Makeup Tips, Beauty Reviews, Tutorials | Miss Natty's Beauty Diary Blog

Final Day to Enter my Eucerin Giveaway! Please Enter!

2012-05-27T13:22:00.001-05:00

Final Day!

Today is the final day to enter my Eucerin Giveaway, so make sure to enter if you haven't already!

There will be three (3) winners chosen, and each will receive both products shown below.

Entering is easy, all you have to do is leave a comment on this, or the actual giveaway post letting me know what you'd like to see more on this blog. Any of your feedback/suggestions will be very helpful to me!

Thank you so much!

*You have until 11:59 PM CST to enter.

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow Review, Photos and Swatches!

2012-05-27T13:16:00.000-05:00

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow ($20) are high-intense powder shadows that come in a huge variety of shades (over 100) and finishes (matte, semi-matte and iridescent). Some of the brighter shades can even be used as a blush.

The eyeshadows are cased in small, slim black plastic compacts (no mirror) and are very lightweight and great for travel. They are a bit flimsy, and dare I say cheap, but as they are a pro makeup artist brand, they are meant to be placed in palettes. The Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow Palette holds ten eyeshadows.

Everytime I go to Sephora I have a "routine" of the brands I'll visit, and I always stop by Make Up For Ever. I've tried many of their products through the past five years, but I never actually purchased any of their shadows. I always thought they were a bit expensive, so I would purchase MAC as an alternative. For reference, MUFE shadows actually contain a bit more product than MAC (MAC - 0.05 oz, MUFE 0.08 oz) not that it's hugely significant.

I'm typically drawn to all shades of brown, and shades that are versatile and can be worn often. #139 is described on the website as a Iridescent Brown Black. I would describe it as a neutral, dark brown with a satiny/matte finish.

MUFE #139 on my eyes

#139 contains a little bit of fine iridescence, but when applied, the color appears to be a satiny matte. It's very pigmented, and when applied heavy on my lids, I experience little to no fall-out.

The formula is smooth (matte shadows sometimes have a tendency to be dry) and it applies easily without having any problems blending. I'd compare the quality of this shade in particular to NARS eyeshadow - easier to blend than MAC, and more pigmented.

I'm definitely impressed with MUFE Eyeshadow, and I'd definitely be game for trying additional shades in the future.

Comparisons:

From left to right: MUFE #139, MAC Brun and Nars Coconut Grove.

I assumed that #139 would be a close match to MAC Brun or Nars Coconut Grove. But, when they're next together, #139 actually looks warmer than the two, which is a little odd because it's a fairly ashy brown. Perhaps it appears that way because of the yellow tones in my skin. On my eyes, the color is a bit more accurate to what you see in the pan.

The Round-Up

Pros:

Soft, blendable texture
Intensly pigmented
Little-to-no fall-out during heavy appplication
Small, slim compact is good for travel
Large variety of colors

Cons:

The quality of the packaging isn't the greatest, but like mentioned, they are good for travel/keeping in your bag

(no complaints of the actual performance of the product!)

Price: $20, Sephora.

Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner in Brown Review!

2012-05-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner

Lancome Artliner ($29.50) is a product I've been curious to try for the past few years. Many have dubbed this liner pen as their favorite liquid liner, and with it's relatively high ratings, one can only wonder what the fuss is all about.

I use to be a liquid liner on the upper lid and kohl pencil on the waterline type of girl, but after realizing that just about every pencil irritates my eyes, I actually gave up wearing both and resorting to gel/cream liners and deep, dark eyeshadows (used as liner) for the past few years. MAC Liquidlast Liner was my Holy Grail liquid liner for several years (it still remains a favorite), and only recently have I started reaching for the liquid after I developed a little love relationship with Physician's Formula Eye Booster (it's just quick and easy). So I felt like it was time to give in to the Artliner, after several occasions of swatching it on my hand on my frequent trips to Sephora.

It's basically a liquid liner pen that offers dramatic color and precise product product placement that is said to last all day. Many love this liner for it's ease-of-use, smooth application and long wear-time.

There are seven (7) shades to choose from: Noir, Ice Black, Smoke, Brown, Navy, Forest and Aubergine. Naturally, I would have gotten black, but I opted for brown, for a softer look.

Wearing Lancome Artliner in Brown

(list of products I'm wearing are at the end of the post)

Brown is a super-intense chocolate brown with the tiniest hint of shimmer, that isn't at all noticeable. It gives a slight sheen more than anything, and the majority of the time, I don't even notice it exists. Only if the sunlight is hitting my face can I spot a few sparkles.

The applicator tip is perfectly designed, as you can easily achieve a thick or thin line based on how you hold the liner during application. I'm able to line in my eyes in no time, and creating a wing is a synch.

I find long packaging designs to be a pain to apply - usually, the more compact the liner is, the easier it is to hold with your fingers and maneuver around your eye. The Artliner is a good size and doesn't seem to get in the way or make application awkward.

It stays in place all day without flaking or feeling dry on my lids.

Sadly, I can't really say from experience if there any for sure dupes (duplicates) for this liner because I haven't explored the popular comparisons. Many have compared the Lancome Artliner to L'Oreal Lineur Intense, but I have yet to try the L'Oreal version. If you've tried both, let me know if you think they are comparable.

If you decide to purchase this at a Lancome counter, make sure to nab it while there's a gift with purchase to somehow justify the hefty price tag of the eyeliner. Lancome typically has pretty awesome GWP's.

The Round-Up

Pros:

Sensible packaging - doesn't get in the way during application
Intense pigment - I don't have to go over the line to deepen the color
Smooth formula
Easy to create thick or thin lines
Doesn't take much time to perfect
Quick drying time
Comfortable
Long-Lasing

Cons:

I have to say the biggest con is the price - it's over $30 with tax, which is pretty outrageous for a liner.

Price: $29.50 Sephora, or your local dept. store Lancome counter.

*Products I'm wearing on my eye in the photo:
MAC Soba Eyeshadow all over the lid and applied across lower lash-line
MAC Brun Eyeshadow in the crease, outer-v, and lower lash-line
MAC Melon Pigment dusted lightly all over the lid
Lancome Brown Artliner Eyeliner
Stila Topaz Eyeliner on waterline (light peach)
Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara
False Lashes

Essence My Favorite Milkshake Stay with Me Lipgloss Review!

2012-05-26T13:48:00.004-05:00

Essence My Favorite Milkshake Stay with Me Lipgloss

The Essence Stay With Me Lipglosses ($2.29 each, Ulta) are a small range of color-intense lipglosses, that leave your lips with creamy, long lasting color - and no sticky trail behind!

There are currently six (6) shades to choose from: Me & My Ice Cream, My Favorite Milkshake, Candy Bar, Kiss Kiss Kiss, Deep Rose and Hottest Pink.

I already own and have re-purchased the shade Me & My Ice Cream on a couple occasions, and when I spotted My Favorite Milkshake, it looked like a perfect natural lip color I can wear for on-the-go.

My Favorite Milkshake is a light, warm, natural pink with medium opacity. I think it's a shade that can work on just about anyone. Despite it being "warm", it's not overly warm and doesn't look yellow or orange on my lips when my skin is lighter. When I'm tan, this color still works perfectly, without washing me out like some pale pinks tend to do. It actually brightens my face up a little bit!

The consistency is a bit thick, but surprisingly moisturizing (kind of like a thick balm) and isn't sticky. The only lipgloss formula that's similar that comes to mind is MAC Cremesheen Glass, or MAC Lipglass without the stickiness. Because of it's thicker texture, the wear time is pretty good with these, but because this shade in particular is pretty light, the color sheers out after a while of wear.

My Favorite Milkshake on my lips

You may notice the unique shaped applicator - it has an hourglass shape that when applied, the middle hugs the contours of your lips for easy application. Even though I've been using the Stay With Me lipglosses for a long time, I'm still deciding whether I like the applicator. For the bottom lip, sure it's great. But you have to use the rounded tip to coat your top lip, which is a little.. well.. different.

It does contain a fragrance like many brands targeted at younger girls do, but it's not something that bothers me. I am a bit sensitive to obnoxious, artificial fruity or sweet scented lip products, but the scent in this gloss is very faint and doesn't bother me one bit - it's kinda fruity, kinda plasticy?

Overall, I really love the Essence Stay With Me Lip glosses. The formula is great, and they feel equally as great on the lips. They often come out with really fun colors, and for those who don't like shimmer, these may be your new best friend! Definitely check them out if you have to access to Essence in your area.

*Essence is a German drugstore brand with a price range comparable to Wet n Wild or NYC.

The Round-Up

Pros:

Creamy (non-sticky) consistency that spreads evenly on the lips
Good pigmentation - medium opacity
Non-drying formula
Good Lasting Power
This particular color works well on my skintone without washing me out
Inexpensive

Cons:

The wand applicator may not be to everyone's liking. I'm 50/50 on it, but I don't mind given the price
Limited availability

Price: $2.29, Ulta.

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lip Lites Lipgloss Review!

2012-05-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lip Lites Lipgloss

You all know me by now, and I love finding a good makeup bargain. I'm not one that really likes to invest in a pricey lipgloss - as I always feel like I could find something similar at the drugstore for less than half of the price.

Take Bonne Belle Lip Lites in Strawberry Parfait ($3) for instance. A light, creamy, bubble-gum pink that is said to be a close duplicate for the ever-popular Nars Turkish Delight Lipgloss ($24). Both lipglosses will pretty much give the same effect to the lips, but Bonnie Belle costs 1/8th of the price of Nars at a mere $3 per tube.

The formula is creamy, non-sticky and feels great on the lips. The color pay-off is pretty good for a gloss - a couple of layers will give you that baby pink pout that everyone loves.

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lipgloss on my lips

I like that I can apply it on the go - no lipstick necessary.

There's really nothing bad to say about this gloss except for those who are sensitive to scented cosmetics, you might want to skip this. It smells like strawberries and cream, and the sweet smell lingers on the lips for a while. It's not ultra-strong, but strong enough to notice it's there.

If you find this to be too pale for your liking, Essence makes a great lipgloss called Me & My Ice Cream. It's a similar shade (non scented), but slightly warmer and less pastel - I find it a bit more wearable on my skintone. It's inexpensive as well, at $2.29 a tube at ULTA.

The Round-up

Pros:

Creamy formula that isn't thick, nor watery
Sheer, but builds color well with additional coats
Isn't sticky
Doesn't dry out my lips
Inexpensive

Cons:

Those who don't like scented lip products may want to skip - Sad, because it's a nice lip gloss, but the scent is a really artificial strawberries and cream that can be overpowering.
Can emphasize dryness due to the light pigment
The availability is limited - I can only find Bonne Belle at Walmart

Price: $3, Walmart.

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick Review!

2012-05-23T19:35:00.001-05:00

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick ($24) was one of my older favorites that has been sadly neglected in exchange for new and flashier colors. If you're a lover of nude lipstick, you may have been acquainted with this shade before, but for those who haven't, let me introduce you two.

Belle De Jour is a sheer, nude beige with warm undertones. It's the particular nude that had many running to stores to purchase a tube after Kim Kardashian mentioned it was her favorite nude lipstick in an interview a few years back.

I have many nude lipsticks, but not all of them are flattering on me. I think one of the main keys to wearing nude lipstick (aside from finding the right nude for your skintone) is finding a shade and formula that isn't going to erase your lips, but slightly lighten them a couple of shades. I know we all love pigment in the makeup world, but when it comes to wearing a lipstick shade that's lighter than your lips, lots of pigmentation can lead to a very unflattering result. (Hey, Is that milkshake on your lips?)

A Subtle Nude

I love that Belle De Jour isn't your average chalky nude. It doesn't make me look ill or washed out. It's funny how your coloring really plays a factor in the way certain colors appear. Without a tan (NC15-20), this color looks too orange on my lips - pinker nudes work better on my lighter skin. When I'm NC30-40, the pinky beige tones come out more, and I like it so much more.

Here it is applied on my lips. I applied a few coats to show the color better, but normally I'd wear one sheer coat.

Comparisons

I expected to find a perfect dupe for this lipstick in my collection, but I didn't find any (that I swatched, at least - there are others I didn't swatch such as MAC Creme De Nude, Revlon Nude Attitude, NYX Pumpkin Pie, etc.) that matched. It's almost a cross between MAC Freckletone and Myth.

It's not such a unique shade or a real must-have for me, but I love the consistency of Nars Lipsticks and for the Nars fanatics out there, this might be a shade that would interest you.

The Round-up

Pros:

The texture is very creamy and smooth
The color is sheer, but buildable
The finish is shiny
Flattering on tan skin, and those with yellow/golden/olive undertones

Cons:

Might not be flattering on some complexions - specifically those who can't typically wear warm shades with yellow/orange undertones
The lasting power isn't the best, and due to it's creaminess, it's possible to go through a tube quickly if you re-apply several times a day
Accentuates dryness, as most nude colors do

Price: $24, Sephora.

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder Review!

2012-05-22T14:06:00.001-05:00

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder

I have another Becca product to talk about today! Boy, the month of May seems like a Becca Extravaganza. I apologize for those that haven’t found much interest in the brand.

I’ve been very curious lately in exploring the different products the brand has to offer, and stumbled upon the Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders ($38).

The Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders are available in eight (8) shades: Hyawatha (silvery beige), Athena (golden bronze), Angel (pale silvery pink), Gypsy (bright golden pink), Odette (golden peach pink), Nymph (porcelain white), Princess (golden rose) and Nefertiti (golden pink).

Is it a Blush or a Highlighter?

These finely milled, shimmering powders are actually considered a “multi-use” product that can be used as either one – depending on the shade, that is. Some are better suited as a highlight shade for the cheeks, brow-bone and eyes, whilst the colorful ones would work great as a light blush. If you don’t want to wear them alone, you can lightly layer them on top of your blush for added dimension, color and glow.

I have Nefertiti, which is described as a golden pink. It’s an accurate description, as the base appears to be a neutral, dusty pink cascading with golden shimmer that provides a candlelit glow, rather than a tasteless inclusion of gritty glitter or abundance of metallic frost. When pink and gold collide, typically in a blush with a pink base and gold shimmer, it gives the illusion of a vibrant peach with pink undertones. But because the pink is so neutral, it doesn’t have the bright pink-coral effect of Nars Orgasm (or similar shades). I'd say it's a bit similar to MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder, but less shimmery with a slightly deeper pink tone.

A Powder that’s sure to give your Skin a Natural Glow

The consistency is velvety soft, and because it’s so soft, the brush can pick up a lot of product at once, so use sparingly at first, and go back and apply more if needed. It's pigmented, but I don't find the shimmer/frost to be as heavy as a MAC Mineralize Skinfinish or a Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick. For those who want lots of shimmer, or noticeable shimmer, these aren’t for you. If you enjoy the subtleness of a product like Dior Amber Diamond (my favorite highlighter), you may enjoy these.

To apply, I use a small stippling brush, such as the MAC #131 Duo-Fibre Brush, or similar. It can be layered over just about anything. I’ve paired with it with neutral blushes to add “a little something extra” as well as over vibrant pinks and peaches. It's a little too light for my liking to be worn alone.

The packaging is standard Becca – a rubberized mirrored compact with their signature metal detailing on the front.

*I’ve heard that Becca powders are sometimes prone to breaking (My Becca Bronzer shattered in transit) and others informed me that they’ve had a Becca powder break here and there. For that reason, I’m careful with my compacts and will not travel with them.

The Round-up

Pros:

Very soft texture
Blends easily
Provides a natural glow for those fearful of frost/glitter
Although it’s a common color mix (pink with gold shimmer), its unique and different from the other highlighters I own.

Cons:

Those looking for noticeable shimmer may find that it’s almost “too” natural
Packaging – some love it, some hate it. Regardless the rubber catches every speck of dirt, causing me to wipe it down after every few uses.
Expensive – It’s definitely up there with other high end brands (MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes are $29 for the same amount of product) but less expensive than Dior.
Availability – There are limited locations where it can be purchased, so purchasing online is usually the main option. You can check the retail locations in your area here.

Price: $38, Becca.

Haionic Super Lightweight Blow Dryer Review!

2012-05-21T16:48:00.002-05:00

Haionic Super Lightweight Hair Dryer

Truth: I have never owned a blow-dryer that costs over $30.

Why? Well, I always figured that blow-driers simply don’t mix well with the texture of my hair, so I never felt like I had to invest in a good one. I also didn’t want to use additional heat on my hair. Considering I use heat on my hair on a regular basis (curling iron and flat iron), I try to limit the amount of heat on my hair as much as I can. So, I resort to washing my hair at night, letting it air dry and styling it the following morning. It works fine for me, but on days where I didn’t have time to wash my hair at night, I have to suffer the consequences of having to spend hours on my hair in the morning – between the blow-dryer and flat iron.

*To clarify: There is nothing wrong with not shoveling out the big bucks for pricey styling tools. Expensive doesn’t always equal better. With that said, by no means am I putting down the less expensive brands or trying to encourage you to invest in a product you may not need. We all have different hair needs, so what may work perfectly for you may not work for me, and vise versa. None of the blow-driers I’ve used worked well for me (granted I haven’t tried them all), but they may work wonderfully for others!

Let me tell you a little bit about my hair. It’s long (below the chest), thick, curly (not tight curls, though –more along the lines of wavy) and fine. I shed more than a golden retriever and God help me if I ever let my hair air dry and then go in public.

Since we’re getting all comfy here, let me tell you another truth. The reason I avoid hair salons at all costs is because I cannot stand how long it takes them to blow dry my hair. Honest to God, I feel so bad every time I’ve gone to a salon (the small handful of times in the past 10 years) and the hair stylist can barely hold her arms up anymore with her round brush, tugging through my thick-ass-hair. My Mom went through the same torture doing my hair in the mornings when I was growing up, and when the blow drier was involved, the result was usually a frizzy mess. I use to go through Johnson’s detangler like nobody’s business, and a comb? Sure, buddy. Once those went in, they didn’t come back out. But hey, I’m not complaining. I love my difficult hair!

The Blow Dryer that Changed my Outlook on At-Home Blowouts

I recently got my hands on a Hai HAIonic Super Lightweight Dryer from Folica.com. I’ve been using it about 2-3 times per week and quickly came to my first realization that hey, they don't all dry out and burn my hair!

The HAIonic Super Lightweight Dryer comes with a bunch of different features, and is said to actually improve the condition of your hair. It uses negative ion technology, which helps seal moisture in your hair, protecting it from heat damage and making it feel soft and shiny. The body is lightweight with a motor that’s less noisy than it’s competitors, and it’s easy to clean with a flip-open vent.

Product Features
• 1800 watts
• 2 speed settings and 2 heat settings
• Extra large cold shot button to set style
• Lightweight design with excellent balance
• Flip open vent for easy cleaning
• Concentrator included
• 9 foot cord with cord hook
• 1 year warranty. Please register your product with HAI to obtain full benefits of the warranty.
• Operates on 120 volts

There is nothing worse than a heavy blow-dryer (no arm strength here!), and thankfully, this blow-dryer is incredibly lightweight. I can blow-dry all of my hair without having to set it down and give my arm a rest or switch hands.

The Haionic Blow-dryer is very simple to use. There are two switches, with two speed settings (slow and fast) and two heat settings (warm and hot). There is also a cold-shot button, which when pressed; the blow-dryer will disperse cold air. To change it back to warm/hot, you have to press the button again. Like I said, because the body is lightweight, it makes blow-drying my hair a breeze, and it has a thick cord, so it doesn't get tangled up during use.

Putting the blow-dryer to use
My usual routine is washing and conditioning my hair and then applying It's a 10 Leave-in Treatment throughout my hair. Sometimes I'll add a drop of Chi Silk Infusion or Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Treatment, working it through the bottom half of my hair. Then, I usually let my hair air dry for as long as I have time for to limit the amount of heat on my hair - since I don't always have all the time in the world, I generally wait so it's damp, and not wet (it takes less time when it's damp). Then I clip my hair in sections (around 6-8) and start with the underside of my hair first. I use a paddle brush made with Boar Bristles, and holding the brush under the section of my hair at my roots, and using my other hand to hold the blow-dryer, I line the blow-dryer attachment to the top of the strand of hair and slowly bring the brush and dryer down the strand of hair. Then, repeat until dry. It usually takes a few passes per section of hair. Lastly, I'll blow my hair with cold air for around a minute for added shine and to set the style.

Overall Performance
The Haionic Blow-dryer is the best blow dryer I have used. There's no joke that it cuts my dry time in half. It takes around 20-25 minutes to blow-dry my hair, which would normally take me one hour with my previous dryer. I actually use it on the low heat and low speed setting, so I'm sure if I used it higher, it'd dry faster, but like I mentioned earlier, I'd like to limit the heat on my hair to minimize dryness and breakage. What I love is that I don't have to linger in one area too long, and I don't have to go over one strand 100 times. My hair is usually a frizzy mess after a blow dry, and the amount of frizz is very minimal and my hair looks shiny and smooth. When I'm done blow-drying my hair, it's so incredibly manageable that the amount of time I usually take to curl/flat iron my hair is dramatically reduced as well. I couldn't be more thrilled.

The Round-up

Pros:
• Lightweight Design
• Thick cord doesn't get tangled or in-the-way during use
• Comes with a concentrator nozzle attachment
• Easy to use
• Makes my hair soft and shiny
• Doesn't dry out my hair - reduces breakage of ends
• Reduces frizz
• Makes hair manageable
• Is fairly quiet on low setting

Cons:
• The actual appearance isn't that aesthetically pleasing for those who prefer girly or chic appliances
• The warranty is only for a year, as opposed to two (two is typical with many high end blow dryers) so, it makes me wonder if the quality is inferior, or if it's going to last
• Expensive; the price is right up there with Solano and Sedu - slightly less expensive, and less expensive than the popular T3 blow dryers.

Price: $125, Folica.

My Everyday Face Routine.

2012-05-19T14:15:00.002-05:00

My Everyday Face Routine

This post isn't really supposed to be hugely informative, but I thought it would be a fun post to quickly go through my typical day makeup. My routine is never really "solid" as I change up products from day to day, otherwise I'd never get through any of my products.

On a daily basis I keep my eyes very simple. The colors always change, but what stays the same is that I always apply MAC Brule all over my lids as a base and smudge color across my top and bottom lashline, followed with lots of mascara.

Products Used (in order used)
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Medium
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Tawny (applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush)
MAC Eyebrows Retractable Pencil in Spiked
Spoolie Tool
Guerlain Meteorites Powder (applied with a Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush)
Becca Flamenco Bronzing Powder (applied with Coastal Scents Destiny Kabuki on a Stick Brush)
MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder (applied with Kirkland Stippling Brush)
Nars Dolce Vita Blush (applied with Kirkland Stippling Brush)
MAC Brule, Club and Nehru Eyeshadows
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base
Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara
MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick
NYX Nude Peach Mega Shine Lipgloss

I'll be doing individual posts on application technique (how to apply concealer, blush, bronzer, etc) because I'd like to explain in detail, rather than briefly in a quick tutorial.

The first step is always starting out with a completely clean and moisturized face. I rarely ever use a primer, as I feel that my skin doesn't necessarily need one.

I then start by applying my concealer to the area under my eyes, underneath my brow (to conceal any redness or brow stubble) and around my nose. I usually use the "triangle method" which refers to applying the concealer in an upside down triangle shape, rather than a half-circle. It gives the illusion of wide awake eyes and added definition to the cheeks.

Moving onto foundation. I always give the bottle a good shake to make sure the product is mixed, and I apply a dime-sized dot of foundation on each of my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Then, with a stippling brush and a light-hand, blend each area of my face in small circular motions. I sometimes spend up to a minute blending to ensure that there are no harsh edges.

For my brows, I'm using my favorite eyebrow pencil called 'MAC Eye Brows'. I lightly follow the shape of my natural brow, coloring the sparse areas with small, quick strokes. To blend the product together and to soften any harsh lines, I go over my brows with a spoolie (clean mascara wand).

I always wait a couple of minutes for my foundation to properly dry before applying a setting powder. Most of the time I apply my setting powder with my favorite Sigma F30 Powder Brush. I love Guerlain Meteorites because it never looks cakey or powdery and it gives my skin a natural radiance. All I do is dab my brush in the pot and swirl the brush all over my face in small, circular motions. I use a little more pressure than I do when I apply my foundation, to ensure it's really buffed in my skin.

Next up is bronzer, blush and highlighter. I always apply bronzer first, starting in the hollows of my cheeks (the hollow space under the cheekbones), blending it up to my temples and into my hair line. I continue around the outline of my face. I love this bronzing powder from Becca because it's sheer, but buildable, blends easily and never looks harsh.

Usually I only apply my highlighter along the top of my cheekbones, but with this particular product, since it acts as a highlighter and blush, I like adding it to the apples of my cheeks (normally where I'd apply blush). The pinkish glow instantly makes my skin look plump and radiant. I always apply this using a stippling brush.

Next up is blush. Because Nars Dolce Vita is a very pigmented blush, I always use a stippling brush so I don't make the mistake of applying too much color. I lightly brush this on the apples of my cheeks. If I applied too much, I'll usually blend out the edges with my foundation brush.

Now, I apply MAC Brule all over my lids using a tapered blending brush. It's a light, sheer beige that doesn't provide much color, but it helps even out the tone of my lids and it absorbs any natural oils from my eyelids/foundation, creating a blank, even canvas for my colored eyeshadow.

With a small pencil/crease brush, I smudge MAC Club along my top and bottom lashline. I usually only apply the color half-way across my lashline for a more natural look.

To deepen the color a little bit, I've added MAC Nehru with an angled brush to the same area where I applied Club.

I then curl my lashes very tight, apply Shiseido Mascara Base (I can't live without it!) and a few coats of Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara.

The last step is applying MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj Lipstick to my lips (very lightly) and apply NYX Nude Peach Lipgloss over top.

The look is complete!

*I'm still working on the lighting situation for FOTD's, I haven't done any since I've had my new camera because the camera really washes me out. I'm actually pretty tan right now, and in these photos, I look much lighter.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Eucerin Daily Protection GIVEAWAY!

2012-05-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

EUCERIN GIVEAWAY!

These products may look a little familiar, as I recently mentioned them in my recent sun-care post. They are the Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion with SPF 15 and the Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion with SPF 30. I've been using both products (especially the face lotion) to keep my skin hydrated, as well as providing my skin with adequate sunscreen to prevent any sun damage - I already have enough sun spots on my face, and I'm not interested in having any additional ones!

Well, the kind people over at Eucerin wanted to make sure all of you are prepped this Summer with the proper tools to protect your skin and are providing three of my readers with both products!

The Prize:

One (1) Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion with SPF 15 (13.5 oz)
One (1) Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion with SPF 30 (4 oz)

How to Enter:

Entering is easy peasy. Just post a comment stating what you'd like to see more on this blog! I'd really appreciate any feedback/suggestions any of you may have for new content and ideas. If this question just plain stumps you, you can simply just write the first thought that comes to your head (L'eggo my eggo?), or, "enter me".

Terms and Conditions:

You must be subscribed to my blog, as this giveaway is exclusively for readers of 'Miss Natty's Beauty Diary'. (To clarify: If you don't have a Google Account, you can be subscribed to my RSS Feed, Twitter, FB, Bloglovin - any of those!)
There is one (1) entry allowed per person.
Entrants must have a valid e-mail address so they can be contacted once their name has been drawn.
The giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years and older only.
The deadline to enter is Sunday, May 27th at 11:59PM (CST).

Three (3) winners will be selected using Random.org, and will be announced within 48 hours of the deadline.

Thank you for entering!

Review: Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil.

2012-05-17T16:53:00.002-05:00

Milani Liquif’eye Eye Pencil

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil is basically a pencil liner with a super-smooth texture, that when applied, it glides on smoothly like a liquid liner - no tugging of the skin like a traditional pencil. It’s said to provide high pigmentation with long-lasting wear.

Milani Liquif’Eye Eye Pencils are available in five (5) shades: Black, Brown, Gold, Silver and Aqua. I own Brown and Aqua, but in this review I'll be focusing on the Brown pencil. (Swatches of both is at end of the post)

These pencils have been compared to Urban Decay’s ever popular 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($19 each) for their similar smooth texture, pigmentation and lasting power. Some even say they are exact dupes. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I don’t own any Urban Decay Liners so unfortunately, I can’t compare the two.

I do own other liners with smooth formulas – MAC Pearlglide and L’Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eyeliner Pencil to name a couple, along with other liners such as MAC Eye Kohl, Stila Kajal Eye Liner, etc. Texture-wise, Milani excels above all of these.

In this photo, I lined my upper lid with the Brown pencil (went over it twice for a deep line) and I applied a little under my eye and quickly smudged it with an angled liner brush and lastly applied the liner across my waterline.

The formula of this pencil is so smooth – much different than a kohl or kajal eye liners. It really does apply like a liquid liner. There is no dragging/tugging of the skin during application, and you never have to heat the tip (an old trick for hard pencils).

The pigmentation is amazing. I only have to run the liner across my lid once, and I’m good to go. If I want a deeper line – a black-brown, I’ll go over the line once more. In general, it is a very deep brown and almost looks black until closer inspection. On the waterline it appears a bit lighter.

*A side note: I also read that the black is a very intense black – darker than Urban Decay Zero.

Swatches of Brown and Aqua

You can see with brown in particular, the color gets deeper with additional layers. The thin swatch is a single pass, and the thicker swatch is a few layers. (I thought Aqua would be a perfect dupe for Urban Decay Flipside, but upon comparison, Aqua is more metallic and much more pigmented. Color-wise, Aqua is more of an aqua (green-blue) whereas Flipside is truly blue. Incredibly similar, though.)

You are able to smudge this liner for a less precise, “smokey” appearance, but it sets in around 15 seconds, so you have to work pretty fast. If I want a smudged line, I’ll apply the liner to my lid and/ or lower lashline, and quickly smudge it with an angled liner brush. It works like a charm.

The lasting power is very good. I don’t wear eyeliner on my waterline very often because it irritates my eyes, but on my lids it lasts all day with minor fading by the end of the day.

The only downfall with this liner is because it’s so soft, it wears down quickly with frequent use. I came across a very helpful tip of placing the pencil in your freezer for 5-10 minutes or so before sharpening, to harden the product so it will sharpen easier with less mess. An awesome idea that I have the girls of Makeupalley to thank!

This has definitely become my favorite pencil liner, and I will continue purchasing it – until something better comes along, of course. ;)

Price: $7.49, CVS, and right now, all Milani is Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

2012-05-16T15:35:00.000-05:00

1) L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!

2) Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.

3) Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!

4) It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.

5) Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.

6) Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer– Got a hold of this a couple weeks ago and I’ve been playing around with it here and there. I got it in a color that’s too dark for me now (which is why I haven’t reviewed it yet) but so far, I’ve been mixing it with some of my lighter foundations and wow, this little jar packs some intense coverage. If I ever need extra concealing, this is my new weapon.

7) Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara– I’ve gotten tired of trying other mascaras only to look like a raccoon by the end of the day, so I resorted to an old favorite of mine. Covergirl Lash Blast is the only mascara that doesn’t smudge on me, and although I’ve grown bored from the big bulky tube and wand, it’s better than having to touch up my under-eyes every couple of hours. If you have problems with smudging, I highly recommend picking up a tube.

8) Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum– I know that everyone has their own preference to scents, so this may not be one for everyone, but I cannot get enough of this perfume. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned it on my blog, but I always keep the bottle (it’s a deluxe sample – 0.16 oz) in my bag and dab it on my wrist and neck 1-2 times a day. Periodically I’ll smell it in the air and it somehow brightens my day and soothes my senses.

9) E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads– Goodbye traditional nail polish remover, don’t let the door hit you on your rear on the way out. These pads work very well, don’t stink like acetone, there is no leaky mess, and they’re convenient and easy for travel.

10) Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss– So I don’t normally pay close attention to the lasting power of my lipgloss, but lately I’ve been wearing Chanel Bagatelle every day, and aside from being beautiful all on its own (no lipstick companion necessary) noticed that it’s a little soldier in disguise. It stays on my lips fighting for hours of wear before needing a re-application. I’m sure the formula can possibly differ between shades, but this one in particular is an A+ in my book, and I’m tempted to try more.

I'll have reviews up for some of these products shortly.

What are you loving right now?

The proper suncare you'll need this summer and the products I'm currently using! Plus free samples!

2012-05-15T14:39:00.002-05:00

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about skin cancer and how to properly protect your skin against the sun. Skin Cancer is one of the most common Cancers in the US, affecting people of all ages. Since Summer is right around the corner, it's the perfect time to address sun protection, while still enjoying some time in the sun this season.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these simple options for protection against UV radiation—

Seek shade, especially during midday (10am to 4 pm) hours.

Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.

Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.

Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.

Avoid indoor tanning.

(Source: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm)

Of course since many of us can't wait for Summer so we can enjoy the nice weather and wear less layers, wearing a suitable sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) is key.

Sunscreen for the Face

Although an SPF of 15 might be fine for the body, a higher SPF is recommended (minimum of 30) for the face. The lighter skin you have, the more protection you need. Most foundations don't contain enough SPF (or any) so wearing an additional sunscreen under your makeup is necessary for adequate protection. Why do you need more protection for your face? Aside from skin cancer prevention, the sun damages the collagen in your skin, which leads to - yes, wrinkles and premature aging. Also, the sun causes freckles and sun spots which you'll end up paying hundreds (or more) dollars in the future on chemical peels and AHA's to fade them, when you could just do one more step, like applying a layer of sunscreen on your face in the morning to avoid it all together.

The sunscreens I'm currently using on my face is Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF30 and L'Oreal Sublime Sun Face Lotion SPF 50+. I typically use the Eucerin Lotion, but on days where I feel like I'll need more protection, I'll use the L'Oreal lotion. The reason I favor the Eucerin Lotion is mostly because of the texture. It's a lightweight lotion and feels moisturizing, so an additional moisturizer isn't necessary. It's also non-comedogenic, so it won't clog the pores. The L'Oreal lotion is very thin/watery, and has a silicone feel to it (which I'm not crazy about a high content of silicone in lotions in general) and it doesn't provide much moisture, so those with dry skin may need an additional moisturizer. Those with oily skin may benefit from the non-greasy feel. When I want to skip a moisturizer all together and know I'll be in the sun, I'll usually opt for my Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 42.

For the body, I've been using Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 15 Moisturizing Body Lotion. Since I don't like the scent of sunscreen, I really appreciate the very minimal scent in this lotion and that it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It also leaves my skin feeling soft without an oily reside. I'm not too concerned with using a higher SPF because I don't bare my skin too much, and I don't spend much time in the sun. If I am in fact, spending time in the sun, I'll use some good ol' Banana Boat.

"Like" Eucerin on Facebook for free samples

If you'd like to try a sample of both the face and body moisturizer, make sure to visit EucerinUS on Facebook and "like" their page. Then, click on the "Pledge for Sample" tab to receive your samples.

Also, stay tuned for a giveaway to try both products!

Other important things to remember

An important thing to recognize is that laying out at the beach or going to the pool shouldn't be the only instances you should be wearing sunscreen. Even if the only time you see sun is on your way to work in the morning/afternoon, you should still be wearing sunscreen (on your face especially) and your neck, arms and hands (if they are exposed). Also, many people don't think about it, but sunscreen on your lips is important as well. Having a lip balm containing SPF is a great thing to have when you're spending time in the sun. There are many options at your local drugstore - Maybelline Baby Lips are a popular choice because they come in fun coloring packaging and scents, are inexpensive, claim to be moisturizing and provide SPF 20.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Summer!

Guest Post: Review: Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

2012-05-13T01:11:00.001-05:00

Guest Post Written by Lindsay

We're all on an endless journey to discovering our favorite foundation - From one foundation fanatic to another, Lindsay of 'Lindsay C Makeup' shares with us her opinion on Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

I am a foundation addict! I can admit it. I have found many foundations I love or really like but I have yet to declare one my *Holy Grail.* So far, I have been loving my Bobbi Brown foundation.

The Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation claims:
It gives skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of aging. Formulated with a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract. Softens fine lines and imperfections. Skin looks and feels refreshed, renewed and beautifully luminous. Offers medium-to-full coverage. For Normal to Dry Skin.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in Natural Tan 4.25 (MAC NW35-40 equivalent)

This foundation is definitely moisturizing! It kept my super-dry skin moisturized throughout the whole day. The consistency and feel reminds me of NARS Sheer Glow. However, I feel the Bobbi Brown lasts much longer but a bit more matte than Sheer Glow. It gives a 'luminous' finish without looking glittery or shiny. The website claims it provides medium to full coverage, but I found it to be more light maybe light-medium coverage. The foundation blends nicely with a foundation brush or sponge. Overall, I'd rate it an 8/10 because it gives me a natural glow without fading throughout the day.

Pros
Natural luminous/glowing finish
Long-lasting
Doesn't break me out
Photographs well

Cons
Difficult to build coverage without adding shine
Only suited for dry skin
No dispenser pump
Price Tag of $46

Guest Post Written by Lindsay

My name is Lindsay and I am a 22 year old freelance makeup artist and owner of Lindsay C Makeup in Toronto, Canada. I have a blog called Lindsay C Makeup Artist where I share Pro Tips, Reviews and Looks. I am also a student and aspiring to head into law school next year. You can visit my blog at lindsaycmakeup.com!

Where you can find me:

Review: Becca Frangipani Creme Blush - My FAV. blush right now! (pic heavy)

2012-05-11T14:23:00.001-05:00

Becca Frangipani Creme Blush

Alright, so I've been using this blush for the past month, which explains why it looks like shimmery slop in a compact. You can quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that if the makeup police confiscated all of my blushes and told me I can only have one, I'd either be kicking and screaming or sitting there dumbfounded at which blush I'd pick. AHA! That is, before I discovered this beauty.

One makeup product that I enjoy most of all is blush. I don't know why, but I find a pretty blush hard to resist. Needless to say, I have loads of options in the morning for which cheek rouge I want to wear for the day. Because I'm full of love, I like to give each blush special attention, trying not to neglect past favorites and devote all of my attention to my new loves. So it's very (and I really mean very) rare for me to find a blush that I can wear for weeks straight without switching it up. That's why I think Becca Frangipani is extra special.

I'm pretty new to Becca, but I have to say that they sure know what they're doing when it comes to creating quality cosmetics. It seems that I'm knocking out trying each of their best sellers one by one (Compact Concealer, Mineral Bronzing Powder, Beach Tint) - and now the Creme Blush.

Becca Creme Blush is described as being highly pigmented, yet because of the smooth texture, it diffuses into the skin for a natural and healthy "glow from within" appearance. There are no parabens or preservatives. It's recommended for most skin types except very oily or blemished skin - that is because cream blush can make oily skin appear oilier, and it won't last as long, and for very blemished skin, it can emphasize blemishes.

There are eight (8) shades available: Turkish Rose (rosy nude), Terracotta (neutral apricot), Byzantine (peach gold shimmer), Wild Orchid (violet pink), Hayacinth (bright watermelon pink), Dahlia (rich burnt red/orange), Amaryllis (dusty pink), Geranium (muted red) and Frangipani (tropical pink shimmer).

From the way Frangipani looks in the compact, tropical pink shimmer isn't exactly how I'd describe it. It looks more like a metallic/shimmery silvery red. Depending on the lighting, it can also look plum (the red tone really only shows through in the sunlight). The name 'Rose Bronze', or maybe 'Rose-Berry' seems more appropriate, but, don't let the looks of it scare you away. It looks like it has a rosy-red base, but with the silver metallic hybrid, it creates a beautiful rosy-pink hue. It's not a shade only warm skinned gals can benefit from, but a shade that's flattering to many. Possibly a highlight for some? The color definitely isn't one-dimensional and leaves the skin flushed and glowing in any light.

The texture isn't anything short of amazing. I'm not purposely trying to hype this product up, but the formula is the easiest to work with out of any cream blush I've used (MAC, Illamasqua, Bobbi Brown, etc). It's not sticky or tacky and it doesn't leave my skin feeling "damp" after it's been applied.

The product itself isn't very condensed, so you don't have to be afraid of botching up your cheeks by applying too much in one spot. Once your brush hits your cheeks, the product moves around and blends easily without much effort. I know that if I accidentally dipped too much product on my brush that I'm not doomed to look like a clown.

My favorite application method is using a duo-fiber stippling brush (usually my MAC 187) and stipple (think sponge painting) the product on my cheeks in short, quick motions until it's all blended.

The product is incased in Becca's standard rubberized deep brown packaging with their signature metal detail on the front. It's actually very small (can you see in comparison to my fingers?) and only houses three grams (0.1 oz) of product. It's lightweight, non-bulky and has a mirror, so it's very travel-friendly.

Capturing this color swatched was much harder than I thought because of the duo-chrome. As you can see, despite it looking dark and scary in the pan, it's incredibly subtle. The left swatch illustrates the blush swatched with my finger, and on the right, swatched with a brush.

I also apologize for this nerdy car photo, but it's the only photo I have wearing this blush.

Now, because I have only tried one creme blush from their line, I'm not sure if they all perform the same way (pigmentation and lasting power), but the only downfall about this blush is that it wears off by mid-day. If my blush wears off, I'm not one to touch-up - I usually count it as an "oh well", unless I'm going somewhere nice. But, this blush is so fab that I do actually pull it out mid-day and re-apply it. It just instantly makes my skin look better and more radiant.

Overall, I'm very happy with this product and would recommend their Creme Blush if they all preform as nicely as Frangipani. They are quite expensive, so my urgency to have them all won't be happening any time soon, but hopefully at some point in the future I'll be able to get my hands on a couple more.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Cetyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Kaolin, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Tocopherol, Parfum (Fragrance) and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Carmine CI 75470, Red 21 Lake CI 45380, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Red 7 CI 15850, Ultramarines CI 77007, Red 40 CI 16035, Yellow 6 Lake CI 15985, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Red 36 CI 12085, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Mica]

Price: $30, Becca. For a list of retail locations that sells Becca, click here.

Have you tried Becca's Creme Blushes? Let me know how you like them, and if you have any other recommendations of Becca products. Also, if you're a blog owner and have a review for a Becca Creme Blush, leave the link below so I can check it out!

Chanel 'In Love' Joues Contraste Blush - A Lovely Summer Peach.

2012-05-10T16:36:00.002-05:00

Chanel 'In Love' Joues Contraste Blush

Aaaaaaah Chanel Joues Contraste. You always brighten my day whenever I wear you, and you make me feel so special when another one of you is added to my collection. You're so pretty with your delicate dome of powdered silk and iridescence - smelling of a fresh roses, enclosed in a glossy black compact.

Alright, seriously.... Talking about material things as if they are humans freaks me out a little bit. Actually (completely off topic), I'm instantly reminded of when I browsed a certain shoe companies Facebook page, and everyone was referring to their pair of shoes as.. well... here's a few examples:

"She (the shoes) is beautiful!"
"She (the shoes, again) looks amazing on you!"
"I want her (she wants the shoes) so bad!"
"Have you worn her (yes, still talking about the shoes) yet?"
"Will you be taking her (kill me now, we're still talking about the shoes) out this weekend to perhaps, dinner and dancing?"

Are we really talking about shoes here? All that came to my head was get me the heck out of here before the police come breaking down my door for exploitation or something. "Sure, you were talking about shoes. You like to keep her in a box in your closet, aye?" (Sorry, didn't mean to offend anyone with this. I just got a chuckle over it.)

Back on topic. Chanel Joues Contraste Blush. Boy, do I love them. I don't hear too much fuss about them on most of the beauty blogs I read, but I'm lucky enough to catch a glance at a review here and there on some of beauty blogs that cover majority high-end makeup.

Chanel Joues Contraste Blushes are finely milled, super soft textured, pressed powder blushes - that when you touch them, you almost feel like because of the texture, they will apply powdery, like some of the softer textured budget brand blushes. But they apply such a soft, sheer veil of color to the cheeks that never looks blotchy or overdone. It's buildable, so with a couple of layers, you can really achieve intense color (if that's what you're looking for), otherwise, one layer deposits the perfect amount of blush.

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush is available in eleven (11) shades: Imprevu, Orchid Rose, Rose Bronze, Rose Petale, In Love, Espiegle, Rose Ecrin, Pink Explosion, Plum Attraction, Malice and Tumulte. (You can correct me if I'm mistaken, but there are 11 currently listed on the website)

In Love is a medium peachy-coral with very fine golden shimmer. It applies sheer (but buildable) and gives off a soft, peachy-coral glow. The shimmer is tasteful and isn't chunky or frosty. It gives the illusion of very fresh, healthy, glowing cheeks. It has a slight vibrancy to the color, which makes it a really nice pick for the summer. It's almost like a peach version of Nars Orgasm Blush.

Here are a couple swatches on my hand (my skintone is around MAC NC25 coloring). The swatch on the left is the blush applied heavy with a cotton swab, and the swatch on the right is the blush applied with a brush. The right swatch accurately shows what it would look like on my face.

I tried to capture the way it looks on my face, but unfortunately, the lighting was awful, and it didn't photograph very well. If you'd like to see it on my cheeks, I will update this post later with an additional photo.

I really like this shade, and think it'd be great for Summer paired with flamingo-pink and coral lipsticks! If you already have a few similar shades in your blush collection, it's probably not a must-have, but if you're a Chanel fanatic (or a peach blush fanatic), I'm sure you'll enjoy using this blush.

Side Note: *Countries outside of the USA have a baked version of Chanel Joues Contraste Blushes rather than a pressed powder. There may be inconsistencies with both versions - the color may or may not be spot on and the texture and pigmentation differs. Everyone has their own preference, but I like the US version blushes better.

Price: $43, Chanel.

Becca Beach Tint in the shade Peach!

2012-05-09T15:22:00.001-05:00

Becca Peach Beach Tint for the Cheeks and Lips

I've been a fan of Becca products as of lately, and although they aren't talked about much because 1)They're expensive and 2)They aren't widely available, I have loved everything I've tried.

I can't really say I'm a pro when it comes to cheek stains - to be honest, I've only tried one in the past, and it was a deluxe sample of Benefit Posietint. I was interested in giving cheek stains another try since Summer is just around the corner and when it's hot and muggy, there's nothing I love more than wearing a product that I can't feel on my face, and one that I won't have to worry about budging throughout the day.

I know Tarte is a very popular choice for cheek stains, but I felt like stepping into the world of Becca once again.

Becca Beach Tint is a cream stain that can be used on the cheeks and lips. It's "kiss-proof" and water-resistant and blends seamlessly (streak-free) into a non-greasy finish (it's oil-free!)

Becca Beach Tints are available in seven (7) shades: Strawberry (warm orange red), Watermelon (bright pink), Peach (warm orange pink), Raspberry (deep berry pink), Grapefruit (pale coral pink), Fig (tea rose pink) and Guava (bright coral pink).

The packaging is just a small, standard squeeze tube. Nothing very pretty, but very practical for travel as it's small and lightweight.

Upon application, it's important to give the tube a little shake, or roll it between your hands to make sure the product is mixed because it can come out watery otherwise.

The tube should dispense creamy product that won't run off your hand. Although it looks like a cream, don't let the looks of it deceive you - once touched with your finger, it has an extremely thin, liquid texture.

Depending on the color, a tiny drop of color may be all you need. This also depends on how much color you want on your cheeks. I'm a big blush fanatic, so I usually apply a little notch up from what's considered "natural". I use a little drop for each cheek.

Becca Peach Beach Tint

I know many like to use their fingers for this product, but I've never been a fan of using my fingers for cheek products. It just never seems to work out for me. My favorite tool to use is actually a standard paddle foundation brush. In the photo below I'm using a MAC #192 Cheek/Face Brush, which is discontinued, but is comparable to a small foundation brush or large concealer brush.

I apply a small dab on the back of my hand, and with my brush, start dabbing it across my cheek.

Then, I take my brush and start pulling the color down. It does dry quickly, but it doesn't dry quick enough to the point where it will stain one area if you don't work fast enough. It's very easy to work with. To make sure it's all blended, I tap the brush along the edges. If I happened to apply too much, I'll lightly sweep over the edges with a separate foundation brush.

This product layers really well without looking patchy, so if you're unsure of how much to use, it's always a good idea to start with less, and add more later.

On my cheeks, Peach is a vibrant, orangy-peach. Somewhat reminiscent of what MAC Peaches Blush or Illamasqua Lover Blush would look like on my cheeks.

The finish is a very natural matte. It's completely seamless and blends in with my foundation without a trace.

I've tested it out on my lips and although I didn't keep it on very long, it didn't seem to dry out my lips. It was a little uncomfortable though, it felt a little tacky and somewhat powdery, so I did end up wiping it off. If you're going to wear it on your lips, a lipgloss or moisturizing lip balm layered over top should do the trick.

On the cheeks, the color lasts pretty well throughout the day, but I do notice fading by the end of the day. I usually dust a highlighter or no color translucent powder over top to pro-long the wear.

I really do like this product, but it's really expensive for the amount of product you get. It's $25 for a measly 7ml/0.24 oz of product. Not really the best value, but if liquid blush is something you're looking to invest your money in, you might enjoy using these.

I think they're fun and easy - and I'll continue using it as a base for powder blush (to pro-long the wear and intensify the color) or worn alone! I think it's an especially nice shade for the summer.

Price: $25, Becca. Check here for a list of retailer locations that sells Becca.

Review: Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara.

2012-05-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara

I'm sure the majority of us, regardless of age, have owned this little pink tube of mascara with the green cap at some point in our life. When I pass by the the makeup aisles and catch a glance at Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, it instantly reminds me of when I was about twelve or thirteen, when I first developed my love for makeup. Sure, it wasn't "all that", but it was cheap and at the time, it got the job done.

Needless to say, I have never repurchased it since because I like a little (or a lot) more oomph in my lashes, which the very natural, smudgy results of Maybelline Great Lash didn't prevail. So, Maybelline came out with a little something called Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes, a new spin on the classic original.

This new mascara claims to provide "lots of impact", while the unique brush design grabs each lash for maximum separation and volume.

*Note: The directions state to not let this mascara dry between coats. For the best results, apply the mascara until you are satisfied with the achieved look. (more about this later)

It's available in three shades: Blackest Black, Very Black and Brown Black. I chose Blackest Black, as I always do.

The wand is a small cone shape, which can be a bit awkward to apply (especially if you have long lashes), but it's very handy for those with average to short lashes (less mess on the lids). Because it's small, you can really get down to the base of the lashes and reach the little corners that often get missed with larger brushes. Nevertheless, I find it a bit tedious to apply and wouldn't choose to wear this mascara if I had to apply it in a hurry.

I completely agree with the claims of not letting this mascara dry between coats. When I let the first coat dry, and went back to apply another coat, the wand literally removed the mascara off the tips of my lashes, making my lashes look short and clumpy. A total mess. To achieve the best results, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand upward. Continue brushing your lashes until you are satisfied with the results.

This mascara builds volume and length pretty quickly. I usually apply enough on my top lashes to where it looks like I've got on around 2-3 coats with a standard volume mascara, so my lashes look long and dark even from a few feet away. I noticed this mascara works especially well for my bottom lashes. It really does a great job at lengthening and separating them.

I notice a couple of clumps here and there, but I think if you want very volumious lashes, it's hard to avoid any clumping. The clumping was very minimal with several coats and can be avoided by making sure there isn't a lot of excess product on the wand.

Left: Before; no mascara, Right: After; application was equivalent to two coats on my top lashes, and one coat on the bottom lashes. No lash comb was used.

I also found this mascara doesn't weigh down my lashes and holds a curl pretty well throughout the day.

I actually found this mascara to deliver like I thought it would, blowing all of the other Maybelline Great Lash Mascaras out of the water.

Now the sad news, after a couple of hours, I end up with black smudges under my eyes. Let me tell you though, I am very prone to under-eye smudging and there are very few mascaras on the market that don't smudge under my eyes.

I didn't experience any flaking, and I found that it held up perfectly well by the end of the night (with the exception of the smudging). It's also easy to remove without leaving residue on the lashes.

PROS: The small brush design makes applying the mascara to short lashes as well as bottom lashes much easier, builds volume well with additional coats, adds length, holds a curl, didn't experience flaking, dark pigment, easy to remove.

CONS: The small brush design makes applying the mascara tedious and a bit awkward, especially for those with longer lashes. The biggest con for me was that under-eye smudging was completely unavoidable with this mascara after a couple of hours, causing me to constantly check my makeup in the mirror, and powder my under-eyes - disrupting my concealer, etc.

PACKAGING: Standard packaging, no complaints.

OVERALL: I was really satisfied with this mascara, especially for the price. I was able to achieve deep dark lashes with added volume and a little extra length with minor clumping. This mascara worked exceptionally well for my bottom lashes. Because I couldn't avoid the under-eye smudges, I won't be re-purchasing this mascara. Individual results will vary, and I've read a handful of reviews where the reviewer didn't experience smudging.

If you've tried this mascara, let me know what you thought about it!

Sigma Tapered Highlighter and Face Brushes.

2012-05-04T17:00:00.001-05:00

Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush & F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush

You might remember me talking recently about wanting a domed shaped powder brush, and how I've had my eye on the Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush. I'm not sure if it's the unique shape of the brush head, or the fact that you don't see them around too often and I wanted something different (you mostly see the regular, standard, boring brush shapes) - All I knew was that I needed one (or two) in my collection even if I don't really need it.

So, I went ahead and ordered both brushes after not being able to choose one over the other.

F25 Tapered Face Brush - Designed for precise product placement of powder, blush and contour shades to the face. ($22)
F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush -Designed for precise product placement of highlighter to the face. ($16)

Upon waiting for my order, I was a little nervous that the brushes wouldn't be soft. I own a few sets of Sigma brushes and they are for the most part very soft, but I also have a couple duds that aren't very soft at all (F50 Duo Fiber and F05 Small Contour).

I was really excited to see that these brushes are ultra soft and luxurious.

As with all of my other Sigma Brushes, they are of great quality. You can tell just by holding the brush in your hand that it's a well made brush. They feel very sturdy and are comparable to higher end brushes.

The handles are a shiny black, and the lettering has changed from their previous plain silver to holographic silver lettering - a nice touch that makes the brush look additionally attractive.

A few people told me that they don't find much use for the F25 Tapered Face Brush because they find it too large, so I was expecting an awkwardly large brush - but it's actually the perfect size for a powder brush.

I've been using the F25 mostly for applying bronzer all over my face, as well as using it for setting powder. It works wonderful for both, especially since it's not too dense where it's going to deposit too much color in one spot, and it's super soft so it glides like a feather across the face. The pointed tip is great because it allows me to reach small areas (under my eyes, corners of my nose, etc) and around the frame of my face. I can see how some think it's too large to work as a contour brush for the cheeks - if you want really precise application of your contour powder or bronzer, you may want to opt for the smaller option - the F30 Brush.

The F30 works great for very precise application of contour powder in the hollows of the cheeks. The size is absolutely perfect for it - it's not too small or too big. It also works wonderfully for powder highlighter for applying the product precisely across the highest point of the cheeks. Lastly, it's also very useful for setting the under-eyes with powder as it can reach small areas with it's domed tip.

As with many brushes, with daily use, they can start to lose their shape, and expand outward. Of course it hasn't happened to mine yet, but to keep the bristles together, I like storing them in Coastal Scents Brush Guards. Sigma also has something called the "Dry'N Shape" that is also used to keep the bristles together once they're washed.

As far as shedding goes, they both shed a few bristles during washing, but I haven't noticed any since. Also, neither brush released dye when washed which really surprised me - till this day the water still runs gray when washing my F30 and F50 and I've had them for one year.

Here's a photo of the brushes against my face for scale.

Overall, I'm really happy with these brushes and I'm sure I'll be using both on a regular basis. If you're in a rut and don't know which one to choose, I'd recommend the F35 as I think due to it's smaller shape, it applies product more precise and is a little more versatile than the F25.

Sigma Brushes are sold exclusively on their website, at http://www.sigmabeauty.com.

Tutorial: A simple but pretty eye look, using one eyeshadow and an eyeliner!

2012-05-03T18:46:00.001-05:00

Here's the look we're going to achieve...

I wanted to do this really simple, but really pretty tutorial today using only one eyeshadow and a few basic tools. You can do the same look using any color you want - it definitely doesn't have to be the same color I chose and you can make any substitutions you'd like!

Products Used:
Urban Decay Primer Potion *not pictured (used in step 1)
MAC 'Bronze' Eyeshadow (used in step 6 and 8)
MAC 'Feline' Kohl Eye Pencil (used in step 2 and 4)
Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara (used in step 10)

Brushes/Tools Used:
Sponge applicator (to pack on the color, used in step 6)
Precision Tip Cotton Swabs (for smudging the eye liner, you can use any brush or pointed sponge applicator if you'd like - used in step 3 and 5)
Sigma Small Angle Brush (used in step 8)
Coastal Scents Tapered Blending Brush (used in step 7)

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Review: Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara.

2012-05-02T12:54:00.002-05:00

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara

Ever since Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara launched, I've been wanting to try it because of the appealing packaging. Revlon products in general have better product packaging than most of the other drugstore brands, but I think it was the shape of the brush along with the sleek black and silver tube that did it for me. Although the reviews for this mascara are pretty mixed, I couldn't wait to try it once my Maybelline Falsie's Mascara was finished.

The rubber brush has loads of thin bristles with a rounded tip, to easily reach every single lash for "maximum dimension". There aren't any claims that this mascara lengthens, but it's suppose to deliver lots of volume with two coats.

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara is available in three (3) shades: Blackest Black, Blackened Brown and Black. I purchased Blackest Black, of course.

In my opinion, the brush is well executed for separating the lashes. It's large with loads of very thin bristles, so it combs through each of your lashes while coating them in product. With one coat, this mascara adds a good amount of volume and a tiny bit of length. The result is still natural for those who don't like too much volume.

Here's a closer look at the brush..

I find that you have to work quickly with this mascara and letting your lashes dry between coats will only result in thick, "spider" lashes. For the best results, starting at the base of your lashes, and slowly wiggle the brush upward. Continue brushing your lashes until you're satisfied with the amount of product that's on your lashes. Volume is built fairly quick.

Two coats is more than enough with this mascara. When I attempted to apply three, my lashes looked super thick, yet still separated, but it looked incredibly unnatural. Also, with additional coats, I noticed product would gather at the very tip of my lashes, so a lash comb would be necessary.

I find that it's best not to touch your eyes or lashes for a couple of minutes after you've applied this mascara because your lashes will still be tacky, and can stick together.

Once dry, my lashes still feel semi-soft - yay, for non-crunchy lashes!

I don't find that it weighs down my lashes, and it keeps them mildly curled throughout the day without having to curl my lashes prior.

I've read some complaints about this mascara flaking, but I've had no experience of flaking. I do notice faint smudges under my eyes after a few hours, so usually, I'll have to touch up with powder every once in a while. The smudging is very minor though, and hasn't stopped me from wearing this mascara.

Price: Around $8 at your local drugstore, but the price will vary by location.

PROS: A good brush design, separates the lashes well - isn't clumpy, builds volume easily, adds a little length, but nothing to brag about, holds a curl well, lasts all day.
CONS: You have to be careful not to apply too much of this mascara - in my experience of applying too much, it actually made my lashes look shorter, stubbier and unnatural. Also, I noticed minor smudges after a while.
PACKAGING: The packaging is nice. Revlon always does good with their packaging. The tube is a little bulky though.
OVERALL: I think this is a pretty good mascara, for those looking for volume without the clumps. I like this mascara overall, but I prefer something that adds a little more length. I'll let you know if my opinion changes as I continue wearing it!

Have you tried this mascara? What'd ya think?

Review: Sigma Mr. Bunny Travel Kit.

2012-04-27T21:12:00.002-05:00

Sigma Mr. Bunny Black Travel Kit

The Sigma Mr. Bunny Brush Sets are Sigma's synthetic, or vegan version of their Make Me Up Brush (which I own and love) Collection.

If you're familiar with Sigma Brushes, this set uses the same "Sigmax HD Fibers" as the popular F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki. The bristles are super soft and fluffy, and although they are synthetic, the bristles higher quality than synthetic brushes you may find at the drugstore (Ecotools, etc).

This set includes:

Pencil E30 - Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, upper and lower lash line.
Tapered Blending E40 - Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease.
Eye Shading E55 - Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments.
Small Angle E65 - Essential for the application of gel or cream eye liner on the upper and lower lash line.
Large Powder F30 - Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body.
Large Angled Contour F40 - The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades.
Foundation F60 - Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. Recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas.

All of the brushes have the same name as the regular Sigma brushes, so it might be a little confusing, but you can't actually order these brushes separately, which may be the reason.

Sigma Mr. Bunny Black Travel Kit

I've been using these brushes all week, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you!

Firstly in most brush sets, I don't care what the brand is, there's always a dud in the brush set - meaning there's usually a brush in the set that doesn't perform as well as the others, the quality isn't as good or it's just a brush you wouldn't have much use for. I'm really pleased with this set as every single brush is useful and they are all of very good quality.

I've had lots of experience with Sigma Brushes and I'm really happy with the quality of the handles. With many lower-end brushes, the ferrules (metal part) will come loose, or come apart completely. I haven't experienced it with any of my Sigma brushes, and you can tell from holding these brushes that they will last a very long time.

My favorite brush of the set is the F30 Large Powder Brush. So far I've used it for setting powder and for liquid foundation, and I really like this brush for applying foundation. Although it's not very dense, it does a really good job blending in the foundation for a really soft, natural finish.

I don't really like using synthetic bristle brushes for powder blushes and bronzers - my personal preference is natural bristles, as they typically apply the product lighter and disperse the product more evenly. I've been using the F30 Large Angled Brush for powder bronzer and blush, and it actually performs very well, applying the product evenly.

I've been using the F60 Foundation Brush for applying liquid concealer and the bristles are very soft and remain soft even after the bristles are covered in product. I've also been using the E40 Tapered Blending Brush for concealer and I absolutely love it. I use to really love using my MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush for concealer, but after having the brush shed each time I used it, I stopped using it for liquid products and now only use it for powder. I'm so happy to have a good quality synthetic brush to use for concealer. The tapered tip works wonderfully for lightly buffing the product in and distributing product evenly on the skin.

As far as the other three brushes, I've been using the E55 Eye Shading brush to apply my eyeshadow base to my lids, or to pack color on the lids (I find synthetic brushes work best for heavy color application). It's also great for applying a wash of color to my lids or for applying my MAC Paint Pots.

The E30 Brush is a bit small and dense for a crease brush (but still works) and I actually really like using it to smudge eyeshadow across my lashline for a "smokey" look.

The E65 Small Angle Brush is your typical angle brush, and works great for filling in the brows and applying eyeliner.

Here's a comparison of the regular F30 and F40 Brush to see the difference in the size of the brush head and the length of the handles. Because the Mr. Bunny Set is a travel brush kit, the handles are shorter and the brush heads are a bit smaller.

Here's a comparison to the regular Sigma Brush Cup. As you can see, it's about half the size.

The set retails for $59 for seven brushes and a brush cup. If you divide it by the number of brushes (minus the cup), it's about $8.43 a brush. Of course there are other options out there for inexpensive brushes (Coastal Scents, Ecotools, ELF, Forever 21, etc.) but there will definitely be a difference in the quality of the bristles. If you're looking for a basic synthetic brush set, I'd say this is a great set to look into.

Price: $59, Sigma.

Also, I placed an order for the Sigma Tapered Highlighter and Tapered Face Brush, so I should have reviews for those up soon. I used the code 'APRIL2012' for 10% off!

Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipstick in Please Stay Plum.

2012-04-25T13:40:00.001-05:00

Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipsticks launched at the start of the new year, and frankly, we haven't heard too much buzz about them.

Maybelline already has a Stain Gloss and Lip Color (the standard double-sided sponge applicator lip color with a clear conditioning balm on the opposite end), but they added a lipstick to the line, promising 14 hours of non-drying, comfortable wear.

Available in 20 shades: Perpetual Peony, Ultimate Blush, Fuschia Forever, Eternal Rose, Beige For Good, Never Ending Nude, Ceaseless Caramel, Consistently Truffle, Lasting Chestnut, Pout on Pink, Ravishing Rouge, Eduring Ruby, Timeless Crimson, Continuous Cranberry, Keep Me Coral, Infinite Iris, Till Mauve Do Us Part, Please Stay Plum, Endless Raisin, Wine and Forever.

I have Please Stay Plum, a deep, creamy wine.

I think the 14-hour claim is really alluring, as we all want our lipstick to last all day, but it also makes some of us weary because usually along with "long-lasting" lipstick formulas, you're usually left with lips that are shriveled, crying for moisture.

Surprisingly it's not the case for these lipsticks. They apply smooth and even without dragging or tugging at the lips.

Please Stay Plum in particular applies opaque with one coat, and deepens with additional coats.

It's a little difficult to describe the texture. It dries at about 80% on the lips, and has very faint tacky feel when rubbing the lips together. Although the lipstick is almost dry on the lips, the actual formula doesn't feel drying.

A quick wipe of clear lipgloss on top takes away that tacky feeling and makes this lipstick feel so much more moisturizing.

These lipsticks have a sweet, fruity scent, which I can only smell upon application. It doesn't bother me, but I know that it may bother those who are sensitive to scented lip products.

A common misconception about this lipstick is that because it's claimed to last for 14-hours, you'd expect it to be transfer-resistant. There are no claims that this lipstick won't transfer. In no way does it transfer as much as a standard lipstick, but when drinking, it will transfer on the cup. The color holds up really well after drinking my usual Venti Coffee at Starbucks (which normally it would've completely worn off) and eating a meal.

Does it last for 14-hours? No. The darker shades will have the best lasting power because they leave a bit of a stain behind - the shade I have has good lasting power (after 4 hours, I could use a touch-up), but I'm sure it will differ with the lighter, nude and pink shades.

Overall, I can't say I'm impressed with this lipstick, but the fact that it lasts longer than my standard lipstick and isn't drying on my lips is pretty impressive. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the color selection from the line, but I think I might end up trying one other shade - Perpetual Peony (a soft pink).

Price: Around $7 at your local drugstore, but the price may vary on location.

Reviewing an old favorite: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

2012-04-24T18:30:00.001-05:00

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I've talked and recommended this foundation on many occasions, but I don't actually have a post dedicated to it. It's been requested on a few occasions, and since I've been wearing it almost every day lately, it's reminded me of how much I love this foundation and figured it'd be the perfect time for a review on it!

My love for this foundation dated back six years ago when I was in the market for a full coverage foundation. I was recommended Estee Lauder Double Wear and haven't looked back!

This miracle in a bottle claims to provide flawless, lasting coverage that will withstand heat, humidity and sweat while feeling lightweight on the skin and looking completely natural throughout the day.

It's also smudge-proof, oil-free, Non-acnegenic and fragrance free.

There are 21 shades in total, and the shades are broken up into three categories, making it easier to find the right shade for your undertone. *As a side note, neutral in the Estee Lauder Double Wear line refers to peach.

W = Warm (1W1 Bone, 1W2 Linen, 2W1 Sand, 3W1 Tawny, 4W1 Shell Beige, 5W1 Bronze, 6W2 Spice)
N = Neutral (1N1 Ecru, 2N1 Desert Beige, 2N2 Fresco, 3N1 Ivory Beige, 4N1 Wheat, 5N1 Soft Tan, 6N1 Truffle)
C = Cool (1C1 Shell, 2C1 Dusk, 3C1 Pebble, 4C1 Suede, 5C1 Rich Chestnut, 6C1 Rich Cocoa)

*Warm = red, yellow undertones, Cool = pink/rosy undertones.

When I have no tan (MAC NC15-20 coloring) I use shade 1W1 Bone. When I'm tan (MAC NC35-NC40 coloring) I use 3W1 Tawny. Tawny is slightly light when I'm NC40, but the next shade up (Shell Beige) lacks enough yellow.

READ MORE!

Here's a comparison photo of 1W1 Bone with MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and 3W1 Tawny with MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC40.

Can you tell the difference? They're incredibly similar. The only noteable differences is that 1W1 Bone is slightly darker than MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and Studio Fix Fluid in NC40 is slightly darker and more yellow than 3W1 Tawny.

It's pretty crucial to find the right color match with this foundation because of the opaque coverage. Sheer foundations are usually more forgiving, but with full coverage foundations, to avoid looking like you're wearing a "mask" of makeup, you really need to take the time at your local counter in finding the closest shade to match your skintone.

If I'm looking for a very full coverage, I'll opt for a standard paddle foundation brush. But on most days, I like using a duo-fiber/stippling brush for a less opaque, yet still flawless look. For a lighter coverage, a dampened beauty blender sponge is said to work very well.

This foundation dries quickly once applied to the face, but it's not difficult to work with when dry. I find that it layers well (although I'm always good with one layer) without looking blotchy. Once the foundation has set, your skin should feel dry to the touch. If you find this difficult to work with, applying a moisturizing base prior to the foundation can help.

It provides medium to full coverage. With one layer it covers just about everything, including light sun spots and blemishes.

In the below (left) photo, I wanted to display how opaque the foundation is with a couple swipes of a standard foundation brush.

Estee Lauder Double Wear has a semi-matte, soft-focus finish that doesn't look dull. I rarely ever have to set with a powder and my skin barely gets any shine throughout the day (my skin type is very normal).

It holds up incredibly well throughout the day. From morning till the time I go to sleep, my foundation is still in place.

Now that I've said everything good to say about Double Wear, here are the draw backs.

Because this foundation initially blurs out all imperfections, it can make your skin look very one-dimensional. Bronzer and blush are necessary to add shadows/dimension back into your face. (This isn't necessarily a drawback, but it's something to keep in mind.)

I have tried and owned several foundations. Some photograph well, and some don't (usually due to the Titanium Oxide in the ingredient list). This one is probably one of the worst. For photos outdoors in natural light, it isn't too bad. But for indoor photos and flash photography, it really washes me out and sometimes gives my skin a grey-ish cast. If I look back at old photos and my face is white and my neck is tan, I know that I wearing Double Wear. This is an absolute fabulous foundation, but avoid it if you're going to be photographed.

Lastly, because this foundation is water resistant, some may find that it's difficult to remove. A cleanser containing oil works best (or you can add a drop of any oil to your cleanser - olive oil, jojoba oil, baby oil, etc.) My favorite makeup remover wipes; Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleaning Towelettes work perfectly.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, which is why I've continued re-purchasing this foundation again and again throughout the past few years.

Price: $35, at your local department store that carries Estee Lauder.

PROS: This foundation lives up to all of it's claims (in my experience at least). It provides medium to full coverage that looks natural when it's not over-applied, it endures heat and sweat like a champion and doesn't transfer as easy as most of my other foundations. It also stays in tact till the moment I go to sleep, so it deserves an A+ for lasting power.
CONS: The only real cons with this foundation is that it doesn't photograph well (gives a white cast in flash photography). Also, even though there is a good range of shades, the color selection still isn't all that great. I found that the cool shades are very pink and the neutral shades leaned pretty orange. Also, if you apply too much of this foundation, it can look unnatural (less is more!).
PACKAGING: I'm not a fan of the packaging, but I'm not a fan of any of Estee Lauder's packaging, for the records. It's pretty simple and standard, which is fine, but because of the pour-bottle design, the top and cap can get very messy. **The MAC Foundation Pump fits on this bottle, so if you use this foundation often and you prefer a pump, it may be something you'd like to look into. You can purchase it separately from MAC for $7.
OVERALL: If you can find your color match in this foundation, I won't doubt that you're going to love this foundation. I think some are quick to label this foundation as too heavy or too fake, but with any pigmented foundation, you have to take in consideration that you're not going to need as much product as with a lighter coverage foundation. Start out with less than you think you're going to need, and build if necessary. Starting out with too much at once will only set yourself up for disaster. This foundation has high rating for all skin types, and it's especially beneficial for combination oily skin types because of it's close to matte finish and long-wearing abilities.

Step by Step: Dramatic Black Liner with a Darkened Crease.

2012-04-22T22:12:00.001-05:00

Two tutorials in one week, what!? Yeah I know, pretty unusual, but I thought it'd be a nice change from reviews all of the time. This particular look focuses mainly on the dramatic (thick) winged liner and the contrast against the precisely darkened crease and the contrasting light shade on the lids. This is more of a going out/nighttime look, as it's quite dramatic for the daytime. You can take it up a notch by adding black liner to the waterline or adding a full strip of false lashes.

Products Used:

MAC Groundwork Paint Pot (light brown cream eyeshadow, used as a base in step 1)

MAC Malt Eyeshadow (used in step 2 and step 8)
MAC Corduroy Eyeshadow (used in step 4 and step7)
MAC Black Tied Eyeshadow (used in step 5 and step 6)
Dior Rosy Tan (used the middle shade for a highlight in step 3)
Anastasia Shimmer Highlight Pencil (used in step 11)
Illamasqua Mislead Cake Eyeliner (used in step 9 and step 10)
Maybelline The Falsie's Mascara (used in step 12)
Andrea Medium Flare Individual Lashes (used in step 13)

Brushes Used:
Coastal Scents Concealer Brush
MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush
Sigma Pencil Brush
Sigma Small Angle Brush
Coastal Scents Tapered Blending Brush
Coastal Scents Small Eyeliner Brush

READ MORE!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!