Downtown Cool: NARS 413 BLKR Street Exclusives

NARS 413 BLKR

413 BLKR Swatches

I feel like I'm down in West Village at 413 Bleeker at least once a month. Its sad and true. I take that back- its not sad.. its pretty freakin' cool. NARS at 413 is like my Cheers- they know my name, they know what I like and I know not to piss-off Carla ( j/k).
A while back I purchased the Pure Matte Lipcolor from the store and with my most recent purchases of both the Multiple and the Illuminator from the collection, I now feel like I'm thisclose to 413 BLKR domination in my everyday makeup bag.

What I like about the 413 BLKR Collection vs. the Orgasm collection is that each piece is a different and complementary color where the latter is the monochrome across the collection.

NARS 413 BLKR Illuminator

413 BLKR NARS Multiple

413 BLKR Pure Matte Lipstick

So how am I using these gems? Welcome to my weird weather caveat!
NYC summers are a swamp of humid grossness- thats the bad news. The better news is that because of the weather, I'm using coverage on my face as needed. Good news, I've been mixing 413 BLKR Illuminator + Caudalie moisturizer in the morning for a nice champagne tinted glow that doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything on my face and I'm putting concealer on in spots.
For some color on my cheeks and lips- I defer to the 413 BLKR Multiple as the burgundy color is pretty much a fail-safe for me, especially when trying to touch up after work.
The Pure Matte Color I reserve for the day and layer with the Multiple once it fades.
The collection also includes a Duo Eyeshadow, Blush, Larger than Life Lipgloss, and a Nail Polish that will be on my list. Also wondering allowed if the new Madison Ave will have exclusives?

413 BLKR Swatches: Top: Illuminator, Mid: Multiple, Bottom: Pure Matte Lipstick

The 413 BLKR collection is available online at narscosmetics.com
#NARSISST4LIFE

Marc Jacobs Beauty..Nails it

Enamored

While in the depths of discovering new beauty products, looks, traveling and work. I fell off the grid and forgot to follow-up on my Marc Jacobs Beauty post. I've been thinking about it and other things I need to fill you in on and  I'm constantly reminded when I walk into Sephora to check out seasonal debuts or if I'm in the West Village thinking about a buttercream Magnolia treat and am greeted by a BookMarc and Marc by Marc Jacobs stores on opposite corners.

Well lets get down to business, shall we? The collection debuted ..buzz, buzz, buzz. Now there is another display to fancy when doing your lunch break Sephora run. Some dust has settled a bit annnnd review time!
I was impressed with some products while others I just left right there on the display or quietly pouted as I walked away shaking my head. Well, I'm still going to let my Loves, Likes and ?'s be known right. now.

Loves: Marc Jacobs Enamored- the nail varnish is amazing! the colors are rich, the finish is glossy and the staying power lasted through the week.

• Fave colors- Lux- Electric Ooze, Delphine- Particuliere-ly and Fawn-y

Likes: LoveMarc Lip gel- the shades that err on the side of deep are done right. The vampy colors ( i.e. Neo- Noir and Saboteur) are sophisticated with a bit of camp but - isn't that what we want in a lippie anyway?

Gripe 1. I had really high hopes for the nudes- Hello? Strange Magic was supposed to be my jam! The color description vs. the actual color of the product was a huge let down. Insert Sephora pout face.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 Beauty Look photo: Style.com

Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 Backstage. NARS photo: Style.com

?  Despite the MJ beauty collection launch last year, the Spring 2014 Marc Jacobs runway show featured some of the Summer 2014 beauty products but this past runway show for Fall 2014, the Marc Jacobs runway shows still featured NARS product backstage. Huh?
I know that Marc and Francois have worked together for years coming up with some of the best runway looks in the decades (see here) but my question is- if you have a beauty line, why not use it in your show?
Further, having your products in your show provides inspiration for say.. beauty peeps like me.

So now that we have almost a full year under the beauty tutelage of Marc, I'm still looking forward to what will happen next.

Thakoon for NARS 2012- Lal Mirchi Nail polish

Thakoon for Nars- Lal Mirchi

I'm wearing Lal Mirchi for brunch at Juliette in Williamsburg.

Last week, I headed over to the west village to check out NARS' Summer collection but ran into some playful friends named the Thakoon for NARS Nail polish collection!  Initially, I didn't think I would like the colors as I thought the blue's were more like the Chanel Denim color palette but I was wrong. These colors are really bold and the polish requires no more than 2 coats.  I was tossed up between one of three colors that I really loved but decided on Lal Mirchi, the "mandarin red" colored polish. The color is true to form and errs slightly on the orange side but not your orange-coral seen all around NYC. As far as wear goes, I've had this on for a week and no chipping as of yet. I just used a clear base and two coats and I was done.

Curating fun with Critical Mob

What happens when you re-tweet@criticalmob? You get entered into a weekly drawing for a Critical Mob t-shirt that is all types of awesome. I was shadily jealous when looking at SXSW pics of cool kids at taco trucks with the shirt on but just last week, I won a shirt!
So now what?! Taking inspiration from future happenings here in NYC like the Keith Harring exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, Esperanza Spalding at Celebrate Brooklyn, Prada and Schiaparelli at the Metropolitan Museum.. the list goes on. I decided to curate my Critical Mob shirt with some fun beauty items that would get me in the mood for these relaxing days.
From left to right: Marni for H&M bracelet, Tata Harper's Hydrating Floral Essence, NARS lipgloss in Wonder, Maybelline's Great Lash Lots of Lashes in Blackest Black and gold paillette mini-purse from H&M.

Summer 2011: NARS Wonder lipgloss

Just when you think the citrus craze has brought us "lippie addicts" all the greatest lipsticks, glosses and glazes for Summer 2011, comes NARS Cosmetics Wonder lipgloss.
This juicy shade is described as a sheer mandarin orange shade with pink and gold shimmer on NARS' website and it it true to the description.
I find that if you are intimidated by other interpretations of bold citrus lipcolors, that you will be pleasantly surprised by wonder. Its a "mirror-free" shade, meaning you don't need a mirror to apply to know that it looks good ( something I tend to do with my other prized orange spectrum lippies).

Wonder lipgloss is limited edition and is available at NARS Cosmetics.com and Sephora.com

Summer Fierceness @ Bar 13 with Dee and Michael Antonio

Pictured L to R: Dee at Double-D Productions  and Michael Antonio at Michael Antonio.net

On the way out from a summer soiree last night, Leizel and I spotted these beauties on our way out. Dee is wearing NARS Eyepencil topped with MAC on the lips and Michael Antonio is looking flawless in MAC!

Review:NARS Laguna Illuminator

So Illuminating!

Now that spring is finally upon us, the weather is 70 degrees on Monday and 50 degrees with 85% precipitation on Wednesday means that the base on your face should be able to withstand the yo-yo unpredictability of the season.
In comes NARS Illuminator, a multi-functioning tinted shimmer, perfect for pairing with your daily face moisturizer for a great base with a bit of shimmer to play up your favorite features.
I chose Laguna, a "sun-kissed bronze" to use with my daily Clinique Turnaround Creme. The color reminded me of the gold flecks that are in the damp sand at the beach.
For the evening, blend a nickel size amount with your foundation for a beautiful sheen while out on the town. Another plus, a little goes along way. A dime size or less for day is just enough.
There is a bit of similarity between NARS' Illuminator and YSL's Teint Parfait, the latter is more glittery (especially #8) so using less than a dime is the best way to go unless you are glamming your gams or your decolletee. Plus the price is significant- NARS Illuminator is $28 whereas YSL's Teint Parfait is $42.

NARS 413 Bleecker Street Pure Matte Lipstick

NARS Cosmetics just opened its first stand alone stone in Greenwich Village this week.
In honor of the brick and mortar shop comes an exclusive lipcolor- 413 Bleecker!
The muted brick red lipstick is matte in texture and is every bit as exciting as House of Style and Dee-lite (90's favorites!).
While perusing and purchasing in the new store- in walks Francois himself! This has been my second encounter but I was still gushing!
So if you happen to stop into NYC, make sure to check out this space! Classic films available for purchase, biographies on fashion favorites and NARS ' books.
The address:
413 Bleecker Street
Greenwich Village

Top 10 Favorite Valentine's Day 2011 Lipcolors

February is next week and now is the time to get your reservation in order for Valentine's day 2011. Before you know it the scramble will be on to prep for an evening out! Whether it be with your girls at Karaoke or a rom com at the theatre, you want your lips to be the focal point of the 14th.
With that, we have gawked, gossiped, tested and sworn by the following lip colors , both lipsticks and lipglosses included to provide a guide to navigating your cupid's bow for the next most anticipated holiday after ringing in the New Year, Valentine's day!

Here are our faves:

10. Clinique Different Lipstick- Tenderheart
This pinky-nude rouge is a Clinique staple and a starter universal shade, the formula glides on for a MLBB look (my lips but better).
Where to wear: On your OK Cupid blind date at the Brooklyn Bowl. Less talk, more strikes.


9. NARS Lipstick- Love Devotion
Sheer guava stains aren't for the faint at heart but more for the expressive, creative soul whose heart thrives on discovery.
Where to wear: Where lipcolor imitates art! A night out at the museum- MOMA, MOCA, Guggenheim , Whitney, whatever your choice, your lips will surely compliment.

8. MAC Lipstick- Desire
Sheer berry lips are vampy not campy and pair well with a bronze shadow (MAC Sable) and muted dusty pink blush (MAC Harmony) for an easily put together look for a casual night on the town.
Where to wear: At a Wine Bar with friends!
7. Hard Candy Painted Lady Manic Lipshine- Cupid
Bright candy apple lips= fun , LOL adventure for Valentine's day evening burst out of the rut of a day of waiting for an evening of tears of joy.
Where to wear: UCB theatre, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, seek out new comedy acts that are sure to get you so happy you will cry.


6. Rimmel Vinyl Lip in Snog
The name says it all! This nude shade has a slight hint of mint, not a bad feature to have if you are out to dinner, plus- no look application as this too is universally flattering.
Where to wear: To a dinner date! the color and formula are sure to make a pleasant conversation post dinner happen.
5. Chanel Rouge Allure- Lover
This stand out Ruby Red will create the statement lip that will sing in your praises- how about "Hey lover, this is more than a crush?"
Where to wear: Singing Karaoke or playing Rock Band with your friends.

4. MAC PRO Long wear Lip cream in Perpetual Flame
Lip color that doesn't budge, check. Poppy pink- cranberry color, check. Now all you need is some chocolate to mellow you out, double check!
Where to wear: Chocolate shop or at a cozy cafe, yes, its still winter but this pop of color is like a sundial countdown clock to Spring freedom.


3. Lancome Color Design lipstick in Lucky Kiss

A plum tone like this deserves a role in Drama. This creamy color is a smooth on the lips and the color is 80% business with the rest being fun.
Where to wear: Watching an Oscar nominated flick or any film for that matter. Get in on your fantasy Academy Award winners and wait to see your results at the awards show.





2. Mary Kay Creme Lipstick- Berry Kiss
Shimmery shouldn't be reserved just for Divas, it can be an everyday wear! This color packs a shimmer berry punch that puts glamour back into your evening routine.
Where to wear: Watching RuPaul's Drag Race with the girls, no wig snatching required.



1. Clarins Joli Rouge- Cupid Red

Bright blue based reds are in need for a musical evening, play coy and meet a stranger or just go with it..
Where to wear: To a concert, check local listings for your favorite nationally touring act or find a local band or group to listen too.

Happy Valentine's day! I hope these lippies and where to wear them will inspire your V-day week and beyond!

Oh Schiap!

Nars Schiap + Volga matte lipstick make the perfect fall pair!

Top Performing Beauty Brands of 2009

WWD Beauty Biz ranked up the Beauty's Top 100 largest beauty movers and shakers of 2009, which is also a glimps into how brands are performing in 2010, seeing as the year is not over yet. Overall, sales in 2009 declined but generated $140.78 Billion in total. That's a whole lot of products (defined in categories of Fragrance, Makeup, Haircare, Deoderant, Suncare, Cellulite and Shaving ).

Mass market certainly dominates the beauty market share as luxury brands have been on a decline, but not as much of a decline to stop future sales- standout products, re-formulations and re-newed consumer focus has helped luxe brands stay a float in a time of limited spending and skincare has rapidly increased in sales while makeup has had slow gains.

So who are the top performing beauty brands that we love, covet and spend our hard earned money engaging Makeup Artists on new products, searching forums, blogs and YouTube for reviews, swatches and support?

#1 L'Oreal ( $24.36 Billion) - Brands:L'Oreal Paris, Lancome, YSL Beauty, Maybelline, Shu Uemura

In 2009, L'Oreal's sales declined for the first time in seven years, however the brand is number one in beauty with consumer products such as L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline and Garnier. With $10.8 billion in strong sales, key performing brands are Maybelline and Garnier. Maybelline has garnered quite the mascara collection in the past few years and Garnier's skincare.

Western Europe is L'Oreal's leading market while sales in North America have declined.

#2 Proctor & Gamble Co.( $18.6 Billion)- Brands: Covergirl, Pantene, Dolce & Gabbana, Olay, Old Spice

When I think "Blue Chip" Beauty, I think of P&G. Pantene for haircare, CG for makeup and Old Spice for men's grooming. Sales fell for P&G but Covergir; and Olay's simply ageless succeeded in generating $1 billion in sales. Pantene products were introduced to new packaging and new ingredients this year and Cover Girl has a heavy roster of diverse spokeswomen ( Ellen DeGeneres, Queen Latifah, Drew Berrymore) , consumer favorites- Lash Blast series and Cover Girl Queen Collection and Pat McGrath at the helm as Executive Design director for the brand.

#4 Estee Lauder ( $7.8 Billion)- Brands: Estee Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Bumble Bumble, Aveda

Skincare accounted for 40% of Estee Lauder brand's sales with 39% in makeup and 15% in fragrance, respectively. Estee also acquired the Smashbox studios which is key for photo shoots and LA fashion week. Clinique up'ed their anti aging game with Even Better, Tom Ford Beauty held strong and MAC teamed with Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper for a campaign. Estee Lauder currently has Tom Pecheux is the Creative Makeup Director for the brand.

#6 Shiseido ( $6.83 Billion)- Brands: Shisedo, NARS, Cle´ de Peau Beaute´

Shiseido's key markets are Japan, China and Europe. While sales in North America took a dive, the brand strategically snapped up Bare Essentual which positions Shiseido for expansion in the US. Unfortunately, sales information for NARS cosmetics was not available at the time of the WWD Beauty Biz report.

#10 Chanel ( $3.95 Billion)

Chanel's makeup revenues declined 10% due to the economies of the brands major markets- the US and Japan. The US is Chanel's largest beauty market with France and Japan following. Women's fragrance is number one worldwide with Chanel Beauty at number four and skincare is in ninth place. Key product launches this year include Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lipstick, Chanel Bleu Fragrance for men and Asia exclusives- Vitalumiere Eclat Compact powder foundation and Mascara Sublime WP.

#11 LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton ( $3.82 Billion)- Christian Dior Parfumes, Givenchy, Guerlain.

Strong performers under LVMH were Givenchy's fragrances and Christian Dior's mascarsa. Cosmetics generated 28%, unchanges since last year while fragrances were strong with 53% of sales. Key products include Givenchy Play with Justin Timberlake as the brand's face and Diorshow mascara with Monica Bellucci as the spokes woman.

Photos: Google Images

Brand revenue and sales information was gathered from WWD Beauty Biz.

FOTD: Sunday Funday- Hotter than July

Oh Sundays! Here's my face of the day while on vacation at my mom's house in San Diego! Here is the rundown:

Face:

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW45

NARS Casino Bronzer ( on cheeks)

MAC Eyekohl in Smolder

YSL Mascara Singulier in Black

CG Outlast Lipstain in Cinnamon Smile

Chanel Glossimer in Eclipse

Summer 2010: Best Bronzers

Look scorchin' without the burn or orangy hue. These are the best bronzers of Summer 2010 based on pigmentation and formula. Though some of these have been around for some time, they still beat some newbies 2 to 1.

Clockwise in photo:

MAC Refined Deeper Bronze- a MAC classic and for good reason. This burnished bronze powder with copper pearl shimmer gives a the right touch of glow with the right touch of bronze coverage. I reserve Refined Deeper Bronze for a great night out.

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel in Ambre Terre- Ambre Terre is a deep bronze with golden faint shimmer. The formula is moisturizing but doesn't leave your skin greasy. Another plus about Ambre Terre, it has a duel brush! one side is black and blends smoothy, almost like a blush while the brown side is great for contouring.

Shu Uemura Deep Bronze- For us in the states, we need to run out and get this quick before Shu leaves the US. If there is on thing to get from Shu Uemura, it would have to be this bronzer. It's a medium bronze with shimmer. Additionally, since the formula borderline's matte, for bronzed beauties, you can use this as a face powder to even out your sunkissed skin.

NARS Casino- This sheer golden shimmer bronzer is a grab-and-go go to. Seriously, you can brush this on your cheeks, forehead and along the bridge of your nose and you are done. No foundation, just a bit of mascara and gloss can take care of a simple luck. Especially if the temperature is too hot to fuss with the rest of your look.

Nars Fall 2010 collection : Daphne-centric!

Breaking news from The Cut! Daphne Guinness is the Nars Fall 2010 campaign woman for the new collection and will have a purple eyeshadow named in her honor.

More details to come....

NARS Summer Event at Barneys- June17- June 19th

Summer is here and we are starting it off right at BARNEYS NEW YORK with the NARS SUMMER MAKEUP EVENT!!

Jumpstart to a sizzling summer: Come meet the NARS National Team.

The amazing makeup artists behind current runway looks & trends will be available by appointment to show you the tips & tricks to create YOUR personalized summer makeup look!

Thursday, June 17^th thru Saturday, June 19^th

^{BARNEYS New York – 660 MADISON AVENUE}

^{212.833.2008 or syefremova@barneys.com}

^{To schedule your appointment}

^{Awesome NARS gifts with Purchase and special BARNEYS ‘LOVE YOURSELF MADLY’ promotion during the NARS SUMMER MAKEUP EVENT.}

Top 5 Spring Beauty Must haves: #5 Lavender & Mint Eyeshadows

Yes, its that time again- Spring cleaning, out with old, in with new. After this winter I'm in definite need to put some spice in my beauty routine. Since life has been busy, and I am still

adjusting to the time change, glamming has been on the back burn. But fear not my friends, despite it being quite a soggy start to spring. I'm going to add some pop to my eyes.

Last week while in Duane Reade I saw a Maybelline ad with Jessica White ( ugh, should have taken a pic), in it she had mint green eye-liner ( know what I'm talking about?). The look was genius, very fresh and springy. While all thei product was sold out and I started to experiment with my own pastel eyeshadows and found that Lavender works best for my big browns.

How to wear it? I like to use it on my lower lash line. I'm privy to MAC's Purple Haze and NARS' Violetta eyeshadow duo. I love the fact that both are blendable and are heavily pigmented to last throughout the day.

During the day: a sheer wash across the lid as a base is great and for night, throw on a dark liner.

Photo: Derek Lam Spring 2010 RTW show via Style.com

both products recommended were purchased by me.

Beauty Inspiration: Princess Tiana

Over the weekend, I took my 3-year-old niece to see The Princess and the Frog. While enjoying the film with a theatre packed with singing, laughing, smiling children and parents. I was saying to myself- Exhibit A!

Call me crazy, I was watching this cartoon film and thinking- Princess Tiana is totally wearing NARS' Exhibit A blush.. I really need to stop.

Princess Tiana's makeup was flawless, while adjusting my niece on my lap and trying to figure out the animated equivalent of the rest of her beauty routine- I was amazed by the film itself.

Set in Jazz-era New Orleans, the story featured un-princessy issues, some of which we face today and other Disney film's haven't tackled. One being, independent women who are dreamers and do-ers vs. immature boys who just want to have fun- ladies, can you feel me?

Now, I'm going to have to watch it again sometime this week, between the bathroom and cookie breaks - I have to catch up on a musical number (or two) and figure out Princess Tiana's plummy eyeshadow shade and bordeaux lippie.

Disney's The Princess and the Frog released on Friday, December 11th

disclaimer: makeup suggestion is soley my interpretation, paid to see film.

photo: fanpop.com

DIY: Concealer

I've been running low on some good cover-up and adventured out to the Sephora on 5th avenue to see if they had some new goods. Unfortunately- A. either my shade or the product is discontinued or B. I am in-between shades. For example- Illamasqua's concealer, my shade is in-between CC320 and CC325. That's a hugestretch in tones!

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and whipped up my own concealer with the materials I had in my Ikea office furniture- turned 6 drawer traincase.

I broke out the following:

NARS Balanced Foundation in New Guinea

NARS Firming Foundation in Benares

NARS Concealer in Chocolate

YSL's Temps Mejor Yeux

and put all 3 to work.

First, I started with a small empty sample jar I received from Sephora.

I added a scoop of the Temps Mejor and cut a 1/16th disk of Chocolate concealer from the stick.

Chocolate is long since discontinued from NARS . Its darker than toffee and is without the yellow undertones. I then mixed New Guinea in the jar to get the concoction to my skin tone.

For further blending, heat a pot of boiling water and a small plastic bowl. Add water to the plastic bowl and add your jar of concealer contents.

When the concealor melts, take the jar out of the bowl, take a cotton swab (remove the cotton) and mix the contents. After this, place your new concealor is a cool-try area and watch the concealer's consistancy thicken.

Voila! you have a new custom made concealer with all of your own goods and just saved up to $20 in the process!

disclaimer: materials used were purchased by me except for the Sephora Sample jar.

NARS Loves New York Set Photos!

Its been a busy one, but I didn't forget!

Here are the long awaited photos of the NARS Loves New York Set !

Orgasm Blush- no name change for this one

Uptown Girl Eyeshadow Duo- Paris Eyeshadow duo renamed. I'm pleasantly surprised at how versatile this duo is, the metallic light grey is beautiful alone or with its charcoal grey counterpart. I'm finding that this duo is very easy to work into a daytime smoky.

New York Eyeshadow- I usually shy away from eyeshadow bases that stray from the conventional browns and golds- but this is a great plummy brown that complements my eyecolor!

Soho Nailpolish- deep eggplant purple that reminds me of Lincoln Park After Dark ( for you OPI fans) but has slight red metallic flecks in it. Perfect for fall!