I want to know what happens to lost posts in the scheme of things. I wrote this up recently and it is now in Internet Never Neverland. Here’s hoping this one is as good, if not better.
….
I bet you thought I’d tell you how to smoosh two colors together in a little pot and use a lip brush. Well, you could do that, for sure, and it would work, if you came up with a combo you really liked, but this is easier and gives you a lot more color options.
….
If I am going to combine colors, I generally start with one color on my top lip and one color on my bottom lip. Sometimes the sum of two lipsticks is better than its parts, at least for a particular day.
Here’s what I did yesterday to show you:
Top Lip: AL Gothic Lolita Wallflower This is a gorgeous color on its own, but not one I would have chosen. It is truly a perfect blend of pink and peach. And I can wear it well. I’m getting a full lippie. Kristin always includes samples with every order, and this color was one of my free samples. It is a perfect mix of peach and pink.
I chose it for this tutorial because you can see how you can add more cool tones to it.
Then I smoosh my lips together until the colors are blended. You can see how each color softens the other. I have also changed the consistency of the lippies: the gloss is more lipsticky, and the lipstick is more glossy. The color now is more plummy.
What I like about this is that both lipsticks stay fresh and clean. If I want to use them alone or in combination with other colors, I can. And I know I’m starting out with a particular color, not one that has layers of other colors over or in it.
This same technique works when using sample ziplocks. I am careful not to mix colors within the bags. I often use a little pointed plastic wand to grab some color and smooth it over my lips. It transfers almost completely off the wand, unlike a lipstick brush that you might have to wipe off.
Here are some other quick ways to use this technique: Balancing your lips
This same technique can be used if you are trying to balance your lips. Put the lighter color on the smaller lip. Smoosh carefully and that lip will still be a tad lighter. Whatever is lighter comes forward and looks brighter or larger.
Highlighting the center
Apply the light color fully to one lip and the center of the other lip. Put the second color on the outsides of the second lip. Smoosh, and your center is highlighted.
You can do this more strongly by lining your lips and filling in or going over the outside edges. You can do this with a navy eye pencil, believe it or not, just be careful to blend well and choose a navy that is the right shade for your skin and lip tone. I use a medium navy; dark navy is a little difficult to blend. (I did not use it in this picture.)
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Wow! this was fun! Thanks to Elena for giving me the idea yesterday.
Do you want a little drama and edge in your life?
Try a little black lippie, especially since they are moving out of Goth and into mainstream, albeit high fashion. Yves St. Laurent has a black gloss. Chanel has black lippies in different color hues, not like their famous Vamp lippie, a burgundy-black. These would be black-whatever-color-tone-you-pick of the three. NYX has a black gloss. Fyrinnae has Monochrome, a matte black lip lustre.
Is it still Goth, if mainstream isn’t far behind?
Could I make my own? Yes!
I figured I could come up with my own, yes!
I also wanted to try it with one of Aromaleigh’s wonderful black shadows. But there was no time. Maybe tomorrow.
Step 1:
Base: Avon Beyond Color Lip Plumping Conditioner
This would allow the pencil to go on without pulling. And also, hopefully, not stain my lips. Choosing a black eye pencil. I used Revlon Wet Dry Blackest Black
I wondered about my really black Shiseido and my not-quite-as-black Shiseido, but for this, I chose Revlon.
What a gorgeous shimmery black! But I didn’t have my eyes on yet, and it was morning, and I knew I wanted to tame it down.
For real drama
This would be a beautiful shade colored on both lips, with a touch of gloss up the center.
The bottom lippie is Milani Lip Mixer Gloss 704. I wanted to bring it into a burgundy look. Next time I might try lipstick instead of gloss.
My youngest 2 girls were looking at me wondering what the heck!
Step 2:
Smoosh the lips together.
It was really quite black, and the pencil shimmered through it.
My girls thought it was way too dark for me. But I wasn’t finished with the rest of my makeup. If you could see the full shots here, you would certainly agree with them. But I’m not sharing them!
Step 3: Add gloss up the middle of the lip to highlight Lancome Starlight White with silver glitter Milani Glitzy Glow Girl to pink it up some
Finished FOTD I’ll post more FOTD shortly.
Looking good.
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I decided to compare pictures to answer Phyrra’s question.
Now I don’t remember what shadow base I used.* I’ll check the name of what I think it was and add it later. But afterwards I used some of my sparkly nude mix. I use this mix because I am so fair that deeper colors will grab on me if I don’t lay down a dry foundation. (I also use eye cream on my lids.) (If your lids are oily, you will have to find other products — then let me know what works. I think using a second mix as I do would work.) [* I think I might have used Trish McAvoy. The trouble with this one is that I never know how much to use, and then I don't pay attention necessarily to how much drift/slide I get over the day to know whether to reach for it again or not.]
All colors posted at my FOTD which is coming up shortly.
Taken early this morning:
Lippie: Too Faced Diamond Gloss Fire, straight up, nothing added
At 5:30 added this lippie
Lippie: NYX Lips Iced Lavender — pretty color, almost brown with some lavender — the full face picture looked TOO MUCH — but I was swatching the color from my amazing NYX haul.
Taken about 8:30 after eating, etc. not standing in the same place as this morning:
You can see there was a slight drift on my lids, not enough to worry about. When it is more, sometimes my eyelids get irritated — I wonder then if it is the base or if it is the glitter (is it really smooth or is it cutting?) or if it is the particular color range.
Over all, my eyes have looked perfect today, not drifted, and the crease is identical to this morning. So I think part of the difference in looks in this photo is where I was standing and how the light grabbed from the camera.
I’ve found Nude Frost (in a pot) works best for me for Fyrinnae, Meow and AL though I use others on occasion. I’ve also had drift with it, and serious irritation, redness of skin, but it appears not to be the Nude Frost. When that happens, I go back to my tried and true shadows for a day or so, until it clears up.
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If you are lucky enough to get Sephora’s catalogs, you know how much fun it is to see the colors they show for each season.
Spring 2010 is no exception.
Bright and vibrant
The colors are bright and vibrant, more bright and vibrant than they have been in a while — and they fit right in with the advertising and bottle of Sara Jessica Parker’s new NYC fragrance. The dress she wears in the print ads would fit right in with the Sephora catalog.
I suspect this will get fashionistas to open their wallets for new colors.
Splitting lid and under eye colors
One thing I find particularly interesting about the eye makeup is that they are splitting the colors from the lid to the under eye. This is throughout the catalog.
Some looks to try Grey and plum
One particularly pretty look is on a model with dark hair and light gray eyes. Her lids are deep gray, with a pink in the area under the brow. Her under eye is a deep purple/plum. She is wearing deep pink lipstick.
Warm pink or apricot with blue or purple
The model has dark hair and brown eyes. Her lid is warm pink. Her undereye is either periwinkle blue or purple. She is wearing a medium pink lip. I didn’t like this look as well. The contrast is too great in the shadow colors.
A couple of interesting eyes with vertical placement of colors
This is an interesting look, one that they perhaps copied from the gorgeous Shiseido print ad of a couple of seasons ago. You’d have to have the right eye and the right colors and the right place to wear this look for it to be successful. However, the Shiseido eye was magnificent. I’d like to have someone do that eye on me.
Bright pink shadow
This wasn’t particularly pretty on a couple of models. Not the right shade of pink for their skin tones.
Only one model that looks natural
She’s on page 12 and in her early 20’s, if that. Blond hair, blue eyes, pink nude lip, soft nude shadows.
Bright blue liner
The model is dark haired, brown eyed, medium tone skin, wearing nude pink lip. The only splash of color is the liner.
Bright turquoise shadow or liner
I use this a lot. It was vibrant on the model.
Important to get the balance right
For these looks to look right — and not just tacky (which some of these looked) (unless you are going for tacky) — the balance of tone, shades and colors has to be right. Sometimes a nude lip works; sometimes a bright lip works. They are pairing with brights in shadows either way.
It will be interesting to see if this color trend crosses all the major and indie cosmetic lines. Then, if people will embrace it.
I’m definitely going to try the gray and plum look.
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There are a lot of tricks to the trade when you are talking about lips. Lip prep is a big part of it.
Lip Prep
Remove old lipstick staining from your lips with a gentle eye makeup remover or facial makeup remover. Dry Lips
Always use a balm under your lipstick and consider some form of lipgloss over the top, at least in the center.
Here are some common complaints and their solutions: Problem # 1 My lips are rough Remove all the dead skin.
Some people use a toothbrush, but I find that harsh.
I first used a 2 step program when Adrian Arpel had one that sold at Bloomies. It is possible to use a facial scrub on your lips, but the grains are larger, so I prefer to use one made especially for lips.
Here are some products I like that are gentle, but work. I like both of these equally. I prefer the Beauticontrol Balm, but both work equally well. I use whichever balm I feel like, but I always use the proper set together, if I am using the exfoliant from one brand, I use its balm.
Mary Kay Satin Lip Lip Mask, follow with MK Lip Balm — $9.50 each for .3 oz each
A friend said this set cleared up her lips after using countless other balms that did not work.
Problem #2 Lipstick migrates into the lines outside my lips
Be sure to moisturize well around your lips. This will make the lines less prominent.
Be careful with dark shades, as this shows up more.
Use a less gooey formula or be careful how heavily you apply.
I find some of the lipsticks made to last all day are too drying for my lips, so I work around it.
Line lips with a pencil to hold your lipstick inside the line better This works up to a certain point in age or appearance. After that, an invisible pencil works better.
You can use a pencil that matches your lipstick, one that contrasts (less modern look)(a dark visible line around a lighter lipstick), or one that matches your lip tone.
If you are using a color that is different than your lipstick color, you can actually change the shade — experiment with a favorite lipstick and a variety of pencils. You can do this on the back of your hand or just as you apply your lipstick for the day. This gives you almost an infinite number of shades with a combination of lippies and pencils.
If your lip pencil has a lipstick brush at one end, you can use that brush to feather or move the lip pencil color into your lip area or use it to apply your lipstick.
You can use the pencil first and line only the outside edges of your lips, or you can fill in the whole lip a bit (I prefer that method) or you can line after you apply your lipstick (I like this method too.)
Use one of the clear/invisible lip pencils that are on the market to line outside your lip line outside the color of lipstick you are using
At a certain point, this works better than using a colored lip pencil (or can be used in conjunction with a colored one.) It stops the lipstick from migrating.
You can find these in several brands. Avon used to make one.
DuWop reverse liner is great. One made by Too Faced is supposed to be very similar.
Guerlain Kiss Kiss Liplift is a magic product
This cleared up my lips in one application after I hurt them with stinging lip plumpers. Every other lip balm known to man did not work. (At the time I didn’t have Arbonne’s that might have worked.) It is slightly colored, like a concealer, so you can use it to mask your lip color to make other lipsticks true to their shade, or to bring your lips back to a natural color if they are stained from other lip colors.
It’s an expensive product, but one I will never be without.
Problem # 3 My top and bottom lip are not balanced; one is thinner than the other.
Use a lip pencil to draw at the top of the outside edge of your thinner lip. Experiment with drawing outside of your lip line to see if this looks natural or not. It depends on whether the outer edge of your lip has a distinct edge to it or not. You can often see on magazine pages that this has been done to many of the models. You might have to look closely, but they have done it. You want it to look natural in RL. Be sure to make sure that the points of your upper lip are centered under your nostrils. It looks strange if it is not.
You can use a slightly lighter shade of lipstick on your thinner lip. Or highlight only the center of that lip with gloss. Or use one of the techniques below for fuller lips.
Problem # 4 I want my lips to look fuller
Any of these ideas work, or a combination. It is possible to use one of these ideas on only one lip. Use a darker lip color at the outer edges of your lips than the center.
You can do this by using one lipstick and layering the other over it in the middle. Or you can simply use one shade on the other edges and another on the inner, blending a bit where they come together. It isn’t necessary to use a lip brush; you can work right with the tubes. Use a navy eye pencil on the outer edge of your lips. Carefully. This really works!
Be sure to blend this into your lip color. Use a shade of navy that isn’t too dark for your lip tone. Use lip gloss in the center of your lips
Concentrate it on your bottom lip, then smoosh your lips together. Use a lipstick made to enhance your lips.
Be careful what formula you use. I hurt my lips by using the same lipstick daily (wonderful color though!) by Cover Girl.
Buxom lip gloss by Bare Escentuals is very good and gentle. I love all the ones I have.
This is a beautiful set:
These are more neutral:
These are a little darker:
LipFusion is also good, perhaps a little less gentle. It comes in many colors.
Problem #5 My lip edge sometimes looks stained.
There are lip pencils that are skin toned. Use this carefully outside your lipstick color. You can also use a concealer for this purpose. The lip pencil will hold the line better than concealer, if lines outside the lip are a problem.
Rim your lips with a gloss. This really works and is a lovely look. You can choose a gloss that matches your lipstick, is lighter, a close shade or one that is different (say, a light apricot rim of gloss around a pink lipstick.) Experiment! I first saw this at the Beauté site. It really makes lips look both fuller and more youthful.
Problem # 6 I eat my lipstick off
Use a longer lasting formula or one that is less gooey when you know you are going to be eating.
I haven’t found that blotting lipstick or powdering makes the lipstick last any longer. And I do not care for the way powder makes my lipstick feel. I do, however, like using AL Rocks! glitter over lipstick to add color or sparkle. It seems silkier than powder. I don’t know if it adds any lasting power.
Try to be aware of working at your lips with your tongue or teeth.
Before you take a sip of a drink, lick your lips a bit. It forms a barrier between your lipstick and your cup or glass.
Use your fingers to wipe any lipstick off your cup or glass. It will make you more aware if you are losing more lipstick the next time you drink. Plus it looks nicer to those around you.
Use your teeth, barely your lips, to take food off silverware.
Break bread up into smaller pieces so you aren’t using your lips to bite into it. Who wants to literally eat lipstick!
Cut up large sandwiches, such as hamburgers, and eat with a fork. Or blot your lipstick before eating. You don’t want to get lipstick on your teeth or chin.
Problem # 7 I just feel like I look old
Update your look to follow one of the modern trends that work for you. Rim your lips with gloss — it’s surprising how well this works! Try it!
Try a stronger color in lipstick or try a lighter lipstick. Or both. Make sure you are wearing a tone and a shade that compliments your coloring.
If you change your hair coloring, you might have to change the depth of tone in your makeup, including lips, blush, and eyes.
Make use of the techniques above.
If you don’t have consultants for either MK or Beauticontrol, let me know and I will give you contact info for people I know who are consultants.
To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, go here.
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I did this look yesterday, but I didn’t have time to post it. I was very pleased with how it turned out and felt I looked great all day. All my pictures turned out well too, so it is difficult to pick the ones to show! I have no idea what I’m going to do with my eyes yet for today.
Eyes: Brand New Mary Kay Spring 2009 Luminous Color Blue, Brown, Green in single square pan $15 This isn’t even in their online catalog yet!
Cost for compact if you want one $18
Lime green on lid
Brown in crease and on outer corners — pretty, fairly light shade
Lined eyes:
Turquoise Blue as bright liner on top and outside of the MAC pencils on the bottom
Bottom Lined: MAC graphblack on waterline; earthline below that
Top lined at edge of waterline from underneath Sephora bright turquoise waterproof flashy liner pencil
Mascara: Stiletto on top; Lancome on bottom.
Brows: Merle Norman powder. You can see how well it covers. It’s a great shade!
Lips: NYX Round Gloss Queen of Africa
Blush:
I tried a really fun thing for the first time. I have a multitude of lip pencils that I rarely use. I decided to take one of them and use it as a blush. I used Jordana Magenta. This is a very inexpensive pencil I bought at the drug store several years ago. I just don’t wear such strong magentas as lippies for the most part any more, so it sits unused.
Technique: I drew a fairly good sized swatch on the end of my index finger. I added one tiny drop of moisturizer and smooshed it together with my other index finger. I then applied this on my cheek bones.
I love the color and will definitely do this again and with other colors.
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Updated to include my review of Hourglass primer (and comparing it to Chanel’s Illuminating Base.) And also as a reminder about the value of using a primer.
To prime or not to prime, that is the question.
If you’ve not used a primer, try one and see what you think. Get a makeover and ask that they use one.
If you truly don’t like a primer, return it, if you bought it at a physical store. There are enough primers out there now, that you can find one that you love.
If you are using a primer, I’m guessing you will never go back to without.
Why prime?
What is the purpose of primer?
Primer perfects your look. It makes the surface of your skin silky with less visible imperfections, so you use less foundation. Your products glide over the top, meaning you need less foundation to cover.
What is primer made of?
Usually there is some silicone or one of the ‘cones’ in it to create a smooth surface on the skin.
Some folks even use Monistat gel for an inexpensive alternative.
How does it work?
Most primers are the last step before applying your foundation.
Primer slips over the skin, creating a light barrier, usually with silicone. Foundation glides on easier, goes on smoother, and covers better with less product.
Under a certain age, some primers will stop oil from coming through and messing with your look.
Once a certain age, a primer may act like spackle, one even has that name, gently filling in lines and pores to give a smooth surface for foundation and optically take time off your age.
Is it strictly cosmetic or is it also corrective?
All perform a cosmetic service; some are also corrective. Color correction
Some primers color correct or add a sheer layer of color. Others are clear. Both Smashbox and Revlon Vital Radiance have multiple colors to correct.
Guerlain Meteorites Perles
Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer; Base Perfection. Great little powder balls that color correct and do other neat things.
Contact Claire at Guerlain at the Palazzo in Las Vegas for all your Guerlain needs. (702) 732-7008. If you’re in town, stop in to visit!
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer is another good one. I use the purple. Purple will also bring a foundation into a cooler tone. One minimizes red tones; one minimizes yellow or sallow tones; one minimizes dark circles, veins, and dark spots. (The best thing for dark spots is using a lightening product or having them removed either by laser or by freezing.)
Some have added ingredients that benefit your skin. Aromaleigh Easy applicator pump bottle. Very nice product.
The best “canvas” for any type of makeup is a perfect, smooth canvas. This is what we are all seeking, and for many, mineral makeup brings us one step closer.
Lock in hydration while smoothing and retexturizing your skin’s appearance and maximizing your makeup…
With natural oils of Safflower, Grape and Camellia, Vitamins E and A and advanced polymers… our primer combines nature with science to get your skin where you need it to go.
Less is more, just like with mineral makeup. Your primer can be blended with your moisturizer or sunscreen, or used on it’s own. It can even be combined with a small amount of powder to create an easy to apply mineral makeup/primer combination that smooths to a velvety finish. Aromaleigh
Arbonne Virtual Illusion makeup primer
Supposedly acts like a natural botox to improve the surface of your skin.
Create a flawless canvas for makeup application with this advanced primer. A blend of vitamins, skin-perfecting pigments, advanced cushioning and anti-aging ingredients work in harmony to help tone, smooth and minimize the visual appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. The result is a velvety, matte, radiant finish.
GABA, hyaluronic acid, polypeptides, gamma orizinol, light deflecting pigments, B-glycherritinic acid; horsetail extract, green tea leaf and grape seed extracts
Guerlain
L’Or – has real flecks of gold in it and creates a lovely look.
Again, contact Claire, see above.
La Prairie
I have not tried this white one.
La Prairie for eyes
Shiseido Benefiance Facial Lifting Complex also works to firm.
Avon Magix evidently stops oil too; has a fairly heavy consistency; is generally well liked by everyone. Very reasonably priced at $10.
Smashbox – comes in clear (I like the purple better), purple (to correct skin tone, but it works to cool up colors of foundation that are a bit yellow),green (ditto, I haven’t tried this one) and an apricot one that has ingredients to benefit skin (I like the idea of this.) To me they all feel the same, but the clear one seems to do less. Placebo effect, likely!
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer oil free spf 15 $52
I loved this product. It has a slight radiance to it which makes my skin look perfect. This is something I likely will be buying. 132 people reviewed it at Sephora, giving it an average of more than 4.5 stars.
Today I compared it to Chanel’s SHEER ILLUMINATING BASE. Both illuminate; Hourglass seems more slippery. I preferred the look of Hourglass once I had on my foundation and sparkly powder mix. I generally use Chanel’s only up the center of my face as a highlighter.
It is water-resistant and 100% fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. It does not have an odd smell because of ingredients. I smell nothing.
It neutralizes the skin, creating a smooth, uniform slate for makeup application. Don’t forget the slight radiance which evenly distributes light to soften and camouflage skin imperfections and fine lines. It also protects from oil breakthrough, so your makeup stays looking fresh longer.
It has no
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
The SPF is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide rather than chemical sun-blocking agents.
These work, but I don’t like them as well Laura Geller Spackle – Sephora sampled this.
It started out white and got taupe colored when exposed to air. The sample was in a pot. The full size is in a pump which would eliminate exposure to air.
Smashbox Highlight and Prime together
You can read my review here. I don’t like the dual delivery system. It doesn’t feed evenly. You have to cover one side to make sure the other feeds. I love the color though. Would be better to have just had the highlight to use as you wish, and add to your primer or not, as you wish. Or have two separate tubes in the set vs. 2 in 1 tube.
How about perfecting your look even more?
There are products you can apply over your makeup that filter out and soften lines, similar to when Doris Day was filmed through a special lens.
Clarins makes a great one!
Use this around your mouth or eyes, wherever you need extra help. Try it out at one of the counters.
La Prairie
Pink colored, quite a heavy consistency. Pricey. No better than some and less than others. Evidently, it comes in gold too. I think it is quite thick.
The eye product tends to roll some, but the look is pretty.
Signature A Wrinkle Filiment
is heavier, similar to La Prairie’s, but apricot colored.
MAC Prep and Prime
Prep and prime is a face primer. I like prep and prime better than Smashbox Photo finish because it doesn’t have that slick feel to it. It’s not all silicone. I recommend it. Miranda
MAC Black eye primer
I also bought MAC’s black eye primer. It makes a huge difference in how the eyeshadow looks. Want a paler, more natural look, use a skin toned primer. Want uber kapow and drama for evening, use black primer! Miranda
Do you use a primer?
Which one(s) do you use or have you tried? Let me know if I left out any that you particularly love.
Nearly every line has a primer in their arsenal now. I’d like to hear about any good ones!
To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, just contact me, and I’ll put you in touch.
Karin
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This morning came very early, especially since I stayed up way too late last night.
Can you say 4 hours of sleep? Luckily for me, I don’t need a lot of sleep, but on a consistent basis I need a bit more than 4 hours.
I basically threw some clothes on, used a cut piece of MAC wipes (cleansing towelettes $15 for 45) to carefully freshen my eye makeup — I removed a bit of smudge, but not the eye makeup, and put on lipstick.
In less than 5 minutes I had a pick-me-up, and I was ready to go to take my youngest to school.
I took a couple of pictures, but I’m not sure I’m going to share them. I looked good, but not the way I looked later in the day. Let’s keep the illusions, shall we!
Here’s the lippie I chose:
NYX Gold Pink
But I want to report on how well the MAC graphblack and earthline holds up after a long night and very little sleep. Nothing migrated into my eye, despite the fact that I apply the graphblack to the waterline.
For most people, I would have looked as if I had done my complete makeup, not that I had slept in it.
I think that is a pretty good recommendation, don’t you!
I was talking with the MAC SA last week who did my makeover, and she told me that these pencils are waterproof, which might be why they work so well. But there is nothing on the pencils to indicate they are.
I bought these colors because first, I loved the way they looked on another SA the week before, and when she put them on me, I loved the way they looked on me too.
Meantime, on other nights and mornings, the skin around my eyes has been irritated from whatever makeup I didn’t remove, either from the mascara, pencils, or minerals — or all of it) and I had to take off the complete eye makeup, cleanse and re-moisturize before I could head out the door — and sometimes it took a couple of days for the redness of my skin to recover.
Not today. I was good to go. And I did.
I had a great day, how about you? This was just the beginning.
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I had to laugh when my 13 yo asked to use the Spinlash mascara last night. (My review is here.) I knew it was right before her shower. She informed me that she was trying one mascara on one eye and Spinlash on the other to see how they both looked and worked. Good girl!
She is at the age where she would like to start wearing makeup, but she is afraid someone might notice and make a negative comment, never mind that other girls are putting it on with spatulas.
Her first foray into mascara was a few weeks ago, and so far, she has opted not to wear it to school. She felt it was too hard to apply, and she wondered if she had done it right. (She had.)
That reminds me of a story from my niece in years gone by. She had a gf whose mother was a hair stylist. Her mother forbade her to wear makeup. I said to my niece, “She puts it on at school, doesn’t she?” And my niece was amazed that I knew. I wasn’t born yesterday.
How much better it would have been for her mother, who had access to all kinds of great products, to provide her with good products in right colors, show her how to use them, and let her go at it. Or, give her some of her own products that she was no longer using. I might not spend the money for my girls’ makeup, but it doesn’t feel like I’m spending anything when I let them ’shop’ in my stash. I have some lovely products, a little too dark for me, that look grand on this 13 yo.
I make comparisons between products all the time. Here’s how:
In general, compare only one thing at a time.
If I’m comparing foundation, I do not compare skin care the same day or vice versa.
How would I know which was contributing to the look?
Compare over the course of the day Look at it in various lights.
How does it compare at first? How does it compare after I’ve worn it a bit? Does one side look more moist or dewy? Has it smudged? Is it irritating?
How does it feel?
Conversely, if you have a lot of oil or a steady T-zone, how is it holding up, is it disappearing? Is oil coming through?
Comparing foundations or skin care
I divide my face with an imaginary line up the middle. I learned this years ago from a consultant for Viviane Woodard who gave talks at women’s groups with full makeup on one side and none on the other. That took chutzpa!
I use one product on one side, one on the other. Everything else is the same. I look at it in various lights and ask my daughters or a friend — and sometimes even SAs if I’m around makeup counters — which side they prefer. Surprisingly, or not, we usually prefer the same side.
The differences are subtle. Without being asked, and without drawing attention to it, no one would notice. But I notice; I’m particular; and I’m really looking for what is best.
If there’s any doubt, I do it several times over the course of a few days, switching sides, so that it isn’t my ‘good’ side that is providing the answer.
Eye cream
Use one on and under one eye; the other on and under the other eye. See which side is still hydrated and has less lines than the other over the course of the day.
Mascara
Try one mascara on one upper lash; the other on the other. Compare them over the course of the day.
Eye shadows or eye liners
I have been known to actually do two different looks, one on each eye. Most people don’t notice, LOL. You can compare brands, similar shades, different formulations, etc. You can even be intentional, as for a mardi gras look.
Perfumes
One on each arm or one on each wrist. You could put one on your arms, one on your legs.
I am reviewing two now that will go up later in the day, but I’m waiting to describe the mid and end points. I’ve worn them for several days this way, but I haven’t yet taken the time to describe them.
Lipsticks and lip glosses
You can put one on one lip and the other on the other and smoosh your lips together.
Or, you can try one, and when it is gone, try the next one.
Hair products
Generally, I compare on different days, but it is possible to compare products that tame frizz, for example, one on one side, one on the other. That way you know which you prefer and which you will re-buy. Or you could compare shampoos, by using one for the first wash, the other for the second, always remembering that the second sudses up more, so reverse it the next day.
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This was my idea from yesterday, to do orange and red. As I went along, I preferred orange and purple, but when I was finished, I was happy.
Eyes: after my usual base Inner lids: AL spread your wings les papillons Outer lids and drylined under eye: AL crimson mimicry les papillons Up center of lid: AL unicorn (which pulls orchid) to mask the abruptness Drylined: AL reverberation Rocks! glam glitter (turquoise) Lined upper and lower: Black Cherry gel, smudging the look, rather than hard edged Lashes: Witches charm lower lashes on upper (black with silver glitter tips) — these are not as long as the upper and a little less exotic. Very pretty for evening with the glitter.
Taken from a downward angle:
Blush and highlight: Arbonne
Lips:
Upper lip: Perfect Azalea Beauticontrol lipstick, soft, bright red Lower lip: 05 NYX Sparkle round gloss
Smooshed Lower lip: Urge Beaute gloss, then smooshed again
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This was Sunday’s FOTD from the new sample sets that I bought.
Sometimes it’s fun to try a completely new color to see if you love or hate it. I’ve found that I can wear just about anything from Aromaleigh. I’ve tried only one of Kristen’s oranges, prior to this, but I love her reds, so I thought, why not! I thought this was really pretty and different.
Technique
The application choice when picking two such different colors is whether you want to do one as a lid and one as a crease. That would be my usual technique, but I wanted to go different.
Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost + BE Queen Phyllis
Inner corners: Tigrilla l’orchidee Outer corners: Moonset l’orchidee Lined top and bottom: Arbonne Mermaid pencil, a sort of grayed deep blue
Tigrilla: Sure to please, a lustrous tangerine tones enhanced with sparks of iridescent gold.
Moonset: Deepest purply blue with brilliant diamond shimmer. Aromaleigh
Blush: AL Dolly
Lips:
AL Smitten + gloss — don’t remember which, now…
What do you think?
I think I’ll definitely wear it again.
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I wanted to repost this technique for those who are not familiar with it or who have joined my blog more recently. The technique for voluminous lips really does work, no matter your age. I have an easy way to find this from my front page, but sometimes it is easier just to see it as a post. It is well worth the few seconds it takes to update your lips.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Beauté Cosmetics has a short line right now — lip gloss, lip and cheek stain, and brushes — and some lovely gift sets.
At the site, there are five different videos from the creative director Beau Nelson, including one on Voluminous Lips.
Dontcha just love the concept of voluminous lips!
How they work
He tells us in the video that Beauté glosses have three different volumizers:
…dehydrating Marine Filling Spheres which act like tiny sponges that go inside the lip, then expand with the body’s own natural water — that gives you instant plumping; maxi-lip is a tripeptide that stimulates collagen cell renewal — after 29 days you get semi-permanent volume that is a long term benefit; then we have orchid extract that regulates the natural moisturizing factor of the lips.
They are excellent glosses!
I bought several of them and I was given one for review, and depending on what color lippie I am using, I vary the Beauté gloss color that I rim with.
These will plump and give the illusion of plumping without damaging
If you remember from reading my blog, I damaged my lips by daily using a plumping lipstick that stings. I asked KarlaSugar before I purchased if these sting, and she said they did not. I agree! You can see her reviews and swatches at her wonderful blog.
I know that Orchid Extract(s) are a big part of Guerlain’s treatment line, so they do work.
Lip Technique
In the video, Beau shows a lip technique for giving instant volume and glam to your lips. I wanted to try it today, but initially forgot, so then I had to rethink it, how to do it with lip glosses I had on hand — and the one I had already applied.
What I liked about his technique
It is very simple, and it is subtle, suitable for every day wearing. But it really makes a difference.
What is it? He uses two of his colors: Allure and Paramour in this technique.
Both of them are glittery, with some light reflecting.
I think you could use any two of his glosses — or others you have on hand — that work with your skin tone.
First
He begins by taking the lighter of two Beauté glosses and outlines the lips on the outside edge of the lip line.
Remember that by extending the lip line a tad, you are extending the optical illusion of your lip line. By using a gloss, not a pencil, it is subtle — and you won’t be left with a hard line if you eat off the center of the color. I think it is also a more modern look, and less made-up looking. Additionally, it does a better job of camouflaging tiny lines around your lips than a colored lip pencil does. You can still use a clear lip pencil farther out, if you wish.
You want to look like you only better. You don’t want to look like the first thing someone notices is your makeup technique.
Next
He fills in the lip line up to the edge of the first color (not over it) with the deeper gloss.
My lips today
I had already applied the gloss I wanted to swatch, before I remembered I was going to try this technique. Oops. So I applied his technique in reverse.
I had initially planned to use Too Faced — which I did later today. See pix here.
NYX Pink Sparkle Diamond Sparkle Gloss
I had this on my lips already — and couldn’t decide what direction to go for my FOTD. That was a challenge!
To Rim: I wanted something that would show. Lancome Starlight, clear white glittery gloss
Rimmed — after the fact! You can see that reversing the application works too.
I used a lip brush to get the tiniest line.
You can see it is very subtle, yet noticeable. I love it!
Another view:
And another view:
Using a glitter pencil to rim
I have tried this in the past, using a Tina and Tony pink sparkle pencil to highlight the entire upper lip or just the middle, but it wasn’t as effective, was harder to use, and I only did it on occasion.
This technique with gloss is much better and easier.
Using the look with darker lippies
I used a very light glitter gloss here to rim because my skin is so pale and because I was using a light lipstick. If I were using a red, I’d likely use a red sparkle for the rim. Or if magenta, then magenta gloss to rim, etc. I’d have to experiment to see if I preferred a matching gloss to a lighter one that more nearly matches my skin tone. Aromaleigh Rocks! Glam Glitters would work well for the rim, if I didn’t have a gloss that would work.
Update: I do use a color close to the color of the main color of my lip color for dark or bright colors. I use a lighter shade if my lip color is more soft or neutral. And in general, I do the outer rimming after I apply the lip color. It seems easier to me. So I do the reverse of how Beau shows.
Tailoring it for darker skins
If you have darker skin, rim your lips with a gloss color lighter or brighter or more glittery than the gloss or lip color you are using, and semi-close to your own skin tone, that way it will be subtle but still daring. Or blend it in a little. For instance, if you are using a clear or sparkly red gloss for your lip, use a deeper sparkly red or deep pink for the rim. Don’t use as light a color as I did unless, of course, you are using a very light lip color.
Or, alternatively, try it with a glitter (either gold or silver glitters depending on your skin tone or the lip color you are using) pencil in grey or black or brown, just on the edge. Or use one of Aromaleigh’s Rocks! glam glitters. Either a matching color or one of the interesting blacks. They would work really well and easily.
My view
Wow, I love this technique! I will likely use it every day.
What do you think? Will you try it?
It is quick and simple — and effective. See my review of these NYX glosses here. Doing a quick comparison of the lips there, this LOTD technique really makes a difference!
If you want to read a detailed interview with Beau about himself and his Beauté line, go here.
The formula is wonderful! Considering that one person swatched her entire line at karlasugar, it’s gotta be good. You won’t be sorry if you try one or three!
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I haven’t posted a FOTD lately, but it’s not that I haven’t taken some pictures. I’ll try to be better!
You can buy this set at Sephora for $37. I took advantage of the F&F sale to pick up two more of Lauren Luke’s kits because I like My Sultry Blues so well (see below for those posts) — My Fierce Violets and My Smokey Classics.
Here is Lauren Luke applying My Fierce Violets:
The kit includes:
- 2 blendable primers – Nude Slip Dark & Nude Slip Light [the same shades in each kit]
- 3 flattering eye colors – Crushed Lilac, Turkish Night & Porcelain Dust
- 1 defining eyeliner – Raven Black [the same in each kit]
- 1 contouring blush – Sepia Rose
- 2 luscious lip shades – Sheer Berry & Cherry Whip
- 1 My Glossy Lips lip gloss in Sheer [the same with each kit -- I like it a lot; one is now in my purse.]
I’ve tried this look on two days. Here’s my look today: Primer: I blended the two shades together, and the color exactly matched my eyelids. I have tried each color alone at other times. Lids: Lightest purple Crease and dry lined: Deepest Purple Tightlined: Black liner from palette.
LOTD: This is how my lips looked two days ago.
I think I forgot the gloss both days! I really like the gloss, so I have to put it with the palettes. You can see that it’s a little lighter than it was today. Both days I applied the lighter shimmery shade in the middle of both lips, and the deeper shade on the outer corners.
I like Her kits are heavily pigmented
It takes me a couple of days to figure out how much of each shade to use, because the colors are heavily pigmented. That’s good. I like pigment!
The deepest violet shade is sparked with copper and is similar to a shade (Garnet Plum) I love from Aura Science, but the AS shade has the spark only on the top layer (just as the Milani ones do that I bought not too long ago.) It doesn’t seem right to get your interest under false premises. Lauren Luke’s looks like the spark goes all the way through.
The easy coordination of colors: A complete look
I like that all the colors that go together are together, for a complete look. I also feel it is easy to use other blush or lippies, so the kits are usuable in many ways.
Have you tried this palette? or any of her other palettes?
Do you have a favorite?
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You can read more about Lauren Luke aka panacea81here.
You can see her applying this set here:
This set contains:
- 2 blendable primers – Nude Slip Dark & Nude Slip Light [the same in each set]
- 3 flattering eye colors – Continental, Sapphire Night & Star Dust
- 1 defining eyeliner – Raven Black [this can be used strongly or lightly]
- 1 contouring blush – Wind Flush
- 2 luscious lip shades – Diamond Berry & Snow Berry
- 1 My Glossy Lips lip gloss in Sheer [the same in each set, a sort of mauvey clear]
Eyes:
This time I used the deepest contour blue over my lid and to dryline the bottom; used largest size of blue in crease and over lid; used highlight blue over pupil and under brow; tightlined lightly with Raven Black.
Lips:
I used the deeper of the two colors on the outer corners here, then the lighter shimmery color in the middle, followed with the lip gloss. I love the gloss. The color is very versatile, and it smells and tastes great.
My take: These blues are really gorgeous.
I like the versatility of the set. There are different looks that you can accomplish from having a light, sparkly lid as I did the first day to deepest lid as today. I give the set a 5.
FOTD AL shadows + false lashes I've posted my tutorial about the false lashes. To show the glitter line of the lashes: Eyes: Base: Nude Frost + BE Queen Phyllis Aromaleigh shadows Center of lid: Clara en pointe Outer corner and...
LOTD Creating a vibrant, deep lippie MK Benefit Armani It's very easy to tweak your lipstick to get the result you desire. If you would like a deep color, but perhaps it feels too dark for daytime or for your skin tone, you can...
FOTD Review: My Fierce Violets by Lauren Luke I haven't posted a FOTD lately, but it's not that I haven't taken some pictures. I'll try to be better! You can buy this set at Sephora for $37. I took advantage of the F&F...
FOTD My Smokey Classics by Lauren Luke -- Natural Look Yesterday I posted a dramatic look of My Smokey Classics. Today I wanted to do a very natural look, using mostly the wonderful taupey brown in it. I intentionally applied it as natural as I...
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I have way too many lipsticks and lipstick samples to ever use them up in a lifetime, even though I have three daughters and others with whom I share lipsticks. Why! I try as much as possible to buy department store products always with a gwp, and generally that includes a lippie or two, and often I’d buy a lippie as part of my qualifying purchase. So given a number of lipsticks and a number of pencils, it is possible to come up with almost an unlimited number of colors.
How or why did I come up with this one? Applied in this order
I wanted to try or re-try the Avon sample I had. It is a fuchsia, but when I started to apply it, I could tell it wasn’t vibrant enough. It is more of a spring color than a winter.
Then, my new gwp Clinique lippie, more of a plummed brown pink, was next to it on the counter. I looked at it and thought, this might work.
I didn’t feel like the edges were strong enough, so I did the edges with the MAC pencil. I too almost prefer to do my pencils this way as I have some control over how much pencil shows or shows through vs. doing the pencil first. Plus I can get the edge sharper without looking made up. See my earlier post on Andrea Claire.
How long does it take?
It’s a really fast technique. The longest time is just to determine the colors.
Colors
Balm: AL – this was left from earlier today, but I like the balm as a base Lipstick
Top: Avon Royal Fuchsia
Lower: Clinique Rose Aglow smooshed Lined edges: MAC Soar pencil
Here’s how it looks full face:
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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which has been discontinued, can still be found on occasion. It came in two colors, cool and warm. I use cool.
is another good one. I use the purple. Purple will also bring a foundation into a cooler tone. One minimizes red tones; one minimizes yellow or sallow tones; one minimizes dark circles, veins, and dark spots. (The best thing for dark spots is using a lightening product or having them removed either by laser or by freezing.)
