Revlon ColorStay Sophisticated Grays Eye Collection

happy monday, beauties! hope you enjoyed a fabulous holiday weekend. did you get any yummy makeup and beauty goodies?

i received a few gems, but the one shadow palette i have been using a lot these days comes by way of a trip to Target i took a few weeks ago.



this Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Quad in Sterling Rose came with a ColorStay Eyeliner and was packaged as the Sophisticated Grays Collection. i was drawn to the classic shades because they're perfect for this season and beyond. three of the shades are pretty light, and all of the shades have a sheen to them, but i love mixing and matching the colors-- day to night looks are effortless!



i'm a huge fan of Revlon ColorStay eyeshadows and these didn't disappoint. the pigments of each shadow are good with fab blendability and wear. each color is classic and will easily transition into spring. the liner is mechanical (perfect for waterline application), and stays put all day!

Revlon is available at your favorite drug and mass retailers. be sure to visit revlon.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

DIOR 5 COULEUR DESIGNER EYE PALETTE: GREEN WITH ENVY

Hello Divas!




Day 16 features Dior Cosmetics.  Dior is a favorite of mine....not my absolute favorite, which is Lancome, but I love their eye cream and lip glosses.  The eye palettes are Fierce, but I have never purchased one.  Maybe I will for the holiday season.

Day 16

I spent my entire summer attending weddings. I tried to create a new makeup look each time, but it seemed that I could only work the smokey eye. Lucky for me, the makeup artists are now creating smokey eyes with colors other than the traditional browns and blacks. I ran across two Dior palettes that I really loved. One purple that matched my bridesmaid dress and another green. Unfortunately, my budget would allow me to choose only one. Because I was obligated to wear the fuchsia bridesmaid dress, I purchased the purple palette. 

I keep thinking of the lovely green palette though. It contains a "creamy blendable base, one versatile iridescent eye shadow, one satiny contouring shade, one shimmering highlighter and one sultry, intensely matte eyeliner, plus two double-ended applicators" that help you get that doe eyed shimmer right in the corners of your eyes. The Dior colors are so rich, and even though green is probably the color that looks less favorable on me, I love the green on my eyes.  Greens and blues really enhance deep brown eyes.  The Dior 5 Coulers Designer Eye Palette is 58.00 at Nordstrom.

MAC 'Going Bananas' Eyeshadow from the Dare to Wear Collection

a little over a month ago, i took the plunge and bought an eyeshadow color i never thought i'd wear. i had heard some good things about it, and, being the makeup junkie i am, was content with the idea of just collecting another LE eyeshadow from MAC if i didn't like the way it looked on me. the great thing is, it actually does look good and i love wearing it!

the color i'm talking about is called Going Bananas and it was one of many funky, bright shades in the Dare to Wear collection. this bright yellow isn't as bold on the eye as i thought it would be. it's finish is a frost, but not glittery and definitely not matte. on my eyes, it adds a nice pop of color and looks good with any other shade i choose to pair it with (who knew?)



the whole collection:

Dare to Wear Lipglass shades:

Dare to Dare-- light blue pink with multi-pearl
Bold & Brash-- bright red with multi-pearl
Ban This!-- deep purple with multi-pearl
Gimme That!-- bright fuchsia pink with pink pearl
So Bad-- mid-tone coral orange with pink and gold pearl
Wind Me Up-- dirty bronze with pink and gold pearl

Eyeshadows:

Louder, Please-- bright fuchsia (matte)
Free to Be-- creamy true coral (matte)
Going Bananas-- soft lemon yellow (frost)
Lime-- lime green (matte)
Sassy Grass-- bright grass green (matte)
Atlantic Blue-- bright violet blue (matte)
Crazy Cool-- pale frosty lavender (veluxe pearl)
Shock-a-holic-- deep purple (matte)
Aqua-- subdued, pale greyed aqua (matte)
Sky Blue-- robin's egg blue (frost)
Winkle-- mid-tone cornflower blue (satin)
Zingy-- bright sky blue (matte)

Dare to Wear is still available online (maccosmetics.com), but not much longer. if you're like me and sometimes procrastinate, you'll be happy to know that there still just maight be products left in stock at your local MAC even if there isn't a display out (trust me, i've done this many times in the past). :)

xo
pics taken by me :)

Longwear: Giorgio Armani Metallic Eye Shadows for Fall 2010

So the verdict is in per InStyle's beauty department and the news is good.  Armani Metallic Eye Shadows set to launch in mid-October stand the test of time (read: last all day)!

The densely pigmented powder-gel hybrid combines shimmer with translucent emollients that lock color in place.  Professional makeup artist Joanna Schlip chimes in, "These shadows are ideal for my red-carpet clients because there's no need for a touch-up."  Schlip does provide a few tips for application of this unique new product, though.  The color is extremely rich and can be tricky to apply.  She suggests, "dipping a damp brush in the pot and swirling it on the back of your hand until the shadow is a sheer paste."

Beauty editors claim the shadows lived up to the long-wear claim.  The report they applied it on a steamy summer morning, and the color didn't budge, fade or crease; no small feat.  The shadows are said to be easily removed, however, with an oil-based makeup remover.  The color lasted on these beauties a whole 10 hours.

Looking forward to trying these me thinks, if for no other reason because of the luxury of a richly colored gel-powder Armani shadow on my lid! Armani Metallics will be available online at Giorgio Armani Beauty mid-October.  The shadows will retail for about $32 each.

product craving: Urban Decay Naked Palette

i know i'm not the only one who wants the new Urban Decay Naked Palette. why? because it keeps selling out within seconds of becoming available again!

i'm totally kicking myself: i had my chance to order it via sephora.com** a little over a week ago (my local store sold out and won't be getting any replacements-- see the photo below, LOL!), but missed it-- now i have to wait again...



in any case, you'll find in this palette 12 full size eyeshadows in shades ranging from a pale champagne to a gorgeous deep charcoal. you'll also find a double-ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (black) and Whiskey (brown), as well as a mini Primer Potion.

shadows include:

Virgin-- nude satin
Sin-- champagne shimmer
Naked-- buff matte
Sidecar-- beige sparkle
Buck-- nutmeg matte
Half Baked-- bronze
Smog-- golden brown shimmer
Darkhorse-- bronze-plum shimmer
Toasted-- taupe-bronze
Hustle-- mocha shimmer
Creep-- near-black metallic
Gunmetal-- dark grey metallic


tell me: are you craving this fabulous product like me, or do you already own it?

xo
**i'll keep checking the site daily. as soon as i have it, you'll be the first to know! ;)

My New Beauty Obsessions from Benefit Cosmetics

like you, any new beauty product is so exciting to have and use, but every once and awhile you get your hands on a product and you can't get enough of it. i just happen to have two new products that i am loving from Benefit: Creaseless Shadow/Liner in Birthday Suit, and their newest gloss, Ultra Shines Lip Shine in Wild Child.

i can't tell you how happy i am to have these in my beauty life!

i was introduced to these, and other goodies (see the pic above of her train case), by an old friend who just happens to be a makeup artist for Benefit! i was thrilled when i found this out because, while i have some experience with the brand, i always like to learn about products from someone who uses them all the time. so, needless to say, i was able to play with the products, ask lots of questions, and buy what i really liked (there were some other gems i picked too, so you'll be hearing about those soon).



these shadows are fab for the summer season-- the cream formula is super blendable, quickly transforms into a powder finish after being applied, and doesn't budge as the day goes on. they'll also definitely work to take me into the fall/winter season. i'm thinking Birthday Suit will keep my smokey eye looks looking fresh and radiant. :)




the Ultra Shines lippies are so lush and yummy on my lips. they aren't sticky and moisturize fabulously. the Wild Child shade is described as a glimmering amethyst and definitely not a color i would have chosen for myself. in its tube it looks so pretty-- not pink, not purple-- and quite bold, but on my lips is a great sheer-but-bright color. love!


me, wearing Wild Child-- excuse the up-the-nose shot, LOL!

of course, you don't have take my word for it-- discover these for yourself. visit your local Benefit beauty counter and have some fun! you can also find the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner (available in 12 shades) and Ultra Shines Lip Shines (available in 5 gorgeous colors) online at benefitcosmetics.com and sephora.com.

xo
pics taken by me :)

NARS Fall Collection 2010!

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is Fantabulous! Remember to always do your best even when you think no one is watching!

Luxetips is bringing you a preview of another Fall Collection: NARS 2010.  Okay let's just take a moment to gaze at his gorgeous picture of Daphne Guinness wearing products from the Collection. Beautiful!

I am a NARS blush fanatic!  Although I think their eyeshadows are fabulous,  I have yet to purchase any of their them.  I love my Lancome shadows! LOL!  But after looking at this Collection, I have to have the deep violet and gold eyeshadow! Insane!

As Francois Nars describes himself, this Collection is "old-Hollywood meets Futuristic"  "It is sexy, sultry, sexy, daring, and decadent."  And indeed it is.  The Collection features vibrant intense colors for the eyes; subtle glow for the cheeks and a soft or strong lip.  Clearly the eyes will be the main feature in this Collection, so soft cheeks and lips is a nice compliment.

Some notables from this Collection are:

Daphne Single Eyeshadow

Mangrove Single Eyeshadow

Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil. A beautiful turquoise green eyeshadow pencil. I have o have this!

Strawberry Fields lip gloss

Rouge Basque "Brick Red" lipstick. Classic.

The Collection is available now on NARS website.  Also you get free shipping on orders $50 or more.

Toodles!

Lancôme's French Coquettes fall collection. Gorgeous!

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is filled with so much beauty and love! Life is beautiful!

Yes Divas it is that time again, Fall Collections. The month of August brings us the introduction of Fall make-up, clothing, shoes, and other accessories. I love Fall because it means I get to shop for new clothes! Yes!

My favorite luxe beauty brand, Lancôme, has just released their new Fall Collection entitled French Coquettes. I so love the name! Lancôme artistic director Aaron De Mey, created this collection that embodies "French Glamour." The collection features deep plums, shimmering charcoals and sophisticated nude. All of these colors look amazing on brown skin, so I am stoked!

Notables from this collection are:

La Rose Deco, a multi-color powder compact for subtle radiance.

Ombre Magnétique, a gel-like shimmery eye shadow that can go on lightly for a touch of shimmer or heavier for full-on drama. Divas this shadow is all the rage and it is already on back order. However you can sign up now for the waiting list here. Wow!

Le Vernis Nail Trio “Kissed By Paris,” a set of three mini polishes. So cute!

I have to have the La Rose Deco powder compact. I have some amazing compacts from Lancome and they are the best. This has to be part of my collection.

The collection is available now at Lancome's website and will be in stores August 15th.

What are your favorites from the Collecion?

Napoleon Perdis NP Set Makeup Palettes

Hello Divas!



I hope you are having a great day!



As I previously blogged, Napoleon Perdis has introduced a new NP Set line at Target and the colors are just fantastic and the make-up is functional! I am such a fan of functional make-up because as a woman on the go, I need functionality.



Napoleon Perdis sent me a sample of their new NP Set make-up palettes and I just had to share them with you guys because they are gorgeous and so easy to use. First of all check out the packaging.



The palettes come in the cutest little compact cases. They are compact enough to fit inside any purse. Plus the designs are adorable.



These sets contain 5, yes 5 eye shadows, 3 lip glosses, and a blush. You also get two NP Set brushes for application. The colors in the make-up palettes are based on a specific style. For instance, if you are a rocker-chic Diva, the Denim Set is for you. This sets contains a beautiful violet, apricot, and lilac eyeshadow. Plus there are 3 hip lip glosses ranging from bronze to a shimmery pink.


The Sweater Set is for the a nice warm pink glow during the winter months! I call her the Winter Diva...she is dressed in her fly warm clothes but still glowing. This set contains a very pink blush, bronze, purple and gold eye shadow, with true pink and apricot lip glosses.



Lastly, the Career Set, is for the Career Diva. The woman on the go handling business! The colors in this palette best match my skin tone. This set contains a deep purple, light bronze, and gold eye shadow. There is also a bronze, pink, and coral lip glosses with a bronzy rose blush. Actually the blush reminds me of my fav NARS blush, Lovejoy.



The palettes come with step by step instructions on how to apply the make-up for a day or night look. So even if you are a novice, you can't go wrong with these palettes! They are only $29.00 bucks at Target! Considering the amount of product in the palette, this is a true steal!



Toodles!

Friday: The King of Pop, The Blonde Bombshell, and Indigo Blue

Hello Divas!

I hope Friday is better than Thursday. Yesterday we lost two pop culture icons...Farrah Fawcett and Micheal Jackson. They were both loved and will be missed. A luxetips tribute is coming soon.

Yesterday I discussed the Indigo Blue eyeshadow that is part of Lancome's new Declaring Indigo Fall Collection. However I did not include a picture. Well here you go! I must and will have this eyeshadow. I can truly say I have never seen anything like it! Fab!



Toodles!

Lancome Le Crayon Khol Kajal Eye Pencil in Gold Blaze

Hello Divas!

I hope your Tuesday is going great! I am having a good morning. The sun is shining so I am happy.

Divas I have a new eye pencil that I have been rocking like everyday that I am so in love with! It is Lancome's Le Crayon Khol Kajal "Smokey Eyeliner Pencil" in Gold Blaze. I LOVE IT! First it is perfect for my skin tone. The gold color accentuates and highlights my eyes. It also gives me a nice "bright eyed" look! But what I really love is that the eye pencil is very very creamy. It glides on like a dream! Typically I do not wear eye pencil. I prefer to line my eyes with a light eye shadow. It just looks good on me. But since I have been using this eye pencil, I realize that I can wear eye pencil as long as it is the right color and texture. Fabulous! Check out a few pics of my eyes with the pencil. I also used:


Lancome Defencils. Don't my eyelashes look long and lush? LOL!
Lancome Smooth Hold Eyeshadow in Chic all over my eyelids and,
Lancome Smooth Hold Eyeshadow in Sparkling Nude on my brow bone.

Most times I wear the eye pencil alone with Mascara. I try to do my makeup in 10 minutes or less and this creates the perfect quick look.

Lancome's Le Crayon Khol Kajal Eye Pencil in Gold Blaze retails for $23.50 (worth it) and you can purchase it here or at any Sephora.

Toodles!

NARS Summer 2009 Collection!

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is beautiful! It is freezing in Atlanta. This weekend it was a nice and sunny 78 degrees. Go figure! Well NARS recently launched their Summer 2009 collection and boy did it lift my spirits! This collection has me dreaming of bikinis, white sand beaches, big fabulous shades, and gorgeous sandals. Yes Divas, I am in love! Check out some of my absolute favs from the collection.

Scorching Sun Duo Eyeshadow. All I can say is WOW! This duo contains a glazed apricot and scorching orange color. I can just see myself rocking these beautiful shades with nice tanned glowing skin and a white halter dress! Divas these shades will look fabulous on any skin tone! This eyeshadow duo retails for $32.00

Irresistiblement Bronzing Powder. Highlight your gorgeous summer skin with this bronzing powder. I have several NARS blushes and bronzing powders and I promise you when I wear them I always get compliments on my glowing skin! This product retails for $30.00

Falaba lipstick! This bronze rose lipstick is the exact shade as my favorite NARS blush, Lovejoy! I know I will look like a sun-kissed bombshell with my Lovejoy Blush and Falaba lipstick. All NARS lipsticks contain Vitamin E so your lips will stay moisturized and nourished all day long. This lipstick retails for $24.00.


I know during this economic recession the prices may be a little steep. But I can confirm that NARS products are awesome! The quality is outstanding and the colors are long-lasting. You don't have to use a lot of the product to achieve the color. The pigments are like no other make-up brand I have tried.

You can purchase NARS products at Sephora.

So what do you think of this new collection? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Toodles!

Target Brand (Studio Tools) Large Shadow Brush

Hello Divas!

Good Tuesday Morning! I heard that on NPR this morning and thought it was so cute! While browsing the beauty aisles at Target, I came upon some makeup brushes that were super affordable, Target brand, Studio Tools Makeup brushes. The large shadow brush is only $1.99! I lost my previous eyeshadow brush and thought I would give the Target brand eyeshadow brush a try. Considering the price point, I didn't expect much. However to my utter delight, I was pleasantly surprised! The handle is large and round so it is easy to grip and maneuver. It is also made out of wood. The bristle are all natural and when I apply eyeshadow, the shadow glides on smoothly and with ease. In addition, the bristles of the large shadow brush are perfectly contoured to fit the crease of the eye. I am loving this eyeshadow brush and plan to go back to Target to try out the entire line of makeup brushes. You can purchase these brushes at any Target!

Toodles!

Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad

Hello Divas!

I hope your weekend was wonderful! This weekend I attended a Christmas Party and I wore a Tuxedo with a low cut dressy tank. I must say I was looking pretty HOT! Well I wanted to try a more dramatic look so I chose a smokey eye using Lancome's Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad. This quad includes Drape, an off white sheen; Click, a dark lavender shimmer; Statuesque, a black intense color; and Makeover, a pretty pink metallic. I received this quad as a gift with purchase and I love it! The eye shadows have great pigment, glide on like silk, and the colors have AMAZING staying power! I usually wear the pink color to add a pop of color to my face. Well Friday night was the first time I tried the smokey eye look. I used Drape all over my lid. I then applied Click in the crease, and I used a Q-tip and lined my upper and lower lash in Statuesque. And it only took 2 minutes! Why? Well Lancome included a step-by-step technique guide which explained in great detail how to create a "Dramatic Look." So for you ladies who are uncertain on how to create a "smokey eye" this step by step guide is perfect. My eyes were gorgeous and I received so many compliments! Lancome has several Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quads. They retail for $42.00, but you can usually receive a sample of these Quads as a gift with a purchase of $36 or more! You can purchase the Quads here or at any Macy's or Nordstroms.

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! Free Breakfast and Gifts with Purchase

Hello Divas!

Whoohoo it is Friday! Yeah! There are two events that I am so excited to share with you lovely people. This weekend Ikea is at is again. They are offering FREE Breakfast this holiday weekend while you shop. I hear the breakfast is really good! They are also having a sale on all of their kitchen items. This promotion begins Saturday, October 11th and ends on Monday October 13th.

Now for my absolute fav promotion. So geeked to share. Dillard's is offering a free gift with any Lancome purchase of $29.50. My girlfriend Renee and I went shopping for makeup and we ended up at the Lancome counter. Um the Photogenic foundation is ridiculously flawless...I will do a review in a later post. The gift with purchase we received contained:

travel-size Absolue Premium Bx Cream SPF 15
travel-size High Resolution Collaser-5X™ Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Color Design Eye Shadow Quartet
Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor
Definicils Mascara

The travel sizes are huge...and the eye shadow quartet contains colors to create a dramatic or soft smokey eye and a nice pink color. Plus all of the products come in a nice black or red leather makeup case that has a matching coin purse. Seriously, I felt like I hit the jackpot with this free gift. Plus, we received a bonus gift that included a sample of the new Lancome Parfum Magnifique, a sample of Cils Booster XL (an eyelash primer) and another eyeshadow quartet! I am in Lancome heaven right now. Visit any Dillard's near you or you can make a purchase online here to receive your free gift. It is so worth it!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Wet n' Wild's MegaEyes Eyeshadow Pots

Hello Divas!

Well we are in the middle of the week! I hope your Wednesday is lovely! My hot drugstore find of the week is Wet n' Wild's MegaEyes Eyeshadow Pots. Now you ladies know how much I just adore Wet n' Wild Products. They are high quality but extremely affordable. For the low low price of $1.99, you get an eyeshadow pot that:

1. Glides on silky smooth..literally the shadow does feel like silk;
2. Has high pigmented color, the colors are very intense..although to achieve the full color you do need to use a primer or set your lids with foundation;
3. Long lasting color.

I have been wearing the color,Sensual Sage, and I get tons of compliments. Sensual Shade is an intense moss green color and it looks great on! It definitely has that WOW factor! You can purchase Wet n' Wild's eyeshadow pots at CVS or online here.

Toodles!