How To Get Out of a Style Rut: Switch Up Your Color Palette

I love me some peaches. In fact, my fixation with all peach-colored makeup is borderline obsessive-compulsive. But I noticed that most of my photos were starting to look the same. I suppose that is one of the disadvantages of taking my own photo every morning to show you my makeup. The fact that a Dior makeup artist, who kindly said I looked vaguely like Katy Perry (?), told me I couldn't wear the Clinique Black Honey Gradient Blush I was admiring. Not one to be deterred, I decided to switch up colors and move out of my comfort zone with some cool colors (not peach).


 

I've always maintained that you shouldn't subscribe to saying you are only a warm or a cool or worse, a season. It's fine if you want to use those as a guideline to help you make decisions, but don't be afraid to break those rules, especially if you feel like you are stuck in a style rut. Anyone can wear anything. It's all about how you do it and how strong you make the colors.




I skipped my usual peachy tones and opted for a cooler look, using the potentially universally flattering Black Honey color from Clinique. In the picture below, it looks slightly warmer than it actually is. It's definitely more in a neutral to cool tone.




On my eyes, I used Bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor in Moonshine and Flash. I lined my eyes with Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner in Purple Tang. On my cheeks is the new Black Honey Gradient Blush. On my lips is Black Honey Superbalm Moisturizing Lip Gloss.




I am really in love with this Black Honey Gradient Blush. If you are careful how you hold the brush, you can apply contour, highlight and color in one stroke - for real!

Do you switch up your colors or are you stuck in a rut?

Some makeup was sent for review. I bought most of it. Bare Escentuals, Clinique and Stila do not test on animals.

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Bobbi Brown Holiday Palette - Smoky Eye

I haven't been able to post several things I have been meaning to because life is getting in the way.


That said, here is a condensed post about one of the holiday Bobbi Brown Palettes: The Smoky Eye.


I picked this up because I could not resist the slightly domed Long Wear Eye Paint in Onyx. Once the sales associate showed it to me, I am sure I visibly swooned.

Here are the powders dry.


( The Eye Paint, top, is shown applied wet.)


Meh. Super Meh.

Here are the shadows used wet.


Much better!

If you like Bobbi, you'll probably like this. The Eye Paint is fun and seriously pigmented. I do wish her shadows were creamier in feel, but they wear nicely. I like this one, but don't feel compelled to buy the others. It didn't change my world, or make me consider picking up any of the others. Thoughts? Did you pick any of these up? Tell me about it! I could use the inspiration!

I bought this. I really wanted the new powder, but it was out of stock in my color. Bobbi doesn't test on animals.

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Two Beauty Bloggers Enter a Mall...and Find the New "Red" for Redheads

Anne Houseman of Beauty Xpose and I went shopping two weekends ago. Our mission? To to find Anne a new foundation, find me a longer fall coat and check out some lip color for fall. We successfully completed our mission and found a few great things along the way.

Anne covered her search for foundation here. Check it out to see what worked for her. For me? I settled on two winter foundations. Bobbi Brown Luminizing Foundation and Dior Airflash. I am not 100% happy with either, so I am up for suggestions!

Then it was off to find me a Fall/Winter Coat that wasn't too heavy or too light, that came past my tuckus and was under $100. We hit the sales at Macy's and found bupkis. I'm still giggling at the fact that I said, with disgust, "I'm not finding anything. I'm too buxom." (I totally am.) But what Anne heard was, "I'm not finding anything. I'm too awesome." I guess it proves the point that if two bloggers are staring at the same thing, chances are opinions will differ. :-) Either way, Macy's was a bust. (Insert rim shot, please.)

Later that day, we made it to Burlington Coat Factory, which is where the world stores its coats for awesome/buxom ladies. After pointing out to Anne the things I avoid in coats (No fake fur, could be dog. No leather after watching an aerial hunting video. Bright colors scare me. Same with patterns. "I'm quirky" was the polite way Anne put it, I believe), we were off, looking for a dark coat made of something wool-like. After combing the racks of coats that fit my exact description, we found a Dereon coat that looked amazing.

While I am not one to jump on celebrity clothing lines (this one is Beyonce's), this coat looked amazing, came with a belt a mile long and was $89.99. Sold! (A serious bargain shopper would score this on Overstock for under $70, but I was happy to find something that looked like it was made for my figure!)

Back to makeup. The other goal of mine that day was to find a new fall lip color. It's hard for me to find something "different" from what I have. If you included all of the old MAC colors that I took out of plastics and put in palettes, I have hundreds of them.

We were at MAC looking at the new long-wearing foundation (fail!) and Anne found a really bright color I would never have picked up. Knowing my love of all things peach, Anne selected Crosswires, a color that she saw as peachy, which I saw as weird old lady too pink/coral.

Always up for a laugh, I tried it on, assuming she was crazy-pants. Then people passing by started complimenting me.


Next, the makeup artist added Passing Fancy, one of the Dazzleglass Cremes in the holiday A Tartan Tale collection. Then she and Anne stood back, sizing me up.

"It's the new red for red heads.", Anne said.

"What? This color? Really? It's so loud." I said, looking in the small hand mirror.

"Will you trust me? It's perfect," she replied.

And my new favorite fall lip color was born. When I looked it other light, in better mirrors, it really was a whole new red for red heads. I'm not sure too many people can carry off this color. But fair-skinned red heads should check this out, stat, before the limited edition lip gloss is gone.


And while you're at it, pick up the My Highland Honey blush from the same collection.


It's one of two of my must-have fall blushes. The other one is called Poison Apple, check it out here.


The big question is, how did both of us manage not to take any photos?


We were shopping at the mall, nothing was sent for review. MAC doesn't test on animals.

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Scoop, Stuff and Blather - Wednesday

I am woefully behind on my posts. I have an army of things to write about, but my day job keeps getting in the way. Since that is the gig that pays me, what's a girl to do? So while I have a few minutes, here is what I have been thinking about.


(Thanks facebook, for providing me with my first grade class picture. Me, top middle, red pants.)


But first, a fact you may not know about me. In first grade, my teacher, Mrs. Barkes (above), wrote on my report card that, "all of Kelly's errors were made in haste. If she could only slow down and pay attention, her work would be so much better." I actually found that report card a few months ago and planned on posting it because it is still so, so true.

But alas, I lost it. If it turns up, I'll post it. Either way, nothing has changed. I do almost everything flying by the seat of my pants and will make mistakes. It's no secret that Loxy reads everything I write to make sure I don't sound like (more of) an arse who can't use apostrophes correctly. My point? Forgive my typos.

Scoop Overheard On My Travels:
It's no secret that Bobbi Brown is coming to Sephora online any minute. We all got the email. I did hear from a good source that Bobbi is coming to select stores (including some in Baltimore) early next year (like February).

I also overheard other reputable sources (not from BE) talking about the 5 year deal Buxom signed with Sephora for exclusivity. I don't think this is new news and I have heard Internet chatter to the effect for months. I hope this means more Buxom shadows in new colors. I really hope they dive into the cream blush business with Buxom too. My blush still falls off of my face and if they made a Stay-There blush, I would swoon.

Stuff I Need:
I really want the Burlesque Beauty Collection from Smashbox. I checked it out yesterday in store and LOVE LOVE LOVE the gray cream shadow that comes in the collection. Of course, as with any palette of interest, it was sold out in two minutes. I shouldn't be surprised. All collections, even the ones that came out months ago, are still not available in stores. I'll be stalking this collection until I find one.

Later today, I am getting a Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Treatment, which claims to repair hair instantly. I have been reading good things about this treatment, so I will be sure to let you know if it fixes my damaged hair and does any thing to tame my goat hair. I am hoping it's KeraTriplex salon treatment will work magic. My goat hairs need it.


I just received samples of the new Jonathan Smooth shampoo, conditioner and styling balm that claims to help fight frizz. I used it this morning and got great results. But I haven't been outside in the humidity for long, so I can't judge. Plus, one use does not a review make. I fear it might leave a film on my hair which makes me nervous, but maybe that is what fights frizz? The results I got this morning are making me super smiley. It almost looks like I flat ironed it, without the flat iron. I'll have to judge after using it for a few weeks. I'll get back to you.

Blather:
Finally, one of my other loves, television, suffered an extreme and sad loss today. Lone Star, my new favorite show that isn't a reality, cop, spy or doctor drama got the axe after two episodes. Thanks for nothing, Fox executives. You stink at your job. (The job of making good tv. Not the job of filling air time with well worn plot lines.)

ps Fox Execs- nothing will beat DWTS. Have you not heard of a mid-season replacement?

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Things I Forgot To Tell You About : July

Every now and then I forget to mention some items I picked up that made an impression on me. Especially lately, between home repairs, being really busy at the job that pays me and dealing with Loxy having a new schedule (we're up at 5am!), I can't remember what I have told you about and what I have forgotten.

A few months back, I picked up a new (at the time) foundation from Bobbi Brown. I was looking for something thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but not as heavy as a regular foundation. Skin Foundation SPF 15 provides light, natural coverage that manages to wear all day long, despite being so light that it's like a second skin. In the early spring, when I picked it up, I thought it didn't offer enough coverage. I recently picked it up again and can't imagine not using it in the summer. It looks amazing, wears all day long and provides the right amount of coverage.

I am an eye shadow addict and my pal Phyrra raves about Fyrinnae shadows, so with her help, I picked out a few to try. While I dig their shadows in general, I love their shadow, Ashes.


(Ashes shown by itself, with Pixie Epoxy and BE Prime Time for Eyes as a primer.)


It's the perfect dark, cool gray to compliment blue eyes. It is possibly the easiest dramatic-without-trying eyeshadow in my arsenal today. It's vegan and under $10 shipped.


Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer has been a mainstay on my vanity this summer. While you can wear it alone (it won't cover much), I prefer to use it as a highlighter either in specific areas (cheekbones!) or mixed in with my foundation. A little goes a long way and it won't change the color of your foundation - it will only add a little luminosity. Other similar products made my foundation turn pinker or more yellow. This just added a luminous glow, a little like candlelight does to a face over dinner. Gorgeous!

For the decollete, I am loving a Bare Escentuals body powder I picked up a few months ago on the Q. This powder is like the magical color of sunlight hitting slightly tanned skin at sunset. In the movies, they call it "Magic Hour". On your skin, it's just beautiful. Add it to your collar bones, shoulders, even your shins, it gives an amazing glow that stays put. Sadly, you might have to hunt a bit to add this to your collection, but it's worth it!


I bought all of the above with my own shekels. I took the pictures as well. None of the companies listed above test on animals.

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Finding the Perfect Peach: Peach Blush Super Swatch-tacular

For months, I have been all over any blush that wasn't pink, purple or brown. I have a lot of pink in my skin, and while I am drawn to pink blush, it has been hinted at - by much more makeup-savvy people than I - that pink blush on my easily flushed skin is similar to a disaster.

So my quest began. Then one evening, while strolling in Walgreens (yes, I stroll in Walgreens) Loxy said, "I know it has a NEW! sticker on it, but I think you have that color." Granted, I have a lot of makeup. Believe it or not, I think I had more a few years ago, way before I started writing about it. But if Loxy was telling me I already had a particular color and he understood that this color was a light peach, with a slight shimmer with cool undertones and no glitter in a cream base, it was starting to sink in that maybe I had gone to far.

So here, for your perusal, are swatches of most of my peach blushes, in the hopes that you can find what may be your perfect peach blush. And maybe it will inspire you to try something new OR remind you to walk away from the makeup counter if you truly already have that color.







I believe I have the peach cheek market covered. There is one more color I am dying to try, but it isn't available at my Sephora yet. I will be sure to let you know when I pick it up. In the meantime, I promise to walk away from the peach blush. Unless I don't have anything like it.

Do you have these? Am I missing something amazing? What is your favorite? (Based on the swatches, mine might be both TEMPTU colors.)

Out of all of those swatches, the only one that was given to me for the purposes of review was Tarte Eco-Cheek.

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Get Vintage Glam Valentine's Day Hair

by guest blogger, Anne Houseman, of Beauty Xpose
It’s Valentine’s Day, and after several painstaking hours, you’ve finally donned just the right outfit, slipped into the perfect jewels, and your smoky eyes would give Sophia Loren a run for her money.
But what to do with your mundane mane?
Get inspired with this “Vintage Glamour” look by ARROJO Studio, the Soho, NYC-based salon owned by expert hairstylist Nick Arrojo, who is featured on TLC’s “What Not to Wear.”
ARROJO Studio’s Amanda Jenkins and Chuck Olson explain how to reproduce the style before your romantic night out.
What You’ll Need:
• Bobby Pins
• Curling Iron
• Bristle Brush
• Shine Spray
• Hair Spray
Go Glam:
Begin in the front of your head, taking a one to two-inch section of hair, and lightly mist with holding spray. Use a medium barrel curling iron to create the curl, then mist again with holding spray. Brush the curl out smoothly with a bristle brush. Wrap the loose curl around one or two fingers and pin in into place on your head. Continue around your head using different sized curling irons for more dimension and various curl sizes. Don’t worry about getting each curl perfect – the messiness of the style is what makes it sexy and wearable. Spritz the finished style with Holding Spray once more (but go easy to keep the look natural), and add Shine Spray to finish for extra glitz.
Work it:
Stay perfectly-coiffed from your first taste of champagne to your last forkful of tiramisu by keeping a mini-sized spray in your bag for quick touch-ups.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Karen Evans
HAIR: Amanda Jenkins and Chuck Olson for ARROJO STUDIO, using ARROJO product
MAKE UP: Kim Baker for PunchArtists, using Bobbi Brown


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Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010,Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Runway to Realway: Fun or Flop?

I just watched one of the worst movies I have seen in a long time (I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell). That Logan kid from Gilmore Girls no longer has a high Q rating with me after those 105 miserable minutes. However, all is not lost. While I was pretending to watch that dreck, I was actually surfing the Sephora blog and came across this Runway to Realway makeover.

Pretty, right? At work (I work at an ad agency as a TV producer), I can get away with more daring looks than say, a banker, but still these electric blues and bright reds are a little bright, even for me. According to the site, to make the look toned down enough for us normal people, ditch the red lip for a dusty pink shade and tone down the blues. There aren't great pics of the Realway makeover on their blog, so I decided to wing it.

Before I share my pics with you, be kind. I am no makeup artist, photographer or model, so keep the flaming to polite. Thanks.

I used the following products:

Bobbi Brown Corrector in light bisque
Three Custom Creme Concealer/ Foundation
Go To Work (silvery taupe shadow) by the now semi-defunct She Space
Tahiti Palette from Cargo
Penny Lane Cream Blush from NARS
Fresh Mascara in Firebird and Supernova
Sephora lipliner in Cool Coral
Vis-a-Vis lipstick in Kissed By An Angel




(My lashes are so short they don't even curl. Errgh.)


Thoughts? Would you wear this look on an average Realway day? I am always really self-conscious about wearing a dark shade on the side of my lid near my nose. It makes me feel as if my eyes are too close together and I am trying too hard.


(My bangs are getting really long!)


But I might kind of like this. Thoughts? Is this look fun or a flop?


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Things I Want Now! The February Edition

I got Loxy to take me to Sephora a few days ago for a makeup fix. Between real life, a chemical facial peel and snow, I haven't made it into the store for at least 2 weeks. Let's be honest, that's a problem. While I love to buy things to take home and try, at the moment, I am back on cosmetic shopping restriction. So here are the things that made me drool on my recent trip to Sephora.






The Urban Decay/Disney Alice in Wonderland Collection retails for $52 and looks glorious. You just have to see this in person to get the whole idea. You get 16 eye shadows, an Eye Shadow Primer Potion, two 24/7 eye pencils all in this gorgeous Book of Shadows box. It's a great value and a serious collector's item.




(Shown in Cliche')



LORAC Multiplex 3D Lipgloss in Intermix or 3D. I love LORAC glosses on a good day. These new glosses have so much shine and glam packed into a lip gloss, it was really hard not to pick one up and take it home. I fell in love with two colors : 3-D and Intermix.


3D is a dark taupe/fawn color with loads of glitter and pink undertones. The glitter isn't showing up much in my picture, but trust me, it's a must have.


Intermix is peachier and sans glitter, but is one of the shiniest glosses I have come across in a bit. Love it!




The Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette is also an interesting palette to consider. These shadows appear to almost be wet, and leave a glossy trace of color behind. If you like to play with different textures in your shadow, this looks like something you must get.


Make no mistake, this palette is in powder form, but once on, it looks more wet, almost like a shiny, glittery cream eye shadow. I used the Black Onxy, Amethyst and Golden Topaz in the above photo. There has been very little glitter fallout on my eyes. When I looked at this shadow, the colors and texture instantly reminded me of the Bare Escentuals Extreme Eye Glimmers, but in a pressed powder form. Since it is pressed, it is a little easier to avoid getting the shiny bits on your cheeks. I put some on in the store in less than 3 minutes. While the above photo isn't the best, you can tell how the color is sheer, yet shiny; a dry powder, but looks different. You have to check these out!


(I had to see how these looked swatched so I went back to the store with a better camera.)







Of course, you can't even look around Sephora without posters proclaiming Kim Kardashian's new fragrance, aptly titled Kim Kardashian. People who are good at writing perfume descriptions will tell you that it has notes of honey, tuberose, gardenia, honeysuckle and tonka beans (whatever the hockeysticks that is). Honestly, it smelled a little like everything I like from Marc Jacobs.





What I did check out quickly as I left and liked was the newest scent in the Leslie Blodgett's Perfume Diaries collection, Santa Barbara. While I didn't care for her first one (it was just too strong for my taste) this one is quite nice. Santa Barbara is a soft floral that light and pretty and nowhere near overpowering. I also love the adorable little pocket watch-like solid perfume that is perfect for touch-ups.




Finally, I did pick up one of Bobbi Brown's new Pot Rouges from her Cabana Corals Collection. I chose the Cabo Coral color.

This color seemed to be the right mix of bright peachy pop I was looking for without being too bright. This is my first Pot Rouge from Bobbi and I love it.

What are you looking forward to? Have you picked up any of these products yet? Tell me in the comments!

I don't own anything mentioned, with the exception of the Bobbi Brown Rouge Pot, which I paid for myself.

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Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010,Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.