The Five of '09

These are just a few things I look forward to in '09

5. More blogging by Sessilee Lopez! Leave a comment..because she will answer it!

4. Being fiscally fit! Eliminating the unneccessary and budgeting. I definitely need to cut my company cafeteria expenses down..at $10 a day for lunch...thats too too much.

Mint.com has been ever so helpful in allocating my expenses.. and MS Excel does just fine too.

3. 80's comebacks!

I don't mean video games and power shoulders, I mean the Supers!

Cindy in Paris Vogue's November issue, Claudia in D&G Resort and YSL Spring ads, Grace Jones' new album.

Also the return of sculpted contouring in make up ala Way Bandy and Kevin Aucoin.

Power Red pouts and volume in the crown.

2. Greening it up.

It's going to take time but the first step is B.Y.O.B- bring your own bag ( or cup).

Recently I have been putting my Yankee Swap/ White Elephant gift to use by bringing it with me everywhere. Wrapsacks.com has great collapsable bags that zip- transformer in the purse!

If you bring your own bag to Trader Joes, you are entered in a drawing for a gift card off your groceries!

Some Starbucks rewards by giving you some change off for bringing your own cup.

1. The Obama's

Anyone else excited?

Plus, Thakoon ( Michelle O sported his stuff recently) has a new line in target now! Get to the store while you can as the cute skirts and dresses are sold out online.

New Years Look

What look are you going to capture to ring in 2009?

I'm torn between YSL's Opium Red or a MAC bronzy gold gilded eye...

What will you be rockin' on Wednesday eve?

image: chanel.com

Happy Holidays from yours truly

I hope everyone out there is enjoying the holiday season and gearing up for a great '09.
So, what can we do to save for our lemmings in the Spring?

D.I.Y!

Here is a link to create your own Band of Outsider's Pencil Skirt.


Cheers,
Lacroix

NARS SPRING 2009 COLLECTION

Thanks to Bjooti.net, we have some collection info for NARS' Spring 2009 collection.

Some of which was displayed in NY Fashion week for Spring '09 ( Cap Vert Multiple).

Another interesting newbie to this collection- Concealer Duos! 

Concealer Duos

- Custard/ Ginger

- Praline/ Toffee

- Honey/ Vanilla

Eyeshadow Duos

-Egea

- Hula Hula

Eyeshadow Singles

- Baby Girl

- Grenadines

- Night Sun

Blush Duo

-Hungry Heart

Lipstick

- Shringar

Lipgloss

- Sweet Revenge

Multiple

- Cap Vert

MAC and Dame Edna

Yes, I have been quite low on MAC posts..sorry kids. 

It's the "force repromotes, anniversaries and collections at break- neck speed" mentality that has caused me to pull the emergencies on MAC.

But I'm delighted to let you know that I am out of my "funk"..just for this collection thus far.

MAC and Dame Edna mix the best of my world. Beauty and Humor! 

The collection launches on Friday, December 26th to the US counters.

First off, I love the packaging, my fave color; then I love the shades, fun, vibrant colors- just up my alley! Fuschia with blue tone lipstick..its about time!

Photos: Specktra.net, wwd

CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain vs. YSL Lip Marker: Round 1

                         Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain  vs.  YSL Lip Marker

Launch Date: Winter'08    Summer '03

Price: SRP $8            $24/ ebay for ~$10

Shade Selection:   10 shades           4 shades

Fave Shade: TBD            #4

Review: - something new for cg                - sold out summer of '03 

 - sold out at relaunch in fall '03

 - nice color and wearability, lasted all day.

Why? -so far so good, can't wait to try - Price!

CG Outlast Lipstain here

Photo: covergirl.com

Mother knows best- LTBB Survey #1

I asked my mom is she could answer some beauty related questions last week. 

Afterall, she was my inspiration into the world of noxema, then graduating to Clinique at 14 with my very own Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. She even championed me writing to Cover Girl, The Body Shop and J.A.N.E in asking why they didn't make enough foundation and powder colors for ethnic skintones. 

I am happy to report, they all answered back with mixed results 

( yes I'm talking about you J.A.N.E).

Anyway, here are the results to my survey.

Which Diva is your inspiration: Chaka, Patti or Aretha?
M: Patti

3 features you are highlighting on your face today

M: Just one MAC Smolder

What was your fragrance lemming at 13?
M: Can't recall

Your Desert Isle disk?

M: Luther Vandross' Greatest Hits

Simple Mom.

Lacroix is featured on whateverishly.com

Here

Gotta love those Coco B and Stella Glass

Review: YSL Gloss Pur Black Combos

Not only is this a tough economic time, but the holidays are upon us. I don't know how you feel now but yes, I have been doing some "denial" spending in the form of hitting up Loehmann's with my array of coupons, limiting my weekly outing dinner allowance and attending master classes from some newly formed friends at Bloomies in Soho.. ( why oh why!).
One denial/ guilty purchase began to reflect my mood this past month ( actual year), the economy and a throw back to the 90's- The dark lip.



Is Stefani Pilati an economic indicator? or just a sheer genius for simplicity?


* lost your job?
* an ass-clown got to your heart box ?
* "had it" up to here?

Um, yeah 'tis the season ( or afformentioned year).

Last year the wunderkund was going to work with dark nails. Why? because your senior was probably sporting it too and this allowed you to do the same.
This year, I dare you to see the same bravado when it comes to your bouche.

Das experiment- YSL Gloss Pur in Black. Its been raved, coveted and doubted. Rest assured my friends, it is wearable.
First off, the texture is amazing! A wet shine patent leather that keeps your lips moisturized. The scent is classic YSL maquillage- roses. Can't wait for what Spring will bring, my YSL counter manager promises more colors in this same gloss pur formula.



Combo 1: YSL Gloss Pur ( alone)
Verdict: a dab or two gives a nice wearable eggplant feel.




Combo 2:YSL Gloss Pur + MAC Ruby Woo
Verdict: a delicious glazed black cherry! A definite wearable shade for the holiday's.

Combo 3: YSL Gloss Pur + Shu Uemura Pink Beige
Verdict: a mess, nude + black gloss = messy mess ( not pictured)

Photos: YSL.com; Style.com; Lacroix's own

Birthday musing

Birthday Treat Time!

Bracing for a need to embrace the cooler months, I decided to divulge in Tocca's Bridgette perfume. First off, its new to the collection and has that "old world" feel much like its counterparts Stella, Touch, Cleopatra and Florence.
The diff with this newby? it's musky in a feminine way with touches of Sandalwood that leaves a nice spicy aura.
This is a huge change for me as 1. I'm not normally the fragrance type. Typically I tend to stick to either Stella McCartney or Lacroix's Tumulte or YSL's Elle, also none of which are "spicy".
The bottle design and cherub feel drew me in , the fragrance reminded me of a elegance that captured hanging out in a cafe on the Rue di Rivoli or just walking down the street and doing laundry feeling beautiful.
I really don't know what did it for me, but I couldn't resist purchasing it along with December's i-D magazine and getting a nice massage on a beautiful fall day.

Tocca Bridgette is available here

The Best of :Lippie, Lippie,Lippies

This category has been indeed tough. Between color, textures, scents (yeah!), longevity, consistency… I’m mind bottled! But I have narrowed down the slim pickings and here are the results oh some extensive research and feedback- behold.






Neutral Lipstick: MAC Crème Cerise

Neutral Lip Gloss: Bobbi Brown Honey

The “Everyday”* Lipstick: NARS Dolce Vita

The “Everyday” Lipgloss: Clinique Black Honey

The “Play”** Lipstick: YSL Purple Violet Rouge Pur

The “Play” Lipgloss: YSL Golden Gloss #9

Pink Lipstick: Shu Uemura #358

Pink Lipgloss: MAC Pink Poodle
Red Lipstick: MAC Charred Red

Red Lipgloss: NARS Diablo


* “Everyday” denotes the use of product during daylight hours between 9am-6pm and applicable after lunch.

** “Play” denotes the use of the product(s) during the evening hours during half price drinks, tapas and/or clubbing when sporadic attention is called to the lips.

Lacroix's Best of Beauty- Cheeks!

Aww yes,my fave! whether it be a sunkissed glow or a daring sweep of bright red on the apples. I love the versatility of blushes, highlighters and bronzers!

My faves are a mixed bag so I categorized them accordingly:



Blush:

Warm: MAC's Gingerly, YSL's Coriander
Neutral: Bobbi Brown's Tawny, MAC's Harmony
Cool: MAC's Breath of Plum, NARS' Sin




Bronzer:

YSL #2 Golden Sun is great for a semi-matte finish
MAC's Refined Deeper Bronze gives a great gold flecked shimmer

Highlighter:

NARS Mutliple in Mustique
NARS Blush in Luster
MAC's MSF in New Vegas

Photos: Bobbibrowncosmetics.com, ysl.com

Lacroix's Best of Beauty- All about the Eyes

Marilyn Monroe from All About Eve




Mascara- Givenchy Phenomen'eyes- it looks like Gogo Yubari's weapon from Kill Bill Volume 1 but with a steady hand, this will single handedly change your lashes ( that is if you want long lenghthing). For full and lush lashes- Fresh Supernova is a dream.

Eyeshadow- What makes a great Eyeshadow? Pigment, texture and longevity. MAC holds the title for this one. My faves- Fake- foggy grey, Purple Haze- violet and Black Tied- Deep purple with red flecks.




Eyeliner-Urban Decay's Smoke Out Eye Pencil wins- application is light with a sponge tip to smudge...smudge on!

Brows- Maybelline Clear Mascara is cheap and does the job as far as setting brows.

Lacroix's Best of Beauty- Powder

In this new world of HD flawlessness, powder is often forgotten. Whether it's used as a highlighter or to "powder your nose"..in my case, since I'm a natural oil slick, I chose the latter. My Faves:




1. MAC Select Sheer loose powder- Sheer and buildable in a variety of colors.perfecto! What's even cooler has been the different mixes and matches MAC has Incorporated, such as the loose beauty powder last year with shimmer. If you prefer the classic, stick to the original.

2. NARS Loose Powder- this is a fave for all obvious reasons but the selection is quite dismal. Though Mountain can work for chocolate brown skins...that's pretty much it! As Heat and Soleil are not available in loose powder format...bummer.

3. Clinique Stay Matte Pressed Powder- my first, Stay Amber ( which I believe is now discontinued?). Perfect for setting in the cute green compact and great for your skin too!

Photo:maccosmetics.com

Lacroix's Best of Beauty- Foundation

Allure has theirs, so does Instyle, Shape and Seventeen.. but none of these has anything to do with...me!
What do I have for you? after some time gathering data, pestering MUA's, deciphering differences between chocolate and cocoa, , picking up color palettes, swatching lippies and leaving remnants on my hands.

Let's start with the Base-ics..Foundation!



1. Nars Balanced Foundation
It takes the cake for base, since it has relaunched this summer with 5 beauty of color friendly tones for 16 shades to choose from. The coverage has been everything I had hoped for in a foundation, buildable, moisturizing sans the greasies and has vitamin's A&E. I personally take into account that whether I am in natural light or in photos, the titanium dioxide doesn't sneak up and make you an ash clown.
Who else loves NARS? Leighton Meister and America Ferrera...nice.

2. Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation
Does the job without breaking the bank also available in 16 shades and is available everywhere! A great grab and go for late night.

3. Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation
An extensive selection of shades (25) makes this one #3 on my list.

Christian Lacroix SS'09

Mix a little Sonia Rykiel for the hair and warm sandstone shimmer on the eyes and lips and you got Lacroix '09.
Femme, Folk and lively...

Photos: Style.com

Oh Mahogany! Sessilee & Tyra in V Magazine- October 08

Last week at the office, a friend showed my this spread in V magazine' October issue aptly titled " I Called Her Mahogany".
I squealed, then I bought it.

I am enamored with the makeup looks in this spread! Especially Sesilee Lopez's.

She goes from one bold look to another that looks completely editorial and club ready ( for us not readily in front of the camera).
From Fire Engine Red Lips to a proper plum.

Tyra doesn't do too bad either, I love the golden look focusing on her favorite- the eyes.

In one shot she is on the cover of a Bazaar issue from 1975 and the spread says that the makeup is done by Ayako (of NARS). I would love to know the products used. A wild guess would be Black Moon Eyeliner, Exhibit A Blush and Shanghai Express Lipstick.

Plus, can you spot a Michelle Obama influence in some of these shots?

Enjoy!

NARS gets even more Sexier...

In the first issue I ever read of Allure magazine ( I remember it had Cindy on the cover), there was an article headline that read Sex vs. Makeup. I was instantly intrigued..and still carry on this debate to this day.
Carrying on, on October 8th Sephora will launch NARS' two new kits that coincidently marry makeup, sex and lack thereof.

The Safer Sex Kit includes an Orgasm multiple stick and 2 NARS packaged condoms.
The Safest Sex Kit includes an Orgasm multiple stick with a little black instruction guide on how to say 'No' .

A portion of the sale will go to Amfar programs to promote global safe sex education initiatives.

Nice!

Check it out here

Perfect Volume

The higher the hair...for me is usually accompanied by dryness. Very unfortunate.
But after observing hair with volume sans stiff and breakage, I had to find out how my strands can 1. look good and 2. retain moisture.
Low and behold Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Spray. To the rescue, here it is and here I am!
After seeing the amazing things that this spray has contributed to on the Spring'09 runways- especially after the Frank Tell show. I was in amazement.
Last week I replaced my pre-blow dry setting spray with B&B's Thickening spray and it make my strands smooth and gave a bit of a lift that wasn't Maria Menunous tacky and not high heaven.
Another feature I wanted to check out was if it could be of value to my relaxed hair, no qualm at all!

Bumble and Bumble can be found at professional hair salons and in the city at C.O Bigelow Chemists.

Back from some R&R

Sorry to leave you hanging. I'm back from some R&R.
Went to Street Scene in San Diego, saw Justice , MGMT and Beck. Hung out with friends and family... naturally inner beauty related :).

Ok now back to the beauty blogging.

Lacroix

Chris Benz Spring'09, NARS Cosmetics

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The Chris Benz Spring '09 show makeup has to be the most flattering, upbeat look I've seen since the smokey eye!
As seen on the models in his show, Spring is sun-shiny and flirty with yellow-gold tones on the eyes , dewy burnished cheeks and nude lips.

Check out the details on the looks below from Nars makeup Artist Ayako and take notes for the products that launch in the spring. Let the countdown begin!

Face:
Apply NARS Firming Foundation where needed, to cover skin imperfections
Apply The Multiple in Portofino to cheeks
Apply a small amount of NARS Loose Powder to entire face to set the base
With NARS Blush Brush blend both sides of Duo Blush in Hungry Heart (new for Spring 2009), sweeping across entire cheek
Eyes:
Apply a generous amount of NARS Concealer to entire eyelid, to help color stick
Apply NARS Highlighting Blush Powder in Albatross to entire lid, extending up to eyebrows
Press NARS Single Eyeshadow in Night Sun (new for Spring 2009) over entire lid and up to brow, letting gold particles fall down onto cheeks
With NARS Eyebrow Pencils, fill in brows for a soft finish
Lips:
Apply a small amount of NARS Concealer to lip
Use Lipliner Pencil in Fantasia to tone down lip color
Apply NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge (new for Spring 2009) to entire lip

Info from Teenvogue.com
Photos: Elle.com

Backstage: Frank Tell RTW Spring '09

NY Fashion Week thus far has been a whirlwind to say the least.

Yesterday I was backstage at Frank Tell's show. The look was flirty, party and seductive.

Gina Crozier for M.A.C supplied the models with doll-like lashes accented with a feather lower lash and heavy liner. The cheeks were done with a delicate hand with a coral pop, lips where a rosy pink gloss.

With everything going on backstage, photographers, stylist Keegan Singh, interns ..I hoped to take a good picture of the looks..but I failed. I got a preliminary backstage photo and am working on more photos from the show.

Photos:Fashionista.com and Lacroix

Get Ready for New York Fashion Week!

Starting next week, from September 5th-12th New York Fashion week 

( Spring /Summer '09 season) will be taking over the city!
Fortunately, I'm here in the city and will have exclusive coverage of a designer's fashion show!
I can't reveal at the time but I can tell you that they are working with MAC. More details will follow!

Keeping you informed

Lacroix

Fall into Nars!

I’m in a new city and need somewhat of a new look, getting acclimated and assimilated.
Coming from SD where you are used to tanned skin, lots of bronze on cheeks and pale Playboy Bunny lip to NYC where I’m in admiration with the sophisticated au naturale look and smokey eyes that incorporate colors to complement your eyes and golden cheeks.
What SoCal lacks from NYC is ..well, the natural look. The “I woke up fab look” the “I’m not trying hard” aesthetic.

So when meeting up with a childhood friend last weekend, I was in awe of her blush and lip color choices.. all Nars. Word? Yes. Orgasm/Laguna Blush Bronzer duo.

If you read this avidly, my live for Nars has grown.
I’ve definitely have done a 45 degree turn on Nars, lately from the Nordies trendshow makeover this past June where I was pleasantly surprised with the Mustique Multiple. Next was the release of the new deep/dark oil-free and balanced foundation shades available at Sephora
Then was a mini-review of the Fall 2008 collection and when I went to test it, I was over the lipgloss Female Trouble. Why? Because it seemed very similar to Hustler and too pale and shimmery for my liking.

Regardless, I’m in love with the simplicity of the line and know I shouldn’t be spending since I have no job and am on the search for one in NYC!
But, if I can give up some restaurant dinners on the evenings and weekends – just rummage from my dad’s fridge, this will pay off.

Yesterday, I scored Plaisir and Taj Mahal blushes at C.O.Bigelow Chemist on 6th Ave by Grenwhich. I read up on how they are great for WOC from MAC_Pixie04 on Specktra.net and Scandalicious Beauty.


Plaisir is a dusty rose without shimmer very sheer and everyday wearable and it was 50% off (it’s being discontinued).


Taj Mahal is a burnt sienna orange with gold shimmer.

Hard Candy's online sale- 75% off!

Remember back when Alicia Silverstone's favorite nailpolish was Hard Candy's Sky ? Remember it also being out of your allowance range? ( well, you can't get Jane, Covergirl and Hardcandy in the same week)

Starting now, Hard Candy's nailpolish is reduced to $1.75!  Complexion Perfection Powder $3.75

Get them online while you can@ HardCandy.com

Photo: Hard Candy.com

Givenchy's Phenomen'eyes Review

After combing Soho, Union and Harold square for Givenchy's new Phenomen'eyes mascara, I finally found it at the Sephora in Time's Square. Yes, I walked 30+ blocks for this mascara and it is definitely worth it!

Tonight, I compared phenom against my plain ol' lashes and I have to say. You can definitely wear the mascara without eyeshadow or liner, why? because the coverage of my lashes has extended beyond my lid!

Phenomen'eyes is described as  a" high-tech brush, revolutionary, patented ball made of ultraflexible elastomer".

The formula is described as" containing a polymer with a curling effect smoothes and shapes lashes, holding the curve of your lashes perfectly in place". I concur respectively.

In pics: on the left, lashes dressed in Phenomen'eyes Phenomen'Black and  to the right, bare lashes.

Sold exclusively at Sephora for $27.

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