Though I would probably never splurge on this makeup set myself, I was delighted to receive the Laura Mercier Gemstone Eye Collection as a gift from a friend. I’m a fan of Laura Mercier makeup. However, I primarily stick to the concealer and tinted moisturizer. This limited edition Christmas 2009 collection features five amazing jewel tone baked eye shadows that can be used wet or dry.
The set also includes:

Black Thickening and Building Mascara
Black Violet Kohl Eye
All Over Eye Colour Brush and Eye Crease Brush
Double-ended Smudge and Corner Eye Colour Brush
Double-ended Crème Eye Colour Brush and Crème Eye Detail Brush

Priced at …read more

The first time I ever tried any mineral makeup a few years ago, it was from Urban Apothecary. A friend recommended the line and I liked the name. I wasn’t disappointed — their formulas were smooth and flawless, and I loved their eye shadow colors.
Recently, I bought a couple of their products once again. Their Pro Pigment is a multi-use product that I highly recommend. This shimmery powder gives your skin a healthy glow that can’t be beat. It comes in a variety of colors, from iridescent shades such as “Golden Delicious” to rich reds like “Cupid’s Arrow” to pretty …read more

Right now, you can get this amazing cheek and eye color palette from Prescriptives for just $48.50 ($100.00 value). The Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes offers four must-have eye colors and two cheek colors in a gorgeous limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness pink compact.
Prescriptives will donate $20,000 in connection with sales of the Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
You can find the palette online at Nordstrom, drugstore.com and other retailers.
As you probably heard recently, in an effort to restructure, Estee Lauder is discontinuing the Prescriptives brand. Their distribution network will …read more

If you are in a makeup rut, it’s time to break out some glamour. Before you know it, the holiday season will be here with lots of parties and events to attend. Embrace your inner glamour girl and look for makeup that offers plenty of color, sparkle and style.
Recently, I came across the Too Faced Glamour Revolution. This limited-edition set is perfect if you want to try out an assortment of new cosmetics without spending a bundle. The set includes:

Milk Chocolate Single Eyeshadow
George & Weezie Single Eyeshadow
Boy Toy Single Eyeshadow
Label Whore Single Eyeshadow
London Calling Single Eyeshadow
Glamazon Single Eyeshadow
Dirt Bag Single …read more

In recent months, I have written about a variety of products from the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place line, including most recently, the ShadowStick. And today, we are reviewing one more – ShadowCreme.
If you are looking for a fantastic cream eyeshadow, this one is a good bet. Like the other Double Wear products, I was impressed by its long-lasting formula. Using your fingertip, it goes on smooth and easily. The color is rich with most of the shades having a matee or slightly pearly finish.
Unlike some cream shadows, this one is very blendable. So if you prefer, you can layer …read more

Fashion designer Christian Siriano isn’t only about the clothes. He recently made his beauty debut with a new limited edition makeup collection for VS Makeup. You can purchase products from the collection online at VictoriasSecret.com.
Using Egyptian inspiration, the collection features desert colors combined with blues of the Nile River. Christian introduced the collection last month at the Victoria’s Secret store at The Grove in Los Angeles with a little assistance from Kim Kardashian. Kim tried out the products and Christian handed out samples and signed autographs.
Recently, I tried the Christian Siriano Silky Eye Shadow from the collection and it’s definitely …read more

Just the other day, I wrote about the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in Place ShadowStick here on Splendicity and then this past weekend, I came across another cream eyeshadow stick that I really like. The shu uemura Primal Color Eyeshadow Stick glides on with a creamy texture then dries to a powdery finish.
This convenient twist-up shadow stick is perfect for on-the-go makeup application and quick touch-ups. The Primitribe collection colors include Blazed Gold, Misty Grove, Rich Earth and Night Maroon.
I have both the Rich Earth and Blazed Gold — which are fantastic colors for fall. These colors are highly-pigmented and …read more

If you love Smashbox Cosmetics, hop over to Sephora where you can get this Eye Shadow Duo for just $5. A $24 value, you can’t miss this deal. This eye shadow pot features two coordinating shades – a peach champagne shimmer and a dark warm brown sheen.
Smashbox eye shadow goes on silky smooth and lasts all day. It’s very blendable and these highly-pigmented colors are perfect for all year round.
This is just one of Sephora’s weekly specials. You can also get up to 75% off a variety of beauty products.
Plus, you can get a free enzyme face peel (code: AMORE) …read more

In the past, I always stuck with powder eye shadow. My experience with cream and other formulas wasn’t good. They always ended up creasing, looking cake-y, or fading away by lunchtime. However in recent years, cream eye shadow improved.
In the last year, I have found a number of cream shadows that I love. They provide fabulous color and many of them last as long as traditional powder.
Then, I was introduced to Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowStick. Could it be? A convenient, quick eye shadow stick that went on smooth and lasted all day? Though I am a big fan …read more

Shiseido recently introduced their Fall 2009 Makeup collection, created by Shiseido’s artistic director Dick Page. Inspired by mosaic art, this collection features a wide variety of different colors that come together very nicely. The aim of collection is to fulfill a woman’s makeup needs for every occasion.
Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Eye Color ($25)
The highlight of the collection is their new Luminizing Satin Eye Color line. Available in 15 shades from neutrals to brights, this shadow is silky smooth and very blendable. The yellow color pictured here is Solaris.
Shiseido Makeup Advanced Hydro-Liquid Company Foundation (Refill: $29.50, Case: $10.50)
Available in 11 shades, …read more