KRISTEN LEANNE X URBAN DECAY COLLECTION AND SWATCHES

The best days are the days when you arrive home after a long day at work and Urban Decay sends you their latest launch. The day gets even better when you realize that it's the a collab which features one of your fave beauty bloggers, Kristen Leanne.

The launch:

• Kaleidescope Dream Eyeshadow Palette; 
• Beauty Beam Highlight Palette; 
• Vice Lipsticks in shades Cloud9 (magenta), Bun Bun (nude) and Spellbound (plum); 
• Daydream Eyeshadow Palette; 
• Ulta Exclusives: Vice Liquid Lipstick Duo & a mustard single shadow.

The collection is vibrant, bright and bold, but also has something for the more subtle makeup lover. The Daydream palette is a matte shadow palette with great neutrals. The surprisingly perfect shade is 12/12, a coral sherbert that can be both a crease and lid shade. Eight is slightly patchy but once worked into the crease, blended after a bit. Lucy is an overall setting shade. Subscribe is my favorite blending shade.

The Kaleidescope palette is super pigmented. It contains a combination of matte, shimmers and two holographic shades (Leo & Brixton,) that completely transform the look of the shadows. The eyeshadows are very soft and creamy, with amazing color payoff.

The packaging is absolutely worth mentioning - making every aspect of this collection display-worthy. The pictures below speak for themselves. I hope you enjoy this post!  I'll be posting some looks with the collection in a separate post!

  

Keep reading for full swatches of the entire collection and take a look at the video I filmed, previewing the launch.  

Kristen Leanne x Urban Decay Kaleidescope Eyeshadow Palette

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: MAC LIPTENSITY LIPSTICKS AND LINERS

MAC Liptensity lipsticks have tons of staying power without being drying. They leave a satin finish. The original shade range included 24 colors that I swatched in a video and blog post when they first launched.  They are super, super opaque and deposit richly pigmented, creamy color. Now, the original twenty four have some new brothers and sisters. The range has been expanded for the Holiday's to include the colors:  

Something else that's new for the Holidays? Matching Liptensity lipliners. The corresponding shades match up perfectly with their partners. 18 new lipliner shades in all. 

Mac Liptensity Lipsticks retail for $21.

Mac Liptensity Lipliners retail for $21. 

FTC: MAC provided me with the Liptensity line, reviewed above.

Kari Gran Lip Whip - Lip Swatches

Today's post is all about the natural and hydrating, Kari Gran Lip Whips, some of the most nourishing colored glosses that I've come across.  Kari Gran has a back-to-basics approach to skincare and makeup. Named after the brand's founder, they seek to combine a love of makeup and beauty with a no-fuss,  organic, chemical free list of ingredients that make for a great line. 

Kari Gran Lip Whip in Shimmer

Kari Gran Lip Whip in Suji Red

Below, I've got the shades swatched for you, but first, here's why I love the lip whips:

FIRST LOOK: MAC NUTCRACKER SWEET HOLIDAY 2016 COLLECTION

The Mac Nutcracker Sweet Holiday 2016 collection has launched! This is a heavily praised collection that's gotten a lot of positive exposure in the short time that it's been available.  Why? because this is a collection with both eye-catching packaging and great products (some are already soldout). Swatches at the end of the post.

This is also a large launch, with a ton of different pieces. The Mac Magic Dust Eye Shadows are really high quality.  They're long wearing, and almost velvety to the touch.  Some new shades that we have not seen before are Dark Lullaby, Forward March, and Mustache.

Some of the most sought after pieces of this collection are the face compacts - the Nutcracker Sweet Copper and Sweet Peach face compact. Sweet Copper has basically been sold out since it launched.  These are highlighter and bronzer duo's with a cream to powder, glowy finish. Still want more glow? Opt for the Mac Magic Dust Powder's.

Backstage with Bobbi Brown and TIBI NYFW

I went backstage with Bobbi Brown cosmetics this year as the team did the makeup for the TIBI SS17 runway show during NYFW.  What a surreal experience. So fast-paced and cool to observe. Makeup artists used the retouching face wands and pencils, the new limited edition lip palettes, color correcting powders, and much more, to create that signature All-American Bobbi Brown glow. The custom face charts were littered throughout the backstage area, giving this crazy experience an authentic feel.

I photographed and filmed the madness. I hope you enjoy the video and post!

Mac Vamplify Lipgloss

Mac Vamplify lip glosses are the brand new line of lip glosses from MAC. They're described as being "loaded with pigment" and "infused with color boosting technology." They contain lip conditioning oils that soften lips,  (coconut and almond oil, as well as avocado and sesame oil). I was sent a few to test drive. The formula is not tacky but still has a gloss consistency. These wore longer on me than most glosses, but the color Acting on Impulse did feather and should be worn with a liner. It was also a bit patchy.

Check out swatches for Smart Aleck, With Gusto, Acting on Impulse and Absolute Score, down below.

MAC Smart Aleck Vamplify Lip Gloss

Mac Bangin' Brilliant Collection

MAC #BanginBrilliant

MAC's Bangin Brilliant collection has launched. It's a line of 29 new permanent lipsticks, 24 eye shadows and 6 blushes.  All shades are new, not repeats (except Gold XiXi which was just launched with the Chris Chang x MAC collection).  The lipsticks encompass all of MAC's lip formulations, described below:

• AMPLIFIED CREME: Ultra-creamy. Quietly shiny. Color-packed! Hi-res: hi-impact.
• CREMESHEEN:Creme-based lipstick that imparts bright full color, with a soft and supple shine.
• FROST: Excellent color payoff with medium to high frosted shimmer-and-shine finish.
• LUSTRE: Demi-sheer with wet-look lustre finish. Very slick. Makes lips look soft, smooth, ultra-moist.
• MATTE: Pigment rich with intense color pay-off. No-shine, all matte finish.
• SATIN: Color-rich. Soft satin, semi-matte finish. Conditions while adding intense color.

MAC Highlights (Lustre) Lipstick: a lustre that swatches out somewhat sheer and glossy. It is a warm, yellowy peach shade. This will just enhance the natural color of your lips.  It's a good day time shade or lip liner topper.

Victor Henao, Director of Global Makeup Design for Estee Lauder

Victor Henao and I, after he did my makeup.
I am wearing: Double Wear To Go Foundation in the shade Sand,
Lipstick: Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in color Irrepressible,
Lip liner: Double Wear Stay In Place Lip Pencil in the color Spice,
Eye shadows: Magic Smokey Powder Shadow Stick in Charred Plum

I had the pleasure of getting my makeup done by Victor Henao, Director of Global Makeup Design for Estée Lauder.  He is the creative mind behind Kendall Jenner's makeup looks for the Modern Muse campaign. He is also responsible for a much broader creative aspect for the company, than you may first imagine. You see, Victor is part of the reason that you can now get an exact color match for your skin and lips at Estee Lauder counters nationwide.  If you follow me on Snapchat (@FashionableESQ) then you saw some videos and behind-the-scenes 'first looks' at the new iMatch2.0.

Victor helped the Estee Lauder team develop the iMatch2.0, a handheld camera that matches your skin and lip color to the perfect Estee Lauder product. Victor and I chatted about product development and, of course, makeup, as he did mine. 

iMatch2.0 eliminates the guessing game, and helps you narrow down the products and shades that really work for you.  

Beauty File: So Susan Cosmetics

I'm currently obsessing over a new makeup and product line that I've discovered called So Susan.  I have always been a sucker for packaging.  A pretty box? I'll keep it forever.  I love makeup too, so it's an added bonus that the So Susan line comes packaged in adorable illustrated boxes (some with gold lettering and illustrated macaroons - so cute!).

I got to test drive some fun makeup from the line.  Below I'm showing you the products and  swatches.

Beauty File: Clarins Spring Line 2015

I was turned on to Clarins makeup and products a few years back, when I started to care about fine lines, spots, and all that other fun stuff that emerges on your face in your late 20's early 30's. Reading about the science that went into concocting their makeup and skincare line was what got me hooked. I will always be a Clarins loyalist now.  Considering all of the vitamins, botanicals, and good "skin food" that goes into their products, it's actually refreshing to know that their price point is not as high as you would think. Companies like La Mer and La Prairie also follow a scientifically based ingredients routine, but as you are all aware, their price points can be unreachable for the average makeup and product junkie.

In today's post, I'm rounding up some the new Clarins Spring 2015 lip products below, with a focus on the new Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector (also available at Nordstrom)

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in shades
01 - Rose, 02 - Coral, 03 -My Pink, 04-Orange, 05 - Red, 06 - Rosewood

Beauty File: Makeup Forever Pro Finish + HD Foundation Giveawy

Images via Pineterest #makeupforever

A couple of months ago, Make Up For Ever (MUFE for makeup fanatics, and industry beauty junkies) sent over three full sized products for me to try out.  As you may or may not know, I am already a huge MUFE fan, and I own a lot of their products.  I had recently experienced a not-so-great skin MONTH and had vowed to only use the products in this post  until my skin got back on track.  But, then I went to a party, ran into an old friend from middle school (another Fashionable ESQ.), and you know how girls get to talking....
...I, of course, left my powder in the bathroom that night.  It was time to open and try out the Make Up For Ever products.

To put this review into context - my skin is mostly oily with the very rare, random dry areas (at times showing up on and under my nose and on my chin).  It is extremely sensitive.  I am fair; pretty light skinned, to the point where everything shows on my face.  Everything makes me red so sometimes I need more full coverage products.  I applied all of the products in this post with either a moist foundation sponge or my fingers.

Makeup Forever Makeup Bag Remix Tour+ Avenutra Mall Miami

Makeup Forever is one of my favorite makeup brands.  It ranks right up there with NARS for me.  I love makeup and I definitely tend to collect (read: hoard) it, specifically eye shadow and liners.

I currently use Makeup Forever HD Finishing Powder, with it's Kabuki brush, several of the Aqua Eyes regular eyeliners, and two of the Aqua Eyes liquid liners (obsessed) (try the electric blue shade).

Makeup Forever: liquid liner, HD powder, regular eyeliner, & kabuki brush.

But... even I have to admit that there are certain impulse buys at the makeup counter that just sit in the back of the makeup drawer or at the bottom of my makeup bag.  Come on, you know I'm talking to you, because you bought that way-too-dark (black) shade of lipstick, or that pot of beautiful blue cream eye shadow that you never use!

In comes Makeup Forever to save the day with its Mobile Makeup School and the Makeup Bag Remix Tour!  MUFE Makeup artists will be setting up at the Aventura Mall in Miami on Saturday March 2nd, and Sunday March 3rd.  You will be able to bring in your own makeup bag with both,  products you already know how to use and those that fall under the aforementioned Impulse Buy category :).

A makeup artist will teach you how to get the most out of what you already own.  The products can be any makeup brand, not exclusively Makeup Forever products.  The goal here is to help you get glamorous with what's already in your beauty arsenal.

You will also have the opportunity to set up an appointment for a mini makeup session with an artist who will use the newest Makeup Forever product on you: Pro Finish, a new multi-use compact foundation that launched this January.

Click this link to reserve your free appointment.  See you in March! 

My (Current) Favorite Products

I've gotten a couple of new makeup products that I wanted to share with you!  I'm a makeup girl through and through and even though I've got 10,000 lip glosses, nail polishes, and eye shadows, I think there will always be room for just one more item in my makeup bag.

1. Nars - The Multiple in South Beach - I love NARS products.  This stick blends easily onto your cheeks for a really pretty, somewhat dewy glow.  I use it mostly as a bronzer/blush but you can use it pretty much anywhere on your face, as a highlighter as well. It's really creamy and blendable - it mixes perfectly with my moistureizer of foundation. I love this thing.

2. Frederick Fekkai Protein RX Spray - I completely believe in this product.  Nothing makes my hair more shiny or healthy.  I can tell a difference when I don't use it.  I use it VERY sparingly, a little goes a long way - I avoid spraying it on my roots/scalp because it is really heavy. A couple of sprays goes a very long way.  It's similar to a leave-in conditioner but in a spray bottle.

3. Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist (try saying that ten times fast...) Another hair product! This is a lighter oil than the Protein RX spray and very nice smelling oil.  The dispenser dispenses a really fine spray which mists your hair and isn't heavy.  The effect is similar to MorrocanOil, but less heavy, and as a result it can be used on all parts of your hair, not just the ends. A great product.

4. Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick - I can't say that I love the smell of this, but it's not bad.  I use this mostly for chapped lips and for moisturizing cuticles, but like The Multiple, it's pretty versatile.  I've also read that this is great for dry, cracked heels.  It is really the best lip moisturizer that I've found. The big chubby tube is a packaging bonus!



5. Nivea Extended Moisture Daily Lotion - Meli of Melificent gave me this because her friend Rosie of Accidental Sexiness is a Nivea Brand ambassador. This is really, really yummy lotion.  Makes your skin shiny and it really penetrates. 


6. Makeup Forever Aqua Liner in Diamond Turquoise Blue- last seen in this post - the perfect electric blue eyeliner - if you're into that kind of thing. It adheres to your eyelids like cement and stays really vibrant throughout the day.  You'll be surprised at the versatility of a bright color like this.


7. Essie Splash of Grenadine - my favorite, new summer color, as seen here.

8. MoroccanOil - Smells amazing and defines waves or curls while adding shine. A little goes a long way with this product also.  I featured three hair products! :(  I have long hair that I don't really heat style in the summer, at all.  I live in Miami, where the humidity is always a factor to take into consideration re: hair.  I am always on the lookout for something that can tame my lion waves, and this oil, combined with a little gel, does a good job.