SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Best in Beauty -- The All-Star Releases of 2009

This year was a trying one — a crippled economy, a seemingly never-ending war, unruly weather and dismal stories about global warming, increased joblessness, the loss of celebrity icons like Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett (not to mention promising young stars like DJ AM and Brittany Murphy), and on and on. When the ball drops at midnight, there will be tons of people telling 2009 to kick rocks on some "Hit the road, Jack, and don't you come back no more!"

But, ladies, it wasn't all bad — surely, in those 365 days, you accomplished some great things, shared intimate moments with your loved ones, enjoyed a fantastic meal, and let out some hearty laughs. And, if you're a beauty lover, there were plenty of products to smile about this year — from long-lasting, smudge-proof liners to ultra potent concealers, neon eyeshadow palettes, glimmering pink glosses, and quality eyelid and lip primers.

Here, a look at some of my favorite cosmetics in 2009.

Tarte Femme Fatale Eye Palette, $44. Available at TarteCosmetics.com

Even the golden studs on the exterior of the palette make my heart skip a few beats. This ten-shade eyeshadow palette, released in the fall, makes it easier to pull off even the most complex, '80s-inspired looks. It's perfect for the Sasha Fierce inside all of us.

Lancome Le Vernis in Declaring Indigo, $18. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

Remember that period this year when everyone was wearing dark blue polish? Well, Lancome was among those leading the indigo insurgence with an indigo-centered collection that included this shimmering Declaring Indigo lacquer.

 

 

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Bird of Paradise, $56. Visit Saks.com

The tropical colors in this eye shadow set make me daydream of a trip to Tahiti. The Bird of Paradise quad features a sea foam blue-green, safflower yellow, light coral, and a yellow-ish olive hue.

 

 
Illamasqua Collection Items Pictures Above: Illamasqua Lipstick in Climax and Ignite, $20 each, and Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Enrapture, $24. Visit Sephora.com

Why so many different photos of so many different products, you ask? Well, that's because it's so incredibly difficult to select just one or two Illamasqua goodies to crown as the year's kingpins. The line made its way into the US this year and I have to admit that I fell in love with every single product I tried. Back in September, when I covered the line's foray into the US, I swooned over the Blaze lipstick and the Tango and Heroine eye shadows. Soon enough, I was running to Sephora and stocking up on more Illamasqua goods. I particularly love the Powder Eye Shadow in Poem, Never, Fatal, Fame, Drama and Anja, the Liquid Metal in Enrapture, and the lipstick in Underworld, Blaze, Corrupt, Climax and Ignite.

Lippmann Collection Celebrate Set, $35. Visit Nordstrom.com

Packed with plenty of sparkle, these three shades were featured in STA's Moulin Rouge-inspired gift guide, and they really do share Satine's show-stopping ability.

La Mer The Radiant Concealer SPF 25, $65. Visit CremedelaMer.com

Back in August, I wrote about La Mer's Radiant Concealer and how it manages to conceal puffiness and dark circles, while also soothing the skin. Months later, I'm still swooning over the product that makes me look eternally "well-rested."

Bobbi Brown Bright Lights Palette, $70. Sold out.

In the Spring (in April, to be exact), Bobbi Brown introduced its Bright Lights palette, filled with more pops of colors than a crayon box and a trunk full of Lite-Brite bulbs. I, of course, fell in love right away — and, as soon as the weather started turning a bit more summer-y, I looked to this palette to create bold, dramatic looks.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation, $28. Visit Sephora.com

Released in late summer, Bare Escentuals' bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 Foundation nourishes skin with antioxidants and minerals that promote skin cell production and minimize pore size, provides SPF protection, and delivers excellent coverage. It's been a constant in my beauty bag since the moment I tried it and blogged about it.

Chanel Jade Nail Polish, originally $25. Sold out.

Probably the most beloved nail polish hue of the year, Chanel's Jade triggered an absolute frenzy. It sold out in the blink of an eye and, to this day, polish lovers are scouring the web for a chance to score a bottle of their very own.

Urban Decay Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy, $22. Visit Sephora.com

Released in January, this lipstick shade is a golden champagne hue that works with almost any ensemble. It's extremely versatile and almost universally flattering.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector Set, $249. Visit Sephora.com

If you've ever tried an Aqua Eyes liner, then you know they're just like potato chips — you can't have just one. These liners glide on to the lids effortlessly, depositing dynamic colors that last for hours at a time. Having a beauty lover regard the Aqua Eyes Collector set, released in time for the holidays, is akin to taking a child with a crazy sweet tooth to a Dylan's Candy Bar empire.

Lancome Indigo Charm Eyeshadow Quad, $40. Sold out.

I'm actually bummed that I didn't get my hands on one of these quads. I kept looking at it at the Macy's counter, swatching the colors on the back of my hand, and daydreaming about the looks I'd create with the indigo blue, shimmering gold, and taupe-ish brown shades. Unfortunately for me, there were plenty of other people with similar daydreams and so the palette flew out of stores. And even though it didn't make it into my personal collection, Lancome's Indigo Charm eyeshadow quad certainly left a lasting impression.

Zoya Matte Velvet Nail Polish (in Loredana, Dovima, and Posh), $7 each. Visit Zoya.com

Matte nails were one of the biggest beauty trends this year, and Zoya was among the trailblazers with its original Matte Velvet collection, which included the dark, gunmetal color Loredana, the steel-y Dovima, and the deep red Posh. Check out the original story for more info and swatches.

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, $55. Visit KohGenDoCosmetics.com

Back in May, I tested Koh Gen Do's Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, and I was floored -- it was deliciously lightweight, covering up any imperfections and providing an even finish without clogging pores or giving you a cake-y look. Since then, I've been singing the foundation's praises high and low.

Dior Night Butterfly 5-Colour Eyeshadow Set, $56. Visit Sephora.com

This eyeshadow set has a regal quality to it — the silky violet, plum, and lilac hues, along with the moody gray and gravelly asphalt black shades, make for an ideal wintry beauty kit.

 

MAC Most Popular Lipstick, $14. Visit MACcosmetics.com

A new shade introduced as part of MAC's Colour Craft collection, this yummy purple mauve shade put me under its spell. To check out a swatch, read my original review of the collection.

Shu Uemura Painting Liners, $24 each. Visit ShuUemura-USA.com

Shu Uemura's cream liners look a vivid in their packaging as they do on the skin, and with colors like Vivid Blue and Silver, they're an absolute vision. Click here for swatches and more details.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin, $23. Visit Sephora.com

Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion is by far my favorite eyelid primer, and I was shocked when they managed to top themselves with a new Primer Potion in a champagne color subbed Sin. Plus, UD tinkered with the primer wand to give it a slanted tip that's way easier to maneuver. For more of me swooning over the Primer Potion in Sin, click here.

 

Essie Loves Diamonds by Judith Ripka Collection (Heart My Jewels, Queen of Hearts, and Put A Ripka Ring On It), $15 each. Visit EssieShop.com

This sophisticated collection of nail lacquers includes one of my all-time favorite red polishes: Queen of Hearts. Check out how it looks on my nails in my original post.

NYX Cosmetics Glitter Cream Palette in Surreal, $5. Visit NYXcosmetics.com

The technicolor flash of the '80s was an essential influence in the beauty world this year, and NYX's Glitter Cream Palettes certainly underline that phenomenon. This summer, I heralded the arrival of glittery fun when I covered the NYX Glitter Cream Palette in Surreal.

 
Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Case, $95. Visit Sephora.com

A staple in many a professional makeup artist's kits, the Make Up For Ever Flash Color Palette was made available to the general public in the fall — and I, along with so many other beauty lovers, did a little jig in celebration. Check out my exuberant piece here.

Cover FX Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer, $25. Visit Sephora.com

Cover FX introduced this potent concealer in the fall, and I was shocked by how much it managed to cover — I even took photos illustrating how it concealed my tattoos!. Check out the original post here.

  

MAC Marbleized Lipglass in Eclectic Edge and Crazy Haute, $18 each. Visit MACcosmetics.com

These two glosses are also part of MAC's Colour Craft collection, which was clearly one of my favorites this year, and each features two shades swirled together to make a unique new hue. For swatches and more info, check out the original collection review.

Urban Decay Get Baked Eye Kit, $18. Visit Sephora.com

I was already high on life with Urban Decay's Baked eye shadow, a golden bronze hue, and Flipside, a sparkling teal shade, so imagine how addicted I was to this summer's Get Baked kit, in which UD added Twice Baked, a coppery brown shadow, and Half Baked, a coppery rose gold shade, as well as the wine-ish brown 24/7 Eye Pencil in Bourbon and a bottle of Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowCremes, $17.50 each, and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencils, $19. Visit EsteeLauder.com

In April, I reviewed this stellar collection of cream eye shadows and eye pencils from Estee Lauder — which, as promised, stay put until you're ready to whip out the makeup remover and call it a day.

Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer, $20, and Dark Circle Defense, $22. Visit Sephora.com

When used together, these two botanical-based products smooth the skin around the eyes and visibly brighten the area. The Dark Circle Defense includes honey extract, soybean extract, and vitamin E to reduce puffiness and soothe skin, while the Lifted primer not only prepares the skin for any color cosmetics, but it smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Check out my original post for more details.

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick in 401. Visit GiorgioArmaniBeauty-USA.com

By far one of my favorite red lipsticks among those released this fall, the Rouge D'Armani 401 paints your lips the color of a shiny new Ferrari. Check out more detes here!

Zoya Pippa Nail Polish, $7. Visit Zoya.com

This bright yellow color was one of my go-to shades over the summer. Though I originally included it in a piece on summer nail trends, this shade stood out from all the rest. Part of Zoya's La-Di-Da collection, Pippa will make onlookers yield to your sense of style.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Quad in Eccentricity, $19.50. Visit MACcosmetics.com

Part of MAC's Colour Craft collection, which celebrates the creative genius of the makeup artist community, this eye shadow quad is among a handful of offerings that rocked my world.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II, $48. Sold out.

Urban Decay's Book of Shadows Vol. II set, introduced for the holiday season, is like the most magical eyeshadow kaleidoscope. I originally featured it in one of my gift guides, and I have to say: it really is a must-have for any color-loving fly girl.

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Fall '09 As Seen By Maira Kalman Technakohl Liners in  Graphblack, Full of Fuchsia, Obviously Orange, and Colour Matters,  $14.50 each. No longer available.

MAC wowed me this fall, when it enlisted three different artists to interpret the colors in their extensive collection. And, since I adore unique eyeliners, I was smitten with these Technakohl Liners, part of the Fall '09 As Seen By Maira Kalman collection. To check out swatches, click here.

Givenchy Prismissime Eyes Poetique Blue, $53. No longer available.

With its icy blues and frosty purples and pinks, this eyeshadow palette was ideal for creating a romantic, ethereal look. Part of Givenchy's fall collection, the Prismissime Eyes Poetique Blue made me feel like an ice princess.

Cover FX MintGlaze FX, $22. Visit Sephora.com

Not only is MintGlaze FX a fantastic base for any lip color, but it soothes and moisturizes lips and freshens your breath with its cooling mint flavor.

 

 

MAC Style Warrior Collection Items Pictured: Brave New World and Purple Rite Lipsticks, $14 each, and Vibrant Grape and Soft Force Eye Shadows, $14.50 each. Sold out.

Over the summer, MAC introduced its limited-edition Style Warrior collection, which featured cosmetics packaged in cool tubes and compacts with animal print motifs. And that was just the packaging! This was by far one of my favorite MAC collections of the year, and the four products pictured above topped my list of must-haves. For a look at the whole range of products, as well as swatches, check out my take on the collection

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara, $28. Visit Sephora.com

I absolutely adore Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes mascara, since it pumps up the volume on lashes while also separating them and giving them greater definition. So in the fall, when Givenchy released new shades of the mascara, including a Sapphire Blue and a Grey Lavender, I was over the moon.

NARS Damage Lipstick, $24, and Mekong Eyeshadow, $22. Visit Sephora.com

NARS rarely ever leads me astray, and these two items from its fall collection reaffirmed my obsession with the brand. I love how the dusty brown Mekong shade includes ust a tad of sparkle and how the Damage lipstick adds just the slightest frosty, grape-tinged pink hue to your lips.

Smashbox Muse Artist Eye Palette, $48. No longer available.

In the Spring, Smashbox unveiled its Muse collection, which features eye shadows, eye pencils, and lip colors in soft, dusty shades. The eye palette was the leader of the pack, with ten shades ranging from a marigold yellow to a dirty pink and a grayish light blue.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipsticks, $22 each. Visit EsteeLauder.com

In the past, when I tested any lipsticks billed as "long-lasting" or "smudge-proof," I was beyond disappointed with the results -- either the colors were flat and cheap-looking or they dried out my lips terribly. So, of course, I was a bit skeptical about Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipstick collection. And boy was I wrong! If you saw my coverage of these, you might remember how delighted I was over their creaminess, the richness of the hues, and their staying power.

  

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lashliner, $15. Visit Sephora.com

BE's Buxom Lashliner serves two purposes — it delivers vibrant color to lids and it features nourishing ingredients that condition lashes at the root, helping to lengthen them and to add volume and dimension.

NARS Everlasting Love Palette, $75. Visit Sephora.com 

Just in time for the holidays and in celebration of its 15th anniversary, NARS released this palette featuring some its best-selling Orgasm Blush, along with four eyeshadow shades (Edie, Underworld I, Underworld II and Night Breed) to pull off a cool smoky eye and four neutral hues (Belle de Jour, Chelsea Girls, Promiscuous, and Dolce Vita) for the lips.

 

Givenchy Le Prisme Perles in Precious Perles, $51.50. Visit Sephora.com

This luminous eye shadow quad was inspired by a pearl of strands, and it features four frosty hues that exude that same kind of timeless elegance and sophistication.

MAC A Rose Romance Lipstick, $14. Visit MACcosmetics.com

One of the standouts in MAC's A Rose Romance collection, released in the Spring, this lipstick is a classy pink with a warm and inviting feel. Check out my original post and the entire collection here.

Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Liners, $12.50 each. Visit ULTA.com

When I wrote about the Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Liners, I mentioned that each line pencil featured two rich pigments that went together like cookies and milk. You know what they say: it takes two to make a thing go right!

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colors, $22 each. Visit BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

In the Spring, Bobbi Brown introduced four new shades to her Creamy Lip Color range: Retro Pink, Rose Brown, Coral Pink, and Pale Mauve. When I checked these out, I fell head over heels with the Retro Pink shade, a soft feminine pink. The colors glide on easily and add a kissable, creamy texture to your pout that's irresistible.

 

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited Pink Collection (pictured in Sheer Melon Pink, Clear Baby Pink, and Pale Pink Sparkle), $22 each. Visit ShuUemura-USA.com

I covered this collection of lip glosses in a story about Spring Beauty trends, noting that soft pink lips were a huge must-have for the season. Months later, I'm still stuck on the Gloss Unlimited Pink Collection.

 

 

MAC Dazzleglass Creme in Amorous and Luscious Spark, $18 each. Visit MACcosmetics.com

MAC's Dazzleglass lip glosses make quite a statement with their high concentration of sparkle and shine. These two shades, Amorous and Luscious Spark, really stuck out from the pack, but the entire collection was a hit. For swatches of these two shades, check out my review of the collection.

At The Pearly Gates -- Givenchy's Holiday 2009 Collection

Inspired by a single strand of pearls with subtle gold, silvery gray, metallic pink, and shimmering white tones, Givenchy's Holiday 2009 collection exudes a tender romanticism. The tones are soft, with frosted rather than metallic finishes to provide a fresher, dewier look that's all the more sophisticated in its subtlety. It has an Old World feel to it, a precious quality that makes the pearl references in the products' names all the more fitting.

Here's a look at the collection. Hopefully, you'll see the why the products feel like they deserve a spot in a jewelry box.

Le Prisme Pearls Precious Pearls

The crown jewel in the collection, the Le Prisme Perles eyeshadow quad in Precious Pearls, features four gorgeous, shimmering shades: a soft silvery gray, a tender pink, a glimmering white, and a pale yellow with golden tones. The shades have a feathery, silky feel on the skin, which makes the eye shadows easy to apply and blend. The hues themselves have a frosted finish that will illuminate your entire face. These shades aren't meant to yield tons of drama but rather, to give you a fresh and  dewy look— in fact, when you apply them on the skin, you'll notice all of them look powdery soft and that the difference between the tones is slight (especially with the white, yellow and pink hues). The collection not only captures the shimmering reflections of each tone, it captures you in your best light.

Take a look at how the shades look on the skin (from left to right: yellow, white, silver, and pink):

 

Givenchy Le Prisme Pearls in Precious Pearls, $51.50. Visit Sephora.com

Gloss Interdit in Tender Pearl and Radiant Pearl

 

These lip glosses aren't heavy on pigment concentration but, then, that's not the goal with this collection. Instead, they provide just a tad of color and tons of shine, as if they had tiny crystals embedded in them. When I first saw the Gloss Interdit in Elegant Pearl (the silvery gray color), I was utterly confused — while a silvery lip gloss wouldn't have come as a surprise in collections from edgy, color-happy brands like MAC or Illamasqua, it didn't seem like a fit for Givenchy. But then I applied it, and I realized the effect isn't a space-age silver, but rather a soft silvery glimmer like the kind you'd get from tiny icicles and snow crystals perched on a window pane's edges. Needless to say, I'm now completely in love with it (even more so than the Tender Pearl Gloss Interdit).

Here's what they look like on the skin (and keep in mind just how light these colors are!):

Givenchy Gloss Interdit in 20 Tender Pearl and 21 Elegant Pearl, $24.50 each. Visit Sephora.com

Rouge Interdit Shine in Pearl Shine

In its tube, the Rouge Interdit Shine in Pearl Shine looks like a glossier, slightly lighter version of the pink found in ballerinas' pointe shoes. When you apply it on the skin, however, it's considerably lighter— in fact, it's practically clear. The lipstick is, however, extremely luminous, like a winter frost. 

To get a better idea of what it looks like, check out the photo below. The Rouge Interdit Shine in Pearl Shine is the hue at the far right — it's barely detectable against the skin but, if you look closely, you'll notice the speckles and the washed pink tint to the near-clear hue.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Shine in 24 Pearl Shine, $27. Available at Sephora.

Parad'Eyes Liner in Tender Pearl and Elegant Pearl

The collection includes two shades of Givenchy's Parad'Eyes Fluid Liner: Tender Pearl, a metallic pink to correspond with the gloss of the same name, and Elegant Pearl, a metallic silver that also matches the gloss of the same name. Unlike the glosses, though, these liquid liners pack a bit more punch in terms of the concentration of color.

Below, you'll find two photos showing how the liners look like on the skin. The first shows the colors in a low light setting, whereas the second photo shows how the liner colors glimmer in the sunlight.

Givenchy Parad'Eyes Liner in 6 Tender Pearl and 7 Elegant Pearl, $27 each. Visit Sephora.com

 

Get Something Old And Something New With Nahui Ollin's Cutie Pie Bag

Are you hoping to go green in 2010 or, at the very least, to be a bit more cognizant of the environment? Well, you can get an early start with an artsy purse from Nahui Ollin, the innovative, eco-friendly handbag company launched in 2003 by Olga Abadi. Each Nahui Ollin handbag is made using thousands of recycled candy wrappers which are folded, woven and bound together into fashionable and sturdy pieces. The handbags are handmade in Mexico, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale benefits this group of local artisans. 

From now through January 1st at 12 a.m., when we officially ring in 2010, customers can receive a 30% discount on Nahui Ollin's w32 Cutie Pie bag in either Tutti Frutti (the bright, mosaic-like style pictured above) or Black and White, as well as free shipping. The bag features an adjustable leather shoulder strap and measures 13" in length, 8" in width and 2" in height. The bag is now available for $98 (from $132). 

To take advantage of the offer, visit NahuiOllin.com

Rodarte For Target Collection Misses the Mark

 

When I first heard that Rodarte would be designing a line for Target, I practically did a celebratory hula-breakdance-salsa routine since founders Kate and Laura Mulleavy have provided fashion eye candy for me since their line's debut in 2005. Their dresses and separates, which often incorporate intricately stitched and embroidered tulle, chiffon and lace, manage to channel both romanticism and edge. I figured this was my perfect opportunity to incorporate some Rodarte into my closet.

Though the collaboration was announced back in August, lookbooks and photos of the actual pieces were kept mostly under wraps for months, with only a few photos circulating the blogosphere in late October. The suspense only augmented the anticipation surrounding the line. Would it be an accurate reflection of the Rodarte aesthetic? Would the pieces look expensive? What would the color palette and design motifs be?

Last week, the collection finally hit Target stores — and, well, it's a mixed bag. For one, it's a juniors' collection, and the abundance of bow details and yellow leopard prints certainly make the pieces more appropriate for tweens (as opposed to older consumers). Still, when you look at some of the pieces online, you might be smitten by their playful nature. But to see them on a stick-thin model whose picture has been Photoshopped (and they always are) is one thing, and it's quite another to see the pieces up close, feel the fabrics, and assess the fit. In order to properly write about the collection and give you my honest opinion on it, I requested samples for photography/review purposes. I received samples of the two pieces pictured above: the Crepe Slip Dress in Back and the Mesh Lace Swiss Dot Printed Top.

I was completely disappointed with he quality of the fabrics on both of these garments — my skin itched just from looking at them, and running my fingers over them only magnified that sentiment.

The Mesh Lace Swiss Dot Printed Top was a particular disappointment — in person, it's just plain hideous. It looks like a top Betty Suarez would have worn on the first season of Ugly Betty (paired with some chunky wool skirt in a clashing color scheme and pattern). The synthetic mesh fabric has this repulsive crunchy feel, and the Swiss dot pattern nods to the most hideous aspects of '70s fashion. It's also completely see-through, which just baffles me even more. Overall, this top felt like something I'd expect to find in a Conway bargain bin, not something meriting the Rodarte tag.

The Crepe Slip Dress, on the other hand, looks much prettier at first glance. From a distance, it reminded me of one of Rodarte's Fall 2008 dresses — from the tulle-like, ballerina-esque skirt to the see-through bodice. The problem with this design lies mostly in its execution. The silhouette and the overall look seem consistent with the Rodarte point-of-view, but the cheap fabrics used (polyester and nylon) bring the entire design down. The end result winds up looking like something you'd find in a wannabe Forever 21 (yeah, it wouldn't even make it into Forever 21). The layered polyester skirt feels stiff and the fabric bunches together like it's been attacked by static. The nylon slip underneath, meanwhile, doesn't lay on the body comfortably, nor does it feel luxurious or sumptuous by any stretch of the imagination.

For me, these two pieces were a crushing disappointment. I can only hope the other garments feature higher grade fabrics and more precise tailoring but, until I see them in person, I won't be ordering anything online.

Rodarte for Target Juniors Crepe Slip Dress in Black, $39.99, and Rodarte for Target Juniors Mesh Lace Swiss Dot Printed Top in Black, $29.99. Viist Target.com

Motives Cosmetics Nail Candy — Sweet or Sour?

 

 

These days, I'm really demanding when it comes to nail lacquers. I've tried so many throughout the years that I want any new colors to entice me, to feel like a revelation. A pretty polish isn't all that hard to come by, but one that makes you stop and stare? One that makes people stop you in the streets and offer you a compliment? That's a challenge — and that's what I'm looking for. Whether it's Zoya's Posh color (a cranberry red from its Matte Velvet collection) or Chanel's Jade polish (which unleashed a frenzy among polish junkies, who were vying to buy a bottle for over $100 on Ebay), I want my polish to sing (and in a Maxwell-like falsetto, at that). As you can see, I set the bar pretty high, so when I'm trying a new polish, there's always that mixed bag of excitement and apprehension.

But, since I've been really pleased with Motives Cosmetics' mineral eye shadows, I assumed I'd be just as enthused with the brand's new Nail Candy collection, which consists of 18 shades ranging from scarlet red to sunset orange and creamy eggshell. I was sent press samples of three shades: I Believe in UFOS, an iridescent fuchsia; First Kiss, a pearly bubblegum pink; and I'm A Vamp, a dark blackberry purple. The polishes are free of ftoluene, formaldehyde,and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-free, and they're billed as "long-lasting" and "chip-resistant." Saying these polishes are chip-proof would be quite the overstatement, but they do last longer than most enamels I've tried. I wash my hands about a million times a day (the result of cleaning up after a messy toddler) and the life span of most polishes tends to be about 3-4 days, but these Motives Nail Candy shades lasted almost double that time frame.

My only problem with these nail polishes (and, to be clear, I can only speak to the three that I tried) were the actual colors, which aimed for daring but fell right on top of tacky. The biggest travesty was I Believe in UFOs, a fuchsia color so iridescent that its color shimmered like an oi puddle in the sun. The problem? The color reminds me of a pink taffeta bridesmaid dress — the kind that makes you shudder and beg to be released from your bridal party duties. First Kiss, meanwhile, is a lighter version of the pink you'd find in a piece of Bubblicious gum. Its pearly shimmer makes it look even worse, since it takes the enamel from uninspired to prom gown-esque — it actually makes me think of the dress Andy (Molly Ringwald) wore to her senior prom in Pretty in Pink. The only shade out of the three that I could see myself sporting on a regular basis is I'm A Vamp, a very dark purple shade with reddish brown undertones. Because it's such a deep shade, its sheen makes it appear more glamorous, giving it a nice metallic finish.

I'd be curious to try some of the other polishes in the line, given how much my reaction to I'm A Vamp diverged from my reaction to the First Kiss and I Believe in UFOs hues. Hopefully, as the collection is further refined and tweaked, I'll bring you some more exuberant reviews but, for now, I'd recommend sticking to your vamp side and steering clear of the aforementioned pink shades.

Below, I included a few pics so you can see what the shades look like on my nails. Feel free to share your thoughts— just keep it nice and clean!

I Believe in UFOs

 

First Kiss

 


I'm A Vamp

 

Motives Cosmetics Nail Candy in "I Believe in UFOs," "First Kiss," and "I'm a Vamp," $5.25 each. Visit motivescosmetics.com

DKNY Jeans' HSN-Exclusive Collection Benefiting St. Jude's

Donna Karan's philanthropic spirit should be an inspiration to us all. Her Urban Zen Foundation focuses on creating campaigns and connecting individuals who hope to enact change in three distinct areas: promoting a well-being focused health care paradigm, whereby Western and Eastern medicinal practices and holistic methods are fully integrated; preserving cultures around the world, helping indigenous people in Third World countries find sustainable business models through the use of their own crafts and promoting the creation of organizations that protect the spiritual an cultural nuances of these regions; and empowering children by providing them with the necessary educational and health resources. In the past, she's teamed up with TONIC and even auctioned off some of her own wardrobe pieces to raise funds for the organization.

Now, in the spirit of giving that typifies the holiday season (or that's supposed to distinguish it, at the very least), Donna Karan has teamed up with the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign and launched a line of DKNY Jeans tees, denim, and scarves available exclusively at HSN, with a significant percentage of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude's Research Hospital. The hospital is devoted to finding cures and revolutionary treatments for pediatric cancer. 

Pictured above are some of the pieces in the limited-edition DKNY Jeans collection: the NYC Heart T-shirt, which features an outline of the New York skyline inside a pink heart; the Hope scarves, which are made of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic and which have the word "Hope" knitted along one end; and the Believe T-shirt, a cotton jersey top with the words "Believe" printed in silvertone studs.

As you can see, the pieces don't have a look-at-me-now air about them, but they're cute enough for those days when you want a more casual look (or for trips to the gym, errand runs, and chill days at home). Plus, cotton jersey is one of those fabrics that feels sumptuous against the skin, so they're likely to feel way more cozy than your average tee. And hey, if you can add some basics into your wardrobe rotation and feel good about it, knowing you're helping children around the world, why not go for it?

DKNY Jeans NYC Heart T-Shirt, $29; DKNY Jeans Hope Scarf, $29; and DKNY Believe T-Shirt, $29. Available at HSN.com

Kate Hudson Rocks Alexandre Birman At The "Nine" Premiere

I've always been fond of Kate Hudon's red carpet style. I remember gasping over the sparkling Atelier Versace dress she wore to the 2002 Golden Globe Awards: a long-sleeved gown with a plunging neckline that rivaled the one on the sheer green Versace dress J.Lo wore to the 2000 Grammy Awards. The next year, she impressed me again with the haute hippie strapless Valentino dress she wore to the Golden Globes. Granted, she's had her fair share of fashion misses, but that's because she loves fashion enough to take risks — and, well, that's the price of any gamble. Needless to say, I was curious to see what she'd be wearing to the NYC and LA premieres of Nine, the film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical of the same name, which stars Hudson alongside Daniel-Day Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, and Nicole Kidman.
And, at the NYC premiere, Goldie's little girl did not disappoint — showing off her stems in a long-sleeved, shimmering, beaded Chanel minidress, which she paired with a black-and-white diamond Chopard ring, Steven Russe earrings, and the black Alexandre Birman peeptoe pumps pictured above.

The exotic reptile heels feature a peep toe and a small platform with white snakeskin piping for a chic but understated look that manages to complement Hudson's ensemble without overdoing it — after all, when you're wearing such an intricate dress and one with such a dramatic twist (such as the long train), your shoes need to remain fairly simple or else you risk forcing a look that's entirely too busy and distracting. These classic Alexandre Birman shoes are extremely versatile — not to mention the perfect black heels for any LBD.

Lucky Kate got her hands on these early, as they're a part of Birman's pre-fall 2010 collection. Don't shoot the messenger, ladies — it's just one of those perks that comes with celebrity status. But not to worry — I'll keep you in the loop about these beauties, so you know when you, too, can get your hands on them and dress to the "nines."

Kiss And Tell -- The Best Lip Balms To Get You Through Winter

Baby, it's cold outside — and every single part of your body is feeling it, including your lips. So give a new meaning to "lip service" with these ultra moisturizing lip balms, which take all the work out of hydrating and soothing that pain-stricken pout.

Here, my fave lip moisturizers:

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50. Visit Sephora.com

Every detail about Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment was considered discerningly — from the cap, which twists on securely so that it can't possibly come off inside your purse or coat pocket, to the smooth, soothing texture, the moisturizing ingredients, and the SPF protection. The main ingredient, of course, is sugar, a natural humectant that not only delivers moisture to lips but seals it in. Other vital ingredients include grape seed oil and meadowfoam seed oil, both of which have antioxidant properties, and blackcurrant oil, which is packed with fatty acids that naturally plump lips. Vitamins A, C, and E further nourish lips and protect them from free radicals. Plus, it has this yummy lemon-y scent that adds to the whole appeal. Yup, it's the complete package.

 

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine, $9. Visit KorresUSA.com

I swear by all of Korres' Lip Butters, which are available in a wide range of scents including Plum, Mango, Wild Rose, Guava, Pomegranate, Quince and Jasmine. The lip butters include hydrating shea butter and rice wax, which effectively seals moisture into the lips. I also favor the Guava and Wild Rose lip butters, but the Jasmine one has the most natural tint (a pale nude pink) and it smells like a sweet treat (my little one says it smells like cotton candy!).

Nude Skincare Nude Lips, $14. Visit NudeSkinCare.com

It took me a while to get used to the texture of Nude Lips but, once I did, it was a done deal. When you first dip your finger into the organic lip balm, it will feel a bit grainy and coarse. But, once you put it on your lips, it will melt thanks to your body temperature, softening exquisitely. The lip balm includes cupuacu butter (one of the most moisturizing ingredients I've ever encountered), Tahitian vanilla extract, Tahitian monoi extract, coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. How much do I like this lip balm? I once teared when I ran out of it — real talk.

 

La Mer The Lip Balm, $45. Visit CremeDeLaMer.com

Does La Mer ever go wrong? I've yet to try a La Mer product I didn't like — and this one is no exception. Like all of La Mer's products, the Lip Balm includes the company's marine extract-based Miracle Broth, as well as other botanicals (like mint) and vitamins that smooth, condition and moisturize lips. What I like most about The Lip Balm aren't its immediate results but, rather, its long-term effects. It doesn't necessarily yield immediate gratification as well as, say, Korres' lip butters, but it does wonders in strengthening the lips' moisture barrier so that your pout will be less likely to get chapped, irritated or overly dry when exposed to extreme heat or cold.

iQ Derma Lip Quench, $31. Visit Glow.com

I tried iQ Derma's Lip Quench about two years ago when I ran out of the lip balm I was hopelessly devoted to at the time (I believe it was the Rosebud Salve, but seeing how many products I try, it might have been any number of things!). I remember being blown away by how efficiently it moisturized my lips even when they looked positively ravaged, crispy, flaky, and just plain ol' raggedy. An anti-aging product and lip moisturizer in one, Lip Quench features a blend of botanical and chemical ingredients including: maxi-lip, a hydrating peptide complex; antioxidant-rich olive and sweet almond oils; and Bio-oil HSBL, which locks in moisture and, in doing so, makes skin appear fuller and smoother.

EOS Organic Lip Balm Smooth Sphere, $3.29. Visit EvolutionOfSmooth.com

As soon as I tried EOS's Smooth Sphere lip balm, I was hooked. The lip balm is packaged in a biodegradable, egg-like, plastic case with a flat bottom (so that you can rest it on a tabletop without fear of it rolling around all over the place). The paraben-free, phtalate-free, 95% organic lip balm features shea butter, Vitamin E, and jojoba oil to moisturize and soften lips. As you run it across your lips, you get a nice cooling sensation that feels really soothing. Plus, the sphere shape allows you to apply the lip balm without having to utilize your fingers (which carry so many germs).

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6. Visit Sephora.com

A staple in most makeup artists' kits, this tin holds a gentle moisturizing salve that lightly hydrates lips and adds a bit of shine. I love the light consistency, which is very similar to that of petroleum jelly, and the fact that the scent is so light (no forceful fruity, floral or candy-like smells).

NUXE Reve De Miel Lip Balm, $21. Visit Amazon.com

This potent lip balm features ingredients like honey, a natural antibacterial and antiseptic, shea butter, almond oil, and calendula and rose oils to calm skin, nourish and moisturize. And, while the "Reve de Miel" name would suggest a sweet honey flavor, the lip balm actually smells (and tastes) like a zesty slice of grapefruit.

Crabtree & Evelyn Cocoa Butter & Cardamom Lip Balm SPF 8, $9. Visit Crabtree-Evelyn.com

This squeeze tube balm smells like a fresh jar of Nutella (or maybe the creamy hazelnut and chocolate inside of a Ferrero Rocher candy). Ingredients include cocoa seed butter, olive oil, soybean oil and shea butter to moisturize lips, beeswax to smooth the skin's surface, zinc oxide to provide SPF protection, and reflective minerals like zinc and titanium dioxide to add shine. The Crabtree & Evelyn Cocoa Butter & Cardamom lip balm also boasts a sheer terracotta-esque hue.

Motives 40FY Lip Treatment, $20. Visit MotivesCosmetics.com

This new lip treatment from Motives Cosmetics is, well, a treat. When you first dab your finger inside the jar, you'll think it feels a bit like Vaseline but, when you glide it onto the skin, you'll notice its consistency is much thinner and any Vaseline-like stickiness disappears when you apply it onto the skin. The 40FY Lip Treatment smooths any fine lines and wrinkles, and it makes lips appear fuller and plumper — without any tingling, burning or discomfort.

Feel Like A Natural Woman With Vapour Beauty

Launched by Eric Sakas, the makeup guru who co-founded Kevyn Aucoin Beauty  and later worked as the Director of Color for Philosophy, Vapour Organic Beauty features a range of all-natural color cosmetics with ingredients that are at least 70 percent organic. All of the cosmetics are packaged in retractable, roll-on sticks that you can just glide on to your skin for a hint of color. The cosmetics have a light, creamy texture, and provide a sheer, barely-there color that accentuates and highlights any existing features.

From foundation sticks to concealers, highlighters, blushes, cream eye shadows, lipsticks, and lip glosses, Vapour Organic Beauty's products provide the desired color while also nourishing the skin with antioxidant ingredients like green tea and Tulsi, as well as anti-inflammatory agents like frankincense and chrysanthemum, and hydrating ingredients like myrrh and lotus flower.

Here's a look at some of the products available, along with color swatches and more details on each!

Siren Lip Stick

This creamy lip stick features a distinctive petroleum-free hydrating base: a natural polymer made with flash-heated plant oils. Each Siren lip stick contains lemon balm to heal chapped and damaged lips, myrrh to hydrate them, the anti-microbial botanical Iceland moss, and the antioxidant green tea. The lip sticks are available in five hues — all variations of pink, red, mauve and earth tones.

All the colors are pretty sheer, so they'll barely be noticeable on the lips —there will just be slightly more color being deposited on the lips than you'd get from a tinted lip balm. The hues include: Tempt, a nude pink;  Hint, a deep, coral-y pink; Desire, a cool purple-tinged pink; and Knock Out, a dark wine color with golden brown tones. Below, you'll find some swatches showing you what the colors look like on my skin.

Siren Lip Stick Swatches (from top to bottom): Tempt, Hint, Desire, and Knockout

 

Vapour Organic Beauty Siren Lipstick, $19 each. Visit VapourBeauty.com

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Elixir Lipgloss

 

Like the Siren Lip Stick, the Elixir Sheer Lip Gloss does not use a petroleum base — instead, it relies on the aforementioned co-polymer created with natural castor and beeswax by flash-heating plants in a vacuum.  The Elixir glosses are, of course, stickier than the Siren lipsticks and they have way more shine, but they're incredibly sheer so I'd advise layering them atop the Siren colors of your choice if you're going for a more textured, richly pigmented look. The glosses are available in five hues: Hush, an understated nude pink hue; Enigma, a violet hue with pink tones; Twinkle, a cool pink; Sultry, a warm russet hue; and Hypnotic, a deep sangria color.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend wearing these alone, since I found that they have a very odd, almost watery consistency that prevents them from evenly distributing color (you can actually get a sense of what I'm referring to from the pics below). On the lips, the colors tend to migrate to the corners of your mouth, which can be rather irksome.

That being said, I love how the cooling, soothing sensation they create on the lips, so I'm hoping that, with a little tinkering, they'll perfect the formula so I can't have any complaints about the way the color is distributed on the lips.

Swatches (from left to right): Enigma, Hypnotic, Sultry, and Hush

Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Lipgloss, $20 each. Visit VapourBeauty.com

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Aura Multi Use Blush

My grandma would sometimes apply some lipstick along her cheekbones and blend it with her fingertips — she said the color gave her a much more natural glow than what she got from powder blushes. The Aura Multi Use Blush is based on that same principle — each of these color sticks is meant to be rolled onto cheeks (or eyes or lips) to give these features a bit of a glow.

The Aura Blush is available in three shades: Crush, a perky light pink; Spark, a warm peach-y shade; and Torch, a sheer deep pink. The colors look rather vibrant in their packaging but when you apply them onto the skin and blend, they're way more subtle. Similarly, as you blend, you'll notice the texture change slightly — from a creamy consistency to a silkier, softer texture. Below, you'll see what the three shades look like on skin. All of them can be blended with your fingertips or with a professional brush, but I'd recommend going the old fashioned route and letting your fingers do the walking.

Aura Multi Use Blush Swatches (from top to bottom): Crush, Spark, and Torch

 

Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi Use Blush, $28. Visit VapourBeauty.com

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Illusionist Perfecting Concealer

These mineral concealers feature soothing ingredients like: frankincense, an anti-inflammatory; Tulsi, an anti-oxidant; and lotus flower, a hydrating botanical. Silica and lysine, meanwhile, add a velvety finish. Vapour Beauty's concealers provide a fair amount of coverage, while also soothing the skin and reflecting light so as to create an optical illusion that further conceals any existing imperfections.

My one concern with these concealers is that they're only available in three shades, which can be kind of tricky considering that so many women won't fit within such a limited spectrum. And sure, you can blend them and try to create a color that better suits you — but, even then, the undertones may not work for you, plus there's only one dark shade available.

Illusionist Perfecting Concealer Swatches (from top to bottom): 010 Light, 020 Medium, and 030 Dark

Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist Concealer, $20. Visit VapourBeauty.com

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Mesmerize Eye Color Treatment

These mineral pigments deliver just a hint of color to lids and include gentle botanical ingredients like chrysanthemum, eyebright, and horsetail, which also help to reduce puffiness and to increase circulation so as to firm the eye area and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

In terms of a colors, the range focuses mostly on earth tones with varying pink or red undrtones (with the main exception being Storm, a charcoal-y gray color). They're all rather sheer so, once again, the idea is to simply accentuate the eye are, liven it up a bit, and give you a well-rested, youthful, vibrant appearance that looks entirely natural (like a warm glow). Your best bet with these colors is to blend them with your fingertips but again, you should keep in mind that the effect will be minimal (and that that's the goal). That being said, then, contouring the eye and pulling off more accomplished looks is rather tricky with these shadows (even if you're using professional brushes), so I'd suggest only using these for very simple looks.

There are five shades available: Charm, a light peach pink; Flash, a taupe with pink tones; Smolder, a brown with russet tones; Storm, a charcoal-like gray; and Trance, a deep mahogany brown.

My main dislike with the Mesmerize Eye Color Treatment shadows is that, unlike some creamy shadows, which develop a more powdery consistency once on the lids, these stay creamy the entire time you wear them, which makes them more prone to smudging and streaking (plus, you don't get that dewy finish). I'd suggest setting the shadows with a bit of powder but, even then, avoid touching your eyes when you rock these.

Mesmerize Eye Color Swatches (from top to bottom): Charm, Flash, Smolder, Storm and Trance

Vapour Organic Beauty Mesmerize Eye Color, $16. Visit VapourBeauty.com

Pop In These DVDs And Enjoy The Holidays!

Merry Christmas, my lovely STA readers! I know many of you are laying low today, enjoying some time with your loved ones (and maybe even rejoicing over whatever trinkets were in your stocking). If you feel like getting a DVD to watch, consider these great options — and happy holidays!

Public Enemies (Two-Disc Special Edition DVD), $21.49. Buy at Amazon.com

One of the year's greatest films (yes, I place it above Star Trek, Transformers 2, and all the other blockbuster sci-fi/action flicks), Public Enemies is an action-packed, thrilling ride and a semi-biopic (though it's not billed as such, many of the scenes were based on real-life footage). Johnny Depp delivers yet another brilliant performance as John Dillinger, the notorious bank robber who wrought havoc on the Chicago area in the years following the Great Depression. Directed by Michael Mann, the film includes some of Dillinger's most famous jobs (and even the jail breakouts he masterminded), but it goes beyond gun-slinging to capture the feel of that era.

Dillinger targeted the financial and governmental institutions that had brought on the most dire of financial conditions, with people across America losing their homes, their land, their jobs, and all their belongings as a result of the bank system's collapse. At a time when there was so much anger towards these institutions, then, Dillinger was seen as a hero of sorts — sure, he wasn't leading an uprising, but he was raising a giant middle finger to the system that had failed America's middle, working, and lower classes. During his bank-robbing sprees, he was aid to have told the customers inside the banks to put their money away, as he sought only the banks' money. The average person, then, didn't see him as any sort of villain — if anything, they cheered him on. Plus, Dillinger possessed a charisma and a charm that made him positively endearing. 

Michael Mann does a superb job, studying archival footage of John Dillinger (during press conferences after his capture and such), studying news articles from the era, and even shooting on location at the jail where Dillinger was held (even inside the cell where Dillinger had been locked up). Each of the film's players, particularly Christian Bale (who stars as the FBI agent who leads the Dillinger task force) and Marion Cotillard (who plays Dillinger's girlfriend Billie Frechette) seemed equally invested in accurately capturing the personality traits, the mannerisms, and the overall feel of their characters. And the showdown between the FBI agents and Dillinger's crew? Well, that alone is reason to watch.

Extract DVD, $17.99. Available at Amazon.com

Many critics have labeled this workplace comedy a return to the type of wry, clever humor that made director Mike Judge's Office Space a cult classic,  focusing on the banality of the workplace and the redundancy of our home/life routines — themes that prove relatable to almost any viewer. Jason Bateman plays Joel, a relatively affluent man who owns an extract company that fares well and is being courted by General Mills. It's a boring and uninspiring job, but hey, it pays the bills. His marriage is even more unremarkable since his wife seems to never be in the mood for any type of lovemaking Disgruntled and confused, he confides in his druggie, slacker, bartender best friend (played by Ben Affleck with surprising charm), who doles out some positively ludicrous advice.Things get even more complicated when a freak workplace accident threatens the company's financial buoyancy, and a sexy new temp (played by Mila Kunis) shows up at the extract plant and tempts Joel into considering an affair.

While it doesn't contain as many quotable moments as Office Space, Extract does hit some high notes, mainly thanks to Jason Bateman, who deftly captures the malaise of the average working stiff. 

Weeds Season Four DVD, $29.99. Available at Amazon.com

At the end of Season 3, our favorite pot-dealing suburban mom was forced to leave her old nabe, after the goons she hired for "protection" from a biker gang set fire to not only the bikers' pad, but the entire neighborhood. At the start of Season 4, then, Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) is uprooting her family (older son Silas, younger son Shane, and brother-in-law Andy) and finally decides to head for her father-in-law's home, which is situated right by the border between California and Mexico). Once there, Nancy starts to work on a plan, teaming up with Guillermo (the same man who was responsible for torching her old nabe) and asking for a piece of the action. She soon becomes their designated smuggler (but she's bringing in more than pot, folks!) — and, after she earns Guillermo's trust, he sets her up to operate a maternity store (which is, of course, a complete front).

As Nancy starts to learn more about Guillermo and who his associates are, she realizes she's now part of an elaborate criminal network that literally stretches all the way to the top tiers of government in Mexico. Impetuous and impulsive, she starts asking too many questions, makes some very questionable decisions, and manages to incur the wrath of both her criminal association and the authorities.

Though entertaining, Season 4's plot lines prove rather outlandish and far-fetched, and we end up longing for the good old days when Nancy was setting up grow houses with Connor. Also, Nancy's personality and demeanor change this season, as the writers try to transform her into more of a badass, fearless female — and instead, wind up making her a caricature of her earlier self and one whose intentions and motivations we have a much harder time understanding.