U Got The Look: NYE 2008

I still don’t have any plans for NYE. It might be a quiet, romantic dinner with my hubby. Or a raucous celebration with friends at a bar. Or I might just sit on the couch and blog my way into the new year. Whichever it is, here’s the makeup look I will be rocking.

I didn’t have a particular look I was going for. It really just started with Diane Brill’s Liquid Eye Liner in Lace Diamonds – and evolved from there. I didn’t expect to go so over-the-top. But once I started, I found it hard to stop…hence, my glittery glamtastic eyelids that rival the Times Square Ball in sparkle.

Once I finished piling it all on, I was afraid it was a little too Amanda Lepore for my liking. But it has since grown on me, and I hope you’ll agree that it looks quite pretty in pictures.

Step One - Face:
Apply Clinique Superfit Makeup (in Nutty) to entire face, using MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush.

Step Two – Eyes:
Line the inner rims with Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Eye Pencil (in Black). Apply Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow (in Woodrose) from lash line to crease. Apply Tarte’s Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo (in Slate) - just the powder side; first, roll it on – then blend with a shadow brush. Next, line upper lid with Prestige Liquid Eyeliner (in Black). Then load shadow brush MAC Eye Shadow (in Idol Eyes) and pat onto lid. Curl eyelashes (I used a curler by Maybelline) and coat upper lashes with Diorshow Mascara (in Black) and apply DuWop Lash Lacquer mascara (in Carbon Black) to bottom lashes. Line upper lids again – but this time, use Diane Brill Liquid Eye Liner (in Lace Diamonds). Finally, brush some of the Diane Brill Eye Liner on the tips of upper lashes – to give them a diamond-like sparkle.


(top photo - naked eye lined with Diane Brill Liquid Eye Liner in Lace Diamonds; bottom photo - finished eye, after step two)

Step Three – Cheeks:
Dot DuWop Blush Therapy (in Hug) on apples of cheeks, then blend with fingertips.

Step Four – Highlighting:
Dot Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go down the bridge of the nose and on cheekbones, then gently tap with pad of finger until blended.

Step Five – Lips:
Finish off the look with a few swipes of MAC Lustreglass – I used Budding, but I think it’s been discontinued. Venetian is somewhat similar, but tad bit deeper – though still sheer.

That’s the recipe. I hope you had as much fun reading about the look as I had creating it! If you're looking for more NYE makeup ideas, my friend Marina at Makeup Loves Me has a bunch.

So with that, I’m going to conclude this post with the immortal words of my man, Prince. Every NYE, you’re bound to hear “1999” at least a couple times, so allow me to introduce you to another oldie, but goodie – a little ditty Prince recorded with Sheena Easton. Remember her? "Sugar Walls"? Okay, now I'm showing my age. Just watch the video.

U Got The Look: NYE 2008

I still don’t have any plans for NYE. It might be a quiet, romantic dinner with my hubby. Or a raucous celebration with friends at a bar. Or I might just sit on the couch and blog my way into the new year. Whichever it is, here’s the makeup look I will be rocking.

I didn’t have a particular look I was going for. It really just started with Diane Brill’s Liquid Eye Liner in Lace Diamonds – and evolved from there. I didn’t expect to go so over-the-top. But once I started, I found it hard to stop…hence, my glittery glamtastic eyelids that rival the Times Square Ball in sparkle.

Once I finished piling it all on, I was afraid it was a little too Amanda Lepore for my liking. But it has since grown on me, and I hope you’ll agree that it looks quite pretty in pictures.

Step One - Face:
Apply Clinique Superfit Makeup (in Nutty) to entire face, using MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush.

Step Two – Eyes:
Line the inner rims with Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Eye Pencil (in Black). Apply Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow (in Woodrose) from lash line to crease. Apply Tarte’s Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo (in Slate) - just the powder side; first, roll it on – then blend with a shadow brush. Next, line upper lid with Prestige Liquid Eyeliner (in Black). Then load shadow brush MAC Eye Shadow (in Idol Eyes) and pat onto lid. Curl eyelashes (I used a curler by Maybelline) and coat upper lashes with Diorshow Mascara (in Black) and apply DuWop Lash Lacquer mascara (in Carbon Black) to bottom lashes. Line upper lids again – but this time, use Diane Brill Liquid Eye Liner (in Lace Diamonds). Finally, brush some of the Diane Brill Eye Liner on the tips of upper lashes – to give them a diamond-like sparkle.


(top photo - naked eye lined with Diane Brill Liquid Eye Liner in Lace Diamonds; bottom photo - finished eye, after step two)

Step Three – Cheeks:
Dot DuWop Blush Therapy (in Hug) on apples of cheeks, then blend with fingertips.

Step Four – Highlighting:
Dot Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go down the bridge of the nose and on cheekbones, then gently tap with pad of finger until blended.

Step Five – Lips:
Finish off the look with a few swipes of MAC Lustreglass – I used Budding, but I think it’s been discontinued. Venetian is somewhat similar, but tad bit deeper – though still sheer.

That’s the recipe. I hope you had as much fun reading about the look as I had creating it! If you're looking for more NYE makeup ideas, my friend Marina at Makeup Loves Me has a bunch.

So with that, I’m going to conclude this post with the immortal words of my man, Prince. Every NYE, you’re bound to hear “1999” at least a couple times, so allow me to introduce you to another oldie, but goodie – a little ditty Prince recorded with Sheena Easton. Remember her? "Sugar Walls"? Okay, now I'm showing my age. Just watch the video.

This Holiday Season, Tarte Wishes You Health

Accidentally leave some friend/cousin/co-worker off of your list, and now you’ve got to promptly stuff some stockings? Tarte’s We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is a sure bet. The kit contains:

Mini Clean Slate Face Primer: the silicone-based formula is packed with avocado oil to moisturize and echinacea, rosemary & hibiscus oils to soothe. Just a pea-sized amount of our new clean slate foundation primer smoothed onto clean skin is enough to provide the fresh start you deserve. Note: because of the silicone, I wouldn’t recommend those with oily skin.

Mini Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo (shade - slate): this double-ended wand has a Vitamin E enriched cream on one end, and a finely milled crushed mica powder shadow on the other end. Apply in to simple steps: brush a sheer wash of the cream shadow on lids and wait about 10 seconds for it to dry. Then roll the matching loose shadow directly on top; the binding agents in the cream shadow will lock with the powder, creating a crease-free, budge-proof finish.
Mini Inside Out Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade - serenity): the ultimate in double-duty beauty, this pomegranate-scented, moisturizing lip gloss works to soothe and hydrate lips, while Borba’s nutraceutical blend delivers powerful ingredients.

Mini Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara: whatever your lashes lack, this feather-light, 4-in-1 mascara finds a way to compensate. Rice bran and candelilla wax extend the length of lashes; synthetic film formers lock in curl; proVitamin B5 thickens lashes; and organic compounds coat and treat lashes to protect against breakage. This product, by itself, is reason enough to purchase the gift set – it gives you the look of perfect lashes, but without screaming “I‘m wearing mascara.”

The We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is only $30 (a $50 value) and available at tartecosmetics.com and Sephora.

This Holiday Season, Tarte Wishes You Health

Accidentally leave some friend/cousin/co-worker off of your list, and now you’ve got to promptly stuff some stockings? Tarte’s We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is a sure bet. The kit contains:

Mini Clean Slate Face Primer: the silicone-based formula is packed with avocado oil to moisturize and echinacea, rosemary & hibiscus oils to soothe. Just a pea-sized amount of our new clean slate foundation primer smoothed onto clean skin is enough to provide the fresh start you deserve. Note: because of the silicone, I wouldn’t recommend those with oily skin.

Mini Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo (shade - slate): this double-ended wand has a Vitamin E enriched cream on one end, and a finely milled crushed mica powder shadow on the other end. Apply in to simple steps: brush a sheer wash of the cream shadow on lids and wait about 10 seconds for it to dry. Then roll the matching loose shadow directly on top; the binding agents in the cream shadow will lock with the powder, creating a crease-free, budge-proof finish.
Mini Inside Out Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade - serenity): the ultimate in double-duty beauty, this pomegranate-scented, moisturizing lip gloss works to soothe and hydrate lips, while Borba’s nutraceutical blend delivers powerful ingredients.

Mini Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara: whatever your lashes lack, this feather-light, 4-in-1 mascara finds a way to compensate. Rice bran and candelilla wax extend the length of lashes; synthetic film formers lock in curl; proVitamin B5 thickens lashes; and organic compounds coat and treat lashes to protect against breakage. This product, by itself, is reason enough to purchase the gift set – it gives you the look of perfect lashes, but without screaming “I‘m wearing mascara.”

The We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is only $30 (a $50 value) and available at tartecosmetics.com and Sephora.

News You Can Use

I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but I spent my Saturday night watching QVC.

Totally by accident, I stumbled on QVC while channel surfing…and was surprised by the addictive nature of their Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face, a special that gives viewers the inside scoop on beauty from the industry's leading experts.

The program showcased new and bestselling products from Bare Escentuals, Borba, Essie, Kate Somerville, Laura Geller, Mally Roncal, Ojon, Peter Thomas Roth, Smashbox, and Tarte – just to name a few. I was also surprised to learn that many of the show’s featured products are QVC exclusives. For example, RareMinerals Blemish Therapy with Brush won’t be available at Bare Escentuals stores, counters, or on their website until February 2008 - but you can buy it now at QVC.

I usually consider myself immune to home-shopping television, but this particular program was absolutely riveting. The hosts were selling the you-know-what out of those products. I had to restrain myself, several times, from pulling out my credit card and picking up the phone.

For more information about the products featured on QVC Beauty Newsmakers, click here.

News You Can Use

I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but I spent my Saturday night watching QVC.

Totally by accident, I stumbled on QVC while channel surfing…and was surprised by the addictive nature of their Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face, a special that gives viewers the inside scoop on beauty from the industry's leading experts.

The program showcased new and bestselling products from Bare Escentuals, Borba, Essie, Kate Somerville, Laura Geller, Mally Roncal, Ojon, Peter Thomas Roth, Smashbox, and Tarte – just to name a few. I was also surprised to learn that many of the show’s featured products are QVC exclusives. For example, RareMinerals Blemish Therapy with Brush won’t be available at Bare Escentuals stores, counters, or on their website until February 2008 - but you can buy it now at QVC.

I usually consider myself immune to home-shopping television, but this particular program was absolutely riveting. The hosts were selling the you-know-what out of those products. I had to restrain myself, several times, from pulling out my credit card and picking up the phone.

For more information about the products featured on QVC Beauty Newsmakers, click here.

Perfect Pair

I’m not a super-fan of Tarte’s Double-Ended Lipgloss, but I saw this promotion and thought it was too neat to keep to myself:

Adam & Eve…Fred & Ginger…Romeo & Juliet…Tarzan & Jane…

Just a few of history’s famous couples! At Tarte, they’ve celebrated these “perfect pairs” with their Double-Ended Lipgloss! Now they’d like to honor YOU… the couple-to-be!

Here’s how the offering works:
1. Choose a lipgloss duo from one of their existing pairs.
2. Order 25 or more at least one month in advance.
3. Provide the name of the happy couple.

Your personalized lipgloss will be a hit - whether it’s for an engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding! This favor is sure to last a lifetime (or at least a few kisses)!

Available exclusively at TarteCosmetics.com.

Perfect Pair

I’m not a super-fan of Tarte’s Double-Ended Lipgloss, but I saw this promotion and thought it was too neat to keep to myself:

Adam & Eve…Fred & Ginger…Romeo & Juliet…Tarzan & Jane…

Just a few of history’s famous couples! At Tarte, they’ve celebrated these “perfect pairs” with their Double-Ended Lipgloss! Now they’d like to honor YOU… the couple-to-be!

Here’s how the offering works:
1. Choose a lipgloss duo from one of their existing pairs.
2. Order 25 or more at least one month in advance.
3. Provide the name of the happy couple.

Your personalized lipgloss will be a hit - whether it’s for an engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding! This favor is sure to last a lifetime (or at least a few kisses)!

Available exclusively at TarteCosmetics.com.

An Eye Opener

Yves Saint Laurent’s new makeup artist, Val Garland, shares the following beauty tip:

“Dip a flat eyeliner brush into mascara and paint the tops of your lashes from root to tip. Voila – instant falsies!”


My new fav? Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! It curls, lengthens, volumizes, and adds inky shine - with a surprisingly light formula that doesn't weigh down lashes and never clumps.

An Eye Opener

Yves Saint Laurent’s new makeup artist, Val Garland, shares the following beauty tip:

“Dip a flat eyeliner brush into mascara and paint the tops of your lashes from root to tip. Voila – instant falsies!”


My new fav? Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! It curls, lengthens, volumizes, and adds inky shine - with a surprisingly light formula that doesn't weigh down lashes and never clumps.

What's Haute?

Log on to HauteShopping.com for exclusive deals and chic steals from your favorite fashion, accessories, and beauty brands. Here's a Spoiled Pretty sneak peek:


C.O. Bigelow
20% discount on select Bigelow Body Care Products.
Enter promotional code MARIE at checkout


Fred Segal Beauty
15% off your next purchase of selected Fred Segal Beauty products
Enter promotional code HAUTESHOP11 at checkout


Tarte Cosmetics
Spend $35 on Tarte Cosmetics and receive a free vitamin-infused lipgloss powered by BORBA.
Enter promotional code MC2007 at checkout

What's Haute?

Log on to HauteShopping.com for exclusive deals and chic steals from your favorite fashion, accessories, and beauty brands. Here's a Spoiled Pretty sneak peek:


C.O. Bigelow
20% discount on select Bigelow Body Care Products.
Enter promotional code MARIE at checkout


Fred Segal Beauty
15% off your next purchase of selected Fred Segal Beauty products
Enter promotional code HAUTESHOP11 at checkout


Tarte Cosmetics
Spend $35 on Tarte Cosmetics and receive a free vitamin-infused lipgloss powered by BORBA.
Enter promotional code MC2007 at checkout

Get ‘Em While They’re Hot (and Still In Stock)

I thought I was losing my marbles the other day when I saw decorated Christmas trees in Macys. But apparently, department stores aren’t the only ones getting a head start on the 2007 holiday season. Right now, Sephora has more holiday kits than you can shake a makeup brush at. And check out how much you’ll save by buying the products in a palette. Remember…these are limited edition. So if you’ve been a good girl all year long, go ahead and treat yourself early.


Bare Escentuals’ new Classic Rock Flawless Diamond 9-Piece Color Collection will leave you dipping in diamonds – literally! The collection boasts a precious blend of all natural bareMinerals and real diamond powder to illuminate your face, cheeks, lips, and eyes with brilliant, sparkling color. This collection can be yours for the low, low price of $59 ($145 value).


Tarte’s We Wish You Wealth Palette is stacked with exclusive shades of (16) eyeshadows, (16) lip glosses, (4) eyeliners, (3) lip sheers, an eyelid primer, luminizer, makeup brushes, and for the first time ever, (4) of their best-selling cheek stains in a pan form. This jaw-dropping, must-have palette is only $52 (you save $526). What, what?!?!?


The Best Of Benefit is the best of beauty at the best value. This beautiful set includes BADgal Lash, their best mascara, Eye Bright, their best eye brightening pencil, and Dallas, their best bronzer/blush that works on every complexion. The best part? The kit costs $46 (a $65 value).


Anastasia's Best In Brow Pencil Set ($70.40 Value) is a steal! For $44, you get a set containing everything you need to maintain perfectly polished brows. A compact burgundy bag features 1 full sized Perfect Brow Pencil (available in 3 shade options; Ash Blonde, Medium Ash or Brunette,) a full sized Brow Fix to keep brows in place, a full sized Eye Lights Matte cream to powder highlighter in Matte Camillle (the perfect shade for any brow bone) and 1 set of each 3 shapes of (Petite, Medium and High) Browstix Arch Stencils.


Get all your LORAC favorites in one easy-to-use collection. Lotsa Gift includes Lotsa Lip Plumping Lipstick in Kissin, matching Lotsa Lip Plumping Lip Gloss in Cutie, and Lotsa Lash Fiber Mascara in Black. You'll have full, plump lips and long, lush lashes just like the stars you see walking down the Red carpet. All yours for $25 - just a couple bucks more than the price of the mascara…not bad, considering it’s a $56 value.

PS - Score a full-size tube of Buxom Lips in Amber, the pout-plumping, mineral-infused, lip polish sensation from Bare Escentuals, when you spend $50 on Sephora.com. Enter promo code 'AMBER' at checkout.

Get ‘Em While They’re Hot (and Still In Stock)

I thought I was losing my marbles the other day when I saw decorated Christmas trees in Macys. But apparently, department stores aren’t the only ones getting a head start on the 2007 holiday season. Right now, Sephora has more holiday kits than you can shake a makeup brush at. And check out how much you’ll save by buying the products in a palette. Remember…these are limited edition. So if you’ve been a good girl all year long, go ahead and treat yourself early.


Bare Escentuals’ new Classic Rock Flawless Diamond 9-Piece Color Collection will leave you dipping in diamonds – literally! The collection boasts a precious blend of all natural bareMinerals and real diamond powder to illuminate your face, cheeks, lips, and eyes with brilliant, sparkling color. This collection can be yours for the low, low price of $59 ($145 value).


Tarte’s We Wish You Wealth Palette is stacked with exclusive shades of (16) eyeshadows, (16) lip glosses, (4) eyeliners, (3) lip sheers, an eyelid primer, luminizer, makeup brushes, and for the first time ever, (4) of their best-selling cheek stains in a pan form. This jaw-dropping, must-have palette is only $52 (you save $526). What, what?!?!?


The Best Of Benefit is the best of beauty at the best value. This beautiful set includes BADgal Lash, their best mascara, Eye Bright, their best eye brightening pencil, and Dallas, their best bronzer/blush that works on every complexion. The best part? The kit costs $46 (a $65 value).


Anastasia's Best In Brow Pencil Set ($70.40 Value) is a steal! For $44, you get a set containing everything you need to maintain perfectly polished brows. A compact burgundy bag features 1 full sized Perfect Brow Pencil (available in 3 shade options; Ash Blonde, Medium Ash or Brunette,) a full sized Brow Fix to keep brows in place, a full sized Eye Lights Matte cream to powder highlighter in Matte Camillle (the perfect shade for any brow bone) and 1 set of each 3 shapes of (Petite, Medium and High) Browstix Arch Stencils.


Get all your LORAC favorites in one easy-to-use collection. Lotsa Gift includes Lotsa Lip Plumping Lipstick in Kissin, matching Lotsa Lip Plumping Lip Gloss in Cutie, and Lotsa Lash Fiber Mascara in Black. You'll have full, plump lips and long, lush lashes just like the stars you see walking down the Red carpet. All yours for $25 - just a couple bucks more than the price of the mascara…not bad, considering it’s a $56 value.

PS - Score a full-size tube of Buxom Lips in Amber, the pout-plumping, mineral-infused, lip polish sensation from Bare Escentuals, when you spend $50 on Sephora.com. Enter promo code 'AMBER' at checkout.

Sweet, But Tarte

I’m a marketing gal, so I can understand the appeal of Tarte Lipgloss. Each dual-ended gloss has one sheer side, one shimmery – the duo can be snapped apart so you can customize your ideal gloss pairing. And with adorable names like Romeo & Juliet, Cliff & Clair, and Baby & Johnny – who could resist?

But while the packaging is cute and clever, the truth is that Tarte Lipgloss is somewhat lacking in the lipgloss department. I have to admit that the non-tacky formula is refreshing and the color pairings are nice...unfortunately, the gloss falls short in many key areas.

First, the color payout is rather disappointing. If you’re looking for a very sheer gloss, then maybe this works for you. But I find that I need to coat my lips in a layer of sheer lip pencil, like Stila Glaze Lip Liner to get the color I originally thought came in the Tarte Lipgloss tube. Secondly, the gloss doesn’t last long; when I wear it, I constantly find myself having to re-apply. At first, I assumed this was a result of its non-sticky texture – but I have since purchased similar formulas (e.g. - Fresh Lip Shine) with superior staying power. Finally, if you’re going to call your product a gloss, then it should actually be glossy, right? Tarte Lipgloss is more creamy than glossy.

So if you’re looking for a sheer creamy balm, then this “gloss” is perfect for you. But for my money, I’d rather the manufacturer put a little more thought into the product and spent less time on the packaging.

Sweet, But Tarte

I’m a marketing gal, so I can understand the appeal of Tarte Lipgloss. Each dual-ended gloss has one sheer side, one shimmery – the duo can be snapped apart so you can customize your ideal gloss pairing. And with adorable names like Romeo & Juliet, Cliff & Clair, and Baby & Johnny – who could resist?

But while the packaging is cute and clever, the truth is that Tarte Lipgloss is somewhat lacking in the lipgloss department. I have to admit that the non-tacky formula is refreshing and the color pairings are nice...unfortunately, the gloss falls short in many key areas.

First, the color payout is rather disappointing. If you’re looking for a very sheer gloss, then maybe this works for you. But I find that I need to coat my lips in a layer of sheer lip pencil, like Stila Glaze Lip Liner to get the color I originally thought came in the Tarte Lipgloss tube. Secondly, the gloss doesn’t last long; when I wear it, I constantly find myself having to re-apply. At first, I assumed this was a result of its non-sticky texture – but I have since purchased similar formulas (e.g. - Fresh Lip Shine) with superior staying power. Finally, if you’re going to call your product a gloss, then it should actually be glossy, right? Tarte Lipgloss is more creamy than glossy.

So if you’re looking for a sheer creamy balm, then this “gloss” is perfect for you. But for my money, I’d rather the manufacturer put a little more thought into the product and spent less time on the packaging.