The Makeup Girl | Skincare and Beauty Blog with Expert Advice & How To's » Must Have

Must Have: Kate Somerville True Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:05 +0000

Oooh I love a good multi-tasker!! Eye makeup removers are tricky because if you don’t use one that has at least some measure of moisture or oil, you don’t get all the mascara off. Well, this newcomer from skin guru Kate Somerville does the trick and THEN SOME! This incredible multi-tasker not only removes makeup, it also restores and replenishes lashes with one simple swipe. True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover [$35] gently wipes away all kinds of eye makeup—even waterproof and long-lasting formulas. The incredible SymLash226™ creates more voluminous, healthy lashes too! In addition, luxurious botanicals reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines, while nourishing extracts condition the entire eye area. So it takes off all the makeup, nourishes the delicate eye area AND enhances your lashes too!!?? Gimme gimme!! I’ve been using this nightly for about 5 weeks and so far I am pleased to report my lashes are most DEFINITELY thicker – Wahooo!!

The Rundown:

Creamy not oily, so there is no oily residue left behind that may irritate sensitive eyes
Advanced SymLash226™ Complex promotes keratin production, creating visibly fuller lashes.
Powerful sodium hyaluronate hydrates and conditions the entire eye area.
Green and white tea promote microcirculation that reduces the appearance of puffiness.
Chamomile and aloe vera smooth out fine lines to create a refreshed, younger look.
Rosehip, evening primrose and avocado extracts naturally contour and firm the eye area.

This is super simple to use as well, as the tube has a pump so there is NO WASTE. This tube will last you a good long time. Nightly, apply a small amount to cotton ball and gently smooth over eye area. This soap-free formula can either be wiped away with a dry cotton ball or completely rinsed off, according to your preference.

True Lash Lash-Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover is available for $35 at Sephora.com, Nordstrom.com and at katesomerville.com.

Lash Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

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Must Have: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++…

Lianne Farbes — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:57 +0000

If you are like me, and you like a natural look when it comes to your makeup…listen up! One of my favorite brands NARS has something new for you!! NARS founder and creative director François Nars is famous for his no-rules approach to makeup application. But when it comes to what lies beneath, his philosophy is clear: Skin should shine through makeup. I am in agreement with this statement 100%. The older I get, the less I want things looking matte or cakey. This isn’t to say that I don’t get rid of shine with blotting papers, I just like my skin to look like skin instead of makeup!

To that end, NARS Cosmetics went about creating a tinted moisturizer unlike any other — a complexion-perfecting fluid with anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits. Introducing Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++, which is available in nine shades to complement all skin tones exclusively at Nordstrom. Woooooo!!!

The key to its effectiveness lies in ingredients derived from the waters of François’ beloved French Polynesia, where he spends much of his time on his island in the region. These ingredients include Kopara, natural polysaccharides that hydrate, condition and help encourage natural cell renewal; Oceana Saffron, a plant known for its antioxidant and soothing properties; and Galaxaura, a red deep-sea algae found in the islands’ lagoons that is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene. Also included in the formula: sea water and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a vitamin-C derivative that brightens and protects the skin against free-radical damage, to revitalize and re-mineralize the skin.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ boasts a 100% naturally derived fragrance of Peony, Violet and Rose Water. And because sun protection is essential to maintaining the health and youthful appearance of the skin, it includes SPF 30 to protect against UVB rays, and PA+++, the highest index level of protection against UVA damage. After four weeks of regular use, 84% of testers felt that their skin was more radiant and luminous. 81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin, and 90% felt the product gave them a healthy glow.*

* Based on a clinical test

The Rundown:

1 Finland – Lightest with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
2 Alaska – Light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
3 St. Moritz – Medium with a neutral yellow undertone
4 Annapurna – Medium with a neutral peachy undertone
5 Cuba – Medium with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
6 Malaga – Medium dark with warm caramel undertones
7 Seychelles – Medium dark with golden olive undertones
8 Martinique – Medium dark with warm red undertones
9 Polynesia – Dark with warm chocolate undertones

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ [$42] Available:February 1, 2012 at nordstrom.com and launches February 15th on narscosmetics.com

BUT….you can get it NOW with the new sampling program on the NARS Facebook page! For the first time they will be giving away free samples – just like them on Facebook and pick your shade!

Stay Pretty!!

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Must Have: Beauty.com Marchesa Exclusive GWP…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:28:41 +0000

I adore all of these beauty bag colabos that beauty.com does! The samples are fantastic and the bags are simply gorgeous, no exception in this case either!! The latest installment in Beauty.com’s designer bag series was designed by Marchesa and will be available at Beauty.com/Marchesa with any Beauty.com purchase of $150 or more – an exclusive gift valued at $185. So you need to get on this right now because Marchesa is one of the biggest celebrity designers to hit the runway. Elegant and portable, the feather-light lace and satin pouch is perfectly sized to accommodate beauty essentials when stepping out for the evening.

“For February 2012, we wanted to create a makeup bag that was both demure and romantic. The nude and black lace design adds a delicate tone while the soft case makes it easy to pack and store. It’s the perfect go everywhere beauty bag for the season,” said Marchesa co-founders Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig.

Kathleen McNeill, President of Beauty.com, said, “This is our third collaboration with Marchesa, and we always see their gorgeous designs as a fun way for Beauty.com shoppers to kick off red carpet season. Plus, the diverse product assortment allows customers to sample across multiple categories, from fragrance to accessories.”

Each Marchesa gift bag is complete with the 16 prestige beauty samples listed below, as well as a card for $10 toward future purchases at Beauty.com and a voucher for $20 off the purchase of sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut Store on Beauty.com.

The deluxe samples are the BEST way to try something new or to take with you when you travel (I do this ALL the time as it saves SO much space and allows you to carry on your baggage which I am addicted to now LOL)

The Rundown:

bareMinerals® Purely Nourishing Moisturizer: Combination Skin
NUXE™ Reve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream – Day
Urban Decay® All Nighter™ Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Boscia® Green Tea Blotting Linens
Amika® Obliphica Oil Treatment
DDF® Amplifying Elixir
dr. brandt® Dark Circles Away
Arcona® Night Worker, Repair PM
Taylor Swift™ Wonderstruck® Eau de Parfum
Jouer® Luminizing Moisture Tint: Pearl, Golden and Bronzed
Murad® Acne Clarifying Cleanser
Alterna® UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide
tarte® Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye Liner: Navy
Laura Geller® Spackle Under Makeup Primer: Bronze
Braza® Clothing Adhesives
bliss® Lemon+Sage Body Butter

Grab yours right now at Beauty.com/Marchesa while supplies last!!

Shop Pretty!!

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Must Have: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette…

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:09:18 +0000

Have you been searching for a swoon worthy everything eyeshadow palette that will make your little nudey makeup heart flutter?? Then Urban Decay’s Naked 2 eyeshadow Palette is probably right up your alley. When I am looking for a nude look, this palette is a no-brainer in terms of having shades that work effortlessly with each other. Some of these shades aren’t available individually either which makes this such a steal.

The Naked Palette by Urban Decay took over the internet via tweets, YouTube tutorials and reviews, sells more than one every minute, and remains (after two years on the market) the beauty industry’s best-selling palette! The most anticipated sequel since Empire Strikes Back, with shades ranging from the palest nude to the lewdest black, Urban Decay’s Naked2 palette takes full frontal to another level.

The Rundown:

Blackout Blackest black with matte finish (Repromote, not available individually)
Booty Call Shimmery cork (New)
Busted Deep brown with shimmery finish (New)
Chopper Copper shimmer with silver micro glitter (Permanent)
Foxy Cream bisque with matte finish (Repromote, not available individually)
Half Baked Golden bronze with shimmery finish (Permanent)
Pistol Light greyish brown with shimmery finish (New)
Snake Bite Dark bronze shimmer with metallic base (New)
Suspect Pale golden beige with shimmery finish (Repromote, not available individually)
Tease Creamy pale brown with matte finish (New)
Verve Oyster with shimmery finish (Repromote, not available individually)
YDK Cool bronze shimmer with metallic base (Permanent)
Naked Sheer shimmery pinky neutral (Lip Junkie) (Permanent)
Good Karma Shadow/Crease Brush Dual-ended brush

Available at Urban Decay for $50; mid-to-late January for Sephora, Ulta, beauty.com, Macy’s; Internationally February 2012.

Stay Pretty!!

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Must Have: Specific Beauty Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths…

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:22:16 +0000

Happy Holidays!! This time of year can wreak havoc on your skin – ESPECIALLY when you are going from the office to party after party THEN getting back home and being so tired that you don’t want to wash your face. Yeah, I said it. I know some of you are going to sleep in full faces of makeup…you can’t lie to me

One of the BEST ways to keep your face clear (and your sheets clean) when you are tired is with makeup wipes. You can even keep them next to the bed for when you are too tired (or tipsy…hee hee hee) to wash your face. Specific Beauty has wipes that will do you one better because they are double duty! They exfoliate as well as clean. Specific Beauty Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths are deep cleaning, fragrance free, and formulated with aloe, green tea & vitamin E. I have these next to the bed and I take them with me when I travel (perfect for the TSA, no liquid!)

Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths these alcohol and oil-free cloths will leave your face feeling clean, smooth and refreshed. Use daily to exfoliate skin, deep clean, and remove impurities. Each cloth has a side with textured beads for gentle exfoliation and a side that is smooth for makeup removal. No rinsing is required. Can be used to remove eye makeup. These hypoallergenic cloths are dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and are safe for contact lens wearers. They contain Aloe, which soothes and calms skin, as well as green tea and Vitamin E, potent antioxidants.

Specific Beauty line was created by dermatologist, Dr. Heather Woolery Lloyd to address the specific skin care concerns of multi-hued skin tones. You can keep YOUR face clean and avoid mascara on your sheets with these – best part of all they are only $6.99. Visit their facebook page for more information and a special $1000 giveaway just in time for the hoidays!!

Clean Pretty!!

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Must Have: Votre Vu On Holiday Moisturizing Spray Body Oil…

Lianne Farbes — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:59:51 +0000

I have written here before about by unforgiving dry scaly alligator skin in the winter. The inside of my black leggings looks like a snowstorm sometimes when I take them off!! (TMI I know, but I must share with you the magnitude of my problem.…LOL). To that end, I am constantly looking for new ways to keep the skin on my body fully hydrated. The combo that seems to work best is regular weekly exfoliation and some sort of heavy cream or oil. After I visited We Care Spa back over the summer, I was introduced to detoxifying your skin by dry brushing it before you bathe. By doing so, you get a better detoxifying sweat in the sauna/steam room because all the dry skin has been eliminated! So once a week, I brush all those dry flakies off my body before a bath/shower and the moisturizer seems to get deeper into my skin.

My latest obsession for my dry skin is Votre Vu On Holiday Spray Body Oil [$49]. This genius formula is concocted from an aromatic and therapeutic blend of grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, refined wheat germ oil and virgin jojoba oil. I spray right after the shower or bath while my skin is still damp, feet, stomach, arms, legs, even on hard to reach places like my back. Your skin will not feel greasy AND it gives you t he most beautiful sheen on your skin!

Get yours at VotreVu.com

Stay Pretty!!

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Must Have: Anti Aging Dynamo Avon Anew Genics Treatment Cream…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:26:09 +0000

How would you like to have the science of a youth gene in a jar? Guess what, you can and it’s from….wait for it….Avon. Yep that’s right Avon. The same company that does catalog sales and rings your doorbell also has a massive research and development facility right in the New York suburbs. [NYT] What does that mean for you, the consumer? Quite frankly, some of the best scientists working day and night to bring you cutting edge products. Like their latest Avon Anew Genics. This fabulous cream can be used in place of your regular night cream and will even sub as a neck cream.

Based on a consumer perception study of women 45-59, most women looked at least 10 years younger after using the cream regularly for 4 weeks. How do they do it? Those scientists have discovered a now patented YouthGen™ technology. Inspired by the discovery that everyone has a Youth Gene, the Genics formula is designed to stimulate your Youth Gene’s activity, which slows down with age. I am nearly at the bottom of the jar on this one – it absorbs very quickly for a “night cream” and the best part of it all? It’s only $38.

Get yours at Avon.com

Stay Pretty!!

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Must Have: NEW! Redken All Soft Renovation Keratin Enrich Complex Interlock Protein Network

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:44:26 +0000

Is your hair dry? Brittle? Damaged? Mine tends to be on the dry side, I did a big chop bout 2 years ago where I cut off about 4 inches of damaged hair. Did you know that dry hair is a very common problem? 31% of women in the U.S. have dry to very dry hair. So if you are in this boat, don’t feel bad – you are not alone!

Fortunately, my hair is in better condition than it used to be, but it isn’t as great as it could be. Recently, I had the opportunity to try Redken 5th Avenue‘s latest collection All Soft Renovation Keratin Enrich Complex. I am happy to report that my hair is 100% in love with it! My hair was shiny, bouncy and soft. This collection is PERFECT for hair that is dry, brittle or damaged. Mine responded miraculously and emerged, softer, shinier and stronger than before. My most fave items in the collection are the heavy cream deep condish and the supple touch leave in condish spray. LOVE love them!

Soften hair like never before! Formulated with Redken’s exclusive new delivery system, the Interlock Protein Network™ (IPN), and Keratin Enrich Complex, NEW All Soft dramatically transforms the texture of dry, brittle hair. Argan oil-enriched formulas restore hair’s protein, comprised of keratin, for renewed elasticity and intense softness. After just one application of All Soft Shampoo, Conditioner and Argan-6 Oil, hair is instantly softer with 15x more conditioning.

All Soft features the Keratin Enrich Complex that works with IPN to rebuild hair’s protein, comprised of keratin, restoring elasticity, suppleness and shine.
Moisturizing Factor: Composed of Sodium PCA and Arginine, it works to replenish and maintain essential moisture balance in hair’s keratin for increased strand pliability
Argan Oil: Omega-6 enriched fair trade argan oil penetrates hair deep within the cortex to replenish lipids and deliver intense, luxurious softness
Interlock Protein Network (IPN): Redken’s exclusive IPN seals the cuticle with a hydrophobic barrier and locks in key ingredients, while reinforcing hair’s internal support for resilient flexibility

The Rundown:

All Soft Shampoo [$13.50] Softening shampoo for dry or brittle hair
All Soft Conditioner [$14.50] Softening detangler for dry or brittle hair
All Soft Heavy Cream [$15.50] Softening rinse out mask for dry or brittle hair
All Soft Supple Touch [$16.00] Softening cream spray for dry or brittle hair
All Soft Argan-6 Oil [$29.00] Multi-care oil for all hair types

All I have to say is AMAZINNNGG! This regimen is NOT sulfate free so you gals with keratin treatments will not be able to indulge. BUT…if your hair is brittle, dry or hard to manage and you are on the fence about getting those pricey treatments….this could really help you out. You can find Redken’s latest All Soft regimen at fine salons everywhere – visit Redken 5th Avenue’s salon locator to find one near you.

Stay Pretty!!

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Must Have: Smell This – Elie Saab Le Parfum…

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:22:16 +0000

One of my favorite new fragrances comes from a familiar face in the fashion design arena. The first fragrance from the Lebanese haute couture designer Elie Saab is simply called Elie Saab Le Parfum. The fragrance is an ultra feminine, flowery – woody composition (which I looooove). Orange Blossom, Jasmine Grandiflorum and Sambac make up the top notes, with a base of cedar, patchouli and rose honey accord. This is another instance where patchouli actually works in a fragrance for me (I cannot STAND patchouli at all LOL)

The bottle is very simple but looks like a jewel in your hand. It is Baroque style and was designed by Syvie de France. Le Parfum is available in 1.6 an 3.0 oz sizes of Eau de Parfum with an accompanying collection that includes perfumed deodorant, body lotion, body cream and shower gel. If you are looking for a new fall fragrance this one is a sure fire hit.

Grab yours at fine department stores nationwide!

Smell Pretty!!

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Must Have: MAC Cosmetics Bloggers’ Obsessions is Back in Stock!!

Lianne Farbes — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:14:49 +0000

If you missed it the first time around – they have re-stocked the MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions collection and it is back online as of yesterday!! Just in case, I have a recap of the rundown below along with links to previous posts with swatches…

The Rundown:

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN) (Limited Edition)

Hocus Pocus Dark sooty grey with silver pearl (Satin) (The Makeup Girl) This is the shade that I created, if you want to learn more about it and see behind the scenes photos click here or here.
Jealousy Wakes Seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl (Veluxe Pearl) (Temptalia)
Parisian Skies Muted grey-blue (Satin) (Lipstick Powder N Paint)
Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! Deep rusty brown with champagne-colored sparkle (Velvet) (Beauty Blogging Junkie)

Lipglass ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN) (Limited Edition)

All of My Purple Life Deep purple/grape with subtle sparkle (semi-opaque) (Afrobella)
Caqui Persimmon orange (semi-opaque) (Beauty Maverick)
Evolution Revolution Warm peachy pink with subtle purple, green, blue micro glitter (sheer) (Makeup and Beauty Blog)
Nitro:licious 2046 Intense shiny red (semi opaque) (Nitrolicious)
Sonoran Rain Deep coral-red with gold and silver pearl (semi-opaque) (The Shades of U)

More Info on the collection:

Official Color Story
The Making of Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus Behind the Scenes & Swatches
Bloggers’ Obsessions Swatches and Photos
Video Interview about the making of Hocus Pocus

Thank you guys SO MUCH for helping the collection sell out!! If you haven’t seen the new snazzy interactive pages on the MAC website yet go check them out! Below is a compliation of all the videos we did from MAC’s YouTube channel.

Stay Pretty!! :-)

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The Makeup Girl | Skincare and Beauty Blog with Expert Advice & How To's » Must Have

Must Have: Kate Somerville True Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover…

Must Have: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++…

Must Have: Beauty.com Marchesa Exclusive GWP…

Must Have: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette…

Must Have: Specific Beauty Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths…

Must Have: Votre Vu On Holiday Moisturizing Spray Body Oil…

Must Have: Anti Aging Dynamo Avon Anew Genics Treatment Cream…

Must Have: NEW! Redken All Soft Renovation Keratin Enrich Complex Interlock Protein Network

Must Have: Smell This – Elie Saab Le Parfum…

Must Have: MAC Cosmetics Bloggers’ Obsessions is Back in Stock!!

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN) (Limited Edition)

More Info on the collection:

Official Color Story The Making of Hocus Pocus Hocus Pocus Behind the Scenes & Swatches Bloggers’ Obsessions Swatches and Photos Video Interview about the making of Hocus Pocus

Official Color Story
The Making of Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus Behind the Scenes & Swatches
Bloggers’ Obsessions Swatches and Photos
Video Interview about the making of Hocus Pocus