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.
Show and Tell: Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner
July 21st, 2010 § Leave a Comment
Covergirl recently sent Blended Beauté some of their latest products which I have played with and tested. Now the verdict is in…
credit: Covergirl.com
This is a definite keeper! This eyeliner gives you the intensity and staying power of a liquid with the ease and blendability of a waterproof pencil. You can use the liner for intense definition or smoke it out with the built-in smudger. I don’t usually care for dual ended tools with smudgers but this smudger I like and it allows you to create a subtle, smoky look. These liners are also a great base for layering eyeshadow and building intensity. They come in six pigment-rich colors (CG sent them all) which I have added to my kit: Blackfire (I’m a softie for rich black eyeliner pencils), Brown Blaze, Silver Spark, Violet Voltage, Blue Boom and Green Glow.
Liquiline Blast is a versatile eyeliner. So versatile that makeup artist Pat McGrath (I ♥ her work) created several different looks using the eyeliner during Milan fashion shows for Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Lanvin. Here are some of those looks which I read about recently in Allure. You may not go to this extreme, but the pictures and pointers just might inspire you.
Bottega Veneta
For a punk look at Bottega Veneta, McGrath smudged on a thick stripe of black cream shadow and darkened the creases and corners with LiquiLine Blast. She then topped it all with black shadow.
Gucci
At Gucci, McGrath drew the pencil along the inner rims of the lids, then traced a razor thin line of it along the top lashes. On top of all the pencil, she swept a soft brown eye shadow.
Lanvin
For Lanvin’s tough makeup look, McGrath rimmed the eyes over and over with the pencil, then with black shadow, and dragged the mix out at the corners before dusting a sparkly antique-gold shadow on top for a “flash of light.”
Photos: Allure.com; makeup descriptions: Pat McGrath via Allure June issue.
Next review: LashBlast Fusion Mascara and Outlast Lipstain
Artemis Woman Microdermabrasion System
September 23rd, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Part of my mission as a makeup artist and skin care specialist is to ensure every woman realizes their beauty potential. Makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath so I’m big on great skin care first, then makeup to enhance. Clear up instead of cover up! I’m also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good Feel Better” program, teaching beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment. My mother is a breast cancer survivor so it has been a blessing to use my love of makeup artistry in this way. Combine all of that and what do you have? 
Well, part of my skin care regimen includes at-home microdermabrasion treatments. My two faves are ARTISTRY Microdermabrasion system and Philosophy’s Microdelivery Peel. I use them both. But I’ve recently added the Artemis Woman Microdermabrasion System ($50) to supplement my regimen, and not only do I LOVE it, but a portion of the profits supports alternative treatments and screenings for women’s cancers.
The system is a professional-quality set that uses finely ground natural gemstones and pure essential oils to give you an amazing glow, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and feel rejuvenated. Natural aromatherapy joins the gem therapy for a true spa experience. The scrubber set includes four attachments and the rich formula therapy blend.
Join me in supporting this worthy cause. Your skin will love you for it! Soothe your budget, keep your beauty and help women’s cancers. 
For more information, just complete the form below.
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Face Time with Senna Cosmetics – Part 2
September 21st, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Now that you know about Senna Cosmetics’ great brow, primer and highlighting products, let’s get more up close and personal with some of their other fab items. Double your pleasure, double your fun with Double Effect Creamline Powder Duo Palette ($40). Rock a cat-eye fast and easy with a rich metallic eye lining cream on one side and a harmonizing metallic eye powder on the other. The mirrored compact includes three Creamline Powder Duos in Black Magic (deep black), Orchid Magic (blackened metallic plum) and Java (rich coffee brown) and two brushes. I prefer full-sized brushes, but the mini brushes are doable for on the go. Love how the cream liner glides over lids, giving a well-defined and softly matte finish that lasts. And the matching eye shadows are brilliant and pretty. Here is one way you can work this compact cutie, which has become a Blended Beauté fave:
“Line around the rim with the precise angled brush, then over line it with powder for budge proof, runway-looking eyes. Smoke it out using the shadow brush and the powder up to the crease.”
I was impressed with Senna’s eye shadows ($16.50) which come in various finishes: matte, sheer, sparkling and metallic. They are super blendable and richly pigmented. I played around with metallics Lynx (deep copper brown), Malachite (vivid metallic blue green), pictured, and Masquerade (reflective royal purple). Also sheer Champagne (soft peach champagne) would look great on many skin tones.
I’m still blushing over Cheeky Blush ($19) because the formula is amazing! Powders can be dry and creams fade fast, but this product combines the best of both worlds. It gives you the lively glow of a cream with the lasting power of a powder. Just dab and go. I tried Geranium (fresh coral pink). Senna’s regular blush powder didn’t disappoint either. Silky. Smooth. Easy to blend. Get dolled up with Dollface (warmed pink matte). The blushes are available in three different finishes for the effect you want. Sheer Matte gives a velvety opaque look. Sheer Glow adds radiance. Sheer Sparkling has micro pigments that reflect light.
Perfect your pout with lip liners, lipsticks and lip lacquers. Senna’s lip liners ($17) have a lovely texture that gives the right balance of softness and firmness for easy application and precise definition. And they don’t smudge easily. Watch out for their triple threat sheer lipsticks ($18). They condition, hydrate and protect. I puckered up to Rosette (natural brown rose), Nova (glistening peach) and Glint (warm pink). The colors are fresh and lively, and my lips felt soft and smooth thanks to Jojoba and Avocado. And it’s good to know there’s SPF 15 to protect them from damaging UV rays. Lastly, the lip lacquers ($19) make you want to eat them! They have a super delicious vanilla flavor that is yummy. I like Bling Bling (golden), pictured, Cosmo (sparkling coral pink) and Zest (opalescent peachy pink). Serious gloss lovers will like these full-bodied lacquers which also contain Vitamin E and Jojoba. They are a bit sticky for my taste, but they do last and there are plenty of rich colors and finishes (pearl, cream, sheer, sparkling) to choose from.
I’m definitely sold on Senna!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- Face Time with Senna Cosmetics – Part 1, click here.
Show and Tell: FACE atelier Ultra Foundation & Lip Glaze
September 10th, 2009 § 4 Comments
It’s liquid silk on your skin. Seriously. I now see why FACE atelier’s Ultra Foundation ($42) is a makeup artist favorite. Several artists I know sing its praises. I got a chance to try it and loved the results. Ultra Foundation is silicone based and glides on very smoothly. It adheres like a second skin, but it’s comfortable. Lightweight yet provides coverage from sheer to full. It’s multipurpose: Use it as a concealer; mix it with your sunscreen to create a tinted SPF foundation; or with your moisturizer for a custom tinted moisturizer. Ultra also allows your skins natural glow to come through while filling fine lines and pores. Some silicone-based products are known to cause breakouts, but Ultra Foundation is oil and fragrance free and non-comedogenic. So it won’t clog your pores. Sweat, water, heat and sebum don’t stand a chance because it’s resistant to all of them. Would love to see more shades for women of color. And according to the company’s website, in 2010 there will be!
I’m definitely feeling FACE atelier’s Lip Glazes ($20) too! They’re super shiny, non-sticky and moisturizing. Liquid glass on your lips! They come in a range of hot hues too. Flamingo was a fave for some of my summer weddings. Cameo and Peach are perfect for a natural nude; or go for some color with Primrose, Plum or Shiraz. Apply them with a lip brush or use the slant-tip tube for sexy lips in a cinch.
Blended Beauté rating: 
Winks
Flirt with Fall: M·A·C’s New Lash Collection
September 1st, 2009 § Leave a Comment
If you want to seriously lash out for fall, then turn to M·A·C and get your flirt on with six dramatic new lashes. Academy Award-nominated Hollywood makeup artist, Christina Smith, developed this collection of glamorous Silver Screen lash looks just for M·A·C. Here’s more from them on each lash:
43 Lash Wispy bundles and natural style length provide an everyday flirty fringe. ($13)
44 Lash A unique combination of separate bundles at inner corner and dramatic winged outer corner combine for a full and fabulous effect. ($13)
45 Lash Half-lash featuring bundles of long lashes. Highlights the outer corner of the eye to create a look that’s wispy and dramatic. ($13)
46 Lash Full with short lashes. Adds instant definition and depth to the lashline. ($13)
47 Lash Full lash featuring full extra-long side-swept hairs. With its fullness at the base, this lash provides a unique edgy look. ($13)
48 Lash Longer wispy bundles with an even edge create a flirty fringe that verges on the dramatic. ($13)
I love something about all of these lashes. Not sure which I’m going to flirt with. Maybe all of them!! So what about you? Which Silver Screen lash look do you fancy?
To shop the collection, visit maccosmetics.com or go to a counter or Pro store near you.
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Show and Tell: Lancome Oscillating Primer and Mascara
August 26th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Blended Beauté put Lancome's Oscillation Powerbooster Primer and mascara to the test.
In the words of an old-school classic by Soul II Soul, “back to life, back to reality, back to the here and now.” Had a wonderful time in San Diego and will be spotlighting some great beauty products I tried in future posts.
Okay, I’ve seen the commercials, glossy print ads and displays in various stores touting the latest mascara trend: Oscillating mascara. Several companies have come out with their version of the technology promising great results from a little vibrating brush. I love a good mascara and have been curious about this vibration sensation. Blended Beauté put Ôscillation Powerbooster Primer and Ôscillation Mascara from Lancome to the test. Ôscillation claims to do all the work. There’s no need to “wiggle” the brush side-to-side or rotate the wand. Just comb straight through and the vibrating brush will deposit mascara smoothly around the entire lash. I tested both for one week and did my review based on the claims each product makes.
Ôscillation Powerbooster Primer ($39):
- See lash expansion day after day
- Helps lashes reach their full potential and boost the appearance of natural lash growth.
- Reinforces separation and coverage; formula is coated onto lashes to allow for
mascara to glide. - Visibly stronger, fuller, longer lashes.
- Denser lash fringe
- Thicker lashes
Ôscillation PowerMascara ($34):
- Lashes appear extended
- Remarkably separated
- Visibly multiplied in number
My favorite was definitely the primer which doubles as a conditioner. It created a great base to increase the length, volume and definition of my lashes. It separated and coated them and allowed the mascara to glide on. With the primer alone, my lashes were fuller, longer and thicker. There truly is no need to wiggle the wand because the oscillating brush did distribute the product evenly. I didn’t see lash expansion or a denser lash fringe after using it for a week, however. The vibration from the brush tickles, which was bothersome and kind of annoying. And my hand got tired from pressing the wand while applying product.
The mascara made good on its promise to separate my lashes and they did appear longer. I would have loved more volume and thickness from this formula. I applied several coats but my lashes didn’t look visibly multiplied.
The primer is a keeper, but for $39, there are cheaper lash primers and conditioners that do just as good a job as this one. You’re definitely paying for the vibration mechanism and sleek design. And there are much better mascaras sans the vibration, from Lancome and other brands, that will give you better results for less than $34.
Blended Beauté rating: Winks
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- A Stroke of Genius, click here.
- Show and Tell: Artistry Tinted Moisturizer, click here.
- Blushing Bride, click here.
Congrats to K.R., our beauté winner of Lancome’s Color Fever gloss in Rouge Magnificence!!!
Show and Tell: Ardell Brow Shaping Kit
August 11th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Don’t have time to get to your regular brow guru? The Ardell Brow Shaping Kit ($4.99) claims to offer a quick, simple, effective treatment at home. Too good to be true? I had to try it for myself. The kit comes with an apple pear cold wax (that doesn’t need to be heated), after wax Azulene Oil to calm the skin and help stop redness, and 10 muslin strips. This kit was okay. I liked the no-heat formula. I waxed my friend’s eyebrows and it did cleanly remove the hair. And because the gel is water soluble, it was easy to remove any residue. Loved the pleasing apple-pear fragrance of the wax also. I wasn’t in love with the dispensing tube. It was awkward applying the wax. And don’t squeeze too hard so as not to get wax where you don’t want it. I think I’ll wait for my regular brow guru next time.
Blended Beauté rating: 1/2 Winks
Show & Tell: Cheeks, Lips & Body
February 1st, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Lately I have been testing, trying, rubbing and applying various beauty products. From eye creams and moisturizers to blushes and lipsticks. I admit it. I am a junkie. I love slathering on a creamy body moisturizer or feathering on a new blush; misting on a sultry new fragance, puckering up with a hot lip color or scrubbing down with a great exfoliant. With Valentine’s Day only two weeks away, here are a few products that I’m sooo lovin’ right now. And I’m sure that special someone will enjoy these on you too!
Give your cheeks instant warmth with Nars blush in Taj Mahal.
1. Nars blush in Taj Mahal Want to add warmth and color to your cheeks? Then reach for Taj Mahal and smile pretty! It’s a burnt orange shade infused with flecks of gold that leaves you with a simple, subtle glow. The pigment is rich and a little goes a long way, so use it lightly and add more if needed. I suggest using a fan brush to apply.
2. Nars lipstick in Pigalle This semi matte pink chocolate was a recommended “Get the Look” product in the December issue of Essence Magazine. The lovely Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child was supposedly wearing the color. I say supposedly because the actual lipstick looks nothing like the color she donned in the magazine. But I’m still sweet on this must-have color for velvety smooth, sexy lips. Nars enriches its lipsticks with Vitamin E, which increases wearability, and the semi-matte finish didn’t leave my lips looking or feeling dry.
3. Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Japanese Cherry Blossom
Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom
It was love and first smell when I tried the body cream from this collection. Thanks to my girl for turning me on to it. It has such an exotic fragrance, that is light yet still sensuous. My husband can’t keep his hands off of me whenever I wear it. (smile) Trust me ladies, I’m very picky over fragrances because many tend to make me nauseous. But this collection strikes all the right notes. The body cream and creamy body wash are my favorite as they really nourish and soften my skin. I loved this collection so much that I gave it to 3 ladies on my Christmas list. Lather up and enjoy!
If there’s something on the market that you’ve been wondering about, post a comment or send a message and I will feature it in a future blog.
Kiss Kiss!
