December 11: Water-line with a MAC Chromographic Pencil

This trick has been around for a while, but revisiting it may "open your eyes". . . literally.

Using a MAC Chromographic Pencil in shade NC15/NW20 (top picture),

gently pull down your lower lid and softly line your water line or lower rim (bottom picture).

This deposit of flesh-toned color has the effect of widening or opening up your eyes.

If you've done this before, let me know what you think of this technique.

P.S.  My every instinct is to pluck the stray eyebrows that appear on this model.  

I used this picture because it's a great illustration of where to put the choreographic liner as opposed to the traditional darker liner.

These are currently available at MAC counters and online.  

They have been limited edition items.

GRAB THEM WHILE THEY LAST!!!

www.maccosmetics.com

Dec 10: The Gift of Bobbi Brown

I've spent some time over the past two days at two different Bobbi Brown counters.

This is a line that is ubiquitous, yet one that I have not delved into a whole lot.

I think I hear Bobbi calling my name.

I love what she stands for, which in my opinion is enhancing and optimizing your natural look

with a minimal amount of makeup.  

My purchases included a face moisturizer, gel eyeliners (love these already!), and one of the products above, her shimmer brick.

I hope Santa is reading my blog, because I really want Bobbi's newest book, Pretty Powerful.

That's another thing I like about Bobbi: she's very generous with her knowledge and has written a series of beauty books. 

The images are beautiful, and provide great tutorials.

The shimmer brick (bronze) is an excellent accompaniment to any traditional, matte bronzer;

apply bronzer as normal, then brush a small amount of this shimmer to the tops of cheekbones.

Either of these (or both;) would be an excellent gift for the makeup-lover in your life.

www.BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

With thanks to the Bobbi-artists at CosBar (Charleston) and Belk Towne Center (Mount Pleasant).

December 8: NYX Felt Tip Eyeliner

A great stocking stuffer: this little pen packs a punch!

NYX Felt Tip Liner in Extreme Black or Dark Brown

I have really enjoyed this product ; and at only $8 per pen, 

this is the perfect vehicle for achieving that sought-after cat-eyed or winged-liner look.

Yes, it takes a little practice, but the fine felt-tip of this liner does most of the work for you.

This is a super holiday/winter look, too.

Keep eyeshadow nude and low-key.

Let the liner do all the talking ;)

Merry Lining!

I found mine at a sweet little makeup store in Asheville, NC:

Makeup at the Grove Arcade.

You can also find it at Ulta.

December 6: Giorgio Armani EYES TO KILL

This one bears repeating.

Armani's EYES TO KILL is simply the best mascara I've ever used.

This mascara would be a great Christmas gift because:

1. The brush is so thick and dispenses product beautifully and evenly

2. The mascara goes on dry-ish; it doesn't "dot" on my upper or lower eyelids

3. This is the longest-wearing non-waterproof mascara I've used

4.  This is that one mascara that's a difference maker for my lashes. . .

I get that nice, swooped-out edge on either eye.

5. No "crunchy" mascara lashes; my lashes stay soft, long, and voluminous.

6. Perhaps because I use less product, but this mascara seems to last a long time in the tube 

(remember, don't share!)

Can't say enough good things about this mascara.  

My Favorite!

$30

www.GiorgioArmaniBeautyUSA.com

Dec 5 Gift-Giving Guide: Clarisonic Classic

Clarisonic Classic

A clean face's friend

It sits on its cradle, charging

Readying to take the day off my face

The soft bristles rotate and hum to remove my makeup

Slough off old skin

Makes my face feel new again

My moisturizer soaks in so easily

Ready for night-night

Gentle enough to do over again in the morning

www.Clarisonic.com

$159

December 4: Smashbox Studio Pop for Lips

If you are not currently familiar with Smashbox lip glosses, this is the perfect time for an introduction.

On the heels of The Makeup Show Orlando, where Smashbox was a featured vendor,
I am sooo smitten with this line of lip shine.
The great thing about these lip glosses are that even the darker shades go on super-sheer.
The colors are buildable to the hue you want.

This limited edition package is the perfect way to become acquainted.

5 glosses total: 3 Lip-Enhancing  and 2 Reflection High-Shine glosses.
These colors are perfect on their own or can be combined to create a unique shade just for you.
Packaged in an easy-to-wrap gift-giving tin.
available online at www.smashbox.com
Sephora or Ulta stores
$19

Dec 3. Love in a Jar: Creme de La Mer

This is a selection of pure whimsy.

Because I know only one person who has been gifted a jar of Creme de La Mer.

It's one of those luxury items that, if we are lucky enough to come across, we do it for ourselves.

But this stuff is transformative.

Created originally by an aerospace physicist who suffered burns in the laboratory, 

he set out to create a treatment to transform the look of his skin.

This product is especially helpful for people with super-dry skin.

It's very thick and tacky.

You need only a tiny dab, and to warm it between your fingers.

Then you press it into your skin in the gentlest of patting motions.

I found the Neiman-Marcus saleslady to be so very generous with her time, instructions, and samples.

This is Love in a Jar.

1 oz. $150

2 oz. $275

16.5 oz. $1900

December 2: Santa Loves NAKED

Urban Decay's NAKED series of eyeshadow are some of the most versatile palettes I've ever come across.  The first colors I reach for with a blue or green-eyed client.  My one criticism of these palettes, the abundance of shimmer, has been addressed with the recent release of the third palette, 

NAKED Basics (all matte, neutral shades).  

These are HOT. . . not only shade-wise, but hard-to-keep-in-the-stores HOT.  That's why I'm posting early so you can get your hands on them soon.  If you have a makeup-lover on your list, or if you simply want to gift yourself an amazing eyeshadow wardrobe, this is a treat.  NAKED & NAKED 2 retail for approximately $50 each and NAKED Basics is $27.  

Bonus: NAKED comes with an eyeshadow primer and both 1&2 include phenomenal brushes.

Available at Sephora, Ulta, or online at www.UrbanDecay.com

(NAKED Basics especially recommended for my 35+ clients. . . this was made for you; the matte finish  minimizes showing up any texture on your eyelid!)

24 Days of Holiday Makeup: December 1

Lip Love: moisturize, moisurize, moisturize!!!  My favorite lip balms; necessary under lipsticks or all alone.  Great stocking stuffers, but worth their own gift wrap under the tree!

MAC's Lip Conditioner (shea butter-based), available at any MAC counter or maccosmetics.com ($14)

DermStore's Lip Quench.  Thick, buttery, slightly iridescent.  This stuff stays put.  Available at www.dermstore.com ($12)

Rosebud Salve.  Old school.  Lots of slip and gloss.  Available online or any variety store. ($6)