FOUNDATION: Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15. A lot of other name brands that we have tried, tended to leave our skin looking dry in patches and dull. This new formula provides translucency and also shine free coverage.

The formula in the product consists of vitamins and minerals that moisturize and condition the skin leaving the finished look silky and smooth. Available at all Bobbi Brown counters for $ 38.00 or go to www.bobbibrown.com. The Face Brush is $ 42.00 and the Powder Puff is $ 15.00.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15 The new All-Smooth Makeup with SPF 15 incorporates the brand’s advanced patented technology from the powerhouse de-aging serum, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus.

It wears well on the skin, goes on without any fuss, and is easy to blend with your fingers (see pics HERE). It retails for $32.50.

CONCEALER:  Maybelline’s new Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer gets our two thumbs up in terms of dramatic transformation.

Since it is marketed as a treatment concealer, it also works to correct the problem over the long haul — a major plus. Application is easy thanks to the sponge tip applicator and Maybelline has all skin tones covered offering shades from fair to medium to dark.   Check out the Before & After photos HERE.

For $8.49, this is a good concealer to have. The bottle ensures you’ll have this for a long time — at least 3-4 months. Purchase this in drugstores or online retailers.

MASCARA:  L’Oreal’s Voluminous Million Lashes mascara.

This mascara actually lives up to it’s claims-it provides volume and separates lashes with each swipe of the brush (see Before & After photos HERE). The brush has many bristles (more than I’ve ever seen!) that provides a good coat that lasts throughout the day. Not only does this mascara provide amazing results but it’s also available at an affordable price-can’t beat that ladies!

Hypnôse Doll Mascara

Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara does give you doll-like lashes, and they do become shiny. There’s more of a lengthening effect than a plumping effect (see Before & After photos HERE), so if you want volume, this is not the mascara for you. But if you’re going for definition, shine and length, then yes –I’d give this two thumbs up. Grab one for $25 at Lancome.com.

LIPSTICK / GLOSS: MAC Glamglass

If you want to make a statement, you certainly will with M.A.C.’s  Glamglass which launched in the Summer of 2011. This moisturizing gloss leaves lips silky while providing an intense shine. With 11 shades to choose from (see them all HERE) each retailing for $14.50, there’s something for every event. I certainly don’t see this product leaving my make up bag any time soon!

NAIL POLISH: Chanel and Zoya

Chanel Mimosa could have been Summer 2011′s IT nail polish color. This gorgeous shade looks beautiful on all skin complexions and makes a perfect pedicure color.

Zoya’s Touch was the ultimate ‘Business Professional’ collection. These three soft nude shades reach opaque finishes with only one coat making it perfect for busy . See more hot nail polish pics HERE.

GIVEAWAY:  We want to share some of our faves with you so we are giving away FIVE L’Oreal’s Voluminous Million Lashes mascaras to lucky fans.  To enter, leave a comment below telling us what mascara you’ve been using in the past year.  We will pick a winner in a couple of weeks (US only please – we apologize to our International fans).  Good luck!!

ANNOUNCING WINNERS: 

Congratulations to:  Christina, Alina B, Joanne K., Tammy S. Jisue.  We just contacted you to get your mailing address. Thank you all for entering!

- Amelia Keith of PrettyInTheQueenCity.com and BeautyStat editorial staff

For more giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.

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We think this year is most definitely the year of the lash and the year of the nail. There have been so many terrific nail lacquers and innovations, from the crackle variety to the popular Sally Hansen nail strips that nails now have more beautiful choices than ever before.

Take Chanel for example. Did they simply have to tease us with that glittery Peridot nail lacquer for Fall 2011? It’s enigmatic, strong, powerful. We can’t wait to try our bottle once it arrives.

We started BeautyStat’s first nail competition and opened it across several categories: Nail Art, Strips (including Sally Hansen and Incocco appliques and the like, but no Minx entries because they’re done by professionals).

The judge of this competition, celebrity nail stylist, TracyLee (who also has the @LuxebyTracylee handle on Twitter) picked the top finalists from all the outstanding entries, and had a hard time picking out the best of the best. She told us, “The criteria I chose was: overall creativity, neatness, difficulty in the DIY design to do on yourself, the clarity of the photos, and of course, I researched entrants to make sure they were not pros (some were).”

So without further ado, below are the FINALISTS and now we need YOU to VOTE (Post a comment way down below telling us who you vote for):

Vote for Danyal’s pic below:

Danyal says, “The technique is water marbling. My base coat I always use is OPI Original Nail Envy.  I did one coat OPI Alpine Snow’ for the base color. I used Sally Hansen ‘Calypso Blue’, Sally Hansen ‘Back to the Fuchsia’ and Sally Hansen ‘Black Out’ for the design. Then I topped it off with Out the Door ‘Northern Lights’ glitter in silver. To top it off I used Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat.”

Danyal

Vote for West below:

West says, “It took 2 coats of ‘Snow Me White’ (sinful colors), one coat of ‘Who Needs a Prince’ (OPI), and a black Nail Art polish. I used OPI’s base and Seche Vite Dry Fast topcoat (I LOOOOVE that stuff!).”

West

Vote for Samara below:

Samara says “This is Sally Hansen nail strip in Lace.”

Samara

Vote for Jessica 1 below:

Jessica used the Water Marble Technique with Star Nail International Base Coat, Color Club Jackie Oh!, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Black Out Xtra 1, Black Rhinestones, Seche Vite Top Coat.

Jessica 1

Vote for Jessica 2 below:

Jessica used Zoya’s “Charla” on her nails:

Jessica 2

Vote for Dari below:

Dari

Vote for Taneisha 1 below:

Taneisha’s Look: “For the Base Color: OPI Nail Lacquer in A Grape Fit, L.A Colors Black Striper, and any glitter nail color I used NYC Brand. My inspiration is different modern styles of life, and different patterns.”

Taneisha 1

Vote for Taneisha 2 below:

Taneisha says, “This is s China Glaze Shocking Pink (neon), Black Striper, and OPI Got No Room For Blues ( Butterfly Color) this is a spring look, as you can see I was inspired by the season, and more of a girly feel.”

Taneisha 2

Vote for Melissa below:

Melissa says “I’m so excited for this opportunity to show you DIY nail art that’s a “greener” approach. I’m all about going green and feature many simple ways to incorporate a greener lifestyle into every day life. This one involves newspaper instead of going out and buying the popular nail decals/strips. I used orly’s “pure porcelain”, 91% rubbing alcohol, newsprint, and mavala base & top coat”.  I posted the video tutorial along with more photos on my blog seen here.

Melissa

Vote for Vera below:

Vera says, “this is the English China mani, base coat – Priti 2in1 base & top, Priti Crown of Thorns (2 coats) stamped with Zoya Ibiza, stamps used (Bundle Monster): pinky – BM224, ring – BM221, middle – BM224, pointer – BM224, thumb – BM221

Vera

Vote for Lolita below:

Lolita says, “I used the following: NailTek Foundation II as a base for the color. I did not put any where the nail strips were used. Incoco Nail strips in Zebra. Milani one coat glitter in Purple Gleam.  I used two coats. Sinful Colors in Savage.  I used three coats. StripeRite Nail striper in Black. Seche Vite topcoat.”

Lolita

Vote for Fishing 4 Beauty below:

Fishing 4 Beauty says, “I used the Base Coat: Seche Clear, Nail Lacquer: 10 Professional 458 Moonlight, 2 coats, Hand painted lace (ring finger & thumb): Sally Hansen French Manicure Natural White. Top Coat: Seche Vite

Fishing 4 Beauty

THE PRIZE:

The three winners will each receive a boat load of nail polishes and treatments from luxury brands including Lumos, Non-Toxique and Priti NYC (each winner will get a set worth over $150!).

VOTE NOW:

Simply post a comment below telling us WHO you voted for.  And don’t forget to post this contest on your Facebook and Twitter page so that your friends can vote too (Voting closes at midnight Thursday, July 28th).

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MAKEUP SHAKE-UP (click on the above image to enlarge)

Cocktails, pancake mix, the truth – some things should never be watered down. But liquid foundation? Maybe so. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Makeup and Shiseido Makeup Perfect Refining Foundation aim to be lighter than the average makeup while disguising unevenness just as well as thicker formulas. “Usually to get a more watery feel, you’d use less pigment,” says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. That’s what makes these foundations surprising: “They actually give more coverage than a typical liquid foundation,” says makeup artist Quinn Murphy. “The watery texture also means they’re easy to blend, so you could wear them sheer too.”

We found the Shiseido base, which dries to a powder, best for oily skin, and the dewy Chanel one great at concealing redness on dry and combination complexions.

To use: Tap on the a tiny amount with a damp sponge for a light finish, or use a foundation brush for more coverage.

by K.D for March 2011 Allure Magazine

See more of BeautyStat’s product reviews in Allure magazine here.

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The latest signature creation from Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, Peter Philips, will be sold for a limited time from February 10th through the 14th ONLY until it debuts officially in April, 2011.

This limited unveiling, called “Boy,” is far from a cheeky blue color. It is a natural sheer wash of rose that’s all-too apropos for Valentine’s Day. Why christen it “Boy”? It’s the nickname of Arthur “Boy” Capel who was the love of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s life. Boy was her partner, and instrumental to her first success stories.Valentine’s Day appropriate.

Rouge Coco Shine will retail for $32 at Chanel.com and at select Chanel boutiques and department stores (the limited preview from February 10-14th only).

Much as we’re obsessed with the Chanel Rouge Allure Laque lipsticks, Rouge Coco Shine is alluring because of its hydration + razzle dazzle + coverage appeal.

Are you one of those first in line for the “Boy” Rouge Coco Lipsticks? Or will you wait it out until April 2011?

- Charu Suri

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However, her hair is another story. I loved her elegant updo, especially the black and white Chanel Camelia Nervure brooch she had pinned on her hair. So glam!

Her hair was done by Danilo, celeb stylist for Pantene. Here’s how he created her gorge hairdo:

First, he washed and conditioned her hair with the new Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Frizz
Control Shampoo and Conditioner, which we wrote about here (and love, BTW). He also misted a leave-in conditioner and the Pantene Pro-V Volume Root Lifter Spray Gel all over her damp hair. After blow drying Kruger’s hair upside down, Danilo sectioned her hair into a side part and separated it into three parts – the two sides and the back of her hair.

He then braided the side sections of the hair away from the face in an upward direction. This created a tautness and a foundation for the more elaborate ‘do about to come. Then he pulled the back section of the hair into a high ponytail with volume on top, and split the pony into two sections and twisted it in rope-ike fashion. The trick here is incorporating the side braids into the twist.

He then continually twisted the hair and pinned it in place, misted hair with hairspray to set, and finished the look with an elegant broach.

Remember when Chanel rocked the perfume industry in 2007 with the release of its limited-edition “Les Exclusifs” collection? It was available only in Chanel boutiques and Bergdorf Goodman. The 10-sku range is housed in unusually large, 200ml spray bottles, with a high price point of $200 to match.At the time, industry insiders called it a “surprising” move. It’s common knowledge that women won’t invest in a 200ml bottle of perfume because they’re fickle, and love to flit from fragrance to fragrance.

This November, the element of surprise will definitely turn into shock and awe when Chanel introduces a 900ml bottle of Chanel No. 5, retailing for $3,200 at Saks Fifth Avenue. (We’ve done the math: that’s practically a quart.) For No. 5 devotees, it’s a unique opportunity to secure a lifetime supply of this object of acute desire. Note that you’re getting parfum, not EDT, which makes it a steal at $3,200, considering you’d have to buy 30.4 standard-size flacons at a much higher price to equal this gargantuan offer.

But what about the fickle factor? Who’s really going to buy this? Sure, there’s probably some nouveau-riche wife of a Russian oligarch who’ll get buzzed by seeing a quart of No. 5 on her dresser. But that’s not the market Chanel wants to capture. A company spokesperson tells us that this will be “a definite collector’s item,” which makes a lot of sense. You could buy it and hold it, like stock, watching its value appreciate and then listing it on ebay, assuming they’re still in the game. (Ebay has just been barred from selling Christian Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy and Kenzo perfumes.)

This would also make a great museum piece. Is a message being sent to an industry tarnished by endless celebrity fragrance launches that perfume making is high art, not a cash cow for actresses fresh out of rehab? Britney begone.

Thanks to Chanel, taste trumps trash.

You can toss that bottle of Black Satin nail polish out the window (too bad you spent your theatre money on getting that limited edition bottle last year, but maybe you can use it for the Jackson Pollock creation you’ve always wanted to do).

You can get a shimmery gold nail polish called Gold Fiction for $30; or get the Nail Vernis colors for $19 each. (Les Vernis Nail Colors come in Kaleidoscopic, a greenish gold metallic like a metallic version of the ROTC uniform; and Fantastic, a deep wine color like the kegged Burgundy in Bordeaux).

Peter Philips, the new makeup designer, has created everything gold for the fall makeup collection, including two limited-edition gold items. The Gold Fever face powder goes for $50.

Of course the trick is to use the makeup judiciously so you don’t end up looking like the Oscar Statue.

Available in July, at www.chanel.com and fine department stores.