Hot or Not Beauty

Running away from the smoky eye mania that has engulfed beauty addicts everywhere, Laura Mercier presents another option for this year’s holiday season.

Shimmering white eyeshadow, ice blue kohl eyeliner, shimmering pink glace and a body sparkling mineral powder that adds an iridescent shimmer to your body.

I’m not a fan of overly glitter on your eyes, cheeks, lips and everywhere possible will make you look like a freaking disco ball, however when it’s delicately accented it can act like a Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and turn you into the belle of the ball.

Of all the items, the one that I frowned upon was the ice blue kohl, unless you use it on your waterline to give a little pick-me-up and make you seem more rested and glamorous, shimmering nearly white eyeliner on your top lid is something that I dislike, it’s one of those makeup pet peeves for me. So, if you’re getting it only to line the inner part of your waterline, why are you getting another eyeliner that looks almost exactly like a white one and does the exact same thing.

This collection caters more to the fair-to-medium toned complexions and if overdone can make you look like the Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia, so like everything that has obvious shimmer to it go in moderation and build your way up.

The winner was the body mineral powder, which I’m considering to purchase because it’s something I’d like to put on a girls shoulder, decolletage and accenting other areas of the body because if it gives out a hint of pearlized glow it can completely give you a fairy-like mystique that looks cute for the holidays. And I must say the feather duster intrigues me as well.

Do I think this is the greatest holiday collection known to man? No. Do I find it’s refreshing and gets away from the smoky eye mania that’s on almost every other single collection, yes.

So make a trip to a Laura Mercier counter near you and try these out.

YES! It seems that the non-smoky eye wearers will have more than one option for this fall’s collection with Armani Beauty.

Inspired by Armani leather accessories and clothes rich in feel and texture, this collection once again is synonymous with luxury.

Eyeshadows tend to go for pink, violet and ashwood tones for lid, crease and browbone with a beige shimmery highlighter that if applied to the inner corner of your eyes adds a pop that makes you look awake (for lack of a better expression).

Armani also released an eyeliner in calligraphy pen format, resembling YSL’s eyeliner pen, whose brush allows you to dot line your lash area for subtle enhancement or a very dramatic and bolder eyeliner in this water based formula (which ensures a less aggressive makeup removal).

Lips are also bold and dramatically, highly defined with lipliner with strong, darker colors and with a pinch of gloss for the usual sexy pout.

Honestly, I love this look. It’s sexy without resorting to smoky eyes (again) and adds a sense of luxury and almost decadence to the overall look. I also love pink eyeshadow and the hues selected for this eye mania palette and the fact that it has a faux snakeskin finish makes it even more glamorous.

There isn’t a big emphasis on blush and cheek definition whereas a paler softer canvas is preferred to emphasize eyes and lips.

Smashbox has put up its Fall collection online and presents what seems to be the consensual trend for the coming season, smoky eyes.

It’s kind of hard to sound extremely excited about yet another makeup line that pumps the smoky eyes look after reviewing it a few times now and (although I’m one of it’s fervent enthusiasts) it’s very hard to remain excited as if it was fresh and new.

However, there are a few differences in the Smashbox line and I’d rather emphasize those to give you some other options before you decide what shall be your look for the upcoming Fall.

Complexion wise, all bets are on extremely polished complexions with an obvious foundation feel to them. That’s right girls, Summer is over and falls brings out glamor and sophistication to a highly polished, contoured complexion. Smashbox opts on the other hand for a glamorous bronzy look with a new shade of blush that can be used to warm up your complexion, contour or make your cheeks pop in “Ecstasy” (Limited edition), they also opted for less full eyebrows like most makeup lines.

My personal favorite is the lipstick, the limited edition Decadence Photo Finish Lip Luxe offers a tube of nude lipstick on one side and scrumptious nude gloss on the other for the most exquisite sexy lips. If you don’t like nude lippies, opt for their new Decadence Lip Enhancing Gloss in “Vixen” in a deep berry shade. However, this set brings nothing extraordinary if you think of Yves Saint-Laurent’s beautiful lip twins that offers a multitude of satin lipstick/gloss choices.

Eyeshadow wise, there’s nothing new, the trios offer a graphite/slate or copper/brown choice to smoke up your gaze complementing it with Smashbox’s gel liner.

Last, but certainly not least is a set of seven brushes that offers two limited edition brushes (one buffer brush for perfectly blended face powders, foundations, bronzers and mineral products and an angled blush brush for an expert contouring and face definition) which is slightly pricey, but a wonderful way to start your brush collection, including eyeliner, foundation, brow and two eyeshadow brushes that will start you on the best way for exquisite makeup.

So, if you’re still not picturing a smoky decadent you, Smashbox decides to join in the peer pressure.

Every now and then MAC completely revolutionizes one of their product lineups to introduce a new formulation to the market.

For years, MAC’s Paint tubes were a cult favourite, viewed as one of the best bases to apply eyeshadow on to ensure a more vibrant color and long lasting makeup without creasing or excess weight on the eyelid. MAC’s Paints popularity is only surpassed by Urban Decay’s Primer Potion.

One of the many complaints was that although the tube was quite portable, it would become damaged quite easily leading to the product drying out and becoming unusable.

Using the same type of packaging as their Fluidline eyeliner, the new paints now not only have become re-formulated but visually revamped.

Quite honestly, I prefer the new pot package, for me it’s a lot more convenient to store and a lot less prone to accidents. The whole paint collection includes a considerable amount of colors in both matte and frost finishes.

Paints are fairly easy to apply and since they it has a high pigment content, not only can you apply it with your fingertips, you don’t need a lot of product for great results.

Along with the new colors, MAC has created a new pair of feathered lashes for the most extravagant look possible.

Yet another fall collection that hops on the smoky eye bandwagon, although it’s an incredible popular eye makeup technique that never truly goes out of style since it’s worshiped by many followers, Clinique left its squeaky clean look for a sultry, sexier, apparently sexy will be this Thanksgiving look.

Although Clinique suggest a slightly dramatic change of overall look there isn’t a dramatically different (pardon the pun) change to its makeup product lineup.

They have however launched the color surge trios, a three-colored eyeshadow palette of coordinating colors to create the looks suggested with this season overall look and two of them are limited edition.

While glancing at the look in question I wasn’t too thrilled. There’s something about the eye makeup that doesn’t thrill me at all, maybe it’s all that contrast or the colors or finish, or maybe I’m just being picky, but I don’t like it all that much.

The skin appears luminous with a matte finish, with a sophisticated medium coverage foundation with definite emphasis on contouring and cheek definition. The lips are layered with creamy lipstick and topped off with luscious gloss. Also, notice on how the brows are defined but full and intense.

This year is a splurge fest for all of us addicted to smoky eyes and intense colors and while they may take the Sun’s happy rays for the upcoming season it’s as if we are changed from daytime to evening wear as the seasons shift.

Amongst this Summer’s collections, Giorgio Armani Beauty launched their bronze collection with a new palette and a few new products to turn you into a Mediterranean beauty.

Amongst the products is their new summer foundation to warm up your complexion and give a sun kissed look with a sheer lightweight formula and if you just don’t have the time to hit the beach, you can add a nice all-over glow to your body with the Bronze Mania Gel.

It also features a new bronzing duo with two complimentary shades of cream/powder to contour and illuminate your face. The gold mediterranean palette features four shades in beige, orange, gold and brown plus a bronzer for the perfect compact to take with you on vacation.

The look itself is quite simple, focusing on a bronzed shimmery complexion that is very well defined with simple eye combinations that can be turned easily from daytime look to nighttime.
The lips are kept nude but slightly shimmery for a seemingly bare look.

In all sincerity this isn’t a collection that thrilled me by any means and most likely something I’ll steer away from since the products themselves don’t bring anything new. Unless you are a huge Armani fan and feel that you must have this collection I wouldn’t take my credit card for a walk if I were you.

Yet another brand adds a tinted moisturizer to its ranks, it’s Chantecaille’s turn to revolutionize the world of sheer tints to the face.

A light, cooling, gel-textured tinted moisturizer packed with the usual Chantecaille botanical goodness and essential oils. For all skin types, “Just Skin” adds SPF15 and guarantees protection from sun, smog and free radicals.

More and more brands release their tinted moisturizer to please those who don’t like the feeling of foundation on their face and enjoy their skin shining through. To me tinted moisturizers are “the” alternative for men who want to even out their skin tone without having to resort to foundation, so I’m always on the look for a skin enhancer like this.

There are two problems for me with this product, the price being the first, $62 is a tad pricey for just a tinted moisturizer (although it’s typical for a luxury high end brand like Chantecaille), the second is the lack of shades for this product. Those with a darker complexion will probably have to resort to some other brand like Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier or MAC for a tinted moisturizer with a wider range of color choices.

My advice? Go to a Neiman Marcus near you and get a sample, sometimes when the product is exactly what you’re looking for then it’s worth to spend a little extra dollars on something that not only is good for you but makes you look your best.

After all, beautiful skin is the basis for incredible beauty.

Golden complexions aside, MAC launched C-Shock, an outrageous assortment of bright and vivid colors for the fashionably bold.

Like many of their collections, the first impact is bound to scare the more visually demure at the sight of bright grass green or rich yellow lemon. However, C-Shock doesn’t mean you have to wear all the colors at the same time with this degree of intensity.

A collection like this allows you to stock on colors that are normally available at counters that you can coordinate with your regular eyeshadow colors.

I recommend Going Bananas (soft yellow lemon, frost finish), Fab & Flashy (mid-tone orange with gold pearl, frost finish) and Passionate (real mid-tone red, matte finish), this last one is actually a re-promote from the Nocturnelle collection.

The real surprise of this collection is Blast O’ Blue lipstick, a mid-tone lustre blue lipstick that you can layer over red or pink lipsticks to enhance the color even more, or if you’re really daring you can wear it alone on a wild night. If you’re not feeling blue then try out Overrich or Out to Shock.

Also, if you like lipgelees, my recommendations go for She-Boom and Lil’ Sizzler.

Before you turn your back to this collection, play with the possibilities that these colors offer and remember the makeup rule of thumb which is having fun.

Do you love free stuff? Do you love makeup? Better yet, do you love Laura Geller Makeup? And the final question is do you love reading beauty blogs? If you can answer yes to all of the following, I have got the contest for you.

I am offering full sizes of Laura Geller’s best selling products to the winner of this contest. (This contest is in no way affiliated with Laura Geller Makeup Company, but it is the makeup line of choice that I am giving away because I love it!)

The top referrer of readers to my blog will receive the following:
1. Laura Geller Spackle
2. Laura Geller Balance & Brighten
3. Laura Geller Bronze & Brighten
4. Laura Geller Blush & Brighten in Golden Apricot
5. Laura Geller Powder Pencil
6. Laura Geller Lip Shiner
You can view these products at Sephora.com.

This total package is a retail cost of $135. What you must do to win:

1. Refer readers to my blog, Hot or Not Beauty.
2. The reader that you refer must write a beauty question addressed to Ms. Hot or Not.
3. The reader that you refer must include their name, email address and your name and email address in the comments section.
4. The person that refers the most readers who post a question to Ms. Hot or Not, will receive the goodies noted above. So it’s really important to have the email addresses for contact purposes!

In addition, the top 5 beauty questions will receive a full size Laura Geller Baked it, a $28 value.
The contest will run through June 1st, with a winner being announced by June 8th. (Give me time to tabulate!)

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Have you evertried to put foundation only to have it skip and tug on your skin? Or you notice that it seems to have vanished by mid-day? Or do you use moisturizer and feel a few hours later your skin feels like all the moisture has been sucked out of it? If you can answer yes to those questions — its time to check out an under makeup primer!\

So what exactly is an under makeup primer? It’s a lightweight preparation that helps makeup to go on smoother, last longer and look fresher for the day. Most primers have some sort of silicone derivitive in them to give them a nice finish on the skin. The silicone helps the primer to “float” on top of lines and large pores, creating a more even canvas for makeup application.

I find primers to indespensible for makeup application on my clients. They are paying me for meticulous makeup application, and part of that is having the perfect groundwork laid before I even begin application of the makeup. I have used practically every primer on the market and am constantly trying new ones.

I have a couple favorites that are my consistent go to primers:

1. Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer. Takes down redness, calms and leave no residue.
What it is:One of Laura Geller’s signature creations - a sleek foundation primer.

What it is formulated to do:
This sleek undercoat smoothes and perfects skin’s texture, prepping it for foundation. Formulated with nourishing, soothing botanicals, it’s lush, lightweight, and suitable for all skin types.

What else you need to know:Spackle is 100 percent oil-free and comes in an “airless” pump so you can get every drop.
Fantastic Price point! $21.5 for 2 ounces.

2. PerFekt Skin Perfection Gel — My new discovery. This primer can almost double for foundation. It even comes in a variety of “skin” tones.
This multitasking miracle ‘per-fekts’ and enhances the skin offering an alternative to traditional foundation/primer. The all-in-one vitamin enriched, sweat-resistant and water-resistant formulation glides on effortlessly to instantly improve skin tone, reduce redness, and help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines.

Enriched with powerful antioxidants including the universal antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, and vitamins A and E to help repair, protect, and fight future environmental skin damage, this lightweight gel helps maintain hydration leaving the skin with a healthy, even glow by locking in moisture and absorbing excess skin oils. Oil Free. Fragrance-free. $57.50

Go ahead and get primed! You will have HOT beautiful skin!

Primers — Hot!

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Spring and summer present a whole new look for makeup. It’s time to lighten up and show fresh beautiful skin. If you don’t have fresh beautiful skin, as so few of us over the age of 5 years old do, we have to fake it. Ordinarily we use foundation to conceal and in some cases mask an imperfect complexion. However, you may want to try what may be called the best of a foundation and moisturizer mixed in one – a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers present a wonderful to traditional foundation. They work double duty by providing subtle coverage to even out skin tone, and give a boost to moisturizer. I don’t recommend alleviating moisturizer in lieu of a tinted moisturizer, but instead to use a lighter version of your favorite moistsurizer or to use it a little more sparingly.

For a beautiful “natural” finish to skin, apply your tinted moisturizer and dust skin with a loose powder. You will look fresh and as if you aren’t really wearing makeup. Just one more way to keep up with those girls with flawless skin. But we won’t tell…

My top 5 tinted moisturizers:

1. Laura Mercier Tinted MoisturizerThis has got to be the Grand Dame of tinted Moisturizers.

This sheer, lightweight moisturizer contains a protective SPF 20 sunscreen and a hint of color that can be used in place of foundation for a natural finish that adds a healthy glow to your complexion. Available in 7 colors for fair to deep skin tones. $40.

2. Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
My second choice in the tinted moisturizer category. Want even-looking skin, but aren’t willing to take the foundation plunge? This moisturizer is packed with sun protection and just enough color to even skin tone. The light, hydrating formula is ideal for all skin types and comes in natural, see-through shades. Application is a cinch and the coverage is long lasting, leaving you with a perfect finish every time.
Size: 1.7 oz 10 shades, $30

3. Lorac ProtecTINT™ SPF 30 - Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
My new favorite. With an SPF 30 that doesn’t ash out on darker skins.A lightweight, oil-free, sheer tinted moisturizer that’s good for all skin types - especially sensitive skin.
protecTINT™ SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer gives skin a natural, healthy glow, while providing protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Its unique formula instantly evens out your complexion and provides a youthful, smooth, no-makeup look and feel and never looks obvious, even close up!
Size: 1.3 oz 5 Shades, $30.

4. Dr. Brandt Tinted Daily UV Protection SPF 30 - Face I love Dr. Brandt’s tinted moisturizer for it’s slight shimmer. Tinted daily UV protection with SPF 30 and Active Renewal Shield is the minimum SPF recommended by Dr. Brandt. Absorbs quickly, without shine. 1.7 oz., $30.

5. Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20
A lightweight, all-in-one face finisher and skin treatment with antioxidants and UVA/UVB, SPF 20 sunscreens.Creates a natural, healthy-looking finish with no telltale lines and delivers the benefits of essential moisture, broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, and potent antioxidants with skin-refining color.

Tinted moisturizers — HOT!

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For several years, I spent my time writing advice for Sephora.com. If you are a product junkie, you know that it’s the hugest e-tailer of beauty products, cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and skincare in the world. As a makeup artist and esthetician with years of experience and one who has tried thousands of products, I am what you might call a pretty jaded guru. I’m not impressed by hype, but by results.

So in my own humble opinion, I know what’s hot and what’s not. But this is where I need you — the beauty blog readers out there. I am starting a new feature — Ask Ms. Hot or Not. So please send your questions to me via the contact link on the page, or in the comments section. If I don’t know the answer, I will do the research. If it’s a product I haven’t reviewed, I’ll get it, use it and review it. And know, I will give you my honest opinion.

Please, deluge me!

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I don’t know about you, but I love free stuff. In particular free beauty products. Nordies often offers a great GWP and the current promotion is awesome. So if you are a spender and want to reap the reward of shopping, do yourself a favor and spend your moolah at Nordstrom beauty online.

What you get:
Exclusive Online OfferWith your online beauty or fragrance purchase of $95 or more, you’ll receive deluxe samples from the following beauty brands:

Online only. One per person, while supply lasts. Gift will be added automatically in Checkout and can only be shipped to the same destination as your order.

Now’s the time to get that one big purchase like a moisturizer or treatment serum. Then you will automatically get the reward of the freebies listed above.

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The french manicure is old news. For all the fashionitas out there, those who love shoes like I do, the new hottest manicure is the Christian Louboutin manicure. You know how Christian Louboutin makes those gorgeous shoes with the red sole? Well, the Christian Louboutin manicure paints the underside of your nail red. Try it with a dark top color on top in homage to Louboutin’s black pumps with red sole.

The new Louboutin manicure — HOT!

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I’ve been writing about Spring 2007 makeup, so take a peek at some of the best collections!
NARS “Charmed”
Inspiration:
A blend of simple and sophisticated: light, fresh pink sheer lips are accented by bold and daring hues of apricot and plum for eyes with just a hint of sparkle.

Includes:
• NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow Compact, Thebes
• NARS Sheer Lipstick, Tutti Frutti
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Calliope
• NARS Lip Gloss, Risky Business
• NARS Makeup Primer With SPF 20

Lorac “Pleasure Island”

Inspiration: Look like your favorite celeb – just back from an island vacation with sun-kissed skin. Sparkly hues for eyes, cocktail-flavored lips, and lashes meant for the red carpet will keep you looking fresh and fabulous.

Includes:
• LORAC protecTINT Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, Dare to Bare
• LORAC Cheek Stamp Satiny Powder Blush, Golden Glow
• LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes Long-Wearing Mascara, Black
• LORAC Maui Wowie Full Face Kit, Limited Edition ($90 Value)
• LORAC Mocktail Flavored Lip Gloss, Maui Mai Tai

Vincent Longo: Sheer Beauty
Inspiration:
The youthful spirit of Spring is here with a soft and sheer natural look. Start by applying a flawless complexion and add touches of flushed colors to cheeks and lips.

Includes:
• Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil, Soft Pink/Spring Rose
• Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-To-Powder Foundation, Bisque
• Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blush, Savannah Fresh
• Vincent Longo Baby Balm Lipstick SPF 12, La Dulceta

Of course there is no need to buy every piece in every collection, the point is to do a makeup update. A pretty new lip color, lighten up your cheeks for spring or try something new on your eyes.

Get shopping!

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