The Shades Of U Makeup

Scent-sational Valentine's Day and Every Day with Vitabath Body Wash

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift to a friend, mom, sister, lover? Roses wilt and cupcakes are calorie-laden, so why not try bath products that smell like cupcakes but won't pack on the pounds?

Vitabath’s Cupcake Couture body washes are available in four sweet fragrances: Dreamy Pink Frosting, Luscious Lemon Crème, Heavenly Coconut Crème and Scrumptious Vanilla Sugar. I was able to try the scents and like those who crave scent-based body lotions and bath products, I am also a fan of heavenly-smelling body washes. These do smell like the fragrant treats they were inspired from. My favorite is Dreamy Pink Frosting- it smells sweet and cupcake-y, and it's a great way to start the day.

Vitabath’s In Bloom body washes exude a mix of exotic and flirty florals to create the perfect blends, including Nouveau Rose with evening primrose oil. Each wash features skin-nourishing vitamins A, B3, C, E and pro-vitamin B5, as well as an antioxidant-rich superfruit blend . Beach Blossom is from this line of scents and I love how it smells florally and yet clean and fresh at the same time. Best of all, it is sulfate and paraben-free.

My favorite from the Vitabath body washes is the Citron Leaves with lemongrass extract. I shower in the morning and I like how this perks up my senses as I start the day. I love citrusy or fresh scents so this is right up my alley.

What I like about this line is that the full-size product is substantially packaged and sized. The 12 oz. body washes retail for $9.99 each at www.myvitabath.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, ULTA, Duane Reade, Harmon, Ricky’s, and Stage Stores, as well as other locations.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

NARS NYFW Face Chart for Joy Cioci Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:12:00 +0000

SHOW: Joy Cioci

LEAD ARTIST: Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Stylist

TREND: Smoky eye with a fresh face

DESIGNER INSPIRATION:

LOOK: “Joy's collection this season is definitely very sophisticated and tailored but still has a youthful, playful element,” said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. “I wanted the makeup to mirror the vibe: sophisticated smoky taupe-y -grey eyes with playful hints of sparkly nude-pink on the cheeks and lips.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE
· Copacabana Illuminator
· Orgasm Illuminator
· Undress Me Mutiple (New for Fall 2012!)

EYES
· Corfu Single Eyeshadow
· Portobello Duo Eyeshadow
· Key Largo Duo Eyeshadow
· Cordura Duo Eyeshadow
· Madison Ave Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner

LIPS
· Belle de Jour Sheer Lipstick
· Madère Pure Matte Lipstick
· Turkish Delight Lip Gloss

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

Photo Credit: NARS Cosmetics

NARS NYFW Face Chart for Thakoon Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:22:00 +0000

SHOW: Thakoon

LEAD ARTIST: Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics

TREND: Bold lips

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “The collection is a romantic cliché of something old New York – Upper East Side in the 1980s..but with a quirky twist,” said designer Thakoon Panichgul. “It’s reminiscent of the past but still feels modern.”

LOOK: “Thakoon wanted to focus on the lip this season,” said NARS makeup artist Diane Kendal. “It’s a fuschia pink, which is not an obvious color for a bold lip. We wanted to play with color, and it ends up making the whole look so interesting.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE
· Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++
· Snow Loose Powder
· Concealer
· Undress Me Multiple (New for Fall 2012!)
· Exhibit A Blush

EYES
· Pandora Duo Eyeshadow
· Santa Monica Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

LIPS
· Heat Wave Lipstick

Photo Credit: NARS Cosmetics

Shop MAC, Cook MAC Kissable LipColour Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:12:00 +0000

Top-bottom: Enchantee, Flaunting It, Woo Me

Flaunting It

Woo Me

Enchantee

As I had mentioned in a previous post on the Peacocky collection that came out a little over a year ago, Kissable Lip Colour is one of my favorite lip product formulas from MAC. These new Kissable Lipcolours are housed in the same tubes as that of the MAC Dare To Wear lipglasses. I like this new formula because these operate more like liquid lipsticks- they have real nice pigmentation and are opaque - and they are NOT sticky at all! They pamper the lips and they don't give too much tacky shimmer - just nice creamy formula that also imparts shine. When these dry on the lips, they look and feel like lipsticks.

MAC brought back five shades of the Kissable Lipcolours. I am glad MAC did away with some of the not-so-wearable shades from the Peacocky collection, like that blue one. Who would wear blue lip colour unless it's for an avante garde production or halloween or something? These are all re-promotes and I am sure these were the shades that appealed to most people.

Kissable Lipcolour from the Peacocky collection last year: MAC Kissable Lipcolour in Exxxhibitionist, So Vain, Scan-delicious, Flaunting It, Super

Woo Me, Enchantee, So Vain, Flaunting It
Scan-delicious

Woo Me, Enchantee, So Vain, Flaunting It
Scan-delicious

My Favorite out of all my Kissable Lipcolours is Flaunting It. I have two backups of this and I still love this now, 13 months after I first tried it. It is a grey-based mauve and I love greyed lip products on my lips. It's not super grey but it only has a tinge of this. Call it a dusty mauve if you like. It brightens my complexion and the pigmented color makes me happy. It also stays a while on my lips.

Wearing Flaunting It

I love how it wears and wears!

So Vain is a muted dirty coral; it also has a dusty quality to it. Woo Me is a light pinky nude that would work best with light to medium skintones. Enchantee reminds me of Viva Glam Gaga lipstick and lipglass, kinda like that paler-than-Barbie-pink effect. Scandelicious is a pretty blue fuchsia, this is a bright color that would be so pretty for spring and summer.

All in all, I am a big fan of the Kissable Lipcolours. As I said, I love how creamy, rich, pigmented but non-sticky this formula is. I love opaque lip glosses and this is really how I like my lip products to be- rich, color-saturated but not tacky.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

Shop MAC, Cook MAC Lipsticks Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Innocence, Beware!, Watch Me Simmer, Dish it Up, Runaway Red

Runaway Red

Dish It Up

Watch Me Simmer

Innocence, Beware!

There are six lipsticks from the Shop, MAC sub-collection of the Shop MAC, Cook MAC that just recently launched. I have four of the lipsticks, but I was able to swatch all six. These are really fun, bright colors that herald the coming of spring. This is such a coveted collection that 2 of these are already sold out everywhere near me. Here are some swatches:

Runaway Red, Watch Me Simmer, Dish it Up

Innocence, Beware!, Naughty Saute, Quick Sizzle

Innocence, Beware!

Innocence, Beware! is a light yellow pink in the cremesheen formula. Sadly, I always feel that these kinds of shades make me look like a corpse. I guess this does not go well with yellow-olive skintones and pigmented lips. It would look great as a nude lippie on the right skintone, though. I would need a darker and warmer lipstick or lipglass on top to make this work on my skin.

Watch Me Simmer

Watch Me Simmer

This lipstick needs two pictures because I love it so much. Watch Me Simmer is a bright pink-orange in the Amplified formula. I never really liked oranges on my skin because they make my complexion look somewhat dirty, but this looks amazing, maybe because there are some pink tones mixed in with the orange. I love this shade so much.

Dish It Up

Dish It Up

Another fave! Dish it Up is a berry pink in the lustre category. Bright shade but not too bright that it looks garish. Perfect for a Valentine's Day date!

Runaway Red

Runaway Red is a beautiful blue-based red. This would work great on lots of skintones as it is a pretty universal shade. I like that it is blue-based as these shades tend to make the teeth look whiter and brighter. Love it. Another great Valentine's Day (or any special occasion) shade.

Naughty Saute (see skin swatches above) is described as a bright pepto pink. I am not into these kinds of shades as cotton candy pink makes me look washed out. However, this is quite popular as this is one of the first shades to get sold out.

Quick Sizzle (see skin swatches above) is a bright fuschia pink that is described as matte, though I saw a little bit of sheen to it. Another popular shade, although this somewhat reminds me of Gulabi from the Mickey Contractor collection a year ago, which I love.

All in all, this is a solid group of lipstick shades that I'm sure will interest a lot of people. My favorites would have to be Watch Me Simmer, Dish it Up and Quick Sizzle.

Watch out for more reviews and swatches of the Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection.

Note: Media samples were provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. Al opinions are completely mine.

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum Wears tarte at the Grammys

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:14:00 +0000

Celebrity makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz created Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott's look for the 54th annual Grammy Awards using all tarte products.

Get the Look: Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott

Event: Grammy Awards
Makeup Artist: celebrity makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz for tarte
Date: 2/12/12

Overall Inspiration: "Her dress faded from black to burgundy, so I took the colors from her dress and incorporated them into a colorful cat eye-it completely lit up her gorgeous green eyes." -celebrity makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz

Makeup-complexion

* To begin Terri used tarte's smooth operator™ Amazonian clay waterproof concealer under her eyes, then applied tarte's Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation with Broad Spectrum SPF 15, with tarte's new airbrush finish bamboo foundation brush.

* Then she dusted Amazonian clay bronzer in park ave princess under her cheekbones to contour the hollows of her cheeks.

Makeup-cheeks

* For the perfect pop of color she brushed on tarte's Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in dollface, a light baby pink, on the apples of her cheeks.

* She finished by adding luminosity to her complexion with tarte's Amazonian clay shimmering powder in champagne over her blush.

Makeup-eyes

* She sculpted her brows with emphasEYES™ Amazonian clay waterproof brow pencil.

* She lined the inner rims of the eyes with tarte's smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in fig and then went over it with emphasEYES™ high-definition inner rim eyeliner black pencil.

* Then she drew smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in fig along her lash line toward her temple, creating a glamorous cat eye.

* To make her green eyes pop, she dusted matte plum from neutralEYES eye shadow palette over the liner.

* She followed by lining her lower lashline with smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in fig to complete the winged effect.

* For extra volume and dramatic separation on her upper lashes, Terri used two coats of tarte's lights, camera, lashes! clinically-proven mascara.

Makeup-lips

* To complete her look, Terri filled in her lips with tarte's LipSurgence™ lip luster in buff, then added an extra dose of shine with tarte's new maracuja divine shine lip gloss in glisten.

(Photo credit:Getty Images)

Cook MAC: Salad Dressed, Al Fredo and Kid Orange Nail Lacquers Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:56:00 +0000

Shop MAC, Cook MAC items

Cook MAC nail lacquers

Salad Dressed, Kid Orange, Al Fredo

Here are the nail lacquers from the MAC's current Shop MAC, Cook MAC collection, a massive collection for Spring 2012. I will be putting up reviews and swatches of this collection in installments, and this is my nail lacquer segment. This collection features three nail lacquers that are solid, bright colors, and two of them are in the jelly formula and one in cream.

Salad Dressed

Salad Dressed is my favorite out of the three. It is a dusty aqua color, and this is great for summer and spring. I also like how it looks quite clean on my hands. This applies really well on the nails, not splotchy and it was opaque in one coat.

Kid Orange

Kid Orange is a coral-red jelly. It looks see-through and squishy-looking like Jell-O. I am not a fan of MAC jelly polishes. They claim that it's a creme, but this looks more like a jelly to me. This is opaque in 3 coats, and this is a fiery coral that reminds me of Scorcher polish from the To The Beach collection a couple of years ago:

Scorcher

Kid Orange is not as streaky as Al Fredo, though, and the formula of this is manageable. I like the shade and this would make a great summer shade.

Al Fredo

I am definitely not a fan of Al Fredo. It's very streaky, sheer and watered down. It took me 4-5 coats to make this cover my nails decently, but still not completely opaque. It's described as an acid green creme, but this is definitely a jelly in my book.

All in all, I feel that $16 is a bit too steep for MAC polishes that are quite sheer, like Al Fredo. I like Salad Dressed the best and Kid Orange to a lesser degree. Stay away from Al Fredo unless you really like sheer jellies.

The Shades Of U Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Watch out for more swatches and reviews of the items from the Shop MAC, Cook MAC collection!

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the company for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

NARS NYFW Face Chart for Fabiola Arias Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:16:00 +0000

NARS created the look for the Fabiola Arias runway show.

SHOW: Fabiola Arias

LEAD ARTIST: Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist

TREND: Rich, ombré eyes

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "All the pieces are strong but not overbearing,” said designer Fabiola Arias. “I wanted the girls to look like they are really lit from within, in gorgeous dresses and hats that my mother, a milliner, created."

LOOK: “Fabiola wanted a look that was strong, but sophisticated at the same time,” said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. “We created a very rich, ombre eye with warm shades complemented by gold tones. The inner corners of the eyes are meant to look like they are illuminated, and to balance the look, the lips have color but are tinted rather than full-on.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE
· Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++
· Sheer Glow Foundation
· lluminator

EYES
· Skorpios Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
· Key Largo Duo Eyeshadow
· Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow
· Kilimanjaro Duo Eyeshadow
· Vent Glacé Duo Eyeshadow (New for Fall 2012!)
· Eyeliner Stylo
· Larger Than Life® Volumizing Mascara

LIPS
· More Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil (New for Fall 2012!)

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

Photo Credit: NARS Cosmetics

OPI at New York Fashion Week with BCBG Max Azria

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000

I love how clean OPI Passion looks on the nails!

The Fall 2012 shows are well underway with OPI doing nails for its second show, BCBG Max Azria this morning at Lincoln Center! Models’ nails were painted with Passion for a nude look that complimented the neutral color blocking with pops of color in the clothes.

Photo Credit: OPI

Shop MAC, Cook MAC: Midnight Snack, Added Goodness and Wholesome Fluidline Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:47:00 +0000

Added Goodness, Midnight Snack

Added Goodness

Midnight Snack

Here is the first part of a series of posts on the Shop MAC, Cook MAC collection. This massive Spring 2012 collection comes in two parts, the Shop MAC and the Cook MAC sub-collections. Shop MAC features the lipsticks, Kissable Lipcolours, Cremeblend blush, and the three eyeshadow quads. The fluidlines are part of the Cook MAC; this sub-collection includes the Studio Careblend/Pressed powders, fluidlines, Opulash mascara, nail lacquers, the brushes, and the much-awaited re-release of the Tendertones. I will be reviewing each of these products in the coming posts, so stay tuned!

I am loving the packaging. Some might find the blue tablecloth pattern tacky, but I really find it fun and refreshing. Other products from this collection are housed in pink and yellow tablecloth patterned sleeves, and some have fun pink and blue bubbles on a pink or yellow background.

Midnight Snack, Added Goodness, Wholesome

Added Goodness, Midnight Snack

I was pretty impressed when I swatched these. They are definitely my kind of shades. They are the neutral kind that you can use either at the office or out on the town. I am pleased with the pigmentation as well. They glide like butter on the skin and they are not patchy or splotchy when you make a line using a liner brush. I am wearing Midnight Snack right now; I applied it eleven hours ago over Nubile paint pot, and it's still as crisp and pigmented as the minute I applied it.

Midnight Snack is described as a soft black, but I really wouldn't consider it black, not even a soft one. It's more like a greyish blue with slight shimmer. Added Goodness is described a blackened mauve that is not really blackened to me, but more of like a purplish-greyish-brown, I guess? Wholesome is a blackened brown that would make a good replacement for Blacktrack or even the old Nightfish if you've run out of either. I am really impressed with these, and the reason why I reviewed these first is that the fluidlines are my favorites from this collection.

I also like that my old fluidlines don't dry up on me, unlike some of my paint pots. Some of my fluidlines are already 3 years old, and yet they're still as moist and vibrant as the day I got them.

Definitely check these out, they are probably some of the best products from this collection.

The Shades Of U Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

NARS Trend Report for NYFW: Honor Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:51:00 +0000

NARS created the look for the Honor runway show.

SHOW: Honor

LEAD ARTIST: James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry

TREND: Pretty, polished skin

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “It’s a love story between a preppy boy and exotic Argentinean girl,” said Honor designer Giovanna Randall. “The merging of two worlds - very refined and earthy with tapestry prints and a modern take on art deco.”

LOOK: “Skin is beautiful, luminous and glossy,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “Eyes are deliberate and were sculpted in a chalky grey shade.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE
· Sheer Glow Foundation
· Concealer
· Loose Powder
· Penny Lane Cream Blush

EYES
· Paris Duo Eyeshadow
· Zardoz Single Eyeshadow
· Madison Avenue Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner
· Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS
· Greta Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment

All products, except where noted, are available at www.narscosmetics.com.

Shu Uemura Red:Juvenus Roll-Away Instant Eye Fatigue Corrector Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:15:00 +0000

The Shu Uemura Red:Juvenus Roll-Away Instant Eye Fatigue Corrector is a cooling roll-on eye fatigue corrector that is designed to instantly reduce signs of fatigue and brighten the eye area. Shu Uemura claims that the Red:juvenus is the first innovative skin beauty program with Phyto-Red Energy Complex consisting of Amalaki, Pomegranate and Lycopene Capsule 2X (a patented encapsulation technology to help better delivery of ingredients into epidermis).

I tried this roller-ball and for those who usually lack sleep like I do, this does a good job. I love the cool, refreshing feeling on my undereye area. Here are some tips on how to apply the roller-ball on the eye area, per the insert that came with the product:

1. To release the appropriate amount of formula, slightly tilt the roll-on applicator towards the face while lifting the head slightly.

2. Gently slide the roll-on applicator over the eye area. Repeat 2-4 times.

3. With the roll-on applicator, gently apply pressure to pressure points for 3 seconds each. (the points are the inner corner and slightly above the inner corner of the eye, and tail-end of the brow just above the eye socket).

4. Move middle and ring fingers slowly around the lid and eye area to blend the formula into the skin.

5. Pat undereye area lightly with fingertips to help the skin absorb the formula. Finish by pressing temples gently.

I noticed that this does make my undereye area look more awake and refreshed. I will try to put up comparison pictures soon. This product contains caffeine which instantly perks up the eyes and makes them look brighter and less puffy. I also love the directions on how to apply this. The shiatsu massage feels really heavenly and it's an instant relaxer for me. I will definitely bring this with me to trips and will be a staple in my bag for in-flight relaxation.

I have deep bags especially if I lack sleep, so this product is a must-have for me. No matter how wonderful my makeup is, I don't look good if my eyebags are puffy and I look fatigued. I apply this after I wash my face and before putting on makeup, and the additional couple of minutes it takes to apply this really make a difference on how my eyes look, particularly my undereye area. That part of my face looks more rested, refreshed and less puffy after application of the Roll-Away Instant Eye Fatigue Corrector.

This product retails for $26 and is available on the Shu Uemura website.

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the company for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

Too Faced at NYFW: Mod 60s Beauty Trend Alert

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Beauty’s gone mod! Try out this color-blocked, 60s-inspired cat eye courtesy of Too Faced Cosmetics as seen at the Corey Lynn Calter show that kicked off New York Fashion Week! The look, described by Too Faced Global Artistry Director, Kalina Fernandez, was fresh and playful as if each model had “gotten into her mother’s makeup.”

Eyes: Models rocked a hot pink, teal or purple cat eye created with Too Faced Perfect Eyes Eyeliner in Perfect Peacock and Perfect Purple traced along the natural lash line and flicked out at the edges, past the upper lid.

Lips: Flirty lips were created with a swipe of Too Faced Lip of Luxury Lipstick in Drop Dead Red.

Face: For a fresh-faced look, models wore Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer followed by Amazing Face Liquid Foundation and set with Primed & Poreless Powder. Cheekbones were accented with Ultra Flush Blush in Cocoa Rose.

New Collections from Nicole by OPI and Exclusive Shades for Walmart and CVS

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:50:00 +0000

This is exciting news for Nicole by OPI fans. There will be at least three collections available this month:

Four Nicole 2012 shades – available all year at various Nicole by OPI retailers (Target, ULTA, Walmart)

Seven Kardashian Kolor additions – available this month exclusively at CVS

Three Walmart exclusive shades – available this month

Let's start with the--

I. Walmart Exclusives:

Nicole by OPI announces three new shades to be exclusively sold at Walmart, in stores January 2012. These rich shimmer and glitter hues give fingers and toes an elegantly chic look, with colors that include a sparkly champagne gold, a shimmering rose pink, and a confetti glitter.
“Nicole by OPI is excited to bring three new nail lacquers exclusively to Walmart for 2012,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Both the gold and pink hues have a chic metallic finish, but the warm-toned pigments in these lacquers are distinctly feminine. The glitter in ‘Fabulous’ is My Middle Name includes red, fuchsia, blue, gold and silver sparkles, adding multidimensional shine when worn alone or layered over either of the other two shades.”

The three new colors include:

The Gold Shoulder
A surprisingly approachable shimmery light gold.

Best Pink Ever
Seriously. This magnificent metallic pink is the best in town.

“Fabulous” is My Middle Name
But you can call me “multi-colored sparkle.”

“Metallic and glitter are currently very trendy lacquer finishes,” explains Weiss-Fischmann. “Some metallic lacquers look 3-dimensional or holographic when applied, while others sparkle from different angles, or reflect when exposed to different types of light. All are extremely beautiful!”

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. These Walmart exclusive lacquers will be available January 2012 for $7.00 each ($9.68 CAN) at select US Walmart locations and walmart.com and in February 2012 in select Canadian Walmart locations.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

II. New Nicole by OPI collection for 2012

Nicole by OPI Launches New Lacquers for 2012

Nicole by OPI announces four new fashion-forward nail lacquer shades for 2012, including A Lit-Teal Bit of Love, A Million Sparkles, Shoot for the Maroon, and Vio-let’s Talk about Red. Featuring two shades of rich berry and burgundy and two hues of vibrant shimmering and glitter-packed blue, these new colors give any look instant glamour and edge.
“These four new lacquers easily take nails from day to night,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “With rich, bold color, each shade adds a dramatic contrast when worn with denim or more casual clothes; at the same time, the highly-pigmented shimmers – especially the rainbow and aqua-blue glitter of A Million Sparkles – are perfect for parties or a night on the town.”

The new Nicole by OPI lacquers include:

A Lit-Teal Bit of Love
This affectionate aqua will shower you with shine.

A Million Sparkles
A shimmering sea of blue packed with sprinkles of rainbow glitter.

Shoot for the Maroon
A bold and beautiful burgundy that always dreams big.

Vio-let’s Talk about Red
There’s so much to say about this bodacious berry!

III. Kardashian Kolors at CVS!

Nicole by OPI Launches New Kardashian Kolor
Nail Lacquers, Exclusively at CVS

Nicole by OPI announces seven new Kardashian Kolor shades to be exclusively sold at CVS, in stores February 2012. These richly-pigmented, fashion-forward hues include crèmes in bright key lime, pinky peach, poppy red and fuchsia, as well as shimmers in light lilac and deep burgundy.
“Nicole by OPI is very excited to bring new Kardashian Kolor lacquers exclusively to CVS for 2012. The CVS shopper knows how to find the hottest look at the best value,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “In collaborating with the Kardashian/Jenner family on the CVS exclusive shades, we came up with lacquers to represent each of their vibrant personalities and individual styles. The seven resulting colors offer the perfect accessory for spring’s bright colors, feminine frocks and reinvented neutrals.”

The CVS exclusive Kardashian Kolor shades include:

Smile for the Glam-era
The paparazzi is all about this photogenic plum.

Back to Reality…TV
This pretty little periwinkle was made for TV.

One Big Happy Fame-ily
This lavender shimmer is the American dream.

Our Fuchsia’s Lookin’ Bright
This purple-y fuchsia has the world at her hands.

Ladies in the Limelight
The most talked-about yellow-lime of our time!

Paparazzi Don’t Preach (laughed out loud when I read this!)
This pretty blush pink is doing just fine.

Strike a Pose
A totally camera red-y color.

“These lacquers provide a great way to transition from winter to spring,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “Try Our Fuchsia’s Lookin’ Bright to maximize winter’s rich jewel tones, or lighten the look with One Big Fame-ily for a burst of lavender.”

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. These CVS exclusive lacquers will be available February 2012 for $7.99 each at CVS locations nationwide and online at cvs.com.

Which ones strike your fancy? I really like Fabulous is My Middle Name, The Gold Shoulder, A Million Sparkles, and Best Pink Ever.

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:44:00 +0000

This MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel was launched in tandem with the MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Eye Cream as part of the new Mineralize Charged Water skincare line. As the name implies, this is not exactly a cream but more of a gel-like cream. I was turned off at first because I thought that it wouldn't moisturize properly given its gel-like properties, but I'm glad I didn't stop there.

I like how this moisturizes without being greasy. I guess that comes with the territory if you're using a gel moisturizer. It also has this cooling effect on the skin, which is pretty nice. It gets absorbed quickly into the skin and leaves the skin supple, moisturized, and yet not oily. It does get a bit sticky at first as the gel dries, but the feeling dissipates after a while.

I guess this is best for people with oily, combination and normal skin as this is a lightweight moisturizer. This might not work for those with very dry skin. This would be a perfect spring and summer moisturizer for most people, I believe. What's best is that I have acne-prone skin and this didn't break me out.

Pros: A little goes a long way, it gives a refreshing cool effect and absorbs quickly. It moisturizes without the heavy feeling of a cream, lightweight, perfect for spring and summer, good for oily to normal skin

Cons: Not for very dry skin as this is a lightweight moisturizer.

SRP: $37 for 50 ml

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Eye Cream Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:31:00 +0000

MAC Mineralize Charged Water skincare line

I was able to try out the MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Eye Cream which is part of MAC's Mineralize Charged Water skincare line. This product is infused with MAC’s Charged Water technology. MAC claims that it sufficiently moisturizes the eye area, helps in reducing the appearance of dark circles, lines and puffy bags.

I was surprised at first that this is not really a cream that I expected in most MAC skincare products. This is more like a gel to me, not uber creamy but not watery either. It has good moisturizing properties, though, and it did make the area under and around the eyes soft and supple. I can't vouch for the claims that it reduces the appearance of dark circles and lines, but it does provide a little de-puffing action, and it made the undereye area a tad brighter.

All in all, I am liking this product. It may not be a miracle product that erases fine lines and wrinkles, but it does make the undereye area look more rested, supple, moisturized. I apply this both in the morning and night and it's a good partner to the MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel (review coming right up!).

SRP: $35 U.S.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

NOTE: Media sample was provided by a representative of the company for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Topaz for Spring 2012 and Q&A with Tom Pecheux

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:13:00 +0000

I love this collection because the pieces were inspired by the Arizonan desert landscape, my home state. Yay!

ESTÉE LAUDER INTRODUCES
TOPAZ
NEW PURE COLOR SPRING 2012
BY TOM PECHEUX, CREATIVE MAKEUP DIRECTOR, ESTÉE LAUDER
“My inspiration behind the collection was vacationing in Arizona, enjoying the warm sun, the amazing desert colors and the shadows that play on the sand and rocks. I was thinking of a gorgeously healthy-looking woman that had an element of fantasy in her personality. I wanted to convey that with a palette of strong yet soft colors.”
Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder introduces a bold, yet subtle new color collection for Spring 2012, inspired by the warm, sun-bleached tones of the desert. Pure Color Topaz, a limited edition makeup collection features a mosaic of sublime bronze, taupe and sand dune shades punctuated by an irreverent twist of citron yellow and an intense pop of teal, evoking the naturally smoky look and romantic glow of a desert sunset. Conceived by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux, pieces of the Topaz collection debuted at the Derek Lam Spring 2012 show where Pecheux complimented the clean minimalist fashion with a dreamy, warm look of shimmering eyes highlighted in yellow, lightly bronzed contoured cheeks and a sheer golden lip that captured the mood of the season.
In this avant-garde color collection, eyes shimmer with neutral bronze and copper tones highlighted by the season’s startling, yet very wearable citron yellow, and are emphasized with sexy, richly pigmented liner in vibrant turquoise for a smoldering gaze. Skin is fresh and warmed with lightly bronzed, contoured cheeks. Lips glow with a sheer golden hue. Nails make a statement with a soft, yet exhilarating turquoise.

EYES ARE SEDUCTIVELY LINED AND SHIMMERING
The limited edition Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Topaz Mosaic is a sublime mix of five sun-drenched neutral desert tones with a refreshingly unexpected pop of citron yellow at the center. Layer neutral bronze, taupe and sand dune shades to create a strong, yet invitingly warm eye. Illuminate the look by adding the citron yellow, backed with gold particle pearls for a golden halo effect. Housed in a sophisticated golden-mirrored compact with oversized Estée Lauder cartouche, the Topaz Mosaic palette delivers high impact color and texture through a high-performance formula with exclusive True VisionTM Technology and allows for a wide array of freshly feminine, high style looks.

Inspired by the kajal used in ancient India, the new limited edition Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayons are luxuriously creamy chubby kajal pencils that reveal the beauty of eyes. Bring to life anew the ancient symbol of daring, smoky, seductive eyes with two intense shades: the fantasy-inspired Dramatic Teal, reminiscent of the American Southwest gem, turquoise, as well as smoky Dramatic Black, calling to mind the vivid shadows of a desert landscape at dusk. Simply apply the pencil around the inner and outer rim of the eye for a sexy, smoldering effect. The smooth, rich formula is easy to apply and long-lasting, perfect for creating a dramatic look that lasts all day.

SKIN IS LUMINOUS AND SUN-WARMED
Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in limited edition Topaz Chameleon provides the dash of sun-kissed warmth to newly awakened spring skin. Featuring a fitting snakeskin pattern, this prism shine powder gelée can be used to bronze, blush or softly contour cheeks. A “tribrid” system of liquid, powder and gel, this first-of-a-kind, “multi-powder” formula creates a theatrical blur of shimmer on the skin when applied dry and a fierce flush of color when applied wet. The unique suspension of golden pigments and pearls float on top of the skin, resulting in a truly unique sensorial experience. The modern powder is flexible and uses a luminosity-boosting complex that makes the complexion appear perfectly smooth, seductive and warm.

LIPS ARE SHEER GLISTENING GOLDEN
Warm up lips in a pure sparkling citrus yellow sheen with limited edition Pure Color Gloss in Citron Kiss for a desert sun-kissed effect. This ultra sheer, chic shade disperses golden particle pearls for a very natural, warm- looking lip. Delivering long-lasting shine and maximum moisture, this unique shade can be worn alone as an indulgent sheer or over lipstick for immediate, radiant warmth.

Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lip Color in Sultry Caramel, Sensuous Nude and Sublime Nectar are addictive limited edition natural shades of golden bronze, seductive natural and soft coral that deliver a new sensation in lip color. This patent-pending, world first in lipstick fuses a creamy, luscious outer shell with a liquefied core in a lip-loving elixir with TRUE- VISION™ color technology to create an unprecedented, luxurious sensation for lips. Lips will love this succulent, voluptuous formula that drenches in shine and moisture for a euphoric sensorial experience. Wear alone or layer with Pure Color Gloss for added warmth.

NAILS ARE ENTICINGLY SUBDUED
Nails take a turn away from the bold, brights of seasons past for a softer, yet exhilarating Southwest-inspired turquoise shade for spring. Complement seductive eyes and sheer glistening lips with the limited edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Teal Topaz, a tranquil, yet vibrant blue-green hue that elicits the season’s glowing femininity and freshness.

EYES:
Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Topaz Mosaic $ 45.00
Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon in Dramatic Black $ 22.00
Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon in Dramatic Teal $ 22.00
Sumptuous Extreme Mascara $ 23.50

FACE:
Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Topaz Chameleon $40.00

LIPS:
Pure Color Gloss in Citron Kiss $ 22.50
Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lip Color in Sultry Caramel $ 28.00
Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lip Color in Sensuous Nude $ 28.00
Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lip Color in Sublime Nectar $ 28.00

NAILS:
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Teal Topaz $ 19.00
Availability: The Pure Color Topaz Spring 2012 collection will be available for a limited time at select Estée Lauder Counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com

Q&A with Tom Pecheux
Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder

1. What is the inspiration behind the Spring 2012 collection?
My inspiration behind the collection would be vacation in Arizona with healthy, warm sun. I was
thinking of an amazing and gorgeously healthy woman that had an element of fantasy in her
personality. Bold, yet subtle colors that are strong and soft at the same time.

2. Where is the best place to use the Illuminating Powder Gelée?
The focus will be on the upper cheekbones to get that warm glow that you get when you have
been outside. Apply first to the cheekbones and then dust the leftover over the rest of the face, neck, shoulder, décolletage, wherever. I love this product because it is very versatile, it lives many lives. You can also wear it as eyeshadow, wet or dry.

3. There seems to be a return to Kajal pencils. Why are they special and what is the best way
to use them?
My personal approach to these liners is to create a simple and gorgeous eye that is sexy and
smudgy in a few seconds. They are perfect for drawing on a powerful eye that reminds me of
images of ancient India. Centuries ago, women were drawing on pigments to help protect their
eyes from the sun and I think that look is very impactful and to update and bring it back in this collection is just beautiful.

4. What can you tell us about this blue-green Pure Color Nail Lacquer?
The trend in nails has been very bold, very bright that past few seasons and this is still a unique color but done in a gentler, softer way that is never boring. . The fall season is about glowing femininity and freshness and this shade reflects my mood of the season.

5. How do you suggest using the yellow lip gloss?
Yellow gloss immediately warms up the color of the lips because it erases their natural pinkiness. It will do the same for cool-colored lipsticks—put it over a red shade and it becomes an orangeyred.

6. How do you recommend wearing the yellow shade in the center of the Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette?
To wear this yellow, it all depends on what you want to achieve. This is amazing on its own but
can also be used to wake up a neutral color. Try layering with one of the taupe or brown shades
to add warmth and depth. Yellow doesn’t need to be scary, try using it just as a highlighter on the brow bone until you get used to playing with such a different shade.

7. What were the makeup trends you saw on the catwalk during the Spring/ Summer shows?
There is definitely a focus on the brows. It’s all about strong, dark brows. And yellow, of course! I used a yellow eyeshadow and lip gloss for the Derek Lam Show, and yellow was dominant at other shows as well.

8. Can you tell us a little about the look you created for Derek Lam’s Spring 2012 show?
Derek’s collection was inspired by the clean minimalism and open desert landscape of the Kaufmann house by Richard Neutra in Palm Springs. I wanted the makeup to compliment the
fashion with a very dreamy, warm look of fresh skin, shimmering eyes with muted yellow shadow
highlighted by copper, lightly bronzed contoured cheeks and a sheer golden lip.

9. Which products did you use from the new Pure Color Topaz collection?
I used the yellow shade from the Eyeshadow palette on the lids over the copper shadow; the
Citron Kiss gloss for the lips and the Illuminating Gelee to create the bronzed cheeks. The color collection was perfect actually, to compliment the desert colors of Derek’s clothes.

10. What is your beauty must-have for this season?
This is hard to say. If you are a makeup artist, you don’t stick to just one thing. But the focus for the S/S 2012 is definitely on the eyebrows. You should concentrate on getting them beautifully shaped and defined.

11. In your opinion, should a woman always wear makeup when she leaves the house?
If you feel good, you can leave the house without. I don’t like the rules, I like to break them. Try different things, like an unusual color. You may like it or you may not but the most important thing is to not get stuck. Enjoy exploring new things and you will feel beautiful and confident.

NYX Xtreme Lip Cream Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:36:00 +0000

I've tried NYX soft matte lip creams before, but this is the first time I roadtested the Xtreme Lip Creams. These are amazingly pigmented lip creams with bold, rich shades with a glossy finish. I really don't think they are lip glosses because the texture is just like liquid lipstick. The product is saturated in color and applies thickly, as I said, just like melted lipstick. It comes in a sponge tip applicator for precise application of the product on the lips. Here are some swatches:

Pinky Nude, Skintone, Butter Nude, Nude Peach Fuzz, Natural, Strawberry Jam, Bonfire, Dolly Girl, Spicy, Absolute Red

Pinky Nude, Skintone, Butter Nude, Nude Peach Fuzz, Natural, Strawberry Jam

Natural, Strawberry Jam, Bonfire, Dolly Girl, Spicy, Absolute Red

Pinky Nude

Pinky Nude

Pinky Nude pretty much describes itself- a medium pink neutral. This is one of my faves from the collection as it is pretty much an everyday color for me.

Skintone

Skintone

I like Skintone although this would probably suit darker skintones better. A nice brown-based lip cream that has also some yellow undertones to it.

Butter Nude

Butter Nude

Butter Nude is a nice neutral brownish peach that is perfect for everyday wear for me. I love the versatility of this shade.

Nude Peach Fuzz

Nude Peach Fuzz

Nude Peach Fuzz is a nice nude shade for lighter to medium skintones. This would probably work great with a smoky or dramatic eye.

Natural

Natural

Eeeek, corpse lips! It's way too light for my yellow-olive complexion.

Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam

Now that's more like it! One of my top faves from the collection. This beautiful strawberry red is the perfect everyday bold lip. I love how pretty and eye-catching it is, yet can also be office-appropriate. Love, love, love.

Bonfire

Bonfire

Bonfire is a pinkish coral red with some extra shimmer. I tend to gravitate towards Strawberry Jam more, but this is also a pretty pinky peach-red in the same family.

Dolly Girl

Dolly Girl

Might as well be my top fave. Dolly Girl is your quintessential hot pink lip cream. Femme fatale pink, if you ask me.

Spicy

Spicy

Spicy is a nice orange red. I like how vibrant and super pigmented it is. One of my favorites as well.

Absolute Red

Absolute Red

Absolute Red is a va-va-voom red lip cream, saturated and shiny. Lovely for that night out in the town or a romantic date. It just gives the lips a very sexy look. Love this!

My favorites would have to be Strawberry Jam, Butter Nude, Dolly Girl, Spicy. If you love both pigment and shine on your lips, these Xtreme Lip Creams from NYX are the products for you. They are very pigmented and you will really call attention to your puckers. The only downside I can see is that this product tends to make your lips dry as the day wears on, so be sure to moisturize your lips regularly.

This retails for $6 each and is available at www.nyxcosmetics.com.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

9 Ways to Play Up Your Best Features

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:55:00 +0000

9 Ways to Play Up Your Best Features

Show off your natural beauty with these stunning makeup and hair looks

This is a TotalBeauty.com natural beauty article

Gone are the days of covering your face in a thick layer of foundation and loading on the hair gel. We'll show you how to flatter your best features without smothering your face and hair with products. See how to look your best naturally.

Get the looks

Estee Lauder Signs Fashion Blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:56:00 +0000

New York, NY, February 3, 2012 – Estée Lauder, the flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., today announced award-winning fashion blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere as its new Guest Editor for digital and social media platforms.

This is the first time the Estée Lauder brand has integrated a blogger’s voice into its brand communication. A top fashion blogger and winner of the 2010 Webbie Award for Best Fashion Blog, Schuman will work closely with Estée Lauder to create editorial-inspired content that links beauty with lifestyle for esteelauder.com and Estée Lauder’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Emily as we continue to modernize our brand, evolve our voice and expand our presence in digital and social media,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder. “We are thrilled to be part of Emily’s world and to bring Emily into ours. Emily’s role, combined with our diverse new models, Joan Smalls, Liu Wen and Constance Jablonski, and Tom Pecheux as Creative Makeup Director, is part of a broader strategy to communicate Estée Lauder’s point of view on beauty and engage with our consumers in new and exciting ways.”

Beginning in February 2012, editorial posts will appear on esteelauder.com and espanol.esteelauder.com with new content being updated weekly. The posts will show Schuman in her environment, illustrating how she incorporates beauty into her lifestyle. Schuman will also be featured on Facebook, hosting live chats, initiating polls and engaging with Estée Lauder Facebook fans. On YouTube, her editorial and How-To videos will be available for viewing and she will host Tweet-ups to converse with Twitter followers.

“It’s a great privilege to work with the Estée Lauder brand,” said Schuman. “We are both dedicated to helping women everywhere look and feel their most beautiful. I know this will be a fantastic creative partnership and I look forward to sharing my beauty discoveries with an expanded audience.”

Schuman began Cupcakes and Cashmere in 2008 and has been featured in top fashion magazines, including Teen Vogue, Glamour, and Lucky amongst others, and on major online outlets, such as Refinery29, NYmag.com, and Who What Where. She was also named one of Forbes Top 20 Blogs for Professional Women and was included in InStyle magazine’s Best of the Web.

Isn't it exciting that bloggers are now being recognized by mainstream media and companies as a legitimate voice in both the fashion and beauty industries? Congratulations!

MAC Charged Water Cleanser Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:20:00 +0000

MAC Naturally Skincare: Mineralize Charged Water Eye Cream, Charged Water Cleanser, MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel

NARS recently came up with their own version, as did MAC. Cleansing water/makeup removing waters are all the rage nowadays. This is the makeup-loving girl's best friend. This water-based makeup remover was so popular backstage during fashion week because it takes off makeup without leaving any residue, so new makeup can be applied immediately thereafter. It's not oil-based so your skin won't feel greasy and sticky. They can also take off hard to remove makeup like mascara. Just wet a cotton pad with the product, and remove makeup accordingly. Easy as pie, right?

MAC Charged Water Cleanser on a cotton pad after removing eye shadow, liner and mascara

I tried the MAC Charged Water Cleanser for removing full makeup on my face, and it took off my full-coverage foundation quite easily. I was wearing Chanel Mat Lumiere and it came off in a cinch. Liner and mascara were removed quite easily as well. It works better if you place the soaked cotton pad on the eye and let it sit there for half a minute before wiping off the eye makeup; the product seeps into the caked makeup better for easier removal.

It has the refreshing, cleansing, purifying properties of water, and yet it cleanses and takes off makeup much better than water. This is great for people who need to take off their makeup in a snap, like people who came from work and going to the gym, or people who need to freshen up before an event.

I like to use cleansing waters like the MAC Charged Water Cleanser in tandem with my Clarisonic Classic. I used this prior to washing my face with my Philosophy Purity Made Simple cleanser using my Clarisonic Classic facial cleansing brush. This procedure really helped my skin look pure, toned, very clean. I also like to use this product with a Q-tip to clean the lower lashline area of left-over mascara after washing my face.

All in all, I am really enjoying the water-based cleansers such as the MAC Charged Water Cleanser. It is such a gentle, efficient way to take the day off your face without the oily residue.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

Ricky & Nicki for MAC Viva Glam Lipstick and Lip Conditioner Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:21:00 +0000

Lip Conditioner, Viva Glam Nicki lipstick

Viva Glam Nicki

Lip Conditioner (clear)

So here's one of the really interesting celebrity duos for MAC Viva Glam- Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj. Ricky was my childhood crush when I was only 12. He was part of this Puerto Rican boy band called Menudo. I had to convince my dad to watch the concert when I was in 6th grade, and I never regretted it. Even now as a dad of twin boys and having fearlessly revealed his true self to the world, I still find him incredibly sexy. I'm glad he has committed to be a part of Viva Glam, with every cent of the selling price supporting the MAC AIDS fund. Viva Glam Nicki lipstick is a bright yellow pink in the satin formula, and I gotta admit it is very Nicki Minaj-esque. Ricky's product is a clear lip conditioner in a no-mess, sanitary tube which I really like, as opposed to those lip conditioners in pots.

Clear Lip Conditioner, Viva Glam Nicki

Wearing Viva Glam Nicki with clear lip conditioner underneath (please pardon the wonky-looking falsies! The other one looked odd at this angle, but I fixed it and it looked a lot better. Too bad I didn't take a photo after that!)

I wasn't too sure of Viva Glam Nicki because it looked way too bright and cool on my warm yellow-olive skin. It looked better on me than Viva Glam Gaga 1, and the yellow undertones complement my warm undertones. I believe I can make this look warmer with the right lip liner or gloss on top.

I LOVE the lip conditioner. I love the convenient and sanitary tube, and I also like that it really moisturizes the puckers and not just makes them slippery for better application of lip products. I like the lip conditioner more than the lipstick, but if you have the right skintone, you will definitely rock Viva Glam Nicki, especially since it is saturated with color (thanks to the satin formula).

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.

Easy Ways to Green Your Beauty Routine

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:14:00 +0000

Easy Ways to Green Your Beauty Routine

Think you have to give up all of your favorite products to get eco-friendlier? Think again. These tips will show you how easy it is to be green

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article

You tote a reusable bag to the farmer's market. You buy energy-efficient light bulbs. You even carpool to work every now and then. You know the virtues of going green -- and now it's time to get a little more conscious about your beauty stash. The good news: New eco-friendly technologies in the beauty industry mean you don't have to give up your go-to beauty regimen to clean up your act. Here are the small changes that pay off big

See tips

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Eye Shadow Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:50:00 +0000

Pomegranate Punk, Bad to the Bronze
Tough as Taupe, Audacious Asphalt

Bold Gold

Pomegranate Punk

Bad to the Bronze

Audacious Asphalt

Tough as Taupe

I've had these Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Eye Shadows for about a month now, but yes, I am joining the bandwagon and announcing to the world that I am really loving these puppies. These are really THE best drugstore cream shadows I've tried so far. They are amazingly rich, pigmented, and they do stay put on the lids. And like countless of beauty bloggers and gurus, I am a big fan.

Tough as Taupe, Pomegranate Pink, Bad to the Bronze, Audacious Asphalt

Bold Gold

Pomegranate Punk is a really cool-looking burgundy with metallic shimmer. I really like this and this is definitely one of my favorites. I use this as a base for plum, purple or pink-based looks, or it can be worn alone. Bad to the Bronze is a favorite of many makeup mavens, and I'm no different. This is such a versatile color. I just apply it with a fluffy brush on the lid, smooth edges with finger, apply liner and I'm good to go. Love it.

Audacious Asphalt is another great shade. It can be a base for greys or silvers or even neutrals. It has a quite shimmery/metallic finish, so be warned if you don't like too much shimmer on your lids. Tough as Taupe is just a matte/cream greyish shade. Looks boring alone to me so I make this a base for smoky or neutral eye looks. Lastly, Bold Gold is a big fave. It really brightens up the lids and the metallic gold is very eye-catching and pretty, it brightens up the lids and gives nice finish on the lids. Coupled with a black liner, this looks simple but attractive.

What I like about these is that they apply really smooth on the lid. Some of these you need a couple of swipes for them to be quite opaque, but others, especially the ones with the satin/matte finish like Tough as Taupe, are opaque in one application and have great staying power. I usually apply this using a fluffy shader brush, then I blend the edges with my finger. They do tend to dry fast, so work quickly and apply one eye first and blend harsh edges with your finger before going to the next.

I mostly use these as a base just like MAC paint pots, but some of them I use as a cream shadow alone. I especially like Bold Gold, Bad to the Bronze and Audacious Asphalt as wear-alone cream shadows.

My only gripe is that there are too many colorful and bold shades that I didn't get because I wouldn't be able to use them everyday. I'd like cream shadow equivalents of all my Urban Decay Naked 1 and Naked 2 eye shadows, so if Maybelline Powers That Be are reading this, please make more neutral shades! I also do not like that the names of the shades are on the lids, because mixing the lids is a possibility. It would be great if the names are on the bottom of the clear pots so you can see both the name and the shade itself.

This is an amazing line though, and I would have to agree with the many fans that this is one of the best cream shadows from a drugstore brand. I am looking forward to creating looks using these so stay tuned!

SRP: $6.99 (but I got these for $5.99 each at Target)

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

Winners of The Shades Of U New Year Giveaway for Followers

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Prize Package A

MAC Suave Intentions eye shadow
MAC Magenta Madness pigment (not eye-safe but is cheek and lip-safe! You can even use this to mix with clear nail polish!)
Sue Devitt lipgloss in Alanya
Zoya nail lacquer in Cho
Aromaleigh mineral eye shadow in Starry Eyed
Lumiere Natural Radiance complexion enhancer sample
Cellairis case for iPhone 4/4s in Zebra Rouge

Prize Package B

MAC mineralize eye shadow in Quartz Fusion
MAC pigment in Neo-Orange (not eye-safe but is cheek and lip-safe! You can even use this to mix with clear nail polish!)
MAC lipglass in English Accents
Zoya nail lacquer in Farah
Lumiere Starstruck Silk Radiance sample
Aromaleigh mineral shadow in Love's Easy Tears
Cellairis case for iPhone 4/4s in Zebra Cinnamon

Thank you to everyone who joined The Shades Of U New Year Giveaway for Followers. Finally, we have two winners! All entries are in, and 2 lucky winners were randomly chosen via Rafflecopter to win one Prize Package each as described above. Below you will see the Rafflecopter widget that announces the winners, followed by an announcement as to who won which package.

(*Drumroll*)

(Winners announced below the cut)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize Package A goes to

Gintare K.

and

Prize Package B goes to

Joanna

Woohoo! Congratulations!! Please check your e-mail inbox (and your spam box too just in case) for a notification e-mail from The Shades Of U. Please reply to the e-mail with your mailing address so the prize can be shipped expeditiously. Please reply to the e-mail and send your information within 72 hours, or your entry will be disqualified as stated in the Contest Mechanics.

Congratulations again and thank you to all The Shades Of U followers! More giveaways to come so subscribe to or follow this blog and stay tuned!