Quack Quack

I woke up this morning to two ducks waddling across the front yard. Seriously, just walking around minding their own business. While I come from a small town, it's far from the country. It got me thinking, Easter is almost here, and I've got egg decorating on the brain. For some twenty odd years, there has been a long standing tradition among friends, to create the most fabulous, outlandish, wicked Easter egg ever done. This is a creative group, a take no prisoners contest. Anything and everything goes, from ornate to jeweled to real life looking egg people to TV's aliens. It's competitive and hilarious fun. We all used to be in the same city sitting around a table laughing, but sadly that is no longer true. Facebook allows us to carry on the wacky tradition. When I came across Eos, the fabulous, all natural skincare line, I had to chuckle. The cute sphere packaging reminded me of an egg! Packed with shea butter, anti-oxidants, and vitamins C and E, the lotion feels smooth and silky, not sticky. It's hypoallergenic and doesn't irritate the skin. The lip balm is to die for! I've even spotted pics of Rachel Evan Wood posing with her Eos Lip Balm and a couple of Backstreet Boys, too. Hey, guys need to stay hydrated.
"Eos lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, EOS keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth." It comes in fruity flavors like summer fruit, lemon drop SPF 15, honeysuckle honeydew and sweet mint. Best of all you can get it at your local drugstore. It won't cost you an arm and a leg, or an egg.

http://www.evolutionofsmooth.com/

Frangipani, Magnolia, Orchids and Tropical Eden

Soleil Tan de Chanel in Bronze Rose, a limited edition piece, is part of Chanel's Summer 2011 Collection, " Le Fleurs D' Ete de Chanel. " The palette is stunning in three different golden bronze hues, with a gorgeous pop of soft pink. The bronzers are the perfect flat shades of natural beige, with the slightest hint of shimmer. "Le Fleurs D'Ete" can be your summer go to product, use it all over the face. The lighter shades swept through the eye crease, create a delicate, bronzey St. Tropez beach feel. A pop of pink, Rose on the apples, brings sunny paradise alive on the face.

Add Chanel's Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Pink Peony to the lip, for a luscious burst of pink with specks of gold sunshine, or Aurore, in soft, coral shimmer. You'll look tres jolie, modern and summer fresh. Glossimer is the perfect compliment to your Soleil Tan de Chanel palette. The gloss is not sticky or gooey, and the texture is divine, delivering gorgeous bursts of color. Chanel delivers every time. The Summer 2011 Collection Glossimer shades are limited editions, so why pick just one when you can have two? A girl's gotta have options. Mais oui.
























http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Summer-2011-Collection-123037

Sticks & Stones & Birds of Paradise

I just received some fabulous Shu Uemura product in anteprima for the big contest. These fantastic pieces are part of the Shu kits the lucky "top twenty artists" will receive to compete in the Mystic Nature contest. The Eyelash Curler is a must for every artist. I have raved about this curler before, but truly can't say enough. It is the best Eyelash Curler on the market, end of story. Shu's Stage Performer Instant-Glow, Immediate Radiance Skin Perfecting Cream works like a multi-functional product, meant to be worn under makeup. The cream is rich and luxurious, with tiny specks of glow delivering a pretty, polished finish. It goes on smooth, translucent and delivers 24 hour moisture. Perfect for your Mystic Nature inspired look's base. Shu's Rouge Unlimited Creme Matte in RD 165 M is a blue-tone, cool, sexy red. It reminds me of a sophisticated woman from the forties and a decadent, lost elegance. The piece de resistance is Shu's Painting Liner eye liner in gold. It goes on smooth, stays put, is smudge proof and waterproof. I can imagine painting some delicate golden branches and twigs down the face, with this highly pigmented liner. Perhaps adding some real leaves, and a bit of dew creating your very own Mystic Nature goddess. The possibilities are endless. The contest only has a few days left to enter, so what are you waiting for? To make it into the top twenty would be a dream come true. One filled with rockin', Shu Uemura products in abundance.

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

TO ENTER:

http://www.facebook.com/ShuUemuraUsa

About the contest:

"MONTREAL, March 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Mr. Shu Uemura, the legendary make-up artist and beauty pioneer, made history by introducing the first make-up competition in 1972. Today, the international competition continues to exhilarate, motivate and inspire participants to go beyond common techniques. We are proud to announce the 1st North American shu uemura Beauty Art Make-up Competition under the theme of Mystic Nature.

Starting March 8th, 2011, upcoming industry talent and aspiring make-up artists can register for a chance to participate in the competition. Amongst all applications received, a panel of judges will select 20 outstanding artists. They will take part in the 1st shu uemura North American Beauty Art Make-up Competition by completing 5 make-up challenges with videos posted on the shu uemura Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/shuuemurausa

The 20 candidates will have to create unique looks that will demonstrate their artistic talents and showcase their potential to be an exceptionally creative make-up artist. By voting for their favorite looks, Facebook fans will ultimately select their 5 favorite contestants.

On June 14th, 2011, the 5 selected finalists will have the chance to attend Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, where they will complete the final make-up challenge during a live event in Toronto, Ontario. Only one lucky winner will be selected by a jury of industry professionals during the live event. The winner will become a member of the shu uemura make-up Artist team and will represent the brand in North America.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/shuuemurausa for contest registration, rules and regulations"