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So, as some of you have noticed, I have been MIA for about a week.  I started my new job with Benefit Cosmetics (I’m the Counter Manager @ Macy’s) and it has been so busy, I have not had time to update, but I’ve been having a blast at work.  I am so sorry for neglecting you : (

On the plus side, I found all these amazing products I didn’t know about, but now cannot live without!  Benefit is known for it’s “fake it” and “fix it” products, specialty items that do everything from concealing redness, to cooling and de-puffing your under eye bags. These are items that no one else carries, or has anything that compares.  I am so proud to represent this awesome brand and I’m not just saying it because I work there, I honestly believe in each product.

I thought as a special treat I would share with you my Top 6 Benefit Cosmetics MUST Haves!!

1. Coralista – This coral pink Box ‘O Powder will leave your face glowing.  Sweep on cheeks and you will be ready for spring.  With the slightest hint of shimmer your face will be bright and light on even the rainiest spring days. $28

2. Hello Flawless - Your custom powder compact, a finely milled powder that comes with a brush and sponge for light and heavy application.  With SPF 15, this is a summer staple. $34

3. BADGal Waterproof Liner - The ultimate black liner that doesn’t smudge or move, even in your waterline…..amazing! $20

 

4. You’re Bluffing - Take the red out with this yellow based concealer stick.  Dab on red areas, broken capillaries, cheeks and rub in.  Watch the red disappear and put your foundation over top for an even finish. $22

5. Benetint – A beautiful rose tinted lip and cheek stain.  Multi purpose, dab on lips for a sexy sheer just kissed color, or on cheeks for a fresh, flushed look. You can even use it as a base for blush, dab this on, and blush away for a deeper color payoff $28

Visit me or your local Benefit Counter to find the products that will help your face and body be the best it can be.  

Keep it Pretty,

Erin

Keep it Pretty,

MAC Dazzleglass re-launched this week, the original Dazzleglasses came out May of 2008. With 4 new colors and the rest repromotes, you can try a new color or stock up on your favorite you ran out of from last year. Word on the street is that some of the colors are going to remain in the permanent line, which I hope happens because there is nothing like them on the market. 

Today I went and picked up my favorites, Date Night (a dark berry w/blue glitter), Bare Necessity (tan with pink reflects), and Love Alert (hot pink/reddish).  Other hot colors to check out this year is the new Goldyrocks (light yellow gold), Smile (a peachy coral), Like Venus (pink/lavender), and Baby Sparks (repromote, a milky pink). The girls at MAC said that the Dazzleglasses were flying off the shelf, I’m not surprised considering how gorgeous they are. Most of them look super pigmented in the tube but when put on the lip it provides the perfect wash of sheer color with tons of glitter.  Each shade has different colored glitter, some with pink and gold, some silver, but each with a holographic, 3D effect on the lips. Dazzleglass is super shiny and super bold, definitely not for the faint of heart.  $18ea @ MAC Cosmetics.

Pair this with their new CORALISTA box ‘o blush and you’ll have the perfect summer face.

Keep it Pretty,

Erin

(How cute is it that it looks like a little pink egg and Easter is around the corner?  Just thought I’d point that out, now you really have to go buy the BeautyBlender.)

Keep it Pretty,

Erin

Being a makeup artist I am always looking for ways to make my case lighter, more compact, and I am always looking to save money.  The fact is, palettes are cost efficient, lightwight and easier to take along to gigs.  What would normally be say, $300+ for 20 different foundation shades, you can get in a palette for $60.  Now, obviously you don’t get as much product but let’s face it, unless your Pat McGrath and doing 900 makeup applications a day, you will never use it all before it goes bad anyway.  Same goes for concealer palettes, etc. Plus, companies like RCMA, Graftobian have palettes with such a wide range of colors in them you never need anything else.  So, when I came across the Bobbi Brown lip palette, I was so excited.  Makeup artists around the globe can now throw away those old tubes, that take up so much room and always get lost.  For some reason, lip palettes are hard to come by.

Bobbi Brown is known in the industry as a leading force in both the runway/fashion world and cosmetics world.  Her cosmetics company of the same moniker is known for classic colors, flawless finish foundations, and amazing lipstick formulas.  Her lipstick is creamy and very pigmented so you don’t need a lot for a big color payoff.  The formula also stays well and works even longer with a little gloss on top.  This palette has 42 of her best shades including a retractable lip brush and 3 different lipstick finishes, sheer, creamy, and full coverage.  The colors range from reds, pinks, to browns, mauves, plums, and everything in between.  It also has a nifty clear divider between the two halves, which is great to mix your own colors on! I love this palette, while it is a bit pricy, at $200, it is limited edition, and seems well worth it when you do the math.  Also, I think makeup artists get some kind of discount with Bobbi Brown. You can order this right from her website, www(dot)bobbibrown(dot)com. Love it!

Keep it Pretty,

Erin

This weekend in Baltimore, Maryland the new dolphin show, Our Ocean Planet debuted and made a splash in the community.  It was a hit show, with a great performance from both the dolphins, and trainers, that we were lucky enough to see.  

The show started off with a brief video about dolphins which was informative, fun and very creative and helped the young one’s get involved. Then on to some amazing “tricks”, the dolphins waved Hi with their fins, blew bubbles under water, did flips and even slid across the back ledge on their bellies.  There was also another video on pollution and how it affects the ocean life, which was so important to get the message out there and teach the children, and parents how to keep our oceans safe and clean.  During another part in the show, they had a few children from the audience come up to the “pool stage” holding flags from all around the globe.  It really united the audience and reminded us that it is everyones duty to respect the ocean, it’s creatures, and our planet where ever we are, no matter where we come from or what our background may be.  The grade finale concluded the show with a dolphin doing a high jump, touching a mock “planet” replica held at least 15 ft. if not more above the water, and the dolphins going around the pool, splashing the audience with their fins.  

From the music, videos, tricks, show emcee, and the cute dolphins, this was the best dolphin show I have seen.  It was put together flawlessly and it is fun for all ages.  If you live in the Baltimore area, in Maryland, or if you are ever here on business or just visiting, this show is a must see on your to do list.  Stop by the National Aquarium in Baltimore, catch the dolphin show, and then visit the rest of the aquarium, which also has the Animal Planet, Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit that takes you on a journey through the Northern Territory.  Also, don’t forget the new 4-D immersion experience which is a theater that stimulates all your senses.

Go to www.aqua.org for tickets, showtimes, and open exhibits.  

I will be posting pics from our day at the show and the aquarium on flickr so check back soon for the link!

Here are some videos we took of the new show….enjoy!

Keep it Pretty,

Erin

Visit www. aqua.org for more info and tickets.