alice + olivia for MAC

MAC looooves their limited-edition collaborations. Next up, the brand partnered with whimsy-heavy apparel brand Alice+Olivia, and while the packaging is fun and '80s-ish and the shades are nice, I'm personally not crazy-interested in turquoise pigment powder or yellow iridescent lip gloss. It'll still do well, because people freak out over everything MAC does (myself included, usually). Available July 8. 

Cafe Bustelo Thermos

It's finally summer, which is why I've been slacking on my updates (shit gets slow this time of year anyway). A few weeks ago, I went to Miami and discovered the darling Cafe Bustelo flagship cafe. Strangely, after I got back, I got a few Bustelo goodies delivered at work. Despite the fact that I rarely (and by rarely, I mean never) tote my own coffee around, I still like this thermos. The brand clearly wants to establish itself as lifestyle-y, a la Starbucks, and I say, go forth. Not only is their iced coffee a dream, but their pre-made sandwiches are pretty damn good too. Check it. 

Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss

I've been on a bit of a gloss hiatus these days, wearing only balm or super-bright/dark lipsticks when my mood calls for it, but I might be back and ready to rock Estee Lauder's new Pure Color Gloss line. As a sample, I received the brand's Custom Collection — six shades by Tom Pechaux, Estee's creative makeup director. The palette is simple: A nude, two pink-berry shades, two red-coral shades and a plum, which is my personal fave. The main collection offers 34 shades in three different finishes (shine, shimmer, sparkle). If you can tell a real difference, you get a prize. Not really. Available in June. 

Urban Decay 'Summer of Love' Palette

I don't really get people's obsession with eyeshadow palettes. As I mentioned in a previous post, some of Urban Decay's mega-palettes are going for obscene amounts of money on eBay. They're really nice shades and all, but methinks it's partially the packaging that's at work in those cases. Or, the fact that they tout everything as "limited-edition." This particular version isn't anyting tres special, but it's a fine collection on bronze-y shades, along with an eye pencil and the brand's beloved shadow primer. I don't wear eyeshadow much, except as liner, but I'm sure gals will hustle to own this set. Hustle here.  

Topshop Make Up

It was only a matter of time until Topshop jumped aboard the beauty train, and their new line of simply-packaged makeup hit shelves earlier this week. It's fab stuff! At first, I sort of expected the tastemaking store to hawk wilder colors, a la MAC or Makeup Forever, but their selection has just enough range that  gals of all types can rock shiz and look cooool. I didn't get the whole line, but of what I did get, my faves are the not-too-orange bronzer, a silver matallic eye crayon and a buttery yellow pastel nail polish. I heard the lip and cheek tint is right on, so I might have to scoop one up. Because I don't have enough. Check it out nowz.

Gaiam Stainless Steel Water Bottle

I'm baaaaack! Chilled with the updates for a bit, because I've been literally consumed by seasons 1, 2 and 3 of "Damages," which I downloaded and have been watching non-stop, every single night. Frobisher! The "infant mortality case!" Gregory Malina! Danielle Marchetti (Shelley from "Twin Peaks!!!!"). 

Anywaaaay, scored this stainless steel water bottle recently and, in honor of Earth Day, might find a spot for it. I've always been turned off by sipping out of steel, but I know it's a hell of a lot greener than blowing through the Styrofoam cups we have at work near the water cooler or the countless plastic bottles I toss out. Hydrate responsibly here. 

MAC Give Me Liberty of London Collection

When MAC collaborates with designers, the results are typically pretty good. They seem to take the general idea of the brand and translate it well into cosmetics. With Libery of London, the packaging is all floral-y and boho, which is on target, and the shades are a mix of pinks, peaches and muted earth tones. Personally, I prefer MAC in all it's bawdy, drag-y, overbearing glory, but I guess it is nearly Spring, so I get it. Liberate here.