Eyes To Kill (or to die for!)

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill -- #8

This eye shadow is so cool & creates such a gorgeous shimmer.  It can be applied dry or wet, with a brush or your fingertip.  It comes packaged loose in a little glass pot – I’m usually hesitant to use loose eye shadow because it can be so messy but I did not run into any issues with this one.  The glass pot is tightly packed with a helpful little stopper to keep it from getting all over the place or you!!   It can be layered with shadows, applied over the entire lid, or just in the crease.  This product is, I think, something really new & different on the market.  I’ve noticed the shadows have names in magazines and on certain websites (see link to Neiman Marcus below) but when I bought mine at Woo in Nashville they were listed only by number.  #8 is a pink flecked gold/bronze/pewter – depending on what kind of light you’re in.  This stuff is really pretty and not at all over the top disco/studio 54 glitter.  I promise you, I’m not sitting at my desk right now looking like Ke$ha. J  This is a must try for Spring!!  I cannot wait to pick up another color.  The formula promises to last for 24 hours, is crease-proof, water-proof, flake-proof & sweat-proof.  Need I say more??

I also cannot wait to do my entire lids in a light wash of this color with mascara only and a dramatic statement lip color -- perhaps my ruby YSL.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod131060052&parentId=cat19220744&masterId=cat19220742&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000285cat4830738cat000294cat19180738cat19220742cat19220744

The next things I’m buying…

Hopefully some this week/weekend when I’m out running errands…

Bumble Shine On (and On) Finishing Spray ($25)

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow ($32) in Rock Sand or Sweet Fire

MAC nail polish in Little Girl Type ($14)

A diamond in the rough...

Natura Bisse Diamond Cream

I received a deluxe sample of this while visiting Charleston and I’m in love.  What I’m not in love with is the whopper price tag ($275 for 1.7 ounces).  I really think it might be worth it though!  I put a bit (a little goes a long way) on my face and neck before bed last night – then again this morning after I applied my daily serum and no joke, my skin looks the best it’s ever looked.  I am plump, smooth, even and hydrated and not the least bit oily!  Honestly, no afternoon makeup touch-up needed!  I’m hoping my deluxe sample gets me through the week and when pay day rolls around on Fri. – I might just have to spring for this puppy!!  It is heaven in jar.  With a name like diamond cream – I’d expect nothing less.  I got so excited about it that I couldn’t even wait until tomorrow to post my review!  It counteracts aging, decreases fine lines and completely regenerates and reenergizes skin!!  It’s formulated with vitamins C & E, and pure ursolic acid among many other high-tech ingredients.  A link to the product is below:

http://shop.naturabisse.com/_product_39488/DIAMOND_CREAM

Sight for Sore Eyes

Naphcon A Eye-Drops

Everyone in Nashville has allergies.  When you first move here, people tell you that and you think they’re nuts – then a couple months later – reality sets in.  My eyes have been dry and irritated for basically the last 8 years.  I always get 8 + hours of sleep at night, yet I look like I haven't slept in days because my eyes are so bloodshot.  I see an ophthalmologist regularly, switched to hydrating daily contacts, and am never without a lubricating eye drop of some sort.  I am always lusting after these celebrities and models with milky white eyes – not an ounce of red or vessel in sight.  Well, if you’ve ever got a special occasion, special photo opp, whatever – these drops will temporarily help you achieve this!!  I’ve been reading about this trick in magazines for years  and am here to tell you – it 100% works.  You cannot depend on them daily but once in awhile they’re a total lifesaver and completely harmless.  Sold @ CVS, Walgreens, etc.

Translucent Setting Powder

Shiseido Translucent Loose Powder (Finishing or Setting powder)

I’m one of those people who always wants to look perfect.  Perfect hair, skin, makeup, nails, & outfit.  Do I achieve this every day?  Definitely not!!  But I try my hardest to do so.  I will never forget when a nice older man stopped me at a Coffee Bean in L.A. -- when I was there in Oct. visiting my best friend (sidebar: see her awesome blog listed on my blog list: Between The Boxwoods) -- & told me I  was “very well groomed” – guy went so far as to mention nail polish shade, eyeshadow and brows.  I felt like hugging him!!  Anyway, part of the product lineup in my daily perfection striving look is finishing or setting my makeup with a loose translucent powder.  I love this one by Sheseido.  It works with all skin tones, goes on super satin-like smooth & cool, & works to keep pores and uneven skin texture looking flawless.  It’s invisible and immediately improves the look of your foundation (I swear!).  It comes with a great powder puff applicator but I usually apply mine with a large brush (I primarily use Mercier & Chanel brushes).  Oddly, Macy’s online store carries Shiseido (it can be hard to find) and I’m posting a link to the website below:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=402405&CategoryID=25919#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D32

NARS lipgloss -- where have you been all my life??

NARS lipgloss in “Angelika”

I cannot believe that I’m just now trying NARS lipgloss for the first time!!!  Gosh, have I been missing out!!  So you know I’ve been on the quest for the perfect pink this Spring and now I’ve found two (my Tarte crayon and this one)!!  I first tried this gloss in Charleston weeks ago and had been thinking of it ever since… I finally caved and bought a tube last night.  The gloss is so smooth, non-sticky, perfectly pigmented and long lasting!! It had my favorite type of sponge applicator and the shade is this semi-sheer “cotton candy pink with gold and silver sparkle” – It reminds me of the trendy orchid-pink colors I’m seeing on so many models in ads for Spring/Summer. Let me tell you, orchid pink is not an easy look to pull off for the non-supermodel population!! So, I was really pleasantly surprised when this one worked.  Helpful hint... Don't be put off by what the color looks like in the tube.    I will definitely be buying NARS glosses again – I cannot wait to try another shade!!  I also think it will look amazing layered over the Tarte crayon for a more dramatic/evening effect.

Here is a link to the product @ Sephora: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2862&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3976#BVRRWidgetID

Maison Weiss Oxford, Mississippi -- Store Review

Here are a couple of pics I snapped while visiting Maison Weiss this past weekend. 

My husband sat patiently on that cute little white sofa while I looked around.

A view of their incredibly large stock of Bobbi Brown & Mercier products...

I had the pleasure of meeting with Kathy Hickman, the stores' cosmetic manager, she was so cute & delightful (as most MS ladies are!!) and hooked me up with Laura Mercier's bronzing gel -- which I've been so wanting to try & several Bond No. 9 perfume samples.  I am a big fan of Bond scents & they're pretty tough to find so I was really impressed to see this fabulous little boutique in Oxford had such a large stock! Maison additionally carries Bobbi Brown, Natura Bisse, Fresh, and Trish McEvoy -- just to name a few!!

Maison carries beautiful clothes and accessories from names like Milly, Trina Turk, & J. Brand too!!  This is a store not to be missed if you're in the Oxford area.  The staff are super friendly (& well dressed) and all the items are tastefully hand picked!  I loved everything in there!  Here is another shot of the store from the front door:

Maison Weiss is located @ 130 Courthouse Square in Oxford, MS 38655.  (662) 236-LIPS. Or online @ http://maisonweiss.com/.

If you've ever been to or even heard of Ole Miss -- you probably know that it's known for having an exceptionally attractive female population.  I think this store epitomizes the chic Southern flare of your typical glam and polished Ole Miss gal.  As we say in Oxford... Hotty Toddy!!

I'll follow up with a bronzer and Bond review shortly.