American Makeup

Am. Makeup is back!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Am. Makeup is back!

New spring sale from OFRA marks my return.

I know I've been away for a while, but I'M BACK! What better way to celebrate my return than news of a great spring sale! OFRA Cosmetics, a makeup & skincare infused brand, recently announced their "Bloom Sale". You cant go wrong with 25% off. Oh, and spend over $50 and shipping is free! Only bummer is, sale ends April 15th.

Here's how: You can enter their promo code "BLOOM" during the check-out process - or - click this link >>> http://ofracosmetics.com/index.aspx?dc=BLOOM (which is easier) and just shop and it'll be entered automatically.

--Be sure to check out our full site & forum to be a part of a beauty community!

www.americanmakeup.com

Glad to be back beauties. More news, tips, tricks, and insight soon!

This One is for the Haters!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:30:00 +0000

If anyone has ever doubted you in this field, just tell them this!

The Many Styles of Liquid Liner!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:58:00 +0000

LOVE this image and the possibilities we can create with one makeup item!

INCREDIBLE VDAY SALE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:14:00 +0000

So I was looking through my beauty bloggers updates and found this amazing sale going on till Feb. 15th by OFRA Cosmetics. You cannot miss this sale and its also only going on while supplies last so don't stall. One of my favorite beauty bloggers, Mina Slater, wrote this article and did a haul video for it. I included a picture of the breakdown of the sale from OFRA's facebook page so you all can see what a huge discount this is!

The video link is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbPyQPjIb7o

And the article review you can read here: www.minaslater.com

To purchase this amazing sale (which I already have!) visit www.ofracosmetics.com

Skincare Myths, Busted!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:47:00 +0000

There are many myths in the beauty industry which I am sure you are well aware of. This article was right on point in explaining how the skin actually works. The article had great explanations about each myth that was

false. In turn it taught me a few vital facts I did not know about skin. Great article from marieclaire.com

Best Dressed at the 2013 SAG Awards

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:09:00 +0000

The SAG awards were great two nights ago! If you did not have a chance to catch the award show or red carpet here is the best dressed actors according to Huffingtonpost.com . I don't know who decided to appoint this person as the fashion expert because the last 4 looks are not my favorite. What do you think?

What Does Your Lipstick Shape Say About You?

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:24:00 +0000

After a bit of time my lipstick starts to form a round shape. This picture is great if you are one of those people that believe in things like these! I am so I love this!

http://headtotoeharlan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/lipstick-personalities1.png

10 Things That Should Be on Every Girl's Beauty Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:12:00 +0000

I really liked this article and agreed with nearly everything on their list except for #3. Enjoy! www.glamour.com

Bad Beauty Trends

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:36:00 +0000

I found this article to be very funny, because of how true it is! The only point I do not agree with is that French Manicures are dated and out of style. A french mani is always a clean classy look in my opinion! Chipped nail polish on the other hand is a big no no! www.allure.com

What Exactly is "PH" When Referring to Your Skin's PH Balance level?

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

I have had this question lingering in my mind for a while. I finally decided to google exactly what "PH" means. The exact definition is "potential of hydrogen", but that does not really help explain anything..does it? This article explains EXACTLY what it is and how if effects your skin. Enjoy!

http://www.healthyskinportal.com/articles/understanding-skin-ph-levels/260/

Ever Wonder What Conclear Color is Used to Conceal Each Blemish?

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:56:00 +0000

This Excellent Article Explains It Clearly!

http://styles101.homestead.com/corective.html

Amazing Winter Look!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:57:00 +0000

Get this amazing look by talented makeup artist Oleysia Tavrovski! View the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl2I3ZiIN0w&list=UUhOKtIZOi31I0tVAl_7txtA&index=11

What Skin Type are You?

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:47:00 +0000

Ever wonder what type of skin you have? Oily, combination, dry? This article helps you identify what type of skin you have and then you can conclude what type of skincare products you should be using.

Everydayhealth.com

Crazy Cool Funky Lips By OFRA!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:07:00 +0000

OFRA Cosmetics a professional makeup and skin care brand has recently been posting pictures of lipsticks they are developing. I am convinced there is no color this company cannot make! I love these colors and this brand! If you want to check out more from their line visit their site at http://ofracosmetics.com/ and they are constantly updating on their FB Page at www.facebook.com/ofracosmetics
This brand also has an Instagram account OFRACosmeticsPro and twitter so you can follow, comunicate and find out all that is developing in their factory and labs!

Do You Know the Importance of Water for Your Body and Especially Your Skin?

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:24:00 +0000

"The recommendation to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day is essential, especially for older adults. Water hydrates the skin’s cells and carries nutrients throughout your body to feed various organs. As skin is the largest organ, and one with many functions, it requires a large amount of fluid on a daily basis. Water works to flush your skin of impurities, regulate body temperature, and maintain a fresh, supple appearance."

healthyyears.org

Don't Know How to Contour and Highlight Your Face? Learn Here!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted those beautiful cheek bones like Kim Kardashian? Click on this amazing article that takes you step by step through highlighting and contouring your own face!

http://theuntrendygirl.com/accentuate-the-good-contour-the-rest.html

Bobbi Brown Berry Noir Long-Wear Cream Shadow Review, Photos, Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:28:00 +0000

From Temptalia Blog

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Bobbi Brown Berry Noir Long-Wear Cream Shadow

Bobbi Brown Berry Noir Long-Wear Cream Shadow

Bobbi Brown Berry Noir Long-Wear Cream Shadow ($24.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “brown shimmer berry.” It’s a burgundy-shimmered plum with red undertones. When it’s sheered out, it has a redder, browner look, and the plummy tones disappear. If you apply more color or build up the intensity, you’ll see it turns more purple. There were a surprising number of cream-based products like this that were very similar in color! NARS Calabria is comparable to the more opaque swatch. Maybelline Pomegranate Punk is slightly redder. Make Up For Ever #17 is a smidgen lighter. MAC Rich Core is similar but a powder formula. Chanel Eclosion is more intense. Make Up For Ever #311 is a bit darker.

Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow is supposed to be a smooth, easy-to-apply cream eyeshadow that will last all day long without creasing or smearing. The brand recommends using a short brush (like the Cream Shadow Brush) to apply or use fingertips to blend out shade for a sheerer effect. I prefer blending it out with fingertips or a fluffy brush, but initial application works well with her Cream Shadow Brush, which is just a flat, firm brush. It takes 15-20 seconds to set in place, and once it dries down, it doesn’t budge. I don’t have any creasing and only very, very minor fading issues after eight hours when I’ve worn it over bare lids (and over a primer works the same!).

Where to Buy: Bobbi Brown, $24

12 Beauty Blunders That Cause Premature Aging

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:34:00 +0000

From LifeScript

By Michele Bender

1.) Your too skinny!

Yup, there is a downside to being too thin!

“Loss of facial fat causes sagging and a gaunt, aged appearance,” says dermatologist Mary P. Lupo, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Yo-yo dieting also causes premature aging. The repeated weight gain and loss stretches your skin and makes it loose.

Skin solution: Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise. And be sure to feed your face too.

2. Rubbing your eyes.

“Pulling, tugging and rubbing on delicate skin around the eyes can cause darkness,” says dermatologist Jeannine Downie, M.D., co-author ofBeautiful Skin of Color (HarperCollins) and director of Image Dermatologyin Montclair, N.J.

Because pigment changes as you age, this can add years to your appearance.

Skin solution: If you can’t stop rubbing your eyes, see an allergist to diagnose and treat symptoms.

Also, when applying makeup or putting in contact lenses, be gentle with skin around your eyes. It will help prevent pigment problems and prematureaging.

3. Cheating on sleep.

Sleep is essential for your energy, concentration and complexion.

“At night, skin goes into a renewal state,” says Jeannette Graf, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center.

“Not only does it repair itself, but there’s also a difference in its pH and circulation so anti-aging products penetrate better.”

Plus, puffy, dark circles don’t look youthful.

Skin solution: To get enough sleep and prevent premature aging, follow these tips:

Count back 7-8 hours from when you need to get up in the morning – then stick to that bedtime.
Make your bedroom dark, cool and quiet.
Turn off the TV and computer at least half an hour before bed; their lights can reduce your body’s production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Create a mellow nighttime ritual, such as sipping a cup of tea, rubbing lavender oil on your feet or listening to relaxing tunes.

4. Sleeping on your side.
The fetal position may be comfy, but it's bad for your skin. So is snoozing on your stomach.

“Pressing your face into the pillow eight hours a night for years can break down skin and cause wrinkles,” Lupo says.

Skin solution: Train yourself to sleep on your back and flip over if you wake up on your side or stomach.

“This decreases swelling of the face that stretches skin over time,” Lupo says.

5. Sipping out of a straw.

Do you drink dark sodas, tea and coffee through a straw to prevent staining your pearly whites or to avoid putting your mouth on a can or bottle?

It’s causing fine lines around your mouth, a sign of premature aging.

“Over the long-term, pursing your lips to sip out of a straw [or suck on a cigarette] causes extra wrinkles around the mouth,” says skin care expertRenée Rouleau, creator of skin products and an esthetician to celebrities, including Lisa Rinna and Melissa Rycroft.

Skin solution: “Avoid drinking through straws and leave the pursing for kissing!” she says.

6. Using wrinkle-fighters in the wrong product

It’s OK to use products with anti-aging agents, such as retinol, peptides and antioxidants, to improve the skin’s appearance, but not in a cleanser. It’s a money-waster.

“Many cleansers have anti-aging ingredients, but they’re typically not in high enough concentrations or in contact with your skin long enough to provide significant results,” says Dee Ann Glaser, M.D, professor of dermatology at St. Louis University.

Skin solution: Use a plain, gentle cleanser, like Neutrogena Night Calming Nourishing Cream Cleanser. It’ll probably cost less than one with wrinkle-smoothing ingredients. Then slather on an anti-aging lotion, serum or cream, which stays on skin long enough to penetrate and yield results.

7. Stressing out 24/7

If you’re chronically worried (or sleep deprived), your body is pumping out stress hormones non-stop which can cause premature aging.

“Cortisol, the major stress hormone, breaks down collagen, which leads to sagging skin and wrinkles and causes inflammation,” says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and psychiatrist.

Also, when your body is in a fight-or-flight state, most nutrients and oxygen go to the major organs, not skin. And chronic stress and anxiety can lead to frown lines and a furrowed brow.

Skin solution: Figure out what helps you relax – a chick flick, coffee with a friend, yoga class – and do it regularly.

Exercise is another great stress-reliever: It boosts blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin and giving your complexion a rosy glow

If all else fails, deep breathing and quiet time can help.

8. Relying on makeup for sunscreen.

Lots of makeup claims to have sunscreens that block harmful rays, but it’s probably not enough to ward off skin damage and premature aging.

“Most makeup protects against UVB rays, but don’t block UVA rays, which cause fine lines, brown spots, enlarged pores and crepey-ness,” Glaser says. Plus, you need to slather on a lot of cosmetics to get the sunscreen benefit.

Skin solution: Instead, apply a moisturizer that protects against UVA and UVB rays (it’ll say that on the label) and then apply your makeup.

Studies show that when we apply sunscreen, we skip spots, Glaser says.

“So if you put on lotion and then makeup, you’re more likely to cover those missed areas,” she says.

9. Focusing only on wrinkles.

Lines aren’t the only age giveaways. Dark spots and areas of pigmentation can give your complexion a dull, old appearance.

In fact, “discolorations, like age spots and uneven pigmentation, can make women look at least 10 years older than they are,” says Downie, the Montclair, N.J., dermatologist.

Skin solution: Exfoliate skin – this removes the dead, top layer of cells that contain some pigment – and use a product to lighten dark patches.

Some over-the-counter products may contain ingredients like licorice root, vitamin c, vitamin K, soy and hydroquinone. Stronger products are available by prescription.

Also, don’t forget your sunscreen. UV rays not only cause more spots but also darken those you already have.

10. Ignoring your neck and hands.

Our poor necks and hands rarely get attention, which may be why they’re the first to give away our age.

In fact, a 2006 study in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeryfound that women whose hands had spots and wrinkles were thought to be older than peers with spot-free hands.

Skin solution: Apply anti-aging facial cream on your neck and on the backs of hands to prevent premature aging. And don’t forget to cover both areas with sunscreen every day.

11. Forgetting sunglasses.

“Repetitive movements like squinting, laughing and frowning etch lines and wrinkles into your face over the long term,” Downie says.

Plus, sun exposure breaks down collagen in the already thin skin around your eyes and can cause pigmentation.

Skin solution: Even in winter, slip on sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection – look for “UV coated” on the label.

12. Using soap.

Your grandparents may swear by the simple cleanser, but soap often contains harsh detergents that strip skin of natural oils.

“Though dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, it makes them more noticeable,” says St. Louis University’s Glaser. “And dry skin [can’t] protect itself from allergens and irritants like bacteria and viruses.”

Hydrated skin is dewy and plumper, so lines are less obvious.

Skin solution: Wash up with a soap-free cleanser like Dove Cool Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser and then apply moisturizer to damp skin. Also, drink water – try for eight 8-ounce glasses a day – to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

13 Beauty Mistakes That Turn Men Off

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:28:00 +0000

By HelloBeautifulStaff

Women (sometimes) make hair, makeup, and skin-care choices guys hate. Allure polled a few men and they revealed the top beauty buzzkills to avoid.

CAKED-ON BASE
Painting layers of foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, and powder on your face will rub off on your collar…and his. Stick with a lightweight foundation, remove any obvious makeup with a damp sponge, and dab concealer just over blemishes or redness.

A SLOPPY SHAVE
Nothing says “I’ve given up” as succinctly as leg stubble. Shave at night for the most precise finish (your legs swell as you sleep, so you’ll miss hairs if you shave in the morning) and use a new blade. Doing so will also help you avoid those annoying red razor bumps.

STICKY LIP GLOSS
There are lip glosses that moisturize with a subtle sheen, and there are those that are so sticky they could glue together broken glass.

STIFF HAIR
No man is going to be able to run his fingers through your hair if it’s knotted in a bun, pulled into a twist, or otherwise high-maintenance-looking. Go for a more approachable hairstyle, like easy waves, half up, or a pretty ponytail.

SMOKY-EYE OVERLOAD
It starts off innocently enough: It’s just you, an eye-shadow palette, and a mirror. But things can get ugly fast when heavy, dark shadows are piled on top of each other. Create a subtle, sexy smoky eye by slightly smudging black eyeliner along the rims of your eyes.

Makeup Lessons: Contouring

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:56:00 +0000

thefashionspot.com

By Sarah Joynt

Face:

When contouring your face, you'll need an angled blush or sculpting brush such as Make Up For Ever’s Double-Ended version, $39. You want it to be dense but still fluffy for the most natural look. Pick up some product on your brush and remove some of it onto your hand, this way you still have pigment on the brush but it is evenly distributed and you won't get any streaks. Apply the bronzer under your cheekbone stopping about half way in a small circular buffing motion. Back and forth swipes will result in a harsh line that you'll need to fix. If your face is very wide, extend the contour up your hairline onto your temple, this will create a shadow that visibly slims the face. If you have a very high forehead, you can apply some to the top of your hairline to add dimension to the top of your face. Always apply blusher after you contour as you'll need to apply with discretion to avoid looking like you have too much makeup on.

Eyes:

If you have very puffy or flat eyes, use a crease brush and apply some of your bronzer into the socket line. Extending the stroke into the inner corner of the eye can also create depth.

Nose:

If you have a wide or crooked nose, applying a small amount of product to the outside of your nose, following down from the inner crease of your eye can make your nose appear straight and defined.

Chin:

Another very popular place to contour is under the chin. This will hide any sagging skin or puffiness around the neck. Using the same brush as you used on your cheeks, apply product under your chin and along your jaw line sweeping it up towards under your ear.

Body:

Using the same techniques from your face, you can help define some of your other assets with contouring too. Apply bronzer under your collarbones to draw attention to your decolletage or in between your breasts to give the impression of more cleavage. Be careful about attempting to contour areas such as your abs or arms as, if not completely blended, it will be very obvious that it's makeup.

Finishing:

After you use the bronzer and feel confident that it is well blended and natural looking, apply a highlighter on your cheek bones, if applying it to the face, or brow bone, if you're contouring your eyes, to get the most definition.

Makeup 101: The Best Eyeshadow Colors for Brown Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:19:00 +0000

From Makeup.com
by Lauren Cosenza

This one’s for you, my brown-eyed girls! And we won’t even be needing a transistor radio, just our trusty color wheel.

As you’ve read in the guides for blue eyes and green eyes, eye color can be emphasized by eyeshadow in complementary or monochromatic shade palettes.

For brown-eyed girls, this means you should apply eye makeup in teals, blues, purples, and pinks in addition to neutrals like chocolates, bronzes, coppers, and taupes. So get over your aversion to color for fear of looking clownish or your distaste for neutrals for fear of looking blah, because both can look incredible—and when applied properly, perfectly pop those brown peepers.

We tested the theory on Divalicious Blog contributor and brown-eyed beauty Christina Ballinger. Here are step-by-step instructions for each look—as we’re confident you’re gonna want to try this at home.

Complementary Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes — Purple Rain

Create this flirty and feminine look by following these eye makeup tips:

Step 1: Prep lids with a base for truer color payoff.
Step 2: Apply a lavender cream shadow to the upper lid from lash line to crease.
Step 3: Dust a lavender powder shadow over the cream to set and intensify the color.
Step 4: Sweep a dark violet into the crease and along the upper and lower lash line and blend.
Step 5: Rim eyes in a plum eyeliner.
Step 6: Coat top and bottom lashes in mascara.

Complementary Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes — Aqua Allure

Create this fresh and unexpected look by following these eye makeup tips:

Step 1: Prep lids with a base for truer color payoff.

Step 2: Pat a bright aqua cream or powder shadow to the lid from lash line to crease. Run same shade below lower lashes.

Step 3: Rim eyes in teal eyeliner and smudge.

Step 4: Coat top and bottom lashes in mascara.

Monochromatic Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes — Bronze Goddess

Create this basic yet glam look by following these eye makeup tips:

Step 1: Sweep a cream or flesh-toned neutral over the entire lid from lash line to brow with emphasis on the brow bone and inner corner as a highlight.

Step 2: Dust bronze shadow from lash line to crease.

Step 3: Pop chocolate brown shadow into crease and onto outer corner blended toward the center of the eye for a smoky effect. Run same chocolate shade beneath lower lash line and blend.

Step 4: Rim full eye in dark brown liner.

Step 5: Coat top and bottom lashes in mascara.

The Hunger Games Beauty: Effie's Signature Capitol Looks

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:52:00 +0000

The Hunger Games Beauty:

Effie's Signature Capitol Looks

From Allure.com BY CATHERINE Q. O'NEILL, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, MARCH 28, 2012

If you're one of the millions of people who saw The Hunger Games this week, you probably left the theater trying to figure out two things: 1.) Am I really on Team Peeta? (no one warned us Gale would look that good) and 2.) Who on Earth is Effie's manicurist?

We talked to the film's lead makeup artist Ve Neill (who's also responsible for characters like Edward Scissorhands and Captain Jack Sparrow), for her inspiration behind Effie's three signature Capitol looks. Consider your next Halloween costume done.

The Reaping
Neill, who tried to stay as true to the book's description of Effie as she could, was concerned she would look clownish in the impoverished area of District 12. So, to soften her up, she airbrushed pink pigments onto her face. "It was very soft, pretty, Marie Antoinette type makeup," Neill said. But there was one thing Neill never toned down: those nails. "I went to every craft store in the city and bought the brightest polishes I could find," she said. For this scene, which actually requires Effie to use her hands, Neill painted on an ombre purple and gold design. But for every other scene, Neill dumped a bunch of craft store materials on a table and told her makeup artists to "have fun." The result was 40 pairs of false nails that had everything from silver balls to tiny charms on them.

Train Ride to the Capitol
Neill always matched Effie's makeup to her outfits—even if it meant lavender-blue lips. For this scene, she used Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tars in lavender and pale blue to create her cool, pursed lips. She applied purple and pink false lashes and followed with purple liner—which didn't faze Banks. "Elizabeth is so fun to work with—she's game for anything," Neill said. To set the entire look, she finished with loose pink and lavender powders on her face. And of course, she glued on false nails. In this scene, they were lavender and white with tiny silver balls and a decorative silver ornament in the middle.

Private Sessions with the Judges
In this scene, Effie is upset with Katniss, which posed a challenge to Neill. "It's hard to make her look angry when she looks like an angel doll," Neill said. She chose really strong yellow, green, and blue pigments on her eyes to make her look upset. And of course, she gave her a bright pink bow-lip. "That's Effie's signature. Her lips have a bow in every scene. We wanted her to be the perfect picture, always," Neill said.

Photos: Courtesy Of Lionsgate; Elizabeth Banks; Capitol Couture

Beauty Feature: Save Your Skin!

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

From MakeupJunkie Blog

How's your skin doing this winter? Feeling a little tight? Looking a little flaky and dull? Add not drinking enough water to the mix and lack of sleep and you've got my skin - one big wrinkly mess. I hate to say it, but I've really been noticing my fine lines and wrinkles under my eyes (insert sad face). Well, I'm happy to say I think I have finally found a skin care routine my skin is happy with! This is major. I get to try tons of skincare and I never really commit to anything. I am no longer a commitment-phobe. These lovely products are now a skincare staple!

Spring is just around the corner (wishful thinking) so save your skin now!

1. Korres Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum ($49 CAD, Bestseller): I have found my new serum. While I love my Bobbi Brown one, Korres' has stolen my heart. It's a brightening serum for the eyes and face and it is meant to smooth fine lines. It contains Wild Rose oil, Vitamin C, Baobab gel, Ginseng extract, Quince extract, provitamin B5. Sounds amazing right? It's a multivitamin for your skin. I love how radiant my skin looks. I've only been using it for a week so I haven't noticed a big difference in the appearance of my fine lines, but the brightening effect helps minimize the appearance.

Korres is known for being an all-natural line so I love knowing my skin isn't being fed with yucky chemicals. Another bonus is that you can use it on the eyes like an eye cream - one less product you have to buy. Compared to a lot of serums out there, this is a much more affordable option. It's not cheap by any means, but it's mid-range so it's affordable to most of us. It's a 30 ml bottle so we'll see how long it last, but one pump is all you need to cover the face. This is definitely one serum that I will be purchasing when this one runs out!

2. Korres Wild Rose 24 - hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream - Normal to Dry Skin ($44 CAD, Bestseller): This with the serum is a powerful combo. I LOVE this moisturizer! I had my favourites from 2011, but this one by far takes the cake! Besides looking uber luminous, my skin feels plush - that's plump and lush. It's so pillow-y soft! The best part is that my skin never has a surprise flaky patch later on in the day. Again, it contains the same ingredients as the serum so your skin is getting double dose of Vitamin C. Your skin will be in repair mode all day long so I have high hopes for my skin! It's a 40 ml container at $44 so mid-range and affordable compared to other brands. Since it's a richer moisturizer, you only need a little at a time. You get the perfect amount of hydration minus the heavy, greasy feeling. Another staple for me!

3. Cover FX Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum ($45 CAD): I love Cover FX. You get high-quality makeup that performs with anti-aging benefits. If you get a chance to see my kit, you'll see many of their primers. While you can use this particular one as a serum at night, I prefer to use it as a primer before foundation especially on drier and mature skin. I use this one on myself because it hydrates my dry skin especially during the winter. Once you apply it, your skin feels extremely smooth and makeup just applies so easily. It really creates a perfect canvas. Because it helps blur out fine lines and pores, you end up having to use less foundation. You're makeup will also wear longer with minimal touch-ups. This is a definite kit staple for me and it should be for you too!

4. Ole Henriksen Black Current Perfecting Complexion Oil ($32 USD): This product is my introduction to Ole Henriksen products. All I can say is that I'm so glad we met! I've come across a few face oils in the past but I never really used them mostly because my skin just felt heavy after. This oil helps protect your skin from the elements and this is definitely something you should use for the cold winters. It also contains Vitamin E that repairs the skin from environmental damage. It's a rich oil so I've decided to make it apart of my night routine and use it like a serum. Surprisingly the rich texture turns into a light, calm, and refreshed feeling on the skin. Mixed with my night cream, my skin feels like butta'! The first time I used it, I couldn't stop touching my face. I even made the hubby touch it! Obsessed with this product. You only need a few drops of this to cover the whole face so it'll last you a while until you have to replenish. Again, the price is mid-range and definitely affordable.

5. Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream ($59 CAD, Bestseller): This night cream is no joke. It provides intense anti-ageing nourishment throughout the night. Quercetin and Oak is a clinically proven natural alternative to Retinol. Retinol is used in every anti-aging cream out there so why not go for a natural version that has been proven to achieve faster results? I'd have to say this is richer than my beloved La Mer cream and it's double or even triple the price! It's insane how soft my skin feels after I apply it - I am not exaggerating. My dry skin loves a rich cream, but not if it makes my skin feel greasy and this does NOT. I've been using it for a week and I can already see a difference in the texture of my skin. It's smoother and it's cured my flaky, dehydrated skin! Love, love this stuff.

All products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart across Canada and Sephora.

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Maybelline Stiletto Liner

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:41:00 +0000

From BeautyAmbition.net

I bought Maybelline Stiletto Liner a few months ago and I have been using this eyeliner ever since I bought it =) I read somewhere that it should replace L'oreals Linear Intense Eyeliner because supposedly it was discontinued? Not true , but I think they're both very different.

It's the Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner with a flexible tip and it comes in 3 different shades, Black, Blackest black, and brownish black.

I really like the sponge tip applicator because it gives you more control and you dont' have to stretch your eye to get a straight line, lets not forget that stretching your skin can cause wrinkles!

It's also long lasting, it says to last about 8 hours but I probably get around 6 or 7 hours of wear. I hope they come out with a waterproof version. It takes me about 30 seconds to dry.

The packaging is very cute and you can easily take it off with any makeup remover.

Here are some swatches:

Blackest Black and Brownish Brown

You can find Maybelline Stiletto Liner for about $5 in any drugstore.

Lip Lust: MAC Cremesheen Glass in Deelight

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanMakeup) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

From FleurDeForce Blog

I haven't done a 'Lip Lust' post in a couple of weeks because I've been simply hooked on one product. I thought MAC's Creemesheen Glass in Deelight was limited edition as I got it in a travel set earlier in the year, but a lovely subscriber informed me that it's not so I thought I'd share my current lip obsession with you all!

It's the perfect nude gloss in my opinion. It's got lovely payoff, it's smooth and creamy (not sticky), it tastes lovely and stay on for ages. If I'm honest I don't use the rest of my MAC lipglosses as much as i should, but this is a constant staple in my everyday makeup bag. I did my sister-in-laws makeup for her wedding back in September, and she chose to wear this.

In my opinion, lipglosses don't get much better than this! They are more expensive than most at £16 but it's one of the few lipglosses I know that I'll finish and repurchase time and time again.

I have a fresh tube of Deelight to give away to one of you lovelies this week! If you'd like to be in with a chance of getting your hands on it, all you have to do is head over to my website and enter a comment!