Yesterday's Face Of The Day

I've received a few reader emails and comments asking what makeup I was wearing yesterday, when I taped my latest product review video. Here's the 411...

Face
* Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation in 173 (mixed with a dollop of MAC Strobe Liquid and applied with the beautyblender sponge)

* Hello Kitty Beauty Powder Blush in Tippy applied with EcoTools Blush Brush

Eyes

* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Stash (inner rims of the eye) and Anastasia Beverly Hills Shimmer Highlighter in Lace (inner corners of the eyes)
* Givenchy Prismissime - 21 Maharani Pinks applied to the eyelid (from upper lash line to above the crease), MAC Eye Shadow in Sumptuous Olive (from upper lash line to crease)
* Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Noir

Lips
* MAC Lip Pencil in Hodgepodge, topped with MAC Lustreglass in Spring Bean

Oh Oh Oh...It's Magic: Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil

Last Tuesday, a select group of bloggers was invited to the Givenchy offices in NYC to celebrate the launch of the Maharani Spring 2009 collection. Fresh fruit and yogurt were on the menu for this beauty breakfast, but I couldn’t be bothered with the food. I was too busy salivating over the products. It’s rare that I fall in love with an entire collection, so trust me when I tell you that every component of this compilation is a winner and deserves a spot in your makeup case. As Nicolas Degennes, Artistic Director of Givenchy Makeup, took us on a tour of his artistic imagination and described each Indian-inspired beauty, I fell a little deeper in love.

Once the presentation concluded, Nicolas (the creative genius behind the aptly named Phenomen'Eyes Mascara) approached me and whispered in French accented English, “My dear, you will love this eye pencil. You will love it.”

Initially, I was taken aback. Was Nicolas clairvoyant? Was he reading my mind? Could he see the eyeliner and sugarplums that dance in my head? Then I remembered that I had swathed my eyes in rings of bright blue pencil, earlier that morning. Of course Nicolas knew I was dying to try his new Magic Kajal Eye Pencil. My eyeliner junkie status was written all over my face.

After the breakfast, I couldn’t get back to my hotel room quick enough. I couldn’t wait another minute to experience Kajal’s conjury. I took the chubby crayon in my hand, ran circles around my eyes, then looked into the mirror for the final verdict. Survey says…WINNER! Rimmed in the glossiest, most bewitching black, I couldn’t take my eyes off of my eyes.

There aren’t enough superlatives in the English language for me to adequately sing the praises of Givenchy’s Magic Kajal Eye Pencil. This is the black smudgy pencil that eyeliner enthusiasts have been waiting for. The pencil contains wax and oil, which gives the crayon a creamy texture. This creaminess does cause the pigment to travel; so if you like a clean, more graphic line, I advise dusting some translucent powder underneath the lower lash line (I like Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder).

I love how this liner makes me look like a badass.

Product Polygamy Week: Skincare

It’s day two of Product Polygamy Week, and today's topic is skincare. Late to the par-tay and not sure what I’m talking about? No biggie. Click here to check out yesterday’s installment, then come back to read about the big love I’m spreading around today…

FACIAL CLEANSER
The Barb: T'Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam
Let’s just put it this way - when it comes to facial cleansers, I haven’t found anything closer to perfection than T’Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam. My skin behaves best when I’m using this product, and I find that I don’t need to use as many skincare treatments when this cleanser is in my rotation. I used up my bottle of T’Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam a little while ago, and my skin has been acting out ever since. Buying another bottle is #1 priority on my beauty to-do list. It’s just that fabulous.

The Nicki: Philosophy Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser
At the end of the night, it’s in your skin’s best interest to take off your face. But just the thought of scrubbing off my budge-proof eye makeup then washing my face makes me tired. Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser is for lazy ladies like me. In 60 seconds, it melts away all traces of makeup, dirt, oil and debris. One caveat, though - this cleanser is better suited to oily, combination and normal skin types.

The Margene: Chanel Mousse Douceur Rinse-Off Foaming Mousse Cleanser
Chanel Mousse Douceur Rinse-Off Foaming Mousse Cleanser is formulated to balance skin with the de-pollution power of Tulip Tree Extract and the emollient properties of Mallow Extract. If your skin could talk, it would say “aaaaahhhhhhh” after you’ve cleansed with it. It’s Chanel, so it’s luxe - which means that every time you wash your mug, you feel like you’re pampering yourself. The delightfully fresh fragrance is an added bonus.


FACIAL MOISTURIZER
The Barb: Atopalm MLE Cream
Atopalm’s MLE Cream is the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin. Hands down. Every year when the weather turns cold, my skin gets very thirsty - and Atopalm is its favorite drink. I could go on and on listing the product’s virtues, but we’d both be here all day. Just do this: read my original review and then go buy Atopalm MLE Cream. You won’t be disappointed.

The Nicki: L’Oreal Skin Genesis Oil Free Lotion
If you’re Goldilocks looking for a middle of the road moisturizer - not too thick, no too thin - you’d be smart to pick up L’Oreal Skin Genesis Oil Free Lotion. It’s an overachiever because (besides moisturizing) it promotes collagen production, boosts cell renewal, improves tone and leaves skin luminescent. The only drawback is that this gem of a product doesn’t contain SPF.

The Margene: Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream
If you suffer from dry, sensitive and/or reactive skins, Clinique’s Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream is dream. I could say more, but the name really sums it up - and it does live up to its title.


SKINCARE TREATMENT
The Barb: Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant
If you’ve been reading Spoiled Pretty for a hot second, you know that I am an exfoliating enthusiast. Scrubbing away my dead skin cells is my favorite beauty pastime. But when it comes to exfoliation, you can’t get overzealous; you’ll scrub your face right off. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant lets me indulge my compulsion, but is gentle enough that it can be used on the regular.

The Nicki: Givenchy Le Soin Noir
Givenchy Le Soin Noir is so cool, I don’t know where to begin. First of all, this skin cream is black. Yes…black, on account of the Black Algae Sap Concentrate - used for the first time in a cosmetic product. Le Soin Noir hydrates and leaves your complexion firm, glowing, and even-toned. The downside? 1.7 ounces of this black magic costs $360.

The Margene: Yonka Paris Gommage
A recent trip to Terme Di Aroma, an amazing holistic day spa in Philadelphia, introduced me to my new favorite skincare treatment. With Yonka Paris Gommage, you can get that post-facial glow at home. And it’s so easy. Just apply to your face after cleansing, leave on for 5 to 7 minutes, then peel it off to reveal drop dead skin. This product exfoliates, hydrates, tones, brightens and refines enlarged pores. And get this - it’s so gentle, you can even use this on the eyelids. I don’t know why you would want to, but you can if you want. Don't you just love a product that let's a playa play? Ooh…one more thing. It’s a nighttime firming hydrating mask; apply before bedtime and sleep in it. It’s so light and the citrus scent is so pleasant that you’ll forget it’s even on as you start to count sheep. Beauty sleep, indeed.

Which skincare products are in a polygamous relationship with Amber? Head on over to Beauty Blogging Junkie to find out. And come back tomorrow for the next installment of this salacious series.

Product Polygamy Week: Makeup

Me and my girl, Amber, are beauty addicts…which means that product monogamy is not within our nature. We need beauty options like our lungs need air.

So to celebrate product polygamy, we’ve decided to do another theme week…we know how you so enjoy when we get crazy creative. In honor of this Sunday’s season premiere of Big Love, Amber and I will be assigning our favorite products Barb, Nicki, and Margene status. In case you don’t watch the show or have HBO, here’s the 411:


Barb is the original. She’s your first love - the one everything else is measured against. Nicki is the newer, fiesty version that caused your eye to stray; the Nicki relationship is entertaining and dramatic, but short-lived. Margene is the shiny-new toy that you can‘t get enough of and sets your heart aflutter.

Read on to find out which makeup products get big love from Spoiled Pretty...

FOUNDATION
The Barb: Clinique Superfit Makeup
I’m a big fan of Clinique’s foundations, and I’ve been wearing Superfit for years. At $20, it’s reasonably priced and one bottle lasts a long time. Give this oil-free formula a try if you’ve got overactive sebaceous glands; it’s comfortable, breathable and keeps the shine gremlins at bay, all day. Superfit is basically the only foundation I’ll wear in the summertime.

The Nicki: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Before my 2007 wedding, I searched long and hard for the foundation that would make my imperfect complexion look flawless. My skin tone is hard to match, my face is a grease bomb in the warmer months, and I have sensitive skin - and finding a foundation that would overcome all of those hurdles was proving as hopeless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie. Then I found Luminous Silk. It’s weightless and goes on like a dream, and made me look like I wasn’t wearing a thing. It’s pricey and it’s not sold in many stores (I had to trek to Saks to get my hands on a bottle) - but if you don’t mind putting in a little extra money and effort, Luminous Silk is a fab foundation.

The Margene: Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation
As far as I’m concerned, this is the end all - be all foundation. My skin is far from flawless, so I need a good base - or I’m not happy. When I’m wearing a good foundation, I feel more confident…kinda like when I wear my trusty Spanx under a form-fitting dress. From far away or up close, HD Invisible Cover Foundation looks like perfection on skin. It imparts this airbrushed look that you just don’t get with any other product. It also comes in a myriad of shades so, no matter your color, Make Up For Ever has you covered.


MASCARA
The Barb: CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
Doe eyes from the drugstore - that’s Lash Blast, in a sentence. The big fatty wand does take some getting used to, and you need a little elbow grease getting it off at the end of the day. But if you want to pump up the volume while keeping your wallet fat, you can’t go wrong with the orange tube.

The Nicki: Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara
Wanna take your lashes up, up and away? Well, let me introduce you to Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. I feel so brazen when I'm wearing this; the six sided brush delivers a voluptuous and dramatic lash - with no clumping whatsoever. Seriously, no clumps. Try to make it clump…I dare ya.

The Margene: Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara
The spiky round sphere on the tip of Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara is scary, even to a been-there-done-that beauty blogger like moi. But with a little practice, you’ll be amazed at the wand’s dexterity. It allows you to get into all of the nooks and crannies that typical brushes miss. It curls. It separates. It coats lashes in inky goodness, resulting in striking, fanned-out fringe.


EYELINER
The Barb: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil
You know how I love me some Urban Decay. The website bills these babies as “the best eye pencils ever, ever, ever.” It’s truth…every word of it. If you don’t own at least one of these liners by now, what are you doing? Are you just reading Spoiled Pretty for the hell of it? I’m trying to help you, people. In these trying economic times, a woman needs an eyeliner that she can depend on. And this one, my friends, is as good as it gets.

The Nicki: Redpoint StayPut Eyeliner in Conga
Last Spring, I was introduced to this delightful little liner at the Total Beauty Blog Community Summit. For a few months afterwards, it was my go-to eye pencil. You’ll love it too, thanks to the long-wearing, water-resistant, never-smudge formula. And the metallic mocha color is oh so flattering on everyone!

The Margene: MAC Pearlglide Eye Liner in Black Russian
Do yourself a favor and go buy MAC Pearlglide Eye Liner in Black Russian. It don’t get no better. This creamy, kohl-like liner has a heavy metal look with the perfect amount of sparkle. Black Russian, described as black with navy blue glitter, is so super chic that it - in the immortal words of Marvin Gaye - “makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands.” Hallelujah, MAC!


LIPSTICK/GLOSS
The Barb: Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry
I’ve bought more tubes of Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry than any other lipgloss - and I own ten times more glosses than your most makeup obsessed friend. As I type this, I have a tube of Blackberry - still in the box - stashed away in my Sephora train case, just waiting in the wings until the current tube runs dry. That’s how dangerously sexy this product looks on my lips. But why should I have all the fun? Pick some up during your next Sephora shopping excursion.

The Nicki: MAC Plushglass in Oversexed
MAC makes a million lipglosses, and they’re all wonderful. But Plushglass in Oversexed is GD genius. I love the scandalous name, but I absolutely luvre the me-but-sexier look. In the tube, it looks like a dark wine. But don’t be afraid. On lips, it transforms into the most beautiful blush - with megawatt shine. It’s just so sexy on. It’s like the Scarlett Johansson of lippies.

The Margene: Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Wine
My new shiny toy, these days, isn’t shiny at all. Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Wine is my secret weapon for looking polished and pulled together, even when I’ve overslept and run out the door without a stitch of makeup. The sheer matte berry shade is effortless and flattering, but doesn’t dry the lips. It’s snow bunny in a tube.

The rest of the week, Amber and I will be covering Skin Care (Wednesday), Hair (Thursday), and Body products (Friday). So come back and see me sometime. I'll have some hot product recommendations waiting for you. In the meantime, check out Amber's picks. And tell me your faves in the comments section!

Fragrance 4-1-1

Burberry will release its sixth fragrance, ‘The Beat,’ in March. The women’s perfume is described as a “sparkling woody floral scent,” and incorporates three principal notes - Ceylon tea, iris accord, and bluebell. Other key notes include bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper, mandarin, white musk, vetiver and cedarwood.


If industry rumblings are any indication, Justin Timberlake may be the face of the next Parfums Givenchy men's fragrance. Here’s to hoping the SexyBack singer and French fashion house can get in sync.


Actor Matthew McConaughey will be the face of Dolce & Gabbana's upcoming fragrance, The One For Men, set to hit shelves in March 2008. “I like spicy-oriental notes and we’ve never done these types of fragrances, it’s a little warmer than our other men’s scents,” said Stefano Gabbana. "I wanted it to be a classic — not a banal classic, but a classic men's fragrance that would last for years and be the type of scent that women adore," he added. The fragrance will have notes of grapefruit, coriander, basil, cardamom, ginger, orange blossom, cedarwood, ambergris, and tobacco.


Jennifer Lopez will launch her next fragrance, Deseo, in February 2008. Deseo was inspired by a combination of smells in the singer’s own garden, and is the first of Lopez’s fragrances to reference her Latin heritage. The fragrance’s notes include bamboo leaves, yuzu, bergamot, freesia, star jasmine, pink geranium flower, orange blossom, mimosa, warm amber, oak moss, musk, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and mineral accord. And Deseo’s bottle was designed to resemble a “diamond in the rough.”