SICKA THAN AVERAGE

The Paper Chase -- MAC's Prêt-a-Papier Collection

 

We may be living in the digital era, but paper is still an integral part of most artists' creative process — from fashion designers' sketches to architects' blueprints. And what would kindergarten be without a string of paper dolls holding hands in unison?  MAC Cosmetics' Prêt-a-Papier collection strips away the bright colors and shimmering finishes, deconstructing the realm of cosmetics to the most basic of components. The collection, then, relies on mainly flesh-toned, taupe, soft peach, light bronze, pale copper, and muted coral hues — from sandwich bag-ready brown to parchment paper beige and a toasted brown worthy of the aged, cracked corners of paper scrolls.

Personally, I'm not in love with this collection — the idea is inspired, but the colors feel more like the foundation on which to erect a masterpiece, as opposed to the materials with which one would build this design. In other words, they're the canvas, not the colors on the artist's palette. Sure, there are some gems in here but, for the most part, the collection doesn't make me feel like dashing to the store.

But of course, I'll let you all be the judge. Pictured below are all the products in the collection, along with swatches of a few products.

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LIPSTICK COLORS

Dressmaker, Dressmaker

 

Made To Order

   

Kraft

 

These lipstick colors are probably my favorite part of the collection since every woman can use some subdued colors for when she's going for a no-fuss look. The collection includes colors like: Archetype, a sheer light gold; Made to Order, a dirty coral; Dressmaker, Dressmaker, a light peachy coral; and Kraft, a warm brown.

I had the chance to try the Kraft color, and I enjoyed its creamy texture, as well as the color, which reminds me of a glass of Yoo-hoo!.

Here's what the Kraft lipstick looks like:

 

MAC Cosmetics Lipsticks, $14 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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PAINT POT HUES

Groundwork (left) and Coral Crepe (right)

 

If you're going for more of a lip stain effect, check out these two limited-edition paint pots: Groundwork, a taupe hue, and Coral Crepe, a fleshy coral.

MAC Paint Pots, $16.50 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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CHROMAGRAPHIC PENCILS

 
This is probably one of the more interesting releases in the collection. The Chromagraphic Pencils can be used to line eyes or lips (or maybe to create funky designs) and are available in two flesh-toned shades. I actually like lining my eyes with the NW25/NC30 pencil (the darker shade) and then applying a darker shadow since the lighter base softens the overall look and brightens the face.

MAC Chromagraphic Pencils, $14.50 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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IMPECCABLE BROW PENCILS

 
Brows are stronger, thicker, and more geometric this season — which, of course, means brow gels and pencils galore. To fill in any sparse areas or extend the brow line, you can simply grab one of these Impeccable Brow Pencils, available in Dirty Blonde or Taupe.

MAC Impeccable Brow Pencils, $15 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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EYE SHADOW SHADES

From left to right, by row: Cut to Fit, Bamboo, Tissue Weight, Memorabilia, and Gazette

   
     

 

Five eye shadows are featured in  this collection — most of them fairly dusky and matte, with only two frosted shades in the bunch. The colors include: Tissueweight, a frosted light peach; Bamboo, a matte light beige with peach undertones; Cut to Fit, a frosted bronze with sepia undertones; Gazette Grey, a dark olive green gray; and Memorabilia, a matte dirty purple.

I checked out the Memorabilia eye shadow and, while the bruised eggplant purple color is a nice addition to any woman's makeup collection, it's not as noteworthy and splendid as prior offerings, such as the Very Violet eye shadow.

Check out what the Memorabilia Eye Shadow looks like:

 

 

MAC Eye Shadows, $14.50 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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TINTED LIPGLASS COLORS

Fold and Tuck

 

C-Thru

   

Prêt-a-Papier

   

The Prêt-a-Papier collection includes three new Tinted Lipglasss colors: C-Thru, a shimmering beige with peach undertones; Fold and Tuck, a mid-tone coral hue with just the faintest bit of shimmer; and Prêt-a-Papier, a bronze with dark red tones.

MAC Tinted Lipglass, $14 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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POWDER BLUSH SHADES

Garb

 

Instant Chic

 

Blush has been making a big comeback over the past few seasons, as more women strive to give their visages a dewy, radiant look. This collection offers two new shades: Garb, a deep taupe with golden tones; and Instant Chic, a light coral pink with a golden sand finish.

Here's what the Instant Chic blush looks like on skin:

 

MAC Powder Blush, $18.50 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

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MINERALIZE BLUSH COLOR

Light Over Dark

 

With summer's arrival, many women are opting for a more bronzed cheek color that provides a healthy sun-kissed glow. The MAC Light Over Dark Mineralize Blush fuses together a baked terracotta color with bruised peach tones, for the perfect midway color between a blush and bronzer.

MAC Mineralize Blush, $23. Available at MACcosmetics.com

 

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NAIL LACQUER HUES

From left to right: Originality and Brown Bag

   

These new nail lacquers touch upon two of the season's most prevalent color trends: creamy nudes that create a "mannequin hands" effect (which you can attain with the MAC Brown Bag lacquer) and lush metallics (such as Originality, a luminous copper bronze).

MAC Nail Lacquers, $12 each. Available at MACcosmetics.com

5 Fly And Functional Skate Shoes For Summer 2010

 

You sang a song about Susan B. Anthony, thoroughly researched Sacajawea, and have a secret yearning to tattoo Sojourner Truth's name on your forearm. You are proud to be a woman – and a skater – and your summer shoes should celebrate your femininity and strength. That means copping a pair of women’s skate shoes that can withstand the rigors of skateboarding but boast an unapologetic, sassy attitude. They should be comfortable, with padded tongues and insoles; sturdy, with protected laces and reinforced outsoles; and feisty, to belie claims of frail femininity.

Check out our top summer skate shoe picks, all of which excel in the categories described.

1. DC Shoes Manteca 2 Mid Shoes in White/Orange (Pictured At Top)

DC Shoes' leather-and-suede Manteca 2 Mid Shoes feature a funky personality while aptly resisting wear and tear. The sneakers' foam-cushioned tongue and collar, silky suede uppers and DC’s trademark performance Cup Sole a maximum comfort. Plus, the kicks are available in an array of summer colors — from pinks and baby blues to oranges and whites.

Women's Manteca 2 Mid Shoes, $64.99 Available at DCShoes.com

  

 

2. Nike Dunk Low SB Premium Hello Kitty Edition

Nike Dunk Lows are perfect for skating as they offer full-length EVA midsoles for cushioning while tough rubber outsoles with full cupsole stitching provide the necessary durability to withstand even the grittiest skater’s abuse. If you want to add a flirty flair to your Dunk collection, check out the new, limited-edition Hello Kitty design pictured at top.

Nike Dunk Low SB Premium Hello Kitty Edition, $120. Available at select sneaker boutiques and DunkID.com

    

3. Osiris Libra in Metallic Blue/Black/Pink

The Osiris Libra shoe boasts special features such as: a double-stitched toecap; a durable, thermal, plastic-backed toe; internal elastic restrainers; Osiris’ trademark Flex-Warp outsole; and a set of back-up laces. Slip on a pair and popping an Ollie or 180, and you'll see why the pros laud this shoe. Plus, the new '80s-flavored,metallic blue/black/fuchsia color way will have all eyes on your expert footwork.

Osiris Libra in Metallic Blue/Black/Pink, $60. Available at Osiris.com

  

 

4. C1RCA 50 Classic Skate Shoe

Classy and contented defines the C1RCA Women's 50 Classic Skate Shoe. Retro canvas uppers, extra grip and a triple-stitched toe are perfect for amateur skaters who need some extra jounce.

C1RCA 50 Classic Skate Shoe, $50. Available at Shop.C1rca.com

  

  

    

5. Etnies RSS Girls in White with Purple Madras Trim

Discover the legendary Etnies RSS Women’s skate shoe. With its classic appearance, textile lining, vulcanized 400 NBS rubber sole, and padded collar, tongue and footbed, the RSS makes skating almost as comfortable as golf. This particulaar style even takes a cue from the plaids and madra prints sported on the gold course, giving the skate a park a refreshing new feel.

Etnies RSS Girls, $50. Available at Etnies.com

Hey, adding an extra style kick to those kickflips means all eyes will be fixed on your skating prowess.

—Ronnie Friedmann

**For more badass skate shoes and skate gear, visit Underworld-shop.com

**Ronnie Friedmann is a writer/skateboard enthusiast who works for Underworld Skateshop in Montreal. He is also a self-described sneaker addict who never wears the same pair twice in a week.

In Puppy Love With Tweezerman's Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezers And Itty Bitty Nail Files

 

   

When it comes to grooming your brows at home, you can try an array of tools — but, chances are, you're eventually bound to pull a Lassie and make your way back home to Tweezerman. The stainless steel Slant Tweezers are easy to grip and feature hand-filed angled tips that easily pluck even the peskiest of brow hairs. And, of course, they appreciate every woman's perennial search for novel, beautiful things, and hence consistently churn out adorable prints to cover their award-winning tweezers and brow tools. The latest offering: a paw print motif for the travel-sized Mini Slant Tweezer and the pocket-sized Matchbox Itty Bitty Files (a matchbox-shaped box with a sliding top sleeve and 12 miniature nail files tucked inside). The design consists of a white backdrop covered with black paw prints for a 101 Dalmatians feel.

And here's an added bonus for all you animal lovers: Tweezerman is donating $1 from the purchase of each Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezer and $0.50 from the purchase of each Matchbox Itty Bitty Paw Print Files to the Humane Society of the United States.

Now you can indulge your beauty-loving urges and appease your inner Dog Whisperer!

Tweezerman Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezers, $15, and Tweezerman Matchbox Itty Bitty Files, $4. Available at Sephora.com and Tweezerman.com

Kimberly McDonald Bracelet Seen On Sarah Jessica Parker At SATC 2 After-Party

  

 

Warner Bros. isn't the only company celebrating a great coup with the opening of Sex and the City 2 this week. Not only did Sarah Jessica Parker wear four different pieces by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald in the film (some of which we showcased here), but she showed off the lovely bracelet pictured above at the after-party for the Sex and the City 2 premiere in NYC on May 24th. 

For the occasion, Parker wore a sheer Elie Saab dress with a sheer lace bodice, long lace sleeves, retro shoulder accents, and a full, flirty skirt lined with tulle. She paired the dress with vibrant sky blue and black Nicholas Kirkwood heels and infused some Hollywood glamour by rocking two of the above-pictured Kimberly McDonald cuffs (one on each wrist). The sleek black resin bracelets feature geode stones surrounded by tiny diamonds along their centers. The simple yet luxurious design speaks to McDonald's aesthetic, which is often centered on the beauty of precious stones in their raw, natural state.

For more info on Kimberly McDonald's work, visit KimberlyMcDonald.com

Kickin' It With The Havaianas 2010 FIFA World Cup-Inspired Flip-Flops

  

 

 
 

Soccer fans, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is only two weeks away! From June 11th through July 11th, the world's best soccer teams will be facing off in South Africa, vying for that coveted and yet bizarre-looking trophy of two men holding up the Earth (I'm as competitive as the next person, but you have to admit that's one strangely shaped trophy!). Nevertheless, as we watch these teams "bend it like Beckham" on the fields, why not let our own feet do some cheering of their own? Get into the spirit with the Havaianas Limited Edition World Cup-inspired flip-flops.

The Havaianas collection is available in 17 styles, corresponding to 17 international soccer teams: USA, Brazil, Argentina, England, Mexico, France, South Africa, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Paraguay, Germany, Australia, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Netherlands, and Japan. Each pair of flip-flops bears the color of the corresponding team's uniform (for example, yellow and green for Brazil or light turquoise and white for Argentina) and is stamped with a "1" on the left shoe and a "0" on the left to commemorate the year 2010. In addition, each country's flag is stamped onto the inner corner of the flip-flop straps. And here's my favorite detail: on the printed insoles of the right foot, you'll find the number of stars corresponding to that team's World Cup titles (for example, two stars are printed on the Argentina edition, whereas the Brazil pair features five stars) and, on printed insoles of the left foot, you'll find a listing of the years in which these titles were work (i.e. 1978 and 1986 for Argentina).

Havaianas Limited Edition World Cup-inspired Flip Flops, $24. Available at US.Havaianas.com

Patricia Field Makes A Splash At Her Swimsational Disco Soirée

 

 

 

 

 

Even though New York city is often cited as the fifth star of the Sex and the City franchise, it took a backseat in the film sequel, with the fabulous foursome venturing out to Abu Dhabi for a truly glamorous vacation. And yet, in celebration of the film's opening, this week Manhattan has been a true style oasis, with SATC-themed fêtes kicking off every single night. One of the most exciting, of course, was Patricia Field's Swimsational Disco Soirée, held on Tuesday, May 25th in Chelsea. At the event, fashion insiders toasted the award-winning costume designer's work in the new Sex and the City 2 film and celebrated the launch of her new Patricia Field/House of Field Eyewear and Swimwear lines. The rooftop celebration offered a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline, and guests were treated to a runway show featuring the new designs.

Video producer, style expert, and Sicka Than Average contributor Izzy Ruiz (check him out at MusingsFromAMall.com) was on deck, and here's what he had to say about the event:

"As an homage to the foursome's fantasy getaway to Abu Dhabi, Field served swimwear that could seduce any sultan. The sexy, glamorous collection was comprised mainly of one-piece swimsuits with delicious peek-a-boo cutouts and plunging, bejeweled necklines. Some of the pieces conjured up a naughty Sheherazade feel, with flowing sheer trains, desert-ready sand and brown hues, bold gems embroideries, and even the occasional animal print. These Arabian Nights-ready numbers were juxtaposed against Studio-54-meets-'80s-glam one-pieces with deep V necklines or bright bandeau swimsuits with zig-zagging cut-outs along the sides. Models wore Christian Siriano for Payless shoes as they strutted down the runway, which was itself decorated with palm trees, kitschy leopard and zebra statues, and mannequins decked out in additional pieces from the collection. Sure, maybe you wouldn't wear the pieces inside an actual pool, but you'd look exquisite sunbathing next to it!"

Check out the photos above for a feel of the runway show and for a closer look at the detailing on the swimwear pieces, peep the images below!

 

 

   

   

 

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Kaze Wave Sensual Curl Texturizing Foam -- Ride the Wave

   

Since I started trying out the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Kaze Wave Sensual Curl Texturizing Foam, it's become my go-to product for soft, ethereal waves. Though my experiences with Shu Uemura Art of Hair products have been nothing short of spectacular, I did approach this product with a bit of skepticism once I realized it was a "texturizing foam" (which most of us know is a fancier, more eloquent way of saying "hair mousse"). I tend to associate hair mousses with big, starchy, '80s hair — think Delta Burke in Designing Women or Kelly LeBrock in Weird Science. Sure, their hair had plenty of volume (often excessively so) and the curls were in full effect, but it always looked like, if you nudged their coiffed manes with your index finger, you'd hear a thunderous crunching noise. Not sexy. Fortunately, the Kaze Wave foam was formulated so as to give your hair the desired texture without sacrificing movement or softness.

The star ingredient here is Acacia Senegal Gum, which is often used as a thickening agent in hair products and, most recently, in lengthening mascaras and lash serums. The foam is very frothy and lightweight so it won't feel weigh down the hair at all, plus it has this lush enchanting smell with lily of the valley and green floral notes. To use, just apply a sizable amount (tennis ball size as opposed to pea size) on palms, rub together and work through damp hair. For best results, tilt your head forward, so that your hair flips over and you an easily reach the strands along the back of your head; once done applying the foam, flip the hair back and work your fingers through the entire mane, scrunching it and roughing it up a bit to really add the desired texture. In the end, you'll be  left with soft, beachy waves that look slightly undone and hence way sexier and more natural.

Plus, you can use the product even if your hair is already on the curly end of the spectrum, since it will work to soften the existing curls a bit.

Here's a pic showing what my hair looked like after applying the Shu Uemura Kaze Wave Sensual Curl Texturizing Foam:

 

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Kaze Wave Sensual Curl Texturizing Foam, $33. Available at ShuUemuraArtofHair-USA.com

Head Over Heels In Love With A La Tête

 

 

 
 

As you look through A La Tête's Fall 2010 collection of headbands, fascinators, and hats, your mind will likely be flooded with vintage visual references, from Josephine Baker's feather headdresses to Vivien Leigh's chic veiled hats, and yet no single piece looks like a piece of costume institute memorabilia.

In the year since A La Tête's launch, Philadelphia-born designer Jessica Abraham has already enjoyed the type of breakthrough moments of which young designers dream. After honing her design talents at fashion companies like Alessandro Dell'Acqua, J.Lo's Sweetface, and Chris Han, the New York-based Parsons graduate began experimenting with creating fairy tale-inspired hair accessories. When she heard of a Henri Bendel open see, where she could showcase her wares to potential buyers, she finally decided to create a full collection of headbands, which she describes as "organic and feminine, with a lot of silk organza and wool gauze with raw edges to create an elegant yet undone feel." Blair Waldorf may be done with headbands, but the rest of the world clearly isn't — almost immediately upon unveiling A La Tête's debut collection, Abraham was featured in the venerable fashion industry rag WWD. Since then, she has followed up with a Spring 2010, a romantic bridal collection, and a capsule headband collection for Urban Outfitters.

For fall, Abraham is focusing more heavily on her hat designs, which are immaculately sculpted and would make noted milliners like Philip Treacy and Lily Daché look on with envy. "I really like organic, fluid shapes," says Abraham of her aesthetic as a milliner. "I' always enjoyed draping when I was working in clothing, and I've kind of taken that into millinery with some of the drapes and folds that I create in the hats and headpieces.  I'm always inspired by vintage and the costume nature of a hat or headpiece, but I always make sure the pieces have some totally unique aspect so that it doesn't look like an actual vintage hat." 

Pictured here are some of my favorite pieces in the Fall 2010 collection, which should be available for purchase in stores and online in August (you can pre-order at ALaTete.net at this time). At top, you'll find the "Carmen" (one of my absolute favorites), a fur felt hat with a hand-folded taffeta rosette positioned atop an array of black-and-white peacock and coque feathers arranged in a fan-like manner. It's the type of hat you could imagine Madonna wearing in her Evita days (think of the pieces she wore in the "Take A Bow" video). Next, you'll find the "Luella" (with which I'm beyond smitten), a coquette, pleated fur felt cloche with a thick, hand dyed silk ribbon and a pheasant feather juxtaposed over said trim. You can easily see the 1930s influence here, with the simple cloche hats donned by actresses like Vilma Banksy coming to mind, and yet Abraham modernizes the silhouette with the seamless, origami-esque curves worked into the top of the hat and the way the brim curves outward ever so slightly to create a bit of a bell shape. Third from top, you'll find encounter the "Cameron," a velour/beaver felt combo cowboy hat with a hand dyed silk ribbon, bow detail, and a single ostrich feather peeking out and extending upwards from the center of the bow. I love how this piece takes a classic Indiana Jones-eque silhouette and softens it through the usage of caressable, textured fabrics and a dainty ribbon dyed in hues that recall a sky in a watercolor masterpiece.

Other standout hat designs include the "Davina" (pictured third below), an asymmetrical draped fur felt bucket hat that nods to he brimless cloches worn by Louise Brooks in her heyday but which also incorporates modern, undulating folds, and the "Randy" (pictured first below), a burgundy fur felt fedora that reminds me of the hat Diane Kruger wore in Inglorious Basterds, but with softer, more curved ridges. It also manages to embody the romance of a Casablanca-esque hat while retaining the strength of form we associate with fedoras.

If you prefer more of a flapper-ready look, check out the "Sybil" fascinators (pictured above, last), which feature silk taffeta flowers atop lush feathers.

Be a modern day Marlene Dietrich with these head-turners!

Pictured above: A La Tête "Carmen" hat, $225; A La Tête "Camilla" hat, $200; A La Tête "Cameron" hat, $200; and A La Tête "Sybil" fascinator. All available at ALaTete.net

Pictured below: A La Tête "Randy" hat, $200; A La Tête "Davina" hat, $250; and A La Tête "Tami" fascinator. All available at ALaTete.net

   

   

 

 

New Giveaway! Win A Set of Physicians Formula "Healthy Wear" Goodies

 

   

                                     

The Sex and the City 2 premiere isn't the only thing bringing some sparkle and dazzle to NYC this week — on Thursday, Physicians Formula will be hosting its "Shimmer in the City" celebration. The day-long event involves a series of special promotions and treats: customers can get $5 off any Physicians Formula product at Duane Reade drugstores, or for even more fun, they can swing by one of the designated Cupcake Truck stops (which include Penn Station and Madison Square Park) to score some free bronzers from the Healthy Wear line. If you're in the NYC area, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post  for more details on the festivities.

Physicians Formula is also spreading some shimmering love to Sicka Than Average readers, offering one lucky gal the chance to win a full set of Healthy Wear products. The line includes the Healthy Wear SPF 50 Tinted Moisturizer (pictured above, third from top), which protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with mineral based zinc oxide and titanium oxide, brightens the skin and diminishes the appearance of existing spots and discolorations with a blend of tomato derivatives and licorice extract, and delivers a nice dose of color. Unlike other tinted moisturizers, this one is incredibly lightweight, making it that much easier to blend onto skin. It delivers as much coverage as a lightweight liquid foundation without the pore-clogging side effects that typically accompany the latter. Another star product in the collection is the Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation (pictured second from top), which gives skin a nice matte finish while also providing excellent UVA/UVB protection . My favorite part of the oil-free powder foundation is that it's so gentle and hence suitable for  even those with rather sensitive skin (plus, instead of having to reapply sunscreen every couple of of hours, which can prove tricky when you already have makeup on, you can simply touch up your powdered face). Lastly, the collection includes the Healthy Wear SPF 50 Pressed Bronzer (pictured at top), available in 4 shades so you can pick how deep you want your "faux tan" to be. The bronzer has a nice satin-y finish, so it looks rather natural on the skin, as opposed to those bronzers that are overly saturated with glittering particles. There's a luminosity to the bronzer of course, but it's much more nuanced and subtle. All the products bear the Skin Cancer Foundation's stamp of approval, indicating that they offer more than sufficient UV protection.

Combined, the products have a value of $45 (they retail for $15 each), and they can be yours for free — just enter our giveaway for a chance to win!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

To enter, post a comment below AND e-mail [email protected] answering this simple question: What steps do you take to protect your skin from UV damage in the summer months?

Feel free to name your favorite sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF, how often you apply sunscreen, any tips on what to wear in the summer months, or any other helpful summer skincare routines.

Once you've posted your comment and sent in your e-mail, you're automatically entered to win!

Contestants have until Tuesday, June 1st at 11:59 p.m. EST to enter. One winner will be selected at random on Wednesday, June 2nd, and the winner announced by the end of the day. The winner will also be notified via e-mail.

This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Good luck!

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"SHIMMER IN THE CITY" EVENT DETAILS:

On Thursday, May 27th, join Physicians Formula for fun, freebies and coupons for $5 off any Physicians Formula products at Duane Reade stores throughout the city — all part of the "SHIMMER IN THE CITY NYC" bronzing event. The Cupcake Truck will be making its way through the city, stopping at four high-traffic locations to greet passers-by, hand out bronzers, and more!

Stops include Penn Station (8 to10 a.m.), Times Square for lunchtime (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.),Flatiron/23rd Street and Madison Square Park (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.), and Herald Square (4 to 5 p.m).

For more details, visit the Physicians Formula Facebook page!

NARS Summer 2010 Collection -- Review, Swatches And More!

 

Think of the majestic waters captured in The Blue Lagoon, add in the vibrant coral, orange, and gold shades you'd see lighting the sky during a sunset in Oahu, and toss in the warm bronze and brown colors of a sandy expanse, and you'll get a feel for the colors in  NARS Cosmetics' Summer 2010 collection.

This season's offerings include: the Lamu Multiple, a multi-purpose cream color stick in an apricot-tinged bronze hue; the Burn It Blue Duo Eyeshadow, a cream eye shadow palette consisting of two vivid blue hues; the Love Devotion Lipstick, a sheer coral hue; the Cayenne Cream Eyeshadow, a deep brown with sepia undertones; the Versailles Nail Polish, a champagne gold lacquer with a liquid metal finish; the Enchanted Cream Blush, a creamy soft apricot cheek color; and the Coup de Coeur Lipgloss, a natural-looking gloss in an apple cider shade.

While I haven't had the pleasure of test-driving all of the products in the collection, I did check out three standout pieces: the Lamu Multiple, Burn it Blue Duo Eyeshadow, and the Love Devotion Lipstick. Below, you'll find product images, as well as photos of what these cosmetics look like on the skin, and detailed observations about how they measure up. Enjoy!

NARS "BURN IT BLUE" DUO EYESHADOW

   

NARS Burn It Blue Duo Eyeshadow, $32. Available at NARScosmetics.com

If you look at a photo of NARS' Summer 2010 collection, your gaze is bound to gravitate towards this palette, which features two creamy blue eyeshadow shades in vibrant, swimming pool-ready blues.  One shade is a deeper Mediterranean-flavored turquoise with a glossy finish but no shimmering particles, while the complementary lighter teal color has a frostier, more celestial quality and a fair amount of glimmer.

Naturally, as soon a I saw this palette, I felt like a moth circling an enticing flame. But, of course, I wondered if these colors would look as vivid on the skin as they did in their sleek case. To my delight, the cream colors are richly pigmented so that the color payoff is beyond satisfactory (just check out the photos below).

The one caveat here: after a few hours of use, the cream shadows are likely to crease a bit on your lids. If they had been formulated to stay in place like the Too Faced Lockdown Ultimate Creaseless Cream Eye Shadows or Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Shadow Cremes, they'd get a perfect score from me but, sadly, they do budge and crease a bit too much for my taste. That being said, there are ways to extend the life expectancy of the look you create with these shadows (a great primer always helps, but you can also try coating the lid with a light powder shadow first and that will allow the cream to grip onto that layer as opposed to the greasier, sweatier surface of the lid). But, most likely, you WILL have to reapply within a few hours of use. That being said, the colors are so beautiful that it might be worth the extra touch-ups.

Check out what the shades look like on the skin:

 

 

Here's what the colors look like on my eyelids:

 

 

NARS LAMU MULTIPLE

 
NARS Lamu Multiple, $38. Available at NARScosmetics.com

NARS' Multiples rarely disappoint, and this one is no exception. It's actually my favorite product in the collection. Admittedly, had the Burn it Blue eye shadows been powder-based they would've taken the top prize, but seeing as they're not, I had to crown the LAMU Multiple my favorite. Like any NARS Multiple, you can apply this cream color to your cheeks, the ridge of your nose, your decolletage, or any area that needs a flush of color. The color is ideal for summer, as it's a golden bronze with a toasted apricot warmth to it. When you work the color into your cheeks, it will light up your entire face, making it look like you just went for a jog on the beach and emerged with a healthy glow. It's a wonderful alternative to all the powder bronzers in the market since the latter tend to be overly saturated with glitter microparticles that wind up giving any added color an unnatural finish. The Lamu Multiple's lightweight finish and its cream base provide a way more natural look.

Here's what the Lamu Multiple looks like on the skin:

 

NARS LOVE DEVOTION LIPSTICK

 
NARS Love Devotion Lipstick, $24. Available at NARScosmetics.com

Though it looks incredibly bright (perhaps to the point of being intimidating), the Love Devotion lipstick is actually a really sheer wash of color. The lipstick itself is a guava-meet-coral hue that, when applied to your pout, will make it look just the slightest bit flushed — as if you'd just eaten a popsicle or sipped on too much punch. It's a more sophisticated take on the coral and peach colors we've been seeing of late, and the stain-like effect makes it a great option for women who want to experiment with different shade but are a bit gunshy about doing so.

Check out what the Love Devotion shade looks like on the skin:

 

   

ME WEARING THE "BURN IT BLUE" EYE SHADOWS ON LIDS AND THE LAMU MULTIPLE ON CHEEKS:

 

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Still want more detes on this killer collection? Peep this video of me discussing these products: