Beauty Thesis

Discussion: Making Products Work, Or Not..?

Tamara — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:46:14 +0000

It's not that serious..

There was a lively discussion that occurred in on my Twitter time line a few days ago, talking about whether or not you should have to put in a lot of work to make a product suit you. It was sparked by the new Viva Glam lipstick that is being launched, with Nicki Minaj as the spokesperson.

I was a bit too lazy to write that night, so I made a video weighing in with my thoughts.

Enjoy!

Five Favourites: Bold Pink Lip Edition

Tamara — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:22:54 +0000

To kick off this year’s week of Valentine’s Day posts, I thought I’d revisit a popular post from last year; Five Favourites: Red Lip Edition.

There hasn’t been much of a change to my favourite reds, so I thought I would focus on another typical Valentine’s Day shade; pink. Today’s focus will be on the bold, bright versions of this popular colour.

Lip Gloss (opaque): MAC Dare To Wear Lipglass in Gimmie That!

This is a peculiar gloss in that the texture is quite dry. It’s not uncomfortable to wear, but I often layer a clear gloss on top for even more dimension.

Favourite Bold Pink Gloss (opaque)

Lip Gloss (sheer): Estée Lauder Pure Color Lip Gelée in Electric Pink

I was originally disappointed with how sheer this is, but it’s perfect for that subtle pop of glossy glory.

Favourite Bold Pink Gloss (sheer)

Lip Liner: MAC Lip Pencil in Embrace Me

Great for those into vibrant pink lips! The perfect blend of bold, bright, hot pink without being too neon. Works great to bump up a sheer gloss or to perfect a similar shade of lipstick.

Favourite Bold Pink Lip Liner

Lipstick: Cover Girl Lip Perfection in Spellbound

A drugstore gem that is not only insanely pigmented, but applies smoothly and wears quite well.

Favourite Bold Pink Lipstick

Liquid Lipstick: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Anime

True neon pink. Using less makes it more traditionally ‘wearable’, but deserves to be worn at full strength.

Favourite Bold Pink Liquid Lipstick

Honourable Mentions

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Show Orchid
MAC Mattene Lipstick in Immodest
MAC Plushglass in Pure Luxe
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia
Smashbox O-Gloss

Water Challenge: Update

Tamara — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:59:44 +0000

Consider the temperate of the water you're drinking..

Saw an improvement from last week, but the cravings for sugar came in full swing. My water intake was more consistent, but since I didn’t curb the sugar, I tried to keep the water intake up to keep things relatively balanced. Found that downing a bottle before I left for work gave me a great leg up on the rest of the day.

Week Three

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

Tip of the Week
Finishing a bottle (or the equivalent) in the morning before you start your day is a great way to get a head start. With only two more to go, or even the regular large size bottle it’s easier to meet or exceed your three bottle mark.

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?