BSB: Beauty news, makeup swatches and pictures, nail polish articles, makeup tutorials, product reviews, and how-to's from a MAC-trained makeup artist.

2011-09-29T07:46:17-04:00

If you're still reading this --- you're on the wrong blog! We moved!

http://simplyprettyinspiration.blogspot.com/

Please come over for a visit. And if you like the new spot, please make sure to subscribe, so you don't miss a thing. :)

xoxo,
jen

Good news? Or not? BSB closing...

2011-07-03T09:54:20-04:00

Happy Sunday, BSB readers! I'm here with some important, somewhat bittersweet news:
I'm closing up shop here at BSB.

I've been writing a beauty blog for several years now, and I have loved every minute of it. I enjoy makeup still, love being a makeup artist, and really have a great time talking to all of you about cosmetics and beauty products.

But I'm a little burned out and have been for awhile. I need to stretch myself a bit.

For fans and friends, please keep reading!

I have started a new blog called Simply Pretty.

Naturally, it will have some beauty 'postings, but there's more... I'll be covering some style and fashion and home decor. I'll cover some family and kids topics. I'll spend time talking about art and handmade products, and so much more!

I hope you'll join me over at my new home. I want it to be a place of inspiration for me, and hopefully for you, too!

Please update your feed readers and/or subscriptions to follow me at Simply Pretty: http://simplyprettyinspiration.blogspot.com/

I will leave the BSB site up, accessible via
http://claresauntie.typepad.com/beauty_school/
but there will be no further updates to the site,
effective immediately.
I will gradually export (and update)
the best-of's from BSB and
send them over to Simply Pretty!

A doggone easy Smoky Eye thanks to NARS Dogon eyeshadow duo! (review, pictures, swatches)

2011-06-23T18:49:09-04:00

I have a crazy affection for smoky eye looks. I also have a mad love for taupe shadows. Hullo, how did I think I'd escape the lure of NARS Dogon, a taupe and charcoal eye shadow duo that came out for this Summer.

Smoky eyes for Summer? Ah, who cares? I love this palette. I will use the hell out of it!

On the left, a taupe. But what a taupe! It's a little tan-leaning (rather than grey), with an incredible duotone. The greenish nuance really adds bounce, light, and appeal! Similar to MAC Club? Nope, not really. But I will say if you like Club, you'll probably like this color.

The "charcoal" is a slightly blue-green black. Smooth. Pigmented. So very incredibly easy to build-up.

I've worn this duo a zillion ways. Above is one easy one: the dark shade on the lid, the taupe above and through the crease. The charcoal makes an excellent liner, smudgy accent, and crease color, too. The taupe works with myriad other shadows (well, the charcoal does, too!). I've used the taupe alone; as a liner for lighter, matte neutrals; and as an accent in the inner corner. It builds dimension and interest easily - try tapping it over browns, greys, black, greens... anything!

Definitely an A+ shadow duo. Have you tried it?

Pretty Pink Package! Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman - brushes to play with!

2011-06-23T12:43:32-04:00

I just got a lovely bright pink package holding a set of Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman brushes! Has anyone reading this tried these, yet?

You know Sam Chapman, right? From Pixiwoo? YouTuber extraordinaire... makeup artist...?

I'm putting these brushes to the test over the next few days and I'll let you know what I think. Meanwhile, if anyone has tried 'em, chime in and let me know what you think!

Take a bubble bath to support the rights of all people to get married! LUSH Freedom Foamer (review, info, pictures)

2011-06-23T10:53:57-04:00

LUSH FIGHTS TO WIN MARRIAGE FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

100% of Proceeds from Freedom Foamer support Freedom to Marry

"Here at LUSH we believe that all of our employees, customers and communities are valued and should be protected equally. Because of this, we want to end the ongoing discrimination against tens of thousands of same-sex couples and their families across America. This means everyone – gay and non-gay – having the freedom to marry, with the same responsibilities, dignity, security and expression of love and equality. For two weeks starting on June 13^th, LUSH is turning its shops across North America into ‘freedom to marry campaign centers’ where customers can learn about the 1,138 rights denied to same-sex couples and sign a postcard petition urging the federal government to take action and overturn the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

We are also asking customers to take a bath and help dissolve DOMA by purchasing our new limited edition FREEDOM FOAMER BUBBLE BAR ($5.95). 100% of the proceeds of this emerald green bubble bar will go to Freedom to Marry to support their "Why Marriage Matters" campaign. Scented with the uplifting and refreshing scents of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils, the Freedom Foamer will be available exclusively online and at LUSH stores across North America for the duration of the campaign. It’s the perfect antidote to weary soles and a respite for freedom fighters

Freedom Foamer is launching the week of June 13^th and will be available online and at LUSH stores nationwide for the duration of the campaign. For more information on LUSH’s Freedom to Marry Campaign: www.lush.com/freedomtomarry."

___________________________

I never copy press releases directly, but in this case I thought it was important to do so. I fully support the right to marry - for everyone. And I encourage you to purchase this fun Bubble Bar to show your support, too.

Click the jump for a review, because it's not only a good cause, it's a good product, too!

I'm not a bath kind of gal, however I know two little lassies who are!

My daughters love thier Bubble Bars. In the past, we've tried quite a few. Favorites include The Comforter (pink swirls and a fruity smell), Pop in the Bath (it's got a flower on it - hello!), and French Kiss (the Meadelettes love lavender!).

And now, Freedom Foamer joins the ranks of those great bubblers that have gone before it.

The Meadelettes love the green water ("cool!") and bubbles* ("can you make more?!").

I love the fact that it doesn't irritate their nether-regions like other bubble bath type products can. I also appreciate the great citrus smell that makes me swoon, the multiple baths I can get out of each bar, and the soft skin on my kiddos.

I also really enjoy the fact that the girls are always asking if it's time for another bath. Unprecedented!

Green sparkly candy kiss-shaped bubbles of awesome, I love your message and I love how you work!

We'll be stocking up on you, oh Limited Edition friend. Thank you!!!

*Since we break the bar up and stretch it to several baths, we have only moderate amounts of bubbles. I imagine using a whole bar would result in a tubful!

_{This product was furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof.
Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.}

Mr. Armani, what are you trying to do?! Your Fall shadows are killin' me!

2011-06-22T13:08:16-04:00

I'll be honest with you, Mr. Armani. Your shadows are amazing. And when British Beauty Blogger posted these pictures, I nearly passed out. The glowing, velvety-looking texture... the cozy-but sexy neutrals... the deep and sultry accent colors at the bottom... Well, they're pretty damned brilliant, Sir. Like BBB, I love that you've put these colors in one pan. Well, two pans. But not 8 pans, like you could have! Two compact sets of complimentary shades in just-right doses of trendtastic brillance. What else should I have expected from such a stellar line?! Can't wait to see what else you've got planned for us this Fall and Winter...

BSB Exclusive: Bobbi Brown Fall and Winter - the scoop!!!!

2011-06-22T12:50:54-04:00

I went to Bobbi Brown seasonal school yesterday, to learn about the upcoming collections. Pretty nifty! Not all freelancers get to go, so I was thrilled to be there. We got to see the new products Bobbi's team has put together for Fall and Winter (yes, this includes the Holiday collections!). We played with them, learned some new techniques, and swatched away. Want to learn what's in store? Click the jump below!

You clicked! That must mean you want to know which products are going to be on the counter. Which lippies! Which shadows! Will there be glosses? Palettes?! WHAT ABOUT HOLIDAY!?

Sorry, ya'll. I totally fibbed. I'm not going to tell you details. I can't. I love my job! I have to keep the secrets.

Are you mad?

What I can tell you, though, is...

YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT.

It's Bobbi. Of course you're going to love it!

A little more teasing, then I'm done:

Expect the things that make Bobbi so good, like high-quality products, flattering tones, ease of use, and modern looks. Expect intriguing inspirations! Expect to find classy packaging and sophisticated options.

Expect to find things tht will work for you through Fall - both hitting the trends and maximizing the classic looks that always work. Expect to find gifts you'll love to receive give for the holidays. And expect some fabulous options for holiday parties!

Expect some new products (!) and maybe some new shades in favorite products.

Expect some tricks and suggestions that help you be "Pretty Powerful". Sometimes it's the little tweaks that can make maximum impact!

And expect to be a little surprised. In fact, some of you might be a little more than a little surprised...

I'll be back as soon as I can with actual details, swatches, looks, and artistry tips. I promise!

xoxo,

*jen

Summer Whites - China Glaze Snow (nail polish review, pictures, swatches)

2011-06-19T14:06:49-04:00

I love a fab white manicure! It's super chic in the Winter, of course, but just as stunning (maybe more!?) in the heat of Summer. White hot heat! White nails remind me of the 60's. Tres mod!

This particular polish is from China Glaze's Winter '11 collection. It's called Snow! I loved that this went on nice and opaque, and this is only 2 coats, girls. Two coats!

I placed the first coat on fairly slowly and thin. The second coat was thicker, and it self-leveled nicely (I had my doubts for a few minutes, though).

I wore this bright white for 4 days before I started seeing minor tip-wear, and no chips. And guess what? It stayed nice and bright white. Can you believe it?

Do you do white manis? Pedis? What is your favorite Summer polish look?

Summer lovin'

2011-06-08T08:49:07-04:00

Maybe I was inspired by the blue hues at the community pool, but I had an itch to wear some green-tinged blues the other day. And here they are...

Still loving my Bobbi Tinted Moisturizer! And there's more Bobbi in the recipe for this look, too:

Bronzed Pink shadow all over the lid and through the crease (Bobbi Brown)
Flipside 24/7 Liner on the top lashline (Urban Decay)
A shimmery pale teal from a palette on the lower lashline (Shu Uemura)
A soft pink cream blush topped with cool pink shimmer (Lies - Illamasqua; Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick - Bobbi Brown)
Lilac lipstick -it's really a blue-pink- topped with a sparkling nudey-pink gloss (Lilac Rich Color Lipstick and Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss, both by Bobbi Brown)

2 lip swatches. The 1st shows the shimmer correctly,
the 2nd shows the right color.

I like the natural, glowing result. Perfect for Summer! I expect I'll revisit this look again during the upcoming months.

Do you have a favorite look recently?

Summer Style Second: Boho Chic Accessories

2011-06-01T10:45:43-04:00

I don't like anything fussy during the hot Summer months. This sleek dress looks so comfortable - and pretty! I love the asymmetrical hem. I'd throw on some vintage-style sunglasses and bedazzled espadrilles for easy, breezy chic. Piling on some jewelry inspired by nature or with that handmade, hand-knotted appearance, seems just right...

_{1. Chan Luu Crystal Grey Mix Leather Wrap Bracelet; 2. Eternal Youth Bracelets; 3. Chan Luu Multi-Stone Wrap Bracelet in Brown Leather; 4. Chan Luu Cotton and Leather 5-Wrap Bracelet; 5. Honeybee Bracelet; 6. Chan Luu Dark Purple Jade Wrap Bracelet;}7. Cascading Feather Earrings.

Loving the shimmer and shine of Summer weather! My NOTD...

2011-05-29T09:10:01-04:00

Bobbi Brown's Tinted Moisturizers - the real scoop. PS: Super fair-skinned girls, you'll want to read this!

2011-05-27T14:28:34-04:00

I have these pesky little freckles. A lot of the time, I think they're super cute. But sometimes I want a flawlessly even complexion. Because of that, I always figured I needed a full-coverage foundation, or at least close to it.

WRONG!

Working for Bobbi Brown recently, I've been using their Tinted Moisturizers (TM) on customers and have been very impressed.

Bobbi's Tinted Moisture products
Their oil-free TM is new, and the original version has been recently repackaged. Both now come in a sleek black squeeze tube. The oil-free version is gel-based and perfect for oily skins - or those of us with oily bits; the original version has jojoba in it and leaves skin soft and hydrated - which is great for normal and dry skins. Guess what? There's a third product in this line! It comes in a pot rather than a tube and it's rich and moisturizing; the EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm is ideal for the driest of dry skins.

Here's some of what they have in common:

They're really lightweight and comfortable on the skin
All are incredibly easy to blend, they melt into the skin
A little goes a long way
All work well with fingers, sponges or a brush
Bobbi's Tinted Moisturizers leave skin even-toned without covering it like a mask

Here's the stuff you may not have heard about these products...

They run dark.
You'll probably need to go at least one shade -maybe two- lighter than you think you will need. When it's wrong, it's too yellow. You may not want to buy these without swatching them on your skin.
They are runny.
Part of that amazing blendability comes at a price. The original and oil-free tinted moisturizers are thin and therefore may make a bit of a mess coming out of the container --- go slow.

AND
You're going to fall in love with them!
Definitely. I did!

I've seen the oil-free version of this product mentioned on a lot of blogs lately. Hey, it's the newest product, right? But don't let the original and balm versions slip by you if you don't want to do the oil-free thang!

Oh, and as promised...

Fair-skinned girls, this one's for you:

Embrace the pale!!! Bobbi's tinted moisture products come in an uber-fair Alabaster. I can't make promises for the very, very fairest of us all, but many PPP's may be pleasantly surprised. Take a look at my swatches - the Alabaster is too pale for me*. WOW.

*In these swatches, Alabaster matches my inner arm,
which is really fair. My face is slightly darker,
making Extra Light Tint perfect for me!

For reference, I also swatched Stila's 10 Wats Illuminating Foundation
which, along with Armani's No. 2 Luminous Silk Foundation,
is my go-to shade match. You can see that the Stila is even more
yellow than the two Bobbi products.

I will be wearing these through the whole summer. I have found that using Bobbi's Oil Control Lotion on my oily bits (chin and nose) works great with the original formula. My skin looks amazingly radiant, the cheeks are perfectly hydrated, and my oily spots are kept in perfect check. And with my red areas (around the mouth and nose) evened-out, my freckles show through in the cutest way. I'm sold.

More swatches can be viewed after the jump...

_{Disclosure: I work as a freelance makeup artist for Bobbi Brown.
My opinions aren't for sale, though. And these products were gratis,
but that doesn't make me love them. Their performance does!}

Obsession: Mary Meyer Clothing

2011-05-26T13:42:08-04:00

This is not a fashion or style blog. I can't help myself, though. These clothes (and a tote!) by Mary Meyer have me hooked! I love that long skirt which, by the way, you are meant to trim to the correct length (the hemline is raw). And the color blocking, block prints, and tie dye make me swoon. I'm a little obsessed. Tell me, what do you think?

Men's Fashion: Leonardo DiCaprio starts a new trend?

2011-05-23T18:51:07-04:00

Seriously. Is this A Thing? Men in headbands. I don't like it.

Your thoughts? Will you be buying your brother, father, or mane main man a headband any time soon?

MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover - A rebuttal to Temptalia's review.

2011-05-22T18:18:26-04:00

I have no idea how Christine (AKA Temptalia) does it. She reviews aproximately one gazillion products a month in a thorough, fair, and entertaining way. She covers just about everything and always makes sure there's something for everyone to find there. I read every one of her posts, and I almost always agree with her. What can I say? Great minds think alike!

However...

I read Christine's review of MAC's Pro Eye Makeup Remover with disappointment when it scrolled up on my Google Reader. She didn't rank it the way she does other product (she usually awards a letter grade after breaking-down aspects of the product). I think maybe that's a good thing, because she panned it! Here's a quote:

"MAC's Pro Eye Makeup Remover ($18.00 for 3.4 fl. oz.) is touted as a gentle eye makeup remover that is “mega-effective” but will still “calm, hydrate, and soothe skin.” It’s gentle, all right! While it’s a dream to apply–no stinging, burning, or cloudiness–there’s not much else it does well.

As a makeup remover, it just doesn’t do an effective job at removing eye makeup, even just regular mascara and eyeliner prove to be too hard to handle for this remover.... Given that it’s an eye makeup remover but doesn’t excel at that task at all, I definitely do not recommend this product."

So, I thought I'd write a totally friendly and light-hearted rebuttal to her review! And here it is...

MAC's Pro Eye Makeup Remover . MAC says it's designed to remove eye makeup gently and effectively - but does it?

MAC calls it "mega effective" and assures us that it "lifts off every look..." Well, if that's the case, why did I rarely sell it when I worked for the company? And despite the fact that it rarely went home in one of my customer's bags, why did I use it CONSTANTLY at the counter?

Let's break things down a bit, shall we?
Some points to consider:

MAC was originally created as a professional line, for makeup artists.
Many makeup artists use MAC products.
MAC was so popular with artists that the line expanded to sell to retail customers who didn't use makeup professionally.
Some MAC products, even today, may be better suited for professional use rather than in every woman's bathroom arsenal.

Taking it all off with MAC

MAC has two eye makeup remover products. There's this one, Pro Eye Makeup Remover, often referred to as "the purple one", and Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover ("the peach one").

Gently Off is dual-phase. It has oil-based ingredients and water-based ingredients, which means the product separates into to distinct layers when it's left sitting for awhile. Remember the saying "oil and water don't mix"? The oily bits sit on top of the water-based bits, so- you have to give the bottle a good shake to mix up the layers before you use it.

Pro Eye Makeup Remover is not dual-phase - no shaking required. And no oil to be found.

Why have two options
for removing eye makeup?

Gently Off is, quite frankly, the superior eye makeup remover in the MAC stable. It cuts neatly through eye shadow, creamy paints and sticks, mascara, and even MAC's Liquidlast liners and their Pro Longwear Lipsticks (no mean feat!). Let me tell ya, if you can get off Liquidlast then you can get off a plain eye shadow.

You see, some products need a remover with an oil component to break through the pigments and binders and really get them off of your skin! And Gently Off does this with ease. Removal may not be "one swipe" but it's infinitely easy and effective. My suggestion: saturate a cotton pad and hold it on the lashes, lips, or whatever. After a few moments, gently wipe the product off. Voila!

If Gently Off removes everything,
then why have another option?

This question gets to the crux of it, doesn't it? There are a few reasons, so see if any resonate with you.

Gently Off has an oily component. This is good (see above), but it can also be bad. How so?

A) Not all of us want to add oils to our faces, even face-friendly oils (and oils bother some contact lens wearers).

B) Despite MAC's claims that "there's no need to rinse", this product leaves an oily residue behind.

C) Have you ever tried to reapply makeup on top of oil or leftover remover? Hint: it slips and slides and the remover keeps trying to remove... Basically, a mess ensues.

And that brings us to Pro Eye Makeup Remover. Without that oily component, we get to remove makeup and not bump up against issues A through C. As Christine points out, it doesn't quite whisk makeup away, though, but at least it's not an oily mess.

As to how that helps makeup artists (and maybe some consumers): as soon as this makeup remover is used, more makeup can be put on. Immediately. With no slipping and no degradation of the new product.

What this means to you (maybe) :

If you are someone who likes precise and/or intricate makeup looks, you may want to consider adding this to your makeup bag. Ditto if you are a professional artist.

MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover is perfect for cleaning up tiny messes (ever sneeze immediately after putting on your mascara?). It's ideal for quick changes of shadow color or even blush changes (hello bloggers!). It's stellar when you put makeup where you realize later it shouldn't be - or when you realize you just packed on the wrong color. No oily mess to clean up means quick, efficient touch-ups of still-wet wobbly eye or lip liner.

When you use Pro Eye Makeup Remover, you can use a cotton-tipped applicator to quickly and (somewhat) easily remove small amounts of makeup and then get right back to work, putting a new color on top.

While it may not be the product you want to use on a day-to-day basis or when fighting against longwear products or makeup that has already "set", this makeup remover may still make a difference in your routine.

A final thought...

I'm actually a fan of this product, though I also keep other eye makeup removers handy. Admittedly, it has limited use, but for the times I need it Pro Eye Makeup Remover is truly helpful!

Naturally, consumers like options. But we need to understand why there are different choices to be had, and what makes one product superior to another in some situations.

Maybe we need to label this product "Misunderstood"?

What do you think, pretties?
Do you see occasions when Pro Eye Makeup Remover could be helpful?
Have you tried this remover? What is your opinion?
What's your favorite eye makeup remover?

Did you enjoy this article? Here are some recent BSB posts you may also enjoy:

_{image sources: MAC artist at work, oil and water,
woman removing makeup, slipping oily makeup,
really damn precise eye liner}