Holiday 2011 - #5 Laura Mercier Book of Nudes

Christmas is just one week away!  Are you ready?  At number five is Laura Mercier's Book of Nudes palette (Limited Edition).  Since the success of Urban Decay's NAKED palette, several cosmetic lines have followed suit and created their own version of a premier nude/natural eyeshadow palette.  What I love about LM's Book of Nudes is that it includes a cheek, glow, and bronzer veil, as well as a dark espresso shadow that can be used as an eyeliner.  The glow veil is great for inner eye, high cheek or under eyebrow highlighting.  Also, the 'Buff' eyeshadow is the perfect shade for an overall sweep over the eyelids.  One of my favorite shades is Bamboo (luster finish/golden brown shimmer).  I like that the eyeshadows are a good mix of shimmer, matte, and glitter.

All this is encased in a cute faux snakeskin pattern cover.  The only thing this palette is missing is a brush or two like they did for the Luxe Colour Portfolio.  But I'll take the space for a decently sized mirror.  Basically, this palette is practical to take on your holiday travels, because it's complete with just the essentials to create a subtle or dramatic look.

Swatches from left to right:
Sandstone (sateen finish/pale peachy pink),
Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/sparkling chocolate brown),
Baroque (sateen finish/warm terra-cotta),
Fresco (matte finish/neutral beige brown),
Granite (matte finish/smoky gray),
Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/shimmering brown)

Swatches (with flash)

Love the faux snakeskin cover!

This set contains:
- 8 x 0.03 oz Eye Colours in Buff (matte finish/ soft neutral cream), Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/ sparkling chocolate brown), Sandstone (sateen finish/ pale peachy pink), Bamboo (luster finish/ golden brown shimmer), Baroque (sateen finish/ warm terracotta), Fresco (matte finish/ neutral beige brown), Granite (matte finish/ smoky gray), Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/ shimmering brown)
- 1 x 0.04 oz Tightline Cake Liner in Ground Espresso (universal black-brown)
- 3 x 0.02 oz Crème Veils in Bronzer Veil (universal bronze), Cheek Veil (matte rose peach), Glow Veil (radiant neutral beige shimmer)

(http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P298100&categoryId=B70)

It Takes Two

If you're like me, you probably don't pay much attention to your eyebrows until it is waxing or threading time. As long as they are nicely shaped and trimmed, what more do they need, right? Wrong.

Last year, I was approached by a Sephora makeup artist floating around the store, and she asked me if I have ever used a brow maintenance kit. With the exception of the occasional use of a brow brush, I said no. According to her, enhancing the color and shape and brushing some of the outliers in place will make a world of difference to my look. I was skeptical, but I agreed to a quick tutorial. She introduced me to the Anastasia brand that specializes on eyebrows. What was really helpful was that she actually recommended that I NOT spend the $75 on the kit, especially if I already have my eyebrows waxed/threaded by someone.  She used only ONE item from the kit - Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil - a pencil on one end and a brow brush on the other end. Two tools for $22! Now, that is a price I can live with. Some pencils are too greasy or creamy. This pencil actually has a waxy feel, which, I think, helps it last throughout the day.

The makeup artist first brushed my eyebrows. Then, she used the pencil to lightly fill in the sparse areas. Lastly, she used the brow gel from the kit.  Brow gels are mainly used to keep the hairs in place.  For a brow gel, she recommended that I use Maybelline Great Lash Washable Clear Mascara, and the price for this substitute: $5!

Anastasia All About Brows Kit:  $75 at Sephora (suggested retail price $141)

Anastasia pencil/brush and Maybelline mascara:  $27

Fun Fact Friday

Eyebrows once served a primitive survival function. As humans evolved, eyebrows are now known as an "umbrella" for the eyes. The arch/shape of our eyebrows help protect our eyes from raindrops and the salty sweat that drips from our foreheads.

Sites:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/question520.htm

http://soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment/324/Why-Do-we-Have-Eyebrows-