Wet n Wild Eye Makeup Remover: A Fruit Scented Find?

I spotted this bottle of Wet n Wild's Eye Makeup Remover on an end cap during a recent grocery shopping trip, and I was really hopeful for this product. I'm not quite sure why I expected so much out of a product that cost me all of $1.89, though I was likely hoping for a cheap diamond in the rough that should be a cult product. Is that what I got?

Well, a little bit. This remover does take off most eye makeup pretty easily. The last 25% or so takes a few more swipes. Once all the eye makeup is off, there is a light residue left behind that easily rinses off. The product smells a bit like Hawaiian Punch to me, which I kinda love.

The only thing preventing this from becoming an amazing find is the stinging. Unless my eyes are clamped shut, I get stinging with this product. Which means with every use as I can't get all of my eye liner off without simply having my eyes gently closed at some point. So, despite the amazing price, great smell and removal capabilities, I won't be repurchasing.

Wet n Wild

Formal Looks: Amy Adams Golden Globes 2011

I have to admit that it took a long time for me to warm up to Amy Adams. Why? Because I first saw her as the icy sister that you love to hate in The Wedding Date and she was so good in that roll that I couldn't separate her from it for a while. I like her quite a bit more when she's a red head (something about being more approachable, and having the same hair color as my own sister who is quite a bit nicer than Amy, thank you very much).

I loved her entire look at this year's Golden Globes, and luckily I have the lowdown on her makeup, her chignon and even what exact color her colorist used to give her this perfect hair color.

Zoya Pippa

This is 3 coats to opaque, definitely a bright yellow!

Zoya

Formal Looks: Julianne Moore Golden Globes 2011

Pati Dubroff, Clarins Celebrity Beauty Artist created this flawless look for Julianne Moore. I admit that I'm glad I wasn't the one choosing colors. A fuchsia dress on a red head can be difficult to match makeup to, but Dubroff chose to stay within the pink family by using soft pink on the eyes and deep, rich blackberry on the lips.

Skin
Dubroff started with Clarins Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate to create an even canvas. She then applied the Instant Light Complexion Perfector in Rose Shimmer along her cheekbones for glowing skin that did not cover her freckles. Next, she swept a small amount of Blush Prodige in Miami Pink on the apples of her cheeks.

Eyes
Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base was the foundation of the soft eye look, which not only helps pigment last all night but makes the color richer on the skin tone. Next, she used the pale pink eye shadow from Clarins new Neo Pastels Eye Palette and sculpted the eye using a matte taupe shade from the Pro Palette Eye Brow Kit. Competing the look was many coats of Wonder Perfect Mascara in Black.

Lips
Berry stained lips, that looked like she just sipped a glass of wine were achieved without liner, but by dabbing on Clarins Rouge Prodige in Blackberry with the fingers.

Clarins

Photo courtesy of Clarins

China Glaze Grape Crush

China Glaze

Formal Looks: Elaine Irwin Golden Globes 2011

I want to look like Elaine Irwin when I grow up. How does she always manage to look so beautiful, approachable and not overdone and just... over all amazing? At all times?? I guess that's why she is the supermodel, not me. Elaine attended a few of the Golden Globe after parties looking just amazing, proving that you don't have to be 16 to look good on the Red Carpet!

Face
• Almay Bronzer in Sunkissed
• Almay Smart Shade Smart Anti-Aging Makeup and Balance Pressed Powder in Medium: Both utilize Almay’s technology to transform your ideal shade upon application.
• Note that I wasn't provided a blush shade for Elaine, but it sure looks like she is wearing some in addition to her bronzer. I'd check out Almay's powder blush in Mauve or Peach.

Eyes
• Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara in Black
• Almay Intense i-Color Smoky-i Kits for blue eyes

Lips
• Almay Ideal Lipstick in Bronze


Almay

Photo: Amy Tierney, Picture Group, courtesy of Almay

Info for New Bloggers

So, I've been at this blogging thing for a while (over 4 years now) and surprisingly enough, people seem to think that I know what I'm doing!

I get asked by new bloggers pretty much every day (both in email and in comments on this site, which is annoying by the way, take 30 seconds to email me) to offer advice, check out their site, etc. I truly don't have enough hours in the day to write all of them back with huge books of advice on blogging. Especially since most of them are wondering the same things.

So, I've finally revamped and republished my page of info/advice about blogging. You can check it out here:
New Blogger Tips

I hope this page is useful for some people and if you are a blogger and have questions I haven't addressed there, I will definitely be happy to chat. Just email me, don't put it in a comment. :D

China Glaze's Crackle, As Good As Shatter?

Shortly after OPI's release of Black Shatter Crackle Nail Polish, China Glaze released their Crackles collection. It is the same idea as the OPI polish, though made by China Glaze and currently available in a wider array of colors. (OPI will be releasing more crackle polishes with upcoming collections, including an entire range of shatters in May.)


You can see from this image that the effect is exactly the same. China Glaze also released a black, making this an excellent alternative buy for those that still can't find OPI's Black Shatter. I love the different types of effects that I can achieve with the China Glaze shatters. These three shades are all over the same metallic (Dolce & Gabbana Platinum), but the feeling changes quite a bit depending on the shatter.

Read on to see a few more examples with Lightening Bolt.

Beauty Blog Network Weekend Reads

Phyrra tries out a popular foundation with the Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten Baked Color Correcting Foundation in Porcelain.

The Makeup Divas is giving away two gift baskets of BEECOLOGY beauty products to two lucky readers.

A Touch of Blusher counts down the best spring 2011 makeup collections.

Megan from Painted Ladies reviews a new find from Birchbox, a paper mask from myfaceworks.

Cinnamon Kitten does a Q&A with the president of A Beautiful Life, Anthony Artur.

Formal Looks: Olivia Wilde Golden Globes 2011

I think that Olivia Wilde's makeup looked great at the Golden Globes. Her hair was a bit too casual for such a blingy dress... but that's just me.

Celebrity makeup artist Spencer Barnes created Olivia's makeup for NARS.

Face
• Sheer Glow Foundation
• PRO-PRIME Multi Protect Primer With SPF
• Copacabana Illuminator (you could also try Copacabana Multiple)
• Amour Blush

Eyes
• PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
• Nouveau Monde Duo Eyeshadow
• Hollywoodland Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
• Mambo Eyeliner Pencil
• Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

Lips
• Fantasia Lipliner Pencil
• Madere Pure Matte Lipstick
• Frivolous Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil


NARS Cosmetics

Photo: Courtesy of NARS

OPI Fall 2011: Touring America Details

More information (and maybe a slightly closer look at the direction these shades will be taking) has been been released about the Fall OPI collection. Alas, no reds. I'm sure they'll make you red lovers happy with their holiday collections!

• Color to Diner For: I’ll take the rosy-red with a side of “awesome.”
• Honk if You Love OPI: Don’t let this gorgeous dark grape pass you by.
• I Brake for Manicures: This gorgeous eggplant-plum has our full attention.

• Uh-oh Roll Down the Window: You’re gonna wanna pull over for this “unexpected” olive green.
• Suzi Takes the Wheel: Buckle up—she’s not stopping until she gets to gray!
• I Eat Mainely Lobster: We “clawed” through crowds to catch this coral for you.


• Get in the Expresso Lane: An amped-up dark brown that’ll never letcha down!
• French Quarter for Your Thoughts: Want beads? Then show us your sexy gray nails!
• Are We There Yet?: Don’t make me reach back there and take that perfect melon shade!

• Road House Blues: In this case…R&B stands for “Really Blue.”
• A-taupe the Space Needle: You’ll climb to new heights with this creamy-rich taupe.
• My Address is "Hollywood": We put this pretty rose-pink on the map.

I have to admit, the fact that they are so dark makes me really interested in this collection. I'm a big sucker for dark nail colors and I know I won't be able to resist most of this collection. Do you have your eye on any of these colors in particular?

OPI

Around the Web...

A few months ago I shared Ayari's Makeup Tour with you. Their Launch Party was such a success that they're holding it again, but now it is called The Glossy Party. The first event is May 1st in New York, head to the website for full details.

Omorovicza Skin Care and Bergdorf Goodman are holding a Facial Event! Purchase 2 products and you'll get a free 60 Minute Facial during the event. As well, the founder Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza will meet with customers before their facial treatments on April 1st.
WHEN: Thursday, March 31st, Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd
WHERE: Bergdorf Goodman, 5th Avenue at 58th Street, Beauty Level
CONTACT: Appointments required. Call the counter at 212.872.8619.

A few years ago, I had the honor of having Jake Bailey do my makeup! (Read about it here) Now he's spilling the beans about the makeup of one of his clients, Katy Perry!

I'm often asked about my favorite Cruelty Free Beauty Products. I am ashamed to admit that I don't usually notice if a product is cruelty free or not. One of my favorite Mommy blogs, Ain't No Mom Jeans has a great post about their favorite cruelty free products. Especially take note of that link to PETA, where you can search for brands and companies that are cruelty free. I've been thinking about posting at the bottom of reviews whether a products is cruelty free or not, let me know in the comments if you'd like me to start doing this.

China Glaze Summer 2011: Island Escape

Have you seen the fun colors from China Glaze for this summer? I've heard rumors that these are already showing up in various nail supply stores, so watch for it at a store near you soon!

• Papaya Punch: Crème based vivid orange.
• 108 Degrees: Flirtatious berry pink with specks of micro glitter.
• Senorita Bonita: Passionate purple shimmer with pink micro glitter.
• Blue Iguana: Bold and daring sparkly blue.
• Cha Cha Cha: Vivacious shimmer green.
• Electric Pineapple: High intensity crème based lime green.

China Glaze

J Lo and the New Gillette Venus ProSkin: A Match Made in Idol Heaven?

Gillette sure did pick an amazing new spokesperson. J Lo seems to do no wrong lately with her hit song and overall amazingness on American Idol. I love having her on the show, and seriously could the woman look any more amazing each week? I think they should put a feature on the website (similar to the one on the Regis & Kelly website) where they cover what she is wearing. I want to know down to the color of nail polish she's wearing!

Regardless, have you noticed the Gillette ads that have been on tv lately? I have only seem them during Idol (I admit to watching very little tv since the arrival of baby Megan. Pretty much Idol, Big Bang Theory and some news are all we watch). She is amazing in the commercials. Legs for miles. This is the razor she's promoting.

So, what's the deal with this razor? It has 3 blades and on either side of the blades are those built-in shave gel things that companies keep adding to razors. Usually they just make the whole thing bulky and don't work, in my opinion.

So, is this razor any different? It does seem to be a more successful attempt at the sidelined instant shave gel thing. This time the lubrication they provide is quite a bit better. Previously if I had a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "ouchies, shaving with just water" to a 10 being "super smooth, love my Gillette shave gel", the older razors would be a... 2.5. This one is more like a 7.5 or 8. So, not like my razor gel, but definitely up there. As well, the shave is almost as close with this razor alone, but not quite.

As well, a quick note about the bulkiness factor. In the past this type of razor was too bulky for me to do anything other than shave my legs. So, no underarms, etc. This razor seems to be able to fit in much smaller areas easily due to a different design for the solid gel. This time it seems to move back and forth, molding more easily to your body. So, I can shave my underarm area without problems.

This razor won't replace my normal routine of Gillette Venus Embrace and shave gel, but it's almost just as good. I can definitely see myself bringing this razor (without gel! Saving room in the 3-1-1 bag) on a trip. It would also be great for those that go to the gym quite often.

Gillette ProSkin Razor

Pixiwoo's New Venture: Real Techniques, a Website and Brushes

If you've ever watched a makeup tutorial on YouTube, there's a fairly decent chance that it was from the PixiWoo Channel. Created by Sam Chapman (a makeup artist from the UK) with her sister Nic, they have created a huge number of easy to follow tutorials. I love that they feature looks that look much more complicated than they actually are and use a variety of brands.

Sam is venturing out in a new way, with the today's launch of the website Real Techniques and an accompanying line of Real Techniques Brushes, here in the US they will be available at ULTA. I really recommend checking out the site today! They have an amazing smokey eye tutorial among the selections.

Pixiwoo and Pixiwoo on Youtube (tip: Sam just posted a to die for Elizabeth Taylor tutorial)
Real Techniques
Real Techniques at ULTA

I'm declaring a sample as a box arrived at my house this morning which I suspect contains some of the brushes. Yeah! I'll check them out and will write up a review soon.

Chanel Lilac Sky

2 coats to opaque, this light lilac has very subtle same color shimmer that only you will know is there.

Chanel

Formal Looks: Nicole Kidman's Red Carpet Wavy Hair 2011

I think that Nicole Kidman is one of my all time favorites on the Red Carpet. You can pretty much always count on her to get it right and I love how much happier and more relaxed she looks with her husband.

This year in particular Nicole seemed more... approachable? I think that's the best way to describe it. Perhaps it is the new baby that is agreeing with her. That and the ability to move her forehead... Wait, that was snarky and I don't want to be snarky as I love her. The snarky is directed at Botox. I'm glad it is out of her system, she looks better now.

Regardless, I loved her long hair down and wavy at the Golden Globes and Independent Spirit Awards this year. She worked with Celebrity Hairstylist David Babaii for all of her Red Carpet looks this year. I'll be sharing some of her updos in later posts, but today I thought we'd look at the two events where he left her hair down.

Read on for pics and his input on how to recreate this at home.

SkinSonic: The Clarisonic's Cheaper Dupe

I recently shared my favorite products with you, and the Clarisonic was one of the most expensive items on the list at $195 for the Classic model that I use. I'm not an every day Clarisonic girl, but I do use it a few times a week and I love it! Even with the newer, smaller and less expensive model, the Mia, a Clarisonic is quite the skin care investment.

So, I was excited to hear that some lower priced options are popping up out there. I thought I'd take this one, the aptly named Skin Sonic for a test drive. Read on to see what I thought!

China Glaze Happy Go Lucky

This yellow is a little less neon highlighter than some of them out there. 3 coats to opaque.

China Glaze

OPI Fall 2011: Touring America

Another day, another collection leaked on to the OPI Facebook Page! This one is for Fall (didn't we just start Spring??)

Touring America
From Left to Right, I assume starting in the top row:
Uh Oh, Roll Down The Window, Honk If You Love OPI, A Taupe The Space Needle, French Quarter For Your Thoughts, Get In The Expresso Lane, & Road House Blues. Suzi Takes The Wheel, I Brake For Manicures, Are We There Yet?, Color To Dine For, I Eat Mainly Lobster & My Address is Hollywood

No info yet on finishes and obviously with this picture we can't tell creme vs. shimmer. I'm happy to see some new dark colors, I'm a sucker for the vampy nail look!

OPI

Per-Fekt Skin Perfection Gel: Perfect Skin in a Pump?

I remember being confused by this product when it was introduced a few years ago and was featured in different magazines and blogs. A gel? That provides coverage? Huh?

Ignore the gel part. Basically, this product is a light tinted moisturizer with the primer and a mattifier included. It even contains a few ingredients that are anti-aging (the anti-oxidants Vitamins A and E). Once I started ignoring the "gel" that is actually in the name of this product the whole thing made more sense to me.

Overall I really loved this product. It is a light gel (yes, can't really describe it any other way) that has some tinting to it. It feels like a typical silicone based primer when it goes on, though a little lighter in feeling. The coverage is very light (I used Luminous if you are curious), though it does help even out my skin tone a little bit, perfect for the weekends. For days that I need a bit more coverage, I've found it works great as a primer under other foundations. My pores are reduced and foundation applies more evenly.

I think my favorite part of this product is the mattifying effect. It doesn't super mattify my skin like using milk of magnesia does, but instead helps absorb about 95% of my oil. This is actually a much more flattering look for me, since the super matte...mmm... not so natural looking. I'll be reaching for this gel a lot!

Per-fekt Beauty

Formal Looks: Halle Berry Golden Globes 2011

Halle Berry really can do no wrong. While on the Red Carpet at this year's Golden Globes she somehow managed to look fresh, sassy and appropriate for the Red Carpet. All at the same time.

To recreate her look, Revlon recommended these products:

Face
• Revlon Aqua Mineral Makeup in Medium Deep
• Revlon Matte Blush in Perfectly Peach

Eyes
• Revlon Fabulash Mascara in Black
• Revlon Luxurious Color Smoky Crayon in Black Smoke
• Revlon CustomEyes Shadow in Smoky Sexy

Lips
• Revlon Colorburst in Soft Nude

Revlon

Photo: Wire Image, Courtesy of Revlon

OPI Releases: Serena's French Open and Shatters!

Yet more information about upcoming OPI collections that I will need to purchase.


Some images arrived in my inbox today from the next installment of the OPI and Serena Williams. This mini-collection will be available in May 2011 in time for the French Open. It includes the Red and White Shatters, but check out the other colors! I definitely need them both.
• Rally Pretty Pink: Shimmering sunset-pink, to be paired with Red Shatter
• Spark de Triomphe: Silver glitter, to be paired with White Shatter


From the OPI Facebook page, today this image was released showing an entire collection of shatters! To be released this May, Black, White, Red, Blue, Turquoise, & Navy are included. This means you'll have a second chance to pick up shatters you may have missed, though note that the silver shatter seen with Pirates of the Caribbean isn't included.

OPI

Sue Devitt's Tips for a Glamorous, Red Carpet Worthy Look!

Believe it or not, today we have a guest post from Sue Devitt! She's an extremely well known makeup artist who just happens to have her own cult favorite line of make up. I love her well edited line, which focuses more on beauty and nature than shocking with a bright orange eye shadow. This is why she's the secret weapon of so many in Hollywood.

Read on as she breaks down the hottest red carpet trends and offers her secrets on how to look red carpet chic.


Trend: Rich Berry Pout
For those that want to forgo the ever popular nude lip or even the trendy pink pout, stars have been trying out the bright lip in a variety of berry shades. If you want an ultra-glamorous look use a glossy, deep hue like a rich berry lip stain paired with minimal eye makeup. For a retro look try a matte take on the berry lip. Or if you want a more balanced makeup look opt for a slightly lighter shade of berry on the lips so you can still add a bit of smokiness to the eyes, as lips weren’t the only area many celebrities have added brightness, varying shades of jewel tones graced many famous lids on the red carpet as well.


Trend: Understated Stunner
Keeping your look understated and refined is always a glamorous option. This polished look is sure to be seen on the red carpet this season and is easily transitioned into every day inspiration. To add a little edge to your look I like a hint of shimmer on the apples of the cheeks. After applying your usual powder blush, take your fingertip and just dab a bit on - you’ll instantly look refreshed and glowing. To achieve the classic nude lip, that is always a favorite at red carpet events, buff in a nude shade of lip liner, then layer on a sheer or neutral gloss to the middle of your bottom lip for texture. The great thing about this look is your eyes can either be really soft and bare, or you can go the other extreme and pair the pale lips with a sexy, smoky eye, just remember for either to highlight under the brow bone for extra intensity.


You can Like Sue on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and even watch her on YouTube!
Sue Devitt Beauty