So I’m sure you heard already, but Max Factor is discontinuing sales in the US. This means that a nice chunk of shelf space in some major retailers is left  open and waiting to be filled with something else fun and enticing.  At WalMart (at least in our local area), I was happily surprised to see this space filled with Hard Candy Cosmetics, a brand that’s been so difficult to find in recent years that I’ve heard many people asking if they’re even still around. Not only are they still here, their offerings have expanded greatly and the price point is exceptionally reasonable, averaging 6 bucks with a few slightly more expensive products.

After hemming and hawing a bit I finally decided to adopt a Walk The Line liquid eyeliner in Night Sky, a silvery gray liner loaded with multicolored glitter. The packaging claims two things: Dries fast, and stays put. I wouldn’t say I’m 100% behind either of those statements. I applied this liner as I usually do with a liquid liner, and by the time I left for work 20 minutes later it still wasn’t dry. I ended up with a line on my upper eyelid and I was not pleased. Next time a shot of cool air from my blow dryer will definitely be called for. If you have time and patience this could work better for you, but I work at 4 in the morning and thus have very little of either. I have to say that the glitter did seem to last pretty well, though the silvery base color faded quickly. Perhaps a regular liner not loaded with glitter would stay better, but I wasn’t what you’d call nuts about this one at all. (more…)

One of my favorite blogging friends Erin (The Cheap Chick) just asked for a list of our favorite beauty must-haves for Fall.  Mo’s post about current fall trends for eyes was awesome, as usual.  Here is my split second attempt at favorite fall beauty items:

For the dark lip look:

DuWop Private Red – a fabulous, deep red lipstick!

The smoky eye:

Smoke Out Eye Pencils from Urban Decay (on sale right now for $9)

Fun way to go smoky, and love, love, love Urban Decay’s eyeliners!

Thick, beautiful brows:

Anastasia’s All About Brows Kit

At a spa last week, the esthetician went wack-o threading my thick brows, and I am so sad! Thank goodness for this amazing brow kit – the tweezers really rock too.

Please feel free to chime in your favorite fall beauty items too!

I am so happy to be moving out of the  pastels and bronzes of spring and summer. The light soft colors are fun as the buds begin to bloom for the first time, but I’m soon anxious for a splash of color and a little more pizzaz. To be fair, some of the big trends for fall have nothing to do with color. Once again we’re seeing the super smoky eye, which is really no surprise considering that there’s only so much you can do without repeating a previous trend. Since this is the “super” smoky eye we’re supposed to feel that it’s something new and different, but it’s really just another chance for all of us to walk around looking like raccoons. Stick with your regular smoky eye look and resist the urge to follow the adage that “more is better”.  And gray shadow is popular, which can be a bit dull, though there are some lovely purple and blue hued grays that are great for day wear. Or try them in the evening with black liner for a super hot cat eye. A pop of color on eyes with a nice pink cheek and lip leave me feeling all giddy, and dark vampy lips have me practically begging the leaves to start falling and the chilly breezes to blow. (more…)

Sephora recently announced new fall trends for ‘09, one of them being “The Cat Eye.”

My beauty fall forecast?

Although this retro-drama style eye is gorgeous, many will attempt and few will succeed at pulling of this feline-orbital look.  But don’t let me discourage you completely – experimentation with trends are adventurous and gals like Mo and DecoDiva will rock it!

You didn’t ask, but I am saying it anyway: (more…)

I’ve completely flipped over the newest cosmetic shades that were released this summer.  Urban Decay’s 24/7 Eye Pencil in Flipside (Bright Teal) $16 and Liquid Liner in Ecstasy (Bright Purple) $18 are beyond gorgeous for playing up your eyes!

The NARS Summer 2009 Makeup Collection includes the deepest, multi-dimensional teal eyeshadow, Tropic Single Eyeshadow ($22).  In combination with a stroke of a golden bronzer around your face, can you imagine a more amazing color duo than teal or electric purple to wear this summer?

To see Flipside in action follow this link to DecoDiva’s site where she shares her amazing makeup art skills:  Kiddie Pool, Uzi, Flipside, Electric & Sylvie FOTD.

Please discuss.

I am re-publishing this post today, both because I am feeling lazy, and because I just went over this technique with a friend this morning.  Actually, the REAL reason is to “ick” out Tracy because this picture looks like I am jabbing out my eye with a liner brush!  Enjoy.

Earlier this year, I mentioned one of my favorite eyeliner techniques using a flat eyeliner brush with a gel or liquid liner to create a very thin or tight line on your lashline.   The “tightline” is a fabulous technique for individuals who want to naturally enhance their lashes.

I use Laura Mercier’s flat liner brush with Bleu Marine and it stays on great and looks fabulous. If you have thin or sparse lashes this is an awesome way to define your eyes and make your lashes look thicker!

“with my Laura Mercier’s Flat Liner Brush I dot Bleu Marine eye liner above and below the lashes, to thicken my lash line and add some Oomph!  I think it turned out pretty cool, imho!  The brush in this position probably makes you cringe, and you need to be careful with it.  This liner technique just needs a steady hand and some practice.”

An excellent video to help demonstrate how to apply the tight eyeliner or “tightliner” technique in detail is found at:  http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=487834.

Kate from Megsmakeup.com mentioned that a thin eyeliner, like Tarte’s emphasEYES (that comes in chocolate, plum, green or black) is another way to create the tightline look.

No matter which eyeliner you choose, the tightliner technique is something you must try!

When you think about it, combining a lash treatment with color really seems like a no brainer. Most of us would rather cut down on our prep time rather than add to it, and this is a handy liquid liner, disguised as a lash treatment!

I’ve been using DermaLash Color from DermaQuest Skin Therapy for about 2 months with reasonable regularity, almost every day or night. I received it in “Cocoa”, a nice brown that actually goes pretty well with a variety of colors. I’ve worn it with everything from blue to yellow and it impresses me every time. Who cares about that though, you want to know if it works! (more…)

Being a sucker for deals and freebies, this offer from tarte cosmetics I cannot pass by.  And, it doesn’t hurt that I have been wanting to try some of tarte’s new lash products!

Until March 31st, 2009, if you purchase one of tarte’s lash couture products, such as their:

• lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 natural mascara,
• 4 day stay lash stain with Polyflexâ„¢ technology
• lash hugger eco-friendly natural mascara
• bottoms up lower lash mascara
• emphaseyes high definition eye pencil
• indelible wink liquid liner & shadow

You will receive tarte’s picture perfect eyelash curler free (a $15 value)!  Just enter the special promo code:  “CURLER” at checkout, offer expires 3.31.09.

So much makeup, so little time. 

Here is a list of my favorite cosmetic products for 2008, no small endeavor!  This past year I have  sampled more makeup than I have tried cumulatively in my entire life.  All of these beauty products passed my A+++ big cosmetic love status!

HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40) - leaves my skin feeling natural, flawless and works well with my sensitive, break-out prone skin