Mischo Beauty Loves NARS Bento Box Set

Earlier today, Saks invited their top 25 bloggers to attend a breakfast to celebrate the upcoming launch of the Saks POV Blog and to preview their top 25 holiday gifts. I was honored to have been invited and of course didn't miss it! The morning started off on the dreary side due to the windy rain storm outside, but quickly brightened up once the breakfast began. The highlight of the morning for me (remember I'm a beauty girl!) was definitely NARS' Bento Box Set. After being given the opportunity to try a combination of the lipsticks (Maiko - the red & Sakura - the pink) on, my whole mood was seriously transformed. It is a FIERCE lippie, and not for those who are shy! It's a must-have and is now officially on my wish list. What do you think?

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Mischo Beauty Loves NARS "Cruella" Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil & "Red Lizard" Lipstick

I never buy matte lipsticks (they make my lips look dry) because my lips are naturally dry (and yes I do exfoliate and moisturize them!) and so it was a shock when I fell in love with NARS' "Cruella" velvet matte lipstick pencil and "Red Lizard" lipstick. Before buying them, I left them at the counter, convinced the "matte" look wasn't for me, and went looking for other options. But, after wearing this combination for about an hour, I went back for them! I couldn't deny the fact that my lips looked amazing! If shiny/glossy lips are your thing, then you won't like this combination - but, I do have a recommendation I love, which I'll post next week!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: NARS & Thakoon Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Since we all pretty much HEART anything NARS, I decided to share with you all the makeup look at the Thakoon AW2010 show. Designer Thakoon Panichgul states, "I was inspired by the costumes of Chopinot & Gaultier's Le Defile show and wanted to create a collection that reflected that same era but without the goth element."

"The look is fresh, beautiful, luminous and quite confident, " said lead NARS artist Diane Kendal. "We focused on a strong brow and highlighted the eyes to show depth and boldness in a way that wouldn't fight with the various textures, layers and colors of the collection".

The fall 2010 makeup collection will include the following, which were used in the show:

- Douceur Blush (try Lovejoy or Madly Blushes for a similar effect)
- Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow (try Bali Single Eyeshadow for a similar effect)
- Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow (try Orgasm Illuminator for a similar effect)
- Portobello Duo Eyeshadow
- Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick (try Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil for a similar effect)

You may view more looks here! So, what do you think?

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Mischo's Mistletoe Beauty Guide

I enjoy sharing beauty tips, beauty education and product reviews with you all, but now it's time for some fun! It's my favorite time of the year- and so the theme of this guide is all about achieving that "kiss me under the mistletoe" look with gorgeous makeup, hair, skin and nails. And so, let's begin!

The foundation for beautiful skin, is healthy skin. My recommendation is to start with a cleansing and nourishing facial. We all know the benefits of facials, right? And so my suggestion is a visit to Christine Chin Spa, owned by celebrity esthetician, Christine Chin. She has over 20 years of experience in the skincare business, and her clients include Gisele Bundchen, Kimora Lee Simmons and Kate Moss.

I don't know about you, but I want to keep my skin healthy and glowing after an investment in a facial. I suggest investing in a Clarisonic skincare brush. You can use it in conjunction with a cleanser and also with an exfoliant for an even deeper cleansing. I always use mine during the mini-facials I give myself at home. The removal of dead skin cells, not only helps with cell turnover, but also keeps skin looking young and fresh.

There's not much I need to say about La Mer, that you don't already know! It is luxury skincare at it's best. What I will say though is, if you don't have a consistent skincare regimen- GET STARTED NOW! I'm recommending The Connoisseur Collection.

Baths are both relaxing and pampering- and you should pamper yourself daily, not just on special occasions. I fell in love with the Bath Oil Collection, Deluxe Soap Collection and Pamper Kit- all holiday gift sets by Jo Malone. Sorry- I couldn't pick just one!

I stopped in Bergdorf's this past summer and fell in love with Serge Lutens Parfum. I know fragrance scents are individual, but there are enough scents in this collection of fragrances that you'll definitely fall in love with one of them. When I wear Nuit De Cellophane or Datura Noir- I'm always complemented. Wearing one of these scents will definitely secure a kiss!

I'm partial to a sexy, sultry eye look- especially for under the mistletoe, and so my pick is the Les 4 Ombres De Chanel eye shadow quad in "Smoky Eyes" by Chanel.

You all know how much I love celebrity makeup artist, Sam Fine. Whatever he's using, I'm rushing out to try! He loves blushes by NARS, and my suggestion to you is to visit a NARS counter near you and find a shade that makes you glow! One of my favorites is "Orgasm".

So this is really about achieving the most kissable lips, right! So I'm recommending both the Rouge Volupte and Fard A Levres Rouge Pur lipsticks by Yves Saint Laurent. The texture, range of shades, and wearability make both lipsticks so worth it! And kissable lips are worth it, right?

I don't know about you, but when I look at a person, most times my eyes are drawn to their hair first. And so, healthy hair is key! A beautifully executed cut and color, doesn't hurt! If you happen to be near New York City, then you need to see Carlina Munoz for color (you won't be disappointed!) and she's at the John Barrett Salon. My recommendation for a haircut would be an amazing hairstylist by the name of Mahogany, at the Oscar Blandi Salon. Mahogany also specializes in extensions, Brazilian relaxing treatments and thermal straightening treatments.

For home maintenance- yes, you must properly care for your investments- I'm recommending Kerastase. I love this line of products because there's a product for every hair type/need/issue. So if you've colored your hair, be sure to check out the Reflection collection. If you're having issues with dryness, possibly due to the change in seasons, then check out the Nutritive collection of products.

I'm personally dying to visit Jin Soon Hand And Foot Spa. It's owned by manicurist to the stars, Jin Soon. Remember her collaboration with MAC Cosmetics earlier this year, and the nail colors you couldn't live without? Well, not only is Jin about creating chic nail colors and pampering her clients, she also educates her clients on the health and care of their nails. She's even included a downloadable nail handbook on her website (I love it!). There's no doubt that after an appointment with her, you'll have perfectly manicured hands and feet.

And finally, we know manicures/pedicures only last for so long (especially depending on your lifestyle, etc.) and so I love Zoya Nail Polish for home use. It's free of harmful chemicals, and you WILL find a shade you'll fall in love with! Remember how much I loved "Layla" this summer? Right now I'm wearing "Envy" and yes, I love it too!

I hope you all loved my picks, suggestions and recommendations. I had fun compiling this list- and really, it go could on forever! What I really want for the holidays- besides all the kisses I can get under the mistletoe- is love, peace and happiness for all!

So, which of the above are you planning to try for yourself?

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: NARS & Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

The makeup look for the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear runway show was inspired by the contemporary dancer, Martha Graham- "old-fashioned and theatrical but graceful and precise. This translated into a "left over stage makeup" look for the runway show. The models weren't meant to have perfect makeup- a "just came off-stage" look was the goal and it was achieved!

The focus of the look was the eye. According to Francois Nars, the shape of the eyeliner was most important- it was meant to open the eyes, especially underneath. NARS' Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil was used to enhance the eye.

I loved the soft, muted lip! NARS' Pop Life Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, which is new for Holiday 2009, was used on both upper and lower lips, adding an extra layer to the top lip so that it appeared darker. To view the entire look along with the complete collection, click here.

- Have you ever tried NARS' lipstick or lip gloss? Here are two of my favorites!
- Find out what stopped me dead in my tracks while out searching for NARS' Turkish Delight lip gloss.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: NARS & Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2009/#NYFW

NARS was the makeup sponsor for the Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2009 runway show. Makeup artist, Diane Kendal drew inspiration from Helmut Newton photographs, using the concept of a brave warrior- strong and fierce.

"The collection is very hard and sculpted so we wanted to keep the skin neutral and show strength through the eyebrows," said Diane.

The focus was a very strong eyebrow with glowy skin, communicating strength without being too bold. "We created very fresh, dewy skin by using the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. It really allowed the skin's natural highlights to shine through," said Diane.

The products used to achieve the look- NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream, NARS Concealer, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali, NARS Single Eyeshadow in Sophia, NARS Eyelash Curler and NARS Lip Therapy Treatment in Rain.

Love the look?

Source: IMG

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Mischo Beauty: NARS Spring 2009 Collection

"Introducing Spring 2009, a color collection inspired by the 1970's boasting pastel hues and berry shades for a look of pure chic." The collection includes:

Blush Duo:
Hungry Heart

Duo Concealer:
Vanilla/Honey
Custard/Ginger
Praline/Toffee

Duo Eyeshadow:
Egea
Hula Hula

Single Eyeshadow:
Baby Girl
Grenadines
Night Sun

Multiple Duo:
Orgasm/South Beach

Multiple Bronzer:
Cap Vert

Lip Gloss:
Sweet Revenge

Lipstick:
Shrinagar

My picks include the Sweet Revenge lip gloss, Orgasm/South Beach multiple duo and the Hungry Heart blush duo.

What are yours!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: NARS Holiday Collection 2008

"Glid yourself from head to toe with a posh array of luxuries from NARS' Holiday 2008 Collection. Festive and fabulous, the products are available at www.narscosmetics.com, just in time for the holiday party season." Here are the highlights and a face chart detailing the steps to achieve the campaign look:

Eyes:
Night Life Single Eyeshadow: $22 - Add light and shimmer to your lids with this ultra-festive silver shadow infused with silver particles.

Silent Night Single Eyeshadow: $22 - Glid your eyes with this new shadow enhanced with flecks of gold.

Jolie Poupee Duo Eyeshadow: $32 - Chic and compact, this new eyeshadow boasts shades of vibrant violet and pearlescent purple, the ultimate for creating a bold eye for the holidays.

Cheeks:
Super Orgasm Blush: $25 - NARS takes the classic Orgasm Blush to the next level with this new favorite. Richly concentrated and enhanced with more intense golden flecks, this blush is sure to become a staple in your makeup bag.

Lips:
Canaille Lipstick: $24 - The ultimate in chic, this satin lipstick is now available in a shade of shimmering mohagany.

All Night Long Lip Gloss: $24 - Impart color and shine to your lips with this new semi sheer dusty raspberry shade.

Nails:
Orgasm Nail Polish: $16 - Complete your holiday look with this new shade of polish in the classic peachy pink and golden shimmer hue.

With that said, I HEART NARS and want the entire collection! What are your favorites?

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Nouba Lipstick by NARS

I've fallen in love with a new lipstick as of late, and it's Nouba by NARS. It's a sheer, "ginger with shimmer", and on me the look is that of a "sexy, nude lip with a hint of sparkle". The application is smooth and the formula contains vitamin E, so I my lips stay soft and moisturized. I've even been wearing the Turkish Delight lip gloss (that I bought this past weekend) over it which adds a soft hint of pink to my lips. It's such a pretty transition into fall.

NARS Lipstick Nouba
NARS Lip Gloss Turkish Delight

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Mischo Beauty Alert: NARS Fall 2008

The new fall 2008 collection from NARS launched online today and includes the following:

Dolce Vita Blush: Dusty Rose

Fez Single Eyeshadow: Velvety Cocoa
Isolde Duo Eyeshadow (pictured above): Frosted Ginger & Shimmering Copper
Cordura Duo Eyeshadow: Shimmering Warm Rich Brown & Shimmering Sooty Dark Brown

Beautifual Liar Lipstick: Sheer Spiced Coral
Senorita Lipstick: Sheer Shimmering Cherry Blossom

Female Trouble Lip Gloss: Lilac Mauve

Rebell Yell Nail Polish: Dustry Pomegranate

I haven't had an opportunity to try anything from the collection as of yet- but my favorites so far are: EVERYTHING!

What do you think? Any "must-haves"?

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Mischo Beauty Extra: NARS Gives Back

Luxury cosmetics and skincare brand, NARS Cosmetics, held several events in celebration of the brand’s Spring 2008 ad campaign featuring Lydia Hearst. Not only did the fashion-forward brand beautify local women, they kicked off an “Adopt a Park” campaign to preserve and makeover a Miami Dade County park.

NARS Cosmetics and the local Miami community volunteered their time and effort to plant colorful flowers and trees at Haulover Park. To help unveil the newly beautified park, Miami Dade County Commissioner, Sally Haymen, Park Director, Jack Kardys and Assistant Director of Operations, Frank Faragalli were in attendance to celebrate this special community event as well as to accept NARS contribution to Miami-Dade County treasury on behalf of Haulover Park. All volunteers received a discount on NARS website and a NARS Multiple in themed-shades South Beach or Palm Beach.

Later that evening, NARS hosted a celebratory “VIP Lounge” at SET Miami where guests experienced “touch ups” with NARS makeup artists. NARS-themed cocktails and decadent desserts were served and attendees received the brand’s keys spring item, NARS Multiple in Orgasm.

NARS 2008 spring collection is available on www.narscosmetics.com.

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Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite

So it's Thursday and it's time for my weekly "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" post. I received a lovely e-mail from my reader Shalon asking me to share her favorite blush with you, which is Black Radiance's Sheer Finish Blush in Soft Honey. She says its an inexpensive drugstore brand, and she receives more compliments on this blush more than any other blush she's ever used, including her NARS blush. For a drugstore brand, she's surprised that the pigment is so strong and because the texture is so soft, it blends well and actually lasts without needing to reapply. It's perfect for her combination skin type and at a price of $3.99- it's a staple in her makeup kit!

I love it! Thanks for sharing Shalon!

If you'd like to share your favorite beauty products simply send an e-mail to: mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" in the subject line and tell me all about it!

Have you tried this product? Any thoughts?

(Black Radiance's Sheer Finish Blush in Soft Honey photo courtesy of blackradiancebeauty.com)

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Mischo Beauty + Tyra's Best of Beauty

I was just reading Beauty 365’s “Win It: Tyra's Best of Beauty” post and I had to jump on the bandwagon with this one! If there was ever a contest to enter- it’s this one! Tyra’s giving away products from Clarisonic, NARS, Bliss, Kerastase, M.A.C, Sephora, Benefit, Dior, Prescriptives- and the list goes on and on! Click here to enter!

(photos courtesy of Tyra Show/Warner Bros.)

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Mischo Beauty Hearts Neiman Marcus

If there was any time to get to Neimans- the time is now! The Beauty Event started February 17th (through March 2nd), and if you spend $100 or more on fragrances or cosmetics, you receive a pink tote and six deluxe "treats" of the following: Orlane Repairing Night Cream, Chatecaille Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser, Fresh Sugar Acai Body Cream, Prada Scented Towlette, YSL Elle Fragrance and Lancome Courbe Virtouse Mascara in Black.

Even BETTER yet, if you spend a certain amount on a particular line of products (Kiehl's, Jo Malone, Chanel, La Prairie, NARS, Bliss and La Mer to name a few) the product line also has a complimentary gift with purchase. So you have the potential to receive TWO gift sets, depending on your purchase. Run, run, run!

(photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com)

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Mischo Beauty Pick

I find that I do my own nails more these days after completing my cosmetology and esthetics programs. The chapters on sanitation/disinfection and nail diseases/disorders slightly terrified me. Don't be alarmed, be cautious. At any rate, I love shopping for nail polish! My picks for Valentine's Day.

MAC: Shirelle
OPI: Log On To Love
YSL: Sublime Red
NARS: Dovima
CHANEL: Midnight Red
ESSIE: Turning Heads Red

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