Tag Archives: OCC

Black & White

black-white

You know what goes really great with a bright lip or nail polish? Black and white. White jeans are awesome. Black dresses on repeat. It’s my favorite duo always but especially in the summer. After all, these two are responsible for grey, which dominates my closet more than it should. I mean…stop me if I buy another grey tee. This week’s dose of pretty is inspired by this statement palette.

This Madewell Tunic with these striped sandals are perfection. I’ll be checking them out at Sam’s Madewell shopping party coming up in June. // I’m eagerly awaiting the launch of Benefit’s They’re Real Push-Up Liner…gel in pen form. Cool, right? // Essie Blanc = classic. // A few pinches of Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder teased into hair gives crazy easy volume. // I discovered the Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser in the Birchbox FEED Box and find it to be really effective at getting all of the grit and makeup off my face. // I’m beyond curious to try the OCC Color Correcting Lip Balm Duo. The white side primes and slightly lightens your natural lip shade while the black defines (without adding color). // Yes, you do want to smell like an Olsen. MK and Ash’s foray into fragrance via the Elizabeth and James line is incredible. Nirvana Black and Nirvana White can be worn separately but are somehow better together. How very twin.

The Makeup Show Chicago

The-Makeup-Show-Chicago

The Makeup Show made a stop in Chicago this past weekend and I ventured to the Bridgeport Art Center to check it out. It’s the spot to be for makeup artists – with seminars from some of the best artists in the business and major discounts on brands. I always view this as a prime opportunity to soak up tips from the masters and do some shopping as well (hello, NARS at 30% off!) Plus, spending time with James Vincent, celeb makeup artist and Director of Education for TMS, is like catching up with an old girlfriend. He’s always got the best stories and scoop. For example, he shared that this palette by TMS exhibitor Graftobian (Madison, WI-based company!) is a Fashion Week staple for Dick Page— Shiseido artistic director and one of the most in-demand makeup artists in the world.  And, of course, he spoke about some of the work he’s been doing with Florence (of THE MACHINE!) lately.

I left filled with great insider knowledge and a handful of products that I’m super excited to try. This double-sided brush from Crown is a dead ringer for a Stila version that is three times the price. James says he loves using the smaller end for blending along the sides of your nose where product tends to build. As he said that, I instinctively touched that part of my face. He’s so right! Another new to me brand is Nurturing Force and their HD primer, called Blot Out Offensive. It has a mousse-like texture and the experts tell me that this one is best used for spot treatments on oil-prone areas. The ingredient list is short and aloe-based, which I appreciate. A few bright multi-use products caught my attention – the new OCC Stained Gloss Lip Tar in New Wave and Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Moist Glow in Liquifuschia. The former has the appearance of stained glass on the lips and when layered under foundation, peeks through as a natural flush. I’ve already started using the Senna Totally Transformative Eyeshadow Primer and don’t think I’ll ever part ways with it! It’s tinted (I use shade light) and billed as a wrinkle reducer, color corrector and eyeshadow magnet. So far, delivering on every front. And, Make Up For Ever debuted its new Smoky Extravagant mascara at the show and I got my hands on a tube! It’s officially launching next month. The wand is cone shaped and the formula is super black and glossy.

While there, I also had a chance to meet the lovely Arielle. She posted a few recaps on Beauty By Arielle, so head on over and say hello!