Haute & Naughty, Getting Caught Up, #NYFW February 15th, 2011 By

I have to tell you about the most insane mascara I just tried.  Gifted to me from M.A.C., it’s called the Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara in black and I haven’t really tried any mascara like it before in my 10+ years working as a makeup artist.  What makes it so different to me is the formula itself.  Extremely black and very, very wet, the mascara glides on with a super dense look that is a little intimidating at first.  With around 21+ swipes and a few minutes of not moving/blinking/waiting for it to dry, the lashes are manipulated in a manner where each lash is thick, dramatic and LUSH looking.  And this is just with the main applicator.

Bonus:  There is a second layer of packaging for a much less dramatic look should you so choose! (I’m big into mascara options for day/night or dramatic/natural looks).

Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

I also wanted to tell you that I got fitted for a free pair of Levi’s Curve ID jeans (I’m a demi) while in New York last week, and I can’t believe how well they fit.  Thanks again to IFB for hosting such a lovely conference with such awesome folks as Levi’s, TheFind, Gucci, and many more (complete list of sponsors here).

In other fashion news, I also got an e-mail from QVC about their Mercedes Benz Fashion Week plans.  They’ve got some amazing brands these days — Gypsy Mara Hoffman, B. Makowsky, Muxo by Camila Alves — way to go, QVC!  So check ‘em when you get a chance.  NYX is also in full force on the West Coast, featuring Janelle Monae at Sunday’s Grammy Awards.  If you haven’t heard of NYX, they’re an indie artist’s line that is both affordable and high-quality.

We’ve got a contest coming up tomorrow, so stay tuned, beso lovers!  I hope you all had a lovely Valentine’s Day.

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Beauty Talk: Mineral Makeup April 12th, 2010 By

Mineral makeup is a great option for natural coverage because it’s often more forgiving than liquid foundations and easier to match your skin tone.  Still haven’t tried it?  Check out my three personal favorites.  They diffuse light and give skin a soft glow and a more natural look, which makes mineral makeup a favorite among celebs.  Even those of us with acne scars can enjoy mineral makeup by pairing it with a good concealer where needed.

 

Bare Minerals Get Started, $60

Bare Minerals Get Started, $60

Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals
Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals has the best coverage among all of the mineral makeup I have tried. You have to buff it on with a tightly packed kabuki brushfor the best results.  The Original Bare Minerals Foundation has shimmer which can accentuate lines if applied to heavily, but gives skin a pretty glow.  The Matte Bare Minerals is better for older skin and a more refined look.  The Matte version tends to get a little cakey though so you have to spend some extra time blending the foundation into your skin.  The Get Started Kitsare a great value since they include two foundation shades, brushes, warmth (a bronzer) and mineral veil (a translucent powder that sets the foundation).

M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, $26

M.A.C. Mineralize SkinFinish
M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is my daily go-to powder in the morning.  I pair it with M.A.C. Select Cover-up concealer for a flawless, fresh complexion.  The purse-friendly solid powder compact is perfect for travel and is way less messy than loose powders.  My only gripe about the compact is that there is no mirror.  There is a great range of shades (which is usually the case for M.A.C.), so it’s easy to find the right shade for your skin.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder, $32.50

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder, $32.50

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief
Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief is a very sheer powder, but you can apply it with a nylon foundation brush or concealer brushfor better coverage.  It works well over foundation or concealer and light layers can be applied throughout the day to alleviate oiliness and redness.

Also check out Clinique’s Urgent Relief Creamto calm red skin as a result of an allergic reaction or irritation.  It works very quickly to eradicate bumpiness, rashes and discoloration.  I can attest to the face-saving qualities of its predecessor, Clinique’s Exceptionally Soothing Cream for Upset Skin (discontinued).  When I tried on a department store blush and immediately turned bright red, itchy and bumpy right before I was due to present a research project, the Clinique girl saved me with that cream.  Within 20 minutes I was almost back to normal and not itchy at all.  Keep a tube at home if you have sensitive skin.  It also works well on beard burn!

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Beauty Talk: The New Blues February 28th, 2010 By

The New Blues

Brighten up your vanity with beauty products in shades of blue.  From sultry shadows to gentle exfoliators, check out some of my favorites among the new blues.

1. MAC Deep Truth is a classic very deep blue shimmer eyeshadow that can update the classic smoky eye by standing in for stark black shadows.

2. If lighter shades are more your style, try Urban Decay Speed.  This pale blue shadow is a great way to welcome the spring.

3. Get a mix of blue shades in Maybelline’s Eye Studio Sapphire Siren Quad, the drugstore giant’s latest shadow offering.  A light and dark blue are paired with a frosty white and black shadow to give you a range of eye looks, all for less than $9!  Even if you usually avoid Maybelline’s shadows, try the new Eye Studio quads, they are way more pigmented than their regular line.  Applied wet, they rival department store brands with their rich color payoff.

4. NARS Bains Douches is a bright sky blue glitter pencil that will take your eye look from day to evening.  Wear a pale blue shadow to work and then spice it up in the evening with a darker blue shadow (like MAC’s Deep Truth) and Bains Douches in the inner and outer corners of the eye to add some sparkle.

5. Stila Black Diamond Mascara in Blue Shimmer will add just a hint of sparkle to your eyes.  The soft blue shimmer in this basic black mascara is perfect for daytime (no disco ball eyelashes here).

6. Brighten up your shower and your skin with Peter Thomas Roth’s Botanical Buffing Beads!  This scrub has tiny round beads to gently exfoliate your body and even delicate facial skin.  The bright blue color will help you to imagine a lovely tropical ocean while you uncover the bright new skin you’d show off on that beach.

7. Marc Jacobs Daisy in The Air is a limited edition reisssue of the popular Daisy fragrance in a bottle adorned with bright blue flowers.  The perfect gift for the girl who loves floral fragrances,  Daisy has notes of violet, strawberry and gardenia.  This limited edition set includes a daisy chain of blue flowers that she can spritz and hang in her room so she’ll be surrounded by her favorite scent.  It’ll also freshen and brighten up your car -  those little green trees are no competition!

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Editor’s Picks: What I Can’t Live Without Right Now January 25th, 2010 By

Here are my top picks for products I can’t live without these days:

Mara's Top Picks, 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

Mara's Top Picks: 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

When thinking about this week’s post, I turned to my own current must-haves for inspiration.  Here’s what I’m loving right now:

1. MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Benny Satchel
$398
“The grape color is fresh and flirty for spring, and I can’t get enough of the dove motif on his latest collection!  Plus, it has plenty of pockets that keep me organized when I’m on the go.”

2. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong
$18
“The only underwear I buy these days — I must own a pair in every color.  They’re so soft and comfortable, and they never show through my clothing.”

3. Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz.
$85
“One of the best-selling perfumes in the country right now, Lola has hints of fuscia peony, geranium, and ruby red grapefruit.” 

4. Revlon Sheer Pink Enamel
$4.79
“When I don’t have time for a manicure, Revlon’s Sheer Pink polish saves the day.  The smooth formula glides on evenly, and it’s sheer enough so that mistakes don’t show.  Just one coat makes my nails look pretty and even.”

5. Kiehl’s Extra Strength Conditioning Rinse
$21-$33
“I use this conditioning rinse in lieu of my daily conditioner once a week to soften and add shine to my long (somewhat damaged and dry) hair.  Added bonus: the delicious coconut smell!”

6. Ray-Ban Aviators
from $72
“Even on my worst days, the aviator style makes me feel tough and sexy.  I love how Ray-Ban is now offering different lens and frame shades.  My favorite, the classic large style with gold frame and black lenses.”

7. Votivo Candle — Red Current
$25
“Perhaps my favorite candle, it’s clean-burning with a delicious scent that appropriate year-round and not too girly.  Makes an excellent hostess gift!”

8. M.A.C. Cosmetics Clear Lipglass
$14
“The shiniest gloss I’ve ever tried.  This unique formula really does leave a glass-like finish that lasts for hours.  I love it alone or over my favorite lipstick.”

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beso Deals: Shop under $50 … doubles as gifts! December 11th, 2009 By

shop_under_$50

‘Tis the season for gift giving, but have you noticed all those great deals?  I know, I know — we are trained to not buy gifts for ourselves at this time of year; but why? I’m giving you permission to buy one, give one.  At fifty bucks or less, you too could be wearing a fabulous New York & Company sleevless knit v-neck dress for only $7.99!

Wrap it up!

1. LOFT
Ann Taylor Loft Women’s Black City Suiting Pencil Skirt
$59.50 $9.88 (83% off)

2. New York & Company
Women’s Grey Ny&c Red Label Sleeveless Knit V-neck Dress – New York and Company
$59.99 $7.99 (87% off)

3. Azuri
Azuri Pashmina & Scarves – Lucky Draw, Linen Wrap
$222.00 $29.00 (87% off) Free Shipping
Extra 20% off any order
Code: HOLIDAY09 Expires: 12/12/09

4. Urban Outfitters
Deena & Ozzy Snake Foldover Clutch
$38.00 $14.99 (61% off)

5. Boscov’s
Nine West Antioni Medium Hobo – Deep Purple
$79.00 $27.49 (65% off)

6. Victoria’s Secret
Colin Stuart Peep-Toe Mary Jane
$78.00 $39.99 (49% off)

7. Nordstrom
Juicy Couture ‘Wish’ Ring
$42.00

8. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Tassel Lariat Necklace
$28.00

9. Victoria’s Secret
POPbeauty 24K Goddess Clutch
$32.00 $19.99 (38% off)

10. Sephora by OPI
SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour Gift Set ($27 Value) Nail Colour Gift Set
$18.00

11. Nordstrom
M.AC. ‘Baroque Boudoir’ Lipstick
$22.00

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