My Favorite Mistake

Whenever a beauty magazine publishes a 'don't' list, one of the items is invariably "don't match your eye shadow to your eye color." The makeup powers-that-be have decreed that contrasting colors (plum if you have green eyes, amber if blue, etc) are the most flattering, but I happen to love green eye shadows and eye liners on my green eyes! To me, green is less harsh than black, more interesting than brown and really does showcase my eyes! I'm not always looking for contrast. Sometimes a soft smoulder or subtle definition is what I'm after, and I turn to my greens. Do you wear shadows and liners that match your eye color? What other makeup 'rules' do you break?

Here are some of my favorite green liners (click to enlarge):

1. Laura Geller Baked Cakes Eye Liner in Dark Green Apple (part of the Key Lime/Dark Green Apple Duo)
2. Laura Geller Baked Cakes Eye Liner in Key Lime (part of the Key Lime/Dark Green Apple Duo)
3. Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink
4. Redpoint Optic Effects Pencil (swirls of pearl, light and dark greens)
5. Lancome Artliner in Star Shower
6. Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Stash
7. Jouer Pencil Eye Liner in Vert

As far as green shadows go, my favorite shadow is the ever-elusive Lancome Erika F. Lancome does not distribute this shade in the states, but it is available to Americans via Strawberrynet.com, which is where I purchased both my Erika F single and the Lancome Colour Focus Palette in Escapade Champetre, which contains the shade as well.
In addition to the glorious grayed green taupey sprakle of Erika F (bottom left corner), there is a very pale greenish white, a gorgeous shimmered emerald and a murky bronze green. The shades all work beautifully together or on their own. The Erika F single seems to go in and out of stock often and is well-worth looking out for. It is truly unique.

Sigh...Another QVC Purchase

What is it about watching makeup on television at 2 in the morning that can strip an otherwise rational person of their willpower? Somehow this little goody made it into my cart and through the checkout process. I think the words glow, natural, and peachy pink were involved!
Meet Laura Geller's Baked Blush and Highlight in Como/Portofino. For those who haven't heard Laura's schpiel, these baked products begin with several shades in liquid form, swirled together, and are baked on a little terracotta pan until they achieve this light, smooth powder consistency. This product has a small triangle shaped highlighter in a soft golden shade, and the rest of the product is a delicate light warm pink that yields a radiant flush on the cheek. The the shade is on the lighter side so it's best for the fairer complected. Laura herself says that this is the most natural of the Blush and Brighten franchise. If you've found her previous shades too deep, give this one a try.

Feature Focus: Unsung Heros

I wanted to highlight some unsung heroes--tried and true never-fail products that seem to fly under the radar. Products that you never see in magazines, rarely hear raved about. I'm sure that everyone has some of these unsung heroes in their arsenal--please post about them in the comments!
Darphin Blush Sensation in Soleil Sublime:

This is bar none the most beautiful, natural looking bronzer I've ever used. I'm quite fair and on the pinker side, and this has absolutely no orange in it. It features a gentle color gradation so you can customize your look depending on how much 'sun' you want that day! The shimmer is super-subtle and doesn't accentuate lines and wrinkles, just lends itself to a gentle glow. It costs $40 and is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

MAC Lilicent Blushcreme:

This cream blush has a unique love it or hate it texture. It's almost akin to a potted lipstick in that it's somewhat thick and remains dewy on the cheeks. This helps you look 'fresh' all day but if you're used to a cream to powder formula, this may take a bit of getting used to. The color is a real face brightener, and never fails to brighten my complexion with its warm, peachy rose hue. It is $18.50 and available on maccosmetics.com and at MAC counters nationwide.

Lancome Artliners:

Colors left to right are: Socialite, Brown, IceBlack, IceCarob and Star Shower
In my opinion, these little wonders stand alone in the liquid liner category. They are the easiest liquid liner and you can easily create a thin line right at the base of the lashes or thicker cat eye due to the unique flexible applicator that allows you to control the product. Unlike felt tip dispensers where the product may flow through inconsistently or only with pressure, these unique wands dip into the product and just enough comes out to create a perfect line every single time. The shades are gorgeous, although many of the unique ones are available on a limited edition basis. These are $28.50 and available wherever Lancome is sold.

Eye Necessities:

-Bare Escentuals Eye Shadow in Soul- the perfect vanilla base, this shadow is shimmer free (you can see the faintest glimmer in the pot which prevents lids from looking crepey but doesn't add a sparkle).
-Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen- the palest pink that brightens lids, creates the perfect base so your shadow lasts and the pigment appears true, and even works on its own for a natural eye look.
-Laura Mercier Baked Cakes Eye Liner in Key Lime/Dark Green Apple with Brush- gorgeous, baked, shimmery greens and a perfect brush for application. Use these wet or dry for a look less harsh than black but still achieve ample definition. I use the dark shadow on my upper lid and the light shadow to line underneath.
-Benefit Kohl Pencil Eye Liner in Sable- the only product I use on my inner rim. It lasts and lasts without iritation and glides on smoothly. The shade of brown is spot on--not too light or too dark.

Tools:

-MAC 208 brush- a very thin synthetic angle brush for precise gel eye liner application.
-Chanel Brush 3- a great brush for applying shadow to the outer corner. The bristles are densely packed and the thicker handle is weighted for easy application.
-Fresh Eye Definer Brush 20- the BEST crease brush, this is soft and perfectly shaped for the perfect placement and depth of color.
-Sephora Brand Professionnel Flat Blush Brush #42- perfect for small faces and the tapered point places the blush exactly where you want it to go.
-Tarte Eyelash Curler- this has never pinched my lids the way other highly-touted brands have and the lilac is so cute!

Face of the Day

It was rainy and gloomy when I woke up this morning so I opted for brighter pink cheeks and lips. They were just as appropriate in the afternoon when it had turned sunny and cheerful (though I was too chained to my desk at work to enjoy it).

Eyes:
Lancome Erika F
Jane Iredale Eye Highlighter on brow bone (I use this all the time)
Laura Geller Baked Cake Eye Liner in Key Lime/Dark Green Apple (I usually use the dark wet to line the top and inner rim and the lighter dry to line the bottom)

Cheeks:
By Terry Blush Veloute in Apple, topped with a mix of
Trish McEvoy Sunkissed All Over Face Color and Perfect 1 blushes (the 2 colors in the middle. The others are Jolie and Weekend)

Lips:
Sephora Nano Liner in Queen Quartz
YSL Rouge Veloupte #2
Hourglass gloss in Origami

Close up of the eyes:
Close up of the cheeks:
Close up of the lips:

Tres Simple Face of the Day

Oh, insomnia. How I wish I could quit you. I've slept about 4 hours over the last few dates which necessitated a simple face today that would make me look alive! I find it easiest to put together a look in a hurry if I stick mainly to one brand, and since I wanted to retry an Origins blush I had previously put in the 'discard' pile (I love to set aside items that I think I no longer want and revisit them down the line, sort of like shopping in my own collection), I went with that line.

My eyes are Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Shadow in Gold, a taupey gold metallic cream that lasts all day, even through copious eye rubbing (thank goodness), with Laura Geller Key Lime/Dark Green Apple Baked Cake liner. I used Origins Sugar Cookie blush, a healthy sunburned kind of color, atop my new Jouer Tint in Whisper. Origins Rose Gold Creamy Lip Color and Caramel Candy Liquid Lip Gloss. (Fragrance was the delicious Ginestet Botrytis with hints of honey, candied fruit, quince and gingerbread for comfort).

With my Senna powder peeking out, and having forgot the lip gloss (it's that kind of day):

Sugar Cookie and Key Lime/Dark Green Apple:
Jouer and Laura Mercier:
Lips:

Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting

When Gilt had Laura Geller on sale a few weeks ago, for some inexplicable reason I placed an order for the Baked Body Frosting in Angel Glow. I've never worn body highlighter (I don't like the idea of it getting all over my clothes) but I had seen this presented on QVC before and it looked pretty and subtle enough for the very pale me. It was due to arrive last week in time for my trip, but unfortunately, I didn't receive it until today.

The Baked Body Frosting is enormous, approximately saucer sized and about an inch and a third thick. It's .85 oz and presumably will last forever. Unlike most body highlighters, this isn't bronze or gold or glittery. Products like those, even in sheer lotion form, look horribly unnatural on me (as one friend who saw me in a bikini last week said "you look good, but you're the whitest person I've ever seen!" I know, exactly what you want to hear when you're practically half naked). Angel Glow is the softest shell pink with pink iridescence. Technically, the product is called "all over face and body glow" so presumably this would make a lovely, radiant facial highlighter as well, but because it is described as moisturizing by QVC I'm hesitant to use it on my cheeks.

Use Baked Body Frosting wet or dry, but I think this one should be restricted to fair skin--darker skin may look ashy. Baked Body Frosting is currently available on QVC for $37.

Used wet:
Used dry:

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!