Makeup

Mar 02

Collection 2000 Collagen Curl Mascara

Posted on: March 02, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 5 Comments »

“Just like the infamous LBD, full and fan like lashes are always in style. New Collection 2000 Collagen Curl Mascara is an easy way to recreate that dramatic eye look that is so popular on the catwalk.”

-Athena Skouvakis, makeup artist for Collection 2000

Collection 2000 is a brand based in the UK that carries a great selection of lip, eye, face, and nail products. I was sent several products from the collection to review, including the new Collagen Curl Mascara.

I was immediately excited to try the product because I love the packaging! I have about ten tubes of mascara and must of them have simple black tubes… I can always find my Collagen Curl, as it’s purple and yellow retro-esque tube definitely stands out!

It includes a curved brush, which seems to generally be a love it or hate it sort of thing for gals. Personally, I liked curved mascara wands, although I use them backwards – with the curved part facing towards my eye. I find it makes the mascara easier to apply and deposits a heavier coat.

With the mascara itself, I had slightly mixed results. The initial application results in BAM! super full and lush lashes. I did notice that I needed a refresher coat before going out later in the day or at night, and that there was a small amount of flaking. I would like a waterproof version of Collagen Curl, as I think it might stay fresh longer… The gorgeous spray of lashes it does deliver is worth the reapplication, so overall I’m a fan.

You can check out the whole line of Collection 2000 products here. I’m particularly interested in the glitter liners kohl eyeliners – there are some super gorgeous colors available!

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Written by Laney
Filed Under Makeup

Spring Beauty Trend: Orange Makeup

Posted on: March 01, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 1 Comment »

This spring’s hottest new hues come straight from the runways. Shades of juicy ORANGE were embraced by make up artists on models’ eyes, cheeks and lips during spring 2010 fashion week’s biggest shows.

I know that orange makeup can be shocking for some, and labeled as a trend that’s hard to pull off. An onslaught of orange cosmetics from top names in the beauty industry have ensured that there are shades for everyone – ranging from soft colors to bright traffic cone hues… So whether you want to dip a toe in or go all out, this is a trend you can partake in!

Lipstick

Personally, I love orange lipstick – the brighter the better! I first fell in love with it when working for Estee Lauder… When evening shifts were dragging by, I liked to experiment with the craziest colors and products on our counter. While most of them were definitely forays into fashion “don’ts” I found out that I really did love rockin’ the orange!

For those of you who aren’t quite ready to take the plunge, try soft shades of coral, and orange tones that have a strong pink or red influence. MAC’s Colour Me Coral or Yves Saint Laurent’s #13 Peach Passion are both examples of softer, easier to wear orange tones. For darker skin tones, I recommend bronze-y shades, such as NARS Outsider.

Remember, you can always blot your lipstick for a lower impact hue, or mix a little color with a coat of gloss.

(Left – Right, Top – Bottom)

Yves Saint Laurent 13 Peach Passion

Givenchy Rouge Fruity Orange

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluorescent Orange 201

Guerlain Mango Fizz 942

Holy Grail: Urban Decay Surreal Skin Foundation

Posted on: February 22, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 2 Comments »

Pale girls, it’s our time to shine! I’ve noticed a trend in the Spring 2010 makeup collections from my favorite companies – beyond the gorgeous coral lipsticks. This one has to do with skin! Several of my favorite companies have *finally* released foundation and other skincare products in light colors.

Gone are the days of “mud face.” No more foundation lines because my foundation’s too dark. No more mixing and matching in hopes of a shade that works. I’m so excited to be able to log onto my favorite sites (like Urban Decay!) and order the right product without any hassle. Thank you, Makeup Gods – thank you!

Of course, the best color match in the world won’t makeup up for a sub par product. That’s just another reason I’m delighted Urban Decay is one of the companies to jump on the Pale Girl Train. Urban Decay is a brand that I know, beyond a doubt, will offer products of the highest quality and performance.

Surreal Skin Cream-to-Powder Foundation does not disappoint. The compact itself is adorable, and while it holds plenty of product, it’s also a size that can be slipped into your purse if you’ve got a long day ahead. As you can see, there’s a mirror in the lid that will make application on the go a snap. Plus, who doesn’t love purple?

I did initially have some reservations about the Surreal Skin Cream-to-Powder Foundation. I’ve been dealing with a bout of super dry skin, so I thought that the foundation looked a bit heavy and might exacerbate the condition. Also, the brush that comes with it (kept in a compartment below the product) looked like it might be prickly and hinder more than help.

Of course, I should have just believed in the magic of Urban Decay and known that everything would be alright – because of course, it was. The foundation is incredibly creamy to begin with, and it’s not heavy or pore clogging at all. It “transitions” to a smooth finish, which isn’t heavy either. Instead, I’m left with a pretty much flawless finish (there were a few big trouble spots on my chin that weren’t completely covered). I loved the product so much I used it under my eyes instead of concealer, and didn’t have to set it with my usual layer of powder, other. That saved some major time.

The brush, which I sadly don’t have a picture of, is also perfect. I did have to blend with a finger under my eyes and around my nose, but otherwise, the brush works wonderfully. If you’re not lovin’ it, just switch to makeup application wedges and you’ll be all set. The sponges are so cheap that it’s not a big deal at all.

The three new shades include Haze, Fate, and Kismet (pictured above). I was sent Haze and Kismet for review, and Haze is a perfect match, although Kismet is wearable for me as well. There are eight other shades in the line for those of you with a darker skin tone, so everyone’s included! The Surreal Skin Cream-to-Powder Foundation compacts retail for $34. Stay tuned for more info about Urban Decay’s gorgeous Spring line…

NYFW: Make Up For Ever at THUY

Posted on: February 21, 2010 @ 9:00 am 1 Comment »

“Acclaimed fashion designer Thuy Diep selected MAKE UP FOR EVER to perfect her models’ faces at the Thuy Fall 2010 Fashion Show at the Salon in Bryant Park during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

MAKE UP FOR EVER ALLIANCE team member, Lottie (www.makeupforever-alliance.com), served as key make up artist for the show, where she created a cool, fresh look to complement the vibrant jewel tones of the collection.

Complexion & Cheeks: Lottie first applied HD Invisible Cover Foundation to perfect the models’ complexion. Next, she created a contour on the cheeks using Mat Bronze #2, and then applied more bronzer high on the apple of the cheeks. The look was set with Super Matte Loose Powder #12 on the t-zone.

Eyes: To create a sheer, shimmery gold wash on the eyes, Star Powder #920 was applied to the entire eye area starting at the lid and extending beyond the brow and temple. Pan Cake Foundation #3 was then applied to the temples to illuminate the skin. The eyes were finished with Smoky Lash Mascara on both the top and bottom lashes.

Lips: Lottie mixed Flash Color #1 with a hint of Flash Color #17 to get a matte, blood red stained mouth. She applied the Flash Color with her finger tips to blot it onto the mouth.”

I really love the look that Make Up For Ever created for this show! The berry stained lips and yellow-y/green eyes are really alluring, as is the soft skin and hair. Pretty girls, great makeup, fabulous show!

NYFW: Stila Face Charts

Posted on: February 20, 2010 @ 12:00 pm No Comments »

Want to recreate the look at home? Check these products out:

Stila Eye Shadows

Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx

Stila Convertible Lip & Cheek Color in Gerbera

Stila Eye Shadow Pans

Stila Eye Shadows

Stila Long Wear Lip Color In the Nude

Stila MAJOR Lash Mascara

Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation

Stila Eye Shadows

Stila Smudge Pot in Brown

Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz

Stila Convertible Lip & Cheek Color in Peony

Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Cherry Crush

Stila Convertible Mascara

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Written by Laney
Filed Under Makeup, Top Trends

NYFW & Tarte Cosmetics How To’s (Part 2)

Posted on: February 19, 2010 @ 3:00 pm 2 Comments »

Susan Woo Fall 2010 Look
Lead Makeup Artist: Tina Turnbow
Overall Look : Effortless beauty-A fresh, slightly-dewy complexion with kohl-rimmed eyes.

Complexion: It’s all about a healthy, dewy complexion.

* Spot treat problem areas and darkness with Tarte The Eraser 4-in-1 Concealer.
* Apply Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer w/ SPF 20 all over the face.
* Using Rest Assured Brightening Wand, apply the sheer pink highlighter on top of cheek bones, over lids before shadow application, on the bridge of the nose, on the cupid’s bow and in the corner of eyes.
* Apply Natural Cheek Stain in Doll Face in a U-shape from top of lids to outer and under eye area (acting as an illuminator).

Cheeks: Just a hint of flush.

* Dab Natural Cheek Stain in True Love on apples of cheek.
* Highlight cheeks with Natural Cheek Stain in Doll Face.

Eyes: Kohl-rimmed eyes-emphasis on the eyes without being too smoky.

* eye shadows:
o Using the Eye Couture Eye Palette apply the shimmery deep gray and top with the silver sheen

* liner:
o Line inner rim and lash line with EmphasEYES™ High Definition Eye Pencil Black.
o Using emphasEYES™ waterproof clay shadow/liner smudge the top line. You want to create darkness around the lash line.

* lashes:
o Curl lashes with Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler.
o Coat top and bottom lashes with Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 natural mascara.
* brows
o Using the lash and mascara comb brush brows in an upward motion.

Lips : A healthy, natural, berry stain.

o Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence Technology in Moody (exclusive to Sephora)

I did not write the information above; it was provided to me by tarte.

New Urban Decay Stardust Eyeshadows

Posted on: February 19, 2010 @ 12:00 pm No Comments »

Ooooh… Sparkly! Urban Decay always knows just what I like.

“It’s something unexpected in eyeshadow: an explosion of stars. Stardust shadows’ silky texture delivers an incredible amount of sophisticated, twinkling sparkle. Boasting 40% more glitter than our most sparkly shadows, Stardust delivers a sheer wash of color, topped with teeny bits of iridescent sparkle that glisten like wet snow. The glitter (a pricey ingredient called reflex), actually stays on your lids. No fallout, no chunky glitter… just stunning, sparkling eyes.”

Urban Decay sent me two of these gorgeous Stardust Eyeshadows to play with and I’ve been having a ball! First off, the color’s are absolutely out of this world – which is the usual for Urban Decay. The two I received are 54 (the purple at right) and Griffith (a beautiful green). There’s also a selection of grey, neutrals, turquoise, and black – nine shades in all. I hope to see more in the future, as I’d love a sparkly pink or a lighter shade of blue!

Now, you might be thinking that UD already has plenty of pretty, sparkly eye shadows – so what make these different? Based on appearance only, the Stardust Eyeshadows really don’t appear that different from the regular Urban Decay lineup. The difference is all in the application and payoff. First of all, these shadows apply much better with fingertips than they do brushes, which is different from the rest of my UD shadows.

The regular gang of UD is heavily pigmented, even when applied lightly. The Stardust version is a soft wash of color, which can be built up by using them wet or applying several layers. If you really want a big pop of color, I recommend layering them over a cream shadow, or a product like UD’s Sin Eyeshadow Primer. I’ve been wearing mine as a shimmery highlight and then brushed over darker shades for extra sparkle.

These are also great for experimenting with new colors, making subdued work makeup more fun (but not over the top), or adding a little extra something to your usual routine. Use them with the shadows you already have – especially if they’re from UD – and use them as an excuse to start feeling like Spring! Urban Decay’s Stardust Eyeshadows retail for $20.

NYFW & Tarte Cosmetics How To’s (Part 1)

Posted on: February 18, 2010 @ 9:00 am 2 Comments »

Lela Rose Fall 2010 Look: tarte for Beauty.com
Makeup Artist: Tina Turnbrow
Inspiration: Nature’s celestial landscapes-
think of the nighttime sky and imagine
a full moon peaking behind the clouds.

Eyes: Silvery, moonlit eyes-a silvery/black smoky eye without edges and just a touch of blue. The eye is almost 3D, rounded and mysterious.

Direction: Think of the eye as a rounded sphere or planet. The inner crease of the eye is darkened up to the brow with the shimmery deep blue gray (eyeshadow in Lucy I’m Home). The outer area is rounded, softly muted blackness. The center of the eye is the lightest, with darker edges (inner and outer corner of eye) ending in black (Eye Couture Palette). Apply blue lagoon only in the center of the top and lower lids. Blend the blue into the gray and then into a bit of the black. There should be a bit of the blue and silver gray (Eye Couture Palette) blended in the center of the lower lashline. Apply smolderEYES in the inner rim of the eyes. Top it off with a coat of Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara on the top and bottom lashes (no curling needed). Leave eyebrows-do not fill in. After finishing the eyes, clean underneath with The Eraser 4-in-1 Natural Concealer.

Complexion: It should feel muted like a hazy, cloudy sky. The mineral powder will matte and tone skin.
· The Eraser 4-in-1 Natural Concealer-use after applying shadows to
avoid fallout.
· Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 20
(one shade lighter than model’s complexion)
· Provocateur Mineral Pressed Powder with SPF 8
· T-Zone Travel
cheeks: Just a touch of healthy blush.
· Blissful natural cheek stain (warm peachy pink)
· powder over blissful with Provocateur Mineral Pressed Powder with SPF 8

tarte 4 Day Lash Stain: I Love You, I Love You Not

Posted on: February 17, 2010 @ 9:00 am 1 Comment »

Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain – $18

Remember that amazing Beauty.com gift box I told y’all about (they’re sold out now, sorry!)? Well I was lucky enough to have one show up on my doorstep, courtesy of an amazing PR firm. I hope you ladies got one, because the box and samples are truly, truly fantastic. If you didn’t, don’t worry… the site constantly features amazing gifts with purchase, and I promise to keep you updated!

Anyway! One of the samples in the bag was of tarte’s 4 Day Stay Lash Stain. I was really excited to try it, as it’s a product I’ve been curious about for a while. Here’s a little product info… Consider it back story:

“tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain is a revolutionary product that envelops lashes in long-lasting pigment while keeping them soft and flexible. It’s formulated with PolyFlex technology: Cross-polymers are blended with mineral pigments and then treated with ProVitamin B5 to create a binding tint. So whether you’re hitting the pool or hitting the shower, this gentle lash stain will keep lashes looking fresh, and won’t fade or flake.”

So here’s the story of Laney and the 4 Day Stay.

On Day One, I did my eye makeup all fancy-like, as I was going out for dinner. The sleek, sexy tube of mascara was calling to me from my cosmetic case. Enthralled by the inky blackness and promises of amazing lashes for days to come, I pulled it out and began to apply it like I would normal mascara. That was my first mistake in this love affair of ups and downs.

Ms. 4 Day Stay does not have the consistency of mascara. She’s not smooth and creamy, but rather, more like ink. Which means… She drips and splatters. She doesn’t make a mess the way a broken fountain pen would, but did get several streaks on my carefully applied eye makeup. Not my favorite thing ever.

I was both impressed and daunted by the stain’s immediate staying power. I knew she wasn’t going to disappear from my lashes – but I also couldn’t get her off my eyelids. Makeup remover was not a successful intermediate, and thus I was forced to cover the spots with concealer and reapplied eyeshadow.

On the upside, my lashes were the most perfect shade of black, they were full and lush – they were glorious. And they stayed that way. Through dinner, through a shower, through a tumultuous night’s sleep. And in the morning, I woke up with picture perfect lashes.

Unfortunately, I like to strip off my mascara while watching TV. With my fingernails. It’s an astoundingly bad habit – and it’s worse with the stain. Because instead of pulling off mascara, I was pretty much just pulling out my eye lashes. Which… wasn’t the product’s fault.

By Day 3, my lashes were still mascara’d, but they were also a little wonky. A bit bent out of shape. And I’d gotten powder and eye shadow on them, which meant they were no longer black. Not wanting to have my lashes stained for another 4 days, I touched them up with another mascara and went about my business.

So… That probably wasn’t the most interesting love story you’ve ever read. I’m still a little bit confused about my feelings for Ms. 4 Day Stay, and not entirely sure where we stand. I love that the product doesn’t come off, but then again, I wish I could take it off if I wanted to. If you’re a mascara girl – one that basically wears mascara alone (in which case you’re probably not reading this) I think you two will live much happily ever after than I could. If you’re all about change… Well, make sure you two sign a pre-nup. And that you’ve got some strong makeup remover on hand.

The Wait is Over: tarte Natural Lip Stain!

Posted on: February 15, 2010 @ 9:00 am No Comments »

I believe the new lip stains from tarte are part of the Tina Turnbrow “Flower Child” collection – but I’m so excited about them that I think they deserve a whole separate post. Do note that I haven’t tried them yet… But I’m insanely excited to do so!

“These anticipated natural gel lip stains are an extension to our best-selling and award-winning cheek stain and like our iconic stains each emotive, mint-infused shade glides on smooth for a natural flush that will stay all day. Earth engineered from a proprietary blend of plant bio-nutrients, our LipSurgence™ technology quickly absorbs into the skin delivering a surge of moisture on a cellular level, effectively and naturally increasing skin’s water content for a ‘plumped up’ appearance. The result is naturally fuller, healthier lips without any irritation or stinging.”

Clinically Proven:
- increases lip volume by 3% while increasing moisture content by an astonishing
6000%
- significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines an average of 39% after 4
weeks of use and 67% after 6 weeks of use.

Available in 6 shades:
- moody (deep berry)
- amused (bright pink)
- lust (red – pictured above)
- enchanted (rose)
- charmed (light pink)
- joy (peach)

A moisture increase of SIX THOUSAND PERCENT??? Now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about. One of my favorite products of all time is the 24/7 Lip Sheer (SPF 15) from tarte – they deliver the perfect amount of color, moisture, and longevity. The same can be said for the cheek stains, so if these lip stains are anything like the rest of my tarte faves… Well, who needs anything else?