Two Tarte Disappointments

I remember when Tarte cosmetics first premiered at Bergdorf Goodman years ago. I had a makeover and bought a ridiculous number of products, and continued to purchase and for the most part love everything. The last 2 items I've used, however, have not fallen into the 'love' category. The first is the 'natural' iteration of their Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. I used this several years ago, back when it was chock full o' chemicals and liked it. It's now free of parabens, pthalates et al, and bored with how quickly my beloved Korres mascara dries up, I purchased the Tarte.

I get nice length and thickness from it, especially over their mascara primer, but boy oh boy is this flake city! I've had two coworkers (including a guy) come over and that my face was covered in black flakes it was so bad. One close friend, unprompted and out of the blue, said "whatever mascara you've been using lately--stop." Lesson learned. I tossed it and rebought the Korres.

Check back later to learn about the second Tarte product that's fallen short for me recently, the newly released Amazonian Clay Shimmer Powder.

Some New Items at Sephora

Browsing the Sephora site for a new shampoo and conditioner (I'm open to recommendations for my straight, fine, dry hair) and "natural" mascara I discovered some new, intriguing items! What do you think? Are any of these going on your wishlist?

• Josie Maran Eye Love You Too Palette ($42)
• Josie Maran Fresh Faced and Romantic Beauty ($52)
• Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Palette-Pretty ($60)
• Korres Natural Look Antioxidant Color Collection ($32.50)
• Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Bath and Body Collection ($40-$55)
• Shiseido Collector's Edition Makeup Palette ($50)
• Stila All Over Shimmer Duo ($22)
• Sephora Collection Perfecting Color Concealer ($16)
• Stila Coconut Crush Lip and Cheek Stain ($24)
• Tarte Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmer Powder ($30)
• Pacifica I Love Fragrance Five Solid Perfumes Set ($25)

Face of the Day!

I unearthed an old(er) MAC Quad today and wanted to use it!

Eyes:
MAC Blanc Type lash to brow (over Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen)
MAC Naked lunch in and above the crease
MAC Copperplate in the outer corner
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Bourbon
Korres Mascara
(The other MAC shadow in the Quad is Sensualize)

Cheeks:
Rock & Republic Rumor
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Maui
Julie Hewett Goldie Shimmy to highlight the tops of my cheekbones

Lips:
Laura Mercier Tiger Lily Stickgloss

Korres Pure Coral Color Collection

Korres has a new collection out for summer and it's available on their website at a bargain price. For $25.50 you receive a Shimmering Eye Shadow in White Green 42S, Mango Lipstick in Coral 45, and a new Lip Butter in Mango. The site frequently features gifts with purchase and other special offers, and currently they are offering a Spring Color Essentials Collection with a $30 purchase. It include a Fuchsia mini Lip Gloss, full size Lip Liner and a mini of one of my Holy Grails, their Mascara. Use code FLING at checkout.

My Gossip Girl Eye

Unfortunately I look nothing like Blake Lively (the actress who plays Serena Van Der Woodsen on Gossip Girl) and no amount of plastic surgery ever make me will, but that doesn't stop me from loving the eye makeup her character has been sporting in the last few episodes! She wears a super-sparkly very light champagne on her lid and a peachy brown subtly in the crease with a dark brown very close to the lash line. It's absolutely gorgeous and soft and even though our coloring and features could not be more different, I had to try to emulate it. I used MAC Lily White Pigment damp on the lid and on my brow bone, and a blend of the peach and soft taupey brown from Kevyn Aucoin Eye Essential Palette 1 in the crease. I lined close to my lashes with Espresso from Calvin Klein used wet. Korres mascara finished the look. It didn't turn me into Blake but I'm happy with the result--soft and pretty with enough shimmer to look special.

Holy Grails

I, like most beauty junkies, go through phases where I love a certain product. Sometimes the infatuation lasts a few days, sometimes weeks, but there are very few items that I consider true holy grails--things that I'd absolutely replace right away since I would never want to be without them. Here they are:

• Clinique Take the Day Off Balm- I am not a Clinique skin care user apart from this product (though it was my gateway to higher end brands way back in my early teens) but this product is just amazing. Just a little bit completely dissolves all makeup with no irritation. I rinse it off and follow up with my normal cleanser since it does leave a bit of a film, but those with dry skin could probably just tissue it off.
• Bobbi Brown Baby Lipstick- I've posted about this several times. The formula isn't my favorite but the color is so perfect I won't let it go.
• Origins Silk Screen Powder Makeup- I don't wear foundation, but do like a powder in my T zone but to make me matte and for a little redness around my nose. Every time I stray from this I regret it. It's silky smooth, covers just enough and keeps shine at bay. There are plenty of shades from which to choose and Porcelain matches me perfectly.
• Korres Mascara- length, thickness, a rich inky black and it's all natural! No flaking or smearing either. A tube does start to dry out quickly but being much more reasonable priced than brands like Chanel and Lancome, I don't mind replacing as often as needed.
• Benefit Kohl Eye Liner in Sable- this is unfortunately discontinued but it might reappear if Benefit has a clearance sale. This dark brown lasts forever on the waterline. It's more tenacious than it's counterparts dubbed long-lasting or waterproof. The best.
• Rock and Republic Rumor Mousse Blush- A+ in terms of both color and formula.
• Chanel Brush #3- the best for adding a deep eye shadow color to the outer corner
• Lancome Artliners- these are the easiest to apply and never run, flake or smear. I have half a dozen and hope they come out with new shades soon! I much prefer these to their new Ink Artliners in the pot.
• Bare Escentuals Soul Eye Shadow- this best lid-brightening base
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle-keeps my skin clear and smooth with minimal effort (but a maximum price tag!)
• Rubis Tweezers- the sharpest and most precise.
  

Honorable Mentions:
These are products I trust and rely on and use all of the time, but as of now would not send me into a fit if they couldn't be replaced, either because I think they could be duplicated or I haven't had them long enough to truly call them a Holy Grail. They could achieve that designation though!

• Nude Facial Cleansing Wash- free of all the yucky stuff I don't want on my skin yet keeps my face looking great
• Paul and Joe Face Color 16 Canyon- such a flattering combination! I can't wait to try more shades.
• Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Palette #1- my eyes look great every time I use this
• Desert Essence Organics Coconut Hand and Body Lotion- the most divine scent ever. I just wish it didn't fade quite so fast!
• Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid- I love this for the fall and winter, but it's just a bit too rich come spring and summer.
  
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink- less harsh than black, more interesting than brown, this color is perfect on green eyes.
  

Face of the Day

I haven't posted a Face of the Day in a while, but I received so many compliments on my look today that I thought it was worth sharing, especially given how simple it was.

I used Bobbi Brown Champagne Quartz Metallic Shadow lash to brow, Rock and Republic Diffused Shadow in the crease and lined with Sephora Nano Liner in Glitter Brown. Cheeks were MAC Lilicent topped with the last dregs of the Chantecaille Lumiere de Rose Highligher I dropped and destroyed a few weeks ago and I wore Bobbi Brown Berry Shimmer (decidedly not berry colored) and MAC Gingerroot to line. Usual underpinnings of Jouer concealer, True Cosmetics mineral pressed powder, Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen and Korres black mascara.

Plums Today (and a Mini Love-Fest for Three Custom Color Specialists)!

90% of the time I'm wearing some variant of a peachy pink or pinky peach blush (the other 10% it's a bronze or nude shade), but today I decided to mix things when I rediscovered my Watercolours for Cheeks in Violet Lotus by a fabulous and incredibly underrated brand, Three Custom Color Specialists. Watercolours are deeply pigmented cream blushes with a dense, non-sticky texture. They do not dry down to a powder finish so your cheeks have a bit of luminosity to them, but without the thickness of MAC Blushcremes. Violet Lotus looks very bright in the pot and swatched, but can be sheered down to a cheerful "just in from the cold" look that I decided to base today's face around.

I highly recommend checking out Three Custom Color Specialists--their ready to wear eye shadows, lipsticks and glosses are high quality and though I've never tried it, the line built their reputation by duplicating discontinued shades from other brands. I love Trae's Favorite lipstick (I've actually used one of these up), Gail's Favorite Gloss (not on the website but I had them make me up a batch after I finished the first one and they do not charge the "custom" fee for this since it used to be part of the regular line up), and Warm Nectar and Warm Celery eye shadows.

Today's Face of the Day (click the picture to enlarge):
Clockwise from Top Right:

• Lancome Colour Design Eye Shadow in Snap- a soft smokey purple
• Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in Natural Purple- a sheer berry
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Rockstar- a shimmering plum
• Boobi Brown Champagne Quartz Shimmer Metallic Eye Shadow- a warm peachy champagne sparkle
• Three Custom Color Specialists Watercolours for Cheek in Violet Lotus- a neutral blendable plum-berry

Top to Bottom:
Three Custom Color Specialists Violet Lotus, Korres Natural Purple, Urban Decay Rockstar, Bobbi Brown Champagne Quartz Shimmer, Lancome Snap

My Top Products of 2009

Even though 2009 seemed to fly by, I managed to buy and try a lot of new items! Some of these products debuted in 2009, others were just new to me, but all became favorites over the course of the year. I'd love to hear what you loved in 09!

1. Rock and Republic Snakeskin Eye Shadow- I fell in love with Rock and Republic Cosmsetics in 2009 and am very sad to see that the line is on the way out. My only consolation is that I was able to stock up on some things when they were on sale at Hautelook and the items are so large they'll likely last forever! Their Rumor mousse blush and Call Me powder blush quickly became staples, but Snakeskin stole my heart! It's a gorgeous murky smokey khaki olive green with shimmer that really enhances my green eyes (I'm a big fan of green shadows and liners on green eyes). If you spot Snakeskin, grab it!
2. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle- I was always a fan of manual exfoliation until I tried this. I initially purchased the regular Exfolikate but found that it really irritated my sensitive skin, leaving it raw and red even if I left it on only a few seconds. I was hesitant to try this but am so glad I did. I hate the price tag ($65 for just 2 oz) but Exfolikate Gentle leaves my skin clear and glowing by gently removing the dead surface layer of skin on my face. Three minutes twice a week and all of my other skin care products work better!
3. Bobbi Brown Cream Lip Color in Baby- While I'm not the biggest fan of the formula (it's on the thick side and yet doesn't last long), the color is the closest I've come to a Holy Grail. The Bobbi Brown website calls it an "icy nude pink" but I'd call it a warm, natural peachy pink with shimmer. This lipstick seems to go with every look and brightens my face but not in that "I'm wearing lipstick" way. I reach for it all of the time and will repurchase once it's gone.
4. Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash- Organic, free of harsh and toxic ingredients and leaves my skin smooth, clean, and breakout-free. This cleanser is gently foaming, removes makeup well, it doesn't strip and the bottle lasts forever. What more could you ask for in a cleanser?
5. Julie Hewett Cheekies- Julie Hewett Cheekies are firm-textured cream blushes that come in pot and palette form. These look so natural on the skin and the Cheekie palette is great for travel. The shades have a translucency to them that makes your cheeks look like the color is naturally coming from within, and they work well on their own and with a powder blush or highlighter layered over top for more color or shimmer. All of the colors are lovely though Destiny is my favorite! (clockwise from top left: Peachie, Jami, Destiny, Natural).
6. Benefit Fawn Over Me Velvet Eye Shadow- an incredibly textured, highly pigmented dark beige shadow that's perfect alone for a quick everyday look but also makes a fabulous shimmery base for a smokey look. This shadow is super versatile and is an ideal item to pack when going on a trip and space is limited since it goes with so many different looks. This has to be the smoothest, creamiest powder shadow I've felt.
7. Custom Prescriptives Gloss- I had a Prescriptives lip gloss custom blended for me at Bergdorf Goodman and I have to say it's fabulous. I highly recommend getting this done before the line is gone for good at the end of this month not only because of the ability to custom blend the shade and select a scent, but because the formula is smooth and not at all sticky. I opted for a peachy pink with a tropical fruit scent but the possibilities are really endless when you're blending your own. You can choose the shade, the finish, the scent and from different colored frosts and shimmers.
8. Red Flower Ocean Body Wash- this body wash in absolutely incredible. The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas stocks guest rooms with the Red Flower Ocean line, and when I returned home from my stay there I had to immediately order full sizes of the products, my favorite of which is this body wash. It smells exactly like the ocean--a little salty, a little briny, and very fresh and earthy. I find the scent very relaxing and I can't get enough! It's wonderful to shower with after a long, stressful day (but be careful--it will make you long for the beach!). This scent is also available in a candle, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. To boot, the product is organic and free of parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, dyes and synthetic preservatives.
9. Lancome Erika F Shadow- This unusual and elusive shadow never fails to elicit compliments. It's a taupey olivey green with silver shimmer and tiny shimmer particles that are more subtle that glitter but dance and catch the light much more than traditional shimmer. I usually wear it from lash line up into the crease and apply a very very thin line of Lancome Artliner in Star Shower followed by several coats of mascara. It creates the fastest dramatic smokey eye but because it's not a deep dark shade, it's equally appropriate at work. Unfortunately it's not available in the US, but it pops up on Strawberrynet from time to time, both on it's own and in the Escapade Champetre quad.(with flash)(without flash)
10. Sephora Flat Blush Brush 42- this uniquely shaped brush is perfect if you have a small face or cheek area or just prefer a smaller blush brush more more controlled or pigmented application. It doesn't shed and is very reasonably priced at just $22. It's become my favorite blush brush.
11. Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Glosses- I always avoided lip gloss until I discovered these this year. The colors are beautiful and the texture is outstanding--completely and totally not sticky but with a decent lasting power. Some of the shades are sheer and others pack more of a punch. I find that 4 of 10 shades are extremely similar (in the pink-beige-brown family) but all are wearable with a delectable cake batter scent. The glosses are paraben-free and very moisturizing. The downside is that they cost $28 a piece but in my opinion they're worth it and can turn even a gloss-phobe like me into a glossophile! (Left to right: Ignite, Truth, Origami, Lush)
    
12. Laura Geller Baked Blush and Highlighter in Como/Portofino- I got pulled in by a late night Laura Geller demonstration on QVC and ordered this pretty baked duo. Admittedly I don't use the Portofino Highlighter often (it's the champagne shimmery wedge at the top of the pan) but the Como blush has become a staple. I love that it's sheer and has a luminosity to it so it layers fabulously over cream blushes and the shade is perfection-a subtle warm pink that would be impossible to mess up and has to look great on everyone. The swirls of color are also so pretty just to look at!
13. Korres Deep Color Mascara- I try to apply mascara as close to the roots of my lashes as possible since I have naturally blonde lashes, but I noticed that in doing so I inevitably get a little bit of mascara right on the underside of my eyelid. Given all of the chemicals and harsh preservatives typically in mascara, I went in search of a more natural, gentle alternative since some was actually getting in my eyes. I purchased the Korres on a whim since I hadn't heard much hype around the line and am so glad I did. For a "natural" mascara, this provides incredible length, color and fullness without leaving my lashes crunchy or spikey. I don't notice any damage or lashes falling out either like I used to with other mascaras. This does not contain parabens, GMOs, sulfates, mineral oil, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, synthetic dyes or fragrances or ethanolomines. It does tend to dry out on the quicker side but it's a small price to pay in my opinion for such a great product.
14. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest Shimmer Ink- I generally prefer liquid eyeliner to gel liners because I think they're quicker to apply, you don't need a separate brush, and they don't dry out the way gel liners in pots can, but this shade is so fabulous I purchased it anyway. It's a deep dark forest green with gold shimmer with none of the cool blue tones that Bobbi's Hunter Ink has. Once it's on it last all day and really brings out my green eyes. I love the way the gold shimmer catches the light.
15. Origins Peace of Mind On the Spot Relief- I am definitely a high-stress person! Whether it's work, my personal life or simply the intensity of living in NYC (being packed into subway cars like sardines with icky people you'd otherwise never let near you, trying to get through the throngs of tourists walking slowly and holding hands down 5th Avenue, realizing that you're paying $2.50 for a small can of corn at the grocery store or enduring crazy noisy neighbors above you), I always feel like I need a vacation! This tiny little bottle holds a miracle potion inside that not only relieves stress, but helps with my migraines and creates a cooling tingle on hot humid days. The combination of peppermint and other essential oils is deeply calming and therapeutic. I warm two tiny dabs between my index and middle fingers and apply to the back of my neck and my temples. In just a minute you start to inhale the herbal blend and feel the coolness start to soothe. I keep one at home, one at my desk at work, one in my purse and I even have one for travel. It's inexpensive, the bottle lasts a long time and most importantly, it works!

My Sephora Friends and Family Wishlist

Sephora Friends and Family 2009 starts at Midnight PST (that's 3 AM for us East Coast folks) on October 19th and ends on November 2nd. Enter FF2009 in the promo code box. I've been compiling my wish list for a few weeks now, and here is what is currently on it. What do you plan to pick up during the sale?
Nars The Multiple Coffret ($40) contains mini Multiples in Orgasm, South Beach, and Copacabana.
Korres Deep Color Mascara in Black ($18) is a staple. My favorite mascara! Gives volume, length and is good for your lashes.
Philosophy the supernatural Superglossy SPF 15 Lip Gloss ($16.50) in Live in the Moment. This pink mocha shade promises to be non-sticky and protect lips from the sun.
Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder ($35) can be mixed with any moisturizer or sunscreen for antioxidant protection and the repair of Vitamin C.
Tarte MultiplEYE ($65) Lash Enhancer. I certainly wouldn't mind if my short, stubby, thin lashes suddenly became lush and long!
Laura Mercier Eye Kohl ($19) in Black Navy is less harsh than black but provides more definition than straight navy. The best of both worlds!

Sephora Cash for Clunkers Haul

Sephora Cash for Clunkers is the store's most recent promotion, offering $10 off a $50 purchase (in store only) if you brought in 5 cosmetics to be recycled. I brought in 5 recent GWP items and didn't have a problem redeeming the offer, so I'm assuming minis are just fine. Here is what I picked up:

• Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler ($20)- my beloved Tarte curler (whose virtues I extolled here) broke this morning for the second time and after reading numerous raves for the Kevyn, I'm trying it out.
• Korres Mango Butter Lipstick ($18) in Natural Purple- the name sounds oxmoronic. This is a sheer, moisturizing lipstick in a sheer plummy my-lips-but-better shade. I was debating between this shade and Rose (another poor color description. It's actually a warm pinky peach) but I don't think I have another shade like this in my collection. Okay, who am I kidding. Of course I do. But I have fewer plummy berry colors than I do pinky peaches.
• Benefit Cosmetics Velvet Eyeshadow in Fawn Over You ($18)- this is a dark taupey beige with a polished shimmer in the most silky smooth, well, velvety formulation.

I also scored a large .5 oz Lancome Genefique Sample as my Beauty Insider gift. I'm curious to see if it lives up to the hype.