2010 Moments in Beauty: Gaga-fied

Lady Gaga was the beauty campaign champion of the year despite only being feature in one- MAC's Viva Glam for 2010. But this year, there were a plethora of products in her honor such as NARS's holiday Nailpolishes ( Poker Face and Little Monsters) and her new Viva Glam campaign with MAC coming in 2011.

A suggestion for a mini- gaga collection? golden metal eyelashes and spray makeup.

2010 Moments in Beauty: MAC vs. Rodarte

There is a reason why high fashion doesn't translate well for mass consumers, because Inspiration gets lost in translation. Unfortunately, not even Rodarte or MAC cosmetics could come up with a successful way of marketing the most promising designer collaboration from MAC since Hello Kitty. The winner, the awareness of social and political issues of the towns at the US/ Mexico border.

2010 Moments in Beauty: Reintroduction to Rouge

For quite sometime lipstick has been associated with the past: matte, stiff, inflexible, etc eighties or nineties related. Gen X, Y and Millenials have been subject to gloss since the nineties when new formulas and nude tones dominated the scene ( remember 2002-2003 was the year for MAC's Chai..I saw it everywhere!). This year marked the reintroduction to Rouge courtesy of Chanel with the launch of Rouge Coco. By discontinuing their frosty Hydrabase Lipsticks and creating a smoother texture, slightly shimmery range of 40+ colors for 3 generations of women to care about. Throw in a kicky, kitschy campaign and you got tons of Bloggers and new customers clamoring!

2010 Moments in Beauty: Global Beauty Gals

2010 brought in the global beauty force!

March 2010, Paris Vogue gave Rose Cordero a solo cover. The 2010 September Vogue had Halle Berry solo and V magazine put Gabby Sibide on the covers of their mags.

Top performing beauty companies realized their brand embassadors had to mirror their potential clients and tap into diversity.

Estee Lauder signed both Liu Wen and Joan Smalls for 2011.

I can't wait to see who is next!

2010 Moments in Beauty: Orange You Glad ?

Despite the not so cheery news of unemployment, transit hikes and lousy sample sales, you didn't have to look panicked in the face of unpleasant news. While determining whether to brave a face with the powerful red lip or a play up the youthful pink lip, neither contended as much as an old 80's favorite, Orange.

From Apricot to Coral down to Tangerine, Orange was 2010's juiciest element of surprise. From MAC's Pret a Papier collection to YSL's Solaris Summer collections, new tones and textures where introduced that had a new crowd clamoring for radiance in a time of recession.

2010 Moments in Beauty: Tom Ford Lip Luxe

2010 was also the year of Tom Ford, A Single Man was beautiful, his ready to wear is popping up all over print and he's continuing to churn the most coveted perfume ever. Oh yeah, for got to mention, he also created the best lipstick ever!

TF's Private Blend Lipstick is the gem that makes you not want to use it. The 12 color range lipsticks are made with the best of the best ingredients, hince the $52 price tag.

A piece of art for all your extra special days.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays and a beautiful New Year!
xo L

Chanel 2011: Rouge Allure Flamboyant #84

Well Hello there beautiful!

Lanvin Shades, Flamboyant Rouge Allure on the lips, sans teint!

From the top: Flamboyant, Coquette, Flamboyant ( again) and Nakkar


It was approximately about a month ago I was oogling over Chanel's Riva for the Holiday season. I didn't really find the Holiday collection as exciting as the robin's egg nail polish color but when I was doing some X-mas shopping in Soho yesterday afternoon, I stumbled into Chanel Soho and they had the Spring 2011 collection.
Yes, actually it is about that time for Spring 2011 as last year around this time I made a video about Particulier. Well, the whole Les Perles collection was available for purchase as it is on the chanel.com site.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this collection as the tones are very grey with a twist of green but upon seeing the corals in the Nakkar glossimer and Flamboyant Rouge Allure, I reconsidered.
The MA suggested I try Flamboyant, suggesting that it would look good against my skin tone and she spoke the truth. Flamboyant is a coral and deep rose confection and Nakkar is its glossy counterpart with golden flecks. If you enjoy a great orange, coral- as I am discovering, you will love these two colors!

Best of 2010: Ashley F's beauty picks!

Ashley F is a writer for BAS and wetpaint and her tumblr is freaking HILARIOUS!
She loves Let the Right One In, Everyone Says I Love You and Gosford Park.
Recently played itunes songs are Jorge Ben, Caetano Veloso, MF Doom, KMD, old Billy Joel SWV and Jodeci.

These are her favorite

Classic " Go To" Product of the Year: The thing I absolutely cannot live without is Dr. Perricone's No Foundation Foundation. Its basically a sheer light-coverage foundation with an anti-aging, moisturizing component. Its $50 but a little goes a long way. It smells a little weird but whatevz, makes my face glow. I don't know how "universal" the universal shade is, but it works for me since I have a light ivoryish tone.

New Discovery of 2010: Favorite discovery of 2010 is definitely Tarte Natural Lip Stain in Moody. Every female friend that I have let try it on has then bought it and it looks great on everyone.

Dream product you want: My dream beauty product is something that gives me perfect liquid eyeliner effect without being, you know, liquid eyeliner, because that shit is impossible for me to apply.

Beauty favorite for under $10: Beauty favorite under $10 is Maybelline The Falsies mascara. Its great and yes, you need to replace it every month, but for $7 that's no big deal. This stuff works great even without a lash separator.

Beauty Favorite for over $10:For over $10 I would have to say that I am very devoted to my Givenchy Phenomeneys. I have small eyes and the awesome ball applicator gets at those very teensy lashes in the corner of your eyes which are the most critical cuz they make you look like 60s Marisa Berenson.

Disclaimer: All products were purchased by Ashley.

Photo are from www.cheapclothesblog.com and www.abovethefraymag.com

Best of 2010!

Yes, its that time again! The best of 2010 as presented by some of the best of the best of BK and LA!
It's been busy and cold here but soon I will be free to get back into blogging as much as I would like to. Lots of treats, reviews swatches and looks.
Anyone else going to see Tron on Friday. I can't wait and am going to wear Nouvelle Vague for it.

Lets start this party off.. right!

Giveaway Winner: Dana

Congrats to Dana who won the B-day giveaway!

Don't fret, there will be more giveawys to come

I Want This: Fred Farrugia Cosmetics

Occasionally I check out Sephora.fr to see what the Sephora in the US is missing when it comes to makeup that packs a punch. I've enjoyed seeing Fred Farrugia's line and its prevalence in such publications as Paris Vogue and French Elle.

So of course I'm wondering, how can we get these colorful pigment rich colors in the US? I love the concept of the DIY color palettes and the different textures of the lip products that are in line with the makeup trends and classics alike. But what gets me amped is how the palette is collapsible- more room in my makeup bag , which is by the way clocking in at almost a pound in my purse.

Can anyone tell me when or if this will be available in the US?

For now, I'll just have to add this to my list of items to buy when I get to a Sephora in France, which could be in a few years.. le sigh.

photos: Sephora.fr

Apologies for the delay...

Comments are up for the Birthday Giveaway !
Only a few days left

Giveway: Birthday Goodies for you!

It's my Birthday, and you can win a bag full 'o goodies for FREE from Lacroix the Beauty Blog.

Just leave an answer to the following question below. Good Luck!

What is your favorite under $10 beauty item for 2010?

One (1) winner will be chosen at random from the answers in the comments section of the post or from an email to Lacroixthebeautyblog (at) gmail.com to win one (1) Chanel’s Khaki Vert Nail Vernis, one (1) Exceptionnel de Chanel Mini Mascara and one (1) Mini Sublimage Eye cream.

One entry per person please, duplicate entries will be disqualified. Contest is open to all countries per your state and or country's law.

Winner will be notified by tweet and e-mail no later than December 1st and posted here on Lacroix the Beauty blog!
Giveaway Starts: Saturday, November 20, 2010 , Now
Giveaway Ends: Saturday, November 28th at 3:00pm PST

xoxo L

disclaimer: giveaway items were purchased by me with the sole intent of giving away to readers.

Lanvin x H&M : The Madness, The Lipstick!

I'm a little upside down from my camera phone!

At 5:30 am this morning, I got in line at the 59th and Lex H&M for the Lanvin Collection and was part of the 8:25am crew to get my 15 minutes of shopping in.

Despite the furvor and sheer madness of past collections, I have to say that this one was a job well done by H&M, security, etc!

at 7:00am we got hot coffee and croissants along with a Lanvin x H&M tote bag and scarf. We were allowed to go in the store at 8am but there was a barracade to get to the Lanvin section, where security checked your wristband time and let you know when to come back ( if your time was not next). Given that me and the girls time was 8:25, we were next and had 15 minutes to get the stuff we wanted, and thank goodness there was replenishment every 5 minutes!

Too bad I had no video camera on me so that you could see the 8amers in action. I wanted to ask this women who had 25 dresses in her hand " What's your ebay store?" because there was no way she was a size 2 and 10..

Anyway, overall I ended up with everything I wanted! The faux fur vest, the chain belt, tights, the most coveted item- the sunglassses and... Lanvin Lipsticks!!

There are 4 in the collection but I bought 2, Hot Pink and Bordeaux. Both has a slight rosey scent and I haven't swatched them as of yet, so I don't know what their texture is like.

Anyway, If you can withstand the craziness check out an H&M that is carrying the line but if not, there is ebay.

Chanel Cruise Beauty 2011: Chanel Riva Nail Color Swatches

Yes! Chanel's soon to be It polish is here Riva from the Cruise 2011 beauty collection! The color is a soft Robin's egg baby blue and I'm definitely loving how the color complements my tone.

I picked it up today at a Chanel Boutique in the city and the SA let me know I would need 2-3 coats- she was right. I have on about 3-4. I was so excited to test the color, I almost burnt my dinner! Hense the messy middle finger after trying to scramble and find my fan to blow out the smoke in the kitchen... see nothing comes between me and some hot new nails..almost literally.

To be quite honest, I didn't think I would like the light blue as Jade turned out to be a little loud for me. But, I'm wearing Riva for the moment and think that I can definitely pull it off in an office setting and also get away from the delicious deep colors for the fall by breaking out with this Spring tone early.

The price for the polish is $27 and its official launch is December 1st. I strongly suggest that you call your local boutique to see if they have it - that's what I did. Chanel Soho has major stock and the SA's are nice and friendly, though I don't know their shipping policy.

disclaimer: I bought and enjoyed this product from Chanel for the purposes of review and an upcoming birthday.

Allure and Barneys Present: Red Lipstick Panel

On a chilly day last week, I attended the Allure+Barney's " What is the meaning of Lipstick?" panel that featured Poppy King, Founder and CEO of Lipstick Queen, Sue Devitt, Founder and President of Sue Devitt, Carisa Janes, Founder and CEO of Hourglass and Terry De Gunzburg, Owner and Creator of By Terry. The panel was moderated by Allure's Editor in Chief, Linda Wells and the subject was nothing short of AMAZING!

So What is the meaning of lipstick? The subject brought out so many different contexts that aligned from how women felt in different eras in the US, the powerful 80's, statement lips of the 40's to the global social impact of women wearing red, in Asia at one time, it was forbidden.

The panel took us through why there has been a boom in the nude or natural lip color and also why we women have a hard time finding the right red.

Overall, the panel was great- hearing Linda Wells speak was fantastic. The highlight for me was hearing the passion of Poppy King! She is the red lipstick guru and she has this unsurmountable knowledge of lipsticks and their social implications. Terry De Gunzberg spoke about the technology of products, why some brands ( her's included ) are luxury- the technology put into the product! Afterall, this is coming from the women who helped invent YSL's Touche Eclat after working for YSL beaute for over 30 years! Sue Devitt spoke to how different markets appeal to different consumers and how the US is a huge color cosmetic market but Asia is focused on skincare.

I was blown away by all the knowledge and will have a special surprise for you all this week stemming from this event so stay tuned!

Halloween 2010: My Tron Legacy Costume

My Tron Legacy Makeup look

Products used to achieve look:

Face:

YSL Perfect Touch Foundation in #13

MAC Harmony Blush

Eyes:

MAC Haunting Eyeshadow

MAC Nile Eyeshadow ( in the crease)
Chanel Bois Bleu single Eyeshadow ( in the crease)

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

MAC Khol liner in Smolder ( on the waterline)

Lips:
NARS Triple X lipgloss


The final product!

The prep: I knew that I wanted to be a character from Tron legacy but didn't know how to approach how to put my costume together. First, I knew that I didn't want to invest upwards of $500 into a costume I'm using once.
For the framework, luckly I had some leggings from winter. Then I went to Uniqlo and bought a cheap fleece turtleneck that I turned inside out.
The net pieces acquired were the source of the "glow". Again, with limited resources, my costume couldn't be as slick as this guy's costume here, so I researched buying glow sticks in bulk- this turned out to be a success!
I ordered 50 necklaces and 50 bracelets in blue and a hot glue gun and got to work on a Thursday night, making sure not to snap the bracelets so that they don't start glowing because the glow is only for 24hrs.
After about a calculated method of not snapping the glowsticks, I glued them onto the sides of my black leggings (please note, I didn't plan on using the leggings post costume so gluing was an option). After gluing the glowsticks onto the sides of my leggings, I continued on with gluing the glowsticks onto my turtleneck.
The next day (Friday) , I snapped the glowsticks when putting on my costume and was pleasantly surprised with the results.

The framework.

Lanvin for H&M Pics are here

Vogue.uk has all of the Lanvin for H&M pics plus prices!
Click here to see and get ready for November 20th ( and November 23rd).
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/101102-lanvin-for-h-and-m/gallery.aspx?Page=1#
I'm loving the shoes and of course, want the lipstick!

Coming Soon: Chanel's Riva

Source: Vogue Paris

What's next on Chanel's Nail Agenda? The perky pastel blue nail color that was featured in the Spring 2011 Couture collection, Riva. On December 1st, you can get your hands on the next hot color from Chanel following the Khaki collections and fall's beloved Paradoxal.

Are you loving this shade?

YSL Sample Sale 2010: A Fantastic Frenzy

Today was the first of 3 days where the 4th floor of the Metropolitan Pavillion was devoted to the YSL friends and family sale.

If you have the patience to withstand an hour plus weight, the wit to get someone to put a Muse bag down and the strength to haul everything you see. This is the sale for you... kinda.

Its not all that bad, but you do need a strategy.

I have a simple 3:

1. Be on the look-out. Especially with shoes and your wallet. You can try on the shoes at the sale but keep a close eye on your own shoes, shoppers have been known to swipe other shoppers shoes.

2. Don't dress too complicated. When you are trying on clothes, the last thing you want to do is fight to get out of the layers that you have on only to look up and see the clothes you chose to try on are gone. Shoppers swipe #2.

3. Keep it simple and practical. For the YSL sale I know that whatever I buy I will wear for years to come. Just two years ago I bought 6 items from the sample sale ( a cashmere sweater, a silk skirt set, a pair of deep grey jeans, a black tie front blouse and a gold tie front blouse) for $200. I still use these clothes to this day, it also helps to go on the last day as the prices are marked down.

At today's first day frenzy, I bought the top pictured. Its quirky but totally works.

The YSL Sample sale is at the Metropolitan Pavillion on 18th between 6th and 7th aves from Thursday, October 28th from 8am-8pm; Friday, October 29th from 8am-8pm and Saturday, October 30th from 9am-4pm.

Happy shopping!

Photo: Style.com

Dior's Black Tie Affair

Dior's Miniaudiere Holiday 2010 Collection brings us Black Tie #992, the newest edition to the Dior Addict Ultra Gloss collection.

The super black glosses of the past have all had a wearable cast and this one looks the same. Its described as a "dark violet black" and boasts sheer shimmer much like the the other Dior Glosses.

With the flair for the dramatic, Black Tie will definitely errs on the side of glamour for the holidays and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Paris Vogue goes Bohemian for Nov 2010

November issues of magazines are my September Issues. Why? Becuase November is my B-day month! I've had this thing ever since I was a young beauty-ista mixing my cream Noxema with my mom's Maybelline Shades of You foundation, I went out and bought almost all us publications of fashion mags on my birth month.

Paris Vogue for the month of November channels a spring time bohemian vibe for fall with Natasha Poly's striking blue eyeshadow and voluminious pig-tails.

Can't wait to see the Beauty thats inside the issue. Speaking of issues, I need to post fave pics from Paris Vogue's October 90th anniversary issue.

Where has time gone?

5 Favorite Looks for Spring 2011

1. Matte is back.

Remember back in the 90's where you would wear a matte powder or foundation? back when there was no moisture whatsoever in the formula that you were wearing ? but it was ok because super matte was where it was at! For Spring 2011's Calvin Klein show, matte came back and brought with it a natural finish in all the right places.

2. Punchy Bright Lips at Fendi

Peter Philips brought punchy lips to Fendi for Spring 2011 and he brought Chanel's Lip colors with him, afterall he is the creative director for Chanel's cosmetics and Karl Lagerfeld is at the helm of Fendi. This was quite a surprising change in the cosmetic forecast for Fendi as they normally have smoky eyes. Nice way to spice up Spring and keeping us in suspense for either Chanel's pre-Spring or Spring beauty collections.

3. Glossy Sunset Gold eyeshadow

Glossy Sunset Gold is the daytime alter ego of disco's Solid Gold, wearable during the day and completely presentable for all occasions- whether it be work or play as seen at Bottega Venetta Spring 2011.

4. Nouveau Classics

Hermes Spring 2011 brought us a classic makeup look that has trascended this past decade. The full brow, which has been "in" since 2001, the lined upper lid, and the subtle cheek glow. Three favorites that have been used throughout the oughties.

5. Berry Bold Spring

Yes, Berries are back for Spring 2011 and was in attendence at YSL's show. The hue is easy to wear without bringing too much attention and subtle to wear in the office or apply sans a mirror.

All Photos: Style.com

Disney's TRON Dream Designer Collaboration

TRON is getting in on the designer collaboration buzz before the film releases in December. Not bad considering this is one of the most anticipated sequels since the StarWars franchise.

The TRON accessories collections boasts sleek futuristic designs with the TRON signature black and teal green from the likes of Hayden-Harnett (handbag pictured), Rotenier ( necklace pictured) and Derez Earrings (pictured).

If you are located in Los Angeles, you are in luck! A pop-up shop will launch in November.

I can't wait to see these items in person, but until then, we will have to wait until next month.

Additionally, I can't wait to hear the soundtrack as Daft Punk scored the films music.

YSL's #6 Touche Eclat

YSL's Touche Eclat #6 is finally here for all you beauties whose tones are richer than #4 and need a concealer/highlighter.

How much richer is #4 compared to #6? Well if your Sephora doesn't have a chart- if you are currently wearing Mocha or deeper (or NW40 or higher, in MAC), #6 is for you. The difference between #4 and #6 is that #6 focuses on more reddish undertones while #4 is for more neutral undertones.

When testing #6 before purchasing, the YSL counter manager noted that #4 works great but I would need a moisturizer prior to wear. Whereas, #6 is the more " wear and go" because you don't have to prime before usage.

This info was good to know since now I know that I have been ripping and running around without additional moisturizer while wearing #4- yikes! But I also have to take into account that my well moisturized skin endures up to 4 different lighting situations daily.

Anyway, so far so good with #6 , I'm sure this product will be the rave of the year for those who are on the hunt for a great concealer/highlighter with a great legacy!

MAC Venomous Villains: Dr Facilier's Cajun Creation

Swatch on Right side of hand

" Don't know how you do the Voodoo that you do.." - "Shoop"by Salt N' Pepa

Trying to get a hold of or even a swatch of anything from MAC's Venomous Villains is like trying to get on the VIP list for the Hermes Sample Sale . Next to impossible. I went to 3 different stores here in NYC and EVERYTHING was either sold out,display product was mangled or replaced by a similar product from the perm line.

However, while there was no more Maleficent or Evil Queen collections for me to peruse, I did get to check out the newest Disney villain's collection- Dr Facilier. The only product that stuck out for me was this Magically Cool Liquid Powder. Initially I swatched it and noticed that the powder has a "charge", much like back in science class where you put a magnet next to shreds of iron or any other element and it sticks to the magnet stoically.

Next, the temperature was cool initially then warmed to my body temp, this amazed me! Then the makeup artist informed me that the powder is a new formula used with 70% water and assured me that unlike a majority of the dupable collection, the liquid powder was a new product and not an iridescent powder. The "sparkles" are less prevalent in this new powder.

I've been using the Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun for a few days now and use it as an overlay to set my concealer.

Job well done MAC with this one, I can't wait to see what other technology will be unleashed in the future.

Lanvin's Spring 2011 beauty

Photo from Style.com

Hot off the webpress from Paris Fashion week is a look from Lanvin. I'll be sure to do a wrap up on all faves during Spring 2011 Fashion Weeks, but what intrigued me about Lanvin's show and Style.com's write-up on the backstage beauty was Pat McGrath's use of a new Covergirl product, NaturalLuxe Silk foundation for the natural matte finish for the show. I can't wait to hear more about CG and Proctor and Gamble's push to introduce more "greener" products and packaging. Hopefully this product is is the first step for both companies to participate in "green" beauty. We will see..