March Madness! Greens All Month - Green Flakie Franken

My green franken!

Hi everyone!  Just a quick post for y'all today.  This month I'm going to highlight some of my favorite greens from my collection.  Hunter to grass, mint to pine, emerald to peridot... it's all happening.

I couldn't decide what green to kick off this series with, so I made a franken.  The base is NYX Blue Ave. with some Orly Wandering Vine and Orly It's Not Rocket Science.  It was rather sheer so I layered it on top of a base of American Apparel Hunter.  All really good greens!  More to come this month!

Glad to be green?

What are some of your favorite greens?  Do you wear green nail polish to work? 

Beautyburg's Spring Giveaway! Win The China Glaze Crackle Collection And A Basket of Fun Spring Beauty!!!!

Our spring giveaway!

Hello beautiful!  Spring is almost here, so why not celebrate with a basket of beauty booty?!  Enter for a chance to win our Spring Giveaway Basket!  Marlowe arranged it himself.

To enter is easy!  Just fill in your email.  Subscribe to Beautyburg for extra chances to win this basket!  Really up your chances of winning by Liking us on Facebook or subscribing to our YouTube channel.

The Beautyburg bunny will mail this to your door!  

Win the complete China Glaze Crackle Collection and more! 

So what's in this basket of goodies?
Burt's Bees Natural Manicure Set (see below for what's in the set)
China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish in Black Mesh
China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish in Broken Hearted
China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish in Cracked Concrete
China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish in Crushed Candy
China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish in Fault Line

China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish in Lightening Bolt
Claire's 6 Piece Mini Nail Set in Pastel
Claire's 6 Piece Mini Nail Set in Rainbow
LA Color Style + Art 3D Nail Stickers - 2 sets
Maybelline New York Express Finish in Blue Brilliance
Maybelline New York Express Finish in Lilac Luster
Revlon Scented Nail Polish in Beach
Revlon Scented Nail Polish in Ocean Breeze
Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in Cloud
Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in Electric
Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in Orchid
Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Fly With Me
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Purple Pizzaz
Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette in Lust
Plus some yummy Easter candy treats all in a festive spring basket.

 These colors would look cute with Crackles over them!








The contest ends April 15, 2011 at 11:59pm PST!  It's open to international friends, and you must be 18 or older to enter (or get permission from a parent).  Winner will be announced  the weekend of April 16th and will have 48hours to respond. 
 
Please only one entry per person!  Thank you all for participating and coming to check out Beautyburg

CLOSED!  THANKS FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED!

How Did Maybelline Fit Me? Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Photos, Swatches, Review

Maybelline Fit Me Products: Foundations, Concealer and Pressed Powder.


 
Me BEFORE and AFTER my "fitting."

Hi everyone!  This week has really flown by.  For the past two weeks, I have been road-testing Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation.  I have to say I have always wanted to be a girl who used drugstore foundation, and I have found some really great contenders.  However, I always revert back to department store or high-end brands.  Foundation is one of those tricky makeup items that I do feel that the majority of the time a pricier product is justified.  That said, I wasn't really sure how a $7 foundation (which is even cheap by drugstore standards) was going to do pitted against some of my favorite expensive brands. 

Let me say... the socks were blown off.  I couldn't believe how good this foundation was... and not just by drugstore standards.  The technology that went into this line is pretty impressive.  The feeling of the foundation is extremely lightweight.  It blended incredibly well and had a satin finish.  What impressed me most is how well it was close to skin texture and look when applied.  I bought 220 Natural Beige, which was a pretty good match to my NC30 skintone, but I liked this foundation so much that I bought a lighter shade to custom blend an exact match.  Even with two bottles, it's still cheaper than a MAC foundation!

I have actually found myself reach for this more than my usual foundations lately.  It's a great option for daytime wear with its medium coverage, which can be sheered out.  My favorite way to apply it is a stippling method with a MAC 130 brush.  Then I blend with a lightly dampened sponge.  Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation also has a SPF of 18 for those who are sun conscious.  It lasted very well through a long day and didn't oxidize.  The finish is satin, and I would say this is more hydrating vs oil controlling.  But I do think all skin types could use this foundation.

So maybe my dream of being a drugstore foundation girl is actually coming true.  I highly recommend checking this out if you want a natural foundation for even coverage at a low price.   I will be doing a review on Fit Me Concealer and Pressed Powder and Blush later, but as a spoiler, I started off on a good note.

Pressed Powder comes with a puff and mirror.
210 and 220 (top right) swatched.
How do you think this foundation "fits?"

To Review:
Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation $7 for 30ml, 1fl.oz. at drugstores, Target, Walmart nationwide.
Pros: 18 shades from very pale to dark.  Very nice satin skinfinish.  Feels light and natural on skin.  
Cons: Hard to tell from the bottle what's the best shade.  Their shade matcher, which is a plastic slot where you put your finger, isn't the best system.  
Overall Beautyburg Rating: A-

How do you know if a foundation "fits" you?  What's your favorite foundation right now? 

Fresh Spring Fragrances - Some of My Favorite Spring Time Scents From My Collection

Spring is in the air! Or your wrist.. hair.. wherever!
Spring is almost here.  Can you feel it?  One of the best ways to lighten my mood and get me ready for spring is with an uplifting scent.  Here are a couple of my tried and true favorite Spring scents that I look forward to each season.

Yves Saint Laurent Paris Roses des Bois - This is a flanker of YSL's iconic Paris created by Sophia Grojsman.  For those who aren't up on 'fume terms, "flanker" means a tweak of a fragrance already in existence.  Examples of good flankers: Thierry Mugler A*Men Pure Coffee, Mitsouko Fleur de Lotus and Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere.  Examples of flankers that flunked: Vera Wang Preppy Princess, DKNY Be Delicious in any variety (in most of these cases, the original has no place on this earth to begin with).   This is discontinued but is available at some online fragrance discounters.

Guerlain Quand Vient La Pluie - When The First Raindrops Begin To Fall, if the translation doesn't just give you the quinessential image of spring, I'm not sure what will.  Top notes:bergamot, orange blossom and rosemary; Middle notes: heliotrope, jasmine and violet; Base notes: patchouli, praline and musks.  This was made in limited quantities, but try the Guerlain counters at Bergdorf Goodman,  Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Guerlain's Las Vegas store.

Guerlain Muguet - One of the highlights from my perfume collection.  This tiny bottle was only available for one day in the month of May and usually only at the Guerlain flagship in Paris.  Bergdorf Goodman occassionally gets bottles in, but in recent years, the renditions of Muguet have been mixed with other notes and just not as beautiful.  This bottle is from 2006(?) and is in a Baccarat crystal bottle.  I can't even talk about how much this cost for 20ml EDT.  This is no longer available.  You can buy decants at The Perfumed Court or check with Alena at at Bergdorf Goodman (212) 872-2734 to see when this year's edition will be in.


Le Labo Tubereuse 40 - One of Le Labo's annoying City Exclusives.  I want to protest these exclusives because I'm against the idea of them being exclusive to one city and not being available for mail order. What gets even me more is that they are DOUBLE the price!!  Ranting aside, I do find this tuberose uplifting and happy.  Available at Barneys New York on Madison Ave. and at Le Labo in New York.


Frederic Malle Une Fleur de Cassie (in Beurre Exquis/body butter) - This literally smells like a flower blossoming on your skin.  The body butter is appropriately named; it's exquisite!  The concentration of scent in this product does not make you feel like you are missing out.  I actually prefer this scent in this form.  It makes it much more wearable and takes some of the edge off the scent. Available at Barneys.com and Frederic Malle.

I have quite a few scents that I love and will be bringing you more perfume posts!  What are some of your favorite fragrances for spring?  Any new scents that you are dying to try?

RMK Spring Shimmer 2011 Haul and Swatches

RMK Spring Shimmer Collection for Spring 2011.  
I rocked this look in the 80's.  Flammable windbreak and all.
My RMK haul!  Thanks Hubs!

A quick word on Japanese makeup.  Don't we love things we can't have?  Thinking about hard to get items sometimes make me want them so much more.  If you saw my post about Japanese magazines over the weekend, I just have a soft spot for some of these lines.  I love the colors and textures, and usually the packaging is just adorable.  However, one thing that has turned me off in recent years is the price.  Japanese makeup in general just tends to be more expensive than in the US.  Also with the exchange rate and the weakened dollar, it's easier to appreciate the things you have at home. 

But I was delighted when my husband brought back a haul for me from his recent trip to Taiwan.  It was really thoughtful of him!  Here are some of the items he picked out which are from RMK's spring collection.

RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes in SH-08 Shiny Gray.  A shimmering blue grey.
RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes in ME-01 Metallic Silver. A chunky silvery white.
RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes in SH-01 Shiny Brown Gold.
RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes in ME-02 Metallic Gold. A chunky light gold.
Crayon & Powder Eyes new for Spring 2011 in 02.  Here's the crayon side.
Crayon & Powder Eyes new for Spring 2011 in 02.  Here's the powder side. 

I was surprised that this was the most expensive item from the haul.  I definitely don't think it's worth the $50+ that it translate into (and neither did my hub).  But the green is so pretty, and I can already think of quite a few uplifting possibilities for spring looks!

Swatches.  Click to enlarge.

Left to right: Crayon and Power, SH-08 Shiny Grey, ME-01 Metallic Silver, SH-01 Shiny Brown Gold, ME-02 Metallic Gold.

RMK is available in Asia, but for those in the US and worldwide, try Ichibanko.com which accepts PayPal.

Congrats to Our Shu Uemura ME Silver 945 Eyeshadow Winner!

 This discontinued gem now belongs to one lucky winner!

Hi everyone!  Thank you everyone who participated in this giveaway!  I am so thankful for you guys and want to let you know you know that you make every day brighter for me.

For me, this was something that was really personal and from my collection that I wanted to share with my fellow makeup addict readers.  I knew that you guys would know what a little treasure this tiny little shadow is.  I know they say one woman's old discontinued eyeshadow is another woman's precious backup she will never let go of.... so I know you know.  Thanks for participating and I wish I had more to give out.   But of course, there can only be one winner......

I know it says Julie but the winner is Alexandra S.  Check your email boo!  You are the winner of Shu Uemura ME Silver 945 Eyeshadow!  Enjoy this icon!

Don't worry if you didn't win this one!  There is another giveaway coming soon!

Michelle Williams At 83rd Annual Academy Awards - Makeup Tutorial Inspired by Michelle's Silvery Blue Undereye Liner Oscar Look!

Michelle's Oscar Night Look and My Inspired Version.

Close-up of Michelle's eyes.  More subtle use of silvery grey eyeliner.

My inspired look, a little more dramatic.  
We all can't have Chanel haute couture, so we gotta bling another way.

Here's another gorgeous look from Oscar night.  I love it when stars are brave enough to use color in their makeup for the red carpet.  Even though subtle, Michelle Williams wore a shimmering silver blue eyeliner on her bottom lashline.  I recreated a similar, but more dramatic look, here.

On my face, I am wearing Guerlain Parare Gold Radiance Foundation in 03 dusted with MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.  On cheeks, Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Dust.  Lips MAC Kissable Lip Color in Enchantee mixed with Mehr lipstick.

 1. Prime eye with Nars Smudge Proof Eye Primer.
 2. Inglot Duraline + Sugarpill Lumi ChromaLust Loose Eyeshadow creates a luminous white, blue/green iridescent base to hold onto color all night.
 3. Add lid color.  I'm using MAC Eyeshadows in Waft and Gentle Fume.
 4. Highlight inner corners of the eyes with shimmering white.  I'm using Rondelle eyeshadow by MAC.
 5. Line the lower lashline thickly with a grey blue pencil.  I'm using Chanel Precision Eye Define in Denim.
 6. Line the outer 1/3 of the upper and lower waterline in a grey pencil.  I'm using Laura Mercier pencil eyeliner in Stormy Grey.
 7. Add MAC Reflects Pearl pigment to the lower lashline.  Use a solution like MAC Mixing Medium to help adhere these tiny glitters to the eye area.  (Remember to use caution and read labels when it comes to glitters.)
 8. Curl lashes and add mascara.  I'm using Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill.
 9.  Add false lashes and fill in eyebrows.  I used Bobbi Brown Gel Long Wear Eye Liner in Espresso Ink on my eyebrows.
A pretty look for your Blue Valentine.
Are there any Oscar winners or nominees that you haven't seen yet?  I have quite a few on my Netflix queue!

Q&A with Tom Pecheux on Estée Lauder New Pure Color Nail Lacquers

Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder.

Q&A with Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder

How do you suggest applying the New Pure Color Nail Lacquers?
I recommend applying two coats of the polish followed by a very shiny, clear top coat. The nails should look very shiny and glossy – like a contemporary Chinese lacquer.

Can all women wear these vibrant colors?
   There are no rules. If you are conservative and don’t feel comfortable wearing a bright blue or green color or any other vivid color, you don’t have to. It’s important to have fun, to play and use your imagination, yet feel comfortable in the color you choose to wear.

Has the brush changed in the New Pure Color Nail Lacquer Collection? 
 I made sure the brush would remain exactly the same! When I told my friends I was designing new nail lacquers for Estée Lauder, they made me promise I would not change the brush. It’s the best brush in the beauty business.

Perfect Storm - Shimmer Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom Exclusive

For  more information on Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer click here.

RMK Spring Shimmer - Spring Summer 2011 - Haul And Presents from Taiwan!

 RMK Haul

Hubs just got back from a business trip to Asia, and he was soooooooooo nice to do some haulage for me while he was there.  I have to give kudos to any man brave enough to walk up to a cosmetics counter, let alone one in a foreign country where you don't speak the language.  

He knows I have a weakness for hard to get and pricey Japanese brands, and he was nice enough to bring new products from RMK's spring line.  I will have complete swatches and eye looks to follow.  My initial impressions are excited.  I love the pressed eyeshadows.  Two of the more metallic shades have chunky glitter and look like they would be perfect for highlighting near the tearducts.  I was cracking up when my husband was giving me instructions that he had learned from the sales associate on how to apply the product.  It was really cute!  


 Another present. A keychain from Din Tai Fung.

If you live close to a Din Tai Fung location, I highly recommend going!  We went on a recent trip to LA and stuffed ourselves!  Hubs brought back this nice little keepsake from his last trip Taiwan.

Bao Zai in a cute spring outfit.

Have you ever sent a S.O. or loved one out for makeup or nail polish?  What was the result?

Natalie Portman Best Actress Makeup Tutorial - Makeup Look Inspired by Natalie Portman At The 83rd Annual Academy Awards Oscars

 Recreate Natalie's Oscar night look! 

Hello lovelies!  Yes, Oscar night is behind us now, but that doesn't mean we can't relive some of those fabulous red carpet moments with makeup looks inspired by some of our favorite stars.  It was great to see Natalie Portman go home with the Oscar.  Having followed her career for a long time and now to see her as a mom to be, I am thrilled that she went home with the Best Actress award.

Natalie's look from the red carpet.  Bronzey eye with soft lips and cherub cheeks.  Very elegant and composed without too much focus on one feature.  Just letting her radiant face shine through.

 I wish I had earrings like hers!

Here is my step-by-step tutorial on how to get this look inspired by Natalie Portman.  I prepped my face with MAC Strobe Cream to get a lit from within glow.  I primed my face with Make Up For Ever HD Primer in #6 and used Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in #125.  I dusted my face with MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Power.  For blush I used Make Up For Ever HD Blush in #6.  On lips I used MAC Dazzleglass Creme in Soft Dazzle.

 1. Prep eye with primer.  I used Nars Smudge Proof Eye Primer.  Then MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study on the lid and browbone.
 2. Line lower lash line from the inner corners to the center with a light champagne liner.
 3. Line the top lashline and lower outer 1/3 with a bronze pencil.  Line the upper waterline from the center to the outer corner only with a black waterproof pencil.

 4. Apply base soft brown shade.  I'm using MAC Rich Flesh Eye Shadow (Matte).
 5. Apply soft gold shade to the upper part of the lid.  I'm using RMK eye shadow in Shiny Brown Gold.
 6. Use a darker shade to cut a crease and work your way through the outer third of the eye.  I'm using Lancome Colour Design eyeshadow in 4Style.
 7. Blend, blend, blend.
 8. Apply a metallic shade to capture light and draw attention to the eye.  I'm using MAC Tan pigment.  Pack on the center of the eye.
 9. Add the same color to the outer third of the lower lashline, on top of where you put your bronze liner.  Smudge it out.   To create a more dramatic effect you can bring this portion to the tear duct and/or try using a darker eyeliner and then smudging it out.
 10. Curl lashes, apply mascara and lashes.  Draw your brows and you are done!
 Swatches of the products used.  Click to enlarge any photo!
  1. Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in 14K
  2. Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil in Bronze
  3. MAC eye shadow in Rich Flesh (matte)
  4. RMK Eyeshadow in Shiny Brown Gold
  5. MAC Tan pigment
I apologize because I know some of these products are LE or not available anymore, but it doesn't mean you can't get the same look with similar products.  Remember this is "inspired by!"  Just go with what you got!  Why try to be Natalie when you can be you! 

Get ready for your close-up because you are done!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer New Shades + Limited Collection for Nordstrom

Perfect Storm - Shimmer Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive

Avant-garde glamour coats the nails in chic, shiny splendor with the new Pure Color Nail Lacquer by Estée Lauder and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux. The new, instantly gratifying collection of eight in-line nail lacquers in painted shades of sophistication has a decadently full-coverage formula with a long lasting finish. A luxurious range of hues from perfect neutrals to smoky charcoals to romantic purples and riveting reds, delight the senses and turn nails into mini accessories to match any look. An additional, limited edition collection of eight high-fashion shades explode at your fingertips in vibrantly rich hues. Relish in the new look for luxe nails... introducing Pure Color Nail Lacquer.

16 SUBLIMELY PLUSH SHADES
•     Exclusive True VisionTM Technology incorporates multi-faceted, highly pigmented shades for an intensely rich color
application
•     Shades come in three distinct finishes of Creme, Shimmer and Sparkle for a customizable nail look
•     From manicure shades to high drama color, the versatile palette ensures a shade for all occasions
•     8 in-line shades set the stage for classic and sophisticated beauty while 8 additional, limited edition shades amp up the brilliance
of the color range


EXPERTLY CRAFTED FORMULA
•     The blendable coating stretches across the nail to create an even and smooth finish that stays color true throughout
the duration of the wear
•     A crystalline laminate polymer magnifies color and creates lustrous shine providing an unparalleled glossy appearance
•     High-performance formula does not dull, fade or streak


BOLD, ICONIC DESIGN
•     The classic Pure Color Nail Lacquer packaging is reintroduced with the new formula
•     The square glass cube resembles a fragrance bottle with its golden-mirrored cap and contains an elegant tear drop shape of the new formula
•     The specially designed flat-paddle brush shape ensures a quick and easy application in 2-3 strokes even without a professional hand


Pure Color Nail Lacquer will be available at select Estee Lauder counters nationwide and at www.esteelauder.com for 0.3 oz / $19.00 in March 2011.  The Limited Collection is exclusive to Nordstrom for a limited time.


Chocolate Crave - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive

Mega Fuchsia - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive

Oyster Cult - Shimmer Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive

Sizzling Taupe - Shimmer Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive
Violet Diva - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive

Wicked Game - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive

Wild Blue - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer Limited Collection
Nordstrom exclusive
  
Enchanted Garnet - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Frozen Fantasy - Shimmer Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Fuchsia Flame - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Hot Coral - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Pure Red - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Purple Passion - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Rosa Rosa - Creme Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Ultra Violet - Shimmer Pure Color Nail Lacquer - New shade

Estee Launder Introduces Pure Color Orange Crush by Tom Pecheux - Limited Edition Makeup Collection for Spring 2011



From the press release:

For Derek Lam’s Spring 2011 runway show, Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director, Tom Pecheux, created a bold, architectural makeup look to complement the 1960’s California inspired collection. Strong orange eyes were the focus of the look, with a vibrant, structured orange line drawn straight across the top lash line and finished with a triangle of white in the inner-corner. To bring the trend from the runway to real life, Pecheux worked with Estée Lauder to create a couturecollection of three electric products... introducing Pure Color Orange Crush.

The exclusive, limited edition collection of products include two eyeshadows to recreate the original runway look and a Pure Color Gloss in a brilliant orange shade for those who want to transition the trend onto the lips. The Pure Color Orange Crush collection is housed in the same chic, blackened-blue packaging with the Estée Lauder cartouche, which was first introduced with the limited edition Pure Color Night Collection.

“As a makeup artist, you are always working with a woman to try to find what will make her feel and look her best,” said Pecheux. “Orange eyeshadow is a bold trend and not everyone feels comfortable with a bright eye, so I translated the shade into a lip gloss so women who love the look can wear it in their own way. I am known for making women look beautiful, sensual and sexy and I want them to feel comfortable in what they wear.”

According to Pecheux, Pure Color Orange Crush is a collection of three must-have products to mimic the bold color of the Spring season in wearable, every day formulas. Each product contains the exclusive True VisionTM Technology that wrapseach pigment in a crystalline laminate to provide intense color payout with amplified brilliancy.

Pure Color EyeShadow in Orange Crush creates a dynamic, animated impact with an even and color true application.  Recreate the strong look seen on the runway with this powder eyeshadow that has buildable coverage to control the intensityof the finished look. $20

Pure Color EyeShadow in Sugar Cube is an incredibly smooth, shimmering white powder shadow that creates depth and contrast to the confident orange. Use as a base over the entire eyelid or mirror the look seen at the Derek Lam show with a dramatic triangle at the inner-corner of the eye. $20

Pure Color Gloss in Orange Crush saturates lips with vibrant orange pigments. The fiery hue is magnified and intense, making it boldly color true with an eye-catching, high-shine finish. $20

All products will be available for a limited time in limited quantities, beginning in April 2011.  Exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman and www.esteelauder.com.


What's my take on this?  This feels like one of those looks that are have a hard time transitioning from runway to real way.  As Tom Pecheux said, I maybe one of those who may not feel comfortable with a bold eye.  But I do love orange lippies, so I'm excited to see what the gloss looks like.  What about you?  Are you brazen enough to wear an orange eye?

Join The Cult - Cult Nails in Iconic - Swatches, Photos and Review

 Have you joined yet?  Cult Nails Nail Polish in Iconic.

I know that all of you are passionate for nails and makeup.  But have you ever thought of starting your own line?  Maria of Cult Nails did just that.  In January of this year, she launched Cult Nails with one shade and now her line is born.

Iconic is a gorgeous red raspberry with golden shimmer and filled with gorgeous red and orange flakes. Although a brand spanking new line, Cult Nails is achieving that status its name suggests, and I can tell why.  The application on this was so impressive.  Usually polishes with flakes drag and pull, but Iconic applied smoothly.  Two coats and I had a glass-like finish.  I'm drinking the Kool-Aid and joining this cult.  More polish swatches to come.
 Iconic in the sunlight. 
See the flakie goodness inside?  Meets daily nutritional requirements.

Iconic is available at CultNails.com for $10. 

Do you ever dream of starting your own line?  What would it be like?

China Glaze Crackle Collection - Photos, Swatches, Review, Color Pairing Ideas, Troubleshooting and New Video!

Pelican Grey with Broken Hearted.

Pictures say more than I can about these polishes.  See the photos below and check out our video on your YouTube channel.  If you haven't subscribed, please do! 



Pelican Grey with Broken Hearted.
Visit Me In Prism + Broken Hearted.
Sci-Fi with Broken Hearted.
Lemon Fizz + Cracked Concrete.
Sugar High + Cracked Concrete.
Cosmic + Cracked Concrete.
Let's Do It In 3D + Crushed Candy.
Calypso Blue + Crushed Candy.
DV8 + Crushed Candy.
Not sure why it didn't crackle well over DV8.  Crackle colors seemed to work well over foil and holographic finishes, but colors from China Glaze's OMG Collection seemed to result this way.  Did anyone else have this problem?
Cheers To You + Lightening Bolt.
Sugar High + Lightening Bolt.
Flying Dragon + Lightening Bolt.
Four Leaf Clover + Lightening Bolt.
I found that the white had a tendency to pick up color from the base shade.  Notice how Lightening Bolt has yellowed here.
Cheers To You + Fault Line.
Caribbean Blue + Fault Line.
Heli-Yum + Fault Line.
Let's Do It In 3D + Black Mesh.
For Audrey + Black Mesh
Flying Dragon + Black Mesh
 Get cracklin'.

Check this video to see China Glaze vs. OPI Black Shatter.

Friendly Sunday - Blogger Link Love


Happy Sunday everyone!  What a week.  I spent most of it in a seriously nasty sick state, but I am finally feeling like my old self again.  I can't wait to show you guys some of the things for the blog I've had in the works but been too sick to get to.

Are we excited for the Oscars tonight?  Can't wait to see James Franco host (er.. cohost with whateverhernameis).  I loved him since Freaks and Geeks.  I'll be on Twitter during the red carpet, so let's chat then!

Don't forget to enter our Shu Uemura ME Silver 945 Eyeshadow giveaway!  Tomorrow is the last day!

Beauty and The Bullshit's Rowena writes about when we should just sit back, look in that mirror and say to ourselves, "Damn you look good," and when we shouldn't take it too seriously.  

Maria from Cult Nails has a step-by-step video for how to do a perfect manicure at home.


via NouveauCheap
Nouveau Cheap is having not 1, not 2, not 3, but FOUR Wet N' Wild sponsored giveaways!  Here are links to #1, #2, #3 and #4.

Japanese Nail Magazines - These Don't Get Lost In Translation

 NailMax Magazine, this is a special Collections edition of the magazine, but it also comes out on a monthly basis!

The Japanese are worlds when it comes fashion/beauty print media.  They have magazines specifically for hair, nails, makeup application, makeup reviews, fashion for moms, fashion for students, fashion for young professionals.  These magazines are so specific and targeted that you would think concentrating their audience to a specific area would isolate their business, but instead, it creates a loyal following and readers invested into the magazine.  The format of Japanese magazines are also so incredibly content rich and visually dense.  Lucky Magazine was actually based off of Japanese shopping magazines.

If you live close to a Japanese bookstore, I highly recommend going in and checking out some of their magazines.  The way Japanese magazines are formatted you really can get by looking only at the pictures. 

Here is one of my favorite issues of NailMax that I wanted to share with you.  NailMax publishes Collection volumes annually with their best of collections.  The pages are just filled with set after set of nail art.  It's organized by color, so you can browse for hours at the intricate detail of each manicure.  Or you can look through pages of products only available in Japan, and then scour Ebay for them.  

Click to enlarge any of the photos below.
 I torture myself looking at products available only in Japan.

 I love these helpful step-by-step how to's. 

 Some red manicures.  I love the one with strawberries.
How inspiring are some of these! 

Would you try any of these manicures at home? Do you have a Japanese book store near you?

Don't Forget to Enter Our Shu Uemura ME SILVER 945 Eyeshadow Giveaway! Win A Long Gone Cult Favorite!

 One eyeshadow... so many different shades.  Swatched from my collection.

 Is it silver?  Is it brown?  Is it taupe?  It's ME SILVER 945 and this is probably one of the hardest to find eyeshadows.  It has been discontinued ages ago, and even long gone from Evilbay.  But I want you guys, my beautiful readers, to have a chance to win one I've been hoarding forever and share in its beauty!  Check the photo above for how gorgeous it looks in different lights.  Play with different bases and colors to steer ME SILVER 945 to be more silver, taupe, or brown.  I love it every which way!


Joeybunny and Pink Sith did a great series titled, "Taupes You Can't Have," and here is a link to their post about Shu Uemura's ME Silver 945

 All it's beauty waiting for you!
 My EOTD with this elusive taupe.
Happy Friday!

Ends Mon. February 28th, 2011 at 11:59pm PST!

5 Ways To Beautify While Being Sick... What I Learned This Week

Beauty isn't just on the outside.  It's what's on the inside.  So what do you do when your insides feel achy, sore, feverish, just plain gross? 


  1. Beautify Your Mind: Read!- catch up on magazines, blogs and books for beauty inspiration and ideas.  I love stumbling upon new blogs that I've never checked out before.
  2. Veg Out and Be Beautiful (Or Watch Beautiful People) - Watching TV and movies is a great source of inspiration and perfect fit for my energy level when I feel sick.  I make sure to keep the hot tea and pen and paper close by.  Having to get out of bed to jot down an idea is a lot of effort when you're sick.  I've been catching up on Season 4 of Ugly Betty.  I see the Patricia Field genius in styling Betty from young, fresh out of school, poncho wearing perky assistant to slightly more polished but real, clashing pattern prone, editor. 
  3. Beautify Your Stash - shop online for new beauty products, clothes, shoes or bags.  If you're on a budget, you can still "window" shop.  Just don't submit your order!  Sometimes seeing the gigantic total in my cart makes me realize that I don't need that!
  4. Road Test Your Makeup (If you're up to it) -  See how well your makeup really works when you are green with a stomach virus.  Me, I wasn't so much this week, which leads me to #5.
  5. Finally! Rest! Dammit!  This should actually be number one.  If your body needs to heal, listen to it.  Sometimes sleep is the best medicine.  For crazy busy active personalities like me, it's sometimes the hardest pill to swallow, but I'm learning to try and listen to what my body wants.
Sorry I have been away from the blog lately.  I have been sick, but I have a lot of exciting stuff coming up.  Please keep checking back.  This notebook by my bed is getting full of ideas! 

China Glaze at Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week

 Models backstage at Ivana Helsinki.
 Here's an update from China Glaze and their recent work backstage at fashion week:
Always a beauty staple backstage at New York Fashion Week, China Glaze made it’s fourth consecutive appearance on the runway at the Tadashi, Ivana Helsinki and Richie Rich shows for Fall 2011. Tadashi went with his all-time favorite again, China Glaze Innocence (a sheer gauzy pink). Manicurist Josephine More said that it was perfect for accenting the understated elegance and angelic look of his Fall 2011 collection.  

Ivana Helsinki’s collection consisted of rich velvets, knits, feather prints and chunky boots. While charcoal black eyeliner, beehives and an all together 60’s mod vibe was the theme for makeup and hair, clear nails courtesy of manicurist Indigo Smith and Seche Vite Fast Dry Top coat complimented the overall minimalist designs that were enhanced by different patterns and textures.
 Backstage at Richie Rich.

Richie Rich, who is known for his outrageous club wear and barely there ensembles, didn’t scrimp in the nail department either. Manicurist Josephine More created “Punk Looks” which consisted of China Glaze Midnight Mission with China Glaze Devotion, Nova and Solar Flare on the King Finger. She also created “Elegant Looks”, which was China Glaze Lubu Heels with China Glaze Passion and Medallion on the King Finger. The men also rocked their own personalized nail looks with China Glaze Devotion layered with Nova and China Glaze Liquid Leather on the King Finger. To top off the show, Jennifer “JWOWW” Farley of “Jersey Shore” fame closed the show with Richie Rich himself.  

Backstage at Richie Rich.

Bobbi Brown Peony & Python Collection - A Collaboration Between Bobbi Brown + Tibi

New for Spring 2011 is a collaboration between Bobbi Brown and Tibi.  Peonies are personally one of my favorite flowers, so I'm excited to see a collection focused around them.  Here is some info from the press release.  Neimanmarcus.com is having a beauty event starting the 24th with a tote bag filled with goodies with $100 purchase or more, and Bobbi Brown is giving away a lip and eye palette with your Bobbi Brown purchase of $150 or more.

“The pinks and purples in this collection are inspired by peonies, my favorite flower.  Peonies are lush, decadent and delicate – just like the colors in the limited palette. I’ve also incorporated grey, a color that was big on runways this season.  A great neutral, it’s totally versatile and a cool counterpoint to pink.  And because I love accessories just as much as the girl next door, I asked Tibi to design a makeup case to match.”
      Bobbi Brown
 

Limited Edition Peony & Python Palette - $50
Inspired by lush peonies and the casual chic sensibility of world-renowned fashion label Tibi, Bobbi introduces the Peony & Python Palette.  Soft pink lilacs merge with sumptuous greys to create a distinctive eye look that’s equal parts lovely and edgy.  The shadows are housed in an eye catching compact embellished with a whimsical yet modern print created exclusively for Bobbi Brown by Amy Smilovic, designer and founder of Tibi.

Preview Peony & Python Collection, Exclusively at Neiman Marcus - $95
Created especially for Neiman Marcus, this limited edition Beauty Kit offers up an exclusive preview of Bobbi’s take on the color trend of the season.



Limited Edition Pale Peony Rich Color Gloss - $22
The perfect compliment to spring’s eye look, Pale Peony Rich Color Gloss offers triple benefits: the full color coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss, and the luxurious feel of a balm.

Limited Edition Peony & Python Beauty Case - $40
A take-anywhere makeup case in a print custom-designed for Bobbi Brown by Tibi.

Limited Edition Lilac Rich Lip Color SPF 12 - $22
Just one swipe of Lilac Rich Lip Color SPF 12 gives lips intense color coverage.  Plus its creamy and emollient formula moisturizes and conditions so lips feel as good as they look.

New Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara - $24
Extends and stretches lashes to dramatic lengths.  Now in Plum.