Adventures In Makeup

Flawless Finish: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate (Intensity 1)

2013-05-17T21:59:00.002-07:00

This review is a long time coming. I had 'sample pots' of these two cream products that lasted for nearly a year. Now that they're all used up, I decided to pony up for the actual retail product.

I chose Intensity 1 because it works best with my yellow undertones. Intensity 2 is darker, with a lot more red in it. The whole point of contour is to 'trick' the eye into thinking a shadow is there. That doesn't work if you're sporting reddish brown streaks under each cheekbone.

As you can see, the formula imitates the look and feel of 'skin.' Both the 'shade' and 'illuminate' is subtle. I'm particularly fond of the fact that the illuminator isn't shimmery or glittery. And it's not greasy. The formula adheres to the skin and stays put. Extremely oily skins will need powder to set, but a little of this product goes a long way. There's no need to pile it on... so there's less of a chance of it sliding off.

This is pricey... at $75 it's definitely an investment. But if you think of it as actually getting 'two' products (imagine separate luxury contour and highlighter for about $40 a pop), then it makes a bit more sense.

Tom Ford Beauty is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

May Favorites (2013)

2013-05-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

This month, the list is 'stripped down' to the basics that I feel I must have -- to function in truly flawless fashion.

Salux Cleansing Cloth.
Okay, I know that this is a regular staple in China and Japan, but I'm just discovering it and I LOVE IT! My baby sister insisted that I must get this cloth, and she was so right. I can't live without it now. It exfoliates so beautifully, that it preps my skin to completely absorb the next treatment. I especially love using it before a Habibi Body Scrub. My skin is like SILK afterwards. Totally inexpensive, and totally worth it.

Asheida Face Sponge.
I absolutely love this sponge for removing makeup. I use it in two steps: first to take off the initial layer of makeup, and second to cleanse. I find it less messy than my Clarisonic (which I still use religiously every night before bed) and easier to clean when removing makeup. It's a fabulous little addition to my makeup removing routine.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
This is my new 'go to' for removing makeup... especially heavier foundations. The oil interacts with the oils in my skin (and the makeup) to cancel the latter out, and my makeup just slides off! I love it. Right now it's on sale - so now is one of the best times to try it out!

Sunday Riley Start Over.
I've been using this eye treatment religiously since discovering it last year. It is fantastic for targeting any puffiness or darkness around the eyes. Continued use has left my eyes brighter and 'puff free.' It's not the most moisturizing formula on the planet, so I think it's better suited to oilier skins like mine.

Hourglass Lip Treatment Oil.
I really didn't expect to rely on this formula the way I've come to. It's really wonderful. I love the idea of a 'serum' for the lips, and I love the way it perfectly preps my lips for lipstick application, without the 'slick' of a traditional lip balm. I'll definitely be keeping this one in heavy rotation.

Tom Ford Shade + Illuminate.
This rather pricey, but fantastic addition to my 'skin kit' is a must have if you can swing it. The double contour/highlight cream formula imitates 'skin' in a way that leaves the skin dewy, but not greasy or glittery. Perfect for both a 'no makeup' makeup... or a full on makeup. A complete review is coming.

MAC Riri Woo Lipstick.
Say what? I went from being skeptical about this lipstick to hopping on board as a full on fan. Wow, I love it. I really do. The matte formula is friendly enough to wear without any other real embellishment on the face, which is rare for this kind of finish. It will totally pull your face together with just a bit of mascara and a groomed brow. But it also works incredibly well as part of a full dramatic look. MAC did extremely well with this lipstick, and they deserve major kudos.

Diptyque Eau Moheli Perfume.
I think I may have found my 'summer staple' fragrance. Eau Moheli uses an insane amount of ylang ylang to set the base note for this unusual floral. This fragrance plays so well with others, it's amazing. I've been layering it like crazy with other scents (even traditionally masculine fragrances), to see what I can come up with. Right now, my absolute favorite combination is Eau Moheli, layered over Habibi Body Balm in Pink Grapefruit. Every time I wear it, someone asks me what I'm wearing. It's that amazing.

That's it! Those are my faves for the month of May. Ciao for now!

*this post contains affiliate links

Lashing Out: Lancome Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara

2013-05-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

No.

Lancome seems to have gone from the #1 selling most fabulous mascara ever (Definicils), to this not-even-remotely-close-to-drugstore-quality stuff that they're hocking these days. I don't even know what's going on. I'm a major fan of the Hypnose Drama mascara... so this waterproof version of Hypnose Star (which doesn't contain shimmer, by the way. It's just a latex finish) seemed like a perfect companion for hot weather makeup.

It's not.

The wand on this mascara is flat on one side and wide on the other. It reminds me a lot of the Armani Eyes To Kill Stretch wand. So I thought it would operate the same way. You apply the product with the flat side and use the wide side to comb it through. I tried it that way. Didn't work. Then I tried it the traditional way. Didn't work. So I just applied product using the flat side and hoped for the best. DIDN'T WORK.

Here's what my lashes looked like... no matter HOW I tried to apply this mascara:

Barely enhanced. Minimal lenghtening, absolutely no volume, and mediocre separation. I had the nerve to even get a few clumps. Unacceptable... particularly from a brand that used to crank out some of the most incredible mascara formulas on the market.

Bless Nordstrom for their generous return policy, because I would have been so mad if I was stuck with this mascara. Dear Lancome... do better. No... really.

Lip Service: CK One Beauty

2013-05-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've been taking my time working through some of the products in the CK One Beauty Collection. I would have to say that the most noteworthy items are the nail polishes, and the lipsticks. I really like the lipsticks in particular.

My favorites (so far) are the peachy-nude shimmer Lipstick in Brainiac, and the plummy-rose Lip Shine in Blow.

Brainiac:

Blow:

In the US, CK One Beauty is available at ULTA. Internationally, you can get it at Debenhams

Lip Service: Kanebo Sensai Intense Lasting Color (#102)

2013-05-14T04:52:00.001-07:00

I've been meaning to try this brand for the longest time... I just kept setting it aside and setting it aside...

I recently scored the Kanebo Sensai Lipstick in my favorite lip shade on earth... Orange. #102 looks reddish (maybe even coral) orange in the tube, but goes on a distinct juicy shade of orange.

Do not be fooled by the color in the tube. At first, I was a bit skeptical. But then I put it on...

In natural light:

Right. Love! You can find out more about Kanebo Sensai Lipsticks HERE.

*pr sample

Dry Skin Solution: Hourglass Serum No. 28

2013-05-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

I have several clients who have the driest skin on earth, and I've noticed that as I get... ahem... older, my skin tends to get a little flaky around the nose and mouth. Most of the time I can treat it before bed with a strong face oil. But under makeup during the day, it just looks awful.

Enter Hourglass Serum No. 28

I was digging around Space NK last month and started playing with the formula. It goes on like a serum that's too thick to actually penetrate, but eventually blends out to create a non-oily moisturizing veil that's perfect as a primer or foundation base. I've even mixed a bit in with foundation to give it a moisturizing boost on the days when I need it most.

Last week, Sherry (also of Space NK) introduced me to the 'Lip Treatment Oil' -- which is basically the same formula, with a little more grab for the lip area.

I use both of them well in advance of using any makeup (on myself or clients) to give it time to sink in. Since I'm pretty oily on the regular, this is a great step for me for nighttime makeup (which seems to dry the heck out of my skin).

The face serum comes in a standard pump. But the Lip Treatment Oil has the funkiest applicator... I use it by pumping out a small amount and wiping the tip with a lip brush...

Both of the serums look and behave the same. I've noticed that for the face serum, a little bit goes a very long way (I use about half a pump for an entire face). It takes one full pump of lip serum to really cover an area well. The key to both of these formulas is to wait it out, while they work. The face serum goes on 'wet' -- but blends out beautifully. And the lip oil goes on thick, but then sort of 'liquifies' and sinks into the lips.

The formula takes some getting used to, but once you figure it out it's really excellent. If you've got (or work on) dry skin, this stuff is worth looking into. You can find out more about Hourglass Serum No. 28 HERE.

*this post contains affiliate links

Flawless Finish: Burberry Sheer Compact Foundation

2013-05-13T02:02:00.002-07:00

Let me begin by saying that I am not a fan of powder foundations. I have oily skin, and I don't like to 'force' a matte look because my skin will fight it and crease up a powder foundation. I've never found one that successfully sat on my skin. So I was all set to try this product out as a pressed powder. I figured I'd just wear it over foundation and be done with it.

But it doesn't work that way.

I got this foundation in the same shade as my sheer liquid version, in Trench #10. But I found that if I layered it over a liquid foundation (even if I let the foundation set), it oxidized TERRIBLY and went about 2 shades darker. This happened even if I used a foundation that is too light for my skin, and used this powder to correct. It still went too dark, and almost red. This powder is truly meant to be worn alone. So I tried it out by itself, and it worked beautifully.

FACE

Burberry Sheer Compact Foundation (Trench #10)

EYES

Burberry Eye Palette in Dark Spice:

Gold all over lids

Darkest brown on lashline

Medium Brown blended on outer crease

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

Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara

LIPS

Burberry Lipstick in Rosewood

Lip Service: MAC RiRi Woo

2013-05-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so at first I was not understanding the massive deal about this lipstick. I mean... it's a Rihanna collaboration inspired by her favorite color... Ruby Woo, right? Since it's not at all my favorite red (pulls scarlet on me)... I was set to pass. And then I thought... what the heck. So I clicked 'buy' -- sat around in the MAC waiting room for a few minutes... and checked out.

It got here this week. And now, I take back everything I just said.

It's not like Ruby Woo. It's warmer and deeper, but with that same amazing matte finish. It doesn't pull pink on my warm skin tone at all. I was also worried about it going on too dry (a problem with some mattes), but it goes on very smooth... grabs the lips... and stays put.

Now with the flash, this color appears to finish 'satin' ... but it's definitely matte. So I took a few shots outside in natural light.

Since this was a designer collaboration, the demand for this lipstick was insane. It sold out pretty quickly. Not to worry... it's coming back in June. I feel that it's worth the wait. I really like this lipstick. I didn't expect to be impressed, but I am.

Professional Grade: Cover Story

2013-05-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Agenda Magazine is up...

I guess we got the cover! Whoo Hoo!!!!

Hair: Bianca McMillan

Lip Service: Spring Red (Shiseido Dragon)

2013-05-10T08:12:00.002-07:00

I blame Dick Page for this.

During the Nordstrom Trend Event, Dick Page came on the screen talking about wearing red for Spring. In particular, he was hocking the Shiseido Perfect Rouge ... I imagine in the color Dragon. I got caught up for a minute, came to my senses, and ended up getting caught up again within the next few days. I had to have it. So I got it.

I'm a big fan of Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipsticks anyway (Day Lily is my favorite of them all). They are highly moisturizing and wear just beautifully. Did I need this lipstick? Absolutely not. Did I want it? Yep.

It's a nice warm red... perfect for my warm skintone. Let this be a lesson... marketing is a mofo.

*this post contains affiliate links

Beauty Breakdown: Contoured Natural

2013-05-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

The first in a series of pictures have come back from the recent shoot I did with Nadirah Bahar and Edo. I wanted to keep some of the shots as 'natural' as possible (we were shooting in natural lighting with no additional 'help' from artificial light sources, but I still wanted to emphasize Edo's incredible bone structure with a little contour.

FACE

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Opal

Becca Sheer Luminous Color Foundation in Nut

Koh Gen Doh Aqua Foundation in WT-00

(to lighten foundation color and add a bit of coverage)

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in SK-13 (as contour)

MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl (highlight)

Sisley Phyto-Cernes Eclat Concealer in #3

EYES

MAC Eyeshadow in Brun (brows)

Armani Eyes To Kill Silk Eyeshadow in #19 (lids)

Naimies False Lashes (#747 Small)

LIPS

Chanel Lip Pencil in Nude

Lip Fusion Lip Gloss in Goddess

Lip Service: Lip Fusion Gloss in Goddess

2013-05-07T08:50:00.001-07:00

I can't seem to get enough of this formula. The Lip Fusion Gloss in Goddess was not my first choice, because honestly I thought it would go ashy on me. But when I put it on... it became part of my face... like, it nearly disappeared (but in a good way). Observe...

The color is opaque enough to even out my pigmented lips... but the color is like my lips on their very best day on Earth. I wore it with just mascara and a little tinted moisturizer and the result was polished and effortless. I love it.

You can find out more about Lip Fusion Gloss in Goddess HERE.

Eye Adore: Burberry Eye Palette in Dark Spice

2013-05-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is not new... but it's new to me. The Burberry palette in Dark Spice reached right out and said HELLO to me, the minute I saw it. And then Elina checked the stock... POOF! One more left (and as it turns out, not even that. That sucker was on hold for someone else and a new one had to be shipped to me). I considered it a stroke of luck, and a sign that I am meant to have it. Mmmm Hmmm.

Without Flash

Each of these colors simply SINGS on its own. Although this palette was released as part of a cooler weather collection... I intend to make full use of it for the Summer.

You can find out more about the Burberry Eye Palette in Dark Spice HERE.

Professional Grade: Channeling Tia Carrere

2013-05-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to shoot with a model who is a dead ringer for actress Tia Carerre.

This is Edo. She says people tell her all the time that she looks like Carrere. Edo is based in New York... but decided to take a trip to our sunny state and hang out with photographer Nadirah Bahar and I for quick photo shoot.

Checking test shots with Nadirah

Edo was incredibly easy to work with. I had such a ball enhancing her fantastic natural features with contour and highlight. Eventually, we even added a bit of color...

All in all it was a good shoot. These are shots from my little pocket camera... I know that Nadirah's shots are going to be loads better. When I get the final photos, I'll share them!

Brushing Up: Make Up For Ever Foundation Kabuki Brush

2013-05-02T18:55:00.001-07:00

This thing is genius.

Make Up For Ever released this domed version of the Kabuki Brush to best suit the new Wet/Dry Foundation. I found it by chance while browsing Nigel's Beauty Supply (I was on my way out and passed the display), and immediately fell in love.

This brush is so dense... and so soft... it's perfect for foundation application. It picks up a ton of product (so use a light touch) and blends it out to a traceless finish.

This stunning little beauty retails for $48. You can find it exclusively (in terms of chain stores) at Sephora.

Lip Service: Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color

2013-05-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

The new matte lip colors from Kevyn Aucoin are to die for...

I only have one complaint.

More colors please!

The cozy selection offers a color (or two) for every skin tone. But I was looking for a nude. And alas, there are no such colors for my warm skin tone (the nudes pull really pink on me). There is an amazing orange, that I (shockingly) passed on. Instead, I got the cool purple color, called Persistence:

The color goes on opaque and creamy, and sort of sets to a demi matte. The wear is noteworthy... you really have to scrub to get the color completely off. It 'stains' a bit under the finish, which I imagine is to allow you to eat, drink, and air kiss your way into oblivion... without having to reapply.

Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color is sold at Space NK.

*this post contains affiliate links

FOTD: Boys Don't Cry

2013-05-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

I dug into the other NARS + Pierre Hardy Blush. These things are SO pigmented... a little bit goes a very long way.

FACE

NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (Malaga)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Ginger)

NARS Blush in Boys Don't Cry

EYES

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero (waterline)

Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara

LIPS

Lip Fusion Gloss in Summer

Eye Adore: Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Supreme

2013-05-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

A random trip to Naimies yielded the most lovely surprise...

I got the one color that I thought was the most unique.. it's like a really smokey, silvery version of Chanel's Illusiore, with twice the staying power.

I tried to take this swatch off... and only the silvery part came off. I had to get makeup remover to wipe away the base color. These are really good. They also come in several other shades, including bronze, green and blue.

You can find out more about Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Supreme HERE.

Nailed It: Guerlain Nail Polish (La Petite Robe Noire)

2013-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Guerlain released its new line of nail polishes, and I'm happy to report that they do NOT disappoint. They are easy to apply, dry quickly and set beautifully with a clear coat. I was moving fast and had no time to really swatch and compare colors... but I wanted to stay on the 'neutral' side for my first choice. So I chose the polish in #463, La Petite Robe Noire.

The wide, flat brush reminds me a lot of the brush in the Dior polishes. There's a trick to using this brush. Because it's so wide (and a bit firm), you don't have to 'press' the polish near the cuticles before swiping, as you would a traditional brush.

I absolutely love this color. It makes my nails look 'polished' without too much color... but just enough of a 'flush' to be noticeable. You can find out more about Guerlain Nail Polishes HERE.

FOTD: Burberry Velvet & NARS Rotunde

2013-04-30T09:00:00.002-07:00

Remember when I said I was saving the Burberry Velvet Foundation for cooler weather? Well, the morning was so overcast and chilly... that I figure it's Mother Nature's way of telling me to use it right now! So I did.

FACE

Burberry Velvet Foundation in Trench #208

Burberry Concealer in Sandy Beige

By Terry Hyaluronic Powder

NARS Blush in Rotunde

EYES

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Cognac Sable:

Peach Shimmer on lids

Darkest Brown blended through crease, on lashline, and under waterline

Burberry Effortless Mascara

LIPS

Burberry Lip Mist in Brown Sugar

NARS + Pierre Hardy (Blushes + Polish)

2013-04-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

Well... I was all set to pass on this... and then a little birdy named Shontay was like: DON'T YOU DARE! So I listened... and boy am I glad I did!

NARS collaborated with shoe designer Pierre Hardy for a series of nail polish duos, and two of the most amazing blushes... perfect for summer.

I ended up with both blushes, and the nail polish duo called 'Easy Walking':

From the left: Blush in Rotunde, Polish Duo in Easy Walking, and Blush in Boys Don't Cry

Blushes in Rotunde & Boys Don't Cry:

Nail Polish Duo in Easy Walking:

...and together:

The blushes are... BEYOND. they're twice the size of regular NARS blushes (they're about the size of the bronze duos), and the gold pattern is just overspray. Underneath is the most matte pigmented blush... just stunning. They blend out beautifully (so that you don't end up with two massive streaks of color on your face)... and can be layered for even more intensity. Amazing.

The nail polish duo is the most neutral of the selections. I like it because I can wear them separately or together, and they still make a statement.

You can find out more about NARS + Pierre Hardy HERE.

Lip Service: Lipstick Queen's 'Hello Sailor'

2013-04-28T16:31:00.001-07:00

Anyone remember 'mood' lipsticks? They'd come in these weird shades of green and blue and orange... and they'd all turn this hideous shade of fuchsia on everyone. The idea that they actually adjusted to an individual 'mood' was just a sales gimmick. It was the same color... no matter who wore it.

Poppy King of Lipstick Queen has decided to take us back to the 'mood lipstick' era, with a new blue lipstick called 'Hello Sailor.'

This blue lipstick actually does NOT turn the same color on everyone. I've seen some pale skinned beauties featuring a distinctly berry colored lip. On me, it's more of a soft rose. It wears very neutral, and I think it's safe to give this lipstick 'apply in the dark' status, because it's pretty hard to get it wrong.

As I understand it, Hello Sailor is a Barney's exclusive. You can find out more about this 'updated' version of the quintessential mood lipstick HERE.

*pr sample

(Rock & Republic) Call Me vs. (NARS) Puerto Vallarta

2013-04-28T15:47:00.002-07:00

Boo Boo Ninja, this is for you:

Rock & Republic Blush in Call Me is on the left... NARS Multiple in Puerto Vallarta is on the right. There is more gold (making it more peach and less pink) in Puerto Vallarta, and it's about half a shade lighter.

Burberry Cold Weather Haul

2013-04-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a few goodies from Burberry, with a stronger focus on cold weather. I wanted to try the Velvet Foundation and Concealer. I also picked up a Lip Mist in Brown Sugar (to wear right now).

Trench Velvet Foundation in #208:

The finish is matte... though surprisingly not ashy (which I what I initially expected before committing to the purchase). #208 s the darkest shade in this formula, which is unfortunate. Hopefully, Burberry will expand the range, much like they've done with the sheer formula.

Concealer in Sandy Beige:

Lip Mist in Brown Sugar:

It's interesting that this is named Brown Sugar. There's nothing really 'brown' about it (much like Copper is more nude and not warm at all... like a copper color would be). It's more of a very warm peach, with the slightest hint of rose. I love it. I don't really care what it's called. :-)

Nordstrom Trend Event: The Burberry Gift

2013-04-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

All of the beauty brands had gifts with purchase... consultations... gifts for saying hello... yada yada yada.

One of the most awesome gifts came from Burberry:

This insanely awesome makeup case (in rosy pewter) came with a makeup bag, a concealer sampler, three sample lipsticks (copper, antique pink & rosewood), a Kabuki brush, and an illuminating cube.

So cool. To the makeup counters that were handing out little bags of (normally free) samples with purchase... take note. THIS is how you give a gift.