Adventures In Makeup

June Favorites (2013)

2013-06-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Beauties!

Here are the things making my list for the month of June.

Kusmi makes some of the best tea I've ever tasted. BB Detox is supposed to help your skin glow with a shot of grapefruit. I don't know about all of that (I've been drinking it for months with no noticeable change to my skin due to the tea), but it is so good! It's refreshing and perfect either hot or cold. I have a cup a day. Love it.

When I started doing peels for The Skin Regime, I realized how 'thin' my skin could get. During a mishap that we shall not talk about (the burn man... the BURN), I did some damage to one side of my face. One of my friends gifted me with this expensive little miracle, and it made SUCH a difference. I was able to repair the damaged portion of my face within 3-5 days, with no residual scarring. Barring any tragedy, I may never have to use it again (I'm much more careful now). Here's hoping.

This stuff is a lifesaver! Since starting The Skin Regime, I've learned a lot about why you should NOT pick (especially with those peels). I've had much fewer breakouts (like one pimple... maybe two a month), and I've been using this stuff to take care of them. I scar with benzoyl peroxide, and this has tea tree oil in it (which I use anyway), and yarrow oil to deal with discolorations. Plus, I can dab a little on, let it dry, and put foundation over it, and you'd never know it was there. It creates a barrier between the offending pimple and makeup, and works all day without me looking like a dork wearing zit cream.

Whew... THIS STUFF IS AMAZING. If you're looking for full coverage that does not move, this foundation has me sold six ways from Sunday. It's insanely effective. When I did Alakazia's show, I wore this with the Hourglass Primer, and sported a perfectly flawless foundation for 9-12 hours. No joke. I can't say enough about this foundation. And even with the full coverage and amazing setting power, you don't look like a flat canvas. The finish of this foundation is 'radiant' -- even for us oily girls. And if a little oil manages to seep through... no worries. It just adds to the overall glow on your face. I can see this being a problem for drier skins, so a healthy dose of moisturizer is recommended for you beauties. But oily girls will love this. It's freakin' amazing.

And if you really want to take that natural (not shiny) radiance to the next level, dust a bit of the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder over it. It has absolutely no shimmer, but still works to make the face look as bright and alive as possible. It comes in four shades (plus a highlighting powder). The shade in 01 matches my skin perfectly, so this powder would work better as a matte bronzer for fair skinned beauties.

Chanel Blush in In Love is not new... but it remains one of my favorite peachy blushes of all time. I've been using it so much lately, that I wonder what caused me to set it aside in the first place. It's a perfect compliment to a 'fresh' makeup... it livens up any look without making me look too 'done.' I'm so glad this wasn't a limited edition color. I feel like this is one of the best blush colors that Chanel makes, to suit a wide range of skin tones.

Keeping with Chanel... I feel like they have finally mastered mascara. Volume de Chanel is the best mascara they've ever made. Period. It's amazing. I'm on my second tube (and I rarely repeat buy mascara) and I'm more in love with it than ever. I hope they keep this around forever (and maybe even do away with some of their earlier attempts). It's that good.

This has easily become my favorite Burberry lipstick of late. Golden Peach is so flattering... I can put it on without a mirror and go on about my life. It's completely effortless. It's been getting tons of play lately, especially since my schedule has picked up and I can no longer dedicate a significant amount of time to doing my face on a regular basis. I can put this on as a final touch, and run out the door looking like I spent more time than a little bit getting it right.

That's it! Those are my favorites for June. Ciao for now!

Giveaway: Full Sized Rodial/Radical Skincare/Kate Somerville + Sampler Goodie Bag!

2013-06-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

I have more Rodial goodies to give away, along with some Kate Somerville and Radial Skincare. I also have a ton of samples from fabulous brands like NARS, Shu Uemura, Sisley and Becca!

I'm going to take all of the samples and put them into this bag...

So...
You guys know the drill. You have to be a public follower to qualify. If I can't see you, I can't enter you. You can gain additional entries by following Adventures In Makeup on Facebook, Habibi Bath & Body on Facebook, @shahadakarim on Twitter and @habibibody on Twitter. If you want even more entries, link this giveaway to your blog (and put up a few words in a blog post).

*It helps tremendously if you put your email address in the comments section. Makes it easier to notify you if you win!

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JULY 15TH.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Laura Mercier Custom Artist Portfolio (For Home & Away)

2013-06-14T13:09:00.001-07:00

This practical offering from Laura Mercier will make consumers and pros alike swoon. The new Custom Artist Portfolio is worth the hype. I took a closer look at it recently, and it is a beauty/makeup multi-tasker's dream.

Small Portfolio: $68

Large Portfolio: $98

The portfolio comes in two sizes: Small ($68) and Large ($98). The smaller size holds travel sized brushes, and has zippered mesh bags on either side to hold whatever you need. It also comes with a small refillable pro-palette.

The large will hold long handle brushes, and has four mesh pouches. It comes with both a small refillable palette and a large one. I personally think that the larger case is a better value. For $30 more you get twice the packing space, and a large palette. Totally worth it in my opinion.

The case isn't completely hard... but it's not totally soft either. It's made of a textured plastic with fabric trim (to accommodate the double zipper). It's slim enough to fit nicely in a suitcase, and big enough to hold both makeup and travel sized cosmetics.

For the money, this is highly practical. It's durable, easy to clean, and easy to pack. The palettes that it comes with are empty... they can be filled with Laura Mercier Pro Pans, and they're totally interchageable. So you can pack shadows, liners and I believe even blush colors to suit your needs.

You can find out more about Laura Mercier Custom Artist Portfolios HERE.

Professional Grade: Set Etiquette

2013-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for the right words to lay out my feelings about set etiquette (and general professionalism), so I looked to the experts for a little help:

Greene Street Beauty pretty much covers a bunch of things that SHOULD be common sense... but unfortunately are not.

So, this week, when I Keyed Alakazia's show, I came across quite a few "dont's" -- and wanted to add to that list.

Regarding commitment and time, please be truthful about your availability. I will not be offended if you can't / don't want to participate. I will not be offended if you want to be paid more than (or paid at all) the budget allows. I am very clear about these kinds of terms going into a project, and I respect your decision to not participate if you find the terms unacceptable. But if you say that you are going to be there, PLEASE be there. It's frustrating to set aside a place/slot for you (and reject others who have contacted me to participate) and you simply not show up or answer your phone/email/text. It's also pretty freakin' rude.

When I'm keying an event, I give EVERYONE my phone number. I do this because if anything happens for any reason and you need to find me... you can find me. I lay my phone on the makeup table, in full view so that if it goes off, I can be there for you. I prefer that you text me so that I can see what the issue is (without long explanations on the phone that I may not have time to stand still and listen to), and respond accordingly. If you don't contact me, I assume that everything is fine and that you will be there.

I don't do divas. I don't. There is no time, and no room for drama, attitudes, personal issues, and your long list of ... ((((whatever)))) ... that you think somehow qualifies you for special treatment. It's not okay to force these things on other team members who are working very hard toward a common goal. Leave it at home. We don't want it.

Okay, I got that out of my system. Now to the positives.

To the people who showed up: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Your professionalism is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. You have no idea how much more enjoyable you made what could have been a very stressful situation.

Nicole: You are amazing. We've worked together before, and I'm always reminded of how much I enjoy working with you. Thank you for coming in, rolling up your sleeves, and getting it done.

Mimi: First time working with you, and I am so happy to have met you! You're bright and bubbly and just a breath of fresh air. And you did the HECK out of the hair! Love everything about you. I hope to work with you again.

COURTNEY: My last minute fill in... I want to work with you for ever and ever, AMEN! You are amazing. Thank you for being so sweet, and so helpful, and for making the models look like a million bucks.

I put this out there, because the truth is that I work in a town that is filled to the brim with hopeful souls. There are very few actual hits (flashes in the pan do not count), and BILLIONS OF MISSES. It kind of comes with the environment. Lots and lots of people want to be superstars. We are the land of the 'fabulous' - and some people have this notion that if you just hang around the right people then you'll get 'discovered' and everything will be taken care of -- and that's simply not the case.

Some of the most amazing, and most famous artists that I've had the privilege of meeting/working with have one thing in common: Humility. These people have worked with, and continue to work with the most famous and most powerful (not just in entertainment) people you can think of (shout out a name... any name...), and continue to greet everyone with a smile and come prepared to do the work. If I've learned nothing else from them, I've learned no matter where you are, what you look like, or what you're doing, your general attitude makes the most lasting impression.

You have to do the work. There are so many extremely talented people in Los Angeles (or anywhere) who may never be famous, but that doesn't diminish their value one iota. Don't work for fame and celebrity... you'll never get anywhere (and if you do... most importantly... you likely won't stay there). Don't breeze onto a set and regale us with tales of a singer/actor/famous person whose face/hair you touched, and think that it somehow makes you better than any other team-member who is moving toward a common goal with purpose. We are in this together. So please, do the work, and there's a very good chance it'll all work out.

Rant over. Hopefully, I have not offended... because I truly mean this in love.

Peace.

FOTD: The Beauty Director

2013-06-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Alakazia show meant plenty of cameras, and video, so I was informed that I should probably not show up to set looking a mess. Alakazia wanted a general '40's vibe for the makeup, with fresh skin and a statement lip. So I did something similar on myself.

FACE

Diorskin Airflash Foundation (500)

By Terry Touche Veloutee (Cream)

Tom Ford Shade + Illuminate (Intensity 1)

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder (01)

Rock & Republic Blush in Call Me

EYES

MAC Pigment in Naked Dark (lids)

MAC Eyeshadow in Brun (crease/under waterline)

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Guerlain Retractable Pencil in Gold

Volume de Chanel Mascara

LIPS

Beaute Liqui-Gel Stain in Fever

MAC Lipstick in RiRi Woo

This makeup had to (and did) last all day. I was on my feet (with no time to touch up) for about 9 hours. I did manage to refresh my lips a bit halfway through, but that was it. We pretty much went non stop.

One of the models:

There are show images coming... so many people showed up. I will (in a separate post) go through the fabulous highs (and reality-based lows) of the experience. I learned a lot about management, professionalism... and general courtesy.

I was mic'd the entire time (the show was part of a reality show) so I had no choice but to be on my best behavior. :-)

More to come... ciao for now!

Professional Grade: Alakazia Fashion + Art Happening

2013-06-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

In about 24 hours, designer extraordinaire Alakazia is taking over a fabulous space in Downtown LA. First there was a text, then a phone call... then plans to bring it all together. And would I please handle the beauty aspect ...?... and then there was something about me deciding that the event would not be complete without HABIBI for the party...

Yeah.

So, I am Beauty Director of this fantastic show (I predict it will be fantastic, and that is that). That means directing models, makeup artists, hair stylists... and designing the 'look' that that models will sport during the show.

Rehearsal was Saturday:

The models are fabulous. They put up with Alakazia directing, and me yelling out cues on when and where to walk... and to some degree 'how' to walk (this ain't my first time at the rodeo folks). They nodded, smiled, and shimmied down that runway like pros. I was really happy by the end of the day.

We have one more rehearsal... and then showtime!

Beauty-wise, the look is pretty clear. I know what he wants, and I've taken his needs and interpreted them in terms of makeup and hair.

*cracks knuckles*

I can do this.

Somewhere along the way I found 10 minutes to slap on some makeup. Now, if I look tired, it's because I am.

I've misplaced at least a dozen hours of sleep, and I'm trying to figure out where they went.

No matter. The show must go on!

EOTD: Silver Smoke

2013-06-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

I went back to the Chantecaille Save the Sharks Palette for this look:

EYES

Anastasia Brow Gel in Granite

Grey Reef: Water color on lid

Great White: Fin color on inner corners

Black Tip: Fin color on outer lid and under outer waterline

Urban Decay 24/7 Gel Liner in Zero on waterline

Volume de Chanel Mascara

*this post contains affiliate links.

FOTD: Coral Flush

2013-06-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Quick look today. I had to get out the door quickly and just wanted to look 'fresh'...

FACE

Burberry Sheer Foundation in Trench #10

Burberry Concealer in Sand Beige

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder (01)

Chanel Blush in Malice

EYES

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Peace (lids blended up past crease)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Devotion (layered over Peace)

Clinique High Impact Mascara

LIPS

Lipstick Queen Lipstick in Saint Coral

Professional Grade: Greene Street Beauty

2013-06-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know why it took me so long to find these women. One day I was poking around the internet looking for a review on Koyudo brushes, and BAM! There they were.

In a Youtube world full of 'gurus' who one day decided to pick up a makeup brush and declare themselves professionals, Kim Greene and Melissa Street are a gentle but firm reminder that 'pro' is a title that you might want to try to earn before you fire up your laptop webcam and start doling out advice on the internet. With decades of experience between them, Greene and Street share real-world and practical tips that are so straightforward and so simple... you'll wonder why you insisted on putting on makeup the hard way all this time.

I'm very familiar with Kim Greene. She makes a line of 'set bags' that are a regular feature in most MUA's kits. Just about everyone I know locally uses them, and they're sold at my local beauty supply store. I met Greene at The Makeup Show several years ago, and found her upbeat and engaging and really willing to share everything she knows about the business. And those bags of hers actually work. I have three of them that see plenty of action on a regular basis.

This was the first time I'd heard of Melissa Street, but I'm finding that she's got a wealth of knowledge (including some 'new school' tricks that may cause some pros to step out of their comfort zone) as well.

While applying makeup isn't necessarily complicated (okay, for some folks it is), there are time-tested tips and tricks that work on real people (not just 12 year old genetically gifted models) which pros use every day. It's easy to dust a little color and highlight on an amazing set of cheekbones or slide gloss across the perfect pair of lips. It's quite something else to understand 'corrective' makeup, and how to bring out the very best features on 'anyone.'

And just in case you ever find yourself doubting their pedigree... Kim Greene takes you through 'packing a set trailer' that will leave you looking at your kit like it was packed by a 13 year old on her first makeup adventure.

Greene Street Beauty is worth a look... and in my opinion, worth a subscription.

Get into it. You'll be glad you did.

FOTD: Matte Smoke

2013-06-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

I was feeling a little 'vintage' about the eyes, and wanted to do a smoky eye that involved absolutely no shimmer. I wanted a daytime look, so I swapped black shadow for matte brown to get the job done.

FACE

Diorskin Airflash Foundation (500)

Laura Mercier Baked Radiance Powder (01)

EYES

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Determination (lids/under waterline)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Ambition (blended through crease)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Strength (lashline/under waterline)

Urban Decay 24/7 Gel Liner in Perversion (waterline)

Volume de Chanel Mascara

LIPS

Burberry Lip Mist in Brown Sugar

Lip Service: Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge (#17)

2013-06-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Summer makeup means lots of bright, bold colors... and the folks at Make Up For Ever are going all out with a new waterproof makeup collection.

I instantly fell for the Aqua Rouge lip color in #17. The bright orange looks fantastic on my warm skin tone... and the formula is perfect for summer (or any time of year, really) because once you put these babies on they do NOT move.

You guys know I'm a sucker for a fabulous orange lippie! I love this stuff. You have to use it so sparingly... a little goes a very long way.

base color without topcoat

base color with topcoat

Okay, so I could have hit the middle of my lip a little better, and smoothed out those outer lines. SMH. I'll do better in an FOTD. You guys get the gist...

You can find out more about Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge HERE.

Flawless Finish: Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation

2013-06-04T08:44:00.001-07:00

One of the makeup items featured at the Nordstrom Trend Event was the Diorskin Airflash Foundation. The selling point for the event is that you can go beyond your face, to wear the foundation on any part of your body that needs a little extra 'attention.' Prior to the announcement, I never gave the foundation a second thought. It's pricey ($60+) and for the amount of product you get (and depending on what you use per spray), you're likely to go through a canister rather quickly, especially if you're going beyond your face.

Then I hit the internet to see who was doing what with the foundation. I didn't find much in the way of body makeup... but I found a ton of videos/reviews with folks who found all manner of ways to use this foundation (including some folks who sprayed like half the can in a single setting) on their faces. On the brush, on the fingers first, and directly on the face. The versatility (and wide range of techniques) made me want to try some things out myself.

I'm the color 500 (Dark Beige). For comparison, I'm MAC NC-43/44 with yellow undertones. This foundation accounts for my undertones, so I don't look 'muddy' when I put it on. Now... I was a little freaked out at first because it sprays lighter than the actual color it ends up being. But the color adjusts nicely a few minutes after it sets.

The 'setting' part is key... this foundation sets in about 10 seconds. So you have to have it blended out (I do recommend that you blend it. I saw a few videos on the internet where folks did a 'spray and go' and ended up looking really 'masky') before it sets. You can use a very dense fluffy foundation brush (or one of those horrid duo-fibres) to get the job done.

For purposes of this post, I blended out with my fingers:

A word about the coverage. It's full. It's serious. And if you use too much, you end up looking like you're wearing a foundation mask. It's not completely weightless... I did feel this foundation on my skin. Once it sets, it doesn't move... even on my oily skin. I was paranoid throughout the day and pulled out my mirror to blot -- only to discover that I didn't need to. Used properly (and sparingly), this foundation looks amazing, especially in pictures. I'd definitely recommend it for brides, editorials, and headshots. It loves the camera.

I wore it in an FOTD (and used my Cover FX fluffy foundation brush to set it):

FACE

Diorskin Airflash Foundation (500)

NARS Multiple in G-Spot

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder (Bronze-01)

EYES

Chantecaille Save The Sharks Palette:

Great White Water shadow on lids and under waterline

Great White Fin shadow on inner corners

Guerlain Retractable Pencil in Gold on waterline

Burberry Effortless Mascara

LIPS

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Suspense

Blushed: Armani Fluid Sheers (5, 8, 9, 12)

2013-06-03T11:36:00.002-07:00

Spring/Summer Makeup Season saw the release of 6 new Fluid Sheers from Giorgio Armani Beauty. I reviewed two of them (4 - Golden Yellow and 6 - Coral) in a previous post:

http://shahadakarim.blogspot.com/2013/04/glow-on-armani-fluid-sheers-new-colors.html

Here are the other four.

#5 is a sheer golden peach. I've been using it as a 'base' to tint my skin before putting on foundation. It warms up my overall color and gives me a peachy 'glow' without looking too obvious. This color, and #4 are the only one of the new fluid sheers that I recommend using that way. The rest are better suited to adding as highlight, cheek, or eye color.

#8 is an icy lavender pink. It's very cool, and looks amazing on fair skinned beauties. But warmer tones can sheer it out for a bit of highlight. I found that it also mixes very well with liquid/cream blush formulations, to cool down colors or give a flat color a shimmery boost.

#9 is a stunning warm strawberry pink color, that creates the most gorgeous flush on a wide range of skin tones. It is absolutely beautiful. I'm experimenting with wearing it on my lips as well. This color just screams summertime. I love it.

#12 is a warm bronze-plum color that works extremely well on warmer skin tones. It's highly pigmented like #9 and can be used on eyes, cheeks and maybe even lips. This is the most pigmented fluid sheer of the bunch, and likely the most versatile on the widest range of skin tones.

All of the fluid sheers are on the thin side, and I find that they work best when used with fingers. If you use a brush... quick strokes are key before the formula sets. I found they were beautifully on bare skin, or over thin layers of foundation.

You can find out more about Armani Fluid Sheers HERE.

*this post contains affiliate links.

Lip Service: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine (Suspense)

2013-06-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Chanel Avante Premiere collection is divine. I got a chance to look at, swatch, and try on all of the lipsticks (both the Rouge Coco Shine and the Rouge Coco), and I have to say they are wonderful. The colors are very vibrant... some even a little dark for the summer season (but will translate beautifully for Autumn). I finally settled on the Rouge Coco Shine in Suspense... and received it as a gift from a lovely friend who insisted on buying me something pretty.

The formula is highly pigmented and highly moisturizing. I feel like these keep getting better as Chanel releases new colors. Suspense has a subtle blue shimmer to it, but it only enhances the overall effect. The color also stains a bit, so you can layer it for more intensity.

I am over the moon with this color. It's so juicy and summery! You can find out more about Chanel Avante Premiere Collection HERE.

FOTD: Haughty Metallic

2013-06-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

This time I used two of the metallic shades from the new Haughty Cosmetics eyeshadow collection. I used Courage (orange metallic) and Bravery (olive metallic).

FACE

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (8.5)

Armani Maestro Eraser (5)

Ben Nye Banana Powder

MAC Ripe for Love Blush

EYES

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Bravery (outer lid/crease/under waterline)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Courage (inner lid)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Strength (outer lashline)

Armani Eyes To Kill Stretch Mascara

LIPS

Burberry Lip Mist in Copper

Rodial Giveaway: The Winner Is...

2013-06-01T10:06:00.001-07:00

...TurquoizBlue!!!

Congratulations! You won a full sized Rodial Snake Serum, plus a whole bag of samples! I sent you a message via Twitter. Please respond withing 48 hours with your mailing address. Congratulations Again!

Blushed: MAC Ripe For Love

2013-05-30T14:33:00.001-07:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this blush at first. MAC's Ripe For Love photographs a peach color in the pot, but definitely pulls pink on my warm skin tone. I was surprised (and annoyed) at the color change at first... but then I thought: When was the last time I had a pinky-peach blush? Most of my 'peach' blushes tend to lean orange (which looks great on me). So this was a refreshing change.

With Flash

Without Flash

See? Pink. But still... it's gorgeous. Now, it's a satin finish, so it gives off that sheen that can be good or bad, depending on your desired finish. Because of the 'pink' nature of this peach blush, it'll suit a wide range of skin tones.

Ripe For Love is part of the MAC Temperature Rising Collection. You can find out more about about it HERE.

FOTD: Haughty Neutral

2013-05-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

I pulled two of the most neutral shades from the new Haughty Eyeshadow Collection, Confidence (matte) and Beauty (shimmer)

I layered them with Strength (black matte) for a simple look.

FACE

Kanebo Sensai Foundation (204.5)

Koh Gen Do Face Powder

Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey

EYES

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Confidence (lashline to brow)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Beauty (lids)

Haughty Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Strength (lashline)

Chanel Eye Pencil in Taupe (waterline)

Volume de Chanel Mascara

LIPS

Chantecaille Lipstick in China Rose

Now, after eight hours of wear, there was no creasing... but there was some fading. I wore these shadows with no primer. So it's possible that primer will help them stay put longer.

8 hours later:

Eye Adore: Haughty Cosmetics!

2013-05-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

Talk about the little company that could...

Haughty Cosmetics... the brand that brought you the weightless opaque lip gloss... has done it again. The company with the enormous heart (50% of all sales go to help prevent domestic violence), has released 12 new eyeshadows (6 matte... 6 shimmer) that challenge the quality of even the most established makeup brands!

Eyeshadow Quad

Eyeshadow Single

There are pre-made eyeshadow quads and singles, and refillable versions as well. Haughty offers the MAC equivalent of 'pro pans' of shadow, to mix and match as you please.

The Mattes:

Peace Grace Determination

Ambition Confidence Strength

Peace Ambition Grace Confidence Determination Strength

The Shimmers:

Awe Beauty Passion

Devotion Courage Bravery

Awe Beauty Passion Devotion Courage Bravery

Every single shadow is rich and creamy and pigmented. They blow some mid-end to luxury grade eyeshadows out of the water. Really. And with the addition of shopping for a good cause, you really can't go wrong.

You can find out more about Haughty Cosmetics Pressed Satin Luxury Eyeshadows HERE.

A Little Ad for HABIBI...

2013-05-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

You guys remember the photo shoot that I did with Bryan Frank and the model with the last minute confirmation?

Well, I got the ad back (that she graciously posed for) for Habibi Bath & Body:

Cute!

Lip Service: Lip Fusion Balm in Buff

2013-05-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

When I first looked at these, I thought they were like the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments. I thought that the color I chose, Buff, was a lot like the Sugar Lip Treatment in Nude Honey (which I don't like. Pulls ashy on me). But it's a lot warmer. And it's actually a 'buff' color on my warm skin tone (not an ashy pink)! Any warm toned beauty looking for a 'nude' color likely understands my excitement. A lot of times, 'nude' means ashy beige or pink... not a good look.

Initially, when I put this balm on... it pulled at my lips. It did not emulsify right away (as you'd expect a balm to do). But I found that after the first application, it was fine. Must be something with it being new or whatever. This lovely formula contains SPF (betcha didn't think that your lips needed that), and wears very naturally... with enough color to go semi-opaque. I really like that it's not sheer (I have plenty of balms like that).

This is one pass with the balm. You can layer it a little bit to make it more opaque. I wore it in a recent FOTD, and only had to reapply once in an 8 hour day. That's something.

I got this lovely little balm from my local beauty supply. You can find out more about Lip Fusion Lip Balm HERE.

FOTD: Buff

2013-05-24T08:31:00.001-07:00

I couldn't wait to use the new Becca Mineral Blush, so I got right to the business of doing an FOTD:

FACE

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation (#301)

Koh Gen Do Face Powder

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger

Becca Blush in Wile Honey

EYES

Anastasia Brow Gel in Granite

Burberry Eyehsadow in Gold Trench

Burberry Effortless Mascara

LIPS

Lip Fusion Balm in Buff

Blushed: Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey

2013-05-23T08:52:00.001-07:00

This is the most 'natural-looking' blush I've come across in a while. It's nearly a bronzer on me, but not quite. It adds an overall 'glow' to my skin. The first time I wore it, I got so many compliments... people kept saying that I was glowing! :-) I'll take it!

See? Really natural. It does wonders for my warm skin tone... although it'll suit a wide range of skin tones as well. I highly recommend it for anyone who's about my color and looking to glow without being obvious, or any fairer skinned beauties looking for a lovely 'natural' flush.

You can find out more about Becca Blush in Wild Honey HERE.

FOTD: RiRi Woo

2013-05-22T19:40:00.001-07:00

I wanted to keep the face simple for my first practical application with this lipstick. This matte formula is so gorgeous...

FACE

Kanebo Sensai Foundation (204.5)

Tom Ford Shade + Illuminate (Intensity 1)

By Terry Hyaluronic Powder

EYES

Volume de Chanel Mascara

LIPS

MAC RiRi Woo

Product Review: Eve Lom Dynaspot

2013-05-22T10:08:00.001-07:00

This is spot on.

I am a huge fan of Eve Lom's Rescue Mask, but I've not really tried any of her other products. Any samples that I get tend to go to my Baby Sister (she loves Eve Lom). So I was intrigued when the product called Dynaspot landed in front of me.

This rather small tube is full of a clay-like concentration of salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and yarrow root oil (which is supposed to help with discoloration). It promises to dry out pimples, and address any resulting hyper-pigmentation. Since I have issues with both... I'm hoping that it delivers on its promise.

I put it to use right away...

That is so gross. I'm sorry ya'll. Ignore that picture if it's too much for you. But you know... full disclosure and all that. I just started using it last night... and this morning all the inflammation was gone. I put on a little more today... and masked it with my "homemade concealer"... and it worked like a dream. So far, so good.

You can find out more about Eve Lom Dynaspot HERE.

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