Grab a cup of tea, a big bowl of (ThisThatBeauty’s fav) popcorn, glass of vino, yummy cocktail, or what ever it is you reach for when you settle in for a good read. This article promises to be the longest post in ThisThatBeauty history.

I am often approached regarding my exact skin care routine. I must confess. This is an extremely difficult question to answer for a number of reasons:

1) Everyone’s skin is different and the results I achieve may or may not be similar for your sweet little face.

2) My skin care routine changes from season to season…and when I say “season to season” I am not referring to weather. I am referring to my different “skin seasons”. For example, there’s the “acne season”, where my primary focus is managing my annoying adult acne. There’s the “dry season” where I incorporate products that help remedy excessive dryness. Currently my skin is in “hyperpigmentation season” so my routine is very heavily and aggressively focused on remedying the dastardly dark spots that have taken up residence on my otherwise pristine (I kid) mug.

3) I regularly (and cheerfully) review/test/and flip flop from product to product….and allow me to clarify what I mean by “flip flop”. I only flip flop from product to product after I’ve used for the recommended time frame (usually 4-8 weeks). If there’s no adverse reaction, I generally stick with a product until its used up. I then write a review and decide to re-purchase or move on to the next one. However, I should note that even though I regularly review and switch products, there are certain skin care principles that are constant (more on that later).

4) My overall skin care routine is somewhat extensive. Just ask @KatAragon. We recently roomed together in LA and she lovingly poked fun at my diligent day and evening skin care rituals…but she also all but licked my face and marveled at how smooth and even my complexion is. (I kid about the licking, but I could tell she wanted to-LOL).

So for reasons 1 through 4, it is hard for me to give an exact run down of what my skin care routine is….No two faces are the same, my skin issues and products change often, and my overall routine is quite intense…I’ve actually seen eyes glaze over when I’ve tried to explain it all.

The main focus of this article is my current “skin season” – HYPERPIGMENTATION, which is in bold and spelled out in caps to signify that I am yelling the word at the top of my lungs. Hyperpigmentation is no joke! It makes me feel angry, sad, insecure…and basically unpretty. So for this article I will share with you, the intimate details of my struggle with hyperpigmentation and the products I am currently using. Once I am through this particular “skin season” some of the products will likely change.

Before getting into the actual products, I have to take a small step back and talk a bit more about my overall skin care routine. As I’ve already said, my routines are “skin season” specific and change often. HOWEVER HOWEVER, there are CORE PRINCIPLES that are constant….cleanse, tone, eye cream, treat issues, anti oxidant serum, sunscreen, special treatment masks, regular facials and regular dermatologist visits.

PROPER CLEANSING

I generally tend to favor gentle cleansers. I am usually on some sort of topical medication for acne management (currently using Evoclin foam) so I steer clear of harsh cleaners that will possibly conflict. However, the cleanser must clean deep enough to control my excessive sebum and oil production. A few of my fav cleansers include:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – It is super gentle and does no harm.

KISS MY FACE Exfoliating Face Wash – Don’t let the word “exfoliating” scare you. The formula is gel-like with no bits or particles. The cleanser gently uses the power of natural fruit acids to exfoliate the skin. Lemon Grass Oil is incorporated as an anti-inflammatory and astringent. Antioxidant Green Tea repairs damaged skin.

Lancome Creme Radiance – This clarifying cream to foam cleanser contains antioxidant White Lotus and soothing Rose de France to penetrate deeply without drying out the skin. I always feel brighter after using.

GRN Blue Chamomile Cleanser – Certified Organic Extracts of Chamomile, Rosemary and Green Tea. This gentle cleanser provides deep cleansing without harsh chemicals. It does not dry or irritate my skin.

So you see, I mainly use cleansers that are gentle and free of harsh irritants. My cleansers do rotate from time to time, but GENTLE is key for any cleanser I use. In addition, my Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is a staple. This brush is working miracles in my skin….*cue the parting of the sea and the conversion of water into wine*

This brush saves lives! I bought my first Clarisonic a few years back when Lady O (not Michelle, Oprah) touted the brush as one of her fav things. The brush flew off the shelves like Free Pancake Day at IHOP, but I was lucky enough track one down (and was later rather unlucky because I left it at a hotel and was forced to buy a replacement). For some odd reason I abandoned using the brush…bad move. During a skin care convo with my sister from another mister – Adri, she encouraged me to get back on my Clarisonic grind. I charged up the super sonic brush and have not looked back. My skin is, at this very moment, the best it has been in a long time. Regardless of the different cleaners I rotate, my Clarisonic skin care brush is a staple.

TONER

The next step of my skincare routine involves the use of a “gentle” toner. There’s that word again, “gentle”. My current favs are all awesome with a capital “A” because they are non-drying, contain no alcohol, and help to restore my skin’s balance after cleansing:

Chella Refining Tonic – Contains zinc and pomegranate. Is gentle and refreshing. The yummy pom scent is a bonus!

Renee Rouleau – Moisture Infusion Toner, Revitalizing Ginseng Toner, and Balancing Skin Tonic are my favs.

KISS MY FACE Balancing Act Facial Toner – (Description from KISS MY FACE) Tone and nourish skin with organic ingredients. Revitalize tired skin with this blend of certified organic grapefruit, orange, ginger and lemon balm essential oils and extracts. Seaweed extract provides trace minerals while antioxidants Ester C® and Vitamin E help fight the signs of aging.

Again, the trend is “gentle” yet effective!

The last few steps in my general routine include acne medication, serum, eye cream, SPF, special treatment masks, regular check-ins with my derm, and somewhat regular facials.

And now, getting back to the main focus of this article, the next few products in my routine are formulated specifically to address my current “hyperpigmentation season”.

Are you surprised that I stated there will be a “few products” required to address hyperpigmentation? Well don’t be. Often times we expect one miracle product to solve our issues. I wish! The reality is that good skin takes a concerted and continued effort.

While this post is intended to share with you the products I am using to win my personal battle against hyperpigmentation, I also want to express my opinion that a lot of folks out there are slackin’ on their skincare pimpin’ and expect one miracle product to improve your skin. Girlfriends, I am here to tell you that if you are not properly addressing your skin from all angles, don’t expect the two or three hyperpigmentation remedies I’m about to recommend to work for you.

For example -

• If you’re sleeping in your makeup….your skin is filthy and not properly repairing itself so don’t expect these products to work for you.
• If you are not using sunscreen daily (preferably SPF30)…. don’t expect these products to dramatically diminish your hyperpigmentation.
• If you do not properly exfoliate…do not expect these product to magically transform your roughness.

Am I making myself clear:) Good skin care is a multi-pronged approached. Whipping your skin into shape is serious business, kids. I highly suggest that you evaluate all aspects of your regime and not just place a band-aid. I am taking the time to highlight my core principles of skin care because I want you to understand that it takes a certain level of sustained commitment to achieve your desired results.

So having said ALLLLLLLL that (Whew, momma’s tired), I now want to share with you the products that I am currently using to address my hyperpigmentation. But remember, overall good skin care habits in conjunction with these products is the route that ThisThatBeauty wholeheartedly recommends.

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I did not always have post acne hyperpigmentation. When I was in my early twenties and first started breaking out (Hello Adult Acne), my pimples usually healed without leaving a trace of its existence. This is no longer the case. I went through a terrible breakout phase last summer. The pimples were often cystic and extremely painful. After months of a couple pimples here and a couple pimples there, my face transformed from relatively blemish free to a face full of dark spots.

I went from skin like this (no makeup in pic):

To occasional breakouts like these (NSFW):

Which eventually led to lots of dark spots like these (DOUBLE NSFW):

I even ended up in my derm’s chair for cortisone shots:

With the help of great concealers by Cinema Secrets, Make Up For Ever, CoverFX, and BECCA, I was able to conceal the dark spots with minimal effort. But that was a band-aid, not the solution. The products I am recommending in this post are tried and true skincare solutions!

First and foremost, not to beat a dead horse because I already mentioned my Clarisonic in this post but ….hats off to my Clarisonic skin care brush. Its sonic technology gently and effectively cleanses my skin, clears pores, and really helps to improve my tone and texture. Everything about my skin improved once I started back using my Clarisonic skin care brush. Without proper cleansing, environmental stressors like pollutantion, oil and bacteria accumulate on the skin, clogging pores which causes blackheads, blemishes and dullness. Clarisonic’s gentle cleansing and massage help to prep my skin to better absorb my skin care products. In a study Clarisonic reported that after cleansing with their brush, skin showed a 61% improvement in the absorption of Vitamin C. They claim that skin becomes clean, clear and smooth—allowing skin to experience the full benefits of serums and moisturizers. I co-sign. The proof is in my gorgeous glowing skin….and did I mention I bought two Clarisonic brushes? Yea, its that serious!

For daytime I use Kiehl’s Highy Effective Skin Tone Corrector (KHESTC). This has been a staple in my anti-hyperpigmentation arsenal. I’ve been using for over four weeks and already see significant improvement.

KHESTC is formulated with a blend of antioxidants and acids that help to lessen the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. KHESTC does not contain Hydroquinone. Instead it is made of a unique blend of Glycolic Acid, Emblica Fruit extract, and HEPES which KHESTC claims is as effective as 2% Hydroquinone and a safer, gentler combination of ingredients to achieve almost similar results.

Emblica Fruit extract contains a large amount of Vitamin C which serves to protect the skin from sun damage, promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and help repair damaged skin. It is a natural antioxidant, which means it eliminates free radical damage to the skin. Emblica extract also works as a skin lightener. HEPES is an organic chemical buffer and acts as a hydrating agent to the skin. HEPES helps to eliminate roughness. It is as powerful as Glycolic Acid.

Glycolici Acid, a long time friend of mine, is essential because it works to dissolve the outer skin layer, breakdown hyperpigmentation, and reveal fresher looking skin. Glycolic Acid also helps to even out skin tone and improve texture/scarring.

I like that KHESTC is a corrector and antioxidant in one. That’s very important because it cuts down on the need for a separate antioxidant serum. The product comes in a gel like formula which is quickly absorbed into the skin. My one complaint about the product is the packaging. The metal tube oozes product long after you squeeze and dispense. This leads to the wasting of product. Here’s how I worked around this annoyance…I squeeze less than I need and allow the tub to ooze out additional product. Does this make sense?

After applying KHESTC, I follow up with a healthy slathering of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20. I am eternally grateful to my beauty blogger bud who was kind enough to give me her press sample of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20. I had heard buzz from several friends in the industry that the moisturizer is effective in correcting hyperpigmentation. I used the product every morning for about 6-8 weeks and noticed that my dark spots were beginning to fade. Over time they became less and less obvious. After going through one full sized container, I rushed out and purchased another. I continue to use it today.

In the evenings, for the last 2-3 weeks, after cleansing, toning, eye cream, and Evoclin, I have been applying Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. Once again, I have my sister from another mister, Adri, to thank for turning me on to this product. I was complaining that I need another product in my anti-hyperpigmentation arsenal and she suggested stepping up my game with Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. NOTE: Your Hyperpigmentation might not require a treatment for day and a treatment for night….but you saw my pictures. I did not have time to play games. I should disclose that Murad contains 2% Hydroquinone. Momma’s not hear to judge, but merely inform. My dark spots, in my opinion, require a product like Keihl’s that’s safe for daytime use…AND a product like Murad’s that’s highly effective for evening use. Once my spots fade a bit more, I will transition off of the Murad because I don’t want to use a product with hydroquinone for an extended period of time. You definitely need to think long and hard about the severity of your hyperpigmentation and then choose a product accordingly. Consult your dermatologist…which is actually a very important step that I won’t spend too much time on today. But see your derm…I do, regularly. Over the counter products can be expected to do but so much. I usually get regular facials and Silk Peels (but I haven’t made time for either since starting this new regime…bad girl!).

After applying Murad, in lieu of a night cream I rotate between one of two Vitamin C serums. In the evenings I alternate between Mario Badescu Vitamim C Serum and MD Skincare Hydra Pure Vitamin C Serum. Both contain potent doses of Vitamin C and have proved effective in diminishing my dark spots. Sometimes I skip the serum and go straight for Creme de La Mer.

On a weekly basis I use enzyme masks like Chella’s Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask. I also alternate between at home peels like Erno Laszlo C Peel or MD Skincare Alpha Beta Peels.

I am incredibly pleased with the improvement I am seeing in my skin. If my skin remains on its current course, I hope to slay the hyperpigmentation beast and be blemish free by summer.

Here’s what I look like today…WITH NO MAKEUP!!! You will notice that my hyperpigmentation is SIGNIFICANTLY improved. Perfect? No! But definitely much improved. I feel I’m well on my way….

Hyperpigmentation is no joke! In my day to day as a makeup artist and beauty writer, I often come across women who struggle to remedy their hyperpigmentation. Often times in our insecure moments of weakness we purchase some random snake oil in hopes that we’ll wake up looking like new money. This is almost never the case, love bunnies. You must commit to improving the overall health of your skin. And that has everything to do with how you care for your skin from sun up to sun down and from “skin season” to “skin season”. Make the investment!

This is an extremely personal post for me. I went back and forth in my head debating whether or not to leak my “un-pretty” photos. In the end I decided to share my photos/experience and pour hours into writing this post because I want to help other women in the hyperpigmentation struggle. I want to arm you with the information and resources to improve your skin. Be empowered! I also want you all to know that you’re not alone…ThisThatBeauty’s been there too!

Please share this post with your girlfriends, aunties, roommates, etc. I hope this extremely long article is in some way helpful!

Please share your thoughts! Have I helped…or run-on for way too long? Leave a comment:)

Go green with grace! Being ecologically responsible does not mean compromising your beauty routine. NEW philosophy color of grace collection is eco friendly and beautifully feminine. The pretty delicate pink collection represents classic spring time makeup. While the collection is sheer in color it is rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. The collection combines makeup and skin care to improve skin while creating a flawless canvas. Natural beauty indeed! The color of grace collection is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, and fragrance. That’s one for Team Green!

The complete collection includes:

the color of grace heavenly light pink illuminator ($28) – a pink light, liquid luminizer that combines skin-loving moisture and brightening botanicals to restore radiance for heavenly luminosity.

the color of grace amazing grace shimmering face powder ($29.50) – a sweetly shimmering, silky, pale pink powder that brightens your complexion and creates a soft focus glow as it releases an uplifting, feminine hint of amazing grace fragrance.

the color of grace art of blushing ($35) – a multidimensional palette of three silky, sheer blushes in perfect pink shades surrounded by luminous highlighter, to deliver pure color and light for skin that looks soft, luminous and inspired.

the color of grace amazing grace coloring book ($37.50) – a purse-sized palette of perfect pink shades for lips, eyes and cheeks to create the face of grace. two eyelighting shadows, two perfect pink lip glosses, an all-over cream illuminator, powder blush and a shimmering face powder scented with a touch of amazing grace fragrance.

the color of grace go with grace face brush ($20) – heavenly pink, kabuki-inspired natural hair brush that provides flawless application and blendability of powder or blush. In a pretty-to-go, retractable case.

the color of grace eyelighting shadow duo ($22) – sheer washes of color that light up the eyes with delicately shimmering minerals. available in a luminous duo. shade: heaven/earth.

Priced from $17.50 and available at www.philosophy.com

Photo credit: TheMakeupGirl

I love Cetaphil! Newsflash…NOT. If you you’re a regular ThisThatBeauty reader (and you better be:)) you know that Cetphil has been a staple in my routine for years…so there’s no need for me to do a big Cetaphil love fest or go deep into product background. I’ve done that on many occasions here, here, and here.

All’s you need to know RIGHT NOW is this — Cetaphil, one of my skin care greats and the #1 recommended dermatologist-recommended brand of cleansers/ moisturisers, has recently launch UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50, a lightweight non greasy daily sun protectant and moisturizer for the face! Without getting on my sunscreen soap box, let me just say, YOU NEED THIS! For previous coverage on why you, yes YOU, need sunscreen 365 days a year, click here and here.

When done, run right out and buy NEW Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50. You may thank me around the holidays!

My work here is done….

The facts:

• For all skin types
• Non-comedogenic
• Non-greasy
• Fragrance free
• light, non-greasy
• Hydrates skin while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays
• Suitable for individuals with acne, rosacea, melasma
• Specifically formulated for the face
• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
• Protection from UVA and UVB Radiation

Today I continue my series on Hyperpigmentation and products formulated to treat said condition. M Lab has recently launched two new anti-aging and brightening solutions designed to address skin concerns related to discoloration like pesky brown spots and pigmentation issues.

The new collection from M Lab consists of an Anti-aging Brightening Cleanser and an  Anti-aging Brightening Serum.

With 62% clinically active ingredients, the daily cleanser is designed to brighten and even out skin tone. The active ingredients include enzymatic exfoliants and gentle cleansing micro-beads that exfoliate patchy dull skin and promote a more radiant complexion. Special  emollients and hydrators aid in restoring the natural moisture levels of skin.

The Anti-aging Brightening Serum is formulated with 69% clinically active ingredients. The serum aids in the reduction of pigmentation issues like brown spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation. The serum also features three potent anti-aging peptides designed to help diminish fine lines, wrinkles and increase tone and firmness.

The two step M Lab regime is easy peasy…cleanser and serum! If considering this product line, I highly recommend partnering the pair with an SPF 15+ for daytime use…and possibly layering the serum with a night cream for evening. Good luck!

M Lab Anti-Aging Brightening Cleanser and Anti-Aging Brightening Serum are available at www.mlabonline.com.

Ever since recently chronicling my personal struggle with Hyperpigmentation, I have launched a one woman crusade to educate ThisThatBeauty readers on the many effective product lines currently on the market, designed to address a multitude of pigmentation issues. Today we continue the Hyperpigmentation Series with Bobbi Brown Brightening Skincare Collection.

In understanding that every one’s skin is different, it is important to showcase a the range of products and ingredients available to aid you in your quest to manage your personal pigmentation woes. New to market from Bobbi Brown is the Brightening Skincare collection. Of the collection Bobbi Brown says this:

“I believe beauty starts with healthy, glowing skin. Traveling through Asia, I’ve discovered that many brightening skin-care lines do not address women’s immediate need to cover dark spots. I used my make-up artist’s perspective to create this simple five-step regimen. It includes skincare to give you brighter, smoother and clearer skin over time – and treatment make-up to give you a beautiful, even complexion instantly.”

When battling pigmentation issues (yes, it feels like a battle) it is important to treat the condition, prevent future issues, and camouflage discoloration as skin repairs. Bobbi Brown’s new collection works to address pigmentation issues with both effective skincare and makeup. Each brightening product is formulated with ingredients to brighten, soothe, and hydrate skin:

- Vitamin C complex help to to control melanin production and help fade dark spots
- Licorice, gentian root extracts, and Caffeine to prevent future discoloration
- Glucosamine to exfoliate and even out dull skin
- Sodium hyaluronate (a star ingredient in MY book!!!) to keep skin hydrated

Bobbi Brown Brightening Skincare is formulated with light-reflective optics and pigments, which project a luminous and even-toned complexion.

The product line is segmented into five steps: prepare, brighten, moisturize, protect and treat, cover and perfect.

The collection includes:

• Brightening Hydrating Lotion: Designed to prep the skin for a brighter, clearer complexion
• Brightening Intensive Serum: Contains vitamin C, grape, mulberry and scutellaria extracts to reduce dark spots and inhibit production of melanin
• Brightening Moisture Cream: This lightweight yet hydrating lotion promises to lock in moisture to leave skin fresh and soft
• Brightening SPF50/PA+++ UV Protection Face Base: Created to be used over the moisturizer and contains high levels of broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Brightening Spot Treatment Corrector SPF25 PA++: A treatment make-up to conceal dark spots and freckles
• Brightening Powder Compact Foundation SPF25 PA++: A treatment pressed powder foundation to help to even out skin tone as well as provide high sun protection (exclusive to Asia)

www.bobbibrown.com

Faithful ThisThatBeauty readers know that the Arise African Collective show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is one of my personal favorites. For the last two season, I have had the pleasure of covering both backstage and the runway.

For the Fall/Winter 2010 season of the African Collective, unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts, I was not able to attend…and boo it up with Tyson…

(Season One)

(Season Two)

I also missed out on the likes of Alek Wek, Liya Kebede, Stacey McKenzie. Boo hoo! *real tears*

Season one of the African Collective was ushered in with a sonic boom. I confess I nearly wet myself with excitement when the iconic, often imitated, but never duplicated, Grace Jones hit the runway. The normally reserved press and celebs in attendance went absolutely bananas. You could hear folks yelling – Strange’! (Those who remember “Boomerang will get my Strange’ reference)

Even though I was not  able to attend the African Collective this season, I was able to get the rundown on the makeup. Iman Cosmetics was the makeup sponsor. I simply adore Iman and the inspiration behind her brand. I respect that the line speaks to an under represented demographic AND is frugalista friendly. March on over  to your local Wal-Mart, Duane Reade, or Tar-jay of choice, and you will find Iman Cosmetics. For a while, in my humble opinion, the brand had fallen off and did a less than satisfactory job of keeping drugstore shelves stocked with product. Over the last year I’ve been sneaking up on Iman Cosmetics in random drugstores, and it makes me very happy to observe that the company is much improved in the areas of plentiful stock, swatching samples, and new products. For these reasons, I am giving Iman Cosmetics a well deserved “atta boy”…or girl, i guess. *smile*

While I love presenting the backstage makeup run down for shows that I cover, I particularly enjoy offering my readers the run down on makeup looks that are affordable. May this montage of runway looks from The African Collective inspire and encourage you to visit your local drugstore, purchase the products, and recreate the looks! Go on…channel your inner model!

BLACK COFFEE

Fashion Inspiration was organic, un-constructed, and earthy in natural tones of sand, stone, and putty popped with muted turquoise and apricot

• Makeup Concept: Soft, ethereal, sun-blushed and feminine
• Eyes: Mixed Metals Eye Shadow Duo, Wicked Eye Defining Powder, Platinum Luxury Liquid Eye Liner
• Cheeks: Afterglow Sheer Bronzing Powder
• Lips: Rapture Luxury Lip Stain

DEOLA SAGOE
Fashion Inspiration was a precise, no-nonsense, geometric, mixed-media feel in military tones of black, pewter, grey and navy.

• Makeup Concept: Emphasis on bold dramatic brows with sheer neutral contoured face, eyes, and lips
• Eyes: Blackest Brown Perfect Eyebrow Pencil, Bewitched Luxury eye Defining Powder, Perfect Mascara
• Cheeks: Sable Luxury Blushing Powder,
• Lips: Tan Perfect lip Pencil, Crystal Luxury Lip Shimmer

LOINCLOTH & ASHES
Fashion Inspiration was a fusion of soft and architectural textures in putty, charcoal and black popped with touches of lapis blue

• Makeup Concept: The emphasis is on bronzed skin and soft earth toned eyes and lips
• Eyes: Bronze Goddess Eye Shadow Duo, Jet Black Perfect Eye Pencil, Perfect Mascara
• Cheeks: Clay Sheer Bronzing Powder & Sunkissed Luxury Blushing Powder
• Lips: Exposé Luxury Lip Shine

Which look is you fav?

Smashbox’s spring 2010 color collection, Heartbreaker, is a fun and flirty offering that is filled with bold and vibrant spring shades. This is precisely the energizing jolt of Spring makeup you seek after a cold dreary winter of subdued tones. Heartbreaker (which makes me hum this lil ditty by everyone’s favorite Meltdown Diva) embodies trends and looks that I wholeheartedly welcome when the weather breaks. Spring time encourages makeup risk taking….have at it with a pop of bursting color, soft washes of shimmery shades, slick lips, and flushed cheeks.

Heartbreaker is tastefully youthful….pouts painted in glossy hot pink….lilac and ballet pink shadow softly frame the eyes….Pretty pink shimmer powder creates a warm glow.

The collection flaunts a diverse color palette with a rich assortment of shades. Bright azure, mint, hot pink and deep violet colors balance out warm tones like chestnut, champagne and charcoal. Pinks, coral orange, berry and beige are main focus for plump kissable lips.

The full collection rundown:

• Eye Shadow Palette: Two new palettes featuring six shades: Hot Date (crème brulee, shimmering chestnut, champagne, shimmering azure, mint and taupe) and Kiss n’ Tell (ballet pink, hot pink, icy white, deep violet, charcoal and peony)
• Fusion Soft Lights: A color wheel of shimmering powders arriving in pinks and neutrals in one shade suits all, Baked Starlight
• Liquid Liner Pen: Liquid eyeliner pen in Jet Black
• Lip Shine: Two new lip formulations in Berry Hot, a berry pink and Melon-Drama, a coral orange
• Roller Gloss: A new roll-on lip gloss in Pink Sugar, a glittery pale pink

This collection screams “spring makeup investment”, so start stacking your chips. Heartbreaker is money well spent, for reals.

In honor of our current crappy snow condition, I have decided to dig in the crates and re-publish a FACE OF THE DAY piece I published during a really big snow storm in 2008. Enjoy!

[Rewind.......]

Happy Snow Day folks -

And here’s what I’m wearing:

If cool brights float your beauty boat, Spring promises to send your heart sailing. This season we’re seeing bursts of cool vivid brights. The key tones include lavender, lilac, turquoise, violet and aquamarine blues. YSL, Guerlain, Dior, and The Body Shop all deliver cool bright palettes that are sure to please. See for yourself!

Nars’ spring 2010 collection exudes elegance and style with a versatile colour palette made up of hot pinks, electric sky blue, lilac and rose gold. Created and photographed by François Nars, the Nars Spring 2010 make-up is “confident, cosmopolitan and polished.”

Featuring supermodel Amber Valletta, the look is glamorous and sophisticated with picture perfect skin and contoured cheekbones. The eyes light up in soft rose gold tones while lips are injected with a dose of pink for a sheer glossy finish.

The colours

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the colours are light, sexy and elegant. Nars said: “The shades are soft, sexy and light – like springtime. The formulas are transparent, so they allow the skin to look natural and fresh.” Light tones of nude, pink and peach are important for the lips, while hints of purple are key for eyes and nails.

The products

• Single Eyeshadow: A dusty lilac powder eye shadow with a crease-resistant matt formula in D.Gorgeous
• Duo Eyeshadow: One new powder duo eyeshadow in Kuala Lumpur comes in a gold-infused rose and boysenberry colour
• Duo Cream Eyeshadow: A new duo cream palette paired with Golden Moss and Sienna.
• Glitter Pencil: A bright sky blue and silver coloured sparkling pencil to line, accent, illuminate and highlight the eyes
• Lipstick: New shade in Cruising, a sheer pink tone
• Lip Gloss: Two lip glosses in Easy Lover, a sheer hot pink and Ophelia, a high-shine strawberry nectar
• Nail Polish: An intense gothic purple called Purple Rain