In My Kit: Bdellium Brushes
April 9th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
image credit: bdelliumtools.com
In My Kit: e.l.f. Cream Eyeliner
October 14th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I have tried many cream eyeliners: MAC, Bobbi Brown, Natural Born cosmetics, Lancome, Loreal to name a few and they cost anywhere from $10 and up. So imagine my surprise when another MUA said she loved the cream liner from e.l.f. cosmetics AND it only cost 3 bucks! I had to try it and must admit that it’s the best $3 I’ve spent in awhile. The cream formula creates smooth thin or bold lines that are defined and precise. It also gives smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-resistant coverage for all day wear. So yes, it combats nicely against sweat and tears. I use it on a lot of my brides. A slanted eyeliner brush is also included, but I chucked it because it was too small for my needs. The liner comes in an array of colors: olive, copper, gunmetal, purple, coffee, black, midnight, ivory, teal, golden and punk purple. I’ve only tried black and gunmetal. Love the black. It’s rich and dark; gunmetal is a gray with shimmer. It wasn’t as bold as I was hoping on my skin tone, but it’s still a keeper.
Swarovski Crystal Vaseline
December 16th, 2010 § 1 Comment
Bling! Bling! Vaseline has gone glam for its 140th anniversary with a limited edition Swarovski Crystal jar. Yep, the petroleum jelly has been around since 1870!
I have used Vaseline for years. It’s even in my makeup kit. I especially reach for it during the winter. And I’m loving the new flip top container because I can close it without getting product all over the lid. Some of my favorite uses for VPJ:
- Use on eyebrows so they’re less unruly; gives a great soft sheen too.
- Use over eyeshadow for an illuminating gloss effect on eyes (did this for a photo shoot; wouldn’t recommend for daily makeup wear).
- Put it on your teeth so your lip color doesn’t stick to them.
- Mix it with an old lipstick for a fresh new color.
- Rub it all over your feet and sleep in thick socks; makes them soft and supple.
- Instant relief for dry, chapped, cracked lips.
- Mix with lotion to increase moveability; also makes it seem less greasy.
- Rub it on rough areas: elbows, knees and ankles.
To celebrate its 140th anniversary, Vaseline has contests for VPJ users on its Facebook page. Just submit your favorite uses for Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, and each week, they’ll select a winner to receive a Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Jar of VPJ (worth $100) and a $500 gift card! They will also randomly select 5 winners, who submit a video, to win a Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Jar set (worth $750) and a $1,000 gift card! Check out the contest at www.facebook.com/vaseline.
Happy Anniversary Vaseline!
In My Kit: Revlon Illuminance Crème Eyeshadows
December 3rd, 2010 § Leave a Comment
I’ve been reaching for Revlon’s Illuminance Crème shadows a lot lately because these versatile palettes let me have it both ways: Sheer or intense color. The deeply pigmented, creamy powders — available in many, many shades — give a sheer wash of color but can also be layered for a more intense look. Some of my favorites: Electric Pop (pictured), Wild Orchids, Not Just Nudes, Skinlights, Moonlit Jewels and Copper Coast. I’ve used them on brides and in photo shoots; from soft and pretty to sultry and smokey, with great results. $5.00-$6.50; at drugstores and retailers such as Walmart and Target.
In My Kit: Beauty Blender
August 17th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
I’ve rekindled my love for Beautyblender. I ordered it over a year ago, tried it, thought it was just okay and put it aside. But recently, I rediscovered why this little sponge is all the rave. I’ve been using Black Opal cream foundation sticks when I need medium-to-heavy coverage; however, they’re not very 
spreadable. So I asked fellow MUA Samuel Paul (who’s work I ♥) what his technique is for working with these foundation sticks. He said putting them in a pallet helps to soften and make them creamier. And to apply them, he uses a foundation brush and a lightly damp sponge to blend them some more. That’s when I remembered my Beautyblender. I pulled it out, dampened it and rekindled our relationship. It truly works wonders! Its tight cell structure has made working with these cream foundations a piece of cake. The elliptical shape is also very useful. The pointed side makes it easier to apply foundation around the nose, mouth and under the eyes. And the round base is great for larger areas of the face. You can even apply blush with it. I use a stippling technique when applying foundation and Beautyblender helps blend the makeup without creating changes in the texture or tone of your skin. And when using a foundation brush, I use it to smooth over and feather out brush streaks. I had a recent bride with problem skin and blemishes, but worked the makeup over the blemishes using the pointed end and a stipple-and-roll technique for a perfect finish. I had long forgotten about Beautyblender, but I’m glad it’s officially in my makeup kit.
