I’m talking to you MAC

and I still have no idea what the new $98 Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Portfolio has to do with snakes With its lid shut and its faux snakeskin midriff showing doesn’t the new limited edition holiday kit have an almost Western motif I keep seeing it in the hands of a woman wearing bloomers and white gloves on the wooden steps of an old saloon…But then when it opens exposing a palette of six powder eyeshadows three cake liners two powder blushes and three travel-size eye brushes I see the palette in a different light — one that’s purple kinda glamorous and not all that Western at allLadies who love wearable shades with a dose of glam this kit might be perfect for you The colors within it aren’t your run-of-the-mill neutrals and purple fare Laura has a knack for keeping things interesting and she plied her powers here The duochrome African Violet eyeshadow for instance wasn’t content being any old pink so Laura gave it the power to flash from pink to purple to gold depending on the light and the Black Ebony Eye Liner is anything but basic; I think it looks more like a blackened navy to me Even the little brushes with their soft bristles work surprisingly well which is a nice surprise when many of the brushes in holiday kits under-perform (I’m talking to you MAC) Swatches from the left: Eyeshadows in Primrose African Violet Merlot Trufle Topaz and Stellar; Eye Liner in Ground Espresso Black Ebony and Burgundy WineSwatches from the left: Eye Liner in Ground Espresso Black Ebony and Burgundy Wine; Blushes in Rose Petal and City PinkWearing Eyeshadows in Primrose African Violet Merlot and Topaz; Eye Liners in Ground Espresso and Black Ebony and Blush in City PinkBut beyond good brushes and colors the palette has something else I like: staying power After all what good are great colors if they won’t stick around That’s not a problem at all for these The shadows and liners refuse to crease when layered atop my trusty NARS primer and the blush clings to my cheeks all day long Even at $98 this palette isn’t a bad deal at all The 14 pieces work out to just $7 each which is practically a steal for Laura Mercier and when you take into account the size of the pans the deal looks even better (some of the pieces like the cake liners are almost as big as their full-size versions)Overall I’d call this palette perfection if not for the fabric on the packaging Sure it looks and feels great but it can be a chore to clean (remember ) The season for holiday makeup kits has only just begun but I already have a feeling that this one will be one of my favorites this year The colors are work safe yet still sexy and fun Ya done good Laura Ya done good PRICE: $98AVAILABILITY: Available now at Laura Mercier counters and also MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-Oh apparently I’m not the only person here freaklishly obsessed with Ryan Gosling Thanks to reader and fellow Ryan fanatic Emily for the the following heads-upDid you know that Yep RyGos doing plies… I DIE Thanks Emily Good to know I’m not the only one of us eating psycho cakeYour friendly neighborhood beauty addictKaren I guess I’d describe this as neutral with a side of sparkle… I think the eyes are probably sparklier in person than they might appear here because the sparkles from are shy in front of the camera.
doing their sparkly thing. like their blush and foundation. I snapped a bunch of pics and picked up a few interesting details while I was there… I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve uploaded the pictures. and/or , Oh, it’ll have one entire row dedicated to the six new Pierre Hardy for NARS Nail Duos. each with two full-sized 0. PRICE: $49AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and online at MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: BDear Photograph…Found my new favorite corner of the Interwebz. for instance, too.
and a silent alarm goes off — beep, you and I. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, I had a couple extra minutes to get ready for work this morning (meaning I didn’t wait until the last minute) and tried this look with the . the more I fall in love. too. but it’s also stripping away moisture, The four shades combined with the eyeliner create countless looks from sweet to sultry. decorated with a shimmery gold star anise flower. natural flush that I bet could look fab paired with pink.
let my report show that Illamasqua’s Powder Blushers ($23) join their and in the oh-my-gawd-this-is-hella-pigmented department. swatch. What do you think about them? How much red and gold Ambering displays depends on your skin tone. same-o.Oh, Shh… Don’t tell anyone,” in the middle of my living room. as the individual glosses would make cute stocking stuffers and gifts for goodie bags. why can’t I get by with my makeup essentials in a tiny makeup bag?
Oh, — the pairing seemed a little out there to me, It includes a printed makeup case (see the snake skin pattern?I can apply a layer on my lids first thing in the morning, And the silky formula is finger-friendly, Stay tuned for full reviews of , It’s supposed to be warm here in the Bay Area… If it’s clear, like Risk Taker (a chocolate shimmer).