holiday 2014 {beauty}: Bobbi Brown Scotch On The Rocks Collection

when considering beauty gifts, the brand i'd consider highly for gifting would certainly be from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. for holiday 2014 allow me to bring your attention to the Scotch on the Rocks collection ~ a gorgeous, confident assortment of new products featuring sexy, warm matte browns, golden metallic nudes and silky rich reds. these beauties can be used to create simple yet stunning looks to complement anything you wish to wear, day or night. 

the Bobbi Brown Scotch On the Rocks Collection includes:

LE Warm Glow Eye Palette

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Scotch

Lip Color in Sultry Red, Bordeaux, Malt Shimmer and Beige Gold Shimmer

Lip Gloss in Scarlet, Gold {glitter} and Bellini {high shimmer}

Nail Polish in Bordeaux, Scotch Shimmer and Cherry Tomato

LE Highlight Powder in Pink Glow and Bronze Glow




needless to say, this is a beyond fabulous, breathtaking collection! any beauty-loving person {including me} would be happy to receive anything {or everything} from it.

you can find the Bobbi Brown Scotch On the Rocks Collection now at all Bobbi Brown counters, including nordstrom and macy's and of course at bobbibrowncosmetics.com

info, images, and video courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

summer beauty: Shiseido Makeup Face Color Enhancing Trio

summer always brings new, beautiful products, and the latest from Shiseido is no exception. the Shiseido Makeup Face Color Enhancing Trio is an all-in-one compact that creates a beautiful complexion, replicating the glow that naturally appears when you smile from sheer joy ~ blushing rosy cheeks, increased brightness and elevated facial features.

each trio features a Blushing Color, the warm top shade is soft and rosy, the middle Sculpting Color creates dimension for contouring and shading, and the bottom Highlighting Color matches natural skin tones and blends seamlessly with the other two shades.

the brush in this palette is uber soft and it applies the powders beautifully {thought i also like to use a fan brush to apply it, keeping the color applied more on the sheer side}. swiping all the shades together {vertically} creates a nice color, and the fact that this beauty is shimmer-free is just another reason i know i'll continue to use it, even beyond summer. :)

Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio is available in 4 shades:

Apple {RD1} ~ sun-kissed shades of pink, gentle fawn and light peach

Lychee {PK1} ~ pale shades of pink, ivory and cream

Peach {OR1} ~ soft hint of coral, subtle beige, and delicate gold shades

*Plum {RS1, the one i've been using, pictured} ~ vivid rose, rich bronze, and golden beige shades

i love the versatility of this palette, and while i wish each shade were wider {for easier application of the individual shades}, i think this is a product any beauty girl can appreciate.

visit shiseido.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

create your summer beauty look with Avon

the winter months are behind us, so now it's time to enjoy the warmer weather of spring, and prepare for summer! to do this, i think Avon's new beauty offerings are perfect to help get the looks we all love and get us in the mood for bright, sunny days…

AeroVolume Mascara: using aerospace-inspired technology, the new, lightweight AeroVolume formula contains pillow complex of hollow fibers to add volume without the weight. it features a unique star-shaped wire brush creates vertical lift and even formula deposit; promises to keep lashes lifted and voluminous all day with 200% more volume.  available in shades Blackest Black, Black, Brown Black

All-In-One Makeup Palette: this beautiful color palette {pictured above} is perfect to take on-the-go! includes 15 spring shades for eyes, lips and cheeks including 5 eye shadows, 5 lip glosses, 3 blushes, 2 bronzers and 6 applicators. as well as 2 mirrored panels.

Eye Dimensions Eyeshadow: blend in, sculpt and create a fabulous eye look with these luminous, pure-color shadows. layer vibrant, silky color to wear for hours without creasing.

new shades: Bronze Star, Natural Haze, Diamante Purple, Khaki Chic, Sultry Smoke, Sweetheart Plum

Ideal Flawless CC Cream: this CC begins to fade the appearance of dark spots in just 2 weeks. creates a more even tone and skin improvement over time. the formula is buildable with light-to-medium coverage, and offers powerful sun protection with broad spectrum UVA/UVB and spf 50+.

shades: Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep and Deep

all products are available now at Avon.com or through your local Avon representative.

be sure to follow the brand on all the social media platforms, at facebook.com/Avon, twitter and instagram, @AvonInsider. follow and share your look with #AvonMakeup to stay connected with other fans of the brand!

here's to a fabulous, happy, gorgeous summer!

info and images courtesy of Avon brand PR

spring beauty: NARS Contour Blush

bonjour beauties! 

hope you've been well. i don't know about you, but i've been especially excited about all of the fabulous spring beauty releases {as if i'm ever not excited, hello new products are always exciting! but you know what i mean…} and have just added the new NARS Contouring Blush to the list.

i personally started using a bronzing/contouring-type products year-round a few years ago, but there are so many different types that create different effects and looks. these Contouring Blush duos come in 3 shades: Olympia {ivory/rose}, Paloma {pink beige/deep rose}, and Geinah {honey/amber}.

 the brand graciously sent me Paloma to try for myself.

simply put, this shimmer-free duo does just what it says it will do: create a natural-looking dimension for the face with a lightweight luminous finish. the deeper shade enhances definition while the lighter shade illuminates the high points of the face.

 i'm more than pleased to report that Contour Blush is definitely making me a bit more cheerful, and is a fabulous item to have in the beauty arsenal for spring. if you are long-time reader, you may know that i am not a fan of the heat, so as the days are getting warmer, this is a good thing.

:)

i admit, when i first received this particular palette, i was unsure how much of a "contour" i would get considering i have dark skin, and the darker blush shade isn't super deep {the Olympia blush is lighter in color and Geinah features deeper shades}; but, good news, beauties! it didn't disappoint.  i think Paloma will work for a large range of skin tones. for me, Paloma offers a dark enough shade to add the natural looking contour i prefer for my everyday makeup. the lighter highlighting shade is fabulous as well. it makes for a perfect finish over my favorite peachy-pink blushes and even as a contrast {on my brow bone} when i wear more shimmery eyeshadow shades.

NARS Contouring Blush is available at Nordstrom and NARS boutiques. visit narscosmetics.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions are my own; pics taken my me :)

beauty review: NARS Adelaide Illuminator + NARSissist Blush Kit

while i lean more toward having a matte skin look, it's still nice to have my face reflect a pretty glow and luminescence. this is something that is easily created thanks to the new and fabulous {and pink!} Adelaide Illuminator from the NARS Final Cut collection

just as the the name of the product suggests, the Illuminator is a sweet multitasking liquid-gel that aids in creating a highlight wherever you apply it. you can also mix it with your moisturizer or foundation to create a subtle lit-from-within glow. another bonus: a little really does go along way!

the new NARSissist Blush Kit is a beautiful palette of three best-selling shades that work together to  create a great overall look. i love that its compact size, so it's perfect for travel. of course it can be used everyday, and the fact that it comes with a {super-soft} blush brush is a huge bonus!

the blush palette features the bronzer, Laguna, perfect for most skin tones. i typically use Casino {a deeper bronzer, also from NARS}, but i like how this shade adds a nice warmth and subtle depth to my skin. then there's Orgasm, the blush shade everyone loves because of its not-too-shimmery, peachy-pink tone. in the past i've used it as a complimentary shade to matte blushes, but have found myself using it alone more and more these days. rounding out the trio is Devotee, a simply perfect-for-highlighting blush. it has a nice shimmer to it that is not at all glittery; while on the frosty side, it blends out very well and looks beautiful with its palette mates as well as every other cheek shade i've chosen to wear it with.


my final verdict? i highly recommend you seek out these new NARS products if you're looking for some fabulous new beauty goodies {as beauty junkies, when are we not?! LOL!}. and if it's still blustery and cold where you are, these are sure to add cheeriness to your days and help you look forward to spring. and if not, they're still just as enjoyable…

the NARS Adelaide Illuminator is available in store and online at Nordstrom; the NARSissist Blush Kit is available in store and online at Sephora.

 here's to a beautiful spring! :)

  

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

spring beauty: limited-edition NARSissist Eye and Cheek Palettes

NARSissist {NARS∙is∙sist} {n.] ~ lives by her own rules, not afraid to express herself in every look, mood or attitude. effortlessly captivating with a bottomless makeup bag.

are you a NARSissist?

get ready, beauty girls! NARS Cosmetics will soon be delivering two new fabulous palettes, perfect now and to keep you looking forward to spring:

NARSissist Eye Palette and NARSissist Cheek Palettes

 each of these are named for and inspired by the brand's devoted fans and cult followers! these inaugural palettes will set the stage for future NARSissist products to come {this is me doing a very happy dance ~ woo-hoo!!}.

the limited-edition Eye Palette features 15 of the NARSissist community’s most beloved and inspiring eye shades in one compact, ready-to-wear every day, every way. wear one shade on its own for captivating color or play with the possibilities by layering and creating amazing effects with the different shades. it's all under your command...

shades include:
All About Eve, Madrague, Fez, Bali, Coconut Grove, Madrague ll, Nepal, Ashes to Ashes, Brousse, Mekong, Bellissima, Lhasa, Bad Behavior, Dogon, and Pandora

NARSissist Eye Palette available january 15, 2014 on narscosmetics.com and exclusively for NARSissist followers; february 1, 2014 at NARS boutiques and department/specialty stores.

  the limited-edition NARSissist Cheek Palette showcases the brand's most iconic and beloved shades for cheeks. this limited edition beauty set features three must-have shades for spring and includes a newly designed mini blush brush for easy application on the go…

shades include:
 Devotee {limited edition, highlighting shade}, Orgasm and Laguna
available february 1, 2014 exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com


looks like spring will be a gorgeous season! will you be picking these up? leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts!

info and images courtesy of NARS

happy blogiversary to BGM!! {plus some beauty goodies i want to try in 2014}

happy friday, dolls! hope your week has ended well ~ are you ready for the weekend?

my kids are out of school on break, so weekdays and weekends these days don't differ too much from each other. it's a nice change, not to have to go anywhere, though i do keep my morning routine the same {waking, exercising, eating breakfast at the same time, etc.}. 

 unfortunately, my son came down with a little bug over the last couple of days and is currently sick. such a bummer! on the positive side {i guess}, it's better that he's not missing any school {which happened last school year and he was out for a week}.

so, this is {part of} my life right now, LOL! never a dull moment…

other than that, everything is good. i'm {mostly} healthy and my daughter is well. i'm enjoying the gifts i received at christmas and am looking forward to my 34th birthday {this monday, the 30th!}.

and….

today is the 6th blogiversary of Beauty Girl Musings!

i can hardly believe it! it's been quite a fun experience, and i still love discovering and sharing all the fabulous, beauty-ful goodies here with you in my small space on the web!

with that said, there are some products on my radar that i hope to try firsthand in the coming months. you most likely feel the same and/or already own them yourself! take a look…

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

it's no secret this palette is the it palette right now thanks to its gorgeous rose-hued neutrals. i've been watching and reading many tutorials and it's easy to understand why this unique, versatile mix of matte and shimmer shadows is fast becoming the must-have for beauty fans.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
since i finally joined the Revlon ColorStay fan band wagon {better late than never, haha}, i'm on a mission to not let years go by before i give in and try this highly-rated foundation. i j'adore my Estee Lauder Double Wear {HG!!}, and while ColorStay has been a seriously close second {i've been using it daily, i confess, for well over a month}, i can't help but be curious to find out if i'll be among those who will replace the Revlon with this CG formulation. i just have to find the correct shade. stay tuned...



Stila Masterpiece Series Eye and Cheek Palettes
create a gorgeous look with this "book", featuring 4 beauty volumes {three are shadows and blushes while the fourth volume includes get-the-look tutorials, tips, and tricks from Stila Pro Artist, Sarah Lucero}. inspired by vintage artistry, each book features a look ~ The Minimalist, The Impressionist and The Modernist ~ that promises to help achieve specific looks. only available online

Benefit POREfessional Agent Zero Shine Powder
i've heard so many rave reviews about this powder, and since i'm currently enjoying The POREfessional balm, i'm trying to contain my excitement over trying it myself. the beauty community says  Agent Zero Shine is just fabulous for finishing your look as well as keeping shine at bay throughout the day.

CC Creams
 like a punched-up BB cream {which include ingredients to hydrate, color correct and protect skin from the sun}, the CC creams have more skincare benefits and lighter texture. coverage varies, i've learned, but brands like Cover FX, IT Cosmetics, Pur Minerals, Clinique and Smashbox have had good reviews. i'm excited to experience this this new wave of skincare makeup ~ just as i finally found the BBs i like and match my skin well, LOL!



what products are on your 2014 beauty list?
 here's to another fabulous year, dolls! enjoy your weekend...

beauty review: Hard Candy Mod Squad eye shadow palettes and Lashaholic mascara

there's nothing i love more than a fabulous eye look. this time of year is especially fun, given all the festivities that call for sheen, shimmer, glitter or shine. eyes are the perfect part of the face to focus on when it comes to this texture {and don't forget that it's best to try and keep the rest of your face a bit more matte}. it just so happens there are some pretty fun shadows that fit this description from a collection of palettes from Hard Candy...

the Hard Candy Mod Squad eye shadow palettes are coordinated, baked eye shadows in one compact. each quad of colors has its own distinct personality ~ all are bold and definitely worth checking out. these beauties can be applied perfectly dry for subtle shadowing {the finish is more sheer} or with a slightly dampened brush for a seriously more intense metallic finish.

the palettes ~ Brownie Points, Smoke & Mirrors, Under the Moon, Pink Interlude and Ivy League ~ are shimmery and sparklelicious. when worn wet, look out! these are major…

brownie points

smoke & mirrors

under the moon

pink interlude

ivy league

i love them all {surprisingly, i've actually worn ivy league the most ~ so pretty!}, but since they're so shimmery, i use them sparingly. typically applied with a damp brush or sponge.


and to add even more drama to those pretty peepers…

eye looks aren't complete without a couple of coats {or three} of mascara! Hard Candy Lashohaolic is a volume building mascara formulated with unique powders that thicken and lengthen each lash with every coat. the brush is curved {not my fave}, with longer and shorter bristles on each side {works well for me}, and bends a bit when in use {not that thrilling}. the formula is a bit on the wet side, but the big brush deposits the mascara well. overall, i liked the results. it didn't give me super thick-looking lashes, like Covergirl LashBlast or Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express, but Lashaholic's combo of volume with length and definition makes it a mascara i'd recommend ~ try it...you just may find it to be your new fave!

stay tuned for a couple more posts featuring Hard Candy! the range of products can be found at Walmart {in-store and online} as well as their website: hardcandy.com.

tell me: do you use Hard Candy products? 

products featured sent to me for review consideration; these are my honest opinions; pics taken by me :)