Film Noir Blonde’s beauty picks for fall 2013

September 25, 2013 by
Guerlain's 2013 collection clearly channels film noir. Love the berry-colored lips and nails.

Guerlain’s 2013 collection clearly channels film noir. Love the berry-colored lips and nails.

Try pairing a half-moon manicure in this sumptuous shade with nude polish on the toenails.

Try pairing a half-moon manicure in this sumptuous shade with nude polish on the toenails.

Bond No. 9's latest New York City swoon: Perfumista Avenue.

Bond No. 9’s latest New York City swoon: Perfumista Avenue.

Designer Tory Burch said her mother's vanity table inspired her new fragrance and beauty collection.

Designer Tory Burch said her mother’s vanity table inspired her new fragrance and beauty collection.

Phylia de M, a hair restorer/thickener, is receiving rave reviews.

Phylia de M, a hair restorer/thickener, is receiving rave reviews.

Kate Winslet for Lancome is inspiration for any femme fatale.

Kate Winslet for Lancome is inspiration for any femme fatale.

Add a pop of bright color to emphasize your eyes with Lancome's Art Liner 24H.

Add a pop of bright color to emphasize your eyes with Lancome’s Art Liner 24H.

After a five-year hiatus, Jo Malone is back with Jo Loves. Gift-buying dilemma now over.

After a five-year hiatus, fragrance guru and former florist’s apprentice Jo Malone is back with Jo Loves. Gift-buying dilemma now over.

Dior first introduced Dior #9 in 1953. This classic red was recently relaunched as #999.

Christian Dior first introduced Dior #9 lipstick in 1953. This classic red was recently relaunched as #999.

Dior's New Look photographed for Vogue.

Dior’s New Look photographed by Serge Balkin for Vogue.

Chanel's gorgeous Cast a Spell collection is new this fall.

Chanel’s gorgeous Cast a Spell collection is new this fall.

When Marilyn Monroe was asked what she wore to bed, her answer was Chanel No. 5.

When reporters asked Marilyn Monroe what she wore to bed, her answer was Chanel No. 5.

Looking forward to a spritz of Estée Lauder's Modern Muse and, I hope, a surge of creativity. ;)

Looking forward to a spritz of Estée Lauder’s Modern Muse.

Since the '90s, Lorraine Massey has been helping those with hard-to-tame tresses embrace their inner curl. But her products are new to Space NK in Brentwood. Cheers, Lorraine!

Since the ’90s, Lorraine Massey has been helping those with hard-to-tame tresses embrace their inner curl. But her products are new to Space NK in Brentwood. Cheers, Lorraine!

The nice girls at Space NK in Brentwood recommended Life Daily Fix Foot Cream to heal my dry cracked heels. Perfect for a post-yoga slather. Take that, Warrior 3 and Reverse Half Moon!

The nice girls at Space NK in Brentwood recommended Life Daily Fix Foot Cream to heal my dry and cracked heels. Perfect for a post-yoga slather. Take that, Warrior 3 and Reverse Half Moon!

Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King says she had vintage Hollywood in mind when she created her Velvet Rope lipstick collection. Shown here is Star System, a nude with A-list oomph.

Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King says she had vintage Hollywood in mind when she created her Velvet Rope lipstick collection. Shown here is Star System, a nude with A-list oomph.

Laura Mercier's Dark Spell Collection looks truly divine.

Laura Mercier’s Dark Spell Collection looks truly divine.

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My quest for the perfect eyeliner: Part Seven

November 14, 2011 by

Artliner by Lancôme is a go-to tube.

Looking to perfect your cat eye or create some subtle definition? Lancôme’s Artliner eyeliner, $29, is a go-to tube whether you’re going for full-on glamour or understated élan.

The liquid pen with a slender foam tip is easy to use and the rich, intense color leaves a soft, pretty finish. Artliner goes on smoothly, layers nicely and stays put without streaking or flaking.

I was excited to find out it comes in nine colors – two variations of black as well as aubergine, brown, gray and navy as well as three metallics – forest green, baby blue and amber.

Such a palette, such pigment! Who knows what inspiration you might find?

Product Source: I received a review sample from Lancôme. I did not receive compensation for this post.

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Lancôme’s Bi-Facil is quick, clean and efficient

August 10, 2011 by

Bi-Facil tackles stubborn makeup.

One of my vanity-table staples is Lancôme’s Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, $26 for 4.2 ounces. I’ve used it for more than 10 years and have not found anything that outperforms.  Bi-Facil dissolves eye makeup (even waterproof) in a flash and, while moisturizing, doesn’t leave a heavy or oily residue.

It doesn’t seem like that would be a particularly tall order, but I have tried other brands (drugstore and department store) thinking I could save a few dollars. Not so much. Other products were ineffective at thorough removal and I found myself tugging at the underye skin in order to complete the job.

Lancôme’s site refers to a bi-phase formula. The lipid phase lifts off eye makeup, while the water phase contains emollients to refresh and condition skin. Lancôme also notes that Bi-Facil is ophthalmologist-tested for safety, making it ideal for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

Another plus: A little goes a long way, so a bottle will last several months.

Product Source: From my own collection; I did not receive product or compensation from Lancôme. Photo from Lancôme.

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