Reflections of Beauty

Remember Me

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:40:00 +0000

Hey Lovely's...

I am just dropping a line to say I am alive and well. I know it has been a long time since I have updated here, but what can I say LIFE happens.

I have been in a constant battle with myself on what to do with this blog. My interest have changed quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, I still love the beauty world. However, I would be remiss in not sharing my love for fitness. How do you ladies feel about that?

I want to make this blog more of a lifestyle blog, rather than focus so heavily on beauty. Give me some ideas ladies!!! Speak with you soon

Astrology For Your Lips

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:00:00 +0000

FREE Astrological Reading (For Your Lips)

See which lip color best suits your sign

This is a TotalBeauty.com make up article

Your particular zodiac sign says a bit about your persona, so trying a new lipstick based on your sign is a fun, New Age-y way to find a new lip color.

Get your lipstick horoscope

Who Doesn't Like A Bargain???

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Best Bargain Beauty Buys

You can update your beauty stash for spring without breaking the bank

This is a TotalBeauty.com budget products article

Have your lipstick and wear it too with this expert guide to scoring cheapie, hot-for-spring hair, skin and makeup products that rival the pricy prestige brands.

See products

Review:Hana Professional Flat Iron + Plus New Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:50:00 +0000

Hey Bella's.. I was recently contacted by Misikko.com to review their lastest flat iron. Lately, I have been declining offers to review products because I simply didn't want to feel entitled to write about a product that was of no interest to me. However, I do believe in supporting small businesses, so I said yes to the offer.

How beautiful is the packaging? I can appreciate a company that puts some thought into how they ship their merchandise. This company is definitely off to a good start with me.

Let's get down to it.. I can say I really like this flat iron. It heats up extremely fast. I mean I was surprised by how fast it heated to 450F.. It is ceramic and tourmaline plated, so it is not as damaging to the hair.

I used the flat iron on damp hair and it worked amazingly. I didn't get any frizzing nor did my hair smell burned. According, to the website the plate adjusts to hair texture, so that could be the reason for lack of frizz.

Features

Flat iron heat is adjustable between 160f and 450f

Flash Heat in Seconds

Ceramic and Tourmaline Plates

Floating plates that adjust to any hair texture

Over this weekend, I used this flat iron to achieve my latest style. I created this quick weave as a protective style. I also did an invisible part to make the weave more natural. I am sorry for the pic, it doesnt show the full view of the hair but no one was home to take the pic.. Will probably update pic later.

You can find the Hana Professional Flat Iron here...

Also check out the website they carry a full range of flat irons and accessories.. www.misikko.com

Nail Polish Brands That Made The Cut!

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:09:00 +0000

Reader-Approved Nail Polishes

Check out this top 10 list of best lacquers

TotalBeauty.com readers painted on plenty of polishes to help us determine the meh ones from the OMFG ones. Here's the list of top-rated polishes for your painting pleasure.

See lacquers

No. 10: Wet 'n' Wild Rock Solid Nail Lacquer, $2.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"The color in the bottle is very true to the color on your nails …"

No. 9: Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel, $3.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"This nail polish delivers and it's at a reasonable price …"

No. 8: Maybelline New York Express Finish 60 Second Nail Color, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6

"I used to hate painting my nails because I could never sit still long enough …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

FOTD: Summer Summer Summer Time

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 02:05:00 +0000

I know the title is corny, but I love that Summer Time song by Will Smith.. On to the look of the day...

Face

MUFE HD Foundation

MAC Invisible Set Powder

Cheeks

MAC Blush - Ambering Rose

MAC Blush - Joyous

Benefit Moon Beam

MAC Eyeshadow - Embark (Contour)

Eyes

MAC Stacked 2 Pigment - Green Pigment (lid)

MAC Eyeshadow - Folie (crease)

MAC Eyeshadow - Embark (crease)

MAC Eyeshadow - Carbon (outer corners)

MAC Eyeshadow - Soft Brown (highlight)

Ardell Lashes - Wispy

Lips

Senna Cosmetics Lipstick - Caramel

MAC Lipgloss - Queen Bee

Celebrity Looks: Kim Kardashian Smokey Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:29:00 +0000

Here is a breakdown of one of Kim Kardashian Sexy Smokey Eyes.

Balance those brows

Use brow pencil to fill in eyebrows as needed. Apply it with tiny hair-like strokes, and after, blend lightly using a brow brush

Even-out the lid

Sweep a shimmery, nude powder eyeshadow from lashline to browbone with an eyeshadow brush. Kardashian's wearing NYX Single Eyeshadow in Ultimatum, $5.50.

Highlight

Dust Giella B-dazzle loose mineral eyeshadow, $27, a shimmery nude-beige, on the inner corners of your eyes. "It opens and separates the eyes," Dedivanovic says.

Add depth at the crease

Using an eyeshadow brush, sweep black, pearlized eyeshadow along the entire crease of each upper lid. Then, blend the edges to soften them, using another, clean brush. "Think of this as adding the 'smoke,'" Dedivanovic says. He uses MAC Cinderfella Mineralize Eyeshadow, $36, on Kardashian, a limited edition shade. Can't find it at your MAC counter? A close substitution: MAC's Black Tied.

Next, apply more of the same shadow to the outer corners of the upper lids, as well as to the crease (again) and blend out and up.

Now line the lower lids with the same black shadow. Concentrate color at the outer corners a la Kardashian's photo. "Use a liner brush for precision," Dedivanovic says.

Line away

Line the upper lids with a dark black pencil. Start with a thin line that gradually thickens toward the outer corners. Smudge it into the lashes as well for more intensity.

With the same pencil, line the inside rims of your upper and lower lids, all the way around, inner corners included.

Time for fake lashes

Apply a few individual fake lashes to the upper, outer lids. Use a pair of pointy tweezers and pick each lash up by the tip, then dip the nub into lash glue, and apply the nub right at the lash root. Allow glue to dry. Try MAC 32 lash, $13, and MAC Adhesive, $8.

Mascara all around

Apply two coats of black mascara to the upper and lower lashes. "This adds intensity and it helps seal the fake lashes to the real ones, so they blend in naturally," says Dedivanovic, who uses Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara in Excessive Black, $24.50 on Kardashian.

Orgasm time

Brush a natural pink-ish blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Kardashian's wearing Nars Orgasm Blush, $25, Dedivanovic says.
Define with bronzer

Dust a sheer, matte-texture bronzer on your temples, cheeks and chin. Also brush the bronzer on to contour the hollows of your cheeks. (Remember, you're not tanning your face here. You're just adding a faint sunny-glow to these key spots. Doing so frames the face, and it'll look more defined, especially in photos.)

Low-key lips

Finish with some pretty, shimmery pink gloss (shown here, Smashbox Heartbreaker Roller Gloss in Pink Sugar, $21) and you're all set. Now don't just go to your event, own it, Kardashian-style.

Source: http://www.beautyriot.com/makeup-beauty/kim-kardashians-smoky-eyes-g6364

FOTD: NARS Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:16:00 +0000

Please excuse the wonkiness that is my hair.. Also, my camera tends to distort my face when it is up close, so ignore that as well.. LOL. Anyway, on to the look.

Face

MAC Micronized Airbrush Foundation

MAC Invisible Set Powder

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Cheeks

Benefit Moonbeam

MAC MSF - So Ceylon

MAC Blush - Dollymix

MAC Blush - Style

Eyes MAC Studiofinish Concealor - NC45

NARS Brousse Eyeshadow Duo (Dark Purple - lid)(Brown - Crease)

MAC Eyeshadow - Soft Brown (Highlight)

Lips

NARS Lipstick - Cruising

MAC Dazzleglass - Bare Necessity (I love, love this color)

2010 Beauty Awards Are In!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:01:00 +0000

And the TotalBeauty.com Award Winners Are …

The votes have been counted and we've got our winners for the most superb beauty products of 2010

Both readers and editors voted on every product from self-tanner to blush to hairspray. Read on to see the winners of 57 hot categories of beauty products.

See winners

Foundation Week: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics says:

A multi-tasking formula for creating a gorgeous, flawless complexion. • Mimics the appearance of healthy, radiant skin • May be used as a spot foundation, concealer, all-over foundation and more • Silky, hydrating formula with honey and jojoba oil • Creates a smooth, radiant finish

Price: $42.00

Availability: www.kevynaucoin.com or www.beauty.com

Seymone says:

This is another fave. I use this foundation everyday more so for concealing purposes. However, on days when I want to look flawless, I use it as a foundation. This foundation is hydrating without creating excessive oil. This foundation looks like skin when applied correctly. Beautiful coverage. I find people cannot detect if you really have great skin or if it is foundation, when wearing this.

I want to warn, that this foundation is very pigmented. You do not need a lot of this foundation for your whole face. I would say less than a dime size amount. The coverage on this foundation can go from sheer to full coverage. If you want to sheer down this foundation, you can use a damp sponge; moisturizer; or a foundation thinner.

This foundation, mixes well with other foundations. Some days, I may use my NARS Sheer Glow and I use this foundation to highlight my face and it blends in seamlessly. For makeup artists, this is a great product.

Have you used this foundation, what are your thoughts?

Foundation Week: MAC Studio Fix Fluid

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:44:00 +0000

MAC says:

A modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15. Comfortable and long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. Applies smoothly, builds coverage quickly and easily. Contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimize the appearance of imperfections. Absorbs and disperses oil. Contains special skin-conditioning ingredients. Oil free.

Price:$26.00

Availability: Anywhere MAC is sold..

Seymone says:

Studio Fix Fluid is what I would call a decent foundation. I was in love with this foundation two years ago, but now, not so much. I find as I am getting older, I do not like matte full coverage. I do not want to feel foundation on my face. I want you to see me, not my foundation.

As far as the mattifying abilities, I found that I had break through oil within an hour or so. That could be that my face is over producing oil because the foundation is so drying. However, with a good primer the oilies should be kept at bay for sometime. For my ladies with hyperpigmentation issues, this foundation will work to cover up your issues without having to pile on the concealor.

I want to give MAC some props because the colour range is great for this foundation. It can be a lifesaver for a makeup artist that has a client with really bad skin. I find that this foundation photographs well.

Overall, this foundation may be holy grail to some, it really depends on what you want in a foundation.

What are your thoughts on Studio Fix Fluid?

Foundation Week: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:00:00 +0000

NARS says:

A glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, skin is hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves skin brightness, radiance and texture. For normal to dry skin types.

Price: $42.00

Availability: You can purchase this foundation on NARS website or in Nordstrom stores for the complete line.

Seymone says: My new fave foundation. I love this foundation. The coverage and finish is so beautiful. All that NARS claims this foundation does is true. Your skin is definitely more luminous and hydrated. What I love the most is that it does not need to be set with powder. I have combination skin and I live in California. I used this foundation on a rather warm day and it did not budge. It did get slightly oily but it still looked great. This foundation looks like your skin but better.

To my ladies with hyperpigmentation, this foundation has excellent coverage. However, you still may need a little concealer. This foundation can go from sheer to full coverage and yet still manages not to look cakey. What's not to love about that!

Tips:

*I wouldn't suggest using a matte primer with this foundation because I find it makes the foundation look flat.

*My application method consist of using a foundation brush, like the MAC 190 to apply foundation. Then using a brush like the MAC 109 to buff the foundation into the skin.

Have you tried this foundation, what are your thoughts?

Foundation Week: MAC Micronized Airbrush Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:10:00 +0000

MAC says:

A cutting edge silicon-based Airbrush Formula for face and body, developed expressly for Makeup Artists working in High Definition TV, film, and beauty. It comes in a comprehensive range of skin tones, neutrals, primary/secondary and skin adjuster shades. This fluid, highly pigmented formula can be poured directly into the airbrush gun or diluted with the cleanser.

Price: $29.50

Availability: This foundation is only available at MAC Pro stores.

Seymone says:

MAC Airbrush Foundation is one of my go to foundations in more humid months. I do not use this foundation in the traditional way, with an airbrush machine. I actually hate it when used with an airbrush machine. I apply this with a 187 brush and the finish is perfect. As of late, I have been using the new 130 brush and that works great as well. This foundation is long lasting and once set it is transfer proof. I love the fact that it mimics the skin and gives you a more matte finish. Also this foundation is highly pigmented and you only need a little to cover your whole face. This foundation has medium coverage but it is definitely buildable.

Tips:

*This foundation must be set with a setting powder like Ben Nye Neutral Set or MAC Invisible Set Powder. Once you set it with a traditional powder, you can go over it with your Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

*With this foundation you may want to go one shade up because it tends to run dark.

*I would also use a kabuki brush to buff powder into the skin.

What's your thoughts? Have you tried this foundation?

March Favorites (2010)

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:06:00 +0000

March Favorites (2010) by seymone

Clockwise

MAC Mineralize Blush: Style Demon

MAC Minerialize Foundation

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Smashbox Lipstick: Expression

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Foundation

MAC Viva Glam Lipstick: Gaga

NARS Lipgloss: Supervixen

Smashbox Lip Tech: Posey

Coming Up: Foundation Week

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Hey Bella's. Next week I am doing a series on foundations.. Hmmm that may take longer than a week. LOL. What I will probably do is two post a day because I want to review at least ten foundations. You guys already know a sista don't blog on the weekends. Stay Tuned.

Latest Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tars

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:02:00 +0000

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics launched 4 New Lip Tars at The Makeup Show. The new line up includes hoochie, demure, vapid, and complex (pictured above). Let me tell you, these babies are hot, hot, hot. These colors are a must have for some sexy spring/summer lips.

* Hoochie - Vibrant Magenta

* Demure - Purple Fuschia

* Vapid - Lavendar (reminds me of MAC Lavendar Whip Lipstick, but so much better)

* Complex - Beige Violet (for WOC, we need to work with this one)

You can check out the New Lip Tars here.

FOTD: Saint Patty's Day Look

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:09:00 +0000

Face

MAC Studio Fix Fluid (I hate this foundation)

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Foundation

MAC Invisible Set Powder

Eyes

MAC Humid E/S - Lid

MAC Carbon E/S - Crease

MAC Brown Down E/S - Crease

MAC Orange E/S - Blend Out Crease

MAC Arena E/S - Highlight

Cheeks

MAC MSF - Brunette

MAC Mineralize Blush - Style Demon

Lips

MAC Plum Lipliner

Smashbox Lip Tech - Posey (review coming soon)

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss - Petal

Perfect Skin with Jon Hennessey

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:02:00 +0000

Perfect Skin Tips Courtesy of Jon Hennessey

Disclaimer: When mentioning perfect skin it mean creating a flawless canvas (skin) with makeup.

Here is some tips from start to finish in creating flawless everyday makeup.

- Use a fiber optic brush (like the MAC 187) to buff moisturizer into the skin.

- Any brush can be a foundation brush, but a foundation brush should not be used for blending. Use a blending brush (like the MAC 109) to blend foundation into the skin.

- Since concealor adds texture to the face; you want to try to get as much coverage from foundation.

- For concealor application, you want to use the appropiate size blending brush (like the MAC 224). * You can mix foundation with concealor to sheer it out a bit. *

- Mix a cream base (like MAC Cream Colour Base in Luna or Pearl) to add highlight to the skin. * You can mix your foundation in to adjust color to skintone. - Continue on with blush and lightly apply setting powder to t-zone. *Jon likes Make Up Forever HD Powder and Youngblood HD Powder.*

Big News: Face Atelier Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:15:00 +0000

Hey Ladies. I have some news on the cult fave foundation created by Face Atelier. The foundation that I am referencing in this post is called the Ultra Foundation.

Exciting News

In May, the Ultra Foundation line will be extended to include deeper tone shades for WOC. I, first met with the creator of Face Atelier, Debbie Bondar, maybe 2-3years ago at the Makeup Show NY and I harassed her every year there after about creating shades for WOC. I was excited when I saw her this year and she showed the new colors that will be added. I love companies that actually listens to their consumers. In May, when the colors come out do yourself a favor and get a bottle of this awesome foundation. You can check out the website here.

Picture Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

How To Look Photogenic (Even If You're Not)

These tricks will make you look pretty in every shot, from every angle

If your Facebook picture is of your bad side, your backside or is SO two years ago, it's time to put up a new one -- stat! Get the perfect profile pic using these expert tips.

See tips

Working as a Makeup Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:45:00 +0000

Hey Bella's. Last week, I attended the Makeup Show LA and attended a panel discussion on working in LA. I am aware that most of my readers are not in California, but some of the tips will apply in any market(city).

Tips

- Agency: Go around to agencies and try to get on the assistance list..

- Picture: It is best to have an online portfolio, where an agency can see your work during the call. If you happen to go into the agency, bring three pictures of your best work.

- Research: You should research the agency roster before contacting them. For example, if you love A.J. Crimson's work and you want to be an assistant for him, try to get on the assistant list at his agency.

- Persistence: Be persistent, but do not stalk the agency or company.

- Database: Create a contact database of sorts. In this database you want to keep whom you spoke to and what did they tell you. This make it easy when following up.

- Thank You: Sending a thank you note is greatly appreciated according to the panel.

- Ego: The biggest tip of all is leave your EGO at home.

Foods That Make You Gorgeous!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:43:00 +0000

Quiz: What Foods Make You More Beautiful?

Take this quiz to find out if your favorite foods can actually make you prettier

Turns out the old saying is true -- you ARE what you eat! Certain foods will make you age twice as fast, while others can smooth away your wrinkles and brighten your complexion -- see what some of those key ingredients and nutrients are.

Take quiz

Products that Kicks Eczema Butt!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Best Eczema-Relief Products

From creams to cleansers, these products truly helped soothe eczema-stricken skin

Whether you have sort-of-itchy, dry skin or out-of-control eczema, readers say these products offer the best relief and, if you're lucky, will keep you out of the doctor's office.

See products

No. 10: Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Lotion, $6.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.5

"Within about 5 days of using this on his face, the heavy dry spots were â€¦"

No. 9: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3

"This product is both moisturizing and soothing to my very sensitive skin â€¦"

No. 8: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"This is the best stuff for skin problems, irritants. It is exactly what it â€¦"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Want Perfect Skin???

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:46:00 +0000

10 Perfect-Skinned Women Spill Their Secrets

Want picture-perfect skin? All it takes are these simple tricks

Wondering what she does to look so good? We found out her secrets to maintaining a flawless face, and we give you full permission to rip them off.

See habits

Makeup Show LA

noreply@blogger.com (Seymone) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:44:00 +0000

THE MAKEUP SHOW LA

2010 marks the 5-year anniversary for The Makeup Show and after a successful debut in Los Angeles in 2009, the artistic energy of meets again for its annual West Coast event.

Some exciting news for The Makeup Show LA 2010:

Award-winning Makeup Artists Eve Pearl and Joanna Schlip will be on hand for keynote presentations and hands-on workshops.

New Editorial Forum: From Concept to Cover Shot: Working in Editorial featuring LA, The Los Angeles Times Magazine with Editor Nancie Clare and Creative Director Rip Georges for a unique panel presentation on the behind-the-cover creative process of working in print and multimedia.

And, for the first time at a stateside beauty event, famed international makeup line Inglot will be at The Makeup Show LA.

Other exhibitors include Make Up For Ever, Stila Cosmetics, Smashbox, Temptu Pro, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Alcone, Becca Cosmetics, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Korres Natural Products, Embryolisse, Face Atelier, Graftobian, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, Bellápierre Cosmetics, Longmi Lashes by Daniel and many more!

For 2 days, The Makeup Show LA will bring together top industry exhibitors, speakers from all areas of the makeup artistry, new product introductions in an intimate setting where insider-only tips and techniques are traded between the best in the business.

A key networking opportunity for all levels of makeup professionals and a must-attend event for anyone involved in the beauty industry, a core foundation of The Makeup Show is its unique educational programs including keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, seminars and business forums that examine beauty techniques and applications, skin tone and health, makeup products, tools of the trade, and the business of the beauty industry.

Full list of exhibitors, artists and events at www.themakeupshow.com.

Tomorrow is the last day for advance 1 and 2-day tickets to The Makeup Show LA! Will you be there???