I'm a big fan of layering eyeshadows. Yes, one is great -- but two or three are so much better! So I'm totally excited about the newest trend hitting the eyeshadow world -- swirled eyeshadow. The best thing about this type of shadow is that you can either sweep your brush across one shade, or you can really sweep across all of them to create a color that's all your own. Brands like M.A.C,Avon and Too Faced have all gotten in on the trend -- just check out the Too Faced Baked Eyeshadow above ($19.50 at toofaced.com). Get even more options after the jump.
Spotted on the Spring 2009 runways? Heavily defined eyebrows. Whether dark brown and angled at Christian Dior or drawn above the brow and accented with purple shadow at Marni (seen above), designers were all about the bold brow. And while this trend has a tendency to veer toward the theatrical, there are ways to take it into every day! You just have to find the right brow pencils, stencils and gel to make this look work for you. Check out tons of photos and get some tips after the jump.
Accented with a shot of greyish blue shadow at MaxMara Sorbet hues offset heavily drawn-in brows at John Galliano A thin line between love and hate -- or just above the brows -- at Jean Paul Gaultier Dark brows are offset by huge crimped buns and lots of bangs at Christian Dior The most wearable of the bunch, with just a bit more definition, at Missoni
So how can you get the look -- but keep it toned down enough to take it out on days other than Halloween? Certain products from Anastasia -- brow groomer extraordinaire -- will certainly help you go the distance.
To create your shape of choice, try the Brow Express ($38). This kit comes with four stencils in a variety of shapes that you can trace onto or over your brows, thereby going for the drama or keeping it a bit more suitable for the office.
For a bit more fun and glamour, try the Baked Highlighting Brow Kit ($32). Drawn on wet, it will increase the dramatic look and add a bit of shimmer, too. This is perfect for a slightly more subtle recreation of the look from MaxMara.
And if you have sparse brows? Why, Brow Enhancing Serum ($36) will save the day, of course! Smooth this gel over your brows to create fuller, hairier arches.
And of course, no brow would be complete without Clear Brow Gel ($21). This stuff WORKS. Your brows won't budge all day ... plus, no flaking, clumping or smudging!
Now, I'll be the first to admit it. I don't like Valentine's Day. Seriously. In high school, my BFF Katie and I declared it "stupid day." We walked around in grey sweatpants, grey sweatshirts and talked about how stupid the holiday was from start to finish. (We also sent each other Candygrams, but that was just to give us a sugar rush in the middle of biology.)
But you know what? I'm getting into the spirit a bit this year. Because tons of companies have come out with some of the cutest, prettiest pink products around ... and when that happens, you just have to say, "It's okay, Valentine's Day! I heart you!" Check out my favorite pink products after the jump.
You may remember that I covered the gold trend back in December. No? Click here for a quick recap. Well, the trend is still going strong! There are so many gilded products on the market right now, I've decided to bring you part two of Trend-Filled Thursdays: Gold Products. They're showing up on celebs like Kate Walsh, seen at left, and Jennifer Hudson ... not to mention on the runways of Salvatore Ferragamo and Moschino.
Find out which products you simply shouldn't be without after the jump.
Lippmann Collection Nefertiti ($15 at lippmanncollection.com): Looking for the perfect shimmery gold? Well, I've found it for you. While the glitter flecks aren't quite baked into the formula, a top coat like Seche Vite will make it totally glossy.
Guerlain L'Or Radiance Concentrate ($68 at sephora.com): Not only does this primer smell fantastic, it leaves skin looking and feeling totally gleamy. But let's "face" it -- I'm totally in it just for the unbelievably gorgeous bottle, infused with real gold flecks!
Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow in Filigree (16.50 at lancome-usa.com): Let me be honest -- the picture here does not do this shadow justice. It's a gorgeous shimmery goldish taupe that just looks flattering on every single skin tone. Trust me, you won't want to be without this one.
NARS Blush in Sertao ($25 at narscosmetics.com): Rather than sweeping this on the apples of my cheeks, I like to dust it across my forehead and cheekbones for a bit of glimmer all day long.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Brillance Sparkling Touch for Lips in Gold Shimmer ($29 at yslbeautyus.com): Looking for just a bit of extra glimmer for your pout? Then this is the way to go. It's just enough to make them sparkle without becoming too over the top.
And for myriad more gold options, check out the slideshow below!
The inauguration sure has got this beauty chick excited! I'm all full of pride for my country and can't wait to see what our new President is going to do. So is it any wonder that I'm inspired by star products this week? From tweezers to perfume, there are products that seem to exude just as much pride in the USA as I'm showing right now. See the best of the best after the jump.
Lancome Juicy Tubes Sparkling Night ($18 each at bloomingdales.com): Each of the four shades of this lipgloss (Constellat, Sky Diamond, Star Shower and Twinkle) are -- you guessed it! -- inspired by stars. And since they're all gorgeous, I'll be snapping up each and every one for my Juicy Tubes collection.
Make Up For Ever Star Glitter ($13 at sephora.com): Sometimes I totally want to be a 70s disco queen. And with these tiny stars stuck on my cheeks and in the corners of my eyes, I'm pretty sure I can pull it off.
NP Set Runaway Star Lip Gloss Set ($14 at target.com): Seriously, how cute are these? I love that they're little ornaments as well. Even though I never have a Christmas tree, it doesn't mean I won't be hanging them up somewhere in my house!
Bond No. 9 New York Bryant Park ($650 at saks.com): The ultimate indulgence? You'd better believe it. Normally I wouldn't condone spending this much money on anything, even the most gorgeous pair of Christian Louboutins. But for this gorgeous glittery bottle, I might just make an exception.
Lush Stardust Bath Bomb ($6.95 at lush.com): I'm thinking this is the perfect bathtime accessory. It's pink, it's got stars all over it and it smells divine. What more could you ask for?
Sephora Girls Lollipop Lip Gloss in Blackberry ($2 at sephora.com): I totally love every lipgloss in this collection, but this starry one is my absolute fave. It just makes me feel like I'm on top of the world! And the glossy delicious goodness sure doesn't hurt.
Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezers with White Stars ($9.80 at beauty.com): Plucking my eyebrows has never been so fun! I'm totally enjoying being patriotic with these pretty star-emblazoned tweezers.
A trend seen all over the Spring 2009 runways? Pale glossy lips. We're talking high-wattage shine in nudes and pale peaches that were gorgeously flattering on a variety of skin tones, from pale to dark and everything in between. (Just check out Chanel Iman at left, rocking the trend on the Marc Jacobs runway, to get the idea.) And since pale glossy lips are one of this beauty chick's favorite things to rock year-round, I consider it incredibly important to bring the trend your way! Check out tons of photos from the runways and the glosses you just shouldn't be without after the jump.
The smoky eye continues to flourish on the runways, on the red carpet and in real life. And what better way to accomplish it than with pewter eye makeup? This color is showing up in everything from liners to shadows, like the gorgeous Dior 1-Couleur Powder Mono Eyeshadow in Silver Dust above. But it's not just eye makeup! No, it's popped up in nail polish too.
Admit it -- the economy is kicking your perky little behind. It's hard enough to find the money to spend on milk, let alone beauty products. (Though this beauty chick would definitely forego the milk in order to purchase another shimmery peach lipgloss.) And shopping for another human being right now? When every penny counts, how is that even doable? Well, luckily, there is a veritable plethora of gift options under $25 -- all of which are super cute and bound to grant reactions of the utmost pleasure and gratitude. See my favorites after the jump.
Shu Uemura 24K Gold Eyelash Curler ($24 at sephora.com): It's limited edition, it's plated with real gold and it curls lashes like no other. Plus it comes in the prettiest red box. What's not to love?
ck Calvin Klein Splendid Glam Mini Nail Enamel Collection ($25 at sephora.com): Four polishes in some of the most gorgeous colors I've seen all year are nestled in a convenient little case. My fave is Twilight Spell, natch -- anything to make me feel a little closer to Robert Pattinson!
Too Faced Mirror Mirror Set ($21 at ulta.com): Who's the fairest of them all? You are, of course ... especially with this foursome of lippies, which keep your lips glossed and polished for hours on end!
Smashbox Best of Smashbox Kit ($19 at smashbox.com): This set not only has a retail value of $42, but contains three of the brand's bestsellers! Check out trial sizes of Bionic Mascara, Fusion Soft Lights and Lip Enhancing Gloss. Sure to entice the beauty chick in all of us!
Philosophy The Recipe Box ($18 at philosophy.com): Red Velvet Cake. Strawberry Shortcake. Sweet Creamy Frosting. Not only does this box come packed with all three of these scents in the brand's famous 3-in-1s, but it even includes recipe cards so you can test out the three recipes and write out your own!
Gianna Rose Atelier Three Monkeys ($21 at giannarose.com): The adorableness of Hear No Evil, See No Evil and Speak No Evil now comes in three miniature soaps! I'm betting you'll want to keep this one all for yourself.
M.A.C Little Darlings Softsparkle Eye Pencils ($22.13 at maccosmetics.com): Your eyes will glisten, glitter and gleam like never before when you swipe them with any of the five pencils in this gorgeous set. The deep brown Chocolight is my fave, though the other four will definitely do your eyes justice.
While I am a true beauty chick at heart, I can't deny the fashionista side of my personality. A little bling goes a long way in this beauty chick's arsenal ... be it a chic bracelet or fabulous cocktail ring, the right accessory can totally punch up any outfit. So I'm totally thrilled at the new trend sweeping the nation -- beauty jewelry! Tons of brands are designing everything from rings and bracelets to even keychains that have perfume, lipgloss and more inside -- like the Missoni Aqua Solid Perfume Charm Bracelet seen at left ($50 at sephora.com), which even has an adorable little turtle charm hanging from the ring-linked chain. See the best of the best after the jump.
Whenever I'm feeling blue, or just when I want to add a little more sparkle to my look, I go for the gold. Gold products, that is! And you know what? I'm not alone! Brands like Chanel and Smashbox have created collections specifically around the gloriously royal hue. And what's better for the holidays than a little glisten under the mistletoe? Read on to find the products that will really have you glittering in golden glory.
Today is Thanksgiving, which means one thing. Turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Loads of pumpkin pie. So why not really get in the holiday spirit with products scented, infused and otherwise created with pumpkin? This gourd-like squash originates all the way back to sometime between 5000-7000 B.C. in Mexico. Now that's a long time to be using the alpha and beta carotene, lutein and Vitamin A found within this fabulous plant! Check out the products that are amazing circa now -- and happy Thanksgiving!
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($44 at peterthomasroth.com): I'm already a huge fan of the brand's Cucumber Gel Masque, so I assumed this peel could be no worse -- and luckily, I was right! It cleanses, it moisturizes, it tones, it scrubs away every single piece of dead skin you thought you had and more. Plus it smells unbelievably fresh -- and the somewhat clinical packaging looks perfect in my medicine cabinet.
Slatkin & Co. Ceramic Pumpkin Figural Candle ($6.25 at bathandbodyworks.com): Does it get any cuter than this ceramic candle shaped exactly like a pumpkin? I think not. Plus the scent is unbelievably real -- and it makes your whole house or apartment smell so delectable in a matter of minutes!
Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Muffin Flavored Lip Shine ($12 at philosophy.com): Looking for a lipgloss that tastes utterly and completely like pumpkins -- but isn't too overly, unbearably sweet? Then you have to check out this iteration, which will make your lips super glossy and shiny but won't leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
on10 Disney Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm SPF 15 ($9 at sephora.com): There are so many things I love about this balm, it's hard to pick just one. So, okay, I won't! The SPF keeps my lips from getting harmed by UV rays, the moisturizing factor totally keeps my pout soft and conditioned, and the packaging is totally adorable. Because honestly, who could resist a Disney princess?
Belli Skincare Stretchmark Minimizing Cream ($52 at belliskincare.com): While this is technically formulated for mamas or mamas to be, let's face it -- we all get an annoying stretch mark from time to time! Well, this is guaranteed to help make them disappear. That's enough for me!
Okay, admit it. Are you as psyched to see Twilight this weekend as I am? I devoured the entire series -- even the unpublished fifth manuscript -- in less than two weeks, and come Friday night, I will be sitting up close and personal with my favorite vampire in the world, the one and only Edward Cullen. So it got me thinking, of course, about the products that could only have been inspired by the characters we've all come to know and love -- Edward, Bella, Rosalie, Alice and all the rest. Read on to find the products most suited to your vampire lifestyle.
The new nail trend seen all over the red carpet? Dark nail polish. But we're not talking green, blue, burgundy or chocolate brown -- though of course those colors are always gorgeous and popular. No, the new colors making their way down the carpets are none other than dark purple and black. Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Hayden Panettiere and Kimberly Stewart are sporting these vampy shades at everything from movie premieres to parties for Vogue to charity events. Read on to see more pics and find out which polishes you can use to get the same effect.
Kimberly Stewart at the Vogue Fantastic Fashion Fantasy Party Hayden Panettiere at the 5th Annual Alfred Mann Foundation Innovation and Inspiration Gala Elisabetta Villa at the Quantum of Solace Premiere in Rome
Chanel Black Satin Nail Colour: So this color is so popular, you'll probably have to search for it on ebay. But it's the be all, end all shade that just totally defines this trend. It's been popular for years, and for good reason -- it glides onto the nail smoothly and easily, and the creamy black hue with a hint of shimmer is just so absolutely perfect whether you let it chip or keep it totally pristine. In case you don't want to shell out the big bucks, try Zoya Raven -- a very close dupe!
Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer in Electronica ($1.99 at 8ty8beauty.com): Yes, it's less than two dollars! But that's not why I'm crushing on this color. One coat is sheer and a bit sparkly, while two create a beautiful, glisteny opaqueness.
Sally Hansen Nail Lacquer in Pat on the Black ($6.29 at walgreens.com): Looking for an eggplant slash violet that will glide on creamily and deliciously? Well, look no further -- this is so it. I recommend two coats, as one is a bit streaky.
Dashing Diva Nail Polish in Dark Tempest ($7.99 at dashingdiva.com): So reading Shakespeare's The Tempest wasn't necessarily my favorite part of 12th grade English. But I'll put my bad feelings aside for this totally gorgeous polish, which with two coats turns to an unbelievable creamy mulberry.
butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Union Jack Black ($12 at butterlondon.com): Go all Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate when you put this polish on. Because not only is the bottle the most unique I've seen, but the color inside dries totally creamy and shiny.
Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Cuppa Joe ($6 at goindulge.com): I totally love polish with the shimmer baked in ... because honestly, there's nothing I hate more than glittery polish that feels rough to the touch. And not only does this polish meet that requirement with flying, well, colors ... it's totally the most gorgeous shade of plum!
