Lorac Cosmetics: Meeting Carol Shaw & A Sneak Peak At Spring Collection

I had the fantastic pleasure of meeting the lovely Carol Shaw at a Spring Collection LORAC 2012 preview at a gorgeous hotel in the city. It was a cozy affair with a select handful of bloggers chosen to get a sneak peak at the Spring collection. LORAC is one of my favorite brands, so I was ecstatic when I got the invite. I was greeted by the lovely Carol Shaw who is beyond amazing and humble. She is an incredibly talented woman who took her love of beauty and created a gorgeous brand.

LORAC (pronounced LA-ROCK) is widely known as the "Red-Carpet Authority" and it's no wonder. Carol has done the makeup of many stars like Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Debra Messing, Nicole Richie and Ashley Greene. She created a fantastic brand and continues to create products every year that wow beauty lovers worldwide. I took a few photos to give you guys a sneak peak of whats to come. Get excited...

That large bronzer/highlight duo shall be MINE. It's absolutely stunning. From the products to the packaging, it's a definite WIN. On the right you can see some new glosses to look forward to. Guess which one I love? The nude, of course!

Complete Spring Preview: Starting at the left: you see the large bronzer/highlight duo, a mini eye shadow palette, blush, a brand new natural palette, Lorac's famous TANalizer in a darker shade and brand new glosses.

Are you in love yet?!

GOLD PACKAGING! I love that it's gold -- I can't wait to whip this one out my purse.

Are you excited for Lorac's Spring 2012 launch?

Vincent Longo New Essentials Collection for Fall/Winter 2011 Review & Swatches

I really adore when a brand launches a collection and I love every single product. That's usually the case when it comes to Vincent Longo products. I'm constantly blown away by the pigments, long-wear and the gorgeous colors of his line. His new essentials collection for Fall/Winter 2011 is no different. You can read about that launch here. Let's take a closer look...

Seen above are the velour pressed powders ($28). I tried Light #2 and Warm #4. These colors are definitely shades for me. Light #2 is a bit too light for me now, but I'm sure once we get more into winter, it'll be perfect. Warm #4 is almost perfect, but just a tad too yellow for my complexion. I used it a setting powder and for touch-ups throughout the day. I find that the shades are quite light, so I'm hoping for more shades in the future. I believe they are not meant as a foundation to be wore alone, but as a setting powder. They wore really well on me. It's really meant to add radiance and create a smooth finish, which it did.

You can notice there are a few colors put into each powder. You can blend all colors together for one color or focus your brush on one area.

The most exciting products I tried were the bronzers ($32) and blushes ($30). I was ecstatic when I saw the shades.

(Top row are bronzers/Bottom row are blushes)

 (Seen above: Golden Glow, Cooper Kiss, Cassata)

Golden Glow is described as a "golden beige" and to be honest, I've been using it as a highlighter on top of another bronzer. It's a very soft color, so it's perfect for that no-makeup look. I've used it alone and it gave a subtle glow.

Copper Kiss is described as "golden bronze" and I imagine it'll be the most popular of the bronzers. It's that perfect bronze shade that everyone desires. What I love about these bronzers it that they don't sit on top of your skin, but rather softly blend in for a natural look.

Cassata (my favorite) is described as "golden rose-sand" and it definitely looks like it sounds in the pan. It has a soft rose glow because of the small specks of color. I love the way this looks on my complexion. I intend to have a LOTD of with this bronzer.

These bronzers are absolutely stunning. I haven't used any other bronzers since I received them. They're incredibly pigmented and the colors are stunning. I found them great for contour use and perfect for just a soft glow. I seriously can't get enough of these! They also lasted about 6 hours on me.

 (In order above: Golden Glow, Copper Kiss, Cassata)

Get excited. Here come the blush swatches. More gorgeous additions to this collection!

(Seen above: Misty Blossom, Gold Canyon, Desert Rose)

Misty Blossom is described as a "powder pink" and she is very doll-like. Every-time I look at this blush I'm reminded of a porcelain doll with those perfect, rosy cheeks or Barbie. It looks awesome on my cheeks. I imagine it would look awesome on deeper skin tones are well.

Gold Canyon is described as a "burnished brown" and I've used it as a very natural blush.

Desert Rose is described as a "sandy rose" and this one is very light on the skin. I've also used this as a highlight or alone to create a soft glow. It looks almost pink/champagne on my complexion. I'm curious how it will look on other complexions.

*Products seen above where sent for consideration*


Have you tried Vincent Longo's New Essentials Collection?

Get Sexy Pink Cheeks with BareMinerals Blush in Flirt

I've been on the hunt for a vibrant, hot pink blush and I've definitely found it in BareMinerals Flirt ($19). I've been eyeing BareMinerals blushes for a while since they are super pigmented and easily blended. The brand, Bare Escentuals  is known for their best-selling foundation that promises natural looking skin and build-able coverage.

I found this blush to be extremely light weight and very natural looking. It wasn't heavy in the least and gave an awesome pop of color. I don't have any color like this in my collection, so it definitely was a great addition. I imagine I will use this mostly in the summer. The color is so vibrant that it will work with every skin tone ranged from light to extremely deep.

Isn't the color gorgeous? I'm now tempted to try other blushes from the brand.

Have you ever tried BareMinerals products?

An Oldie But Goodie: NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo

I been rummaging through my cosmetic stash lately and came across my NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo ($40). Most of us cosmetic junkies know that this product is a cult favorite among beauty lovers. Orgasm blush is an iconic shade that works for every skin tone and most women have owned it at least once in their lifetime. Most will repurchase and some won't even finish their first one. It's described as a "peachy pink with golden shimmer."

Laguna bronzer is another cult favorite. It was named "Best Bronzer for Light Skin" 2011 in InStyle's "Best Beauty Buys." Laguna is the perfect bronze shade--never orange looking and delivers a natural bronze glow. It's described as a "brown powder with golden shimmer." If you've never tried these products, you definitely need to run out to your local beauty store and try them out. These are staple products that should be in every woman's stash.

Do you own Orgasm or Laguna?

Get All Laced Up With Lorac's New Fall Collection: Review & Swatches

Anyone who knows me knows that I've recently fallen in love with the cosmetic brand, Lorac. Everything about the brand screams red-carpet ready. I love the sexy packaging and the price point is never too high. The pigments are gorgeous and the products themselves are beautiful. I've never tried a product from the line I didn't like. Their new Fall 2011 was no exception. I received the entire line and I squealed with delight when I opened the box.

(Products seen above were sent for consideration)

I received the new fall line, which included:

*Close Up: Real Life to Red Carpet Natural to Dramatic Face Tutorial ($39)

*Ooh La Lace Palette ($36)

*POREfection in Fair ($32)

Lorac's Close Up: Real Life to Red Carpet Natural to Dramatic Face Tutorial is amazing. The price point is a low $39 smackeroos and comes with some of their best selling products. It's $120 value and here's what you get: Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in LORACstar, Front Of The Line PRO Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Multiplex 3D Lashes in Black, Blush in Soul, Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trend Setter and a Face Tutorial Booklet with removable instructions that cling to your mirror. Isn't that bananas? I know! It's a definite MUST-HAVE.

This mascara is one of  my new favorites. It's add length and curl!

I love that this eyeliner doesn't bleed like most pens do

The item from this line that I was most excited about was the Ooh La Lace Baked Shimmer & Matte Eye Shadow Palette. It includes: 6  Eye Shadows in Lust (cream with shimmer), Smolder (matte gray), Risqué (matte black), Stunner (light bronze with shimmer), Knockout (bronze with shimmer), Racy (matte brown.) 

I've become annoyingly obsessed with anything and everything lace. It's just so sexy and feminine. It reminds me of some really hot tights or lingerie! This palette was even better than I expected. I can't wait to whip this out my purse. Grrrr. 

Without flash

With flash

Lastly, I received Lorac's new POREfection: Baked Perfecting Powder in Fair 01. I tried it on and I loved the finish, but fair was just way too light for me. I'm pretty positive I'd be Medium 04. I might just have to pick this up in my shade. This product is infused with Salicylic Acid and antioxidants to help skin appear youthful, healthy and clear. It gives a gorgeous smooth matte finish.

All and all, a definite hit again for Lorac. I just can't wait to see what's in store for holiday.

Have you ever tried LORAC before?