Beauty Bulletin: China Glaze "Colours from the Capitol" Collection

The Hunger Games serves as the inspiration behind the latest collection from China Glaze.  The color palette is based on the capitol citizens who have a penchant for lavish fashion and extreme cosmetics (reminds me of the world of beauty blogging!).  See the official swatch sheet below.

Beauty Bulletin: MAC Style Driven

Did you know that the foundation of choice for the makeup artists at CNN (headquartered here in DC) is MAC's Pro Longwear?  Well now you know; you can learn a lot from Twitter!  That said the foundation must be performing well under pressure because MAC has decided to expand its Pro Longwear offering to include color products for the lips and eyes, calling it Style Driven.  Details below:

A CREAMY NEW EYE SHADOW, PLUS LIPGLASS THAT JUICES UP GLOSS FOR SIX EXTENDED HOURS OF LASTING SHINE, LIP PENCIL THAT WON’T SKIP-AND-DRAG, AND THEY GO FOR 15 HOURS

PRO LONGWEAR LIPCREME
Soft Sell Light yellow-pink (cream)
Dress It Up Light blue-pink (cream)
So Very Good Mid-tone plum with pearl (frost)
Till Tomorrow Mid-tone dirty mauve (cream)
To The Future! Dirty neutral pink with pearl (frost)
Good To Go Loudmouth orange (cream)
Love Forever! Bright blue pink (cream)
Positively Dashing Mid-tone berry blue-red (cream)
Extended Play Dirty red, yellow undertone (cream)
Prolong Clean red with blue undertone and pearl (cream)
Endless Drama Deep berry blue-red (frost)
Soulfully Rich Deep dirty purple with red pearl (cream)
$17.00 U.S./$20.00 CDN

 

PRO LONGWEAR LIPGLASS
Patience, Please Light pink-blue
Ready or Not! Neutral light coral with slight pearl
Infinitely Likable Light pink
Show Me! Mid-tone neutral plum
Whoops! Bright coral
Full Speed Ahead Bright pink-magenta
Driven by Love Red-blue with slight pearl
Lasting Achievement Midtone purple with slight pearl
Dark as Night Deep dirty purple with slight pearl
$18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN

 

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL
Etcetera Creamy beige
Nice ‘n’ Spicy Pink cinnamon stick
Staunchly Stylish Pinky beige
Morning Coffee Dirty rose
Absolutely It Soft burgundy
In Anticipation Soft yellow pink
What a Blast! Bright orange
Kiss Me Quick Yellow red
More to Love Intense bluish pink
Bittersweet Intense brown
$18.00 U.S./$21.50 CDN

 

 BRUSHES
239 Eye Shader
$24.50 U.S./$29.50 CDN

 

PRO LONGWEAR EYE SHADOW
Carefree Pale white gold (frost)
Pink Frontier Soft golden pink (frost)
One to Watch Light warm brown (satin)
Sweet Satisfaction Soft neutral beige (frost)
Lie Low Dark frosted golden brown (frost)
Weathered Dirty blue grey (frost)
Keep Your Cool Dark grey brown (satin)
Styledriven Pale white blue (frost)
Sunny Outlook Bright golden yellow (satin)
Tease with Ease Bright fuchsia (frost)
Fresh Flare Bright kelly green (frost)
Plush Vivid purple (satin)

Hot Paprika Mid-tone burnt red (frost)
Thru the Night Deep navy (satin)
Make Your Mark Dark chocolate (satin)
Legendary Black Warm almost black (satin)
$20.00 U.S./$24.00 CDN

 

Available
North America
September 22, 2011 at all M·A·C locations,
1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com
International
September 2011 at all M·A·C locations,
1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com

Beauty Bulletin: MAC Matchmaster Foundation

Honesty Hour - I had a falling out with MAC foundation some time ago.  I mean they offer many formulations but at those moments when I had a model in my chair showcasing some of the deepest ebony tones in her flawless skin, the darkest shade available in my makeup arsenal from MAC couldn't cut it. 

Well I am pleased to report that MAC is listening to its consumers both professional and the everyday woman and will be releasing its Matchmaster Foundation which includes some of the lightest and darkest foundations ever! 

New technology, a new range of shades and a new way to categorize?  I'd say MAC has its gloves on and they are ready to rumble for their title as one of the most loved brands.  I cant wait to check this new foundation out and perhaps revamp my kit...again!

Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15
1.0
1.5
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
 

Suggested Retail Price $32.50 USD/$39.00 CDN
 

Available
North America, September 22, 2011 at all M·A·C locations
International (excluding Asia), September 2011 at all M·A·C locations
International (Asia only), September 2012 at all M·A·C locations

Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15

Q&A with Jennifer Balbier and Nick Gavrelis

1. The Matchmaster shade names are different than M·A·C’s other foundations, why is this?
We wanted to differentiate Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15’s shade line-up from all of our other shade offerings with a system that would really signify increase by depth rather than undertone. We also believed it needed to be simple and straightforward, as well as easy to translate across all of the countries that we do business in. M·A·C Artists and customers alike will have no problem mastering Matchmaster’s shade nomenclature of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, etc… It is so easy to remember!

2. How were you able to create M·A·C’s lightest and darkest ever foundation colours? And why now?
Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15’s patented pigment technology is so effective that we were able to achieve our most versatile range of shades in M·A·C’s history. With this foundation, we can finally satisfy the requests of the many artists and customers around the world who felt they couldn’t ever find foundation shades light enough or deep enough.

3. How often do you think consumers should change their foundation? Should this change be based on a change in skin colour or does foundation expire?
Once opened, the average life span of a foundation is approximately 2 years but you should pay attention to any changes in colour, texture or smell as these could indicate that it is time for a new foundation. Also, women often switch their foundation formula and shade depending on the changes in climate and sun exposure that come with different seasons. Thanks to Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15’s formula, many women may find that they only need to switch shade if their skin depth level changes noticeably with exposure to sun.

4. Since Matchmaster contains Laminaria Saccharina Extract which minimize oil, what moisturizer would you recommend to use in conjunction with this foundation for those with dry skin?
The Laminaria Saccharina Extract in the formula is a gentle botanical extract that helps to calm oil in overactive skins. This extract will not dry out a normal to dry skin but for comfort, a dry or dehydrated skin type should always be properly moisturized. A moisturizer with emollient properties is a good choice.

5. How longwearing is Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15?
Thanks to a special combination of film formers and our new patented pigment technology, Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 gives thin, flexible 8 hour wear with a vibrant, colour-true look.

6. Was Matchmaster trialed backstage during fashion weeks? What were the artists’ reactions?
Yes, Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 was trialed in February and March 2011 during New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. We were thrilled to hear and see the results – easy to achieve, flawless looking skin. Matchmaster Foundation in shade 1.0 was a lifesaver due to the large quantity of Eastern European and Russian models. Our artists were amazed at the natural and very fair looks they were able to achieve!

Beauty Bulletin: MAC Art of Powder

As with the Cindy Sherman collection,  MAC is making a concerted effort to focus on makeup as a form of art, speaking to from whence the brand came.  A lot of people miss the days of old, so these latest collections could serve to ignite the creative spark they seek. 

MAC Art of Powder takes its inspiration from the masters of fine art who focused greatly on composition and the juxtaposition of light and dark; and also modern art such as graffiti.  See below for details and images:

HIGHLIGHTER
In The Abstract Soft pink base with yellow gold lines and
lavender and midtone pink dots
$38.00 U.S./$46.00 CDN

 

EYE SHADOW
Street Art Eye Shadow Graffiti design with light brown, white, light cool
blue, warm orange, pastel pink, and pastel blue
$38.00 U.S./$46.00 CDN

 

BRONZER
Optical Bronzer Bronze with gold pearl and neon pink with gold pearl
$38.00 U.S./$46.00 CDN

Available
North America September 29, 2011 at all M·A·C locations
International October 2011 at select M·A·C locations
1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com

Beauty Bulletin: MAC Posh Paradise

Uh oh...I know y'all are about to be all over this collection!  Not so much for the lips, although the colors are very enticing this go round; but new paint pots?!  We all know these dont come out that often...my pockets weep in anticipation.  I mean do you see the promo image?  Her hair, the look, the overall feel...I am definitely into it.  Keep reading for more info:

MATTENE LIPSTICK

Naked Bliss Neutral light pink
Rare Exotic Bright mid-tone blue pink
Legendary Mid-tone brick red
Unknown Pleasures Deep red blue
Seeds of Desire Deep brown plum
Eden Rouge Bright blue-red
Delectable Orange-beige
Potent Fig Deep blue grape
Deliciously Forbidden Midtone berry
Fresh Amour Light lavender
$14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN
 

PAINT POT
Treasure Hunt Light pearled yellow
Half-Wild Mid-tone purple
Hyperviolet Deep violet
Nubile Light peachy nude
Idyllic Mid-tone copper bronze
Genuine Treasure Reflects antique gold
Pure Creation Mid-tone frosty blue
Imaginary Blackened navy
$17.50 U.S./$21.00 CDN

NAIL LACQUER
Immortal Gold Pale gold
Rain of Flowers Blackened violet with sophisticated violet shimmer
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
 

Available
North America September 15, 2011 at all M·A·C locations
International October 2011 at all M·A·C locations

Beauty Bulletin: INTRODUCING NIGHT SERIES GIFT SETS FROM NARS!

You all know that I love NARS right?  And NARS has been on a roll lately with the launches so you know I am loving every second of it.  But this news?  This right here made me extra happy!  The Night collection from NARS has always been some of my favorite shadows.  The colors are so rich and pigmented.  I know I will be picking up both sets!  Here is what NARS has to say about the release:

EYESHADOW PALETTE

The must-have, limited-edition eyeshadow palette, for the first time, houses six iconic shades used to perfect the sophisticated smoky eye. Wear them alone, layered to create depth, or wet for a high-impact effect.

Shades Included in Palette:

·         Night Breed – black with silver glitter

·         Night Star – sheer peach with gold pearls

·         Night Rider – soft plum with silver glitter

·         Night Porter – black with green pearls

·         Night Flight – black with cobalt blue pearls

·         Night Clubbing – black with gold pearls

Price: $55

Available: now on narscosmetics.com 

NAIL POLISH COLLECTION

NARS created four of the quintessential “Night Series” shades for nails, for the first time. The silvery-plum to black-as-night, each decadent shade creates a statement-making look.

Shades Include:

·         Night Breed – black with silver glitter

·         Night Rider – soft plum with silver glitter

·         Night Porter – black with green pearls

·         Night Flight – black with cobalt blue pearls

Price: $17 each

Available: now on narscosmetics.com 

^{Do you plan on picking up anything?}

Beauty Bulletin: Allure Product Finder Tool is live!

Allure Magazine is known for being somewhat akin to a beauty bible of sorts.  Everything from new products, makeup history and how to's can be find in the publication.  Allure is taking it a step further by introducing their Allure Product Finder Tool.  Just visit allure.com and you can do search for everything from blush, moisturizer, and anti-frizz serum.  Even better, if you check it out and review 10 products before 11:59p EST August 12, you will be qualified to enter an allure.com shopping spree! 

Beauty Bulletin: Great Brit! Nails Inc. is now available in the U.S.

The U.K. has blessed us here in the states with such awesomeness as The Spice Girls, Adele, The Beatles...all music related but in the beauty world we have also been heavily influenced by Pixiwoo, GossMUA, Illamasqua, Sleek Makeup, I could go on and on.  We often gaze at our computers longingly just hoping the brands would become readily available over here (BarryM Cosmetics and BlackUp anyone?) and while we make a way out of no way in this industry it makes it all the better when the brands realize that the admiration over here is just as great as in their home countries.  All that said it is with immense pleasure that I share with you the arrival of Nails, Inc. to the U.S.! 

Made available exclusively at Sephora stores and at Sephora.com the brand contains 42 polishes all named for iconic destinations in the UK.  A few favorites are as follows:

Polishes, $9.50

Brompton Place – bubble gum pink

Carnaby Street – shocking yellow

Haymarket – duck egg blue

Maddox Street – darkest metallic grey

Piccadilly Circus – dark pink cerise

Porchester Place – fabulous orange

 

 

 Special Effects 3D Glitter, $9.50

Bloomsbury Square - bold purple

Connaught Square - vibrant royal blue

 

Sloane Square – charcoal grey / black

 

Special Effects Crackle Top Coats, $9.50

 

Camden – black crackle 

 

Hoxton – purple crackle 

 

Islington – pink crackle 

 

NEW Farringdon – gold glitter crackle 

 

NEW The City – purple glitter crackle 

 

NEW The West End – blue glitter crackle 

Beauty Bulletin: Cindy Sherman for M·A·C

Each year M·A·C releases a collection or two that features a collaboration and/or influence from someone who has made great contributions as an artist, not necessarily makeup artistry.  This Fall sees that tradition continue with the release of Cindy Sherman for M·A·C.

Cindy Sherman is well-versed in a number of different disciplines including but not limited to photography, film directing, and modeling.  Her artistic endeavors all focus on a woman's role in society.  Most often the subject of her own work, Sherman is able to take on the persona of her characters therefore mastering the power of transformation.  M·A·C celebrates that power with this collection and invites us to channel Sherman's mastery by daring to express ourselves without fear.

The collection will be available from September 29^th, 2011 through October 27^th, 2011 in stores and online. 

 

 

Here's the lineup!

FLUIDLINE
Ash Violet Blackened purple
Blacktrack Solid flat black
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN

LIP ERASE
Dim N37
$18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN
 

PIGMENT
Tan Muted pinky brown bronze
Emerald Dusk Deep yellow blue
with white pearl
Blue Storm Rich Metallic Blue
Starless Night Deep black purple
with light purple pearl
$20.00 U.S./$24.00 CDN
 

LASH
36
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
 

LIPSTICK
Fleshpot Pale muted pinky beige (satin)
Violetta Bright clean violet purple (amplified)
X-S Dirty red chestnut (satin)
Plum Bright purple (lustre)
$14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN
 

PARLOR SMOKE QUAD
Parlor Smoke Mauve grey (frost)
Cross Cultural Neutral brown (matte)
Steel Almost black (veluxe pearl)
Indigo Noir Navy (matte)
$38.00 U.S./$45.00 CDN
 

BRONZING POWDER
Solar Riche Midtone deep orange brown
$23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDN
 

NAIL LACQUER
Coco Clay Warm chocolate
Oyster Shell Light stone grey
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
 

MASCARA
Zoom Fastblack Mascara Rich black
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
 

KOHL POWER
Feline Rick black
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
 

EYE BROWS
Lingering Soft taupe brown
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
 

BRUSH
252 Large Shader
$30.00 U.S./$36.50 CDN
224 Tapered Blending
$30.00 U.S./$36.50 CDN
182 Buffer
$49.50 U.S./$58.00 CDN

 I see some re-promotes but I also see some items I want - hello mineralize!  The purple fluidline and some of those lippies too!

Beauty Bulletin: Connected Kenneth Cole Reaction at Comic-Con

Kenneth Cole Reaction has a new men's fragrance - CONNECTED.  The brand describes this fragrance as being geared towards the Kenneth Cole guy, one who has a "bold and energetic attitude."  Below you will find details on the composition of the scent.

Top: Violet Leaf, Mangosteen, Crisp Persimmon, Juicy Apple, Brazilian Mandarin

Middle: Cedrat (provides a shot of citrus), Clary Sage (helps to mellow), Cardamom, Pistachio Tree Resin

Bottom: Mahogany Wood, Tobacco, Driftwood, Moss, Patchouli - each incorporating the masculinity

The fragrance made its debut at Comic-Con and a number of celebrities stopped by to check it out and autograph the backdrop.

Michael Ealy

Vivica A. Fox

Dwight Howard

If the man in your life is looking for a new scent, check it out!

Beauty Bulletin: NARS INTRODUCES THE FALL 2011 COLOR COLLECTION

FALL 2011 COLLECTION

Outremer Single Eyeshadow $23

Bold blue

Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $33

Silvery taupe and dusty rose

Delphes Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $45

Sparkling sheer peach, matte dove gray and frosted sage 

Oasis Lip Gloss (Limited Edition) $24

Sparkling pink champagne 

Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil $24

Deep aubergine
 

Pago Pago Lipstick $24

Petal pink
 

Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipstick $25

Rose pink
 

Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick $25

True red
 

Galion Nail Polish (Limited Edition) $17

Deep gray
 

Available now on the new narscosmetics.com

Twitter.com: @NARSissist

Facebook: facebook.com/narscosmetics

OK NARS, you have me intrigued.  I will be checking out this collection and picking up a few things.  A deep aubergine lip and a deep grey nail are oh so perfect for Fall.  I cant wait to rock this collection with a chunky knit sweater, skinny jeans and boots!