Break Ups to Make Ups

                                                        
Makeup is one of my favorite things, seriously like in the world. While since first really learning to do my makeup and not looking like a circus clown, I've been a loyal MAC girl. There honestly wasn't a particular reason why I started there and stopped. Im not a label whore in a sense that I use or where things simply because of the brand or trend, I wear what I like and for years MAC has worked for me. Recently I've been branching out and for me the best way to branch out into different lines of makeup is to rummage through my friends makeup bags and ask lots of questions. Though what works for one may not work for another, I find new techniques by watching others apply their makeup. For example one of my very good friends, who is a few shades darker than me, uses a light color powder foundation by bare essentials as an eyeshadow both under and over her eyes, and it looks absolutely beautiful. BUT, when I tried the same trick I looked a raccoon and couldn't figure out why. While watching her actually apply her makeup I saw that after she applied the powder she then went over her entire ace with a press powder blending everything and leaving a hint of the color on and under her eyes. BINGO! Tried it and it was perfect!
 Anyway I digress. My general makeup look is very tanned with highlighting bronzer, nude lips, light eyeliner and tones of mascara. MAC will always be one of my favorite makeup brands but I've come across a new love of NARS and a soft spot for Stila, here are some of the newest products I have been using, which can all be purchased at Sephora allowing you to try before you buy. Most important, think outside the box and have fun!

Here's Nars, Sabrina lip treatment, Belle du Jour, and my current favorite Roman Holiday. I LOVE Roman Holiday, its sheer so I layer it with Illamasqua Lipstick in Fable to give it a more pink nude shade. This brand is only available at Sephora, and I appreciate the color as well as the exclusivity of that.

                                  

Heres Deep throat by Nars, I know Orgasm is a best seller and a favorite of many, but I find Deep Throat to be a warmer color for my skin tone and make my finishing look toasty.

                                      

This is a illuminating finishing powder set by Stila. Its GORGEOUS! Its a limited edition, gift set for a excellent price. I use both colors, the rose gold darker shade for contour and the light gold for highlight all over shimmer dusting. I came across this courtesy of Maury over at www.typepad.com/heightsoffashion. While scattering around her makeup bins I saw and tried this combination and fell in love. This product goes fast, I went to 3 Sephoras before finding it in Soho!

                          

I mentioned above that I load on mascara, one because my eyelashes are short and tangled and two because I like for eyes to be the focus, and well defined. I try a lot of different mascaras, and this has worked the absolute best for my eyelash situation. The brush was a nice size and I am happy with the amount of mascara on the brush as well as the big volumizing effect. Great results minimal effort.

            

                                                    

Life is like a Masquerade Ball

Ever since Eye's Wide Shut, I think attending a ultra chic masquerade party, has been lingering in the back of everyones mind. Though I wasn't able to find one in time for this years NYE, Gilt Groupe is featuring Art of Elysium Designer Masquerade sale on December 30, and so far it looks absolutely fantastic! Heres some background;

"Last October, Gilt enlisted 12 A-list designers — including Catherine Malandrino, Tory Burch, Peter Som and Behnaz Sarapfour — to create one-of-a-kind, Venetian-style masks for celebrities to don at a masquerade gala in Marfa, Texas. The event benefited the Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization that works with children battling serious medical conditions. Now, you have an exclusive chance to snap up these extraordinary designer creations; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art of Elysium."

Backstory

Founded in 1997, the Art of Elysium works with accomplished artists, musicians and actors, who volunteer their time to participate in creative workshops for children battling serious medical conditions. The organization has helped thousands of children learn everything from singing to painting to fashion design, and garnered a long list of celebrity supporters along the way.

Heres a preview of whats to come! If you're not a member of Gilt Groupe please enjoy the invitation below, this is one of the many sales, featured daily at sample prices!

Gilt Groupe Invite

Meat on the Menu, Meat Packing District Sales

If you've never been to New York, this is the perfect opportunity to get here and NOW! While the obvious would seem like post Christmas sales the best in this town, pre trumps post and leaves you with a little change to spare.While I myself have heard, old wise takes of Givenchy handbags retailing for $1600 being marked down to $500 before christmas. It was definately time for me to put on my hard hat and high heels and play myth busters, Here's some info from the good people over at M.A.C!

DVF: The fall season is discounted just 30%. Smart shoppers hit the sample sale where prices were 50% to 75% off.  boutique prices often go to 70% by season's end.

Alexander McQueen:  60% off However, even with the steep discount some items are way over budget. Take this bird-print funnel neck dress. It's still almost $2400 even after the discount. The dress was originally $5,975. The dress is a real piece of art but for those prices we prefer to save up for a Kandinsky. Not all items are thousands. A cable knit dress is $664 from $1670, a cowl neck dress is $659 from $1655 and statement platform shoes are $464 from $1165.

Stella McCartney: As we write, the fall/winter collection is 40% off but the discount goes to 50% on Monday. The discount includes bags and shoes. The additional markdown is happening right on time because there's still quite a bit of merchandise left.


Matthew Williamson: Everything is so much more colorful downtown but few designers are brighter than Matthew Williamson. Right now prefall is 60% off and the runway collection is 50% off. The discount could go to 80% after the New Year and that's when we will start charging it up.


Jeffery NYC: The discount went down to 40% on Thursday. Shoes are selling quickly. The "racks" are up and if you're a 7.5 don't even bother. There's nothing left. There is a healthy selection of 8s and the biggest variety of shoes is the 10s or a European 40. The clothing is hit or miss when it comes to sizes.