web analytics
Aug 272011
 

Here’s three things that I’m obsessed with this week:

1.  Slippers– After a look at this slideshow on Vogue Paris, I was suddenly obsessed with finding slippers.  I love the velvet designs especially, although I’m not sure about the skulls on the Toms (below) that have an Alexander McQueen vibe.  Otherwise, a fun addition to a tailored look (click to enlarge):

2.  Speaking of velvet, I’m obsessed with the upcoming release of Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet lipcolors.  Here is a collection of some beauty sites that have swatched items from the line:

-Bella Shmella’s are here

-Beauty Insider’s are here and here

-Delicate Hummingbird’s are here

 -Notes from My Beauty Life are here and here

I think they look lovely–they seem to be very pigmented with the slightest glow.  Also here is a link to more items from the collection at the British Beauty Blogger.
__
3.  Tom Ford’s Upcoming Beauty Line.  We’re begining to see some previews
-From Beauty.ie are these pictures
-London Makeup Girl’s are here
-Get Lippie’s are here.
-The Beauty Look Book’s preview of lip colors is here.
__
Here are some obsession-worthy links:
-These pictures of Chanel’s new brush line at Iswii.net
-These promotional pictures of Chanel’s new Perfection Lumiere Foundation
-For Russian speakers, please support one of my beauty blogging BBF’S BlondyCandy’s First Annual Reader’s Choice Awards.  Vote, vote, vote!!
Aug 202011
 

Here’s what three things I’m obsessed with this week:

1.  Fake reviews-- I was struck by this article from The New York Times describing a system where people are paid up to $5 to post fake positive reviews on business websites.  According to the piece, Cornell researchers have developed a computer program to separate the real reviews from the paid.  I’m glad to see that there is progress is this area. I’m often curious about the credibility of some.

2.  Wherefore art thou Fyrinnae?  Fyrinnae is a small, independent cosmetic company that is run by two creative geniuses who really listen to their customers.  Lately, their website has been on-again, off-again. I’m hopeful that they are re-tooling.

On a related note, I was very impressed with this post by Joeybunny, who discusses how independent makeup brands skillfully use social media, including smart interaction with beauty bloggers.  Her point #2, “Indie retailers embrace us nutty bloggers” is true based on my experience here on Cafe Makeup.  I must admit that I’ve noticed that many independent, small beauty companies display a media savvy that is quite masterful.  Some have a very human touch.

3.  Chanel Illusion D’ombre Mirifique:  Everytime I use this deep, sooty black as a liner, I love the effect.  Great staying power.  A rich, vibrant black. I really love this color.

Here’s what some of the beauty blogospere is obsessed with this week:

  • Karlasugar has reviewed the enormous MAC Me Over release that is soon to be released, including these intriguing basics.  Stunner blush is catching my eye, how about you?
  • The Best Things in Beauty gives us a preview of a new skincare line from Le Metier de Beaute–it looks interesting!
  • Fab Over Forty previews the new eyeshadow trio’s coming from Dior.  She reports that the quality is impressive.
  • My hunger for Paris must be satisfied by looking a blogs from my favorite city–I’m currently enjoying Secrets of Paris, as well as this incredibly useful post from David Lebovitz about the best Paris apps (as in applications, not apartments).

Aug 052011
 

Here’s what three things I’m obsessed with this week–

1.  Back to basics- Although fall is weeks (months?) away, I get the “back to school basics” vibe this time of year.   Instead of pencils and notebooks, I re-assess my beauty needs for the upcoming changes in the weather. I’ve been feverishly checking reviews for basics, including hair care products, brushes and other essentials.  Recently, I placed an order for a full size Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil (reviewed here).  By the way, which shampoo and conditioner are you currently enjoying?

2.  Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s- I first noticed the business genius of Karl Lagerfeld the moment that he sold a bride two wedding dresses–a white one for the ceremony and an identical one in black for the dinner afterwards.  Who says art and commerce don’t mix?  In his most recent genius move, he’s partnered with Macy’s for a small collection due out late August.  All pieces are to be priced under $300.  I’d love to get this shirt (although I doubt I’ll get the chance!)

Speaking of all things Karl, did you see this picture of him without his sunglasses?  I think he looks fabulous!

3. Fashion’s Night Out Goes Global  This little video shows Vogue editors from all over the world discussing the September 2011 Fashion’s Night Out event coming next month.  Although I won’t be attending, I’d love to hear about your plans if you are!

VOGUE Fashion Night 2011 dans le monde (version… by VOGUEPARIS

Here are some of the things that other beauty bloggers are obsessed with this week:

  • How gorgeous is this Nars “Makeup Your Mind” makeover on Karlasugar?  She looks fabulous!
  • Armani Fall 2011 has hit Australian shores, leading Front Row Beauty to test out the Woven Jacquard Palette No. 2.  She doesn’t seem to love it, but I think that satiny texture looks worth exploring.
  • The NonBlonde tests out a new lipstick line, Exude, endorsed by Rachel Zoe-here, the color look gorgeous.
  • The Best Things in Beauty has gotten some of the new Guerlain 4 Ecrin palettes–I can not wait until mine arrive.
  • Natural n Chic Makeup does her characteristically thorough and beautifully photographed review of Urban Decay’s 15th Anniversary Palette here.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Jul 292011
 

For some reason, I became obsessed with lashes, lashes, lashes this week.

First, I started using Le Metier de Beaute’s Peau Vierge Lash Growth Serum ($95).  When Latisse was first approved for lash growth, I used it for about four months before I became hesitant after the FDA increased the warning.  Although my lashes got incredibly long using Latisse, the effect lasts only a few months.

I purchased Le Metier’s Peau Veirge Lash Growth Serum last December, and have only started using it now.  I’ll see how it goes and report back.

Second, I’ve been seeing some favorable reports for Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara on makeup boards and at Lipglossiping.  I tried to order a tube, but just got a back-order notice until mid-August.  I’m shaking my fist at Benefit–don’t they realize that in the beauty blogging world, August is practically Christmas?

Instead, I’m investigating Giorgio Armani’s Eyes to Kill reviewed by The Beauty Look Book.

Third,  I’ve become very curious about false lashes.  They always seemed unwieldy to me, but Lisa Eldridge has done some tutorials (here and here) that make me imagine that I could do it.  Have you used them?

Also, I fell in love with these pictures of a Shu Uemura collection from the Makeup Blogette.  So pretty!

Here’s what my beauty blogging friends are obsessed with this week:

  • Gouldylox Reviews shares with us her at-home foot smoothing find with Emjoi Micro Pedi. Perfect for summer sandal season.
  • BeautyXposé finds the latest jewelry trend while vacationing in Miami and brings the rose gold pieces home to rave reviews.
  • The Beauty Look Book shows us the latest in stunning nude shades with the Fall 2011 Burberry Beauty Collection.
  • Fab Over Forty gives us beauty tips and product must-haves from Dior National Artist, Jeffrey Sanchez.
  • Daly Beauty may have found the perfect mascara that results in beautiful lashes with Urban Decay Cannonball.
  • Best Things in Beauty showed us Tom Pecheux’s innovative Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée from Estée Lauder’s Fall 2011 Collection
  • DivaDebbi was able to lighten dark spots with a non-toxic four step product system called Lumixyl.
  • Product Girl shares with us what “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” TV star Taylor Armstrong keeps in her makeup bag.
  • Café Makeup reviews the newest lipstick formula and Feather Pink shade from the Burberry Lip Mist collection.
  • The Non-Blonde swatches and reviews the very gorgeous and wearable Chantecaille Sel Iridescent Eye Shadow.
  • Karla Sugar gives us a lesson on Creed fragrances and shares with us their three new fragrance releases.
Jul 222011
 

Here’s what I’m obsessed with this week…

1. Well-Conditioned Hair.  Frizzy hair can be such a problem in warm weather.  Lately my stylist has been using L’Oreal Fiberceutic conditioner on my hair, making a significant difference.  As I pay a flat monthly rate (yes, I really am that high maintenance), I’m not sure how much the treatment costs separately.  It  is helping make my hair look softer, smoother and healthier.

2. Michelle Obama wore a dress from Target.  I so admire Michelle Obama, and never more so than when she visited an air station in Virginia wearing this little Merona number from Tar-jay.  Even better, this dress is something that we’ve seen before.  Some style icons know how to keep it real.  Belt by Sacai.

 3.  Nars website re-design.  NARS completely reconfigured the website.  Beautifully done. It’s clean, it’s easy, it’s intuitive.  Plus, they have $20 off/$100 order with the code NEWWEBSITE.  I think it’s finally time to pick up a Yachiyo…

Some of the links take you in the company’s history.  Under “World of Nars,” I found pages that explained the names of his products:

 In the meantime, Liz and I are continuing to organize items for our upcoming MAC Blogsale. We’ve taken your suggestion to heart, and have been busy gathering bubble wrap for the sale to come. You’ll find the sale at the “MAC Blogsale” link at the top of the page.

Here’s what my fellow beauty bloggers are obsessed with this week….

  • Café Makeup had high praise for Burberry’s new Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base, calling it a “best in class” primer.
  • Best Things in Beauty offered a sneak peek at Chanel’s Aquillaries de Chanel Collection.
  • The Beauty Look Book showed us why we need Le Métier de Beauté’s True Romance Nail Lacquer, a Nordstrom Anniversary exclusive.
  • Fab over Forty featured makeup application tips from Mickey Castillo, Le Métier de Beauté’s makeup director.
  • The Non-Blonde fell for the gorgeous, new Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colours.
  • Karla Sugar swatched the Fall 2011 Color Collection from NARS.
  • Perfect for this weather, Product Girl featured a guide to the obsessive nature of facial misting.
  • DivaDebbi achieved beauty bliss with the Bliss Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask.
  • Gouldylox Reviews is enjoying Dove’s Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment products.
  • BeautyXposé introduced us to the limited-edition eos Summer 2011 Collection of lip balm smooth spheres.
  • Daly Beauty tested and loved Your Best Face’s Restore serum.