A bit of beautiful punk rock for you this week…
It comes from Bruno HadJadj’s show Bye Bye CGBG, going on January 30 – February 28, 2012 at the Clic Gallery in NYC (255 Centre Street). It’s a gorgeous love song to the birth place of punk, and an eulogy and thank you thirty three years in the making. About the show…
On October 14th, 2006 people came from all other the world to say “Bye Bye” to CBGBs before the club shut its doors for good. Indoors, there were 48-hours of star-studded performances, but it was the emotionally-charged going-ons right outside the club’s doors that captivated multimedia artist Bruno Hadjadj. Using sketches, photography, and videos, he immortalized the anonymous throngs who queued up outside to pay their final respects.
“Bye Bye CBGB” is comprised of black and white prints and silver prints mounted on light boxes with the flickering electric lights animating the figures. The accompanying sketches are rendered with a mix of ink and pencils.
Love, love, LOVE! Speaking of love:
Question of the Week: – What is your most beloved makeup item in your collection, and if someone offered you $100 for it would you sell it to them?
Answer: Hmm, I’d have to say my MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish. Would I sell it? I’d have to say no. But throw in one of those Ramones light boxes shown above, and you could have my Lancome Erika F. eye shadow too!
Here’s what’s going on with the league this week.
Pink Sith – combines Six Sigma and Eyeshadow? See how she works in the business management strategy when she tells you all about Rouge Bunny Rouge Solstice Halcyon Eyeshadow.
Prime Beauty – revisits her high school crush and discovers Buxom’s new True Hue Blush simultaneously.
Phyrra – shows you a lovely purple look with L’Oreal Perpetual Purple and Fyrinnae Cuddlefish.
Vampy Varnish – Checks out the bright fun new spring collection from China Glaze called Electropop!
we heart this – Brush hoarders, we’ve discovered a high quality yet inexpensive line for your collection – bdellium tools.
Beauty Junkies Unite – I never would have thought to put OPI’s Suzi in the same room with Nicki Minaj, but it really happened! Check out Nicki’s new collection of polishes for OPI.
Clumps of Mascara – I’m so obsessed with blogging that I love inspiring others to start a blog. Think you’re ready? Check out 10 Tips for Aspiring Beauty Bloggers.
Gouldylox Reviews – Too Faced is all about a natural look this season. I’m in love with all three of these palettes. What about you?
Lipglossiping – simply asks “So you wanna be a beauty blogger…?”
Nouveau Cheap – There’s been lots of buzz about the new Maybelline Eye Tattoo shadows. So did the shade Tough as Taupe work for me? Come find out!
We heartsters, What is the most beloved makeup item in your collection?
Filed in: beauty & fashion
As promised, here are the frames I chose when I used the Lenscrafter AccuFit system last weekend – I went Versace! Burberry was divine, and I’m never one to pass Prada, but something about the shade of red of the Versace really grabbed me.
Plus, as I was studying my Virtual Mirror image, my salesperson Charra pointed out that the shape of these followed the line of my eyebrows (where the other two were straight across). Being a bit eyebrow obsessed lately, that was the clincher.
more voguing…
I have to say, I thought AccuFit was key in helping me make the right choice by allowing me to clearly see which ones looked best, then literally making me clearly see. Color me a fan!
Finally, I’ve got photographic evidence that guys do indeed make passes at girls who wear glasses.
See for yourself…
Filed in: beauty & fashion
For every purchase, we’ll receive a $20 donation to Ruff’s Raffle for The Amanda Foundation!
Tickets have now gone on sale for this years Martini Madness event for animal rescue The Amanda Foundation. And we’ve got some exciting updates! Since we’ve announced we’ll once again be sponsoring Ruff’s Raffle, the donations have been pouring in from our generous, animal loving friends in the beauty industry. But none more so than one of our cult favorites, YBF aka Your Best Face skincare.
This weekend we’re thrilled to announce YBF and Truth in Aging are teaming up to offer an amazing package of Your Best Face Skincare products (a $260 value) at an amazing cost of just $200.
But most amazing of all, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Ruff’s Raffle and The Amanda Foundation!
Last spring, our review team discovered this up and coming brand really delivers high quality, effective formulas – and YBF has once again really delivered with their incredibly generous support of Ruff’s Raffle. During Martini Madness, we’ll be raffling off a HUGE Gift Basket filled with donated YBF Goodies. Plus, every wht Gift Bag will be stuffed with a YBF Sampler pack! (Stay tuned for all the details next week).
But if you can’t make it to the event, you can still help – starting this Friday, January 27th and through the end of the weekend, the Truth In Aging store is offering a specially bundled package of three YBF Skincare products at this special price.
Tucked inside this package you will find:
• A full size Correct Eye Cream ($150 value) -This is YBF’s best selling product, and I’ll tell you why – this one eye cream fights all the major eye issues, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.
• A full size Limited Edition Rose Private Reserve Oil (a $75 value) – Just in time for winter, YBF’s latest is a treatment oil that adds moisture while “restoring suppleness, tone and elasticity to skin.”
• A generous trial size of Control face treatment – The fight against wrinkles and sun damage starts with this skin brightening cream that’s loaded with antioxidants to aid dull, tired or aging skin.
Here’s your chance to try out this niche brand before the masses discover its power. And best of all for each YBF bundle sold, Truth In Aging and Your Best Face Skincare will each donate $10 to The Amanda Foundation. That’s 10% of every sale – $20 bucks – that will go directly to The Amanda Foundation to help save the lives of homeless animals.
We’re blown away with this generous offer and hope you’ll take a few minutes to check out all that Your Best Face and Truth in Aging has to offer. Then break out those bank cards and indulge in this trio of goodies ~ you’ll be doing a good deed at the same time!
Click here to shop Truth in Aging for the YBF Skincare bundle for Ruff’s Raffle!
Filed in: do-gooders
Want a youthful glow? All you’ve got to do is MAC, Naturally
photos: we heart this
Youth is one of those components of beauty that just goes away. We lament it, chase it, long for it, but when it’s gone, it’s gone. Staving off the outright markers of lost youth is one of the reasons I’m a big supporter of mineral makeup and all its soft, shimmery glory. MAC’s Naturally collection is a glowing example of products that can eliminate that need for soft focus a little bit longer.
The natural shimmer, sheen and glow of young skin can be revisited upon our older visages in the forms of mica and iron oxides, titanium and manganese. The Naturally collection uses these minerals and more to give skin a nearly incandescent luminosity.
This line includes Mineralize Blushes, Eye Shadows and (my favorite) Skinfinishes in fresh, sheer and sexy tones as well as jojoba and mango oil infused Eye Pencils and wholesomely hot, tinted Lipsticks and Lipglass. The wht team was lucky to receive a few of the Mineralize products portion of the collection for review.
Mineralize Skinfinish – Blonde
Why save the best for last? I’m too in love with the Mineralize Skinfinish ($28) in Blonde to wait! Described as a “Soft Pink to Rose Degrade” by MAC, I find this to be a brilliant alternative to bronzer for those who want to avoid the streakiness or muddiness that many a tan or brown bronzer offer, yet still want an all-over sun-kissed glow.
Mineralize Skinfinish – Redhead
First, the large domed compact yields a lot of product. The powder itself is almost creamy in texture and is super finely milled, filling in pores and lines to really mimic that soft focus I was speaking of earlier. Another benefit of the powder being so fine and creamy is that the shimmer almost appears as a lotion would, without the chunky, almost glittery bits.
from left: Blonde, Redhead
As a brunette, the shades of pinks in Blonde worked well for me. If peach is more your thing, Mineralize Skinfinish in Redhead (Gold to Salmon Pink Degrade) awaits you with subtle stripes in a range from gold to peachy pink.
The Mineralize Eye Shadows ($20) are an impressive looking bunch as well, with nature’s finest colors swirled in ice cream-like ripples of multi-faceted dimension.
Mineralize eyeshadow – Summer Haze
More, including additional photos, swatches, ratings and reviews…
Filed in: beauty & fashion, reviews
Blue skies are ahead with this water-based primer
photos: we heart this
Several years ago, when face primers first came on the scene, I was mystified. Initially, I could not even comprehend what they were. Eventually, I discovered that the main purpose of a face primer is to prepare your face for your foundation and other makeup. Primers are typically designed to prolong the overall wear of your makeup and to provide you with a smoother “canvas” for application.
Interesting premise, but I don’t even wear foundation. I figured that primers were a waste of money for me. Of course, I completely changed my tune once I tried my first face primer. They really can transform the appearance of your face even if you only wear minimal makeup.
I quickly realized that even though face primers can be miraculous, they are not all created equal. The trick is to find the right one for your skin type. Needless to say, I have been on the hunt for the perfect primer ever since.
My most recent primer adventure comes courtesy of world renowned Australian makeup artist Napoleon Perdis. He really seems to take his primer quite seriously. He even has a motto, “Not to prime is a crime!” Based on the performance of his primer, I would have to agree. (Me too! Stef and I first got a look at this primer at IMATS Los Angeles and fell in love with its silky, soothing formula ~ Tyna)
According to Napoleon Perdis, their Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer is “Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to ‘automatically’ glide over the skin and helps to prime and soothe the complexion for a flawless finish”. As a bonus, once everything is in place, this primer helps makeup stay put and last longer.
The Auto Pilot is a smooth primer that’s suitable for all skin types and is filled with good for skin ingredients like anti-free radical chamomile, yarrow and vitamin E. Plus this water based primer provides a non-oily moisture boost that all skin types will appreciate.
More, including additional photos, ratings and reviews…
Filed in: beauty & fashion, reviews
The Final Lesson: Choosing Colors with Color Theory
Welcome back to part three of my Color Theory Series. In part one, I taught you the basics of color theory; during part two we discussed the controversy surrounding undertone and how to find your undertone using color theory. Today, I’m teaching you how to use the color theory knowledge learned in the previous posts to choose lip, cheek and eye shadow/liner colors.
I don’t know about you, but I love color. Yet, everyone, including myself at times, is afraid to apply color to her (or his) own face. Let’s face it; color can be daunting when it comes to cosmetics.
That striking woman wearing bright blue eye shadow with pitch black mascara..she must be a little crazy to being seen in public wearing that eye look. Is she really? Maybe she has the confidence to pull it off, and pull it off in style, because she knows Itten so well.
The point is you can wear any color in the world as long as you know your complimentary colors, contrasting colors, your undertone, and, of course, the Itten color wheel.
Complimentary colors are colors that lie on the same side of the color wheel (i.e. blue and purple; red and orange; blue-green and plum, etc.) Contrasting colors are colors that lie on the opposite side of the wheel (i.e. purple and yellow; red and green; orange and blue.) For this, you may need to look at a bigger color wheel. Sometimes twelve tertiary colors doesn’t cut it!
When I go to choose makeup colors, especially lip and cheek colors, I keep two things in mind; my undertone and the color wheel. Do you remember those three posterboards I talked about in part two to help determine undertone? Cut a 1 inch square of each color and take them with you to the counters – it will help you determine which cheek and lip colors are warm and cool.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion
I must say, science looks kinda cute on me!
This past Saturday I headed down to the Palm Springs area Lenscrafters to get a pair of glasses utilizing their new AccuFit measuring system. (If you haven’t seen my post detailing my crooked glasses woes, check it out here.) This was one Doctor visit I was happy to make, what other medical appointment do you leave with a parting gift? And a fashionable one at that!
Sunny California Lenscrafters
But before fashion, there are the tests. Standard letter charts, as well as ones to measure everything from depth perception to color blindness. But thankfully, no more pupil dilation (hooray!).
These days Lenscrafters uses a machine called the Optomap which takes a 180 to 200 degree photo of the inside of your retina. I won’t drop too much science on you, but let’s just say that in addition to showing any serious eye issues you may be having, it can detect things like high blood pressure and diabetes. My inner geek was impressed.
there’s still some tried and true old school tools around too!
Tests completed, now came the fun part – shopping for glasses! I was super impressed with the selection Lenscrafters had. So much so that I had a hard time deciding which frames I wanted.
Is it wrong to pick a pair of glasses because they match your nails?
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Filed in: beauty & fashion
Professional quality brushes at super affordable prices
photos: we heart this
Sometimes I think I was born with black eyeliner in one hand, and a makeup brush in the other. What girl doesn’t want a wonderful set of makeup brushes? (No, seriously, who doesn’t because I’ll come to your house and coordinate an intervention.) I am always looking for new brushes to add to my collection. Brushes can be expensive and most of us need more than one, we want high quality brushes at affordable prices. That’s where bdellium tools, makers of professional quality antibacterial makeup brushes, comes in.
Antibacterial makeup brushes? Yes, indeed this is the first time I have across a brush company that wants the brushes I use to be germ-free. Bdellium tools are treated with a cutting edge anti-bacterial technology that guards against harmful bacteria, fungus and mold.
Bdellium Tools are eco-friendly, handmade, and available in 4 different series:
Maestro Series – nickel plated brass ferrule, black wood handle.
Studio Line – aluminum ferrule, yellow lacquered wooden handle.
Travel Line - same as the Studio Line but in a compact form.
Green Bambu – Eco-friendly, vegan soft synthetic bristles, aluminum ferrule, green bamboo handle.
Top to bottom: Precision Kabuki Brush Face 957, Foundation Brush Face 948, Duet Fiber Foundation Brush Face 953
All lines except the Green Bambu line are treated with an antibacterial agent on the bristles. The wht review team had the chance to test a few brushes from the Maestro, Studio and Green Bambu collections.
More, including additional photos, ratings and reviews…
Filed in: beauty & fashion, reviews
This Green Monday look to the sea for natural skin care solutions
photos: we heart this
Common sense is your friend. I think this after every bad decision I ever make: the extra cookie, the cheap haircut, the fourth martini. Skin care is common sense too, and this leads me to Astara Skincare.
Like many of you, I’ve tried skin care products cheap, I’ve tried products expensive. Every once in a while, simple and affordable trump complex and costly. We don’t always need sea minerals expensively harvested by hand before dawn with the aid of military night vision goggles. Generally, healthy and natural do not mean expensive; and this Green Monday we’ll see why Astara is a great example of that belief.
Former supermodel and septuagenarian Sunny Griffin is Asata’s founder. Her marriage of raw food diet (not heated above 105 degrees F) with skincare (“If you wouldn’t want to eat it, why would you smear it on your face.”) makes sense. Introduced to the their array of amazing masks earlier, Astara is a wht favorite because it’s good, it’s green and it works.
Today, I add another great, green product to the list of Astara favorites: Exfoliating Marine Treatment.
Say “sea minerals” and it’s over for me. I love the sea licking my face, leaving it soft and clear to… tighten in the sun. Boo sun. Bad sun.
Fear not, Astara’s Exfoliating Marine Treatment ($34) gives you the best of the sea (antioxidants, compliments of the seaweed) along with lactic and glycolic acids to encourage cell renewal. Plus there’s some aloe as well to hydrate and calm your skin, while Glucosamine is on hand to help renew those cells by attracting water. Crashing waves, sunburn, seagulls and sand between your toes not included.
Read more, including ratings and reviews…
Filed in: beauty & fashion, green monday, reviews
What does a beauty blogger buy at Sephora? Although the answer should be “nothing”, it’s this:
• Korres Pomegranate Grenade Cleansing Wipes
• First Aid Beauty Detox eye roller
• Murad Acne Treatment Concealer
• Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Rude
• Buxom Lips in Tonya
• Laura Mercier Black Turquoise kohl eye pencil
(makeup shown above)
Question of the Week: – Do you have any makeup/beauty tricks for looking more awake?
Answer: Everyone knows to put a light color in the inner part of your eye, a cream or a metallic gold. But I think eye drops help me look more awake then anything! I have these blue eye drops from Switzerland that I love called Mavala Eye-Lite. Nothing makes you look more tired than bloodshot, dull looking eyes.
Here’s what’s going on around the web this week, courtesy of the League!
Nouveau Cheap – Pssst! Want to the know the quickest and easiest way to make drugstore rewards work for you? Get 25 to 50% off your beauty purchases ASAP and stop throwing money down the drain!
Pink Sith – has completely lost it over the new NARS Eyeshadow in Lhasa from the 2012 Spring Collection!
Prime Beauty – invites you to Sunday Brunch with Jouer. Relax, enjoy some champagne, good food and of course, makeup!
Phyrra – presents a variety of lipsticks and lipglosses from Morgana Cryptoria.
Vampy Varnish – highly recommends the new Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca True Romance Eyeshadow Palette.
we heart this – DERMAdoctor’s Photodynamic Therapy lotion harness the sun’s rays to create a sunlight activated laser similar to red light lasers used in doctor’s offices. What has YOUR lotion done for you lately?
Clumps of Mascara – is in love with Finger Paints’ Twisted nail polish. What’s better than a flakie?
EauMG – falls in love with a natural citrus floral perfume, LUSH 1000 Kisses Deep.
Gouldylox Reviews – can’t stop raving about three things this week.
Krasey Beauty – Read all about the new Sigma Beauty Eyeshadow palettes, see the swatches, and then decide for yourself if they are worth your time and money. K.B sure thinks they are!
Readers, do you have any makeup/beauty tricks for looking more awake?
Filed in: beauty & fashion
