Get This! Estée Lauder NEW Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (rave review)

Even though I’m getting over my little virus; I’ve still got enough zip in me for a beauty review. Especially when it’s something this exciting! From Estée Lauder.

NEW Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

Blurb: Lashes seem to multiply, magnify, grow to extremes. Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effects. Extreme Bold Volume™ formula is a blend of three high-volume fibers in a mousse-light base. Acts like lash extensions multiplying and growing the look of lashes. Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex. Unique interlocking fibers build volume + length. Hollow fibers create massive volume, without weight. Ball fibers fill in and fill out even the sparsest lashes. Oversized BrushComber Extreme™ with two types of bristles-flexible fibers carry maximum formula; solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition.

The awesome just got awesomer - thank you Estée Lauder!

I’ve been a giant fan of EL’s Sumptuous mascara since I first tried it. Now I’m never without a tube. (I call it my “desert island” mascara.)

Guest what - this new incarnation is even better! It has all the benefits of the original formula, so it lifts, curls and gives me that flirty doe-eyed look. And…it ups the volume! Waaay up. I got loads of sexy, dramatic volume and no clumps. It also feels light weight, and still has the same great lasting power (no flakes or smudges).

Extreme Black was my favorite; and I also loved the limited edition Extreme Indigo (a deep flattering blue). This mascara is also available in Extreme Brown and Extreme Violet (limited edition). Fabulous!!!

As always, I recommend starting with a coat of EL’s Lash Primer Plus. I also recommend you visit the website for special offers, and shop the Holiday Gift Guide. Estée Lauder can also be found in fine department stores.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Lashtastic Tuesday: Lancôme Cils Booster XL Mascara Base (review)

It’s been a hectic day followed by an evening on the phone. Whew. I need a nice beauty break before bed time. I’m thinking…Lancôme.

Cils Booster XL Mascara Base

Blurb: Give your lashes an XL boost. With just one sweep, this innovative mascara base glides on and evenly coats and smoothes your lashes to maximize the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara. The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—featuring micro-fibers and Vitamin E - to add extra length and thickness to your lashes for added visible performance to your mascara.

If you’re wondering about whether the extra step of using a mascara base or primer is worth it, it absolutely is - but only if it’s a really good product. I’ve tried a whole bunch of mascara bases and primers over the last couple of years and this is only the second one I’ve loved enough to feature here. It’s mighty awesome!

Cils Booster acts as an excellent primer, and even adds some of length and volume on its own (yay!). It also conditions and protects my lashes from the drying effects of mascara. And…it's a wonderfully smooth base – which makes any mascara I use go on more easily, look better and stay put!

Check out the website. You can take advantage of free shipping right now (no code needed) and take a look at the Limited Edition Beauty Sensation and the Holiday Gift sets. You can also find Lancôme at nice department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Special for Sunday: LORAC Visual Effection Collection and Holiday 2010 Collection

One of my favorites just sent out info about an awesome value set and their latest Holiday Offerings! Check out the goodness…

Visual Effection Collection

This Limited Edition Collection is available at ULTA and includes 2 full size Visual Effects Mascaras, one in Jet Black and one in Midnight Blue, PLUS a travel size Behind The Scenes Eye Shadow Primer. You’ll have everything you need to curl, separate, and lengthen your lashes With LORAC’s Visual Effection Collection! Don’t miss out on this great set for only $20 (with a $47 value) at ULTA for a limited time!

Holiday Offerings

Tie Dye For Lip Gloss: A set of 5 lip glosses that have a trio of colors swirled together to create one-of-a-kind shades. They are packed with powerful antioxidants like Acai Berry and Pomegranate to keep lips nourished. Makes the perfect Stocking Stuffer or Grab Bag gift!

Box Office Sensation: Sephora Exclusive Limited Edition Train Case to make every girl feel like a makeup artist! The kit includes everything you need for your eyes, cheeks and lips including 36 eye shadows, 3 blushes, 1 bronzer and 9 lip colors.

All That Glitters (sparkle shadow/liner pencils): A collection of 5 dazzling pencils that can be used as a liner or shadow to add shimmer to your eyes. Great for creating the perfect party look for New Years Eve. (At ULTA only.

Box Office Hit: An ULTA Exclusive Limited Edition Full Face Palette with everything you need to create natural looks for day and sexy, smoky party looks for night. The palette contains 12 eye shadows, 2 eye liners, a blush, bronzer and 8 lip colors.
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Beauty Appointment with Dell Ashley: YSL Extravaganza (review, tips and general euphoria)

Let’s start the week with a bonanza of beauty! If you’ve been faithfully reading and scrutinizing my blog (or at least skimming it when you’re supposed to be working); you may have seen a little heads up a while back about some amazing store events from Yves Saint Laurent (aka: YSL) Beauty. YSL national makeup artist, Dell Ashley is appearing all over the country right now to introduce some beautiful new looks, shades and products.

After posting about the event, I decided to make an appointment. It turns out Dell was going to be at my local Nordstrom (in King of Prussia) last Wednesday – and I had the day off. I went in the afternoon, and got to meet Dell and some of the other YSL experts. I feel really lucky. Dell is an incredibly talented and skilled artist (and a super nice guy). He not only made me look fabulous; he also explained everything and gave me some amazing tips! First the products…

Hydra Feel Water Gel Moisturizer

Blurb: A breakthrough from YSL Beauté Research. Drawing on sugar technology, this hydra-repleneshing moisturizer supports the skin's natural hydration mechanisms. Upon application, the skin is bathed with freshness. A refreshing, creamy gel that gives comfort to normal to combination skin.

Temps Majeur Eye Contour

Blurb: Extremely fine and silky, this complete eye contour treatment features a selection of high-performance active ingredients to regenerate, energize and enhance the eye area. Upon application, the eyes light up. The eye contour is smoothed and refreshed. Day after day, dark circles and puffiness fade away.

Top Secrets Pore Refiner (with Skincare Brush)

Blurb: A unique pore refining skincare brush for combination skin prone to imperfections. This targeted skincare product instantly reduces the look of enlarged pores and mattifies shine, making skin appear visibly smoother and more even. Skin quality is improved and ready for a flawless make-up application.

Teint Resist Long Wear Transfer Resistant Foundation (SPF 10)

Blurb: Guarantees unfailing wear and radiance for up to 14 hours. The luminous, transfer-resistant formula forms perfectly to the skin for a soft and seamless result. Pigments are specially coated for a color-true effect and the formula absorbs excess oil through the day, for a complexion which always looks and feels fresh.

Touche Éclat Radiant Touch

Blurb: Light, luminosity, radiance. The award winning, must-have, take anywhere instant highlighter that banishes shadows, erases signs of fatigue and leaves your skin looking radiant. Touche Éclat is 8 hours of sleep in a pen - the one item no woman can be without.

Ombre Solo Mono Eyeshadows

Blurb: Ombre Solo shades the eyelids with a matt, satiny or iridescent veil of endlessly adjustable and long-lasting colour. The exceptional smoothing effect reveals the radiance of the colours for a wonderfully luminous makeup.

Dessin Du Regard Crayon Yeux Haute Tenue Eye Pencils

Blurb: Updated with a new formula, with highly pigmented colour for a deep impact and long-lasting finish. The texture glides onto the skin effortlessly, and Jojoba Oil makes the finish on the skin smooth and comfortable. A wax adhesive acts as a fixing agent to reinforce the intensity of the pigment for hours.

Volume Effet Faux Cils Noir Radical Mascara

Blurb: The ultimate luxurious mascara for a false lash effect in our deepest black colour ever, for a dangerously glamourous look. NOIR RADICAL takes our must-have industry leading mascara, Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara, to a new depth with mineral pigments more intense than traditional iron oxide black pigments, to achieve the blackest black, deep and powerful.

Touche Blush

Blurb: A true beauty accessory, a makeup concept that transforms blush application into a moment of pure pleasure. The ingenious packaging is associated with an ultra-fine powder to provide a luminous and natural makeup result.

Dessin Des Lèvres Lip Liner

Blurb: A high precision and richly textured lip pencil to outline, re-define and colour the lips.

Rouge Pur Shine Sheer Lipstick (SPF 15)

Blurb: This shiny lipstick with exceptional gliding properties illuminates the lips with sparkling, transparent colours. The exclusive long golden cap opens in a "click" to reveal a delightful, hydrating texture that reshapes the lips while ensuring comfort and protection.

Gloss Pur Pure Lip Gloss

Blurb: Pure colour and high shine. YSL's newest lip gloss is everything you need to achieve an ultra-sophisticated every-day look. Based on YSL's top selling lip gloss, Golden Gloss, Gloss Pur delivers a sparkle-free beautiful and glossy sheen to the lips.

Amazing products and an amazing experience! Dell and everyone at Nordstrom were friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable (and their makeup was perfect). Every single one of the items Dell used was outstanding! I could easily do a separate post on each one; but part of the experience was getting to see how they all worked together for a total look.

The skincare standouts were the Hydra Feel Moisturizer and the Eye Contour. The moisturizer felt hydrating, yet light enough for warm wather. My skin instantly looked refreshed and soft. The Eye Contour was also excellent (Dell said it’s one of the most requested products). The soothing cream absorbed immediately, making the eye area look softer; and the fine reflective particles (mother of pearl) added brightness.

The Top Secrets Pore Refiner blew me away! In addition to the (stellar!) packaging, lovely feel and mattifying effect; it performed some kind of magic trick that made my pores run away and hide. I really couldn’t believe the difference. Dell applied the Foundation on top and the result was a flawless complexion. I’ve never seen my complexion look that polished. Ever. He highlighted here and there with the Touche Éclat and the total effect was near perfect skin. The look lasted through a long evening, and was still looking gorgeous when I got home that night.

Of course the major fun is in the color! Gorgeous colors and expert application equal fabulousness. And here’s one of the most useful hints I’ve ever gotten – Dell recommended contouring first using the pencil, then applying and blending shadow over the pencil contour. The result was really beautiful. The color was perfectly blended and shaped. And YSL shadows are pretty darn amazing. Velvety texture, saturated color, sophisticated shades and amazing staying power. The new Mascara was another awesome touch. It’s a deep, deep black, and I got a lush, black fringe.

The blush deserves a mention just for the packaging alone. The formula is excellent (a fine, blendable powder); but the brush container/applicator is both practical and adorable. I also loved the Lip Liner, the sheer Lipsticks (awesome for summer), and of course, the Gloss. Besides a glassy finish, Gloss Pur is one of the most comfortable, luscious glosses I’ve ever worn (and it has a yummy Mango fragrance).

In addition to a great look; I got a few fab tips from the expert himself:

1. Foundation: Use a blush brush to apply foundation. The brush glides across skin without tugging, and creates an airbrushed effect.
2. Bronzer: Use the side of a blush brush to apply bronzer, then use the tip to blend. Bronzer will go on more evenly over a larger surface (easier to do, and looks more natural).
3. Eyes (mentioned above): Use a pencil to draw on contours before applying shadow.
4. Lips: To “summer-ize” your beloved red lipsticks; use a sheer gloss to add a watery shine over the darker color.

YSL is always beautiful, luxurious and chic. And the amazing quality and attention to detail are very very French. I was thrilled that I got to try out so many things at once – and even more thrilled that I had a dinner to attend afterwards. I got tons of compliments; and I loved the way everything looked, felt and wore throughout the evening.

For more info (and to check out all the colors), visit the YSL website. You may also want to check out the Limited Editions and Online Exclusives pages. YSL offers free shipping on your first order. You can also find YSL at Sephora and fine department stores. (And Nordstrom.com is currently offering $5 shipping with any $50 beauty purchase (enter code: BEAUTY).

If you’re interested in having an amazing YSL experience of your own, here’s a list of Dell’s remaining scheduled appearances:

5/26-27- Nordstrom Seattle (WA)
5/28- Nordstrom San Francisco (CA)
5/29- Nordstrom Walnut Creek (CA)
6/3-5- Neiman Marcus Northpark (TX)
6/8- Neiman Marcus Northbrook (IL)
6/9- Saks Bala Cynwyd (PA)
6/10- Lord & Taylor NYC (NY)
6/12- Nordstrom South Coast Plaza (CA)
6/16- Bloomingdale's Aventura (FL)
6/17-18- Saks Boca Raton (FL)
6/19- Neiman Marcus Merrick (FL)
7/14-15- Saks NYC (NY)
7/16- Nordstrom Freehold (NJ)
7/17- Nordstrom Michigan Ave (IL)
7/23- Nordstrom Mall of America (MN)
7/24- Nordstrom Pentagon (DC)
7/29-30- Nordstrom Houston (TX)

Happy Monday everyone!
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Green-Eyed (Beauty) Monster (quick review/redux)

My weekend was wonderful! I feel renewed!

And, oh my goodness today is hectic!

I had actually planned to spotlight these items last week (what with it being Earth Week and all); but I got sidetracked by other ideas and items. So while it's still Spring, still Earth Month, and I'm still feeling renewed; I thought I'd share a few of my favorite green eye-tems (uh oh, cracked myself up again).

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

To keep the delicate skin around your eyes soft and pretty. This is a wonderful, soothing hydrating eye treatment (and yes, it's green).

Almay Intense i-Color Mascara (in "Black Emerald")

This is more of a greenish-black. But I wanted to include something from the mascara category. Almay has a great formula; and for those of you who are sensitive, it's nice to have something other than plain old black.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (in "Mildew")

This is one of their new colors. It's a lovely forest green with gold flecks. My other UD green favorites are "Covet" (peacock green), and "Stash" (er…Oregano).

LASplash Glitter Eyeliner (in "Kryptonite")

I couldn't find a solo image, but it's the one in the middle. “Kryptonite” is a deep, forest green (almost black) with flecks of green glitter. They also make a gorgeous Lid Splash.

Stila Smudge Pot (in "Jade")

This olive green with glints of gold looks amazing as both a liner and a cream shadow. And the creamy, long-lasting formula is one of the best.

Dior 5 Color Palette (in "Mystic Jade")

I got one of these last year and used it all the time. There's a pale green, a deep olive, and an irridiscent brownish green complemented by a peach and a blue shadow. It's absolutely amazing for spring.

Stila Eye Shadow Pans (In "Cha Cha")

A delicate, pale, seafoam green. Looks great with my dark brown eyes; but I think this is another universally flattering color.

This idea isn't entirely off the wall and frivolous. Green is actually a very flattering and versatile shade, and it's perfect for spring.

Must...rush...Happy Monday!
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Another Mascara Monday: FLIRT! It Curl Mascara (flirt)

Hello all – I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was a mix of social stuff, swatting out some errands, and a whole afternoon of unbelievable laziness. I even got caught up on both "Lost" and "The Office" (by the way, if you haven't seen the St. Patricks' episode of "The Office," you are in for some hilarity).

Of course, a mere two days of weekend was not nearly enough. So to ease the transition into the work week, I'm adding one more Mascara Monday installment. This one from FLIRT! Cosmetics.

It Curl Lash Curling Mascara

Blurb: Get 144% more curl and lift with this lash boosting curling mascara. Transforms lashes instantly with a unique curved brush for ooh la lashes. Colors: Bronze Belle, Bouffant Brown, and Bombshell Black

Every time I try something from FLIRT!, I'm impressed with the value and quality. This mascara is priced somewhere between drugstore and high-end department store, and the quality is excellent. I got great length and fabulous, cheeky, flirty curl! I also loved brush: wide enough to get lots on your lashes, but short enough to maneuver easily.

Another plus is that in addition to usual black and brown, there's a gorgeous bronze shade. If you have a fairer complexion and want a warmer color, Bronze Belle is perfect.

Take a look at the website. There's a lot of new stuff for spring. You can also check out the fun Experiment with Color section, and/or print out a Kohl's coupon. You can order online, or browse the beauty aisle at Kohls.

Happy Monday!
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Another Mascara Monday (With Bonus Eyeliner)! LASplash (review)

Hello everyone! I intended to spend a few Mondays featuring some cool mascaras; and then today I realized I was having a bit of eyeliner withdrawal. So I thought I'd just combine the two, and feature a bit of each from Splash Cosmetics.

Lash Splash Glitter Mascara (in "Abyss")

Blurb: Who doesn’t want thick, long and healthy lashes you can shed a tear or two in? Leap out of your shell and leave the ordinary to the “ordinary”. Dare to shine with all of the fun, bright and glitter colors we offer. Lash Splash Liquid Mascara thickens, lengthens, and nourishes to create astonishing lashes. Not to mention, lash splash mascara is created with a formula that is proven to be long-lasting and waterproof.

LA Splash has over 30 colors of mascara - whoa! I took the conservative road and chose “Abyss” (aka: black) because I wanted to see how the formula held up all day (and fuschia might not have gone over so well at work). I was not disappointed – the formula is great. My lashes were coated well, and I got very good lengthening. And the sparkle was super cool. Not overly glitzy, but enough to give a festive dewy shimmer to my eyes. It lasted all day and didn’t run when I dunked my head in the pool.

Glitter Eyeliner (in "Kryptonite" and "Electric")

Blurb: If only eyes could talk! What would yours say about you? All colors are smudge proof and water resistant for glamorous 12 hour wear.

There are almost 50 colors to choose from in the “glitter” category alone – yikes! When I brought them home I was not disappointed. For starters, the brush is very nice. I usually prefer a slightly shorter brush; but this one worked well (and a pair of scissors can always take care of too much length). Liquid liners (especially sparkly ones) take a steadier hand and I was glad to see that this had a bit of "adjustment time." (Meaning it took a minute or two to dry in case I needed to start over.) It went on smoothly, covered well and lasted all day. The two colors I tried were excellent. “Kryptonite” is a deep, forest green (almost black) with flecks of green glitter. It’s really beautiful and I got lots of compliments. “Electric” is a bright, beautiful awesome shade of sparkly turquoise. If you’re opting in to the turquoise trend that’s happening right; you may want to get a couple of these. Again, like the mascaras, the sparkle is just right.

I love that that both mascara and liners perform really well and are also reasonably priced (about $7 each). Which is great because they come in so many shades - so you can try out a whole slew of them without spending a fortune.

Visit the website, and take a look at more of the glittery, colorful fun. You can also find LA Splash at Cherry Culture and Ulta.

Happy Monday!
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Mascara Monday: COVERGIRL lashblastfusion Mascara (Sneak Peek Review)

Howdy beauty friends! I hope your Monday is going well. Mine is full of household chores, errands and some nice chats. After all the traveling and catching up, it’s great to have a day off to get things done in a leisurely manner.

I didn't get to write much last week, but I really had a great time on my trip. Fun singing, amazing weather, a host family with an fabulous dog (Iris), and a spectacular day hanging out with friends who live in the Baltimore/DC area. I’m a big fan of singing, but my friends also showed me an awesome time (thanks J & A)!

I also got to try out a couple of new beauty items which I’m planning to feature. The first is the newest LashBlast Mascara from COVERGIRL.

LashBlast Fusion

Blurb: COVERGIRL introduces its newest LashBlast mascara – LashBlast Fusion. The first ever volume and length mascara, so now lashes that want it all, can have it all! Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during Fall/Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week. LashBlast Fusion will be available in-stores nationwide this April. Full volume. Full length. No compromise.

(Okay, my “peek” isn’t all that sneaky, because this mascara will be here in April – which is fairly soon.)

Three words: big fat lashes. I also got very good lengthening and a nice lift and curl as well! And while I appreciate a good lengthener; I usually look for volume, and this mascara really brings it! I suggest you be there at the drugstore with your wallet out when this arrives!

If you can’t wait for it to hit the shelves, you can get busy ahead of time during the exclusive online pre-sale. Pre-sale customers also get to take advantage of free shipping from March 12th – April 5th. Visit COVERGIRL’s Facebook page to find an e-retailer.

Happy Monday!

P.S.: here’s a bonus photo of Iris, the fabulous dog from Baltimore:


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Beauty in My Week: COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Launch & Stand Up for Beauty Contest!

Check out what's happening over at COVERGIRL. A new mascara launch and an awesome contest!

LashBlast mascara – LashBlast Fusion

Today COVERGIRL introduced its newest LashBlast mascara – LashBlast Fusion. It’s COVERGIRL’s first ever volume and length mascara, so now lashes that want it all, can have it all! COVERGIRL Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during Fall/Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week. Check out behind-the-scenes videos of Pat backstage at the Anna Sui show using her new favorite mascara.



LashBlast Fusion will be available in-stores nationwide this April, but you can get it before anyone else staring March 12th during the exclusive online pre-sale. LashBlast Fusion has a suggested retail price of $8.99 and pre-sale customers can take advantage of free shipping from March 12th – April 5th, limited quantity while supplies last. Visit www.Facebook.com/COVERGIRL beginning March 12th to find an e-retailer.

COVERGIRL that encourages women to Stand Up for Beauty!

COVERGIRL is giving away $50,000 to a special beauty fan that’s ready to share how she stands up for beauty. You can enter the contest by creating a short video – one minute or less – that shows how you stand up for the positive power of beauty.

If you believe that false eyelashes don’t make you feel fake. That makeup doesn’t mean “makeover.” And that what makeup does for you on the outside can be positive on the inside too, then we encourage you to stand up for beauty with COVERGIRL!

To learn more and enter the contest, visit www.covergirl.com/standup. And check out how other Beauty and Fashion Gurus are standing up too:


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Batting Practice: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara (review)

A while back, I posted a review of the limited edition colored mascaras from Estée Lauder. I was so carried away by the awesome colors, that I gave the formula short shrift. So today, I am remedying the situation.

Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara

Blurb: Lift each lash with big, bold, weightless volume. Unprecedented Bold Volume™ formula has ultra light, lash-thickening fibers. Lifts and plumps even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl. Exclusive BrushComber™ thickens like a brush. Defines like a comb. Wraps your entire lash in air-light volume. Lashes soar with 360° lift and curl.

I like all different kinds of mascaras; but if I had to choose only one mascara to use for the rest of my life, this would be it.

When I reviewed the colored mascaras, I mostly discussed…the colors. But the formula deserves praise all by itself. I use it with the Lash Primer Plus, and it lasts all day without clumping, smudging or flaking. What really makes this mascara stand out, though, is the lifting, volumizing and curling action. It really works! My lashes look thicker and they curl up beautifully - giving me a lovely, flirty, doe-eyed look! The Sumptuous formula is available in black and brown - and now there's even a new Waterproof formula!

Check out the website (and be sure to visit the What's New section). You can also find and try out Estée Lauder at nice department stores.
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Bring it to the Party: Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara (review)

Hi all! Hope your holiday was happy, healthy and wonderful! I’m so happy to be back in Philly (even though my inner clock is still on West Coast time).

Just in time for the “big night;” I thought I’d take a bit of time to talk about the cool new mascara recently unveiled by Bobbi Brown. As soon as I heard about this one; I made a beeline for my nearest BB counter and snapped up a tube.

Extreme Party Mascara

Blurb: Our boldest mascara ever. Unbelievable volume. Endless build. Exceptional separation. Pliable formula stays flexible even after it dries, so each coat goes on as fresh as the first - immediately or hours later - with zero dragging, clumping or flaking. Tapered brush grabs even the smallest, hard-to-reach lashes. Now that's beautiful.

That is an extremely modest blurb. I love this mascara. You will love this mascara. Really. It doesn’t smudge, flake, smear or clump. Good wand. Great black color. And it separates lashes really well. But those are not the reasons you will love it. You will love this mascara because it is amazingly buildable. One coat looked nice and natural. And once I started adding coats, I got some serious glam going on! Not only that, I was able to apply new coats hours after the first one had dried. Which makes this a hands down perfect day-to-evening item. Prepare to experience the love.

Right now the website is offering free shipping with any order. You can also find Bobbi Brown at fine department stores and online at Blue Mercury.

Happy (almost) New Year!
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Dreaming of a Black Christmas: Estée Lauder Blacker Than Black Collection

How completely and utterly COOL is this? All the goodness of EL mascaras in super-BLACK? And a nifty dark, smoky, chic new shadow palette? Read and wish…

Estée Lauder Introduces Blacker Than Black

A Luxurious Collection of Rich, Intensely Saturated Black Mascaras and Sultry, Smoky Accents for Big, Bold, Dramatically Alluring Eyes

Now beautifully bold, dramatic eyes are just a wave of the wand away. Don’t be shy, make your eyes the center of attention with Estée Lauder’s new Blacker Than Black eye collection. This unique collection features six of Estée Lauder’s most popular mascara formulas each in a richer, more concentrated, more dramatic black shade for eyes that appear bigger, bolder, more dramatic!

Because the mascara is so concentrated, it creates a contrast that defines and frames the eyes for a look that is at once highly sophisticated and utterly alluring. And, whether your look calls for lashes that are lengthened, defined, volumized, lifted, curled or a combination, you can achieve the look you want as each of these luxurious mascaras offer the same unique benefits as their original formulas, but now with the deepest, intense jet black effect.

Complete the look with the Blacker Than Black collection’s new Signature Eyeshadow Quad in four sultry, beautifully smoky shades that add even more to the bold look and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in an intense black shade that adds luxuriant definition and complements perfectly the mascaras’ rich black hue.

Be bold and dress your lashes and lids in dramatic Blacker Than Black for a rich, smolderingly smoky eye---for day, for night, for any event.

A Selection of Richly Saturated, Intensely Black Mascaras

To achieve the intense jet black color, the scientists at Estée Lauder maximized color intensity and opacity using select Carbon Black and Black Iron Oxides and putting the pigment through an ultrasonic process. The result is pure, dramatic and intense jet black in a collection of six luxurious mascaras:

Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Blacker Black offers dramatic length and sensationally long wear in one effortless stroke and won’t budge, smudge, smear or flake for up to 15 hours.

Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara™ in Bold Black turns even your sparsest lashes into daringly full, lavishly lifted lashes without the clumping, spiking or weight normally associated with volumizing mascaras.

Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara in Jet Black envelops each individual lash with high volume and exceptionally sharp definition for a sleek, striking look.

TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara in Turbo Black combines an innovative formula and brush design with a unique, power-performing, micro-pulsing effect that enables the brush to penetrate deep into the lash bed and comb through lashes more quickly and effectively, delivering all effects – volume, length, definition, separation and curl – in one tube.

MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara in Black transforms lashes with dramatic volume, making them appear extravagantly full for a powerfully eye-opening effect.
More Than Mascara Moisture Binding Formula in More Black features a moisture-binding formula that conditions lashes as it defines and separates them for a look that’s smoother, fuller and longer.

All mascaras are Ophthalmologist-tested, safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes and fragrance-free. Each uses the same great brush design as used with the original mascara. For easy removal, try Estée Lauder’s Take It Away Total Makeup Remover or LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes. Double Wear Zero-Smudge Mascara removes easily with warm water and cleanser or any Estée Lauder long-wear makeup remover.

Sultry, Smoky Eyeshadows and a Sleek, Intense Eye Pencil

The Blacker Than Black collection of mascaras is perfectly complemented by Estée Lauder’s new Signature Eye Shadow Quad in Black Smoke. This dramatic eyeshadow quad includes four beautifully rich shades to create the perfect smoky eye. The eyeshadow features a silky, microfine powder that won’t crease, gliding smoothly onto lids and blending seamlessly for a flawless look that stays-true all day. Packaged in a signature navy blue compact, this attractive compact can go anywhere for a glamorous day-to-night transformation.

Instantly frame eyes and complete the look of rich, smoky intensity with Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx. This pencil’s unique lightweight, creamy formula glides on effortlessly for rich, stay-true color that sets in seconds and wears for 12 hours.

Turn heads with a sophisticated and smoldering dramatic eye look with Estée Lauder’s Blacker Than Black collection. Wear it on impulse. Wear it for fun. Wear it and get noticed!

Available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com beginning December 2009.
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Partay! Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara

Oh now doesn't this just look freaking awesome? Read about the newest (buildable!) mascara from Bobbi Brown…

“For women who want the dramatic look of false lashes without the hassle.” –Bobbi Brown

Extreme Party Mascara

Why It’s Different?

It’s the first ever all-day layer-able mascara. Thanks to Bobbi’s new “reactivation” formula, each new coat remains as clean and buildable as the first, whether you choose to go bolder right away, one hour or ten hours later.

Between fresh coats, lashes stay separated and soft.

Lashes continue to get thicker and bolder without clumping or flaking every time you want to layer on more volume and length.

Tapered, two-fiber brush grabs even small, hard-to-reach lashes.

Dries fast to a smudge-proof, flakeproof finish.

Enriched with lash conditioners and Vitamins A,C, and E. Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist tested. Safe for contact lens wearers. Removes easily with eye makeup remover or face soap and water.
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Pretty x 5 = Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara from Estée Lauder (review)

A couple of weeks ago, I shared an announcement about the new color mascaras from Estée Lauder. I have finally gotten to try them out, and they absolutely lived up to my eye makeup junkie expectations.

Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara (Limited Edition)

Blurb: Indulge your lashes in a full fantasy of jewel tones and big, bold, weightless volume. This sumptuously rich mascara contains a calculated blend of light-weight gels, polymers, waxes and pigments to lift and plump even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl. The exclusive BrushComber™ brush delivers all the thickening effects of a brush with the definition of a comb. Together, the fibers thicken and volumize lashes in one fast coat without clumping. Ideal for even the sparsest of lashes, Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara is fragrance free, ophthalmologist tested, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

The formula alone is fabulous. Zero clumping and I got a lovely, long, full fringe. The colors are rich, beautiful, and stayed put all day without flaking or smudging. And everything came off in a swipe at the end of the day.

And the colors! The softest was "Amber," a golden, tawny brown. The shade was very subtle on my dark lashes; and I think this would be amazing on a redhead or blonde. "Sapphire" was a bright (and slightly edgy) blue that both flattered and popped. "Emerald" is a vibrant, fresh green. "Amethyst" is a luscious to-die-for shade of purple - really beautiful and super flattering. My hands-down favorite, though, was "Garnet" (happens to be my birthstone btw). It's a deep, dark red (almost a burgundy) and made my eyes look amazing. I will be wearing it a lot.

Since they're limited edition, I'm planning to stock up. I strongly suggest running (okay, maybe walking quickly) to your nearest Estée Lauder counter and checking them out. You can also take a look at the website and see some of the suggested "partners" for the mascaras. My personal recommendation is that you pick up a tube of Lash Primer Plus (my HG) to use underneath your new pretty mascara. Just sayin.
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Feelin Pretty With It: Sumptuous Color Bold Volume Lifting Mascara (Limited Edition)

Whoa, man...yet again. Check out the new color mascaras from Estée Lauder! Available now for a limited time at Estée Lauder counters nationwide. Read, please…

SUMPTUOUS COLOR BOLD VOLUME™ LIFTING MASCARA
Daringly Full, Lavishly Lifted Lashes with a Wink of Rich, Luxurious Color.

Now take your lashes all the way to big, bold and beautiful with a sumptuous new mascara from Estée Lauder. NEW Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara delivers sophisticated color for lavishly vibrant lashes that are voluptuous, extravagant and daringly full without clumping.

Combining all the benefits of Estée Lauder’s original Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara with the added impact of beautifully vibrant color, this daringly divine mascara delivers fabulously full, sensuously curved, all-out seductive lashes that highlight, contrast and frame your eyes with the surprise of brilliant color. Available in a full fantasy of vividly rich, wearable jewel-tone shades of Amber, Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst and Emerald, Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara makes it possible to instantly take your look from the everyday to the extraordinary!

Luxurious Mousse-like Formula

While conventional color mascaras can be chalky, Estee Lauder’s NEW Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara uses a specific blend of fine pearls and pigments to optimize and achieve rich, sumptuous color.

Made with Estee Lauder’s unprecedented Bold Volume™ formula, this sumptuously rich mascara contains a calculated blend of light-weight gels, polymers, waxes and pigments to lift and plump even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl.

The formula’s mousse-like, jellified suspension system utilizes “swollen” water to gently and lightly suspend the ingredients, allowing the use of less wax to add dramatic volume and lifting. Adding to the exceptionally light base are ultra-light, lash thickening, “Y”-shaped Micro-Lock fibers that reinforce the volume enhancing, airy properties of the formula. These innovative nylon fibers interlock and stack together to create a pillow-like cushion around each lash, filling in even the sparsest of lashes and delivering glamorously rich volume and lift. The fibers are blended with Tack-Flex polymers that have the ability to quickly coat lashes from root to tip keeping lashes, light and flexible while adding exaggerated volume and weightless lift. All the volume without clumping!

Technologically Advanced Brush Design

Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara’s exclusive BrushComber™ brush delivers all the thickening effects of a brush with the definition of a comb thanks to two types of bristle fibers - a softer bristle that grabs hold of the formula to create volume and a more rigid bristle that expertly separates lashes. Together, the fibers thicken and volumize lashes in one fast coat without clumping.

Ideal for even the sparsest of lashes, Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara is fragrance free, ophthalmologist tested, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Easily remove the mascara with makeup remover, such as Estee Lauder’s Take It Away Total Makeup Remover.

Express yourself in a dramatic new fashion this fall with bold, brilliant color and voluptuously full, sensuously curved, all-out seductive lashes. Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara will be available for a limited time at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and on www.esteelauder.com beginning in September 2009.
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Totally Tubular, Dudettes: New COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara (review)

Ya know, back in the day, we actually used those words. Frequently. Good times…

Aneeeway…a while back I delivered the news that LashBlast Length Mascara (brand new from COVERGIRL) will be hitting the stores in September, and that you can get in on the Early Purchase Preview starting August 17 (aka: Monday).

Blurb: Be one of the first to preview what the longest lashes will be wearing this fall! The mascara contains nylon for lashes that are 80 percent longer and they won’t flake or break all day.

I got a chance to try out a tube of this and I have to say it is definitely worth typing your way over to the site and snagging one. To begin with, the wand is extra long and made it easy to get every single lash. The formula looks great – my lashes were long, shiny and absolutely clump free. And…it wore well all day without flaking or smudging. Rad! (Another underused word from the “olden days.”)

To get yourself a tube, visit COVERGIRL.COM/lashblastlength early purchase. (Web site will not be live until the 17th.)
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Preview Something Pretty: COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara

Info from COVERGIRL! Take a look at what's coming and get in on the pre-launch early purchase…

New product presale launching soon! Preview the latest in lash fashion with LashBlast Length Mascara – NEW from COVERGIRL.

Be one of the first to preview what the longest lashes will be wearing this fall! The mascara contains nylon for lashes that are 80 percent longer and they won’t flake or break all day.

LashBlast Mascara doesn't hit stores until September, but a limited quantity will be available for early purchase online starting August 17. Starting August 17, visit COVERGIRL.COM/lashblastlength early purchase. (Web site will not be live until the 17th.)
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Awesome Things Coming Our Way! Estée Lauder Sensuous Gold

Much as I dislike talk about summer being over; fall means…NEW STUFF!! NEW COOL STUFF! Here's an announcement from Estée Lauder (makers of my beloved Lash Primer Plus) about some super new cool stuff that is on it's way (scheduled to be available July/August). I can't wait to check this collection out! Please begin reading…
A Distinctly Feminine Color Collection Drenched in Luxurious Rose Gold

As temperatures begin to dip with the coming of fall and the days grow shorter, thoughts turn to spending time closer to home in familiar places. Favorite local jaunts beckon as you envelope yourself in the warmth and comfort of the season’s soft layers of luxurious matte jersey, cotton blend and silk organza fabrics that caress every curve for a sensuous silhouette. Beautiful keepsake pieces, such as rich golden lockets and charms, compliment the fluid fabrics and add an element of mystery for a look of understated elegance and soft femininity.

Inspired by the ease and sensuality of the season’s fashions, Estée Lauder has created Sensuous Gold - a uniquely feminine, luxurious new color collection for fall 2009. Using soft nuances of color with rich tints, tones and washes, Sensuous Gold gently brings out an inner radiance and reveals the softer side of every woman. Skin is luminous, warm and radiant in a soft veil of golden tones. Eyes are delicately defined in soft shades of golden amber and peach accented by rich, regal amethyst. Lips are luxuriously dressed for the season in sateen finishes of coppery nudes and supple plums. Sensuous Gold creates a look that is at once sophisticated, luxurious and naturally feminine. Completing the impression is the distinctly modern and luxurious rose golden packaging.

Soft Luminosity and Sheer Radiance for FaceTaking cues from the fluid movement of the season’s flowing fabrics, NEW Estée Lauder Signature 5-Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks, Face has a unique wave-like tablet design of five beautifully sheer, iridescent shades combined in one luxurious, signature navy blue compact. Available in two unique shade palettes – a cool Pink Shimmer shade palette and a warm Bronze Shimmer shade palette, Signature 5-Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks and Face complements any skin tone. Each of the two powders’ luxurious, silky shades can be used alone on eyes and cheeks for precise color and highlighting or can be blended together for a soft, luminous glow on face, shoulders and décolletage. Weightless and incredibly silky, the powder’s high-pearl formula is color-true and provides an even, buildable application that won’t streak or settle into pores. Apply it liberally for a luxuriously soft, luminous radiance that glows.

Like the dramatic impact of a well appointed piece of jewelry, Estée Lauder’s NEW, Limited Edition Gilded Rose Marbleized Shimmer Powder is a luxurious handcrafted, marbleized domed face powder of illuminating rose gold tones that shimmer like precious minerals. Inspired by Italian marble crafts and artistry, the mineralized powder provides a dimensional, yet natural shimmer in a perfectly sheer wash of luminous color. Plus, the powder’s unique, shimmering formula is comfortable to wear, thanks to a sophisticated baked powder technology that gives the powder an incredibly creamy feel on the skin. Silky, smooth and luminous, the powder is appropriate for all skintones and comes encased in a luxurious rose golden boudoir powder box with a specially designed half moon brush for the perfect application.
A Veil of Luxurious Color for Eyes
Create a decidedly feminine and romantic eye look this fall with soft, silky gold tones complemented by beautifully rich plum shades. Estee Lauder’s NEW, Limited Edition Signature Eyeshadow Quads in new, limited palettes of Rose Gold and Rose Amethyst feature a unique hammered gold texture and have been sprayed with a multi-dimensional pearl for a luxurious “crystallized” effect that delivers luxurious buildable color to eyes. Whether it is a soft, subtle look or more dramatic effect you wish to achieve, the Signature Eyeshadow Quads make it easy, enabling you to mix, match and blend each of the four eyeshadow tablets to expertly create the look you want. Packaged in a specially designed signature compact that has been dressed in rose golden for an ultra-luxe look and feel, the Signature Eyeshadow Quads makes precision application a breeze with its coordinating dual ended applicators.

For additional allure, line eyes with the Double Wear Eye Pencil in luxurious shades of Bronze and Black Plum and complete the eye look with Sumptuous Mascara in Black for sumptuously full volume, expertly defined lashes.

Silky Soft, Sateen Shades for Lips
Add a beautiful veil of high shine and multi-dimensional effects to lips with New, Limited Edition Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Gold and Rose Amethyst. This sensuous, high shine, emollient gloss features three tones of semi-precious color in one elegant package, which when opened, combine together into one perfect shimmering shade that can be applied alone or over lipstick for a sensual lip look. Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss has a unique, creamy texture that envelops lips, so lips feel comfortable and moisturized and not sticky or tacky. Like the silky, soft feel of fine lingerie, Estee Lauder’s Signature Lipstick in NEW, Limited Edition, sensuous shades of Cinnamon, Terracotta, Rose Amethyst and Plum Amethyst, glides onto lips with exceptional moisture and shine. Packaged in a contemporary new rose gold color fluted case, the lipstick features a multi-dimensional pearl overlay for an added touch of shimmering illumination.

Complete the Sensuous Gold look with nails perfectly polished in NEW, Limited Edition shades of Rose Gold and Black Amethyst, and leave a lasting impression with Sensuous, a warm, inviting, woody amber fragrance that captures the many facets that make today’s woman so complex and fascinating.
Sophisticated, feminine and luxurious, the Sensuous Gold Color Collection will be available for a limited time at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and on www.esteelauder.com beginning July/August 2009.
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