Archive for December 2010

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010


Even though I am beyond excited for 2011, I can't help but look back on the many good things 2010 gave me.  While my year wasn't terribly exciting, I discovered some pretty fantastic beauty products that helped me get through the year looking my best. Here are my top ten beauty products I discovered in 2010 (in no particular order):

  • M.A.C. Marine Life Highlighting Powder (To The Beach Collection Limited Edition): Admittedly, I was drawn to this product by the gold seahorse in the powder, and was a bit disappointed when the gold disappeared upon first use. The pigmentation of the powder combined with my fair complexion make this one of the most flattering coral blushes.

  • Boots Amazon Forest Brazil Nut & Vanilla Body Butter- I used to spend a fortune on body lotions and butters that is until I picked this up at Target for $9-10 This smells absolutely divine and leaves my skin feeling uber-soft without breaking the bank

  • M.A.C. Ever Hip Lipstick (Liberty of London Collection Limited Edition)- 2010 was the year of the lipstick for me.  I fell absolutely head over heels in love with this peachy orange shade of lipstick. Pair this with Marine Life or Hipness blush,  a bit of bronzer and you feel like a heat wave is coming.

  • M.A.C. Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick- This cool toned pink lipstick makes me feel like Barbie and I mean that in a good way. Plus 100% of the proceeds goes to the M.A.C. AIDS Fund! (See Swatches here and my Gaga for Pink beauty tutorial here)

  • NARS Bad Influence Nail Polish (Holiday 2010 Collection Limited Edition)- Taupe & Greige nail polish was all the rage this year. As far as application goes this is one of the better formulas, and the color is spot on. 

  • Urban Decay Primer Potion Professional Size- This wasn't a new product by any means, but  Urban Decay finally put their primer in a TUBE as opposed to their annoying "genie" bottle.  The professional size will last me all of 2011 I'm sure, but thanks to UD's release of the Pro size tube I think my Too Faced Shadow Insurance days are a thing of the past.

  • Sultra The Bombshell Curling Iron- This was a definite splurge for me, but after finally getting fed up with constantly burning my hand while using the barrel on my old iron and getting my hair caught on the clamp handle that I rarely used I made the leap. The fact that this thing heats up in mere seconds saves me a ton of time. The glove gives my hand a bit of protection and allows me to perfect my ringlets without cursing up a storm.

  • NARS Laguna Bronzer- So everyone I know has used this bronzer previously, but one day when I ran out of M.A.C.'s Golden (a bronzer I still love) and didn't feel like treking to my M.A.C. counter when I can walk to the Sephora in my neighborhood I bought NARS Laguna and finally learned what all the fuss is about. One thing I love about it...there is no annoying glitter or shimmer that a lot of bronzers go crazy with.

  • Urban Decay Naked Palette- This palette is the best value based purchase I made the entire year. The perfect pigmentation, texture, and balance between shimmering and matte finishes make this palette a winner. The fact the shadows are versatile, universally flattering, and yet not the least bit boring make it no surprise this is constantly sold out.

  • Oscar Blandi Volumizing Dry Shampoo- I really love Oscar Blandi's Pronto dry shampoo, but white powder isn't always the best look. I have light hair so it takes me farther then a lot of gals, but it can be messy especially if you get it on your clothes. I decided to give the invisible spray a shot and while I prefer the results of the powder version, this requires very little effort and find that it is perfect for up-dos because it makes your hair feel clean while still giving it enough of a boost to style to perfection.

  • Honorable Mentions: M.A.C. Hipness blush (To The Beach collection), M.A.C. Briar Rose Beauty Powder (Venomous Villains Maleficent collection),  M.A.C. Sweet & Punchy Eye Shadow (To The Beach Collection), M.A.C. Heartless Lipstick (Venomous Villains Cruella collection), & M.A.C. Formidable! Nail Polish (Venomous Villains Maleficent collection)


What are some of your favorite beauty products of 2010?  Any new discoveries? Any regrets? Do tell...

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Total Lunar Eclipse December 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

While I was tucked away in my warm bed, something rare and amazing was occurring outside: a total lunar eclipse that coinciding with the winter solstice. (Shame on me!) Instead of seeing the display outside, I get to wake up and enjoy the gorgeous videos and images of the eclipse folks have posted around the country & world. Some of my personal favorites are posted below:
lunar eclipse 21st dec 2010
Photo posted by flickr member D80Bert

Photo by Briana Fahey
DSC_7549
Photo by Left Eye Photography

Total Lunar Eclipse
Photo by Malay Shah

One of the best time lapse videos I've seen so far this morning of last nights Eclipse:


For more amazing photos, videos, and images check out the Huffington Post and the NASA Flickr Group Pool

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Holiday Gift Guide: Gals

Friday, December 17, 2010

Regardless of what kind of girl you are shopping for you will find something they will love on this list-even if you are shopping for the girl who has everything! Beware, you might be tempted to pick up a few things for yourself:



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Holiday Gift Guide: Guys

Shopping for the guys on your list can be a daunting task, but here are a few ideas that will help you get the job done. Holiday shopping already done? Pat yourself on the back, and return to this list for any upcoming birthdays or occasions!

{top} Life by Keith Richards $16.18 @ Amazon; Trek District Bike $1099; ROC Nation Aviator Brown-Gold Head Phones $149.95 @ Skull Candy; Jack Spade "Dart" Briefcase $375 @ Bloomingdales; Holiday Collegiate Shirt $198 @ Steven Alan;

{middle} Inception Blu-Ray/DVD Combo $17.99;  The Town Blu-Ray/DVD Combo $22.99; Movado Bold Watch $350; Rugged twill MacAlister boots $135 @ J.Crew; Jensen 3 Speed Wood Turntable $88 @ Urban Outfitters;  The Black Keys Brothers 2LP Vinyl w/ Bonus CD $26.98; Phlips Fidelio DS7550 Portable Speaker Dock for iPod or iPhone $129.95 @ Apple; Gucci Crest Dog Tag Necklace $275 @ Nordstrom;  Small Wooden Radio $210 @ the Curiosity Shoppe; The Marvel Encyclopedia  $26.92 @ Barnes & Noble ; DC Comics Encyclopedia $27.48 @ Amazon; 

{bottom} Pentax Vintage Edition Digital Camera $250;  Kinect for Xbox 360 $150 @ Best Buy; Mustache Mug $12 @ Urban Outfitters; Burberry Check Card Case $150 @ Nordstrom;  The North Face E-Tip Gloves (works w/ touch devices) $40 @ The North Face; 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die $24.39 @ Amazon; Violight UV Cellphone Sanitizer $49.95 @ Amazon; Apple iPad with WiFi and MiFi Hotspot $630 and up @ Verizon Wireless; Tablet Cover-Dayton $40 @ Fossil; Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection Set $50 @ Kiehl's; 

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Black Swan: Stills, Sketches, Posters, & Makeup

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Gorgeous film posters created by the London based design company, La Boca

The film Black Swan staring Natalie Portman as 'Nina Sayers' and Mila Kunis as 'Lily' has been greatly anticipated in my household. I've been reading and watching everything in relation with this film I can. Thankfully the film is showing at the theater a few blocks away from my apartment making it all the more likely I will see the film multiple times. I am a big fan of Darren Aronofsky's previous works, and given that Black Swan seems much more my cup of tea it is not surprising that I'm already obsessed. Be sure to check out the trailer, some of the amazing film stills, and behind-the-scenes images. The costumes (by Rodarte) and the makeup (by M.A.C.) are absolutely amazing so be sure to take in the sketches and the Q&A with the M.A.C. artists as well.

Watch The Black Swan Trailer:


Makeup:
Products to create the look above:
Face: Pale Ivory Foundation w/ white cream highlight on forehead & cheekbones
Eyes: M.A.C. Chromaline in Black Black, M.A.C. Pigment in Silver combined with Mixing Medium (M.A.C. Pro Products), & M.A.C. Chromaline in Red


Read this Q&A with M.A.C. Cosmetics department head Margie Durand and makeup designer Judy Chin for more information about the makeup in the film:

Q: How does a makeup artist prepare to work on a film? Do you receive guidance from the director or collaborate with the costume designer/art director/key hair stylist on the makeup look?

Margie: When I begin working on a film I speak to the director and all of the creative team if possible. The directors inspiration and vision really drives the process and I try to deliver that vision in makeup.

Judy: As I read the script, I try to envision the characters, taking into account their background (age, personal history, affluence, profession). As I see the plot develop in the story, I make note of how these events might affect their appearance. When I’m designing the looks for a film, it’s very important to consider the director’s visual style and tastes. Occasionally, I get to collaborate with the costume or production designers. I always try to find out how the actors will be dressed, as that can have a significant influence on the makeup look. While our designs are often created independently at first, I find that the hair stylist and I work very closely to be sure that our looks fit together and bring the characters to life.

Q: How long does it typically take for you to prepare to start working on a movie like Black Swan?

Judy: I spend a lot of time drawing and doing practical makeup tests. Depending on actor availability and camera tests, it could take three to four weeks of preparation.

Q: How does a makeup design contribute to building a movie character?

Judy: What I’ve always loved about makeup design is its contribution to the actor’s performance. Makeup helps to create the character visually. I feel that I’ve done my job well when an actor can walk onto the set feeling like the embodiment of the character that he or he is portraying.

Q: Can you give a step by step explanation as to how the Black Swan look was created as well as the products that were used?

Margie: We applied a pale ivory foundation with a white cream highlight on the forehead and cheekbones. To create the swan eyes, we used M·A·C Chromaline in Black Black. Using M·A·C Pigment in Silver combined with Mixing Medium, we applied feathery brushstrokes over the Black Swan’s eyes. The lips were lined with M·A·C Lip Pencil in Vino and topped with M·A·C lipstick in Dubonnet. We then lined the under eye with a thin line using M·A·C Chromaline in Red.

Q: Does the makeup have any relation to the makeup in the traditional version of the Swan Lake ballet?

Judy: Not really. The ensemble dancers wear what might be considered a traditional theatrical eye makeup, but our rendition is more dramatic. It’s practically an opera makeup. Besides that, the only other relation might be that we did portray the Black Swan as a sinister dark foil to the more angelic and innocent Swan Queen.

Q: The ballerinas’ performance makeup in the movie is especially dramatic and visually arresting. What inspired the dark romantic makeup look?

Judy: The look was inspired by the story, and by the director, Darren Aronofsky I felt that he was looking for something dramatic and visually striking, so all of the intensity was focused in the eyes. Margie Durand realized that there were elements of our beautiful set design that should play a role in our makeup. Thus, the delicate silver branches that played across the swan’s faces came to be. The ensemble swans and the Swan Queen are delicate and romantic with a soft pink lip color, whereas the Black Swan is dark, sharp, and, angular.

Q: A ballerina has an incredibly active job, and in Black Swan, the characters wear both body and face makeup. What products did you use in the film that you were certain would hold up to the lights, movement and perspiration?

Judy: We used pancake makeup with a spray sealant to ensure that it wouldn’t rub off on the costumes. We also used M·A·C Paint Pots, M·A·C Powerpoint Eye Pencils, and M·A·C Pigments. In addition, we applied some alcohol based pigments that are virtually water proof and rub proof.

Q: What challenges did you face when designing and applying the makeup?

Margie: It was a challenge to makeup the Black Swan as the White Swan and then switch back to Black Swan during the long filming days. Both makeups had to be retouched because of the strenuous dancing for the close-up shots.

Judy: It would have been a huge problem if any of the makeup rubbed off onto the costumes, so we had to do many tests before we came up with the right combination of products – especially for the hands. The only other challenge was conveying to our team the application techniques, as it really was an operatic style of makeup. The shaping of the eyes and painting the whole eye in cake makeup is unusual for modern makeup artists. Most people are a bit intimidated by pancake makeup and they dismiss it as “old fashioned,” but it can be really beautiful if done properly. In the end, the whole team worked really hard and did a stunning job.

Q: Did you use any products in a non-traditional way?

Judy: We mixed the M·A·C Pigment in Silver with a sealant to create a waterproof liquid. We then used this metallic liquid to paint our delicate silver branches across the little swan faces.

Q: Black Swan makeup tutorials have popped up all over the Internet. Why do you think makeup fans are fascinated with this look, even before the film’s release?

Judy: What’s not to be fascinated with? The look is intense, alluring, and sexy with a bit of danger mixed in. Frankly, I’m flattered and pleased that there has been this much interest in the Black Swan makeup.
Film Stills & Behind-The-Scenes Images:
Stills via Interview Magazine and NataliePortman.com

Stills via Interview Magazine & NataliePortman.com

Rodarte Black Swan Sketches:



Rodarte sketches via WWD

Now I really can't wait to see the film and take in all the beauty & drama!

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Current Obsession: Trapper Hats

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

photo: via  Silhouette Skies

Today I found myself attempting to walk down a wind tunnel disguised as a New York City side street. Once Mother Nature was through with treating me like a tumbleweed I began to assess my cold weather gear. It was there I convinced myself I needed a trapper hat if I was going to have any hope at surviving the horribly cold winter. I have spied a few attractive options here and there so of course I felt the need to share:


 
 
{bottom} Karl Donoghue Toscana Sued Trapper Hat $275 @ Net-A-Porter; Plaid Toscana Shearling Trapper hat $185 @ J.Crew; Aqua Fair Isle Aviator Hat $52.50 @ Bloomingdales; Free People Fur Trapper Hat $78 @ Revolve Clothing; Faux Fur Trapper w/ suedette lining $12.80 @ Forever 21; Pins and Needles Trapper Hat $24 @ Urban Outfitters
 
Stay warm!
    

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Pierre Hardy NYC Shop

Friday, December 10, 2010

Pierre Hardy opened his first stateside boutique located right here in NYC on Jane Street. In honor of the new store, Hardy created a sexy platform sandal dubbed the "Skyline Shoe" sculpted out of mirrored metal to resemble our NYC skyscrapers. You can rock these babies out for a mere $1,540. Sasha Fierce will have nothing on you!  Check out the new Pierre Hardy space at 30 Jane Street (near 8th Avenue).

Check out some of my favorites from Pierre Hardy's Winter 2010-2011 collection:

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Best Dressed: Holiday Party Girl

Monday, December 06, 2010

It is my favorite time of year...holiday party time! And that means shiny, glittery dresses are in order! Don't hold back! Show off your best assets in one (or two) of these gorgeous holiday party dress options: 

Metallic:
 
{top} Grecian Metallic Dress by Rare Opulence $230 @ TopShop; Haute Hippie Printed Tiered Dress in Chocolate multi $595 @ Singer 22; Gold Sequin Dress £40 @ Dorothy Perkins; Rory Beca Rudy Beaded Scoop Neck Dress $297 @ Shopbop; Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Gold Sequin T-Shirt Dress $374 @ Shopbop; Kimchi Blue Gosling Dress $69 @ Urban Outfitters; 

{bottom} Velvet Sequin Dress by Rare Opulence $190 @ TopShop; Adam Metallic jacquard dress $445 @ Net-A-Porter; Milly Bridget Dress $395 @Shopbop; Samhain Dress $258 @ Anthropologie; Milly Juliet Cocktail Dress $425 @ Shopbop; Sequin Mesh Dress $90 by Rare @ TopShop;
Little Black Dress:
{top} Milly Metallic strapless mini dress $335 @ Net A Porter; Tibi Strapless Dress $288 @ Shopbop; Pleated Sequin Dress by Rare $118 @ TopShop; Slash Neck Lace Body-Conscious Dress $68.96 @ ASOS; Sequin Shoulder Dress by Rare $78 @ TopShop; Bebe Sequin Shift Dress $98 @ Bebe; 

{bottom} A.L.C. Scarlett Lace Twist Dress $415 @ Intermix; J.Crew Sequin Oriole Dress $275; Silence & Noise Lords Leaping Dress $99 @ Urban Outfitters; Black Embellished Sequin Dress $160 @ TopShop; David Lerner Exclusive Stretch Velvet Net Sweetheart Dress $160 @ Intermix;

Bits of Color:

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Berman Hair Accessories

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

I can't seem to shake my obsession with hair accessories. I particularly like how the Berman sisters (Alexis and Sari Berman that is) have transformed these bohemian headband styles into something luxe and fanciful perfect for the holidays, an upcoming special occasion, or wedding. My favorites are pictured below:
Mouna Headband $168; Moroccan Pearl Headdress $148; Cinderella Stretch Headband $120; Flower Garland Headdress $78; all by Berman
Aren't they swoon worthy!? I adore them all. See more from Berman here.

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MAC & Marcel Wanders

M.A.C. has teamed up with Marcel Wanders for a luxury collection with beautiful black packaging. As one would expect with a luxury collection, the prices are steep compared to typical M.A.C. packaging, but the trade off is that in the case of the lipsticks & powders you are getting more product.  Unfortunately, this value-based logic doesn't apply to the lip glosses or the187 brush, but most are worth visiting. Check out the collection below:


  • MAC & Marcel Wanders Brush Clutch $65- limited edition evening clutch with silk ribbon ties
  • MAC & Marcel Wanders 187 Brush $75 -MAC's 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush has been given a makeover with a new elegant black handle- The 187 is a must have brush, but $42 will get you the brush with a standard handle that and will do the job beautifully while simultaneously saving you some money to spend on lipsticks!
  • MAC Sheer Mystery Powder $60- This comes in two shades Light and Medium Plus. The sheer mystery powder applies very sheer so is best served as a setting powder. I tried Light and it reminded me very much of MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, a product I own and ADORE. (It is also $26 and comes in eight shades as opposed to two.)  Nevertheless, for $60 you are given a refill compact so you really are getting double for a little bit more money, but I think I still prefer to stick with a product I already know and love.
  • MAC False Lashes Mascara $18- The price on this is the same as M.A.C.'s Haute & Naughty mascara, so no huge jump in price. This is definitely one of M.A.C.'s better mascaras to date, but I am generally not a fan of their mascaras. Over the years, I've found that paying more (and sometimes even less *hello, Maybelline* can give me better results.
  • Air of Style Scent Concentrate $30- a faceted metal compact-style pendant containing a solid floral scented perfume -The scent is quite nice and the black metal pendant is beautiful. This is my favorite item in the Marcel Wanders collection! :)
    • {Top Notes} White pepper, dried red dates, wild peonies {Heart Notes} Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, ylang-ylang, orris {Bottom Notes} Touch of leather, antique woods, vetiver, amber crystals, tonka beans

MAC & Marcel Wanders Lipstick $22
These lipsticks have about 50% more product than your average M.A.C. lipstick making up for the cost hike. The formula is very nice...each shade applies smooth, have staying power and are not the least bit drying. However, the shades are dupeable, so if you are on a budget these probably not for you unless you intend to wear one of these daily for the next year.
  • Catharina Fuchsia (Cream)-this was my favorite shade out of the bunch, similar to M.A.C.'s Girl About Town or Full Fuschia
  • Martha Golden champagne with pearl/frost (Frost)- a very pretty nude lipstick.  M.A.C.'s Freckletone is probably the closest possible dupe.
  • Gesina Red with slight pinkish undertones (Cream)-a very in-your-face pink-red shade
  • Digna Blackened red (Cream)- a very vampy shade- I was not a fan.


Marcel Wanders Lip Gloss $22

These lip glasses are smooth, sheer, non-sticky with a brush applicators. Texture-wise these are very similar to M.A.C.'s cremesheen glass.
  • Mary Light Gold (Limited Edition)
  • Aleydis Fuchsia (Limited Edition) -this instantly reminded me of M.A.C.'s Pink poodle lip glass, a shade I really love.
  • Beatrix Golden nude (Limited Edition)- a very pretty peachy nude that would be flattering on most skintones
  • Gertruyd Blackened red (Limited Edition)- a very brown-based burgundy
Shop the MAC Marcel Wanders collection at your local MAC counter, store, or online.

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