TOPSHOP Holiday 2014 collection review + swatches

          My latest obsession? Peachy poinsettias. (They're a nice alternative to crimson, don't you think?) Apparently I'm not the only one loving peach and pink for the holidays. I've been loving these two TOPSHOP Holiday 2014 gift sets, packaged in eye-catching hues. One set's for eyes, the other's for lips. Both have already snuck their way into my December makeup rotation!

        Naturally, the TOPSHOP Mascara and Kohl set ($24) caught my eye first. It contains a full sized tube of TOPSHOP 3-D curve mascara and Kohl in Coal.

         Kohl me obsessed, but I couldn't wait to slick on TOPSHOP Kohl in Coal. (TOPSHOP Kohl in Sable is a regular in my travel makeup pouch). The pencil formula is soft, creamy, and draws a very opaque black. The line stays put, with some smudging over time as you'd expect from a kohl. On my test-run with TOPSHOP 3-D Curve Mascara, I found that the formula adds curl, as well as medium volume. I'm looking forward to putting this to good use!

       Next up, I have the TOPSHOP Mini Lip Bullet duo.  It's got a set of lip colors, including TOPSHOP Lip Bullet in Motel and Wine Gum.

       The TOPSHOP Lip Bullets are a cool hybrid between lipsticks and chubby lip pencils. As you can see below, they're lipstick shaped bullets packaged in a twist-up pencil shaped packaging.

        Both TOPSHOP Lip Bullets have opaque, smooth formulas with a velvety semi-matte finish. TOPSHOP Lip Bullet in Motel is a brown-based pink. It applies a bit darker on my lips than seen in the swatch below.

         TOPSHOP Lip Bullet in Wine Gum is a deep bordeaux. As someone with Sévérine a la Skyfall ambitions (beauty-wise, that is), this shade has been a new favorite this December! (The velvety finish adds a nice touch).

         Overall, both the TOPSHOP Mascara and Kohl set($24) and TOPSHOP Mini Lip Bullet duo ($20) have been quality additions to my beauty repertoire. They're fun, yet practical holiday gifts for friends (and self too), and a nice way to try out some regulars from the British brand's lineup! For these and other holiday goodies, check out TOPSHOP, Nordstrom, and the online TOPSHOP beauty boutique.

        Thanks for reading! What TOPSHOP shades have you tried lately?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

TOPSHOP Mercurial Lipstick and more... review + swatches

          It's a cool fifty degrees here in Chicago - a reminder that seasons are changing and new seasonal beauty is in order! Fall makeup tends to be tricky for me; while I subconsciously gravitate towards the rich browns and berries, they aren't the most complimentary shades to my complexion. (I'm more of a winter-spring girl). I'd been autopilot-ing with my beauty basics, until I received a lovely package filled with TOPSHOP Beauty!

          TOPSHOP's latest beauty collection is Molten Metallics - a set of metallic lipsticks and blushes for Fall 2014. It's a fall inspiration that I'm really loving for this season. Today I have look at a metallic lipstick from the collection, as well as some great TOPSHOP beauty basics.

           TOPSHOP Lips in Mercurial is one of three lip colors in the Molten Metallics collection. The silvery pink shade is a remix on your classic nude lip. The effect is a washed-out lip color with metallic glow. Admittedly you have to 'own it' to wear it; it's not a my-lips-but-better type of shade. That said, I'm loving this unique shade; it's just what I needed to spruce up my makeup routine (sans browns and berries). The finish comfortable and non-drying, though not particularly moisturizing.

Can't get enough of TOPSHOP packaging!

         I've been adding more kohls to my routine as of late; I love the dramatic smoked gradient they provide. (Usually I'll line first with a long-lasting liquid, then reapply kohl throughout the day to get add more depth to fading lines). TOPSHOP Kohl in Sable is a dark brown pencil with great intensity. It applies smoothly and has quite good lasting power for a kohl (which are usually short lived relative to other liners). I'm very happy with this pencil; it's a worthwhile addition to my everyday makeup pouch.

Inside are a little spoolie, tweezers, and brush!

          I have a thing for brow kits. (You should have seen the gleam in my eye when I spotted the TOPSHOP Brow Palette in Whatever). As someone with thinner brows, it makes a big difference when I take the time to do and touch up brows throughout the day. The TOPSHOP Brow Palette in Whatever is a conveniently sized case with a pull-out drawer of three mini brow tools (a spoolie, a tweezer, and dual ended brush. Inside, is a warm creamy brown wax and a grey-taupe shadow. They're meant to be layered for effect, but I tend to use more of the powder shadow. The brow kit is also available in a lighter set of shades.

          I adore the pretty dotted packaging of TOPSHOP Cream Blush in Afternoon. The bright pink is not a shade I would have initially picked for myself. However, I've found that just a couple dabs of the creamy formula blends out to create a surprisingly subtle brightening effect on my cheeks. It pairs nicely with Mercurial (above), as I find that I have to add more cheek color to balance out paler lips. TOPSHOP Lip Paint in Hibiscus is a rich opaque, creamy lip color. It wears comfortably, and is a nice option for when I'm feeling bright.

         I have to say, I'm loving my first trial with TOPSHOP Beauty. My favorites from this selection are TOPSHOP Lips in Mercurial, Kohl in Sable, and Cream Blush in Afternoon Tea. (I've already tucked them into my everyday makeup pouch!) I'm thinking a visit to the TOPSHOP boutique on Michigan Ave may be in order; the new metallic blushes are calling my name...

Thanks for reading! Have you tried TOPSHOP Beauty? What are your favorite products and shades?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via de Martelli review + comparison swatches

         As a NARS aficionada, my personal makeup collection is built upon a foundation of NARS basics, including the NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliners. (You could say I'm quite a 'NARSissist'!) I have several shades in my collection, so you can imagine how excited I was to see NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via de Martelli in the NARS Fall 2013 collection!

        I have lids that crease near the lash-line so it's tough for me to find pencil liners that can last through the day, even with primer or powder. I've found that the NARS Larger Than Life eyeliner formula has better pigmentation and staying power on my lids than Urban Decay or MAKE UP FOR EVER pencils, though all three make quality products. However, it is worth noting that the NARS formula is a bit dryer and drags more than others, especially as it gets older.

NARS Via de Martelli with its built-in-sharpener

         NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via de Martelli is a cognac brown. It has red tones mixed in, which add intrigue, especially when compared with other brown shades. However, the red tones can be risky if your eyes are prone to a red-rimmed effect. The shade works well for me, as my eyes are brown and my skin has some pink tones, qualities which won't overemphasize the red.

        Because browns eyeliners can truly run a gamut of shades, I've swatched a few colors from my collection below so that you can get a better idea of what NARS Via de Martelli eyeliner looks like. Most of you are probably curious about how NARS Via de Martelli looks compared to NARS Via Appia, the shimmery brown liner from the original NARS Larger Than Life collection. You can see it's a similar intensity, however the former is a matte red-brown, while the latter is a more glowy copper brown. You can see that Urban Decay Demolition, which is a standard dark brown liner, is significantly darker and cooler. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in #2L is the most similar in color, however it's a little more golden. Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Smog is lighter and more golden.

NARS Via de Martelli comparison swatches

          Overall, I've been loving NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via de Martelli.  The slight red tones in the color make it an edgy and unique brown in my collection. However, as I mentioned above, it might not work for everyone. If you're trying to choose between NARS Via de Martelli and Via Appia, I would probably recommend the latter, as it is more universally wearable (and gorgeous too). However, I'm happy to have both in my hands!

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried any NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliners? What did you pick up from the NARS Fall 2013 collection? What NARS products are you loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Be sure to check out my review of the NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliners in Via Veneto and Madison Ave.!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 review + swatches

        I've got a 'splash' of color from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 Collection to share with you today! The new collection consists of bright and beautiful colors from the brand's waterproof 'Aqua' line (5 Aqua Rouges + 2 Aqua Lips + 3 Aqua Creams + 2 Aqua eyes). I have (and love!) quite a number of 'Aqua' line items in my collection already, so I was pretty excited to get my hands on a few more pieces, courtesy of MAKE UP FOR EVER. This post features a quick review and swatches of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuchsia, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip in #20C Baby Pink, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in #52L Pearly Green Lagoon!

        The colors I received from the Aqua Summer 2013 collection are fantastic; I've already worn each quite a few times! MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green is a pale mint green cream eyeshadow with sheen. It has a fresh, brightening effect when worn. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in #52L Pearly Green Lagoon is a gorgeous teal green eyeliner that reminds me of a mermaid's tail! The formula is smooth, just as you'd expect from an Aqua Eyes eyeliner. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip in #20C Baby Pink is a light, warm pink lipliner that I've really been enjoying. It works well both as a lip liner or a lip color. I found that it wears comfortably for hours. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuchsia is a heavily pigmented bright pink fuchsia.  I've swatched it below without the clear gloss on top. The Aqua Rouge formula is seriously budge-proof; you can read my thoughts on it here. MAKE UP FOR EVER takes waterproof seriously --- all four products won't budge in water (and yes I've tried)!

         The MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 collection has a fantastic selection of colors, in my humble opinion. I've been particularly obsessing over the two lip products I received, and will definitely be incorporating the greens into my eye routine this summer. I hope to post more in-depth reviews with comparison swatches in the coming days, so stay tuned! The MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 collection is available now at Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques.

        Thanks for reading! Are you eyeing anything from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Summer 2013 collection? What was the last MAKE UP FOR EVER product you tried?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eye Liner Collection' review + swatches

            
            A few years ago, Mr. Lovey surprised me with a spectacular set of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes pencils. It was an unexpected, yet wonderful gift; I've had a soft spot for MAKE UP FOR EVER eyeliners since then. You can imagine my delight at receiving the brand new MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eye Liner Collection' collection for Holiday 2012!

           The MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eyeliner Collection' has fourteen different eyeliners and a double barrel pencil sharpener. The collection is packaged in a fun colored pencil-inspired box with a flip top. The products are securely held in a slide-out tray.

            There are seven different MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes pencils included: 23L, 11L, 3L, 12L, 5L, 2L, and 0L. Aqua Eyes are MAKE UP FOR EVER's best-selling eyeliners. Their waterproof formula was originally created for water ballet performers. The formula sets well and has good lasting power when worn with my usual eye makeup and primer.

          Three MAKE UP FOR EVER Khol Pencils are included: 1K, 9K, and 4K. The formula is pigmented, smooth, and smudgeable. The khols are different from the Aqua Eyes liners, as khols are meant to be smudged (e.g. in a smoky eye). Because of this, the Kohl Pencils do not set as firmly as the Aqua Eyes pencils. While I would prefer Aqua Eyes for everyday eye lining, the Kohl pencils are superior for distributing color on my waterline.

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER Double Pencil Sharpener has two different sharpeners: one for regular pencils and one for thicker pencils. It has a clear lid so shavings are stored until you're ready to toss them. The MAKE UP FOR EVER logo is printed on the side.

            There are four MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liners included: 4, 7, 15, and 13. The Aqua Liners are liquid eyeliners with a precision point applicator. The applicator is mostly firm with some bend. The typical line drawn will be of medium thickness, though it can vary with the amount of pressure. The pigmented and long-lasting formula is truly waterproof, it's the kind that dries to a plastic-like film, as opposed to a creamy finish. It can last for hours on my lids without primer. With primer, it can last an entire day. I wouldn't mind having a full set of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liners!

           I've swatched all fourteen different eyeliners in the MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eyeliner Collection' below. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes - 23L is a pearly pink beige, 11L is a vivid metallic violet, 3L is a shimmery navy, 12L  is a metallic teal blue, 5L is a golden olive with sheen, 2L is warm brown with sheen, and 0L is a matte black. MAKE UP FOR EVER Kohl Pencil - 1K is a matte black, 9K is a matte brown, and 4K is a matte forest green. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner - 4 is a sparkling blue-green, 7 is a metallic violet, 15 is a sparkling gunmetal grey, and 13 is a matte black.

           The MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eyeliner Collection' ($160 for $277 value) is a true highlight in the MAKE UP FOR EVER Holiday 2012 collection. I really liked how this set allowed me to sample three different eyeliner formulas. The color selection is full of basic and fun colors, all of which are wearable. The set would be a great collection builder for a novice, as well as a fun set for a seasoned beauty lover. Thanks for reading! Have you tried any MAKE UP FOR EVER eyeliners? What is your favorite formula and/or color? What are your favorite MAKE UP FOR EVER products?


Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Victoria's Secret Beauty : makeup haul + review

          Anyone who's waited in the checkout line at Victoria's Secret knows that there's more to the boutique than lingerie; there's an impressive beauty section full of fragrance, body products, and makeup. However, it's a lot to take in for the brief amount of time you spent in the queue! Today I'm posting an overview of new makeup products that might make a nice shortlist to explore next time you're in-store.

           Victoria's Secret has a new line of nail polish that is packaged in sleek and flat rectangular bottles, a la Butter London. The cap lifts off to reveal a small application handle inside. I have the VS Nail Lacquers in Room Service and Mischief. The nail polish formula is smooth but a bit thick; it becomes opaque after 1-2 coats. Below, you can see the VS Makeup Eyeshadow Quad in Overnight Sensation. It contains a purple and gold combination, along with a liner and highlight shade. The formula has a smooth application, medium pigmentation, and a sheen finish. A number of other pretty color combinations are available too.

            The VS Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm is a lip scrub and balm in one product. The strawberry scented scrub is in a small pot with a twist-off topper. The top of said topper flips open to reveal a pink lip balm. Victoria's Secret Minty Kiss Lip Shine is a minty lip gloss with lots of shine and good lasting power. It's a good find, especially if you like a mint. The VS Pro Radiant FX Face Illuminator is a liquid illuminator with a subtle pink sheen.

           The VS Makeup Graphic Liner Pen is a felt-tip liquid eyeliner that makes liquid lining easy. It reminds me of MAC Penultimate liner. The black color in this liner is well pigmented. The VS Makeup Volume Lift Mascara has a large teardrop shaped wand for volumization. True to name, this mascara does a great job of lifting lashes! It adds good length too. The VS Makeup Kajal Liner is a smudgy black kohl product, good for smoky eyes. Because it is meant to be smudged (like kohls in general), its lasting power is not as strong as your typical eyeliner.

          I've swatched the color products from this post below. The VS Pro Radiant FX Face Illuminator is a pink beige with light sheen. The sheen is much subtler than those found in NARS illuminators. It would be hard to overdo this color. The VS Makeup Eyeshadow Quad in Overnight Sensation has four hues: matte black, a purple with sheen, a golden beige with sheen, and a white with sheen. VS Nail Nail Lacquer in Room Service is a taupe beige with silver shimmer. VS Nail Lacquer in Mischief is a shimmery blue teal.

            As you can see, there's quite a variety of Victoria's Secret makeup to choose from. My favorites from the bunch were the VS Volume Lift Mascara, VS Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm, and the VS Minty Kiss Lip Shine. Thanks for reading! Which of the above products catch your eye? What are your favorite Victoria's Secret Beauty products? When was the last time you stopped by a Victoria's Secret boutique?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Urban Decay Smoked 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set review

        When it comes to makeup, it's all about smoke and mirrors. Smoky eyes and mirror-shine, that is! The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Set for Holiday 2012 is a set of six eyeliners that are the key to conjuring up the perfect smoky eye this season.

        Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on pencils are aptly named as they do literally 'glide' on skin. The formula is on the smoother end of the eye pencil spectrum; there is no tugging. The color is opaque and rich, upon one swipe. The softness does lend the Urban Decay 24/7 formula to smoky blending and use as an eyeshadow as well. In fact the Urban Decay 24/7 Blending Brush was created with this purpose in mind (review to come). Blending can turn these colors into sheer cream shadows. (You can layer eyeshadow on top for extra intensity). The flipside of workability is creasing, so be sure to give your liner a second to set if you want it to stay. The 24/7 formula is well loved lasting eyeliner formula amongst beauty lovers. However, because my eyes have creases near the lid, I do require a primer with all my eyeliners, including these. Incidentally, I ended up showering while wearing the Urban Decay 24/7 Demolition and Smog eyeliners and can attest to the fact that the formula is indeed waterproof.

        
          The six colors in the Urban Decay include jewel, pewter, and chocolate tones. Zero is the basic satin matte black pencil that's been found in many Urban Decay Sets. Uzi is a dark metallic grey that leans ever so slightly cool. Hardcore Urban Decay fans may remember Uzi eyeshadow, which was a pale silver; the color of the 24/7 eyeliner is a different but still pretty. Demolition is a dark chocolate brown. Demolition is also available in liquid eyeliner form. Smog, one of Urban Decay's best known eyeshadow shades, is a glowy golden brown that looks much like its eyeshadow counterpart. Empire is a dark eggplant purple with sheen. Mainline is a matte blue teal.

            The Urban Decay Smoked 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set makes smokey eye definition easy (so easy that you'd think it was magic). The set showcases a group of beautiful, yet practical eyeliners. With versatility in smudging and lining, you can get the smoky look promised, but you'll also have an arsenal of basic colors to wear year round.  Thanks for reading! What colors of Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliners have you tried? Do you buy eyeliners in sets or singles? Which color in the Urban Decay Smoked set jumps out at you?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Urban Decay Holiday 2012 preview

         For beauties both naughty and nice, Urban Decay Holiday 2012 has Feminine, Fun, Dangerous, and Vice. I'm opening my presents a little early this holiday season, so stay tuned for colorful reviews! In the meantime, which one of these sets catches your eye?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own

Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate eyeshadow review + swatches

          "Life [is] like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." The same can be said for ordering makeup sight unseen. When Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Black Chocolate was released this fall, I didn't preview it at counters. I simply ordered it online and hoped for the  best.

          Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate eyeshadow is one of four eyeshadow colors in the Fall 2012 Uber Basics collection. The four colors included Bone, Cement, Taupe, and Black Chocolate. I already have the three former colors in full or palette sizes. Black Chocolate was the only new color in the collection. However, it's not completely new, as it did show up previously in Bobbi Brown's tortoiseshell palette.

          Bobbi Brown eyeshadows contain a generous amount of product. They have 0.08 oz. of eyeshadow, which you can compare to 0.05oz for a MAC eyeshadow. They have superb pigmentation and texture. I'd be hard pressed to think of another brand that has line of matte neutral shadows that is as comprehensive and well done as Bobbi's. The eyeshadows can easily pop in and out of their single packaging and be inserted into larger palettes.

          I try not to make it a habit of collecting too much of a certain kind of makeup, but I can never seem to have too many nude lipsticks or dark eyeshadows. My favorite way to define my eyes is with strong yet soft and smudgy line. This typically involves the use of a dark eyeshadow and my Sephora pencil brush (my brush BFF). I like to have a variety of dark colors to vary the look, depending on my mood. Bobbi Brown Caviar and Smoke are among my most-used colors.

          Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate eyeshadow is described online as a 'black brown.' The descriptor is not that helpful, as Caviar is described as a 'black brown', while Smoke is a 'deep brown black.' As you can see from the pans above and the swatches below, the three colors are actually quite different. To me, Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate is a soft dark chocolate brown with just a hint of black. Bobbi Brown Caviar is much darker and blacker. Bobbi Brown Expresso is darker and cooler. Bobbi Brown Smoke has a similar intensity, but is more grey. NARS Coconut Grove (reviewed here) is the most similar, but its pigmentation is a bit richer, darker, and cooler.

         I ordered Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate on a whim, but I'm really pleased with my decision. I've been wanting a soft yet dark brown and this fits the bill. By the way, this was probably one of the best beauty blog photo shoots ever. Suffice it to say, I ended up enjoying a few truffles, favoring the crunchy toffee filled kind. Thanks for reading! Did you pick up anything from the Bobbi Brown Uber Beige collection? What are your favorite dark liner colors? Which chocolates do you go for first in a box?

Love, Dovey.

Sephora Laura Mercier 500 point perk review + swatches

          This month I cashed in my points for Sephora's 500 point Laura Mercier perk. It's a sampling of five different mini or deluxe sized products from Laura Mercier. What really sold me was the mini sized Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color in Black Karat (0.01oz.), an eyeshadow I've had my eye on for a while. It's nice to get it in mini form, though it is very mini.  I was also glad to have the deluxe size Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Sparkling (0.1oz.) sample. My mom likes the Lip Glaces so I'm planning on giving this to her. I wasn't excited about the inclusion of Laura Mercier Full Volume Lash Building Mascara (0.20oz.). The last time I tried this, I was disappointed by the lack of volume it provided (read about it here). A mini size Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance  (0.18oz.) and a Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold (0.03oz.) were included as well.

          I've swatched all the color products below. Laura Mercier Baked Eyeshadow in Black Karat is a gorgeous blackened gold. Black Karat is meant to be used both wet and dry. You can see how much more intense the shadow is when applied wet! It's worth noting that when dry, the shadow is a glitter-bomb. The particles are small, but get everywhere! Laura Mercier Kohl eyeliner in Black Gold is a darker gold with bronze tones. It's pretty and usable. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Sparkling is a nice light peach gloss with some golden sheen.

          Overall, the colors in the Laura Mercier gift were nice, but the products were quite miniature. The gift is not like the Sephora's 500 point perks of yesteryear that contained at least one full size product. I think it's become a better strategy to look for the sporadic deluxe sized samples offered in Sephora's emails if you're looking to get better gifts at a lower price point. Thanks for reading! Have you redeemd points for any of Sephora's 100 or 500 point perks lately? Do you wait for gift with purchases, or purchase as needed?

Love, Dovey.

Laura Geller Cake Eyeliner duo review + GIVEAWAY!

         It's Laura Geller Makeup's 10th birthday and I'm celebrating with some baked cake. Baked cake eyeliner, that is! Much like actual cake, Laura Geller Cake eyeliner starts as a swirl of liquid product. It's poured onto terra cotta pans and baked for 24 hours. The result is a beautiful fine powder product with individualized quirks.


          In the spirit of cake, Laura Geller Cake eyeliners have delicious foodie names. Plus, they come in duo form, so you can enjoy two coordinating 'flavors' in one product. Today I have Plum Pudding / Black Forest, Creme Brulee / Dutch Chocolate, and Unearthed / Dutch Chocolate to share with you. They can be layered and used either wet or dry. I've shown dry swatches below. Plus, they come in duo form, so you can enjoy two coordinating 'flavors' in one product. Plum Pudding / Black Forest is a gorgeous metallic red plum alongside a glittery black. It's my personal favorite. Creme Brulee / Dutch Chocolate is a burnished coppery color (much like the burnt parts of Creme Brulee dessert) alongside a mostly matte chocolate brown. Unearthed / Dutch Chocolate is actually an eyeshadow combined with a cake eyeliner. Unearthed is a golden beige sheen and Dutch Chocolate is a chocolate brown.

           I've dreamed up a one-of-a-kind giveaway for Cute and Mundane readers to celebrate Laura Geller Makeup's 10th birthday! No birthday is complete without cake, so I'll be giving away two Laura Geller Cake Eyeliner duos (Est. Retail Value: $46-49) to one lucky Cute and Mundane reader . The winner can choose their two favorite duos from the ones featured in this post. (They will be brand new, not the ones used in this review.) Good Luck!

Contest Rules:  To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below. The folks at Laura Geller can only send to U.S. addresses. So make sure you (or someone you know) has one. I will randomly pick one winner from the valid entries and notify them via the email address provided. The winner has 72 hours to respond; if I do not get a response within that time frame, the winner will forfeit the prize and I will choose a new winner. The winner's address will be forwarded to the sponsor, who has agreed to ship and provide the prize for this contest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Love, Dovey.
 
P.S. If you're a fan of Laura Geller makeup , be sure to check out her website this month; they're offering a 10% off site wide!
 Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. 

Inspired by 9th/10th century Ganesha statue

          Lately I've been favoring a subtle streamlined look that packs some heat. For this 'Inspired by art' post, I'm featuring this photograph I took of a 9th/10th century Indonesian statue of the God Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles. If you look closely, the statue has a rough porous texture. That's because it's carved from Andesite, an igneous volcanic rock. I can't help but wonder if that is the reason the display backdrop was painted a burning red-orange reminiscent of molten magma. The contrast between the calm ash grey rock and the fiery color of volcanic eruption evokes emotion that really transcends time. The simple combination works well for this ancient statue and for a more modern look that I'll describe below!

           A fiery color is best used in small doses. The perfect way to wear an undiluted magma-esque color is to wear a bright nail color. Bright orange and orange corals are very on-trend this season. My favorite colors for this are Dior Vernis in Aloha (Summer 2011) and Dior Vernis in Riviera (Spring 2012). Aloha is a bright orange, while Riviera is a bright coral that looks more orange or pink depending upon the lighting. When worn, brief glimpses of these intense color appear like flickers of flame on your fingertips!

          To keep with the elemental theme, makeup should be natural with only hints of color. Orange toned makeup can be overwhelming when over-applied, however, orange can add a beautiful element of intrigue when trace amounts are used to counter the eyes or cheeks.  NARS Multiple in South Beach can blended onto the cheeks for a sheer, warm, glowing effect. The same color can be used to add highlights or other color elsewhere. To keep the look minimal, I prefer not to add in other blushes, bronzers, or highlighters. MAC Rule eyeshadow, a burnished orange, can be lightly used on the outer V or in the crease for slight contouring of the eye. The result is similar to a nude face. However, the use of orange gives the face a lit-by-glowing embers effect as opposed to the typical sunkissed effect that bronzers and browns might give.

          The cool, calm, and carved stone sculpture above embodies a polar opposite state of its amorphous and volatile origins. To add some human precision into my look, I define the eyes with a liquid eyeliner. My Urban Decay 24/7 liquid eyeliner in Perversion has a nice small tip fit for the occasion. A slightly winged eye, or cat-eye, seems to be trending now. For a more intense look, a stony grey color like L'Oreal Sultry smoke can be smudged along the lashline.

         I hope you enjoyed this 'Inspired by Art' post! As you can see, I've been favoring orange tones quite a bit lately. What color palettes have you been wearing?


Love, Dovey.

P.S. I'm getting to comments--- the internet at my home has been intermittent (at best) for the past few days. Hopefully the repairman will solve things early next week!