Eyes and Lips of the Day!

I used two of my fvorite brands today--Rock & Republic and Hourglass. R&R makes some of the best eyeshadows I've tried and Hourglass makes my favorite lip glosses.

Eyes are Rock & Republic Exile last to crease and on the lower lash line, with Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Indigo ($32) to line on the top. The liner is a deep blue with a hint of green in it.

Lips are Hourglass Gloss in Ignite, a gorgeous pinky beige. Click to read more about my love affair with Hourglass glosses.

UPDATE: Rock and Republic Cosmetics now on SALE Online and In Stores.

The line is now on sale at neimanmarcus.com. Click here for their selection. Use the code NMOCT for free shipping with no minimum purchase.

RIP Rock & Republic Cosmetics. A Rock & Republic Eye of the Day

I've made my love for Rock & Republic Cosmetics well known in my previous entries and unfortunately it turns out that the line is closing down. The good news is that several Neiman Marcus stores have the brand marked down between 40-50% (the sale has not hit the website yet). The bad news is that these superbly pigmented eye shadows and smooth glowy blushes are not long for this world. I strongly disagreed with the company's marketing strategy from the get-go: virtually ignore the rest of the line while promoting a mediocre $225 bronzer in a crystal-studded case. Whenever I spoke to someone about the line, their first comment was inevitably "oh, that line is so expensive." In truth, the line was priced along the lines of brands like Guerlain and YSL, and was cheaper than Chanel. And when you consider that the shadows and blushes contain 2-3 times the amount of product found in comparable lines, R&R is, gram-for-gram, a pretty good deal for outstanding quality. That message never came across and unfortunately the line did not succeed.

In honor of my beloved R&R, here is my eye of the day:
* Rock & Republic Veil Eye Shadow lash to brown (a soft pale ecru)
* Rock & Republic Snakeskin in the crease and smoked out (a murkey shimmery olivine)
* Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink Eye Liner
* Prescriptives (another brand that will soon but shuttering it's doors) False Eyelashes Mascara
* MAC Browning (from the Porcelain/Browning duo) powder for brows

Here is a link to my prior posts about Rock & Republic in the hope that they can help you with color selection should you choose to take advantage of the sale or try the line!

Rock and Republic Cosmetics-Eye Shadows Part 2

One of my favorite lines, Rock & Republic, was recently featured on online "sample sale" site Hautelook.com, and products were available for roughly 45% off. Of course I couldn't resist but tried to be restrained. I picked up 3 more shadows and a duplicate of one of my favorite brushes from the line, the 202. The shadows came out to $16 a piece and given that they are very large and contain more than double the product of most brands, they are a fabulous value at that price. See my previous review of Rock & Republic Shadows where I extol all of their virtues and my post on the line's blushes and glosses to learn about them! Now on to the new shades!
I picked up Veil, Affair and Difused. Veil is a very pretty creamy base shade. It is less white and more ecru than Bare Escentuals Soul and brighter than MAC Blanc Type so it has more of an uplifting effect on the eye than the MAC. I am a base shade guru and really like this one! Next up is Affair which is a gorgeous champagne shimmer, along the lines of Stila Kitten but less frosty and a touch less pink and more peach. It glistens on the eye and would make a gorgeous brow bone highlight. Lastly is Diffused, a cool shimmery taupey brown. This shade is very pretty and perfect for the crease! I love the contrast of the cool shade against my warm complexion and green eyes to really make my eyes pop. Click on the image above the make the picture larger so you can view all of the details of the shades!

Lastly I purchased another 202 eye shadow brush. The 202 is wider than a traditional crease brush and slightly smaller than a large eye shadow brush for all over color (like the Stila #5, another favorite). This is the perfect size to apply shadow to the lid and crease area for a pretty wash. The bristles are densely packed so it lays down pigment beautifully and brings out the duochrome nature of certain shadows, like Rock & Republic Brink. This brush makes the heavy gold really show up.

And here is my current collection of Rock & Republic shadows!
These are truly some spectacular shades of fabulous quality and I hope the line introduces new products and sticks around. I also hope they appear on Hautelook again! If you need a Hautelook invite, feel free to click here.

Rock and Republic Cosmetics-Eye Shadows Part 1

While I Love my Rock & Republic blushes, the shadows are where the line really shines. They have some fabulous basics you'll find in other lines like creams and browns, but they also have some truly unique, exceptional shades I hadn't seen before and couldn't resist snapping up! They retail for $28 each. Click on the pictures to enlarge (you can actually click and then click again to really see color and detail best!).

My very favorite is Snakeskin, a murky, taupey, grayed olive green with gorgeous gold shimmer. The color is beautiful full strength on the lid but can be buffed out in the crease to create the perfect natural definition that's so difficult to achieve.

Tempting is a truly unusual lavender. Spike a neutral lavender with a hint of cloudy silver gray and add a shimmery shine. But that still doesn't do it justice! It's gorgeous!

Brink is an aqua with gold flash. Apply it wet or buff it out and the gold becomes more pronounced. This isn't a teeny-bopper or 80s aqua--it's summery and fresh and more flattering than you'd expect.

Exile is a golden warm brown with a lot of warm shimmer. It's summer in a pot and makes a stunning molten statement when used wet to line.

Brink and Exile:

Rock & Republic Cosmetics-Blushes and Lips

Rock & Republic is a company probably best known for 2 things: jeans and an outlandishly priced $225 bronzer. When the line debuted the bronzer in the crystal-adorned case was featured in numerous magazines and on QVC and the uproar on beauty boards over the price seemed to eclipse the fabulous quality and more reasonable prices of the other products. Don't get me wrong--these babies are not cheap--shadows are $28, powder blush is $40, pressed powder is $44, mascara is $28--but the eye shadows and blushes are simply some of the best I've ever tried. The formulas and smooth and creamy and blend like a dream. The packaging is heavy, super luxe, and just makes you feel special. Even the boxes are spectacular. I've managed to amass quite a little collection, which I'll cover over a few posts. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

The Imitate mousse blushes are currently available in 3 shades, and I have 2 of them. The texture is a light, airy, whipped mousse that easily blends onto the cheek and morphs to resemble skin. Quickie looks pale baby aspirin orange in the pot but blends to a soft peach with a hint of glimmer.

Rumor is a neutral to warm light rose.

These retail for $28 each.

The powder blushes are real stars. They are enormous and the packaging is heavy enough to hurt a toe should you unfortunately drop one! The powder blushes are $40 each but are significantly larger than most blushes--I can't see ever using one up! The blushes may look merely pretty in the pan, but it's the way the blend on the skin that is truly amazing. They create a sophisticated yet girlish glow that would enhance anyone's complexion! Spank has an unbelievably smooth texture and is a pale cloud pink that looks cool in the pot, but neutral on the skin.

Call Me is the must-have blush of the line. It's a peachy-pink shimmer a la NARS Orgasm but less pink and with no chunky sparkle.

I also received a mini of the line's wand lip gloss in Vacant as a gift with purchase. The colors are smooth and creamy and paraben-free, which I really appreciate. Vacant is a sheer softly brown nude. These are $26 each and very nice but not knock-your-socks-off, gotta-have-it wonderful.


Within the Rock & Republic line is the Noir Collection, consisting of 2 eye shadow palettes at $65 each and 2 potted lip glosses that come with a retractable lip brush and clock in at $35 for the set. The packaging of the gloss is heavy! The case is a weighted metal with a small magnet to keep the flip top lid closed and the pair comes packaged in a large chic presentation case. I have Confession, a soft mauvey pink with lovely shimmer.

Face of the Day!

I unearthed an old(er) MAC Quad today and wanted to use it!

Eyes:
MAC Blanc Type lash to brow (over Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen)
MAC Naked lunch in and above the crease
MAC Copperplate in the outer corner
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Bourbon
Korres Mascara
(The other MAC shadow in the Quad is Sensualize)

Cheeks:
Rock & Republic Rumor
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Maui
Julie Hewett Goldie Shimmy to highlight the tops of my cheekbones

Lips:
Laura Mercier Tiger Lily Stickgloss

Current Obessions

I go through phases when I can't get the idea of a articular brand or product out of head. Sometimes it's something that I already own and want to wear all of the time. In other instances it's something I can't wait to try.

Some of my latest obsessions include the following:

MAC Eye Shadow in Grain and Edward Bess Eye Shadow in Dusk- both always look great, no matter how tired I am or what other makeup I have on.
Crown Brush Pointed Crease Brush (C139) and Lancome Black Coffee Le Crayon Kohl Eye Liner- the brush is one of the best crease brushes I've used. The shape is perfect for both the socket and outer corner. The eye liner is a deep dark brown that makes the white of your eyes look brighter, and the formula is smooth and silky enough that you can get right up against the lash line with no tugging. It works on the inner rim as well.
Rock & Republic Imitate Mousse Blush in Rumor- this is my favorite blush out of all that I own. The texture is sublime and the shade is perfect. I'm so sad that the line is discontinued. Even though Rock & republic pops up from time to time on sample sale websites, none of them have had the mousse blushes. I'd definitely stock up if I found this one again!
Origins Smileage Plus Lip Tint in Eco Pink- I love tinted balms in the summer and that fact that this one is natural and 95% organic is a huge benefit! Not only is the ginger scent uplifting, but the shade is a spot on--a sheer warm pink. Please excuse how jagged the tip looks; I almost destroyed it trying to take the picture!

Those are some products I already own that I'm loving, but my wishlist keeps growing! Right now I'm obsessing over Vapour Beauty, another organic line. The Aura Radiant Blush and Elixir Lip Gloss are calling my name! I wish I didn't have to order these sigh unseen but they are not available in brick and mortar stores as far as I know.

29 Cosmetics Highlighting Cream Blush is also at the top of the list. According to Neiman's it's a "real honest-to-goodness healthy glow packed with antioxidants that leave the skin naturally looking "blushed" not made up." This line is only carried in a few stores, none of which are on the east coast.

Finally, I'm also totally obsessed with Whole Foods 365 Caribbean Frozen Fruit Bars- strawberry, mango and coconut flavored deliciousness and only 110 calories per bar. It seriously tastes like vacation!

Favorite Eye Shadow Brushes

I've been wanting to post about my favorite eye shadow brushes for quite a while, but I just cannot seem to take good pictures of them! Part of the problem is my hateful camera (though it's pretty much new so I'm unlikely to replace it any time soon) and the other part is that I don't find brush all that photogenic! :) Some of these brushes are relatively old but have stood the test of time very well thanks to good quality and regular washing, and others are somewhat new. Here is some information on my favorite face brushes as well. From left to right:

• MAC 213- perfect for laying color down on the lid or applying to the lid and sweeping up into the crease. It's a very soft, light to medium density brush.
• Rock & republic 202- unfortunately the barrel on this is so round that it absolutely will not lay flat for a photo! This tapers to a rounded point and is larger and much more dense than the MAC 213. I use it to apply lightly pigmented shadows or when I want a deep color payoff.
• Chanel 3- one of my all time favorites! It applies shadow to the outer corner with ease and the chiseled tip allows for precise placement. A true staple.
• Fresh 20 Eye Define- unfortunately this has been discontinued but it's the ultimate, perfect crease brush. It's the ideal shape for getting right into that space and is soft enough for blending colors out.
  
• Stila Brush 5- this was probably my first high end brush almost 10 years ago and I still use it nearly every day! It is the perfect size, shape and density for laying down base color. A staple I wouldn't want to be without.
• Chanel 12- I don't much about them but I really love the Chanel brushes I have, this one being no exception. It's very soft and fluffy and I use it to blend my shadow after application for a seamless look. the handle is nicely weighted and it feels and performs like a quality brush.

Holy Grails

I, like most beauty junkies, go through phases where I love a certain product. Sometimes the infatuation lasts a few days, sometimes weeks, but there are very few items that I consider true holy grails--things that I'd absolutely replace right away since I would never want to be without them. Here they are:

• Clinique Take the Day Off Balm- I am not a Clinique skin care user apart from this product (though it was my gateway to higher end brands way back in my early teens) but this product is just amazing. Just a little bit completely dissolves all makeup with no irritation. I rinse it off and follow up with my normal cleanser since it does leave a bit of a film, but those with dry skin could probably just tissue it off.
• Bobbi Brown Baby Lipstick- I've posted about this several times. The formula isn't my favorite but the color is so perfect I won't let it go.
• Origins Silk Screen Powder Makeup- I don't wear foundation, but do like a powder in my T zone but to make me matte and for a little redness around my nose. Every time I stray from this I regret it. It's silky smooth, covers just enough and keeps shine at bay. There are plenty of shades from which to choose and Porcelain matches me perfectly.
• Korres Mascara- length, thickness, a rich inky black and it's all natural! No flaking or smearing either. A tube does start to dry out quickly but being much more reasonable priced than brands like Chanel and Lancome, I don't mind replacing as often as needed.
• Benefit Kohl Eye Liner in Sable- this is unfortunately discontinued but it might reappear if Benefit has a clearance sale. This dark brown lasts forever on the waterline. It's more tenacious than it's counterparts dubbed long-lasting or waterproof. The best.
• Rock and Republic Rumor Mousse Blush- A+ in terms of both color and formula.
• Chanel Brush #3- the best for adding a deep eye shadow color to the outer corner
• Lancome Artliners- these are the easiest to apply and never run, flake or smear. I have half a dozen and hope they come out with new shades soon! I much prefer these to their new Ink Artliners in the pot.
• Bare Escentuals Soul Eye Shadow- this best lid-brightening base
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle-keeps my skin clear and smooth with minimal effort (but a maximum price tag!)
• Rubis Tweezers- the sharpest and most precise.
  

Honorable Mentions:
These are products I trust and rely on and use all of the time, but as of now would not send me into a fit if they couldn't be replaced, either because I think they could be duplicated or I haven't had them long enough to truly call them a Holy Grail. They could achieve that designation though!

• Nude Facial Cleansing Wash- free of all the yucky stuff I don't want on my skin yet keeps my face looking great
• Paul and Joe Face Color 16 Canyon- such a flattering combination! I can't wait to try more shades.
• Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Palette #1- my eyes look great every time I use this
• Desert Essence Organics Coconut Hand and Body Lotion- the most divine scent ever. I just wish it didn't fade quite so fast!
• Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid- I love this for the fall and winter, but it's just a bit too rich come spring and summer.
  
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink- less harsh than black, more interesting than brown, this color is perfect on green eyes.
  

Face of the Day

I haven't posted a Face of the Day in a while, but I received so many compliments on my look today that I thought it was worth sharing, especially given how simple it was.

I used Bobbi Brown Champagne Quartz Metallic Shadow lash to brow, Rock and Republic Diffused Shadow in the crease and lined with Sephora Nano Liner in Glitter Brown. Cheeks were MAC Lilicent topped with the last dregs of the Chantecaille Lumiere de Rose Highligher I dropped and destroyed a few weeks ago and I wore Bobbi Brown Berry Shimmer (decidedly not berry colored) and MAC Gingerroot to line. Usual underpinnings of Jouer concealer, True Cosmetics mineral pressed powder, Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen and Korres black mascara.

I'm Back...With Some Things I'm Loving Right Now!

I had a doozy of a week! Between moving and a raging bout of insomnia, but DVR capacity managed to reach 92% and my poor blog went a bit untended. For those of you who noticed, thanks (yay! It means you're reading!)! Well now I'm back, my new apartment is almost together and I got a whopping 6 hours of sleep last night which is remarkable for me! So here is what earned MVP status this week:

1. Rock and Republic Imitate Mousse Blush in Rumor- the mousse blushes and eye shadows were absolutely the stars of the Rock and Republic line. The texture is fabulous, it blends effortlessly even on parched skin, and the color can perk up even the most pallid complexions. If you ever bump into these, I can't recommend them highly enough!

2. Carol's Daughter Lemon and Jojoba Cuticle Oil- Between schlepping boxes, cleaning like crazy and washing my hands over and over, my nails, cuticles, and hands have just been ravaged. This cuticle oil smells just like a lemon dessert and moisturizes and protects. It does leave your nail beds greasy initially but in sinks in, leaving your cuticles better looking in the morning.

3. Dermstore.com- I had posted that I was disappointed in the Julie Hewett pink Camellia lip balm I ordered since it was completely colorless despite being described as providing a tint, and Dermstore.com took it back with no hassle, and even emailed me when they had processed my return. I will absolutely be ordering from them again. Fabulous selection and customer service.

4. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Lipstick in BG935- this is a great, ultra-hydrating, swipe on and go beigey pink. A very my-lips-but-better shade that's proved to be a workhorse all week.

5. Rapidlash- I was the biggest skeptic when it came to this, but I really truly have seen a difference. I have always had the thinnest, puniest, blondest lashes and a makeup artist asked me last weekend if I was wearing false eyelashes they were so long and lush. Rapidlash (plus my beloved Korres mascara) really has changed my lashes.

6. Julie Hewett Goldie Shimmy- I've been swiping this iridized champagne cream on browbones, cheekbones, above the brows, the cupid's bow...anywhere I want to bring luminosity and glimmer. It also makes skin look luminous and alive.

7. The Container Store- I could spend hours and thousands in this store! I used to think that Bergdorf Goodman was a black hole for time meaning meaning that I'd walk in and then realize it was hours later when I left, but The Container Store may have eclipsed it! There is definitely something a bit perverse about having to buy more things because you already have too much to store, but it's addictive nonetheless. I never realized that I needed so many drawer organizers, mason jars, fole folders, and boot boxes, but I'm happy to have them!

8. Ellis Faas Milky Eyes E209- I hate hate hate the mechanism on this. I'm not sure if I got a bad one or if all of the products work this way, but I twist the applicator...nothing happens. I do it again and wait 30 seconds. Nothing. Again. And again. All of a sudden, 4 minutes have elapsed and on the 7th click, 7 clicks worth of product shoot out! It's incredibly time consuming and wasteful, but I LOVE this color! The formula needs to be layered for the pigment to really show up, but when it does it's just the most beautiful, natural peachy beige color that reads "oh no, I just wake up looking this fabulous" and not "nice eye shadow."

9. My new Closetmaid 25 Cube Organizer- I love shoes but living in NYC apartments, storage has always been a huge issue. I picked up 2 of these for my new apartment and am very happy with them so far! They were not difficult to put together (no cursing was involved) and are a decently efficient use of space. Some cubes fit a full pair (of heels), others fit 2 pairs of shoes (flip flops, thin sandals), and with bulkier items like sneakers, only one shoe will slot into a cubbie. Overall, they were worth the $100 and are the best way I've discovered thus far for apartment shoe storage.
10. West Elm Scent Diffusers in Lapsang Tea and Cinnamon Cedar- They are beautiful to look at, have great throw and the scents are clean and comforting with no hint of that nauseating, fake, potpourri smell.
So what did I miss? And I'd love to hear what you're all loving this week!

Trying to Wish Away the Weather Face of the Day

It's been bitter cold in NYC this week and what was once the pretty snow (for all of 5 minutes) has turned into black piles of slush and puddles of murky water. I am so ready for spring weather and so I decided to do a springy face in the hopes of changing the seasons through sheer will and makeup alone! I wore my beloved Rock & Republic eye shadows along with pinky-peachy-bronzey cheeks and lips.

Eye Shadows:
Rock & Republic Diffused, Affair and Veil

Cheeks:
Paul and Joe 16 Canyon

Lips:
Chanel Aqualumiere in Como (this was limited edition but if you can find it, grab it! It's gorgeous) with Hourglass gloss in Lush. The gloss sheers out very nicely and both adds depth to the lipstick and moisture (without stickiness) to my lips.
Swatches from lef tot right:
Rock & Republic Veil, Affair, Diffused, Paul and Joe 16 Canyon, Chanel Como, Hourglass Lush

Staple Eye of the Day

I dusted off some old favorites for today's look: Rock & Republic shadows in Veil, Affair and Diffusion, Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Black Coffee and Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. This picture was taken after about 10 hours of wear. My mascara has wilted a bit but the shadows and liner are still going strong. I wish Rock & Republic had stuck around--I would have loved to see new shades and products from the line given how high quality I found nearly every product I tried from them.

Favorites Face of the Day

Today's face for this painfully cold day featured many of my tried-and-true favorite products. This is a look that's quick and easy for me to put together on days when I'm running late or can't figure decide what to wear.

• Rock and Republic shadows in Veil and Snakeskin
• Rock and Republic mousse blush in Rumor (this seems to be the only Rock and Republic product that doesn't show up for sale anymore which is a shame since it's a true holy grail. When it's finally done I'll be having it duped by Three Custom Color Specialists)
• Origins Multigrain Bronzer
• Scott Barnes Creme Color in Luster
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink
• True Cosmetics Lip Definer 1
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Baby (this is my second one and you can see it's nearly done. I have a backup waiting in the wings)
  

Finishing off the look were BE Matte in Porcelain on my T-Zone, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye and tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes (which smears more than my beloved Korres mascara). Fragrance was Kiehls Vanilla perfume oil.

My Top Products of 2009

Even though 2009 seemed to fly by, I managed to buy and try a lot of new items! Some of these products debuted in 2009, others were just new to me, but all became favorites over the course of the year. I'd love to hear what you loved in 09!

1. Rock and Republic Snakeskin Eye Shadow- I fell in love with Rock and Republic Cosmsetics in 2009 and am very sad to see that the line is on the way out. My only consolation is that I was able to stock up on some things when they were on sale at Hautelook and the items are so large they'll likely last forever! Their Rumor mousse blush and Call Me powder blush quickly became staples, but Snakeskin stole my heart! It's a gorgeous murky smokey khaki olive green with shimmer that really enhances my green eyes (I'm a big fan of green shadows and liners on green eyes). If you spot Snakeskin, grab it!
2. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle- I was always a fan of manual exfoliation until I tried this. I initially purchased the regular Exfolikate but found that it really irritated my sensitive skin, leaving it raw and red even if I left it on only a few seconds. I was hesitant to try this but am so glad I did. I hate the price tag ($65 for just 2 oz) but Exfolikate Gentle leaves my skin clear and glowing by gently removing the dead surface layer of skin on my face. Three minutes twice a week and all of my other skin care products work better!
3. Bobbi Brown Cream Lip Color in Baby- While I'm not the biggest fan of the formula (it's on the thick side and yet doesn't last long), the color is the closest I've come to a Holy Grail. The Bobbi Brown website calls it an "icy nude pink" but I'd call it a warm, natural peachy pink with shimmer. This lipstick seems to go with every look and brightens my face but not in that "I'm wearing lipstick" way. I reach for it all of the time and will repurchase once it's gone.
4. Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash- Organic, free of harsh and toxic ingredients and leaves my skin smooth, clean, and breakout-free. This cleanser is gently foaming, removes makeup well, it doesn't strip and the bottle lasts forever. What more could you ask for in a cleanser?
5. Julie Hewett Cheekies- Julie Hewett Cheekies are firm-textured cream blushes that come in pot and palette form. These look so natural on the skin and the Cheekie palette is great for travel. The shades have a translucency to them that makes your cheeks look like the color is naturally coming from within, and they work well on their own and with a powder blush or highlighter layered over top for more color or shimmer. All of the colors are lovely though Destiny is my favorite! (clockwise from top left: Peachie, Jami, Destiny, Natural).
6. Benefit Fawn Over Me Velvet Eye Shadow- an incredibly textured, highly pigmented dark beige shadow that's perfect alone for a quick everyday look but also makes a fabulous shimmery base for a smokey look. This shadow is super versatile and is an ideal item to pack when going on a trip and space is limited since it goes with so many different looks. This has to be the smoothest, creamiest powder shadow I've felt.
7. Custom Prescriptives Gloss- I had a Prescriptives lip gloss custom blended for me at Bergdorf Goodman and I have to say it's fabulous. I highly recommend getting this done before the line is gone for good at the end of this month not only because of the ability to custom blend the shade and select a scent, but because the formula is smooth and not at all sticky. I opted for a peachy pink with a tropical fruit scent but the possibilities are really endless when you're blending your own. You can choose the shade, the finish, the scent and from different colored frosts and shimmers.
8. Red Flower Ocean Body Wash- this body wash in absolutely incredible. The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas stocks guest rooms with the Red Flower Ocean line, and when I returned home from my stay there I had to immediately order full sizes of the products, my favorite of which is this body wash. It smells exactly like the ocean--a little salty, a little briny, and very fresh and earthy. I find the scent very relaxing and I can't get enough! It's wonderful to shower with after a long, stressful day (but be careful--it will make you long for the beach!). This scent is also available in a candle, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. To boot, the product is organic and free of parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, dyes and synthetic preservatives.
9. Lancome Erika F Shadow- This unusual and elusive shadow never fails to elicit compliments. It's a taupey olivey green with silver shimmer and tiny shimmer particles that are more subtle that glitter but dance and catch the light much more than traditional shimmer. I usually wear it from lash line up into the crease and apply a very very thin line of Lancome Artliner in Star Shower followed by several coats of mascara. It creates the fastest dramatic smokey eye but because it's not a deep dark shade, it's equally appropriate at work. Unfortunately it's not available in the US, but it pops up on Strawberrynet from time to time, both on it's own and in the Escapade Champetre quad.(with flash)(without flash)
10. Sephora Flat Blush Brush 42- this uniquely shaped brush is perfect if you have a small face or cheek area or just prefer a smaller blush brush more more controlled or pigmented application. It doesn't shed and is very reasonably priced at just $22. It's become my favorite blush brush.
11. Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Glosses- I always avoided lip gloss until I discovered these this year. The colors are beautiful and the texture is outstanding--completely and totally not sticky but with a decent lasting power. Some of the shades are sheer and others pack more of a punch. I find that 4 of 10 shades are extremely similar (in the pink-beige-brown family) but all are wearable with a delectable cake batter scent. The glosses are paraben-free and very moisturizing. The downside is that they cost $28 a piece but in my opinion they're worth it and can turn even a gloss-phobe like me into a glossophile! (Left to right: Ignite, Truth, Origami, Lush)
    
12. Laura Geller Baked Blush and Highlighter in Como/Portofino- I got pulled in by a late night Laura Geller demonstration on QVC and ordered this pretty baked duo. Admittedly I don't use the Portofino Highlighter often (it's the champagne shimmery wedge at the top of the pan) but the Como blush has become a staple. I love that it's sheer and has a luminosity to it so it layers fabulously over cream blushes and the shade is perfection-a subtle warm pink that would be impossible to mess up and has to look great on everyone. The swirls of color are also so pretty just to look at!
13. Korres Deep Color Mascara- I try to apply mascara as close to the roots of my lashes as possible since I have naturally blonde lashes, but I noticed that in doing so I inevitably get a little bit of mascara right on the underside of my eyelid. Given all of the chemicals and harsh preservatives typically in mascara, I went in search of a more natural, gentle alternative since some was actually getting in my eyes. I purchased the Korres on a whim since I hadn't heard much hype around the line and am so glad I did. For a "natural" mascara, this provides incredible length, color and fullness without leaving my lashes crunchy or spikey. I don't notice any damage or lashes falling out either like I used to with other mascaras. This does not contain parabens, GMOs, sulfates, mineral oil, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, synthetic dyes or fragrances or ethanolomines. It does tend to dry out on the quicker side but it's a small price to pay in my opinion for such a great product.
14. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest Shimmer Ink- I generally prefer liquid eyeliner to gel liners because I think they're quicker to apply, you don't need a separate brush, and they don't dry out the way gel liners in pots can, but this shade is so fabulous I purchased it anyway. It's a deep dark forest green with gold shimmer with none of the cool blue tones that Bobbi's Hunter Ink has. Once it's on it last all day and really brings out my green eyes. I love the way the gold shimmer catches the light.
15. Origins Peace of Mind On the Spot Relief- I am definitely a high-stress person! Whether it's work, my personal life or simply the intensity of living in NYC (being packed into subway cars like sardines with icky people you'd otherwise never let near you, trying to get through the throngs of tourists walking slowly and holding hands down 5th Avenue, realizing that you're paying $2.50 for a small can of corn at the grocery store or enduring crazy noisy neighbors above you), I always feel like I need a vacation! This tiny little bottle holds a miracle potion inside that not only relieves stress, but helps with my migraines and creates a cooling tingle on hot humid days. The combination of peppermint and other essential oils is deeply calming and therapeutic. I warm two tiny dabs between my index and middle fingers and apply to the back of my neck and my temples. In just a minute you start to inhale the herbal blend and feel the coolness start to soothe. I keep one at home, one at my desk at work, one in my purse and I even have one for travel. It's inexpensive, the bottle lasts a long time and most importantly, it works!