How KJ Bennett makes 2012 Color of the Year PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango work

image from sephora.com

Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color. For more than 45 years, Pantone has been inspiring design professionals with products, services and leading technology for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Every year Pantone, in coordination with the fashion industry, names a color of the year. This year, 2012, is PANTONE 17-1463, Tangerine Tango, a reddish orange

image from amazon.com

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

I think you all have noticed how in the past few years the color Orange has started to grow in popularity. Tangerine Tango is featured in many Spring fashion collections; this traditionally autumnal hue will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.

Tangerine Tango is a winner in cosmetics because of its versatility, Tangerine Tango is a bit bright, but it can be used in so many different applications in cosmetics that it becomes a signature color for many.  One could add a sultry flair to lips, cheeks and nails with Tangerine Tango. An unexpected eye shadow color, Tangerine Tango is a complementary opposite that flatters blue or green eyes. When paired with brown eyes, it brings out an amber cast.

image from Sephora.com

If you don't already know, Sephora has paired up with the PANTONE Universe and created a cosmetic collection that debuts this month, March 2012.  SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE™ promises to deliver "insightful color forecasting, timely trends and powerful seasonal product collections." To celebrate the launch, SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE proudly presents the first Color of the Year beauty collection.  The limited edition collection features a variety of products including eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss, nail polish and accessories, and will be available in Sephora Americas beginning March 2012. The Color of the year Creme Lipstick in Tangerine Tango has already hit the shelves, and YES. I did break down and order it.  I hope to have a review for you early next week. 

According to Gilbert Soliz, lead artist for Sephora PRO, “These products allow for on-trend, uninhibited expression, while being exceptionally wearable. Whether she is looking to create a bold look featuring Tangerine Tango, or if demure trend expression is more her style, the collection allows for customized wearability.”

image from http://kjbennett.com/

Leading industry expert and multiple Emmy Award winner Kevin James (KJ) Bennett shares his make up tips for the Spring / Summer 2012 season based on the Pantone Tangerine Tango color trend.

"It's almost as if Pantone read my mind," commented Bennett "...Tangerine Tango is the PERFECT makeup color for Spring/Summer 2012. What is happier, sunnier or more joyous that a burst of juicy tangerine! This is a color that fits beautifully in every cosmetic category."

For lips, KJ Bennett admits that he has had a secret love for orange lips for some time now.  Tangerine Tango's rich red undertones combined with the trendy orange color, makes a winning combination that looks great on all skin tones. The color is versatile for those that like the bold look (That would be Yours Truly) in a full coverage lipstick. While others might be a bit more hesitant to step out in a bright Tangerine Tango lip, Bennett suggests rubbing a little of the color into lips as a stain and then applying a coat of clear gloss to give it a watery translucent look.

KJ Bennett's Favorite Tangerine Tango Lip Options:

image from narscosmetics.com

    Nars Semi-Matte in "Heat Wave"

    Revlon Super Lustrous in "Siren"

image from nyxcosmetics.com

    NYX Black Label Lipstick in "Citrine"

    OCC Lip Tar in "Reverb"

For cheeks, Bennett explains that cheeks also get a "luscious lift from this burst of color."   This color is incredibly flattering on darker skin tones.

For medium skin tones one could wear this as layered over a bronzer for a sunkissed look. For lighter skin, Bennett suggests loading a little translucent powder on your brush before dipping into the blush. This will sheer out the intensity for easier application without changing it's succulent color.

KJ Bennett's Favorite Tangerine Tango Cheek Colors:

image from tartecosmetics.com

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in "Frisky"

image from Illamasqua.com

    Illamasqua Blush in "Excite"

Last but certainly not least, the eyes!  Bennett admits that incorporating such a bright color into eye makeup will intimidate a lot of you. But he urges you not to worry,a s there is no need to go ALL OUT TANGERINE TANGO on your lids, (unless you feel daring). He suggests using this beautiful tangerine as a wash of color on your lid for your first step of eye makeup application. By the time you've added contour, liner and mascara, the color becomes a subtle accent.

KJ Bennet's favorite Tangerine Tango Eyeshadows:

    Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow "Tangerine #18"

image from sugarpillshop.com

image from Sugarpillshop.com

    

    Sugarpill Pressed Eyesahdow in "Flamepoint"

    MAC Eyeshadow in "Red Brick"

What say you?  Will you be embracing the Pantone Color of the year?

And as a FYI

Here are the last 11 years of Pantone Colors Of The Year:

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)

image from amazon.com

PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

Sources: Kevin James (KJ) Bennett, Beautypress.com, Sephora.com, Pantone.com

Amazon.com, NYX Cosmetics, Illamasqua Cosmetics, NARS Cosmetics, Tarte Cosmetics and Sugarpill Cosmetics

Edward Bess Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation in Light 01 - Review, Pictures, Swatches

I need another foundation like I need a hole in my head.  BUT when the Edward Bess Sheer Satin Foundation was on sale at Beauty Ticket one day (for $20 off it's normal price) I decided that another hole in my head wouldn't look all that bad.  I pulled the trigger and ordered the Edward Bess Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation in 01- Light.  

In the picture I admit I was worried about the color.  I was told by those in the know that the light shade really was light.  I figured if it was a terrible color match I could give it to a friend...but seeing that my only friend is Siri, the digital assistant on my new iPhone 4s, I don't think that would work. 

So let's walk though a few things here.

Edward Bess, Male model turned cosmetic guru.  Develops a line of lipsticks that the whole cosmetic world falls in love with. Expands on that line to eye shadow, then blush then foundation then skin care.  This guy is whiter than me.  You would think that he might develop a few foundation products that could match my casper ass.  Well he did.  The Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation in Light is LIGHT.  Pay no attention to the color in the pan.  It is an illusion. It is a ruse.  This foundation is for light skinned users.

First lest look at the quality. Shall we?

Velvet case.

Sturdy plastic case...same heft and weight as a Chanel compact.

The raised EB in the center.  Well that's a plus since those are my initials as well. I still have friends that call me "EB"...even though I'm officially "EW".  EB just sounds better.  So it's like having a personally monogrammed makeup line.  Sorry to all you losers without EB as your initials. You'll either have to suck it up and walk around with an incorrectly monogrammed compact foundation or change your name..  Elmira is a lovely name. Elmira Buckworth.  It just rolls off the tongue.  I hear changing your name if fairly easy these days.  Just ask Ocho Cinco.

I digress.

The compact foundation fills and ample pan and underneath is a clever sponge storage.  The foundation, as I mentioned looks so much darker in the pan.  But as you will soon see, it's not as dark as you think.

OK. Before I go on with the whole, look at my face pictures. Can I just say that looking as an untouched, virgin compact foundation is almost as thrilling as looking at a brand new lipstick.  Look how clean and smooth the surface is.  Look at all that potential, just beneath the placid surface.  Oh how it calls to me.  It whispers promises of perfect skin, airbrushed perfection. Oh Yes. I do hear makeup speak to me.  Usually when I don't take my meds....but that's beside the point.

So I swatch the foundation. The exquisite formula is neither greasy or crumbly. It melts into the skin and LOOK! It's not as dark as the pan.  In fact. I think it's actually MATCHING my inner arm. Is the possible?  Now look at it blended.  

What's that?  You can't really see it?  I KNOW!  At this point I haven't even put the Edward Bess Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation on my face and I'm already swooning.

OK.  For the next part of this review. I ask politely that you remove small children from the room, for I am about to show you a picture of my face SANS foundation. Makeup Free. Bare. Minus Photoshop.  Ready?

OK. This is what I look like in the morning.  It's not pretty. I apologize.  But I think this is necessary to prove my point about this foundation.

OK.  Next picture.  Still, I recommend that small children and impressionable pets be kept from the room.  Here I am with JUST the Edward Bess Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation in Light: no concealer or powder.  Still not a very pretty picture.  I hope you have not eaten today because I fear you losing your lunch looking at these pics on a full stomach.

Next picture.  A complete look with concealer, powder, blush, eyeshadow, eyebrows, lipstick, etc.  MUCH better.  And considering that I normally look like an ogre, the Edward Bess Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation covers up my hideousness quite well.  I am now safe to enter into society without harming small woodland creatures but just looking at them.

But I can do better.  With a special makeup tool used by celebrities all over the world. I too can have perfect airbrushed skin.

See?  Isn't it great?  Of course this is Photoshop.  No one really looks like this in real life.  Oh but one day. One day cosmetics will advance far enough that I will be able to put on a few inches of makeup and look like I have no recognizable facial features like all the magazines.  Ahh a Dream!

Oh but what about the foundation?

OK. Since you all actually want to know about performance and stuff like that I'll run it down for you.

1.  It applied like a dream. I used my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush for application, however you could use the sponge that was supplied with the product.

     a) The coverage was medium using the brush. Not sheer. I suppose if you used the sponge the coverage would be more sheer.  I did not find the foundation to look "cakey" on me.

2) It wore very well. Even with my oil slick of  face, this foundation wore well throughout the day and needed very little as far as touch ups.

3) The foundation removed well using my oil cleanser, but using regular soap and water, not so much. I'm not saying it is hard to remove, I'm just saying that I'm a huge proponent of oil cleansing and if you aren't using it now, you should be.

4) I did not experience any oxidization wearing this foundation, but I have read that others did experience this.  Your results may vary.  I did get two small whitehead pimples while wearing this foundation. Which means that my extra sensitive skin wasn't in favor of the foundation.  That doesn't mean that YOU will break out from it, it just means that my skin is extra sensitive. Your results may vary.

Gratuitous Photo of Edward Bess. Taken from http://edwardbess.com/

Do you NEED this?  YES if you are looking for a nice cream to powder compact foundation. If you have normal to combo skin and you do not have extremely sensitive skin. I think that this is a great creme to compact foundation for the price I paid....which was $40. This retails for $60.  I have to say that if you are not able to buy this on sale, I would recommend that you see if you can test it before you purchase.I shudder to think how absolutely nasty the testers at Sephora are, so if you have a department store that carries Edward Bess cosmetics call to make an appointment to get a makeover with this foundation, or just stop by and test it out yourself.  IF you can find it for $40, pull the trigger before it's too late. If you have very dry skin or very oily skin, you MIGHT like this but it really depends on the priming you do to your face before application.  If you are concerned about breakout or are sensitive to silicone...NO. you don't need this.  You will probably break out by using it.

Beauty Spotlight 3*17*2012

I would like to Welcome a new bi-weekly link sharing group. I was just asked to join, the Beauty Spotlight  I am beyond flattered to be asked and extremely honored to be among some wonderful blogs here.  If you are not already familiar with all the blogs here, you should start to do so as soon as possible.

Pretty In Dayton has done a sister series with me in Blushes You Can't have, Beauty Info Zone give you honest feedback about a bunch of brands that I, myself want to try, Perilously Pale is a Canadian Blog with a beautiful writer who happens to be as white as me and happens to have EXCELLENT taste in makeup.  Modesty Brown from the UK is my Taupe Sister from another Mister. She and I encourage and discourage each other on our obsession with eyeshadows.  London Makeup Girl, another UK blog is filled with the wonderful musings of one of my favorite bloggers. She always has a unique perspective on cosmetics. Everyday Beauty is a thoughtful blog. You need to visit for the unique take she has on cosmetic reviews and the refreshing and healthy take she has on aging. My best Canadian buddies over at Beauty Crazed are in this group too.  Lisa Marie is quite possibly the snarkiest and funniest Canadian I have ever known.  If we lived in the same country I'm sure it would be illegal for us to hang out with each other.  Paula from Older Girl Beauty is my sweet guide to the past, she's about the same age as me but has a much more romantic view of the 1980's than I do.  Sometimes I prefer her memories to mine.  Oh and let's not forget her excellent reviews too! Shannon at Lipstick Musings is a girl after my own heart. She is a red lipstick freak like me, and manages to make every shade she purchased look better on her than they do on me!  Cindy from Prime Beauty is my good buddy and we trade info all the time.  I'm in awe of her drive and resourcefulness. Last But Not Least, Pammy Blogs Beauty is is blogger after my ow heart. Super knowledgeable, a new mom and passionate about all things beauty.  She is a delight to read and know!

Over at Pretty in Dayton, did Styrch choose to be "Beauty" or the "Beast" for her avant garde photo shoot with local photographer Kidtee Hello?

There's a new girl in town and her name is Sunday Riley. Beauty Info Zone has the first of several posts about Sunday Riley eyeshadows. Come see what the fuss is about.

Perilously Pale has found the most mouthwatering blush that she thinks will flatter almost every skin tone from fair to deep with Rouge Bunny Rouge Original Skin Blush in Orpheline.

Modesty Brown share the beautiful and very versatile Le Metier de Beaute Aurora Lip Kaleidoscope. There's also some exciting news for European LMdB fans!

Trip to London planned? London Makeup Girl tells you where to find some British beauty bargains in her Guide to Less Expensive Beauty Shopping in London.

In an attempt to simplify her routine, Zuzu's Petals at Everyday Beauty tries in vain to find a single brand that meets all her needs and wonders if you've found yours.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is ready for spring already and has the nails to prove it! Check out her swatches from the Sephora by OPI Bohemian Brights Spring collection and see if you don't get a touch of spring fever too!

Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, talks about the new product line from Burt's Bees called "güd" that has scents so good it made her act like a fool in Target.

The Pink Sith has made her justification to get the Chantecaille Coral Reef Palette. Can she provide one for you?

At Lipstick Musings, Shannon's found the coolest eyeliner collection EVER with the new Ultraflesh Black Magic palette!

Prime Beauty fell in amour with Lancôme's new Rouge In Love High Potency Lip Color in In Corail, see why it completes her.

Pammy Blogs Beauty asks if you are you ready to embrace your inner Tinkerbell? Then you *must* check out Pixi's new Disney collaboration palette: The PixiGlow Fairy Face Palette. It is a must have for an enchanted Spring!

The Lipstick League - week of 3.12.12

Question of the Week: - Do you change your makeup with the seasons? And if so, what are the colors you're excited to wear this spring/summer?

Answer: - Nope.  wear what I want, when I want. I am no slave to the whims of the season and fashion designers (as evidenced in my actual wardrobe). Nope. I'm a rebel.  (well as rebellious as one could be shopping at Neiman Marcus.)  What about you?

Gouldylox Reviews - Embrace the orange trend with this long wearing lip gloss from Armour Beauty. Try wearing it under your regular lipstick to ease into the orange, if Lucy is too much for you on it's own.

Krasey Beauty - shows you the newest addition to the krasey family, her pet morkie, Moe!

Nouveau Cheap - A drugstore eye makeup remover that leaves absolutely no oily residue behind? Yep, it's as Simple as that.

Pink Sith - Tells you why she unsubscribed from Beauty Army sample service, but it's not as bad as you think.

Prime Beauty's - search for THE perfect coral lipstick is over. See how Lancôme's Rouge In Love In Corail completes her.

Phyrra - My Independent Spotlight for March is with Maria of Cult Nails! Learn all about Maria and her dream.

Vampy Varnish - feeling un-artistic lately? The new Milani paint palette inspired Eyeshadow Palettes might get the artist in you to come out!

we heart this - helps you navigate the jungle that is the makeup isle with details on the L’Oréal True Match App.

Beauty Junkies Unite - Here's your sneak peek review of Too Faced's new Summer Eye Palette before it hits stores late March/early April!

Clumps of Mascara - is absolutely in love with Butter London's Spring/Summer nail polish collection. Just how cool is Knackered?

Bond No. 9 Central Park West EDP - Review

Have you ever been mugged by a flower?

I know that's a strange question. But I seriously want to know.  Because if you have, it might have been a Gardenia.

Gardenia

Gardenias are a notorious bunch. They hang out on street corners, skip school, smoke cigarettes and listen to that rock and roll music.  They are an unruly.

Sometimes Gardenias like to hang out with Jasmine and Orris.  They are all part of the same gang.

Jasmine

Gardenia, if not properly supervised, will bully other flowers like Rose and Peony and Iris. They snuff them out like a cigarette butt on the bottom of their shoes.  Yes. Gardenias are not to be trifled with.

What does this have to do with Bond No. 9 Central Park West?

Well I'm happy and sad to say that the EDP is so concentrated that it smells like a straight perfume. (happy part)  AND

You better REALLY like gardenia if you are going to wear this baby because that is all you are going to smell when you wear it. (sad part)

When I first received my generous sample I did my usual spray on each wrist and a spray on the neck.  We were on our way out so as I got in the car with Mr. Sith and Darthypie and it was like an entire gang of gardenias had come to smother us all. Their creamy white petals all velvety soft, were slowly choking the life out of us. I rushed back inside and used straight rubbing alcohol to try and take some of the perfume off of me.  That seemed to help.

This is the scent pyramid for Bond No. 9 Central Park West according to Bond No. 9

Ylang Ylang

Top
Narcissus, Black Pepper, Ylang Ylang

Gardenia

Middle
Gardenia, Jasmine, Linden, Orris

Base
Vetiver, Musk, White Oak, Treemoss

And here is what I smell when I wear it.

Top

Gardenia

Middle

Gardenia

Base

Gardenia

Oh how I wish I could detect the Vetiver...and I don't even like the scent of Vetiver.  I longed for some White Oak to seep through or some Linden, heck even Back Pepper.  Nope. All I got was Gardenia.

Now. If you adore Gardenia scents you will LOVE Bond No. 9 Central Park West, because it's not overly synthetic smelling.  It smells pretty true to the actual flower.  Jasmine lovers might also like this scent because Gardenia and Jsamine go so well together without producing that dreaded "fecal note" that some jasmine scents can have.  Yes. I said fecal note.

Did I like this scent?  I did, yes. but in very very small amounts.  I almost wish there was a way I could get this to be more like an EDT than an EDP. Perhaps the body silk might be less ... pungent, but I kind of doubt it.  The shower gel sounds promising because I love a steamy hot shower scented by gardenia, and the scent from the shower gel won't be as strong.

Central Park West arrived on-counters March 15, 2012 and is sold at Bond No. 9’s six New York stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, and bondno9.com. Price: 100ml, $250; 50ml, $180; body silk, $130; candle, $110; shower gel, $75.