Frivole on my eyes. I’m likewise using the Patio Mediterraneen as well as Patio D’Une Nuit D’Ete palettes on my lids.
Ah, great play on the “s” sound, Lancôme, with your summertime Swing Collection, ’cause this woman likes a bit alliteration.

“Swing,” in this specific case, does not refer to playground equipment. Or swing states. Or swingers (Oh, boy! What would THAT collection be like?!). It’s a recommendation to swing rhythms, as in music, as well as the seems of summer.

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Summer Swing is a restricted edition release, as well as it’s already been out a bit while. Lancôme worldwide makeup innovative director as well as All-Around incredibly awesome Gal (that’s her official title) Lisa Eldridge created it.

I like me some Lisa.

Feelin’ summery
This one goes the standard path with traditional summertime colors like bronze, gold, teal, coral as well as hot pink — colors that truly sing on tans as well as warm-toned skin.

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That’s a huge pan, yo!

The collection includes two big powder bronzer as well as blush palettes ($45 each), four liquid metallic shadows ($29 each), four water resistant twist-up eye pencils ($27 each) as well as three nail polishes ($15.50 each), as well as they’re all on Lancôme counters as well as on the internet at this extremely second.

Lancôme Belle De Teint Bronzer as well as blush Palettes

The bronzer as well as blush palettes look like bit works of art! The diamond pattern on the outside is modeled after Mediterranean mosaics, as well as it’s repeated on the actual pans.

There are two versions — one for lighter skin as well as one for deeper skin — as well as each pan has two bronzers around the circumference (one lighter as well as one darker) as well as two blushes in the middle.

Closeup of the Belle De Tient Bronzer as well as blush combination in Patio Mediterraneen
A closeup of the Belle De Tient Bronzer as well as blush combination in Patio D’Une Nuit D’Ete
The pans are big, however you’ll want a petite, exact deal with clean to get hold of the private colors. Something like the MAC 109 works well. Alternately, you can swirl all of the shades together in the pans with a big clean as well as wear the integrated color as a blush across your cheeks. I’ve done it that method too, as well as I believe it’s likewise pretty.

Belle De Tient Bronzer as well as blush Palettes in Patio Mediterraneen (top) as well as Patio D’Une Nuit D’Ete (bottom)
The potency of the pigments is smack dab in the middle of the spectrum. It’s just right. Basically, when you take your brush, dip it into one of the pans, as well as then buff as well as blend, you have space to make mistakes, as well as with bronzers as well as blushes that cover a big swath of genuine estate on your face, having that additional leeway to go from sheer to a lot more opaque is invaluable, especially if you don’t understand what you’re doing (hey, all of us have to begin somewhere), or if you only have five or 10 minutes to do a full deal with in the morning.

Lancôme Bronzer/Blush combination ingredients
Talc, Squalane, Silica, Zea Mays Starch/Corn Starch, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Aqua/Water, Zinc Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglyce,Rin, Polyisoprene Bht, Tocopherol, [+/- may consist of Ci 15850/Red 6, Ci 15850/Red 7 Lake, Ci 19140/Yellow 5 Lake Ci 77002/Aluminum Hydroxide, Ci 77120/Barium Sulfate, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Mica]

Thoughts on the other pieces I’ve tried from the collection

The liquid shadows have a light, airy, mousse-like formula as well as a frosty finish. They’re a breeze to blend.

Le Metallique metallic liquid Eyeshadows in Or Farniente (top as well as Brise Azure (bottom)
I like exactly how they blend, however they’re as well shiny to wear on their own for me, so I like to layer them beneath a matte or satin shadow to dial down the shimmer.

I can go eight hours with them on my lids without seeing a single crease.

Lancôme liquid shadow ingredients
Aqua/Water, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Talc, Boron Nitride, Lauroyl Lysine, synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dipentaerythrityl Tetrahydroxystearate/Tetraisostearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 80, Tin Oxide, Peg-75 Stearate, Steareth-20, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Isoceteth-10, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteth-20, Argilla/Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- may consist of Ci 19140/Yellow 5 Lake, Ci 42090/Blue 1 Lake, Ci 75470/Carmine, Ci 77007/Ultramarines, Ci 77120/Barium Sulfate, Ci 77163/Bismuth Oxychloride, Ci 77288/Chromium Oxide Greens, Ci 77400/Bronze Powder, Ci 77400/Copper Powder, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides Ci 77510/Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Ci 77510/Ferric Ferrocyanide Ci 77742/Manganese Violet, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Mica]

Note: the water resistant liners don’t retract, FYI, so be cautious exactly how much you twist them up.

Le Stylo water resistant Eyeliners from the lower left in tempo Mediterraneen, Bronze Folie as well as Reflet Cobalt
These are silky smooth as well as melt like gel liners when you drag them across your skin. They’re likewise long-lasting on my lash lines however don’t stay put for squat on my water lines.

My sensitive eyes likewise water rather a bit when I wear the blue shades…

Lancôme water resistant liner ingredients
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PARAFFIN, PEG-6 BEESWAX, DIISOSTEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, OZOKERITE, CALCIUM STEARATE, CERESIN, ALUMINA, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, [+/- may consist of / PEUT CONTENIR, CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 75470 / CARMINE, CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES, CI 77163 / BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE, CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS, CI 77289 / CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES, CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE, CI 77742 / MANGANESE VIOLET, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA]

From the top: Le Stylo water resistant Eye LIners in Reflet Cobalt, tempo Mediterraneen as well as Brun Bronze Folie; Le Metallique metallic liquid Eyeshadows in Or Farniente as well as Brise Azure

The final verdict

I like traditional summertime colors! The bronzer/blush palettes are my preferred things from this launch. I like that they’re moderately pigmented since it provides me space to dial up or down the color as much as I want.

As for the liquid shadows, they last a long time, however they’re uber-frosty, as well as the liners absolutely do much better on my lash lines than my water lines.

Oh, kale no!

As you know, my connection with kale is complicated…

It’s love/hate. mainly hate, haha! I eat it…usually when it’s been obliterated in a smoothie, since I understand that it’s great for me.

Anywho, I discovered a recipe with kale in it that I really type of like. It’s the breakfast BLT Salad from skinny Taste.

Technically, it’s a breakfast food, however nobody will stop you from having it for dinner or lunch.

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The trick is to coat the kale with a vinaigrette as well as massage the living crap out of it, which softens it as well as makes it a lot more palatable. You likewise have to totally eliminate the kale ribs, too, so it doesn’t feel like you’re chewing veggie gum.

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ($124), The Body shop Atlas mountain increased Body Oil, as well as Mixologie ($99)
Here in new York City, the weather condition has officially damaged out of what seemed to be a neverending chilly snap, as well as I am loving it. The evenings as well as early mornings can still be a bit cold and, much to my mom’s chagrin, some parts of the specify are still getting snow days! however that’s method up in the Adirondacks. I’m additional pleased to be downstate at the moment dousing myself in these three floral, feminine scents.

These have been putting a bit additional spring in my step because before the weather condition got warm.

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The very first one is…

Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ( $97 for 1.6 oz., or $124 for a 3-oz. bottle)

I’m a sucker for packaging, as well as this bottle is whatever my bit heart (or ought to I state my eyes?) desires. like the scent itself, it’s feminine, it’s pink, it’s delicate — whatever I secretly like while trying to keep a hardcore princess persona.

Also, can we talk about this bottle? As somebody trying to broaden her style into much more of a advanced look, this bottle might not be better. It feels heavy in my hand, as well as that gorgeous creamy pale pink? That’s the bottle, not the liquid. 

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I am mildly consumed with the bottle… .

As for the fragrance, the brand explains it like this: “Radiant notes of increased petals, iris, as well as hints of amber, the result is a pure fragrance of soft florals as well as powdered musc.” The only disagreement I have keeping that is the spelling of musk. The result is a soft, ultra-feminine fragrance that lingers on my skin as well as clothes as well as type of makes me feel like a woodland creature.

And my second scent is…

The Body shop Atlas mountain increased Perfume Oil (available in choose stores)

So small as well as perfect
I used the scent formerly understood as Moroccan increased by The Body shop for a long time, however the last time I went to stock up, I was told that they altered the name (but not the formula). now it’s Atlas mountain Rose, as well as it’s part of their Scents of The world collection.

This body oil is the ideal citrus-based scent for summer, with top notes of citrus as well as cassis buds, middle notes of roses as well as spices, as well as base notes of amber as well as musk, as well as it lingers on my skin around four hours.

The applicator is great, too. Not precisely a dropper, the bit plastic stick is fantastic for just running over your wrist as well as pulse points.

Unfortunately, I can’t discover it on the site best now, however I got it on sale for around $8 in an actual Body shop store. I have a feeling they may be discontinuing it.

And lastly…

These Mixologie Body Oils ($19 each)

A full spectrum of moisturizing, mixable, layerable body oils
These may be cheating a little, however I count them as one scent because, well…you mix them together!

Not all of them at the exact same time, however two or more.

They’re the Mixologie Blendable Body Oils, as well as they are available in very practical bit rollerballs that are implied to be layered together to produce different signature scents.

The total collection includes a number of suggested “recipes” you can wear, depending upon exactly how you’re feeling, however you can always “go with the flow,” as the business puts it, as well as devise your own recipes (here’s a full breakdown of the different scents).

My preferred “recipe” so far
All you do is layer “splashes” of the oils, as well as a single sprinkle is a full circular “O” shape, so to blend the fragrances, you just layer the splashes over each other. Easy.

Tender: a fruity concoction featuring notes of sugar dusted black raspberries as well as Sicilian lemon, complemented with lavender
I’ve mainly been complying with the recipes so far, with my favorites being “Extra Dirty” as well as “Stir Crazy.”

Mixing these oils, by the way, has been an incredibly fascinating experiment. The scents typically have the common notes that you discover in daily perfumes, as well as mixing them has been a great deal of fun.

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The scents don’t last as well long, however I keep coming up with somewhat different concotions all the time. Also, the oils are all alcohol free, so they aren’t drying at all. I really believe they’re rather moisturizing.

So there are my picks for my finest spring/summer scents so far.

How do you feel about body oils? Which ones are your favorites?

Nude. Lip. Love.
Of the multitude of methods to refer to a booty/buttocks/bum/butt, derrière is my fave.

Derrière, daaaaahling! DAIRY AIR.

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That’s classy.

There’s a lipstick in the MAC X Nicki Minaj collection called Derrière, which I take to be a event of Nicki’s well-known backside, as well as why not celebrate it?! I believe it is worthy of a parade.

BOOTY ALERT!!! For reals, my HIIT trainer plays this tune in class sometimes, as well as it always cracks me up!

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Nicki’s new booty-rockin’ restricted edition collection of nude lipsticks, lip pencils as well as Lipglasses is offered now with great deals of like for #TEAMNUDELIPS.

There are SO numerous methods to work nude lips into great combos, as well as right here are nine ideas.

Note: If you occur to not be a member of #TEAMNUDELIPS, oh! Please come here. I have to try to persuade you, however where do I start?? There are warm pink nudes, neutral pinks, peachy pinks, beige-pinks, as well as THOSE ARE just THE PINKS. There are likewise peachy nudes, nude browns and… So numerous possibilities! The pics below just barely scratch the surface of the nude lip iceberg, however I hope they provide you one or two impulses.

1. Boldly Bare Lip Pencil + Japanese Maple Lipstick + N-U-D-E Lipglass

Boldly Bare Lip Pencil, Japanese Maple Lipstick as well as N-U-D-E Lipglass
2. Cork Lip Pencil + Derrière Lipstick + Beaux Lipglass

Cork Lip Pencil, Derriere Lipstick as well as Beaux Lipglass
3. edge to edge Lip Pencil + playing Koi Lipstick + Please Me Lipglass

Edge to edge Lip Pencil, playing Koi Lipstick as well as Please Me Lipglass

4. edge to edge Lip Pencil + Nicki’s nude Lipstick + N-U-D-E Lipglass

Edge to edge Lip Pencil, Nicki’s nude Lipstic as well as N-U-D-E Lipglass
5. Hover Lip Pencil + simple Babe Lipstick + Beaux Lipglass

Hover Lip Pencil, simple Babe Lipstick as well as Beaux Lipglass
6. Soar Lip Pencil + MMMMMM Lipstick + N-U-D-E Lipglass

Soar Lip Pencil, MMMMMM Lipstick as well as N-U-D-E Lipglass
7. Stripdown Lip Pencil + A Girl’s got needs Lipstick + Beaux Lipglass

Stripdown Lip Pencil, A Girl’s got needs Lipstick as well as Beaux Lipglass
8. Whirl Lip Pencil + among the Fireflies Lipstick + Spite Lipglass

Whirl Lip Pencil, among the Fireflies Lipstick as well as Spite Lipglass
9. Subculture Lip Pencil + Stripped Lipstick + flavor Lipglass

Subculture Lip Pencil, Stripped Lipstick as well as flavor Lipglass

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What’s your preferred nude lip combo now? Do you have one?

Your friendly community charm addict,

Karen

I wouldn’t call it special, but there are a number of unofficial nail-painting places in my abode.

This is going to sound strange (so what’s new, right?), but one is at my keyboard, so I can paint while I type and multitask at the same time.

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But if I’m not doing it there, I’m painting them on the floor in the living room, typically while catching up on Being Mary Jane, The walking Dead or This Is Us. I lay down a beach towel in case there’s spillage, and I put my painting stuff on top of a magazine.

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How about you? Where do you typically paint your paws?

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen