Bobbi Brown Chrome Collection Dazzles For The Holidays!

Just in time for the Holiday season, Bobbi Brown has introduced the ultimate collection for high-intensity, icy-cool shine. Boasting products for both the eyes and the lips, Bobbi has designed some amazing pieces to help you create an infinite number of "party ready" looks. The three key elements to this collection are the Chrome Palette, the Chrome Lip Colors, and the Chrome mini brush set.

The Chrome Palette is a fold-out palette that opens up to display ten eyeshadow shades, four lip shades, a mini eyeshadow brush, and a mini lip brush. The colors are nothing short of shimmery goodness.

The Palette ($75):

Eyeshadow Shades:

White Polar Ice Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow

Storm Cloud Sparkle Eyeshadow

Iron Eyeshadow

Thunder Metallic Eyeshadow

Moonlight Sparkle Eyeshadow

Cyber Grey Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow

Foil Metallic Eyeshadow

Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow

Charcoal Haze Eyeshadow

Lip Colors:

Pink Mist Shimmer Lip Gloss

Winter Bronze Glitter Lip Gloss

Berry Glitter Lip Gloss

Chrome Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss

New Limited Edition Lip Colors ($22 each):

Port Lip Color

Chrome Metallic Lip Color (metallic)

Plum Pearl Metallic Lip Color (metallic)

Chrome Mini Brush Set ($55):

Mini Face Blender Brush

Mini Angle Eyeshadow Brush (new)

Mini Eyeliner Brush

These three great brushes come housed in a chrome colored faux-leather zip case.

Chrome Palette

Chrome Lip Colors (from L-R): Port Lip Color, Chrome Metallic Lip Color, Plum Pearl Metallic Lip Color

Chrome Mini Brush Set

Bobbi Brown's Chrome Collection will be available at all counters in November 2009. If you are feeling impatient (as I know I am!), you can find the products already online at http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/ and http://www.nordstrom.com/.

Tarte's Gift Guide For Holiday '09

Tarte has designed some gorgeous limited edition sets for the upcoming Holiday season. From eyes to cheeks to lips, they have left no stone unturned. I think you could say Tarte has you more than covered!

New for Holiday '09:

Treasure Chest Palette, $52 ($68 CDN)

This limited edition bejeweled palette is a Sephora exclusive. Tarte's annual palette is 30% bigger this year, with an additional tray of eyeshadows.

Here is what you can expect from the Treasure Chest palette:

--16 all new shimmering tarte eyeshadows
--16 all new matte tarte eyeshadows
--16 all new lip glosses
--Mineral powder bronzer in Park Ave. Princess
--All new soft pink luminizer
--4 new powder blushes

All of the products in the palette contain Vitamin E (anti-inflammatory and protects against free radical damage), beeswax (waterproofing agent), mineral pigments (for natural color and to soothe and soften the skin), and carnauba wax (for smooth application).

Crown Jewels Lip Gloss Multi-Gift Set, $39 ($41 CDN)

This set contains three gifts in one. The lip gloss collection houses three individually packaged sets. You can keep them all, or give any number away to your friends.


Glittering Green Goddesses:

--Sheer nude-peach
--Sheer beige
--Sheer sweet pink
--Sheer cotton candy pink
--Sheer shimmering cinnamon

Dazzling Divas:

--Dazzling warm sand
--Dazzling gold
--Dazzling orchid
--Dazzling violet
--Dazzling coral-pink


Twinkling Trendsetters:

--Twinkling strawberry
--Twinkling melon-pink
--Twinkling fuschia
--Twinkling brick-red
--Sheer raspberry

The glosses are rich in jojoba oil (which leaves lips feeling soft and smooth), mineral pigments, and t5 super fruit complex™ (a special blend of the five most active super fruits - goji, acai, maracuja, acerola and pomergranate; replete with antioxidant-rich nutrients and vitamins for anti-aging and skin-restoring benefits).

Three Carats Limited Edition Mini Cheek Stain Set, $25 ($33 CDN)

This set contains three bejeweled mini cheek stains in new limited edition colors.

--Brilliant (shimmering champagne)
--Princess (shimmering rose)
--Cushion (shimmering deep apricot)

Each cheek stain is infused with the t5 super fruit complex™.

Tarte's Holiday '09 collection is available now at http://www.tarte.com/, Sephora stores and online at http://www.sephora.com/, http://www.beauty.com/, Henri Bendel, and other boutiques nationwide.

Senna Cosmetics' Silky Primer: A Primer's Primer

I have discussed the importance of prepping the face with a primer before applying foundation in a previous post. Primer helps to create a flawless canvas, to minimize the appearance of pores, and to grab onto the foundation to keep it looking fresh all day.

Recently, I have added another face primer to my arsenal. I like to "switch up" the skincare and make-up I use to allow me to try different products and to help me discover some new ones that I might not have thought to try. Over the past few months, I have been using the Silky Primer from Senna Cosmetics, a California-based producer of professional and high-quality cosmetics, as a base for my make-up. My motto is "one must prep the face before she puts on the face," and I feel that this is one fantastic product to aid me in achieving just that. The Silky Primer is one of the smoothest I have tried thus far. I found it to be a bit thicker in consistency, and it is only necessary to use a very little bit of this colorless serum. The formula contains a blend of antioxidants and vitamins to help treat the skin and make fine lines, wrinkles, and pores less obvious. My foundation literally glided onto my face after I primed my skin with this product (not to mention, my face felt so well hydrated and smooth!). By the end of the day, I found that my face make-up really stayed put. Even through the sweltering heat (I first started testing out this primer over the summer), I never felt my foundation melting off of my face. I must say, I am quite impressed with this primer's performance.

You can find the Silky Primer online at http://www.sennacosmetics.com/, where it retails for $38. Senna offers an extensive range of products and I highly recommend checking out their line. You can definitely expect more Senna reviews to come!

The Beauty Chick Scores! Korres Skincare At T.J. Maxx

Whenever I'm in Marshall's or T.J. Maxx, I always run to scope out the beauty section. On occasion, I find some great items - hair care, perfumes, beauty tools, etc. - hiding out among the disarray (one thing that rubs me the wrong way is when make-up and other products are opened, tested, and thrown back into the mix!). Yesterday, I was out and about with my mom, running errands. I stopped by a T.J. Maxx store to return a pair of shoes, and I figured I would spend a few minutes checking to see if any new and worthy products had come into the store. To my great surprise, I found several sets of three travel-size Korres Body Butters for $6.99!! I have been itching to try out Korres' body lotions (I had eyed them at the Makeup Show last May, but by that point I had done enough damage, lol), and there was just no way I could pass this trio by. The set included 50 mL tubes each of Guava, Quince, and Fig Body Butter. Korres makes some great products (everything I have tried thus far I love!), and the Greek brand's high-quality natural cosmetics and skincare are widely sought-after. If you love Korres, as I do, be sure to check out your local T.J. Maxx or Marshall's locations now (yes, I did spot the set at Marshall's as well)! What a great deal!

New From NARS: The Eyeliner Stylo

NARS has introduced their version of the liquid eyeliner pen, the Eyeliner Stylo. Available in three shades - Nuits Blanches (a shiny black), Blue Bayou (a teal blue), and Nabucco (brown) - this felt-tipped pen allows for smooth and even application. The precision tip is designed to easily deliver a thin or a thicker line, with intense pigmentation and a quick-drying formula.

I am now very interested to see how this liner pen compares to others on the market. MAC offers their Penultimate Eyeliner in Rapidblack ($16.50 at MAC stores, counters and online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/) and Stila has recently introduced their Barbie Loves Stila Liquid Liner in black ($20 at http://www.stilacosmetics.com/). The Eyeliner Stylo in the teal shade looks particularly gorgeous. I can't wait to my hands on one to try it out!

You can find each of NARS' new liquid liner pens for $27 now at http://www.narscosmetics.com/, http://www.sephora.com/, and other locations where NARS is sold.

The Damage Has Been Done: Sephora Friends And Family Haul

Sephora's Friends and Family sale has officially arrived! I was determined to get my order out as soon as possible, before items that I wanted had a chance to sell out or the website suffered from traffic overload, so I ended up staying awake until 3 AM EST when the code was released for use. If that's not dedication (or maybe it's just an addiction!) then I don't know what is! My list changed a bit from its original version, but there were products that I have absolutely been waiting to get my hands on with the 20% off sale.

Without further ado...the beauty damage!

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II, $48 (after sale $38.40)

Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz, $18 (after sale $14.40)

NARS Day and Night Palette, $50 (after sale $40)

NARS The Multiple Coffret (includes Orgasm, Copacabana, and South Beach minis), $40 (after sale $32)

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Singulier, $30 (after sale $24)

The Urban Decay palette was a no-brainer. I knew I had to have it! Sixteen gorgeous shadows, two mini 24/7 eye liner pencils, and a mini Primer Potion for $48 is a great deal. NARS palettes have yet to disappoint me. I have the Holiday palette from last year and I use it ALL the time. Their shadows are buttery smooth and so easy to use. The other items I added out of curiosity. I was intrigued by the Stila Kajal in Topaz, a nude, peachy pink shade. I thought this could be great to use to brighten up my eyes (I have a lot of dark areas and I don't always like to wear dark liner on my lower lashline/waterline). Also, with my complexion being so fair, I might even be able to use this pencil to spot conceal. As for the set of NARS multiples, I was interested to try out a few of the most popular shades of this universal stick. These minis are perfect to carry in your purse for any touch-ups or pick-me-ups your skin might need during the day. I have never used a YSL mascara before (though I always hear stellar reviews of the Faux Cils!) and while they are pricier, there will never be an opportunity to score one of their lash enhancers at a discount greater than 20%. I decided on their new mascara in black (the colored versions were enticing!)

So, there you have it! I am very happy with my selections, I must say. The only other product I was contemplating was a new foundation. I've been eyeing the NARS Sheer Glow and I have also been hearing some positive feedback on the Philosophy Supernatural Superbeautiful foundation. I'm a bit hesitant to order foundation online without being color matched first, though, so these might have to wait for a later date. Unless, that is, I can get to a store before the sale is over ;-). This could get dangerous!

Just A Friendly Reminder: Sephora Friends and Family Sale Starts Monday!

Hello lovelies! By now, I am sure that you are aware of Sephora's Friends and Family sale, which is set to hit their website this Monday. The sale, which will be exclusively online, will run from October 19-November 2, and will feature a discount of 20% on all purchases. To redeem the offer, enter the code FF2009 at checkout.

If you can, definitely try to take advantage of this discount. As beauty junkies, we know that sales on cosmetics, skincare and hair care are few and far between!

So what do you think? Will you partake in the Friends and Family offer? If so, what's on your list??

Fade To Black: The Black Lipstick Trend

Black lipstick is not only for the "goths" these days. The black lipstick trend has been popping up everywhere lately. MAC, with its recent Style Black collection, has introduced a black cremesheen lipstick (Black Knight, $14) as well as a black mattene (Midnight Media, $14.50). Poppy King of Lipstick Queen has also made black an option with her Black Tie Optional lipstick ($18) and Shine Gloss ($22). Traditionally, we think of black as a harsh and rather scary shade to smother on our pouts, but these companies, and others, are "bringing black back," giving us ways to wear the color without scaring little children (or adults, for that matter!)

A black lippie can be a great way to deepen up or alter other colors of lipstick that you might already have in your collections. When put over a pink lip color, for example, adding a bit of black over the top can result in a more lavender-toned hue. A sheer black lipstick can also add dimension to any red gloss.

I recently took Lipstick Queen's Black Tie Optional lipstick out for a spin. I'll admit I was a bit hesitant at first. At first glance in the tube the color looks quite intimidating. One thing I noticed, however, when I put the color on my lips, was that the black, in the case of this lipstick, was pretty sheer. This is definitely the way to go, in my opinion, with a black lip product. By itself, the color might make you appear a bit "frozen," but check out the results when I added it on top of a soft baby pink lipstick!

Lipstick Queen Black Tie Optional Lipstick in the Tube

Lipstick Queen Black Tie Optional Lipstick - Alone

Smashbox Lipstick in Pout - Alone

Lipstick Queen Black Tie Optional Lipstick Over Smashbox Pout Lipstick

The black lippie tones down the "bubbleguminess" of the pink lipstick. I kind of like the results! You can purchase the MAC lipsticks and the Lipstick Queen black lip products at http://www.maccosmetics.com/ and http://www.lipstickqueen.com/ respectively.

What are your thoughts on the black lippie? Yay or nay? Have you tried any?

A Look Behind BECCA Cosmetics

What started with one woman's quest for the "perfect foundation" has developed into the BECCA Cosmetics brand. Founded by Rebecca Morrice Williams, an Australian make-up artist, the line of skin-perfecting products is designed to give all women flawless and radiant skin. The core of the BECCA brand is the "Skin Perfecting Makeup System," a three-step system aimed at correcting, perfecting, and enhancing the face. This system is specialized and personalized in order for each woman to custom select her makeup according to her desired level of coverage and finish. BECCA has become most well-known for their impressive range of foundation and concealer shades; they strive to find exact color matches for every skintone and complexion color.

A little more about the products:


-They are suitable for all skin types and ages

-They contain SPF 20-30 (or higher) and protect against both UVA and UVB rays

-They are made with ingredients that impart moisture to the skin, while firming and softening its texture

-They contain antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant ingredients

-They are non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)

I have become somewhat intrigued by this brand. I have yet to try out any products in the BECCA line, but I think that will soon have to change. If you are interested in checking out the range (which also includes products for eyes, lips, and cheeks....I've heard through the grapevine that the tints are pretty great!), definitely head over to http://www.beccacosmetics.com/. You can order through the website as well as through a number of other online retailers. Within the US, there are also stores that carry BECCA cosmetics (be sure to refer to the site for further information).

I may be a BECCA newbie, but have any of you had experience with the brand? Are there products that you would recommend? I'm so interested to hear your thoughts!

Huge Giveaway And Styling Tips Courtesy Of Pantene!

Pantene is currently hosting a huge giveaway on their website. By visiting http://www.panteneprosecrets.com/, you can enter for a chance to win a hair makeover to take place in either NYC or LA (transform your everyday look into something "tres chic!"), a year's worth of Pantene products, and a $1000 shopping spree! Click here to be directed to the page and make sure to enter!!

In addition to this promotion, Pantene is also offering some great hairstyling tips and video "how tos" on their website from renown celebrity stylist Hallie Bowman. The instructional videos available are designed to teach people how to create fabulous updos, how to create a beautiful head of curls, and how to add some extra volume to the hair (among other tutorials!) The site even features instruction on how to work with ethnic hair. Simply follow the "Pantene how-tos videos" and "Stylelist videos" tabs on the Pantene homepage.

Finally, share your toughest hair issues and "hair emergencies" with Hallie (and read others' questions with Hallie's responses) via the site's "celeb stylist Q & A" function. What dedication to helping women achieve great hair! What are you waiting for? Head over to the Pantene site now!!

I've Got Eyes For You, Baby: Current Lemmings

New collections are launching. I'm a beauty addict. Sephora's having a Friends and Family sale. My birthday is coming next month. These might sound like excuses for creating a list of "products I just can't take my eyes off of," but whatever the case may be, I am feeling the need to get some of my beauty (and other) lemmings put down in writing.




First off, the Holiday '09 collection has popped up on the Nars website, and a few of the goods are just calling out my name (don't you hear it, too?). I'm particularly impressed by the new shades of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. The hues are rich and bold - Toundra, a deep wine, and Pop Life, a "holly" red.











Nars eyeshadows are among the best in their buttery soft formulation, and the earthy and smoky colors being offered as part of the collection are definitely appealing. I'm especially loving the look of the Eurydice duo, a coupling of gorgeous aubergine purple and clean graphite.

As the Sephora sale is fast approaching (it will run from October 19-November 2), I have put together some of the items that I've been waiting to purchase from the website. As I've previously blogged about the new Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. 2, I might finally "break down" (kicking and screaming, arm-twisting and all, right? ;-)) and purchase this palette. Between the color assortment and the great value, this one is pretty close to a definite score for me. As I'm keen on makeup/product sets, I'm also eyeing the Buxom Babes About Town collection from Bare Escentuals (I really adore their lip products!) and the Fresh Star Light, Star Bright kit. I'm a Fresh "virgin," and this little compilation of some of their products would be a great way for me to get my feet wet, so to speak. Make Up For Ever always has me lemming something. Right now, I'm itching to try out the HD foundation, the HD concealer, and the Flash Color palette (though these might all go on my list for the next Make-up Show!).

I'm forever a "perfume freak," always checking out the new scents to set my olfactory system a-flutter. LOLA, Marc Jacobs' new fragrance, is up there on my list right now.

My final beauty lemming is the Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon. I'm going on lip swatch photos for this one, but the pigmentation on this product seems to be pretty phenomenal. In between a gloss and a lipstick, this vibrant red color has me stopped in my tracks (red light does mean stop!).

And now for something I actually need - a camera! As some of you know, towards the end of Fashion Week I lost the Canon digital Elf camera I have had for about four years. I was devastated. I mean what does a blogger do without being able to capture swatch photos?!? I've been feeling quite lost (hence the lack of product reviews as of late). Needless to say, I will have to get myself a new camera ASAP. I've been looking at the updated version of my beloved Canon, namely the SD970 model. With 12.1 Mega Pixels and 5x optical zoom, I think I would be able to take some quality pictures. Was losing my camera a blessing in dusguise? Hmmm.....

So I've shared with you some of the items that I'm currently desiring. Now, I want to know... what's on your list (you know you have one!)?

The HLMN Weekend Roundup 10.9.09

The Beauty Chick takes a look a Go Girl's practical line of products.

Beauty Junkies Unite swatches of one of the hottest new nail polish shades, Jade from Chanel!

It's "Armani Everything" at Best Things in Beauty, where you can read all about the new Rouge d'Armani lipsticks and Crema Nera OMC3 and enter a giveaway contest for OMC3 ($185).

Denim Debutante talks about why she didn't go to Fashion Week.

"Match you nails to your emails!" Dell and O.P.I. at FeroHHHsh.

Kelly of Gouldylox Reviews sits down with Leslie Blodgett of Bare Escentuals.

Hot Beauty Health is giving you the latest jacket trends for fall!

The Informed Makeup Maven gives away her must have Napoleon Perdis essentials.

Krasey Beauty explores glamour's Gothic side with Illamasqua Dystopia.

Lipgloss Break is giving away Pure Silk shaving cream.

Check out review and swatches of Chanel Glossimers at Makeup4all.

theNotice tries on Fall's dark lip trend -- and throws some blue and violet into the mix!

Obsession Confessions of Glamour and Love has tips for dry hair and skin in colder weather.

Prime Beauty learns that thin is not always in, with hair at least.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Sicka Than Average wants you to dip into a sea of pink with these BCA-themed fashions and cosmetics.

Stila 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss Collection

As a Stila lip gloss lover, I just couldn't pass by this collection without letting you all know about it. This new set houses four full-size 24kt glosses, all of which are perfect for adding some sparkle to your lips. The formula is packed with nourishing and antioxidant-rich vitamins (A, C, and E), and, in fact, contains real 24kt gold!

The Shades:

Radiant Sunset - a mid-tone red

Precious Coral - a light peachy coral

Golden Charm - a warm sheer gold

Vintage Merlot - a deep berry

This collection would make a great holiday gift (or stocking stuffer!). The colors are very complementary to the warm lip trend we're seeing for the Fall and Winter seasons. This set retails for $30 (an $88 value) at http://www.stilacosmetics.com/. Quantities are limited, so scoop up this "golden" set while you can!

GO-GIRL™ For The Girl On The Go

If you're a planner like me, you always try to prepare for any occasion (or mishap!) that might arise while you are out and about. I sometimes feel as if I carry a complete pharmacy with me - Ibuprofen, a box's worth of bandaids, lip balms, floss, nail clipper/file, hand sanitizer, and even tools to fix my sunglasses! But really, it can't hurt to cover all bases, right? Recently, I have come across a brand called GO-GIRL™, the brainchild of Shelly, an everyday woman who wanted an easy way to clean stray hairs from her clothes while she was on the go. What began with LINT-ON-THE-GO-SHEETS®, quickly expanded into a range of practical products for the modern woman (and even a few for the men in our lives!). The Smudge-Sponge™ to remove deoderant stains from clothes and VAVA-VOOM™, silicon reusable nipple covers, are two such examples. I know that I for one don't particularly enjoy having to use wet paper towels to remove deoderant smudges from my shirts (hello towel particles!). CHIC™ double-sided tape has additionally been featured on E!'s Daily 10.

Smudge-Sponge™, $13 for a set of four sponges

VAVA-VOOM™, $30 for one pair of hypoallergenic nipple concealers (lasts up to 25 uses)

CHIC™, $9.50 for thirty-six clear double-sided adhesive strips

You can check out these GO-GIRL™ items as well as others for the face and body at http://www.shopgogirl.com/.

Great news! GO-GIRL™ is offering a special 15% discount for The Beauty Chick followers from October 5-7. Enter code "Beautychick" at checkout to redeem.

The HLMN Weekend Roundup 10.2.09

The Beauty Chick reviews Chella Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask.

A La Mer "addict," Best Things in Beauty tried out the new The Hydrating Facial.

Beauty Junkies Unite highlights some of the best beauty products for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Brown Suga has details on a new mascara that eliminates mascara waste.

Denim Debutante has the latest on one of the newest sample sale sites: Row Nine.

Fabulous Over Forty interviews famous makeup artist Sandy Linter and she offers wonderful advice.

Ferohhhsh Beauty 411: Tackling Tired Eyes.

A Few Goody Gumdrops has the perfect Fall find.

The Gloss Menagerie is thinking of trying a CVS beauty knockoff.

Gouldylox Reviews round up of the best in cosmetics whose sales benefit Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Hot Beauty Health shows you her love for fashion and technology with Microsoft's stylish phone themes.

The Informed Makeup Maven shares here Best Complexion Beauty Buys for 2009.

Krasey Beauty reviews and swatches all of the amazing fall MAC collections.

Marina from Makeup4all tells you everything you wanted to know about London Fashion Week.

The Makeup Snob wants you to check out the neutral side of Style Black!

theNotice celebrated its 2nd blogiversary, and you're all invited to do an audio tag!

Prime Beauty is loving L'oreal Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum Lipstick.

Sicka Than Average's Fall Fragrance Extravaganza!

Three Custom Color Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Three Custom Color has joined in the efforts to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Partnering with Bright Pink, a non-profit organization that provides education and support to women at risk for breast and ovarian cancers, TCC has created a special shade of their lip gloss formula, Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss, of which 20% of the money from the purchase of the gloss will go to the foundation.

Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss is a gorgeous "sheer carnation pink with a silver satin finish," designed to be universally flattering. This color will not be a limited-edition shade. Three Custom Color has announced that they will retain this lip gloss in their line and will continue to donate some of the proceeds from its sales for years to come.

The gloss can be purchased at http://www.threecustom.com/ for $23.50. For more information on Bright Pink, check out http://www.bebrightpink.org/.