Blog Sale!

Between the fact that I'm moving in 2 weeks, I've been purchasing too much lately, and some of my fabulous items aren't getting the attention they deserve, I think it's time to pare down a bit (or at least make room for more)! These are all items that I've purchased myself, many of which I really love and think are fabulous, but just are not getting much use and I'm trying a ruthless/take no prisoners approach about what to part with. Most have been used just a few times, some only once, and all are in great condition, exactly as pictured. Please feel free to ask questions!

1. Rock and Republic Blush in Spank- retails for $40. This is a huge, heavy, hockey-puck sized luxe blush in a soft pink color. Works on any skintone, used 2x.

2. Shu Uemura Palette filled with Eye Shadows in M Beige 800, P Brown 853, IR Gold 350 and the famous ME Brown 850; Blushes in M Amber 83, M Amber 85. Teeny dip in M Beige 800, tiny nick in P Brown 853 from putting it in the palette, other colors used twice (accurately reflected in the picture). Retails for almost $150!

3. Chantecaille Lip Chic in Ceylon- retails for $30. A stunning, smooth, creamy browned berry in chic packaging. Used 2x.
4. Becca Soft Touch Blush in Malika- a light sparkling peach that retails for $32. Used 4x. Small dent/nick.
5. Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eye Liner in Stromboli- retails for $29. Used twice. A black with gold shimmer/sparkle, from the glamourous, hard to find line. Black eye liners just do not work with my super pale skin!
6. Josie Maran Cream Blush in Sunrise- this is a soft pink that retails for $22. Used 3x.
7. Clinique Brush On Cream Liner in Bronze- this was a limited edition shade that sold out. It's still very creamy, just as when it was first opened. Retailed for $14.50. Used a few times but vast majority of product is left. 8. Chantecaille Luminous Eye Liner in Pianissimo- used 2x, this is a shimmery charcoal liquid liner with blue violet tones. Super pretty and unusual! Retails for $22.9. MAC Tendertone in Deep Sigh- this was the most pigmented shade of the balmy-rich Tendertones. A sheer bronze with multi-color sparkle. Used 2x. Retailed for $14.50 and no longer available.
10. Sephora Electro Liners in Copper Electro and Khaki Electro- Each used 2x, a metallic copper with gold shimmer and a metallic deep green with gold shimmer respectively. Retailed for $6 each.

11. Bare Escentuals A Touch of Sun Kit- with A Little Sun Bronzer and Fan Brush- used 2x. Retails for $28. The perfect bronzer--a tan with a hint of pink to replicate a natural sunburn. And the brush is perfect for bronzer.

12. Giorgio Armani Eye Shadow 39- used once. an unusual greyed taupey green. Retails for $28.

13. Lipstick Queen Oxymoron in Honest Politician- this matte/gloss hybrid is a flattering pink brown and works for lips and cheeks. Used 3-4 times and retails for $20.14. Rock and Republic Eye Shadow in Exile- used 2x and still in box. This is a gorgeous amber shimmer with the smoothest texture. A huge amount of product and the metallic is amazing. Retails for $28.15. Bobbi Brown Eye Essentials Palette with Bone, Taupe and Mahogany- perfect neutrals. Small dip in Bone, Taupe used 3 times, Mahogany used 3 times wet. Brushes will be wshed and included. Retailed for $40.16. Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Indigo- retails for $32, used 4x. A deep, inky warmish navy.
17. Lancome Color Design and Eye and Face Palette- a super gorgeous versatile palette, but I have most of the shades as singles! Retailed for $48, it contains blushes in famous Cedar Rose and Shimmer Mocha Havana and Shadows in Burnt Sand, Designer, Fall Taupe, Latte, Chic and Statuesque. Teeny dip in Latte (a bone shade), other shadows used twice, blushes new.18. Becca Shimmer Powder in Mermaid- the most unusual and interesting mushroom grey green gold iridescent. Billed as a face highlighter (it's more flattering than it sounds!) it also works well on eyes. Used 3x--container looks completely full. Retails for $20.19. Bobbi Brown Rosebud Shimmer- this shade has been discontinued. It's a soft pink with a silver frost and a hint of champagne. Used 3x. Retails for $22.20. 100% Pure Wine Pigmented First Crush Eye Palette- naturally but highly pigmented. Used 1-3x each. Retails for $32.
21. LORAC Lip Liner in 06- a nude mauve plum brown. Used 2x, looks brand new. Retails for $16.22. Estee Lauder Eye Pencil Duo in Plum Grey- used 3x. Retails for $23.50. A soft greyed plum in a smooth, twist up formula with a smudger on the other end.
23. Giorgio Armani Sheer Cream Blush 1- a shimmery apricot brinze with soft white and gold shimmer. This is a drier textured cream blush--unusual but works very well, even on oily skin. Retails for $40 and used 3x.24. Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Emotion- a perfect wash of pink in the signature pop up case. Used 3x and retails for $30.
25. Stephane Marais Lipstick 3- This extremely hard to find but adored line was stocked at Henri Bendel and was sadly discontinued. This lipstick is a warm nude pink with some brown. Retailed for $22 and used once.26. Chantecaille Gloss in Flirt- retails for $28, used 2x. A sheer but bright, happy warm pink with a bit of coral.
27. Lancome Le Crayon Lip Liner in Caramel- retails fro $22.50, this automatic lipliner was used 2x and a is a caramel pink nude.
28. Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick in Bouquet Dive- a shimmery bronze with pink. Used 1-2x. Retails for $18.29. Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Lipstick in Dolce- the perfect nude! Retails for $26, used 1x. I have a backup and realized it's time to let go!
30. Lancome Color Design Blush in Freeze Frame (Shimmer)- this is a pearly highlighter in a gold-shimmered shell champagne color. Retails for $27. Used 2-3x.31. MAC Lipstick in Lollipop Lovin'- the famous peachy pink with green iridescence! Used only 1x. Discontinued, sought-after and retails for $14.
32. Korres Mango Butter High Shine Lipstick in Natural Purple- used 2x, this is a sheer plum berry. There is a small mark on the back of the lipstick that is evident in the photos. Retails for $18.

Phew! Ideally I'd prefer to sell the whole lot at once for $125 + actual shipping (via Paypal only), but will accept other reasonable offers. This lot retails for over $917 (O.M.G.). Everything will come beautifully packaged and include a ton of extras! I have perfect ebay feedback that I'd be happy to provide. If you're interested, please post in the comments or email newyorkcitypretty@gmail.com! Thank you!

Five Recent Rediscoveries

When you frequently buy new makeup products, often old favorites tend to fall by the wayside. Over the last few days I was determined to get back to using some items I hadn't worn in a while. Here of some products I rediscovered in my collection and was really pleased with this week:

• Lancome Miel Glace Blush Subtil- this soft shimmery pinky bronzy beige hadn't been used in quite a while and now that I've rediscovered it, I remember why it's such a highly praised blush among makeup aficionados. It's a great everyday blush whether you're pale or simply want a subtle look (I guess it's obvious that I don't use those little in-compact applicators!).
• Laura Mercier Black Violet Kohl Eye Pencil- black is too harsh with my fair skin and light eyes, but plums and purples don't always provide enough contrast or drama. Black Violet is absolutely the best of both worlds--a deep dark violet shimmer married to a sooty black--with an unbeatable formula. This liner glides on and wears well on me. Amazing on the waterline as well!
• MAC Grain Eye Shadow-I am not the biggest MAC fan, but I spotted Grain in a Company Store (the invite-only version of the Cosmetic Company Outlet) and had to have it. It's a pretty peachy beige shimmer with a hint of taupe in the pan, but is even more flattering when applied than you'd expect. It really brightens up my whole eye and is perfect for a quick, polished look.
• Laura Mercier Stickgloss in Brown Sugar- this is a soft beigey brown mauve in a sheer, moisturizing base. A perfect go-to for work and works very well with Miel Glace.
• Kiehls Vanilla Essence- this tiny vial holds an ultra-concentrated perfume oil. Many vanillas give me a migraine but this doesn't. Kiehls' Vanilla is not a complex fragrance. To me it's vanilla blended with a tiny hint of cherry and almond that I find warm, simple and comforting.

Jouer on Gilt on Monday!

I just received an email from Jouer Cosmetics saying that the line will be on sale at Gilt this coming Monday, February 1st! I'm a big fan of Jouer, particularly their eye shadows, cream blushes and concealers. You can read my previous thoughts on the line here, or check them out at Henri Bendels or jouercosmetics.com. I have to make sure I'm near a computer at noon on Monday!

Paul and Joe Manicure of the Week

I've been trying to let my nails "breathe" for the last week or so because they're in pretty bad shape--breaking, peeling and brittle. I have no science to back me up but for some reason I really think that's the damage was cause by all of the glitter-laden polishes I've been wearing lately. After a week of bare nails and judicious applications of cuticle oil, I think they're on the mend.

Paul and Joe Nail Enamel 04 (Provence) is a super pretty, very sheer, iridescent shimmery nude pink with a hint of mauve. It has the same perfumey smell as the Lipstick mixed with the characteristic nail polish scent. (Since I've never heard anyone mention the odor of the nail polish or lipstick before, I'm beginning to wonder if the ability to detect the signature Paul and Joe scent is a recessive trait similar to the ability of one to smell the bitter almond of cyanide. But I digress...)

This is 3 coats as the shade is sheer, but builds nicely. It went on smoothly and evenly. At $14 it isn't the most cost-effective polish, but it if wears well I'd definitely consider purchasing additional shades, especially since the bottle is so gosh darn cute! Overall, this is a nice, natural look.

LA-bound!

I'm leaving for LA on Sunday for a business trip and I've never been there before! Is there anywhere I should be sure to go? Is there anything beauty-wise I can get there that isn't available in NYC? I need some shopping help!

I'll be staying in Century City, supposedly just a few minutes from Rodeo Drive but will not have access to a car other than a taxi. I can't wait to trade today's snow boots in for sandals (when I'm not working)!

Bloomingdales Spring Beauty Guide

Bloomingdales wants you to you to get happy (with bright new pops of color), get glowing (with soft shades that shimmer) and get ready (with the freshest skincare solutions) and January 28th through February 7th the store at 59th and Lex is having a beauty event! It seems that almost all of the lines are offering some sort of gift with purchase or incentive to stop by. NYCers can call 212-705-2000 for more information! For everyone else, ring 1-877-485-8462. Here are some of the most intriguing products from the new catalog I received:

• Laura Mercier Radiant Creme Color ($35), Eye Color Duos ($22), Satin Lip Color ($22) in Barely Nude, Pink Cocoa and Maple Brown and Lip Shine in Crystal Pink ($22). That Radiant Creme Color is absolutely calling my name!
• Bobbi Brown is all about coral for spring as indicated by the stunning Nectar Shimmer Brick ($38), Cabo Coral Pot Rouge ($22), Cabo Coral Lip Color ($22) and Sunset Beach Lip Shimmer ($20). The lip products are all limited edition. They are pairing the Shimmer Brick with the Face Blender Brush ($45) which I have and really like!
• Dior's vinage lace collection looks stunning, but I'd be too scared to mar the beautiful imprints! For those of you braver than me, the new 5 Color Eye Shadow in Coquette ($57), Lace Highlighting Powder ($55) and Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect Lip Color in Beige Veil ($26.50) are your options!
• I am a big Lancome fan (even though it may not be what the cool kids play with anymore) because their products are top-notch. The new Color Design Quad ($42), Teal Ink Artliner Delight ($23.50), Coral Flight Pop'N Cheeks ($29) and La Laque Fever Gloss ($26) scream spring. Personally, I'm partial to the liquid liner version of the Artliners and wish they'd release new shades in that formulation.
• YSL is offering new Ombre 5 Lumieres #9 Palette in Parisian Sky ($56), Palette Y-Mail ($65) in 3 colors to choose from and for lips, Rouge Volupte #29 Opera Rose ($34) and Gloss Volupte #2 Chilled Rapberry ($30).
• Shiseido is all about bold color for Spring with Luminizing Satin Eye Color ($25) in 5 new shades including Peach and Sky, Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte blush ($30) in 6 new colors and Perfect Rouge Tender Sheer Pout ($25). there are 8 new shades in this range.

Has anything caught your eye? What do you intended to check out for Spring?