Squillions of Love

Hey dearies,

I am listening to Flip Phillips and my belly is full of cookies and pupupas from a neighborhood restaurant. I have never gone out to eat pupusas specifically but wow, it is great. Also, people at the restaurant were not eating, like, salads. In this land of skinny jeans, the diners were even plump. Maybe this will happen to me too if I keep on eating pupusas? Mmmmmmmm.

Gab soon!

This Dress Is Giving Me Chills

So incredible.


Just one look at this Vera Wang silk netting gown was enough. Such lyrical draping! Such gorgeous coloring! Such a divine length! 

Love at first sight.

BUY IT: Vera Wang Silk Netting Embroidered Sleeve Gown ($899), Gilt.com

Linda, Linda, Mason, Mason

The Makeup Show New York wrapped up yesterday. What a zoo! What fun!

My favorite thing for sale at the trade show wasn't anything you could put on your face, although I am tempted to kiss the shiny wrapping of this lovely rectangular piece of genius. I shelled out for makeup artist Linda Mason's new DVD, Glorious Technicolor. Can't wait to watch it!

Gilt Groupe Changes Shipping and Return Policies

Happy news for fashionistas who shop online! In a press release issued today, Gilt Groupe announced:

"Gilt has expanded its return policy to offer its customers the option of a credit card refund. Starting today, Gilt customers will have the option of returning for a credit card refund, minus the cost of return shipping, or a Gilt credit for the merchandise as well as the shipping fee. Gilt Groupe has also expanded the categories in which it will accept returns to include handbags, wallets, sunglasses, ties, belts, cufflinks, and jewelry, in addition to all sizable items."

Also, the shipping rate has dropped to "a flat fee of $5.95 for UPS ground shipping no matter the size of the purchase." 

XOXO,
Charlotte

Product Reviews: KeratinPerfect Shampoo and Hair Oil

KeratinPerfect products have just launched at Sephora and if you have hair on your head, you may want to pay mighty close attention.

My coiffure is on a roll. Whether you crave a sleek hairdo or just want to tame mid-day frizz, there's something for everyone in the KeratinPerfect line.

Right now, I use two products by this brand regularly:

PerfectCleanse Keratin Enhanced Shampoo ($24, Sephora) super-charges my hairdo, making it appear thicker, healthier and shinier. It's hard to describe, but I feel like this shampoo is the equivalent of pumping iron for your locks. The product strengthens each strand and tames frizz.

I can actually feel the difference as soon as I use the shampoo, and see a difference when I am out of the shower. My hair is always smoother after using this product.

Cool, right?

The second product I heart is the KeratinPerfect PerfectShine Keratin Oil ($40, Sephora).

Expect positive feedback. If people don't say you look great when you use this hair-taming oil, you don't have the right friends. Certainly, mine do.

On days that I skip the KeratinPerfect shampoo, my hair can be a thorny, fuzzy, frizzy, tangled, rambunctious thing. Now, I just rub a few drops of this oil in my hands, apply to my dry hair, brush, twirl and gloat.

I adore my suddenly well-groomed tresses.

Also, the centerpiece of the KeratinPerfect line is a Brazilian Hair Smoothing System.  I haven't tried KeratinPerfect's main smoothing treatment, called ThePerfector, yet because I'm keeping my natural waves.  But so, so many of you want straighter hair!

My friend Lisa at Beauty by Benz tried ThePerfector and posted the fab results on her blog. Before, her hair appeared cute and curly. After, her hair appeared hot and Jessica Rabbit smooth! Also, most importantly, ThePerfector is formaldyhyde-free, as are all the the products in the line.

XOXO,
Charlotte

Beauty quandaries? In a makeup kerkuffle? Ask Eyeshadow Government for expert advice. Just write to eyeshadowgovernment [at] gmail.com!

Bunny Hop

If you missed Eyeshadow Government's exclusive about Alexis Bittar designing a a "bunny" mask for Rihanna, check it out here.

Meanwhile, California Apparel News recently blogged about this awesome pair of robotic bunny ears powered by, whoah, the wearer's brain waves. A Japanese project called Neurowear designed this shmancy, adorable gadget.




XOX. And here's the definition of "Bunny Hop" on Wikipedia.

Beauty Math: Layering Skincare and Makeup Products

Hey gals,

Today, I thought I would share with you how I "layer" great skincare and makeup products to increase their effectiveness. What can you wear under sunblock? How do you boost your lipstick? How do you make a customized shade of blush? Eyeshadow Government has the scoop!

(Many of these products I have mentioned before, but I thought it would be helpful for you to know how to incorporate them into a full-blown, beauty addict's regimen.)

1. Serum + Oil/Lotion + Sunblock = Yay

After washing your face in the morning, apply Jurlique Herbal Recovery gel, which contains botanicals that work to improve evenness and give your skin a natural glow.

Next, apply a lotion that works on your skin type. If your skin is naturally dry, you can use natural jojoba oil or Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil. If your skin is breakout-prone, try Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion or Dr. Brandt Blemishes No More Hydrating Lotion.

Then, apply a non-codomogenic sunblock, such as Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock.

2. Your Favorite Lipstick + Too Faced Glamour Gloss = Smooch

Lately, I adore layering Too Faced Glamour Gloss in This Is Pretty over my favorite lipsticks. (Specifically, I wear this lip gloss over Chanel Rouge Coco Mademoiselle and Lipstick Queen in Jean Queen.) After it's on, you might notice that your lips appear fuller and shinier. And it tingles!

Also, adding this gloss is a great way to experiment with lipsticks that are matte or a little dry.

3. This Blush + That Blush = Hooray

You may already have your favorite blush in your makeup bag. (Everyone should have at least one.) But if you apply blushes lightly with a brush or cotton ball, you can create your own customized shade. I have started mixing cheek blushes and bronzer recently and love the results. 

For example, Beauty Is Life Multi-Touch Powder in Balina looks great alone. It's a shimmery blush/bronzer, and they sell it at Barneys. But you can mix it with many pink shades or bronzers too.

Tip: Dab color on cheekbones and blend thoroughly.

XOXO,

Charlotte

P.S. Feel free to share your own "layering tips" in the comments section too. Stay divine!