The Makeup Show NYC was this past weekend and it is the most anticipated event of the year for makeup artists to get their hands on new products, attend informational and training seminars and to network. Last year was my first time attending The Makeup Show and I had such a good time that I couldn’t wait to attend this year. Unfortunately the show fell on Mother’s Day weekend and I was out of town so I could not attend the pre-show events or the first day of the show. I was back in time to attend the show on the second day, Monday, but I woke up not feeling well and almost did not go at all. I dragged my feet but managed to pull myself together to attend and made it for noon. I was out by 1:30 pm so it was a very brief encounter. I did not attend any seminars, didn’t get to meet up with fellow makeup artists or bloggers, and it was so crowded on the second floor that I didn’t even bother because I wasn’t feeling up to it. Nonetheless I was able to browse around and get everything that I came for, which was not a lot as I have too much as is. Took a lot of will power though lol.

There were plenty of new product launches at the show including the following…

Inglot Cosmetics now has available their newest line of Colour Play Mascara, in 5 eye-popping colors. They also had some new Sleeks Cream Lip Paints, Body Pigment Powders, new Freedom System Eyeshadow Shades and a new collection of nail lacquers. It was so crowded as usual that I didn’t get to check them out. I snatched up their eyeliner gel which I love and kept it moving. I have a pro discount so I will check them out later.

Make Up For Ever, the Makeup Show’s Diamond Sponsor launched a number of products including Aqua Shadow, new Aqua Cream shade extensions and Eye Prime.  Aqua Shadow is a range of easy to use jumbo eye shadow pencils that provide long-lasting, smudge-proof color in 12 matte and metallic finishes.  New Aqua Cream shades are available in yellow, lime green, pastel blue and purple with the same 100% waterproof, smudge-proof, long-lasting formula…  and, Eye Prime is MUFE’s first-ever eyelid primer that reinforces eye shadow hold and intensifies its color. They had almost the entire second floor locked down and the line was never ending. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t even bother as I did not feel up to the crowd.

New Aqua Shadow

New Aqua Creams

New Eye Prime

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics had out some items from their new S/S 12 Collection and their lip tars have new packaging. I picked up a few and will be doing a post comparing the new and old packaging.

Top Celebrity Makeup Artists unveiled an exclusive line of Limited Edition Brush Sets, personalized with each individual artists’ signature to mark their essential tools, techniques and tradition. The Makeup Show Brush Line includes a full set of 13 brushes suitable for artists at every level which are signed by celebrity makeup artists  James Vincent, Jon Hennessey, Orlando Santiago, Esterique Aidan and Danessa Myricks all internationally renowned artists and educators. The Artist’s Brush Sets launched at The Makeup Show NYC and will be available exclusively on Hautelook.com Summer 2012.  Each artist’s set of Limited Edition Brushes will retail for $20 or $90 for the full collection, which includes brushes from all five artists.

Some other notable product launches…

Anastasia Beverly Hills launched their highly anticipated Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat. This colorless mascara makes any mascara waterproof and is guaranteed to become a staple in anyone’s beauty kit this summer. I am currently testing this so look out for a review soon.

Glamcor introduced their Hygienic Hand Palette along with their collection of GLAMOUR VEIL, which will be available in five shades of foundation and concealer.

London Brush Company launched their  brand new Brush Cleaner, which is made here in the US…by hand!  This product is naturally anti-bacterial and has no alcohol, acetone, or chemicals in it.   It will be available in 2 fragrances made from combined essential oils, and also fragrance free – for those who react to essentials.

NARS had a 413 BLKR pop-up shop,  a nod to the brand’s flagship boutique in New York City, and had available the limited-edition 413 BLKR collection,  newest Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, the brand’s best-selling Orgasm Blush and limited-quantity makeup palettes from the NARS archives. As you can see it was a very popular destination as well.

I was kind of bummed that I didn’t get to see many people but I did run into Tysh11 from Addicted2Makeup, she’s such a sweetheart!

Sorry for the crappy front cam iphone pic. I was heading out the door and my camera had died.

A closer look at my makeup. I will replicate the look soon.

I had a small list of items that I needed and here is what I picked up… Ben Nye Neutral Set Powder, some lashes and a large metal palette from Nigel’s Beauty Emporium, Inglot Gel Eyeliner in 77 Matte Black and OCC lip tars in Traffic and Tarred. I am so proud of myself that I stuck to my list and didn’t over do it, probably because I was in and out.

Check out the gallery below for more pictures…

Did you attend The Makeup Show NYC? If so, what did you pick up?

The box came with everything packaged pretty and neatly, and even included a trend guide featuring beauty trends around the world. There was also a welcome letter and a card listing the products enclosed.

I was very impressed as soon as I saw the products, they are generously sized!

Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel

C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Pepermint Shampoo

Cargo EyeBronzer

Kryolan High Shine Brilliant Lipgloss in Toffee

OPI Kiss Me On My Tulips Nail Laquer

Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection Samples

You definitely get a bang for your buck as these products are worth way more than the subscription price. It’s an awesome deal. I’ve been testing some of the products and will be giving a closer look and review of some of them. In the meantime, if you want a Glossybox of your own you can sign up at www.glossybox.com.

The product(s) in this post were provided for review. See my Disclosure page for additional information.

I accessorized the dress with some nude pumps and a cream leather snakeskin clutch. Finished off the look with a Rose Gold Watch, Mint Colored Jewel Ring & Color Club Age of Aquarius Nail Polish.

Here is a closer look at the makeup… I’m wearing Senna powder blush in Clarity with Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Hermosa Rose on my cheeks, and MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick with Revlon ColorBurst lipgloss in Papaya on my lips. I used my MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and added winged liner and mascara. Very simple…

Check out the video for a more detailed look at my outfit and makeup…

Link to video: http://youtu.be/knV82ejg_l8

To the Max Dress

Steve Madden Russhh Pump in Nude

Thrifted Clutch

F21 Ring

Fossil Stella Watch in Rose Gold

Love my little man!

*edited to add makeup details

If I could only have one lipstick from MAC for the Spring & Summer seasons it would have to be Vegas Volt, a full on bright and in your face pinky Coral. I love it. I’ve wanted to try it for the last two years but have to admit that I was a bit afraid of it, I thought it was too bright. I finally picked it up a few weeks ago using some empties for Back 2 MAC, and now I have to force myself to take a break. I could wear it everyday!

Vegas Volt is described as a Full Power Coral and that it is. The Amplified Creme formula is super creamy, extremely pigmented and long lasting. When the color does wear off it leaves a nice stain. This may just be my favorite formula in MAC lipsticks. Be sure to exfoliate and moisturize your lips prior to application though as it will settle into cracks and fine lines.

I usually wear Vegas Volt with Wet ‘n Wild Coloricon Lip Liner in Willow (nude brown) to prevent feathering and bleeding, and top it with Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Papaya. This is the perfect combo for me. Brown skinned beauties, stop being afraid of bright lippies. We can rock the boldest of the bolds. It’s all about picking shades complimentary to your complexion with the right undertones, application and confidence. Vegas Volt leans neutral to slightly warm. No worries if you’re cool toned though, you can still rock it.

MAC lipstick retails for $14.50. As far as dupes are concerned, from personal experience I can say that Sleek MakeUp True Color Lipstick in Coral Reef  is very similar, but slightly darker. Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya is more complimentary than a dupe.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Papaya, MAC Vegas Volt, Sleek True Color Lipstick in Coral Reef

Other lipsticks that are said to be dupes are Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Coral Berry & Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Melonade (discontinued). If you know of any other dupes feel free to leave it in the comments.

Do you own Vegas Volt?

Link to video: http://youtu.be/0JxZyPY2ET4

Products Used

Face

Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW40 to conceal under eye
Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Cappuccino mixed w/ NARS Orgasm Illuminator
Ben Nye Neutral Set Setting Powder

Cheeks

MAC Loverush Blush
Sleek Contour Kit in Dark to Contour
Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Hermosa Rose to Highlight

Eyes

UDPP
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in Tough As Taupe as a base
Sleek e/s in Highness all over lid and inner v (Ultra Mattes V2 Darks)
Sleek e/s in Orbit on inner crease and middle lower lash line (Ultra Mattes V2 Darks)
Sleek e/s in Ink on outer v (Ultra Mattes V2 Darks)
MAC e/s in Soft Brown to blend
Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner in Blackest Black on upper lash line
Milani Liquif’Eye Eyeliner in Black on waterline
Miscellaneous half lashes
Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara in Glam Black
MAC Brow Pencil in Stud, MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW40 & Wet ‘n Wild Ultimate Brow Kit to define brows

Lips

MAC Up the Amp l/s

 *Update 5/9: As of right now, due to FDA Regulations the Ultra Mattes palettes are not available for sale to the US due to one of the ingredients. I will update this post if/when this changes.

You can see the multi-colored shimmer very clear in this picture. After the first use, this layer is rubbed away to reveal a gold infused olive green with a pearl finish. Similar to that of a MAC Veluxe Pearl Eyesahdow but not quite as smooth. In the first swatch pic you can still see the multi-colored shimmer at the top and in the next set of swatches it’s gone. The left swatches are dry and right wet…

It would be 10x prettier if the shimmer was throughout the entire eyeshadow and not just an overlay. Without the shimmer Antigua becomes pretty boring while dry but still gorgeous when applied wet. Here is an eye look that I created using Antigua on the lid…

You can clearly see the duochrome of olive green and gold. With a primer and applied wet I was able to get 10+ hrs of wear with no creasing. For a sheer wash of color you can use it dry. Milani Runway Eyes Eyeshadow retails at $6.99 for .07 oz and may be purchased at your local drugstore that sells Milani.

The product(s) in this post were provided for review. See my Disclosure page for additional information.

I know that we are barely getting a taste of Spring, especially here in NYC, but Fall will be back again before you know it. I don’t know about you guys but I like to prepare in advance. With these fab new shades of Color Perfect Lipstick from Milani you will be more than prepared for any occasion. In fact these three shades can possibly get you through the entire Fall and Winter seasons. Check them out…

Brown Suede, Plum Deluxe, Red Velvet

Brown Suede, Shimmering gold infused brown

Plum Deluxe, Shimmering Plum

Red Deluxe, Blue-based Red Creme

See, I told you… perfect shades to get you through the entire Fall & Winter seasons. The Color Perfect Lipsticks apply smooth and creamy with sheer coverage that can be built up. The pigmentation is pretty decent  not very long lasting. The color fades during wear and has to be reapplied throughout the day and after a meal.

The lipsticks have a floral scent with fruity undertones, I honestly don’t care for it too much. Not a scent I want lingering under my nose all day, but I am sensitive to smells. I didn’t really detect  a taste. Overall, at $5.49 these are pretty darn good if you can get past the scent. Be on the lookout for these shades later on this year at your local CVS and other drugstores that carry Milani.

A few more shades are also due to be realeased later this year, Red Label, Nude Creme and Barely There. Enter my The 1000′s Giveaway for a chance to win these shades of Color Perfect Lipstick and other goodies from the Milani 2012 Collection!

The product(s) in this post were provided for review. See my Disclosure page for additional information.

The first thing that I noticed is that the writing on the package is very simple compared to the older palettes, I like it. The shadows are also pressed flat instead of the original waffle print, which I also like. Since the Bad Girl & Good Girl iDivine Palettes, each shadow has a name and the same goes here…

The colors in the palette are beautiful, a mix of dark jewel tone shades with complimentary neutral shades.

Top Row: Orbit, Ink, Highness, Noir, Dune, Pillow Talk

Orbit, matte dark teal

Ink, matte navy blue

Highness, matte blue-based purple (almost a dupe for MUFE #92)

Noir, matte charcoal black

Dune, matte beige

Pillow Talk, matte eggshell white

Bottom Row: Thunder, Maple, Flesh, Paper Bag, Villan, Fern

Thunder, matte deep grey

Maple, matte burgundy red

Flesh, matte pale peach

Paper Bag, matte chocolate brown

Villan, matte blackened purple

Fern, matte forest green

Orbit, Ink, Highness

Thunder, Maple, Flesh

Noir, Dune, Pillow Talk

Paper Bag, Villan, Fern

The shadows in the Ultra Mattes V2 Darks palette are buttery smooth with great pigmentation, with the exception of Noir, Dune and Pillow Talk. Sleek usually includes a matte black shadow in almost all of the iDivines and it is usually hit or miss. I have 12 other iDivine palettes and the pigmentation and application of the black shadow is not consistent between them. Noir has to be layered to achieve the pigmentation shown above. If not, it does not appear as dark and looks uneven. Both Dune and Pillow Talk are slightly chalky and sheer, and must also be layered. Other than that I had no problem with the shadows in this palette.

For maximum wear and pigmentation I suggest using a primer prior to application. To make the shades pop more you can also use a cream eyeshadow base in a nude or similar shade. Also, I find it best to pat the shadows on instead of sweeping when applying for minimum fall out. There are some gorgeous shades for Fall in this palette but it can be used all year long with many different looks.

The Sleek Makeup iDivine Ultra Mattes in V1 Brights and V2 Darks launches on May 9th in Superdrug stores nationwide and online at www.sleekmakeup.com $10 each

*Update 5/9: As of right now, due to FDA Regulations the Ultra Mattes palettes are not available for sale to the US due to one of the ingredients. I will update this post if/when this changes.

The product(s) in this post was provided for review. See my Disclosure page for additional information.

The Bronze Baby palette features shades to compliment a multitude of skintones from light to dark, cool to warm.  It is pretty neutral but leans slightly warmer. You can use the shades individually for diverse looks (it’s pretty easy when using a fan brush) or you can blend them together. When used together, the shades merge to form a beautiful bronze glow…

The first 5 swatches are of the separate strips from top to bottom, the last swatch is all of the shades blended together. Bronze Baby is the perfect choice for my complexion, especially when I am tanned. As I mentioned earlier, it gives the perfect bronzed glow to the skin. Check it out on…

Sunlight (applied to cheekbone)

Indoors with slight flash

To use, simply sweep a blush brush along the strips and shake off the excess or swipe on your hand to remove excess. Although the powder is light and blendable I highly suggest applying lightly and building up as necessary to avoid looking like a disco ball. The first time that I used it, I applied too much and my boyfriend kept trying to wipe “something” off of my face. If it’s so heavy that it looks like something is on, then it’s too much. The Glo Face & Body Highlighter can also be used to highlight the brow bones, collarbone and shoulders. Yes, you can glow all over! It stayed on throughout my entire work day and after coming home more than 8 hrs later I could still see it. Not as much as when first applied but my skin still had a glow to it. I have a large selection of highlighters but I can see Bronze Baby becoming one of my faves.

Retails at $10 for 0.29 oz, similar products such as the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks retail at almost 4x the cost. Even with shipping Glo is still cheaper and works just as well. Purchase at www.sleekmakeup.com.

The product(s) in this post were provided for review. See my Disclosure page for additional information.

The Senna Cosmetics Mod Muse Collection is inspired by graphic op-art statements from the 1960′s era and features bold liners, pastel & pink lips with pops of color on the eyes. Here are a few products from the collection…

Adonis Eyeshadow, matte blackened teal. Extremely pigmented, smooth and blendable. Very similar to MAC Plumage Eyeshadow. Long wear without creasing or fading when used with a primer. Can be used as eyeliner as well $16.50

Clarity Blush, matte ripe coral. Wow is this gorgeous and has great pigmentation. I can see myself reaching for this a lot. Very blendable, applies sheer but can be built up for more intense color. For this reason it will work well with any skin tone.  Milani Powder Blush in Mai Tai is an exact dupe for Clarity. Perfect for Spring! $18.50

Velvet Eyeliner in Black Forest is a matte evergreen. Glides on smooth with great pigmentation and includes a smudger on the tip. Perfect for achieving a quick smokey eye $18

Dare Lipstick is a bright violet pink cream. Very moisturizing and super pigmented. Glides on smooth and lasts for hours, even through a light meal. I may have to add this one to my favorites line up for Spring. I think anyone can pull this one off as well with the right liner and/or gloss, especially if you have cooler undertones. I’m warm and it still works for me though $20

Here is a quick look that I created using Clarity blush and Dare lipstick…

Senna Cosmetics is a little on the expensive side but the quality matches the price. I must say that I am in love with the packaging, so chic and sleek. Available for purchase at www.sennacosmetics.com

The product(s) in this post were provided for review. See my Disclosure page for additional information.