TheMakeupGirl

Summer 2008: MAC Sonic Chic...

More more more from MAC!!  These long wearing blushes are mineral based so the look is soft and very understated - BUT you still get that pop of shimmer where you want it.  The colors are very buildable without looking heavy AT ALL, BUT they pack a punch!  Be VERY careful when you apply because they are HIGHLY PIGMENTED.  Sonic Chic is a collection of Minerlize Blush in shimmering shades of pink, gold and bronze. 

"The baked powder formula allows for exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. The super fine powder provides soft shimmer on skin and builds color without heavy coverage. This can be worn on face, eyes and/or body."

The Rundown:

Mineralize Blush

• Dainty Light yellow pink with gold pearl (frost)
• Warm Soul Midtone beige with gold pearl (frost)
• Nuance Midtone peach with gold pearl (frost)
• Gleeful Deep dirty blue pink with gold pearl (frost)
• Gentle Raspberry with gold pearl (frost)
• Love Joy Warm midtone brown with gold pearl (frost)
• Merrily Midtone dirty (burned) red with gold pearl (frost)
• Pleasantry Intense midtone blue pink with gold pearl (frost)
• Love Thing Dirty burgundy with gold pearl (frost)

Suggested Retail Price: $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN

Brush

• 181 Small Buffer Brush Ultra-soft natural, rounded dome tip brush for application of Blush and Powder. Smaller version of existing 182 Buffer Brush

Suggested Retail Price: $30.00 U.S./$36.00 CDN

Sonic Chic is available beginning July 10th at all MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com.

Blush Pretty!

Obsession: LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer...

"Do you really need another bronzer?"  My mother asked me that question while at Sephora recently.  "But you don't understand...this one has gold and the other ones I have are pinky, rosey, bronzey." etc etc etc.  "Leave me alone!" I implore...this one is soooo pretty!  Ahem...it is.  I first saw LORAC's TANtalizer Baked Bronzer on my beauty editor trip to NYC back in April.  Trust me when I tell you that we were FIGHTING over this because it was NOT out yet and not scheduled to be out for a while.  Well guess what honeys...it's out now!

TANtalizer is a marbelized bronzer so it gives that multi-layer effect when it comes to the color.  It is baked on terra cotta so it will last a good long time and the best thing about it is that it is so sheer.  I love the gold veil look it gives you.  PLUS there is a mirror and a brush on the lower level of the compact, how's that for sneaky (I didn't even know it was there until I had it for a week!)

Bronze Pretty!!

Beauty By Josi: NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo (Don't Be a Hater)...

So all right...I ain't gonna lie...I've been a NARS hater.  Probably has to do with the fact that when I freelanced for LORAC they were in the same row as us at the Sephora so it was my job to steer customers away from them and towards my stuff....fun,fun,fun!

Another reason I was a hater was also probably due to the fact that Orgasm...(the infamous blush) was crammed down my throat on a daily basis whenever I would open a magazine...and the first time I tried it myself I wasn't that impressed.  I have to admit as well...if EVERYONE loves something I tend to get suspicious.  So with the exception of a using a few of NARS liners and shadows on special event clients who already had NARS in their personal makeup bags, I abstained...

Well fast forward to the MakeupShow 2008....Lianne picks me up at the airport...and as soon as we get in her car I proceed to raid her makeup bag (hey, if anyone gets it she does!) What do I see but this cute little duo...Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer together...hmmmmm.  So I give it a go....and AAAHHH...the sky opens up and the sun comes out and I am enveloped in light...(well maybe in my own mind)!  This duo is perfect on everyone (Lianne and I both wore it all weekend that should tell you something!) and I can't believe I was a hater this long...sorry NARS!

Be Beautiful Y'all...

Cheeks: Susan Posnick's Color Me...

Mineral color fever has officially swept the nation (if not the world) and companies are finding new and exciting ways to package the product and new ways for us to wear it.  One such company is Susan Posnick Cosmetics.  Susan was a celebrity makeup artist who developed her own line of mineral cosmetics.

Susan's blush, ColorMe which is best described as a pop of color for your cheeks is fun to apply and the color lasts FOREVER!  Great for travel and it even has a little mirror on the top of the cap for on the go application.

You can also use COLORME on your lips - just top it off with clear conditioner or gloss for a pretty and natural look...how is that for easy??  Today I am wearing Peony which looks a lot like NARS Orgasm but there are 6 other shades to choose from, you can definitely find one that will work for your skin tone.

Color Me retails for $32 and can be purchased on the Susan Posnick website.

Blush Pretty!!

Beauty By Josi: Instant Beauty with Napoleon Perdis Light Patrol Luminizer Pallete!!!

Oh man ya'll...talk about EASY...I just found my answer to super-fast, naturally beautiful, sheer summer makeup.....Oh Napoleon, you did it again!

When I first saw the Napoleon Perdis Light Patrol Luminizer Pallete I thought, "Great! This will be perfect for my makeup kit...for photo shoots...not for ME for everyday..." Why? Probably because it would be too easy..I like to make things hard sometimes....in life and makeup unfortunately.....

Talk about all-in-one beauty babies!!!! First off, the texture of these creams is super nice...smooth and very easy to blend, yet not a bit greasy.  I was really happy too because the color lasted all day and I didn't have to do any extra touch-ups (like I have time for touch-ups, lol)!

Okay so here's how I used it..AFTER my foundation, but BEFORE my powder ..... with my fingertips I used the light Vanilla shade on my brow bone and the inner corners of my eye to lift them and cast away dark circles.  Then I used the Gold in my crease to add some much needed depth to my eyes.
Next up, the Rose shade made a perfect blush...just on the apples...a really easy application tip for this is to smile so you can see exactly where those apples are!!! The light Pink was next...I smoothed it  on in a mini-C formation around my outer eye area/top outer cheekbone area for a mini-face lift.

Makeup Artist Tip o' the Day: One rule in makeup (no, not really a rule..more a principle) is that dark colors make facial features RECEDE and light colors make features PROTRUDE...this is the general principle to follow when it comes to contouring...and why we use light shades on the tops of the eyes and cheekbones to give the face a "lift" when needed and use dark colors under the cheekbones and jawbone to slim a face down.....

Oh...and the same Rose I used on my apples I used on my lips...I can't believe I didn't have to use any brushes or sponges...just wash those hands and go ladies!!!  So...... we've got eyes, lips, and cheeks in one palette for $60...not too shabby ya'll!

Napoleon Perdis cosmetics can be  purchased at  Sephora and The Derm Store .

Be Beautiful.....

Color In a Flash...

When the weather gets warmer I like EASY.  Something I can put on my face for some color and GO.  Stila Color Push Ups Blush Flash is a warm weather essential for me!  The color is perfect for my skin tone (although they have 3 others that will suit any skin tone).  The formula is lighweight and not sticky at all.  Just gorgeous sheer color.  I have used this on my cheeks, eyes AND lips over a stain for a worry-free look at the beach or pool.

 

I first used this product about 10 years ago and although they have changed the packaging since then, the formula remains the same which makes me VERY happy.  It is a sheer gel stick that is completely oil free.  It dries fairly quickly so you can build and layer it a little bit but the color will remain fairly sheer.

The Color Push Up retails for $20 and is available in 4 shades.  It can be found at Sephora stores nationwide.

Blush Pretty!!

Get This: 3 Custom Color's Watercolor For Cheeks...

Okay have you ever just wanted a little wash of color on the cheeks??  Just a little bit...I am talking sunkissed, but whatever you use gives you too much or too little.  I have found the perfect antidote in the form of a sheer balm that washes over your cheeks (and lips too!) and gives you just the right amount of color. 

3 Custom Color out of NYC has a small compact mirrored pot called Watercolours For Cheeks, I have been rocking it for the past few days with great results.  The shade I am wearing is called Scarlett Peony which looks extremely bright red in the pot but comes off as a sheer warm reddish brown (love that!)  There are 5 shades all together and you must remember that they are SHEER when you are choosing.  As I mentioned earlier, these can also be used for a nice sheer "just bitten" look on the lips.....a multi-tasker FAB we love that!

For application, start in the middle of your cheeks and blend up and out, another trick is that it is somewhat buildable but the look will always be sheer like a watercolor painting....brilliant honey.

Blush Pretty!!

Get This: Tarte Swirl Cheek Stain...

OMG I love this!!!!!  How could they make the Cheek Stain that I adore any better??  Mix two colors together that's how!  Tarte's newest addition to the family is the Swirl Cheek Stain.  The cheek stain itself is really a great product...honestly.  I have a few of them and I wear them almost exclusively all summer long.  They are just easy...just sweep it on your eyes, lips, cheeks wherever for a really healthy natural look.

The only difference in this version is that they have pumped it full of something called Tarte T5 Super Fruit Complex™ which is a blend of superfruits including gogi berry which is a natural antioxidant.  In case you were not aware, antioxidants have been known to deliver refining, anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits.  hey whatever works, It couldn't hurt ... right??

Blush Pretty!!

Glow Baby...Glow...

I love effortless looks for summer.  I don't like looking like i have on a ton of makeup...I prefer to look tanned and healthy.

Enter one of my all-time favorites and summer staples Tarte's Cheek Stain in Bronzed Goddess.  All of the colors of cheek stain are great but this one actually is my favorite.  It looks flat and one dimensional in the tube, but once you get it on...it imparts this rosey golden glow - just like the sun does plus it smells like coconuts (I am dreaming of the beach as we speak...) I put this on the apples of my cheeks, my forehead, my eyelids...wherever the sun naturally hits my face.  You will have an effortless sunny glow in minutes.  This is also really great for the beach, just make certain you keep it out of the sun so you don't have a melted mess on your hands.  Or do what I do and pack an IcyBag and make sure nothing melts!

Celebutante Dry Oil Shimmer Spray is great for a glowing body.  It's non-greasy (love that!), smells like coconuts and has a delicate champagne shimmer.  Be careful and put it on before you get dressed otherwise you will have that pretty shimmer all over your clothes!

Bronze Pretty!!

How To: Rosey Glow...

I have come across these GREAT how to videos from Ford Models TV!  They have everything on here even tips on dressing.  This particular video shows how to use Benefit's Hoola Bronzer and Benetint to create a pretty rosey glow.

 

 

Glow Pretty!!

Cheetah Chic...

Just in time for fall, Lancome introduces their Cheetah Chic palette for eyes and face, this is a Nordstrom exclusive ladies.  This ultra slim compact resembles a vintage cigarette case and has an adorable cheetah pattern.  Pop it in your evening bag for a night on the town. 

Six shadows that can be worn subtle or strong, and two neutral blushes that will work on any skintone.  The colors are warm and soft.  Lucky for you, Nordstrom is offering a Play Gift™, which includes deluxe samples of Juicy Tubes lip gloss, a lipstick, eye shadow quartet, bronzing powder, bi-facil eye makeup remover (the best eye makeup remover...ever!) and definicils mascara all in a sleek cosmetics case.  The offer ends August 5th so I would hurry if I were you!

Shop Pretty!!

Gimme A Boost...

If you use a bronzer year round then you will know what I am talking about here.  Most bronzers are just that - bronze and that can end up making your skin look dull at times, especially if you have fair skin.  Very few bronzers contain the rosey pigment needed to give you that natural tanned look.  So here's what you do - grab DuWop's Blush Booster and apply it to the apples of your cheeks. 

It was meant for layering but looks equally fabulous on it's own.  It will just brighten up the look of the bronzer instantly.  Comes in 4 yummy colors, my favorite is apple.. Retails for $22 at Sephora.  Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

Blush Pretty!!

Swim Proof...

I am a HUGE water person.  When the weather gets warm, you can't keep me out of the pool..ocean..whatever.  I also like low maintenance beauty items that will keep me looking fresh with minimal effort. 

I love stains, because they last forever...perfect for the pool.  Well Vincent Long has a new product out called Pearlessence Gel Stain.  Just like the original (which I loove), they are a water based gel so they dry fast.  You can also layer to get more color.  These new ones have shimmer so they look great in the sun.  Wear them on your lips and cheeks, alone or under a gloss...you will look polished and pretty.

Sun Pretty!!

Sunlit Cheeks...

My favorite bronzers with a sunny blush added!!  The best way to get a perfect sunlit look, is by using a bronzer and a complimentary rosey blush.

Here are my favorites...just in time for the Memorial Day holiday...

Oh so many and so little time to use them all!!

See more of my Sunlit Cheeks... list at ThisNext.

Bronze Pretty!!

How Cute Is This??: Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer...

It's getting warmer people!  Time to get out your bronzer and go to town right?  Wrong!!  Get your bronze on gradually.  Use something that has a little pink in it to ease into the look. 

I was in Sephora the other day (I know huge surprise...lol) and I saw the cutest thing!  This bronzer by Too Faced called Pink Leopard - just adorable.  The leopard shade mimics tanned skin so with pinks, tans and bronzes you get a nice rosey glow which is great. Perfect for someone who is melanin challenged! 

Bronze Pretty!!

Stamp Your Cheeks...

Ask me what one thing I never leave the house with and I will say something on my cheeks, well  that and my eyebrow pencil...but that's another story!  I have always thought that even if you don't have time to do anything else get your cheeks and the bridge of your nose with some color.  It will instantly brighten up your face.

Apparently Carol Shaw of LORAC thinks the same way.  She has come up with this inventive and incredibly cute blush called Cheek Stamp.  This teeny little container gives your face just the right amount of color and it's a snap to use.  There is a sponge applicator that delivers the color, and you can place it anywhere you want a shot of color.  Oh, and there are 5 to choose from...pink to bronze - Divine...

Blush Pretty!!

Stamp Your Cheeks...

Ask me what one thing I never leave the house with and I will say something on my cheeks, well  that and my eyebrow pencil...but that's another story!  I have always thought that even if you don't have time to do anything else get your cheeks and the bridge of your nose with some color.  It will instantly brighten up your face.

Apparently Carol Shaw of LORAC thinks the same way.  She has come up with this inventive and incredibly cute blush called Cheek Stamp.  This teeny little container gives your face just the right amount of color and it's a snap to use.  There is a sponge applicator that delivers the color, and you can place it anywhere you want a shot of color.  Oh, and there are 5 to choose from...pink to bronze - Divine...

Blush Pretty!!

Stamp Your Cheeks...

Ask me what one thing I never leave the house with and I will say something on my cheeks, well  that and my eyebrow pencil...but that's another story!  I have always thought that even if you don't have time to do anything else get your cheeks and the bridge of your nose with some color.  It will instantly brighten up your face.

Apparently Carol Shaw of LORAC thinks the same way.  She has come up with this inventive and incredibly cute blush called Cheek Stamp.  This teeny little container gives your face just the right amount of color and it's a snap to use.  There is a sponge applicator that delivers the color, and you can place it anywhere you want a shot of color.  Oh, and there are 5 to choose from...pink to bronze - Divine...

Blush Pretty!!

Flushed Look...

Many of you sent me emails asking for an alternative to the Smashbox O-Glow I posted about the other day.  Some of you said you tried it and it looked way too pink, too bright etc etc.  I can see how this product may not work on extremely fair skin.  Kristen over at Beauty Addict said, "For This Girl, O-Glow=Day Glo..." Yikes!!  Well not to fear ladies, there is a solution.

Tarte's Cheek Stain. This one is a water based gel stick that pushes up like candy.  Comes in 7 different shades and they alll have a subtle fruity scent too.  My favorites are Ticked, Flush and Blushing Bride.

Another alternative is Smashbox's sheer cheek tint called Skin Tint.  Although the colors look slightly frightening in the tube, they are actually extremely sheer.  The stick is water based and contains vitamins A, C, E, aloe, and echinacea to nourish skin while creating that flushed look that is so popular without being overdone.  I like Ultraviolet, Infrared and Heat.

Either one of these will give you a subtle flushed look without going overboard...

Blush Pretty!

Flushed Look...

Many of you sent me emails asking for an alternative to the Smashbox O-Glow I posted about the other day.  Some of you said you tried it and it looked way too pink, too bright etc etc.  I can see how this product may not work on extremely fair skin.  Kristen over at Beauty Addict said, "For This Girl, O-Glow=Day Glo..." Yikes!!  Well not to fear ladies, there is a solution.

Tarte's Cheek Stain. This one is a water based gel stick that pushes up like candy.  Comes in 7 different shades and they alll have a subtle fruity scent too.  My favorites are Ticked, Flush and Blushing Bride.

Another alternative is Smashbox's sheer cheek tint called Skin Tint.  Although the colors look slightly frightening in the tube, they are actually extremely sheer.  The stick is water based and contains vitamins A, C, E, aloe, and echinacea to nourish skin while creating that flushed look that is so popular without being overdone.  I like Ultraviolet, Infrared and Heat.

Either one of these will give you a subtle flushed look without going overboard...

Blush Pretty!

Flushed Look...

Many of you sent me emails asking for an alternative to the Smashbox O-Glow I posted about the other day.  Some of you said you tried it and it looked way too pink, too bright etc etc.  I can see how this product may not work on extremely fair skin.  Kristen over at Beauty Addict said, "For This Girl, O-Glow=Day Glo..." Yikes!!  Well not to fear ladies, there is a solution.

Tarte's Cheek Stain. This one is a water based gel stick that pushes up like candy.  Comes in 7 different shades and they alll have a subtle fruity scent too.  My favorites are Ticked, Flush and Blushing Bride.

Another alternative is Smashbox's sheer cheek tint called Skin Tint.  Although the colors look slightly frightening in the tube, they are actually extremely sheer.  The stick is water based and contains vitamins A, C, E, aloe, and echinacea to nourish skin while creating that flushed look that is so popular without being overdone.  I like Ultraviolet, Infrared and Heat.

Either one of these will give you a subtle flushed look without going overboard...

Blush Pretty!

You Glow Girl...

Have you ever wanted to have that rosy glow on your cheeks but you have difficulty maneuvering through the world of tinted cheek stains?  Smashbox Cosmetics has come to the rescue with their newest gel blush!

Smashbox O-Glow is a new kind of gel blush that reacts with YOUR skin to give you that healthy flushed look.  It is a silicone based clear gel (no stains folks...) that contains Goji Berry-C Complex™, an ingredient that increases circulation producing your own personal rosy flush that lasts all day. 

This little number is also full of antioxidants like vitamin C, pomegranate seed oil, and marine plankton for added benefits to your skin.  O-Glow is completely natural looking, waterproof, preservative and fragrance-free.  It is very easy to work with, in seconds...I had a rosy flush that looked like I had been working out.  Not too dark, not too pink just naturally mine.  Smashbox O-Glow retails for $26 at Sephora stores nationwide.

Blush Pretty!