Monday, July 6, 2009

bobbi brown news


For the love of Pete, why the heck can't they open one of these near us?

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics brings the “The Bobbi Brown Experience” to life, with the opening of two new free-standing stores in Paris at 1 Bis, Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Le Marais, Paris and in Japan at 3-46 Kita-Aoyama, Minata-ku, Tokyo (seen above).

The Studios are an expression of Bobbi Brown’s unique brand culture, and a way for consumers to discover and enjoy Bobbi’s products and services first-hand.

Community, artistry, and education are the hallmarks of The Studio. To that end, the store’s main design component is a communal artistry table, which creates a warm and welcoming environment for the consumer and others to try products at their own leisure, or if they so choose, get the help of their Makeup Artists. Additional lifestyle and architectural details reflect Bobbi’s approachable but sophisticated aesthetic.

When anyone visits The Studio, they will have the freedom to design their own shopping experience. You'll be able to gather with others at the artistry table to exchange tips and ideas; watch a video of Bobbi’s seasonal inspirations and how-to’s; or choose from a menu of specialized services. The Studio will also offer exclusive, limited edition items on a seasonal basis.

A visit to The Studio will provide consumers with the ultimate immersion into Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ brand culture.

Here are the key store design features...

Communal Artistry Table: The heart and center of the store. This table invites consumers shopping alone, as well as larger groups. They can test products on their own or enjoy on-the-spot makeup lessons from our Makeup Artists.

Product Wall: Introduces the consumer to key product categories; will be updated regularly, and will include framed inset niche’s for product along with large visuals.

Press/Inspiration Wall: Includes local press placements, as well as pages from Bobbi’s sketchbook and concept diary. This wall introduces consumers to Bobbi’s many facets – makeup artist, entrepreneur, lifestyle expert, philanthropist – and illuminates the inspirations and concepts behind top Bobbi Brown products.

Private Event Space: Part makeup studio, part learning center. This space is ideal for consumers who want a private, more intimate setting for their one-on-one makeup lessons. It can also be used for small events and makeup parties.


The Studio will also give customers the opportunity to receive educational services in both individual and group settings. Makeup applications and lessons can take place at a communal artistry table or in a more private setting.


The Menu of Services in The Paris Studio will include...

VIP Makeup Lesson: The ultimate makeup lesson in a one-on-one setting. Their artists will impart Bobbi's professional tips and techniques and create a skincare and makeup routine tailored to the consumer’s needs and lifestyle. 1 hour.

Makeup Party Workshops: Ideal for corporate groups, professional gatherings, celebrations or a girls' night out. Each woman will receive a personalized makeup lesson and a customized face chart, plus an insider's look at the things that inspire Bobbi. Minimum of 4 people. 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Special Occasion Beauty: Makeup artists will treat each consumer to a flawless makeup application that's perfect for the big night out - from the prom to a cocktail party. 30 minutes.

Teenage Beauty: Ideal for teens, eighteen and under. Teens will get answers to their burning beauty questions and learn how to be their prettiest. 30 minutes.

Bridal Beauty: Tailor-made for the bride to be. Artists will show women how to look their best from ceremony to reception. 1 hour trial application. 1 hour application day of wedding.

Brow Grooming: Groomed brows instantly add polish. During this session, makeup artists will do a brow shaping and grooming.


True Bobbi Brown addicts are probably dying right now.

As of now, there are 13 free-standing Bobbi Brown stores worldwide – 2 in the US (Belk, North Carolina and Montclair, New Jersey) and 11 overseas.

Apparently the big plan is to have 35 global free-standing stores open by 2012.

Here's hoping they'll bring one around here. We'll try and cross our fingers for one to come your way as well.


Jennifer and Christine

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loving this...tarte's lights, camera, lashes! 4 in 1 natural mascara

While I may not be a high maintenance kind of gal, I'm certainly not the kind of person you might find camping out in the woods.

Me, a billion bugs, and miles from the nearest electrical outlet? Uh no.

This is about as close to nature as I'll ever get.

Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4 in 1 (meaning it will lengthen, curl, give volume, and condition) Natural Mascara ($18) has seen it's share of major rotation since I was given the chance to check it out.

What first got me was the cute little packaging. The faux leather/snakeskin container is just too adorable...and the purple just brings it all together.

I love the brush because it's just the right size for hitting all your lashes and not bringing on the clumps.

The formula provided great definition, enough curling to satisfy me, and volume. But what I noticed right away was the conditioning part...my lashes never felt so soft and flexible.

There was also very little (if at all) smudging going on at the end of the day.

So I really loved that.

Add in the fact that it can do this with natural ingredients you can actually pronounce, I think you have to admit it's pretty great.

As of now it's sold out on the tarte website (tartecosmetics.com), but you should be able to swing by your local Sephora and check it out for yourself.



Jennifer

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Sunday, July 5, 2009

beauty bloggers weekend reads

It's Mario Badescu week at The Informed Makeup Maven where a new MB product is reviewed everyday.  Don't forget to enter IMM's giveaways!


Dao from My Makeup Blog discovered a way to have Gisele Bunchen's hair without using heat.


Beauty Anonymous takes you to the ocean-inspired makeup collections.


Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters has just published the Advice Sisters bi-monthly, Summer 2009 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column featuring 25 pages chock full of Summer-safe products for every budget and every activity!.


Fabulous Over Forty has a favorite brand of aromatherapy for body and mind.



More Than a Pretty Face presents Part 1 of her interview with makeup artist extraordinaire Sam Fine. Stay tuned for Part 2!



The Beauty Couch is giving away two ChapStick True Shimmers to fulfill all your shimmery dreams.



Visit Lipgloss Break to Enter to Win Vera Wang Rock Princess and Barielle Summer Sugar Rush Nail Collection!

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Saturday, July 4, 2009

happy july 4th!

I'm sure you're heading out for a day of barbeques, pools, and fireworks...so have fun.

To tide you over, I found this on YouTube. This is honestly the coolest thing I have ever seen.

Enjoy and have a great Fourth of July!




Jennifer and Christine

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fall 2009 collection venise de chanel

On counters this month is Chanel's new shades for Fall 2009.

I know, I know, you're just starting to get into summer and you've probably just purchased some self tanner or something like that...but, get ready for the fall collections ladies.

A look seen on the runway models and created by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, at the 2009/10 Cruise Collection show that were held on the beaches of Venice, Italy.

Think rich sienna, deep rose tones, dusky greys, and greens combined for a modern look that can be softened for day or emboldened come evening.

I'm actually kinda loving the hair here too...sorta Great Gatsby-ish.


New for the collection is Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Intuitive, a pinkish brown; Clandestine, a rich brick shade; Captive, a classic brown; Amusing, a rosewood tone; Comedia, a true rose; and Instinctive, a perfect pink nude.

Your pout will dazzle with Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Courtisane, a natural pink, and Arelequin, a glossy gold.

Add some definitition to your mouth with Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definer in Praline d’Or, a golden-hued nude.

For eyes it's all about the Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Murano, a palette with shades of moss, pink and seafoam, and green shimmer.

The latest Irreelle Duo Silky Eyeshadow Duo arrives in Acqua Alta, a pairing of white and grey shadows.

Your brows will look perfectly defined with two new shades of Le Crayon Sourcils Precision Brow Definer, Blond Clair and Cendre Noir.

For some gorgeous cheeks, apply Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Fresque, a subtle peach shade, or Les Tissages De Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Sienna, a gorgeous earthy bronze...probably the closest I will ever come to owning something tweed from the house of Chanel.

For all over the face, keep your skin luminous with Poudre Douce Soft Pressed Powder in PĂŞche Caresse, a soft peach.

Not leaving out your all important digits, Chanel is introducing two new shades of Le Vernis Nail Colour: Intermezzo, a white pearl, and Gondola, a stunning maroon shimmer.

All are available now at Chanel boutiques, department and specialty stores, and on chanel.com.


Jennifer

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Thursday, July 2, 2009

mac colour craft collection



Every Artist must be daring if she wants to hone her Craft, and post-summer 2009 colour was conceived with that kind of creativity in mind.

A sensibility that surpasses expectations with inventive new Mineralize Eye Shadow pinwheel designs that combine new hues in modern, neo-geo ways; Lipglass gets a lift too, now with three shades swirled to create a one-of-a-kind marble finish delivered in a new, sleek vial. The small but seriously artful 109 and 226 Brushes are musts… add the newest colour sensations in complementary Lipstick, Mineralize Eye Shadow and Mineralize Blush, and any glamorous gallery will go gaga to give you your own one-woman show!

The finishing touch?

An unprecedented assortment of Mineralize Skinfinish shades with three new mosaic combinations: Triple Fusion, Smooth Merge, Warm Blend; or simply singular one-shade Sunny By Nature, just Porcelain Pink, or rich Cheeky Bronze. 130 Duo Fibre Brush with built-in short natural fibres AND longer optic fibres all-in-one comes together as the ultimate Artist’s tool for sleek shading and haute highlighting.

M·A·C Colour Crafted will be available July 9, 2009 online at maccosemetics.com and at any MAC store and counter.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

tarte's new channel on youtube!

The genius that is tarte can now be seen daily on their new YouTube channel!

There you'll find tarte makeup artists and members of the executive team giving 101 tutorials on some of their best-selling products, as well as some of their latest product launches.

They'll also be providing trend, celebrity and seasonal makeup tips & looks.

Plus, on some occasions, they'll even have guest celebrity makeup artists and tarte's Creator & CEO Maureen Kelly offering her own advice.

Here's one of many little snippets that you can find at youtube.com/user/tartecosmetics...enjoy!





Jennifer and Christine

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giveaway with ms. pedicure and china glaze...the winner

We here at Beauty in Real Life love, love, love a great pedicure. Sometimes, it's hard to find time to go out and get one done at a salon, especially now that preschool is out and both of our boys are home....24/7.

What better time than to try out a home pedicure spa kit? I actually have the Manicure kit, and I use it every time I do my nails. And what's better than sneaking off to the privacy of your bathroom for a little relaxation.

Well....one lucky reader will get her hands - or feet - on the Ms. Pedicure Foot Spahh Kit. And as a bonus we are throwing in 4 bottles of China Glaze nail polish from the new Kicks Collection. What's a good pedicure without the polish? Colors include Sneaker Head, Style Wars, Entourage and Sky High Top.

Here's some info on the Spahh kit: Cut your feet some slack and show them some salon-worthy love at home with the Ms. Pedicure Foot Spahh, the ultimate luxury for reviving and refreshing those tired legs and feet. Housed in a durable tote, this all-inclusive kit packs a punch with everything that a girls needs to repair her damaged and over-worked feet without breaking the bank! The Foot Spahh kit retails for $12.99, and products include the Smooth Steppin’ Exfoliating Foot Scrub, the Rock n’ Sole Foot Pumice, and the Invigorating Leg Rub.

Ms. Pedicure products are available at Ulta, Walgreens, and other mass department stores nationwide. Visit www.mspedicure.com for a complete list of retailers.

And now for the information you all really want....

Congratulations to Marjorie L.!! Your feet are gonna be looking good in no time!

And for the rest of you, don't forget to enter our Perricone MD giveaway!!


Jennifer and Christine

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Monday, June 29, 2009

limited edition bamboo pink collection from clinique

Now available from Clinique is their Bamboo Pink collection.

With prices ranging from $14 to $30, you're bound to find something you like and not worry about someone finding the receipt and freaking out because you spent waaayyyy too much money.

Just saying.

Anyway...here's some info about a few of the new products we're loving...

Fresh Bloom All Over Colour ($29.50) in Bamboo Pink. The newest shade of this star product; a combination of pinks all in one easy-to-use palette to create a perfect, natural-looking, radiant glow.

The limited edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad ($25) offers a gorgeous grouping of super and soft shimmer shades to create looks that range from subtle and soft to more sexy and sophisticated.

One of Clinique’s best-selling lipstick shades is now available in a revolutionary gel formula that delivers the shine of a gloss and the comfort of a lipstick. Butter Shine Lipstick ($14) drenches lips in moist, lush colour that glides on buttery-soft and feels luxuriously smooth.

We're always on the lookout for a new brush to add to our collection and this Clinique Limited Edition Powder Brush ($30) is killing us with it's clear bamboo-like handle. As if that's not enough it has Clinique's special anti-bacterial technology. This breakthrough technology protects the brushes from mold, fungus and bacteria, which tend to accumulate on brushes especially if stored in the bathroom where moisture and humidity are constant.

For more info, head on over to your local Clinique counter, or try clinique.com.


Jennifer and Christine

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Sunday, June 28, 2009

weekend reads...total beauty


The Informed Makeup Maven talks Stila, MAC and Terra Firma Cosmetics giveways and reviews Make Up For Ever's HD primer and Camouflage Palette, and MAC's Moistureblend Foundation.


The Clinique Bamboo Pink Collection Giveaway at An Indian's Makeup Blog - ENTER TODAY !


Check out A Little More Beautiful for great giveaways like a LUSH Sweetie Stack Gift set and BB Dakota Pink Dress-Perfect for Summer!

If you are a blonde you'll want to check out The Advice Sisters review of Redken's Blonde Glam salon treatments and at-home products they are a must-have for Summer and all year long!


Beauty Anonymous gives you a look into the latest haute couture-inspired makeup collection by Chanel.


addicted to lipstick is having a Mac Honey Collection Giveaway hop on over to enter for you chance to win.


Fabulous Over Forty falls in love with a new Dior Designer Eye Palette.


eye4style loves the long lasting shine of Dashing Diva's new Gelife manicure!


Dao from My Makeup Blog found a good dupe of the coveted MAC 188 brush for cheap!


Glossypink shows you how to get The Hills' star Audrina Patridge's smoldering makeup look!


Visit Lipgloss Break and enter to win Barielle Summer Sugar Rush Nail Polish Collection!

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

coming soon from covergirl...

(click on image to enlarge)

Loving these new products from CoverGirl that are due to hit shelves in July.

The absolute best part is that they're all under $11. So you can try new trends and not break the bank.

So far we're loving the Exact Eyelights Eye Shadows and Eye Liners...and yes, the eye shadow does come with the cool brush too.

As for the Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush...well I'm all about a cream blush first of all, add in the Olay Regenerist Serum (that white swirly part) and I'm so there.

We haven't had a chance to truly test these out, but once we do we'll be sure to deliver the 411.


Jennifer

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Friday, June 26, 2009

la mer the lip balm

While I tend to be a savvy shopper 95% of the time, I sometimes do get a little swayed by a good sales pitch.

After hearing that this balm was a favorite of Jennifer Garner, countless other celebs, and many a beauty editor pick, I (of course) wanted to check it out and see for myself.

I picked one up a few months ago...while getting my usual Creme de la Mer supply...and have been using it ever since.

It's definitely a winner for me.

The way that it makes my lips feel soft waaaayyyyy after it's disappeared is nothing short of cool.

It's also lasted a good long time, considering I'm still working on the same container that I bought back in early March. The fact that I relegate this item to my makeup bag helps to curb the constant application that I would be doing if it was just sitting in my beauty closet upstairs though, I must admit.

The only clunker?

It's a definite splurge at $45.

But so worth it to me.

What about you...are there any products that you just have to have even though they are a little on the splurge-y side? Leave a comment and let me know!


Jennifer
image courtesy of saks.com

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

giveaway with zannclip...the winners


Jenn recently reviewed the Zannclip, with a video on how to use them. Check it out here. Well, since I am in the process of growing out my hair, I am loving these little slices of heaven. And now we want to share them with you!!

Three lucky winners, will each score one Zannclip in the size and color of their choosing!

There are three different sizes and numerous colors to choose from. Head on over to zannclip.com for more info and to see what color you would like. BTW...Right now you can purchase any three items and get 20% off at checkout! Prices range from $10 to $23 depending on the size and finish you choose.

Now for the lucky winners....

A big congratulations goes out to Karissa G., Jennifer S., and Denyse G.!!!

Don't forget to enter our other giveaways!!


Jennifer and Christine

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