Beauty Thesis

What’s In My Makeup Bag: 2012

Tamara — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:49:52 +0000

Looks can be deceiving..

The other day I was replenishing my makeup bag and realized that a lot had changed since the last time I shared it’s contents last summer with the video tag: “What’s In My Makeup Bag“.

So it’s a new year.. and a new month (ohai February) and I figured some of you might be curious as to what I`ve been toting around with me these days.

..because all this fits inside!

It`s probably bigger than your average makeup bag and it`s definitely more than just a few pieces, but I promise that it`s still functional. It`s small enough to carry around in most of my purses, and it`s easy add just a few more essentials into a bigger bag and I`ve instantly got an overnight or weekend makeup cache. Packing makeup is always time consuming and this really cuts down, since it covers so many bases.

I like to have options.. LOL

Make Up For Ever Lab Shine in S2
MAC Plushglass in Plus Luxe
MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait
MAC Cremesheen Glass in Over Indulgence
Estee Lauder Pure Color Gelee in Electric Coral

Glossy & matte.. options, options!

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Brown Sugar
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Gumdrop
MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy

Lip butter & liners..

Alchemy Lifestyle Lip Butter in Peppi Mint
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Pure
Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip in 1C
MAC Lipglass Pencil in Brickmate
NYX Lipliner Pencil in 1000 Years

Mascara & liners..

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara in Excessive Black
L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion

A base, neutral colours and a few key brushes..

Tarte EmphasEYES Clay Shadow Stick in Bronze
Wet n Wild ColorIcon Palette in Vanity
Anastasia of Beverly Hills Angled Brush
EcoTools Blending Brush
POSH Shader Brush

Bits & bobs for skin..

MAC Fix+, MAC Studio Fix, Life Brand Oil Absorbing Sheets, Joe Fresh Blush in Rose & MAC 182 Brush

So, what`s in your makeup bag?

Face of the Day: Minimalistic

Tamara — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:26:31 +0000

Despite my undying love for intense makeup, lately I’ve been on a much more simple routine. Keeping it simple and soft for those days when I want to look put together, but not too polished? Does that even make sense to anyone not fascinated with makeup?

This is what I’ve been using this a lot lately for those low-key days. It’s a bit strange though, since it’s not my usual take. I do love how quickly I can put it together though.

What are your favourite products for this type of look?

Minimalistic

Skin

Marcelle BB Cream / Dark
MAC Matchmaster Foundation / 6.0
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder / Translucent
MAC Studio Mist Blush / Peach Spritz
La Femme Blush on Rouge / Coral Spice

Brows

MAC Eye Shadow / Dark Edge
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara / Clear

Eyes

MAC Paint / Bamboom
Urban Decay Eye Shadow / Toasted (lid), Naked (crease)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil / Whiskey
Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara / Excessive Black

Lips

Alchemy Lifestyle Lip Butter / Peppi Mint
Clinque Chubby Stick / Chunky Cherry

Some some subtle colour for a very soft look..

I always think I look a bit odd in 'fresh' makeup, but there you go..

Ricky & Nicki for MAC Viva Glam

Tamara — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:37:27 +0000

Ricky & Nicki are the new faces of Viva Glam

For those who keep up on the faces of Viva Glam know that there was a new collaboration on deck for 2012. I actually really like the new spin on this iconic aspect of MAC; this year features the traditional lipstick with the addition of a clear lip conditioner.

When I first caught wind of the lip conditioner aspect, I got really excited thinking that they had brought back the black bullet version of the lip conditioner. It was disappointing to discover that it’s the tube version; which to be fair, isn’t all bad. It’s my personal favourite of the current lip conditioner line up.

The fearless Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj introduce Nicki’s lipstick in a scene-stealing pink and Ricky’s colourless lip conditioner in a tube that goes from day to dance floor! With every cent of the selling price supporting the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, it doesn’t get any hotter. They’ve teamed up to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among young people around the globe. Nicki and Ricky dare you to be bold. Be beautiful. Be safe.

Viva Glam 2012: Lipstick & Lip Conditioner

Available: February 2012 (North America) / March 2012 (International)

Water Challenge: Update

Tamara — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:37:28 +0000

Take more than a few sips each time you reach..

This week was definitely a bit of a struggle with my water goals. Interestingly enough, I noticed a difference in how I felt overall. Was more sluggish this week and I didn’t sleep as well and it’s certainly incentive to get back on the wagon for next week.

Week Two

Monday: 3 bottles
Tuesday: 1 bottles
Wednesday: 2 bottles
Thursday: 3 bottles
Friday: 2 bottles
Saturday: 4 bottles
Sunday: 3 bottles

Tip of the Week
It seems obvious, but taking a set amount of sips before you recap your bottle makes a massive dent in what’s left; 10 seems to work well for me.

Quick Look: Where There’s Smoke

Tamara — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:38:54 +0000

Dark isn’t something I tend to pair with glitter, but I was in the mood for something different. I really enjoy how this came out, though admittedly I’m horrible at capturing the nuances of glitter in photos. If the image is clear, then the glitter is subdued and when the glitter shows, the image is blurred. That said, I’m still pleased with the fiery result. Will definitely be working with these colour again.

An interesting colour & texture combination..

Brows

Anastasia Brunette Brow Powder Duo / Dark
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara / Clear

Eyes

MAC Paint / Flammable
LA Splash Eyeshadow Sealer/Base
Sugarpill Eye Shadow / Love+ (lid), Flamepoint (crease)
MAC Eye Shadow / Saffron (crease)
Urban Decay Eye Shadow / Creep (outer corner, crease, outer lower lash line)
MAC Glitter / Reflects Rust (inner corner), Reflects Blackened Red (mid lid)
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Loose Color Concentrate / Authentic (lower lash line)
Lancome Art Liner / Noir (upper lash line)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil / Zero (waterline)
MAC Lash / 36

How often do you use glitter in your makeup?

Water Challenge: Update

Tamara — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:49:52 +0000

1.5L bottles work the best for me..

I find myself surprised with how easy it’s been to keep up with my water this week. I definitely thought I’d be struggling a lot more, but the water is satisfying my thirst.

Week One

Monday: 3 bottles
Tuesday: 3 bottles
Wednesday: 4 bottles
Thursday: 3 bottles
Friday: 3 bottles
Saturday: 4 bottles
Sunday: 3 bottles

Tip of the Week
I’ve found it a lot easier to carry a larger bottle around with me. That way I don’t have to worry about carrying multiples or having to refill, if I’m out of the house. A 1.5L bottle has been working like a charm.

Current Combo: Easy Neutral Eyes

Tamara — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:14 +0000

I’ve been experimenting with these eye shadows for months, and this combo has taken over as my go-to eye look. It’s easy enough to be done in a few minutes, while the contrast can be adjusted for a softer day look, or ramped up for something more intense. While I normally go for warmer neutral shades, I really love the contrast of these cooler tones. Putty is great to brighten up the lid without being too stark, it actually reminds me of a lighter version of Omega by MAC. Espresso is perfect to pair with cool or warm shadows, whether it’s to define the outer corner or lash lines. I also like to use it for a darker brow as well.

Current Combo: Easy Neutral Eyes

Joe Fresh Eye Shadow in Espresso
Joe Fresh Eye Shadow in Putty

Do you prefer you neutrals to lean warm or cool?

Haul: Some New, Tried & True

Tamara — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:17:52 +0000

Having to pick up a few basics from the store, I ended up with a few more goodies. I’ve read people raving about a few, so I decided to test the waters myself to see if I can’t find some more drugstore gems.

A few favourites and some new products to try..

Can I also just say that I’m in love with the packaging for the Revlon lip butters? I thought the black packaging on the Colorburst lipsticks and glosses was very chic, but these soft colours are gorgeous!

Have you used any of these products? If so, how did you like them? If not, are there any you’d like to try?

A Challenge: 28 Days Of Water

Tamara — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:15:35 +0000

I want to have my first post of 2012 start off on the right foot, so I decided that I would let you know about my first challenge of the year; 28 days of water.

Are you getting enough water?

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, the reasons are numerous and we’ve heard most of them before. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself drinking anything but water or nothing at all. Strangely enough, I actually like water but I too often find myself reaching for something else like juice or pop.

This challenge is a way to make a positive change this year, as well as a way to keep myself accountable. This first time around, it’s not about cutting out every other type of beverage – but rather making water the priority. Once I can make water a regular part of my routine, I definitely want to try the more strict ‘only water’ version.

Drink 3-4 bottles (500mL) for the next 30 days..
Check in weekly with results from the past week..
Share weekly water tips..
Consume at least half of the water for the day before drinking anything else..
No (soda) pop during the week..

Did you know?
Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. (mayoclinic.com)

Have you ever tried a water challenge before? If yes, how was it? Did you see any improvements? If no, why not join me?

12 Days of Christmas: $100 Veet Giveaway [Day 3]

Tamara — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:34:16 +0000

Beauty Thesis has partnered up with Veet you offer our Canadian readers the chance to win a Veet gift basket valued at $100! Veet has put together a great mix of products to help keep your skin smooth and hair free over the holidays.

I know the only fuzzy thing I want for Christmas is a new bathrobe. ;]

Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strips for Face
Veet’s small wax strips are great for targeting those hard-to-reach areas of your face. Just smooth a strip onto your skin, remove with one swift movement and sweep over a Perfect Finish Wipe to remove any traces of wax residue. Our skin strips are designed for hair as short as 2mm, so you never have to wait for your hair to get “long enough” to wax. Just wax and go!

Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strips for Face & Bikini
Veet® Ready-to-Use Wax Strips for Face and Bikini are designed to reach the delicate, smaller areas, targeting those hard-to-reach areas of your face, as well as touch-ups around the body. Just smooth a strip onto your skin, remove with one swift movement and complete the process with a Perfect Finish Wipe to remove any traces of wax residue. You’ll come away with skin that’s silky smooth for up to 4 weeks. Our strips are designed for hair as short as 2mm, so you never have to wait for your hair to get “long enough” to wax. Just wax and go!

Veet EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips
Get beautiful, touchably smooth skin – in one easy move at home with the new Veet® New EasyGrip™ Ready-to-Use Wax Strips for Legs and Body. Each strip acts like a liquid during application and coats short hair on legs and underarms. The inspired ergonomic design means the strips are ideal for both seasoned waxers and first time ‘wax virgins’ looking to achieve satin-like, smooth skin—that lasts for up to four weeks.

Veet High Precision Facial Wax
Veet® High Precision Facial Wax with Aloe Vera for moisturization is designed for women who don’t want just beauty but also perfection. The easy application of this professional quality wax will free you of facial hair. It is ideal for shaping eyebrows and removing the hair from the upper lip.

Veet Hydro’Restor Cream
What would you do to give your skin a smooth moisturized feeling that lasts? New Veet® Hair Removal Cream with Hydro’Restor™ works in as little as three minutes to deliver smoothness that lasts up to twice as long as shaving. Unlike razors that can sometimes cause drying and irritate the delicate surface of the skin, the new Veet Hydro’Restor™ formulation is designed to work close to the root of the hair and contains ingredients to help restore skin’s natural hydration levels.

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