{Beauty Bloom}: The Introduction of Aerin

 (pic c/o Aerin)

My makeup stash can't keep up with the different looks I'm embracing. Every time I see a beauty ad in one of my fave fashion magazines, I rip it out and pin it to my mirror for reference. I never thought I'd actually use them, but they work. The make for a great guide if you know and understand the basics.

However, I have an awful habit of sticking to the same colors and hues if I like them. No matter the season, I'll revert to my go-to's that just work. In an earnest effort to keep up with the fluid looks this spring, I'm keeping my new prods out at reachable length... Plus, I'm kind of tired of carrying the same palettes everywhere I go. Literally.

When I came across Aerin's debut makeup line, I felt a huge, happy nostalgic sensation. I remember my mom and grandmother having really pretty makeup cases when I was a kid. A lot of them were well-made with lovely fabric coverings or enamel casings. And they lasted forever. At least it seemed. Aerin, the famed grand-daughter of Estée Lauder, has stepped up and out to boast her own collection. The young designer describes it as "mistake-proof makeup," full of soft palettes, bold colors, and bright hues. A real grab for existing Lauder fans and hard core makeup aficionados. The packaging comes in really pretty floral patterned cloth cases with gold zippers.

And while the color combinations are stunning and suitable for all day wear, the kabuki brush from the Essentials Collection is the best asset! I'm always looking for great brushes and totally embarassed to admit I'm still using a raggedy one I bought in Monaco 4 years ago. Something about not picking out the right ones... Hers is not only cute and perfectly-sized, but blends extremely well no matter what you use. Okay, and let's be real, the suede pouch just makes it too fabulous to carry around. At $48, love it well!

I've not tried them, but the other brushes and the floral illuminating powder look equally perfect. I'm getting a bit anxious about getting my hands on them. But for now, I'm excited for her and the new things she's doing (accessory collabs and more). Must be fun and challenging taking after abuelita!

See all Estée counters and department stores for a complete look.

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* I was provided with a portion of the collection to offer this review. All opinions and expressions are my own, always. 

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Beauty Bloom: Bobbi Brown Lures Me with Her Desert Twilight Collection!

Some things in the world of makeup and beauty deserve to be shared no matter how laid back, natural or casual you are. I love makeup and have to wear it a lot for the business I'm in. My sis doesn't at all.  She can't stand it. I had to beg her to put on mascara and a bit of blush for our brother's wedding two years ago. Sounds unthinkable, but entirely too true. The girl's created this mental allergy to it. 

I've tricked her though, into liking certain looks by first showing her the pretty bottles, packaging, and colors by a few of my favorite makeup designers. Bobbi Brown is one of them. When the lipstick palette queen came out with her Desert Twilight Collection, my sister couldn't help but twiddle her fingers in anticipation of what I was going to do with it. 

Yup. So, I showed it off, explained to her how natural, yet pretty the colors would look on her complexion and how the bright blue nail color was for me... she shouldn't fret. I was pushing it too far if I tried to convince her the polish was acceptable while treating patients. It's perfect for wearing on TV, though. Bright, yet appealing. I mean, who doesn't love turquoise?! 

The collection, which is now on counters all around, boasts some soft hues with bright colors that are reminiscent of an art stroll in Taos, NM. The eyeshadow palette ($60) has soft and metallic colors, wearable everyday, especially evening. My fave of the 8: Dusk Sparkle Chocolate Mauve. It just sounds sexy.  

Transition makeup isn't complete without a perfect bronzer. Bobbi's bronzer/blush duo comes in a round compact and offers up a perfect combo of brown and pink.

The collection is simply essential. The 8 color eye palette fits right into the mini, travel-perfect brush set ($55, limited edition). This is a must-have in my bag for 2-3 day trips. In fact...it has a flat mini blush brush, flat mini eye sweep brush (which I'm working on conquering), flat mini angle eye shadow brush and a flat mini ultra fine eye liner. Does not get more essential than that! 

If you're up to broadening your palette this fall, check the line out. It's soft enough to enjoy every day shimmer but sparkly enough to reserve for special soirées!

A few other new prods by Ms. Brown to look for are her Pretty Powerful Uber Basics collection, inspired by her 7th book,  "Pretty Powerful Beauty Stories." This is the kind of collection that targets women like my sister. Simple and basic. Bobbi states it best: "It's makeup, simplified." The collection is  a quad storyboard, each one having the basics -- a blush, lip color and eyeshadow. The lipstick and eyeshadow compliment each other with a shimmer and flat option.

On counters now, too. $21-$28.

Everyone has a story! Wear it.

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* I did not receive compensation for this post. However, I was given samples to try out. All opinions are my own, always. I love me some pretty makeup!

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