Tuesday, 12 January 2016

Top Beauty Looks from the Golden Globes 2016.

In case you missed it or any of the coverage, the Golden Globes happened on Sunday night. I covered a lot of the makeup and hair looks on some of my favorite celebrities that walked the red carpet over in the Celeb Looks section. There were definite stand-outs from the evening, though. Here are the top beauty looks from the 2016 Golden Globes. (click through the links to see the complete beauty look breakdown)

Top Beauty Looks from the 2016 Golden Globes with all of the hair and makeup details!

1. Jennifer Lopez - That lip and those nails; Jennifer knows how to work the red carpet.

2. Taraji P. Henson - She looked flawless — I'm buying that lipcolor today!

3. Kirsten Dunst - Her smoky eye was beautiful and the rest of the look was classic CHANEL.

4. Rachel McAdams - I want to try her hair look!

5. Emmy Rossum - Her look was modern Hollywood glam and I was obsessed with all of it.

6. Katy Perry - Her dress matching lipcolor and flawless skin wowed me.

7. Jennifer Lawrence - Her overall makeup look was glowy and more natural, but that lip!

8. Julianne Moore - Always a flawless, smoky look with beautiful skin.

9. Rosie Huntington-Whitely - Like a golden goddess, I loved all of it.

10. Lady Gaga - She looked gorgeous, especially the eyes!

Who had your favorite beauty look of the night?

Monday, 11 January 2016

MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation.

Exciting news from MAC Cosmetics as they just launched their first cushion foundation and I was lucky enough to give it a try. MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation is the brands first foray into this innovative trend of products that delivers true-to-life coverage while not suffocating the skin.

MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation

"Who doesn’t want a foundation to look as real as their skin tone? Thanks to our new Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact, it can. Its innovative cushion and sheer liquid formula lends true-to-life shade perfection and coverage, while letting your natural skin show through. A cutting-edge delivery system allows the formula to be released in a superfine layer, providing a natural finish and sheer to medium buildable coverage. Launching with a spectrum of 12 light to deep dark shades, and debuting with the new 197SH Duo Fibre Square Brush and Matchmaster Concealer."

Cushion foundations started in Korea and have been here in the US for a few years now. I think MAC took their time to give us something unique and original because Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation delivers in this new category. When they say it offers perfection and coverage, they are not lying.

I am really impressed with the light to medium coverage out of the compact which can be built up. I applied the foundation with the enclosed foam-like sponge that came with the foundation. While MAC recommends applying with the new Duo Fibre Square Brush, I recommend applying with the sponge for a flawless, even finish. The finish itself is very natural and real-looking. My skin has been very dry this winter, and applying this with or without a primer yields pretty good results. It does last longer with a foundation primer, so if you are looking for all-day wear, then that is the way to go. With foundation primer, I didn't see fading for at least six hours. At the end of the day, my foundation was definitely still on and looking natural and pretty flawless.

MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation

There are 12 shades in the Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation line-up. I was sent 4.0 as a match to my normal NC30 tone, but it was a bit dark. I just ordered 3.0 which seems like it will be a better match.

No.1
No. 1.5
No. 2.0
No. 3.0
No. 4.0
No. 5.0
No.6.0
No. 7.0
No. 7.5
No. 8.0
No. 8.5
No. 9.0

Buy MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation now at all MAC stores, counters in Nordstrom, Macy's, etc. and maccosmetics.com. Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation retails for $36.

Friday, 8 January 2016

New from NARS for SPRING 2016: NARSissist Palettes.

NARS is releasing two complete NARSissist Palettes for spring and these will have eyes and cheeks covered beautifully. NARSissist L’Amour Toujours L’Amour Palette TWELVE SHARP is a must have 12 shadow palette for eyes and NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette HIDE AND CHEEK is an essential for cheeks. I'm obsessed!

New from NARS for SPRING 2016: NARSissist Palettes

NARSissist L’Amour Toujours L’Amour Palette TWELVE SHARP

This eyeshadow palette is a new limited-edition palette that contains features 12 must-have shades. I love that it is a mix of everyday neutrals in larger sizes with rich accents to create an endless amount of on-trend of looks.
 

NARSissist L’Amour Toujours L’Amour Palette TWELVE SHARP

Palette includes the following shades:

  • I - Cream bisque
  • II - Shimmering pink sand
  • III - Amethyst ash
  • IV - Black truffle
  • V - Golden starlight
  • VI - Sunburst copper
  • VII - Café Au Lait
  • VIII - Pistol grey
  • IX - Industrial steel
  • X - Regal blue
  • XI - Shimmering taupe cashmere
  • XII - Shimmering liquorice

NARS shadows are all very easy to wear, blend and are highly-pigmented. I consider them to be rich and velvety feeling. They last all-day on me with or without an eye primer. They do appear more rich and truer in color when used with eye primer.

Buy the NARSissist L’Amour Toujours L’Amour Palette TWELVE SHARP at NARS boutiques and narscosmetics.com now for $59. It will be available at Sephora and the rest of the stores that carry NARS like Nordstrom on February 1st.

NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette HIDE AND CHEEK

This cheek palette is everything! I like that NARS has us covered with a contour, highlighter, bronzer and four blushes to create any look — from everyday to seductive. It's a dream for a girl like me who travels a lot!

NARSissist CHEEK STUDIO Palette Hide and Cheek

Palette includes the following shades:

  • Paloma Contour Blush - (L) Pink beige (R) Deep Rose
  • Laguna Bronzing Powder - Diffused brown powder with golden shimmer
  • I Blush - Icy Lilac
  • II Blush - Sausalito sunset
  • III Blush - Shimmering Rose Peach
  • IV Blush - Fleshy Pink

Buy the NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette HIDE AND CHEEK exclusively at Sephora for $65. It will be available on February 1st.

Thursday, 7 January 2016

Currently Obsessed: Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops.

You know when you are sticking to your beauty routine but you feel like something is missing but you can't quite put your finger on it? Well, that is probably due to the fact that your skins needs change from one day to the next. One day is it dull and lackluster, another day it is super dry. It's nearly impossible to change out your products everyday unless you have a beauty closet stocked with every product imaginable. That's where the new Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops come in. These serum-like drops add a concentrated boost of essential oils and vitamins to whatever products you're already using to create a customized solution based upon your skins needs.

COVER FX Custom Infusion Drops

I'm pretty much obsessed with these Custom Infusion Drops and I have honestly been using a different one each day depending on what I feel like my skins concerns are. There are four different formulas, which I am going to describe below. I've also been known to mix two different drops in at the same time — you'll know why when you see the descriptions below.

Here are the four Custom Infusion Drops targeted formulas:

Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops

A + Jasmine: Anti-Aging - These Drops are enriched with Vitamin A to support natural cell turnover. This will help to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time no matter what type of other treatment product you are using. The Jasmine oil helps boost skin hydration.

C + Lemongrass: Radiance - These Drops contain Lemongrass to help tone the skin along with Vitamin C (which you know I love) to help brighten dull skin.

E + Chamomile: Calming - These Drops contain Vitamin E and Chamomile which are both comforting ingredients to help nourish and sooth the skin.

F + Neroli: Hydrating - With concentrated Vitamin F, Neroli oil and Sodium Hyaluronate, these Drops help the skin to better hold onto moisture and improve its' elasticity.

COVER FX Custom Infusion Drops

The Custom Infusion Drops are easy to use. Simply put whatever skin care product you are going to use (moisturizer, serum, oil, etc.) into the palm of your hand, drop in one Custom Infusion Drop, mix with your fingertip and apply as usual. This will give you a customized and transformed treatment product.

As I am obviously quite concerned with aging, I tend to use the A + Drops often. I usually add this Custom Infusion Drop into whatever night cream I am using. I use the F + Drop probably the most because I'm all about the extra added moisture and skin plumping effect that I get from this Custom Infusion Drop. I like mixing both of these at night, but use the F + Drop on it's own during the day a lot as well. When I am lacking on the sleep, I use the C + Drops and when my skin is stressed (after I use a beauty tool or after a peel or facial) I mix in the E + Drops.

Buy the Custom Infusion Drops at coverfx.com and Sephora. Each bottle sells for $48.

Wednesday, 6 January 2016

Skin Care Resolutions.

While resolutions are top of mind at the start of the year, I take stock in a few things as far as my overall beauty regimen goes. I try to learn from the past year; what did I do right and what did I do wrong? I concentrated a lot on my skin last year and it is looking better than ever. I want to continue on that trend but make it even better this year. My neck needs extra help as do other parts of my body. I am making a list of skin care resolutions and I am going to implement them to make my skin its best yet.

New Year Resolutions Including the Best Things to Do for Your Skin this Year!

My skin care resolutions for 2016!

Sunscreen All Over

I feel like this is a given and I do wear sunscreen on my face and neck every day but I'm not so great about it on my body. I'm noticing some age spots on my hands and my body tans fairly easily now which I know is not a good sign. I spend a lot of time in Florida and I'm getting a lot of my sun from indirect sunlight. You see, I only put on sunscreen when heading out to the pool or beach and I need to make a concrete routine of applying sunscreen as I do my body lotion. I use AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion every day (love the new GENTLE SCENT™ Lotion) and just saw that they do have a version of the original with SPF. I'm going to switch mine out and start using that.

AVEENO

Drink More Water

I read and hear so much about about this. Is drinking more water really good for your skin? The evidence is mostly positive and I know that for me it's all good. When I drink 8 - 10 glasses of water a day, consistently, my skin simply looks better. I have this puffiness at the top of my cheeks/undereye area that I get when I don't drink enough water regularly. There is not much I can do for them except to stay adequately hydrated so I really need to concentrate on this.

Turn Down the Water Temperature

I love a long hot shower, especially in the winter, but this is not good for my skin. Taking a too hot shower is actually drying my skin out more. One look at my flaky arms and legs and you'd know that my showers are just too hot. One thing that I have been doing and resolve to continue to do is turn down the water temperature in my shower. Did you know that that 103ºF is the ideal water temperature for taking a shower?

Delta Temp2O Showerhead

Recent research presented at the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting, focused on cleansing at different temperatures and found subjects with moderate skin dryness saw better results when washing with above average temperatures. A second study confirmed the original observation and determined that 103ºF (± 2ºF) was the ideal temperature range for maintaining optimum skin condition.

I know my water temperature in my shower because I have the Delta Temp2O showerhead installed in my shower. This showerhead (with six spray heads and multiple settings) uses Temp2O technology to tell me what the water temperature of my shower is. With its unique color changing digital temperature display, I know if my water temperature is too hot, too cold or just right. I make sure to adjust my water so that I am in the Magenta color range and I know that my skin is safe.

Before knowing the proper setting and taking a really hot shower, my Delta Temp2O showerhead was giving me a reading in the Red color range. I knew that was too hot. By simply dialing down my nozzle just ever so slightly (which I barely notice) into the safer Magenta range and 103 perfect setting, I know I am not damaging my skin.

Find a Good Serum + Stick with It

I am constantly searching for a good all around serum for daytime use. I seem to have good targeted serums that I use at night, but I really need to find one for the day to use each and everyday. I'm thinking an antioxidant serum is important and of course, something with hyaluronic acid. I just started using a brand new serum KaneNY SERUM SAVANT™ and I'm liking it so far. This serum uses the brands proprietary Halo-C complex so it penetrates deeper into the skin than other leading brands. It actually helps to pull other active ingredients right to the skin’s source too. It seems to really plump up my skin and fill in and soften my lines. I like how smooth my skin feels when using; I just need to stick with it!

Kane NY SERUM SAVANT

Wash Makeup Brushes Weekly

It's a fact that makeup brushes spread dirt, oil and bacteria and that is just not good for the skin. I clean my makeup brushes pretty regularly, but not as often as I should. I really need to make my makeup brush washing a weekly thing and I am going to start making it a part of my Sunday spa night ritual. Weekly brush cleaning doesn't have to be a chore with the right brush cleaner. I like IT Cosmetics Brush Love and that is something that I use on the fly for my foundation and concealer brush (it's a spray, wipe and dry type of thing). For deeper makeup brush cleanings I usually use beautyblender blendercleanser® solid. Using clean makeup brushes leads to overall better skin health.

Makeup Brush Cleaners

Are you going to do anything special for your skin this year? Join me and let's make 2016 the best year for our skin.

Post sponsored by Delta faucet. Opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, 5 January 2016

10 Must Have Makeup Palettes for the New Year!

This is the time of year when I edit the makeup bag and makeup drawers to make room for everything new. And with so many new makeup launches, it's not hard. The brands have been fast and furious with the new launches as of late and one thing that they have been coming out with are palettes. There are so many new makeup palettes out! Makeup palettes are such a great way to get a lot of makeup at a great value. From palettes with new shades or popular shades of shadow, great shades of blush or contour, or even an entire face of makeup, palettes have SO much to offer. These are the makeup palettes that I have or palettes that have caught my eye so far this year; I consider these the top 10 must haves palettes for 2016!

Top 10 Must Have Makeup Palettes for 2016

1. NARS NARSissist L'amour Toujours Eyeshadow Palette - $59
This just launched eyeshadow palette features 12 must-have eyeshadow shades. It contains four large everyday neutrals and eight smaller rich accent shades in NARS wonderfully pigmented shadow formula. Buy it from narscosmetics.com. It will be available at Sephora on 2/1/16.

2. Urban Decay UD X Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette - $58
I don't know how many times I've mentioned this palette already, but I know it's been quite a lot! (complete review) I love this palette and highly recommend this mostly neutral eyeshadow palette. The shadows are highly pigmented neutrals with a few pops of colors thrown in for nighttime. They are super silky and long-wearing. Buy it from urbandecay.com, Sephora, Macy's or Nordstrom.

3. Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette - $49
The third installment in the Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection is this amazing 16 pan eyeshadow palette. As Too Faced does best, these shadows are enriched with real cocoa powder! This palette includes two all-time faves and 14 new shades in a mix of neutrals and some stunning brights. Buy it from toofaced.com, Sephora or Macy's.

4. Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette - $45
I love the luxe feel of Tarte's Clay Eyeshadows and this palettes contains 12 all new on-trend shades. Ranging from the light cream to dark brown, this is a natural girls dream. The shades are mostly mattes, but super silky and blendable like only Tarte does plus a few lustre shades. I have this on my to-buy list. Buy this from tartecosmetics.com or Sephora.

5. COVERGIRL truNAKED Eyeshadow Palette - $11.49
I am so impressed by this eight pan eyeshadow palette and I'm wondering what the heck took CG so long to create a multi-pan palette! This winner comes in your choice of three color families (Nudes, Goldens or Roses) filled with very blendable, long-wearing highly pigmented shades. I have the Nude palette and have been using it almost daily since I received it. I plan to buy the others as well. Buy it from your favorite drugstore like CVS or Walgreens or mass retailer.

6. NARS NARSissist Hide and Cheek Cheek Studio Palette - $65
The ultimate cheek palette made with NARS' iconic blush formula, this one is filled with some of the brand most loved cult classics and limited edition shades including Laguna for bronzing. This is a Sephora exclusive so buy it there beginning 2/1/16.

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit - $40
This contour kit launched late last year but it's on my must haves for the new year as really is a must have. It's cream! This palette offers a subtler way to highlight and contour the face with ease. I love how user friendly this is to use. I like to use my fingers to apply and use a Beautyblender to blend. Buy it from Sephora or Macy's.

8. Smashbox Be Legendary 25th Anniversary Lipstick Palette - $75
I've never seen anything like this lipstick palette before. Usually lipstick palettes are customized by makeup artists so this 25 pan lipstick palette is super special. Yes, this palette has 25 different creamy pigmented lipsticks in it. These lippies aren't for the faint of heart either! The colors are mostly bold and all beautiful. Buy it from smashbox.com, Sephora or Macy's.

9. BUXOM Eyeshadow Bar Suede Seduction Palette - $40
With six nude shades in a primer-infused lid-loving matte formula, this palette is perfect for everyday. I love that these colors don't budge all day long. Buy it from Sephora.

10. Bobbi Brown Sterling Nights Eye Palette - $75
I love Bobbi's shadow palettes and I always invest in one each season. This season it's the Sterling Nights Eye Palette with nine beautiful shades that range from neutral to bold. I like that there are a mix of matte, shimmer and sparkles in the palette so any look is possible. This is a great one for travel becasue I can create an everyday or evening look with it. Buy it from bobbibrown.com, Nordstrom, Macy's or Sephora.

Monday, 4 January 2016

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection.

MAC is ending the holidays and kicking off the new year with a beautiful ethereal, neutral collection called Faerie Whispers. MAC Faerie Whispers Collection features gorgeous nudes and pearl products for a subtle glow with a brand new product — Foiled Shadows. I'm loving the collection as a whole (being the neutral girl that I am, is it a surprise?) and obsessed with the Foiled Shadows.

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection

"Live out your fairy tale with charmed hues inspired by the secret, wondrous world of fairies. Skin looks soft and gentle in feathery pinks and pearl-lit nudes. Light up eyes with luminous wet or dry shades of new Foiled Shadows."

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection includes:

Foiled Shadow - $20.00

  • In Your Eyes - Soft lilac
  • Feminine Wiles - Light pearly pink
  • Sweet Illusion - Light color neutral
  • Fairy Land - Warm champagne
  • Enchanted Forest - Warm rich brown
  • Joy Toy - Pink copper
  • Faerie Fayre - Mid-tone peach terracotta
  • Fly By Twilight - Taupe

Beauty Powder - $22.00

  • Pearl Sunshine - Soft peach with pink pearl

Iridescent Pressed Powder - $22.00

  • Sparkling Rose - Champagne with pearl

Powder Blush - $22.00

  • Cheek Pollen - Warm nude (Satin)
  • Spellbinder - Pastel yellow pink (Satin)

Lipstick - $17.00

  • Gossamer Wing - Dirty beige with gold pearl (Lustre)
  • A Sprinkle of Magic - Dirty orange nude (Frost)
  • Midsummer Night - Mid-tone coral nude (Cremesheen)
  • Among the Fireflies - Soft mocha (Cremesheen)

Cremesheen Glass - $20.00

  • Softly Lit - Sheer pink with pearl
  • Calypso Beat - Neutral pink with pearl
  • Just Superb - Dirty neutral pink
  • Enchanter - Copper brown with pearl

Studio Nail Lacquer - $12.00

  • Sweet Potion - Soft beige nude (Cream)
  • Spelldazzling - Rose gold with pearl (Frost)

Let's talk about the new product, the Foiled Shadow. This is a really amazing product that I think you really need to experience to appreciate. It's a super lightweight shadow that leaves a luminous glow on the eye. It's really pigmented and you only need a little on your brush for a lot of payoff! It can be used dry (of course) or wet for an even more intense effect. I have Fly By Twilight which is a gorgeous luminous taupe. This is a taupe that definitely looks different in every light and it seems to shift in color with the other shades it's paired with. It can look taupe, gray, silver, brown or lavender. It is my new favorite taupe! I also have Faerie Fayre which is a dark shimmery rose gold that turns terracotta when used wet.

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection MAC Faerie Whispers Collection

I really like the rest of the products that I have.

You can't go wrong with a sweep of Pearl Sunshine all over or on tops of the cheekbones. I've used this Beauty Powder in the past and I was glad to rediscover my love for it in this collection.

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection

Midsummer Night is a perfect nude lipstick with a coral undertone. It's like a nude lipstick with a bit of oomph to it — perfect for winter.

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection

Caypso Beat is going to be one of my favorite Cremesheen Glass shades, I just know it. It has the perfect amount of pearl glow to it that makes the gloss last. I love the natural, neutral pink shade that is great for all skin tones. It's perfect on it's own for a barely there look or over any lipstick shade to add some pearl to it.

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection is available now at all MAC stores and counters in Nordstrom, Macy's and online at maccosmetics.com.