If you think you’re really good, try and guess the exact number!

If you have some good ideas, feel free to send them to me!

For the answer… Keep Reading!

Beautiful Beginnings with Bobbi Brown

What was the first Bobbi Brownproduct you ever tried?  Did it pave way for a real romance or did it put you off the brand entirely?  What was the first Bobbi Brown product you purchased?  Did you love it? Hate it? Still own it?

my answer:  I had never tried Bobbi Brown prior to blogging, but Bobbi Brown was one of the earlier brands that worked with Temptalia, back when I didn’t even know that blogs were important.  When our relationship started, we were in time to see what Bobbi had on the radar for Holiday ’07.  The first product I remember trying was Everything mascara, which is a really natural mascara overall.  It’s something I still recommend to readers looking for a little oomph but nothing dramatic.

Share your first time experiences with Bobbi Brown in the comments!

Bobbi Brown Miami Coral Rich Lip Color

Bobbi Brown Miami Coral Rich Lip Color

Bobbi Brown Miami Coral Rich Lip Color ($23.00 for 0.13 oz.) is described as a “nectar.” It looks surprisingly orange in the tube, and even still when swatched (but to a lesser degree), but it’s much pinker on the lips. I actually went back and swatched this just prior to writing out the review, because I was like, “What? This doesn’t look right!” It’s more like a pink coral with warm, yellow undertones once applied. MAC Flamingo is less opaque, less creamy-looking and a touch darker. Chanel Flirt is similar but a little less pale. MAC Blossom Culture is several shades pinker. MAC Ever Hip is similar but a touch less pink.

Bobbi Brown’s Rich Lip Color formula is touted as long-wearing, moisturizing, and have “pure, crisp color.”  When it first came out, I was pleasantly surprised; it’s a creamy yet lightweight lipstick that glides on easily and delivers opaque color coverage with very little product.  It’s also hydrating enough that lips don’t feel dry after four to eight hours of wear.  Not all shades wear the same, as lighter shades tend to fade away after four hours or so, while more intense shades (like a red) can wear six hours or longer.  Miami Coral managed to make it four hours when I trialed it.

Where to Buy: Bobbi Brown, $23.

See more photos & swatches! Keep Reading!

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Capri Collection for Summer 2012

availability: Now at Nordstrom

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee ($42.00)

• Shimmering Sands Innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow. The perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective finish. Smoothes on as an allover soft sheen. Builds for luminous pearl highlighting.

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer ($28.50)

Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious liquid bronzer. Great for all skin tones, it includes a unique blend of bronzing pigments in a pearlized, reflective base. Long-wearing, oil-free formula feels weightless and comfortable as it smoothes on a sheer, natural-looking radiance.

Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon Duo ($24.00)

• White Sands/Molten Lava White/charcoal brown

Pure Color Five Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00)

• Bronze Sands Super-metallic, can be used wet/dry

Pure Color Gloss ($24.00)

• Shimmering Mmirage Gold pearl

Pure Color Nail Lacquer ($25.00)

• Molten Lava Rich burgundy red

Bronze Goddess Capri Eau Fraiche ($57.00)

Turn up the heat with summer’s new sunlit fragrance. Inspired by the seductive beauty of the Isle of Capri.

See more photos! Keep Reading!

Do you ever go through a makeup rut? How do you manage to get out of it?

There are always days here and there where I think, “A lipstick is a lipstick is a lipstick! What more can I say?” but then I’ll look for dupes and am reminded that there are so many nuances to color and texture.

Thanks to Summer for today’s question! Have a question idea? Submit yours here.

Illamasqua Expose Blush

For Posterity: Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush ($24.00 for 0.14 oz.) is–apparently–discontinued.  I had already written up this review (and then reworded it to reflect the news) when I discovered there was no place to link to in order for readers to buy it!  This post is mostly for posterity, then, and if someone already owns it, since I couldn’t find it anywhere.  Perhaps a local store or counter has a lone one of these in stock, but otherwise…

It’s a matte, softened orange. NARS Taj Mahal is brighter, more tangerine with gold shimmer. The color can be applied intensely (think true-to-pan color) or lightly for more of a peach-orange tinge to cheeks.   Becca Damselfly is more coral. Make Up For Ever #5 is darker and more coral. NARS Exhibit A is much redder. MAC Optimistic Orange is brighter, more neon.

Illamasqua has one of the better matte blush formulas on the market, and when they really nail it, they hit it out of the park, which was the case with Expose.  Despite its matte finish, it almost has an ethereal glow when it’s blended out just right.  It doesn’t look chalky or powdery, and it wears incredibly well, still looking good after nine hours of wear.  Wonder why Expose got the axe…

See more photos & swatches! Keep Reading!