Eyes

Every Saturday Kate2004rock brings you the best of Sephora as only an insider can!

I hope you all missed me on your "trip" to South Coast Plaza last week! So I'm back, better than ever, and bringing you the most important Spring makeup trends for 2008! I decided to look into it because 1) I'm a fashion-a-holic. 2) I had so much fun researching the post when I did the same for the Fall last autumn! So here goes!

Eyes: There wasn't an eye to be found on the Spring '08 runways that didn't have a subtle golden highlight on the inside corner of the eyes.You'd be surprised how much it really brightens up the eye area and makes your eyes pop. A couple really useful tools come to mind when trying this trick: Benefit Gilded pencil is a fat pencil with the perfect tangerine-gold (not too yellow!) and is great in the eye corners, on the brow or cheek bones. Also the Cargo Eye Bronzer can be used in the corners, along the lash line, or even as a shadow if you want. That girl with the red lips, a Bottega Veneta model, has really got the look right!

Second big trend: Pencils out. Liquid liners in. I promise you they really aren't that scary once you practice a bit! Plus you can't beet the super-defined, sleek look that liquid liner gives you...and doesn't run the risk of smudging in the least! The best trick is not not even bother to attempt to make one smooth line all the way across your eye. Do it in small dashes and "connect the dots". Make sure to pull your lid flat with one hand so you're not trying to hit a moving target! Urban Decay makes excellent, ergonomic liquid liners in a myriad of colors. Vincent Longo has ....black and brown I think, but the brush is super fine so its much more goof proof. If you really don't like liners - a gel works great too: Laura Mercier, Stila Smudge Pots, whatever you fancy!

Lips: If you didn't believe me that lipstick was back last fall, I hope you will this spring. Think flower petals. Think creamy. Think opaque. No brooding mournful colors here. Lancome has that designer lipstick series, limited edition called Pixel pink. See if you can find it. I'll pay anyone to get me a tube. It's gorgeous - you may have seen our good friend 38goingon19 ogling it on her blog Mythbusterbeauty! It's caused me severe envy. If you can't manage to get your paws on it: I've come up with a few alternatives for ultra-hip lips this spring: Vincent Longo's SPF 20 Wet Pearl lipstick in Cherry Lane (candy pink); Make Up For Ever Lipsticks in either Fluorescent Blue Pink 202 or Orange Rust 217. Dior Rouge Lipsticks in VIP Pink 365. Smashbox Lipstick in Sweet (Creamy Pink) or Beautiful (Creamy Peach). I could go on and on. Lipstick is a wonderful thing. To make sure your lipstick isn't flakey or bleed-y or nasty. Make sure lips are exfoliated before hand (Your Sara Happ lip scrub or the Sugar Frxtion exfoliator/balm combo). Take a cue for the pink-lipped Valentino model in the pics.

Face: Bronze is back girls. But not like you got sunburned, or spilled a whole bottle of tanner on your face. You just want a kiss of sun. The Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder comes in two shades (Blondes, and Brunettes) and It really is one of my Favorite Bronzers I've ever used. That or the Fresh Here Comes the Sun Palette. A little bronze goes a long way! Try even just using it as a blush and nowhere else - its a remarkable sophisticated look.

Is spring in the air or what?

Desertdoll is bringing you the last, but not least retail shop of our incredible day at South Coast Plaza...

It was bound to happen. Running a few minutes late at each location on our SCP tour equals quite a few minutes late at our last stop, Origins. We felt terrible about it, especially when we saw the scrumptious tray of Brie, organic chocolates, terra chips and lemon water they put out for us. But after a quick refueling (which we really needed) we were fresh and ready to learn and shop! Thanks to Sonya, the glowing manager for being so gracious and understanding.

I was excited to be at Origins, a line I’ve always liked. I appreciate that they have not only stand-alone stores, but locations within department stores so that even if you’re not near a luxury mall like SCP, you can experience the line. I especially appreciate the amazing holiday gifts they have every year. Packaging their best selling products in gorgeous baskets or totes and selling them at below retail value is smart. I don’t think a year has gone by in the last 5 that I haven’t picked up at least one present there. They’re always a welcome gift too. I think all Origins products are really a sensory treat. I dare you to open one of their body souffles or washes and not say “mmm”. With scents like ginger, cocoa, white tea and my favorite-something they call Paradise Found, with the aroma of fresh-cut Pineapple and Orange, how could you not?

I feel I’m moving in on Green Chi territory with this post, because Origins is definitely a company that thinks beyond themselves, but I’m honored to be highlighting one with such a conscious position. I can’t help but guess that it’s companies like Origins that have made it easier for more lines to follow suite. And learning more about the company has made me think about how the choices we make (even in something as simple as buying a lipstick) matter to this planet.

Everything they do stems from this simple yet powerful statement, “the well-being of our planet is vital to the well-being of the people who populate it”. So they do whatever they can to protect the earth and its re-sources, including its inhabitants. The list of things Origins does to make this world a better place is long and humbling. Read more about how they help the environment, and their many charitable causes. But from purchasing wind generated power to offset the electricity used in its North American stores to the plush stuffed animal that they create every holiday who’s sales have helped donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to recipients such as The World Wildlife Fund, Sera Wildlife Conservancy and the Gorilla Conservation Programs, one thing is clear-Origins cares about the world we live in.

2 more unique things to note for you nature lovers. Origins collaborated with Dr. Andrew Weil, a Harvard Dr. and expert in integrative health, to develop a line with a proactive approach to health, wellness and beauty using health-promoting plants and herbs and alternative healing techniques. Want to sleep better? Eat better? De-stress your skin? Boost your natural defenses against the changes of time? This is the line for you. And if you only (or try to) buy organic, Origins has recently released the first full line of prestige skin, body and hair care products to be certified under the USDA National Organic Program. Read more about each of these lines here.

We received an amazing array of samples from the store, plus a small coated canvas tote that is the perfect lunch bag (and I’ve been using every day since we got it). We got:

• Youthtopia cream and eye cream- One of their newest products. Containing a flowering herb that grows in the remote polar mountains of Siberia. It’s called Rhodiola rosea, and is known as "Golden Root" Noted as dating back to Jason the Argonauts and the Vikings. Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back the prized plant. It helps to “empower skin to rebound from damaging stress, retrieve its youthful buoyancy and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.”

• Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash- A wonder for combination skin, this clever cleanser contains ingredients to balance both dry and oily places on your face. Gentle and bubbles galore!

• Modern Friction- Age-erasing exfoliation without irritation. More of a paste than a scrub, the main ingredient is Rice Starch cushioned in a lush cream. Applied dry, water is added at the end to produce a rich foam. A gentle yet effective way to glowing skin in one application!

• Peace of Mind On-the-spot relief-This product is pure genius. Just a few dabs on the temples, earlobes and back of your neck literally melts tension away. The photo is of Blus Lee Lee getting a little well needed Peace of Mind after a long day of shopping! This is also comes in a variety of products, including a vapor bath and a massage oil.

So let's hear it from the Origins fans out there. And good for you for doing something good for the earth through your beauty purchases!

Welcome to Day Four of South Coast Plaza Week at megsmakeup.com! It’s Chichi, back with another fun filled shopping experience from our decadent day at the SCP. I just want to say “Thank You” once again to everyone involved in giving the ladies of megsmakeup such a fabulous day; from the SCP management office, to the heads of the companies we visited and especially our new friends working inside the stores who really rolled out the welcome mats for us. My last write up is on a company that is world renowned for their artistic and revolutionary make-up and accessories. I’m talking about the one and only Shu Uemura!

Believe it or not, I do not wear a lot of make-up on a daily basis. If however, you walked into my room and saw the piles of make-up, brushes and potions on my vanity and dresser, as well as the stacks of fashion magazines next to my bed, you would know that I am obsessed with make-up. I love it all, especially eye shadows, blushes, eyeliners and all of the fun parts of making up a face. Of course, I was already well versed with the legend of Shu Uemura and their iconic Eyelash Curler, as well as their vivid and amazing line of colors. Yet, I had never visited a Shu Uemura storefront. Let me tell you, walking into this mecca of make-up was almost a holy moment for me! As soon as we stepped into this well organized, jam-packed make up heaven, I know we were in the presence of greatness!

As we entered, we were warmly greeted by the fabulous Assistant Manager of Shu Uemura SCP, Alex as well as Make Up Artists Melina, Brittany and Levi who were our main guides into the world of Shu. The spectacular shop was designed to express the sophisticated simplicity and modernity of Shu Uemura’s minimalist packaging, (while) displaying a visually astounding color palette of individually sold makeup colors. I was almost overwhelmed by the array of choices in color and texture that were available for all customers to sample and test on themselves. However, after a run through of the boutique I quickly realized that all of the products were displayed in an easy to follow system. Eye shadows, liners, blushes, lipsticks and more were grouped together and displayed by color (lightest to darkest) and appropriately named so that you would know exactly what you were purchasing. For example, She Uemura offers their eye shadows in four separate finishes: Matte (M), Pearl (P), Iridescent (IR) and Metallic (ME). These letters (M, P, IR, ME) are listed before the shade color, so you’ll never have to guess at a colors finish. Plus, most eye colors are available in all four formulas, while blushes come in Pearl and Matte finishes. Simply genius!

Desertdoll and I had scheduled an appointment at Shu Uemura’s Legendary Lash Bar where Shu Uemura artists offer a unique Lash Styling service including the personal application of Shu Uemura’s more than 20 styles of false eyelashes from natural to dramatic. Additionally, this service includes a full face make-over using products from their huge selection of foundations, blushes, mascaras, eyebrow pencils and more. Of course, you get to walk away with your new false eyelashes as well as a wealth of application knowledge! This service does require a minimum purchase (details vary so check with your local Shu Uemura store). All six of us ladies were astounded to find that the whole team of Shu Uemura makeup artists had cleared time so that each of us could take part in the makeovers! Talk about VIP treatment!

While the lovely Melina worked her magic we discussed the latest offerings from Shu Uemura, The Rebirth Collection for Spring 2008. Unfortunately, this is the last line designed by the legendary founder, Shu Uemura, who passed away in December 2007. This pioneer of make up left us with one final and stunning collection of make up that is inspired by the purity, energy and innocence of the spring season. Mr. Uemura designed the collection ... using a combination of soft and vivid hues embellished with a unique and graceful leaf motif to communicate the revitalization of nature occurring at this time of year. All of the shades in this collection are unique, flattering and oh so pretty! The eye shadows are versatile as well. Each one can be worn alone, layered on top of cream eye shadow for added intensity, or as an eyeliner with a dampened brush.

Now onto the really fun stuff - the False Eylashes! If you just clicked that link, you will see that Shu Uemura offers an astounding selection of lashes for looks ranging from the all natural to the absolutely extravagant (see Solero in the right middle pic with her fantastically green lashes). Now, I love the look of false eyelashes but have always had difficulty applying them. I end up with crooked, gluey lashes instead of the flawless look Melina had (and she wore two lashes per eye). However, all is well as Melina imparted some wisdom to me. When you apply false eyelashes, do not look straight into your mirror, instead, place a hand mirror flat on a counter or your vanity. Then stand over it and look directly down into your mirror when applying the lashes. It’s such a simple trick, but it really works. Since that day, I’ve practiced with my Shu Uemura lashes and I am turning into a pro.

When the six of us, flawlessly made up creatures left Shu Uemura we were a sight to behold! (See bottom shot of the happy girls with the Shu staff). We not only walked out with our hand-picked new false eyelashes and beautiful faces, we received a goodie bag of Shu Uemura products as well! The products included in my bag of sunshine were:

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler What a treat to receive one of my most coveted items from all of Shu! The emblematic Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler featuring enhanced design and upgraded features for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl, including an upgraded silicone pad in a new "mushroom" shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.

Rebirth Collection Eye Shadow in IR Earth Brown One of 5 limited edition eye colors for spring. This eye shadow gives one of the truest colors (from container to lid) I’ve ever used. The shadow is long lasting and crease-proof and the shade really makes my blue eye pop!

Rebirth Collection Eye Pencil - Aqua Flow Another limited edition product, the beauty of this eyeliner is that it contains three colors (light blue, grey and green) stacked into one pencil! The bright and fresh shades represent the calm flow of fresh spring dews.

Depsea Water Facial Mist This product really intrigued me during our visit, so I was pleased to find the relaxing Lavender scented bottle in my bag. This mist provides soft hydration for all skin types. The Depsea Water or “water from the depths of the sea” - is taken from the depth of the ocean where sunlight does not reach, at 320 meters. Pumped directly from the location, it is also bottled at the source, where the Shu Uemura manufacturing facility resides. Completely free of artificial color, natural aromatic extracts are then added to become lightly scented mists that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, hair and body. It is also a key raw ingredient used in many of Shu Uemura makeup and skincare products.

High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched A wonderful multi-tasker this wash leaves my face completely clean (without drying it out) and removes make up (even waterproof!) It’s recommended for drier skin types (or those in dry climates) but it’s worked really well for me in the middle of winter. The High Performance comes into play when you see that it contains tomato extract and vitamin E for anti-oxidant protection, avocado oil for extra moisture and nourishment and bitter orange peel extract to help brighten the skin.

Are you ready to sidle up to the Shu Uemura lash bar? Maybe you’re already curling your lashes with their must-have curler. Let’s talk Shu Uemura!

SHU UEMURA - BUY IT HERE!

You know when you have such a perfect day you feel like you need to be pinched because you can't believe this is really happening? That was my day with all the girls at South Coast Plaza. That day goes down in the top 5 of amazing. I will be 80 years old and bragging about it to my friends at Shady Pines Nursing Home. I can't thank everyone enough, especially Pamelairene!

Walking into the Fresh store was like walking on a cloud. No, better. Yes, it was better then walking on a cloud. Cloud's generally don't have the most gorgeous products and serve you decadent flutes of champagne upon your arrival. They say St. Peter holds the key to the gates of Heaven. In this case I found the key to be unlocked by Gena and Charlie at Fresh.

Gena is so gorgeous, she told us her age (sorry Gena-but it is newsworthy) and we gasped in disbelief. What? I accused Gena of being a vampire, she laughed and said she just uses her Fresh products. Gena is so smoking hot I refused to stand next to her in a picture. Charlie was a fitting frame for Gena's picture. They could have both won Prom King and Queen. They were both so knowledgable and charming and fun that we stayed so long to learn from them we were late for our next appointment. Did I mention they also gave us Champagne? Class acts all around!

Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, husband and wife co-founders of Fresh, believe that every product must be as enjoyable as it is effective. Sophisticated delivery systems and innovative formulas advance the performance of ingredients both familiar and exotic.

Years ago I was watching Oprah and her absolutely fanatical review of the Fresh products drove me to first purchase their Brown Sugar polish. If it was good enough for the divine Miss O then certainly I had to have it. It was a splurge, but one I loved. That year I bought 3 more for Christmas gifts and got hearty "thank-you's"!

After learning and laughing and just loving life at the Fresh store it was time to go. Before we left, dynamic duo-Gena and Charlie, handed each of us gift bags with Fresh products in them to try out and review. Here's what I tried...

Victoire Face Palette 2 face powders and 6 eyeshadows in a sturdy palette (with a huge mirror and brush!) All of the colors were universally flattering but not boring. It wasn't brown, light brown and gray. The colors ranged from a "Midnight Duel" blue (which I thought would not work on brown eyes until I tried it) and mauves, greens and plums. The staying power, blendable consistencey and slight shimmer are gorgeous. The pink blush powder and shimmer powder work together like a dream and you know you're dealing with a very high quality product. I also want to give props to the massive mirror inside!

Sugar Lipgloss in ShagThis gloss has moved to the purse cosmetic bag. The color is a subtle, easy to wear cherry gloss. It's not sticky, lasts a long time and is a big tube. I think everyone would love great in this freshly bit-my-lip natural color. Anyone thats afraid of RED but wants a healthy, romantic look should give this a shot!

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser Not only did this take off my makeup but it cleansed my face and they're right! Absolutely no need for toner after you use it. It's a powerful 2-in-one that also refreshes your eyes.

Rose Face Mask I love a rejuvinating mask! With my healthy lifestyle (HA!) I love to soothe and hydrate my tired skin. This was probably my favorite item. I felt like I was at a very lush spa with the cooling cucumbers, roses and aloe working into my face. It felt great was so relaxing and it left me with a great glow!

I would consider Fresh a very high-end, luxury line. I can't give anything I tried a so/so review. It all was such a wonderful experience. If you want to really treat someone I would say look no further then this gem of a line. If the Fresh staff was represented by Gena and Charlie then you're in for a great time. They know so much and can tell you every detail on what makes Fresh stand apart! The picture to the left is all of us enjoying our very Fresh experience!

Ladies, tell us what Fresh item can you not live without!

FRESH! BUY IT HERE!

Eye love Urban Decay and I love my sexy Badgirl Tammy that always scores for Megsmakeup!

Urban Decay just knows eyes so well! I know I can't live without my Primer Potion, Eyeshadow Transforming Potion, 24/7 Glide on Pencils, all to be removed with their fantastic Clean and Sober!, It only makes sense that they'd get their eyeshadown in matte down pat!

I use the shade ABC every single day! It's perfect for daytime and a great, blend color when I want to add some Peversion to it!

The package is super durable and is modelled after a NYC subway token. It takes a banging and doesn't crumble. As I said, I've been using my ABC day AND night and I'm only now making a dent in it! No wonder it is both a celebrity and makeup artist fave!

Here's what Urban Decay has to say about their matte eyeshadows " By popular demand, we created new Matte Eyeshadows that are sexy, sophisticated, and never dull. The collection comes in a wide variety of shades—from blendable earth tones to vibrant bursts of color. Pigment-rich with an ultra-soft texture, Matte Eyeshadows are low in binders, so payoff is amazing and never chalky! The classic Urban Decay subway token is dressed up with a gunmetal finish so you can tell them apart from your other Urban Decay Eyeshadows."

Tips: Combined with Eyeshadow Primer Potion, color lasts even longer and payoff is even richer. Use Eyeshadow Transforming Potion to use Matte Eyeshadows as a liner, or all over opaque color.

Urban Decay just has all from start to finish to give you the most perfect, easy to master, sexy rexy bedroom eyes! They really have thought of every tool to make your life easier and your eyes grab center stage.

Eye Love them! Ladies, let me know your favorite Urban Decay eyeshadow shades and products and if you love them as much as eye do!

UD Eyeshadow-BUY IT HERE,

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