Loving Luna

It was inevitable. New Moon is around the corner, so a Twilight-themed makeup line? I'm honestly surprised it took this long to come out. I mean, come on... Slap the Twilight name on just about anything and you're almost guaranteed a huge win. So what do we have here, exactly? Some cheesy products with vampire-related names?

Hardly. It actually looks like a nice range of high quality products made by DuWop, a pretty awesome makeup brand by itself.

One of DuWop's most popular products is Lip Venom - one of the original lip plumpers that burst onto the scene a few years ago.

This product was practically destined for a Twilight-Tie-In. It has the name Venom already so it's perfect. I'm actually not a huge fan of lip plumpers - I can't stand the burning/tingling sensations on my lips, but I know some friends swear by this stuff. Who knows, Twilight Venom might be worth a try since it's got what looks to be a red lip stain at the bottom. Could be interesting.

I'm actually more interested in the other lip products in this collection. First up - 'Just Bitten' Staining Balm.

I rarely wear lipstick. Most of the time I prefer to play up my eyes instead of my lips and I just like the look of gloss more than the heavy pigment of lipstick. I've also got to say that lip stains scare me. Something about how hard they are to get off just freaks me out completely. This stuff doesn't look scary at all, though! The description says it's a balm that has a ton of antioxidants, emollients, and natural sun protection. I'm a lip balm addict, so if you give me all that great stuff plus a little color? I'm definitely down for a test drive.

I'm a huge sucker (haha sorry... cue the cheesy pun jokes!) for fun packaging and pretty pink lip gloss. I have a huge collection of glosses and about 90% of them are various shades of pink. This 'Femme Fatale' Lip Gloss in Butterfly Kiss looks like it's right up my alley! Actually, the other colors available look really pretty as well. '53 Chevy looks like a lovely raspberry red, and Hush and Kindle both look like pretty nude/pale pink colors.

When it comes down to it almost everything in this collection looks like it could be fun. The 'Moonshadow' Eyeshadow duos have some great colors, especially Snow Storm, and I'm dying to check out the 'Mortal Glow' Bushing Creme.

Anybody else excited for this collection? Or New Moon for that matter? I know I am!

[photo credits: beautyaddict.blogspot.com, nordstrom.com]

Bore me to death, why don't you?

I have been so bored by Project Runway lately!

Where are the dazzling gowns à la Christian Siriano?

Not to mention that the boy knew how to use a flat iron, unlike this season's Nicolas.

vs.

Sorry, Nicolas, no contest! Besides, you have yet to declare yourself a "hot tranny mess" so Christian wins by default.

Where's the fabulous commentary that entertains me as much as Santino Rice's immitation of Tim Gunn going to Red Lobster with fellow contestant Andreeeeeee??

Where are the outrageous personalities and crazy clothes to match like those from Austin Scarlett and Chris March?

Ugh. I mean, come on people... Do something besides bickering and making mediocre clothes!

Seriously, this week was... Disappointing. To say the least. Let's take a look, shall we?

The designers had to make pieces to accompany their various winning looks of the season. I'm not sure some of them understood this concept, but let's see what came out of it anyway...

Irina made us a lovely sweater jacket with a really tacky, skin-tight brocade mini-dress thing. Love the sweater, I would probably wear that myself, but the dress underneath was just... Cheap and ugly. At least it fit in with her winning look from episode 10. She understood the challenge, so thumbs up for her. Thumbs down for the bitch factor. Stop it, already. You're talented, we get it. But you're really not the most amazing designer ever. Get over yourself.

Oh, Gordana... What can I even say about this? Your re-fashioned wedding dress was adorable and chic... This is not. The proportion doesn't work and the fit is atrocious. The color is... Boring. The jacket just looks... Unfinished. I like you. I really do. I cheer when you knock it out of the park and I feel sad when you screw up. This is a problem. Step it up or you're on the chopping block next week and since the judges seem to love Christopher for some reason, I have the feeling you'll be the one to get the auf.

Speaking of Christopher...

A mildly cute dress with a down comforter sticking out of the bottom... It doesn't work. I loved your winning red carpet dress. It was sexy, fun, and flirty. You could see the amount of work that went into it... With this? Okay, you connected it with those petal-ruffle things... I get the idea. I just don't like it. The top of the dress doesn't fit her well at all. It's too plain. The balance of the dress doesn't work because of all the crap at the bottom and that white stuff is just... The wrong color, the wrong fabric, and definitely the wrong concept. It looks like two different dresses stuck together. Not cool. How in the world have you survived this long? I don't get it. I feel like you're a nice guy, I really do. I have no problem with you. But your design skills are questionable sometimes. Get it together.

Carol Hannah - I love you. This dress is cute and bubbly and adorable, just like you. It's simple and flattering and even though I'm not sure it really fits in with your winning Christina Aguilera look, I really like it anyway. Good job. I have nothing to complain about with you. (I'm also okay with the fact that you keep making dresses... So what? I'm not particularly impressed with any of the pants anyone has made so far so maybe they should all start doing dresses, too? Just a thought...)

Okay, Althea... The judges were clearly on crack when they declared you the winner of this challenge. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS? Did you decide that since Malvin was sent home after making those creepy chicken-thigh pants that you could recreate them and do it better? Why would that be a good idea? Ugh. I don't get it. That model is stick thin and the pants are not flattering. I don't know why all the judges went gaga over this but just... Ugh. Also, the strappy tank top thing underneath? It looks cheap. It looks like I could have gotten it at Rainbow or some other equally trashy store. And why is your model incapable of wearing a bra? They do make strapless ones, you know... I don't want to see her giant boobs flopping down the runway. I just don't. I'm sorry. I'm glad that the model has a body and isn't just a skeleton, but shit. You can see her chest through the shirt, no two ways around it. That is a PROBLEM. In fact, you had the exact same problem with your winning look and I still haven't figured out why none of the judges have said anything. Really annoying.

I do like the sweater. It looks comfy and cute. But I'm not that impressed and I certainly wouldn't pick this as the winning look.

Poor Logan... I just don't think you get it at all. The judges called it a little Judy Jetson and I have to agree. How does this connect to your winning kind-of-okay-look? I don't see it at all. It looks kind of like you took the top of a Halloween costume, threw on a bunch of random zippers, and paired it with a skirt from a prom dress. Then you chopped off the bottom of the prom dress skirt and ended up with a pouffy mini-skirt. Awesome! Or not. Sorry, Logan, I'm not feeling it and neither were the judges.

So, unfortunately... It's bye-bye eye-candy! Auf wiedersehen, Logan. It's been nice... Looking at you?

What do you guys think? Anyone else bored with this season? Let me know in the comments!

[photo credits: mylifetime.com, imeanwhat.com]

Big Names Worth Big Bucks?

So MSN.com's Lifestyle section runs a weekly column by the Beauty Director of Marie Claire Magazine, Ying Chu. She's usually got some fun things to say and this week she answers the question: Are designer eye shadows worth the cost or can you get the same look using drugstore eye shadows?

or ?

Here's what she had to say:

"There are a ton of brands that offer top-quality makeup at drugstore prices—including L’Oréal, Cover Girl, and Revlon. If you’re trying out a new look (peacock blue eyes?), then experiment with something inexpensive at first. If you grow to love a trend and want to wear it regularly, then you can invest in something pricier. Sometimes, a more expensive brand can offer a wider range of colors, or really beautiful packaging (I’m a sucker for both), but the formula inside can be similar to what’s found at the drugstore."

Personally, I've never been a fan of drugstore eye shadows. I know, I know, some brands charge outrageous prices and I should be praising the likes of Maybelline and Cover Girl for providing an inexpensive option... But I just can't do it. While I adore many drugstore products, like mascara, I just don't think the eye shadows measure up.

The pigments and textures just can't compare to the high-end shadows from Chanel and Dior. Not even close to the mid-priced, but just as fabulous, brands like MAC and Urban Decay. They just don't seem to last on me and I firmly believe that the higher quality of ingredients in the more expensive shadows is well worth the price.

Of course, Chu has a point when she says to experiment with the drugstore products... But I say head on down to Sephora and try stuff out there. They have the best return policy on the planet so if you don't like it, just give it back!

So that's my view on the drugstore-high-end debate. What's yours?

[photo credits: covergirl.com, chanel.com]

Okay, for real this time! The BIG Winner is...

Kathleen M!!!

Congratulations on your BIG win!

Enjoy the prize pack and let us all know how you like it!

Thanks again to everyone else who participated and remember to keep checking back for other fun opportunities!

Good luck next time!

Have a fabulous night!

Newsflash Rachel Zoe... I don't care what you have to say.

Early this morning I got a nice little surprise in my inbox. HauteLook sent me a lovely message detailing an exclusive look at the latest Fall Trends from Rachel Zoe.

Uhm... I am supposed to care because...?

I am not a fan of Rachel Zoe. I think the woman has a few good ideas that she has been milking for years and it's really grating on my nerves. The messy-hair-over-sized-sunglasses-boho-layers-too-much-jewelry-larger-than-life-size-bag look is all fine and dandy - if you want to spend your life looking like an Olsen Twin. And let's face it, they're billionaires. They can do whatever they want. Everyone else? Eh. It's not nearly as interesting when we do it (frankly, it's hardly all that interesting when they do it).

So when our dearest Ms. Zoe pimps this look out to each and every starlet she styles? All I can do is roll my eyes, groan, and wonder why the hell she gets paid as much as she does to do this for a living.

But maybe I'm being too harsh. After all, so many celebrities trust her with their supremely important images. Maybe she knows what she's talking about and I just don't get it?

Let's break down her fall trends, shall we?

First up we have Maxi Dresses.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but maxi dresses seem a little more like a summer thing, no? I guess I could see them for fall as well if you live in California or some place equally lovely all year round. Even in New England, if you like 'em, wear 'em. That's pretty much it. But what I don't like about her little excerpt here is that she states something that WE ALREADY KNOW. Why is this a new fall trend? Has she given us a new perspective? Nope. We all dream about tropical getaways, Rachel. The difference is that not all of us can hop on a private jet and head to St. Tropez whenever we want.

Next, we've got Dark Denim.

Uhm... Does dark denim EVER go out of style? I think it's a pretty well-known fact that you can dress denim up or down. Again, nothing new here, Rach. Though, I'm mildly impressed that you mention flare-leg jeans instead of skinny jeans. Way to think on your own - thumbs up!

Moving on to Statement Necklaces.

I'm a huge fan of statement necklaces and have been for years. Years being the key word here. YEARS, RACHEL! We've all known for years that you have a penchant for piling on the accessories like it's your job - oh wait, it IS your job...

Coco Chanel cleverly advised people to take one thing off before leaving the house, so as not to be over-accessorized... Might I suggest that you take off about five things every time you walk out the door? That might help just a little bit. Less is more, honey. Not the other way around.

What else? Sequins, of course! Oh, and don't forget the Jewel Tones.

Love sequins! I'm with you, Rachel. I love bedazzling of any kind (except the kind J.Crew does and tries to charge me like $500 bucks for!) and I think kiddies look especially adorable with a little sparkle... But what else is new? Seriously. This could be on any trend list for the last few decades! TRY SOMETHING NEW.

And jewel tones? Really? Plums and emeralds? When have you ever heard someone say to avoid jewel tones? We know they look good. We know they're fun. We know they pop. So tell me why I should care that you're talking about them!

By the way, they cannot "literally make an outfit." Trust me. The colors plum and emerald cannot, in fact, make you an outfit. They can't design it, they can't sew it, they can't even recommend the right kind of jeans for you body shape. You are supposed to be a professional. Try speaking like one.

Just so we're clear - I use the word "literally" incorrectly all the time, but in general conversation with friends, not in published work! UGH!

Alright, that's my Rachel Zoe rant.

Wait, I thought of one more thing...

EAT SOMETHING. PLEASE. For the love of everything holy, you look like a skeleton and have aged yourself about thirty years. This is not pretty. It's not sexy. It's SCARY.

There. Now I'm finished.

So, what do you guys think of her?

[photo credits: hautelook.com, themocialite.wordpress.com]

And the BIG Winner...

Will be notified later tonight!

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who participated! I am so happy you guys liked the contest and hopefully I'll be able to do other great giveaways in the future. I look forward to all kinds of fun opportunities for you guys so remember to check back for the latest and greatest!

Back to the contest at hand... A lot of people were spot on with their guesses. BIG, the Maybelline Mascot, was actually in the officially commercial 6 times, so awesome job to everyone who got it right!

(Huge thanks to everyone who followed the blog or followed me on Twitter as well!)

And the biggest thanks goes out to Maybelline for sponsoring this fabulous contest and Lizzie over at AMP who put it together for me!

I'll be sure to let you guys all know what the Prize Pack Winner thinks of her new goodies as soon as I hear about it.

[photo credits: Maybelline NY]

Dear J. Crew...

Oh. Em. Gee. Have you LOST YOUR MIND?

I mean, okay, J. Crew, I know your shtick. Do I covet your overpriced and adorably WASPY clothes? Why, yes. Yes, I do. I love the ridiculously expensive cardigans, embellished t-shirts, and comfy khakis... I especially love your clearance section because it means I don't actually have to buy anything full price, since you have such great sales. In general, I'm a huge fan.

But this? This I cannot condone.

$495 for a bedazzled tank top? SERIOUSLY? WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE SMOKING?

Who the hell do you think you are? Has your moderate success gone to your head and made you whacky? I mean... Okay, so you try to charge me like two-hundred bucks for a cashmere sweater. It is cashmere after all. I can handle that. I can't afford it, but I can justify in my head why you might put a price tag like that on it.

But this? What the hell is so special about this? It's a bunch of sequins! Just SEQUINS! You know, those shiny little plastic things that usually adorn the dance recital costumes of small children?

And why don't the sequins even cover the whole shirt? Is it supposed to look like you're wearing a sparkly tube top over a nude colored tank top?

Oh, no... No, it can't even look like a tube top because there are no freakin' sequins on the back.

Look! It's just PLAIN! And apparently poorly constructed... What's with the weird puckers? And why is the bottom seam all wonky? I don't get it. I mean, if you're gonna do sequins, why not go all the way? And why is it so loose? It's not loose or long enough to be a tunic... It just kind of... Hangs there. I don't get it.

Not cool, J. Crew. Even your model looks like she's a little confused as to why she is standing there in a partially-sequined tank top that has been paired with what looks like loose-fitting trousers of some sort instead of some super-tight, dark-denim skinny jeans that might make this absurdly priced garment look a little more acceptable.

I vote that you rethink this weird dressy/non dressy bedazzled top thing and come back to me with a new idea. Then I might be willing to give you another chance.

How does that sound? Reasonable, right? Yeah. I thought so.

'Kay. That was all.

Yours truly,

Leelee

*Don't forget! You still have some time to enter the Maybelline Prize Pack ($75 value) Contest!

[photo credit: jcrew.com]

Project Runway Meets Moulin Rouge... Only Less Fun

This week's episode of Project Runway was a blur of sequins, feathers, and runaway beads. The designers seemed especially frazzled at the prospect of impressing fashion legend, Bob Mackie, and pop princess, Christina Aguilera (girl needs to lay off the bad haircuts/blindingly bright lipstick/orange faux tan), and it definitely showed in the end results.

The judges were having quite a night themselves, as they blasted one look after the other with some rather harsh (and mostly deserved) comments. I, for one, was highly entertained by the train wreck of an episode.

I was also, unfortunately, pretty disappointed with the final runway looks. This is supposed to be a stage look for Christina Aguilera, people. Have you all seen some of the crazy stuff that girl wears off stage, let alone on it? I can't imagine why people were so safe in their designs. I mean, black is all fine and dandy but where was all the hot pink/bright blue/gold/etc that you can actually use when you're creating a stage costume? There was some sparkle, some feathers, some metallics... But most of it was very blah to me.

Let's get to the runway, shall we?

"You're both thinking she comes out in a pumpkin and then pops out."

Tim Gunn sure hit the nail on the head with that workroom quip about Althea Harper and one of the other designers. What is this big reveal they kept going for? This gorgeous silver dress had a hideously-ugly-feathered-motorcycle-jacket-type thing on top of it when the model first stepped onto the runway. Why? Because Althea wanted there to be a "wow" factor"

Uhm... What? Shouldn't the dress itself be a wow factor? It's supposed to be a stage outfit, is it not? Ridiculous. I was so annoyed by that fuzzy jacket thing that I was hoping her dress (which I do like very much) wouldn't win.

"Irina is actually a really good designer. Her only problem is that she's a bitch."

Ding, ding, ding! Fellow designer, Nicolas Putvinski, was so right about Irina Shabayeva. But just we're clear, Nicolas, it takes one to know one.

Yes, she is a really good designer. Yes, she is really talented. Yes, she usually has great taste. But she freakin' knows it. That's the problem. She knows she's good and assumes no one else can possibly even begin to compare.

Newsflash, Irina. It's really annoying. Get over yourself.

Oh, and your oh-so-amazing dress? Not that impressive. Kinda cute. Kinda sparkly. Mostly it just looked liked upscale lingerie. Or a figure skating costume. Yawn. I'm disappointed. This dress is certainly nothing to write home about. Or brag on national television about. Keep that in mind next time you run your mouth, Irina.

"I just decided to toss it and start all over."

And this is what you came up with? Oh, honey...

As last week's winner, Gordana Gehlhausen certainly needs to thank her lucky stars that she had immunity this week. Otherwise, her massive meltdown in the workroom would have had her packing her bags and heading home. What the hell is this? Some weird crocheted sequin tunic over a flowy evening gown? I don't get it. It's just ugly and unflattering. And what in the world is going on in the boob area? Are those buttons or something? It just makes no sense. None at all. I'm talking epic fail here.

"This is by far the best Project Runway moment ever."

So, Nicolas, this is what you create when your so-called idol is sitting in front of you? Don't get me wrong, it's very nice. It's clearly well-constructed, the concept is very cute, and it looks great on the model and would probably look great on Christina Aguilera... But I'm bored. It also looks just like everything else Nicolas has produced this season. Is he aware that there is a whole broad spectrum of colors out there? You don't have to use white every time, dude. Try something new. It won't hurt. I promise.

And for the love of God, please step away from the flat iron!

Seriously. No flat iron necessary for this limp mess of hair.

"I wouldn't put that on a chorus girl, let alone a star." - Bob Mackie

"This is 1999 in the costume department." - Tim Gunn

"This was tasteless." - Nina Garcia

"You get a big E for effort." - Christina Aguilera (she was impressively sweet to all the designers)

I'm not sure what else I can say about Christopher Straub's poorly constructed, ill-fitting, sad imitation of Christina's Lady Marmalade costume? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Hey, Chris... This is what that costume is supposed look like:

If you're going for that look, go all the way, you know?

"It's a little cavewoman..."

Yes. Yes it is. That cut up fur thing is tacky, as are the chains all over it. The dress isn't tragic... It's a cute little shimmery mini dress and that side seam is kinda cool... But eh. I'm underwhelmed. It just doesn't seem like it fits her very well. I'm digging the metallic zebra print, though. It's definitely fun. I just don't think Logan Neitzel took it far enough. I'm also convinced that the judges keep him around because he's a really great piece of eye candy.

"I think you have a major wow factor here."

Really, Tim? Are you sure? Wow-factor? I'm not sure I would go that far. It's definitely a very nice dress. Unfortunately it's hard to see all the details in photos, but there was a ton of great detail work. Feathers and sequins and all kinds of fun stuff. It fit the model perfectly and really made her waist look teeeeeeeny-tinyyyyyy.

I'm still kinda bored. It's a beautiful dress, no doubt, but I just don't think it's a stage costume. It's a good beginning. Just not...enough.

Either way, the judges outvoted me and decided that Carol Hannah was the winner. Congrats, Carol! Awesome job, especially for someone who's never done anything as over the top as this.

"I just don't know why Shirin is still here. Her design sensibility is very bargain basement."

Actually, no, Irina, it's not. You're just a bitch.

Everything else we've seen from Shirin Askari has been quite lovely. She's won a challenge and been in the top 3 for many others. I'm really sad to see her go... Even though this tragedy of a dress was appropriately described by the judges as unfortunate and dowdy. Heidi refers to it as an upscale Halloween dress and Tim Gunn's assessment that it looks like Guinevere meets Vampira was pretty spot on. He also told her it looks like student work. Ouch.

So, it's auf wiedersehen to Shirin and I, for one, do not agree.

Come on, guys! Chris, sweetheart that he is, has been in the bottom two three times in a row now! This is the first time Shirin has even been in the bottom! What the hell kind of a decision is that? Not cool. Not at all.

So what did you think? Did the judges chose right? And who's super excited for what looks to be like a smackdown between Nicolas and Irina on next week's episode? I know I am!!

P.S. Don't forget you still have time to enter the Maybelline Big Chance Prize Pack! Check it out here!

[photo credits: mylifetime.com, movies.yahoo.com]

Who Wants to Look Like a Bug?

Good news for you! The Olsen twins are bringing their Insect-Chic to the wide world of sunglasses!

Uhm... Seriously?

Now, I love giant sunglasses as much as the next girl, but the Olsen's take it to a whole new level.

WHAT IS THAT? They have TINY faces. There is NO need for sunglasses that large! Don't get me wrong, I think the Olsens are pretty damn adorable in most cases (aside from when they feel the need to dress like bag ladies), but this is is just... Blah.

They will be releasing four different styles (I'm not sure if those four will range in color/design or if it will just be four standard styles) through their high-end line, The Row, and have partnered with famed luxury eye wear designer, Linda Farrow.

This is what they came up with...

Is this a joke? I've definitely seen these sunglasses at Target.

The best part? The Olsen's sunglasses will be available in the awesomely affordable price range of $325 - $390.

SAY WHAT?

Who do they think they are? Chanel?

Party foul, Mary Kate & Ashley.

I'm disappointed in you. You are not that famous or that talented that you need to be charging those prices for plastic. Seriously. Though, I guess you can argue that no one should be charging those prices for plastic... But let's face it. If you buy $300 sunglasses you're buying a name and nothing else. But what do you get from The Row? No instantly recognizable double-C's from Chanel, no Gucci stirrups, not even a sparkling D&G. What the hell is the point?

I do not approve.

What do you guys think? Yay or nay on the Olsen's sunglasses?

Don't forget! You still have time to enter the Big Chance From Maybelline Prize Pack worth $75!

[photo credits: nylon.com, bagstodie4.com]

A BIG Chance to Win From Maybelline!

*CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED - THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!*

Who's up for free makeup? I know I always am! See the bottom of this post for details!

In the meantime, a little background leading up to the contest...

Okay, so there's one product I constantly find myself arguing about.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara.

Loved by beauty editors and makeup artists alike, and consistently a winner on all kinds of top beauty product lists... I just can't make this stuff work for me. I reviewed it in a previous post and while most of my fave mascaras do come from Maybelline, I've just never been able to get on the Great Lash Bandwagon. Tons of people disagree with me, though, so it looks like I'll be arguing for quite a while. But maybe I'll be on the other side soon...

Enter Great Lash BIG. It looks like the same formula that makes Great Lash the "Number 1" mascara but with a new gigantic brush. One of my biggest complaints about the original Great Lash is the small brush, so YAY!



Looks pretty interesting. Brittany over at Clumps of Mascara has a comparison of regular Great Lash and the new Great Lash Big, so float on over there if you'd like more info.

*CONTEST INFO*

The awesome folks over at Maybelline have been kind enough to sponsor a little contest for all you wonderful readers out there!

You'll win a Maybelline Gift Pack filled with full-sized samples of Great Lash BIG and tons of other Maybelline NY products, including a Maybelline-branded compact mirror (total prize value of $75).

Here's what you need to do:

1. Maybelline sent out BIG, the Great Lash Big mascot, out into the busy streets of NYC to find a charismatic young woman to appear in the Great Lash Big Gig commercial. Check out the casting process below and pay special attention to the actual commercial at the end.

2. Leave a comment on the post and let me know how many times you spot "BIG" (the Great Lash BIG mascot) in the final commercial (starts at 2:08) - any comments will qualify as entries, you don't have to be correct to win. Also, if you comment as anonymous please leave your email (or send me a private email) just so I have a way to contact you.

3. Follow this blog (you can do this from the sidebar or up at the top of the screen) for a second entry. (optional)

4. Follow me on Twitter (link on the sidebar) for a third entry. (also optional)

That's it! Pretty simple, right?

You have until Sunday, October 25th to enter and I will notify the winner on Monday, October 26th.

Please let me know if you have any problems entering.

Happy viewing everyone!

[photo credits: Maybelline NY] And special thanks to Lizzie at Maybelline for this opportunity!