Beauty Gala

Lookbook: MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Nicki Minaj Lipstick, Photographs & Swatches

BeautyGala — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:29:07 +0000

I love, love, LOVE MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam lipsticks. They are always inspired by celebrities, and 100% of the proceeds goes to the MAC AIDS Fund. You can’t argue with that! When I received the e-mail from MAC that contained a special code to pre-order the Nicki Minaj Viva Glam lipstick, I was really excited. The shade of pink is so bright and fresh and so flattering! To see photographs and swatches,

Viva Glam Nicki is a bright hot pink! I would expect nothing less of Nicki Minaj, with her daring makeup and hair and signature pink lips. I absolutely adore this shade because it is so much more flattering on me than “Pink Friday,” since it doesn’t lean on the cool, blue-pink side. You can easily layer this on for really bright, almost-neon pink lips, or put a coat on for bubblegum pink lips.

This shade is very different from Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday” lipstick by MAC. It’s much more on the coral-red pink side, whereas “Pink Friday” leans very pale, cool-toned, and blue. Here is a comparison of the two:

Viva Glam Nicki (natural light)

Viva Glam Nicki (with flash)

See how much brighter this lipstick can look depending on the lighting? It’s definitely a bright hot pink, but it can look very natural or very Barbie-like depending on how you layer it. Also, notice how this shade enhances every imperfection on your lips. I didn’t even think my lips were dry, but this shade really brought it out, so be sure to prep your lips very well before wearing this shade!

Overall: If you’re a fan of Nicki Minaj, or her style, you’ll love this lipstick. If you love bright, hot pink lipstick shades, you’ll find this lipstick very flattering.

MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Nicki will be available in February 2012 (February 5th, I believe) and retails for $14.50. 100% of proceeds goes to the MAC AIDS fund.

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

Spring 2012 Lookbook: OPI Holland Collection Photographs & Swatches, Part 1

BeautyGala — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:48:31 +0000

The Spring 2012 collection from OPI is the Holland Collection, and it contains twelve nail lacquers. I decided to split up the two posts because it can be a lot on my nails to swatch twelve polishes in a row, and a lot on the head (nail polish smell, anyone?). I also feel like when I split up large nail polish collections, you get a chance to take in each shade more. Included in this post are the first six nail lacquers in this collection.

“Holland has a very unique, vibrant beauty to match its open-minded nature,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Spring is the season of color, and the Holland Collection provides an array of pink, coral and orange hues that capture this energy. The bright lacquers are married with neutrals in new variations like red clay and sea green.”

I’ve never been to Holland myself, but my brother was there for business last year, and he kept me updated with photographs and even bought me a souvenir from there which I love and cherish. The Holland Collection greatly reflects the culture and beauty of the country and how much energy comes from its’ cities. To see photographs and swatches,

Pedal Faster Suzi! is a lavender-pink shimmer that is absolutely darling. If you are a fan of sophisticated, timeless shades of nail polish, or even if you just have to wear more demure shades for the office, this is a great choice. It’s got beautiful shimmer that glows in the light and two coats is enough for feminine, light pink nails.

Pedal Faster Suzi!

Thanks A Windmillion is a breezy sea green that has sort of a vintage/dusty looking quality to it. To begin with, sea green is one of my favorite colors, so I am always attracted to mint green nail polish. This has that “shabby chic” look to it, where it is somewhat muted and vintage looking in color. It’s absolutely gorgeous and will really flatter a variety of skin tones for this reason. Two coats gave me smooth, opaque color.

Thanks A Windmillion

Kiss Me On My Tulips is a bright hot pink. Yeah! I can never get enough of really bright hot pinks when it comes to nail polish, blush, or lipstick. It makes your fingers look tanner and leaner, and is an overall major mood booster. I love this shade and will be rockin’ it on my nails and my toenails a lot this spring and summer.

Kiss Me On My Tulips

Wooden Shoe Like To Know? is a shimmery chocolate-brown. This shade almost leans on the mauve side in some lighting, but it has really pretty micro-shimmer in it that gleams gold. This one is kind of an unexpected shade for spring, but I like it a lot! And yes, I smudged my middle nail in the second and third finger if you were wondering. Accidents happen!

Wooden Shoe Like To Know?

Wooden Shoe Like To Know? (in sunlight)

Wooden Shoe Like To Know?

Vampsterdam is a deep wine-purple shade with ever-so-fine micro-shimmer in it that gleams blue. In fact, you may not notice it until you hold the bottle or your nails to the sunlight, but it’s there, and it’s very pretty. Another unexpected shade for spring, but if you are a fan of OPI’s darker shades such as “Lincoln Park After Dark,” you’ll love this one. Also, how can you not love the name of this polish? It’s adorable!

Vampsterdam (notice the fine shimmer)

Vampsterdam

Red Lights Ahead…Where? is an extremely bright coral-red. Love at first sight. It’s not your classic red, and it’s not your classic coral pink. It’s somewhere in between and that somewhere between is absolutely stunning. It glows on your nails and toes, and it puts a smile on my face every single time. Love, love, LOVE!

Red Lights Ahead...Where?

Overall: Out of the first half of this collection, every shade applied smoothly and without any problem. All swatches above are two coats. The first half of this collection has a nice selection for everyone…those who love darker, vampy shades, and those who are ready to face spring with some major bright polishes. I highly recommend this collection! Stay tuned for part two which has the other six nail lacquers from this collection.

Holland Collection nail lacquer shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Holland Collection by OPI will be available February 8, 2012, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer. For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

Stay tuned for part two!

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

[This article contains a sample product sent by PR. Beauty Gala's opinions are our own, and we commit ourselves to honesty in our reviews and descriptions at all times. Sample products are not guaranteed a review. For consideration of your product, please send all PR requests to Rebecca@beautygala.com, or by using our Press Inquiry Form.]

Lookbook: OPI Nicki Minaj Nail Lacquer Collection, Photographs & Swatches

BeautyGala — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:34:40 +0000

When I first found out that OPI would be collaborating with Nicki Minaj to create a collection I admit that squealed with excitement. I find Nicki Minaj to be such wonderful eye candy when it comes to her fashion and beauty choices. The colors, patterns, and trends she wears and creates are always inspiring, and I thought it would translate beautifully into a nail polish collection.

“OPI is so excited to work with Nicki in releasing these six new nail lacquers,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Nicki has taken the hip hop world by storm, but her music is only part of the equation. She’s also become a fashion inspiration, noted for her daring costumes and hair color both on and off the stage.”

I really could not have said it better myself. Whether you love or hate her music, she really is like a real-life Barbie, displaying intricate, crazy costumes, hair, and makeup. The six colors in this collection are simply gorgeous and perfectly reminiscent of Nicki Minaj. To see photographs and swatches of the entire collection,

Metallic 4 Life is a dark charcoal gray, an almost-black, with small silver micro-glitter mixed with larger hexagonal glitter. This shade is actually really interesting because the glitter sits inside of the base differently. It disperses really well and evenly, and sits inside the actual dark base instead of just looking like it’s a top coat. It applied very well in just two coats.

Save Me is a semi-sheer silver holographic glitter. The glitter is confetti shaped, with long, thin strands that gleam every color of the rainbow. This can actually be worn alone since the base is somewhat opaque. Below is two coats, but you could easily do two or three for nice opaque coverage. You can also use this as a top coat and it would look super glamorous. As a side note, I absolutely love Nicki’s song “Save Me,” as it was one of my favorites off of her album Pink Friday.

Fly is an aqua-teal creme. Oh my. Absolutely gorgeous, classy, and CLASSIC. This shade leans more on the teal side than the first swatch photograph shows, and the second swatch shade, which is in the sunshine, is more true-to-shade. It just has that really smooth, perfect looking creme formula to it, and the color is bright and cheerful. This is going to be an incredible pedicure shade for the spring and summer, too! Love, love, LOVE!

Did It On ‘Em is a bright lime green creme. Another stunner! First of all, this is a shade that just looks fun in the bottle. I could leave the bottle out and just stare at it for happiness and inspiration. It’s bright, and neon’s are going to be extremely trendy this spring and summer. This is another delectable shade that will look great on the toes for the spring and summer as well. It went on perfectly in just two coats.

Super Bass Shatter is a shimmering plum purple shatter. When you apply this polish over top of another polish, it shatters, creating a natural “crackled” effect. The color of this shatter is really pretty with how shimmery it is. I applied this over top of “Pink Friday” from this collection for these swatches.

Pink Friday is a Nicki Minaj bubblegum pink. I’m pretty sure if you say “Nicki Minaj pink” to a group of music enthusiasts, they will know exactly what you mean at this point. It’s that really sweet, feminine, pale, pastel pink. This shade is so, so gorgeous and it is a dream in application. It applied perfectly even and opaque in just two coats, and it looks so sophisticated on the nails. I am having a hard time choosing a favorite from this collection because I love them all, but I think this one might take my heart.

Overall: Whether you’re a fan of Nicki Minaj or just a nail polish lover, this collection contains six gorgeous, unique shades that perfectly reflect the style and trends of Nicki’s signature look. All six shades applied smoothly in just two coats, as well, making this collection perfection in terms of quality.

Nicki Minaj by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This limited edition promotion will be available beginning January 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer. For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

Win a Trip To New York Fashion Week: My Total Rockstar Look

BeautyGala — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:53:44 +0000

I’m so, so excited to bring details of this sweepstakes to you all! Have you ever dreamed of being a VIP at New York Fashion Week? Well, Kohls and Rock & Republic are offering you a chance of a lifetime! When I want to feel like a total rockstar, this is my go-to look. I pile on the eyeliner, the false lashes, and add some glitter to it. Want to have the time of your life in NYC? To enter,

When it comes to makeup, achieving a total rockstar worthy look is extremely simple! I like to combine all the elements of glitz and glamour with some elements of edginess to them (mile-long fake lashes, anyone?). I took my favorite color in the entire world, purple, and made that my main eyeshadow color. To really amp it up and make myself feel like a pop-star during a concert, I added mile-long false lashes and loads of purple glitter that sparkles like crazy. To achieve this look:

Apply an eyeshadow primer or base. This step is really important, especially if you are going to be piling on the eyeshadow, glitter, and liner like I am. Concealer will work if you have nothing else, as well.
Apply a purple eyeshadow over your entire eyelid, through the crease, and blend. You can use your favorite color, which is what I did, and the purple really brings out my blue-green eyes. I used L’oreal “Perpetual Purple” eyeshadow for this look.
Apply black liquid liner to your upper lash line, and smudge black liner on your lower waterline. Smudge, smudge, smudge! This is a rockstar look, so get a little messy and don’t be afraid to have it intentionally look that way. Black eyeliner is a must-have for that rockstar appeal.
Apply purple or iridescent glitter on top of your eyeshadow. I used Sally Girl’s glitter and glitter adhesive (available at any Sally Beauty Supply store), and applied it right on top of my eyeshadow.
Apply false lashes. Rock out hard on this step and go with the longest, darkest, most dramatic lashes you can find! I applied really dark, long, thick eyelashes for that extremely dramatic look.

I kept the rest of the look simple by applying some peachy-pink blush, and a nude-pink lipstick. My eyes are the focus of this look!

The finished look is my go-to “rockstar” makeup look. It’s perfect for a concert, a night out on the town, or when you’re on your way to New York Fashion Week…

This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I know that many of you who read Beauty Gala love beauty, fashion, and all things trendy. I want to send one of you to New York Fashion week!

Enter here to win a chance to win:

Roundtrip airfare for two to New York City.
3 nights’ hotel accommodations at the W New York-Times Square.
Ground transportation to and from the airport, as well as to and from fashion shows.
Two tickets to the Rock & Republic fashion show.
Rock & Republic makeovers for you and your guest: clothes, hair, AND makeup.
$300 spending money.

Contest is open until January 28th, 2012 at 9pm PST. Enter, enter, enter!

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

*Contest is sponsored by Glam Media, which I am a part of. I want a Beauty Gala reader to rock her way around New York Fashion Week!

2012 Lookbook: Physician’s Formula Happy Booster™ Glow & Mood Boosting Lipstick, “I ♥ Rose,” Photographs & Swatches

BeautyGala — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:06:27 +0000

This lipstick is so insanely adorable that I just couldn’t pass it up when I saw it in the drugstore. Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Lipstick is a new addition to their “Happy Booster” cosmetics line, which includes blushes and bronzers already. The lipstick has a triple layer design, with three different shades of rose pink creating the perfect shade. The triple layer design is that of a heart, and it’s so pretty to look at! The overall packaging of this lipstick is also extremely pretty and festive for this time of year with Valentine’s Day coming up. To see photographs, swatches, and my overall review,

Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Lipstick contains a lip-boosting formula with collagen boosting peptides to smooth lips and make them look extra plump. The lipstick is also infused with a violet scent to promote “happiness and joy each time you use it.” Physician’s Formula also says that their “Happy Boost Blend,” featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, contains natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of endorphins and helping to protect skin from environmental stress.

With that said, I’m not sure if the plant extracts which mimic the effects of endorphins are responsible for the feeling of happiness when using this, or if it’s just the overall packaging, design, and scent which create a feeling of joy. It’s sort of like when you see your favorite color, or smell the scent of your favorite food, your brain releases endorphins, also known as the “feel good” hormone. The packaging is bright, cheerful, and extremely girly, so when I look at it, I instantly feel like it’s a pick-me-up. Also, the violet scent this lipstick contains is perfect. It’s not too overpowering, but a slight flowery scent that smells relaxing and feminine.

I ♥ Rose is a bright rose pink lipstick shade. The unique heart design of the lipstick contains three layers which blend together to create the perfect complementary shade. The design is what caught my eye in the store, and it’s extremely cute. Once you use the lipstick for the first time, the design of the heart will fade slightly, but you are still left with the triple-layer of colors that will continue to blend together every time you apply it.

Isn’t it beautiful? The overall color payoff is bright, but soft, and will really flatter every skin tone. I also felt like the formula had a plumping effect on my lips, almost immediately, without any usual stinging or burning sensation. It just felt like the formula tightened and smoothed my lips, making them seem plumper and more healthy.

Overall: If you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day, rose-pink lipstick, and cute packaging, this lipstick is going to win your heart over. The heart design does fade after usage, but the three layers of color still remain to give you dimensional color. The violet scent is not overbearing, but smells really delicious. The formula will leave your lips plump, smooth, and healthy looking with universally flattering color!

Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Lipstick is available in two shades: “I ♥ Rose,” and “I ♥ Nude.” Each lipstick retails for $8.95 and can be found at drugstores nationwide. To visit the Physician’s Formula website and read more on this product, click here. Physician’s Formula also makes Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Bronzer/Blush, which I’ve been using for about a year now and absolutely love.

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

2012 Lookbook: NYC City Duet 2-in-1 Lip Color, “The Vintage Pinks,” Photographs & Swatches

BeautyGala — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:03:42 +0000

Happy Friday the 13th! Did you know that 2012 will have three Friday the 13ths? This month, April, and July!

I recently swatched the NYC City Duet 2-in-1 Lip Color in The Rock A Fellas and I heard how many of you loved these! I picked up two other duo’s and “The Vintage Pinks” is one of them. This dual-sided lipstick contains two lip colors in one, which you can wear alone or layered. To see photographs and swatches,

The Vintage Pinks is a dual-sided lipstick that contains a light frosty pink shade, and a dusty-vintage looking rose shade. You can wear these layered on top of one another, or simply wear the lighter shade during the daytime and flip your lipstick over for a nighttime shade! I think these 2-in-1 lip colors are totally genius and I am loving the long-wearing formula and color payoff. At $2.99 each, you simply cannot go wrong!

(no flash)

Light frosty pink shade

Dusty rose shade

NYC City Duet 2-in-1 Lip Colors come in ten different duo’s and are available wherever NYC Cosmetics are sold nationwide. I personally found mine in K-Mart, but I’ve also seen these in Rite-Aid, as well. Use the store locator tool to find a location near you.

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

Current Favorites Video: Prized Products I’ve Been Using Often!

BeautyGala — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:01:57 +0000

Since I don’t believe in monthly favorites, I decided I would do a “current favorites” video, showing you the products I’ve been using and loving for the past few months. Feel free to leave a comment below!

2012 Lookbook: NYC City Duet 2-in-1 Lip Color, “The Rock A Fellas,” Photographs & Swatches

BeautyGala — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:05:02 +0000

I recently stumbled across these gems in my local K-mart, which I sometimes visit because they have makeup and beauty products I can’t find elsewhere. NYC City Duet 2-in-1 Lip Color is a really cool spin on the classic lipstick, containing two shades instead of just one, by splitting the lipstick bullet in two. Both shades coordinate with one another, and can be layered and worn together or separately. As soon as I saw this display I wanted to go crazy and purchase all ten of them, but then I thought to myself, “Rebecca, do you really need TEN more lipsticks in your collection?” Right. Self-control. I ended up buying 3 lipsticks from this collection, and here is the first, The Rock A Fellas. To see photographs and swatches,

The Rock A Fellas is a duo containing a pastel coral-peach, and a medium-toned, bright red-coral. The lipstick is split right down the middle, with each side of the lipstick containing a shade. NYC creating this product was total genius! Who wouldn’t love two lipstick shades in one? I love that you can mix and blend the two shades just by flipping the lipstick over, or simply wear one for daytime and one for nighttime. Also, you can’t beat the price of these at $2.99 each.

The formula on this lipstick was smooth, and applied perfectly. I was amazed at the long-wear I was able to get out of these lipsticks as well!

Light coral shade

Brighter red-coral

Overall: These lipsticks are long-wearing, with a really beautiful formula on them. Each lipstick contains two shades, so you can wear them alone, or together for a unique look. These lipstick duo’s are total genius!

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

Video Review & Demo: Bombshell Locks, featuring the Sultra Bombshell!

BeautyGala — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:44:20 +0000

My favorite way to wear my hair is “bombshell style.” Think Marilyn Monroe, or modern day, the Victoria’s Secret Angels. The hair is effortlessly sexy and chic, moveable, simple to achieve, yet undeniably glamorous. The Sultra Bombshell Curling Iron is the be-all-end-all curling tool for me. Clampless, you can wrap sections of your hair around the ceramic plated rod and create gorgeous waves and curls.

I decided to demonstrate this product live via a video review and tutorial above. I hope you enjoy the tutorial, and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!

**Purchase the Sultra Bombshell Curling Iron here.**

[This article contains a sample product sent by PR. Beauty Gala's opinions are our own, and we commit ourselves to honesty in our reviews and descriptions at all times. Sample products are not guaranteed a review. For consideration of your product, please send all PR requests to Rebecca@beautygala.com, or by using our Press Inquiry Form.]

2012 Lookbook: Iris Apfel for MAC Cosmetics, “Party Parrot” Lipstick, Photographs & Swatches

BeautyGala — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:24:27 +0000

MAC Cosmetics has released a collection inspired by Iris Apfel, who is known for interior design and quirky, bright fashion statements. After seeing the lipsticks from this collection swatched on a beauty blog, I knew I had to have “Party Parrot.” I don’t have anything quite like it in my collection, and even the photographs make it hard to capture the essence of just how bright and beautiful this color is. I have a lot of blue-based bright pink lipsticks (think: Nicki Minaj’s signature lips), but none that are red-based pinks, and certainly none that are so bright that they are almost neon. This color somehow manages to be extremely flattering, and really brings out your eye color. It’s safe to say that this is one of my favorite lipsticks that I have purchased in many months. To see photographs and swatches,

Party Parrot is actually a matte finish lipstick, meaning it has no shine and is completely flat in finish. I actually didn’t find this to be an entirely matte lipstick though. I feel like it falls somewhere in between a matte and a satin finish, or maybe just a much better developed matte formula that isn’t dry and doesn’t flake. I totally dig the formula for that reason, and if all matte lipsticks were made like this, I’d be more likely to reach for them constantly!

Party Parrot is described by MAC as a “bright red-pink,” and that description couldn’t be more aptly named. It is a red-based pink, but it doesn’t look the slightest bit red on your actual lips. It almost has a neon-like glow to it, that is how bright it is, yet it manages to look flattering and not like you just stepped straight out of the 1980′s. This shade is very opaque, and one swipe is all you need to put down intense, stunning color. I can honestly say that I don’t own anything like this shade in my collection with how intense the shade is, and how the bright pink just seems to glow with tones of orange, coral, and red. This is one of those shades that you really need to see in person.

Party Parrot Swatch (no flash, natural lighting, no adjustments)

Party Parrot (with flash, no adjustments)

Party Parrot (natural sunlight)

What would I pair this with? I would definitely let “Party Parrot” be the star of the show. This shade is going to be a knockout in the spring and summertime with some winged out black eyeliner, and some bright pink or coral flushed cheeks.

The MAC Cosmetics Iris Apfel Collection is limited edition, and is currently selling out quickly. Most of the lipsticks are sold out online, but you can still find the entire collection at a MAC Counter near you. Each lipstick retails for $14.50. I wanted a few of the other shades of lipstick in this collection, as well, but they sold out quickly online. If I purchase them in store, I’ll be sure to include them in a post!

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]