Faces From Aziajs

I [Heart] Drugstore Makeup Tag

2013-02-22T18:21:00.005-06:00

Vanessa tagged me in the I [Heart] Drugstore Makeup Tag. 8 questions. 12 minutes. GO!

The questions:
1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand overall?
2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products?
3. Least favorite product?
4. What is the best makeup bargain?
5. What is your favorite underdog product? (Something you love that often gets overlooked?)
6. A drugstore product that is overpriced?
7. Show your best drugstore dupe(s)!!
8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype?

HAUL: 2012 America's Beauty Show

2013-02-21T15:57:00.000-06:00

Last year, I attended America's Beauty Show and I just wanted to give you a look at the things I picked up at the show. I've actually reviewed some of the products. You can also find reviews for some of these products on Vanewpc's YouTube channel. So, take a look and if you have any questions or would like to see a review of a particular product comment below and let me know.

EVENT: 2012 America's Beauty Show

2013-02-21T15:31:00.002-06:00

Soooo...this is a post that I started and never published. In light of the show being right around the corner on March 9-11, I wanted to get this up for any of you that may be curious about the show or are considering attending. This was my second year attending. Both years I attended with Vanessa (Vanewpc on YouTube) and she actually recorded a video about the 2011 show, in which I'm featured, if you'd like to take a look. The post below is about the 2012 show and includes my thoughts on the show and my experience there.

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This was an interesting show. This is the second year that I have attended America's Beauty Show. In short, ABS is a beauty trade show which caters to professionals in the hair care, skincare, nail care and cosmetic fields. I attended all three days and my experiences on each day differed. The first day was pretty great. While I was waiting for Vanessa to arrive, I walked around the press room a bit. I got a chance to talk to one of the makeup artists from Tigi about their cosmetic line. Since the line is sold primarily in salons, I knew very little about it. But, as it turns out the line has been around since 1989 and was recently revamped in 2010. I also had an interesting (haha) experience with some hairstylists representing the Sebastian haircare line. A station was set up to offer hair services and I asked for a blow out and flat iron. They weren't really accustomed to working with my hair texture so the result was find of all over the place. I was more amused than anything but I don't think I'd go back for a repeat performance. When Vanessa arrived, we walked down to the show floor and randomly picked a direction and started walking. The show is HUGE and very overwhelming. So, although we both used the ABS app to "favorite" booths we wanted to visit, we really didn't have a game plan. We walked around and stopped by the Texture Pavilion where the companies catering to curly, wavy and more ethnic hair was set up. One of the companies we visited was Jane Carter Solution. We got to meet Jane and she gave me a mini consultation on my hair and how to best care for it. I loved that she took the time to talk to me and that she was nice enough to give us some products to try. She was really receptive and said that she appreciated bloggers and understood the value in what we do. We walked around a bit more and saw runway shows, hair color/cut/style demos as well as some of the other companies in the pavilion like Use Me!, My DNA and Curl Keeper. We walked around throughout the show floor for about 5 hours or so and still didn't feel like we saw everything. We attended all three days with pretty much the same game plan - walk around, catch things we might have missed and others that we'd made a note to be sure and see. The show is full of stylists on stage doing hair demos, booths doing demos and companies selling products. There are opportunities to try products, to talk to the owners of the companies, and to meet other professionals in your field. There is SO much to see and you can easily walk that floor 4-5 times and still not see it all.

Now, I will say that the experience had its downside. We attend the show as bloggers, as press, and we look forward to talking to companies that are at the show so that we can then share that info with you. But, I was really disappointed in the dismissive reaction or complete disregard that we were shown from several companies. There were products that I didn't bother even trying because the encounters with either the owner or company rep left such a sour taste in my mouth. I just didn't understand that. Why not take advantage of an opportunity to promote your brand? It costs a company nothing more than a few minutes of their time. I don't remember that being as big an issue the first year and if I attend again I certainly hope that we encounter different attitudes.

But if I mention the underwhelming experiences, I have to highlight those which were amazing too. One of those was with a company called Sella. Vanessa and I were walking along when a young man stopped us and asked if we'd like to try the Sella cleansing bar. He gave each of us a small bar and asked that if we'd be attending the show the entire weekend, and got a chance to try the bar, that we come back and let him know what we thought. So even though I was EXHAUSTED Sunday night after returning home from the show, I made a point of trying the bar as opposed to just using a makeup remover wipe. And it was all because the two minute conversation with him had an impact. It made me remember the company, the product, and made me make an effort to try it. I did go back the following day and purchased the bar and several other products from Sella. Plus, not only did I return to purchase products and speak to the owners but now I'm sharing that entire experience with you. I was impressed and we were fortunate to have other great experiences with companies like 12 Benefits, Jane Carter, Use Me! Products, Curly Hair Solutions, Avlon, DermOrgannic, Amika, and several others.

So, as a whole I enjoyed the show. It's overwhelming and A LOT to take in but you get exposure to so much and you learn so much more. I would highly recommend attending if you are a makeup artist, hair stylist, nail technician or esthetician. It's a great experience. For more information about the show and how to attend, check out the America's Beauty Show website.

Here are a few pictures from the show and you can find dozens more on my Facebook page.

REVIEW: Use Me Products Coarse/Dry Hair Formula

2013-02-20T16:37:00.001-06:00

I previously reviewed the Use Me product line on my blog. I initially reviewed the formula for fine hair but this time around I'm reviewing the formula for coarse/dry hair. There is a definite difference in the two and I share my thoughts and demo my use of the coarse/dry hair formula as well as the styling product for curly hair, Curl Up & Shine, in this video review.

Where have I been???

2013-01-30T01:57:00.000-06:00

So, where have I been??? Excellent question.

I've been very active on social media but haven't been blogging as much, aside from my Tumblr, on which I truly micro blog and post tid bits here and there. So, if you want to catch me try Twitter or Instagram. I have also uploaded a few new videos for 2013 and am going to keep them coming. I have several recorded and just waiting to be edited.

So as for the blog, I am slowly going to be getting back into it. I literally have 10 posts in draft from 2012 that I never finished. I want to get those up, especially since some of those posts are about events that are approaching again. So, hold tight. You'll be hearing from me soon. :)

REVIEW: Use Me! Products

2012-06-19T15:11:00.000-05:00

“To look good, feel good, and do good—for yourself and the planet" - Alanna York, Creator, Use Me! Products

Use Me! is a line of haircare that I discovered this year at America's Beauty Show. The company was featured in the show's "Texture Pavilion" which included brands targeting wavy, kinky and curly hair. I'd never heard of the brand but the booth caught my eye with its design (recycled cardboard) and all the activity (numerous hair demos). Vanessa (Vanewpc on YouTube) and I stopped over and spoke with Nate from Use Me! about the brand and the products. Plus, they were nice enough to send us home with a few to try.

So, first thing's first let me tell you a little about the brand:

Alanna considers her line of gentle cleansers and moisturizers “skincare for your hair”.
Use Me! is based on a Refill, Reuse, and Repeat concept. Participating salons offer filling stations (which are made from reclaimed wood and steel) where clients can refill their products at a discounted rate.
There are 8 products currently available with 22 more to come. The entire line is sulfate and paraben free and is packaged in BPA free bottles. In addition, many of the ingredients are organic and vegan. ** The line is vegan aside from the lanolin used in some products, which is provided by a sustainable sheep farm where the sheep are treated humanely and not farmed for their meat.**
BPA free packaging. Sulfate & Paraben free.
The products contain natual essential oils, such as lavender, jasmine, Spanish moss, and lemongrass.
$24.00 per bottle for styling aids and $29.00 for cleansers and moisturizers.
The products and packaging are both Made in the USA.

I love the company's commitment to the health of their customers and the environment. The BPA free packaging, the use of mostly vegan and/or organic ingredients, especially the use of so many essential oils, weighs heavily in their favor. The concept of taking an empty bottle of product you've purchased and refilling at a local salon from a station created with recycled and re-purposed materials is unique and shows their commitment to being eco-conscious that much more. And, personally, I think it's refreshing to see a product made in the USA. It's become so rare to see companies which design and manufacture products in this country. Regarding the design, the packaging is simple but well done and the metallic finish on the printing is a nice touch.

So, having said all that let's get to what I thought about the products themselves. I tried four products - Cleanser for Fine Hair, Moisturizer for Fine Hair, Get it Straight Gelee, and the Curl Up & Shine Creme. Initially, I used the products, exclusively, for two weeks to give them a chance to work. Then over the course of the last couple of months I've gone back and tried them in a variety of ways. I'll just go product by product and give you a breakdown of my thoughts.

Cleanser for Fine Hair

Moisturizer for Fine Hair

Get it Straight Gelee

Cleanser for Fine Hair

The directions state that the cleanser should be focused on the roots, gently massaged and rinsed. I did this and found that the cleanser lathers well, even though it's sulfate free. It cleansed my hair without stripping it. It smells fantastic and I felt curl definition as soon as I massaged the product into my hair. It rinsed clean and my hair felt soft afterward.

Moisturizer for Fine Hair

The directions state that the moisturizer should be used in the opposite way. Focus the product on the ends and work up the hair shaft staying away from the roots. Again, and I smelled great and I felt great curl definition. The conditioner cuts through tangles and curls like a hot knife through butter. I felt great curl definition. I left it on about 10 minutes and then rinsed. My hair felt soft and I felt and saw curl definition after I rinsed. However I noticed that several hours later my hair felt dry.

Get it Straight Gelee

The Gelee claims to contain a humidity shield and I think it worked a little but not nearly as well as I had hoped. I will admit that I used too much product initially so that may have effected the performance. However, overusing the product was the result of the confusing instructions. 1/4 teaspoon is the recommended amount but how do you measure a 1/4 teaspoon from a pump bottle?? I couldn't eyeball that. I felt like I needed to go to the kitchen and get a measuring spoon. Suggesting a "pea size" or "dime size" amount or even "half a pump" or something similar would make a lot more sense. But, honestly I don't think that using too much was the real problem. I think the product just didn't deliver. It's water based but the second ingredient is silicone and I felt that artificial slip that silicones give the hair. But, my hair felt dry and didn't get straight when I blow it out. In addition, I tried this when wearing my hair curly to stretch the curl/reduce shrinkage but my curls didn't stretch. This product was the biggest disappointment for me.

Curl Up & Shine Creme

LOVED this product. This was actually a product that Vanessa got and I asked her for a sample. I applied this after cleansing and moisturizing my hair. The smell is amazing - it's what drew me to the product and the performance is what blew me away. My curls were defined, soft, and moisturized. I'd reactivate the product with water everyday for 2-3 days and noticed that it held for several days this way. Of all the products, this was definitely the stand out and the one I would purchase.

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Overall, I think that I chose the wrong formula for my hair. Since my hair is fine I opted for the formula for fine hair. Unfortunately, I felt that the combination of the cleanser and moisturizer dried out my hair. Initially my hair felt great and I was excited but I think ultimately they don't perform well on curly hair, no matter your how loose or tight your curls happen to be. Curly/wavy hair naturally requires more moisture and these products don't provide that. In fact, my hair started to tangle at the ends badly after a few days and I have never had that issue with my natural hair. So, I think that this would work well for someone with straight, oily hair who likes volume. I think it would cleanse without drying out the hair and provide just enough moisture not to weigh hair the down. I want to note that I also tried the cleanser with a richer, more moisturizing conditioner and still found my hair to be dry after a day or two. I just got samples of the formula for dry & coarse hair from Vanessa, who really loved them, so I'm going to try those and update you guys on how those work out.

Once I discovered that the products didn't work as I initially intended I started to look for alternate uses. First, I used the cleanser to wash my makeup brushes. I found that it cleaned well, removing the makeup and rinsing clean. But, the first thing that I noticed was how dry my hands were when I was done. This made me very nervous about the condition in which it would leave my brushes. As it turned out, I did feel that mt brushes felt scratchy and drier than normal. I used the cleanser AND moisturizer on another batch and that made a huge difference. The brushes were much softer. I decided to try something different all together and use the moisturizer as a shaving cream. That worked very well. I got a close shave and my legs felt soft and very smooth. I will definitely use it for that again.

I was disappointed that most of the products didn't work for me but I was able to find alternate uses for some. As I said, I'm going to try the other formula for comparison and hopefully I'll have better results.

Use Me! products are available at participating salons and on http://www.usemeproducts.com/

UPDATE: I have also reviewed the formula for coarse/dry hair on my YouTube channel.

Halloween Face: Mouse

2012-02-24T03:41:00.002-06:00

This is a video that has been on my camera since I lost my camera cord around Halloween, so it never got posted. I just purchased a new one so I finally uploaded this. I'm also finally able to make videos again!

This video also shows how to highlight and contour. It's like a tutorial within a tutorial and features me exclusively using Bdellium Tools Green Bambu Brushes.

IN THE KNOW: New additions to the Bdellium Tools line for 2012

2012-02-16T02:43:00.003-06:00

Bdellium Tools is a brush company that I was introduced to in early 2011. I've purchased dozens (literally) of their brushes and have become a huge fan. I wrote a LENGTHY post reviewing a number of them here if you'd like to read it. The company recently launched a blog, which I've been stalking lately, where they announced the new additions coming to the Maestro, Studio and Green Bambu lines this month. It looks like the Mineral, Foundation and Smoky Eye kits that are currently available in the Green Bambu line will now come in Yellow Bambu. They'll be identical to the Green Bambu line in design and still offer synthetic hair but they will be all yellow. You can see a picture of the mineral brush set in the picture above. I can't wait to see them in person. I know that Bdellium exhibited at IMATS London and the ISSE show in California this month so if you were in attendance you may have already seen these. Below are the eight brushes that will be added to both the Studio and Maestro line (and it looks like a couple will be added to the Green Bambu line as well). The pointed foundation brush really caught my eye. I don't know why but I am obsessed with them; I already have three or four. I hope to get my hands on it and a few of the others in the coming weeks to review for you guys.

EVENT: 2011 America's Beauty Show

2012-02-09T02:04:00.002-06:00

Last March I attended America's Beauty Show. Below is the post I put together to discuss the experience but it somehow slipped through the cracks and never got posted. But, I have it for you guys now and I'm hoping to attend again this year to report back for you. Last year I was more focused on makeup but this year, since I've gone natural, I'm more focused on products geared toward styling, protecting and managing my natural hair. So, hopefully you'll see another ABS post in a few weeks.

A couple of weeks ago I attended America's Beauty Show at McCormick place in Chicago. ABS is a hair, makeup, skincare and nail trade show that takes place every March in Chicago. The show brings together professionals from the Midwest and well beyond for three days of education, competitions, presentations, shopping and networking. I attended all 3 days...and I was blown away! I never expected the show to be so incredible. For some reason I thought it was a small scale Midwest beauty show that would be unremarkable. But, I couldn't have been more wrong. LOL. Here is my experience at the show, broken down by day:

SATURDAY (Day 1)

I met up with Vanessa aka Vanewpc for those of you on YouTube. We got to the show around 2:00PM, just in time for the press conference. I walked in and I saw an older gentleman standing off to the side of the room speaking to a couple of people and my immediate thought was, "oh my God. That's Vidal Sassoon." I'm not a hair stylist or even really into hair but I recognized him easily. I didn't say anything because I thought I was wrong and it couldn't possibly be him. Well...it was. The press conference started and the head of ABS introduced Mr. Sassoon. He spoke briefly, not even ten minutes, but he was charming and entertaining and once he was done he quietly walked off to the side and the press conference continued. There was an overview of the history of the show and well as some info on its financials. There were also several awards (you HAVE to see the work done by winner Chrystofer Benson) and a scholarship that were given out. The press conference was about an hour long and when it was over Vanessa and made our way down to the event floor. OMG!! It was bright, loud, crazy, and full of energy. I was sooooo overwhelmed. The majority of the exhibitors were hair companies but there were also cosmetic companies and nail care companies. I saw Paul Mitchell, Vidal Sassoon, CHI, Enzo Milano, Moroccan Oil, Orly, Essie, CND, Jane Carter, Mixed Chicks, Crown Brush, Sun Laboratories, Mehron, Kryolan, Bdellium Tools, American Crew, Hot Tools, Minx...the list goes on and on and on. There were hair cutting and styling demonstrations. There were fashion shows. There were product demonstrations. It was sooo crazy! We had about two hours before the show ended so we crammed in as much as we could but honestly we didn't even see half of the show. After we made our way out of the show we headed downtown to the Cadillac Palace Theater to see a screening of, "Vidal Sassoon: The Movie", the Vidal Sassoon life story. The movie was soooooooo good! If you have a chance to see it when it's released nationwide in June, make it a point to do so. I think I am going to see it again. Vanessa and I ended our night having dinner and that was that.

SUNDAY (Day 2)

Vanessa and I scheduled CND Shellac manicures at 11AM. I loved my manicurist. Her name is Jennifer and she turned out to be one of the educators for CND. She has a blog called Traveling Nail Tech where she shares her experiences during her travels doing education for the company. I was so busy talking to her about her life and about her career that I didn't focus as much on the manicure and asking pertinent questions about the process. #FAIL. But I did manage to snap a couple pics (one with Jennifer's help) to show you part of the process. I have a post coming up talking a little bit more about the experience and showing how the manicure wore over the course of two weeks so stay tuned for that. Vanessa and I wrapped up our manicures and headed to the main event. Today we were joined by Nes from Lyrically Ness. I love her. If it weren't for her I would have missed the show altogether. So THANK YOU, Nes! The three of us stopped by the Bdellium Tools booth. Well, actually Vanessa and I had been by yesterday so we were making a return trip. Daniel and Edward were there representing the company and they were nice and approachable and I finally got a chance to see the Bdellium line in person! We stopped by Amika where Nes had her hair styled. It turned out BEAUTIFULLY. We browsed the Crown Brush booth. I wanted to grab a couple of the things that the nail tech used from CND but naturally they were sold out. To show you how small the world is when I stopped by Medusa's Makeup I saw JoJo Baby. JoJo was my hair stylist when I was a teenager. Vidal Sassoon was also back at the show signing copies of the new book which was an accompaniment to his new film. But I have to say one of the most amazing things we saw was the Hello Gorgeous! booth. Hello Gorgeous! is a "non-profit organization that provides complimentary, professional makeovers and cosmetic education to all women battling all cancers". As it was explained to me, the organization creates an experience for the women by offering spa services via a mobile trailer. Along with the spa services they receive new clothing and are given a small "coming out" party to debut their new look. We stayed at the show until it closed at 5PM so we got in a full day of shopping, walking and talking and then headed home.

MONDAY (Day 3)

This is always the point where I am running on fumes. Three days straight of attending a trade show really runs you down. So, I was realllly dragging today. I finally pulled myself together but I made it to the show right before it ended. I think it was officially over at 5PM but when I got there at about 3PM most of the vendors were breaking down their areas. I was by myself today since both Nes and Vanessa had to work. I did run into Afrobella and Michelle from All Lacquered Up, who were heading out as I made my way in. Once I got in, I walked around to see if I could find any last minute deals but I really didn't see anything. There were several things that I wanted to pick up the previous two days but decided to put of purchasing them thinking I could always get them "later". Well, when I walked around everything I wanted was just about gone. Oh well. I spent about an hour walking around and then headed out. Nothing eventful. No good deals. Nothing. And that was the end of my ABS experience.

I would highly recommend attending if you are a stylist, makeup artist, esthetician or a nail tech. Even if you are in school right now studying one of those fields you should make a point of going. Make the most of the show and attend the seminars and workshops to learn new techniques or brush on those you already know. There are also classes that focus on the business of beauty. Walk around and take a look at new companies or new products launched by familiar brands. And, at the very least, use the show to network with other professionals from around the midwest and from accoss the country. As I said, I really enjoyed the show. It opened my eyes a lot and I was glad that I got the chance to attend. If you'd like to see more pictures from the event you can visit my Facebook page.

DUPE: London Soho New York Beauty Sponge - Best Beautyblender Dupe On The Market??

2012-02-07T01:58:00.002-06:00

The Beautyblender is one of the most popular tools used by makeup artists on their clients and consequently has become a favorite among beauty bloggers and makeup lovers. It has also become one of the most duplicated beauty tools I've seen since the stippling/skunk/duo-fiber brush. The upside to all of these "dupes" is that they provide cheaper alternatives to the $20 Beautyblender. The downside is that a lot of them aren't very good. Well, what I've found certainly changes all of that.

The London Soho New York Beauty Sponge as packaged in the store

London Soho New York is a brand that has been around for awhile but up until this point the company has only offered makeup cases. Now, they have a full line of makeup brushes that is available at Walgreens locations and this sponge is a part of that line.

Current version (left) - Previous version (right)

When the line soft-launched a couple of months ago there was a small table-top display which featured another pink sponge. That sponge is shaped like a teardrop and more closely resembles the design of the Beautyblender. But it's stiffer, denser and doesn't have a good bounce on the skin. I mention the bounce specifically because the bouncing motion helps to blend product into the skin. While the older version does blend very well, the newer version, which is shaped more like a football, is much softer and has much better bounce. It simply feels better on the skin.

What I love about the design of the sponge happens to be the thing that made me hesitant to purchase it. This sponge has two pointed ends and I was worried that it would be difficult to stipple product onto the face since there is no flattened base. But, I found that if you hold the sponge at the center or toward the end it actually works wonderfully. You use the side of the sponge to stipple onto the face and it fits the contours of the face really nicely. Also, one end can be used to apply foundation around the nose, mouth and other tight areas and the other can be used for concealer under the eyes or even to apply cream highlight along the top of the cheek, or contour in the hollows. The finish is beautiful. The foundation goes on evenly and smoothly. As for the texture of the sponge it is flocked and very similar to the Beautyblender. Actually, it almost feels like memory foam when you dampen it. The other great thing about the sponge is that it expands nicely. In the pictures below you can see that it measures about 3.5 inches when dry. When you dampen it, the sponge expands to nearly 4.5 inches.

The Soho Beauty sponge measures about 3.5 inches when dry

The Soho Beauty sponge measures about 4.5 inches when wet

The sponge retails for $7.99 and the entire Soho Beauty brush line is displayed inline next to the EcoTools brushes. AS A BONUS, this month there is a $1 OFF coupon available in the Walgreens monthly coupon book in store. You can also go here to print out a copy of the coupon.

SO, TO SUM THINGS UP:

+ The sponge is $7.99 - less than half the price of the Beautyblender

+ It has a texture and density VERY similar to the BeautyBlender

+ It blends foundation very well, giving the "airbrushed" effect

+ The football design with its two pointed ends is very functional

+ The sponge is readily available at a Walgreens near you

+ I love the sponge and HIGHLY recommend it

DIY: Tabletop Light Tent

2012-02-05T07:19:00.001-06:00

Right now I've got a pretty low budget solution for taking the product pics for this blog. It's mostly poster board or paper placed on the dining room table and propped up against a few books to create an endless background. But, I want to take things up a notch so I have been on the hunt for a light tent. I keep debating on whether I should make my own or just buy one. I've browsed a lot of blog posts and videos showing various different designs and I think this is one of the best that I've seen. For around $20 - $25 you can create your own - including the frame with fabric, the lights and the backdrop. Plus, it folds up for easy storage! Genius! So, if you are taking pics for your blog or your website this might be something to consider.

Below is a link to the blog post where she provides a list of products, prices and where you can purchase them.

http://expressionswithheart.wordpress.com/2011/08/10/make-your-own-light-tent/

Because iLove It: Angelina Jolie at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

I used to have a love affair with Angelina Jolie. I thought she was beautiful, sexy and fascinating. Well...that's kind of over. But, once in awhile she reminds me why I used to love her. I thought she looked beautiful at The Gold Globes a couple of weeks ago. The hair, the dress and the makeup were clean and simple but bold at the same time. A lot of people don't agree with matching makeup to clothing but I like it when it's done well - and here I think that it was. The red lip complements the red handbag as well as the red accent on the dress. I browsed a couple of sites to find good pics. Thanks and credit to Just Jared and Angelina Jolie Place.

REVIEW: LORAC Close Up: Real Life to Red Carpet Eye Tutorial

2012-01-23T23:27:00.002-06:00

I've wanted to share this with you guys FOREVER! Ok, here's the story: the very first LORAC product I purchased was a matte brown eyeshadow from a department store about 10 years ago. The pigmentation and texture were okay but nothing mind blowing. I used it on occasion but it wasn't a favorite so after some time I tossed it. Well, as things go my indifference toward the product generated an indifference toward the brand and I never made another purchase. Fast forward a few years and I became curious about the brand again. Then I saw this kit. What sold it for me was the value. You get four (4) FULL SIZE products and a double-ended brush for $36. The price of a single LORAC eyeshadow trio, similar to the one included in this set, is $26. You can purchase the kit at Ulta and Sephora locations as well as Ulta.com and Sephora.com. I highly recommend it and it's a great way to try several products from the line for the first time. Now, I'm going to go through the different elements in the kit and give you my opinions.

The kit includes:

- 0.53 oz Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

- 0.15 oz Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Movie Star

- 0.35 oz Special Effects Mascara in Black

- 0.02 oz Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner in Black

- Double Ended Blending/ Smudging Brush

- Wire-Bound Instructional Guide

Kit packaging - FRONT

Kit packaging - BACK

LORAC Close Up: Real Life to Red Carpet Eye Tutorial Kit

Instructional Guide

The instructional guide provides information about each of the products in the kit as well as tips on using them. It also has removable clings that attach to your mirror. Each cling provides step-by-step instruction on completing one of three (3) eyeshadow applications - "Natural Eye", "Sexy Cay Eye" and "Signature Smokey Eye". I have to be honest and say that I don't really use the instructional guide or the brush. I think the guide is actually very good. The instructions are clear and the pictures are great. I just tend to do my own thing.

Instructional guide - "Signature Smokey Eye" look

Instructional guide - pro tips on using the products

Double Ended Blending/ Smudging Brush

Simply put: this brush is horrible. It feels like goat hair but it's a poor quality brush that is scratchy and lacks density. I like the shape of the blending side because it reminds me of the MAC 217, which is a phenomenal blending brush. But, it's nowhere near as great as the 217. The smudging side is way too large, long and fluffy to effectively smudge anything. It reminds me of a thinner version on the MAC 222, another good blending brush.

Double Ended Blending/ Smudging Brush (Blending End)

Double Ended Blending/ Smudging Brush (Smudging End)

Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner

I love the Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner. I like liquid eyeliner, Boot Black by MAC and L'Oreal Lineur Intense being previous favorites. But, I wanted to try an eyeliner pen and I really do love this one. I suggest it to everyone I know and I have purchased two (2) backups. The color is rich, it's waterproof and it has a brush tip whereas most pens I've seen have a felt tip. I find that felt tips clog easily over time and brushes don't. The tip on this pen is also very fine but the brush is flexible. This means that you can get a very sharp, fine line with light pressure or apply a bit more pressure and change the angle and get a thicker, fuller line. It wears well throughout the day without smudging and it removes easily with makeup remover or a good makeup wipe.

Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner in Black

Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner applied

Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

The texture of the Behind the Scenes Eye Primer looks and feels pretty much like your standard eye primer. It's a translucent, milky beige cream that blends easily and dries invisible. It creates a smooth base so that shadows/pigments apply more smoothly and with more impact. I found that this performs better for me than a lot of the other primers I've tried. Why? I can't be sure. But, I have gotten easily eight (8) plus hours of wear without creasing. It's also a better value. Like most high end primers it costs around $20. But, at 0.53 oz, each tube of the LORAC primer surpasses the value of the others, namely Urban Decay Primer Potion (0.37 oz), Too Faced Shadow Insurance (0.35 oz), and NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (0.26 oz ).

Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Blended & Dried)

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Movie Star

The Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio is a great baked eyeshadow. It has a smooth texture - it's not too shimmery or sparkly. The pigmentation seems sheer at first but it's easily buildable. Depending on your application (applied directly to the skin, over a primer, or wet) you can easily get three (3) different levels of intensity. I love the bronze shade in particular. I apply the eye primer and then sweep shadow over the lid. It's the perfect nothing, but something shadow. It looks effortless but pretty.

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Movie Star

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Movie Star
Top Row: Applied directly to skin
Bottom Row: Applied over Behind The Scenes Eye Primer

Special Effects Mascara in Black

Now, other than the brush this was the only other disappointing product in the kit. It isn't horrible but it doesn't perform as I expected. The Special Effects Mascara is a dual end product with a primer at one end, which is Step 1, and a mascara at the other end, which is Step 2. I didn't find the primer or mascara to be amazing and certainly nothing worthy of the "special effects" title. The primer made it more difficult to apply the mascara, actually. It made my lashes rigid and spikey which resulted in pitiful spider lashes when I coated them with the mascara. The mascara itself didn't give amazing volume or length and is a pretty basic formula. The brush on both is a thin rubberized material and the formula on both the mascara and the primer is middle of the road - not too liquid, not too thick. It's also not a formula that you can layer because it clumps very easily. I use the mascara by itself on days when I just want a natural look with a little definition.

Special Effects Mascara in Black

Special Effects Mascara in Black (Primer End)

Special Effects Mascara in Black (Mascara End)

Naked Eye

Special Effects Mascara applied (Primer Only)

Special Effects Mascara applied (Primer + Mascara)

So, that's everything. Like I said, I would highly recommend it. The price is unbelievable and you'll find that a lot of LORAC kits tend to be a great price for the value of the product that you get in them. I think I'll do a separate post to show you my version of the three looks featured in the instructional guide. So, stay tuned for that. :)

Swatched: LA Splash Mineral Eyeshadow & Diamond Dust

2012-01-19T01:01:00.000-06:00

Awhile back I did a video reviewing LA Splash Diamond Dust. Recently I got a comment on that video from MAKEUPNAILSQUEEN asking for swatches. I was going through all the pics on my drive and realized that I do indeed have swatches that were never posted. So, here you go. I hope this is helpful for you. Just an FYI, Ulta has most LA Splash cosmetics Buy One, Get One 50% until January 21, 2012. It's a good time to try them out or to stock up on some you've had your eye on.

(L-R) LA Splash Diamond Dust in Bronzed Platinum, LA Splash Diamond Dust in Snowflake,
LA Splash Mineral Eyeshadow in Tampered

(L-R) LA Splash Mineral Eyeshadow in Rainy Daze, LA Splash Mineral Eyeshadow in Accentric,
LA Splash Mineral Eyeshadow in Sea of Gold

(L-R) LA Splash Diamond Dust in Engaging, LA Splash Diamond Dust in Unsolved,
LA Splash Diamond Dust in Copper Glow

(L-R) LA Splash Diamond Dust in Platinum, LA Splash Diamond Dust in Enchanted Forest,
LA Splash Diamond Dust in Dragon Dust

2012-01-13T03:38:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone! I knew it had been awhile since I posted but I didn't realize it had been this long! First things first: though I haven't been on the blog I am very active on Twitter and becoming more and more active on Instagram and Tumblr. So, join me! Here's the info:

Twitter: @aziajs_faces

This is me and all the nutty things and nutty people who interest me. Beauty and beyond.

Tumblr: http://aziajs.tumblr.com/

99.9% beauty related. Pics of new products I find in stores. Beautiful makeup reblogged. Info on new products or links to reviews, etc.

Instagram: @aziajs. It's an iPhone only app. You can download it here.

My life and love of beauty in pictures.

I have been suuuuuuch a lazy blogger. I know a lot of you have been there. There is so much that goes into my posts. So many pics. So many edits. So much prep. I just get tired thinking about it sometimes. And therefore nothing gets posted. But, the thing is that I have a lot I want to share with you guys. So, that's one of the reasons why I provided the links above. I am always tweeting, retweeting, reblogging, posting and pic-ing somewhere.

So, because I have been gone so long I have a couple posts that I want to share with you and heeeeeere we go!

Halloween 2011

2012-01-13T01:12:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I didn't post this! I did two Halloween makeup tutorials on my YouTube page. One I called Bubblegum Disco and the other was my take on Catwoman. I LOVED the Bubblegum disco look but the wig just ruined it. Next time I need to spend a little more and get a GOOD afro wig. Oh well.

BUGGLEGUM DISCO

CATWOMAN

Event: Ja'Maal Buster Trunk Show at Barney's New York

2011-07-11T15:43:00.005-05:00

This Spring Ja'Maal Buster held a truck show which traveled throughout the country appearing at several Barney's New York locations. One of his final stops brought him to Chicago. I got a chance to meet Ja'Maal, discuss his lash line and learn a little bit about his collaboration with Barney's and what brought him to this point in his career.

First, let me start with a little background on Ja'Maal. He started at a salon in Dallas, Texas offering lash extensions. He gained popularity which led him to Atlanta and eventually Los Angeles where he started his own couture eyelash company. Ja'Maal, "The Eyelash Guru To The Stars", explained that he himself created the concept, design, and packaging behind the line. It's a detail which distinguishes him from his competitors. He also designed each lash personally to ensure that they are lightweight with a flexible band. He intended for the everyday woman to feel comfortable applying the lashes herself at home as opposed to needing assistance from a makeup artist. I think the idea is to make women feel special. To offer a piece of the service he provides to his celebrity clientele. To make that experience attainable but affordable and convenient. He even offers an eyelash tool which helps to place the lash properly.

30 Styles - ranging from the everyday to the dramatic
Retail Price: $18-$150

I asked Ja"Maal how the partnership with Barney's came about. Up until this point the lashes were only available through his website. He told me, quite simply, that Barney's was looking for something young, fresh and fun. It sounds like this partnership will be mutually beneficial. The Ja'Maal Buster eyelash line is available at Barney's New York locations nationwide and will be coming to Selfridges and Harvey Nichols in the U.K. in the Summer of 2011.

UPDATE: Ja'Maal just tweeted a coupon code to get 50% off your purchase at www.JaMaalBuster.com with the Coupon Code: #LashBarbieNation. It's only available for a limited time so if you've wanted to try Ja'Maal's lashes now is your chance!

Review: Bdellium Tools

2011-07-07T15:49:00.006-05:00

This is going to be a MEGA post, but please hang in there. There's a lot of valuable info. I have 13 brushes to share with you including details about my experiences with them as well as recommended uses for them. So, let's begin. Let me start by sharing my introduction to Bdellium Tools. Actually, no. Let me start with the name. Bdellium is NOT pronounced BEE-Dellium. Don't believe me? Check their site. The "B" is silent so as much as you may be tempted to do not say BEE-Dellium. Now that I have gotten that off my chest, onto my introduction to the line. Nes, from the blog Lyrically Ness, tweeted about her love for the brushes and how she planned to purchase more. I had never heard of Bdellium but she sparked my interest. I have a good core collection of brushes so as I browsed the Bdellium website I decided to look for brushes which would augment my collection - brushes unlike any I already had. The problem is that as I searched through Google and YouTube for blog and video reviews I didn't find info on any of the brushes that I wanted. So, I ordered blind. The purchase links on the Bdellium site re-direct you to Amazon where you actually place your order. The brushes arrived less than a week later via USPS. Bdellium was also an exhibitor at America's Beauty Show so I picked up a few brushes when I attended. At first I thought that I was just excited to try something new but in all honesty even now, three months later, I reach for these brushes more than any others.

All the brushes that I am going to share with you are from the Studio line. But Bdellium actually carries four different lines:

Maestro Line - The professional-grade line. Nickel plated brass ferrules with black lacquered handles. The bristles are natural, synthetic or combination of both.
Studio Line - The consumer-grade line. The brush heads are identical to the Maestro line. Anodized aluminum ferrules with yellow lacquered handles. The bristles are natural, synthetic or combination of both.
Travel Line - Travel-friendly. Identical to the studio line however the handles are shorter.
Green Bambu Line - The eco-friendly line. Sustainable bamboo green lacquered handles. 100 % animal and cruelty free hypoallergenic synthetic bristles.

A Couple of Things to Note

Each brush in the Maestro, Studio and Travel lines is treated with an anti-bacterial agent. This anti-bacterial agent helps guard against bacteria (specifically E.coli or S.aureus), fungus and mold. The Green Bambu line is NOT treated with the antibacterial agent in an effort to keep them eco-friendly.

Also worth noting is that ALL Bdellium brushes are cruelty free. The natural bristles used come from goat or pony hair. Bdellium never uses squirrel, badger, sable, etc.

I mentioned that I purchased my brushes via Amazon.com and at America's Beauty Show but Bdellium Tools is also available at Naimie's in California, naimies.com, and boozyshop.nl and cocktailcosmetics.co.uk for customers in Europe. Bdellium is also an exhibitor at various beauty shows throughout the year. You can check their website for details.

A Couple of Things I noticed In Using the Brushes:

After three months of use, neither the lettering nor the numbering on the brushes has not rubbed off at all.

The duet fiber brushes did bleed the first 2-3 times I washed them but they never stained.

I noticed some reddish discoloration on the bristles of my #948 & #957 brushes right at the ferrule. It happened after I washed them and left them to dry and only happened on those two which seem to be made with the same type of synthetic bristles.

The Brush Overview

Synthetic Bristles | Retail Price: $7.04 | Available: Here

Bdellium says:

This brush was crafted with a flat tipped head to allow for a precise application of wet & dry formulas.

Azia Says:

I specifically bought this to smudge out eyeliner and eyeshadow at the lower lashline. I saw makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic using a similar brush for this technique but realized that I didn't have a brush with a head this exact shape or size. Now, in the above picture the brush almost resembles a MAC #242 but it is completely different. The bristles aren't as rough and the brush head is shorter and more narrow. It's an excellent brush with works well for detail work on the eye. You can also easily use this to apply gel eyeliner or shadow as eyeliner.

Synthetic & Natural Pony Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $7.92 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Dome shaped soft but firm bristles create the ideal tool for shading with eye shadow.

Azia Says:

I thought this would be a dupe for the MAC #252. It is not. This is a shader brush closer to the MAC #239. It's not as large as the #252 nor is it as firm. At first glance and touch I didn't think it was remarkable at all. However, I really like this brush. It picks up and deposits color well. It's a great go-to brush for eyeshadow application.

Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $7.92 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

This brush is perfect for shading or blending of color or creamy products. Efficiently diffuses lines to create a professional appearance.

Azia Says:

I purchased this because I was looking for a dupe for the MAC #217. This is almost a complete dupe. The picture above shows the brush after it was washed and dried in a Brush Guard so it's compressed but the natural shape is almost identical to the 217. It's a great brush for blending your eyeshadows or buffing liquid or cream concealer under the eyes or on other areas of the face.

Natural Pony Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $9.68 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

For controlled lightweight application and works well with mineral pigments. This brush makes easy application on the eye crease and around the nose area.

Azia Says:

This brush comes in two versions - a pony hair and a duet fiber hair. It was really confusing when I purchased it because I wanted the duet fiber but was sent the pony hair. I eventually got it all settled and decided to keep the pony hair because it really is almost another brush entirely because of the difference in the hair. My understanding is that this, the pony hair version, is being phased out.

I purchased this brush to buff liquid and cream concealers under the eyes. If anyone remembers the now discontinued MAC #225 this brush is similar in shape and size but it's not as dense. I found that pony hair tends to have a lot of give and isn't the best type of brush for buffing product. I did try to blend shadows in my crease as well. It was ok. It's a very large crease brush, even for someone like me who has a lot of lid space. And again, when blending the crease I find that you need a brush that is a little more stiff. I think it works really well as a face brush, though. You could even use it to highlight the top of the cheekbones.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $9.68 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

For controlled lightweight application and works well with mineral pigments. This brush makes easy application on the eye crease and around the nose area.

Azia Says:

I prefer this duet fiber version to the pony hair version. It's a sturdier brush that has more body. I found that it was the better of the two for blending the crease as well as buffing concealer under the eye. I really like this brush! I reach for it all the time. Because it's a duet fiber brush it gives you a lighter, more sheer application. It's great for the days when you just want to apply concealer or foundation in the areas you need, powder, then go.

Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $9.68 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Made of high grade goat hair, this softly rounded dome tip can be used on the face to apply, blend or contour powder products.

Azia Says:

The description says that it's a goat hair brush but I wonder if it's actually pony hair. It's very similar in density and feel to the other Bdellium pony hair brushes. This is a dupe for the MAC #109 in shape and size but the similarity ends there. The #109 is a brush that a lot of people love for contouring and highlighting the face as well as buffing cream and liquid foundations into the skin. This brush just wasn't dense enough to buff product into the skin. It collapses into the face. You can use it to sweep powder onto the skin and the brush deposits color well. I just wish that it was denser.

Synthetic Bristles | Retail Price: $11.88 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

This 3 toned foundation brush is crafted specifically to apply foundation to the face. Providing an even application and a perfect finish, use it with either liquid or cream foundation/concealer.

Azia Says:

This is my favorite traditional-style foundation brush. I have looked for a long time for a good foundation brush. It always seems to be a Goldilocks situation. One brush is too large, another too small. Some are very stiff and some are incredibly flimsy. I felt lucky and relieved to find this. The brush head is the perfect length, width and height. It is dense enough to pick up product while being flexible enough to glide it across the skin without displacing it. One of the things that gives such a great finish is the feathered taper on the sides of the brush. You can see the texture of the brush in the picture. It's soft and applies product very evenly.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $12.32 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

The Duo Fiber Foundation brush is ideally used with cream foundation. The short, flat domed shape provides easy & precise application of foundations, creams, powder products & emulsions.

Azia Says:

This is a dupe for the MAC #130, I think. I don't have the #130 but have seen and felt it. I think that the brush head on #130 is shorter, though. That said, this brush is awesome. I love it for cream foundation. It gives great, even coverage. The brush is dense and allows you to buff the foundation in small circles into the skin. It would also work really well for blending in cream blush for a very natural finish.

Synthetic Bristles |Retail Price: $14.52 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:
This 2 toned synthetic hair brush has the versatility to apply powder blush, cream-to-powder color, mineral powder or bronzer. The wide, flat bristled head allows you to pick up product with ease & precision while evenly sweeping the product resulting in a professional air blushing effect on the cheeks. Also, ideally used to buff liquid products.

Azia Says:
I like this brush. It's very soft. I thought it was a dupe for the E.L.F Studio Powder Brush. Honestly, they are incredibly similar but I think that this brush is a little softer. That really says something considering the softness and lush feeling of the E.L.F brush. This is an extremely dense brush but like I said it is VERY soft, not rigid or rough at all. I've used it with my Bare Minerals foundation, pressed powder and liquid foundation. It worked well with them all however I prefer different brushes for each of those individual applications.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $14.96 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Full large powder used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. It creates soft layers or can add textures.

Azia Says:

When I saw this brush I wanted it just because. I loved the design and thought I might give it a go with liquid foundation. LOL. That was a no go. This truly is a powder brush. It is very large and has a nice density to it. Although it's not a fluffy powder brush, which is my preference, I'm still glad that I bought it. I will find a good use for it.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $14.96 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Made of a mixture of high grade goat hair & synthetic hairs, this classic powder brush is exquisitely crafted to blend powder.

Azia Says:

This is the only Bdellium brush that I have which isn't really that soft. It's kind of scratchy, actually. I was disappointed because I thought it would make a fantastic powder brush. It's got a very large, dense head and if it was softer it would feel amazing on the skin and work as a large buffing brush. I honestly don't reach for it often at all. I just took a look at Amazon and it looks like they have redesigned this brush using a different kind of hair. Hopefully, it's softer.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $12.98 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Ideally used for lightweight blusher application, this Duo Fiber Blusher brush is tapered for flawless application. Used to highlight & contour.

Azia Says:

One of my favorite brushes and definitely my FAVORITE brush for applying foundation. I dampen the brush with water and apply liquid or cream foundation in light feathered strokes for a very natural, beautiful finish. It also works well used dry to apply very pigmented blushes like those from NARS, Rock & Republic or Kevyn Aucoin. It gives you control over the intensity of the color payoff. I would definitely recommend this brush, specifically for foundation. If you like the MAC #187 for applying liquid foundation then you will love this.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $15.30 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Ideally used for lightweight powder application, this Duo Fiber Powder brush is tapered for flawless application. Used to contour & highlight.

Azia Says:

So, this is the big brother to the Bdellium #965. I thought it would also work well with foundation. It doesn't. It's way too big. But, it works well with powder. The duet fiber is great for a lightly sweeping powder over the face. Try applying your foundation with the #965 and then powder with this.

Synthetic & Natural Goat Hair Bristles | Retail Price: $17.10 | Available: Here

Bdellium Says:

Made from a mixture of high quality goat hair and synthetic fibers, this wide, flat angled brush is perfectly suited for whisking powder over the face. It can also be used to gently brush off any excess. With its large handle, this brush helps to illuminate the most subtle contours of the face

Azia Says:

This is another brush I just had to have. It's an interesting brush because it's a blend of natural and synthetic bristles but it's not a duet fiber brush. But another interesting thing is that the shorter end of the brush is denser than the longer end. You can use the shorter end to press powder into the skin and then use the longer end to whisk away the excess. You can also use this for applying bronzer. But, it is a very large brush so it may be awkward for some to use for that purpose. And of course you can always use this brush for lightly powdering the face.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the brushes are very well made. No crooked handles or ferrules, no excessive shedding, no chipping of the paint or crooked printing. They are lightweight without feeling flimsy or cheap. They are very impressive brushes that I think everyone should try.

Event: The Makeup Show Chicago 2011 Recap

2011-07-05T01:00:00.010-05:00

I have been dragging my feet posting my experience at The Makeup Show Chicago. I've been in a writing rut, I suppose. But, I just realized that the show was three weeks ago so this is MORE than overdue. I'm going to start with a post from Alia, the winner of my giveaway. I asked her to contribute a post sharing her experience at the show with everyone. It was her first time attending The Makeup Show and I really wanted to hear, in her words, what she took away from it.

I had read blogs and articles about the Makeup Show in NY and LA never thinking it was possible to attend so early in my MUA pursuits. Then I learned that the show was coming to Chicago and I became determined to attend. I remembered Azia positing about the show and when I saw her contest video on YouTube I knew I had to enter. I audibly gasped when I woke up on Wednesday and saw that I had won a ticket! Woohoo, I was on my way to Chicago!

It was AWESOME! From the blogger preview that I was allowed to attend on Saturday, to meeting and hanging with fellow MUAs and people that I had admired from afar, it was all that I imagined it would be. I don’t know if it was the love of the artistry or happiness over having a show that prominent in the Midwest, but the energy was so great! I got the opportunity to purchase some items for my kit and try some new products in the market. I attended the Mastering Makeup Skills, Makeup Must Haves for Every Kit and Working in the Midwest & Beyond seminars. I also had the pleasure to attend the keynote presentations by Mr. Sam Fine and Maurice Stein, founder of Cinema Secrets. My passion and excitement for makeup artistry was magnified a million times over by this event and if you have the chance to attend one in the future, you MUST, MUST, MUST go! Thanks Azia!

I'm so glad to hear that Alia had a great time. I love giveaways! But even more than that I love when people truly enjoy what they've won and it benefits them. I have more coverage of the show coming up including the blogger preview and keynotes from Sam Fine and Johnny Lavoy.

Win A Ticket To The Makeup Show Chicago 2011

2011-06-03T19:02:00.003-05:00

I have an AWESOME opportunity for one of my readers! The Makeup Show is coming to Chicago next weekend for the first time ever. Aaaaaand, I have a ticket to give away for entrance to the show on Sunday, June 12, 2011. This a pro only event which is not open to the public BUT anyone is eligible to win (well..almost anyone. You must be at least 18 years of age) in this giveaway. If you've ever been curious about the show or were planning to attend anyway I encourage you to enter! I have talked a lot about the show here and here. Plus, if you'd like to read up on my experience last year at The Makeup Show New York you can click here.

The rules are very simple. All you have to do is comment below and tell me why you'd like to attend the show AND be a follower. You can follow me by clicking the "Follow" button on the right. Please include your email address in your comment. This will be a quick giveaway so comments will close on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I'll notify the winner via email by 12:00PM EST Wednesday afternoon. Once notified the winner will have until Wednesday evening at 11:59PM EST to respond. Good Luck!

Event: The Makeup Show Chicago 2011

2011-05-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

This is a follow up to a post from August of last year. In that post I announced that The Makeup Show is coming to CHICAGO! The Makeup Show is a trade show, networking and educational opportunity for those in the cosmetic industry. The Powder Group started the show 6 years ago in New York and it has since branched out to Los Angeles and for the first time will be taking place NEXT MONTH in Chicago from June 12-13, 2011. I am BEYOND excited. I attended the show last year in New York so if you'd like to get an idea of what the show is about and see my experience check out these posts. I had a great time and it was an incredible opportunity to meet other bloggers, learn about new products and companies and attend seminars taught by some of the best makeup artists in the industry. I would HIGHLY recommend attending the show if you are a makeup artist, in cosmetology school/makeup school, a salon or spa owner, etc.

There following brands will be present at the show (plus MANY more just check out the exhibitor list) :

MAC, Inglot, Stila, MAKEUP FOREVER, Kissable Couture, LA Splash, Kett Cosmetics, Senna Cosmetics, TEMPTU, Alcone, Mehron, Smashbox, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Crown Brush...

Not only that but Sam Fine, Reggie Wells, Maurice Stein, Joanna Schlip, Michael DeVellis, Crystal Wright and several others will be on hand at the Keynote and Business Forum speaking.

Here are the details on entry:

Proof of profession, such as a business card, industry license, COMP card, etc or student status is required at the door prior to gain entry.

Entrance fees to The Makeup Show include the exhibit floor, main floor seminars as well as Keynote and Business Forums. Show admission tickets can be purchased via an online reservation system or at the door of the event, based on availability. For an additional fee, The Makeup Show will offer hands-on workshops on both days as well.

Ticket Prices:

Advance

One Day - $35
Two Day - $50

At Door Prices:
One Day- $50 - Tax is not included
Two Day- $65 - Tax is not included

Any additional info you may need can be found at The Makeup Show website.

I'll certainly be there and I hope to see some of you as well.

In The Know: Sears Revamps Cosmetics & Fragrance Department

2011-03-31T02:24:00.001-05:00

I don't know where I initially read that Sears was overhauling the cosmetics and fragrance department but it looks like it's happening. I visited my local Sears and encountered a completely different department. There is bright white shelving and a kiosk for makeup demos. There was also a small register area to complete your transactions. I'm assuming there will be a dedicated beauty advisor of sort to help with your purchases. It's almost reminiscent of a mini Sephora outpost. I am very impressed.

Sears has carried random beauty products from smaller or no name companies, most of which I was unfamiliar, for some time. But now it looks like they've removed those and replaced them with more recognizable brands that we've seen at drugstores and department stores. So L'Oreal, Milani, Iman, Revlon and NYC are right alongside brands like Flori Roberts and Mineral Essence. The stores are also carrying skincare brands like Lumene, Adrien Arpel, Ahava and Dermalogica. I even spotted some nail care from Sally Hansen and Essie.

Unfortunately most of the brands didn't have testers. I hope they plan to change that. It would be great to offer customers the chance to see the products on their skin. Otherwise most of the very same products can be purchased on the next trip to the drugstore. Sears has certainly come a long way. Bravo.

In The Know: New Ben Nye Mojave Luxury Powders

2011-03-30T08:00:00.013-05:00

Ben Nye Visage Poudre Luxury Powder in Banana, a.k.a. Ben NYE Banana powder, has been a favorite of women of color and makeup artists whose clients are women of color for a long time. It's a finely milled translucent powder favored for its slight yellow/peachy tint. The powder is perfect on darker skintones because it doesn't appear ashy or create a grey cast on the skin the way some traditional white translucent powders can.

I own Banana Powder and posted a review for it on my channel. It's a good alternative to most other translucent powders but I do wish it came in slightly darker color as well. As it turns out, Ben Nye has recently launched the "Mojave" line. The line consists of foundations, concealers and powders specially designed for women of color. Included in the line is a series of SIX new Luxury Powders:

Camel

Dolce

Olive Sand

Clay

Nutmeg

Chocolate

The powders are available at most places you find Ben Nye products sold. I've seen the whole Mojave line for sale by several online retailers. I have yet to check it out myself but as soon as I can find a retailer in my area I definitely will. Perhaps Ben Nye will have the collection at The Makeup Show.

FOTD: Top 10 of 2010

2011-03-29T00:46:00.000-05:00

This is the look I'm wearing in my "Top 10 of 2010" Favorites video. It was super easy and it's one of the few times that I have worn red lipstick in a video or in real life. I didn't do a tutorial but I did do a recap video where I explain the look and what I used to achieve it. I've linked that video below for those of you who'd like to see it.

|FACE|
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC45
Rock & Republic Pressed Powder in Chenille
Inglot Pressed Powder in #60
Ben Nye Pearl Sheen Eyeshadow in White Gold

|EYES|
Stila Eyeshadow in Ray
MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon
Ben Nye Pearl Sheen Eyeshadow in White Gold
88 Matte Palette Eyeshadows (combined two ivory shades for brow highlight)
Red Cherry Lashes #605
Cover Girl Eye & Brow Makers Brow Pencil in Midnight Brown

|LIPS|
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Red Revival
Love & Beauty Red Lipgloss (From Lipgloss, Eyeliner, Mascara trio)
NYX Lipliners in Cabaret & Hot Red

Favorites: Top 10 of 2010

2011-03-28T23:43:00.001-05:00

I'm a little late with posting this here but it's been on my You Tube channel for awhile. Here is a list of my Top 10 favorite products of 2010 and a few honorable mentions thrown in as a bonus.

My Top 10 of 2010:
10. Olive Oil
9. Wet N Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes & Singles
8. LORAC Front of The Line Pro Eyeliner Pen
7. Cargo Blu Ray Powder & Rock & Republic Pressed Powder
6. Parian Spirit
5. LORAC 3D Multiplex Lip Glosses
4. Maybelline "The Falsies" Mascara
3. Face Secrets Complexion Brush & Boots Complexion Refining Deep Clean Mousse
2. Assorted Makeup Brushes
1. Rock & Republic Blushes

Honorable Mentions:
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Red Revival
Maybelline Define-A-Brow
NYX Lip Liners
Swisspers Cotton Pads