Heya, bronze (and not-so-bronze) goddesses. 🙂 After several days of near-freezing temps, it’s a balmy 58 degrees here in Northern California today, YES!
Since I know it won’t last, I’m taking advantage of the freak warm weather front with a little summertime makeup.
Put your paws up for warm weather, ladies!
I’m totally J-WoWW-ing over Estee Lauder’s latest extraordinary creations for summer, the Bronze Goddess Liquid Eyeshadows ($17.50, available in four shades). We’re talking crazy intense colors (particularly for EL) here that are eye-catching enough to stop even the most hardened MAC girl in her tracks.
Today I chose to go with Aqua Flash, an intense, shimmery turquoise. Estee Lauder describes the texture as a liquid, but I’d say it’s more like a cream shadow, which is to say that it’s not quite as watery as something like Chanel’s Ombre D’Eau Fluid Eyeshadows.
Aqua Flash’s intensely rich color applies super smooth. A little goes a long way, too, and the shadow builds easily and blends like a dream.
Estee Lauder doesn’t claim these eyeshadows are waterproof on their website, but they may as well because they deserve the label. These beauties resist creasing and color loss exceptionally well, even when sweat’s up in the mix. Perfect for color fiends who can’t resist a long-wearing, bright technacolor pop on their lids, or ladies living in states of winter denial (like yours truly). Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Joe, you traitor!
You know how I love Trader Joe’s grocery stores, right? Best. Frozen. Food. Section. Ever!
Their frozen stuff’s quite affordable (much less than Safeway, for example), and generally everything’s either organic or lower in preservatives than usual for prepared foods.
Completely random act of weirdness for the day: sometimes I like calling Trader Joe’s grocery stores “Traitor Joe’s.” There’s no particular reason; I just think it’s kinda funny.
Last night the Traitor helped me put dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes thanks to his frozen Chicken Chow Mein, and, HOLLA, it’s the shizz.
Ahhh, cook it. Cook it good… cook it REAL GOOD!
Just dump the noodles, chicken and veggies in a pan (I use a non-stick one so I don’t have to add extra oil), stir for seven minutes and add the pre-made sauce. Done — in less time than it takes to get takeout. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Before you jet, beauty lover, check out the home page for more makeup reviews. 🙂
Devs says
OMG! I just melted, that color looks GORG! I have to get my hands on that!
Esz says
Omg it’s so bright!! Love it. That colour looks fantastic on your skintone too. Pretty 😀 Now where can I get some? 😉
.-= Esz’s last blog post… A couple of dodgy sketches =-.
Sarah says
That is such a pretty color! I love it! Very flattering with your skin tone. I also see that Tabs loves it too
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… The LXD: In the Internet age, dance evolves … =-.
Kelly says
That looks awesome on you, and I think probably most people with dark hair. I would feel like Barbie in that bold a blue though, lol! I do love it, sigh.
I am SO with you about Trader Joe’s! Ours just opened about a year and a half ago and I am literally spending 50% less or more on food now. I love their frozen aisle and pre-cooked meat section. I can cook a delicious, fresh, healthy meal in 10-15 minutes. I have to try that chow mein, looks tasty!
.-= Kelly’s last blog post… Desolation =-.
Marina says
Those photos with Tabs are adorable! And the colour is amzing, I was wearing turquoise myself today 🙂
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Coral Prettiness by Bourjois for Spring 2010 =-.
Catherine says
OMG. That blue is GORGEOUS!! I so want it. O_O;
I love Trader Joe’s too! 😀
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Laura Mercier Hautelook Haul & Spring Corals FOTD =-.
Maggie says
So bright and pigmented! I love it!
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… Beauty Blog Link Love (3/6/10) =-.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) says
Saw these at the EL counter yesterday an dI loved the bronzey and ivoryish ones! I can’t rock a bold eye like you can, but I was impressed with the quality of the shadows! You look killa baby!
.-= Cindy (Prime Beauty)’s last blog post… Avon Helps Fight Violence Against Women =-.
Rae says
Ooh, that looks delish! (Both the shadow and the food. Mmm!)
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Stunning, just stunning: Alberta Ferretti Fall 2010 =-.
danielle says
Ooh, your eyes are all like BLING! and SHABAM! You’re practically shooting mermaid laser beams from your eyes! (Totally mean that as a compliment, btw.)
angie says
that color is absolutely phenomenal on you!!! i had an estee lauder cream eyeshadow in brown eyes 8+ years ago and it was amazing & lasted forever….wish i could find it! if this formulas anything like the old, its got to be a great product!
Janet says
Haha, my best guy friend’s name is Joe and when he’s pissing me off, I call him Traitor Joe 🙂
And I totes agree their frozen food section is AMAZING! Have you tried the orange chicken or french onion soup? SO SO SO GOOD
Steph B says
I wish I had half the courage I’d need to try such a bold eye color. I am really fair-skinned so bold colors are that much more bold on me. I always feel as if they overwhelm my face.
I love Trader Joe’s. They have great frozen naan and a makhani simmer sauce that makes quick and easy dinners. Have you tried their frozen chocolate croissants? You take them out at night and not only do they defrost, they rise and are ready to bake when you wake up. Killer.
Jamie Lynn says
Karen-
I have looked at these and put all four colors in my online cart at least three times now. Do you think it’s worth buying them? Does the 17.50 price justify the purchase? Did you get a chance to look at the other colors? They have a poppin’ purple and the two neutrals look like an o-so-easy “OMG I’m late” kinda look.
lindsey says
oh- you’re funny 🙂
Deconstruction says
I’m not 100% on the colors — but I totally want your cat.
.-= Deconstruction’s last blog post… Build a Wardrobe: The Perfect Tee =-.
SoVeryFabulous says
Wow, that looks gorgeous on you! I am intrigued by these now. May have to go take a peek next time I’m near a counter.
.-= SoVeryFabulous’s last blog post… More Details On My MAC Warehouse Sale Haul =-.
amy says
I love the first photo of Tabs with the eyeshadow and the turquoise colour looks lovely on you with your skin tone.
.-= amy’s last blog post… MAC Too Fabulous and Give Me Liberty of London Collection Mini Haul and Product Pictures =-.
GG says
Wow… I’m something of a colourphobe when it comes to eyes, as I am (a) a klutz, (b) SUPER pale and (c) in love with strong, bright lips, but holy cats WANT! That colour looks stunning on you, Karen. I wonder what it would look like on (much, much, much) paler skin tones.
clouston says
I bought one but I’m going to return it. I love the color, and it really clings to the eyelid. So well, in fact, that I couldn’t work with it at all. Their violet was fine, but the turquoise just didn’t do it for me.
Vonvon says
Haven’t been getting anything from Estee Lauder lately….not even a single item from Michael Kors. But i think I am gonna get this one!!!!! The blue is gorgeous! So bright so summery…..like the ocean, or the sky……….
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Swatches & Review: Dior Poudrier Dentelle 002 Peach Lace =-.
scarlettholly says
Oooooh, I want that color so bad. Wow. Heart. Must track down. 🙂
.-= scarlettholly’s last blog post… Velvet Matte Makes My Day =-.
Rebecca says
*Gasp* I love it! I mean really really LOVE it! I believe a makeup spree is in order this weekend, yes I do.
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… Quick Take: Soap & Glory’s Hair Supply Hair Mask =-.
Lindsay says
Love that color on you! I wonder how it would look on Tabs…
.-= Lindsay’s last blog post… MAC Art Supplies Spring 2010 =-.
Meghan says
that is BEAUTIFUL! i really want too buy it. do you think it would look ok on a pale person?
trader joes is AMAZING. i literally go there just for the frozen food section. thank god there is one a minute from my house. i go there once a week and stock up 🙂
marisol says
That looks delish. I’ll have to check it out next time I go to TJ’s.
That is a gorgeous color!
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Beauty makes people come together =-.
Makeupmorsels says
whoaa that blue really pops!! looks amazing on you
.-= Makeupmorsels’s last blog post… Heads Up: Head To Nordstrom =-.
Annieee24 says
This color looks gorgeous on you!
Rachael says
as a “porcelain princess” as I like to call myself, It sounds much better than pale in my opinion, pulling off a color that bright is quite a statement. But it’s possible! I encourage all the other porcelain princesses out there to give the bright color a shot. For University, I usually wear turquoise eyeliner for that pop of color, with this, I’d try using a eyeliner brush and apply it like a liquid eyeliner to ease your way into it. I suggest the rest of the porcelains try it! We don’t need a lot to get that color pay off, but with enough confidence, soon you’ll be walking around with eyes similar to Karen’s!
Plus I see that Tabs likes to help with your makeup like my Indie does. And in comparison, they look eerily similar 🙂
Karen says
Hi Rachael,
Thanks for the tips and the encouragement! Yes, “porcelain princesses” could definitely rock a similar look. 🙂
adelinky says
Karen, what else besides aqua flash are you wearing on your eyes?! Let me guess… kid or soft brown by MAC?
.-= adelinky’s last blog post… Mary-Lou Manizer. Cute Name! =-.
Karen says
Hi Adelinky,
Good guess — I actually almost used Soft Brown (it would totally work), but I decided to try something new. That’s Estee Lauder Michael Kors Eyeshadow Duo in Blonde Mink:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-beauty-cat/estee-lauder-michael-kors-very-hollywood-collection-blonde-mink-eyeshadow/
I used the gold color to highlight the brow bone and the chocolate color in the crease. 🙂
TJ says
That color is amazing! I used to live at Trader Joe’s. LOL.
.-= TJ’s last blog post… Meet the guy who is half a billion dollars richer than Bill Gates. =-.
Karen says
They might as well charge me rent… I’m there practically every other day!
yeon says
off topic, but what is your favorite mascara? i have long thick lashes that sound fantastic, but i only have about 10 on each eye. 🙁 i need something that can separate those puppies as much as possible!
Petra says
Oh my god, Karen, that looks amazing with your ksintone and hair colour!
I wasn’t really interested untill now, but I still fear it would look only ok on my very pale skin, most definately not as fantastic as on You!
But I may attempt purchasing it, that’s how enviously good it looks. 😛
And I adore the paw picks and the chewing of the tube – everything is much better when you insert a cat. 🙂
Karen says
Isn’t that the truth! Adding a feline into the mix makes everything better.
Even though you’re much paler than I am, I bet you could still pull off this color. When I bought this, the sales associate I spoke with at the counter was much lighter than me, and she said liked to wear it smudged subtly along the lash line. You could do something similar — use an angled brush to apply it along the upper lashline for just a hint of color. That way it won’t be too BAM!
Petra says
That’s a really good idea, I’ll try it, once we finally get this collection here. 🙂
Thanks, Karen!
gio says
Wow, I need to check this out. This shade is so beautiful, bright and pigmented! It looks amazing on you.
.-= gio’s last blog post… New Collection: Philosophy The Color Of Grace =-.
Karen says
I figured this would be right up your alley, Gio!
NINA says
I love Trader Joes … we dont have them here but when I would go on vacation @ my bestie’s place in Pasadena, I would always roam the aisles of Trader Joes. And youre right – awesome frozen section.
Oh WOWW indeed – I never expected that beauty to come from Estee Lauder. I love it … and that color is one that looks good on me too. Uh oh. More trouble for Nina.
I am loving the warm weather – glad some of it has made its way down to you. Its foggy here today – weird!!!
Karen says
For once it’s NOT foggy here today, ha ha!
EL has been rolling out some really great stuff within the last year. 🙂 I’m really liking their makeup line as of late!
NINA says
You sent the fog over here didnt you? Fess up, Karen! 😀
Cant get over how pretty this blue is, really! 🙂
lexi says
I love this post because you combined Trader Joe’s and a Jersey Shore reference! You know I did one of those Jersey Shore nickname generators and my nickname is A-Pow. I think I’m going to start using that from now on. Btw…TJ’s Orange Chicken is my JAM!!!!
Love that turquoise on your lids. Great summer idea for me thanks!
Karen says
LOL, you should! Tabs’ Jersey Shore name is TWoWW.
Haven’t tried TJ’s Orange Chicken yet. Does it come with rice?
lexi says
it doesn’t – i just make brown rice to go with it. My secret is to bake it in the oven so it’s nice and crispy. I also add green bell pepper to it for a veggie serving.
knownever says
oh that is much more beautiful than it looked in the tube honestly. more teal than primary blue.
.-= knownever’s last blog post… Twins: CG Database Way Off Base =-.
Natalia says
Ohh, will the eye shadow be on sale in Europe?
mkdallas says
Totally bitter that we don’t have Trader Joe’s in Dallas yet. I like the texture of the new EL shadow and it looks great on you, but I’d have to go with one of the more neutral shades. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve turned into a makeup wuss, where bright colors make me nervous. Tabs is looking mighty sassy in those pics…did he get some gravy while you were nomming the chow mein?
Lily says
Absolutely ADORE turquoise, brilliant blue! the color looks amazing on your skintone! it pops 😀
I definitely want this !
Jo says
Oh, my! That is an intense and gorgeous blue! Nice touch with your cat too. =)
diane says
I absolutely love that dish, looks so yummy!!!
kiss
.-= diane’s last blog post… Nordstrom shoes sale, I love Mr. Madden :X =-.