Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer


I just love Benefit's products, although I'm not sure it's the actual products I love or the always-cheeky, punchy packaging, which seems to undoubtedly be the brand's forte. This formula is essentially a tinted primer designed to keep concealers and eyeshadows in place and stop them from creasing. The brand is referring to the product as a "360 primer," as It's meant to be used all around the eye — from lid to underneath. Check it! 

Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara


While I'm currently super into Estee Lauder's TurboLash (it vibrates to prevent clumping!), I do appreciate the fact that this Bourjois mascara is said to made with a formula that makes it ideal for gals with sensitive eyes. And, as anyone who knows me can tell you, my eyes are certainly sensitive. Good little product to feature in a light health or wellness story. It won't  hit shelves until early 2010, bee tee dubz.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Bridal book madness










Oh, bridal books. Over the past couple of weeks, I've received quite a few. I assume this is because the holiday season is peak proposal time (or at least it is according to the gajillion wedding-related PR press releases I get).  I typically put these aside for the bridal planning sections we publish every couple of months, but today I started thumbing through them and noticed one started out like this: "He proposed! Congratulations! Finally, you're on route to the day you've been waiting for your entire life."
Um, not so fast, wedding psychos. I fully understand that the multi-million dollar wedding industry is based upon these types of rally cries, but I simply find the whole operation dreadfully outdated. Who has the time to stress out about napking rings, lighting schemes and the color of your bridal party's  shoes? Anyway, these authors are always good to use as sources for wedding stories, so I'll shut up now. 

Sunday, December 27, 2009

MAC in Lilyland Collection


Pearlmatte Face Powder



So Sweet, So Easy Cremeblend Blush



Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush

So, I often get preview packages from MAC containing samplings from their newest collections, which is a fantastic way to see what'll be hitting shelves. The latest package included a few differerent collections — Warm and Cozy (an array of taupes, browns), Love Lace (muted pastels) and MAC in Lilyland, the brand's new collabo with ultra-preppy (and wholly un-edgy) label Lily Pulitzer. The products combine Lily's signature restort-y, Mar-a-Lago-esque colors — flamingo pinks, bright oranges, pastel greens — while still maintaining MAC's modern sensibilities. The above are samples I recieved, though there's also juicy glosses, eye shadows and nail polish involved in the colleciton. A good move for Lily Pulitzer, I think, for lots of reasons. Available Jan. 7. 

Monday, December 21, 2009

Wines That Rock


Booze and rock: has there ever been a more intuitive pairing? Granted, I don't know how many people think "chardonnay" when they think "rock 'n' roll," but that's beside the point. These varietals — created by legendary rock managers RZO along with the Mendicino Wine Co. — are inspired by rock.  Haven't tested 'em out yet, but used “Forty Licks Merlot,” “Dark Side of the moon Cabernet” and “Woodstock Chardonnay” in a recent story. Get some wine here. 

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Philosophy holiday collection








Small holiday gifts don't get better than these limited-edition seasonal treats from Philosophy, which are beautifully packaged every year. I would totally bring one of these sets to a holdiay party and give it as a hostess gift. I'm keeping the Amazing Grace scent though, as it's light and feminine and — despite the fact I have a whole shelf of scents and don't even use perfume all that much— I heart it.