All Aboard the Choo (Choo) Train: Jimmy Choo Fragrance

A few months ago, I smelled a tester strip of Jimmy Choo's Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum. And. It. Was. Amazing. Just the perfect blend of sweet/woodsy/floral that I look for in all my scents, but a touch more mysterious than say, Kat Von D's Sinner, and a bit more innocent than another of my favorites, Jean Paul Gaultier's Classique. I was obsessed. And yet, I didn't get it. Sephora didn't carry it, and I didn't want to order it online from another store, and I also have SO many perfumes. Flash forward to a couple weeks ago, and I was perusing Sephora.com and saw that they now carry Jimmy Choo fragrance. Done. So that was pretty much all the convincing it took. I ordered the smaller bottle (it's sort of pricey, at $55 for the 1.3oz size), and within a couple days it arrived in a tacky, pink alligator print box. But we'll ignore that. Especially since the bottle is this simple rounded glass in a pretty blush pink.

So anyway, it is definitely stronger from the bottle than it was on the test strip (I know, so surprising, right?) and at first I was like ahhh what did I do? And then, within 30 minutes, it faded into that perfect scent I remembered. The site describes the scent as a blend of tiger orchid, sweet toffee, and patchouli, along with "green top notes," but I have to be honest, those words mean nothing to me. It just smells sort of romantic and sexy, without being standoff-ish (apparently the Gucci by Gucci--side note: Sephora stopped selling this! What!--I've been wearing in the evening was a bit "intense," but I won't point fingers as to who didn't tell me that until I switched to Jimmy Choo).

And so there you have it. Pricey? Indeed. But Jimmy Choo is now a new part of my perfume line-up, and it pays for itself in that really does last longer than other scents. One tip is that it a lot of the scent comes out of spray top at once, so I actually spray it on a tissue and then dab it on so it's not all concentrated in one spot. But that's just me.
~J

The Teal Lagoon: Artistry Eyeliner Pencil

Behold: Perfect smudginess

So, lots of big goings-on around New York lately. Whitney Houston passed away. The Giants won the Super Bowl. Winter failed to arrive. In more even more-local news, I tried a new wrinkle cream (that shall go unnamed) which made me break out. Sephora finally decided to carry Jimmy Choo's fragrance, which I promptly ordered despite only smelling it once on a magazine ad strip- it is that good, readers (review to follow). Oh and I found the most amazing, soft-as-buttah eyeliner.

Now, I am a die-hard black eyeliner (and mascara) fan. I know magazines rave about using colored eye pencils to bring out this color eyes, that color eyes. But when it comes down to it, I think black always looks the best. No other smudged liner looks as sexy without looking incredibly forced. But C and I recently attended an event, where we had the good fortune of receiving the Artistry Eyeliner Pencil in Lagoon, a deep teal that is not only super smooth to apply and long-lasting, but looks great with both C's deep brown eyes and my blueish-green ones. Not an easy feat for a colored pencil. I also should add that after washing my face, there was still some liner left in the morning and I didn't need to even reapply. And I mean it was left in that good way, where it looks like you just nonchalantly smudged some on. Unfortunately, this Spring 2012 color isn't available just yet on the brand's site, but check here for updates. And when you see it, get it. It's all kinds of great.

~J

Spellbound by CoverGirl Lip Perfection in ... Spellbound

Why hello

So recently C has been board the pink train--one that loyal readers will recall I have been on for pretty much ever. Thank you, thank you. Fine, so it's really only the super bright shades that she--and more and more celebs--have been hoarding, but I have to say that, as someone who usually goes for more subdued forms of the color, I have been dipping a toe in the hot pink waters as well. My pick? CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Spellbound, a bright rose that's deep enough to not be neon, but also bright enough to be a member of this trend. The best part, though, aside from the $7 price tag, is that the lipstick is super lightweight and has the teensiest hint of vanilla scent. But does it last?

Lipstick on your collar/ told a tale on you

Ok, so I had a sip of tea and this happened, but yet when I checked the mirror, the lipstick didn't really show any wear, despite transferring onto the very fancy-looking cup above. And sure, by the end of the day, the color definitely wasn't as bright (see below), but it was also definitely still on with zero reapplications--a lot more than I can say for most lipsticks. I even sort of loved the stained lip I ended up with. As for the rest of my face, I'll just say you're lucky I was selfless enough to share this with you, dear readers, to properly show you how the color lasted. See how far us Brooklyn Dolls will go? So hold your comments.

Help me, I've been at work all day.

Anyway, remember that L'Oreal's Colour Riche Le Gloss in Watermelon Crush that I was disappointed with? Looks kind of amazing over the CoverGirl Spellbound-stained lip. In fact, my new going-out look has involved pressing (literally) Spellbound into my lips for a deep stain and then slicking on some Watermelon Crush gloss for a kind of sexy, not-too-perfect mouth. So, L'Oreal, I found a place for you in my makeup bag after all. You're welcome.
~J

The Hots for Hot Pink

Three different lip colors (believe it or not)

It's hard to deny the appeal of pink lipstick these days. I've always been a red girl myself, paying homage to some of my faves - Gwen Stefani, Dita von Teese - known for their red pouts. I save pink only for when I'm tan, which usually means Miami, Disney, Jersey, Coney. But after seeing MAC's new collection of lip colors designed by Iris Apfel, I fell in love with pink for year-round use. My obsession started with Apfel's Pink Pigeon shade, a bright neon matte pink. Sadly, this color flew off the shelves and cannot be found anywhere. I even went to the Queens mall and nada. If you know where to get, please let us know! We'll send you a BD shirt.

But anyway, I decided to give some other brands a chance - Maybelline, Revlon, Milani - in my quest for the perfect pink, or even better, the closest match to Pink Pigeon. First stop: Maybelline's Sensational in Fuchsia. The color is great. It's bright and pink and pretty but still suitable for daytime wear. And being I work in an office setting ( I know, I have no choice) it's important to make sure it's not obscenely bright. This lip color, unlike Pink Pigeon, is not very matte. I'm not a fan of the shiny lips, I rather have heavy coverage. But all in all, this is a contender.

So moving on, I tried Revlon's Color Burst Lipstick in Fuchsia. The color is very similar to Maybelline's version, but--to its advantage--it has a matte finish. It takes many sips of my morning coffee before it shows any signs of wear-off. This color is also a little brighter than Maybelline's version, but as you can see in the above photo, not by much. For $8, this color has staying power. Iris would be proud. Though, she still would prefer her own collection. As do I. (For another take on the lipstick, check out J's 2010 review of it here).

And lastly, we have Milani's Rose Hip Lipstick. This actually was a recommendation that popped up when I searched Pink Pigeon online. In response to people's frantic search for this lipstick, many beauty lovers alike were also in search of a suitable replacement. So one Target order and $5 later, I owned Rose Hip. This color is definitely brighter than both Revlon and Maybelline's pinks. It's not office-appropriate, but name one fun thing that is. My favorite part of this lipstick is its heavy coverage. It lasted even longer than the Revlon. And it's probably the closest shade to Pink Pigeon, perhaps slightly brighter.

So as you can see, I love all my pinks. I can't own just one - nor should you. And being my New Year's resolution is to wear lipstick everyday (I wasn't kidding), I'm glad I have all three in my arsenal.

~C

I Pink I Can (But I Can't): L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss

So sheer... so sad

After seeing how ridiculously awesome L'Oreal's Colour Riche Le Gloss in Watermelon Crush looked in the ads for the new lip product, I started checking everywhere for the bright, shocking pink of a shade, only to find it sold out time after time. I once almost got the sole remaining Raspberry Splash color, a deeper pink, at one Walgreens in Buswick, until I noticed that it had clearly been used, and what looked like more than once. Pretty. So I finally caved and ordered it online at Target.com, where it was also a few bucks cheaper than in the drug stores (ok, sure, there was a shipping fee which counteracted the savings, but play along). C also ordered a magenta Milani lipstick that I'm sure she'll be reviewing here soon and I got a deep berry Cover Girl color that hasn't arrived yet. So time will tell on that one. I'd also like to mention here that Target packaged the two tiny lipsticks in a box bigger than a shoebox, that could probably fit 100 lipsticks. So, no judgment here, but I'm sure environmentialists have a bone to pick with the Target shipping department.

So anyway, the shade I searched for so long and waited patiently at my desk for arrived. And it was...sheer. Very sheer. As in, if I don't layer it on, it looks clear. Don't get me wrong, the gloss smells great, isn't sticky at all, and doesn't have a weird taste. All good on those fronts. But it doesn't look as good as it does in the ads. I know that sounds insanely naive, because since when do things look as good in real life as in ads? But it's not that bright pink at all, almost a completely different, hint-of-rose shade. If I put numerous coats on, I juuussstttt begin to see it. But come on. I feel kind of silly for having searched all over for this tube. But so it goes. I'll definitely wear it, but I can't say it'll be the star of my makeup bag. But then again what ever is for more than a month.

~J

Thanks Santa! A Review of Clinique's Turnaround Moisturizer

Gifts for me!

As I'm sure you read in J's previous post, we are no stranger to the holiday gift exchange. It's become tradition to get each other beauty products to test and review. I know, our work is never done. You're welcome! On my list this year were some of my favorite brands' new releases; Clinique and Maybelline both introduced new products that we were hoping would knock our socks off - or at least make our lashes bigger and our fine lines smaller.

I had been eyeing Clinique's Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer for the longest time. A product that promises to tone and smooth your skin overnight. I don't mind waking up younger (and thinner but I don't think this little bottle can help there). Why not. Among the gold clutch, dance/house mix CD and slew of other gifts from J, stood my Clinique moisturizer and Maybelline Lots of Lashes (I'm getting there). As soon as I got home, I washed my face and slathered on the moisturizer. The texture is really creamy and thick but not in a greasy could fry a chicken cutlet on your face way. Take note Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (so gross). The real test is if it induced an acne party on my face. Let's be honest- at this point in my life that's how I test all my products. And I'm happy to report, it did not. After 1.5 weeks of use my skin has no more (or less) breakouts than before use. But I do feel a difference. Despite the cold weather and steaming hot showers I can't get enough of, my skin feels so soft after I apply and in the morning. All signs are pointing in the right direction. I'll have to follow up in a few weeks and let you know if anyone stopped me and said, "you look good, did you have any work done" (the ultimate compliment).

My next gift (thanks J) was Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes. I worship at the altar of Great Lash as I had mentioned here. It's the best drugstore mascara and gives most luxury ones a run for their money. I was skeptical to try because I can't imagine Great Lash improving upon this product. They attempted that with Great Lash Big Mascara and it was good but still doesn't get the praise classic Great Lash does. The difference with Lots of Lashes is the brush not the formula. It reminds me of Benefit's They're Real! Mascara which I love. A long thin wand with a cone-like tip to help coat every lash. The shape is pretty awkward and hard to manage. I found myself using the tip for every lash because the bristles on the wand did nothing. Who has time for that? Not me, Toddlers and Tiaras are on. So in summary, stick to Great Lash, skip over Lots of Lashes.

In addition to the generous gifts from J, I also received a Nars gift set that I will be reviewing shortly once I have a chance to try all the pieces, Oasis Spa facial and Maybelline's Sensational Lipstick in fuchsia (gift from me). I don't want to reveal too much yet, but I'm obsessed with this lipstick and the fuchsia shade in general. Perfect timing as my New Year's Resolution is to wear lipstick everyday. I'm not promising to climb anything, hike anywhere. I keep my resolutions realistic, as should we all.

~C

The Gift of Color: New York Color Blushable Cream Stick

Friends

C and I did our annual holiday gift exchange dinner and, unsurprisingly, we gave each other very similar things: sparkly clutches and makeup. Great minds, I tell you. Anyway, C had asked me for Clinique's Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer, which has been receiving rave reviews everywhere, and I'm super excited to hear her post about it on this very site. And while I didn't ask her for any specific products, she got me pretty much exactly what I wanted anyway: a deep pink lipstick from MAC (Amplified Heartless, to be exact), a ruby red polish, and New York Color (aka N.Y.C.)'s Blushable Cream Stick, which I had been eyeing for months.

Of course, I love all the products, even the MAC lipstick--a brand whose lipstick in in the past I've found to be drying-- was suprisingly soft, and the shade is this great winter-y berry color that looks sort of great on pale skin. And, let's be honest, my skin is pretty much pastey white at this point of the year. But mostly I want to use this space to focus on the New York Color Blushable Cream Stick, which I'm obsessed with. C reviewed it earlier this year here, but I feel the need to to rave about it some more now that I got to try it. She got me the Big Apple Blush shade, a pinky peach not too dissimilar to the famous NARS Orgasm (and a fraction of the price). The stick is SO creamy and SO easy to blend, but also super sheer, meaning you can't really screw it up and apply too much, and you can also layer if you want a brighter pop of color vs. a sheer wash.

I'm also a fan of how easy it is use for contouring, too, as you can add an extra layer of the color right above your cheekbones to really make them pop and add dimension to your face-- something that is definitely trickier with powder color. Seriously I am going to get another shade soon. Thank you, C!

~J