Hey Glossies,

A few weeks ago, Shana Janelle , reminded me about the special 2-hour beauty sale Neiman Marcus was having.  I had decided that I was not going to purchase anything, so my makeup fairy godmother* ordered 2 of the Shu Uemura Nobara cream cover stick foundation in 734 and 504. 734 is similar to NC 44, while 504 is similar to NW45 and NARS New Orleans.

Shu Uemura Nobara cream cover stick foundation in 734 and 504

The foundation felt light on my skin and it wore well. Also, the foundation color did not oxidize at all!! *Double Yay!!* I have worn this combo several times and I really like the staying power. I definitely would repurchase.

Sephora Star Gazer Palette

I live on the Sephora.com “sale” section.  That is a place where I can find some real steals and deals *some deep  deep discounts*.  (Sidebar: I am still kicking myself for not stocking up on Napoleon Perdis Foundation Stick #7.)

I have never really tried any Sephora products, other than the cream makeup remover (which I love!!) So I decided to get the Sephora Star Gazer Palette ($15 USD). The colors are pigmented and are smooth to apply. I love that it has a mirror  Definitely worth the buy, if looking for gifts or stocking stuffers.  I have not tried the blush, but I would definitely  pair it with NARS LoveJoy or a bronzer.

Sephora Star Gazer Palette:

• Aurora (light, shimmering silver) (Top Row)
• Galaxy (deep, sparkling gray)
 (Top Row)
• Polaris (dark, matte gray) (Top Row)
• Heaven (nude, shimmering rose)
 (Bottom R0w)
• Jupiter (shimmering mauve)
 (Bottom R0w)
• Orion (deep, shimmering purple)
 (Bottom R0w)
• Blush in Soleil (perfect pink)

FOTD -  the mauve and purple look AGAIN!!!

Face

• MAC Select Cover Up – NC50
• Shu Uemura Nobara cream cover stick foundation – 734
• Shu Uemura Nobara cream cover stick foundation – 504
• MAC MSF Natural – Dark
• Prescriptives Powder – #5 Base

Eyes

• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte™ Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 (Base)
• MAC  Artifact P/P
• Sephora Star Gazer Palette – (Heaven and Orion)
• Shu Uemura Painting Liner – Midnight Blue
• Bourjois e/l – Navy
• Givenchy Phenomen’eyes mascara – Black

Cheek

• NARS LoveJoy Blush

Lips

• Random Sephora lip gloss

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

There has been a lot of discussion lately on P&G about foundation.  Finding the right foundation can be elusive at times, but there are some brands that have shades for the medium dark to deep dark WOC, so don’t be afraid to try brands that are not too popular..does not mean they are not good.

I am always trolling Sephora’s sale page and I have been noticing a bit of foundation for the deep dark beauties at discounted prices.

Napolean Perdis Foundation Stick Look 8 – This foundation is great.  I use Look 7 foundation stick very lightly on my roseacea areas as a cover-up and the coverage is AWESOME! The coverage is full, but the foundation feels light on the skin, which I love.

Napolean Perdis Foundation Look 8

Napolean Perdis China Doll Foundation Look 7 - The foundation is sheer. I have tried Look 6  and it works well on the non-rosecea part of my skin, which is from the apple of the cheeks to the forehead. It is light and not too matte, but not dewy at all…just right.

Napolean Perdis China Doll Foundation Look 7

Cargo Foundation Oil-Free Foundation – F 100 – I have not used this product, but fellow beauty homies like this product.  They said the coverage is sheer.  One of them raved about that she looked natural, but had a glow without looking dewy or greasy.

Cargo Oil-Free Foundation F 100

Some Sephora stores still have some CARGO items, so get there ASAP!  So go forth and test.

Mix Maven

Just in case you were unable to benefit from the government-backed “Cash for Clunkers”  program, Sephora has a better offer for all beauty aficionados.  *Who needs a new car anyway* LOL

For a limited time, Sephora will have the  Ca$h for Beauty Clunkers program. Bring in 5 unwanted (clean) beauty items into any US freestanding Sephora store, Sephora will give $10 off a purchase $50 or more.  The offer ends October 12, 2009. So get to the local Sephora (not the ones in JcPenney) and get that money.

Happy Haulin’,

Mix Maven

There are things in world that some of us do not get, while the people around rejoice at the mere mention e.g. Crocs, The Office, VH-1 programming and The Real Housewives of (Fill-in appropriate location). Well, in the beauty realm, Dior was that for me. I did not get the whole Dior hype.  My homegirl, Adina of KraseyBeauty Blog always raves about the eye shadows and how she could not wait to pick up the new collections.   KarlaSugar’s swatch blog showcased the beauty and luxury of Dior shadows, but I remained unmoved….Until I swatched them for myself.

In Sephora, enjoying the ambiance, I am in my happy place swatching NARS, Smashbox and so forth. I, coolly, walk over to the Dior palettes not expecting much. I begin swatching.  When I see the pigmented shimmer on the back of my smooth hand, my knees get weak…(humming SWV) I was totally blown away and the texture alone (non-chalky and non-grainy) of the product.  I debated between “Electric Lights” and “Tropical Light.”  Tropical Light won out because I love green

.

Dior Electric Lights Palette

Dior Tropical Light Palette - The Winner

Dior Tropical Light Palette - in Natural Light

I think my next Dior shadow purchase will be one of the following:

Dior Chic Palette

Dior Jazzclub Total Eyelook Makeup Clutch

Well, my birthday is coming up soon, so I will be adding these gorgeous palettes to that list.

Which beauty brand have you rediscovered for the first?

Mix Maven