Jessica Savino Makeup

Sigma Beauty and Why You Should Order From Them

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist in New York and New Jersey

Taking photos for this blog feels like such a chore sometimes. I know that those of you who have unlimited access to my selfies will be surprised to learn that I am not a fan of taking photos (not including of myself obviously). If I am not taking pictures of myself, I am taking pictures of food or beauty products. I must say, the product photos seem to be the most challenging for me and is quite possibly the sole reason I don't keep to a regular writing schedule. Some of these Beauty Bloggers photo games are on point! I am not one of them, I am the opposite of one of them. I have neither the time nor the patience to take the perfect picture in the perfect setting every single time.

Now with that being said, Sigma Beauty has their packaging game so tight they made me want to take a bunch of photos of their products! I received 2 packages recently from Sigma and they really make you feel special about ordering from them.

The first package was an order I placed consisting of their Gel Liner in Wicked, 2 Longwear liner, 2 brushes~ E06 a tiny, slanted eyeliner brush and E25 a blending brush. Not only did they send me a free gift (a E25 mini blending brush which I chose), they sent me a bunch of pamphlets explaining all of their products as well as explaining how to use everything I had purchased. Quick review: The gel liner is smooth, very black and stays all day~I highly recommend it. The E25 brush is great and very similar to MAC 217~I actually reach for the E25 more, the liner brush is good but I prefer the Bdellium mini liner brush-I think it's a little stiffer, and the eyeliners are ok, I'm not doing cartwheels over them. I have already purchased some more items that I am waiting on.

The second package was an unexpected delivery of my pro card. Again, super special. Not only to they send you a pro card, they sent a bunch of eye shadow samples, eyebrow powder samples, and another free brush! Guess which one--yep my 3rd F25! lol, you can never have too many brushes and this one is a great one to have multiples of.

Just a quick overview of Sigma: quality, affordable products used by both professional artist and consumers alike. Also, really great customer service. They helped me really quickly and efficiently when there was a glitch with my first order. So give them a try!
You really cannot go wrong with any of their products.

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist in New York and New Jersey

A Review: Skin Inc Serums

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist

On Monday I told you all about serums and why they are good for you. Today let me introduce you to Skin Inc.

Skin Inc describes itself as a Skin Supplement Bar. It is an online service that has a plethora of serums depending on what your skin needs. The website is very user friendly and provides a full ingredients list for all products. I do not recall there being any fragrance in any of the products so bravo on both the no added fragrance and the full ingredients list. If you don't know what your skin needs, you can take a quick online evaluation (which is what I did) and they will tell you what they think your skin needs. They thought my skin needed some renewal, regeneration, and replenishing so they suggested a Coenzyme Q10 Serum, a Vitamin A Serum, and a Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I ordered the 3 serums which they send you separately. You then mix them together to make 1 big serum. You even get to choose what color bottle you would like to store your serum in. I chose purple. They even give you a little label to write your concoction on. I wrote mine with the never drying pen. I had ink on my fingers for the next week whenever I picked up the bottle.

They suggest you use 3 drops 2 times per day, morning and night. You can definitely stretch this out a bit by using 2 drops 2 times per day. I am 1 1/2 months in and I have about a 1/4 of a bottle left. Even though this serum did not cause any breakouts and has kept me pretty hydrated, I will not be repurchasing. I didn't see anything life changing and for $90 every 2 months, I need to see some amazing results. I do like the quality ingredients that they use and Skin Inc does have a ton of single serums that you can try that are much less expensive. I will definitely be trying some of their other products, just not the custom blend serum again.

Jessica Savino NYC Professional Makeup Artist

Why You Should Start Using Serums

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Sometimes people will ask me what I use on my skin or if I have suggestions on what products to use to keep skin looking young and healthy.

I have spoken extensively on my love of the acids. Now I want to tell you about my lust affair with serums. I'm hot for serums right now.

So what exactly is a serum? It is a highly concentrated blend of beneficial anti aging ingredients.

Why do I love serums and why should you? Like I said, they are a highly concentrated formulas consisting of high performing ingredients, such as antioxidants and/or retinol, which means there is less room for filler ingredients or thickeners.

Due to the formulations, the quality of ingredients and the lack of fillers, serums are generally more expensive than other skin products such as moisturizers. However, you really do get the best bang for your buck and for your skin. They are chock full o good stuff!

Serums can be thin and runny or a thicker, more gel like consistency. You would use a serum after the toning stage and before applying your moisturizer or sun protection. You can use either day or night or both. These are a product you want to commit to because you really see the best results if you stick with them for a while.

Serums are like any other product and ingredients will vary so I like to layer serums and have been using a few different ones.

The first one I will write about is from SkinCeuticals and I happened upon it quite accidentally. I thought I had ordered a sample/travel package of their very popular CE Ferulic (which I still want to try), instead I accidentally ordered their Serum 10 AOX+.

According to the website:

Ideal for sensitive skin types or conditions to help restore healthy looking skin, Serum 10 AOX+ neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and helps to fight the appearance of accelerated aging.

Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, and defends against environmental damage
Once absorbed, this serum can't be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent step in your skincare routine
Ideal for sensitive skin types and conditions

It is good for normal to sensitive skin and will help with acne and aging. They also described this as a starter serum for beginners.

It really chaps my arse when a company does not post the full list of ingredients on there website. Here are the key ingredients, I did not search for the full list:

10% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C): Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects against oxidative stress.
0.2% Ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.

I will say that my skin definitely seems clearer and more vibrant since using this serum but I am not completely blown away. I have not had a "holy grail" moment over this serum. If you think this product is something that you may want to try, you can purchase 30ml for $69. I still want to try the CE Ferulic because it is supposed to carry a bigger punch.

So sorry their are no photos with this post. Thursdays post will be about Skin Inc's customized serum and there will be photos with that one.

Jessica Savino Professional NYC Makeup Artist

NYX The Skinny Mascara Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 10:00:00 +0000

I had recently purchased a bunch of NYX products during one of their Ulta 40% off sales. I have found some good items that I will add to my professional makeup artist kit! I will try not to make every single upcoming post about NYX products so you aren't bored but there are a lot of products to review so I will try to combine some of them.

Since I've been on a mascara hunt as of late, I will talk about NYX the skinny mascara.

First, what the f$ck is this?????

Is this even a brush? Now you all know that I love a small brush because it gets in every nook and cranny of your eye but this is hands down the smallest brush I have ever seen.

Although I do appreciate the very black formulation, this adds absolutely no length or fullness to my lashes. This wand does not grab any lashes, it's like painting the formula on with a stick. I have been using this with the Roller Lash, which I like a lot more since using this mascara but I will not purchase the skinny again.

On to the next mascara!

Eye Makeup Tutorial Using Greens and Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:00:00 +0000

You can ignore my eyebrows in this picture. Thank you.

I am always looking for different ways to wear my eye makeup. I have already spoken about my love for eyeliner but sometimes black can be a bit heavy and also aging. I know that blue eyeshadow is generally reserved for Vegas showgirls and my Brooklyn grandma but something about the blues and greens of the ocean makes me happy and think of mermaids.

I love ocean colors in everything, clothing, paint, makeup. LOVE IT. These colors can be used boldly to make a statement or subtly to create a fresh look. I wanted to show a look that can be worn every day and is not the same old boring neutral. You can add a youthful pop of color to your daily routine, plus these colors look great on brown eyes!

For this look I used Taupe from the Lorac Pro Palette in the crease and Nude from the same palette on the inner corner and along the outer lower lashline. I used NYX loose pigment in Turquoise on the mobile lid blended into the crease. Makeup Forever No. 11 pencil along the upper lashine (this is my favorite pencil and I use it on most ladies I work on), Maybelline gel liner in Blackest Black for the outer wing, NYX Baby Blue pencil on the waterline with MUFE No 11 over it. Benefit Roller Lash mascara and Ardell 101 Demi lashes which I cut in 1/2 and only used on the outer part of my lashes. I honestly dislike wearing false eyelashes but there is no denying how much better they make your eyes look in photographs.

I hope this inspires you to try something new!

RedKen Stay High 18

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000

This is a hair post. I was going to start by writing about how I never write about hair stuff but I think I have started a few post with that sentence so I guess I do sometimes write about hair stuff. So here we go again!

I have fine hair. I have a decent amount of it but it is fine none the less. I am always looking for ways to add volume to my sometimes lifeless, pin straight hair. I always said my hair game is holding me back in life. I change the color up a bunch and sometimes will cut bangs in but for the most part, I style it the same all the time because I feel like I don't have a choice. I love sexy, big, voluminous hair with tons of body a la every sexy bombshell pretty much ever. For as much time as I spend on product research for makeup is as little time that I spend on product research for hair.

I mentioned my quest for big hair the last time I was getting my bi-monthly salon visit and on the recommendation of my hair stylist, I purchased Stay High 18 Hair Gel/Mousse by Redken.

So yeah-interesting name. Interesting name for an interesting product. This is a gel that turns into a mousse. Crazy right!? You dispense a little in your hand, it will initially be a clear gel, starts to foam a little and then when you rub your hands together it will miraculously turn into a mousse! As I've said, I don't research too much hair products so I am not sure if a product like this already exist so it was very fascinating for me! It will not be a light, fluffy mousse. This is definitely a heavier mousse that still has a bit of a gel texture to it. I am not sure if the gel to mousse texture does anything special or if it is just a gimmick but I do know that this stuff works!
My stylist told me to use it at the roots, the bottle says to use it root to tip. Do whatever works for you, this product is not a "crunchy" product so you can use it however you want. I use only at the roots but have done both. The first time I used it I released too much product, decided to use it all, then thought "well you fcked up now" but my hair did not feel too heavy or producty at all once it dried.

This product leaves your hair full of body with some decent lift at the roots. I have recently taken a blow dry class and that has actually upped my volume game a bit. Everyone should learn how to properly blow dry their hair! I just want to blow dry my hair big and this product, along with the proper technique helps with that!

My one negative critique of this product is as usual with the packaging. This pump dispenser has the tendency to dispense too much product if you are not careful. One quick short pump should do the trick to cover your roots with product. The box is cute and once you open it, it has instructions on how to create 3 different runway looks. Cute idea but honestly, the instructions are way too simple for these runway hair looks.

You can purchase Stay High 18 at Ulta for $24.

Jennifer Aniston Living Proof Product Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 18:07:00 +0000

Ok, lets discuss Jennifer Aniston for a minute. She gives good hair, doesn't she? If ever there was a hair icon of our time, it is Jenn Aniston. Of course it doesn't hurt that she is cute as a little, golden button but as soon as she busted out with that now famous "Rachel" haircut (that she has admitted she hated and that Chris McMillan has admitted to being high when he created it) she became one of the most sought after hair legends of our generation, a title that has lasted 20 years now. So it is only fitting that the hair queen has co-created her own hair care line.

I usually don't write post about hair products because I never feel I find good products. I feel my hair holds me back in life and maybe it's because I have been using sucky products? After one of my instructors took pity on my limp locks during a high fashion/runway makeup course, she brought in a sample of Living proof prime style extender (I don't like when titles or names are not capitalized, it bugs me) and it has been a whole new ballgame for me!

Prime style extender is a hair primer that "locks in your style longer". You can use it alone or under other products. What it is supposed to do is "perfect and smooth strands and repel dirt and oil". What it does for me is creates smooth, healthy looking hair while providing a little bit of body so my hair is not so flat and lifeless. I apply a generous dollop of product all over my hair from roots to ends, I don't think you can put too much of this product on as it really is weightless. I very rarely read ingredients in hair products, maybe I should start and I would have better luck picking products so I have no idea what's in this but you can try and read the back if you want.

Next up, Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment. I picked up a generous sample sized tube at Sephora. This product is supposed to: smooth, volumize, condition, strengthen, and polish. Both of these products suggest applying generously from roots to ends. I would not do that with this product, as it is not as weightless as the prime style extender. I only apply at the roots to get that little bit of volume. ***EDIT*** I would not use this at the roots, it is way too heavy for use at the roots and will weigh the hair down a bit. This is perfect from mid-shaft down to the tip.

So America's sweetheart really got it right. Two really great products that have made a noticeable difference in how my hair looks after it is styled.

Living proof is available at most Sephora's.

So I'm still trying to figure out if I screwed up my feeds by switching my website name and address. So please bear with me as I get all this figured out! I really hope you are all still receiving these via email. If not, you can always re-subscribe by hitting the button below!

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Veil Cosmetics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix for Face and Eyes

A Review

Another product on the I love it so much I'm gonna put a ring on it list! I had been hearing a lot about Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix for Face and Eyes but I thought it's probably just another click pen highlighter~No big deal! We all know that Touche Eclat rules that universe, however there had been a rumor that they changed their formulation and it is not the same as the original that has gained ridiculous cult status. I am not sure if that is true or not but I decided to give Veil a go when my friend Ro, a fellow makeup artist was raving about it.

This little beauty is unlike anything I have ever tried. First, it comes in 4 shade families with 3 undertones per shade. I purchased 2P in the light family which has a gorgeous light pink undertone which neutralizes out the lovely dark circles I get under my eyes.

So most click pen highlighters (Touche Eclat included) do exactly that, they highlight. They do not conceal. You still have to use a concealer if you are trying to conceal anything. Veil's click pen will cover and brighten without settling into fine lines. This is a buildable coverage so you can apply as much as you like and it never gets cakey or settles into lines. Never, no matter how much I apply and it stays put really well.

So here's my one giant complaint:

For those of you not familiar with click pen application, you twist or click (in this case twist) the pen until product is released into the brush applicator. Initially, you have to click it approximately 1026 times before any product is released but then there should be no problem getting product to load onto the brush. Not in this case. It takes forever to get product to load so after like 10 clicks, I get frustrated, lose my patience and click it another 100 times rapidly until I get some product. Sometimes that causes too much product to be released, I use it all and then put the cap back on and throw it in my makeup bag. The next time I use it, it looks like there was a product explosion in the cap because product keeps releasing. I'm not sure if I received a defective one or maybe I am expecting too much product to be released at once but the packaging is my only complaint.

So there you have it! Regardless of the packaging issue I would definitely repurchase and I recommend this product to anyone.

Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix cost $40.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara-A Review

I call myself a foundation whore because I am always on the hunt for the perfect foundation. I haven't found it in case you were wondering. I am going to have to add mascara whore to that list because I cannot seem to find a mascara that I love or even like enough to purchase a 2nd time. I must say that when I owned Little Goddess Cosmetics, my mascara was the BOMB! It was a great formula with a tiny brush that made it very easy to coat every last lash. That is what I am looking for.

The most recent mascara that I decided to try is the newest Roller Lash mascara by Benefit. You would think that I learned my lesson with They're Real and Better Than Sex. Well I didn't and just like the other two, this Benefit mascara is eh.

The draw of this mascara is the brush. I am almost certain the formula is the same for all 3 so the draw is alsways going to be the brush. This one is skinny and curved and it's supposed to work like a curling iron or hot rollers would on your hair and curl each lash. Well, it doesn't do much in my opinion, plus just like the other 2, the color is not very black-more of a greyish brown. I do like the brush because I like a skinny brush but I am the first one to say stick to drugstore mascaras because I the formulas are all very similar and why spend $23 when you can spend $7 and then I go and spend $23 three times on the same mediocre products! *Slaps Head*

For my professional makeup artist kit, I usually use Maybelline Great Lash or any mascara I can squeeze out of a tube.

The next mascara on my list to try for myself is one I recently purchased from NYX during a 40% off sale so it was a whopping $4 and I have my eye on an Eyeko mascara.

You can purchase Roller Lash mascara from Sephora for $23.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Can you be in love with a product? Because I am in LOVE with this product.

I have always claimed myself to be an eyeliner baby in the same vein as the Bridgitte Bardot's and Sophia Loren's of the world. I have always loved a sexily lined eye and would mostly use pencil liner to achieve that look. That is until I watched a video that used a felt tip pen liner to achieve a rock and roll eye and I thought

"Why the hell do I not own a liquid pen liner!?"

After some quick research and a trip to Sephora, my love affair with Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner began! I was hooked after the first use.

The reasons I love this liner:

It is very black.
True to it's name, it does stay all day. After wearing it for 8 hours, the only thing I've had to touch up is the inner corner and that is because I have a horrible habit of touching my eyes. Don't touch your eyes.
Due to its skinny tip, you can make a very thin line or build it up to a thicker line.
It does not smudge or bleed.
It does not skip or dryout during application.

There is really nothing about this product that I don't like. It is waterproof so you will need something to remove it with. I have no problem removing it with my double cleanse routine using coconut oil, a washcloth, and creamy cleanser.

Now with that being said, I went to lunch with a friend the other day and she complimented my cat eye which was more prominent than usual. She said she can't do a cat eye because her hand is not steady enough. Now, I'm not going to lie, winged liner can be a tricky little bitch but there is no reason why anyone shouldn't be able to pull off this sexy look. Professionals don't always get it right and have to clean up their work sometimes so here are a few tips and tricks to make your life a little easier:

Go Slow! Do not attempt to draw a straight line all in one shot. Draw little lines or dashes and you can fill in any open spaces at the end.
To get as close as possible to the upper lash line, place your thumb on your brow bone and gently lift the skin up. This will allow the skin at the lashline to be lifted and a little more taut providing a very close to the lashline application.
Do not take your line all the way to the very outer corner of your upper lashline. This can draw your eyes downward creating an aging or tired effect. Instead, stop about 2-3 eyelashes short of your outer corner and angle the line slightly up towards the tail end of your eyebrow. This will give your eyes a lifted effect.
If you cannot get your outer flick sharp enough, use a little eye makeup remover on a q-tip to help sharpen it up a little bit. You can also use whatever leftover foundation or concealer you have on your brush.
Lastly, do not be afraid to use the magnified side of your mirror to get a real close up look at what you are doing. Just make sure you take a step back and look on the regular side so you know it is not getting away from you.

You can purchase Stila at Sephora for $20.00

JessicaSavinoMakeup.com

Malin+Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:51:00 +0000

Malin+Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads and How to Use Them

This is a looonnggg overdue blog post. I'm playing a bit of catch up right now. I have been using Alpha Hydroxy Acids since my early ahems when they were brand spanking new in the beauty industry. My dermatologist at that time decided the try it on me because I was having some skin issues. I thought it was a magic lotion. My skin was instantly transformed. It was clear and radiant. It was absolutely glowing. I used them for years and then took a break. I'm sure I was probably using them wrong at the time, they were new and there was still a bit of a learning curve. They are an acid, they are no joke, you do not want your face to fall off. 3 times a week is probably better than every day like I was doing.

Just a refresh on what AHA's do. They lightly exfoliate your skin so the texture is smoother, your skin glows and fine lines disappear. I believe acids in your daily skin care routine is very important.

So when I was first using AHA's, they mostly came in a lotion formula. These days acid toning has now become a big thing, so you can spray it on or saturate a cotton pad with a liquidy formula or use conveniently pre-soaked pads like these from Malin+Goetz. (Sorry I did not get a photo of the pre-soaked pads)

According to the Malin+Goetz website:

Physician grade Glycolic Acid thoroughly sloughs away dead skin to encourage cell turnover, collagen production and to smooth wrinkles for a healthy, radiant glow. Highly effective glycolic acid clears pores and improves clarity and texture achieving maximum absorption without the irritation of an aggressive chemical peel. Use with anti-aging and acne treatment regimens. Natural fragrance and color.

Physician grade Glycolic Acid-I'm not sure what strength is in this formula, however the most you can buy over the counter is 10%, unless that has changed and I am unaware.

What I love about this formula is there are 3 ingredients. Water, Glycolic Acid, and Ammonium Hydroxide which is a synthetic liquid used in cosmetics to alter a products PH Level.

You would use these pads after you wash your face, prior to any other products. The directions say to wash off after 20 minutes but I leave it on all night. If you've never used an AHA, you may want to follow the directions and work your way up to that. I use them about 3 times per week.

These will cost you $48 for 50 pads. I have mine since December and still have about 1/4 of my jar left.

Don't forget to visit jessicasavinomakeup.com and don't forget to hit the subscribe button at the top of the page!

Adios Amigos!

Jessica Savino Makeup New Website

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 20:56:00 +0000

Hello you beautiful people! So sorry I have neglected you all but building my new website pretty much took away all of my free time.

I have FINALLY launched it and I would love to share it with you!

So please take a looky loo and I hope you enjoy it. Now hopefully I will get back on a regular writing schedule!

JessicaSavinoMakeup.com

MAC Face and Body and Mineralize Skinfinish Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 20:09:00 +0000

MAC Face and Body and Mineralize Skinfinish Review

I may be the only makeup artist on the planet that does not carry not even one MAC product in her kit. It's not that I have anything against MAC, I don't! I have used MAC as a consumer for years and I love their products. I have never subscribed to the notion that MAC is the best pro line out there and your whole kit should be made up solely of MAC products. It's just not true and being the rebel that I am, I refuse to join the MAC force field! They do have some great pro products that I will definitely add to my pro kit but quite honestly, there are other pro lines that are better.

ALSO, MAC-listen up- You are one of the only (if not the only) companies that charge for a pro card. Seriously, stop it! It has made me hold off on applying, which has made me hold off on purchasing your awesome products!

Now with all that being said, I have added two MAC products to my personal makeup collection that I LOVE.

First up, you all know that I am a foundation whore. I have been searching high and low over the years for a foundation that I love. They have mostly been fleeting love affairs but I believe I have found one that I may keep with me for a while.

MAC Face and Body has been around for years. I believe I used to use it in the mid-90's. Face and Body is thinner than traditional liquid face foundation. This is a water based foundation (although the second ingredient is silicone) that delivers a sheer finish that can be built up to a medium-ish finish. This foundation gives your skin a really healthy, glowy complexion without looking heavy AT ALL. Your skin will look like a better version of your skin. If you have problem skin, you may want to pair it with a good concealer for any problem areas as this will not cover imperfections on it's own. If you have clear skin and just want a little something extra, this is the foundation for you!

I have read some people say there's a learning curve to using it? It's foundation people, play around and figure it out! There's only so many ways to apply it. I personally like using a round, synthetic buffing/foundation brush but this product is also perfect for applying with your hands. Buff it in until you feel it "pull" a little.

Next up is MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Pressed Powder. I have stated time and time again that I am not a powder fan. Powder can age you and make your skin look dull if you use too much of it. This powder does none of that. This powder just takes the shine away without settling into fine lines or making your skin look over matte or dull. I even powder under my eyes with absolutely no issues. I highly recommend this powder. My only complaint is I don't feel it last very long. Once I powder, I find myself powdering again 30 minutes later. It's fine because it never builds up but I would like it to last a little longer.

So there ya go! Two great products from MAC. I would love to add these to my professional kit, now if I can just get MAC to waive their pro card registration fee, I would be on board to buy all of their pro products!

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Jessica Savino Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 23:18:00 +0000

Jessica Savino Makeup

Hey there kitty cats! So for those of you who have been following me from the beginning of this blog (which is almost 5 years old already!), most of you know my story. For those of you who don't or are new to the blog, let me give you a quick refresher.

I have always had a love for makeup and the beauty industry. After a brief stint at Elizabeth Arden (approximately 130 years ago), I left to work on Wall St.

After 15 years of working at one of the most exciting financial institutions in the world, I was laid off. I decided to flip the financial world the bird and jump back into the beauty industry. I started Little Goddess Cosmetics and created an adorable little cosmetics line that I loved and nurtured for 6 years. In 2013 I called it a day but kept the blog going because well, I just can't stay away from you people and I can't stop talking about makeup and skin care.

So now onto the next phase- I am retiring the Little Goddess Cosmetics name and renaming the blog Jessica Savino Makeup. There will be a website soon dedicated to my makeup artistry that will bear the same name.

I will still be writing about and reviewing products but I will also be writing about my experience and my journey. I hope it inspires and helps anyone who is searching for advice or inspiration.

I hope you will all stick with me on my adventures and invite your peeps to come along!

Better Than Sex Mascara Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:52:00 +0000

A Cheeky Review About Better Than Sex Mascara

What for you is better than sex?

Not much besides food and sleep in my opinion and that depends on my mood and when my last meal was. So when Two Faced Cosmetics names their mascara "Better than Sex", it had better be the best mascara ever created in the history of mascara since sex has some pretty big ass shoes to fill. Ever since Francois Nars got cheeky and named his blush Orgasm, it has become quite popular for cosmetic companies to push the sexy boundaries with their product names. I'm looking at you Thrrrob and Sexy Mother Pucker. There are now tons to choose from and I don't mind one bit-as long as they live up to their names. You can't name something "Tie Me to the Bedpost" and it not be an awesome product! Right?

What is supposed to make this mascara better than actual sex is the wand. Sigh, it is always about the wand, isn't it? Ok so back to the mascara wand! The wand is shaped like an hourglass, like a sexy lady hourglass which is supposed to allow for a better application. That along with it's ultra black, collagen fueled, polymer formula and "all of your desires for lush, incredibly intense lashes will be fulfilled". Sounds enticing doesn't it? The brush head is a little too big for me. I tend to prefer the skinny little brushes that coat each lash and provides a little bit of length. If you like a fat brush, you may enjoy this mascara.


Needs bigger boobs!

It is supposed to "separate, coat and curl each lash to voluptuous perfection."

Lets take a look at some before and afters. You can all just ignore my eyebrows in these photos. Just like their owner, they don't like close-ups.

Before:


My eyes, with filters because my eyes are most likely older than your eyes.

After:

Before:

After:

This mascara gives pretty good thickness and volume at the lash line which I like. I don't feel like it adds a ton of length. My problem with this mascara and every high end mascara ever created is the price. This mascara cost $23 and a trip to a specialty cosmetics store. I KNOW I can find a comparable, if not better mascara at my local drugstore or supermarket for less than $10.

So is this mascara better than sex? Not for me it's not. It's decent and if you prefer thickness over length (see what I did there?), this may be the mascara for you. I however cannot see myself spending $23 every other month for a mascara that is ok.

If you liked this review, read all about Benefit's They're Real Mascara and if you have not subscribed yet, you should do it right now!

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Purely Cosmetics Pure Silk Powder and Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I explained the difference between a finishing and setting powder. Today I want to introduce you to Purely Cosmetics Pure Silk Powder and Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder.

Pure Silk Powder and Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder

As I had mentioned yesterday, I am not a big fan of tons of powder on my face because too much powder can age you. Nobody wants a powdery chalkboard for a face. Of course, my clients are going to be powdered 99% of the time but my clients usually have situations that call for it such as makeup that has to last all day or being under hot lights, etc. You get the idea. When I have to powder myself or someone else, I find that most of the time I am reaching for my Purely Cosmetics powders.

Both of these powders come packaged in a standard plastic screw top jar but on the inside there is a cool twist top sifter that stops the powder from going all over the place while you are traveling or if you throw the powder into your makeup bag. They also came nicely packaged with a Werthers Hard Candy. Nice touch Purely Cosmetics!

Smart sifter top!

First up, Pure Silk Powder. As I had explained yesterday, setting powders are applied after your base to set your makeup and lock it in! Let me start by saying, this powder has one single ingredient. Yes, let me repeat that: one single ingredient. It is 100% Pure Silk Powder finely milled from the wings of angels. I don't know where they get their silk but it is incredibly finely milled. It is sooooo super soft that it makes regular soft feel hard.

According to the website:

Silk powder has dual properties of being able to absorb or release moisture as temperature and humidity changes, while also being able to absorb excess oils, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin types. Silk powder has 18 amino acids essential to the human body, reflects UV rays to aid in preventing sun damage, and it's light reflecting properties are the closest to natural skin reflection. Our ultrafine, pure silk powder will leave your face feeling silky smooth. It is colorless, and due to it's reflecting properties, will leave a more matte finish than our traditional foundation alone. Works well as a primer, setting or finishing powder.

The very minimal ingredients list for both products

So this is how I use this powder, usually under my eyes after concealer to prevent creasing and I have had absolutely no issues with it settling into fine lines or making my skin look older. Now the other crazy way to use this is as a primer. Yes that's right-I apply a light dusting before I apply my foundation. I KNOW! That sounds bananas especially if you have been taught, trained and preached to about how you always powder after your foundation-and you still do, however you don't necessarily have to if you use powder as a primer. This goes against everything I have explained to you in my last post but trust me, it works! I only do this if I need my makeup to last a long time and I do it for brides because it helps their makeup last all day. You only need a very light dusting, more than that and it is too much. You'll end up looking like a sponge cake.

It is amazing how your pores disappear after applying this to your skin. It even states on Purely Cosmetics website that you can use this as a primer, setting or finishing powder. You can watch this Wayne Goss video that explains it a little better but you should definitely try it if your makeup tends to fade or you are on the oily side.

Next up, Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder-this ish is just voodoo magic. Again minimal ingredients. The idea behind this powder is that the crushed up diamonds create this blue cast to the skin (not visible to the eye) that creates an optical diffusion illusion. This powder is like having a photo filter for your face. It is seriously amazing and unlike any powder I have ever used. It feels creamy and makes your skin feel ridiculously soft. It's like whipped cream and kitten's fur got together and had a powder baby. Creamy soft.
It blurs any imperfections and makes your makeup look very polished. This works beautifully in photographs. According to the website it has almost 1 carat of diamonds in every jar. Also, this does not contain shimmer as the name may lead you to believe. It just makes you look like you are glowing. It is definitely a must have on my list.

I wish you could feel how absolutely creamy the texture of this powder is.

So that's my love letter to Purely Cosmetics, I highly recommend both of these products. You can't go wrong with either one. And you can't go wrong with hitting one of the buttons below!

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What's the Difference Between Setting and Finishing Powders

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:26:00 +0000

Oh hiiiii there! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend! I sure did! Now back to business.

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a setting powder and a finishing powder? Well thank the makeup Gods that I am here to explain it to you!

It's quite simple actually. A Setting Powder sets your makeup and a Finishing Powder finishes your makeup look.

Setting Powder

When you apply any cream based product (and some liquids) such as concealer or foundation, you must set the product otherwise it will move and/or crease on your face. Also, cream products might look to creamy (or greasy) on film if not properly powdered. You want your makeup to stay put so you have to lock it into place with a setting powder. Setting powders can be colorless or have a tone to them. So to be clear, setting powders are applied after your base makeup to set it into place. Ben Nye powders are a good example of setting powders.

Finishing Powder

Finishes your makeup look. A finishing powder can add texture to the skin, such as a dewy or a matte finish. It can also blur imperfections. Finishing powder will pull everything together and complete your makeup look, making it look more polished and professional. You would add a finishing powder at the very end of your makeup application as a last step. MUFE HD Finishing Powder is a good example of a finishing powder.

I always powder my clients that I work on but you have to pick and choose which is more important so as not to over powder someone. For example, a bride will have different powder needs than someone on television or a model on a photoshoot. For my personal preference, I am not a big fan of too much powder on my skin. I find that overdoing it can age you and ain't nobody got time for that! So a little setting powder under the eyes to set concealer and then a light dusting of a finishing powder at the end to pull it all together and that's it! You can refresh your skin if you over powder by misting it with either a setting or finishing spray. Same concept as the powders-setting spray sets and a finishing spray finishes. I would not use both but everyone has to find what works for them and their comfort level.

How to tell the difference between the two? Most of the time, it will be in the product name. If not, time to learn your ingredients and quite honestly, I have not found there are set ingredients for either so it would be best to ask the sales person or check the companies website to be absolutely sure.

Tomorrow I will tell you all about Purely Cosmetics Silk Setting Powder and their Diamond Finishing Powder. Two wonderful products! Until then, make sure you click on one of the pretty buttons below!

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Cream, Liquid, Powder-Foundation Formulations and What They Mean to Your Skin!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:21:00 +0000

I have come to the conclusion that the reason I haven't found my Holy Grail foundation yet is because there are way too many choices and formulations to choose from! As promised, I am here to break it down for you and explain what the different formulations mean for your skin.

Foundation, the base of your makeup application, comes in 3 different variations: Cream, Liquid, and Powder/Dual Finish. I have already covered airbrush foundation.

What are the differences between the three?

Cream

Provides maximum coverage
Popular choice for film, video, and photography
Very pigmented
Very versatile
Packaged in a pot or compact
Applied with a sponge or a brush

Liquid

Light, buildable coverage
Popular choice for everyday wear
Packaged in a bottle or a pump
Applied with a sponge, brush, or clean fingers

Powder

Provides good coverage
Easy to apply
Matte finish
Can be used wet or dry
Packaged loose in a jar or pressed in a compact
Applied with a brush or a sponge.

Foundation has many different bases, most commonly water based and silicone based.

What are the differences and what does this mean for your skin?

First up Silicone based foundations can be formulated as a liquid or cream. The little silicone spheres found in your makeup are large so they do not settle into pores or fine lines, therefore floating over your skin and creating a very smooth, almost airbrushed finish. Silicone formulas are long lasting, water resistant and photograph beautifully making them my top choice for bridal or special events. The one con about silicone makeup in general, in any formulation is that a lot of people are sensitive to silicone and may break out. Not all silicone's are acneic so read the ingredients and learn which silicones are the ones for you. **Quick Tip-anything with the letters cone on the end of it is a silicone**

Next up Water based foundations. Water based foundations are very natural looking and much thinner than other formulations. They provide a medium coverage and set pretty quickly. They are really good for women who may have problems with breaking out. Water based foundations are water activated which means, if you're gonna cry don't do it wearing a water based foundation. Also, keep in mind-water and oil do not mix so if you have oily skin, you may want to try a different formulation. Make sure to keep your moisturizer water based as well to avoid your makeup separating and sliding right off of your face.

Powder based foundations are usually loose, ground up minerals. So here is my public service announcement for the day:
Just because it is a mineral foundation, does not mean that it is "natural" or safe for everybody.

All foundations, regardless of the formulation contain minerals, that is what gives makeup it's color. Not all mineral foundations are safe. As I always say, PLEASE READ THE LABELS. Ever hear of
Bismuth Oxychloride? Look it up, it is a by product of lead and it is in the formulation of a very large, well known mineral foundation line. Also, everyone's skin is different and you never know what is going to break someone out. Powder foundation in pan form are usually talc and pigment and most of the time can be used wet or dry.

There are also Alcohol based foundations which are very thin and dry very quickly, I believe they are mostly used for application on the body (I could be wrong about that but I wouldn't want to use alcohol based on my face). They have to be shaken up before use and are usually applied with a cotton ball.

Lastly Oil based foundations, which are becoming rare, are thicker and anyone with oily skin should stay away from them.

So I hope this post helped you out and you know what to look for the next time you need to purchase foundation.

Leave any questions in the comments below and I will be glad to answer them! If you haven't already, click on one of the buttons below. Photo credits below the buttons.

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Review: August BirchBox

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 17:16:00 +0000

I know you all missed my monthly love/hate ramblings about Birchbox! Believe me, you didn't miss anything in my absence. Not one box was impressive to me. So it must be fate that my first review in months is a box I actually like! Let me go over what qualifies a good box for me.

Must have a makeup item (duh)
Must have a skin care item
Must have items I am excited to try

Now I may not love all the items after I've tried them but I really need to feel excited about them when I first open the box, otherwise what is the point?

So this month's box contained the following items:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen in 3 different shades (smart)
Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Creme
Model Co Shimmer Bronzing Powder
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Supergoop! Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorne
Hello Seriously Friendly Breath Spray in Pink Grapefruit Mint

First up:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen in Nude, Sand and Tan. I have not tried these yet so I cannot speak on how well this product performs, however I will say that I think it is very smart of Ms. Mercier to make her sample include 3 shades because it sucks when you get a sample of something that is not in your shade. Sometimes the frustration of not being able to try it may make you toss it. With this, I can pick my shade and hand off the others to friends, family, or neighbors! Plus this was an added on bonus so Yay!

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Creme. I liked the texture of this product and I loved the size of the sample-it was huge! It did hydrate a bit, nothing life changing and it most certainly did not provide a flawless skin tone. I am not a big believer of using a separate eye creme, you can just use your face moisturizer around your eyes, no? Also, this is packaged in a jar which means it is not stable and ingredients will start to break down quickly. The full size version is $60 and for that amount of money, it should be packaged in an airtight, light-tight pump that I can't stick my grubby little fingers in.

Next up, Model Co Shimmer Bronzing Powder. I have to say, every sample I have received from this company I have liked a lot. I have a lipstick from them that I love and that has not run out yet. They are very generous with their full sized samples and I would definitely purchase from them as their products are nice. I like this bronzer because it is not orange and it is not severe. You get a lovely shade of golden brown when you apply it. It is subtle but you can build it up but be careful, it does have some shimmer. My critique would be that I feel it does not stay on long. It might be my application, I find myself reaching for this on days when I am not wearing anything else on my face so it may not have anything to grab onto.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo-I was not too excited by this product but who can get excited about a dry shampoo? I very rarely use one but not all is lost, I just added this to my kit because you never know what you may need. In case you don't know what a dry shampoo is, it is a spray product you would apply to your roots to absorb oil on days you do not shampoo your hair.

Supergoop! Hand creme. I love this hand cream. I love the way it feels, I love the familiar way it smells. I flat out love it. There is a smell to it that is almost like catnip to me. I would only use this on my hands.

Moving on, Hello Breath Spray. This does not taste like mint, nor does it taste like grapefruit. It taste like chemical. Despite touting a 99% natural label, which most likely means nothing, it taste like I would develop some horrible disease if I continued using this.

So that's it for this month's Birchbox-I give it a solid 8.

My one negative critique for this box and every box Birchbox puts out is the packaging. They use so much unnecessary packaging it's sinful. Here is a picture of the packaging: the box it is delivered in, the box it is packaged in, the postcard that has all the products listed on it, plus another little box/envelope they use to package products. Birchbox! You need to get this under control. Please figure something else out. As pretty as it is when it arrives, 5 minutes after opening most of it is in the trash/recycling. Get it together.

OBVIOUSLY THEY KNOW ME!

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Review: Temptu Pro S/B Concealer Wheel and S/B Neutralizer Wheel

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 16:21:00 +0000

Something comes over me when I see makeup. I know you all know that I love makeup but I have a visceral reaction when I see certain makeup and colors, specifically bright, candy colored makeup, usually in a cream form. Even if I do not know what I would do with these colors, I feel the need to own them, touch them, wear them, play with them. I almost want to become them or ingest them (weirdo). It's hard to explain.

So off of the recommendation of a well known, respected makeup artist, I went in search of the Temptu Pro S/B Concealer Wheel and in turn, found the S/B Neutralizer Wheel. So I purchased both!


I couldn't wait to try the Neutralizer Wheel hence the divot marks from my spatula!

First up-the S/B Concealer Wheel.

This is a silicone based formula. I will do a post on the different makeup formulations and what they mean to you. It contains 5 different skin tones to create a flawless complexion.
I initially fell madly in love with the texture of this product. Creamier than anything you can possibly imagine but therein lies the problem. They have a whole lot of slip and move around a bit. If you put a little extra effort into setting this product, you may not mind it but this is not going to be a product you apply and go. It does move and can crease in fine lines if not properly set. I have used this on a bride and it stayed the whole day, however I do a lot of prep work to make sure a brides makeup does not move. Like I said, if you want to put a little extra effort into your daily routine, you may not mind the creaminess. For the time being I have kept this in my personal kit. I would be afraid this product would melt off under hot lights or in humid conditions. I'm still playing around with it to figure it out because I really want to love it. I also feel like this gives a sheer coverage. If you don't have a ton to cover, this may be the product for you. Also, this will work well for fair to medium skin tones and you can use this to highlight and contour as well. There is only 1 option for this wheel and I'm not sure if this would work on darker skin tones. I think Temptu Pro needs to expand the color options for this wheel.

Next up, the S/B Neutralizer Wheel.

Look at how stinkin pretty these colors are! I was immediately sucked into it's colorful beauty. I had to have them. I did not ingest them. Again, this wheel contains 5 colors used for correcting skin imperfections.

Peach/Salmon-Neutralizes Blue
Pink-Brightens skin
Green-Neutralizes Red
Lavender-Neutralizes Yellow/Sallow skin
Yellow-Neutralizes Purple

Again, there is a lot of slip so this product moves easily. They are a dream to blend but they need to be set really well. I do not feel this product has enough coverage or saturation of color to properly correct. Since this is Temptu Pro and is a pro line aimed at pro's, you should be able to use these in multiple situations. For example, the peach corrector is lovely for someone looking to get rid of blue toned dark circles under their eyes as long as they are not too dark. You don't even have to mix this with anything else, it is that subtle-too subtle for pro use. I tried to use this to cover a tattoo, however I could not get the depth of color that you need to completely cover a tattoo. I sometimes use the pink as a cream blush and it adds a nice pop of color to the skin. I think this palette would be better off for the everyday consumer than for a professional makeup artist.

I really love the feel of these products and would recommend the concealer wheel for anyone who would like to have multiple colors to blend and play with, of course keep in mind you will have to powder. If you are a professional looking for a true corrector palette, I would hold out for something else.

You can purchase both for $26 each at Temptu.com

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My Daily Skin Care Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 21:24:00 +0000

Oh Hiiiiiiii there! Where have you guys been!?

Just kidding! Life gets busy and sometimes I have to disappear. Sorry it was for months this time but I have had the busiest summer ever, which is good but it is going soooooo fast. This blog is not my full time gig so it is not always at the top of my to do list and other priorities take the top spot. Honestly, I write this blog because I love talking about makeup and skin care. Now if a bunch more of you would subscribe, I would be able to make this my full time job and you can hear from me pretty much every damn day you lucky buggers!

Ok back to beauty!

What better subject to discuss than my current skincare routine? I thought I would discuss this because one of my girls asked me what I put on my face at night before going to sleep. So here is what I use on a daily basis. Most of these products I use am and pm unless noted.

Aquanil Cleanser-My AM cleanser and the 2nd cleanse of my PM double cleanse.
Coconut Oil-I use this as the first cleanse of my PM double cleanse and sometimes as a PM moisturizer.
The Magic Pads (PM Only) I have already written about my love for this product.
Bioelements Calmitude Hydrating Solution for Sensitive Skin-According to the website this product will: Safeguard against moisture loss,Soothe, hydrate and comfort upset skin, Free of artificial colorants or synthetic fragrance, Dermatologist and clinically tested to be non-irritating, NO artificial colorants, synthetic fragrance, parabens, DEA, phthalates or harsh irritants, used twice a day will last 3.5 months! This is very nice, like a daily, hydrating drink for the skin. It is basically a spray toner that adds a layer of moisture before applying whatever serum or moisturizer you are going to use on top.
Paula's Choice Resist Ultra Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum- Yes I love long product names. This product, according to the website will fight acne breakouts, aging, large pores and wrinkles. It is a very lovely, silky smooth serum. I did not see magical things happen to my skin so I am not sure I will repurchase but it is in the repertoire right now.
Hydralight Shinefree Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 (AM only) Sun Protection

Loroche Posay Toleriane Cleanser-This is my cleanser I use when I am traveling.
Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser- I have this on hand for those extra sweaty summer days when your skin need a little deep cleaning.
StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles- I think the StriVectin line is highly over rated and over priced but I received this as a sample and I will use it until it is gone. Most likely will not be a repurchase.

I will be adding a few products to my daily list. First, a good retinol product and second, a good moisturizer! I do not know why I've had such a hard time finding a moisturizer that I love. I may go back to Dr. Dennis Gross Age Erase because I did like that one.

So that is it, AM and PM. This list is always changing because my skins needs are always changing so I will add and remove accordingly.

So hopefully I will now be on my regular schedule of multiple post per week. I feel like I have so many things to tell you guys about! I hope you are all enjoying your summer!

I know you must have missed me a bunch-I missed you! Clicking on the links below will make us so much closer!

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit-A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:12:00 +0000

So the other day I received the Anastasia Contour Kit.
First let me say, if you become an Instagram Famous makeup artist, you will probably receive these for free and before they are available to the public.

That is not the case for me. I am not Instagram Famous so I have to stand in line with the rest of the common folk.

This palette has only been out for a short period of time and it has already reached cult status. Because of this, it is constantly sold out! Plus Anastasia does not offer a pro discount for this item so MUA's you are paying full price. Unless........*twirls mustache*
Unless you are mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and you notice an unassuming post from Anastasia Beverly Hills mentioning that Sephora has the palette stocked. Then you log into your Ebates account and shop the Sephora site at a 4% cash back. Now I know 4% is not much of a discount but if you do as much online shopping as I do, it does add up.
So I got my order in and within an hour they were sold out again!

This palette is much smaller than I had expected. The packaging is a standard black magnetic flip top with no mirror. You receive 6 refillable colors, 5 matte and 1 shimmer.

The colors are Top 3: Vanilla, Banana, Sand (Shimmer) and Bottom 3: Java, Fawn, Havana.

Vanilla is a pinkish toned setting powder, Banana is a yellow toned setting powder, Sand is a cool pink shimmery highlighter. I was very impressed with the setting powders as they do not settle into fine lines, even when you are setting the makeup under your eyes. Also, the highlighter is shimmery without looking like a disco ball exploded on your cheekbone.

The bottom 3 are all the contour colors. Java is a brown with pink undertones, Fawn is a cool ashy tone and Havana is warm kind of burnt brown.

Fawn is the reason I really wanted to try this palette. I explained to you yesterday how I like to stick to cool taupey colors to contour and this is a perfect shade for me. When I saw Fawn, I knew I was going to fall in love with her and I was right. I used to use Makeup Forever eye shadow in #127 for my contour. Fawn has replaced her.

These colors are all very soft and blendable and quite complimentary to a wide range of skin tones. I believe ABH will be expanding the color choices for this palette. If you do not see a shade that is a good match for you, hold onto your brushes, she's working on it.

I highly recommend this palette for everyone! It's $40 when it's in stock. Each pan is .11 oz

I forgot to mention in my contouring post yesterday, you can contour with cream or powder products. Some people powders like these and some people use multiple shades of foundation. Some people use lighter and darker concealers and some use a combination of powders and creams. Just as long as you have lighter and darker color choices in pretty much any medium, you can get it done.


Repeat from yesterday-This is very subtle everyday shading.

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The Art of Contouring and Does Everybody Need It?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 17:03:00 +0000

There was recently a very happy mail day in the Little Goddess household! Not only did I receive a bunch of Face Atelier foundation samples, I received my Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit.

This is another one of those products that people have absolutely lost their Martha Stewart minds over! This kit is constantly sold out so I am happy I was able to get my hands on it. It is already sold out again.

So let's take a minute to discuss contouring. Right now, if you follow any makeup artist (or makeup fanatics) on Instagram or YouTube, you may notice there is a serious contour trend taking place. I credit/blame Kim Kardashian for this but I'll get to her in a minute.

I think that most of these overly contoured faces look great in a Instagram photo but may not translate well in the real world. It is seriously a heavy handed look for the everyday woman. This is not a look for anyone who is shy around makeup.

What is contouring?

Contouring is used to create dimension to the face by adding shadows and angles where none existed before. Contouring can create the illusion of a slimmer nose or killer cheekbones. Contouring can literally change the look of your face.

Is contouring important?

Absolutely! However, it is not important for everyone. Contouring is important if you are going to be photographed. A photograph is a flat, 1 dimensional image. In order for your face to not look flat in a photo, you need to add some angles. You can achieve that by contouring and highlighting your face (Contour retreats/highlights bring forward). Same to be said about if your are going to be filmed. Contour is your friend.

Also, with flash photography, you lose about 50% of your makeup to the flash so the make-up application should be a little heavy handed. Ever notice that you leave your house with a perfect face of makeup and then see a photo and wonder "where did my makeup go?" The flash of the camera ate it.

Should everyone contour?

If you are a model or an actress and you are being photographed for a magazine, then contouring is very important. If you are a bride or you are attending a special event where you will be photographed, then yes you should contour. If you are going to pick the kids up from school or have some lunch with friends, then it is safe to skip it.

Keep in mind that poorly/overly done contouring can be a super harsh look and can age you. If you want to add a little something to your everyday look, try strategically placed highlighter. It is more natural looking and more youthful! If you absolutely insist on contouring everyday, use a very light hand and make sure to practice! Also, it is very important to know your face shape and contour properly. Not every face is contoured the same so you should know your bone structure before you dive in.

Another thing that gets my goat is I see a ton of people contouring with bronzer and I am not completely on board with that. Bronzer is not meant for contouring, it is meant for warming up the face. Contouring with bronzer can give a very muddy effect. If you insist on using bronzer, make sure it is a neutral (bordering on cool) tone. There is nothing attractive about orange streaks in the hollows of your cheeks. Also, make sure it is a matte bronzer. If you contour with any product that has shimmer in it, the makeup police will literally show up at your house and take you away.

I stick to cool, taupey tones. Remember, you are trying to create a shadow. Shadows are cool toned, not warm orange.

So back to Kimmy Kakes! She likes a contoured face. She seems to have lightened up a bit with her makeup since she has become a mommy but she does still like her contour. I credit Kim with this trend because of a few different reasons. When Kim became very famous, a lot of women tried to copy her glamorous look including the contour. Also, she posted a very famous photo of the process her makeup artist (I believe it was Scott Barnes during this particular photo) goes through to achieve those gorgeous angles and then everyone went nutzzzz and tried to copy it. I want to say 50% of makeup photos on Instagram are of women with their pre-blended highlight/contour all over their faces.

Add captihttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2198352/Kim-Kardashian-lets-fans-beauty-secrets-charts-makeover-process.htmlon

Kim Kardashian has 10000 flashbulbs hitting her every single time she leaves her house. Of course this is going to be part of her everyday look! She is on the cover of every magazine and she has the best glam squad in the game working on her face. The average woman does not so calm down, it's ok if you skip a day.

Part 2 of my contouring post will be up tomorrow and is a review of this little gem, Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette.

My review will be a love story

Subtle, light-handed contour

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Spoiler Alert- April Birchbox Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 23:50:00 +0000

Oh looky, looky! A Birchbox that isn't half bad. I know the past few months I have been bitching out Birchbox for the crappy boxes they were sending me. They must be reading my blog because this months box was much nicer than they have been in the past.

In this month's box I received:

Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo (full size $20)
Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Face Polish, Body Scrub and Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut (full size $34-$55)
Sumita Color Intense Pencil in Suman Black (full size $11)
theBalm cosmetics How Bout Them Apples? Cheek and Lip Cream (full size $32)

Extra:

KIND Snacks Healthy Grains Bar in Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt (15 count $11.88)

So first up, the Fekkai shampoo. Birchbox is OBSESSED with sending me shampoos and conditioners. I receive a shampoo product if not every month, then every other month. I have not tried this one yet and I still have prior samples that I have not tried. They are great for travel. I'll need to travel more so I can get around to trying them out.

Nyakio skin care products. I was very excited about this product until I read the ingredients list. People stop putting potential irritants into skin care. It's annoying and I am baffled by this. I am undecided if I am going to take the plunge and try it out. I will definitely try the body polish, I am unsure of the face products.

Sumita pencil. This pencil is super duper soft and glides on like a dream. It's seriously as soft as a baby's breath. It's so soft I am afraid of pushing too hard on it for fear of squashing it. It is quite black and nicely blend-able.

theBalm cheek and lip cream. theBalm is a company that gained some recognition around the same time I started Little Goddess Cosmetics. I had watched a news clip about them and I was soooo jealous. They seemed to have created what I had envisioned in my head when I started my line. They have adorable, cheeky packaging and I can't be mad at anyone who is going to put a chiseled, shirtless cowboy on their products. I generally do not like lip/cheek combo products. I always feel the texture is off for one of them. In this case, I will most likely use this as a cheek color than on my lips. The color looks really saturated in the sample but sheers out to a really flattering blush.

Oh hello there sexy cowboy

Lastly, Kind health bar. I ate it and it was yum. So there ya go! This box gets a 7 out of 10.

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Lorac PRO Palette Review, An Eye Shadow Lovers Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 21:50:00 +0000

Lorac PRO Palette

One day while strolling through Ulta with me mum, I happened to dip my finger without much thought (except that it was shiny and pretty and directly in my line of vision) into the Lorac PRO eye shadow palette.
Then the sky's opened and the angels sang and I frolicked in a field with some fairies. They fed me Nutella cupcakes and brushed my hair and my world did not suck.
After I awoke from my too much good makeup blackout, I could not stop staring at this palette. I kept dipping my fingers in like I had just seen color for the very first time. I would walk around and shop, while periodically returning to admire this palette. I walked out of Ulta that day without this bar of gold (and Lorac stained fingertips). Why you ask? Because I was sticking to my budget. Like a big girl. I am proud of that but I have never forgotten her and all of her beauty. Fast forward a few months and me receiving a 20% discount code for being an Ulta member, plus 4% back from Ebates and you've got yourself a deal!

So let me introduce you to Lorac PRO Eye Shadow Palette! If I was doing cartwheels over the Urban Decay palettes, I am doing naked cartwheels over this Lorac palette.

First, the packaging. It is sleek and light and sturdy. It feels like a matte, rubbery material that I thought was going to be a nightmare with finger prints but so far, so good. It does not look messy, although I'm sure when powder gets on it (it inevitably will), it will be a different story. I'm not sure how easy the packaging will be to clean.

Next, the product. If you haven't figured it out from my above comments. I love the product. So soft and pretty and super blend-able. You get 16 shadows, 8 matte (top row) and 8 shimmer (bottom row). Just gorgeous. If I had to pick my favorites, right now my top 3 would be Deep Purple (OBSESSED), Gold and a tie between Taupe, Nude and Lt. Bronze because I just can't decide!

Gorgeousness

I feel like I do such a horrible job swatching and photographing eye shadows so I never do it but if you Google "Lorac Pro Swatches" you can see approximately 9000 of them.

Lastly, the price. It retails for $42.00 for .32 oz of shadow and you also receive a mini tube of Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer, which I haven't used but feels pretty, pretty, pretty good.

If your in the mood for love, click on one of these links to show me some!

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