Wedding Guest Makeup

Hello, I wanted to preface by saying I love weddings!  I thoroughly enjoyed planning my own wedding back in the day.  When I attend weddings, I pay attention to the details because I understand and appreciate the effort that went into creating this once in a life time event.

In September, I attended an intimate evening wedding on the first day of Fall.  As a wedding guest, I decided to go with a demure and classy makeup look with soft neutral eyes and red lips.  I wore a cobalt blue cocktail dress, so I did not want my makeup to overpower the strong color of the dress.

Face:

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup in 2CN2
Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 in Intensity 2.0
Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit - also mentioned here
MAC Pro Longwear Blush in Stay Pretty
Kevin Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight
Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup Powder Foundation in 021 Linen - not pictured

Eyes:

Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - a cult classic must have!
Givenchy Magic Kohl Eye Liner Pencil in 1
Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia
Inglot Freedom System Eye Shadow Squares
Kevyn Aucoin The Eye Shadow Duo in #202
YSL Shocking Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils in 1

Lips:

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in 20 - also mention here

I was inspired to mix two Estee Lauder foundations together from this bridal makeup look video:


Finally some snap shots from the beautiful wedding in September:

Have a great weekend!  Until next post......

Best of September Roundup - Colbert M.D., Ellis Faas, Nature's Gate

Hello, I am smitten with everything I am about to share with you today.  These are new brands to me and they have made quite an impression.  Let's get started:

Skincare - Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs

Exfoliation is a crucial step in my skincare routine.  I exfoliate by alternating between enzymatic, chemical, and manual exfoliators at least once a week, but no more than twice a week.   I discovered Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs during one of my many trips to Barneys New York earlier this year.  

This at-home microdermabrasion product is an enzymatic exfoliator.  Here is what it does from the box:

There are 20 moistened textured discs housed in a glass container, so you get 20 uses from it.  I concentrate on the T-zone when I scrub with the disc.  The result is clean pores and smoother skin.  The proof is in the mirror for me.  If your skin is not ultra sensitive, you can use it up to three times a week according to instructions.  I highly recommend this one if you like enzymatic exfoliators.  Available at Barneys New York and ColberMD.com.

Makeup - Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L305

Isn't this a beautiful color?  I have been fascinated by Ellis Faas ever since I heard about her makeup line over two years ago.  Ellis Faas is a Dutch makeup artist who is known for her brilliant color range and the uber chic bullet brush pen concept.  

Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L305 is an orange brown and it is the perfect color for Fall.  It is a bit of an odd color when swatched on my hand, but it turned to be a nice and interesting neutral on the lips.  I think this color complements yellow and olive toned skin very well.  I do not have any color like it in my neutral lip color collection, that makes it special.  The non-sticky formula of Glazed Lips is sheer yet pigmented, glossy, and moisturizing.  Their eye colors are amazing as well! 

Ellis Faas is available at Space NK and EllisFaas.com.  Go check out her website, you will love all the artsy and creative looks and how to videos.

Hair Care - Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo 

This is an accidental discovery while shopping for a new shampoo for Mr. Rola.  For the most part, we share shampoos so I have to keep both of us in mind while shopping for a new shampoo.  

I was surprised to find Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo at Safeway because it is a natural brand.  It looks like Safeway is stocking more natural brands as of late.  This shampoo has been such a blessing for my sensitive scalp, it deep cleanses and soothes my scalp.  My scalp has become highly sensitive due to hair coloring and straightening over the years.  Even if you do not have sensitive scalp, it is a must to use a clarifying shampoo weekly to cleanse the buildup in your hair.  This one is gentle for everyday use.

A look at the ingredients:

Thank you so much for reading!  Have a great weekend!  

Until next post......

Space NK apothecary Store Event in San Francisco

Hello, I am extremely excited about the upcoming beauty event at Space NK apothecary at Bloomingdale's in San Francisco.  It will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.  I am obsessed with many of the brands that are available at Space NK such as Natura Bisse, Kevyn Aucoin, by Terry, Sunday Riley, Caudalie, and many more.

Here is more information about the event from a representative at Space NK.  If you are in the Bay Area, you do not want to miss this opportunity to replenish and the gift with purchase this time is generous and amazing!  

GREETINGS!

We are excited to invite you to our biggest event of the season on Wednesday, September 12^th. Join us for this special one-day-only event as we present the latest in fall beauty, translating the runway trends into wearable looks. Meet experts from some of our finest brands for personalized mini master classes, advice and tips.

Space is limited so we wanted to reach out and make you aware of this event early. Please reply by email or call us at the store with any questions and to reserve your appointment.

Thank you and we look forward to celebrating the fall season with you at Space NK -Bloomingdales San Francisco on September 12^th. We will offer a very special Gift with Purchase, for more details on what is included, please read below.

Sincerely,

Angela Kari

Space NK apothecary - Bloomingdales San Francisco Centre

(P) 415-856-5454 (E) usb22@spacenk.com

Gift w Purchase Details:

On September 12th, when you purchase $250, you will receive a large Space NK tote bag in black, filled with the following goodies valued over $450.

Antica Farmacista Lemon Verbena Diffuser (Full Size)

Caudalie Vinoperfect Day or Night Cream (Full Size)

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm (Full Size)

Tocca Crema da Mano (Full Size)

Darphin Intral Toner (50 mL travel size)

Ellis Faas Creamy L102 Deep Plum Wine (Full Size)

NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention UVA/UVB Sunscreen PA+++ (1 oz Travel Size)

Rococo Nail Apparel in Flower Town (Full Size)

Tocca Eau de Toilette (Sample Size)

Bakel Serum Two: Deep Hydration (Travel Size)

Radical Skincare (BRAND NEW) Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads (15 Pads)

Wei Chinese Rose Foaming Cleanser (Travel Size)

Diptyque Eau de Toilette (12mL Travel Size)

Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream (.5 oz Travel Size)

REN Frankincense Night Cream (15mL Travel Size)

Hourglass No.28 Primer Serum (5mL Travel Size)

Tatcha Original Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets (3 Sheet Sample Pack)

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Face Peel (2 Extra Strength, 2 Original)

Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel (15mL Travel Size)

Phillip B Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse (15mL Travel Size)

via Space NK.com

By the way, Space NK just opened a store in Larkspur in Marin County over Labor Day weekend.  We now officially have two stores in the Bay Area, we are so lucky to be living here!  Happy Shopping!  Until next post......

9/12/12 Edit:  This event is happening TODAY only at selected stores and online.  Spend $250 online and use promo code Fall12 to receive your gift with purchase.

Best of June Roundup - Chanel, Burberry, Oribe

Hello, Happy 4th of July!!  It is that time again, let's jump right into my June favorite products:  

Skin Care - Chanel Le Blanc Skincare

When I visited the Chanel counter at Nordstrom a few months back, I received some samples of Chanel Le Blanc Skincare that had just launched at that time.  It is a line specifically for brightening.  I received the cleanser, brightening moisture lotion, brightening concentrate (serum), and brightening moisturizing cream.  I waited and took the samples with me on my recent trip to Los Angeles and tried everything for about one week.  

I did take a risk in sampling new products on a trip, but everything turned out fine.  In fact, my skin loved this line.  My skin felt moisturized enough, but not overly moisturized.  The line also helped keep my face clear at the same time.  

The cleanser is the foaming type, it lathers and cleanses quite well.  Next, I especially love the moisture lotion which is a toner, it exfoliates the skin and preps it for the serum and moisturizer.  The texture of the brightening concentrate and moisturizing cream are similar, they both have a light gel cream texture to them.   You can use the concentrate and moisturizing cream around the eye area too.  Multi-functional products are a big plus for me.  In fact, there are not too many brightening products out there that you can use both on the face and eye area.  The products have a light floral scent, not heavy.

My initial thoughts are I like this line a lot.  It is good to incorporate a brightening skincare line especially in the summer.  I am currently back to using SK II because I was gifted some items from a relative and want to use up everything first.  I would consider getting the moisture lotion and the moisturizing cream from this line next.

Makeup - Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in No. 22 Pale Barley

I have been really loving Burberry eyeshadows lately.  I currently own three Burberry brown eyeshadows and might acquire more in the future.  Today I will talk about No. 22 Pale Barley, it first launched a few months ago.  I fell in love when I swatched it for the first time, it is a beautiful pale taupe brown with gold shimmer.  It is a wearable color that looks good on many different skin tones.  The Burberry eyeshadows are creamy in texture and the formula is long lasting even if you do not use an eye base.  It has good color payoff as it is buildable.  And the packaging speaks for itself, Burberry chic.  LOVE!

Hair Care - Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

It is a hair texturizer and conditioning treatment in one.  I enjoy using it in the morning on my bed head.  Also, it is great for second day hair if you do not shampoo everyday.  Although I have only used it on dry hair, it can be used on dry or wet hair.  The scent is fruity floral and it is very pleasant, it actually smells like summer to me.  

I bought the travel size spray at Space NK in Bloomingdale's and it was around $19.50.

To my fellow American readers, have a safe holiday!  Until next post......