Brand Updates, Launches and Events…

Dana and Lora creators of Melt cosmetics did it again. The Nood Collection launches online tomorrow at 12pm pst . With a limited release at this past June's Phamexpo this became a instant hit across social media. Instagram lovers could not get enough of this perfect foursome.

A beautiful range of nudes that took three years in the making in hopes of achieving the perfect shades/color to complement a range of skin tones.

Expect the same great vegan quality with these and set your alarms as they will surely sell out.

Photo credit: IG -@meltcosmetics 

On The Shelf

  

Overview:

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette

Purchase Price $46 + tax

Retailer Sephora

Check out www.sephora.com for product info

Contouring and highlighting has been a raging beast of beauty with no signs of stopping, as clearly it is to stay. This technique can be applied with a cream or powder. Since I feel powder comes off more natural and application is easier, for me, I knew what powder was needed; enter, Kat Von D. I already had my eyes on this palette during its initial release and knew it would eventually be on my shelf.

For those who may be new to contouring; do not feel overwhelmed as the palette may look to be a bit much. There are three large varying color “Shade” pans which are great giving a diverse range of color depending on your skin tone and time of year. Sombre, an almost chocolate shade, can be used during your tannest summer days. Shadowplay, a golden brown, for winter. And Subconscious, a peachy brown, for the transitions of fall and spring. The only Shade I could not really use is Subconscious since I am so fair skinned. I opted to use it as an eyeshadow which has worked great for me!

Moving on to the three smaller pans, the “Light”, these are you highlighters. Lucid, is almost peach in color, Lyric is a cool tone, whereas Levitation is a warm tone. Those with a beige to olive skin tone will have much success with these colors versus those with very fair skin. Ebony skin tones could use these as intended as strictly just a “highlighter”, however, proper application would need to be learned.

Overall this is a great investment for any makeup lover, period. The pluses about its simple design with awesome integration of magnetic lid and mirror are wonderful! The amount of product is great and even better than the quantity is the quality. Once applied this product lasted all day without any touch-ups. Whether you are a beginner or a pro this palette gives you choices. Shade + Light is certainly going to be on my shelf or in my kit!

FYI: Brand Updates, Launches and Events…

Jeffree star cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick UPDATE:

August 15th 12 noon (pst) Blow pony and Posh Spice will make their debut! These two new shades are sure to sale out so make sure to save the date.

Unicorn blood and celebrity skin will also be restocked. If that wasn't enough to entice you, free US shipping for 24hrs, limit 2 per customer.

Photo credit:IG @jeffreestar @missjazminad

FYI: Brand Updates, Launches and Events…

NUR Makeup Artistry Workshop

Cost: $100

Selda with me on her shoulder :)

Last month, June 7^th, I attended my first ever hands-on workshop, with demonstration and instruction, given by Selda Asan-Rodriguez owner of NUR Makeup Artistry. The main goal of this workshop was for a photo ready look. This was a great experience as you were allowed to bring your own model to apply your work.

Selda was at the front of the class with her barefaced model projected on a monitor for all to see. Twenty women, with makeup and tools at the ready, watched and listened intently as Selda began giving her demonstration. As she was worked, starting with the eyes, Selda was eager to answer any questions while we followed along. Next came a primary focus, the foundation and selecting the best shade for you or your model’s skin tone. She recommended to swatch three colors that appear close to the desired shade on the chest and pick the one that blends without hard defined edges. This is where allowing time for the foundation to set if it needed to be built was crucial. Having set the foundation Selda moved onto contouring, my crux as I never learned how to properly use this technique (learned so much from Selda though). Then, as this was completed she moved back to the eyes and finished them with a personal touch of red shadow to give the look a sultry finish.  

There was a definite weak spot for me in this workshop and that was attempting to use techniques that were unfamiliar to me while watching and listening. Taking notes in between applying makeup to my model and following along was a tad difficult for me. However, this was an awesome experience that I learned so much more than watching a ten minute YouTube video could ever have taught me. Selda is naturally an excellent teacher and even commented on how her techniques are what she uses to apply makeup. She definitely thinks about the bigger picture and spreading not only the love of makeup but the true artistry behind it.

As we finished all the participants were given a certificate of completion and a bag of merchandise that more than covered the actual price of the workshop. Not to mention there were refreshments and the casual and friendly environment was such a great girl’s day out for me and one of my besties! Also, Selda had a raffle which was unbelievable for jewelry and makeup products. Believe me this class was informative and I can’t wait until she has another one.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Bdellium Tools Maestro 974 Tapered Powder

Purchase Price $24

Retailer www.bdelliumtools.com

Check out http://bdelliumtools.com/maestro for product info

Product Review:

Being a diehard fan of Bdellium’s colorful bamboo (Bambu) brush lines I decided to add one of their Maestro brushes to my ever growing collection. The brush has the typical gloss black finished handle and aluminum ferrule with a combination of natural and synthetic hairs.

As stated on Bdellium’s website: “Designed to sculpt and shape cheeks and temples using powder, blush, or highlighter”, which I can attest to using all three products with this brush. I found while using this brush it holds plenty of product for blush and highlighter application without the need to double and triple dip into product. The unique shape made it possible to perfectly apply makeup under my eyes. The bristles are extremely soft and easy enough to hand wash, and after doing so, the shape comes back with no irregularities.

The only issues I had have been when using this brush for contouring. Like mentioned previously this brush holds product, so I end up having an asymmetrical end result which requires a lot of blending. However, the primary function of this brush, for me, has been as a blending and setting tool. The price is reflective of the overall quality of this brush. I would definitely recommend it for blending after contouring. There is a high possibility of repurchase of this individual for my shelf. 

FYI: Brand Updates, Launches and Events…

 The much anticipated Everlasting Liquid Lipstick from Kat Von D beauty has finally launched at sephora.com  . You can now find 16 shades including these personal favorites of mine there. Hurry and get yours now as these are still coming soon to your local malls, in store release date is July 24th.

Photo credits: @thekatvond IG 

On The Shelf

Overview:

Sephora Collection Face Mask 5 Pack

Purchase Price $24 + tax  ($6 each)

Retailer Sephora

Check out http://www.sephora.com/face-mask for product info

Product Review:

Having tried, and enjoyed, other fiber face masks when I saw the variety Sephora was offering I had to grab them. The bright and colorful wall in store makes you feel like a kid in a candy shop so make sure to get your favorites! If you have never used any face fiber face masks don’t feel overwhelmed by the color or choice selection. This week’s On The Shelf will break down the five that were in my pack with the usual mini review on each and comments taken directly from Sephora and my own feedback.

First, these masks are created in such a way that they will accommodate many face shapes with either simple snipping or just folding and overlapping edges. Next, the masks are SUPER hydrated and they should not feel dry to the touch. Lastly, after applying recommended time is fifteen minutes but I usually leave them on for an hour. I have actually slept with a couple overnight. For a more intense cooling sensation pop these well sealed masks in your fridge for an hour before using, this can help reduce facial puffiness and inflammation from environmental causes.

Honey Mask: “Nourishes and balances to soothe and refresh dry skin.”

I did not notice any improvement in my skin after use. This mask was amply moist and a bit tacky from the honey.

Pearl Mask: “Perfects and brightens with natural-origin pearl to create high luminosity.”

No distinct scent, was not irritating, good amount of product, and did leave skin noticeably brighter.

Pomegranate Mask: “Awakens, energizes, and protects the skin with antioxidant-rich natural pomegranate extract.”

Absolutely loved this fruity aroma of this mask from the instant I opened it. After wearing this mask for an hour it left a lot of excess on my skin, which I massaged for a couple minutes all over my face, that was tacky but definitely felt suppler. The following day, I received many compliments about how my skin looked as if it were “glowing”.

Ginseng Mask: “Tones and energizes while providing a tightening effect for a plumped and supple complexion.”

My least favorite out of the five I tried. If you are a fan of ginseng then go right ahead and give this one a shot. For me the smell was overpowering and the product started to make my eyes water. The warming sensation it created on my skin was not pleasant. If you have sensitive skin perhaps this one may not be for you as I wore this mask for ten minutes had to take it off and within another five minutes had to completely wash my face. The irritation and discomfort this mask caused me was not worth the “tightening effect” it did seem to produce.

Rose Mask: “Provides deep moisture and brightening properties through natural rose extract.”

Love, Love, LOVE this one! The light rose scent is pleasant without being overwhelming while wearing it. If you are not a fan of roses then avoid this mask. This mask was drenched in product and I had no issues with irritation to skin or eyes. Once applied it made my skin feel cool and refreshed. This mask felt so good I fell asleep only removing it once it had almost dried out mid-way through the night. My skin felt and looked amazing the next morning! This will be a go to for many summer, and winter, nights to rejuvenate what was lost from the elements.

I enjoyed all but one of these masks and have repurchased a couple and as long as these are available they will be on my shelf.