2009 Fall Beauty Trends [according to Sephora]

According to the latest catalogue from Sephora, the fall beauty trends are:

The Cat Eye - I love this, classic and looks fantastic on everyone!
Candy Colors - LOVE this trend that is happening right now! Check out Limecrime Makeup, for some seriously intense colors that I am sure you will fall in love with! (Review to be up in the near future). Also, check out Shrinkle (see picture above - that's her!) and you will be sure to be impressed with some hardcore inspirational looks!
Extreme Smoky Eye - I've always loved this! And I don't think people should only wear it at night, I think that wearing a smoky eye during the day is like your own little, secret confidence booster!
Gray Eyes - As in gray eyeshadow all around the eye - romantic and sweet, I love this as well.

Bold Brows - I've yet to pull this one off that well, I have light/thin brows and it's hard to get out of my comfort zone with that. I enjoy darkening them but making them appear larger or bushier brings me to a level of nervousness and insecurity. I DO love them on other people though (i.e., Kat Von D).
Big Hair - Maybe because I was born in the 80's, I have an innate sense that this is such a great look for women or men (with the right haircut of course). The higher the hair, the closer to God? Nonetheless, I love it, give me teased, back-combed hair (done with a a touch of classiness and intent to make it look good). It is wonderful that we are going to get to see it all around us!
Dark Lips - Love, love, love them! Bold, vampy, and altogether sultry. I think a dark lip can ooze confidence and sex appeal. I think it shows the rest of the world you are comfortable in who you are. And I definitely don't think it needs to be reserved just for that Friday-night-out.

What are some of your favorite brands to achieve some of these trends? Any recommendations for me?

Kat Von D Eyeshadow 'True Romance' Palette - Ludwig Swatches

Swatches from Kat Von D's True Romance Palette in Ludwig. These swatches are over 'Too Faced Shadow Insurance.'

Overall, I like the feel of these shadows. They are smooth, apply with vibrancy and last throughout the day (especially with a primer for the lids).

I think that this palette in particular is great for those who don't feel comfortable wearing really bright or 'loud' shadows, i.e. to work. I also think that is a great palette for those days when I want to reach for a champagne like color to pair with a cat eye for a pin-up look. 'Clay' and 'Downtown' really work for me when I want a nude/champagne color. They aren't too yellow like I sometimes find some "nude" eyeshadows appear on my skin, which makes me look sallow rather than sultry. That's not what I want!

I also really want to check out her new perfumes that she has (Saint & Sinner). I forgot to check them out the last time I was at Sephora, I will have to be sure to tell you all what I think of them.

Eyeko 'Vamp Polish' Review

A beautiful deep blue-black nail polish.

This is the second Eyeko nail polish that I have. The application on this polish is much better than the application was for 'Pretty Polish,' which you can read about below. As you can see, it is a rich, deep blue-black creme color. This is two coats with Seche Vite as a topcoat. Drying time was normal and this photo was taken after a day of wear.

*Pros - rich, creamy color. Average drying time and wear seems good for this polish. Super cute bottle, one I wouldn't be ashamed to display!

*Cons - Be careful with these bottles, they have a wide mouth to them and it would be easy to seal the lid shut if you get to much polish on the rim. Check before you screw on the lid.

As I stated yesterday, Eyeko Cosmetics, offers free shipping worldwide! You can use code: E4321 to get a free gift with purchase!

When I ordered from them, it took a little less than a week for my shipment from the United Kingdom to make it to California. I was pretty impressed!

Eyeko 'Pretty Polish' Review

Eyeko 'Pretty Polish' is a soft pink pastel color. I think that the color is super cute but the application was horrible. I had read that this would probably happen (on Scangie). But I thought, maybe, just maybe it would be different for me. Love the color, HATE the application, drying time and way that it dents easily for hours after applying it.

*Pros - lovely, feminine creme color. Perfect for people that are into light, non-threatening colors. Also has the cutest bottle design! Be sure to check them out!

*Cons - sheer, streaky application, this is with five coats - that's too many for the kind of lady that I am. This color takes forever to dry and it dented easily for be for about a whole day after I first applied it. It never seemed to completely dry.

I am going to review the other polish that I got, 'Vamp Polish,' tomorrow. I am hoping I will like it better because Eyeko seems to have some super cute things. They also offer free shipping on all orders which I think is fantastic!

You can view their nail polishes, as well as other cosmetics on their website, Eyeko.com.

Le Mirage 'Red Garnet' Manicure

I got a manicure last week, it was a lovely little treat for myself!

The nail polish was by Mirage and the color is 'Red Garnet.' I think that it photographed very warm, in a lot of lights, it was a much deeper red. Either way, I thought it was a great color, it made me feel feminine and bold without being too red, flashy and gaudy looking. I also think that it went on smooth and it lasted a long time without chipping.
You can buy this polish on Amazon!

"Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash" Review

I love this face wash and everyone needs to know it.

You can get this cleanser at either Walgreens or Ulta, those are the only two places I have ever found it. It is affordable, in the $5 range and lasts for a long time. To use, all you need is wet your face, then take about a dime or nickel sized amount (depending how much cleaning you have to do), mix it with water and lather up. It removes makeup very well. For really stubborn or waterproof makeup, you could use a bit of makeup remover beforehand or just wash a second time to remove any extra that might still be left.

I feel it's gentle on the eye area and I can remove a majority of eyeliner/mascara without tugging or pulling at my eyes.

*Pros - reasonably priced, lasts a long time, clean/soapy scent, don't have to use much product, removes makeup well, skin feels clean and refreshed after using.

*Cons - can be slightly drying if used too often, I only use it in the evening when I really need to clean my face. Also, since it does last so long, you might get sick of it and want to switch it up with another cleanser from time to time.

'Burt's Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen' Review

I bought this sunscreen just a few days ago, thinking that I could apply it before my walk home, in order to protect myself from the afternoon sun.

I was excited to try a product that is totally natural and doesn't have any of the parabens or anything that are not good for your skin or body. That excitement didn't last long. When I first applied it, it smelt good and I was thinking that I might really be onto something. Fast forward to five minutes later and I felt like I had mixed baby powder with a cheap lotion. My skin was tight feeling and covered in a layer of dusty, white powder. Not a way that one wants to be seen in public.

I've tried this twice now, applying a normal amount, and still get the same feeling. Like I can't wait to shower it off. I really don't think this is worth the money. There are much better options out there for a lotion that provides general SPF protection but don't make you feel ready to run to wash it off. I'd love to be able to find an 'everyday' lotion that has a higher SPF (this one has SPF 30) and that works without uncomfortable 'side effects.'

*Pros: paraben free, natural, smells good, that's about it.
*Cons: white/chalky layer left on skin, leaves a film that feels tight, doesn't 'breathe,' better options for the $10-$15 you'll spend (depending on where you get it).

What do you recommend as an everyday sun protectant for your face or body?

Essie 'St. Lucia Lilac' Swatch

Take a peek!
And read on for my thoughts about this color:

Color: A lilac/light purple creme, can appear somewhat grey in poor lighting conditions.
Application: Smooth, opaque after two coats, might want to do three just to make sure. This is two here that I did, with Seche Vite as a top coat.

Opinion: Overall, a lovely color. Perfect for a slight hint of color but nothing over the top. Very subdued looking. I think it could be considered a nice Spring color, but I also think that is too cliche. I think it would be better to wear this at a time when no one else is wearing colors like it. I also think that since this is a very 'safe' color, it would be great to do designs on top of it. I'd like to do something in black to contrast against the pale lilac.

Victoria's Secret 'Beauty Rush' Lip Glosses

Source for picture - www.chickadvisor.com

Victoria's Secret has been a hit or miss for me when it comes to cosmetics. Like 'Beauty Rush' lipglosses, I know people that LOVE these lipglosses but I HATE them. They smell amazing but are so sticky and too jelly-like. I hate the fact that your hair can get caught in it and smear it on your face.

I bought one a long time ago (can't remember what flavor) and I thought maybe I just got a tube of one that didn't quite turn out so well. Since then, Strawberry and Banana haved proved themselves no better.

~Pros: Smell delicious, taste pretty good (it's inevitable that your going to lick your lips), affordable

~Cons: Thick, sticky/jelly-like texture, no real tint or color is seen while wearing it

When it comes to lipglosses, sheer or otherwise, what do you prefer?

A Beginning.

Where do you see fashion and cosmetics going in the future?




Source - Wired.com
I think that there is going to be a movement towards multitasking accessories/garments and products. An ability to do more with less.