Cosmephile

Look: Amber Eyes

2011-12-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend thus far. The weather is beautiful here in Northern California, but somehow, I still feel like staying in bed! Anyhow, here's another look for you all that's very on-trend: orange-hued eyeshadow. I actually wore this look to work yesterday and it proved to definitely be work-safe. Surprisingly wearable, the orange-shadow look can be combined with a stronger lip than I usually wear which makes the entire look rich without being overly done-up.

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* Below crease – Antiqued

* Crease – Brownscript

* Crease diffusion – Soft Brown + Texture

* Highlight diffusion – Malt + Kid

* Highlight – Orb + Vanilla

* Top liner – Engraved

* Over top liner – Espresso + Carbon

* Bottom liner – Soft Brown + Brown Script + Kid

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Blushbaby

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – MUFE HD Foundation #120

* Color - Beurre Cremestick Liner

Look: très jolie with MAC Folie

2011-11-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

I'm back! I have been so utterly busy lately, but rather than bore you with the details of work and school, I will just head straight to a new look! I have been wearing lots of 'work safe' looks lately and have been in such a hurry that I don't even have time to snap a few photos before heading out the door. Using MAC Folie in the crease, I've created a subtly smoky eye.

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* Below crease – Jest

* Crease – Haux

* Crease & outer V – Folie

* Crease diffusion – Malt

* Highlight – Vanilla

* Top liner – Brown border

* Over top liner – Sketch

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Flirt 'N Tease

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – Little VI

* Color - Crème d' Nude

Flash Sale: Free UK and International Shipping at Illamasqua!

2011-10-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

Use code: UKFREE for UK orders or INTERNATIONAL45 for international orders over £45. Check out their false eyelashes sale while you're at it -- they're all 20% off! Save even more by registering to receive 15% off on your birthday and 10% off your third order via their loyalty program. Whew, that's a lot of savings!

Promo codes end at 11:59 P.M. GMT Sunday, 30th October 2011, and applies to one transaction only.

Look: MAC Pro Bottle Green Eyeshadow

2011-10-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone's making good use of their last day of rest before the new work/school week begins! I just purchased a new green eyeshadow and have been itching for an opportunity to try it out. MAC Bottle Green is a Pro color. Its texture is much like their permanent color, Plumage, and has similar pigmentation. It is not quite as smooth when applied as I would've liked, but more comments on that in a later review. I'd describe it as a teal-ed forest green. This color reminds me of "pine green" (perhaps there is a colored pencil somewhere with that same name).

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* Inner third – Inglot #414

* Outer 2/3, crease, & outer V – Bottle Green

* Above crease – Bottle Green

* Tear Duct– Inglot #418

* Crease diffusion – Vex

* Highlight – Vex + Blanc Type

* Top liner – Black black

* Bottom liner – Engraved + Bottle Green + Inglot #414

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Cantaloupe + Joyous

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – MUFE HD Foundation #120

* Color - MUFE Rouge Artiste Intense Mat2

Flash Sale: Sephora Friends and Family 20% off Promo

2011-10-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, everyone! I wish you all a fun-filled or relaxing weekend (whichever you are more in need of) and happy shopping courtesy of Sephora! Enter your email (be sure to read the fine print at the bottom of the promo page) to receive a unique promo code via email which can be used on an online purchase!

Click on the link below to sign up for 20% (until 11/2/2011)!

Wow or WTF? -- Black Light Makeup by MUFE

2011-10-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

I just happened to be browsing MUFE's newly added products on Sephora.com and came across this special $31 pigment that is

A transparent, universal powder that is only visible under UV light.

Have you guys ever tried on special effects makeup? Is this a Halloween gimmick or something that you could possibly wear to places with black lights like concerts? Are you all dressing up for Halloween? I am thinking of passing out candy as a black cat.

Newsworthy: "What Does Your Makeup Say About You?" -- YahooShine

2011-10-19T01:35:00.000-07:00

Just stumbled upon this interesting article on YahooShine. It 'tickled' me and although I don't agree that you can judge anyone by their makeup (everyone changes their mood and mind so often, how can you pinpoint a specific type of personality based on what we put on our face?). Nonetheless, it was worth a read. What do you think? Do these traits strike a chord with you?

Matte Attack -- Brown Edition

2011-10-18T00:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! I hope everyone is starting their week off well. I do apologize for being MIA! I have been mighty busy, but instead of boring you with any details, I will set up the new look I've done. For this look, I've used only matte eyeshadows (yep, no shimmer here) and in varying hues of brown as is being brought back by the very sophisticated Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Catherine! She has been sporting this hue way back when it was her wedding day and I recently spotted Jessica Alba post-baby wearing a brown-eyeshadow look on the red carpet.

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* Entire lid from above crease – Kid

* Above crease – Wedge

* Crease – Charcoal Brown

* Outer V– Espresso

* Crease diffusion – Malt

* Highlight – Malt

* Top liner – Black black

* Bottom liner – Kid (outer 2/3 only) (+ Espresso along outer third)

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Cantaloupe

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – MUFE HD Foundation #120

* Color - Cherish

* Color - Clear Gloss

Smart Beauty: Sephora's Big Beauty Sale

2011-10-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Have you guys checked out Sephora's Beauty Sale lately? Selected products from brands like Bare Escentuals, Stila, Temptu, and Josie Maran Beauty are all on sale. Save even more by signing up for Ebates and receiving an extra 8% in cash back!

Newsworthy: Allure Best of Beauty

2011-10-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

Finally, a product I can stand behind! Makeup For Ever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation is in Allure's Best of Beauty picks. I use it on myself and on all of my clients! Simply put, it gives the look of flawlessness to the skin that I've yet to recreate with any other product. It's definitely worth a try if you're looking for sheer, medium, or even full coverage.

Look: MAC Mythical & Folie

2011-10-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

Let's transition into fall with a look using a permanent brown eyeshadow and a limited edition shimmering, pinky mauve color by MAC, shall we?

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* Inner third – Star Violet

* Middle of lid – Mythical

* Outer third – Cranberry

* Crease and Outer V– Folie

* Crease diffusion – Malt

* Highlight – Malt + Vanilla

* Top liner – Brown border (+ Espresso & Carbon layered over it)

* Bottom liner – Brown border (outer 2/3 only) (+ Mythical along inner 2/3) (+ Folie along outer third

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Raizin + Flirt 'N Tease

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – Creme d' Nude

* Color - Lightly Ripe

Look: Pink and Copper(ing)

2011-10-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend everyone! I've done a new look for you all to check out, so I'll keep its introduction short and sweet.

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* As a base allover – Rubenesque

* Middle of lid – Paradisco

* Inner third – Da Bling

* Outer third – Expensive Pink

* Crease and Outer V– Coppering

* Above crease– Da Bling

* Middle of lid – Blue Brown

* Highlight – Hush + Vanilla

* Top liner – Black black

* Tear duct – Nylon + Dazzlelight

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Joyous

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – Cult Fave + Pink Lemonade (patted off with tissue)

* Color - Creme d'Nude

Review: Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Thickening Shampoo w/ Biotin & Bamboo Extract

2011-09-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you're like me and have ridiculously thin hair that lacks in volume, you're always on the hunt for 'volumizing' shampoo! I've struggled with sticking to brands that are good for my skin and do the job of washing out excess oil in my hair, but I am compromising no more. I think I've finally settled on a brand and shampoo that does everything I want it to. It makes my hair feel soft after blow drying, doesn't overly dry it out like other organic shampoos do, and sufficiently de-greases my hair. It's available online at Target and perhaps at your local Target store. It sells for $9.99 before tax and shipping for a 12 oz. bottle.

	Score out of 10	Reason
Formula	10	A little goes a long way; non-drying; softens the cuticle
Durability	10	Hair remains manageable throughout the day;
Wearability	10	Excellent for fine/thin hair; would probably work on other hair types
Affordability	8	Wish it were less expensive per bottle, but using a dime-sized amount will extend its number of uses
Safety	9	EWG rating of 1 (based on my own preliminary report)
		Overall 94% or A

Beauty U -- Are you Warm? or Cool?

2011-09-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss was about when people mention the words 'warm' and 'cool' during makeup talk? It can be extremely helpful and time-saving to know which tone family you belong to, so you can get used to zoning in on the colors that you know will probably look best against your skin! I am a warm myself, but I've never found a straight-forward, easy way to determine this until now. I stumbled upon this chart on Three Custom Color's website:

Newsworthy: Allure's Best of Beauty Hall of Fame

2011-09-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Have you all seen this article on Yahoo.com yet? It features 10 of Allure's Best of Beauty Hall of Fame products ranging from skincare to mascara. These products have won the most awards in the beauty industry. Here's my take on their top 10:

#10: OPI Nail Lacquer: I'm Not Really a Waitress

- I caved and purchased this shade a few years ago and have only worn it a maximum of two times. Once when I first tried it on my nails and during the holidays one year to make myself feel more festive. I don't really think it's ultra-flattering or a 'must-have' color. I have definitely seen more 'red' reds or vampy, sophisticated reds that are on the darker side which were much more flattering on my skin tone.

#9: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15

- Another one of those products you really want to like, but you just can't. It's got more than 3 parabens and butylene glycol, but it's also got retinol and a form of vitamin E. I think they can do better than that.

#8: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-off Formula

- I have combination skin that's oily in the T-zone and this scrub cream sufficiently diminished oiliness after a day or two of use, but it is somewhat drying which caused me to break out!

#7: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

- I've never used it, but doing a quick search, I am not planning on ever trying it. Why, you ask? Its first ingredient is water -- you shouldn't pay big bucks for a product that's mostly made up of water. It's also got propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, stearyl alcohol (probably so it dries out eventually and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy), and three forms of parabens. Those are all of the worst offenders -- all in one! Unbelievably misleading since its description/slogan is "As gentle as it gets."

#6: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

- I could never justify paying more than $10 for a pair of tweezers. I've been using my cheap-o tweezers for over 5 years and they work just fine! I don't think it's the tweezers' ability so much as who is using them...? :)

#5: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula

- Although I've never suffered the woes of having frizzy hair, I did actually try this after one of my friends bought it back in high school. It felt like it was mostly made up of silicone and made your hair look like it was wet. Needless to say, it didn't work for her and she never bought it again.

#4: Clinque Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

- Having used up two entire bottles of this stuff, I know it well! I used to use this religiously before applying makeup, but have since switched to something less expensive. I don't feel like it drastically moisturized my skin to the point where it looked dewy and refreshed, but it didn't hurt it either. It's a 'meh' product in my opinion. In retrospect, I could've used the $50 (more or less) to buy so much makeup!

#3: Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara

- Once again, another Hall of Famer that isn't so nice on your wallet. To make matters worse, mascara is one of those things I use even when I'm doing a 'natural' look or a five-minute face, so I run out quickly! I can't imagine having to shell out $20 or so for a tube of this -- the formula isn't so special that you won't be able to find a good alternative. Its secret, though, is its slender wand-tip. Did you know that a broad wand-tip doesn't necessarily translate to thicker lashes? The best way to achieve defined, thick lashes is a medium to slender wand-tip!

#2: Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara

- I purchased this mascara way back when I first started to wear makeup and only had access to drugstores (boy, times have really changed since!). Everyone claims it's the 'best' mascara ever and that you shouldn't waste your money on buying 'expensive' mascara, but what's up with Hall of Famer #3 then? I find this formula disappointing in that building up volume on your lashes isn't really possible since each coat is so thin. However, it was fast-drying in the tube which isn't so helpful.

#1: Chanel No. 5

- Although I have never even gotten a whiff of this infamous scent, I have pretty much stopped wearing fragrances altogether. Once in a while, I will be careful and try to aim the spritzes onto my clothes, but if you want to know why I've quit perfume, read my post on "Buying Green Products!"

All in all, I think it was an informative article because it gave me an excuse to do my own research and investigate for myself! Perhaps the reason why these products are such great sellers is because of articles like these that make you feel like going out and giving them a try. Well, now that I've done all this research, I feel a whole lot better about the money I'll be keeping safely in my pocket! :)

Look: MAC Blue Brown Pigment

2011-09-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! Although I'm sad it's coming to an end, I hope this upcoming week comes with warmer weather -- it's been so gloomy outside lately. I think that's why my looks have featured a lot of greys and blues lately. Anyhow, this next look features a permanent MAC pigment which I never thought to really incorporate into a look until now. For this look, I used a variety of duo-tone products and MAC pigment in Blue Brown.

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* As a base in and underneath the crease – Black black

* In and below crease – Contrast

* Above crease – Club

* Above Club – Era

* Middle of lid – Blue Brown

* Highlight – Malt

* Lower lash line – Black black + Contrast + Club

* Top liner and bottom liner – Engraved

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Strada

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – MUFE HD Foundation #120

* Color - Cherish

Review: Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Healing Lotion

2011-09-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

I think this product wins the prize for "longest name ever," but all jokes aside, I am so happy to be able to introduce my new favorite body lotion to you all! I wore this today and the receptionist I came across today complimented me on how good it smelled! I have run across this brand many times, but have only recently picked it up to inspect its ingredients. I was so excited to find something I could slather on liberally without being afraid of what I could be doing to my skin. I have officially fallen in love and am disappointed I didn't buy more when they were on sale. Anyhow, I hope you guys check this brand out at your local Target store. If you're like me, you'll have to resist the urge to try everything in their line!

This body lotion is so thick yet is absorbed so quickly into my skin, I'm afraid I'll use it up too quickly! It does wonders for my elbows and legs for those days when I'm sporting shorts or a skirt. The scent may be a hit or miss for some of you, so I encourage you to take a whiff before buying. I find it to be slightly floral with a hint of baby powder-ness. The formula is so hydrating and locks in moisture so well that even after showering, I can tell it's still trying to seal in moisture from when I put it on the day before!

	Score out of 10	Reason
Formula	10	Quickly and easily absorbed
Durability	10	Moisturizes your skin all day and more!
Wearability	10	Good for dry skin, excellent for chapped skin
Affordability	7	I wish it were less expensive, but I'll splurge on a safe product I'll be using liberally everywhere
Safety	10	EWG rating of 1 (based on my own preliminary report)
	Overall	94% or A

Look: Mixed Metals for Fall 2011

2011-09-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

A big trend this F/W 2011 per many runway shows is mixed metals and gold eyeliner in particular. I've done this look which, I think, is very wearable and is a softer look from some of the more dramatically dark looks this season. It features a shimmering grey Inglot eyeshadow and a gold liquid eyeliner by MAC.

All colors from MAC Cosmetics unless otherwise noted:

Eyes:

* All-over in and below crease – Inglot #501

* Crease – Copperplate

* Above crease – Kid

* Highlight – Vex

* Lower lash line – All That Glitters + Nylon

* Top liner – Engraved along waterline only + Molten Sol

* Bottom liner – Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Silver Green (#11)

Cheeks:

* Highlight – Accentuate

* Color – Peaches + Margin

* Contour – Sculpt

Lips:

* Base – MUFE HD Foundation #120

* Color - Dressmaker Dressmaker + Fanfare (along "pout" only)

Review: Trader Joe's Spa - 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

2011-09-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

Hi all, today I'm reviewing a product that I think everyone should try at least once. If it works for you, you won't let it go, but if it doesn't, no harm done. Literally. I originally used a different brand of 100% jojoba oil, but in lieu of paying for shipping to purchase it online, I've decided to use the Trader Joe's version so I can buy it locally. My skin is combination with oiliness in the T-zone and for years, I've struggled to find a good moisturizer for my skin when it dries out (especially during the winter) and for prepping my skin before I put on makeup. It's got so many other uses, too!

	Score out of 10	Reason
Formula	10	Quickly and easily absorbed
Durability	10	Moisturizes your skin all day
Wearability	10	It's colorless, so you won't be able to see it once it's applied to the skin
Affordability	7	So little is used at a time that it'll take you forever to finish the entire bottle
Safety	10	EWG rating of 0 given the single ingredient
	Overall	94% or A

Try it for damaged-hair repair, removing makeup, and on your cuticles!

Nail File: OPI Black Cherry Chutney

2011-09-20T01:11:00.000-07:00

Fall is but a couple of days away, but I couldn't wait to wear this new nail shade I just got! It is Black Cherry Chutney (the name alone makes me crave for Indian food!) by OPI. It is super flattering and made my hands look so elegant. I'd describe it as a vampy mix between deep scarlet red and a very dark purple with multicolor shimmer. You've got to really see it in these photos to get a better idea of how pretty it is! The formula was excellent -- I was able to apply multiple coats and it lasted two days before the first chip appeared (through no fault of the polish itself, but through my own habits).

Review: Rimmel London Glam'Eyes Trio Eye Shadow - 621 Orion

2011-09-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Fall is just around the corner and what better colors to celebrate the return of richer and warmer colors than brown? Rimmel London offers a trio of shadows intended for blue-eyed beauties and the how-to instrux neatly packaged into a single compact. A trio of diagrams on the back of the compact include 'color by number' drawings and tell you which shades to use for a 'Subtle look' and a 'London look' along with lipstick recommendations (though this is pretty vague itself).

In theory, these shades work well together. Unfortunately, two of the three aren't pigmented enough to even show up on anyone even when used with an eyeshadow primer. All three shades have slightly shimmery formulas. The cream or highlight shade was the chalkiest of the three while the other two were equally as smooth although not impressively so. The mid-toned shadow is barely noticeable when swatched, but the real disappointment is that while this could have turned out to be excellent for those who are beginning their eyeshadow collections (everyone's got to stock up on neutrals!), these are neither special enough nor worthy to pick up despite their affordability. These were a complete pass for me.

	Score out of 10	Reason
Formula	6	Mid-tone and dark shades were mediocre, while highlight was chalky
Durability	6	Highlight shade wiped off easily
Wearability	0	Colors are not pigmented enough to warrant purchasing
Affordability	7	Excellent price point at $3-$5 for the entire duo
Safety	0	No EWG rating available
	Overall	38% or F

with and then without primer (highlight)

with and then without primer (mid-tone)

with and then without primer (dark)

with and then without primer (highlight, mid-tone, dark)

Video Tutorial: How to apply concealer

2011-09-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the basics, shall we? I get lots of questions from friends on the right way to apply concealer. I've got a dark scar on my face myself, so concealer is the single most important product in my makeup regimen. I've searched high and low (and by that I mean each and every makeup counter in sight) for the perfect concealer and have spent over half a decade applying it on myself as well as clients. Without further ado:

Review: Maybelline NY -- EyeStudio: 40 Mocha Mirage

2011-09-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but notice that Maybelline's "baked" or "mineralize-looking" eyeshadow duos look eerily like those from MAC, so I decided to purchase one and find out just how similar they are. Mocha Mirage has a light cool-toned pink with platinum-gold marbling on one half and a warm coppery-gold on the other. It retails for a mere $5.83 on Drugstore.com. Save even more by using this link to get 20% off your first purchase as a new Drugstore.com customer until the end of this month.

I'll keep this review short and sweet! Both colors are amazingly pigmented and smooth when applied. Used even without a primer, they give off a respectable amount of color and are equally extremely wearable. Used together or separately with other eyeshadow colors, they definitely won't disappoint if you're in the market for basic gold and shimmering rosy pink shadows. I would even go as far as to say that after having tried out MAC's latest 'Semi Precious' collection which didn't really offer any standout/must-have/rare colors, Maybelline's Mocha Mirage is a safer bet for someone trying to establish a basic eyeshadow color collection. After having swatched this, I feel better about trying out some of the more exciting shades in the EyeStudio collection, don't you?


	Score out of 10	Reason
Formula	8	Not chalky and minimal fallout, smooth when applied
Durability	8	Worn with a primer, will stay put for half a day
Wearability	9	Both colors are flattering on all skin tones
Affordability	9	Excellent price point at less than $3 per color in this duo
Safety	0	No EWG rating available
	Overall	68% or D

left (w/ primer), right (w/o primer)

w/ primer

w/o primer

Make Up Your Mind: My Next Video Tutorial

2011-09-15T12:33:00.001-07:00

Secret Weapon: Sleeper Edition -- E.L.F. Eyelid Primer

2011-09-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

I read about affordable eyeshadow primers in a beauty article that I can't recall at the moment, but suffice to say this $1.00 (YES, you read right -- one dollar) eyeshadow primer caught my eye! It sounded too good to be true. Despite having my own doubts and predispositions toward extremely bargain-priced cosmetics, I decided to test it out on my own and share my astonishing results with you! Not that it would set you back to go out and try it for yourself, which I hope you all end up doing. Here is E.L.F.'s product description for its "Essential Eyelid Primer":

Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The ultra sheer nude color works to increase eye color longevity. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear.

I tested the Nude shade, but it is now available in Champagne, Pearl, and Golden. To my surprise, it worked just as well as my current go-to eyeshadow primer from Nars. It performs wonderfully and my only notes are that it caused the shadow I used to test (MAC Brown Script, a matte brown shadow) to show up a wee bit darker which may be due to its pre-existing pigmentation. Secondly, your shadow may not show up consistently well once applied over the primer -- there may be some darker and some lighter spots. NARS primer is sheerer and colorless (maybe a bit white) and more readily disappears once rubbed onto skin. Other than that, it receives high marks from me for adherence as well as for its matte texture. If you wanted to add shimmer to your shadows, try the other three new shades.


	Score out of 10	Reason
Formula	9	Not too thick; not too thin
Durability	9	Enhances shadow adherence
Wearability	10	Will stay true to shadow color whether matte/shimmery
Affordability	10	It doesn’t get much cheaper than this
Safety	2	No EWG rating available; no animal testing
	Overall	80% or B

NARS (left); E.L.F. (right)

no primer - NARS - E.L.F. (MAC Brown Script)

top (bare), middle (NARS), bottom (E.L.F.)