By Nicci Jordan Hubert

I had the distinct privilege of attending a launch event for Mirabella in Flatiron’s Antonio Pietro Salon. A privilege, because I was clearly surrounded by people who so unabashedly love their brand. Not that most industry people seem unenthusiastic about their products, of course, but there was something special about this particular group of people that had me glowing. If I may psychoanalyze for a moment, I’d say that that particular joie de vivre may have been inspired by hope. This event, while ostensibly a launch for Mirabella’s (gorgeous) new Madame Rouge line and to preview their new (achingly beautiful) signature brush collection, it was really about letting the world know about Mirabella. The Mirabella people buzzed about getting the word out, and they hoped we would receive it well.

For ten years, Mirabella has been a leading salon makeup brand and had a vibrant online sales community, but they had never relied on media to get the word out about their products. Honestly, I simply can’t figure out why they would have kept mum in such a way, but I guess sometimes the best things are kept a secret. Thankfully, though, Mirabella is no longer a secret to me, and it’s no longer a secret to you.

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Unlike my younger sister, I wasn’t blessed with gorgeously rosey lips (damn you, Jummi!). My sister would even on occasion get in trouble in school for “wearing lipstick,” when really her lips were an exceptionally contrasting pink against her light skin. What’s worse, trying to find something in the family of pinks as far as lip colors go is NOT easy. Either they look too pale or too unnaturally colored and would in turn, make me look more made up than I wanted to be. I wanted something that would just give me a hint of color without going overboard…a little pick-me-up, and not uber shiny either. I have tons of lip glosses for that. Enter my latest obsession: Jane Iredale’s Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Pink.

This thing is incredible. True to the Jane Iredale line, it’s loaded with natural ingredients like softening olive and avocado butter, and rose flower wax to moisturize. The company claims that the pink actually “adjusts” to your body chemistry to flatter your natural undertone. I was trying to sleuth around to figure out how that happens, and I’m finding that it’s not totally accurate, but it will apparently change slightly according to your body’s pH level. That said, I personally find the pink is one that would be universally flattering because it has a very natural flush of color.

(Did I ever mention how difficult it is to take a picture of my own lips? Because it is…)

As you can see, the change is so slight — just a punch up from my natural pink.

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You’re all invited to attend a VIP party at Bliss! They’re launching their new “fabulips” collection. Pop in for a lips spa treatment on August 24th. RSVP, Details below!

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Shy

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By Melissa Stephans

I’m so bored of my makeup. I have put lipstick and lip gloss shopping off so long, that I’m reaching the bottom of my stash. I hesitate to admit that I have used my faves so sparingly that I’m still nursing some of the products I received when I was at Town & Country — ahem, that was four years ago. (Okay, five years ago. I know, I know!).

I can’t help it.  I am so pale and picky that I find lipstick and lipgloss shopping a hit or miss situation–usually, it’s a miss.

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Whether it’s keeping hydrated or fighting the frizz, these 9 products have been helping me get through my summer so far:

AQUAFINA FLAVORSPLASH LIP BALMS ($5 FOR 4)

Aquafina, better known for their bottled water, is working hydration from the outside-in. I suffer from constantly-chapped-lips syndrome (*not a real condition, but that’s besides the point). These FlavorSplash balms have a fresh, light flavor, and keep my lips full and smooth with its jojoba and almond oils (especially important if I know I’m going to be wearing matte lipstick later on…these have definitely come to the rescue). And they’re so tiny, they literally fit in my pocket. I take one of these wherever I go. Comes in Original, Raspberry, Wild Berry, and Citrus Blend.

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I already gave you a peek backstage at the IIFA Awards of the looks M.A.C.’s Vimi Joshi created for all six performances at the show. The inspiration came from Bollywood, it was “a celebration” inspired by Bollywood she said. The focus was all in the eyes (with insanely dramatic eyelashes), with a green glitter winged liner that stayed throughout all the performances. What did change though were the lipsticks and bindi placements. Take a look below:

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