Images: Nars Cosmetics

In no particular order, of course…

Mata Hari – A lovely rosy shade of pink

Angelika – A bright, cheery cotton candy pink with gold sparkles

Taos – A deeper rose shade with a bit of shimmer

Torrid – A beautiful shimmery coral shade that looks great on everyone!

Outlaw – A true rose shade with pretty shimmer

Deep Throat – My personal favourite (because it was the first one I bought!), it s a beautifully sheer and shimmery peachy shade.

Sin – If you want a plum tinged blush, get this one!

Gina – At first glance this tangerine shade may be a bit too bright and too orange but it looks amazing when worn!

I have all of these shades and I can vouch for their amazing quality and longevity. Some of these shades have shimmer but the particles aren’t at all chunky or gritty. They’re quite fine and show up as a pretty glow on cheeks.

What I love the most about Nars blushes is the pigmentation. You only need just a tiny amount to get a lot of colour. All the shades are sheer, build-able and can be combined together to create your own shade.   The price is a bit steep at $25 each but you get a lot of product in the compact and since you only need a little bit, it’ll last you a long time!

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One of those brands is Urban Decay.  I love, love, love Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils! They go on like butter, don’t crease (after 8+ hours) and last forever. This holiday season, Urban Decay gives you 9 reasons to fall in love with their eye liners.

Image: Sephora

The 24/7 Super Stash ($36) kit features 4 new shades (that I’m personally dying to try out) and 5 of their best selling shades.

Corrupt (brown sparkle)
Binge (navy blue)
Eldorado (gold)
Oil Slick (black sparkle)

Zero (black)
Graffiti (bright green with silver sparkle)
Ransom (bright iridescent purple)
Rockstar (dark purple)
Stash (dark golden green)

I have the last four shades and I can tell you, they’re simply fabulous. This set is a great way to try out a few shades without making a bit commitment. Once you try these, you’ll want to grab all the other colours in their collection because they’re that awesome. Pick up this set on the Urban Decay website or at Sephora.

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Here are some things you can do:

1. Reconsider self tanner – Sure, it made you look sun-kissed during the summer, but think about whether that faux glow is a look you want to continue on into fall and winter.
2. Be careful with the bronzer – Along the same lines of the self tanner, an overuse of bronzer this time of year looks like you’re trying to hard to let go of summer.  A little highlight is one thing, the all over bronzy look is another.
3. Check your makeup – Chances are that you have a few things left over since last fall.  Take a long hard look at these items and make sure that nothing is past its prime.  Toss mascara out after 3 months.  If something smells funky, out it goes.  If it looks like it’s changed colors or is contaminated in some way, toss it.  When applying something to my face, my adage is, if in doubt – toss it out.
4. Check your colors – There are classic eye shadow and blush shades that never go out of style.  That’s why they’re called classic.  Other colors can be combined with new shades to give an updated look.  Some were just mistakes to purchase in the first place.  This is a good time to throw them out.  Make an appointment with your favorite make up counter for a new fall look.  Be sure to bring along any favorites so that you learn how to incorporate them into your look.
5. Take a hard look at your hairstyle and color – Is it time for a change?  How long has it been since you’ve changed (updated) your hair cut or color.  Nothing says old like clinging to a style that looked great – five years ago.  Schedule a consultation with a stylist and get some ideas, and then make an appointment later if you decide to go ahead with the change.
6. Dig out your fall and winter clothes – Try things on, and if they don’t fit, give them to a women’s shelter or back-to-work program.  If things need mending or altering, arrange to have that done.  If you didn’t wear it last fall, you probably won’t this fall either, so save yourself some closet space and give it away.
7. Check your shoes and boots – Get repairs made, heels repaired, new soles put on, or slip guards put on the bottom.  Shine them up.  If they’re too tight, have them stretched to see if they’ll fit.  If they’re uncomfortable, give them away to a new, loving home.
8. Try a new fragrance – You may have loved those floral scents for spring and summer, but try something new for wall and winter.  Go a little woodsier, maybe a bit more exotic.  The weather may be cooling down, but there’s no reason that you can’t heat up the place.
9. Get out the fall handbags – Time to retire the straw and lighter weight fabric bags, and get out the hearty leather for every day wear.  Satchels, bucket bags, slouch bags, and other classic shapes are always a good choice come fall.  Make sure that you take care of any repairs, too.
10. Adopt a new attitude – Be confident, even when you’re not.  Be happy, even when you have struggles.  Give to others, even when all you can afford is a smile.  Be thankful, for every day that you’re given.

Do you have any tips for fall?

Photo credit:

Post from: The List Maven

Image: Newscom

1. Stop by your favorite makeup counter for a makeup consultation. It’s also great if you start to build a rapport with someone, because then they will let you in on little secrets and hopefully won’t push so much with the hard sell.
2. Keep an eye out for free samples. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a mini-makeover – and if you like something, then you know you’re going to use it once the purchase is made.
3. Ask for advice from your friends. They know you better than anyone, so I’ll bet they will have a few ideas about how you could expand your makeup repertoire.
4. Change the order of application. I discovered a few months back that doing foundation, then concealer, then powder works better for me (versus concealer first). There are other ways you can make changes which will offer a slightly different take on your same old look.
5. Time the change for a season shift. Most makeup brands will come out with new products for Spring, Summer and Fall. This is a great time to find new palettes that are perfect for the weather in current colors.

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So, instead of being drawn into Sephora, where I will surely load up a basket with all kinds of new items to take home and try out, I’m browsing online – with credit cards safely stowed in the other room. There are a number of new products and makeup kits out on the market, which my heightened sense of ‘I WANT’ is lusting for…but I’ll hold back, be good, and remind myself that two drawers and a medicine cabinet full of makeup really is plenty…for now.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Flawless Face Kit Oily skin be gone…Summer or not, I’m over you! Even just the promise of flawless, oil-free skin is enough to make this three step (and four brush) kit seem like a worthwhile investment for me.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Flawless Face Kit

Benefit Cosmetics Bight Lights Big City!
Just a few key essentials Benefit is known for and we could all stand to have tucked away in a drawer. The ‘That Girl’ face primer is a favorite among my friends and I’m totally thinking the little white leather travel mirror would love to live in my purse.

Benefit Cosmetics Bright Lights Big City!

Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
With SPF 15 and a pretty red hue, this is a step up from the Sugar lip treatment I already have from Fresh. It tastes delicious (which can be problematic when you’re biting the lips you’re trying to preserve and protect) and now has a little color too.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

bareMinerals Refillable Buffing Brush
Loose powder has opened up inside my purse one too many times…which is why I generally leave it at home, where it’s not really very useful at all. But this squashes the problem and finally makes loose powder travel friendly.

Bare Escentuals Refillable Buffing Brush

Lancome COLOR DESIGN Sensational Effects Eye Shadow
I’m smitten with these earthy shades, which tend to be what I would prefer day or night. A little shimmer goes a long way, but with the right color I feel comfortable being a bit more daring.

Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects

Best Of Korres Color Natural Wonders
Even though I’ve been a longtime fan of Korres face products, I haven’t tried there makeup yet. This looks like an excellent collection to get started. Given how much I adore their white tea face cleanser and pomegranate scrub, I would be willing to bet they know what theyr’e doing when it comes to makeup too.

Korres Color Natural Wonders

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1. Great collections.  How about the “Nautical” collection for summer?  Sheer, beautiful, perfectly summer-like colors.
2. Cute compacts.  Combining assortments of lip colors, eye colors, or even foundations into adorably cute and practical compacts.
3. Sales.  Enjoy the Bobbi Brown Summer Shopping event going on for a limited time, and you’ll save 25% off your entire purchase.  This sale ends Thursday, June 11th, 2009.
4. Free shipping:  On all orders over $60.
5. Charitable ethic:  The summer sale benefits Dress for Success
6. FREE samples:  Lots of beauty goodness to try out.
7. SPECIAL OFFER:  Use the code LUXEBOBBI to receive a FREE full size Baby Glitter Lip Gloss (valued at $20)

Photo credit: Bobbi Brown

Post from: The List Maven

So now, here are the eight steps for getting ready that only take six minutes to complete.

1. I’ve already washed my face in the shower, so next is a quick swipe of moisturizer mixed with a little primer (dot on the forehead, chin and both cheeks, then rub it in).

2. Next is the same routine with foundation, using just enough for full coverage but not so much that it takes a half hour to even things out.

3. Dab of concealer under each eye.

4. Pat of pressed powder over the concealer, to blend it in with the foundation.

Image: Newscom

5. Brown eyeliner across the eyelid, right up next to the eyelashes (trying to avoid the need for any mascara) and a little smudged under each eye.

6. Just a little eyeshadow to give a little depth.

7. Pink blush sweeped across the cheeks, usually two brush strokes or maybe three.

8. Dab on a little tinted lip gloss, and I’m out the door!

Post from: The List Maven

Image: sxc.hu

Use what you need
It’s easy to grab lots of blush, powder or eyeshadow with your brush, only to tap a good portion of it down the sink when you realize there is too much for direct application. Always start with less and slowly add more. Once you’ve brushed the makeup onto your cheeks, only to rub the excess off a few minutes later with a tissue, it’s gone forever. So be stingy from the start.

Get the right color
Sometimes it’s easier to use less of a darker color than find a shade that is so sheer you have to use more to achieve the look you’re going for. Get some help when you are browsing, try out different shades to see how they react to your skin and compliment (or detract) from your features.

Do your research
Sometimes luxury cosmetic lines have less expensive sub-brands. For example, you can get Estee Lauder formulas for half the cost by checking out their new brightly colored Flirt Cosmetics. You also don’t want to make impulse purchases based on what’s cute or new…find what works for you (test things out!) and buy what you need, not what you think you need.

Keep things clean
Your makeup brushes accumulate oil and dirt from your face. So make sure you have good brush cleaner and use it regularly to keep your makeup clean. Also make sure to close the lids and keep your makeup in a clean dry spot so it doesn’t pick up dust and other bacteria in the air. Good make up can last for quite a while if you take care of it. But if you don’t make sure to kepe things clean, you will not only waste your money but will likely bring on a few breakouts too!

Watch for samples and sales
Check the website of your favorite products and sign up for their newsletter, if they offer one. You will be notified when they’re offering free samples or having a sale on the things you love. Don’t let yourself be sucked into every offer, but do keep yourself informed so you get the best price and aren’t paying full retail for your makeup.

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Image: sxc.hu

Here are the ten things I recommend you keep in mind when you’re shopping for new foundation -

1. Know your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for maybe a tinted moisturizer. If you’re dealing with acne, a heavier foundation is probably a good choice.

2. Know your budget. You can spend a lot of money on makeup. It’s best to find the right type of makeup for your skin…and your wallet. There’s no use spending lots of money on a bad choice if you could have spent a little more time testing out economical foundations.

3. Ask your friends. Everyone has an opinion about makeup. See what your friends have tried, what they liked and what they didn’t like. You may not always agree, but at least you will have a little anecdotal research for your final decision.

4. Think about the seasons. Right now I have that pasty glow of winter coming to an end. I’m fair, but I know that once summer comes around my skin will be a few shades darker from all that walking to/from work. However, buying makeup for what my skin will look like is a bad decision. Find the right shade now and err on the side of lighter than darker.

5. Say no to oil. Is there anyone out there that actually uses products that contain oil? Maybe it’s just my pimple prone skin that’s causing me to think this is a definite no-no, but I just can’t see a reason to ever go near something that didn’t prominently say “oil free”.

6. Use your hands. The back of your hand is the best area for testing foundation when you’re in the store. Consider how it looks and what it feels like before deciding if you have a top contender.

7. Be adventurous. I know you have a favorite brand. I do too! But sometimes that brand that does every single thing right…does foundation wrong. So don’t feel like you have to have a whole counter full of “the same”…you need to find the right type of foundation for you, not the right brand.

8. Ask for help. There is a reason stores have a staff waiting to help you. Yes…partially to convince you that more products are necessary…but also because these are the people armed with information about all the products in the store. If you’re ready for something new and don’t know where to start, your best bet is to start by talking to a rep before making any assumptions.

9. Resist packaging. It’s pretty…it promises all the right things…and it’s totally wrong for your skin. Don’t be swayed by packaging. It’s not the “pretty” label that will make your skin look beautiful and flawless. It’s the product.

10. Bring it back. If you made a bad choice and the foundation isn’t what you thought it was, bring it back to the store. You should always chose stores like Sephora for these kinds of purchases, since they will let you return semi-used products for a refund or exchange. Then…start at tip #1 to begin your search for new foundation again.

Post from: The List Maven

With March just a deep breath away, you’re going to need all that energy to tackle some Beauty & Style spring housekeeping and maintenance.

So roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite music, and get to work on these 31 spring housekeeping suggestions:

1. Go through every single clothes closet, pulling out everything that you haven’t worn in the last six months.
2. Take a look at your “haven’t worn” pile of clothes.  If you haven’t worn it because it’s not the right season, you can put it back.  Otherwise, deal with the separation anxiety and let it go.
3. Bag up all your clothing discards and take the a clothing bank, shelters, or consignment shop.
4. Launder everything that needs it.
5. Refold all your sweaters, jeans, whatever your fold up in your closet or drawers.  Neaten things up.
6. Look for drawers that don’t shut all the way, neaten it up and remove things that don’t belong there.
7. Match up socks, and discard anything that is missing a mate.
8. Reinforce loose buttons, buying new ones if you need
9. Take care of any mending or repairs that need to be made.
10. Polish your shoes.
11. Toss out worn shoes – and don’t forget those run down sneakers and athletic shoes.
12. Replace laces that are getting worn.
13. Re-sole or re-heel shoes that you love that are a little worn down around the edges.
14. Clean up boots and winter shoes and get them ready to put away for the season.
15. Get some decent hangers, and make sure everything is buttoned up and hanging nicely.
16. If it doesn’t fit now, chances are it’s not going to fit in a month from now.  Ask yourself, “do I really need this to take up space in my closet?”
17. Look in your jewelry box or drawer and untangle everything.
18. Consider individual bags or clear jewelry envelopes to store your jewelry in.  Keeps things neat and organized, and you can see what you have.
19. Lost one earring?  If it’s something inexpensive, toss it.  If it’s fine jewelry, consult a jewelry to see if it can be repurposed.
20. If you have keepsake jewelry that you don’t wear, consider having it repurposed so that you can enjoy it.  If you want to keep it intact to pass on to another generation, store it somewhere safe and away from your day to day jewelry.
21. Sort through your lingerie.  If it doesn’t fit, isn’t comfortable, has holes, tears, or sagging elastic — TOSS IT!
22. Toss bras that make you squirm, no matter how pretty they are, and go in  for a proper fitting.
23. Go through your makeup and toss anything that looks or smells funny.  If you don’t know when you bought it, chances are it’s past its prime.  Makeup isn’t like cheese – you can’t just scrape off the mold and use the rest.
24. If you haven’t worn that great color of shadow, lipstick, etc., consider giving it away (if it’s fresh and relatively unused), otherwise toss it.  You know you’re never going to wear it, and holding onto it takes up room and reminds you of a shopping mistake.  Let it go!
25. Wipe up messes caused by broken powder, foundation that has spilled, and crumbling shadows.
26. Lipsticks can be used with a lip brush if they’re broken, but put them somewhere where you’ll use them up before they get old.
27. Find something pretty to store your cosmetic items in.  A basket, container, or drawers.  Keep your every day items right at hand.
28. Go through all your cleansers, moisturizers and serums.  Do they still look and smell fresh.  If not, toss.
29. Do you have lots of little samples that you’ve picked up.  If you’re really truly going to try them out, find a pretty basket or vase to put them in and keep them nearby.  They’re just making a mess of the drawer or counter, so keep them together and use them up.
30. Promise yourself to use up any half empty jars/bottle/tubes of lotions, creams, shampoos, etc., before opening a new one.  It’s okay to have one or two that you alternate, but if you have 10 different body lotions open, you need to use them up before opening any more.
31. Reward yourself for your month of work by making a list of all the “holes” you’ve now created in your wardrobe.  Whether it’s a new piece of clothing, a new lipstick, pair of shoes, or piece of jewelry, you now know what you have and can plan purchases for the coming season.

Did I miss anything?  What are you going to start on first?

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: The List Maven