Why is Gluten-Free Makeup for Me?
This is a guest post by Caroline Elliott, a freelance beauty writer.
Living an all-natural lifestyle requires a lot of effort, but gluten-free makeup is making life simpler.
Gluten-sensitive people say that their lips react to even the smallest amounts of gluten in their lipstick. And with this group of individuals increasing in number, this is a growing area of makeup to watch.
But what if you’re not gluten-sensitive?
If you’re interested in healthy alternatives to apply to your skin, gluten-free products might just be your beauty potions.
Facial skin is super absorbent, so you want to watch what you put over your precious pores. This is especially important if you’re someone who is concerned about what you eat because there’s a good chance that you’ll lick off some of your lipstick or breathe in some blush. And if you apply your makeup everyday, that’s a lot of gluten that you’re ingesting over time.
Gluten-free makeup companies are also pushing the health boundaries for the better. Makeup companies like Red Apple Lipstick are paraben free, soy free, dairy free and allergen free; oh, and also vegan, natural and cruelty free. Talk about health conscious.
Other companies are actively participating in their communities. For example, Afterglow Cosmetics signed the The Breast Cancer Fund’s Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Another gluten-free makeup company, Mineral Fusion, has officially partnered with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to help women in need.
For many people, gluten-free makeup is a natural next step to complete a wholesome lifestyle. So glam up, and show off your new look.
Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream Review
As summer approaches, and we eagerly anticipate the transition from cold winds to warm sunshine, it is important to make sure we have everything we need to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Summer weather means it’s time to beef up your SPF protection and switch from heavy foundations that may streak and look oily, to more lightweight products like tinted moisturizers and BB creams. Stay protected while maintaining a fresh complexion with Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream, an oil-free flesh-tinted BB Cream loaded with SPF 30 UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. It’s a 3-in-1 product that works a moisturizer, sunblock, and makeup primer, saving you time and money. You don’t have to worry about the color not matching your skin, since the moisturizer, which comes in one shade, is formulated with Dr. Denese’s Pro Melanin Technology™, and imparts an undetectable self-adjusting sheer tint for a flawless completion.
FTC Disclosure: This product was provided for review
Cost: $34.00 for 1.5 oz and $75 for 4oz
How to use: Apply a generous amount of the day cream every morning to the face and neck. The product is safe enough to use around the eyes, including the upper eyelid. Reapply every few hours if you’re spending the day outdoors.
What I like: The cream blends into the skin smoothly and leaves behind a nice, matte finish. You should wear SPF year round, so it’s a nice option as a multi-tasking primer when using foundation during the cooler months. It doesn’t have a strong odor, nor does it or leave behind white residue, characteristic of most sunscreens.
Extra Info: The product is not pigmented enough to cover flaws, but it will give you a smooth canvas. Hide your imperfections by placing concealer only in the areas you need it, after applying the cream.
Where to buy: drdenese.com
Wet n’ Wild beauty’s Extraordinary #MOMents campaign
This year, Mother’s Day is May 12th, and Wet n’ Wild beauty is celebrating by collaborating with the Noreen Fraser Foundation (NFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness of women’s cancer research and the importance of early detection. Through the Extraordinary #MOMents campaign, individuals can post a photo of their mom on Wet n’ Wild’s Facebook page with a special memory of what makes her amazing. For each #MOMent shared, Wet n’ Wild will donate $1 to NFF to support women’s cancer research.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of influential judges including: Entertainment Tonight’s Brooke Anderson; Variety Magazine Publisher, Michelle Sobrino; Stella & Dot CEO, Jessica Herrin; Owner of Pur-lisse, Jennifer Yen; and, Celebrity make-up artist, Amy Rittiner. The winner and their mom will each receive a year supply of Wet n’ Wild makeup and a $100 Walgreens shopping spree. Two runners-up will receive Wet n’ Wild gift packages worth $100, and $25 Walgreens gift cards.
The campaign will run from May 1st through Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2013. Enter now here»
New – Illamasqua’s Paranormal collection
On Tuesday, April 23rd, I attended a preview of Illamasqua’s new exciting collection, Paranormal, which features unexpected textures and formulas. US Nail Ambassador and Nail Artist Fleury Rose and Brand Ambassador and Makeup Artist Josh Heald, were on hand to introduce the innovative products set to launch at Sephora and Sephora.com on April 30th.
Never before have I experienced a makeup collection that ignites the physical senses, and provides the opportunity for play and experimentation. Below is a sampling of some of the otherworldly products that will be available.
New Paranormal UV Nail Varnish Ltd Edition $17.00
3 new nail varnishes (Paranormal Bright Green Ouija; Paranormal Bright Pink and Paranormal Bright Violet Geist) offer a vivid burst of color. When combined with Illamasqua’s new top coat, Paranormal Clear/Glow, the polishes glow under UV Black Light, serving as undercover nail art, invisible to the naked eye until the sun goes down and your nails begin to illuminate.
New Paranormal Palette $46.50
The unique eye shadow palette features four shades: Paranormal: Vivid Cerise Aura and Warm Coppe; Possession: Cool green Trance and Soft Violet. The texture of the shadows is unusual and surprising – it feels soft and rubbery, similar to play dough. The formula is water-resistant and can be applied to create a soft barely-there look, or layered for a bold pop of color.
New Gleam in Supernatural $26.00
This iridescent highlighter is available in one universal shade, Supernatural – Warm Bronze, and is faltering on all skin tones. Lighter skins can use it to fake a golden glow, and darker skin beauties can use it to highlight different areas of the face including under the eye brows and the cupid’s bow.
Learn more about the collection: www.Illamasqua.com/paranormal
Event Alert: April 20th – A Nashville Beauty Event
On April 20th, Cloutier Remix, a Los Angeles based premiere hair, makeup and styling agency, will be presenting The Nashville Beauty Event, an intimate day of beauty and education, and the first of its kind in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will feature celebrity makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz, who has worked with numerous celebrities including Hillary Scott, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Giselle Bundchen and Cindy Crawford, to name a few.
Terri will be speaking at two sessions: A General Consumer Session ($95) and a Professional Make Up Artist Session ($195). The first session will focus on self-application, and the second professional session will provide an in-depth look at techniques to apply makeup on others. Each seminar comes with an incredible gift of products featuring Terri’s favorite products from her kit, worth $150-$250. Click here to register or to learn more.
Perfectly Matched: Custom Blended Foundation
If you’ve been reading this blog long enough you know that I have spent countless hours of time and money trying to find a perfect foundation shade for my hard to match skin tone (See Makeup Felony: Mismatched Foundation and In search of “The One”). I finally decided that it was best to try one final route: have my foundation custom blended. I searched online and came across GIELLA cosmetics, a makeup company founded in 2001 that custom blends cosmetics for the face, eyes, cheeks, lips, and nails. Everything is blended for you on the spot, so you can take home your brand new cosmetics to use right away. The company doesn’t only custom blend makeup, but also matches discontinued colors. In love with a lipstick shade that is no longer available in stores? Bring it to your nearest GIELLA location and they will recreate it.
The Process
I made an appointment with a GIELLA makeup artist in New York City a few months ago. I told her about my frustration of not being able to find a perfect match, and she explained that one of the problems with most foundations out on the market is that most of them have yellow undertones. Most people have blue undertones. She added some blue coloring into my foundation mix, as well as quartz mineral to aid in reducing the size of my pores. Three color mixes were made and tested across my jaw line. After we both agreed that the perfect match was created, the makeup artist painted it on one side of my face, and the result was amazing! I finally had a foundation that matched, felt lightweight, and gave just the right amount of coverage.
Next, we moved on to concealer. In order to make the concealer, the color base had to be melted. Once it was liquefied, my unique color formula was added and mixed. It was tested on me to make sure it perfectly matched, and then the liquid was poured into a small GIELLA container to harden into a creamy consistency.
The Result
I was very happy with my results, but when I used the foundation the next day, it no longer looked great on my skin. The color pigments separated, and no matter how much I mixed the foundation on the back of my hand, I couldn’t get the foundation to blend into one solid color. I emailed the makeup artist, who sweetly invited me to return for a do-over at no cost. At the dimly lit makeup counter, the newly mixed foundation looked perfect; but, once again, when I got home, it didn’t match. I didn’t bother to send another e-mail, so the search for the perfect foundation continues….
Get Glowing Skin this Spring with Per-fekt Beauty
This weekend in NYC I was in disbelief as I peered out the window and saw snowflakes softly falling from the sky. The good news is, the weather was too warm for it to stick. Do you know what that means? Spring is coming! And soon after, summer, summer, summertime (cue Will Smith from his Fresh Prince days). Anyway, what better way to prepare for the advent of skin-bearing clothing than to make sure your body is glowing from head to toe with a hot new beauty kit from per-fekt beauty.
Rihanna’s makeup artist, Mylah Morales, has used some of per-fekt beauty’s products to create the singer’s sexy glow, and now you too will have everything you need to look like a superstar with the newly launched Ready, Set, Glow Kit. The products, according to Morales, “are unique in that they act as a modern multi-use alternative to traditional foundations and powder bronzers and blushes, creating a healthy and youthful look to boost your natural skin color.”
The kit (a $100 value) includes per-fekt’s body perfection gel in matte tan ($45), cheek perfection gel in bronzed ($28) and lip perfection gel in sunset ($24). Get it now for $45 by using the code “GLOWKIT” at checkout (P.S. If you sign up for their newsletter you can save 25%).
Product Review: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
I have no idea where Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick has been all my life, but I’m glad I found it. This creamy foundation blends seamlessly, for a natural looking matte finish.
What is it? A foundation stick designed for portability and adjustable coverage
Price: $42.00
What I like? It comes in a compact tube, which is easy to carry around all day, without the worry of foundation spilling inside your bag. It’s buildable – you can add layers of the product until you get our desired look. The coverage looks natural and works wonders on covering up my dark circles (see before and after picture below). I wear the shade Natural Tan 4.25.
Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick does an amazing job at covering my undereye circles. (On the left: without the foundation; On the right: After the foundation)
Bottom line: It’s a beauty bag must-have. It offers great coverage, is long-lasting and gives skin a flawless complexion.
Wet n’ Wild’s Beauty Blogger Event 2013
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Wet n’ Wild introduced its Spring 2013 collection and Fergie Center Stage Collection to bloggers in NYC on Thursday, February 28th, 2013.
Last week I attended Wet n’ Wild’s beauty blogger event in New York City, held at a penthouse in the luxurious Smyth hotel in Lower Manhattan. Wet n’ Wild has always held a special place in my makeup-obsessed heart, since it was the first brand of beauty products I was ever able to purchase. I’ve always been amazed at how they have been able to offer products at low costs (everything is under $5), without sacrificing quality.
At the blogger event, Wet n’ Wild showcased its new 2013 line, Fergie Center Stage Collection, and even had some products from 2012 on display. The room was a beauty-lovers dream; every inch of the space filled with tons of colorful lip glosses, nail polishes, eye shadows and more, all for grabs.
The Fergie collection is the embodiment of the “Glamorous” singer’s style. Almost all of the products feature shimmer and ultra-pigmented, long-lasting colors. Fergie’s line is definitely meant for the type of girl who loves to make a statement and be a little flashy.
FERGIE NAIL COLOR
PHOTO OP EYESHADOW: A030 Dutchess Lounge
Just like Center Stage, Wet n Wild’s new 2013 collection is amazing. I’ve been wearing the new COVERALL® Cream Foundation with matching Pressed Powder since the event, and love it! It has a very natural-looking finish and lasts all day. I’ve also become a huge fan of the MEGA LAST® liquid lip colors, which glides on smoothly and lasts up to 8-hours.
TO REFLECT SHIMMER PALETTES, COVERALL® CREAM FOUNDATIONS & FERGIE’S PERFECT POUT LIP COLOR
Wet n Wild’s 2013 COLLECTION
Wet n Wild’s 2012 Collection
Social Etiquette: Do you tell someone they are wearing the wrong foundation shade?
If someone was wearing the wrong foundation shade, would you tell them? This is a question I contemplated as a I trekked across the street on a cold November afternoon from my office to a beauty department store for foundation samples. In the winter months, my skin gets very pale and is un-matchable by any foundation out on the market, so while I went to the store on a noble quest to actually find something that would closely match my skin, I also went there to search for something that would look completely wrong. My goal: to see if I left my office looking pale and returned with dark orange skin in under 30 minutes, would anyone say something to me? I wanted to know. Why? Because, would you want someone to say something to you? I’m very curious about social etiquette as it applies to a woman’s beauty blunders. Maybe it’s because I’m a fashion/beauty blogger, and I want to see every woman look their best, but if I see someone wearing the wrong shade of anything, I let them know. Granted, I won’t go as far as to walk up to a random woman in the street to school her on why the shade of pink lipstick she’s wearing makes her look washed out because of her undertones; but, if I interact with someone, I feel that it’s my duty to make them aware of their beauty faux pas. If I don’t say something, then they will continue to wear a strange hue on their face, and everyone will talk about it internally, but never say one word.
The Verdict
I returned with a very orange tinted face and it was apparent that everyone noticed. I figured this out, because when people stopped to talk to me, their eyes circled around my face, but never met my eyes. However, when I walked around outside with my new “face,” I was hit on by more men than usual. So, my conclusion is people won’t say anything if you have the wrong foundation shade on, because they may be afraid of overstepping boundaries or hurting your feelings. Or, maybe sometimes when you do wear a few shades to deep, it actually looks good, and maybe eyes circle your face in amazement at how gorgeous your skin looks.
Backstage Beauty: Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan Fall 2013
On February 10th, I went backstage at Emerson’s Fall 2013 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Studio at Lincoln Center. The team of Red Door Spa, led by National Creative Director and Master Stylist Zahir Ziani, was responsible for the teased up-do seen on the runway. The hair, as described by Ziani, was created to look effortless and natural, “as if the model put her hair up in the pony-tail herself.” Tousled curls were created first to add volume, and hair was wrapped around the base of the pony-tail and secured with bobby pins. Only one product was used, a dry spray by Kérastase, which allowed Ziani to apply the spray repeatedly while avoiding a greasy-weighed down look.
HAIR
Stylist Zahir Ziani didn’t use any rubber bands to hold the base of the hair in place. Instead, he used the model’s own hair, which was secured with bobby pins.
MAKEUP
All of the make-up used for the show was by Bobbi Brown. Dark, rocker-chic cat eyes were created using Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in black. And, the top of brows here highlighted using Bobbi’s limited edition Sparkle Eye Shadow, a combination of shimmering pearls and fine glitter. Similar to the hair, the makeup was done to look as if the model did it herself.
The final makeup look backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s Emerson Fall 2013 show
NAILS
The nails were just as edgy as the makeup. Inspired by the black lace used in Emerson’s collection, ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party was used to create the fabulous nail detail seen below.
ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party
The nail art was inspired by the fabrics used in Emerson’s fall 2013 collection
MAKE UP FOREVER PRO FINISH REVIEW
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
What is it?: MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation
Price: $36.00 at sephora.com
Pro Finish in #127 Golden Sand
What it does: This high-performance, versatile foundation creates a flawless complexion, and lets you customize your foundation result.
The Formula: An innovative formula that can be applied wet for a sheer, satin finish or dry for a full, matte finish.
The Effect: Take a look at the pictures below. The foundation evens out skin texture, covers imperfections and has a suprising natural finish.
What I like? A sleek compact makes carrying this foundation a no-mess solution for on-the-go touch-ups. During the day, I prefer a barely-there look, but at night I like heavier coverage, so it’s a great foundation to take you from day-to-night, without getting cakey in between applications.
MAKE UP FOR EVER dry application technique
MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish wet application technique. I like the wet application the best because it lets my skin show through and doesn’t look like I have on any makeup at all.
Bottom line: A 2013 beauty bag must-have for a perfect complexion.
Super Bowl Sunday Makeup
Super Bowl XLVII is just days away and whether you are proudly rooting for the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens, beauty brand Violent Lips has got you covered with temporary lip and eye appliques that help you show off your team spirit. The lip appliques have a glossy finish and lasts up to 8 hours, so you can munch on all you favorite Super Bowl snacks all night long without worry. Not rooting for either of the competing teams? Check out Violent Lips entire Game Day Collection.
Pictured on the left:
Smokey Purple Eye by VoltiMUA
Game Day – Purple & Yellow Lips, $7.99
Violent Eyes – Violet Glitteratti, $9.99
Pictured on the right:
Game Day – Red, White & Yellow Lips, $7.99
Violent Eyes – Bronze Glitteratti, $9.99
Giveaway: bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
***This contest is closed.***The winners are: Mandy Haynes,Vicki Neulinger & Autum C. Congrats!!!!
So, on Friday, I told you about the amazing results I got when I used bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara. Now, with he help of planetbeauty.com, I am giving 3 lucky winners, yes, 3, the opportunity to win their very own tube for dramatic, luscious lashes.
Here are the rules to enter:
1. ”Like” Planet Beauty on Facebook (= 1 entry).
For 3 more additional entries to increase your chance of winning (optional):
2. “Follow” Delialicious Picks on Twitter, then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
3. “Follow” Planet Beauty on Twitter, then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
4. “Follow” Planet Beauty on Instagram (@planet_beauty), then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
Each comment counts as an entry. The winner will be chosen using random.org. For example if the number 4 is selected and your comment is the 4th one down, you will be the winner, so multiple comments increase your chance of winning. Good luck!
Rules: This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. You must be 18+ to enter. One winner will be chosen using random.org on February 4, 2013. All entries must be received by February 3rd 11:59pm EST.
*Please do not post the same comment 2x. Some comments end up in the que if there are a lot of links associated with it, and I will do my best to approve them in a timely manner.
bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara Review
What is it?: bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
Price: $18.00
What it does: After just two coats, its Exclusive NutriPlumpTM formula dramatically plumps lashes up to 600%* for unheard-of thickness, fullness and flutter.
The Brush: It’s a very soft bristle brush that expertly picks up just enough of the product that you need, without having to remove off too much excess.
The Effect: Va VA VOOM! Check out my before and after photo below. My lashes were instantly fuller, longer and darker. I didn’t even curl my lashes before applying the mascara. It also gave my lashes great depth. I don’t have any eyeliner on in the photo below.
Bottom Line: An absolute must-have for a dramatic look without having to apply false lashes.
Disclourse: I received this mascara for review from planetbeauty.com. They will be sponsoring a giveaway of this mascara on Monday with 3 luck winners, so stay tuned.
xoxo
MAKE UP FOR EVER LAUNCHES MOBILE MAKE UP SCHOOL
I’ll admit it, I own a cluster of beauty products that I haven’t the slightest idea what to do with. If it comes is shiny packaging or has sparkles, I must have it; but, the problem is, once I do add it to the overflowing avalanche of beauty products I own, it goes unused since I don’t know how to use it properly. So, I was super excited to learn that MAKE UP FOR EVER is launching its first-ever mobile tour, where professional make-up artists will take a look inside consumer’s bags and teach them how to use all the products they currently own, regardless of the brand. They will also perform a beauty overhaul to get rid of products that aren’t right for the individual.
Starting today, January 23rd, consumers can book 30 minute one-on-one make up bag evaluations inside the Make Up School online at www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA. Sessions are available from 12:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am – 7:00pm on Sunday.
What you get:
*30 minute one-on-one make up bag evaluations inside the Make Up School
*Hands-on lesson explaining how to apply makeup
*A custom face chart detailing how to use your products
*A list of any additional products recommended by the artist
*A professional photographer will also be on-site to capture each client’s “after” look, which will be uploaded to an album on the MAKE UP FOR EVER USA Facebook page.
*The opportunity to purchase a limited edition Remix Make Up Bag by Christina Ricci for MAKE UP FOR EVER. The bag retails for $30, or $45 with a Pro Finish Multi-Use Compact Foundation (a $66 value).
This limited edition make up bag by Christina Ricci will be available at MAKEUP FOREVER’s nationwide mobile tour.
The initiative is part of the Make Up Bag Remix concept and will travel to the following cities in early 2013:
· Los Angeles, CA: February 1st – 3rd
· San Francisco, CA: February 9th – 10th
· Las Vegas, NV: February 16th – 17th
· Dallas, TX: February 23rd – 24th
· Miami, FL: March 2nd – 3rd
· New York, NY: March 9th – 10th
· Boston, MA: March 23rd – 24th
· Chicago, IL: April 6th – 7th
· Toronto, ON: April 13th – 14th
Additionally, MAKE UP FOR EVER will have make up stations dedicated to quick lip and complexion touch ups featuring Pro Finish, the brand’s innovative new multi-use compact foundation. My review of the foundation will be posted next week, so stay tuned.
xoxo
Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara Review
What is it?: Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara
Price: $26.00
What it does: The mascara claims to give lashes a doll-like, wide-eyed voluminous effect. An exclusive FiberShineTM formula sculpts, curls and adds shine to lashes, as it lifts and thickens.
The Formula: The mascara formula is very thick and goopy. It took over 20 swipes to remove the excess product, and even after all that effort, there was still too much on the brush. I wish they designed the bottle better to remove most of the excess as you pull the wand out. It also clumps very easily, which is a pain when you are in a rush.
The Brush: I like the way the wand is designed; its cone-shaped brush makes it easy to get to the hard-to-reach corners and bottom lashes. It’s honestly one of the best mascara brushes I’ve ever used.
The Effect: My eyelashes were definitely lifted, spread-out, and slightly lengthened. But, I didn’t feel like they achieved doll-like proportions, nor did it give my lashes any volume.
My lashes before applying the mascara
My eyelashes after a few coats – you can see how much it clumps.
Bottom Line: I’m torn, because it’s a good mascara that does a nice job at thickening and lengthening. However, the effect wasn’t impressive enough for me to want to pay the high cost for the product (I got mine as a free sample from Sephora). For a daytime look, I would use it, but that’s only because I already have it. For dramatic nighttime lashes, I’ll stick to my other brands
NYC Nude York City Lipshine Review
A few months ago I joined Influenster, an online community that links members with brands and offers rewards for participation. In December I received my first task in the form of what Influenster calls Holiday VoxBox ’12. The VoxBox was loaded with full-sized samples of different products including NYC New York Liquid Color Lipshine.
What I liked? I received the NYC New York Liquid Color Lipshine in the color Nude York City #582 ($2.49 at drugstores nationwide). It’s a high-shine gloss that looks nice alone, but looks even better over lipstick, as it amplifies and adds dimension to solid colors. It has a slight hint of shimmer to it, which I love, without being too dramatic. It also smells yummy – like butterscotch. The flexible application picks up a good amount of the product, and made it easy to apply around the contours of my lips.
Bottom line: This is a great color to add in the center of your pout when you want to give the illusion of fuller lips. The consistency was very silky and the color lasts a long time, but I do feel that it is a bit sticky, and wish it were more smooth.
Just in time for New Years: Champagne Inspired Beauty Products
Other than the giant crystal ball that rings in the New Year in the middle of Times Square, one thing that is always synonymous with the holiday is a glass of champagne. So, what better way to ring in the New Year than with products infused with the bubbly drink? Best of all, these products keep the celebration going all year-long.
FusionBeauty LipFusion Champagne and Caviar Set, $32.00
Caviar Glitterati Sparkling Champagne Spray, $20.00
Victoria’s Secret Strawberries & Champagne Daily Body Wash, $10.00
Bliss Raspberry Champagne Body Butter, $29.00
Sparkling Pink Champagne Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, $5.50
Tropical Eye Makeup Tutorial
A few months ago, when I was nominated as a finalist for the Allure Magazine Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards, I received a fabulous goody bag filled with amazing products from Revlon. I absolutely fell in love with Revlon’s ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad in Inspired. The pigments are bright, playful, fun and long-lasting. I was preparing to go away on vacation, and the colors in the quad inspired me to create the below eye makeup look. Keep scrolling to learn the steps to follow, so you can get whisked away to the tropical islands with this easy-to-do multi-colored eye makeup look.
Products needed
*Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad, Inspired
*Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener
*Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Liner – 001 Onyx
*Angled liner brush
*Mascara
Step 1: Apply the eye primer all over the eye area
Step 2: Line your upper lids and waterline (optional) carefully with the lash liner
Step 3: Using the wand that comes with the quad or another eye shadow brush, apply the champagne color all over your lids all the way up to the brow bone
Step 4: Using your eyeshadow brush pick up a good amount of the green pigment onto he brush and apply on the inner edge of the eye, stopping before the color reaches the center
Step 4
Step 5: Apply the teal pigment, where the green ends and extend the color to the center of your lids
Step 6: Apply the purple pigment where the teal ends and extend to the outer edge of the upper lid
Step 7: Using an angled brush liner, repeat the same color pattern on the bottom lid right under your eyelashes
Step 7
Step 8: Pick up some more of the champagne color and dab it onto the inner corner of each eye in a V shape
Step 8
Step 9: Apply mascara
When you’re done, your eyes should look like this:
I also have a video tutorial on this look, I can post upon request. xoxo
JAFRA USA Special Holiday Promotion in support of the Beauty Bus Foundation
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
Over a year ago I posted a story called, Donate the products that make you look good, so you can feel good, which featured a list of organizations that accept beauty product donations. Among the list, I featured the Beauty Bus Foundation, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that mobilizes volunteers to provide free beauty and grooming services to chronically and terminally ill patients and their caregivers.
This year, JAFRA USA, a skin care and makeup company dedicated to transforming people’s lives through beauty, is partnering with the Beauty Bus Foundation. From October 1 – December 31, 2012, for every High Pigment Eyeshadow and High Pigment Eyeshaow Offer sold, JAFRA will donate $1 to the organization. So far, the company has raised over $57,000 for the Beauty Bus Foundation, but their support doesn’t stop there. JAFAR is also providing their independent consultants as volunteers to help with in-home visits and pop-up salons; and, they have also donated generous amounts of JAFRA signature skin care, beauty and grooming products for the Bags of Beauty program.
I was given the opportunity to test out all four of the High Pigment Eye shadows:
Purple
Bronze
Blue
Transformer
I had to bang the container a few times on the counter to loosen up the product before using it. Then, I poured a small amount into the lid, and used an eye shadow brush to apply the pigments. I only used about one coat for each color, so be careful, a little bit goes a long way. Each color had a good amount of shimmer, which I loved, and it wasn’t overpowering. These eye shadows are great for a dramatic smokey evening eye, but when applied lightly, they can also be worn during the day to make your eyes pop.
The High Pigment Eyeshadows can be purchased online for $12.00, or by contacting your local JAFRA independent consultant. Not only will these rich pigments make you feel beautiful, but every time you bat your lids you can feel good knowing that your purchase helped someone else feel beautiful, too.
Get the Look : Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2012
Every winter, I look forward to the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show. I eagerly await the dazzling display of gorgeous models donning the most amazing lingerie costumes and the big on-stage reveal of the Million-Dollar Fantasy bra. But, other than the oversized wings and sexy undergarments, I mainly watch to look at the fabulous makeup of the models who walk the runway in the hopes of becoming inspired to re-create the looks. This year, makeup artist To Pecheux used products from the VS beauty collection to give the Angels sultry eyes, flawless skin, and sexy lips. Below is a list of products used:
Miranda Kerr backstage at the 2012 VS fashion show
FACE
• VS PRO Camouflage FX Universal Concealer Palette
• VS Makeup Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
• VS PRO Flawless FX Translucent Finishing Powder
• VS Makeup Illuminating Face Powder in Next to Nude
• VS Makeup Luminous Mineral Blush Duo in Pleasure
• VS Makeup Eye Shadow Quad in Eye Contact
• VS Beauty Rush Ultimate Look Shadow Trio
in Most Wanted
• VS Beauty Rush Precision Line Eye Pencil in Pitch Black & Foxy
• VS Makeup Extra-lengthening Mascara
• VS Makeup Illuminating Face Powder in Next to Nude
• VS Beauty Rush Glossy Tint Lip Sheen in Better than Bare
Don’t forget to watch the Angels strut their stuff in Sexiest Show on Earth on Tuesday, December 4 at 10/9c on CBS!
Disney Reigning Beauties Cinderella Collection by SEPHORA
At some point in their life every little girl dreams about being a Disney princess. The beautiful castle, handsome prince charming and happily ever after, is all too enchanting to not believe all the magic will happen in the future. Then, you grow up, reality sets in, and you realize life is not a big fairytale; yet, you can still always dream. And, what better way to channel your childhood princess memories than by using makeup? SEPHORA and Disney Consumer Products have teamed up to create a series of beauty collections focused on the individual style, personality and story of a featured Disney Princess. This fall, they have chosen to focus on Cinderella with a collection of color cosmetics, fragrances and accessories inspired by the 1950 Disney classic animated film “Cinderella.” With names like Midnight Hour and Moonlit Kiss, the colors in the makeup palette evoke the wintry feel of the movie, while being whimsical and dreamy. A few of the products are shown below. This collection is limited. Collect them all before the clock strikes midnight!
Midnight Hour Eyeshadow Palette ($30). Shades include: Gray (grey pearl inspired by Cinderella’s hair ribbon at the ball), White (pearl shimmer inspired by Cinderella’s white gloves at the ball), Champagne (champagne nude inspired by Cinderella’s skin in the moonlight), and Sparkles (charcoal shimmer glitter inspired by the nighttime sky at the ball).
Moonlit Kiss Lipstick Set ($25) Shades include: Lady Tremaine (berry inspired by Lady Tremaine’s dress), Pumpkin (light pastel peach inspired by Cinderella’s dress when the fairy godmother is changing the pumpkin to her coach), Who Is She (warm rosy mauve inspired by Cinderella’s lips when in her work dress), My Moment (pink champagne inspired by Fairy Godmother’s fairy dust).
Sephora by OPI A Brush with Fate Nail Lacquer ($24.50). Shades include: So Totally Enchanted (pearl white), Step Off, Sister! (silver blue glitter), I Blue My Curfew (deep blue shimmer ), Bibbidi-Bobbidi Pink (rose gold shimmer), Self-Maid Millionaire (gold metallic), Rags to Rhinestones (gold glitter).
Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Natural Anti-Aging Lipstick Stains
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Natural Anti-Aging Lipstick Stains
This week I tested an innovative new lip product, Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Natural Anti-Aging Lipstick by It Cosmetics. The multitasking lip flush takes the place of four products by providing a long-lasting lipstick, anti-aging lip balm, hydrating lip gloss, and lip stain all in one tube. Formulated with all-natural ingredients such as shea butter, argan, acai and jojoba, as well as ant-aging anti-oxidants, the 4-in-1 product nourishes lips and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
I tested out three colors: Je Ne Sais Quoi, a sheer pink; Pretty Woman, a light berry red; and Love Story, a richly pigmented pink (the color swatches can be seen below in the order listed).
Je Ne Sais Quoi is very sheer, and almost invisible. It’s ultta-hyradating and the perfect choice to use in place of your regular lip balm to condition dry lips.
My favorite lip flush is Love Story. It a buildable pink stain, that goes on sheer, and deepens into a bright pink shade when you apply more layers.
Love Story
Pretty Woman is another great flush. It’s a sheer red, that makes you look like you just finished eating a bowl of cheeries and the sweet juices stained your pout.
Pretty Woman
All of the colors were extremely hydrating. I don’t have any lip gloss on in any of the pictures, and I didn’t prep my lips with a balm before applying the stains. I liked the subtle hint of color the products provide, and the ability to layer them to obtain a deeper color. They also smell amazing. Love Story and Pretty Woman have the soft smell of berries, and Je Ne Sais Quoi has a light, sugary-sweet scent.
Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Natural Anti-Aging Lipstick Stains can be purchased online for $20.00.
