2008 October | New York Designer

Brand: Revlon

Line: Beyond Natural

Product: Skin Matching Makeup

I hate gimmicks. I tend to run in the opposite direction of what I perceive to be gimmicky product launches. I’ve saved quite a bit of money and heartache that way. On the other hand, I’ve recently found myself changing my mind about products that once seemed gimmicky to me. I’ll cite mineral makeup and primers as two examples of products that I’ve come to accept as legitimate additions to my cosmetics bag. It is with this newfound open mind that I decided to give Revlon’s new Beyond Natural Skin Matching makeup a fair shake.

Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup ($10.99 for 1oz.) left me pleasantly surprised. It was strange to see how this gritty whitish cream actually transformed into a smooth canvas that was at least a decent color match to my skin tone. Worn over the primer, it provided medium, matte coverage that lasted about twelve hours. I was able to build the color where I needed it, (under my eyes where blue veins create a roadmap to nowhere). It was weightless and perhaps the most breathable non-mineral foundation that I’ve ever worn.

Despite all of its positive attributes, I didn’t love Beyond Natural enough to ditch my Sally Hansen Inspired by Carmindy liquid foundation. I prefer dewy luminosity to a matte finish any day of the week. SHIBC delivers that “I just got some and you didn’t” glow in spades. The added bonus is that it feels so luxurious you’ll have trouble believing you didn’t pay through the nose for a bottle. Beyond Natural’s color selection is also disappointing with only five shades to choose from. Perhaps the best indication that SHIBC was the way to go came from my dear husband. Bless his heart, he doesn’t notice much, but on the days I wore Beyond Natural he frequently commented on how tired I looked. One morning, after returning to my SHIBC, he looked up from his paper and commented cheerfully, “Honey, you look like you finally got some sleep last night!” That was all I needed to hear. Beyond Natural has been banished to the drawer of misfit cosmetics.

Cut Costs Cuties!

Gemma

Alexia Crawford
Today, 10/20 through Fri, 10/24
Time/Place: 35 W. 36th St., 6th fl; tel: (212) 629-6615 M-F 9-7pm
Up to 80% off wholesale prices – baubles, beads & loads more. Tags range from $5-$20 on fashion jewelry, handbags, scarves, and one-of-a-kind pieces all specially priced.

Just Cavalli, C’N'C Costume National, Galliano & more
Today, 10/20 through Sun., 10/26
Time/Place: M-St 11-8pm & Sn 11-6pm; 17 Battery Place South, 5th fl; tel: (212) 636-0865
It USA is hosting a private fall/winter sample sale of Italy’s most fashionable brands from the newest collections. Save up to 80% off retail on all women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, exquisite leather outerwear, accessories, shoes, evening gowns, designer handbags, cashmere knitwear, and more. Here are just some examples of what you will find:

* Men’s and women’s jeans now $40-$90
* Women’s dresses $100-$250
* Men’s and women’s leather jackets and outerwear now $200-$300
* Designer shoes and handbags now $75-$250

Prada & Miu Miu
Today, 10/20 through Fri., 10/24
Time/Place: 609 W. 51st St., (11th Ave); M-F 9-8pm
Get discounts on Prada and Miu Miu ready-to-wear and footwear from past seasons at their friends-and-family sample sale.

Elie Tahari
Tomorrow, 10/21 through Sat., 10/25
Time/Place: 510 Fifth Ave., nr. 43rd St., ground fl; T-F 8:30-7:30pm, St 10-5pm
Stop by the Elie Tahari sample sale for 70 to 80 percent off men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and handbags. A brown, silk, embroidered cocktail dress is $159 from $448, and knee-high leather flat boots are $199 from $625.

As little spurts of decent weather continue popping up, it becomes difficult to admit that it’s time to figure out the winter boot situation. It’s not that we replenish our closet each season. The fact is, we’re pretty stocked up with a whole lotta boots that should really be passed on to either thrift stores or the shoe repairman. We pulled on our favorite little Harley Davidson slip ons last week, knowing there was an itty bitty tear on the bottom needing some repair. Well, by the end of trapzing around the NYC sidewalks – that tear became a monster of a slice.

We’re loving some of the styles out this season. Doesn’t it seem like there is an 80s influence in every line now? Oh well, not complaining.

Currently, we’re leaning towards the old school-will-never-die Doc Martens. They even have booties!

And one can never go wrong with the classic lace up. Considering the economy, this is the way to go. They’re a shoe that will still be in your closet 10 years from now with the same comfort, quality & durability – and don’t forget the style. Docs are timeless. They’re kind of like the Chanel of the rock world. Yup, this is our new winter boot.

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