MAC Air of style Rollerball ($22), a lush, sensual floral scent
I don’t understand if I discussed this in my last fragrance review, however floral scents are a few of my favorites. Rose, in particular, however jasmine as well as gardenia likewise rank method up there in my tops, so when I got the possibility to sniff the new MAC Air of Style, I took a deep breath as well as jumped at the chance.

First? The layers. I like the different layers.

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New for spring 2016 as well as offered now in the MAC long-term line, Air of style is a somewhat heady, extravagant mix just mellow sufficient for daily wear.

The description from MAC makes me feel a bit dreamy…

“Contemporary top notes of red dates as well as wild peonies set the tone for your can’t-be-tamed attitude, increased with an infusion of white pepper. A bouquet of absolute tuberose, orange blossom, as well as jasmine at the heart gets the pulse racing as well as feels unabashedly strong with the opulence of ylang ylang as well as orris. The charm is magnified by a background of leather mixed with unusual woods as well as vetiver — all juxtaposed with creamy hints of tonka beans as well as golden drops of amber crystals, leaving a long lasting feeling of warm intimacy.”

That’s rather a mouthful, however they’re not wrong! “Warm intimacy” is a ideal method to explain this powerful potion.

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A bit of this goes rather a long way…
I’ve been using it consistently over the past week, as well as it seems to have mixed into my skin in the most fantastic way. I used a t-shirt to bed that I’d used all the time after applying the rollerball, as well as waking as much as the diluted however still present scent still on my clothes was precisely as MAC explained it: warm as well as intimate.

Even with intense allergy eyes, MAC Air of style makes me feel put together…

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I’m not sure if there’s a difference between the scent when it comes out of a practical rollerball or when it comes out of an actual bottle, however as far as I can tell, the high quality doesn’t suffer.

MAC Air of style is offered now in a 6 ml. roller sphere ($22), a 20 ml. bottle ($30) as well as a larger 50 ml. bottle ($49.50).

Have you sniffed it yet? What are your preferred new scents of 2016 so far?

That classic Chanel black and gold packaging…
Smooth, creamy, glossy. When I think of what I look for in a lip product, these are the first three adjectives that come to mind. and oh, my gosh, you guys, that is exactly what the new Chanel Rouge Coco Stylos for spring 2016 deliver.

I have always loved Chanel makeup, and the thrill of pulling out a product in that sleek black packaging with that eponymous double-C logo embossed in shiny crisp white never loses its appeal. That’s why I’m so excited that these easy to use and sleek little tubes of Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo complete care Lip shine ($37 each) feel so good on my dry lips.

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Chanel describes these lippies as having “the intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the comfort of a lip balm,” and there truly has never been a more accurate product description. For a lip care formula, these Rouge Coco Stylos are incredibly pigmented and offer a pop of pigmentation perfect for spring.

On the other hand, they’re especially creamy and shiny — not unlike the brand’s much loved Rouge allure Extrait de Gloss formula — giving lips a plump appearance that I’m head over heels for.

”The intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the comfort of a lip balm — all in one creamy yet lightweight formula. This innovative formula is enriched with nourishing Apple Seed Extract and hydrating Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil. Silk Powder, Beeswax and special ingredients help visibly smooth, plump and add brilliant 3D shine to the lips. A spectrum of eight irresistible shades features pinks, reds, nudes and corals. In a convenient, twist-up ‘stylo’ form to write your colour signature.”

–chanel.com

An added plus? Fellow Francophones will note that Chanel has hidden a clever play on words in the product names. The line is called “Rouge Coco Stylo,” with “stylo” being the French word for “pen,” and each different shade is named after a type of writing — Conte (tale), Histoire (story), Recit (narration) and script (script).

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I love the little play on words. It’s sweet and oh, so Chanel.

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo (left to right) 202 Conte, 206 Histoire, 212 Recit, 218 Script

Remember how I mentioned that I have dry eczema-prone skin (mostly around my lips)? I’m going to ask you to please go easy on me as I guest post on makeup and beauty Blog. because of the dryness, I tend to be a little self-conscious about my lip swatches. I only mention this as the formula of these lippies is incredible for those of us who struggle with such concerns in the lip area. even at their flakiest, my lips look (and feel!) plump and healthy thanks to this formula.

See what I mean about pigmentation? These Rouge Coco Stylo complete care Lip shines seriously feel just like an incredibly emollient and hydrating balm, but the pigmentation isn’t lacking. Chanel really hit the nail on the head with this formula, but beware — don’t press too firmly when you’re applying this product on your lips!

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You can see in the swatch of 202 Conte (above) that the product will break off the stick when pressed too firmly. A gentle press and swipe, and your lips are coated in rich and hydrating color.

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo (top to bottom): 202 Conte, 206 Histoire
Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo (top to bottom): 212 Recit, 218 Script
Bottom line? packed with hydrating apple seed extract, jojoba oil, coconut oil and beeswax, the new Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo complete care Lip shines are superb. Whether your spring comes in like a lion before going out like a lamb, and you need a little extra somethin’ somethin’ in terms of hydration, or whether you live in a dry climate that can be hard on your lips, these are for you.

Have you ever tried these Rouge Coco Stylos before? What do you think? and since we’re on the subject of Chanel, what’s your favorite Chanel lippie formula?

good morning, my sweet friend. Merry Christmas from Union City, California. I hope to get some food in my tummy in a few minutes, but my hope for you, other than that you have food in your tummy at the moment, is that you’re feeling loved, spoiled, safe, adored and all of those good things that come with a special holiday like this one. and I hope that you don’t have lipstick on your teeth, because that’s never any fun.

What are you doing? have you opened presents yet? It’s still early morning here at my parents’ house, and I haven’t even left the bedroom, but I wanted to say hi before I get going. Tabs was kind enough to give me the day off.

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I’m looking forward to sharing this next chapter of my life with you because you men are like the sisters and aunties I never had. You always hold my hand and instruct me and show me all the things I had no idea about, like being a mother to an infant who will soon grow into a baby, who will soon grow into a (hopefully) really good child who never talks back and always says, “Yes, Mom. You’re so right, Mom,” but who am I fooling? I know that’s not gonna happen.

But just thank you for all of your knowledge, your kindness and your sweetness this year. I appreciate it every day.

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Merry Christmas, or, as Tabs would say, “Meowy Christmas.” love you to the moon and back.

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen (and Tabs and baby Girl)

next time you exfoliate your bod in the shower, instead of wetting your skin very first before you get down to it, try applying your scrub to your skin while it’s still dry, with the shower turned off. Then, after scrubing your bit heart out, turn on the water as well as rinse.

Sooo, why would anybody do it this way?

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LOL! great question… No, however seriously, I believe I get a better, much more intense scrub when I scrub while my skin is dry. My skin feels softer as well as squeakier clean than when I scrub while it’s wet.

The very first time I heard about doing it this method was at a health spa years ago, but, wouldn’t you understand it? After getting home, I quickly forgot.

But I kept in mind after seeing it discussed just recently in a magazine. I believe it was this month’s Allure… There’s an short article in there about multitasking as well as getting the most out of your shower time.

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Anywho, I did it last night with three different exfoliating scrubs. I hopped in the shower (with the water off) as well as utilized one of the scrubs on my arms, one on my torso as well as the other one on my legs. then I stood there for few minutes scrubbing whatever south of my neck.

Doop-da-doo…

After I turned on the water as well as rinsed, my skin felt smooth as a baby’s bottom — smoother, I feel, than it would have had I utilized the scrubs on wet skin.

And I’m sure I likewise ended up utilizing less product.

By the way, the three scrubs I tried last night were…

Tree Hut Vanilla & Honey gentle Oatmeal Scrub ($7.99) — This gentle, non-abrasive creamy scrub smells faintly of yummy oatmeal cookies. Mmm… Oatmeal cookies…

Soap & Glory Flake Away ($15) — This extremely moisturizing, aromatic scrub (the strong scent reminds me of the old Dior miss Cherie, which I loved) includes shea butter, sugar as well as quite huge scrubby bits, so it’s a bit much more intense than the Tree Hut gentle Oatmeal Scrub. It likewise leaves behind a somewhat oily residue.
I truly such as this one. It did the business, as well as my skin felt soft as well as great.

Clarins exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin ($38) — This creamy concoction has medium-sized scrubby bits made of natural bamboo fibers as well as a extremely faint, practically imperceptible peach scent.
It likewise did a fantastic job. Plus, I didn’t have to utilize much, as well as it didn’t leave behind an oily residue.

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Have you been utilizing any type of great scrubs lately? as well as do you typically utilize them on wet skin or dry? Inquiring minds want to know…

Your friendly community charm addict,

Karen

Paul & Joe Protecting pressed Powder in 002 ($45)
The complying with guest publish was written by Tabs…

You can fail to remember about opening this compact with your paws because, sadly, it is produced human hands only.

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Paul & Joe’s new spring 2015 Protecting pressed Powder is not for powdering tabby noses. It is for human faces, both female as well as male. (For the record, I’m team guy makeup all the way.)

Pressed powders are an important element of a expert pet assistant’s appearance. this is available in a beige compact with a sassy tabby on the front smoking a pipe as well as using a jaunty captain’s hat.

Paul & Joe Protecting pressed Powder

PRICE: $45
AVAILABILITY: Coming in two shades (pale pink 001 as well as multi-beige 002) this April to Paul & Joe counters as well as beautyhabit.com.

When you open the compact, there’s a huge mirror inside, into which you may gaze at yourself if/when your greedy assistant chooses to share.

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There’s likewise an embossed — I’m not sure if that’s the best word; I have to look it up in my kitty dictionary — flower style on the pan. I believe it’s a chrysanthemum, however I should ask my botanist feline buddy about it.

The pressed powder can be used either on top of bare fur — haha, just kidding — bare skin, or utilized to set liquid foundations to ensure that they don’t relocation over the program of a hectic assistant’s day.

I’ve observed the product in action on my assistant. When she utilized it to set her foundation as well as concealer this morning, she smiled.

Well, before she smiled, she stuck her nose in the pan as well as said, “Mmm! smells like flowers, Tabs!”

Honestly, though, I don’t understand what she implied by that. half the time she’s mumbling about lord understands what, as well as I’ve just discovered to tune her out.

Anyway, I do appreciate that her skin looks smoother as well as less oily than usual. I presume it is because of this powder’s oil-absorbing powers as well as its capability to blur pores.

Of course, we are cats, as well as not all of us are bring American reveal Black Cards, so you’re most likely wondering if this powder is a great value for the price. It is $45, after all.

Paul & Joe Protecting pressed Powder: components as well as benefits

Crystalline cellulose — takes in sebum

Jojoba seed oil — Emollient

Orange flower water — Moisturizer

Rosemary extract — Emollient

Sunflower seed oil — Emollient

White lily extract — Moisturizer, avoids irritation

Paul & Joe Protecting pressed Powder in 002 ($45)

I’d state that it’s similar to something like MAC Blot, a pressed powder that my assistant has utilized in the past to cut down radiate as well as blur pores.

Paul & Joe Protecting pressed Powder, however, is much better at blurring pores, as well as I appreciate the truth that I don’t have to gaze at my assistant’s skin looking cakey or heavy. The fine powder makes it look as though she’s not truly using a great deal of makeup.

Certainly, you can discover other pressed powders at a lower cost point, however if you’re a feline who values aesthetics as well as appreciates a handsome tabby, the packaging for this powder will be a major selling point.

Paul & Joe Protecting pressed Powder

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Save yourself the heartache of staring at an neglected assistant the whole day. This really is a gift that keeps on giving.

Stay fabulous, darling,

Tabs

wearing MADINA exact color Bronzer all over my face and neck, MADINA Crystal Glass Powder on my forehead and sides of the nose, MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer in the classic 3 shape, MADINA chic & shine Highlighting Stick on my cheekbones, and MADINA exact color Lipstick on my lips
You know that feeling when you fall so madly in love with someone that you wonder how you survived for so long without them? Well, it’s the exact same feeling I had when I recently tried MADINA Milano’s makeup for the first time!

The products that have stolen my heart include Pat McGrath’s favorite highlighter and a lipstick that looks good enough to eat…

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Are you intrigued?

Just keep reading, then!

MADINA exact color Bronzer (€10/$11.37)

OK, I don’t know how it does it, but the MADINA exact color Bronzer makes my complexion look so much better without having any actual coverage. When I apply it all over my face and neck, it gives me the most beautiful sunkissed glow that doesn’t pull orange AT ALL, while it makes my skin look smoother and keeps it shine-free longer.

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As if that weren’t enough, it also acts as some sort of tinted primer by making my foundation go on so much much more easily.

I’m telling you, gurl, this is holy Grail status.

MADINA Crystal Glass Powder (€16/$18.20)

The MADINA Crystal Glass Powder is actually not a powder, but I guess it’s called that because you can use it on top of your makeup like you would a finishing powder.

It’s essentially just pure silicone that you can either use as a primer or on top of your base to reduce the look of pores and fine lines. I personally like to pat it on after foundation using the flat side of my dry real techniques miracle complexion Sponge. I don’t use it on a daily basis, but for special occasions it really works wonders!

MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer (€16/$18.20)

The MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer is pretty much like the tinted version of the Crystal Glass Powder, and it reminds me of my beloved YSL Les Sahariennes Sun-Kissed Blur Perfector (although I’m pretty sure the MADINA one has been around longer).

It comes in only one shade, which is ideal for warming up my skin tone without any orange in sight. I target the areas that would naturally tan first, and it gives me a pretty healthy glow, while also perfecting the skin’s texture.

I may even go so far as to say it’s become my new favorite bronzer… Sorry, Chanel Les Beiges. I still love you, though!

MADINA chic & shine Highlighting Stick (€15/$17.06)

Wearing the MADINA chic & shine Highlighting Stick on my cheekbones, and the MADINA exact color Lipstick on my lips
Apparently, this is Pat McGrath’s favorite highlighter… need I say more?

Probably not, but I will anyway!

MADINA chic & shine is a champagne highlighting stick with very fine shimmer particles running through it. I love how it melts into my skin and makes my cheekbones look all sheeny, but if you’re one for intense highlighters, this is not the product for you.

MADINA exact color Lipstick (€12/$13.65)

The MADINA exact color Lipstick looks and smells so good that it’s much more tempting than the gummy bears! Although I may have eaten a couple (or a dozen?) after taking this picture…
Not only does the MADINA exact color Lipstick look like candy, it also smells like it. I really have to restrain myself to not give it a bite. Seriously!

It’s not implied for eating, though, but for enhancing your natural lip color. It does so by reacting with your skin’s pH level and giving your lips a customized pink tint. ideal for no makeup days, especially if you, like me, have zero pigmentation in your lips!

MADINA Prisma Blushes in 03 & 05 (€11/$12.51)

MADINA Prisma Blushes in 03 and 05
The MADINA Prisma Blushes are incredibly pigmented and would suit even darker skin tones. If you’re fair/light, I recommend using a very light hand, like I did here with shade 05 to get these pretty rosy cheeks
Everything you’ve ever wanted from a blush? You may find it in MADINA’s Prisma Blushes!

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They’re pigmented, easy to blend, long-wearing, and luminous without being shimmery. So, what else could you want?

Oh, yeah, I practically forgot the best part… They have that incredible type of texture that releases color onto the brush without any detectable powderyness!

Swatches of all the products mentioned, except for the Crystal Glass Powder, which goes on completely clear. L-R: MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer, MADINA chic & shine Highlighting Stick, MADINA Prisma Blushes in 03 and 05, MADINA exact color Bronzer, and MADINA exact color Lipstick
Unfortunately, at the moment MADINA’s site only ships to Italian addresses, and there are just four stores in Italy (you may find their store locator here), but if you ever find yourself in the vicinity of one, I highly, highly recommend paying it a visit.

It was one of those days, ya know? Where you just stare out the window dumbfounded, like, everything was just sort of confusing me…

Ha! I’m serious, though. I felt like things weren’t quite computing correctly, if you know what I mean.

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Oh, well… At least today I could conveniently Blame It On NARS (hello, easy transitions!).

Introducing the new $59 NARS Blame It On NARS Cheek Palette, one of this summer’s three limited edition gift sets from NARS (the others are the supreme NARS and true NARS lip sets).

The NARS Blame It On NARS Cheek palette ($59)

Within its pretty packaging are four pans of blush — sparkling golden sand Highlighting blush in Satellite of Love, warm and shimmery medium golden pink blush in Day Dream, cool medium pink blush in new attitude and deep golden brown Bronzing Power in Casino.

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Clockwise from the lower left, that’s blush in Day Dream, Highlighting blush Powder in Satellite of Love, Bronzing Powder in Casino and blush in new Attitude
Yeah…this is one of those blush palettes that could potentially elevate your mood if you spend all day sitting under fluorescent lights amidst a maze of cubicles. Or if you just need a getaway as much as I do. It has that “virtual getaway vibe,” but please try to remember that homeboy sitting in the cube next to you is actually your co-worker Bob, and not the lovely bartender at some fancy resort.

So please don’t wink at Bob and ask him to whip you up a Mai Tai…unless you really like Bob.

Yeah, I have no idea what I’m saying, LOL! I told you it was one of those days…

Also comes with a tiny Ita travel-sized brush…
So, what all do you get with this set?

Well, other than the sudden overwhelming urge to book a trip to Kauai, you get two blushes (they’re 0.14 ounces each, which is just slightly smaller than the 0.16-oz. blush singles in the permanent line), one 0.14-oz. highlighter, one 0.15-oz. bronzer, a tiny travel-sized NARS Ita brush and a beautiful mirrored compact that will make you feel like a butterfingered bonehead whenever you try to open it because the latch is quite tricky.

All for $59.

Wearing Casino just below my cheekbones, a mix of the Day dream and new attitude Blushes on the apples of my cheeks and Satellite of love on my upper cheekbones
The blushes and highlighter are those strange kinds of powders that don’t appear pigmented in swatches but apply much much more intensely (I only need one or two layers).

The bronzer applies somewhat sheer and typically requires three layers to show up well on my skin, but I don’t really mind, because it’s subsequently easy to control. Plus, it blends well with other products, which ought to save me a little time. as for wear time, we’re taking a look at about six or seven hours for each, so not bad, and that’s pretty common for NARS.

Swatches from the left: Highlighting blush Powder in Satellite of Love, Bronzing Powder in Casino, blush in Day dream and blush in new Attitude
I think everything comes together well in this little set. The products work well in conjunction with each other for looks with bronzed, pink cheeks that perfectly balance smooth, even color and subtle shimmer.

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Not “glitter bomb” shimmer or “booty shorts at the roller rink on a Saturday night” shimmer, but completely vacation-appropriate sprinkles of tiny glitter that tell the world, “Hey, world, don’t even bother asking me to do those TPS reports today. I’m on vacay, bitches! now hand me a froo-froo drink with an umbrella before someone gets hurt.”

PRICE: $59
AVAILABILITY: limited edition, and available now at Nordstrom stores and online (also concerning NARS boutiques and the NARS site August 1).
MAKEUP and charm blog RATING: A-

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen

MAC Cloud Gait Lipstick from the MAC x Chris Chang collection
My preferred part of the MAC Chris Chang collection has to be the lipsticks…or perhaps the eyeshadows… Wait, however I like the cream Colour Bases too! however for now, let’s just talk about the lipsticks. Every color is unique as well as different in some method and, in typical MAC style, the formulas are area on.

I started out excited by three of the colors as well as a bit perplexed by two. exactly how on earth am I, or anyone really, supposed to wear a sheer blue as well as a sheer yellow lipstick?? If they were opaque, that would be one thing, however they’re truly sheer, which didn’t make sense to me. They just don’t look right on my lips!

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MAC Cloud Gait Lipstick
MAC Gold XIXI Lipstick
MAC Gold XIXI Lipstick
I believe I figured it out, though. I keep in mind discovering from somebody on YouTube that most makeup artists keep a yellow lipstick in their kit, as well as the reason is since you can layer it on top of other lip colors to produce a custom hue! Aha! That’s exactly how you can utilize it. You can utilize Gold XIXI to add warmth to one more lip color, as well as Cloud Gait to great it.

Let me show you what I’m speaking about…

Here’s MAC DDDevilish Lipstick from the collection:

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MAC DDDevilish Lipstick

MAC DDDevilish Lipstick
Now here’s what occurs when you layer Gold XIXI on top of it:

Chris Chang x MAC DDDevilish Lipstick with Gold XIXI layered on top
You have a totally new color! exactly how great is that! now let’s see what occurs when you layer Cloud Gait over top of DDDevilish:

MAC DDDevilish Lipstick on my lips with Cloud Gait over top
Isn’t that quite cool?! By having these two additional lipsticks in your collection, you add so many more choices to your lip wardrobe since you can personalize quite much any type of color you have.

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I may be totally wrong about what MAC meant with these two colors, however that’s exactly how I plan to make the yellow as well as blue more wearable for me.

The others, though, are stunning on their own. My preferred has to be Vermillion Vee, a gorgeous, somewhat orange-toned red, as well as I can’t wait to rock Plum Princess with a taupe-y smokey eye.

MAC Vermillion Vee Lipstick
MAC Vermillion Vee Lipstick (please reason the application; patience was using thin)
MAC Plum Princess Lipstick
MAC Plum Princess Lipstick
Did you discover something new about yellow as well as blue lipsticks today? I understand I did!