It’s not too late to get a good seat for the show!
product photos: we heart this, event photos: MAC Cosmetics
Before you break out the nautical stripes and jaunty hats for Hey Sailor, you may want to grab a popcorn and catch the last showing of MAC Reel Sexy (it’s here until May 24). The launch is based on/accompanied by photographs and film by Miles Aldridge that star his wife, supermodel Kristen McMenamy. It’s bold and brilliant and oh so late 80s inspired.
Check out a couple of pics from the release party on Robertson Blvd.
Reel Sexy ushers who handed out movie snacks
And look, our beautiful pal; Senior Artist Tiffany J (far right).
Ok, on with the show…
Nail Lacquer in Screening Room, Vivid Effect and In the Dark…Purple
There are three Nail Lacquers in Reel Sexy, which perfectly represent the primary colors that dominate the launch: Teal, Coral and Purple, all in creme formula with good coverage in two coats.
Vivid Effect
Vivid Effect is described as an orange-coral. I’m not seeing a lot of orange. I’d call this a true coral, or more specifically “the color I buy over and over again”. Bright and pretty!
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photos: we heart this
When bareMinerals first released their pressed eyeshadow products last November, the gals here at we heart this were practically giddy with excitement. And they’ll be excited to find out the new bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow products are just as amazing as their predecessors!
There are seven new READY Eyeshadow 2.0 duos ($20) and two new 4.0 quads ($30). As before, these shadows are housed in black rubberized compacts that are sturdy and also come with a mirror inside. Each product comes with a sponge-tip applicator as well.
The actual colors themselves boast a silky texture, a long-wearing formula and bold colors. Each palette features complimentary colors that not only look great, but also help care for your skin with SeaNutritive Mineral Complex – a blend of ingredients that provides anti-aging benefits.
WHT testers were sent seven of the nine new products:
The Last Call: On the Rocks (bright cornflower blue with a slight sheen) and Shaken Not Stirred (blackened blue with cornflower blue micro glitter)
The Alter Ego: Wicked (golden green shimmer) and Daring (nearly matte smoky plum)
The Cliff Hanger: Suspense (matte natural stone) and Awe (purple leaning taupe shimmer)
Duos from left: Last Call, Alter Ego, Cliff Hanger
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Filed in: beauty & fashion, reviews
photos: we heart this
I love a good nature inspired makeup collection. Usually when the warm weathered seasons roll around, I find myself surrounded by an overwhelming amount of soft, gentle hues related to flowers and all things, well…pretty.
Like the typical beauty junkie that I am, sometimes I want this perfect balance of makeup that’s something different but doesn’t stray too far into the crazy zone. Lucky me, because I have Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) to thank for achieving just that with The Garden, their new spring/summer collection for 2012.
Here at wht, we love OCC for not only their 100% vegan and cruelty-free products but also their ability to go the extra mile to produce such unique, edgy shades. For The Garden, the main inspiration was – stay with me here – psychotropic and poisonous plants, turning spring pastels upside down with notes of nearly-neon vibrancy.
While I don’t know much about scary plants, I love this bizarre garden approach. The result? Fashion forward colors that are wearable, fun and totally on trend. The review team got to try the entire collection. So how does OCC’s garden grow? Let’s find out!
First up are the Loose Colour Concentrates ($12), which can actually be used for both the face and body. A main ingredient is light reflecting mica, which provides a gorgeous sheen. Here are the new shades for the season (and a little plant trivia from Wikipedia as well):
Datura – an opalescent pink/lavender
Datura belongs to the classic “witches’ weeds and most parts of the plants contain toxic hallucinogens. It has a long history of use for causing delirious states and even death.
Mimosa – marigold yellow orange with gold shimmer
While too many Mimosa drinks can give you a killer headache; the members of this species are among the few plants capable of rapid movement, including the creepy venus flytrap.
Foxfire – spring green with a silver shimmer
Foxfire is the bluish green glow created by some species of fungus found in decaying wood. Spooky.
Triptych – bright and deep true gold
The only non-plant named color of the bunch, the triptych is a work of art, usually a panel painting, divided into three sections – apt for this gold that works on eyes, checks and lips.
I tested Foxfire which is a springy green that blends down to be very wearable and with the shimmer it’s perfect for a green eye look.
Acacia – yellow with blue green duochrome
Acacias, including the Yellow-Fever Acacia are a thorny species and their bark, roots and resin have been used for centuries to make incense for rituals.
Also pictured:Fae holographic white glitter with a pink/green duochrome
Datura, Mimosa, Firefox, Triptych, Fae, Acacia
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A drugstore gem to tame your hair’s biggest secret
photos: we heart this
There are certain things you learn in the workplace. One, most people have dirty little secrets they don’t want to own up to. Two, you never know what happens behind closed doors. Three, you never know who is aligned with who.
My dirty little secret is that I have suffered with seborrheic dermatitis aka dandruff since my teenage years. It is visually painful and ugly because your scalp literally can rise to the surface during the day and flake off on your clothes. How is that for honest?
The itching (or the urge to itch) can be excruciating. As an adult professional that tends to wear a lot of black, it is just down right humiliating and embarrassing. I have been to the dermatologist numerous times, tried endless products to rid myself of this awful plague. In short, I have been at war.
Enter Suave Scalp Solutions
Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner with nourishing coconut and shea butter. When Stef sent out an email to all of the writers and asked if anyone had dandruff and would be willing to admit it and test the products, I thought “WHY NOT?” I am currently trapped using an expensive salon product that does not work that well and frankly there are not that many good options for my problem out there.
The first thing I noticed about the Scalp Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($4.29) is that it smells good, a mild coconut scent. This is a major revelation because you would be surprised how many dandruff shampoos out there smell like tar, coal and other things you do not want your hair to smell like. These same shampoos also dry the heck out of your hair and make it feel like a brillo pad with zero moisture.
This shampoo is different, the texture is smooth and creamy. Used in conjuntion with the Scalp Solutions Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
my hair felt great after each shower. There was no problem detangling, styling or drying. I did not have any itching or any major scalp exfoliation/ flaking. The active ingredient has Phrithione Zinc 1%, to help prevent the itching and dandruff and like a miracle from heaven; it works.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion, reviews
photos: we heart this
Recognize the name Michael Todd? You should! If you’re long time reader of we heart this you’ve seen reviews right here. Or if you attended one of the animal charity raffles we’ve sponsored, you’ve received an item in your gift bag that was generously donated to the cause. But if you’re new to the line, sit back this Green Monday and let me introduce you to their Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask, aka an exfoliant extraordinaire! (3.4 fl oz for $49).
The company has shifted its efforts from cosmetics to skincare, releasing a line of organic skincare that rivals all that I’ve tried. And the Pumpkin Facial Mask may just be the cream of the organic crop. Though feel free to browse their site, everything you see is as green as can be. Me? The exfoliant lover that I am was happy to have this be my first launch into the line. I slathered my face with it and let the testing begin…
Oo-wee, it packs a tingle! A tingle that borders on a sting actually. But just for the first minute. I personally love a good tingle because I know it’s working. I’ll admit I’m usually one to buck rules, but they say this is not for sensitive skin and they really mean it.
That tingle is the pumpkin enzyme (the 1st ingredient), combined with the glycolic acid of sugar cane, (the 3rd ingredient) going to town on your skin’s flaws. I love to imagine the enzyme as little pac-man type things, munching away at impurities like dead skin and clogged pores. The second ingredient, Bilberry, is no slouch either. It’s known to reduces inflammation, giving a soothing effect to what the other two are doing.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion, green monday, reviews
Believe what you see
’tis a poem about a shake
When one is this good
it’s not a mistake
With 15 grams of protein
it gets me through the day
And 4 delicious flavors
that can be sipped lots of ways
Refreshing Coffee wakes me up
Creamy Chocolate’s a fine choice
Smooth Vanilla’s a great base
Sweet Strawberry makes me rejoice
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Filed in: potluck
We love a do-gooder, especially one that smells good. So we wholeheartedly support Smell Bent’s latest creation Liberty for All. Liberty Wildlife is an organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of desert wildlife. Smell Bent teamed up with them, creating a scent for their annual fundraiser. It’s based on “the smell of orange blossoms in the desert spring”. The notes are: desert orange blossom with bergamot, ozone, tonka bean, hay, vetyver and sandalwood. How amazing does that sound? Like a sexy desert day! Best of all, for each bottle sold Smell Bent will donated $25 directly to the cause. Go buy some, and get your desert on.
On to the league…
Question of the Week: – List every beauty item that’s in your purse at this very moment.
Answer: It’s amazingly a pretty light day for me! I have Fresh Sugar Advanced lip treatment, Buxom Lips in Bambi, MAC lipglass in Force of Love (the Chenman collection), Tweezerman mini tweezers, MAC Blot Powder in medium (I break out in a sweat if I don’t have this!) and Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens
Beauty Junkies Unite – You tell us: Is the new China Glaze Summer Neons collection hot or not? Check out the review and swatches and let us know!
Clumps of Mascara – has finally come across a mascara that wow-ed her so much that she gave it a 5 out of 5. And guess what? It’s a drugstore mascara!
Gouldylox Reviews – has discovered THE facial you want if you want to look fabulous for an event or remind someone what a mistake it was to end the relationship. Plumped lips, raised brow, firmer jaw and no pain. I can see why Madonna travels with one of these beauties on tour.
Krasey Beauty – wants you to win awesome prizes from Amazon.com Be sure to enter her giveaway!
Lipglossiping – puts Bobbi Brown’s new long-wear eye pencils to the test against a well-known budget brand and concludes that you should save your pennies!
Nouveau Cheap – Looking for a bold and daring magenta-purple lipstick to wear this summer? The answer might be as close as your nearest drugstore.
Pink Sith – turns an otherwise boring review about a facial toner into a fun extravaganza by adding in Will Wheaton, Jazz Hands and Thor!
Prime Beauty – harvests the fruits of the Lipstick Tree with Tarte’s Gifts From The Lipstick Tree Trio—the perfect summer pop of color!
Phyrra – has great photo tips for beauty bloggers.
Vampy Varnish – thinks if you like mini nail polishes, you might like the new Urban Decay Showboat Nail Kit for summer!
we heart this – have a passion for fashion? Swing on over to we heart this; we’re looking for a new fashion writer. And psst…we pay in makeup!
Ok readers your turn, list every beauty item that’s in your purse at this very moment…
Filed in: beauty & fashion
Happy Friday everyone! Readers of wht already know we love everything about Etsy. Handmade goods, vintage finds and crafty eco-conscious people? How could we not adore the site.
Today, I wanted to remind you all of one of my favorite Etsy features – the Shop Local option. You can shop regionally (or see what’s happening in your old college town) by typing in the name of a city and see what pops up!
This 4 for Friday I’m exploring the goodies to be found in Stef’s adopted hometown, the beautiful Joshua Tree, California.
• See what I mean by beautiful? With endless blue skies and stunning desert landscapes, this area is an artist’s dream. Enjoy the desert scenery no matter where you are by hanging this Joshua Tree Fine Art Photograph Print. This limited edition print is signed and numbered print and captures the breathtaking splendor of the Joshua Tree National Park. $35
• Between it’s rustic Western heritage and close proximity to Palm Springs, the area has some of the best vintage shopping in the country. So it’s no surprise I found oodles of retro goods. Like this 1950s Cherry Red Wallet with delicate white flowers embellished in metallic gold. This ample sized wallet has tons of pockets and closures to store all you need and can double as a statement clutch for a night on the town. $28
• If you love a nautical look, this 1970s Red & White Striped Cowl Neck Shirt is quite a steal. This tunic style, flowy top of linen and cotton can be worn all year round and would look fab partnered with a pair of skinny jeans. $29
• Spice up your kitchen with this Salt and Pepper Shaker Set. This vintage set features a 1950s-era retro diner waitress on the front of each shaker and will add a bit of fun kitsch to any table. $22
Readers – what is your favorite town for thrift store shopping?
Tyna, co-founder and co-editor of wht, worries about becoming a crazy cat lady, reads at least a book a week, checks in at a Flyers fan forum every morning and is forever (some say obsessively) organizing her closets and drawers.
Filed in: etsy 4 for Friday
Yes, YOU can wear a fascinator! They’re not just for the royal family anymore.
photos: the we heart this team
A year ago I couldn’t ignore the royal wedding – who really could? So I gave in and watched all the coverage and really just fell in love with fascinators. My husband even said he could totally see me embracing the fascinator trend.
Fast forward to April 2012 and we heart this receives a few fascinators from David & Young to review! Did they know I like to add a little flare with accessories? They must have sensed it.
The first thing I should say about wearing a fascinator is that if you don’t want attention or questions, don’t wear one. Seriously. The moment I put the first one on I knew I was going to command some attention. But don’t let that scare you; everyone, not just the royal family, can pull off a fascinator – and look pretty fab too!
See. Try and tell me Stef doesn’t look adorable.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion
Delivering your daily dose of Vitamin D and eye opening results!
photos: we heart this
The road to complexion hell is paved with good intentions. You try to protect your skin from the serious dangers of sun exposure– like cancer and premature aging– and end up deficient in the one thing that will keep it young: Vitamin D. In his practice, wht favorite Dr. Dennis Gross
observed that patients who avoided the sun and used high levels of sunscreen suffered from Vitamin D deficiencies as a result. In other words, we are damned if we tan, and damned if we don’t.
Or, at least, we were. Until recently, the only way to correct Vitamin D deficiency without sun exposure was through dietary supplement. But now, the good doctor has developed the first and only skincare product, Vitamin D Serum-Oil, that actually provides necessary levels of Vitamin D to skin through topical application alone.
Other Vitamin D oils need sun to activate them, which is why Dr. Dennis Gross’ formula is so revolutionary. It contains Ergocalciferol, an ingredient that is already active and does not require sunlight to make it work. It also contains a host of other powerful ingredients, including:
Squalane – a naturally derived emollient effective against dryness
Willow Bark Extract – which clears pores and exfoliates
Soybean Extract – which encourages collagen production
Retinol – a powerful wrinkle and line smoother that also increases moisture and elasticity
Housed in a medicinal-looking bottle with a nifty dropper, the Vitamin D Serum-Oil ($65) is thick and concentrated. Just 2 or 3 small drops are all I needed to massage into my face and neck after washing. Surprisingly light for an oil, it soaked right in and created a smooth base for makeup, a result I could see immediately. I also used it as a substitute for my heavy night cream.
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