A Brilliant Brunette

Milani Powder Eyeshadows | Swatches and Review

2012-05-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

CVS Exclusive shades

Milani says:

Intensely pigmented eye shadows that leave an incredible deposit of color on lids. Glides on silky-smooth, blends effortlessly and resists fading and creasing.

White Lie, Pitch Black, Shocking Pink, Brown Stone

Shocking Pink stains a bit.

French Vanilla, Tickled Pink, Purple Shock, Olympian Blue

Along with Shocking Pink, Olympian Blue also stains.

Pearl, Gold Dust, Caramel Brown, Just Perfect

Review:
Love. Love...love...love. These shadows are seriously amazing and with a price of less than $5, they're just unbelievable. Crazy pigmented, silky smooth, and so easy to apply, a little goes a long way with these...a LONG way. They actually remind me a bit of MAC's Veluxe eyeshadows; not Veluxe Pearl, but Veluxe. It was a line of matte powder eyeshadows with a creamy, silky texture and phenomenal pigmentation. For whatever reason, MAC discontinued them (they were my favorite), but these Milani Powder Eyeshadows are super similar, bigger, and only a fraction of the price (so these are my new favorite). One slight con of these shadows is that they're soft which means they're a little more delicate and fallout-prone. Also, the availability is limited as they are CVS exclusives. It is possible that they may be available on Cherry Culture or the Milani website sometime in the future though.

Overall, I highly recommend these if you can get your hands on them. My favorites Pitch Black, Shocking Pink, Tickled Pink, Purple Shock (especially this one...omg gorgeous), Pearl, and Gold Dust. And Just Perfect. Yes, I do have a lot of favorites :D

Have you seen these at your local CVS yet? Which ones are your favorites?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

tokidoki Airways Palette | Swatches and Review

2012-05-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

tokidoki/Sephora says:

What it is:
A palette with eight eye shadows in a charmingly decorated mini-suitcase.

What it does:
Whether you prefer to travel by plane, boat, or train, the tokidoki characters will take you around the world with this playful palette. The collection of eye shadows are infused with hydrating Japanese rice lipids and vitamin B to ensure the rich formulas glide on beautifully smooth and provide long-lasting color. The collectable tin suitcase is adorned with Passport print—bright pastels, diverse characters, and iconic monuments from London to Tokyo, and a large keychain fob of the always sweet and sprinkled, Donutella.

This set contains:
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in Paris (sparkling soft pink)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in Los Angeles (sparkling lavender)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in Tokyo (iridescent purple)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in Hong Kong (pearlized lime green)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in New York (pearlized olive green)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in Rome (matte chocolate brown)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in London (pearlized toffee)
- 0.07 oz eye shadow in Hawaii (matte vanilla)

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

What else you need to know:
These eye shadows come in multiple textures: Matcha (matte), Soft Water (pearl), and Tokyo (glitter), each great for creating a variety of day and night looks.

Price:
Regular $42...NOW ON SALE FOR $19!

Swatches over Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Left to right: Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong, New York, Rome, London, Hawaii

Let me just say this again...I love tokidoki. So SO cute! And how cute is this palette? Totally adorable, right? I think so. The tin suitcase style palette is perfect for the traveling theme. The Donutella keychain is such a cute addition to it too. As for the eyeshadows, no they're not bold and bright, but they are wearable so for those of you who are a bit color-shy, this is the perfect palette for you. The softer colors coupled with the highly pigmented, smooth-to-apply dark matte brown make for tons of versatile, easy-to-wear looks. I personally see no real downfalls of this palette, unless you're into brights, in which case I suggest the Cromatico eyeshadow singles. Plus, you can't beat the current price of $19!

What are your thoughts on this palette?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow Swatches and Reviews | Savana and Skeletrina

2012-05-06T14:10:00.002-07:00

Tokidoki/Sephora says:

What it is:
A bright, high-impact, highly pigmented eyeshadow housed in an iconic compact design featuring tokidoki's signature heart and crossbones.

What it does:
This super-playful, wearable, collectible shadow strikes the perfect combination of edgy and cute, in a rich, blendable formula that creates fade-proof color that pops. The shadow comes in sixteen vibrant shades and three finishes: "Matcha Matte", "Soft Water Pearl" and "Tokyo Glitter". The extraordinary array of colors and textures means endless possibilities for expressing your personal style.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens

What else you need to know:
Each stunning shadow is inspired by a tokidoki character and comes in a tokidoki-logo-shaped compact, with a heart on the outside and skull pan on the inside. These products are not tested on animals.

Price:
$15.00

Swatches over Too Faced Shadow
Savana (left) and Skeletrina (right)

Thoughts on Savana:
Savana is a gorgeous gold. It's not too yellow, not brown...it's just the perfect metallic gold eyeshadow and it applies beautifully. It's incredible pigmented and though it is a powder eyeshadow, it applied so creamily. The only downfall is that with the glitter that this eyeshadow contains, there is some fallout. Doing your foundation last like I do, or applying some loose powder under the eyes are great ways to avoid this problem though.

Thoughts on Skeletrina:
Skeletrina is a stunning bright, matte blue that verges on navy. I love that it has that slight darkness too it while still being bold and bright. Since it is matte though, it's a bit more difficult to work with than Savana. It's a harder eyeshadow and takes more product to get an opaque coverage. I do suggest using a base that works for matte eyeshadows to ensure that Skeletrina applies smooth and evenly.

Overall:
First of all, I love tokidoki. I have a few handbags of theirs and they're just totally adorable. Likewise, I'm also loving these Cromatico Eyeshadows. I love the packaging; the boxes they come in and the tokidoki compacts themselves are adorable. The $15 price tag is typical for eyeshadows from Sephora. I do favor Savana over Skeletrina because of the ease of application. Though it's gorgeous, Skeletrina isn't the best of the matte blues I own. Would I purchase more of these? For sure! I'd likely stick to the metallics though. They have a bright pink called Ciao Ciao that looks amazing!

Have you ever tried any of the tokidoki makeup products? What do you think of the Cromatico Eyeshadows?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

Milani Shadow Eyez 12 HR Wear Eyeshadow Pencils | Swatches and Thoughts

2012-05-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen these CVS Exclusive eyeshadow pencils yet, definitely keep an eye out for them. These new Milani Shadow Eyez Eyeshadow Pencils are sure to be a hit.

Milani says:

- Long-lasting (up to 12 hours)
- Easy to use
- Water-resistant, crease-proof
- Paraben-free
- Sharpens with Milani's Duo Sharpener
- Made in Germany
- CVS EXCLUSIVE

Opaque color payoff, metallic and pearl finishes, smooth creamy texture

Yeah...I used Brown Deluxe (that beautiful chocolate bronze) before doing pictures for this post. What can I say? I couldn't resist!

These are must-haves. Seriously. See how opaque and pigmented they are in the swatches? That's how they apply (so effortless!), and that's how they stay. The lasting power that these eyeshadow pencils have is impeccable. They stay on for HOURS without budging, creasing, or causing any other unslightly eyeshadow mishaps. Milani says they last 12 hours, however I think they have the potential to last longer. They did on me, but I think that just depends on the person. They work amazingly on their own and even make great eyeliners. They also make fabulous colored bases for upping the boldness of your eyeshadows.

I have no complaints at all. Well...one, I suppose. Milani needs to make these in a bajillion more shades. Gold, bright pink, black, yellow, orange, navy...just every color imaginable. Pretty please?

If you haven't seen these in stores yet just keep a look out for them! They're worth the wait!

Have you tried any of these Shadow Eyez pencils? Which ones catch your eye the most?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

CLOSED Eucerin Show Love for Your Skin Giveway | Awesome Prizes!

2012-05-02T22:45:00.002-07:00

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Eucerin wants to make sure everyone is doing what they can to protect their gorgeous skin and putting the health of their skin FIRST! Do you know that skin is the body’s largest organ? It’s vital we keep it healthy, so for Skin Cancer Awareness month Eucerin would like to share some tips to help protect your skin from potential sun damage this month.

- Skin Cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone. Head to toe annual skin checks can help catch melanoma early – when it’s most curable.
- Always remember to apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside and make sure to reapply it every two hours.
- You can decrease your UV exposure by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses and avoiding the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Making sure your skin’s protective barrier is strong is also another great way to keep your skin healthy and safe.
- Don’t forget to use SPF on days when it’s cloudy because the sun’s harmful UV rays can still cause damage and increase your risk of developing melanoma

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Eucerin is hosting a giveaway for some great prizes and entering is super easy!

PRIZES:
- $100 Visa Gift Card
- $50 Sun Glass Hut Gift Card
- Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 (13.5 oz.) – Helps protect skin from daily sun exposure with a lotion specifically formulated to moisturize and protect. This light, fast-absorbing formula with SPF 15 sunscreen provides 24-hour moisture and helps defend against sunburn.
- Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) – This lightweight, gentle broad spectrum SPF 30 formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps defend against long-term sun damage and also provides effective moisturization.
- Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion (13.5 oz) – Keeps skin moisturized all day with a lotion specifically formulated to replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This light, everyday formula with nourishing sunflower oil absorbs quickly and provides 24 hour moisturization for healthier-looking, softer skin.

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Correctly and entirely fill out THIS FORM.
2. Post a comment below sharing your favorite face and/or body bronzer to safely get that tanned look with.

RULES:
1. US only.
2. No ANONYMOUS entries.
3. You MUST fill out the form AND comment below to be entered.
4. One entry per person.

Giveaway ends Sunday, May 6 at 11:59pm PST.

Smokey Coral Eyes | Too Faced Summer Eyes Palette

2012-04-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

So, I'm still loving the Too Faced Summer Eyes Palette. I've been so busy wearing the colors in this palette,I totally forgot to do swatches for you all! It's definitely on the agenda though.

For those of you who missed it, here's the Colorful Summer Eyes look I did.

PRODUCTS
BROWS:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Senna Cosmetics Brow Shaper Duo in Brunette (powder side only)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25
Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Taupe

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
MAC Painterly Paintpot (base and along bottom waterline)
Too Faced Summer Eyes Palette - Peach Fuzz (lid), Coral Crush (crease), and Chocolate Sub (outer V and bottom lashline)
wet n wild Eyeshadow Single in Brulee (browbone and inner corner highlight)
MAC Fluidline in Dipdown (winged liner)
Maybelline Waterproof Volume Express Mascara in Very Black
Salon Perfect Demi Wispies
Duo Clear Lash Glue

FACE:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW25
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (under eye concealer/brightener)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark (contour/bronzer)
MAC blush in Peaches (blush)

LIPS:
Ulta lipliner in Flesh
MAC lipstick in Ravishing and Shy Girl

Colorful Summer Eyes | Too Faced Summer Eyes Palette

2012-04-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's pretty obvious how much I love Too Faced so it's no surprise that I've totally flipped over their new Summer Eyes Palette. It has the most perfect summer eyeshadows ever. Seriously. Warm and bright, but not too bright...so wearable. It's just total perfection. For this look I used quite a few of the colors...I just couldn't help it. It's one of my favorite looks to date! Enjoy! :)

P.S. Swatches and a review are coming soon!

And with glasses!

PRODUCTS
BROWS:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Senna Cosmetics Brow Shaper Duo in Brunette (powder side only)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25
Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Taupe

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
MAC Painterly Paintpot (base and along bottom waterline)
Too Faced Summer Eyes Palette--Coral Crush (lid), Plumeria (inner crease), Toasted Coconut (outer crease), Chocolate Sun (outer V), Mermaid (bottom lashline), Peach Fuzz (browbone and inner corner highlight)
MAC Fluidline in Dipdown (winged liner)
Maybelline Waterproof Volume Express Mascara in Very Black
Salon Perfect Demi Wispies
Duo Clear Lash Glue

FACE:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW25
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (under eye concealer/brightener)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark (contour/bronzer)
MAC blush in Peaches (blush)

LIPS:
Ulta lipliner in Flesh
MAC lipstick in Ravishing
Clear lipgloss

Q & A with Jerrod Blandino, Founder of Too Faced Cosmetics

2012-04-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I was the Too Faced Beauty Blogger of the Month for April. I was totally thrilled and still am. Part of the perks of being the BBOM is the opportunity to interview Jerrod Blandino, one of Too Faced's founders. Can I just say that I adore him?

These questions are mine and yours...mostly yours, that I got from your entries into my Too Faced giftcard giveaway.

Enjoy!

How did you start out in the beauty industry and what made you make that move to create your own brand?
That’s a very good question Jacqueline, thanks for asking. I actually started out working behind the Estee Lauder counter at Saks Fifth Ave. I saw first-hand the need for a beauty brand that could take the "mystery out of makeup" and celebrate the fact that it's FUN to be a girl! To this day everything we do here at Too Faced is done to empower women through glamour – to inspire and enable women to be as fabulous as they dare to dream and go out into the world feeling beautiful and hopefully spread that beauty around. That my dear is what drives me. We can change the world with lipgloss baby!

Too Faced is a pretty fun and sassy name. What made you choose it for your company?
Too Faced is a term we coined behind the beauty counter back in my Saks days for a woman who valued her makeup and style above everything else! Beyond vain, she was Too Faced! Get it? She's the woman who spends hours in the mirror getting ready, tried every trend, and loves getting dressed up. I love her.

When did you realize you created such an amazingly successful brand?
Another great question! It was one week into creating Too Faced back in 1998 when Madonna's people called asking for product, the MTV music awards people called asking for us to put products in the VIP lounge at the request of many stars and we got a Vogue feature (we did the first glitter shadows, ever!) – all within the first seven days! It wasn't always that easy, but that first week we knew we were onto something.

As stated in your bio, you started out with just a credit card, kit, and a dream. What was your original goal for Too Faced versus where it is now?
It's actually the exact same. To create the BEST quality cosmetics possible, with the most relevant and innovative colors, textures and formulas that would empower all women to be as glamorous, and have as much fun, as the dare to be.

From your remarkable products and colors, to the daring names and packaging, where do you find your inspiration for Too Faced?
Everywhere! All around me! Inspiration can come from new technology, to a celebrity’s needs and wants for a tour, to a cupcake I discovered in Paris. Really anywhere.

With all of the brands out there what do you feel sets Too Faced apart from the rest and keeps it as relevant as it is?
We pride ourselves here at Too Faced that we create trends, we don't follow them. We break rules and create new categories or improve upon what's out there using only the absolute best, top quality ingredients to ensure superior products. We have countless celebrity friends in the movie/TV, music, and fashion industries that keep us on the pulse of the planet, and we're just cool!

Too Faced has grown into quite a line with a great array of products. Which of those products are you most proud of and why?
We boast the largest and most successful range of bronzers in the industry, and it's a passion of mine to allow women and men to achieve any type of tan they desire without risking their health doing it the dangerous way with the sun. My sister was diagnosed with 4th stage melanoma and given 6 month to live, and that was over 8 years ago! She's a miracle, and my hero.

Quickies
What is your must-have product?
Snow Bunny bronzer and my Absolutely Flawless concealer. Both are complexion miracle workers.

What is your number 1 beauty tip?
Be HAPPY and don't smoke!

Fall 2012…can you tease us with what’s coming?
Something super SEXY!

wet n wild Be Jeweled Nailcolor Swatches

2012-04-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Limited Edition for Spring 2012, wet n wild has released a stunning nailcolor collection. Be Jeweled features 5 glitter polishes, each with a gorgeous pale iridescent finish.

Left to right:
The Crown Is Mine, Bow In My Presence, Jewels For Your Highness, Speak When Spoken To, Born To Priviledge

Have you seen these in stores yet? If so, did you pick any up...and which ones? Let me know what you think!

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

Mod Muse Sheer Face Color Swatches | Senna Cosmetics

2012-04-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

These 3 blushes are my absolute favorite of the moment. When you see the swatches you'll know what I mean. Pigmented, smooth, and just totally gorgeous colors! I'm telling you...this Mod Muse collection is awesome.

Senna Cosmetics says:

Velvety smooth luminous tints imbue the most natural finish.
$18.50 each
Available in 3 colors

Left to right:
Enlighten (I've been using it every day since I got it)
Clarity (the most beautiful coral blush I own)
Tres Jolie (a soft glowing pink; again, the best I own)

Blended out

What do you think of these blushes? Which is your favorite?

Luminess Airbrush Review | Heiress Beauty System

2012-04-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

How cute is this Luminess Heiress Beauty System? Adorable...I know. But is it more than just looks? Keep reading to find out!

Luminess says:

Our brand new 2012 Luminess Heiress Beauty System has arrived! This system features a continuous airflow which allows you to use less makeup, is half the size and is 70% quieter! Now you'll be able to achieve a finer airbrush application resulting in the most amazing coverage imaginable!

Starter Kit includes: 2 .55 oz foundations, a blush, bronzer, and glow.

Priced at $249.

Packaging: The Heiress System comes very well packed in its vibrant packaging. I love how the box gives a little tease of the system that's inside

Compressor and parts: Bright pink, metallic silver, totally streamlined and compact, and just the cutest airbrush machine I've ever seen. Ever. I seriously squealed when I took it out of the box. Plus, its size makes it perfect for travel.

I LOVE how the spray gun sits nicely on top of the unit when it's not in use. It diminishes the risk of spilling any product that's still inside the cup.

Power cord...an obvious necessity:

Kit also includes an empty bottle for a water/alcohol mix for cleaning, an instructional DVD, and handbook (the box is makeup shown above)

Compressor/System Review:
I'm really, really liking the Heiress Beauty System. Not only is it the cutest airbrush machine in the world, it also performs incredibly. It sprays evenly, isn't too loud, and just does a nice job overall. It's a 1-speed compressor so after one push of the on/off button a strong flow of air comes out of the gun, and a little pull back on the trigger allows for makeup to flow through evenly. Many other units out there have a varying speeds, and I do believe that Luminess carries some compressors that vary as well. The 1-speed feature of this one though is perfect for personal use and so easy to use. I actually used the compressor unit on the last 2 freelance jobs I did and that's when I really fell in love with it. It just did a superb job and the girls I worked on looked amazing.

Makeup: airbrush M1 Moist-Primer, Shade 3 and 4 (Medium), Bronzer, Soft Rose Blush, G1 Brightening & Glow Luminizer (omg...LOVE)

In action...I'm wearing Shade 4 with just a touch of Shade 3, bronzer, blush, and the luminizer.

You can see how the coverage is natural but really nice.

Makeup Reviews:
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by most the Luminess foundations and other face products that were included in the kit.

The Moist-Primer was lightweight and was interesting to apply. With silicone-based primers the application is obviously different, and the feel of it is silky and soft, but for me, they're a bit heavy. I normally don't even wear a primer. With the Moist-Primer, it goes on completely unnoticeable and not heavy at all. If you're a primer lover but have a dislike for the silicone-based ones, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised by this one. I personally will be skipping this step in the future simply because it's basically a moisturizing primer and with my oily skin, I think it caused me to get shiny sooner than normal.

The foundation is waterbased and has a satin finish, though I do believe that Luminess also offers a matte foundation. I used the Medium Shade 3 for the most part but added in just a touch of Shade 4 to truly customize the color to perfection. The finish is slightly dewy which is nice, however I did notice a bit more shine as the hours drew on. Like I said though, I'll likely skip the moisturizer next time and go straight for the foundation. As with most airbrush foundations, this one is sticky to the touch after application, so while a setting powder isn’t necessary, I do prefer to use one (MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural). The coverage is buildable from sheer to full. For the look pictured above I went for medium coverage. What I loved was that it evened out my skintone while leaving my freckles just slightly visible, and it also didn’t make my pores overly noticeable like a lot of waterbased foundations do. I was really impressed with the foundation and for some reason I didn’t expect to be (I'm just super picky with foundations).

The bronzer is nice as well. I loved the color of it. I do, however, tend to go for matte bronzers; it’s just a personal preference. For a body bronzer, this would be gorgeous though. A touch of it along the collar bones and down your chest would be beautiful.

Soft Rose blush is just…lovely. *sigh* It’s this beautiful rosy glow. The bronzer and this blush together...OMG...a gorgeous combination! As for the G1 Brightening & Glow luminizer…again…love. It just glows. Obviously…but it does it so well.

Overall Thoughts:
I’m overall pleased but I don't see myself using it daily. It's a bit too time consuming for everyday in my opinion. I will use it...just not daily (tutorial perhaps?). However, I definitely see myself using this tons in the future for my freelance work since it’s done such a fabulous job so far.

Do you airbrush? What are your thoughts on this system?
If you'd like me to do an airbrush foundation tutorial, let me know in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

My New Glasses from Coastal.com!

2012-04-19T21:45:00.002-07:00

Just a quickie post today to show off my new glasses from Coastal.com. I've always loved glasses but this is my first real pair...prescriptions! I'm pretty much loving them. Being able to see is pretty nice too :)

These ones are by Joseph Marc and priced starting at $98. Here's what's awesome though...I got these for under $15. Why? Because your first pair of glasses is FREE from Coastal.com. Cool, right? I just paid shipping & handling!

If you're in the market for a pair of glasses, prescription or not, I highly recommend Coastal! You can even upload your picture to see which look best on you. So fun!

Oh and the makeup I have on in this picture is my wet n wild Fauna look!

xoxo
Jacqueline~

Purple and Teal Eyes and a wet n wild Fauna Face

2012-04-17T08:43:00.002-07:00

After my recent swatchfest of wet n wild's Flora and Fauna giftsets I absolutely fell in love with Fauna. The eyeshadows, blush, and lipgloss seemed so lovely (it also comes with a teal nail polish that I'm not wearing). Now, after wearing it for this look, I still love it I wore the eyeshadow, blush, and lipgloss for this look and yeah...love them. I highly recommend picking this set up if you can.

PRODUCTS
BROWS:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Senna Cosmetics Brow Shaper Duo in Brunette (powder side only)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25
Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Taupe

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
MAC Painterly Paintpot (base and along bottom waterline)
wet n wild Fauna eyeshadow trio
wet n wild Eyeshadow Single in Brulee (browbone and inner corner highlight), and Panther (top and bottom lashline)
wet n wild Petal Pusher 8-palette (dark purple--softly in outer V)
Maybelline Waterproof Volume Express Mascara in Very Black
Salon Perfect Demi Wispies
Duo Clear Lash Glue

FACE:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW25
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (under eye concealer/brightener)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark (contour/bronzer)
wet n wild Pearlescent Pink blush (Fauna set but also part of their permanent line)

LIPS:
Ulta lipliner in Flesh
wet n wild Glass Confusion lipgloss (Fauna set but also part of their permanent line_

Smokey Deep Pink Eyes

2012-04-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

MAC eyeshadows in Hepcat and Shadowy Lady, with Aquavert in the crease. Yes...Aquavert...a limited edition, totally gorgeous, glowing mint green...and it didn't even photograph! Oh well...I wanted to share anyway. Just know that the mint green looked super pretty with the pink. Haha! :)

PRODUCTS
BROWS:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Senna Cosmetics Brow Shaper Duo in Brunette (powder side only)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25
Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Taupe

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
MAC Painterly Paintpot (base and along bottom waterline)
MAC eyeshadows in Hepcat (lid, crease, and bottom lashline), Shadowy Lady (top lashline and outer corners), and Aquavert (crease/transition)
wet n wild Eyeshadow Single in Brulee (browbone and inner corner highlight)
Maybelline Waterproof Volume Express Mascara in Very Black
Salon Perfect Demi Wispies
Duo Clear Lash Glue

FACE:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW25
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (under eye concealer/brightener)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark (contour/bronzer)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping(cheek highlight)

LIPS:
Ulta lipliner in Flesh
MAC lipsticks in Blankety and Creme Cup
clear gloss

Bloggers...have you ever been disappointed with how a look photographed? Did you post pictures anyway?

Readers...what's your favorite smokey eye look?

Senna Cosmetics Mod Muse Eyeshadows | Swatches and Thoughts

2012-04-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

This summer Senna Cosmetics brings us Mod Muse, a collection that founder Eugenia Weston says was inspired by the 1960's. I have quite a few products to share with you and to start, here are the soft, gorgeous Mod Muse eyeshadows. I've said it once, possibly a few times, and I'll continue to say it: Senna's eyeshadows are total perfection. The quality of their shadows is unmatched by any other brand I've tried, and the ones accompanying the Mod Muse collection are no exception.

$16.50 each

And now, swatches...

Essence blends into my skin nearly unnoticeable which makes it the perfect matte highlight.

Arabesque is a gorgeously gilded sunny gold. I love this one, especially with summer coming up!

Fantasy, a metallic lilac with a bit of a golden reflective quality, is definitely unique and I'm loving it!

Adonis, a slightly blackened teal, this color reminds me a bit of MAC Plumage eyeshadow but better. Way better.

Silhouette is a metallic olive green with a neutral reflectiveness to it. It leans both silver and gold. Very unique.

Overall, these shadows are right up my alley at the moment. I'm loving softer, more wearable colors as opposed to the extreme brights. That, coupled with how perfect Senna shadows are, this collection is a winner in my book. My favorites of the bunch? Fantasy, Silhouette, and Arabesque.

What are your thoughts on these colors? Have you tried anything from Senna before?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

wet n wild Flora and Fauna Giftsets | Swatches and Reviews

2012-04-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Flora and Fauna, two of wet n wild's latest Get The Look Collections, bring to us 4 lovely products perfectly matched for gorgeous springtime makeup looks. Each set includes an eyeshadow trio, lipgloss, nailpolish, and blush.

Flora:
A delightful combination of bright warm tones, the Flora set is great for anyone who is a lover of bolder eyeshadow combinations. The orange and green trio that accompanies this set is pigmented and just lovely, as are nearly all of wet n wild's eyeshadows. However, it's a combination that's a bit too...what's the word?...a bit too dissimilar for my tastes. I will definitely wear the colors, just not together. The blush is AMAZING, as you can see in the swatches below. I also love the golden toned green nailpolish. As for the gloss, it's on the sheer side for sure, but I like it. It's a matter of taste I suppose. I tend to be drawn to glosses that are sheerer or just plain clear.
And now...swatches!

Fauna:
This set...oh...my...goodness. LOVE IT! The eyeshadow trio is right up my alley. That light pink champange, the bold blue-teal, and glowing blue-toned purple are fab. I also have to give wet n wild some much due credit with that purple...beautiful! I foresee myself using this trio a lot! The blush, again...AMAZING! The nailpolish is also very nice (I'm just not a teal nailpolish kinda girl). The gloss in this set is quite nice as well. It's definitely more pigmented that the one in the Flora collection and I just really love the color of it. It's such a pretty pink!

Swatch time!

Nails:
Flora polish (left)
Fauna polish (right)

Have you seen these sets in store yet? Have you had the chance to pick up one, or maybe both? I'd love to know what you think!

If you haven't seen them in stores yet, just keep a look out and check with your local place to buy wet n wild!

Bright Blue Lined Eyes | wet n wild and INGLOT

2012-04-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

I do this look a lot. A LOT. Adding that pop of bright blue is one of my favorite things to do with my makeup. Sometimes it's along my bottom lashline. Sometimes it's just a touch on my lid; and sometimes it's electric blue winged liner like I did for this look (wet n wild Indigo Blue). Also, I typically stick with warm neutrals, but this time I decided to go with cooler tones with my INGLOT shadows.

What's one of your favorite "pop of color" looks?

Blue and Brown Eyes | Youngblood Cosmetics

2012-04-08T22:19:00.001-07:00

Remember my Youngblood Cosmetics swatches from a few weeks ago? Well, I finally got a chance to use what I shared with you all and I have to say...I'm loving it all.

I wasn't quite in the mood for an entirely blue eye so I chose to mix in a few MAC browns with my Youngblood blues. How gorgeous is that lid color though? Beautiful, pigmented, and totally eye-catching...loving the Mermaid quad! I'm also wearing Youngblood on my cheeks, lips, and even my foundation is from them. Tangelo lipstick is amazing! A bit on the sheer side but I prefer a more sheer lipstick; it's great for layering (here I dabbed it on after lightly powdering my lips for a slightly muted lip). As for the Creme Powder Foundation, it has amazing coverage with a super light feel. I do have oily skin so to keep my oils tamed a bit I simply pressed tissue paper over my skin after applying foundation. This took out the oils from the foundation and allowed it to set quicker and better. For those with normal/dry skin, this step can be skipped.

If you get a chance, check out Youngblood...such a lovely, unique mineral line!

PRODUCTS
BROWS:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Senna Cosmetics Brow Shaper Duo in Brunette (powder side only)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25
Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Taupe

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
MAC Painterly Paintpot (base and along bottom waterline)
Youngblood Mermaid quad - Ocean Mist (lid), Pink Pearl (inner corner)
MAC eyeshadows in Wedge (transition), and Brun (outer V and bottom lashline)
MAC Fluidline in Dipdown (winged liner)
wet n wild Eyeshadow Single in Brulee (browbone and inner corner highlight)
Maybelline Waterproof Volume Express Mascara in Very Black
Salon Perfect Demi Wispies
Duo Clear Lash Glue

FACE:
Youngbloog Creme Powder Foundation in Tawnee
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (under eye concealer/brightener)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark (contour/bronzer)
Youngblood Creme Blush in Rose Quartz (blush)

LIPS:
Ulta lipliner in Flesh
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
Youngblood lipstick in Tangelo
Youngblood lipgloss in Rhaphsody

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

Eucerin 'Spring Has Sprung' Giveaway! Suncreen and a $125 Visa Giftcard

2012-04-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

As spring comes in full force, everyday elements like climate change and pollution can weaken the skin’s protective barrier over time. Dry skin is not just a problem during the winter. Changes in temperature, humidity and other environmental factors can lead to dry skin all year round. As the weather gets warmer, help maintain your skin’s health with essential cleansers and moisturizers to perk up your skin care regime. Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 15 Body and SPF 30 Face Lotion are great moisturizers that also provide protection.

Keep reading for details on how you can win these two awesome sun protection products from Eucerin AND a $125 Visa giftcard.

PRIZES:
- Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 (13.5 oz.) – Helps protect skin from daily sun exposure with a lotion specifically formulated to moisturize and protect. This light, fast-absorbing formula with SPF 15 sunscreen provides 24-hour moisture and helps defend against sunburn.

- Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) – This lightweight, gentle broad spectrum SPF 30 formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps defend against long-term sun damage and also provides effective moisturization.

- $125 Visa Giftcard

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Correctly and entirely fill out THIS FORM.
2. Post a comment below telling me how you keep your skin safe during the spring and summer.

RULES:
1. US only.
2. No ANONYMOUS entries.
3. You MUST fill out the form AND comment below to be entered.
4. Only open to readers of A Brilliant Brunette.

Giveaway ends Wednesday, April 11 at 11:59pm PST.

Win a $100 Too Faced Giftcard! CLOSED

2012-04-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have some super exciting news! I was recently named Too Faced Beauty Blogger of the Month (April). One of the awesome perks of being the BBOM is that I'll get to interview Jerrod Blandino, Too Faced's founder. If you have a question you'd like me to ask him get, just let me know (see HOW TO ENTER below). This is such a huge deal for me and I'm so thankful for being chosen. Thanks Too Faced! xoxo

As readers of A Brilliant Brunette, there's also a perk for you! You have the opportunity to win a $100 Too Faced giftcard redeemable at TooFaced.com. Just keep reading to find out how!

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Correctly and entirely fill out THIS FORM.
2. Post a comment below telling me what you'd like me to ask Jerrod. I'd really love to include some reader questions in my interview so your question could be chosen! If you can't think of a question, you can also let me know what you are thinking of ordering from Too Faced if you win.

RULES:
1. US, Canada, and UK only. (Too Faced only ships to these places)
2. No ANONYMOUS entries.
3. You MUST fill out the form AND comment below to be entered.
4. Only open to readers of A Brilliant Brunette.

End Saturday at 11:59om PST.

Now...get to entering!

Milani Baked Eyeshadows | New 2012 Shades

2012-04-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

More 2012 shade additions to Milani's current line! Two types of baked eyeshadow...6 new colors...so much sparkle and beauty!

Marble Baked Eyeshadow

Captivating eyeshadow powder that features multiple infusion of colors baked on Italian terracotta tiles. All of these gorgeous combinations are designed to be used Wet or Dry.

$7.49 each

Must Have Fuchsia, Copper Excess, Green Fortune

Runway Eyes Eyeshadow

Glitter Overspray, Pearl Finish

A silky-smooth powder eye shadow that delivers unbelievable color with a curved double ended applicator. The innovative shape of the curved applicator was designed for easy application. Use the sponge applicator WET or use a thin brush to apply as eye liner to create a glamorous, intense effect on the eyes. Use the brush applicator DRY for blending and shading for a subtle, natural finish.

$6.99 each

Antigua, Golden Touch, Peaches & Cream (the peach tone wouldn't photograph! I'm hoping it shows better in eye pictures because it's stunning. It's exactly the color you see in the pan.)

Have you ever tried any of these eyeshadows from Milani? Do you think you'll be purchasing any of the new colors?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

Bold Blues and Teals featuring Sugarpill Cosmetics

2012-04-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Something BOLD, something new, something....borrowed? No...not borrowed. But it's definitely blue :)

Three of the most stunning blue and teal loose eyeshadows were used to create this eye-catching look. It was more bold than what I'm currently used to at the moment but it was tons of fun to wear. I love me some Sugarpill! I kept my lips and cheeks understated for this look to keep the attention on my eyes.

And my owl necklace from Forever21! I love him :)

PRODUCTS
BROWS:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Senna Cosmetics Brow Shaper Duo in Brunette (powder side only)
Milani Brow Tint Pen in Taupe
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
MAC Painterly Paintpot (base and along bottom waterline)
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadows in Starling (lid), Magpie (outer lid), and Royal Sugar (bottom lashline)
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack (winged liner and bottom lashline)
MAC eyeshadow in Omega (browbone/transition)
wet n wild Eyeshadow Single in Brulee (browbone and inner corner highlight)
Maybelline Waterproof Volume Express Mascara in Very Black
Salon Perfect Demi Wispies
Duo Clear Lash Glue

FACE:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW25
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (under eye concealer/brightener)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark (contour/bronzer)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade(cheek highlight)

LIPS:
Ulta lipliner in Flesh
Milani Crystal Lipgloss in Clear

Do you have a bold look that you've worn lately? Or something blue? Share in the comments below! I'd love to see!

NEW Milani Eyeshadow Palettes | Swatches and Reviews

2012-04-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

Milani is gracing us with 3 new eyeshadow palettes this year. Paint, Impressionist, and Abstract include 7 artistic colors in one convenient palette.

Milani says:

Buildable colorpayoff, matte and pearl finishes in a super-soft, silk-like powder

Paint

Review
Seven bright neon, matte shades make up this crazy beautiful Paint palette. It's eye-catching and definitely not for the makeup-faint of heart. I was actually very impressed with this palette. The shadows are, for the most part, incredibly pigmented and seem easy to blend. The pigmentation of the green wasn't great...the yellow is the next least impressive. Neither are terrible though. You just need a good base underneath. The purple though, goodness, it's beautiful. Drugstore purples are notorious for lacking pigmentation and being difficult to work with, but the one in this palette is a dream. The texture of the shadows is soft, as the description explains, but they're not overly soft. If you're a bold, bright eyeshadow lover, I think this palette is a must-have.

Impressionist

Review
Another all matte palette, Impressionist is filled with seven lovely pastel eyeshadows. Of the three palettes, this is my least favorite simply because I'm not too into pastels. The pigmentation of the green, yellow, and orange aren't great. Regardless though, I love that orange. Creamsicle! Texture-wise, these shadows seem a bit softer than the Paint palette. I think I'll try mixing these pastels with the brights of the Paint palette. The shadows would fade together beautifully. Pastel lovers...this one is for you!

Abstract

Review
The Abstract palette is most definitely the most wearable of the bunch. It's completely work appropriate, perfect for day and night. From a natural eye, to a pinup look, to a chocolate brown smokey eye, this palette does it all. Of the seven shadows, 3 have a pearl finish while the other 4 are matte. Abstract's pigmentation is perfect. Each shadow is as pigmented as the next, and they're all fabulous. As for the texture, again, the shadows are soft, but not too soft. They blend like seamlessly. I LOVE this palette.

What do you think of these palettes? Are you planning on picking any of them up?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

Milani Runway Eyes Fashion Shadows | Swatches and Review

2012-03-29T07:13:00.001-07:00

Two more beautiful Runway Eyes Fashion Shadow palettes join Milani's already huge line of shadows this year!

Milani says:

Six intense baked eye color bars in one luxury compact with a double ended sponge applicator. Use individually or combine the colors for a multidimensional impact. Each collection has been expertly matched and designed to use the lighter tones to highlight, the medium and dark tones to contour. This luxurious formula glides on effortlessly. Use WET for more color impact or DRY for a shimmer effect.

$8.99 each

Complementary

Primary

These palettes are gorgeous. Lovely colors, amazing pigmentation, and a nice price tag as well. They can be a bit tricky though. The shadows are so narrow and close together that it's a bit of a challenge to only picky up one color. The best way to work with these palettes is to use a small eyeshadow brush to pick up and apply the color, then use a separate brush to blend it out. It's a bit time consuming but the colors are just so stunning so to me, so it's worth it. I also love that they can be used wet as well, so using a thin eyeliner brush with some water or mixing medium is another option.

What do you think about these palettes? Have you tried any of the other shades before?

DISCLAIMER: Product(s) in this post may have been sent complimentary of the company or PR to A Brilliant Brunette for consideration. All opinions are honest and that of the blog owner.

How To Apply Eyeshadow | Eyeshadow Placement Chart

2012-03-28T14:24:00.002-07:00

Here's the thing...there's no wrong way to wear your eye makeup. Makeup is about personal preference and expression. However, if you're a beginner or just void of where to start, doing your makeup can be quite the challenge. If that describes you, knowing the parts of your eye area and eyeshadow placement can be incredibly helpful. So if you're wondering how to apply eyeshadow, here are some tips for you.

1. Inner Corner: The inner corner of the eye is exactly where it sounds like it is; Just at the inner corner of the eye near the nose. Placing a color here that is lighter than your skintone really brightens up the eye. The color can be matte of have a shimmer to it. Using a pale colorful eyeshadow on the inner corner is beautiful as well; think pale gold or a shimmery mint green. Also, if your eyes are close together, highlighting your inner corner will make them seem farther apart.

2. Lid: Your eyelid can be divided into as many portions as you please depending on the look you're going for. For a basic lid placement use one color all the way cross. You can also use a light color on the inner half of your lid and a darker color on the outer half. This will add dimension to your eyes and can make them appear larger.

3. Outer V: The outer V is basically the outer corner of your lid. To apply color here, you'll start at the outer corner of your eye (or outer upper lashline) and create a V up and into your crease. Applying a dark eyeshadow to your outer V creates a smokey eye.

4. Crease: You can find your crease just above your lid (2) but just below your browbone/optical bone (5). If you look down into a mirror while keeping your head straight, your crease is the indentation right above your lid. Applying color here adds dimension the the overall look you're going for.

5. Browbone/Optical Bone/Transition Area: Directly above your crease is your browbone, or optical bone. This is typically the transition area where your lid and crease colors fade into the highlight color. Any color can be used here but I prefer to use one that is just ever-so-slightly darker than my skintone. This allows your brow highlight (6) to pop and your main lid/crease colors to blend better.

6. Browbone Highlight: Your browbone highlight should be applied just below your brow. You can use any light-colored eyeshadow that you feel works with the look you're trying to achieve. It can be a matte highlight like I tend to use, or something on the shimmery side like pictured here.

7. Bottom/Lower Lashline: The bottom lashline is the lower portion of your eye where the lashes begin. Just as with the lid and other areas, how you place color here totally depends on your personal preferences. You can use eyeliner, eyeshadow, or both for long-lasting wear. Thicken the color you place here for a smokey look, or you can skip this area altogether. It just depends on you and the look you're going for.

8. Top/Upper Lashline: The top lashline, like the bottom, is where the lashes begin. Smudging a dark eyeliner or eyeshadow along your top lashline can make your lashes appear thicker. Also, it's always best to get your liner as close as possible to your lashline, where your lashes meet the skin. Avoiding spaces void of color gives a flawless look.

**Waterline (not numbered): The waterline is the part of your eye directly above your bottom lashline, closest to your eyeball. For a smokey look, use a dark eyeliner. To brighten your eyes use a white or creamy eyeliner. If you have sensitive eyes you may choose to avoid this area altogether.

***For details on the look featured in this post, please see my Gold Smokey Eyes post.

Any questions? Just ask in the comments below!