Last year when Bobbi Brown introduced her palette system….she took some of our tried and trues favorites and made it possible for us to have them in a portable fashion.  One of my favorites is her glitter lip gloss, mostly because it’s great for layering. The shades here are limited-edition and are infused with light-reflecting flecks of glitter, this gloss gives lips a high-shine and high shimmer look that’s perfect for any party and evening soiree. Comes in a sleek, flip-top compact that can be used individually or assembled into palettes.

The Rundown:

• Ball
• Disco Pink
• Martini
• Rave
• Soiree Pink
• Velvet Rope

The glosses are named after a party vibe (so cute) they are sheer and shimmery, PERFECT for summer. If glitter isn’t your thing, try the non glittery shades, or layer the two together.With this new system Bobbi has introduced, you can pop these (and any of the other flip top shadows, glosses or blushes) into the palettes and have your own custom set.

Image:  Bobbi Brown

Much has been said about “luminizers” as of late and with good reason.  These newer products have the technology to make you look like you have a glow which is a very good thing if you have sluggish looking or dull skin.  The latest on the scene is an exclusive to Nordstrom from Dior,  Dior ‘Diorskin Radiant Base’ SPF 20.

Now, what makes this a little different than most primers (yes this is technically a primer), is that because of the color (slightly golden) you can use this alone, or under makeup base.  The primer factor is important if you have slight imperfections in your skin.  Think of your face as a canvas and primer covers all the imperfections up before you paint.  Radiant base is super light feeling and  is inspired by “golden ice crystals”.  A little goes a long way, you can wear it directly on your face or mix it with your foundation.  The best part for me though is the SPF 20.

Dior ‘Diorskin Radiant Base’ SPF 20 is available exclusively at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com and retails for $40.
image:  Nordstrom

Looking for a foundation that feels light but has amazing coverage? Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Lasting Silk Foundation with UV SPF 20 is the ticket. “Starlight proof, spotlight proof, in a new liquid silk texture.” This is Armani’s answer to the HDTV foundation world.  It is a high resistance make-up that gives a luminous semi-matte finish that is super long lasting (up to 20 hours!).   So you will get long lasting weightless feeling coverage without that heavy foundation feel….fabulous!

The secret lies in a special high-tech Microfil™ fine milling process that combines water essence, micronised optical effect particles, high tech fitting silk and micro blend luminous pigments. These components morph into a barely perceivable seamless silk veil of infallible semi-matte color that dresses the skin’s contours to perfection.

It is also formulated with an exclusive blend of extremely concentrated water essence (50%), has a smooth application, leaving a fresh sensorial, cushiony feel on the skin. In addition, It uses the same approach as today’s high-tech “second-skin” fabrics, Giorgio Armani has incorporated a finer than fine high-tech fluid silk fiber for optimum long-lasting adherence with a pleasant, non-sticky feel.  The pigments used are a new blend of fine high-impact pigments for a radiant durable color.

The shade range is amazing also!!  Eight natural shades range from light to dark beiges to blend with every skin tone.  Application Tip:  Use a foundation brush and apply sparingly over a clean moisturized face
The Rundown:

• n°2 Ivory Beige
• n°4 Light Sandy Beige
• n°4.5 Pale Beige
• n°5 Warm Beige
• n°5.5 Natural Beige
• n°6.5 Tawny Beige
• n°7 Tan
• n°9 Natural Suede

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation is available at the Giorgio Armani Beauty online boutique and select locations nationwide.

Image:  Giorgio Armani Beauty

Get your bronze on in fabulous fashion with Bobbi Brown’s latest addition to the bronzing family.  This summer, Bobbi Brown is making it easier than ever to get the look of healthy, sun-kissed skin without the damaging effects of the sun. Take your pick from a flattering array of options, designed for all complexions from fair to dark. I adore bronzers in the summertime and Bobbi get;s it just right with these versatile shades.  Make sure you swirl and tap the brush before applying so you can get the most natural coverage as possible.

Shimmer Brick for Body

The shimmer brisk for the body is an amazing creation that is long overdue!  I have been using the regular shimmer brick on my body for a while now so seeing this is a welcome change.  Create head-to-toe glamour with our Shimmer Brick for Body. Lightweight, silky powder can be used on arms, legs, décolleté, or anywhere you want to glow. The deluxe oversized compact features three shimmering bars of color.

Suggested Retail Price $75.00

ALL OVER Body BRUSH

The softest, most luxurious brush imaginable. The new All Over Body Brush is the perfect companion to the Shimmer Brick for Body. It’s designed with ultra soft bristles that feel amazing on the skin and offer sheer, even application.

Suggested Retail Price $85.00

Illuminating Bronzing Powder
This bronzer for the face offers the most natural looking color possible with the sheerest powder possible.  Ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. Powder glides on evenly and gives skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow.

• Antigua
• Maui
• Aruba
• Bali Brown
• Barbados
• Tan
• Bahamas

Suggested Retail Price $33.00

New All Over Bronzing Gel SPF15

Get a shot of streak free color with Bobbi’s unique gel-based bronzer.  You get an instantly glow that looks healthy & natural with the added benefit of sun protection. Now available in a new shade Golden Sun requested by makeup artists and customers alike.

Suggested Retail Price $28.00

On Counter: June 2009 Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on www.bobbibrown.com.

Image:  Bobbi Brown

One thing I love about Bobbi Brown is that she gets it, her collections are PERFECT for any age but I find that as I am getting older, her products are my go-to for perfect classic looks without all the drama.  Her latest mini collection, Nautical is all about summer beauty that is portable and wearable.

Summer makeup should be easy and fresh and I usually stick to cream/gel blushes -  that last a bit longer when the temps are high. Sheer color always looks so pretty with a tan!  Bobbi Brown agrees with me as her new collection is all about fresh natural looking easy makeup. Bobbi says,  “Summer beauty is easy and naturally beautiful. It’s all about flushed cheeks, juicy, sheer-colored lips and clean, defined eyes.”  This mini collection has sheer pops of color that can be added to your existing goodies.  Nothing like a new lipgloss in a sheer, pretty,  bright color to elevate your mood right?  The cheek tints are genius as well, just rub a little on the places where the sun hits your face and you are done.

The Rundown:

Sheer Color Cheek Tint ($22.00) (Limited Edition)

Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on smooth and blends evenly onto skin. Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application. Available in six shades.

• Sheer Raspberry
• Sheer Lilac
• Sheer Pink
• Sheer Mauve
• Sheer Coral
• Sheer Blackberry

Color Lip Gloss ($20.00)

This new gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season’s punchy shades. Available in four shades for a limited time.

• Marina Pink
• Cabana Coral
• Sailor
• Popsicle

Available: now at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on bobbibrown.com.

Images: Bobbi Brown

Labbro Più Paffuto, the lip plumping sensation from Borghese is back again with a brand new tinted version, Tinted Lip Plumper. The original Lip Plumper is clear, which is great for wearing over a colored lipstick, but the new tinted version sounds like something I will have to have too!

Borghese's New Tinted Lip Plumper

The lip-enhancing and instant plumping effect comes from a concentrated technologically advanced formula that will not only give your lips beautiful color, but will also gently plump them, giving them an instant pick-me-up. Your lips will immediately look and feel fuller and smoother. Dehydrated vegetal protein micro-particles penetrate the lips where it plumps with the lips’ natural hydration. It does this with the slightest tingle, and without leaving your lips red and irritated. The result is beautiful, luscious, sexy lips.

These newest shades are quite pretty and perfect for spring and summer, like Rosa Naturale, Flamingo Gold seen here, and Charme Naturale. Labbro Più Paffuto is available now for $31.50 at beauty.com, and will be available online at Borghese after June 23^rd. You can purchase them in store now at Bloomingdales, and Lord & Taylor.

xx

image credit: beauty.com

For anyone who spends a lot of time outside, or for all those gals who can’t go to the beach without a bit of color on their face, then this is something you may be interested in. Tarte Cosmetics is offering up 3 mermaid-inspired, lock and roll creaseless cream and powder shadow duos, and a deluxe lights, camera, splashes! waterproof mascara.

Tarte's EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set

The ultra chic bonus in addition to this great set is this fabulous head-scarf seen here, which I am totally loving. Could be Pucci, could be Gucci, who knows, either way it’s the perfect piece of chic for a bike ride, hike, or lunch at the beach.

The colors are really beautiful and go on effortlessly. I mixed the citrine and tanzanite which looked great together. I purposely applied it to my eyes on a day when I would be working outside in warmer weather to see how they performed. At the end of the shoot I had dinner plans and didn’t have time to do anything but put a little gloss on, but guess what? I didn’t have too because my eyes still looked good.

The EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set retails for $35 and is available at Tarte. A beauty steal & deal for stylin’ all summer long.

xx

image credit: Tarte

Everyone is getting on the summer bronze beauty train, and the colors in Givenchy’s new summer 2009 Le Makeup Collection reminds me of the sun right before it rains. Oh how happy I was to get a glimpse of this gorgeous collection, and have since dreamed about having the entire line for myself and my kit. Just a dab of the Glow to Wear Satiny Body Enhancer, a creamy liquid bronzer, and you can sculpt your body however you like. You’ll get an instant glow, and sexy shimmer instantly that looks like you’ve been on vacation somewhere warm and tropical. Try mixing with a bit of SPF lotion and then applying to the skin.

Givenchy's Summer Collection

Another of my favorite’s are the nine shades of golden-caramel-pink powders in  the Prismissime Mat & Glow Face Powder. Mattes and pearls so the choices and combination’s are endless. The colors look so beautiful on the lids and cheekbones, and you can use your fingers to apply if you just want a wash of color.

The entire collection is definitely worth checking out, including the Pop Gloss Crystal in Sun Coral, and Sun Rose. So shiny, your friends may require sunglasses when you’re around. Available only at Sephora, and a limited-edition.

xx

image credit: Givenchy

Maybelline, home of the world famous Great Lash Mascara has introduced their own version of the pulsating mascara. Available online at the moment, and soon in all of our favorite drugstores, Target, and Walmart.  I was lucky enough to get my hands on one, and although I must admit I am not a big fan of Great Lash, I know, I can hear hundreds of makeup artists cursing my name as I write, I really, really like their Pulse Perfection Mascara.

Maybelline's Pulse Perfection Mascara

I had already tried Estee Lauder’s and Lancome’s and was excited to try Maybelline’s since I knew the price would definitely put a smile on my face. I never turn down the chance to try a new mascara, especially if I end up loving it.

So what did I think of the new Pulse Perfection Mascara? I loved it!!! Can you say volume, length, and major glam all in one application, and for the price, $14.95 a tube, they will be flying off the shelves. Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara delivers 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute. The battery-powered mascara offers a patent pending vibrating elastomer brush, which gently pulsates against your lashes.

The horizontal micro-motion was designed to mimic how a makeup artist would apply, by using a zig zag technique to give your lashes their maximum potential for looking great. With the push of a button your lashes will go from barely there to “oh my gosh your lashes look amazing!” So go ahead and bat those beautiful lashes, I know I will be

xx

image credit: Walmart.com

Who hasn’t tried Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream? I remember buying my first tube, and since then it has become a staple in my makeup kit, as well as in my personal arsenal of beauty must haves Now Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream comes in a 1960’s Vintage Edition celebrating their Decades Collection with a psychedelic glass jar and an irresistible look.

I use my Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream everyday on my lips, and I mix it with my foundation, and moisturizer before applying to my face for a beautiful dewy look.  It lasts forever, but I am loving this limited edition packaging, which is just so much more interesting than my regular white tube. The packaging is reminiscent of the 60’s, and it will be interesting to see what’s next in this series for the 70’s. Ooh I loved the 70’s and have the bell bottoms to prove it.

“You’ll twist and shout when you dip into your Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, the original formula of ultra-moisturizing petrolatum, vitamin E and re-texturizing beta-hydroxy acid. It smoothes, soothes, heals and protects dry skin.”

This an online exclusive only available at Elizabetharden.com

xx

image credit: Elizabeth Arden