January 5, 2011

MAC goes Bollywood with Mickey Contractor!

If you've ever yearned to look like a Bollywood star, now's your chance!  Icon, Mickey Contractor, once makeup artist to Bollywood stars and now MAC's Director of Makeup Artistry for India.  This collection is all about natural skin tonality, colour and a touch of the exotic which are all Micky musts!
Lipstick - $17.50

Gulabi - bright fuchsia (amplified)
Mehr - dirty blue pink (matte)
Yash - deep neutral (matte)
Mocha - peachy yellow-brown (satin)

Lipglass - $17.50
Flesh - dirty nude brown
Lust - soft muted pink
 Eye Shadow - $17.50
Marvel - deep purple with soft pink perarl (frost)
Oomph - forest green with soft gold pearl (veluxe pearl)
Rani - bright fuchsia with soft pink pearl (frost)
Saffron - deep coral caramel (satin)
Eye Shadow X4 - Athma - $43
Folie - reddish-plum brown (satin)
Carbon - intense black (matte)
Jaan - light neutral with soft gold pearl (lustre)
Vivah - brown with gold pearl (lustre)
Fluidline - $18
Ivy - bright green (frost)
Siahi - deep turquoise blue (frost)
Select Moisturecover Concealer - $20
NC23 - NC43 - NC44 - NC455


Select Moisturecover Concealer - $25
Coral Corrector/Yellow Corrector - slightly dirty coral/banana yellow
Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation - $31
NC41 - NC435 - NC445
Powder Blush - $22
Gana - bright white gold (frost)
Sur - dirty rosie brown (satin)
Brushes
116 Blush Brush - $38.50
219 Pencil Brush - $29.50
238 Eye Shader - $29.50
Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder - $27

On counters Thursday, January 6 at all MAC locations.  I'm very intrigued by the eye shadows and fluidlines, how about you?

- Lisamarie -

Guerlain adds an Eye & Lip cream to their Orchidée Impériale product line!

Already love the Guerlain Orchidée Impériale line?  Then you'll want to check out the new Eye & Lip Cream - 15ml - $200 - the benefits of the Orchid are now captured in an eye & lip cream.

The Orchid extract offers both protective and regenerative benefits to restore firmness, suppleness, density and hydration to these particularly delicate areas:
• Targets under-eye puffiness and dark circles with autofocus reflectors that light up the eye area.
• A tightening agent creates an instant rested look around the eyes.
• Crow's-feet are immediately smoothed.

Is $200 a crazy amount to pay for an eye cream?  Hey, if it works I don't think any amount is too much and it's certainly cheaper than plastic surgery!  I'm rather prone to high end skincare so I could see myself picking this one up!

Available now at Guerlain's Boutiques, Holt Renfrew, Ogilvy, Murale, The Bay, Sears and select Shoppers Drug Mart stores.

- Lisamarie -

January 4, 2011

New and Notable at Shoppers Drug Mart from L'Oréal, Maybelline, Escada, Dermaglow and CoverGirl!

L'Oréal Magic Smooth Soufflé - 20ml - $21.99 - in 12 shades: 510 Light Ivory, 512 Classic Ivory, 514 Natural Ivory, 516 Nude Beige, 518 Natural Buff, 520 Creamy Natural, 522 Natural Beige, 524 Buff Beige, 526 Sand Beige, 528 True Beige, 530 Sun Beige, 532 Classic Tan - if you've been thinking about a new foundation this is one to check out - the texture of the foundation is amazing and feels so light on the skin that if feels like you aren't wearing anything.

But the best part is the finish, the foundation contains a new technology called mati-crystal which is an active mattifying gel which has a transparent structure that absorbs shine to mattify the complexion and lastingly maintain clarity - never before have you been able to have a foundation that is both matte and luminous. Ordinary mattifying foundations contain mattifying powder that absorbs the oil found in sebum to provide matte results but the complexion stays dull.  The mati-crystal technology in Magic Smooth Soufflé allows light to pass through and captures sebum to restore exceptional luminosity.

The best comparison I can make from foundations I have tried is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation except the texture and coverage is way better.  I am also pleased to note that the Magic Smooth Soufflé doesn't turn orange on me the way the Maybelline Mousse is prone to do.
Maybelline Volum' Express One by One Mascara - $9.49 - one-on-one attention to every lash at every angle.  The brush has over 300 elastometic bristles that work together to grab and detangle every single lash and the formula contains Vitamin C and fruit AHAs that condition the lash cuticle for smooth, silky, flawlessly voumized lashes
Escada Taj Sunset - 50ml EDT - $61, 100ml EDT - $80 - Escada's summer offering is Indian inspired this year. It has top notes of Alphonso mango, nectarine and blood orange, a heart of aquatic flowers with raspberry, pomarosa and Malay apple and a base of coconut, sandalwood and musk. I look forward to the Escada fragrance every year and this one does not disappoint me for it's super fruity wonderfulness, this is most certainly on my shopping list!
Dermaglow Wrinkle Release Serum - 30ml - $70 - up to 50% reduction in appearance of wrinkle depth for - deep wrinkles and expression lines - significantly reduces appearance of deep wrinkles in only 30 days and instantly relaxes the look of expression lines and wrinkles especially in the forehead and around the eyes.
CoverGirl NatureLuxe Collection - Gloss Balm - $9.49 - SPF 15 in 12 sheer colours with a hint of shine - Silk Foundation - 30ml - $17.49 - in 12 shades that are infused with jojoba and cucumber.

- Lisamarie -

Perricone MD Super Berry Challenge

To celebrate the launch of Perricone MD Super Berry with Acai Dietary Supplement on The Shopping Channel January 21st, I was asked to participate in a 30 Day Super Berry Challenge which I began about 2 weeks ago.

Superberry Powder with Acai delivers a powerful dose of antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. It is derived from a combination of berries including raspberry, blueberry and Dr. Perricone's #1 recommended super food, Acai, which is packed with vital nutrients, minerals and essential amino and fatty acids. Acai is also known to boost energy and deliver an overall sense of well being.  It comes in a straw form that you just need to add water to.

I have one thing to say for starters, the stuff might make you live longer, but the taste will make you wish for a quick demise.  You are supposed to mix it with water (I've heard that it dissolves better/faster in warm water) and drink it like that, which I did the first day but it took everything in me to choke it down so since then I've been cutting it with juice, about half a glass of water, the other half juice.  My husband suggested adding Raspberry vodka but I pointed out that it might negate the healthy attributes - he's not convinced.

So after two weeks is it working?  I have to admit that I do feel more energetic, especially in the morning when I would normally drag a little - I will get back to you on the 21st when I have finished them all and give you my final thoughts and if anyone else has tried it, I would love to hear what you think!


- Lisamarie -

January 3, 2011

MAC Peacocky - strut your stuff!

Now we're talking, colour and more colour and no matte eyeshadows - loves it!
Kissable Lipcolour - $21.50
Enchantée - light blue pink
Woo Me - light pinky nude
So Vain - muted dirty coral
Vanity Fair - mid-tone blue pink
Exxxhibitionist - red-toned coral
Strut your Stuff - bright true red
Scandelicious - blue fuchsia
Peacocky - sky blue with red pearl
Super - muted neutral brown
Temper Tantra - mid-tone reddish brown
Flaunting It - grey mauve
Love Peck - blackened blood red

Mega Metal Shadow - $23.50
Peek-at-You - frosted yellow white
Dalliance - light champagne
Prance - frosted mauve pearl
Top of the Posh - frosted white pink
Tweet Me - gold bronze
Mating Call - dirty frosted violet
Odalisque - deep teal
Sexpectations - metallic burgundy
Paparazz-she - deep copper bronze
Ego - forest green
Noir Plum - true purple with silver pearl
Dandizette - navy with silver pearl
Spectacle of Yourself - deep bronze
Centre Stage - frosted chocolate brown
Unflappable - frosted black with purple pearl

On counters Thursday, January 6th - anything from this collection on your shopping list?

- Lisamarie -

More winners including our Happy Holidays Contest winner!

Happy New Year to all our wonderful readers, we hope 2011 will be a great one for you and of course we wish you much luck with all the great contests we will have coming your way!  But first, let's clean up some 2010 business and announce the last of our contest winners from last year!

Daniella F. from Surrey, BC will have super soft skin this winter with the L'Occitane Shea Butter Best Sellers basket that she won!

Jessica T. from Toronto, ON was our $250 worth of Goody goodies winner and Lilac P. from Lethbridge, AB was the runner up!

And of course we are really excited to announce the Happy Holidays $500 Cosmetics Bonanza Contest winner - Pammy S. from Atlanta, GA! Pammy also has a blog - Pammy Blogs Beauty which you should definitely check out if you haven't visited.
Coincidentally, Pammy awarded us one of her Versatile Blogger awards the day after winning the contest, I prefer to believe that it was because she really does like our blog and not because she is grateful...  Whatever, we'll take it, thanks Pammy!

And don't forget, we still have a kick-ass contest going on to win $250 worth of Burberry Beauty - it's open to everyone and it ends this Friday!


- Lisamarie -

Buy a tee from American Eagle and Help Haiti Heal!

American Eagle Outfitters has partnered with Concern Worldwide US to raise funds for the rebuilding and support of schools in Haiti.  Leading up to the one year anniversary of the January 12th earthquake, The Edge, Ryan Seacrest, Sean Paul, Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Katharine McPhee, Shaggy and a bunch of other celebs are spreading the word to buy and wear the limited-edition, AE-designed "Help Haiti Heal" T-shirts. The shirts are in store today and can be purchased for $15.50 and are also available online at www.ae.com/haiti.

- Lisamarie -

January 1, 2011

New Year's Resolution #1 - More Kitty! Hello Kitty comes to Sephora!

Some clever Sephora Beauty Insiders already got their Kitty fix on December 18th and 19th during the Private Insiders Event.  Those of us (me) who somehow didn't see the "2 days only" bit missed out and have been chomping at the bit ever since waiting for it to be released.  There are still a couple more weeks until you can buy it but in the meantime, here's what will be available so you can start making your shopping lists!

       Hello Kitty Beauty for Lips:
      Sweet Gloss - $21 – This sheer, moisturizing lipgloss comes in an easy-to-apply lipstick bullet shape for a sheer, natural wash of color. The ultra-hydrating formula contains Strawberry, Apple and Grapeseed extracts rich in antioxidants, as well as Sunflower, Meadow Foam Seed and Jojoba oils and Shea Butter for a creamy, comfortable feel. Available in nine shades.
·     Apple Balm - $12 – This rich, glossy, long-lasting balm hydrates lips with a unique blend of oils and wax and protects with anti-oxidant rich Strawberry, Apple and Grapeseed extracts.  The lip’s natural moisture barrier is protected and maintains consistent hydration levels while high-quality pigments provide a lipstick-like intensity without feeling sticky or heavy. Available in a perfect rosy shade housed in an apple-shaped pot.
·     Big Smile Gloss - $21 – The innovative click-stick applicator seamlessly applies super shiny gloss for a perfect pout.  Strawberry, Apple and Grapeseed extracts combined with Glycerin, Beeswax, Candelilla Wax and rich oils provide superior, long-lasting hydration and protection. Available in nine glossy shades.
  
Hello Kitty Beauty for Eyes:

·     Pen Pal Eyeliner - $21 – This ultra-precise, one stroke marker tip liquid eyeliner features a new pure- pigment formula that allows for extreme wear with no stain effect. Color dries quickly and lasts all day without smudging, yet removes easily with soap and water or makeup remover. Available in four rich shades.
·     Charmmy Kohl Eyeliner Kit - $36 – Seven richly pigmented kohl liners allow you to play with the boundaries of color with one chic little set. Create deeply exaggerated color intensity in one stroke with this soft, velvety formulation featuring Strawberry, Apple and Grapeseed extracts. A unique crystalline base creates an amazing balance between creaminess and structure.  
·     Charmmy Shadow Stick - $21 – Apply and Go!  This shadow stick pen lights up eyes with long-lasting color and shine. Smooth and non-oily, these sticks have a texture that melts into lids, creating an ultra-thin deposit of color that won’t smear of fade. Available in fourteen shades.
·     Glittercute Eyeliner - $18 – Line or color the entire eye in just a few strokes with this chubby stick and deposit intense color with just a wink of sparkle. This special formula is long-lasting to ensure your glitter stays cute without flaking or smudging. Available in eight glittery shades.

Hello Kitty Beauty for Face
·     Apple Cheeks - $29 – This beautiful array of four creamy blush sticks and an illuminator add a sheer kiss of color. Natural, silky color glides on quickly and can be layered for added intensity while adding hydration to your skin.
·     Say Hello Palette - $46 – The ultimate tiered palette with four lip and four eye shades and a mirror to mix and match for a variety of sophisticated and sweet looks. Shaped like the iconic Hello Kitty, these palettes are a must-have for fans everywhere. Available in two shade combinations: Happy Fun (taupes, greens and pinks) and Super Fun (grays, purples and pinks).

Hello Kitty Beauty for Nails:

·     Liquid Nail Art - $13 – Be pretty down to your toes with this collection of high-quality nail lacquers in a Hello Kitty-shaped bottle topped off with a bow. Available in a top coat and seven sweet pastel shades, each offers a high-shine, chip-resistant finish UV protection for long-wear and color purity.
·     Nail Stickers - $7 - Available in four Hello Kitty patterns, these easy-to-apply accessories let you make a sophisticated yet sweet statement with your manicure or pedicure.
  
Hello Kitty Accessories:

·     Brush Set with Holder - $64 – This collection of five professional quality, portable makeup brushes come housed in an iconic, silver Hello Kitty holder.
·     Handheld Mirror - $46 - “Hello Pretty!”  This custom-made, oversized Hello Kitty mirror is a sophisticated addition to any vanity.
·     Compact Mirror - $26 – This compact mirror in the iconic Hello Kitty shape, features 1x magnification on one side and 3x magnification on the other.
·     Bling Compact Mirror - $59 – Custom made in the iconic Hello Kitty shape, this crystallized compact mirror features 1x magnification. 
·     Bag Collection - $26-$33 – Two portable, silver Hello Kitty clutches available in Bowtique Clutch and I Heart Kitty Clutch.
·     Blotting Papers - $16 – 100 sheets per package, they instantly-and discretely-reduce shine and absorb excess oil.
·     Shower Cap - $21 - Let Hello Kitty keep your hair dry in style with this pink shower cap stamped with Hello Kitty and her bows. It comes packaged in a sweet envelope for perfect portability.

Hello Kitty Fragrance: An enchanting and uplifting fragrance containing fruit, flowers, spice…and everything nice!  The top note contains juicy Cassis Sorbet, Italian Mandarin and Apple which leads to a heart of Magnolia Blossom, Freesia and Orange Flower. The bottom note is a spicy mix of Tonka Bean, Vanilla and Musk, capturing Hello Kitty’s unexpected surprises.

·     Eau De Perfume - 50ml - $72 – Spritz to your heart’s content with this iconic Hello Kitty bottle and ultra-feminine pouf sprayer
·     Rollergirl Eau De Perfume - $23  – Portable and playful, this small roller ball bottle goes anywhere and features a charming silver Hello Kitty head top
·     Solid Perfume Necklace - $51 – The ultimate Kitty accessory, the Solid Perfume Necklace goes anywhere and always looks chic.
·     Splash – Eau De Toilette - $46 – A fun way to apply Hello Kitty Fragrance. Just splash this alcohol-free elixir all over for long-lasting scent.
·     Lotion For Me - $23 – Rich and creamy, this silky lotion hydrates all over and leaves a subtle scent.
·     Shower Time - $23 – Get refreshed and sparkling clean with its voluminous lather and crisp scent

So what do you think - will there be some Hello Kitty in your near future?

- Lisamarie -