Fab Five Friday: Fragrance Edition

(Couldn't figure out an AKA for this one, but I will say that this will probably end up being a regular feature. Y'all know I love an awesome alliterative title!)

Fashion Fall Faves! AKA: Shop with Me!

A Visit to the Image Factory with a Firecracker to Take a Master Class! AKA: My Fall Smashbox Favorites

I'm not going to ramble on about this, because this post is picture heavy. These are a few of my favorite pieces for the fall from one of my favorite cosmetic companies, Smashbox Cosmetics. There are a few pieces from the Fall 2012 Image Factory Collection (which I previewed here), my favorite red lip gloss (because I'm wearing red now; it's a relatively new development), and one of the gems of my makeup collection, The Master Class Palette...

Image Factory AirBlush in Berry Bliss

Image Factory AirBlush in Berry Bliss: A superblendable, mousse-like blush for airbrushed-looking cheeks. This blush provides an instantly healthy look to cheeks. The lasting formula contains ultra-fine pigments for blendability and silicone elastomers to minimize the appearance of imperfections for a perfectly radiant glow. (This is such a pretty, creamy, richly pigmented shade! It blends in like butter and leaves a lovely natural flush.)

I Loathe Olives, But I Love a Dirty Martini! AKA: From Dusk Til Dawn NCLA Fall 2012

From Dusk Till Dawn-NCLA's Fall 2012 Nail Lacquer Collection

I already waxed poetic on how much I love NCLA's fabulous nail lacquers (it's here, in case you missed it)-from the packaging, to the names, and the superb formula-it's truly become one of my favorite brands. The new lacquer collection for Fall 2012 does not disappoint... once again I want every shade (I may have a problem, lovelies). But who could blame me with shades like these?

2 in 1? Try 3 in 1!-AKA: NYC New York Color City Duets 2 in 1 Lip Color

I know the saying goes, "You get what you pay for," but sometimes there are exceptions to the rule. Don't sleep on drugstore brands! For example the City Duet 2 in 1 Lip Colors from NYC New York Color. They may retail for a mere $2.99, but considering you basically get 3 lipsticks for that price, even the biggest brand snob can stand to give these a try!

The Brits Get Lippy!-AKA: butter LONDON Lippy Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

I'm all about butter LONDON lately (I'm currently wearing Bossy Boots-a light pistachio creme, and Rosie Lee- gorgeous rose gold glitter, on my nails), so I'm loving everything they have coming out for the fall.

Rosie Lee is on the left and Bossy Boots is on the right

How I put them together :)

I've already shared the line up of new lacquers for the fall, and as promised, here is butter LONDON's Autumn/Winter 2012 Lippy Collection:

I LOVE Brit Speak!-AKA Mama's Mani Madness with butter London's Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

I'm totally enamored with the butter LONDON products that I have in my stash (Rosie Lee, Knackered, and Disco Biscuit) so I'm super excited over their new collection for the Fall (plus I'm a sucker for the awesome British slang they use as names for the equally awesome lacquers). Here's a sneak peek:

Fall 2012 Trends the butter LONDON way:

Sequins! Velvet! Satin! Tweed! This season, the catwalks were abundant with rich texture! We’ve translated this to nails through the infusion of glitter particles and metallic and holographic finishes. The colour tones speak to “earthiness” but are not specifically earth tones – think rust, shimmering greens and silvers. This collection feels future-forward but not futuristic. This season is all about using texture to add interest and depth to your look!

Lovely Jubbly

Lovely Jubbly-(translation: excellent; used when a person hears great news or has a stroke of good luck) The lacquer is a vibrant magenta flecked with red, blue, and gold micro particles for a distinctly retro 70's feel. This sultry glitter gives high impact sparkle, perfect for even modern Disco Divas.

Trustafarian

Trustafarian- (translation: a spoiled rich kid who pretends to be a hippy, but still weekend's at Daddy's estate). The lacquer is a delightful sage green with a golden holographic finish that gives it a surprisingly sophisticated edge.

Gobsmacked

Gobsmacked- (translation: to be totally speechless or unable to think of anything to say). The lacquer is a heavily pigmented charcoal grey glitter with a slightly textured finish. It is a butter LONDON legend in the making and unlike anything seen before!

Shag

Shag- (translation: Brit equivalent to "knocking boots"). The lacquer is a high shine metallic in a warm orange burgundy shade. Think fallen Autumn leaves...

Dodgy Barnett

Dodgy Barnett- (translation: a seriously bad hair cut or 'do; the mullet is the perfect example). The lacquer is a highly holographic shade that blurs the line between grey and silver. A must have! 

Backstage with butter LONDON: butter LONDON is a backstage staple at Fashion Week, having created the nail looks for shows including Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson, and Yigal Azrouel. Sought after for their innovative design, technique, and custom blended colours, this season the brand created the nail looks for Altuzarra, Kevork, Kaelen, Simone Rocha, JS Lee, Craig Lawrence, Matthew Williamson, Michael van der Ham, and Roland Mouret. Each Lacquer retails for $14 and they are available on butterLONDON.com and select Ulta Beauty stores. 

So it's official, I want them all! Stay tuned for information on the coordinating lipgloss (or "lippies" as the Brits say) collection! What color in the collection is on your wish list? What's your favorite butter London shade? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...


Ciao, XxO


Q


PS-This press release and the photos are via beautypress.com :)

The Iconic Fall Collection by Kate Moss for Rimmel London

I thought it was ironic that the 4 shades I received for review are the same shades featured in the new fall ad! (From left to right: 15, 11, 01, and 06)

The Iconic Fall Collection from Rimmel London is a continuation of their collaboration with uber model, Kate Moss. Encased in an exclusive signature pack, these alluring shades were developed by Kate for Rimmel and capture her unique, sexy and unconventional style.

Transition Your Look for Fall with Sally Hansen

Sad as I am to admit it (though not really), summer time (and hopefully its oppressive heat) is swiftly coming to an end. Though I will not be totally giving up the neons and brights I have grown to love wearing on my fingers and toes, the change in season has me seeking to incorporate more nudes, neutrals, and warm tones to my ever expanding polish collection. Enter Sally Hansen and the fabulous Complete Salon Manicure line! With 5 steps in 1 bottle (base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color, and top coat) and patented Vita-Care technology to give you advanced wear, it is the perfect formula for busy ladies who love to change their polish often (like me). There has even been a collaboration between fashion designer and Sally Hansen; for the second time he was created 3 shades in the Complete Salon Manicure line: Pumice (a mint green), Bandage (a light flesh tone), and Ion (a muted gray). In addition to those 3 limited edition must haves, here are some other colors I plan on adding to my roster in the very near future:

Red Zin 

Plum Luck 

Pat On The Black 

Fairy

Mudslide

Choco-Latte

Nude Now

I envision using the nudes on my fingers with Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Colors (stay tuned for a post on those with swatches!) on my accent fingers and the darker tones on my toes. And depending on the formulas for the nudes, I can see some jelly sandwiches going on (you lovelies know I love my glitter, so it'll be neat to incorporate it in a new way)! I'm super excited about finding (and acquiring the Alexander Wang colors. All of the polishes pictured above are available at Target for about $5.99 (the pictures are linked to the product if you are inclined to purchase any of them; they are affiliate links so if you do choose to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission). What shades and tones are you excited to incorporate into your fall wardrobe? Are you looking forward to the changing season, or do you wish it was perpetually summertime? What is your favorite season for beauty and fashion and why? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

What's New From Smashbox! (A Wish List)

I've already shared my love for Smashbox Cosmetics with you lovelies, so I won't digress; but I am SUPER excited by all the new goodies I'm seeing from them! I'm steadily adding to my wishlist and so that I won't be alone in coveting all of the makeup goodness, I thought I'd share some of the new (and not so new) releases with you!

I'll start with my most wanted item, The Master Class Palette:

Smashbox The Master Class Palette (Sephora Exclusive) $59.00

Via Sephora:

What it is: A superloaded palette inspired by the bags full of product Smashbox pro artists bring on set.

What it does: From cases full of eye shadows to bags brimming with glosses, the amount of products the Smashbox artists bring on set can be overwhelming. Get all your photo-ready essentials in one place with The Master Class Palette by Smashbox, a palette jam-packed with 28 Photo Op Eyeshadows, four brow tech powders, eight cream eyeliners, two blushes, three soft lights, and four lip glosses. Featuring Smashbox's core eye shadow formula for the ultimate in blendability and pigmentation, plus many of our other studio-tested products, this palette contains everything you need to dust, blend, and swipe your way to a multitude of looks.

This set contains:- 28 Eyeshadows (starting at top left corner) in Vanilla, Frost, Butter, Parfait, Ambiant, Frambois, Peacock, Cabernet, Serpent, Aubergine, Azure, Ash, Opal, Linen, Flirt, Nectar, Granite, Golden Orchid, Dusk, Cinnamon Toast, Blacko 

Girl Crush: Coco Rocha for White Hose Black Market

I have had a total girl crush on Coco Rocha ever since I saw a version of this commercial on TV. There's a wit and humor about her that I just love! Well apparently I'm not the only one who loved that commercial, because supermodel Coco Rocha will be featured in White House Black Market’s Fall 2012 campaign. In addition to being featured in the print ads, Coco will once again be the star of White House Black Market’s television campaign, which leads to a surprise reveal, giving the spot a twist. I'm personally curious as to how they are going to top her tap dancing on a table (in high heeled, strappy sandals no less)!

Fall Beauty: The Midnight Roses Collection from Lancome

I don't know if I've shared this with you lovelies, but one of my biggest dreams/goals is to go to Paris. In harmony with that, I'm sort of obsessed with all things chic and Parisian. Combine that with my love of cosmetics and my excitement for the new fall line from Lancome should come as no surprise!