Irazema: February 2008 Archives

My friend Mary introduced me to the Urban Decay line of products and much to my delight, I found out that not only does the company make hilariously-named products targeting the young and rebellious crowd but, in addition, it maintains a cruelty-free stance in regards to animal testing, refraining from performing animal testing during any stage of product development.

Personally, I consider it a very important issue and I am glad this company addresses it directly. I think I'll be covering this company's products pretty regularly.

I'd like to start with a new product called Eyeshadow Transforming Potion...

Armani's look for the Spring 2008 season is all about "nude skin tone". To me, it looks very natural, discreet and elegant... Name notwithstanding, I wouldn't be afraid to wear it to work, although I think a more appropriate setting might be a dinner party.

Even though the result is very natural, the look does involve using around ten products at a total cost of about $300. The time required to apply is also fairly long...

It's hard to argue against the benefits of a product named "The Multiple Orgasm". Fortunately, that's not what I am about to do - I just wanted to introduce it, especially to those who haven't heard about the original "Orgasm" by Nars. Well, the singular "orgasm" is simply a blush that gives your cheeks a healthy glow (make the connection yourself).

Now, what's better than an orgasm? Why, of course, a multiple orgasm! Not willing to miss this unique "upsell" opportunity, Nars released (try not to laugh, ok?) a "multiple-purpose stick" for your eyes, cheeks, lips and décolletage.

Simply rub the cream-to-powder formula on your skin to get "shimmering accents, contours and dynamic highlights". The stick costs $37.

Enjoy!

I don't want to inundate my readers with details of my personal life, but last weekend my fiancé and I visited the Mont-Mégantic planetarium. Being a city girl, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the night sky that we gazed upon from the top of the mountain..

So, this week, anything that reminds me of that gorgeous and mysterious blackness instantly peaks my interest. It turns out, this extends to cosmetics...

If you look through my recent "Seasonal Look" posts, you'll see how many warm, glowy, flowery and pastel-colored products are coming out this Spring. But what about the nights when we want to be dark, sexy and mysterious, never mind the season? I am glad you asked!

"Too Faced" has just released a product for those occasions. In the set, the "futuristic Italian opalescent-pigments" are baked into "silver-domed shadow" mix to produce a "multi-dimensional smoky eye". Et voilà: that's exactly what I am looking for - a multidimensional smoky eye!

Have you heard of Fafi? She's a French graffiti artist who's been creating sexy, cheeky and "sometimes aggressive" female characters (Fafinettes) since the 1990's (some samples are shown here). Her work spans different media - she paints on walls, exhibits in galleries and gives life to commercial products.

In her most recent collaboration, Fafi teamed up with M.A.C. cosmetics to create a seasonal collection that might rank among the most unusual this year...

Spring is coming and if you're looking to put that seasonal touch to your regular look, nothing can do the job quicker than Dior's new Flower Blossom powder. The compact has five subtle shades that instantly illuminate and add some spring glow to your face.

The only problem is, the decorative shapes in the compact (all based on Dior's jewelry line by Victoire de Castellane) - the ladybug, flower, butterfly and gemstone, look so cute that you won't want to start using them..

I love Angelina's look and I wouldn't mind looking like her for a night or two (or being in her shoes when the night falls, if you know what I mean) ...

Well, now there's a new product from Maybelline that promises 30% fuller lips to help you get that perfect Angelina pout (or, in this particular case, the pout of Adriana Lima).

Sound great? Yes, but... I am not sold yet.

Lancôme introduced a new tone of lipstick for Spring 2008 as part of its limited edition "Pout à porter" series. It was created especially for a runway show by renowned makeup artist Gucci Westman in collaboration with fashion designer Thakoon.

For a reasonable price ($25), you get a smudge-free color (which I really like) that can be worn for up to 8 hours. The color is indeed delicate and spring-like.

The last thing I wanted to tell you is this: never mind the smudge-free stuff, but I love the box! Hats off to whoever drew that... hat.

Opinions diverge as to what constitutes the upcoming season's defining color. According to Bobbi Brown, it's raspberry.

The color's biggest draw - again, according to the designer, is that it works well for all skin tones. To make the point clear, Bobbi chose two models with very different skin color who both look great with the makeup.

You know what the biggest problem with the famous 3-step contour-base-gloss technique is? That's right - choosing the colors that work together! Well, I am only speaking for myself here...

For the occasion of the upcoming Valentine's day, Clinique is offering to take the guesswork out of the creative process by suggesting five combinations ($45 each) put together by Clinique's makeup experts.

In Japan, cherry tree is supposed to be the symbol of transience while in Chinese culture it symbolizes female beauty.

Playing on both of these themes, The Body Shop released a limited edition series called "Japanese Cherry Blossom"...