1) Sonia Kashuk Hidden Treasure Brush Set – If you’re in the market for a set of makeup brushes, typically The Beauty Bug advises waiting until the holidays when brands such as MAC release limited edition brush sets, but not this year. Known for quality, yet affordable, cosmetics and beauty tools, Sonia Kashuk is celebrating her 10th  anniversary with Target. To mark the ccassion, Sonia has releasd her Spring Treasures Collection; limited edition pieces all inspired by the treasures of the ocean. The highlight of the collection is the six-piece travel-sized brush set. Each brush has a unique faux-siler coral-shaped handle and all are housed in a bright, fun coral-print case with a silver lining.  A steal for $19.99. Only at Target.

2) Shu Uemura’s pk310n Gloss – A high-shine gloss brightens any face. From the new gloss unlimited pink collection, this gloss is sheer with the slightest pop of color and shimmer for maximum shine. For the most wearable, pure pinks this spring, check out the entire collection made from an innovative pink hybrid pigment.

3. Smashbox’s Hybrid 2 in 1 Luminizing Primer – Get this product while you still can, but don’t use it as a primer. A combination of their can’t-live-without Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Artifical Light Luminizing Lotion, it’s versatile, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and provides a natural (not too bronze-y) glow and radiance. Squeeze the tube and each product is dispensed separately. The Beauty Bug mixes the two together on Her hand and applies it (lightly) all over Her face with a sponge, focusing on her cheeks and cheek bones. The result is a a beaming complexion, and makeup that lasts throughout the day. Keep this product in your makeup bag throughout the summer, and wear it alone (on top of sunscreen) for a hint of shimmer that will catch the sum beautifully.  Available at smashbox.com for $34.

4. Laura Mercier Gilded Garden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc – One look at this compact and any beauty junkie is sucked in, immediately. This limited edition bloc provides wearable shimmer and adds a fresh, spring-y glow to cheeks. The light-reflecting particles brighten and highlight – use it on eyes or brush it on your collar bone for a healthy luster. Available at www.lauramercier.com for $38.

As the temperature continues to drop, and the snow continues to fall,  Ethereal Rose mimics that “fresh out of the cold” glow. It coats cheeks with a bit of twinkle and a dash of sparkle so they glisten like freshly fallen snow. The Beauty Bug loves the blend of 5 marbleized pinks -the brilliant color gives Her a fresh, radiant warmth that’s flattering on all complexions. She uses the powder in place of blush, and also as a highlighter.

Created in Italy, the powder starts as a liquid infused with color. It’s next  hand-stirred and cast into terracotta pans then baked for 24 hours.

Laura Geller Ethereal Rose Baked Powder is available at Sephora for $29.50.

The Beauty Bug best describes the glow that you get from using this product as something She likes to call “I just walked off the set of magazine shoot in South Beach ON the beach.” You know what She means – that healthy, sun-kissed sheen that’s synonymous with summer. It’s just perfectly dewy and smooth.

The formula is a combination of La Mer’s famous moisturizing Crème de la Mer with sunscreen and a subtle tint. Available in three natural shades – light, medium, and dark – the tint is very lightweight, yet provides nice coverage. The unique radiant finish that makes this product a stand-out one results from the light-reflecting tourmaline (a crystal mineral) and Brazilian Malachite.

The Beauty Bug pairs The Tint with MAC’s Spaced Out Sheertone Shimmer Blush – it gives Her face that perfect amount of color without looking artificially tan or bronzed.

The final word – this tinted moisturizer borders on perfection. The Beauty Bug says borders because The SPF Fluid Tint retails for $65. Yes, it’s a splurge, but one that’s well worth it. The Beauty Bug plans to repurchase The Tint once Her stash is depleted – $65 isn’t going to stop Her from that fresh, natural glow.

The SPF 18 Fluid Tint 1.7oz is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, Neiman Marcus stores, Bergdorf Goodman stores, and at www.lamer.com.

SPF 18 Fluid Tint not in your budget? The Beauty Bug recommends Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF 15 that retails for $36.

Ramy Beauty Therapy Juicy Cheeks in Melon Rouge – This beautiful romantic pink looks hot in the compact, but is very feminine, subdued and soft on. The smooth formula, which is almost like a stain, leaves skin with a dewy finish that really brightens the face. A good choice if MAC’s True Romantic is one your blush picks…

Mally Beauty Get Cheeky Dewy Blush in Ipanema – This is perfect color for achieving that natural, sun-kissed glow. While the color in the compact looks like a deep bronze, Ipanema works like a charm on The Beauty Bug’s pale skin. It provides Her with a healthy glow with a hint of shimmer and perfectly warms Her face. The compact comes with a brush, but The Beauty Bug chooses to use Her fingers instead – She gets more product that way, and has more control of the color. Just call Her The Girl from Ipanema…

Three Custom Color Specialists Creme to Powder Blush in Pink – Out of all 3 blushes, this color is the most universally flattering. The creamy formula blends out to a medium pink that gives cheeks that true flushed look.

Some quick tips before application:

• Apply on a light layer of powder so the product doesn’t mix with the powder and lighten
• Apply the most product on the apples of the cheeks and blend out and up
• Apply the product to your finger, and tap/dab the color on the cheek, then smooth
• Most creme blushes are extrememly versatile – experiment with using on your lips, or use the sheerer, lighter shades (like Ramy’s Pure Juice Pearl Gloss) as a highlighter on the brow bone.

First, Chad performed a quick color test on The Beauty Bug by applying 2 very different eye shadows to the backsides of her wrists – a cool, icy silvery shadow with a slight blue tinge next to a warm amber bronze color. Little did She know, this simple color test would speak volumes about not only Her skin tone, but Her wardrobe as well. Because the cool color blended into Her skin well, Chad determined that Her skin has cool undertones. The Beauty Bug is part of the 25% of the population that has cool undertones, while the other 75% has warm. “We work in the same way an artist creates paints for their palettes,” Chad explained. “We match for undertone, overtone, texture, coverage, and special effects such as shimmer. From this recipe, we manufacture the product. From there, this recipe remains in our permanent files for easy re-ordering.”

Chad next explained the biggest mistakes women make when it comes to color…

“Women can do two things: either pick a color that’s too bold for their skin or too muddy for their skin. Going either direction can enhance problems. For example, a color that is too drab may enhance the gray of dark circles. The most important thing that will steer you in the right direction is to determine whether you are warm or cool- for picking colors that are foolproof. And, this way, you CAN wear any color, just make sure that you choose the right undertone.”

The most requested shade of lipstick…

Revlon’s Naked Pink (see color below). Yes, The Beauty Bug knows what you’re thinking – it’s a bit Boca Raton/Magda from Something About Mary-ish…

To submit a request for a lipstick (discontinued or not), just send Custom Three a color swatch – a piece of fabric, the last bit of lipstick from a tube – and they’ll have the perfect match back to you within 10 business days. Search their discontinued list, or submit a request of your own.

The most requested look for spring…

Chad explains that “For lips we’re seeing a demand for more of a stain, less shine, and less full coverage. Such as our SKI BUNNY Lip and & Cheek stain. The look has a vibrancy that’s more transparent. For the face this spring it’s definitely more bronze and contoured. Also, lots of black eyeliner because the lips are so muted.”

Finally, Chad treated The Beauty Bug to a custom blended lip gloss. Because red is always a tough color to wear everyday, The Beauty Bug chose a gloss with a red base, and Chad worked his magic. He eventually ended up with a raspberry color, trying to bring out the green in Her eyes.

Three Custom Color Specialists celebrity clients include Jessica Biel, Penelope Cruz, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Marcia Cross, Angelina Jolie, Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson, Michele Williams, among many others.

To schedule an appointment for a one-on-one color consultation, check their website, or call 1-888-262-7714.

Shimmer as if you’ve been sprinkled with fairy dust with this limited edition Smashbox Platinum Surge set. Including a full size Fusion Lights in Glisten, an eye shadow quad in Smoulder (a very usable, versatile smoky palette), and 2 lipglosses (Starlight – clear gloss with a silver shimmer, and Moonbeam – a pale pink shimmer), it’s one of the most useful bargains that you’ll find on the Sephora shelf this holiday. Check this set out in person, and test it and you won’t be able to resist. For the girl who wants to glimmer and sparkle…

Just looking for a stocking-stuffer? The Smashbox Gloss-N-Go Mini Lip Gloss Kits are adorable! Complete with three flattering-on-any-skin-tone shades, and a mini lip liner – they’ll kit in almost any purse. For the on-the-go girl…

Get instant glam with this Supermodel Kit. A fabulous sequined makeup bag filled products worn by the top models during Fashion Week Live, this set provides all the product needed to recreate that dramatic, high-fashion look. Let’s face it, you really can’t go wrong with a set that contains a full-sized Dior Show and a full-sized Stila Lip Glaze. For the girl who wants to work the runway…

Voted the most useful set by The Beauty Bug and Her hive, the MAC Heirloom 5: Basic Brushes set is a no-brainer. Since brushes are one of the more expensive beauty tools, and having the right brush for applying and blending is a must, (could mean the difference between a smoky eye and an unblended, messy, black eye), this set essential. In fact it’s become a recent habit of The Beauty Bug’s to intentionally not buy any brushes during the year, and wait to buy MAC’s brush sets. Housed in a darling, antique-inspired clutch, the set combines fashion and function. For the girl practical, stylish, savvy girl…

What’s a gift guide without any Philosophy products, right? The Beauty Bug can’t think of any “it” lists (Sephora, Allure, InStyle, Oprah) that this Philosophy duo hasn’t made. In fact, they are so popular that they are joining the ranks of the one-namers – there’s Cher, Britney, Brad, and Purity and Hope (in a jar). While She likes to alternate Her cleansers and try different brands and varieties, The Beauty Bug has never used a cleanser that has made Her face feel so clean and so fresh. She likes it so much, that just the smell evokes a sense of comfort. For the classic, simple pure girl…

Another Philosophy duo worth noting – Memory Cranberry. Simply delicious. For the fruity, healthy, festive, tart girl that wants to make memories last forever…

Kerastase who? Ever since The Beauty Bug tried Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk Moisture Collection and Volume Collection, She can’t get enough. She considers it one of the best product discoveries She’s made all year. Once an ingredient only used in skincare, Seasilk infuses elasticity and radiance into hair. Not only are the apparent qualities amazing (smell, consistency, moisturizing ability, repairability, overall shine and feel), but the scientific anti-aging technology is revolutionary. If you want to try it before you invest in larger-sized bottles, try the Seasilk trial/travel set in moisturizing or volumizing. For those who are already Alterna fans, and have experienced the luxurious Caviar shampoo and conditioner, try the Alterna Holiday 2007 Gift Box. For the sophisticated, high-class girl….

Say the name La Mer to any smart, astute women and her whole world stops, the clouds open up and the sun shines down. The posh brand, known for its famous Crème de la Mer, has several new gift sets being offered exclusively at Saks. The Beauty Bug’s pick is the Miraculous Beginnings Set – available in both normal/dry and normal/oily. The sets offer a great sampling of La Mer products, including the miracle creme, and the cleansing gel, which contains a natural gemstone that modifies the property of water to improve cleansing performance. Along with the gift, remember to give the lucky lady a short lesson on how to apply Crème de la Mer correctly. Take a pea sized amount of The Crème, and rub it together in your hands until it’s is no longer white, but a clear, thin gel-like consistency. This allows the liquid crystal structure of The Crème to break down and The Miracle Broth is released. Then, using both hands gently pat The Crème into skin. Don’t rub.

Another outstanding products worth nothing from the La Mer line is Radiant Infusion, a tonic made of rare blue and white sea algae to treat uneven, dull skin. And here’s a Beauty Bug bonus for you – shop LaMer.com and enter offer code HOLIDAY2007 to receive a travel-size Crème de la Mer and complimentary standard shipping. Shop before 12/22/07. For the cosmopolitan, mature, cultivated girl…

Indulge your sweet tooth without the calories with the CO Bigelow Soda Fountain Milkshake Lip Mentha Set. The set is a perfect stocking stuffer, or perfect for a Hanukkah goodie bag – The favorite part of The Beauty Bug’s holiday every year. The Beauty Queen makes a mean goodie bag. The Beauty Bug recently wore the Double Chocolate gloss all day, and it was a day-long treat. She had the sweet scent of chocolate ice cream on her lips all day, and She couldn’t help but smile. The 3 flavorful glosses – Strawberry Shake, Double Chocolate, and Vanilla Malt – are all clear, sheen glosses with that classic minty-ness that CO Bigelow is known for. Get it fast as it’s limited edition. For girl with the sweet-tooth…

If you’re a city girl like The Beauty Bug is, you need this BalmVoyage luxury travel makeup kit. It contains 3 of their most flattering colors that are perfect for any skin tone – 2 ShadyLady eye shadows in Luscious Lani (pink champagne on ice), Caught in the Act (rich brown with gold sparkles), and a blush/shadow in Hot Mama. It fits perfectly in any handbag, evening bag, or wristlet even and comes with a darling luggage tag for the girl that travels a lot. With the BalmVoyage kit, a city-girl is prepared for whatever is thrown at her – whether it be a last minute date, or a sudden rainstorm. For the on-the-move girl who needs to re-apply for that special date….

Break out your shower caps ladies when he’s not around; you’ll need them for Oscar Blandi’s Tempo! Hair Treatment Trio. This compact hair mask sampler is amazing- as The Beauty Bug writes this She has the marine mud treatment in her hair and the suction cup timer to her left. Of course She looks beautiful adorning her pale blue shower cap, but She’s happy that The Beauty Bug boyfriend isn’t here to witness it. The set contains samples of the Marine Mud mask, the Exfoliating treatment, and the Smoothing Hair treatment. Use the masks in the shower and suction the handy timer to the shower wall (leave on for 3 minutes), or leave them on for a bit longer (15 minutes) and apply some heat from a hair dryer for maximum results. All the masks smell so clean and fresh, are easily applied (not too thick), and leave hair healthy. While conditioning everyday is a start, The Beauty Bug depends on these mask for their reparative benefits and their nutritious ingredients. an And for those that tend to lose track of time after the applying, just set the timer. For the punctual, sensible girl with a great head of hair…

Readers of this site know that The Beauty Bug is a fan of Peter Thomas Roth. His Pumpkin Enzyme Peel was one of Her favorite fall products, and She has continued to use it into the winter. Because of her love for PTR, She had to include this “The Basics” Kit on Her must-have holiday list. The kit is a perfect travel companion for someone who travels a lot (all the products the perfect size to bring in a carry-on bag), or for someone who wants to familiarize themselves with the Peter Thomas Roth line. The Beauty Bug especially loves the Botanical Buffing Beads Face Wash, it exfoliates without being too harsh and smells delicious, and the Cucumber Gel Masque, a calming, cool, subtle mask that soothes and hydrates the skin. Other products in the kit include the Chamomile Cleansing Lotion, Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense, and the Botanical Buffing Beads Body Wash. For the jet-setter who must cleanse, exfoliate, treat and moisturize….

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

But, just in time for October baseball, The Beauty Bug has discovered a new concealer – Lancome’s Effacerens Concealer. Yes, The Beauty Bug tries to avoid Lancome counters at all costs after her recent experiences, but this concealer is worth the trip. She can definitely bear the numb skulls they have working there every 3 months to purchase a new concealer – but dealing with the Lancome counter women more often than that is just too much.

The concealer is a medium coverage water-proof formula that evens out The Beauty Bug’s skin tone. What’s most impressive about this product is that it doesn’t settle into the find lines around The Beauty Bug’s eyes. It’s blendable and natural, and provides lasts throughout the day. At 3PM in the afternoon, The Beauty Bug can look in the mirror and NOT see a tiny maze of lines surrounding her eyes.

Tonight promises to be another late night for The Beauty Bug. It’s already 11Pm and the game is only in the 7th inning. Keep your fingers crossed for The Beauty Bug’s Red Sox. If there was ever a team that needed “concealer” to cover up their tired, weary, worn-down faces – The Red Sox are that team.

It’s the last week of the summer, and The Beauty Bug’s email box is being flooded with mail about the latest trends for the upcoming fall season. Email after email speaks of purple being the new hot color – “sultry smoky purples”,”creamy red lips and smoky, purple eyes rule this season”, and even more say “use purple hues for a lighter, daytime-friendly look.” All The Beauty Bug knows is that whatever marketing speak is sent to Her, She’s not buying it- you will not see any shade of purple grace her eyelids or lips at all this season. This is a trend that The Beauty Bug hopes just passes by as fast as summer did.

Yes, it may look good on the makeup artists at the MAC counter who’s makeup always looks flawless. But, remember ladies, they wear all black everyday so they have free “reign” when it comes it comes to choosing a color palette for their makeup – the black acts as a blank canvas of sorts. But, it’s just not a usable, sensible color for the everyday woman and carries a hint of the 80′s with it.

Instead of impulsively buying that new purple matte shadow that will just sit unused in your makeup bag, save your money for the holiday palettes and sets that are just around the corner and thank The Beauty Bug later!

For other fall trends to avoid, see Meg’s post Faking Good Breeding!

The bar:

The music: A subtle jazz number coming from the piano hidden in the corner. The piano player is old, and continues to take puffs from his cigarette in between songs. He’s barely visible.
The drink: Dirty Martini with an Olive

The mood: Intense and sensual

The Man: Tall dark and handsome of course, he’s quite mysterious with piercing gray eyes and bears a striking resemblance to Clive Owen.

The dress: A dangerously sexy short black slinky number paired with black stilettos.

The kiss: Soft and innocent, so as not to ruin her Sparks Can Fly (a creamy rose frost shade) lipstick.

The makeup: MAC’s new Smoke Signals Collection – a sultry new collection of intense blue, grey-brown, and eggplant shadows, liners, lipsticks, blushes, eye pigments, and nail lacquers. Perfect for creating that seductive, alarmingly hot smoky eye, and getting noticed in that dark bar.

MAC’s Smoke Signals hits MAC stores and counters on August 23rd. One of the best new fall collections The Beauty Bug has seen, it’s sure to be a sell-out.

Sheer red lip color

The choices:

DKNY Red Delicious Lip Gloss – A shiny, fruity option to achieve that “bitten” look.

NARS Flair Lipstick – Sheer, but can also be layered for more color.

NARS Lip Gloss in Rose Birman – This is the Beauty Bug’s personal favorite. When She wears it, She gets compliments left and right. It’s the perfect shade of blush for your lips.

Lipstick Queen in Satin Rouge – A recommendation from Marie Claire’s Beauty Editor Ying Chu – she says that it’s a “punchy shade with a sheer, shiny finish.” Meg also lends her stamp of approval. The Beauty Bug is sold.

Black liner on the upper lid

The choices:

L’Oreal Voluminous Eyeliner – The Beauty Bug has yet to perfect the perfect little wing, but She will now that She’s discovered this eyeliner – She loves it! She brought with her on vacation and it took no time for her to apply. The hard felt tip allows for ultimate control, and if by chance your hand slips – just quickly reach for a Q-Tip.

Benefit Bad Gal – A little more messy (in a good way), sultry, and smoky.

Dark Nail Polish

The choices:
OPI Light My Sapphire/Russian Navy – Bring on the dark colors – they are The Beauty Bug’s favorite! next manicure, it’s all blue baby!

OPI My Private Jet – A slight twist on the famed Black Satin, My Private Jet is a deep steel color.

L’Oreal Stroke of Midnight – Hmmm….sounds strikingly similar to the classic Lincoln Park After Dark.

NARS Midnight Express – Rich and deep.