Blondeaholic's Blog
New Bobbi Brown Nude Beach Collection Will Make Beach Bums Rejoice This Summer
What's sexier than a summer glow? Nothing. Well, in my case, apparently ghost is my color, because I try my best to stay out of the sun. But with the help of Bobbi Brown's exquisite new Nude Beach Collection, I'll be able to fake a fresh baked glow all summer long.
The collection includes a sunless tanning gel that can give you that tan you've always wanted, no sun required. The Face & Body Bronzing Duo gives you a double whammy of a sunkissed glow and a blush, and will make you look like you've been romping in the waves all day, even if instead you've just been sitting at your work desk for 8 hours. The Sheer Color Cheek Tints are perfect for a quick touch up on the go, and don't make you look too made up, which I personally love in the summertime. I mean, who wants cake-face in 95 degree weather? Not I ladies and gents.
The lipglosses (which are re-releases from past collections) are called Lip Tints and they can be worn over a lipstick or just by themselves for a barely there sheen that's non sticky. As a plus, these super easy to wear tints look beautiful on any skin tone. Bonus!
The collection also includes a subtle pink nail polish called Pink Pearl, and a few Longwear Cream Shadow Sticks, perfect for beach days when the less makeup you wear the better. LOVE THESE cream shadow sticks, they're basically the regular BB cream shadows but in perfect travel form, great for touch ups on the go, no brush required.
Bobbi Brown has the most AMAZING and creamy makeup textures in all of her products, and if you've never tried or heard of her line, TRY IT and you will LOVE IT. This collection is making me so excited for summer! You can find it at your nearest Nordstrom or Nordstrom online.
What do YOU think of the Nude Beach Bobbi Brown Collection? Loves or Leaves?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
The Return Of Marilyn - MAC Re-Releasing Monroe Collection?
Hmmmm.... this smells a little fishy to me. According to famed beauty blog, Specktra.net, MAC will be releasing a "MAC x The Return of Marilyn Monroe Collection" this fall. As we know, the global brand released their original MM collection last fall to not-so-wonderful reviews (I didn't even pick up one item and I am Marilyn obsessed), so I'm curious as to what they're thinking this time around. Will it be a re-release of the collection? New reds? New nudes? A new concept altogether? Who knows, we'll have to wait and see. Although, how many more reds can the brand come up with? They have the market pretty covered, haha.
Are you excited for MAC's Return To Marilyn Monroe Collection to drop? What did you think of their previous MM line?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
David Bowie Exhibit Opens In London
Starting this Sunday, the life of LEGENDARY performer David Bowie will be up for show & tell at London's Victoria & Albert Museum. With 50,000 pre-sold tickets, the exhibit has broken box-office records and is now the most anticipated exhibit in the museum's history.
The exhibit traces Bowie's rise to fame, from his early beginning in South London, through his "Changes" era, through the release of his first new album in ten years, "The Next Day", which was released last week. There are articles of clothing from the all Bowie eras, including the striped bodysuit from the iconic 1973 Alladin Sane tour and a familiar blue, gold and red Freddie Burretti jumpsuit (his famous Ziggy Stardust ensemble) that fans can check out. In keeping with how innovative the superstar is, there are also multimedia stations in the exhibit which feature rare footage from concerts in the 60's and 70's, that show his rises and subsequent falls in fame. The soundtrack will be nothing less than stellar as well, and will feature music that spans from his entire career.
The 66-year-old sure made a lasting impression on the world and I just wish I was in London to check out this amazeballs sounding exhibit. This is a superfan's dream, it's like Bowie Candyland. "David Bowie Is" will run from March 23rd through August 11th.
Londoners, will you be going to see the "David Bowie Is" exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Rihanna Teaming Up With MAC Cosmetics For Multi-Season Collection
Is there anything Queen RiRi can't do? The gorgeous singer, who turns the big 25 today mind you (Happy Birthday biyaaaatch!), is teaming up with my favorite cosmetics company MAC and will release four different color collections this year. What?!
The "RiRi Collection will launch first the "RiRi Woo" color, which is an offshoot of MAC's already popular "Ruby Woo", a beautiful blood red shade that's a favorite of the singer and also of burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese. The lipstick will be available at Rihanna's May 4th and 5th concerts at a pop up shop and also online. The next colections will respectively come out in the summer, fall and holiday. Word on the street is that we'll be seeing around 31 pieces that the songstress created with the iconic makeup line, including false lashes (RiRi is said to wear two pairs at a time... that's my girl), a "RiRi Woo" lipglass, eyeshadow palettes, nail polishes, makeup bags, and more. I don't know about you, but I am stoked for this collab, it's bound to be sexy, a little dirty and ultra chic (I mean just look at the teaser photo above, can I get a hell yes?!)
Will you be buying anything from Rihanna's "RiRi
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Top Tracks of 2012
I love music. No, I really, REALLY love music. Although music nowadays is nada like the sounds of yesteryear (think, Bowie, Beatles, Elvis, Journey, Zeppelin, the list goes on and on) there were definitely some great songs that hit the airwaves ths year. I've decided to compile a list of my most fav tracks from 2012 to share with you guys. Hell, I think it's so good, you could even make it a party-pumping-playlist for your New Years Eve party. Cocktail anyone?
Barbie McQueen's Top Tracks of 2012
Wildcat! Wildcat! - The Chief
Lana Del Rey - Born To Die // Body Electric // Blue Jeans
Led Zeppelin - Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You (Live From Celebration Day)
Jack White - Love Interruption // Sixteen Salteens
Walk The Moon - Next In Line // Anna Sun
Alabama Shakes - Be Mine
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop
Ed Sheeran - Give Me Love
Tyga - Rack City
Kendrick Lamar - Poetic Justice // Swimming Pools
Imagine Dragons - This Time
Rihanna - Diamonds
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
Dead Sara - Weatherman
Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz & Pusha T - Mercy
M83 - Midnight City
Electric Guest - This Head I Hold
What is YOUR favorite track that came out this year?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Betty, Veronica, Archie Make-Up? MAC x Archie Comics Coming Spring 2013
Did YOU collect Archie Comics when you were little? Oh man, I did. Bins and bins and bins. I was a comic book nerd to the 15th power. But only for Archie's. I loved all the stories of those silly Riverdale High kids. Which one would he choose this week? Betty or Veronica? Well coming this spring, makeup fanatics, MAC is rolling out their "Archie's Girls" collection!
Based on the classic comic book series, the collection will feature two completely different color stories, one for each of Archie's main girls, Betty and Veronica. Betty Cooper's "Girl Next Door Blonde" line will feature sweet colors, think pinks, peaches, and corals. I'm loving the sound of the Betty palette, adorably named the Caramel Sundae eyeshadow palette. Veronica Lodge's "Vivacious, Spoiled, Rich, Brunette" line will feature sultry plum, navy, cherry red, and black color schemes. The compacts are precious, with hearts impacted in the powder. No word on exact release day yet but, awwww.... looks like it could be just in time for Valentine's Day.
How cute! Will YOU be buying anything from this line? Are you an Archie Comics fan? Loves or Leaves?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Blondeaholic's Most Creative Holiday Gifts For Music Lovers
Do you usually wait until last minute to do YOUR holiday shopping? For some reason, no matter what, year after year, I just can't seem to get on the ball and shop early. Everyone I know will be telling me, "Yup, I'm finished, whew!" and I'm sitting there all, "Yeah I've STARTED…" when I know I definitely haven't. But the question always remains, well what DO you get for hard to shop people? What about what to get for those hard to shop for music lovers? Well my friends, I am about to hook you up! Check out this awesome list of cool and creative gift ideas for your most musically inclined pals.
1. Tic Toc Record Clocks
These awesome clocks are handmade in Los Angeles out of old vinyl records. What better way to show off your love of music than by displaying it loud and proud on your wall? Love these, they're so cute and they're slightly retro as well which I always adore. Get them HERE.
2. Spotify Premium Membership
Spotify, which I'm sure you all know, is flat out awesome. You can search and find any song you could possibly think of, ever. You're able to stream full albums, full catalogues of your favorite artist, check out new artists, it's pretty much the mecca for music lovers. With the premium membership, there are no ads, you can stream everything on each one of your devices (computer, iPad, phone, tablet, act), the sound quality is better, you can take it with you abroad, there are offline modes for your playlists, and it sure makes music listening a hell of a lot more fun. Millions and millions of songs at your fingertips as a gift? Yes please. Get more info HERE.
3. Swann MP3 Doorbell
Now THIS my friends is R-A-D. Ever get sick of hearing the same ol' doorbell "ding dong"? Wish you could hear your favorite song's chorus instead? Or all you musicians, ever wish you dream up your own doorbell sound with your particular instrument? Thanks to the new Swann MP3 wireless doorbell, you can load up whatever MP3 would make YOUR doorbell stand out from the pack and tickle your listening fancy. Only $50, your new doorbell "ringtone" offers great sound, 90MB of sound storage, and adjustable volume. Get it HERE.
4. iTunes Gift Cards
Hey, you could always give the gift of music to the music lover. iTunes just got the entire ACDC catalogue too for all those rock n' roll lovers. Get it HERE.
5. Tickets to a concert or Ticketmaster gift cards
Is your loved one enthralled by a night at a concert? Love the booming kick drums and lights of an amazingly produced show? Why not get them tickets to see their favorite band live? Ticketmaster gift certificates are always a good gift as well. Giving the gift of live music is always the way to go! Get it HERE.
6. Retro Crosley Collegiate Turntable
I have been saying for years how bad I want a turntable. But for some reason, I always forget to add it to my Christmas lists! Damnit. AH well, I'm adding it to this list of ideas instead. This Crosley Collegiate Turntable plays vinyl and also allows you to preserve your records as MP3s with a USB cord and easy to use software. It looks retro with the cream and red coloring, and even comes with a leather handle to take it with you on the go, loves. It did cost $180, but now is on sale at $125 (cough, cough, can you say STEAL?!). Get it HERE.
7. Guitar Pick Hole Punch
This handy dandy puncher is great for guitar players who are in touch with their creative side. You can use any design you want, or any credit card, gift card, or any sort of thin plastic to make your guitar pick. Great for whenever you lose a pick or great for when you're feeling creative! Get it HERE.
8. Cassette Tape Rainbow LED Night Light
Light up the party or just help yourself to get over your terror of the dark with this super beautiful night light. Handmade out of 8 cassette tapes and LED lights, this unique gift is sure to turn some heads. Get it HERE.
9. 80's Music Trivia Game
Got an 80's music fiend on your hands? Look no further than this 80's Music Trivia Game to get their know-it-all-about-the-80s juices flowing. I know I could DEFINITELY give this gift to a few people in my life and they'd be super stoked. Get it HERE.
10. Personalized LP Record Wall Art
Holiday housewarming gift anyone? This gift is simply perfect for the newlyweds in your life. You can submit up to five songs that you want printed on the label (which will also include their names), then it will be put onto a recycled LP between two pieces of glass, mounted into a floating frame, and voila, instant wall swag. Get it HERE.
Will YOU be buying any of these gifts for any music lovers in your life this holiday?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Lavender Is The New Pink: New Nicki Minaj For MAC Viva Glam Coming 2/13
Miss Nicki Minaj is bringing her signature flavor back for her third round as a MAC Viva Glam spokeslady this coming February! The rapper, fashionista, and personality tease-tweeted about her new campaign this week via her Twitter, and MAC finally released the promo photo saying, "Going solo in 2013, @NICKIMINAJ's next Viva Glam Lipstick avail Feb. #BARBZ, you made it trend: #LAVENDERISTHENEWPINK." Nicki helped create the pale lavender lipstick and lipglass shade for the worldwide brand's 100% charity line.
The shade DEFINITELY reminds me of the "Quite Cute" color from 2011's Quite Cute MAC Collection that I have in my makeup box. It's a pretty opaque lavender that looks great on tan skin, but when you're pale, it's not the most flattering, I think. On Nicki in the photo it looks gorgeous, but I guess we shall have to see it in person next spring. The lipstick and lipglass will be available February 9th, 2013.
What do YOU think of the upcoming Nicki Minaj for MAC Viva Glam shade? Will YOU be buying it? Loves or Leaves?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Lady Gaga + Terry Richardson + Cake = ??
Oh Terry Richardson. Genius? Super perv? Whatever he is, he takes one hell of a photo. The one and only Lady Gaga posted this brand new highly sex-alicious photo of herself writhing around in a pile of cake today on her Twitter.
Louboutins on and all, she captioned the pic, "The real CAKE isn't HAVING what you want, It's DOING what you want. - Lady Gaga photo by Terry Richardson." I have to say I am LOVING this very fall inspired hair color on the superstar, "Louis Vuitton brown" she calls it. "Cake, cake, cake, cake, cake...."
What do YOU think of Lady Gaga's latest shot with celeb photog Terry Richardson? Loves or Leaves?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
Fierce Girl Group Doo-Wop - Meet Melbourne's Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes
So, when you watch this video, I know what you'll be thinking. Is this a new Amy Winehouse long, lost track? Nope, ladies and gents, this is brand new girl group tearing up the US Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes, all the way from Melbourne, Australia.
The throwback sounding band is led by powerhouse voice Clairy Browne, who sounds a little like a young Tina Turner. Her vocals are gritty, demanding and souring over the do-wop music the band produces. The backup vocals are harmonized by Ruby, Camilla and Loretta, aka The Bangin' Rackettes. The attention-getting debut video from the group, "Love Letter" first sparked my interest in the group, because, well, first and foremost, I love big hair (duh, have ya READ my blog?). I have also always LOVED 50's girl groups like The Supremes, The Ronettes, The Angels, The Shirelles, etc. Girl power mixed with awesome REAL music? YES please! And lastly the song is CATCHY as hell. Heineken also realized how great the tune was because it's being featured in one of their latest commercials running now. The fashion in the video is on point and SO Peggy Bundy from Married With Children, I'm kind of obsessed. The nails are fierce-ly daggered, the wigged hair is sky-high, the do-wop hand dancing is so bad it's good, and I mean, even the tamborines are heart shaped for God's sake. The group played a sold out show at The Mint in LA Monday night and will play NYC's Webster Hall tomorrow night. We're going to have to watch out for Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes, because I need more of this music (and fashion) asap.
What do YOU think of the video for "Love Letter" by Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes? LOVES or LEAVES?
xx
Barbie McQueen
Instagram @BarbieMcQueen
