Archive for the 'ABS' Five' Category
ABS’ Five: New & Noteworthy
March 17, 2010ABS’ Five: Non-Beauty Lemmings
November 16, 2009
If a big fat check were to magically appear in my lap, I’d be first in line to pick up these Christian Louboutin Velours Scrunch Boots ($1,275.00). I’ve been all about the slouchy boots lately and these Louboutins with their perfectly placed scrunches and striking red soles are definitely lemming-worthy.
David Yurman’s Multi-Stone Oval Mosaic Ring ($2,300.00) is a fun, whimsical mix of smooth and faceted blue topaz, milky aquamarine, iolite, London blue topaz, blue sapphire and diamonds. It’s just begging to take up residence on my finger.
I love the look of a chunky, dramatic bib necklace over a simple black top, and J. Crew’s Sparkle Bib Necklace ($250.00), an intricate Swarovski-crystal studded statement piece, is sure to dress up any outfit.
Oppolita’s Rock Candy Teeny Teardrop Blue Topaz Earrings ($350.00) are glittering bits of beauty that are sure to catch the light just-so as they dangle from your ears. These are my kinda earrings.
And last but most definitely not least, I’ve been dying to get myself the Sony Reader Touch Edition ($299.99) so that I can have hundreds of books in super slim tablet form. While I do love the tactile sensation of physically flipping through the pages of a book and skipping to my favorite sections, I always seem to have a million and one things in my purse and no room for my current fave reads – this Sony Reader would be such a space-saver.
What are your current non-beauty lemmings?
ABS’ Five: YSL Exclusives From Saks
October 15, 2009
1) Yves Saint Laurent Skin Restoring Skincare Palette ($69): A skincare palette that combines two specialist formulae in one glamorous compact, to target skin affected by stress, pollution, climate changes and lack of sleep. This palette helps regain soothed, perfectly hydrated and smoothed skin. The upper compartment of the palette contains lip balm, while the lower contains facial cream. The compact is very reminiscent of my YSL Semi-Loose Powder which I actually still quite adore but if it’s just as bulky, I’m not too interested.
2) Yves Saint Laurent Instant Eye Wake-Up Patches ($52): Your must-have anti-fatigue beauty partner for fresh and radiant eyes. These ultra-fresh and transparent patches decongest, smooth and clarify the particularly delicate eye area. Fine lines appear smoother, skin around the eyes is left feeling moisturized and clarified and energized.
Lately my eyes have been in desperate need of some additional TLC ~ the insanely long hours that I’ve been working have been wreaking havoc on my complexion, and it’s definitely starting to show. These sound like they’d be a godsend!
3) Yves Saint Laurent Lip Re-Plumping Concentrate ($39): Smoothing concentrate visibly plumps lips and redefines the lip contour, to offer comfort, definition and radiance. Leaves lips looking well shaped, luscious and sensual, and feeling more supple and smoother. Fits perfectly into your handbag, to moisturize and beautify your lips at any time of the day.
Okay so that’s not five but I figured I go over so often that I’d stay under five for a change of pace! What do you think of these products?
ABS’ Five: Random Odds & Ends
September 16, 2009I’ve gone over five items yet again, but these new releases are all equally post-worthy so I couldn’t resist.

The perfect indulgence to tuck inside your purse for a glamorous touch of ANGEL anytime. Shimmering with elegant Swarovski® crystals, the gleaming silver treasure keeps it brilliant glow safely protected in a pristine velvet pouch.
Thierry Mugler’s Angel purse spray comes bedazzled for holiday gift-giving, and I truly appreciate that it’s refillable since I’d be loathe to throw away something this beautiful. I actually have yet to give Angel a proper sniff but I’ve been hearing great things so it’s on my list of perfumes to check out.

Smoke. Asymmetric bow detail at one-shoulder neckline. Wide shoulder strap. Natural waist. Slit pockets. Straight skirt. Silk/wool.
I saw this Milly dress in the most recent Bergdorf Goodman Fall 2009 Magazine showcasing a myriad of dramatic evening gowns, and it was instant love. I don’t really know where I’d wear this, but I want it nonetheless!

Set includes: • Two Lasting Eyeshades in a rich plum brown and matte beige • Shine Eyeshade in shimmery fawn • Perfect Blush in a medium-toned rose
From what I’ve heard, this palette is comprised of the shades in Sylvie Chantecaille’s own palette. The Bergdorf magazine has a promos hot of a model wearing all the shades and the end result is a classically chic, polish look that every professional woman would love.

Laura Mercier introduces her Limited-Edition Exclusive Essential Eye Organizer, a wardrobe of eye colors perfect for fall. Create endless looks with twelve expertly chosen eye colours. Contour, define and line eyes with three professional double-ended brushes.
The stylish eye palette contains the following eye colors:
Celestial, African Violet and Bamboo Luster Eye Colours, Black Plum, Buttercream, Cashmere and Coffee Ground Matte Eye Colours, and Sandstone, Baroque, Haze, Stellar and Sable Sateen Eye Colours.
Each palette contains the following brushes:
Double-ended Eye Color and All Over Eye Color Brush, double-ended Eye Crease and Ponytail Brush, and double-ended Smudge and Corner Eye Color Brush.
I haven’t tried very many Laura Mercier products but this set looks promising ~ I love how everything, including the brushes, is packaged together in one slim little clutch to make for easy travel.
Viktor & Rolf Eau Mega Eau de Parfum ($100 for 1.7 oz)
I have yet to see this in person, but considering how much I happen to love Flowerbomb, I’m hoping I’ll love this one as well.

Cle de Peau Beaute introduces a whole new skincare product line based on world-first science about skin functionality. Synactif transcends ordinary skincare by strengthening skin’s lymphatic channel function giving your skin renewed vitality with the benefits of a simple regimen. All the elements of this line from its comprehensively purifying formulations and exclusive ingredients, including patent-pending and revolutionary MACC, to the exclusive Synactif Intensive Facial enhance the natural efficiency of skin and work in synergy to ensure exquisite results. For maximum benefits in minimum steps, daytime moisturizing should be preceded by: Synactif lotion adoucissante (softening lotion) and Synactif soap (savon).
The aura of luxury surrounding Cle de Peau always sucks me in, and it’s no different with their latest skincare launch of the Synactif line. I would probably never purchase most of these products, but I am itching to try them!

Time Response Creme in a limited-edition value added set, including Amore Pacific’s own hand-harvested green tea. Anti-aging therapies continuously correct, protect, and reprogram skin. Pure EGCG, a potent and rare botanical compound derived from green tea, protects skin from damage and premature aging. Skin is restored to an optimal, youthful-looking state.
Set includes:
• Time Response Cream, 1.7 ounces/50mL
• Time Response Hand Cream 0.34 ounces/10mL
• Time Response Body Cream, 0.34 ounces/10mL
• Time Response Serum, 0.17 ounces/5mL
• Time Response Gel Cream 0.27 ounces/8mL
• 1st Harvest Halla Green Tea 0.7 ounces/20 grams
ABS’ Five
August 26, 2009I’m thrilled to see that some of my favorite brands have re-released some old favorites. Scroll down to check them out!

La Mer The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 ($65)
This treatment cream concealer instantly evens the skin’s appearance while adding radiance. Gemstones capture light energy to camouflage dark circles and blemishes, optically erasing imperfections to create a smooth, even finish. Precious marine and plant extracts help reduce the appearance of undereye puffiness, lines, and wrinkles and minimize pores. Redness and discoloration are diminished as skin is continuously calmed and soothed. Fine layers provide buildable coverage. Skin stays naturally flawless all day.
By the time I got around to hearing about miraculous properties of La Mer’s concealer, it was long off the market. Then I began hearing rumors last year that La Mer was planning to rerelease this little gem, and here we have it! I know it’s really pricey at $65, but it does come with a brush for application and I have yet to finish a concealer so I know this would last forever for me. I’m dying to try this!

Josie Maran’s best-selling Argan Oil now comes in a stick form! This multi-purpose balm offers all the benefits of the nourishing oil, which includes anti-aging ingredients rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. A head-to-toe spot treatment for dry areas in need of moisture, this soothing balm conditions and repairs skin as it hydrates. Use it to moisturize chapped lips, soothe dry skin, tame fly aways, alleviate itching and stinging from insect bites, moisturize dry cuticles, relieve chafing skin, soothe stretch marks, calm sunburn, soothe waxed skin, and much, much more.
The much-loved Josie Maran Argan Oil now comes in stick form! I’m thinking maybe I’d like this to use on the lips/hands and dry patches on my face as I really like my Josie Maran Argan Oil but find it a little messy to use. Plus if you’ve been wanting to check out her Argan Oil, this is a less expensive way of doing so.

Guerlain created Russian Doll—a liquid blush with a unique shade of luminous, sheer pink—to generate natural radiance and give the cheeks a healthy glow. It captures the healthy, radiant look of a woman who has a returned from a brisk walk on a crisp afternoon. The kaolin-based formula gives the blush a creamy texture that is easy to apply and dries within seconds for a comfortable, lasting feel. One drop is enough for both cheeks to perfect the “Russian Doll” look.
What can I say, I want this! Fast-drying, cute packaging, gives you a Russian Doll look – what’s not to like?

Created in 1963, Dior’s “Cult-favorite Magic Multi-tasker” is the key to truly terrific nails. This creamy salve encourages nail growth, improves nail strength, and conditions cuticles. It can be massaged into the base of nail pre- or post- polish.
I remember being a young girl and sneaking into my mother’s stash of Dior’s Creme Abricot and applying it to my cuticles – I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I felt so adult! I’m so happy to see this product is back because it brings back so many fond childhood memories for me. I think I may have to pick one up for the sake of nostalgia.

philosophy’s ‘divine illumination’ was created to transform the way skin looks and feels by addressing multiple skin concerns with topical anti-aging ingredients. The formula is enriched with peptides, vitamins E, C, and A, topical hydrators and skin-soothing agents that help balance and restore moisture levels and improve skin tone and texture. It’s also loaded with antioxidants to help protect skin against free-radical attack. What makes this anti-aging moisturizer especially unique are light diffusers and natural skin enhancers that help give skin luminosity for a healthy glow.
This launched months ago on QVC, and of course I wanted it, and then I proceeded to forget all about it. The lemming has been reawakened!
So what’s on your beauty wishlist this week?
ABS’ Five: Dior, Urban Decay, and Hourglass
August 5, 2009
A seductive palette of five rich, versatile eyeshadow colors. Allows you to create a multitude of makeup looks, from the simplest, to the most sophisticated, depending on your mood. The light, smooth texture is easy to apply, offering incomparable staying power and a silky-fine finish. Shades include: violet, light lavender, black with silver micro glitter, gray, and eggplant purple plus two double-ended sponge applicators.

An exclusive, limited-edition kit packed with the cult-favorite Eyeshadow Primer Potion and four new primers for the lips, lashes, and complexion. It’s the magic of Eyeshadow Primer Potion—for your lips, lashes, and complexion! Each product ensures that your makeup applies smoother, stays truer, and lasts longer. The runaway cult product, Primer Potion, is the ultimate eye prep product for crease-proof eyeshadow. The invisible Lip Primer keeps your favorite lipstick or gloss from fading or feathering and the Eyelash Primer builds lashes by coating each one with tiny fibers. The Complexion Primer Potion for Pore Perfecting minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, and the Complexion Primer Potion for Brightening creates beautifully moisturized skin that looks brighter and feels tighter.
This set contains:
– 1 oz Complexion Primer Potion – Brightening
– 1 oz Complexion Primer Potion – Pore Perfecting
– 0.34 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion
– 0.3 oz Eyelash Primer Potion
– 0.07 oz Lip Primer Potion SPF 15
How awesome is this Box of Potions? It packs all of the new must-have priming products (and their classic eyeshadow primer) into one box, and at a fantastic price! I’m getting all you Urban Decay fans will be all over this one.

I know it’s gimmicky, but I can’t hel pwanting this new eye treatment from Dior. I love the cooling applicator that my La Mer Eye Concentrate comes with, and this flat one looks like it’d be great to massage the eye area as well. Adding this to my looooong list of things I want but will probably never buy.

Hourglass Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo Visionaire pairs two complementary shades of supersmooth color that create gorgeous looks singly or together. Each versatile hue may be applied dry for a natural look or wet for greater intensity.
I haven’t tried many Hourglass products before, and don’t have much of an opinion on their brand as a whole, but their packaging sure is cute! I love the whole rotating mirror thing, although I’m not entirely certain how useful it’ll be.

Hourglass Primer Set gives you two ways to achieve a gorgeous complexion. Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 neutralizes skintone; creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application; and offers UV protection. Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer gets you glowing with a DHA-infused formula that creates a natural, radiant hint of bronze.
ABS’ Five: Etsy Fun!
July 23, 2009I’m not really in product-review mode today (actually I’ve been in a bit of a funk all week) so rather than sharing my beauty product lemmings with you, today we get to indulge in another bout of Etsy fun!

I love you-bot as his name implies, loves everybody, he doesn’t care who you are or where you’re from. He loves you if your hair is short or long or tall, he loves you if you play the guitar or the harmonica, if you’re into chickens or comics. It doesn’t matter, he loves YOU! The perfect gift for your girlfriend, your mom, your best friend or that celebrity you’re stalking.
ILoveYou Robot is about 6inches tall and 3 inches wide.
I’m oh so in love with this sweet little guy, those round button eyes just call to me! Doesn’t every girl need some robot love?

Throw this little doozy on with a pair of tights, your favorite boots and a cute little tucked in blouse and you are set for a night on the town. Or just a neck breaking walk around town. (not your neck..theirs!) Dont forget about the fabulous sidepockets!! Wear this skirt day or night… either way it looks great. I love this one paired with strappy booties and a tucked in tank top with a simple gold chain. You can also add a belt if you wish!!
Last night I decided it was high time I checked out some of the clothing options available on Etsy, and check out this cute little skirt I stumble upon! I know these aren’t for everybody, but I happen to be a huge fan of the paperbag waist style, and love that these are available in a rainbow of shades. I’m seriously contemplating placing an order!

Ah, to live the life of a whale…floating through the water and munching on tasty krill! This little whale pendant is made from sterling silver and is 20 mm wide and 17 mm tall (that is 13/16 of an inch by 9/16 of an inch). I have sawed this little friend by hand and then filed, drilled, and finished him off with a brushed texture. He has a hidden bail on the back which a chain can slip right through. I am including a delecate sterling silver cable chain with this pendant so you can start wearing it right away! You can, of course, change out this chain for a different sort of chain if you choose to, as it is not permanently attached. Each pendant is hand made and may differ *very slightly* from this picture. These differences are one of the things that makes each pendant special and one of a kind!
This photo is for Nicole ~ I know how she loves her cute whales!

This little bear has a cute, subtle smile on his face. 🙂 A great necklace for kids! This sterling silver necklace features the face of a smiling little bear. It has been completely hand sawed and with a jewelers saw and completed with a nice brushed finish. It measures 1 inch from ear to ear, and nearly 3/4 of an inch from the top of the head to the bottom. This pendant hangs from a 14″ (for kids), 16″ or 18″ permanently attached sterling silver cable chain (you choose the length!).
While I’m probably a little too old for this pendant, I think that it’s crazy cute and would love to wear it to work tucked under a button down where no one could see. I need to find some way to indulge my inner child!
ABS’ Five: Random Odds & Ends
July 16, 2009
The secret of this mascara’s high-definition lengthening power lies in its extending and fixing: It strikes the perfect balance between the formula’s elasticity and drying time. The result is bat-worthy lashes with a panoramic effect.
Before you begin wondering why I’m blogging about Phenomen’eyes yet again, let me just say that I believe that this is the newer version of Phenomen’eyes and a recent release! I’m not sure what precisely is different, but the spikes on the ball applicator do seem to be a tad longer/spikier.

Wake up skin with fresh, natural radiance
This gentle formula foundation helps seal in natural moisture. The ultra-fine particles smooth evenly over skin as the light creamy texture provides full coverage over problem areas. The look is beautifully radiant.
All-season formula is sweat-resistant in the summer and keeps skin hydrated in winter.
This gentle-formula foundation contains nature’s own sunscreen — titanium particles, shea butter and other natural ingredients. Spreads smoothly over skin and provides full coverage. Contains ingredients that help seal in moisture.
I saw a review of this on another blog and it’s been on my wishlist ever since. I get the feeling it could be HG material!
Darac Beauty Feature Focus Face Definer System ($39.50)
Feature Focus is a trio of coordinating cream gel makeups designed to enhance your best features and play down those that are not your favorite. It comes with the Looking Glass Cheat Sheet, a portable acetate facial silhouette that clings to any mirror to guide you through a perfect application.
A new translucent gel hybrid layers effortlessly, helping to provide a smooth application and allowing the skin to breathe. Three definer shades provide for a naturally contoured face effect. The Looking Glass Cheat Sheet is a how-to map that clings to the user’s mirror to work as an at-home guide detailing how to apply each shade. All shades can be blended for a perfect color balance.
I saw these products at Henri Bendel’s the other day and loved the packaging and the ease and convenience of three face products in one convenient little compact.
Darac Beauty TourQuam Regular Brush ($40)
Multilayered bristles with enhanced stability at the base help the TourQuam’s light fibers splay out across the face so that makeup is deposited seamlessly. The cross-hatched bristles let TourQuam kiss every nook, plane, and peak on your face for a perfect makeup application. Soft smooth fibers–based on those incorporated in fingerprinting brushes–let the TourQuam glide effortlessly across the face so that there is no streaking, skipping, or clumping. The Energer source-infused ferrule (mid-section of the brush) attracts a powder’s magnetic ingredients, helping the TourQuam pick up only the most sifted and gentle amount of powder. The ferrule’s technological movement can actually be heard as the energy source lightly and evenly propels powder across the face.
Brushes with magnets in them — whatever will they come up with next?!Juicy Loves Sephora Lip Gloss ($12)
Juicy Loves Sephora Lip Gloss is the secret to a princess-worthy pout. This soft, sweet gloss comes in a chic, pink tin adorned with the iconic Juicy Scottie dogs and crest. It’s a true must-have for every glam girl.
ABS’ Five: New Product Lemmings
June 23, 2009
This loose, rose-gold finishing powder is the final touch for a “gaze at me” glow. It contains a sheer tint that works on all skintones—anytime, anywhere. Get radiant skin in one hot minute!

Sexify your lips with these seductive new lip glosses. The glimmering, color-drenched formulas load lips with beautiful shine and the flirty shades are so flattering, you’ll want a different gloss for each purse.

Yves Saint Laurent FARD LUMIÈRE AQUARÉSISTANT Water-Resistant Eye Shadow dresses the eyelids with long-lasting, luminous, and water-resistant color. The aqueous-gel texture feels fresh upon application and dries down to a shimmering veil of color that can be layered for a look that’s as intense as you desire. The air-tight pot keeps the formula moist so that every application looks fresh and luminous.

Reach new heights with Urban Decay’s all new Skyscraper Mascara. This monumental breakthrough will lengthen, strengthen, separate, curl, brighten, and thicken your lashes sans clumping or flaking. The state-of-the-art brush features a flexible shaft and multiple rows of tapered bristles to comb through lashes from root to tip. Achieve that “come hither” look that gets ’em every time.

Sephora Brand Retractable Angled Eyeliner Brush #18 is the ideal tool for applying liquid, cream, and powder liners—wet or dry—with total control. Its tapered point fits perfectly along the lash line. The nylon bristles retract easily for sleek, safe keeping and packing.
ABS’ Five: Sephora Sampler Sets Are Back With A Vengeance!
June 17, 2009
This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked lip fixations—from a lip exfoliator to a vibrant fuchsia plumping gloss—that will leave you with a perfectly primed n’ pink pout.
This set contains:
– 0.34 oz Laura Geller Lip Strip
– 0.1 oz DuWop Prime Venom
– 0.0676 oz Korres Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in Fuschia
– 0.23 oz Sephora Super Shimmer in Think Pink
– 0.02 oz Stila Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain
– 0.1 oz Smashbox O-Gloss
– 0.09 oz ck Calvin Klein Lipstick in Mesmerize
– 0.26 oz Urban Decay Lipstick in Jilted
– 0.17 oz ck Calvin Klein Plumping Gloss in Bloom

This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked mascaras that are sure to fatten your flutter. From a lash base to a rice-bran-enriched mascara, this kit allows you to mix n’ match ’til you create the lush lashes of your dreams.
This set contains:
– 0.1 oz Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara
– 0.1 oz Tarte Lights Camera Lashes
– 0.1 oz Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara
– 0.24 oz Stila Multi Effect Mascara
– 0.14 oz Benefit Bad Gal Mini
– 0.2 oz Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash
– 0.13 oz Too Faced Mini Lash Injection Pin Point
– 0.12 oz Smashbox Bionic
– 0.07 oz Lancome Cils Booster
– 0.085 oz DuWop Lash Venom
– 0.14 oz Korres Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara

This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked eye essentials that are sure to deliver a swoon-worthy gaze. From a botanical brow gel to a lock-it-down primer to a tawny eyeshadow trio, this kit allows you to play with your products and create endless eye looks.
This set contains:
– 0.02 oz Sephora Electro Liner Copper
– 0.017 oz Anastasia Brow Gel
– 0.095 oz Anastasia Matte Highlighter
– 0.1 oz Urban Decay Primer Potion
– 0.11 oz Too Faced Shadow Insurance
– 1.7 oz Lancome Bi-Facil Makeup Remover
– 0.25 oz Cosmedicine Opti-mologist Eye Cream
– 0.005 oz Smashbox Mini Cream Eye Liner Palette
– 0.14 oz Stila Mini Smudge Pot
– 0.06 oz Smashbox Mini Eyeshadow Trio in Head Shot

This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked skincare products for a complete and flawless look. From a silicone-free face primer to a highlighting blush, you can bet your bases are covered with this complexion-perfecting kit.
This set contains:
– 0.338 oz Korres Silicone-Free Vitamin E Face Primer
– 0.0005 oz Tarte EmphasEYES in Black
– 0.1 oz Tarte Lash Hugger
– 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
– 0.08 oz Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Rose
– 100 Sheets Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens
– 0.17 Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream
– 0.1 oz Plant Love Blush in Peony
– 0.13 oz Josie Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil

This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked waterproof eye products that will not budge or smudge. From mascaras to eyeliners, this kit makes sure your eyes stay defined—come rain or shine.
This set contains:
– 0.1 oz Tarte Lights Camera Splashes
– 0.169 oz Too Faced Mini Lash Injection
– 0.1 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Lash
– 0.85 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Sens’Eyes Makeup Remover
– 0.025 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes
– 0.03 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Electric
– 0.26 oz Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof Mascara
Any thoughts on these? To be completely frank I happen to think they’re a little overpriced for what are essentially boxes of nice samples, but that doesn’t mean I don’t find myself wanting to check out a few, particularly the Naturally Gorgeous Skincare & Makeup Sampler.