Monday, April 28, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

MAC Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation

Purchase Price $34 + tax

Retailer MAC Store Local Mall

Check out www.maclcosmetics.com for product info

Product Review:

Like most makeup users switching foundations is somewhat common place depending on the specific look you may be trying to achieve. Also time of year may dictate which foundation works best based on seasonal influences. I often fall back to this bottle as it is the only liquid foundation by MAC that does not cause irritation or worse, breakouts. Having eleven customized shades it is still a bit darker than my true skin tone but as we all know it is hard to find that perfect shade in a long lasting quality product.

I primarily use this in the winter and start to taper off by mid spring. Using the Bdellium 957 brush for buildable coverage on initial application works best for me. After setting with a loose translucent powder I gently stipple with a Beauty Blender to achieve a demi matte look. I have had no issues with clogging my large pores with this liquid as with other MAC products that have not only clogged but caused in some cases severe breakouts. I have been able to find a major ingredient which often appears in products that cause irritation and breakouts on my skin which is SPF. As previously mentioned, fortunately, this foundation has caused me neither of those issues.

With some foundations dry skin is exacerbated and made to look just as bad if not worse. While using Matchmaster this is non-existent in winter months and as the seasons change does not cause any issues with additional oils or shine coming through the makeup. As for product control the pump dispenser evenly distributes and this is a must for me when buying pricier products and one bottle should last you a reasonable amount of time when compared to other liquid products. Everyone would benefit from trying and using this foundation and to be expected it is MAC so it is designed to work in coordination with other MAC facial products. With that said, the price point is set justly as it is MAC and it is of a professional quality. Of course MAC has a great return policy when it comes to products not performing to your expectations. So set up a consultation or walk into any MAC store or MAC counter in a department store and see for yourself as all MAC consultants are trained MUAs of sorts.

Monday, April 21, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

Sparkle Baby Collection Eye Shadow

Kitten Paradise and Candycrush

Purchase Price $TBA


Check out www.sugarpillcosmetics.com for product info
 
Product Review:

Meeting Shrinkle was a definite highlight of this purchase. Having been a longtime fan through social media every time it came for me to place an order for products they were unfortunately sold out. After finding out they were attending the NYC IMATS I immediately made a list of MUST HAVES and I am sure glad I did, visit later for additional Sugar Pill reviews.

These two eye shadows are from a new four color collection called Sparkle Baby which will be released to the public within the next couple months. Kitten Paradise adds a sexy sparkle to a gorgeous peach with a light gold shimmer. This color is perfect for adding a dash of whimsy to that perfect spring or summer eye look. With a solid amount of pigment and no fallout issues during application the look I achieved caught the natural light perfectly. Hands down this is going to become one of my favorite eye shadows very soon. Onto Candycrush, a color which I have dreamed of FOR…E-V-E-R. It is a perfect cotton candy blue with the right amount of shimmer keeping it attractive without the sometimes gaudy look of a frost type eye shadows. Great for either a day or night look pairing it with a pink for a fun cotton candy eye is going to be one I’ll use a lot this summer. Now if they would only come out with the matching cotton candy pink I’d be set.

What really impressed me with these shadows was the ease of application, no fallout, and the durability. It went on smooth and lasted over eight hours and cleanup was simple enough with eye makeup remover. These shimmery sensations will be a stocked staple in my closet as long as they are available and remain cruelty free.

Friday, April 11, 2014


FYI : Brand updates, Launches, and Events….

The 2014 NYC International Makeup Artist Trade Show or IMATS starts today! I am super excited this year as the number of vendors has jumped to over one hundred. Being lucky enough to attend since the first NYC IMATS in 2011 I find myself with an almost overwhelming list of booths to make stops at.

If you don’t know the IMATS is open to the professional world of makeup artist AND the public. It truly is a one of a kind event. Anyone is allowed entrance with a previously purchased ticket and believe me they are have sold out over a month ago. Vendors and manufacturers from all over the country and world peddle their wares from the small kitschy and fun items like eyelash holders and stencils to professional airbrush machines. Of course all the makeup and brushes you could dream of as well are here under one roof for three days. This year is going to be even more exciting with the addition of some very popular YouTube and Instagram users showing their work off and holding meet and greets. Not to be left out demonstrating their creativity and sharing their passion are international makeup artist Anabel Vargas, and accomplished special effects makeup artist Tate Steinsiek who competed on one of my favorite shows Face Off.





 
 
 
One key event that happens is a live judging of Battle Of The Brushes which is a student based competition held during the IMATS. This beauty/fantasy makeup challenge, which is held on the Saturday of this three day show, is a total transformation of the live canvas that will strut down a runway adorned with full body paint and accessories. For the theme this year Art Through The Ages will make an interesting concept coming to life within two hours. Sad to say I will miss the Sunday competition which is a character/prosthetic challenge with this year’s AWESOME theme of Comic Books and Graphic Novels. Here are some pictures from previous NYC IMATS Battle Of The Brushes:

Monday, April 7, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

NYX Powder Blush

Purchase Price $5 + tax

Retailer Local Ulta Store

Check out www.nyxcosmetics.com for product info

Product Review:

Want a little color on your cheeks? Then you have to try this Powder Blush by NYX. As a constant supporter of anything that works well along with an affordable price tag this product accomplishes both those tasks. Of course my fair skin may not be suited for most blush colors but the Terra Cotta blends amazingly and actually seems more like a bronzer of sorts in my case. Most bronzers leave me with one of two finished results; too orange or sunburned looking.

Spending half the amount on this product versus a traditional bronzer only makes sense. Now the Terra Cotta color is not just an average brownish orange as it has a light copper almost peachy gold adding a wonderful shimmery glow to the skin. From fair to dark complexions this will act as a subtle highlight when applied like a traditional blush.

Easy applied with a blush brush and if using a contour brush a more precise application can be made. It simply glides onto the skin almost effortlessly and gives a great finished look. I love how it wears all day with no signs of irritation or clogging pores.

If you are starting out with blushes or bronzers consider picking up a NYX Powder Blush before jumping to some of the big brand names.