Urban Decay Releases "Alice in Wonderland" Set

Super-psyched about the Tim Burton-ified "Alice in Wonderland" coming out this March? Here's something to play with while you wait. Urban Decay cosmetics is about to release a cute-as-hell movie tie-in palette that's kind of like a pop-up book.

The products aren't new, but the shadows all got new "Underland" inspired names. The set contains one Eyeshadow Primer Potion, two travel size 24/7 Eye Pencils and 16 shades of eyeshadow. Just for fun here are the eyeshadow names: Underland, Alice, Oraculum, Queen, Chessur, White Rabbit, Wonderland, Curiouser, Muchness, Mushroom, Midnight Tea Party, Vorpal, Absolem, Drink Me, Eat Me, Mad Hatter and Jabberwocky.

The palette will be available on UrbanDecay.com on January 15th, Sephora.com on January 22nd and Sephora stores on February 1st.

If you haven't seen the "Alice in Wonderland" trailer yet, it looks magical.

MAC's Latest Multi-Culti Color Collection

Totally feeling the array of "nude" shades MAC just came out with in their All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection. A few shades are re-runs of older shades, but the majority are limited edition and the loose pigment powders have gotten a packaging makeover that's going to stick. I'm dying to get my hands on the goldish "Universal Mix" pigment ($19.50) and the eyeshadow in "All Races" ($14.50)

5N, Empowered, Equality, Myself

Universal Mix, Rich Life

Personal Style, Alls Good

Cross Cultural, Banshee, Showstopper, All Races

Tori Amos for Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox just released a limited edition "Pink and Glitter" collection inspired by my favorite redheaded weirdo (second only to you, Becky Feldman) - musician Tori Amos. The set costs $32 and contains a lip gloss, blush duo and eyeshadow which comes in a (seemingly impractical) trapezoid-shaped pewter bag. It also comes with a free download of the upbeat and jazzy"Pink and Glitter" off Tori's new album Midwinter Graces.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss ($18) in particular is a worthwhile item - I love the non-sticky formula and the colors are all really sheer and unthreatening. But as all beauty editors agree (and I can confirm they aren't lying) Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36) is the ultimate be-all of beauty products.

FYI Smashbox always ships all purchases for free and gives generously in terms of free samples on every order.

Ricky's NYC is Online

How did I miss this?! When I lived in NYC's West Village, trannylicious beauty supply store Ricky's was a weekly stop-off for me. They have everything you could possibly need to complete your look, from velcro rollers to glitter to the kind of clip on ponytail that scares you every time you open the bathroom closet. It's enough to give any product junkie a beauty boner (speaking of which - they also sell sex toys.) Not only is it piled high and deep with goodies, but the vibe inside is fun even if the staff is a smidge fresh - it's like a Sephora on rave drugs.

For years I've checked to see when they'd finally get on the whole e-commerce bandwagon because I love the loose shimmer powders they carry by a brand called Matisse, and to my amazement yesterdays Google of "Ricky's NYC" was a fruitful one!

What's better? Currently they have a sale for 20% off a vast array of items with code ANNUAL20 - including Matesse cosmetics. It ends November 30, so get on that shit before your local Beyonce impersonator wipes it out. If you live in NYC, Long Island or Miami, go explore your local Ricky's in person.

MAC Style Black: Fierce, Not Food Court

I was in Nordstrom today and fell fairly obsessed with MAC Cosmetics "Style Black" collection. I was skeptical of a Kat von Disaster when I first heard about it, but it's truly a line of versatile and wearable items (save the black lipstick, which I can't imagine will be a big seller.)

The mineralize eye shadows are particularly stunning - Cinderfella and Blue Flame are on my wishlist. They go on smooth and rich, and the glitter is ultra-fine. There are several products in the line that aren't new, but just mesh well with the collection so they are included (Mattene lipstick in Night Violet is a re-issue) - below is a list of the items that are really debuting.

Cremesheen Lipstick ($14)
Black Knight - Creamy true black
Mattene Lipstick ($14.50)
Midnight Media - Dense matte black

Glimmerglass Lipgloss ($18)
Bling Black - Sheer black with gold pearl
Blackfire - Sheer black with pink purple pearl
Blackware - Creamy true black

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19)
Cinderfella - Black with silver pearl
Young Punk - Black with pink purple pearl
Gilt by Association - Black with gold bronze pearl
Blue Flame - Black with blue pearl

Grease Paintstick ($17.50)
Black - Intense black

Nail Lacquer ($12)
Seriously Hip - Black with gold particle pearl
Baby Goth Girl - Black with pink and purple pearl

MAC Make-Up Art Fall 2009

[Images via MACCosmetics.com]

In addition to a new collection of purple nail colors, a forthcoming burst of electric eyeshadows, a collection of screen-ready falsies and a collection rooted in the absence of color, the color wizards behind MAC Cosmetics recently handed the reins over to three contemporary artists who each created 2-3 looks using a mix of new and old favorite MAC shades.

There were a few peacock-y eyeshadow looks I wasn't feeling, and a couple of "been there, done that" compositions, but I thought these two were outstanding. What a great way to take this summer's vivid palette into the colder months - by marrying them with a smoky eye. For those fearful of the flamboyant, this is a way to pop your bright eyeshadow cherry without feeling clownish.

Get the list of products and how-to tips (in printable PDFs to tape to your bathroom vanity) for both of these looks at the official MAC site.

Deal of the Week: Stila Shadow Set

Sephora currently has the 6-shade eyeshadow Stila Pearl palette on sale for $20 - 50% off the original price.

Normally I steer clear of multi-shade palettes - as we all know from experience, there's always one color you use and 3 you never touch. With a white, two neutral pinks, a blue, a green and a soft gold, this set quite neatly covers your bases.

Smashbox's Tudor-Inspired Fall Color Collection

Smashbox put out a fairly classic palette for Fall 2009 with foliage-esque gold, russet and pine shadows paired with complementing liners and a neutral lip and cheek. I'm loving the colors (and I'm a huge fan of their products in general - total quality) but I'm confused. The collection is said to be inspired by the English Tudors. According to what I've read, the rage quite consistently from the Crusades up through the Elizabethan era was rosy red on cheeks and lips. I can only assume they're referencing fabrics.

Nonetheless, I'm dying to get my hands on the deep green shadow! At $42 the set is a little steep. To the wishlist it goes...

NARS Reveals Summer 2009 Products

NARS is one of the few brands that is not a bff of Hearts Like Stars yet (We've reached out a few times... maybe they're just not down with bloggers?) so I can't give you the skinny on the texture and lasting power of the colors they released today. What I can say is that the look is bold, but at the same time, sophisticated. I'm a big fan of the upcoming orange lipstick trend.

The model is wearing new single eyeshadow in Tropic ($22), lip liner in Tonga ($20) and lipstick in Outsider ($24). The entire summer 2009 collection is pictured at left. Notice there is no blush? Don't do it if you're wearing eyes and lips this bold! A dusting of bronzer is all the color you need.

(Product and model images via NARScosmetics.com. Click to enlarge.)

Fall 2009 Makeup Trends

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Color! So glad it's sticking around beyond the spring and summer seasons for 2009. Dior's models rocked the rainbow at the Fall 2009 show, and the old 80's up-to-the-eyebrows trend seems to be back with a vengeance. So long as you choose a flattering color for yourself, I say go nuts.

A slash of black liquid liner along the top lids is a classic look, but I like how they also lined the crease to create a longer eye at Moschino. At Vivienne Westwood they punked out the usually ladylike look by applying liner to the entire lid. Try Urban Decay's Liquid Liner in Perversion ($18 - P.S. I find the liners with brushes as opposed to "felt tips" create a cleaner line.)

Usually a summer makeup trend, bright coral showed up on lips and cheeks in two fall shows. Combined with a complementary bright pink lip or a doll-like smoky eye, when done lightly this color is completely wearable on most skin tones. Zac's model is wearing M.A.C. Cosmetics - Eyeshadow in Blackberry ($14.50)and Lipstick in Morange ($14.50). Betsey's model is wearing Stila - Long wear lip color in Hippie ($17)and Convertible Color in Gladiola ($25)on cheeks.

This is a strong look and a tough one to pull off, but with the right evening ensemble (I'd go with something simple, with a feminine accent like a ruffle or bow just for contrast) the goth lipped look can be done. Betsey's model is wearing Stila Cosmetics - Onyx Kajal eyeliner ($18) and Convertible Color in Poppy ($25), both on the lips.

I'm not a big bronzer gal myself, but toned down the full lid of shimmery brown shadow and a peachy nude blush can look really soft. Back in the day this went hand in hand with a heavily shaded brow - I like how they left them natural at the Chloe show (pictured.) Try Smashbox eyeshadow in Sienna ($16), layered with Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy shadow ($14).

And the best for last - conceptual God John Galliano sent the ghosts of gypsies past down the runway for fall, and thanks to some equally masterful makeup artistry, models looked like abandoned childhood dolls left to freeze in a blizzard.

Eyeshadow was applied to the entire socket of each eye, with the inner corners and browbones highlighted with a dash of metallic cream to prevent a completely punched-out look. Cheekbones were carved out with plum powder and brought forward with cool metallic highlighter.

I'm really fascinated by the way it was done, so be on the lookout for a how-to in the future.
A great highlighter I recently tested? Smashbox 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer. ($34 for .98 oz.)

Urban Decay Launches Fab New Shades for Spring

[Click image to enlarge]

This weekend some of my trusted product junkies/testers and I had a blast messing with the newest rockstar-ready shades from Urban Decay.

Having never quite gotten over my childhood David Bowie crush, I'm a big fan of Heavy Metal eyeliner. Check out the site for 4 new shades. ($18 each)
The good: The mica particles stay put, and they're dispersed enough that you end up avoiding the trannyliciousness that glitter makeup can sometimes induce. Pressed along the upper lash line and/or layered over a liquid liner, it's a killer accent.
The bad: Removal can be a bit irritating if you're not careful (like if you've come home from a night of other reckless behaviors and have little in the way of patience.) And as with all glitter, once you wash it it's free to travel your face like a pair of Blake Lively's jeans.

24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner also comes in 4 new shades, and is true to it's name. ($16 each)
The good: It's soft and smooth and metallic and won't budge unless you want it to.
The bad: Zip.

Their new product in 12 shades is a Cream Eyeshadow that comes in a small tube and is applied with a lip gloss style wand. My advice? Blend with a finger for the best effect. ($17 each)
The good: It does metallic far more convincingly than a powder shadow, and it doesn't settle in the crease. Plus, it feels cool on your lids.
The bad: It's not really a "bad"- but just be careful not to use eye makeup remover immediately beforehand, or it'll chunk up.

Honorable Mention: Check out the packaging on their lipstick (the latest shade is a version of their famous Midnight Cowboy champagne color.) All their lipsticks have a dagger jutting out of the bottom that you tug to release the tube. Slightly impractical? Yes. But it deserves a bad-ass award for creativity. And by the way -despite the glitter in the formula, the new shade really goes on smooth.

Just for the fuckofit - some more pics from our fun shoot with model Erin R.:

[Click image to enlarge]

Clinique Launches Spring 2009 Collection "First Blush"

I had the opportunity to try out the spring 2009 collection from Clinique this past week, "First Blush". Highlights include flower-themed eyeshadow duos in ethereal neutrals, high-shine glosses with just a whisper of color, and the standout innovation I adore - Quick Blush.

I have to admit, I'm a child and I played with the products before reading the details, so I had no idea how to use Quick Blush and ended up sticking my finger in the cap (where the blush is.) Here's how it actually works:

With a twist the brush picks up just enough blush from the cap to add a nice flush to your cheeks. Equally impressive is the quality of the super-soft retractable brush, which alone is worth the price of the product. I'll probably clean it and continue to use it even after the blush runs out. Reduce, reuse, recycle, ladies!

The eyeshadow packaging is super cute, and Clinique just has a knack for creating universally flattering shades. Of course I could show you pics of the gorgeous model with artist-applied eyeshadow they sent me, but I wanted y'all to see how they look on a real chick who applied them in about 30 seconds:

[Fresh Bloom Eye Shadow ($16.50 each, from left): Tiger Lily, Apple Blossom, Maple Blossom, Cherry Blossom; Lash Doubling Mascara ($14, all photos); Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in First Blush (1,2) and Honey Shimmer (3,4), $14 each; Quick Blush in Hurry Honey (1,3) and In-a-Rush Blush (2,4) $21.50.]

"First Blush" will be available at Clinique locations nationwide in February 2009, and online at Clinique.com.

P.S. My faves? The Quick Blush in Hurry Honey and the shadow in Tiger Lily.

Stila Honors Barbie's 50th with a Special Collection

Although she doesn't look it (chalk it up to botox - it's not like those boobs are real) Barbie turns 50 years old this year. To celebrate this occasion, America's favorite source of female body dysmorphia will be launching another cosmetics collaboration, on the heels of 2007's $9 million success with MAC Cosmetics.

This year, Barbie Loves Stila. Instead of separately-sold shades like they did with MAC, Mattel and Stila created four separate boxed sets ("beauty cans" ...ew) representing different stages of Barbie's evolution:

Ponytail Doll (a liquid eyeliner and a three-pan compact with two eye shadows and blush)
Malibu Barbie (a pale pink Lip Glaze called Malibu, a black mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a bronzer)
Foxy Doll (mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a blush)
Jewel Doll (bright pink Lip Glaze called Jewel, a Multi-Effect Mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a blush)

Each will sell for $40 exclusively at Sephora. Considering a Stila eyeshadow is $18 and a lip glaze is $22, this will be a good deal providing that all the colors are nice.

Side Note: Am I crazy or does afro Barbie just look like a white Barbie with a really fake-looking tan? Unless it's supposed to be black Barbie post-LaToya Jackson rhinoplasty?

Get Loose

Cory Kennedy: Urban Decay's new love.

There' s a new way to love Urban Decay's ultra-vivid eye shadows, and a new lady making it look fabulous to do so.
For the first time ever, you can get a dozen of their greatest shades in Loose Pigment form, allowing you to wear it sheer and shimmery all the way up to shocking.
What rocks: Unlike other loose powder shadows like M.A.C. and L'Oreal HIP, Urban Decay eliminated the possibility of full-on spillage (a.k.a. huge mess, money down the toilet) by designing a package that resembles a lip gloss, narrower at the top with a mini-brush inside the lid. Which is genius. See:
What's iffy: Well, the brush doesn't have much flex to it. This makes is great for controlling the coverage and keeping application light, but it's hard to get a really rich application when you want it. Judging by the copy on the packaging, they are aware of it: they point out that pigment can also be tapped out for application with a different brush. Tried, and true.
Verdict: I put it on early in the morning, and close to 12 hours later it was still there just as I had applied it. Beyond that it faded a little, but never disappeared. This stuff is definitely built for all-night party people. (Which makes their new spokes-chick Cory Kennedy an appropriate choice. If you don't know who she is, she's basically a girl who goes to a lot of parties, and dates the Cobrasnake guy. I'm loath to call her a "style-blogger" because her blog is really just personal photos -- of course, personal photos of herself in clothes I can't afford and places I'm not invited-- so maybe it's just jealousy.) Loose Pigments go for $20 (about the same price as MAC.) Get em on their site, or at Sephora.
Looks to Try: Shades like Shattered, Graffiti and Asphyxia are perfect for spring and summer's trend of brights. If you can't deal with the Pucci-inspired grill, shades like Baked and X go perfectly with the universally flattering nude/gold look so many brands are pimping.

Bonus: Urban Decay and Hard Candy do not test on animals, and most of these colors are completely vegan. (look for the paw-print)