Latest Beauty Products
Staying up to date with the beauty industry whether it’s makeup, skincare or haircare can be a chore. Lucky for our readers, we have a staff of guest bloggers dedicated to discovering the latest trends and styles taking shape in the beauty industry.
HIGHLIGHT action…
13 years ago
Convertible products can be fun just as in the case of driving a convertible; a girl loves having options…right? Since were talking “options” Mario Dedivanovic (Makeup Guru to Kimmie K.) created this highlighter that can be worn on the eye, on the brow bone or bridge of the nose – “3 uses in 1″…what more can a girl ask for?
When I dusted this product EYE M GLAM ($35), I found it to be light, airy, glossy – easy to pick up using my flat shadow brush but I didn’t stop there, next…I pulled out my NARS Botan brush and dabbed a little on my shoulders, decolletage…I always look to this brush because its dense and it buffs right into the skin. Its’ one of those silent giants (known for its softness yet burley-ness). Honestly, this EYE M GLAM mineral highlighter is definitely one of my favorite buys of the year, it is ahhhh-mazzzing for all skin complexions it doesn’t go ash nor does it have big chunks of kid-like glitter, is glamour in a jar. The color pay off, the glossy glow it gives had me hooked…I have Giella Cosmetics to thank!
My skin illuminated with this product, not only did my eyes sparkle…I was ready to take on the world if not the world then definitely my date, no doubt I was getting some “action”.
All About the Lips
13 years ago
Being blessed as I am with tiny lips, I depend on products that will help me put them out there and as it is for everything that has to do with cosmetics, the choices are endless. Beginning with the choice of which product to use, a lip gloss, lipstick, lip stain or lip plumper. So let’s see what options are out there.
If you want some color on your lips without actually putting on color, then a Lip Gloss is your best bet. They keep your lips looking moist and you can find them in clear, translucent, or other shades. They can be worn alone, especially in the daytime or on top of your lipstick to give it an extra kick. The only thing about lip glosses is that you run the risk of looking like you have honey on your lips, subtlety is always best. My favorites are the ones with wands, like this one from NARS.
Or the Vitamin-Infused Lip gloss from Tarte.
This one from the Sephora Collection is one of my favorites. I bought one for my sister and her Chihuahua bit it, really hard. She thought it was a goner, but even though those little teeth really dug in, the plastic resisted, not a drop spilled out. And that little dog has destroyed quite a few things.
Lip stains are designed to stain the lips with long-lasting color which will resist wear, the difference with a lipstick is that a lip stain doesn’t contain wax. The end result can be matte and once the stain dries its very long lasting. The lip stain can be combined with lip gloss, although some of the products in the market will add a moisturizer, like this one from Laura Mercier.
Of course, we have our good ol’ Lipstick. Throughout time the use or lack of use has symbolized freedom, sluttiness, rebellion, femenism and more. Lipstick contains pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that applies color and texture to the lips. Every cosmetic brand has a line of different color lipsticks, and to me, there’s just something sexy about lipsticks. Like Private Lipstick from DuWop.
Or Full-Finish Lipstick from Benefit.
Last, but not least, Lip Plumpers. I just love to feel pouty lips and even though the effect is temporary, its way better than doing collagen injections or anything like that. My personal favorite is Avon’s Beyond Color Plumping Lip Color.
And for plumping lip glosses nothing is better than Buxom Lips.
As I said before, so many choices and only or two can be used at a time, not fair!
Sephora Favorites Lashes Unlimited
13 years ago
I’m practically drooling as I write this. From many of my other posts, mascaras are a big obsession of mine and Sephora just made me extremely happy. For the Holiday season, they are selling a Mascara Deluxe Sampler.
The one I bought was from Sephora at JCPenney, slightly different, it includes 9 mini-size mascaras, 1 full-size mascara and 1 primer. My intention is to try them on for the next couple of months and get my top 3 picks.
Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara – Blackest Black holds the style of your lashes for a continuous 12 hours with no flakiness. The silky, vitamin-rich formula darkens, lengthens, and thickens from root to tip without ever clumping. Its patented, hourglass-shaped brush is designed to lift and separate every lash while delivering the perfect amount of antioxidant-rich mascara needed for bigger, fuller lashes.
The BADgal line of mascaras from Benefit are full of “BAD-itude!” The rich, sexy formula and oversized brush build thick, beautiful and bodacious lashes.
Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Mascara
A one-of-a-kind mascara that is clinically proven to immediately increase the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length with regular use.
Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer
A one-of-a-kind lash primer that is clinically proven to immediately increase the appearance of lash volume by 739%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length with regular use.
A mascara that gives the lashes curl, volume, length, and intense pigment. This ultra-pigmented mascara was specially designed to give the lashes an exceptional volume-enhancing effect with infinite lengthening and immediate curling.
Sephora Collection Advanced Lash Booster
This mascara uses complete 360° action to fortify your fringe and deliver an instantly visible volumizing effect. A new technique harnesses coating elements, with perfectly rounded microspheres, to triple the penetration of active ingredients into the lashes; efficiency has been measured by scientific studies.
Smashbox Bionic is the first ionic mascara—it will leave you with longer, stronger, and more voluminous lashes! The specially-engineered brush coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a dramatic full lash. Aloe, silk, and wheat protein strengthen and condition.
Based on the world famous Lash Injection formula, Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara targets each lash to create the dramatically long, extremely defined, and separated lashes of your dreams! Like a mascara architect, Lash Injection Pinpoint’s exclusive 3D polymers build waterproof tubes around each lash that expand and stretch far, far beyond the natural lash while the sleek pinpoint precision brush separates and curls for the most divinely detailed, healthy lash look imaginable. Like paraffin dip treatments, moisture is locked into the lash by each tube, and lashes stay conditioned and hydrated.
Cargo LashActivator
A revolutionary black mascara that stimulates the growth of lash follicles, promotes lash vitality, and reduces lash loss. In just 30 days, LashActivator™ is clinically shown to boost the appearance of lashes by 169% over the rate of natural growth.
A dramatically volumizing mascara that delivers a fantastically fuller set of lashes. Korres Abyssinia Oil Volumizing Mascara is enriched with Abyssinia oil, a conditioning botanical that builds volume and length for lush, gorgeous, natural-looking lashes you will love.
Unique styling polymers and a special brush separate and curl your lashes while thickening and lengthening, while 11 essential Amino Acids condition and fortify your lashes.
So there you have it! I have several fun months trying them all. I’m very excited!
Temptu Airbrush
13 years ago
I went over to Sephora for a demonstration on a really cool product, which is the Temptu Airbrush system. Airbrushing makeup is not a new concept, professional makeup artists have been doing it for sometime, but the equipment was very bulky and the compressor felt so powerful the one time I did it I could barely breathe. Even though Temptu is not necessarily inexpensive, its also not out of reach for the non-professional makeup artist.
I recommend you go to the demo without makeup or primer so you can really look at the result. The foundation has a built-in primer and it will last for hours and hours. The pen itself if very light weight and even though it will take some space from your makeup counters its not as big as many of the craft airbrushes I’ve seen before.
All you do is insert a pod with the makeup, you can adjust some settings if you want a light, medium or full coverage and you’re off. It’s a funny sensation since all you feel is light air and wonder if it really is working, once you get to a mirror you see it has. After the foundation came the blush and in a way it looks like “Wii Makeup” where you’re holding the pen and doing strokes without touching the skin. To finalize the demonstration I got a couple of touches of highliter around my eyes for an extra kick and I just loved the end result.
The makeup itself comes in packages of 1 or 2 pods, but even if you use them everyday, they will last for many months.
The only thing I can say after using the product is that it made my T-Zone very shiny, I had to blot it and add a bit of powder one hour after application. It had a pleasant scent, but if you’re too sensitive to smells then it will overwhelm you. It didn’t fade throughout the night and was very easy to take it off at the end of the evening.
For now the only airbrush makeup offered is the Foundation, Blush and Highlighter and of course, Temptu does offer a line of Traditional Makeup. I definitely recommend getting at least a demo presentation at Sephora….maybe before going on a date or a party.
Facial Cleansers Review
13 years ago
Even though it’s a pleasure to apply makeup using quality products and show your face to the world, once the day is over the makeup must come off. A very important step in the care of your face is cleansing and even though once in a while its OK to sleep with your makeup on, it shouldn’t be a habit. The following are some of the cleansers I’ve used and what I think about them.
My favorite so far is from Avon, this company brings so many great memories from the time my Mom used to be the Avon Lady and it’s still a great thrill when I see that little book, I just can’t help myself. The cleanser I use is Anew Rejuvenate Revitalizing 2 – 1 Gel Cleanser, it’s just amazing, the smell, the feel. It has tiny little beads and my skin feels great after I use it. The only complaint I have with this product is that it’s not great at removing eye makeup, but I use other products for that.
Even though my face is slightly oily, another product I’ve enjoyed is from NARS, its called Makeup Cleansing Oil. This product is meant to be used as the first step in cleansing. It will remove all makeup and in a way prepare your face so whichever other cleanser you use can do a better job. Once or twice I’ve used it by itself and it didn’t leave an oily feeling on my skin, it’s a really great product.
The next one is from Murad, and this one I had some mixed feelings about. I used the Renewing Cleansing Cream, and even though it was great taking everything off, I wasn’t too happy with the feeling of my skin afterwards. But the thing about Murad is that offers an extensive line of cleansers for every skin type, so it could be I used one not suited for me. I’ll be trying the rest of them because I was impressed with the cleaning result.
Finally, this one is a little something I make at home using a recipe from the book Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles, this book contains recipes for creams, cleansers, facial steams, etc. that you can make at home. I’ve made several recipes and one of my favorites is a Cleansing and Rejuvenating Oil (page 122) which contains a base oil, Vitamin E and essential oils. I use it mainly as an eye makeup remover, but it could be used in the whole face, as well as a massage oil and aromatherapy. I’ve already made this formula three times and I love how it moisturizes my delicate eye area.
So there you have it, if you have a favorite cleanser, it will be much easier for you to stick to the habit of removing your makeup before bed.
Sean John Unforgivable
13 years ago
Never in my life I thought I would say this: I love a Sean John fragance. I know! I’m as shocked as you are, but hear me out. I received a small sample of Sean John Unforgivable Shimmer Body Lotion.
I took a shower and with my skin clear of any other product used the shimmering body lotion. The shimmer is very light as is the fragrance, eventually I went to sleep and next morning I could still smell the fragrance in a very pleasing way. It’s not neccesarily a good moisturizing cream but it is great if you want a light fragrance on you that won’t overwhelm especially if you are thinking of spending the night cuddling with your loved one.
I haven’t tried the perfume yet, but next time I go through a department store I’ll be sure to spray on some on my wrist. Of course, every perfume reacts differently depending on our body chemistry and while I loved the fragrance others might not like it. So be sure to try it before you purchase, you might be surprised as I was.
Advanced Makeup Brushes for your collection
13 years ago
In the final installment of the Makeup Brushes series, I’ll tell you about the most popular advanced brushes. These are only some of the brushes out there, as I was doing my research I kept finding new ones, but I choose to focus on the more popular ones. So here you are:
Bronzer Brush
A brush that helps diffuse and blend your bronzer. Similar to the Powder Brush with a rounder head to provide a smooth and even application of bronzer, this brush can be found in natural or Taklon fibers. To use, apply the bronzer directly on the brush, tapping off any excess, begin on the forehead, down to the nose and cheekbones. The goal with this brush is to leave the skin with a sun-kissed hint. The Bronzer Brush below is from the Sephora Collection.
Kabuki Brush
There are several types of Kabuki Brushes, this one from Sephora has no handle to make it easy to hold in the palm of your hand. This brush is used to apply mineral makeup and when used to buff the makeup in a circular motion, it will help blend the makeup and leave an airbrushed finish.
Stippling Brush
The Stippling Brush blends face products —wet or dry— into the skin for a flawless finish. Synthetic fibers in this Sephora brand brush, extend past the goat hairs to pick up two layers of product, which translates into a satiny appearance. The compact bristle packing gives ultimate control, too. The two levels of bristles let you layer product beautifully—and determine how sheer or heavy you want your coverage to be. The synthetic taklon hairs allow you to use it with wet or creamy products, like compact foundation. The application of the product will be by stippling or dabbing, in a way this is similar to stenciling or scrap-booking.
Fan Brush
This brush dusts, wipes, and re-distributes powders along your features. This Fan Brush from the Sephora brand is a mover more than a blender or spreader, this brush effectively “fans” away product, making it a must-have for clean up and removing eye-makeup fallout. The raccoon bristles are a bit stiffer than other brushes, so it moves and clears products easily along—or away from—the face.
Crease Brush
The Crease Brush has a round and tapered shape, perfect for getting right in the crease while softly feathering color out. The tapered bristles put you in complete control with every application. The Crease Brush from Urban Decay is not too stiff or too soft, but just right to help you achieve professional results.
Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush
A high-quality, two-in-one tool that makes achieving a smoldering-eye look a snap. Sephora Brand Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush is equipped with a slanted eyeliner brush and a smudge dome, which promises to create a downright stunning stare. Line the length of your upper and lower lashes with the slant end for a seductive start. Use the smudge end to draw darker shadow to the exterior of the eye or to outline the eye with a thick, bold line.
Kat Eye Brush Set
A five-piece makeup brush set, designed by Kat Von D especially for Sephora. The black-handled brushes are decorated with silver stenciled roses—inspired by Kat’s favorite tattoo—adding to the creative attitude. This is a one-stop eye brush set, which gives you a great start in your brush collection.
The set includes:
- Angled Eyeshadow Brush
- Eyeshadow Blending Brush
- Angled Brow Brush
- Smudge Brush
- Flat Eyeliner Brush
So there you are, if you are one of those talented people that can do miracles with makeup, then you owe it to all of us to collect and master these brushes. Trust me, people like me will be more than happy to let you apply makeup on us.
Basic Makeup Brushes for your collection
13 years ago
In my previous post Makeup Brushes: Which Fiber is Best, I explained the different types of fibers in the market. You can choose from Natural, Synthetic or Taklon fibers. Now that we have that covered I want to suggest which brushes should be the essentials for your makeup collection. My goal is to give you all-in-one, so for each brush I explain why they are used, which fiber is best and how to use it. The pictures below are from mostly from Origins, which offers a collection of cruelty-free brushes. So, let’s start:
Concealer Brush
This is a small brush with broad and flat bristles. Synthetic is the best type of bristle for this brush since they don’t absorb too much product and are ideal for blending liquid and cream makeup. Dab a few spots in the areas with imperfections, for example under the eyes or directly on blemishes, and keep on dabbing until the concealer is blended on your skin.
Foundation Brush
This brush is to be used for liquid or cream foundation. Similar to the Concealer Brush, but bigger with flat and long bristles. Synthetic bristles are also better for this type of brush. To use it, dot your face with liquid foundation and use the brush to spread it in even outward and upward motions being careful to apply some foundation below your jawline to make it look more natural.
Blush Brush or Blusher
This brush is to be used to apply powder blush on your cheeks. The bristles are packed very close together and should be preferably Natural or Taklon. The rounded shape allows a better distribution of the product on your cheeks. The goal with the blush is to give a natural flushed color to the face. This can be accomplished by smiling and starting from the apple of the cheeks upwards to the hairline, apply the product with a soft motion to avoid excess.
Powder Brush
This is the big and fluffy brush used to apply the final loose powder that will set your makeup. It can also be used to apply shimmer, mineral powder or bronzer. The Powder Brush is similar to the Blusher, but bigger with fluffy Natural or Taklon bristles. The powder is to be placed directly on the brush and apply it using small circular motions all over the face for a better coverage.
For eyes and lips we have a few basic brushes. If you’re like me, all you do is apply one eyeshadow color at a time on special occasions. If you’re like my sister, then you like to blend, smudge, contour and create unique looks. I will cover those brushes in the Advanced Makeup Brushes post.
Eyeshadow Brush
Used to apply powder eyeshadow, this should be flat and wide preferably from Natural or Taklon fibers. There are too many ways to apply eyeshadows depending on your preference and comfort level. Whether its applying only on the lower lid and crease or the whole lid, the eyeshadow brush will help you get a great look.
Eyeliner Brush
Used to apply or blend cream eyeliners. This is a thin and fine brush, preferably made from synthetic fibers. There is no wrong or right way in using this brush, it all depends on how natural or dramatic you want your makeup to look. Some cream eyeliners come in a stick, in this case the brush can help you soften the lines after you apply it.
Eyebrow Brush
This is a small flat brush with a slight angle, also should be made from synthetic fibers. It gives definition and shape to the eyebrows. Apply the eyebrow pencil directly on the areas that need some color with a very soft motion in order to avoid streaks and blend it with the brush. The effect will be eyes that pop even more.
Eyelash Brush and Comb
This is the double sided tool with a stiff brush on one side and a small comb on the other. This one is used to help the application of the mascara on your eyelashes. You will first use the brush in order to clean up your eyelashes and prepare them for the mascara application. Once you applied the mascara, use the comb side to separate and lengthen before the product dries and becomes stiff.
Lip Brush
This is a fine, soft and tapered brush usually found as retractable and because it is used with cream based product, it should be synthetic. They help to blend in the lip liner with the lipstick and just give a better way to fill in the creases and outline the lips.
So there you have it. This guide will help you select the makeup brushes for your basic application needs. You will be amazed at how much better your face will look once you apply your makeup with the right tools.