Elizabeth Arden Blender Brush

Alright so maybe I had unrealistic expectations of this Elizabeth Arden Blender Brush($15) from the get go. I assumed it would be basically a mini version of my beloved Beauty Blender on a handle, that would let me get into tighter areas with more convenience. Alas, that was not the case at all.

These 2 sponges couldn't be more different. The Elizabeth Arden one was so stiff, it was hard to work with. There was no give with the applicator when trying to apply my foundation, so the stipling method used with my Beauty Blender for a seamless finish left me with dots of foundation all over with the Elizabeth Arden version. I tried wetting it, but still when trying to use it on my undereye area- it felt hard & not very comfortable. It also poses a bit of a challenge to clean successfully. Such high hopes dashed. Now I feel guilty for straying- I'm sad to say I'd take a pass on this one, Beauties.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Make-up {Tool} Must Have Monday

Alright so I know I have tweeted my adoration for this pink egg shaped make-up sponge, but I realized over the weekend that I have never done a feature post about it. When working last weekend on a mammoth bridal party, I realized that the Beauty Blender is still relatively unknown - & I must change that. I know, I know- how much joy can an odd shaped facial sponge bring? But I'm telling you- every member of the bridal party oohhed & ahhed when I used it on them and said how nice it felt on their face. The other make-up artist I brought along to assist me had never used one & was begging to take the one I had brought for her to use home. I aquiessed- I'm not a monster.

So you've probably seen this tool when ever you've watched a celebrity having their make-up done, such as on a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians where Mario was working his magic on Kim.

But here is the thing- if you don't know how to use it, you won't love it. I had picked up a Beauty Blender 2 years ago & didn't read the super easy instructions( of course!) and thought "Eh..."

But all you do is WET it, squeeze out the excess water & stipple your foundation on - then you will fall in love! This is what I do every morning- I put several dollops of foundation all over my face, then literally connect the dots with a quick dabbing motion. Sure it's pricey at @$20, but it is worth every penny!!

I use the pointy end of the Beauty Blender to take product up right underneath the eye, as well as the corners of the nose. Once you get the hang of it, you won't know how you lived without it. The entire La Papillon Beauty Team hearts it {Jodi simply states 'obsessed' with Lindsay coming in with it being a 'foundation blending no brainer!'} So just to spread the love- I'll be giving one away this week for one of you Beauties to try! You can Tweet and Facebook the contest for extra entries & just leave your total tally number in the comments section. Good luck- I hope you soon will know the love of a Beauty Blender! xo

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Sweet Easter Treats

I heard on the radio the other day that the average American child eats around 8 pounds of chocolate & candy around Easter! I was shocked & then I thought that it sounded about right! Why not put some 'sugar free' treats in your little ones' Easter baskets- prevent those sugar fueled tantrums! These new ice cream bath bombs we just got in the boutique look just like the real thing & are sure to make bath time a blast!
Our classic cupcake bath bombs make anyone from 8 to 80 smile! The bright colors will be sure to distract any little one from noticing there are less jelly beans this Easter.

For the make-up lover {no matter what age, every girl loves some Easter treats!} so I had to include the Beauty Blender! My obsession knows no bounds with this beauty tool. Wet it & stipple on any foundation for a near airbrushed look. The hot pink egg shape is perfectly Easter themed, too!

Last, but not least are our always popular chic buds mini speakers! These tiny one inch cube speakers are perfectly portable & pack a wallop of sound. I always have mine with me- I think live is better with a soundtrack. Any other great 'sugar free' ideas beauties?

Happy Easter!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

The Glammies

Happy New Years beauties! Can you believe how quickly this year flew bye? So many beauty products, so little time. Speaking of time, it's time for my annual Glammies Awards, where I pick out the products that have impressed me the most this year. While not a new launch, Paul & Joe Beaute's Eye Gloss is like Tinkerbell's Magic Wand to moi! Normally I would shy away from anything creamy on my lids since I have such oily skin. This product imparts the most angelic, Celestial(which is my favorite shade) glow when gently patted on the lid. Anyone I show it to falls in love with it & you can't beat its ease of use!

Revlon's PhotoReady Foundation is my new go to everyday foundation personally & professionally. I have every shade in my kit & always turn to it for brides. The light texture doesn't break me out, gives great coverage & is specially formulated with light reflecting pigments to ensure it photographs well. It's a steal at just under $14, but often you can find it on sale. I wear shade 003, with a dollop of 004 in it.

I use my foundation with the Beauty Blender Sponge. I'll be honest, I bought this once before & never read the instructions, so I wasn't that impressed for a $20 sponge. Yes there are instructions, you dampen the sponge with water and pat it on your face with your foundation and pure magic happens. A flawless, airbrush like quality can be achieved with any liquid foundation that makes it worth every penny.

Yes it looks borderline neon pink, but both the Powder Pink & Peony shades of blush from Bobbie Brown give the most lovely "just came in from the cold" flush. I turn to these shades so much when I'm doing cool toned looks, think smokey grey on the eyes, that I've hit pan.

Nothing will ever replace my beloved Joey Antioxidant Lip Pencil (RIP), but I have come to grips that I need to move on & start dating again. Who's the latest to woo me? Too Faced's Perfect Lips Lip Pencil. It has a beautiful soft natural lip tone color that's the perfect base for gloss & lipstick. If you are familiar with the Joey lip pencil, this one has more pink undertones.

Last year Make Up For Ever's HD Powder took the slot for finishing powder in the 2009 Glammies. This year it's Mally's Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher. It goes on like air & is the perfect finishing touch to set your make-up. The first day I wore it, literally 3 people commented on what gorgeous skin I had- score! Note: it does have silica in it, but it has not broken me out at all the way some primers with silicone have in the past.
So tell me girleens, what new product made you swoon this year? I'm dying to know, I might need it:) I hope everyone has an amazing 2011!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M