Benefit Cosmetics has just launched their newest sweep of color with CORALista, a warm coral pink color to brighten and bring a look of warmth to your face this winter. In collaboration with Benefit, we are giving away 3 CORALista powders!

All you have to do is submit your information in the entry box below (it is not rented or sold) for your chance to win. Open to all legal US residents 18 years old +. There are no product or cash substitutes.  Retail value is $28 (each.) Giveaway begins January 21st at 8:30am EST and ends January 23rd at 8pm EST. Only one entry per person.

Good luck my pretties!

Post from: Makeup Minute

Not that I want to see myself all blown up like this, but I think it gives you a truer picture of how well the Mineral Mousse Foundation really gave my skin a flawless look. No shine either! The Mineral Compact Makeup was very light and really was the finishing touch to making my skin look so matte. The Lip Mixer is pretty cool because it has a solid matte color at the bottom of the tube and as you pull the applicator out it glides through the section of shimmer and shine. The color I am wearing is called Lip Stir (#703). The mousse is French Cream and the compact is Creamy Natural.

The best part is that Milani Cosmetics can be found at your local drugstore and is completely affordable! So ladies, now you can go look like a snowbunny too!

Photo Credit: Milani Cosmetics and (c) Shannon Nelson and cannot be used without expressed written permission.

Post from: Makeup Minute

Here’s some pictures from the event and of the products. There will also be an amazing video coming out in February that beauty editors got to see that really captured the essence of this collection. Hello Kitty is a little bit innocent…and a little bit naughty.

From Left to right: Julia from All About the Pretty, Erika from Makeup Bag, me and Lianne from The Makeup Girl

This was the very innocent girl with her Hello Kitty doll. She is wearing colors from the palette below.

This would be the very naughty and playful kitty (you’ll know what I mean when the video goes live.) The palette of colors she is wearing is below:

There is also an accessories line and the couture collection will be launching later on (date still unknown.) The tote you see at the beginning of this post was by far the most popular among all of the beauty bloggers there. We all oohed and aahed when it was talked about.

My thoughts on this collection is that it is very bright and playful. And in this economy, who couldn’t use something fun and imaginative in their lives? Many of the beauty blogs have the official images from the collection posted to their blogs, but I thought it would be more fun to show you the collection through my eyes.

So what do you think? Will it be a hit?

Photo Credit: Tote from MAC Cosmetics, all other images are (c) Shannon Nelson and cannot be reused without expressed written permission.

Post from: Makeup Minute

Trend 1: Focus On The Lips

It’s all about a beautiful bold lip! Whether it’s warm or cool, a bold, opaque, red lip has a very sexy yet romantic feel. The eyes are as glamorous or neutral as your wardrobe dictates. During the day, eyes are kept simple; at night, opt for a darker look. Either way, eye makeup should be blended beautifully and brows should be perfectly groomed for an elegant look. Finish the eyes with long, beautiful lashes. Pair this look with clean, glowy makeup, achieved with foundation, concealer and powder. For cheeks, use a complementary color to the red of the lip that works with your skin tone. Apply on the apples of the check for a pop of color.

Trend 2: Eyes…Use Color!

Whether it’s a wash of color or a bold, dark statement, using color on the eyes looks gorgeous. Try a beautiful violet, blue or dark purple, or coordinate your eye color with your clothing. Try using color on the upper lids only, or on the upper lids and under the lower lash line. You can even add a hint of color on the inner corners and under the eye…just make sure the edges are blended out beautifully. Think of watercolors and softness…that’s what makes this color work! Use a complementary lip and cheek color for softer eye makeup shades and a transparent lip and cheek look when using bolder eye colors.

Trend 3: It’s All About The Metallics!

I love a dark, dramatic, metallic eye in black, dark brown, navy or burgundy. It’s very sexy and a great look for an evening party or event. Start with a dark liner that matches your shadow at the base of the lash. Apply a dark metallic shadow on the lid, up to the crease. Lightly run a little metallic shadow under the lower lashes. Use a lighter metallic shadow on the brow bone and on the inner corners of the eye. For a really shimmery effect, you can add an extra highlighter over the entire eyelid. Finish the eyes with dramatic, sweeping lashes. Pair this look with matte, satin skin and keep lips and cheeks very neutral.

Photo Credit: Newscom

Post from: Makeup Minute

Red Carpet Red

For a true dramatic red carpet look, Christina created the Simone hydrating lipstick – a rich true red that should be worn for that glamorous holiday party or big night out.

Everyday Red

Love the trend, but looking for a more subtle approach that fits your everyday lifestyle? Christina recommended a gloss because it is more sheer; try the Riviera Moisturizing lip gloss – a true red with a light shimmer.

Christina recommends that when doing a red lip, keep the rest of your makeup clean and simple. Let your lips say it all!

She recommends a Praline Powder Eyeshadow- a soft, creamy pearl that will add a subtle glow. A soft black eyeliner should be used with a thin line on the upper lash (always wear black liner with a red lip.)

Champagne Highlighter- soft natural highlight will keep your skin looking fresh and luminous and will accentuate the eye without making the look overwhelming.

On the cheeks, Christina recommends a soft natural rose blush applying a light wash of color. You want to make a statement without the look overpowering you.

Stay tuned to Makeup Minute for more makeup tips to keep you looking gorgeous!

Post from: Makeup Minute

I have fair to medium skin, so Pure Finish 3 looks flawless on my skin. I loved how it gave me full coverage without looking like I had a face full of makeup on.  What’s great is that it concealed imperfections and mattified my skin like a pressed powder would but without the typical “shine” of mineral powder.

It’s also a pretty big compact for only $37.50. And Crystal of Beauty or Bust–it doesn’t contain talc! (I was thinking of you when I found that out!) Find your perfect shade at: www.shop.elizabetharden.com

*Photo Credit: Elizabeth Arden

Post from: Makeup Minute

*Photo Credit: Estee Lauder

Post from: Makeup Minute

1. Elizabeth Arden Intervene–Hands down this was the best liquid foundation I have used this year and still use now going into 2009.

2. L’Oreal Bare Naturale Luminous Lengthening Mascara–Totally makes lashes look lovely.

3. Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Mineral Concealer Stick–Covers those flaws so that no one needs to know I’m not perfect!

4. Sally B.’s Skin Yummies Get Even Finishing Powder–I probably recommend this so much to everyone that Sally should be giving me a commission!

5. Urban Apothecary Mineral Lip Tint–Because it is such a moisturizing lipstick.

6. Benefit Cosmetics Talk to the Tan–Because seriously? How natural did that look on me?

7. All MAC Cosmetics lipsticks–Because they always make me look like a million bucks.

8. Pix! Natural Mineral Kit–This is a staple in my makeup bag.

9. Jemma Kidd On Set Mattifying Powder–Looking flawless is so under rated.

10. Purely Cosmetics Pearl & Silk Powder Primer–I also love Pure Silk Mineral Foundation.

So let me hear your thoughts–do you agree with this list? Is there a review I did that you felt should’ve made it into the top 10?

Photo Credit: Courier Journal

Post from: Makeup Minute

Purse Your Lips contains 9 vanilla-scented lip glosses:

* Shimmering near nude
* Shimmering nude-peach
* Gold-tinged plum
* Shimmering brown sugar
* Shimmering deep mauve
* Shimmering deep cranberry
* Sheer crimson
* Sheer pink-nectar
* Shimmering bubblegum pink

So do something healthy AND beautiful for yourself to kick off 2009, pick up glosses like Purse Your Lips to make your pout pretty in more ways than one!

*Photo Credit: tarte Cosmetics

Post from: Makeup Minute

Women:

- For daytime events less makeup is better

- Use mineral power to warm up and even out the skin

- High definition powder instantly removes shine

- For day time – think mascara!

- Lighter lipgloss shines in daytime photos

- Highlight the “apples” with a bit of blush

- Daytime bronzer gives a fresh healthy look

- For photo-worthy hair give it a quick “jazzing”!

- Flip your hair over – bring back the fullness

- For those forever photos – guys can conceal a blemish too!

- Keep the shine away – blot your face before the photo is snapped

- A few minutes in the sun can give you a healthy glow

- For a picture perfect smile apply a bit of lipgloss and go for the SPF kind

Men:

- Use gel when hair is damp – avoid the spiky 80s look

- Less is definitely more when it comes to hair products

- Run fingers – not a comb – through hair for a modern look

- Plan ahead – cut your hair a week before the event

Now go make yourselves look fabulous ladies! xo

Post from: Makeup Minute