2011 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BEAUTY

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month and many beauty brands have created special BCA branded products to support breast cancer research. So why not support a worthy cause while scoring some new pink themed beauty products?  And most of these beauty items are Limited Edition so there's even more incentive to start shopping. Here are my top picks:

Stila - Positive and Pretty Palette  ($14)
Specially created for Breast Cancer Awareness month, this palette will leave you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out. Palette includes:
- 4 eye shadow shades ("Gift", "Passion", "Positive" & "Beauty")
- Cheek color ("Pretty")
- Bronzer/Highlighter ("Empower")
A portion of the proceeds from this Limited Edition pink-themed palette will go to breast cancer research and the betterment of women living with cancer.

Estee Lauder - Evelyn Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection  ($24)
This set features a Limited Edition Pure Color Lipstick in "Wildly Pink", plus a pink croc-embossed clutch. Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Jane Iredale -  Roses & Lollipops Lip Duo ($30)
A lip duo featuring two new universally flattering lip shades in a keychain locket featuring a pink Swarovski crystal. The locket contains two of Jane Iredale's best-selling products: PureMoist™ Lip Colour ("Roses") – a pigment-rich, creamy lipstick that hydrates with jojoba and grape seed extract; and PureGloss™ for Lips (in "Lollipops") – a sheer, petroleum-free gloss made with green tea leaf extract.
Jane Iredale donates 100% of profits from the sale of this product to Living Beyond Breast Cancer which empowers all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

Bobbi Brown - Pink Ribbon Collection  ($44)
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbi has created the Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection. The set features "Pink" Lip Color and "Bellini" High Shimmer Lip Gloss, which can be worn individually or layered together. With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Sonia Kashuk - Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush Set ($14.99)
Be beautiful inside and out with this set of professional quality makeup brushes with clean white handles, chic silver trim and plush pink bristles. Housed in a structured silver and pink-lined makeup case, this signature set includes a Powder/Blusher Brush, Crease Brush, Synthetic Foundation/Concealer Brush, Small Eyeshadow Brush and Bent Eyeliner Brush.  A donation of 15% per purchase will be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 CND - Pink Wishes Colour & Effects Duo  ($20)
The CND Pink Wishes Duo helps you continue the fight against breast cancer and show your support of breast cancer survivors. This Limited Edition nail polish set features Pink Wishes Colour, a cotton-candy pink which layers beautifully with Pink Wishes Effect that has a sweet, pale pink pearlescent sheen.

Boots - No7 Intensive Moisture Face Mask  ($19.99)
An intensively quenching treat for softer, smoother skin. With caring vitamins A, C and E, plus invigorating apple extract to brighten your skin. This deliciously soft, lightly whipped gel-cream will leave your skin feeling softer, plumper and looking more youthful.  Boots is donating $2 from every sale of this mask to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000, now and during the month of October.

Elemis - Think Pink Beauty Collection  ($55)
The renowned British spa and skincare brand has packaged three of their most popular products (Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust cream; Pro-Collagen Marine Cream; and Skin Nourishing Shower Cream) into a super cute pink beauty case. Spoil yourself for a good cause.  A portion of every kit sold will be donated to Breast Cancer Care with the company promising to pledge at least $16,000 to breast cancer research this year.


To learn more about Breast Cancer and the search for the cure , visit the following websites:
www.NationalBreastCancer.org
www.komen.org
www.bcrfcure.org
www.findacure.org

PRODUCT REVIEW - M.A.C._ Semi Precious Collection

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"Imagine the impact, gleam and depth of colour as ethically mined minerals from Brazil work their mystique on Mineralize Skinfinish and Mineralize Blush. Limited edition....Get rich while you can!”

So I made a trip last week to the MAC Pro store to re-purchase a Pro product I ran out of. To my surprise it's been over a year since I last purchased anything from M.A.C. and my Pro card was expired. (Booo!)  But the good news is that I got chance to check out the new Semi Precious collection in person. I'm not a huge M.A.C. aficionado but I have to admit, most of the products in this collection are gorgeous!

Since I was already in the store I decided to play and swatch all the products in the collection....be prepared to fall in love. This collection of products launched online and in MAC stores last Wednesday so if you like any of the colors get out your credit card immediately!

Semi Precious Eyes

Mineralize Eye Shadow ($20.00)

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]

"Quartz Fusion" - soft pink, silver and deep pink

"Jade's Fortune" - bright yellow, blue, lime and black

"Faux Gold" - coral, gold, lime and bronze

 

"Clarity" - light pink, off-white, green, gold and black

"Mineral Mode" - white base with copper and grey

"Unsurpassable" - green, teal, purple and copper

"Blue Sheen" - navy, black and peach

"Hint of Sapphire" - pink, violet, teal, copper and blue

"Rare Find" - violet, brown and gold

Missing from Display (SOLD OUT):

"Golden Glaze" - pink and gold

"Dark Indulgence" - forrest green and black

"Smoked Ruby" - burgundy and black'

Semi-Precious Colour

 Lipstick ($20.00)

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]
"Musky Amethyst" - deep plum (Frost)

"One of a Kind" - midtone rosy neutral (Lustre)

"Gem of Roses" - midtone strawberry pink (Lustre) SOLD OUT

"Lush Amber" -light nude beige (Lustre)

Cremesheen Glass  ($18.50)

 

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]
"Richly Revered" - deep plum brown
"Looks Like Sin" -midtone reddish plum
"Geo Pink" - strawberry pink
"Natural Flare" - light caramel nude
"Pure Magnificence" - light grey pink

Mineralize Blush  ($23.50)

 

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]
"Warmth of Coral" - coral and peach
"Pressed Amber" - nude, beige and brown
"Feeling Flush" - pink, deep blue pink, and brown SOLD OUT

Mineralize Skinfinish  ($28.50)

 

[colors from left to right - base, inner circle and mixed with indoor light and natural light]
"Semi Precious Crystal Pink" - Base: pink champagne, Inner Circle: pink, dirty green and bronze
"Semi Precious Pearl" - Base: beige champagne, Inner Circle: white, plum and bronze SOLD OUT
 
"Rose Quartz" - Base: rosy pink, Inner Circle: deep blue pink, and brown SOLD OUT 
"Semi Precious Goldstone" - Base: brown, Inner Circle: rosy pink, white, and gold 

Semi Precious Skin

Mineralized Charged Water ($22.00)
Mineralize SatinFinish spf 15 Foundation ($29.50)
Mineralize Face + Body Lotion ($29.50) SOLD OUT

Also part of the Semi Precious collection were two new brushes: # 179 Angled Split Fibre Buffer Brush ($47.00) and Split Fibre Blush Brush ($32.00)


My top picks from the M.A.C. Semi Precious collection are as follows:
Mineralize Eyeshadows in “Blue Sheen”, “Hint of Sapphire”, "Rare Find" and "Clarity"
Mineralize Skinfinishes in “Semi Precious Pearl” and “Semi Precious Gold Stone”
Semi-Precious Lipstick in “Lush Amber” and "One of a Kind"
Cremesheen Gloss in “Natural Flare” and “Geo Pink”
Mineralize Charged Water and Mineralize Face + Body Lotion
 
The only product I didn't like for myself was the Mineralize Blushes - they looked chalky and ashy on my deep skin tone. Not one of the colors worked which was disappointing. I especially loved the the Mineralize Eye Shadows...I tried to duplicate their color and effect using other mineral products but it just didn't work. Guess I'll have to pay full price for those little gems. I also really liked the Mineralize Skinfinishes as well - I would use them as highlighter or layer over blush though, instead of over my whole face.

So what do you think dear Readers? Are any of you planning to buy products from this MAC Limited Edition collection? I've heard through the social network "grapevine" that this is a much anticipated collection and its going fast so if you like anything, I'd advise buying it ASAP my darlings.  Happy shopping!!!

BEAUTY SPRING CLEANING!

It's officially spring and now is the perfect time to take inventory of your beauty and skincare products. Time to weed out the cosmetics duds that you never wear, toss containers with barely any product and to throw out makeup that's past it's prime. To help you with your beauty task I'm enclosing some helpful guidelines on expiration dates for your beauty products.  Note there are no federal guidelines when it comes to makeup expiration dates but these are recommended guidelines you should follow.  It's also a good idea to go through and review your makeup collection at least every six months.

Makeup Expiration Guidelines:

    * 3 - 6 months:  Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner
    * 6 months - 1 year:  Gel Eyeliner and Moisturizer
    * 1 year - 18 months:  Liquid Foundation and Lip Gloss
    * 18 months - 2 years:  Cream or Mousse Foundation, Concealer, Cream Blush, and Cream Eye Shadow
    * 2 - 3 years:  Face Powder, Powder Blush,  Powder Bronzer, Powder Eye Shadow, Lipstick, Lip and Eye Pencils


Products without water (like powders, eye shadow and bronzer) can last for two years or more, as can pencils that can be sharpened. Everything else should be monitored closely and thrown out immediately if doesn't seem normal. Product separation, weird odor or a change in color or texture -- uncommonly thick or watery -- can all be indicators of a product that's gone bad. Of all products, mascara has the shortest shelf life. Toss it immediately if it develops a weird smell or color. To keep mascara from drying out quickly make sure you don't pump the wand in the tube -- you want to use more of a circular swirl motion. And make sure to close the top securely/tightly after each use.  That goes for all products in pots, jars and bottles - close it tight!

In general cream and liquid products expire more quickly. Old cream blush will get a chalky white film on it that tells you it’s time to dump it. Also, if a product looks hard and doesn’t apply correctly then it’s probably best to get rid of it. Cream eye shadows are more likely to grow bacteria than powder so look for any change in the texture and color. To extend the life of your cosmetics DO NOT introduce water or saliva into the product because it will cause bacteria to grow. Use brushes, not your fingers to access products in jars. And it's best not to share your cosmetics, especially eye or lip products, with others.


PRO TIP: Keep your makeup in a cool location, away from moisture and heat, which are both factors in bacteria growth. So storing your makeup bag (or giant kit if you're makeup obsessed like me) in the bathroom is a big no-no!


It's also important to clean your makeup brushes and sponges on a regular basis.  For synthetic brushes that you use to put on your concealer and foundation I'd say clean it weekly but for your powder brushes you can clean them on a monthly basis.  My preference for cleaning synthetic brushes is Dawn dish-washing liquid, that's right, the one you use to clean your dishes. It breaks down cream and oil-based products wonderfully and it's anti-bacterial.  For hair brushes you can use any clear shampoo or brush cleanser. 

PRO TIP: Make sure that you dry your brushes laying horizontally on edge of table or counter. Drying them standing up causes water to run in the ferrule and loosen the glue holding the hairs in your brush. Good makeup brushes are an investment and you don't want to ruin them!


Well my lovelies, I hope this post has been helpful. I want all my "Karen's World of Beauty Readers" to look beautiful but most of all stay healthy. And if after cleaning out your makeup stash it's looking a bit empty what better excuse for doing alittle makeup shopping? You can start my reading up on the latest Spring 2011 Beauty Trends and Makeup Collections right here!

REVIEW & DEMO: KEVYN AUCOIN_Making Faces Kit

Kevyn Aucoin was a celebrity Makeup Artist who created his magic on some of the most legendary faces from the worlds of fashion, music, television and film. He was also a best selling author and beauty entrepreneur.  His self titled cosmetic line, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, is a direct result of his years making "the beautiful people" even more beautiful.  I purchased this incredible beauty find, "The Making Faces Kit", on the discount designer website, HauteLook.

Please click the video enclosed below for my review and makeup demo using Kevyn Aucoin's "The Making Faces Kit - Vol. 1":

The Making Faces Collection Vol. 1 includes:
• A full set of eye, cheek and lip products in a book-style flip pallete
• Step-by-step instructions for learning Kevyn Aucoin’s makeup artistry techniques
• Large mirror

(no flash)

(flash)
Top Row (eyeshadow):"Whisper", "Goddesss" and "Aubergine"

Middle Row: "Neolita" powder blush and "Nuelle" cream moist glow

Bottom Row (lipstick): "Guilty", "Gently" and "Control"

And for all you beautiful fashionistas, here's my personal invitation to join HauteLook: (http://www.hautelook.com/invite/697606)
HauteLook brings the thrill back to shopping with their 48-hour daily sales with discounts of 50 to 75 percent off the world's top fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands!

READER BEAUTY QUESTION - PURPLE LIPS

In this new installment of "Reader's Beauty Questions" my lovely friend and model muse, Shauna emailed me that she needed my professional guidance on purple lips.  She loved the look but wanted some direction on what colors to pick. Below are my "cream of the crop" choices when it comes to wearing purple on the lips - whether in gloss or lipstick.

(FYI: Purple lips "ruled the runway" at the Vena Cava spring 2010 show).

DEEP - use for dramaticly dark and seductive pout

Lipstick:

MAC "Cyber" - Intense blackish-purple (satin)

Victoria's Secret - Perfect Lipstick in "Vixen" - plum ($12)

Gloss:
Three Custom Color -  "Drifter" Lip Gloss for Rescue Beauty Lounge - a modern and sexy deep plum gloss. ($22.50)

Urban Decay - Pocket Rocket Gloss in "Jesse" -  blackberry with warm sparkle. ($19)

MEDIUM - bright/vibrant yet wearable level of color

Lipstick:
Tarte - Lipstick in "Zinfandel" - plummy wine ($16)

Givenchy - Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in "10 Paradise Pink" - pink mauve  ($28)

Gloss:

Kat Von D. - Lightning Sheer Lip Gloss in "Bam" - sheer grape with pink and gold glitter (sale - $9)

 Estee Lauder - (Limited Edition) Bronze Goddess Exotic Lip Gloss in "Wild Orchid" ($18)

LIGHT - soft dose of color that's perfect for daytime

Lipstick:

MAC - Amplified Creme Lipstick in "Up The Amp" - Lavender violet ($14)

Benefit - Silky-Finish Lipstick in "Swoonderful" - pearl/ silver mauve  ($18)

Gloss:

Victoria's Secret - Limited Edition Spring 2010 Lip Gloss ($10)

Benefit - Lip Goss in "Kiss You" - clear fuchsia  ($18)

BEAUTÉ MINÉRAL COSMETICS CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Hello my Lovelies!

Here's the 2 lucky "Karen'sWorldofBeauty" Readers who have won the Beauté Minéral Cosmetics Giveaway featuring 2 Fall Eyeshadow sets:

Mimz (thriftybeauty) and Nicki (Nicnacbeauty)

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest...I really appreciate your support of my Beauty Blog!

And don't despair, if you weren't lucky enough to win you can still get your beauty fix by going to Beauté Minéral website to purchase any of their natural mineral makeup products.

I'll try to sponsor a new contest each month so keep checking back and seeing what's new in Karen's World of Beauty!!!

Smooches!
Karen