Bobbi Brown’s makeup doesn’t always knock my socks off, but her new Ivy League collection is frickin’ OFF THE CHAIN! For serious.
Click here to see an eye map and the list of products I used for this look.
Eyes and lips
This morning I tried a back-to-school face of the day using the Ivy League items I talked about here.
Bobbi done me so right with these colors, particularly the forest green, deep black and gold shades for eyes and those high-gloss pink lips.
Some non-Bobbi stuff up in my mix
Most of the makeup I used for this look is Bobbi’s, but I also popped some of the gold shade from the MAC Assemblage Mineralize Eye Shadow Quad in the crease and swept Neutrogena Soft Color Bush in Divine Wine on the apples of my cheeks.
The Ivy League collection makes me want to cheer for Bobbi Brown, yea!
I can’t wait to wear this look in the fall. 🙂
How do you feel about Ivy League? Do you like it as much as I do, or do you think you might pass?
A potentially weird observation about people…
At the grocery store last night (aka my home away from home), I was loading up on cans of wet food for Tabs when I spied a woman sniffing different bottles of detergent to decide which one to buy.
Apparently I’m not the only person who does that, LOL!
How’s it going today?
I’m feeling the urge to see a movie tonight… I know it’s a weeknight, but here’s what I’d like to see: 500 Days of Summer. It stars Zooey Deschanel (love her).
I dunno… We’ll see how adventurous I feel come 6 o’clock. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Maggie says
Ooooooh, I’m dying to see that movie!
LOVE your FOTD. You look so Ivy League, hahaha. Broke out the blazer and pearl necklace for this? 😉
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… July 2009 Favorites *EDIT* =-.
Karen says
Hi Maggie,
LOL, yeah, it’s kinda early for the blazer. The pearls never go out of style. 😉
Barbara says
You look beautiful in the new BB makeup shades.
OMG, I was at my grocery store last night smelling bottles of detergent, deciding which one to buy!! A woman walked past me and smiled, but I wasn’t sure if it was out of solidarity or pity…!
Karen says
Hi Barbara,
LOL! I think it happens more often than not. Right now I’m lovin’ on Gain. 🙂
Kate & Zena says
Fabulous FOTD Karen! That blazer makes the look, I think. It wouldn’t look the same sans blazer.
I got all my school supplies except my books today. What’s really odd is that my school supply list and the price of the supplies goes down each year (this year it was $25.32) but the book prices go up. It’s completely bizarre.
I took Zena for her daily walk and got another person addicted to her sweet disposition and unique looks. I think I’m going to have to make a Facebook group titled “Zena Fan Club!” Of all the dogs we could have had, my mom had to pick the prettiest and most regal dog of them all. I love her to bits and pieces, nonetheless.
The weather is absolutely gorgeous here in Midwesterdom. It’s been in the mid-to-low eighties and upper seventies with a nice breeze that makes it seem a little less humid than it is. The humidity has been high but you don’t really feel it as the breeze stirs it up. Absolutely gorgeous. It’s not normal Midwest weather but I don’t care. Can it stay this way all year?
How’s Tabs and yourself doing?
Karen says
Hi Kate & Zena,
Glad to hear that you’re feeling good today. Are you excited to go back to school? What classes are you taking?
Things on this end are okay. It’s finally started warming up here, which is nice. Yay, summer!
Tabs has been anti-social all day long. He’s been sleeping in the closest for hours! I guess he had a crazy night.
Nancy says
I love the look, Karen! Would it be possible to be more specific on the eyes like you would with a FOTD? I’d like to try to recreate the look, and your explanations are fabulous. Also, did you use anything other than the BB pencil on your lips?
Karen says
Hi Nancy,
Sure! I’ll try to do it in the next few days. 🙂
Oh, and the only thing I used on my lips with the BB pencil. It’s *super* glossy on its own. 🙂
ines + cha cha says
love this look.
i love bobbi for neutrals and daily wearables… want to check out those lip crayons!
forest green smoky eye sounds awesome. gotta go check it out!
i sniff the detergent/laundry stuff before i buy it too. shhhhh!cha cha is sleeping next to me now… what’s tabs doing?
.-= ines + cha cha’s last blog post… Building a Makeup Collection =-.
Karen says
Hi Ines,
The lip crayons = awesomeness. They stay on forever, look super glossy and don’t try out the lips. I think you’ll love ’em. 🙂
Awww, sweet Cha Cha! Um, to tell you the truth I have no idea where Tabs is. He’s pretty pissed off at me because I’ve been restricting his time outside and he REALLY wants to go out to play. 🙁 He was hiding in the closet earlier today… now I can’t find him.
Shivotra says
love the eyes and lipgloss <3
Karen says
Hi Shivotra,
Thanks. 🙂 Hope you’re having a good week so far. What’s new with you?
Amy says
The makeup looks great, but I LOVE the jacket. Pray tell, where did you find it?
Karen says
Hi Amy,
Girlfriend, that’s Old Navy! I think I got it a year or so ago? I love it because the lining inside is pink. 🙂
Arianne says
You are totes channeling Blair Waldorf with your outfit. Loves it! Great FOTD. Your eyes look so big and gorgeous!
Karen says
Hi Adrianne,
LOL! Thank you. 🙂 Every girl has a lil’ Blair in ’em, methinks.
Michelle says
This is gorgeous! Are you using a black liner or a dark green liner in this pic? I haven’t tried Bobbi Brown, but I definately want to try out this look (I have dark eyes and dark hair also — looks great with this coloring!)
Karen says
Hi Michelle,
I used both. I layered the dark greenish gold beneath the shimmery green shadow, then popped the black liner on top. 🙂
Meredith says
Karen, that looks gorgeous on you!! And the outfit is cute too 🙂 I’ll have to look into that forest green. If you haven’t seen The Ugly Truth yet, you totally should. It’s hilarious, if a little vulgar, but I completely enjoyed it!
Lehea says
Hey hey hey! Lookin’ good there Karen! I have yet to execute the smoky look as well as you do. Oh, and with the detergent thing…I did that once while at Target to kill time. Haha!
Jeanne says
Yay, the headband!
And I am definitely interested to check out Ivy League — I’m digging the dark green smoky eye, totally, but I would probably make it a little more punk than posh. Fab!
.-= Jeanne’s last blog post… The Would-Be Bag Lady =-.
Kate & Zena says
Ha ha, I’m kinda on the fence about going back to school. I want to go but I kinda want to stay home and be lazy.
The summer has been weird, hasn’t it? Like cool and not so hot and humid. It’s bizarre!
LOL at Tabs. Zena is curled on my bed being anti-social. She needs her “Zena time.”
I’m taking classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and it looks like this:
Mondays
1:00-3:45 Social Psychology
4:00-6:45 Physical Geography
At least both of the sucky, hardcore courses are on one day. I’m not a science or math person. I didn’t get those genes.
Tuesdays
4:00-6:45 Children’s Literature
7:00-8:45 Vocal Ensembles aka Choir
Thursdays
2:00-4:45 English Composition II–Gender & Sexuality
I decided to take Gender & Sexuality instead of regular boring Eng. Comp. II because I loved my Women in Literature class and the teacher (she teaches both). She’s an amazing teacher. She’s one of those teachers who use more than one teaching strategy. She combines traditional lecture with board notes, journaling, movies, educational clips, music, overhead stuff and group activities. I wish every teacher was like that as that’s the kind of teacher I need. I had her husband for Fairytales & Mythology and he teaches the same way. Her husband is a riot. He’s a big horror movie and comic book geek yet he LOVES soap operas (ich, soap operas).
I’ll probably have to start taking math courses next semester. The problem is my ACT and SAT scores are so low (19 and 410 respectively) in the math category and I’m a slow learner in math that my classes won’t even count towards my degree as I have to work my way up to them. I’m telling you, I stink at math! It’s literally Math 101 for me.
ariel&ying says
oh my, the green shadow looks absolutely stunning on you. I will have to check this one out too!! thank you
.-= ariel&ying’s last blog post… DOT-DOT fall cat eye palette =-.
AndreaMarie says
Loving the forest green eyes and pink lips!!!
Paris B says
Ooh I love your look with this collection! The 1st picture makes me think you look Japanese though… I can’t imagine why LOL…On a side note I’m contemplating getting Fresque from Chanel eeks!
.-= Paris B’s last blog post… YSL Touche Eclat, Semi Loose Powder and Golden Gloss for a song! =-.
Laurie says
That is an amazing look – right down to the blazer! How very ivy:) I can’t wait to check out the creamy pencil liners. i’ve always loved BB gel liners and I have big hopes for these!
That movie looks good – but I think The Time Traveler’s Wife is next on my list. I just finished the book and loved it! I
.-= Laurie’s last blog post… I Spoke Too Soon =-.
Bomi says
Yes, I love that beautiful actress too.
After seeing her on Yes Man I fell in LOVE w/ her!!!
And, I have to say Karen…
YOU LOOK STUNNING!!!!
Amy says
Karen OMG this is an amazing look!!! That 3rd pic is very Urban Outfitters.
Ann says
the look is soooo wearable and perfect. I can’t wait to try it!!
jess says
omg love it! you look so gorgeous, this is an awesome look for you. =)
Solé says
I like it A LOT! The eyes especially. I feel like my daytime look has been really young for the past couple of years. I’ve actually blended in with the younger twenty-somethings at community college, which isn’t such a bad thing, I suppose. But now that I’m transferring, I’m ready to kick up the sophistication. I feel like this look is a great starting point for that. I’m going to play around with some darker shadows this week so I can pin down a good daytime smoky eye. Thanks!
PS: I heart that jacket!
Solé says
Oh, and I totally want to see 500 DAYS OF SUMMER too! I usually don’t watch romantic comedies, but this one really appeals to me. So does PAPER HEART. I’ve been looking all over my apartment for some movie tickets my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday and I can’t find them!
wendy says
i think you look amazing!! i love the lip! <3
Natalie says
I totally love this look! I know what you mean about BB not always knocking your socks off…but these colors look great!
Oh, and please please please see (500) Days of Summer!!! It was an awesome and hilarious movie (that even El Hub would probably approve of!) 🙂
Lucy says
Hi Karen! Just loved you FOTD, very Ivy League! You looked very lovely. I first subscribed to win prizes. I found on skimming thru your blog that I would stop and read. I enjoy reading your writing and love your humor. I will never forget you April Fools joke! I still laugh at myself when I think of my horrified expression and yell. I just wanted to express my thanks for your hard work. I really appreciate a well written blog.
Renee says
Hey, I was wondering what the staying power of BB eyeshadows are like? I want to buy some more but I’m deciding whether to go for MAC or Bobbi Brown. I love MAC (for obvious reasons) but I prefer the colors BB has as I like more matte, natural shades. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!
Karen says
Hi Renee,
BB eyeshadows have good staying power. I haven’t had any trouble with ’em fading over time.
As for MAC versus BB, if you love MAC how about checking out a few of their matte, neutral shades from their permanent line like Cork, Soft Brown, Brule, Arena and Bamboo?
Glosslizard says
I’m seriously crushing on Bash! I think I need to add it to my ever-expanding but never complete collection of green shadows! Because it’s similar, but different and slightly variant from all the others I have! 😛
Kailey says
/dies
Bobbi has done it again ♥
That’ll totally finish off my preppy-schoolgirl look 🙂
Shivotra says
kare bare, all is the same. I am just super stressed cuz of school work. i ahve to write a 15 page paper in 6 days, lets see how that goes :p
Karen says
Hi Shivotra,
Hang in there, girl! Good luck on your paper. I hope the words flow swiftly (and easily) from your fingertips…
Kypris says
I love that look…. I’m craving that forest green…
Tavia says
Forest green just looks amazing on you, I hope you will try it more often. I love how it looks the mineralize eye shadow quad in Natural Flare. I didn’t had the chance to buy it yet but i think those rich gold and dark brown colors will really look amazing.
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Review – La Prairie – anti-aging eye cream a cellular intervention complex-SPF15 (skincare program) =-.
Marina says
this look is just amazing on you, Karen!and I just love the outfit 🙂
.-= Marina’s last blog post… How to be Healthy and to look Beautiful:The Mediterranean Diet =-.
Heather says
Amazing look! Stunning headband, where from?
Silver Lips says
Karen, This look is fabulous!! I love your preppy look and the new BB collection.
.-= Silver Lips ‘s last blog post… Remembering a Beauty Icon =-.
Karen B says
You look gorgeous! Absolutely fabulous. Very Blair 🙂
Kristen says
I am in so in love with Bobbi’s Ivy League, it’s sick! Not only is everything super perfect, from the colors to the textures, but every product works in harmony to create a gorgeous face. I’m particularly crazy about Bash eyeshadow; such a killer shade!
Oh, and 500 Days of Summer was great; go see it, Karen!
.-= Kristen’s last blog post… Get the Look: Mad Men’s Betty Draper =-.
gio says
This is gorgeous! I love the makeup and the outfit!
.-= gio’s last blog post… Product Review: Sustainable Youth Total Immune System =-.
sarah says
totally love that jacket!!!
and your makeup, obvi 🙂
love the olive green-smokey look!
.-= sarah’s last blog post… choi_joy: RT @karenmbb: RT to Win DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Parfum (Pop-Art Bottle) http://tinyurl.com/la88eg =-.
Alison says
This collection is really lovely but I bet we don’t get it here in the UK. We don’t have ivy leagues here.
Kajal Couture says
This look is very Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. Yikes, did I just admit that I watch that?
Anyways, I really like the makeup and the outfit paired with the pearls.
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Another Folica Sale! =-.
cloudburst says
I think I have the same tweedy blazer, except in grey. Nice makeup – now I have to go check this stuff out! Thanks, alot!!! LOL.
Nicole says
I seriously LOVE that look on you! I want to recreate it!
Please do a tutorial or a step-by-step on how you achieved the look!
Karen says
Hi Nicole,
I’ll post a breakdown of the eye soon. 🙂
Happy Wednesday!
cosmeticqueeen says
wow- the eyes look gorgeous! loving the whole look, really.
Trude says
Just gorgeous! I’m in love with this collection, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t use it as much, being a white-ass natural blonde with green eyes. Do you think it’d be too much for day?
.-= Trude’s last blog post… Kitteh Wants Dinner =-.
Karen says
Hi Trude,
You could totally rock this — if you feel like it’s too much then you take it down a notch. Maybe replace the black liner with brown, keep the green just on the lid so it gives the tiniest hint of color when you blink your eyes and leave the lower lash line nekkid. 🙂
Caitlin says
You look so beautiful! I love preppy looks and I love your silly faces! Oh bobbi, you can do no wrong…
Anastasia says
Wow Karen, those colours look great on you. I usually pass on Bobbi Brown stuff too, but I may have to take another look at this collection. I think this may be the best FOTD yet!
Thanks!
Anastasia.
Karen says
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for your nice note — I really needed it today. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoy the site and hope that you keep reading!
Take care!
Marce says
This is a really soft, pretty look! It looks great on, totally different from the Baby Got Back mood from before, he he. I feel like recreating it, even though I’m far from Ivy League 😀
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Look – Urban Decay Empire =-.
Kristi says
I smell detergent too! I’m currently rocking the Tide White Lilac, but it’s getting harder and harder to find!
Honestly, I can’t believe people don’t do this. 🙂
lexi says
It’s official – I am putting Bobbi Brown’s Ivy League on my wish list for Fall
Yes please see 500 Days of Summer – dialogue is wonderful and it’s not a typical love story, however you will leave the theater saying, “awwwwww….” and since when did the 3rd Rock From the Sun kid get so HOT??!!
SephoraMAC says
WOW — you look stunning!!! Love these pictures. Makeup is done so well.
Renee says
Thanks for the reply, Karen!
I’ll check out those colors. I’m still new to the MAC eyeshadow colors so I had no idea where to look first 😛 So thank you!
Karen says
Hi Renee,
You’re welcome. 🙂 MAC has a ton of great neutrals; have fun playing!
Kat says
You look fabulous! I love the green shade, I need to get me some of that!
Karen says
Hi Kat,
Thank you! 🙂 Do you wear greens often?
Anna says
Love the look, I should try out some greens. Please, please tell me what glasses you are wearing? I am looking for ones exactly like that!! Thx
The Crochet Queenn says
I luv her Cream Shadows,The Metallic Cream Shadows are lovely!!
.-= The Crochet Queenn’s last blog post… Chocolate Brown Scarf With Colorful Recycled Sari Ribbon,Ready to Ship =-.