Posts tagged eyes
Urban Decay Naked2
12 years ago
A big hit for Urban Decay has been its collection of neutral eyeshadows called Naked Palette.
This palette can be called anything except boring, with 12 gorgeous neutrals that work on any skin color. The palette includes glittery, shimmery and matte textures.
Now the most anticipated sequel will soon be available, named Naked2.
This collection features 12 new neutral colors that range from pale and deep, to matte and sparkly.
Naked2 is currently available only online through Sephora.com and is expected to be available in stores by the end of January. They expect the palette to be in very high demand, so either order it online or call your local Sephora consultant to verify dates.
Eyeshadow Primer Review
13 years ago
When I was in my early twenties, I remember my teen sister coming into my room at night asking me to decide which eyeshadow looked better, the one the left had “this”, the one of the right had “that”. Back then I didn’t even pluck my eyebrows, let alone notice a slight difference on eyeshadows, but I would pick one just to humor her. Not sure if she ever noticed I had no idea….well, now she knows!
To this day I’m hopeless when it comes to eyeshadows, so when it came time to review eyeshadow primers, my sister was the perfect person to do it. She tried three different brands: Sephora, Urban Decay and Benefit. She used the same brand of eyeshadow and the same brushes each time, and was able to use each primer three times. So here are the results:
Sephora Brand Eye Primer Pot provides the perfect eyeshadow base. Smooth on this must-have formula for a flawless, crease-less look that will last all day.
The consistency is creamy and easy to apply, though you need to wait for it to dry before applying the eyeshadow. It’s transparent and doesn’t interfere with the eyeshadow color, but compared to the other primers the colors won’t pop. The eyeshadow itself will last longer with the primer, but overall it was the one my sister liked the least.
Urban Decay – Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube – Eden
Packaged in a new squeeze tube with a precise needle nose, this triple-duty product also works as a highlighter or eye shadow. Perfect for more mature customers or those who want to avoid shimmer, this versatile shade instantly brightens the eyes and provides the ultimate prep for creaseless, more vibrant shadow and all-day wear.
It glides on easily over the eyelid, you will need less amount of product to get the shade you want. The eyeshadow colors are more vivid, but in a matte tone; you can leave it as is, or add a bit of shimmer to brighten the eye. Even though she liked this primer, she didn’t see a difference in wear, the eyeshadow faded off as it would normally do without a primer.
Tell your eye makeup to stay, don’t stray! This dual-action primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eyeshadows REALLY stay put. Concealers never crease and eyeshadows stay vibrant and true…you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Now this one was my sister’s favorite, the eyeshadows remained intact over twelve hours. The colors look vivid, but you might need to use additional shimmer. With this primer you need to know what you’re doing when applying the eyeshadow since it’s not easy to correct mistakes; you would need to take it all off and start again if you mess up. But overall she was very happy with this primer and I have a feeling she’ll be asking for it as compensation for doing the testing for me.
Thanks Sis!
Top Four Mascaras for Great Eyelashes
13 years ago
During the holidays I bought a Sephora Gift Set that included 10 mascaras and since then I’ve been using them and rating them. I was blessed with my father’s eyelashes, which thanks to Lash Enhancement Products have increased in length, but not in manageability. They are still straight and difficult to keep curly; so even though the mascaras I used might work wonders with the lucky ones who have great lashes, I need the works.
So the following are my top four favorite mascaras. These all made a great job in staying on and helping my eyelashes stay curly for hours.
This one was not in the gift set, but I’m still impressed with the results. It’s Clinique’s High Length Mascara.
In Third Place is Make Up For Ever Professional.
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.
In Second Place is Smashbox Bionic Mascara.
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.
And in First Place with me loving it for ever and ever: Cargo Triple Action Mascara.
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. The other ones were very good as well, but only these made my cut. I had fun trying all these products and the only sad thing is that I can’t in good conscience buy new ones for the rest of the year…..OK, maybe just trial sizes.
Cosmetics Palettes: Smashbox, Sephora, Kat Von D
13 years ago
Maybe you might have noticed I write about all type of cosmetics, except for eyeshadows. There’s a very good reason for it, and it’s that I’m awful at putting on eye shadows. No matter how much I try or practice, it still seems like a 5-year-old did it. But recently I’ve seen several sets that are tempting me to keep on trying and master the art of applying eye shadow.
This one is my favorite from Smashbox, its called Master’s Class Style Files and its a set of three portable palettes for eyes, lips, and cheeks. The set contains:
- 8 eye shadow colors ranging from neutrals to dark jewel tones.
- 4 cream eye liners in golden beige, warm brown, gunmetal gray and deep purple.
- 2 pencil eye liners in black and brown.
- 2 lip gloss in coral and nude champagne.
- 2 cheek shades in peachy pink and suntan beige
- Bonus: Photo Finish Lid Primer Packet
And last for the reason this one is my pick, an instructional step-by-step guide for five different looks that range from a clean daytime look to a complete vamp. Maybe even I can learn to use them.
I bought Sephora Color Play – 5 in 1 II – Fashion Edition for my sister over the holidays and she loves it, then again, she knows what she’s doing. The cool thing about this one is not only the huge amount of cosmetics you get, but they are also portable. The set comes with an empty case so you can pick one of the sub-palettes and take it with you.
Stories for the five sub-palettes:
- Boho Bombshell: dark blues, warm taupes, warm golds
- Classics Never Die: brown smoky eyes
- Angelic Boudoir: nudes and sands, with a touch of bright blue and fuchsia
- Black Is The New Black: black smoky eyes
- A Nod To Mod: bright blues, greens, pink, purples
Each of the five sub-palettes includes:
- 10 eye-shadows
- 2 lip colors
- 1 blush
Of course when it comes to eye makeup, I yield the floor to the amazing Kat Von D.
“This is dedicated to those who are self-created, self-reliant, self made, and independent.” —Kat Von D
Unlike the other sets the Tattoo Chronicles Palette concentrates only on the eyes. This set is dedicated to make your eyes look like a rock-star, the set itself looks very cool and has a secret compartment with a double-ended rollerball fragrance sinner and saint.
This set contains:
- 1 pair False Eyelashes
- 12 Eye shadows in Tijuana, Taxidermy, Hollywood, Peanut, Redemption, Solitude, Heartkiller, Baudelaire, Monastary, Poe Blue, Nite Owl, Lemmy
- 3 High Voltage Primers in Skin, Stellar, Smoky
- 2 Double-Ended Saint/Sinner Roller-ball
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”.
Sephora Favorites Lashes Unlimited
14 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!
Advanced Makeup Brushes for your collection
14 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
14 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.