Oscar Makeup: Hits and Misses!

Lets face it. The Academy Awards are great to watch, if only for the red carpet fashions. We all turn into critics and it becomes a fun competition to decide who did best and who could have done a lot better. As far as makeup goes, there were 2 classic, if predictable trends on the red carpet last night. Bright red lips can always be expected on a night where you go all-out glam. There were plenty of them. Some were absolutely flawless and some tipped the scales towards being overdone. The other trend was soft pastel shadows paired with light pink/nude lips. This light and pretty look is perfect for spring, but I got a little bored seeing it on too many faces last night.
Without further ado I present my picks for the 3 best and the 3 worst of red carpet makeup followed by  examples of how to and how not to execute 2 different looks we saw last night.

(Click images to enlarge)

THE BEST:

 Rooney Mara

Try to remember that this is not an airbrushed ad in a fashion magazine. She looks flawless. Her skin is pale and matte. Light, barely there shadow with no liner or false lashes. Light mascara and structured brows are the perfect compliment to ruby red lips.

M·A·C's New Viva Glam Line is Available NOW!

M·A·C launched their newest incarnations of the Viva Glam line online today. Nicki Minaj's last special edition Lipstick for M·A·C, Pink Friday, sold out quicker than you can say "ROMAAAAN!". So get them while they're hot, kids! Nicki's lipstick is a "bright yellow pink (satin)" and Ricky's is a clear lip conditioner. Use the coupon code "MINERAL" for free shipping! And remember, every cent of a Viva Glam product goes towards HIV/AIDS research. Look good and feel good.

Beth Ditto Collection for M·A·C

There are very few people I respect more in the music business than Beth Ditto. She dares to be nothing but herself in an industry often fueled by body image. The outspoken front woman of Gossip has a style that is completely her own and she will now have her own limited edition collection from M·A·C in June of this year. No details other than that loose release date have yet been released but you can be sure I will update you when more is available. Expect bold colors and lots of eye products!

Katy Perry's Lashes by Eylure

Katy Perry and Eylure have have teamed up to create a brand new line of false lashes! They are 100% natural, handmade, and reusable. There are four varieties and each are $6.99 and available here.
Descriptions of the lash styles are:

• Cool Kitty: Gorgeous framing with manicured tips. 

• Oh My: Big and beautiful with a layered effect.

• Oh Honey: A flattering full lash, textured for a natural finish but with enough volume to take your lashes from fine to fab!

• Sweetie Pie: A danty, natural hair lash that will discreetly add length and volume to your own lashes.

SPRINGSPOLSION!! The Best of Spring 2012

Investigating NARS new collection got my my mouth watering for the vibrant pastels of the vernal equinox, so I present to you what I consider the highlights of the Spring Makeup Collections. They include: Dior's "Garden Party", Chanel's "Harmonie de Printemps", Anna Sui's "Rose Fairy", Yves Saint Laurent's "Candy Face", Bobbi Brown's "Neons & Nudes", Essie's "Navigate Her", and OPI's "Holland". This is a mammoth posting, but nonetheless, a comprehensive glance at the best of this springs makeup counters. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT PHOTOS AND PRESS RELEASES AFTER THE JUMP!

Beauty Steal of the Week: Physicians Formula Eye Booster

Getting back in the swing of things for 2012, I present the newest beauty steal of the week: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum (what a mouthful!). I spotted this little pen in CVS for a little over $10 (plus it was buy 1, get 1 free). It claims that after 2-4 weeks of daily use that lashes are "Longer, Fuller, More Enhanced". While, I can't be tamed enough to stick to one eyeliner for any length of time, I can tell you that, as a liquid eyeliner alone, this is a fantastic product. For the price, it behaves as well as a high-end liner. The metal pen is easy to spot in a crowded makeup bag (which is a plus for me) and the tip is precise and sharp and has stayed that way for more than 2 months of frequent use, making it beyond easy to achieve easy cat eyes. The formula goes on perfectly, lasts all day, and feels weightless. Colors available are Ultra Black (my choice), Black, Deep Brown, and Clear.
As I said, I can't speak from personal experience as to the lash growing effects, but the reviews online seem positive in general. It is safe for contact wearers and those with sensitive skin and eyes (unlike products like Latisse, for example). As someone who has been irritated by itchy liquid liners in the past, this is a plus.
If you're in the market for a fantastic, quality liquid liner, consider this my seal of approval!

Blooming: NARS Spring 2012 Collection

Popping into stores and online on January 13th, François Nars newest collection will make you pop with vibrant hues this spring! Some expected pastel shades are mixed with more unexpected royal blue, bronze, copper, and nude colors which are usually more common in summer collections (which the campaign shot above echoes).
I'm most excited about three items:

• Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Mexican Rose (hot pink)
• NARS famous blush in Gaiety (candy pink similar to my favorite, Desire, but a little more icy pink than hot)
• Eyeshadow in Lhasa (a shimmering lavender-gray)

Read the press release and see a shot of the collection after the jump!