Cari's Cosmetic Obsessions: Urban Decay's Naked Vs. Naked 2 Pallets

If you’re a makeup maven then you have heard the craze over Urban Decays Naked Pallet. Beauty gurus everywhere flocked to the stores or online to get their hands on these hot little pallets. I myself witnessed a fellow makeupholic drop to her knees, with tears in her eyes, when yours truly snagged the very last Naked Pallet from the Times Square Store. I must admit I felt bad but not bad enough to hand the goods over. I did give her a bowed head shake moment of silence, then skipped out feeling like a million bucks! Yes I know I’m going to hell, but looking beautiful, lol.


Now let’s get down to the details:

The original Naked pallet is packed with twelve pigment rich neutral colors, a few of each matte, shimmers and sparkle finishes. It includes a deluxe sample of UD’s original primer potion and a pro quality good karma brush. It’s packaged in a chocolate brown velvet case with gold letter embossing. I never take this baby on the road for fear of it opening in my purse.

Naked 2 is its sequel so it goes without saying that they have many similarities. There is only one glitter in (chopper) and the rest are matte and shimmer finishes. I personally love the art case tin packaging, and the added bonuses make Naked 2 an overall better version. Included are five new shades, a dual ended Good Karma Shadow/Crease brush (available only with this pallet) and a travel size Lip Junkie Gloss in Naked.

Each pallet is loaded with 12 pigment rich shades that will let you achieve anything from a sexy smoky eye or a neutral everyday work look. Bottom line the shadows are excellent quality and either kit is worth every penny. If you didn’t get the first Naked pallet and are cooler skin toned Naked 2 is a must have!!!!! If you have and Love Naked 1, Naked 2 is a good purchase since all but one shadow ( Half Baked is a repeat) and while the shadows might look similar in photos or in the pallet they are different when swatched and they work great together. If you have a darker skin tone and can choose only one the original Naked is the one for you!

FASHION: Givenchy Pre Fall 2012



For pre-fall Riccardo Tisci brings the fresh with classic shapes and fierce footwear. The long leather gloves/sleeves gave the perfect amount of edge to the dresses and suits. Argyle and tweed are usually what you expect for fall, but Tisci's take is much more modern. My favorites include the asymmetrical sweater modeled by Lea T and the redone Rottweiler T. Check out the rest of the collection on style.com.

Love, Love, Love!
XOXO

FASHION: Peace Love World

The sweat suit is universally known as the lazy man’s uniform. It's that thing that you wear when you don't really care how you look, when comfort clouds your mind you reach for your sweats. But are they really all that bad? I mean, isn't it possible that sweats can be transformed into something more? With a few strategically placed rips you can go sexy a la Jennifer Beale's character in Flash Dance or athletic a la Rocky Balboa. Juicy Couture made it fashionable with velour in candy colors, which celebrities ate up like, well, candy! And once again the sweat suit is having its moment courtesy of a new cozy conscious brand called Peace Love World. Founded by Alina Villasante the brands intention is "to spread love, peace, and happiness wherever possible".


There's positive message like "I Am Love", "I Am Happy" and my favorite of the "I Am" collection is "I Am Blessed", now who can't rock with that? Get your own and learn more about Peace Love World on their fabulous website.

XOXO

FA LA LA: My Top Five Favorite Christmas Songs

What would Christmas be without your favorite holiday songs? They take us back to that simpler time when we were baby fashionistas in footie pajamas with a mouth full of sugar cookies. And though the classics get remade over and over, they never get old.
Here are my five favorite Christmas songs in no particular order:


1) "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC

This song is not just a Christmas classic, it's a hip hop classic! Run DMC's story of meeting Santa in the hood resonated with kids of all ages without being corny. You know the words by heart, and when that famous baseline drops it's hard not to act a fool. I smile every time I hear Run yell "Oh my God, a ill reindeer" Ill indeed.

2) "Give Love At Christmas"- The Temptations

Now this whole album is a classic, but this song is my absolute favorite. It's upbeat, soulful, and nobody was seeing The Temptation's harmonies. But this song also has a special place in my heart because every Christmas my mom would blast it over and over again while preparing dinner. At the time it drove me crazy, but now I do it myself. I think they call that The Vapors.

3) "This Christmas"- by Donny Hathaway

Forever remade, if you don't know this song I'm taking away your black card. Matter of a fact i'm taking all cards away, this song is Christmas! Jingle Bells? Nah, This Christmas is the song of the season. Shake a hand, shake a hand now.

4) "All I Want For Christmas" Mariah Carey

Nobody does sexy Santa better than Mariah, and this song makes me do my Carlton Banks two step. I love it! Carey's powerhouse voice makes this a holiday season favorite. She recently remade it with Justin Beiber, but the original is still my fav!

5) "8 Days of Christmas"- Destiny's Child

Finally who doesn't love some Beyonce at Christmas. There's no partridge in a pear tree here, it's all about Chloe shades and dirty denim jeans! (forgive them it was 2001)
Doesn't it feel like Christmas? Yes it does!!

Cari's Cosmetic Obsessions: My 10 Days of Kwanzchaukkmas

Tis the season to be giving, gifting and grateful! Beauties here are my top 10 recommendations to give or receive. Who doesn’t want a giftee that will be truly grateful!! I put a lot of thought in my 10 days of Kwanzchaukkmas! Even down to the details of how long my list should be:

There’s the 12 days of Christmas, 8 days of Hanukkah and 6 days in Kwanzaa. It was a no brainier that to encompass them all it has to be a top 10..Duh!

Yes..I actually took you through my thought process; My mind = a scary thing!!

Enough blabbering, on to the list. In no specific order. (All items are based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by said companies in any way! As my girl JLO says My “Love Don’t Cost a Thaaannnngg a thaaannnggg!”)

1. Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon: 320 East 52nd Street NY 10022;

www.mariobadescu.com A gift certificate that can be used on facials or products my personal recommendations:

Irena for all treatments; Top products:

Drying lotion

: It has been their top seller and with glowing user recommendations. A little bit of this magic treatment goes a long way and pimples pretty much resolve over night!

Buffering lotion

: This is for large cystic acne that erupts under the skin, red and painful with no visible head (yuck I know I get these and swear by this stuff; its also great for bacne).

Cellufirm drops

:" Firm, tighten, and smooth skin with this daily or overnight serum that is safe for all over the face and eye area. Plumping Collagen and Elastin, moisture retaining Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidant Vitamin E and mineral rich Seaweed Extract are the active ingredients that preserve the skin’s tone, moisture levels and elasticity." This one I have not tried yet but I was at the Makeup show Holiday pop up shop and hundreds and I mean hundreds of beauty nova's flocked to the Mario Badescu table begging for this stuff at a discount its normally 25 and they were selling it for 18. I was one of the first girls at that table and it was sold out 20 minutes into the night!! (death to procrastination) By the time I looped back around I watched about 20 beautiful girls (including myself .. modest I know..lol) sulk away empty handed. I placed it on my to get list and will do a review soon.

2. Atelier Brow Services from the infamous Soul Lee, I am a busy girl and If I followed this chick from Bloomies on 59th, to Shu Umura on Prince, to Barneys on Madison and now her latest digs:Kiehl's Spa 157 East 64th Street New York, NY 10065 917-432-2503. Bottom line she’s boss! Ms. Lee has been featured in US magazine and has shaped the brows of many celebrities. The cost is about $65.00 and is worth every penny!

3. Gel Manicure at Mimi Nail salon 1541 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10028 (212) 327-1358. I'm not saying it's the healthiest thing for your nails but a 3 week chip free manicure and no dry time during the holidays or before vacation is truly the only way to go. They Carry Opi Axxium and CND Shellac; My girl Bibi is amazing, she’s a consistent, meticulous perfectionist! Amen with a price tag $45.00 its totally worth it.

4. Smash Box photo OP 78 shade mega pallet: Item number A127751 from QVC perfect for the girl who has every color or for the girl who’s just starting out her collection. It's loaded with eye shadows, blush, highlighters bronzers and lip colors. All packaged in a sleek red patent folio!

5. Jemimajackman.com an Etsy seller who carries an array of beautiful headbands, and headscarves in cotton, wool or silk. I am not a fan of hat hair or hats; bumped into this vendor at The Makeup Show Holiday Pop up Shop and fell in love!! I picked up a gray sparkle head rap that gives me a JLOesq look when paired with my big sunglasses! I purchased a second scarf in a silk ecru with green blue and beige geometric prints. Can't wait to rock it in warmer weather on the beach with sunglasses for the Jackie O feel!

6. Mac Cosmetics has their infamous holiday collection out offering Dazzelsphere's filled with lip glass, crème sheen’s, nail polish and pretty amazing brush sets. My recommendations are the neutral, and the petite nail lacquer sphere. If you're looking for brush sets I would recommend the mineralize kit since it’s a rarity.

7. Bobbi Brown: Also has her holiday collection that almost undoubtedly sells out. She's noted for her wearable shades for people of all colors. I absolutely have to have her 20th Anniversary all the favorites lip pallet. This is a ode to days past you get 20 colors in total. Half of the pallet is from 1991 when she first started in Bergdorf’s and the second half is new and updated trendy bright lips. I love the nostalgic quality in this set. The To Go pallets in Party and Classic are a great deal for 25 bucks. Tucked inside you get

three Eye Shadows, two Lip Colors, plus a mini High Shimmer Lip Gloss!

8.Books: Anyone who considers themselves a "Nova" needs reference Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: From Beginner to pro, Is loaded with tips tricks and full color pics! Its easy to read step by step guide will get you the classic smoky eye, or day to day makeup looks with ease!

Another great reference book is Scott Barnes About Face. Gracing the cover is that beautiful Lopez. This book is loaded with before and after transformations that left my mouth agape. It also gives detailed explanations on how to use color to bring your best features forward and mute your worst!

9. Fragrance: While I personally feel this is something hard to gift. Unless you got a specific fragrance request or its a repurchased sent. There is this great place located in the heart of The East Village called: The Fragrance Shop;

www.thefragranceshopnewyork.com. You can choose from the hundreds of oils and scents they have lining the shelves or make your own personal sent that you can keep on file for future purchase. Another added bonus is if one of your favorite scents have been discontinued they can help you recreate it. Disclaimer: I found out recently they have lost their lease and are not sure where they will be relocating; so check the website or call before you stop by.

21 E 7th Street (Bet. 2nd & 3rd Ave) New York, NY 10003 Tel: (212) 254-8950

10. The Balm: The Muppets Pallet; this is the pallet I longed for again for nostalgic reasons. I am a sucker for Kermit, Fozzie and Miss Piggy and when I herd they were coming out with a Muppets movie, makeup pallet and Opi nail polish set I was giddy!! I managed to get my hot little hands on everything but the true pallet. Yet upon much research it has been confirmed that the The Balm and the Beautiful Pallet is the same exact colors just in different packaging… (waaaaahhhhh) so I put on my big girl panties and had to stop loosing sleep on the late night eBay bidding for the original Muppets Pallet. As I was blessed with the Balm and the Beautiful and it is indeed beautiful!

FASHION: H&M The Dragon Tattoo Collection by Trish SummerVille

I am beyond excited for the Dragon Tattoo collection designed by Trish Summerville for H&M. Edgy leather jackets, sexy slim fit pants, I want it all!!  The looks inspired by Lisbeth Salander (played by Rooney Mara in the film) are sure to be a hit! Every ripped and leathered piece will fly out of stores, so if you love it get it quick.  For my New York peeps there will be a pop up shop opening December 14th at 72 Gansevoort St. Click here to see more of the fierce!

XOXO

FASHION: RACHEL ROY PRE-FALL 2012

For Pre-Fall designer Rachel Roy mixed prints and silky separates for a sexy collection with a masculine edge. The pajama trend is popular right now, but Roy dresses it up nicely so you don't look like you just rolled out of bed. There's color and comfort, and I love the printed pants! These looks are sexy without trying too hard and perfect for fall with your brightest wool coats! See more of the collection on style.com

XOXO

TopBagTuesday: Dooney & Bourke All Weather Leather Saddle Bag

It's Tuesday and I'm feeling a little retro.  

With vintage finds being more popular than ever designers are bringing back their classic purse styles. Your first Coach bag? You can have it again with their new classic collection. Gucci's Jackie-O style bag is more popular now than it was in the seventies.  So why not get cop a little piece for yourself. Dooney & Bourke has brought back their vintage style bags and the saddle bag is my fav.  I've always liked saddle bags because they feel very retro to me and look extremely dope with a pair of riding boots.  This one comes in four colors and two sizes and features their iconic duck logo.  It's the perfect Christmas gift because it will outlast trends, I might even get one for myself! Check it out on Dooney's website.

XOXO

FASHION: Qi's Third Annual Cashmere For A Cause Event

What would the holidays be without shopping? They'd just be sweet potato pie, five extra pounds, and a visit from embarrassing uncle junior (no I'm not pulling your finger). Well T.G.F.S! (Thank God For Shopping), it gets us into the spirit of the season, and even more so when it's for a good cause.  Qi's Cashmere for a Cause event will be held on Tuesday December 6pm-9pm. Qi is the go to brand for all things cashmere and can be found on many of your favorite celebs.  Their Give Back Intarsia Sweater (worn most recently by Ciara) is a personal favorite of mine.  It's cozy and sports a dope message.  So stop by Cashmere For A Cause if you can, there will be some yummy giftables at great prices.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Advocates for Children of New York.  For more details check out their Facebook page.

XOXO

Cari's Cosmetic Obsessions: BITE Beauty

Hello beauties, Cari here to give you scoop on Bite Beauty, it’s one of the new cosmetics brands that grace the shelves of Sephora both in store and online.  I was fortunate enough to get samples of  three Luminous Crème Lipsticks in :

These babies come in 24 shades ranging from nude to plum; all universally flattering which is a plus!  They have a creamy texture and leave a smooth hydrating coat of pigment.  The packaging is pretty innovative as well in its sleek matte black tubing, the tops are curved in different angles so you know what color scheme you are reaching for at a glance.

The Luminous Crème Lipsticks are made with the coveted super antioxidant Resveratrol found in the skin of red grapes and other fruits.  Resveratrol has amazing anti-aging benefits and each lipstick contains the same amount of Resveratrol found in five glasses of red wine! Combine that with an all natural ingredient list, free of parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances or dyes and you have an amazing product not to be missed. 

Here a few swatches for your viewing pleasure! 

Go snag a trio on sale at Sephora before they are all gone!