“Perfect” is among the most overused words in beauty marketing and beauty writing – I’m guilty of using and abusing the adjective myself.  But today, I was introduced to Per-fekt, the proper noun and that’s a whole new ball game. The first Per-fekt product that I’ve tested (there are just three in the line) is coincidentally the newest, the Eye Perfection Gel. This treatment/primer/concealer/brightener (no, really…it effectively acts as all of those things) enhances the delicate under-eye area with the most natural look imaginable. So what does that really mean? Well, effectively, Eye Perfection Gel smoothes the skin, provides minimal coverage, treats puffiness and diffuses fine lines and wrinkles.... [Read more]

Our friends at Stila have really made a play in social media in recent months (you can follow them on Twitter here) and now, they’re merging beauty and technology with the launch of the NEW Makeup Player. Part makeup case, part media player docking station with speakers, this portable vanity blends cutting edge technology with Pro Artist expertise, giving you the tricks and tools to create your own looks, on demand. Downloadable mobile tutorials are available from www.stilabeautytube.com; to replicate the look, simply dock your device into the Makeup Player and unleash your inner artist with the press of a button. Once your look is complete, you can pull up a playlist and let the Makeup Player play your favorite tunes while you finish... [Read more]

Toasting the New Year and its 15th anniversary, NARS is celebrating with red-hot holiday-packaged gifts this season. Here are a few highlights: NARS introduces two 15th Anniversary Palettes ($75 each) to celebrate 15 years of color innovation. First up is Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye while Wild at Heart featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout. The Plein ete Mini Multiple Set ($45) is n exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades. The Drop Dead Gorgeous Mini Nail Kit ($30) is a dreamy stocking stuffer; the mini collection includes four festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga. Last but not least is the D. Lovely Lip Gloss Duo Set ($45,... [Read more]

There’s a chill in the air and evenings are getting darker earlier but regardless, it’s the season for holiday parties and a few quick and easy tricks from the pros are in order. Alison Raffaele, celebrity make-up artist and creator of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, has some tips on how to get your glam for your big night out. Alison says, To quickly and easily get your glam on this Holiday season, try brightening or deepening your eyes and/or your lips. For example, if you normally wear a soft plum lipstick, a step deeper would be a more of aubergine color and a step brighter would be more of a burgundy shade. On your eyes, if you normally wear matte shadows, try adding a bit of shimmer under the brow bone (brighter) and a few extra... [Read more]

This month,  Estée Lauder is launching two new collections for Holiday: Ultimate Red Color and the Holiday 2009 Compacts, which are always a favorite of mine. The Ultimate Red Color Collection is luxe and gorgeous!. The classic navy blue Signature Estée Lauder packaging has been transformed to a holiday gold, encasing jewel-inspired shades of lavish plums and gold flecked caramels. Lips create a high impact in deep shades of cranberry and blackberry while the skin is lightly dusted in luminous, shimmer powder. The highly collectible Estée Lauder compacts are back this holiday season with their usual whimsical flare. This year’s editions include themes like Asian Opulence, Draped in Jewels and Wrapped in Red. The compacts are... [Read more]