The Beauty Alchemist

Fragrance News- Estee Lauder Modern Muse & Cavin Klein Downtown

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:34:00 +0000

Friday was fragrance news day with the announcement of major releases by two big names.

First up is Downtown by Calvin Klein , and the face of the campaign is actress Rooney Mara. CK says the scent " balances feminine woods with soft floral notes that make it confident and modern with a unique signature and an unexpected edge" . Notes include Italian cedrat, bergamot, Tunisian neroli, green pear and watery plum at the top, a heart of pink peppercorn, violet leaf and gardenia petals, with a drydown of Texan cedarwood, incense, vetiver and velvet musks.

Ann Fremont and Givaudan created the EDP which is due in July and will be available in several sizes including my favorite- a rollerball.

In September Estee Lauder brings us Modern Muse. They call this their " most important fragrance release in a decade" , although I recall Sensuous certainly being a pretty big launch five years back.

Modern Muse is fronted by the aptly named Arizona Muse and was created by Harry Fremont. It's based on jasmine and sleek woods with notes of mandarin, tuberose, lily, honeysuckle, dewy petals and 2 jasmines- Sambac and Chinese Sambac Absolute. The woods include patchouli, vanilla , amber wood and musk.

Both of these new fragrances seem to follow the trend of light, dewy semi orientals. It will be interesting to see how the market likes them. Both these names are fragrance powerhouses but Calvin Klein's last big release Beauty fizzled fast .

Do Downtown and Modern Muse sound like perfumes you'll want to wear ?

RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:49:00 +0000

I'm thrilled to announce that I am an official RoC Ambassador for this year. In that capacity I will get sneak peeks of new products ahead of time, info on new releases and ... offer giveaways/contest.

So to kick this lovely weekend in May ( having perfect late Spring weather here) I have a get set for Summer giveaway of RoC® Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 and Retinol Correxion MAX Wrinkle Resurfacing System.

If you know RoC, then you know these are great products and really work. If you don't, I can tell you that I used the MAX Wrinkle Resurfacing System most of the winter to get my skin ready for warmer weather. It smoothes and helps to fade a little some pesky darker spots all while providing moisture . That it helps to prevent future lines is no slouch either. My full review from last year here .

While you're sleeping, let it do it's work since at night the skin cell renewal rate is higher and your skin is more receptive to active ingredients. Then in the AM put on your SPF .

How do you enter ? I'm keeping it easy. Just leave a comment under this post only and you're in. If you want an extra entry and you're on Twitter, RT the giveaway making sure to use @Beauty Alchemist .

I'll take entries/comments through Mar 22nd at midnight. Good luck.

The fine print:
-Open to US only
-The Beauty Alchemist is no responsible for lost, late or erroneous entries.
-Fufillment provided by RoC, The Beauty Alchemist is not responsible for shipping or lost packages.

Votre Vu Lip Lustre

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Three new lipglosses make their debut from Votre Vu to bring a little French chic to your makeup table.

Lip Lustre's are really morte than a gloss though, as they have full almost full coverage and are creamy, not glossy thin.

There are three Lip Lustre colors all having a touch of pink. One is pearly light, with a barely there pink iridescence, a light peachy rose and a more medium rose berry shade.

One thing I loved about these was their feel. The hybrid lipstick/lipgloss feels great on lips with no stickiness and they hug the lips. They are moisturizing and have green tea and vitamin e for conditioning.

The shades Demure (pearl), Charming (light pink) and Tempting are available at www.votrevu.com for $ 22.

Luvocracy

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of Luvocracy ? It's new resource for people and bloggers, like me, to pick some of their favorite products and put them into a shoppable collection. You can browse , search and buy throughout everyone's picks.

I just finished my first collection-Summer Beauty Musts and you can see it here

By the way, I am not making money from this right now. There is the potential to earn a commission on sales but it's early days for that. At this point it's just a fun way to make my own catalog of items if you will.

Let me know what you think, and I will be adding more collections in the next couple weeks . Things like pet products, Summer shoes and more.

CK One Street Editon Shine Lipstick in Tagged

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:13:00 +0000

A lippie that's finding itself in the main rotation lately and one I am pretty sure will be a summer staple is the new CK One Shine Lipstick in Tagged from the Street Edition collection.

This is a most unusual pick for me since I rarely go near pinks. They are just not me. This one however is. It's very watermelon or fruit punch and gives a nice pop of color but isn't really what I would call bold. For Summer, it's the perfect swipe and go shade.

The CK One Shine formula is a glossy lipstick , and very creamy with a lot of moisture. Pigment is good, semi sheer to medium and there is shimmer. It doesn't last super long on lips which is typical of this type, but does leave behind a stain when it wears off.

I also like the fun graphics on the tube courtesy of NYC graffiti artist, Miss 163,
and you can also get those on your nails with the matching nail polish strips in Graffiti.

CK One cosmetics are available at Ulta and CK One Shine Lipstick is $ 16 ( Full shade line available in regular packaging).

La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Body

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:05:00 +0000

In doing a quick recon to see if one of my sunscreen favs La Roche Posay added any new ones this year , I hit the jackpot. They will be releasing a body version of their
Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Fluid. The face SPF is one of the better ones for us oily gals as it is super light and mattifying along with high sun protection. I said when I first tried it back in 2011 that it was barely there .

Now there is Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Body with that same high SPF using 11 % titanium dioxide as well as La Roche Posay's Cell- Ox Shield which is "a patent pending combination of UV filter and a powerful antioxidant complex to further protect your skin with an advanced broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection."

This , too, says it will feel weightless on skin, and has a light tint instead of a white cast. If it's like the face one, that tint really doesn't show much. The face one was a thin, easy to use liquid that dried fast and this new body formula looks to be the same.

The release date is mid June and it will be $ 36.99 for 4.2 oz

mark Marrakesh Fragrance

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:16:00 +0000

One of the things you notice first with the newest fragrance from mark, Marrakesh, is the bottle. Ok that's usually the case with any scent but this bottle is one that's very showy with it's openwork golden orb topper and look of Arabian Nights .

Marrakesh has a very warm weather feel with it's scent of jasmine and orange blossom for a white floral blend that reminds of tiare and has the coconut feel that can come with that. The cardamom note adds a bit of spice.

It begins rather sweet but once the full drydown is reached , the cardamom has asserted itself enough to add some dryness. The scent is is not heavy but not super light either .

It's not always easy to find a fragrance that is inexpensive but also not overrun with musk and fruit . Marrakesh isn't and is nicely priced .

Find it at www.meetmark.com for $ 24 in a 1.7 oz EDT

The Lovely Lilac

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

It's the lilac season, one that's all too short but so beautiful. It's an instant ahhh when I take a whiff of my lilacs. They are almost done his year's blooming but if you want to keep that scent going all year there are a few fragrant options.

Lilac is a scent that isn't captured easily in fragrances but my favorite is Frederic Malle En Passant. Before I even sniffed it I knew I would want it and it was my first Malle fragrance. It's such a fresh lilac . Based on white lilac, it does have other notes and I get the bread or wheat note listed , but only a little and it in no way detracts from the lilac.

Another favorite is the lilac powder by Caswell Massey. When I saw they had powder in lilac it was an instant must have. Unfortunately it looks to be discontinued now. There are a few on Amazon still left.

Ineke's After My Own Heart is a gorgeous fragrance , mainly lilac but not completely. Beautiful and soft with green notes , it's very much of the season, and is the kind of scent that lifts you on a warm but rainy day.

Elizabeth W out of San Francisco also makes a lilac fragrance but it's not one I've smelled. I have heard other perfumistas talk about it with praise, though.

Enjoy the fragrances of Spring and do share if you have a lilac I haven't encountered yet.

Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow & Foaming Daily Moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I'm a tanner, a self tanner that is. I love the stuff and use it all summer long. Jergens has made theirs for many years now but this year it's has gotten a solid upgrade with their no odor formula.

Every year self tanners get a little less stinky and Jergens has done a good job here. The lotion does still have a tiny , tiny bit of odor but so little as to barely notice.

Better yet, since I can stand the stink of most tanners, is that their 3 Day goes on so easily and when dry ( and it does fast) there are no streaks even with a quick application which is my general modus operandi with self tanner. With one use I got enough color to feel better about baring my legs after winter, using the medium to dark option( I'm not into looking pale with my tan, when I want color, I want color). And that color lasted several days without doing another. Using each day gives you a nice golden glow but nothing overdone. Color takes about 8 hours to develop.

I have to say I am very impressed and it's been awhile since a drugstore tanning lotion did that. What can I tell you, this is one category where drugstore has had a hard time competing with high end. Thankfully that's not the case here.

I also tried the new Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer. This works as well as the lotion . The mousse applies evenly even with a quick use, it dries very fast and adds a little moisture without stickiness, or any scent. Want to get dressed right away? Boom. You're done.

These come highly recc'd if you want a nice self tan this summer. I already have a tube of lotion on the to buy list . Coupons are readily available as well , they've been in the Sunday papers or you can hit up Jergens here for $1 one .

MAC Golden Elixir Strobe Liquid

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:50:00 +0000

Strobe Liquid in the original is one I've used off and on for years. More than anything I use it on my legs . When you've forgotten or didn't have time to self tan, it gives gams a little bit of shimmer for a you but but better look. It's a time honored backstage trick.

New Golden Elixir Strobe Liquid will work that way but even better since it imparts a light tint of tan bronze. It's sheer but does make a difference.

Use on face to highlight or all over ( it's light enough to not be too much), on decollete , arms and legs. It's creamy and lightly moisturizing with a bit of shimmer. The shimmer is not heavy, it lights you up and gives you a nice glow. Like you've been at the beach all day lounging or someone asked you if you weight when you haven't .

Golden Elixir Strobe Liquid is $ 31 and part of Temperature Rising due on May 23rd.

Kiehl's Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying BB Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Fri, 10 May 2013 03:34:00 +0000

Kiehl's enters the BB world with a bang. Their new BB is top shelf , and easily ranks with some of my firm favorites of the BB crop . I'm BB crazy so it's great to add another good one to the supply.

Kiehl's has very good coverage , and easily creates enough of a base to allow you to go without foundation. In my first try of it, I puffed on a quick application of MAC Mineralize SkinFinish over it and got a finished look.
** Update- After using this for several days I can say this has kept my foundation looking good and pretty fresh all day/evening long. Not an easy feat for me.

Medium, Light

There is a good bit of moisture in the formula but it is oil free. They list glycerin as a hydrator. It gives a dewy finish , so the oiliest of skins might find it too much. Slighlty oily to dry it should work well . It 's very lightweight on skin , makes skin smoothed looking , and uses mineral pigments.

Kiehl's has made sure to add in a dose of Vitamin C for max skin benefits. They say they worked for 2 years to get a formula that would allow for high SPF along with Vitamin C.

There are 4 shades: Fair, Fair/Light, Light and Medium. The Light shade shown works well on me and I am slightly pale. Not the palest, but only 1 shade from that usually. It blends down into skin easily.

The SPF is 50 Broad Spectrum with both chemical and physical blockers.

Kiehl's Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50 is $ 37 and available now.

Caboodles Gilded Pleasures Nail Valet

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Got nail polish loving mom or other giftee ? The Nail Valet by Caboodles make a fab gift for almost anyone. Get easy and also attractive storage for nail colors, instead of plastic bins.

There are several colorways and you can find them at Target and Walmart at $ 25 - 29.

Each valet holds 24 polish bottles and includes a mirror on top as well as 5 elastic top pockets in the lid for tools etc. There is also a removable divided tray and the divider that holds the bottles can be removed .

Measurements are : outside dim: 10”L x 7”W x 6.5”H (not including handle)

Tropical Trends UPF 50 Sun Hat from Dorfman Pacific

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:22:00 +0000

As the sun was beating on the back of my neck this weekend I was reminded how helpful a big ol' sunhat can be.

This new packable paper braid hat from Dorfman Pacific will fit the bill. It has a wide but not too wide brim of 4 inches and a tie around the crown that you can use to make it tighter on your heard if need be. It looks chic and most important of all has UPF50 .

Whether you are at the beach, the pool, in the garden or taking a trip this summer to a sunny location, this type of hat keeps you protected but is light enough not get in the way.

It folds up neatly and unrolls right back to shape .

There are 4 colorways , natural with turquoise, black, fuchsia, and tea ( brown).

$ 25 at Hartford York

Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Something unique which is always fun to find in the beauty world, is the new Lip Treatment Oil from Hourglass. Packaged as always in their luxe way , this is an ultra hydrating boost for your lips .

It's an unusual release for warmer weather as this would be amazing in the cold temps but it works whenever you need moisture. Lip Treatment Oil has 28 essential oils, plant oils and vitamins and ingredients include borage, clove, eucalyptus, evening primrose, lavender, orange peel and rosemary oils along with sunflower, and jojoba oils. Vitamins A, B5, C and E are there as is Volulip™ with peptide Pal-KMo2K for lip volume and softening.

All those plant oils give it a slightly herbal scent with eucalyptus, rosemary and the clove being prominent to my nose. It's also vegan with no parabens and lest you think it's all treatment , the oil does have a slight sheen and shimmer on lips .

A neat feature is the applicator. You press the top below the tip to get the oil out and the tip is 24 karat gold plated and antibacterial . The oil iself is thick and viscous not thin or runny and applies easily. It stays on lips awhile and does provide major hydration.

Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment oil is $ 42 at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Fragrances and Essie Gift Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

For Spring into Summer including gifting for Mom's big day this weekend there is the new collab between Ralph Lauren Big Pony fragrances and Essie nail polish.

Each kit comes with a 50ml The Big Pony for Women Fragrance Eau de Toilette (30 ml) and Perfuming Body Mist (50g) and a corresponding Essie polish, with each set packaged in a color-coordinated drawstring pouch.

I only sniffed Big Pony Yellow so far, and you can see that review here .

$ 45 ( and if you are a really great gifter, how about throwing in a manicure as well to try her new color ? ).

Available through August 2013 at Bloomingdales and Macy's and www.ralphlauren.com

Bumble and bumble Full Form Thickening Hair Mousse

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

I began a renewed love affair with mousse after growing my hair long again and remembering how well it can work , also noting that it's not the mousse some may recall from the '80s. Mousse has changed. It's not harsh or sticky. It adds body while also adding hair benefits these days.

A newer one to the scene is Full Form Thickening Mousse from Bumble and bumble. They have a whole good, thickening line and this adds in a styling product.

Full Form not just adds volume but gives the look of thicker , denser hair . It's great for anyone but especially those with thinner, limper hair an extra boost. Pump it into the root area and work to the ends. It's light enough that you can add more as needed. Overall it makes not a huge, but small difference . In the battle to volumize , I know those with thin hair want /need all the help they can find.

Available now at www.bumbleandbumble.com and Sephora for $29

mark. Take Your Time Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Do you love the turquoise color of this watch as much as I do ? It is the absolute perfect pop of color to jazz up any outfit this summer. White jeans , white T shirts, a Little Black Dress, against lime, it all works so well. No one will miss it, making it a great to addition to any look.

The Take Your Time watch from mark. is so much better in person than I ever expected, I have to tell you. Although I shouldn't be surprised as all the mark. accessories I've seen in the past 6 months or so have been well done.

This watch has heft, it's no thin plastic thing, but all metal ( aluminum) and substantive. It borrows from the men's look with a big face coming in at about 1- 1/2 inches along with chronometer like dials for a sporty look ( these are nonfunctional) . The band has an easy clip at the back and looks like it should be able to be shortened if need be .

$ 40 at www.meetmark.com

Melanoma Monday/ Neutrogena Sun Summit /Sun Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Mon, 06 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Today is Melanoma Monday , and it's as good as time as any to talk SPF and sun. I've been meaning to anyway since Spring is here and the sun is out more . I try and explore this topic every year and will have several posts on new suncare in the next months.

You'll know if you've read past articles that I love SPFs with Mexoryl but they are harder to get in the US & more expensive when you can find them. One of the good alternatives at the drugstore has always been Neutrogena with their Helioplex formulas which keep getting better year after year. This year introduced Beach Defense which I talked about here

Last month Neutrogena held a sun summit for beauty editors to discuss sun safety . There was a lot of good info there and I thought I'd share some of it. Obviously product wise it's geared towards Neutrogena but they also had on board a quartet of researchers/dermatologists including Dr. Doris Day, Clinical Assoc . Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center and works at Lenox Hill Medical Center and Drew Shindell, PhD, who is a scientist at NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies , with great advice no matter what brand you choose.

Many of you use Neutrogena SPFs and know that their Helioplex is a great broad spectrum sunscreen. Beach Defense, (you can read about that here, ) is a new addition and as part of the summit we got some of their other SPF items to try. Some I had used before, others not and one discovery for me was Pure & Free Baby. It's got physical blockers of titanium and zinc , ones I like to use, and usually thought of as the best way to go for max protection, plus it feels like nothing on, with no white cast. The takeaway there is don't overlook something because it says "baby" on it.

The FDA also put in place, at last , new regulations on SPF labels. The words “sun block,” “waterproof,” and “sweat-proof” are no longer allowed on packaging labels and it's mandatory that the product contains both UVA and UVB protection. When buying SPF , be sure to read the label well. It's worth the time it takes.

A few takeaways from the Sun Summit :

-Although it is nearly 100 million miles away, the sun is responsible for 90% of the visible signs of aging.

- Surveys reveal more than 70% of Americans do not reapply sunscreen when they are outdoors for long periods of time.

-“The brightness of the sun has increased, while the ozone layer has been depleted, "So climate change has led to warmer temperatures, which means Spring comes earlier and Fall lasts longer, and people are outside more. Due to the combination of these environmental and lifestyle changes, current risk of UV is higher than it’s been ever before.”- Dr. Drew Shindell

Also -for any Neutrogena ® product with SPF purchased, the company will donate one to a family in need, from May 1 through July 31. ( Super idea I think).

Visit www.chooseskinhealth.com for more info

Beach photo: Martha's Vineyard Tourism

Cargo Route 66 Road Trip Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Sat, 04 May 2013 21:30:00 +0000

You knew Cargo makeup was back , right ? It was a well loved brand that disappeared for awhile. Happy to see them up and at 'em again.

Their Route 66 Kit is too cute, features new products and makes a great gift idea for Mom , or any giftee who loves to travel, loves vintage or just loves makeup. I am totally into the bag myself.

The kit contains: New TexasLiner Liquid Liner, New Clarity Lip Gloss in Route 66 ( described as Flamingo Pink), New limited-edition “Roadtrip” Eye Shadow Single, travel size 3 Triple Action Mascara and a limited-edition road trip wristlet.

$34 (a $65 value), Available at CargoCosmetics.com, Ulta/Ulta.com and Beauty.com while supplies last.

Bath & Body Works Bella Italy Collection - Shower Gels & Mother's Day GWP

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:38:00 +0000

Anyone want to go to Italy this Summer? Of course we do. The Amalfi Coast would be my choice . Well Bath and Body Works wants to take you there if only via their new line Bella Italy

While these scents don't exactly make me think of Italy they are pretty and fun. Just what the warmer weather calls for. And if they transport you even a little bit, that's not so bad is it ?

There are three new scents:

-Rome Honeysuckle Amore - a soft peachy floral .

-Venice Dolce Berry- a sweet berry blend that reminds me of a blue snowcone.

-Capri Seaside Citrus- a light citrus with a definite hint of the nectarine note.

All are juicy and Summer-y and available now across the whole Bath & Body Works product line.

For Mother's Day, BBW has a special buy. Their Mother's Day VIP Tote is $ 20 with a $ 40 purchase and has Bella Italy products.

It contains:

Rome Honeysuckle Amore Body Lotion, Shower Gel and Fine Fragrance Mist

Venice Dolce Berry Body Lotion

Capri Seaside Citrus Body Lotion

Sicilian Orange Concentrated Room Spray- a VIP bag exclusive!

Forever Red Body Cream

Crinkle Mesh Sponge

Burt's Bees Natural Lip Tips Video

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Burt's Bees has made a fun new video featuring some of my fellow beauty bloggers and celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno . It highlights their natural lip products and shows some lip combos for great looks .

Natural lip products are a great addition to our makeup wardrobe as we eat a lot of the lipstick we use. It's unavoidable and the more natural means better for us in more ways than one. I think we've all tried some Burt's at one point , right?
No surprise, I particularly love their tinted balms.

I always rec some gift sets at the holidays , well you can grab some great Mother's Day gifts as well like the Head to Toe kit, only $ 13 or in keeping to the lips, a Lip Color Bundle for $ 23.

Check out their displays in stores like Target or at www.burtsbees.com .

* Sponsored Post*

Nexxus Youth Renewal Plump & Lift Blow Dry Spray

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:30:00 +0000

Looking to give hair a lift ? Nexxus has, as part of their new Youth Renewal line, a blow dry spray just for that, Plump and Lift.

My hair hasa good bit of volume on it's own generally, but I am not averse to adding in more. When I first used this I didn't notice a huge difference from my other styling products but then the next morning was a super damp , drizzling one and my hair didn't frizz, but increased in a big way. It was max volume and looked great. That volume lasted even one more day , so this gives not just a boost but a boost that holds in your hair and might help extend a blowout.

Youth Renewal Plump and Dry uses argan oil, omega 3, and keratin among other ingredients for hair health. So you're not just styling but strengthening as well as it is said to help with color retention, shine and brittleness. My hair looked and felt good , which is what matters.

Nexxus Youth Renewal Plump and Lift Blow Dry Spray is $ 17.99 for a 7.5 oz bottle

MAC Caliente & Sheer Seduction Dazzle Lipsticks- Temperature Rising

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Thu, 02 May 2013 01:21:00 +0000

Sheer Seduction, Caliente

I've long ago established that I love sparkle and shimmer. If you want mega sparkle on lips , MAC Dazzle lipsticks are one way to get it and two Dazzle lipsticks are part of MAC's Summer line, Temperature Rising.

If you're not familiar with Dazzle lippies, they have serious sparkle with glitter in them. That glitter will stay on after the color wears off . Not really a daytime lippie, but I've been known to wear one then on occasion. I think they're fun. They offer full, deep pigment with a slightly creamy formula that has a tiny feel of grit but barely there to me.

The two Temperature Rising shades are very pretty and while I don't quite see Caliente as a typical Summer shade, it does look nice against the bronzes and golds. Caliente is a deep berry/ wine shade that MAC Calls Violet. Sheer Seduction is a hot bronze that isn't too dark.

Both will available on May 23 ( possibly sooner) for $ 16.50 each.

The Netherlands Coronation and Queen Maxima

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:41:00 +0000

If you are a royal watcher as I am , then yesterday was a very big day. We saw the Dutch throne of the House of Orange-Nassua being handed over from resigning Queen Beatrix to her son Willem -Alexander . The Dutch do this as a normal thing. The monarch abdicates in favor of their heir when they feel it's time to step down.

The new king's wife the former Crown Princess, now Queen, Maxima is one of my favorite royals. She hails from Argentina and has the most high wattage smile , which is often on. She also loves jewelry and isn't afraid to wear a lot of the baubles at her disposal. She piles it on , which if I were a princess or queen would be just how I would do it. Let me in that vault. Now that she is queen I imaghine we'll see even more bling brought out. Somehow on her it never seems in your face or overkill . She wears it well. For royalty, both Maxima and her husband seem rather down to earth. Or as much as one could be in their situation.

For the investiture ceremony ( less pomp and formality than a British one would be) Maxima wore not only a cobalt blue dress but a matching, swoon worthy cape by Jan Tamaniau . And then there's the huge sapphire tiara. The perfect complement , no ?

Completing the day were the new King and Queens three blonde daughters , all in blue as well . Princesses Amalia, the future queen, Alexia and Arianne.

MAC Power Chrome Eye Pencils in Rich Glance & Polished Jet

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty Alchemist) — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:42:00 +0000

One of the hot items within MAC's Temperature Rising collection are the new Power Chrome eye pencils.

I thought they'd be right up my alley and I was right. Metallic , shimmer, easy use- gimme.

These new pencils come in 4 shades and are much wider than eyeliner pencil and like what we call a chubby pencil these days, but a bit thinner.

Power Chrome's have a lot of summer shimmer and pigment. They glide on easily with a somewhat creamy finish but are a slightly dry formula and so far seem to last long. I haven't had a chance to test the wear all day but after about 6 hours through a damp day/evening they've done well. For me that's very good. The gold shade , Rich Glance is a pretty nude gold that wears well on it's own or with deeper shades. Polished Jet is a deep black with shimmer . Copper Strip ( mid- tone copper) and Life's Luxury ( deep brone brown) round out the shades.

Size wise I do feel these could be a little bigger. They are soft so will need sharpening often and they measure about 3 1/2 inches long. Other than that, I like them and want to see how the bronze looks in person.

MAC Power Chrome Eye Pencils are $ 21 and on sale May 23.