Your Daily Dose of NARSsism- Tips from an Insider

Listen up beauties, Marcel has a tip to share about achieving a smooth satin finish.

TIPS FOR YOUR BEST LOOKS!

It’s SHOWTIME with Marcel…

Always put your best face forward

NARSISSISM #4-Marcel says:

"Matte skin always looks beautiful and clean. After foundation, apply a translucent loose powder with a powder puff and buff away any excess with a large, soft brush. This will create a luminous, satin finish rather than a dry, powdery surface."

Sniff, Inhale, Take a Bite of Be Delicious by DKNY

Ladies and gents, I am venturing into new territory here. I am almost ashamed to admit to you all that while my color and skincare knowledge is both varied and vast, I am a perfumery putz. For lack of a proper fragrance vocabulary, I have been terribly remiss in providing you all with proper fragrance features. No more!

I am going to try my best to convey the feelings that each scent inspires in me. From the notes as listed on the bottle, to the type of woman I see wearing this scent, I will try to cover it all as best as I can. I would really appreciate some feedback, letting me know if you like this style or if I should change it. No longer will Krasey Beauty be without proper parfum amor.

So let's get started, shall we?

Sweet to me
Like sugar to my heart
I'm cravin' for you
I'm missin' you like candy

- Candy by Mandy Moore

Zoya Nail Polish Exchange

Those wacky fairies (sometimes Pixies) are at it again, and this time they are up to no good! They are not only helping nail polish lovers get their fingertip-loving fix, but they are also doing their part to keep the planet looking pretty by eliminating harmful waste. As part of a campaign that started on Earth Day, Zoya is offering everyone the opportunity to send in their old, boring nail polishes from other brands in favor of some shiny and new Zoya shades.

Here are the full details, as taken from the Zoya Nail Polish Exchange website.

Do you have old bottles of nail polish , used or unused, laying around, collecting dust and tying up your valuable money? If you do, and we know you do, then this is the perfect program for you.

For a limited time, kicking off in April, in time for Earth Day 2010*, Zoya will replace your old nail polish (any brand other than Zoya, Qtica or Nocti) with any brand new Zoya Nail Polish shade and properly dispose of your old polish according EPA guidelines. Choose from over 300 ready-to-wear, formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate free, award winning colors (Zoya Nail Polish was awarded the longest wearing nail polish in Women’s Helath magazine)! Yep, an offer that's as good for the planet as it is for your beauty budget - Wow!

I love what Zoya is doing for my nails, and now I am loving what they are doing for the environment just as much. This campaign ends on June 30th, so stop by the Zoya Nail Polish Exchange site today to get your green-friendly polish on.

Baked Makeup Goodness- Laura Geller

Pop quiz time. What do the following two ladies have in common?

If you guessed that they are both associated with kick-butt baked 'goods', you would be absolutely correct. Sure, Laura Geller's products aren't exactly edible, but that doesn't mean they aren't tasty. Let's delve deeper, shall we?

Art Class is in Session- Greasepaint Sticks

Crayons and markers have nothing on these 'art supplies'. The newest from M∙A∙C Cosmetics, The Art Supplies Collection channels your favorite art class with a range of pen-like products that are meant to bring the pretty, drawing style. One thing is for sure, this collection has this colorful and smoky eye lover dazed, dazzled, and all in a tizzy. The Greasepaint Sticks steal the show, very deserving of their own spotlight.

Sand, Surf, and the Guerlain Summer Collection

News of the Guerlain Dazzling Radiance collection for Summer 2010 has just reached Krasey HQ, so naturally I felt the need to pass this gorgeousness on to all of you.

Ask The Artist with Janice Daoud of NARS Cosmetics

Having been around the proverbial backstage block, I have really come to appreciate the drive, talent, and incredible skill possessed by professional makeup artists that make their jobs beautifying both models and the masses. One perspective (my own) does not beauty banter make, so in my effort to bring you all the best that beauty has to offer, I am tapping into the knowledge banks of those very same artists that I hold so much admiration for. Welcome to the second installment of Krasey Beauty's 'Ask The Artist' series, interviews with the industry's biggest and brightest stars.

A NARS artist since 2006, Janice Daoud is an incredibly talented artist that has made her (brush) mark in the world of beauty. A self-taught makeup artist with drive, ambition, and talent, Janice honed her craft and propelled herself forward from freelancer to land her current position as one of NARS' top premiere makeup artists. Not only does she travel the world and teach others, but she has also beautified countless famous faces, and has even had the pleasure of working side by side with Francois Nars himself backstage at fashion week. Janice is one of the sweetest, most talented makeup artists that I know, and her passion for both NARS and color rivals my own. She is a stunning beauty that lives the craft, creating works of art with the face as canvas. Without further adieu, read on for the interview.

La Prairie Whisper Shades

Soft wisps of color for the eyes
Blossoming petal shades for the lips
We sing, wear, and embody the spirit of the changing season
Abandoning the cold vice of winter,
embracing sunshine, warmth, and the spring.

Spring has sprung, bringing sunshine, fresh blooms, and a definite spring in all of our steps. Capturing the essence of my favorite part of the year, the newest collection from La Prairie called "Whisper Shades" is a color collection that simultaneously brings soft accents and brilliant pops of color to cheeks, eyes, and lips. We are shedding our cloaks of darker winter colors in favor of shades that are as light and delicate as the petals that bloom so prolifically in the spring and summer months.

For the full collection information, as well as for event details, read on!

Your Daily Dose of NARSsism- Tips from an Insider

I hope you have all been enjoying this makeup tips series courtesy of Francois Nars' adorable pup- Marcel. Let's see what he has to say about foundation, shall we?

MARCEL

WANTS

YOU!

to have flawless skin

NARSISSISM #3-Marcel says:

“Never create a mask with foundation. Look at the skin objectively, and pay close attention to areas of the face that need more coverage."

Apply foundation to the center, and always blend outward.”

Stay tuned for more fun facts, campaign images and tips from Marcel to keep your makeup long-lasting. Check out the facebook page for additional footage from the NARS archives.

Blow(n) Away

Fact: Nothing makes a gal feel more glamorous than a fresh blowout
Fact: Every gal deserves a great hair day each and every single day.

The above rules were arbitrarily just created by me, so there. Hair is one of  your biggest accessories, and it is imperative to dress it up as often as possible. When it comes to hairstyle maintenance, styling products can both make or break a look and be a huge gamble. That is why I am loving my newest discovery, which has been keeping my blown out bangs looking impeccable. Designed to be the first hairspray that is flexible hold and not sticky, meet Blow Out Spray.

YSL Volume Effets Faux Cils Noir Radical

Now you all know me rather well, so you know that I love me some fat black lashes. When the announcement for brand new Noir Radical from YSL came out, it was inevitable that this would become a welcome addition to my impressive harem of on-call mascaras..

But the question is, is this mascara all that?

Recent Giveaway Winners

My apologies dear readers, for I have been remiss in announcing the winners of Krasey Beauty's most recent giveaways. Here they are:

Orient Watch: 

Bluestar's Makeup Blog, Comment 14

Flirt! and The Veronica's Winner:

Havilland Savage, comment 13

Congrats ladies! Please email your mailing  address to KraseyBeauty@gmail.com. No PO Boxes please.

Beauty Heroes- Illamasqua Pigment in Furore

It's a dark dangerous world out there, full of sinister beauty products that don't do what they say they will. Luring you in with false promises of beauty and simplicity, use of aforementioned products almost always go terribly wrong.

They want to make you look like this:

In an effort save the faces of millions of innocents, the League Against Bad Makeup has banded together in this difficult time to declare a state of emergency. They have chosen their leaders, the beacons of light that will save us all from the horror of hard to use products, and shades that are falsely labeled as universally flattering.

Our first hero is one of my personal favorites, Illamasqua Pigment in Furore.

Welcoming Spring with Lippmann Collection

In case I don't have you all thoroughly confused as to what season it really is, it just so happens to be Spring. Springtime is for slowly increasing days, the return of frozen yogurt, and of course for flower buds bursting forth with colorful blooms to the delight of all. Capturing the soft essence of the spring season, Lippmann Collection's spring color lineup is enough to send any lover of soft, sheer pastels into outer space. Not to leave lovers of opacity in the dark, a new putty shade has also popped up much to my delight.

Glamour Squad Weekly Reads

Butterflydiary gives you anecdotal evidence of what happens when two beauty products look vaguely similar....

The Beauty Alchemist dazzles with new MAC Superglass


Krasey Beauty explores the new Bobbi Brown Color Strips, and promptly falls in love.

Clumps of Mascara meets Iman!

Diva Debbi gives Jergens Natural Glow Firming a second chance

The Product Pasha chats with Cover FX's Jenny Frankel about primers and is giving away a Big Cover Up Kit.

Beauty Blog Link Love

Curious about the new Balanciaga Paris fragrance? So was Rae, over at theNotice -- but she's since quenched that curiosity. (And fallen in love while doing so!)

Beautyjunkielondon finds a perfect coral nail shade for spring, by Rimmel.

Sarah has found a new anti-aging moisturizer and eye cream and shockingly... they actually work!

It's a plane, no, it's a monster (well actually, yes), no -- it's just Jeweled Thumb's enormous coiffure! Be scared, be very scared.

Red lips are always high on The Lip Print's agenda - check out her latest obsession, Lipstick Queen Medieval.

Louise takes a look at the Guerlain Summer Limited Editions this week, and is surprised at what she sees.

Phyrra's Indie Spotlight for April is Glamour Doll Eyes. Find out all about Vee, the owner of GDE!

As Lime Crime's ultra bright lipsticks finally hit the UK high street, Lipglossiping puts them under the spotlight!

Krasey Beauty tours the exclusive Tokidoki collection for Sephora, and has the swatches to prove it!

Madame B Fatale shows you how to create an up-do suitable for day and night

Might as well face it -- Cindy from Prime Beauty is addicted to Dior .

Amy Antoinette tries epilating for the first time.

PinkSith talks taupe with MAC Greasepaint Stick in Dirty.

In the hunt for a wasabi green nail polish? Hell Candy Make Up discovered a new shade by Barry M. Like it or loathe it?

Yinnie reviews the unsuspecting formula that is the Estee Lauder Total Make-up Remover.


***

Win a full set of ELLIS FAAS makeup, no strings attached, on beautywoome this month.

Want to win Audrey Dao's April Reader of the Month Giveaway? Just leave a comment and you're entered!

Beauty Adventures, and a Sneak Peek of What's To Come

So last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to do a bit of beauty touring in this fair city of mine. As a result, here is what you can expect in the coming weeks here at Krasey Beauty.

La Prairie's Whisper Shades for Spring and Summer

The Henri Bendel Fragrance Bar Experience, and Discovering Boadicea The Victorious Fragrances

And completely unrelated to beauty but just as fun, here is a dessert that I enjoyed over at the China Grill in NYC. Say hello to the gut busting deliciousness that is the Great Wall ice cream sundae.

What beauty adventures have you been on lately?

Sculpt Like an Egyptian with Banglz

It is no secret that I am struggling to get my flabby tuchus in gear, and I am not ashamed to ask for a little bit of help when it is so clearly needed. Being so out of touch with the fitness world, my body has gone from being my temple to being my marshmallow.

The marshmallow man ain't got nothing on me.

I am on my way towards better eating, so I am good to go in that regard. Healthy diet in place, its time for me to find ways to tone up and sculpt my shape without sacrificing too much time. This is where Banglz come into play.

Bangles are small, light weights that you simply strap on to either wrists or ankles to add a bit of resistance as you go about your everyday activities. They give you that little something extra, but they are also amazing at boosting cardio exercises to the point where they also contribute to muscle tone. They are not bulky, wear comfortably, and are available in a full range of stylish pattern sleeves that makes them quite cute if I do say so myself.

I have been using these on my wrists during my DDR sessions, and also keep these on hand in the office for quick tone breaks throughout the day. I love them for their inconspicuousness, and for the way they enhance my overall fitness experience.

For an easy way to add toning to your everyday routine, Banglz rock the house, and your body.

*Product provided by PR for consideration.

Your Daily Dose of NARSsism- Tips from an Insider

Marcel is at it again, and today he wants to tell you all about how to avoid greasy skin.

Marcel says:

“Everyone wants a dewy complexion. But there’s a fine line between a dewy glow and greasy skin.


Keep your face hydrated without looking oily by blotting with a tissue to remove excess cream or moisturizer.”

Stay tuned for more fun facts, campaign images and tips from Marcel to keep your makeup long-lasting. Check out the facebook page for additional footage from the NARS archives.

Eco Chic with Josie Maran Cosmetics

Today is Earth Day, so let us turn our attention to Eco Chic Beauty. My lifestyle track record will show that a nature girl I am not, but that doesn't mean that I am opposed to going the more natural route when it comes to the products I put on my face. I love to dabble in new things, and my latest venture coincidentally has me going organic (beauty). My eagle eyes have spotted a relative newcomer in Josie Maran Cosmetics, so naturally I ventured forth on a tour of some key products in the line.

More Than Tools- EcoTools for Face and Body

I already know that you are all fans of EcoTools brushes, and so am I. What I bet you haven't discovered yet is that EcoTools also has a full range of affordable and eco-friendly bath and body products, ripe for the picking. This Earth Day is the perfect chance to indulge in some all natural goodness.

Your Daily Dose of NARSsism- Tips from an Insider

Beauty tips have gone to the dogs, as Francois Nars' adorable pup Marcel gives us all beauty tips and the insider's scoop as to what is going on in the world of NARS Cosmetics.

Cloudy Skies FOTD

As promised, here is a face of the day using Bobbi Brown's spring collection. This one was inspired by the grey and cloudy skies I saw upon looking out my window on a particularly dreary Saturday morning.

The look:

Bobbi Brown Color Strips, Boxes of All-In-One Goodness

I am not one to go the moderate route in anything I do. In addition to a clothing and shoe shopping addiction, I also possess a certain predisposition to snatch up each and every makeup palette I can find. I cannot even begin to describe how much joy I feel when I come across a wonderful little box of all in one goodness, easy to use and ready at my fingertips whenever I need it.

My weekday existence is an unfortunate conflict of interests, as I am an eight to five corporate girl who loves her sleep, but also loves her elaborate makeup looks. I also adore color, but cannot go overboard for fear of giving my corporate coworkers a mild heart attack. In the dichotomy that is my life, colorful face palettes have become essential for their ability to bring the quick and easy with a little something extra (color!). Corporate Adina and makeup artist Adina must both be appeased, and on this particular spring they have been with the  Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection. Song and dance numbers have ensued,  as I cannot stop heaping the praise on these little wonders.Waking up in the morning and throwing on a subtly colorful five minute face has never been easier.

Krasey Questions

You all know that I am a rather random individual, right? At any given point in time, I have about a billion little people thoughts swirling around in that convoluted cerebral cortex of mine.

While some of the time I am actually thinking about how I could make the world a better place. most of the time I am thinking about beauty, makeup, fashion, or food. Naturally, it was during one of my random makeup daydreams that the following question popped into my head:

If I were forced to choose only one brand of makeup to use the rest of my life, what would that one brand be?

I know my answer, but I want to hear yours! Dear readers, if you had to choose only one makeup brand that you could use for the rest of your life, what would that brand be?

Bobbi Brown Brights Palette

Chock full of yummy bright shadows, the Bobbi Brown Brights Palette is a throwback that deserves its very own post.

Borba Beauty Bears Bring the Gummy Noms

Beauty mavens in the know just know, external radiance is a process that begins on the inside. The beauty industry is just now catching on to the concept of edible skincare supplements, and it is Borba that is the forerunner, having captured my heart with their delicious Beauty Bears.

Everything I need to know about nails I learned from GoNails

Being a beauty blogger turned nail polish connoisseur, I find myself reaching for the polish and removers at least once a week to play, admire, and swatch at least five different shades of varnish. As can be expected with my blatant disregard for nail health, all that putting on and removing of lacquer has taken a slight toll on the appearance of those things that protect the ends of my digits.

Not able to quit my nail habit cold turkey, I have turned to Go Nails to rescue my mangled digits. A product designed to cure nail ailments, this lotion promotes healthy cuticles, hardens the surface of the nail, and repairs damage already done to nails.

Fashion Musings- Premium Denim

Just a couple of days ago, I was killing time browsing through one online sample sale site or another, when I decided to investigate the obligatory premium denim sale situation. Perusing the offerings, I couldn't help but think of how steep the prices were, despite boasting a savings rate of over 50%.

Are those True Religion jeans really worth it?

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Art of Hair and Shu News

First, some Shu-related news.

Many of you have heard by now that our beloved Shu Uemura will no longer be sold in stores in the US. If this news is new to you do not panic, do not despair, and for goodness sakes do not call 911. You will still have full access to the Shu Uemura line (including all the new launches) on the Shu Uemura website. Shu Uemura's Art of Hair line will still be available both in salons and on the Art of Hair Website.

Zoya Flash Collection

Sometimes 'flashing' is a good thing, thanks to part 2 of Zoya's summer collection- Flash

The Veronicas, Flirt, and a Giveaway!

In honor of the launch of new Rock-n-RebelTM fragrance from FLIRT! back in February, the brand teamed up with style ambassadors and twin-sister pop-rock duo Jessica and Lisa Origliasso of “The Veronicas” to host a very special kind of contest. FLIRT! called upon all rockstars in training to tell them what rock star style means to them. They chose Kota, and she won a rock star makeover and beauty consultation with The Veronicas.

Swirled Blush Goodness- M∙A∙C Mineralized Blush in Rhapsody in Two

Say hello to a recent purchase made by me at my local crack M∙A∙C store. Isn't she beautiful?

Zoya Sparkle Collection

In addition to bringing you the best and brightest in the beauty realm each and every single day, I feel it is also my duty as a beauty blogger to frequently spotlight my own favorite brands and products on the regular. Failure to do so is a sin most unforgivable (in my own mind).

Unii Palette

Say hello to your cute new travel companion.

No it isn't a teacup pup, but rather a palette you can take anywhere and everywhere- the UNII Palette.