Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts

Friday, December 9, 2016

Bloomingdale's Beauty Box

When I lived in London I used to travel to New York once or twice per year. I loved it. I would go to Broadway shows, spend hours at the MoMa and the Met, walk all over the city, eat at fabulous food joints, and shop.
I loved going back to London with cool clothes and shoes that no one else had. I would spend hours and small fortunes at Bloomingdale's, and then get a huge kick out of walking around with their shopping bags, and back in London being able to say "Oh this? I bought it at Bloomingdale's in New York". 

Bloomie's has always held a certain magic for me.

I was so excited to hear that the Rakuten Affiliate Network and Bloomingdale's had chosen my blog as one of only 30 blogs to receive a pre-Christmas Bloomingdale's Beauty Box. Bloomingdale's!!!

I was supposed to wait until my birthday to open it, but I was too excited, and I couldn't wait.
It's fabulous!


Here is what blew me away. They didn't just put a bunch of excess beauty products into a box and ship them out. They clearly researched me and my blog, and then curated a box specific to things that I would fall over loving.

christmas-gift-ideas

The beauty box also has a very french-girl approach to beauty, a timeless aesthetic that I am just obsessed with.


Let's start with hair. If you follow this blog you already know that I swear by Bumble and Bumble hair products. Among other things I use the Invisible Oil Primer, Bb Straight Blow Dry, and the Thickening Spray every time I'm blowing my hair out smooth. 
In my gift box I got a huge bottle of Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray.

Bumble-and-Bumble-Thickening-Spray

I have super thick hair anyway, but I swear by this product! My hairdrsser turned me onto it at the beginning of this year.
When you have a ton of hair like I do it gets really heavy and flat. I spray the thickening spray through the roots and first 3 or 4 inches of damp hair immediately prior to blow drying. It gives my hair fabulous volume and makes it bouncy. 
I'm sure it was created for people with thin hair, and I'm probably using it incorrectly, but sometimes that's the best way, don't you think?

Lancome-Grandiose-Mascara

You know me, so you already know that I love big, thick fabulous lashes. I am so fully invested in mascaras, and my beauty box gave me two to play with. 
Lancome Grandiose Extreme takes mascara to an entire new level.
When you want exceptional volume, maximum length and incredible lift, this is the mascara for you!

Lancome-Mascara

Check out the wand! The swan neck shaped wand lets you roll the mascara all around the lashes and get all the way to the base of the lash. It has dual brushes to super load your lashes - a short row to put product on and a long row to really pull the product through.
The mascara itself is super inky black.

Lancome-Grandiose-Mascara

Lancome-Grandiose-Mascara

Clarins Supra Volume mascara gives you full, fat, voluminous lashes. It contains Cassie flower wax to strengthen and protect your lashes, and is super pigmented.

Clarins-Supra-Volume-Mascara

This is a gorgeous, everyday mascara. You can use it as part of your total eye makeup, or, if you are channeling your inner french girl, skip the shadows apply a couple of coats of Clarins Supra Volume, and then set the world on fire with a swipe of the most killer red lip ever.

Clarins-Supra-Volume-Mascara


Take an extra 20% off almost all sale & clearance items with code TAKE20! Plus, FREE Shipping. Valid online only through Dec 18.

You know that I have blogged about MAC Ruby Woo lipstick many, many times. Ruby Woo is a classic blue based red. 

MAC-Ruby-Woo

To me Ruby Woo is old Hollywood. Timeless, perfect, robust but so incredibly wearable. If you are in the mood for jeans, a white tee and a black blazer, this is your red lip. If you feel like going all out in your most sensational LBD, this is the red for you. If you are going for a look anywhere in the middle, this is the red for you!

Red lips can be tricky to wear, especially if they are slip-sliding around your mouth. Ruby Woo stays put and wears really, really well.
(As a side note, last time I was in Paris my daily look was minimal base, groomed brows, glossy black mascara and Ruby Woo, rubbed in with my finger. I love Ruby Woo!)



No party or big night out is complete without lashes.
My gift box had MAC lashes. I use MAC strip lashes all the time. They are perfectly shaped, flex well with your eyelid and are the perfect length - the enhance the eye rather than collapsing it. L.O.V.E.

Love Relentlessly eau de Parfum by Tory Burch.


tory-burch-love-relentlessly

Honestly?? Okay, so she had me at the name. Regardless of how this fragrance smelled I was in, boots and all! 

tory-burch-love-relentlessly

Tory Burch's new fragrance, Love Relentlessly is pure romance.
It's pink pepper and rose, folded into ambertonic and patchouli. 
It is beautiful, it is intensely feminine, it is luscious and warm. 
I am wearing it everyday. It is a lovely year round fragrance, but for right now it makes me think of a winter white cashmere sweater and curling up on an overstuffed sofa in front of an open fire, with a gorgeous man. This perfume is loooove

tory-burch-love-relentlessly

The packaging is beautiful, and don't you just love the bottle?

Thank you so much Rakuten Affilate Network and Bloomingdales!
These are just wonderful gifts and I adore them all.
XO 

All images by Kristina Beth Photography

Bloomingdale's Gifts




Sunday, July 31, 2016

The Best Selling Lipstick Shades


Do you follow Rachel Zoe and The Zoe Report?
For the most part she is my favorite reason to open my inbox each day. 
The Zoe Report is always filled with fantastic info, from wardrobe styling to beauty to travel.
 And don't even get me started on the Rachel Zoe Box Of Style - I always get sooooo excited for it to arrive. 

Box-of-style-watch-shot


So far each time the Box of Style has come out I have been overseas and I have to wait to get home and open it, but I get so geeked out over it that I have made it into an event. Because let's face it, if you are an average girl like me, how often do you get to open a luxe box of individually wrapped presents, super chic statements for the new season ahead? ( try 4 times per year!)
You can subscribe to the Box of Style here


most-popular-lipstick-shades

Anyway, The Zoe Report posted this cool story for National Lipstick Day. They polled the biggest beauty brands from MAC to Charlotte Tilbury to find out their best selling lipstick shades.
It's time to stock up on your lipsticks ladies, and here are the best sellers to choose from:



mac-lipsticks



From MAC 

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo $17
MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy $17
MAC Lipstick in Diva $17
MAC Lipstick in Whirl $17
Available online at Nordstrom.com

nars-lipstick


From Nars

Audacious Lipstick in Dominique $32
Semi Matte Lipstick in VIP Red $28
Sheer Lipstick in Dolce Vita $28
Satin Lipstick in Rosecliff $28
Available at Nordstrom.com

chalotte-tilbury-lipstick

From Charlotte Tilbury


Hot Lips in Secret Salma $32
Hot Lips in Kim K.W. $32
Matte Revolution in Bond Girl $32
Matte Revolution in Walk Of Shame $32
Available online at CharlotteTilbury.com

anastasia-beverly-hills-lipstick


Anastasia Beverly Hills


Liquid Lipstick in Vamp $20
Liquid Lipstick in Vintage $20
Liquid Lipstick in American Doll $20
Liquid Lipstick in Pure Hollywood $20
Available at AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com

marc-jacobs-lipstick

Marc Jacobs Beauty


Le Marc Lip Cream Lipstick in J'Adore $30
Le Marc Lip Cream Lipstick in Slow Burn $30
Le Marc Lip Cream Lipstick in Infamous $30
Le Marc Lip Cream Lipstick in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang $30
Available online at MarcJacobsBeauty.com

tarte-lipstick


From Tarte


Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint in Mauve $20
Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint in Namaste Nude $20
Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint in Frenemy Burgundy $20
Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint in Bae Red $20
Available online at TarteCosmetics.com

The Zoe Report has some other brands on their list too. Check them out here

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Makeup Trends Spring 2016

Spring 2016 is going to be a fun season for makeup lovers.


red-lips-spring-2016

This is a season that's all about color and sparkle.
False eyelashes, glitter, liner, electric blue eye shadow, and my favorite - bright, bold, fun red lips!

makeup-trends-spring-2016
Makeup at Celine spring/summer 2016

makeup-trends-spring-2016
Makeup at DKNY spring/summer 2016

makeup-trends-spring-2016
Makeup at Dolce Gabbana spring/summer 2016

My favorite of all the trends is that stunning, red lip.
This is not just any red, we are talking Snow White candy apple red. As true of a red as you can find.

Not all reds look sensational on all skin tones. 
My number one rule with red is that rather than becoming a fashion victim, to find the red that looks really great on you. I often modify a red lipstick that doesn't work on me by using a liner that does. MAC Cherry liner is a fabulous true red that lets you bend all kinds of other reds. Just make sure you run a lip brush back and forth through it to blend away any signs of your trickery.


makeup-trends-spring-2016

The trick to pulling off a huge red lip for spring is to make your skin glow with a lightweight, luminous foundation or BB Cream, balance the bold lip with a strong brow, and keep the eye close to bare or with a tiny flick of liner (avoid the Instagram favorite huge cat eye. It's Instagram popularity alone makes it incredibly passe.) 
Make sure you execute that red lip with perfection. Keep your lines nice and tight, and make the lip look crisp.

Personally I think the easiest way to wear a red lip is to wear a matte red lip. Matte reds move less, so you don't wind up with red lipstick feathering out over the lipline or maneuvering it's way around your face. My absolute favorite matte red is the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in Red Carpet Red


This combines a very hydrating matte formula with the truest, classic red you will ever find. It's a classic red that makes me think of old Hollywood, but at the same time is so modern and fresh!
If you want something a little more vibrant, Charlotte Tilbury 1975 Red is more of a sunset red than a true red, but it lights up the complexion beautifully.

When choosing a bright red matte lip make sure the formula is nice and hydrating so that your lip doesn't look cracked and caked. The matte revolution lipsticks by Charlotte Tilbury don't let your lip dry out, so your pout looks fabulous all day (or night) long.

Another good true red is Chanel Rouge Allure Intense Lipstick in 104 Passion.
I often find that a full blown red lip can overwhelm my face when I wear it as an everyday lipstick. Maybe you're like me and find that red isn't always that flattering? Anyway one of my personal everyday lipstick at the moment gives the illusion of an in-your-face-red lip, but it technically isn't. I wear MAC All Fired Up paired with Cherry Liner. The pinker tone of All Fired Up plays nicely with my skin tone, and the Cherry liner tricks the entire look into looking like an amazing red lip.

If a full on, bold, matte lip feels too much for you, try Juice Beauty's Liquid Lip in Apple, named after Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter. It's bright, fun and fresh, and the color is purrfect for spring! 

Sunday, November 29, 2015

The 6 Best Red Lipsticks For The Holidays

A red lip is the perfect accessory for the holidays!
It's bright, it's fun and with one quick swipe can turn your look from boring to bold.

Christmas-Red-Lips

photo by Kelly Cappelli
Makeup by Corinna Cooke

A well defined brow paired with a kick-ass red lip is classic. 
It's also a quick and easy look to pull off. 
A red lip makes such a statement on it's own that you can scale back the rest of your makeup, keeping the eye and cheek simple and letting the lip do all the work for you.

My favorite red lip look for the holiday season is a rich, matte lip paired with glowing, luminous skin. 
Check out 6 of my favorite matte reds for the holidays:

The 6  Best Red Lips For The Holidays


Tatcha Kyoto Red is a geisha inspired red that is universally flattering - it looks great on everyone. And it packs a serious punch.
It's a matte lip with a silk finish.

Geisha-Red-Lipstick
Tatcha Kyoto Red

Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Matte Lipstick in Black Tie.

Classic-Red-Lipstick
Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope lipstick in Black Tie

This gorgeous, lightweight matte lipstick

Tom Ford Lip Color in Cherry Lush

Tom-Ford-Lip-Color-Cherry-Lush
Tom Ford Lip Color in Cherry Lush

Tom Ford believes the lip is the focus of the face and has the power to define your whole look. No wonder his lipsticks are so luscious!

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio
Nars Pure Matte Lips are super pigmented and very long wearing, which is ideal when you are going bold - you don't want to be wearing a lipstick formula that requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep.


Matte-Red-Lips


MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Ruby-Woo-MAC
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Ruby Woo is a timeless, iconic red lipstick that will never go out of fashion. 

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red

Red-Carpet-Red
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Red Carpet Red

One of my all time favorite red lipsticks, Red Carpet Red hasn't been around very long, but will become another of the iconic red lips. It's wonderful.

Charlotte Tilbury Looks Campaign

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

7 Beauty Gift Sets From Nordstrom

My workload is insane at the moment, and with the exception of the Thanksgiving break I am working every day until mid December. Which means my Christmas shopping is happening online for the time being. I've been scrolling around on Nordstrom.com checking out what's on offer, and these are my favorite beauty based gift sets for this year.

Beauty gift sets make the ideal gift for any makeup lover, they are great for co-workers and make wonderful business gifts. They are also a fabulous way to treat yourself, and allowing for the discounted prices when you buy a set, you'd be kind of mad not to treat yourself. Right?

From MAC there is the Nordstrom exclusive Enchanted Eve Copper Eye and Lip Set is a steal at $59.50. Valued at $88.50 it contains Pearlfusion eye shadow set in Copperluxe,  Technakohl liner in Photogravure, lipstick in The Right Note and lipglass in Rocket To The Moon, together with this cool little MAC bag.
MAC-gift-sets


Check out the Enchanted Eve Copper Gift set here

The limited edition Jo Malone Cologne Collection ($115) lets you try out some of Jo Malone's most loved colognes. Each one can be worn alone, or you can layer them and create your own fragrance.

Included in the set are the following fragrances:
Lime Basil and Mandarin cologne
Pomegranate Noir cologne
English Pear and Freesia cologne
Peony and Blush Suede cologne
Wood Sage and Sea Salt cologne

Check out the details on the Jo Malone gift set here

The Legacy Palette from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty is a $280 value that will only cost you $165.
This is the absolute perfect palette that transcends any seasonal look. This should be the backbone of your makeup wardrobe. With Celestial highlighting powder in Candlelight and Sculpting powder in medium (made up not of bronzing tones but instead in brown, red and grey, giving you contour perfection), and the ideal assortment of neutral eye shadows, you can  build, shape and add drama to any eye. I love this!
Kevyn-Aucoin-Gift-Set

Read about the Kevyn Aucoin Legacy Palette here

The Diptique Mini Candle Set ($130) is a fantastic business gift, hostess gift, candle lovers gift, and self gift! I would love this.

diptique-candles-gift-set

A mixtures of Diptique's iconic scents and some seasonal scents, these french made candles have a 15 hour burn time, of the loveliest candle fragrances ever.
Check out the list of fragrances here

Also from Diptique the Sapin candle.
Diptique-Holiday-Candle

This is a pine scent with a soft infusion of mandarin, and smells like the holidays, albeit luxe holidays. There are two sizes available, check them out here.

The Laura Mercier Kiss Of Colour Lip Gloss Collection is a limited edition valued at $83 but available for just $50.

Laura-Mercier-Lip-Glace-Gift-Set

This set makes a perfect stocking stuffer, and is a great gift for any girl who likes her lips to look luscious. 
Check out the list of colors here.

The Tocca Crema Voloce Handcream Set ($16) is a great stocking stuffer, and is also a lovely gift for co-workers, hostess gifts or for someone who you don't know well enough to buy fragrances for.
Tocca-Hand-cream

It feels and looks luxurious and the price point makes it super affordable.
Read about it here

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Beauty Tip Of The Week #21 Makeup Tips For Humid Days

Mid- summer humidity can be a beauty nightmare - from melting foundation to frizzy hair, keeping the glam on point can be challenging.

Check out these makeup tips for humid days, and please add any tips that work for you in the comments section below.

Beauty-Tips-for-Humid-Days
Kate Moss for St Tropez self tanner

1. Avoid Foundation.


When the humidity rises here I try to avoid wearing foundation. The more you sweat and shine and melt, the worse your foundation sweats and shines and melts. It's a no win situation!
 If you plan ahead you can build up a faux tan with 
St Tropez Every Day Gradual Tan from Nordstrom.
Check out my blogpost for tips on how to use facial self tanners here

2. Prime Time.

beauty-tips-for-humid-days
Use a really good silicone based primer to even out your skin tone and texture. Koh Gen Do Maifanshi color correcting primers help to both correct imperfections and keep you a little more polished and matte.


3. Define Your Brows.
Giving a little accent to your brows can create the most impact of your entire look. 
Without overdoing it, define your brow with a waterproof brow product like Makeup Forever's Aqua Brow


4. Use A Paint Pot Eye Shadow Base
I swear by a sheer coat of MAC Paint Pot as an eye shadow base plus primer, to help your eye shadow hold all day as well as pump up the color and keep it vibrant.

Beauty-tips-for-humid-days

If you have a cool skin tone try MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly, if you are warm toned check out Soft Ocher, both available at Nordstrom.

5. Waterproof Mascara
It's a  must.
Beauty-Tips-For-Humid-Days

6. Matte Lips

When your face is getting shiny, a glossy lip can make you look even shinier. Neutralize the gooey glow with a soft matte lip.
Try Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Miss Kensington

beauty-tips-for-humid-days