the glossarie

chantecaille elephant fun cheek shade8

POSTED ON Posted on July 25, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

blush might be my favorite beauty product, but it doesn’t get a ton of glossarie love because it can be hard to find one that’s truly groundbreaking. shade is also a complete personal choice. this blush from chantecaille, however, is such a winner in so many ways that i couldn’t resist dedicating a little blog real estate to singing its praises.

at first glance, chantecaille’s cheek shade in elephant fun is visually stunning. the small molded silver compact looks like a piece of tiffany jewelry and i love pulling it out of my makeup basket because it’s just so darn pretty. open ‘er up and you’ll find that fun is a beautiful soft apricot pink with a touch of shimmer. the powder itself is featherlight and goes on matte. i love that it blends to an undetectable finish and looks just like a subtly convincing natural blush. it adheres beautifully (even in this summer heat) and the addition of anti-aging vitamins A, C, and E mean that i get to do something nice for my skin when i wear it.

but beyond its good looks both in and out of the compact, fun actually gives back by donating five percent of proceeds towards rescuing orphaned baby elephants. (not just elephants. not just baby elephants, but baby elephant orphans.) now that is a cause that can have all of my money, but if i can support it by looking gorgeously and naturally flushed at the same time, well then that’s even better.

chantecaille elephant fun, $38

Posted in blush, cheeks, editorial sample | Tagged chantecaille | 8 Comments

this or that: concealer pencils2

POSTED ON Posted on July 24, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

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if you want to fake a flawless face, chances are that you’ve got an army of concealer options in your arsenal, but the pencil might be one of the most practical choices – and chances are it’s missing from your makeup kit. i’ve recently discovered just how handy these little sticks can be and i’ve got two favorites, both under $20.

i love the way that these slightly chunky pencil points are the exact right size for making pimples vanish and i am even more delighted with how sticky the formulas are and how seamlessly they blend with my ring finger. i dot them on over my foundation to cover spots with speed and the best part about these is that they stay where you put them! (my biggest gripe when blending concealer is that i feel like i’m taking it off instead of blending it in – so annoying.) you can use them on around-the-nose redness and under eyes in a pinch, too. both are creamy, natural, and not heavy or greasy. they take up very little purse real estate and i’m kind of wondering where they’ve been all my life.

this: urban decay 24/7 concealer pencil, $19
that: l’oreal true match crayon concealer, $7.99

Posted in concealer, face | Tagged l'oreal, urban decay | 2 Comments

marc jacobs beauty10

POSTED ON Posted on July 22, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

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i haven’t been this excited about a new beauty collection since drew barrymore launched flower at walmart. (and i am still in awe over the range and quality of those products!) what drew did for the masses, marc jacobs is doing for the prestige customer and i cannot wait to get my hands on all of this gorgeousness. i have to say that i’m pretty gripped by the sleek packaging, but it’s the unique formulations (the use of gel technology in almost everything!) and some very cool shades that will fill gaps in makeup bags everywhere that have me chomping at the bit.

while i await access to the line (exclusively at sephora) to give it a true test, i’m busy making my wish list and i have zeroed in several products that will definitely be joining my collection:

beauty enamored hi-shine lacquer in lux, $18
style eye con no. 3 plush in the ingenue, $42
lip lock moisture balm, $24
love marc lip gel in all the way, $24
lust for lacquer lip vinyl in boom boom, $28
shameless bold blush in outspoken, $30
the bronze bronzer brush, $78

the collection launches august 9th, but if you want to see each product, up close and personal, popsugar beauty has a beautiful slide show featuring all 122 products and shades. are you as excited about this one as i am?

Posted in mixed bag | Tagged marc jacobs | 10 Comments

clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion+10

POSTED ON Posted on July 20, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

sometimes i wonder why the beauty brands mess with perfection. formulas change, favorites disappear from shelves only to return revamped and far less fabulous. in the case of clinique, their world famous yellow moisturizing lotion has been a top seller with a serious cult following for eons, but i personally always felt that it was missing something. i loved the silky texture and the lightweight formula, but it tended to leave my skin feeling a little tight and a touch greasy at the same time. it just wasn’t a fit.

when news broke that clinique had re-engineered their old standby, i couldn’t wait to give it a test. you see, skincare technology has changed a lot over the years and it continues to evolve. clinique smartly upped their ingredient game to ensure that their loyal clients were getting the absolute best out of their favorite skincare product. with the addition of hyaluronic acid (holds moisture), glycerin (absorbs water from the air), and urea (helps skin moisturize naturally) skin enjoys major improvements in moisture. we’re talking all-day hydration without a drop of oil and actual improvement in barrier strength to keep moisture from evaporating.

i’ve been dedicated to the new and improved dramatically different since it arrived and i’m seeing far less redness, itching, breakouts, and dullness. my face looks and feels healthier, plumper. it’s less sensitive and because my moisture levels are nice and balanced, i’m not getting super shiny. it’s basically my new essential and i can now see why so many millions have relied on it for such a long time. i would highly recommend that you get to your local clinique counter and give this a test. i think you’ll find that its new modern technology delivers maximum benefits.

clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion+, $26

Posted in editorial sample, skin | Tagged clinique | 10 Comments

deborah lippman gel lab set5

POSTED ON Posted on July 19, 2013 by maggie moore BY maggie moore

i am addicted to gel manicures. the first time i got one, i couldn’t believe what i’d been missing: instantly dry nails, a chip-free mani for two weeks straight, and an extra-shiny finish that i just couldn’t get with a regular manicure. however, i quickly discovered the downsides of this treatment: the price tag (it’s hard to find a good one below $35) and the tricky removal process (soaking your nails in 100% acetone for 15 minutes can’t be good, right?), not to mention the damage it was inflicting on my nails.

i know i’m not the only one loving the gel manis. readers have caught the bug and they’ve been writing in begging us to review the at-home gel process. everyone wants to know how it compares to the salon experience and we at the glossarie are here to serve.

when it comes to the diy gel manicure, lara and i are extra partial to this gel lab set from deborah lippmann. at $45, it’s certainly not cheap, but the one-time purchase costs almost as much as one gel manicure plus tip in the salon. two coats of polish between the coat of arms base coat and shining armor top coat guarantees a shiny finish comparable to a salon gel mani, and it lasts, chip-free for a solid five days. the best part? it’s super easy to remove (polish comes off with regular nail polish remover) and my nails didn’t feel stripped or dry the way they usually do after a gel manicure. it falls somewhere in-between a standard base and top coat and the near bullet-proof effects of the salon gel process. if you’re looking for an extra long lasting manicure without the damage, our most favorite nail guru has got you covered.

deborah lippmann gel lab set, $45

Posted in nails | Tagged deborah lippmann | 5 Comments

on the road again3

POSTED ON Posted on July 17, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’m about to dive into my busy travel season and after two years of making the accessories and gift trade show rounds, plus ad hoc visits to my retail accounts, i have spent a lot of time picking the best beauty products to pack. here are a handful of things that make my away-from-home beauty routine a breeze:

simple revitalizing eye roll on, $10.99
i really can’t say enough good things about this! my schedule is always nuts and i never get enough sleep so anything that energizes and de-puffs is a must have. the revitalizing eye roll on from simple is super packable and it delivers a refreshing boost each morning.

ilia balmy days lip conditioner, $24
this new-to-me balm is gorgeous. it smells like cookies and it’s the perfect texture so it can be applied under your favorite lip color during the day and you can give your lips a healthy dose in the evenings before bed to prevent the dreaded dryness that comes with hotel air.

blow pro faux dry dry shampoo, $20
i need to get as much life out of my washings as possible because i despise hotel water. dry shampoos absorb oil and plump up my hair so that things don’t look greasy on day two. i love this one because it’s non-aerosol, unscented and not at all sticky.

jane iredale zap&hide blemish concealer, $26
it never fails that i will break out while traveling. the teensiest change in my routine and my skin freaks out. i love this double-ended concealer stick from jane iredale because it packs an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment on the opposite end. brilliant!

maybelline fit me! shine free foundation, $8.99
stick foundation doesn’t get nearly enough love. it’s so easy to apply and blend (straight on to the face or with a brush), plus the travel-friendly aspect is awesome. this gel-stick from maybelline is is ultra lightweight and summer-perfect with a mattifying core to zap shine.

cenoire eluo ultra sonic toothbrush, $29.99
another one i should have thought of sooner. i use an electric toothbrush at home, but always toted a manual one while i was on the road. cenoire has changed all of that with their stylish and portable option. it’s got two speeds, a protective cap and it’s pink.

julie hewett cheekie in destiny, $24
a creamy lip and cheek duo is the ultimate travel essential. this one from julie hewett adds a gorgeous natural flush to cheeks and the prettiest rosy hue when patted on to lips with my finger. it’s a sweet and simple beauty routine that always looks good.

stephanie johnson jenny train case, $75
this portable product hauler from stephanie johnson is very smart. it has elastic straps in the base to keep things in place, a large zip compartment for your makeup and a separate clear pouch for q-tips, hair ties, and other odds and ends. such a pretty way to pack!

Posted in editorial sample, mixed bag | Tagged ilia, jane iredale, julie hewett, maybelline, simple, stephanie johnson | 3 Comments

curly girl essentials6

POSTED ON Posted on July 15, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

on the heels of my refinery 29 story, my curls have been seeing the most light of day that they’ve seen since college (when late nights and early classes left me no time for straightening). as i’ve been letting them run wild and free, i’m learning how to care for them and loving the fact that i can go three full days without washing them. while i am still professing my love and adoration for salt sprays, they to tend to dry things out and i’m not so crazy about that. here are a few new-to-me curl maintenance products that are keeping my spirals happy and heat-free.

aveda sun care after-sun hair masque, $26
technically relegated for apres beach, this ultra nourishing hair masque works to moisturize salt-parched hair. it’s brilliant for giving your tresses a much needed recovery boost and since it drenches hair in hydration, it gives curls extra bounce and shine without being heavy. i’m learning how important moisture is for curls. it’s making all of the difference!

ouidad curl defining styling souffle, $26
this one surprised me since i generally do not like products that have to be raked through my hair. start with just a little bit and build from there. the pudding texture is actually very easy to scrunch in and the result is slightly stretched and elongated curls. it’s a nice alternative to the salt sprays and the finished effects are still super pretty.

wella ocean spritz, $16
this is exclusively meant to be used on dry hair and it’s genius for giving your second or third day curls essential rejuvenation. it’s matte and gives nice hold, so if you’re opting to throw your ringlets back into a pony or topknot, it’s a great tool to keep on hand because it gives things some shape. the finished look is a bit wild and unkempt, but i like it.

mark. curl to curl reactivate and define mist mini, $8
where oh where has this stuff been all of my life? this is like the nectar of life for my curls! it’s an instant refresher, taming all flyaways and giving shape and definition to my slept in bird’s nest. it’s tiny and travel-friendly so it can be tucked into my purse, too. best: when i use it, no one knows that i’m rocking yesterday’s (or the day before’s) curly do.

Posted in editorial sample, hair | Tagged aveda, mark., ouidad, wella | 6 Comments

bareminerals the adrenaline rush5

POSTED ON Posted on July 13, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

are you ready to look better nude?

you might have heard that bareminerals just launched their gorgeous new and limited edition power neutrals collection – and trust me when i tell you that it’s everything you’ve dreamed of. the group has got you covered from eyes to lips, but the hero of the lineup for me is this new all-over face compact.

palettes like these are brilliant because you can swirl a bigger brush over forehead, nose, and chin for a healthy glow or you can concentrate a smaller brush over individual shades to add color to lids and cheeks, or to highlight and contour. i’ve been dabbing my blush brush into each shade and popping it onto the apples of my cheeks for a super natural flush with just the teensiest glow.

the colors are a luminous golden ivory (perfect for adding a subtle touch of shimmer or to highlight – also makes for a very pretty vanilla shadow), a natural matte pink (gorgeous if you’re into mauves – which i am!) and a matte rosewood (almost cocoa, great for adding depth and more color impact, really pretty on eyes). this is one of those powders that will get endless wear and can carry you straight into fall thanks to the range of rosy tones.

i am highly impressed with how easy it is to apply, how it goes on like second skin, and how long it wears. plus the gold compact? it’s seriously stunning. bareminerals has given us a very versatile little palette here for less than $30. i would say you better get this one before it’s gone!

bareminerals ready color boost the adrenaline rush, $29

Posted in blush, bronzer, cheeks, editorial sample, palettes | Tagged bareminerals | 5 Comments

miracle skin transformer treat + conceal6

POSTED ON Posted on July 12, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

let’s talk dark circles.

not that anyone particularly enjoys it, but i especially hate looking tired. i am pretty sure that i would rather have a planet-sized pimple than look drained. i’m lucky in that most days, an extra dab of tinted moisturizer or cc cream concentrated under my eyes livens things up – but some mornings, no amount of concealer will do the trick.

i love many things from the miracle skin transformer line, but treat + conceal has shot to the front of the pack. it’s so much more than an under eye concealer! for one, it’s hydrating so it does not cake and settle (seriously, is there anything worse?), but more importantly it virtually erases all traces of dark circle and puff. you only need the tiny, tiniest bit. you’ll find that it goes on like silk, blends flawlessly, and that the finished effect is so smooth and radiant – completely undetectable.

i’ve been applying it over top of my foundation in this “v” or “triangle of light” formation and the improvement is immediate. i’m not sure why i’m surprised…i mean, miracle is in the name, after all.

if you’ve tried every under eye concealer on the market and you’re still on the hunt for that magic eraser, look no further. oh, and rumor has it that you can also use this stuff on dark spots, hyper pigmentation, and redness, making this one very worthy of the $36 investment.

miracle skin transformer treat & conceal eye & face, $36

Posted in concealer, editorial sample, eyes, face | Tagged miracle skin | 6 Comments

mighty mascaras18

POSTED ON Posted on July 9, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

there is a lot happening in the mascara market these days! just when you thought it was all length vs. volume, waterproof vs. not waterproof, these five formulas show us that there are near endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a gorgeously bold look that rivals even the best faux options.

covergirl flamed out water resistant mascara, $5.99
if fluttery splash-proof lashes are your game this summer, look no further than this hot tube from covergirl. the formula is lightweight and the brush makes it easy to get a “winged” lash look, providing lift and curl without a curler. i love the pretty softness and shape that you get from this drugstore delight – perfect for those who like long lashes, even poolside.

it cosmetics tightline full lash line black mascara primer, 2 for $29
this brush is impossibly thin and that means you can apply this black mascara primer starting right at the lash line without getting it on your eyelid. beyond lengthening and darkening, this multitasking lash enhancer also works to nourish and protect, but most importantly: a few swipes on each eye leaves you with a set that’s extra lush and full.

hard candy lash ink 4 day lash stain mascara, $7
this one is not for the fickle or faint of heart. i wasn’t really sure that i wanted my mascara to last four days, but there is no doubt about it: once you apply this stuff, there’s no letting go. it holds on through swims, showers, and face washings. no smudging, no flaking, and no need to reapply each morning – just curl your lashes and go. crazy!

too faced better than sex mascara, $23
this stuff has all the greatness of mac’s plush lash (length! volume! lift! curl!), but none of the smudging. lashes are all kinds of vampy and va-va with an eye-opening fan of fringe you’re going to want to bat all. day. long. seriously, this stuff is the bomb. (but…for the record, it’s not better than sex) warning: don’t drop it on your toe – this sucker is hea-vy.

l’oreal voluminous false fiber lashes, $8.99
watery-eyed beauties know that fiber mascaras are a godsend. they tube your lashes so there are no smudges, but they wash off easily with a few splashes of good old h2o. before now, you had to buy your fiber lashes at sephora, but l’oreal is bringing long-wearing length and separation to the masses – with none of that dry/crunchy feeling.