TheMakeupGirl

Trend Watch: Dark Lipstick Yay or Nay??

I don't know about you...but it has been a LONG time since I have worn dark lip color.  I don't even do red that much anymore!  So for me to see this trend come back around is kinda I dunno odd??  Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate, tawny colors but the goth-like ones have given me the creeps...LOL.

Coming from me who used to wear MAC shades like Film Noir and Paramount on a daily basis in the 90's that is saying a lot.  I think there is a way to rock the trend without looking like Elvira, just choose a shade that is darker than what you regularly wear but not so dark that you are way out of your comfort zone. My suggestions:

Clinique High Impact Lip Color in Sassy Spice

Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Rich Cocoa

NARS Lipstick in Pigalle or Morocco

What do you think?  Did you or do you wear really dark lips?  Is this a trend you plan on investigating or will you skip it altogether?  Take the poll and sound off...

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Stay 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.....

Diamond VS Rhinestone: Maybelline Volume XL & LipFusion Plump + RePlump...

Okay y'all....how bout this?  Ever wanted to try Lip Fusion but just couldn't swallow the hefty price tag??  Now is your chance babies!  Maybelline's Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper is here to give Lip Fusion a run for it's money.  I have always been a huge fan of Lip Fusion and recently they just came out with Plump + RePlump which is a liquid lipstick version of the popular gloss that promises to plump and re-hydrate when you lick your lips.  More coverage great color and shine.

 

Not so fast though...Maybelline is quite similar (aside from the plump and re-plump claims) studies show a 30% increase in "volume" after using Volume XL Seduction.  They also feel similar  on the lips...slight tingling sensation (which is normal) not that burning sensation you get from most plumpers.  The packaging is also similar...the product is released through a clear wand with small holes.  Feels very smooth on your lips.  Plenty of colors to choose from on both sides BUT Lip Fusion does not make a clear version while Maybelline does.

So it's your call...

Maybelline Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper retails for  about $9 at drugstores nationwide

LipFusion Plump + Replump retails for $38 at Sephora and better stores nationwide 

Shop Pretty!!

Get This: Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Lip Crayons...

Get the look of a lipstick with the ease of a crayon with this genius little chubby pencil called Lip Crayon from Bobbi Brown.  The crayon itself debuted with the Pink Raspberry Collection, now comes four new shades on counter in April - Naked Pink, Nude Berry, Warm Rose, and Red Plum...

The formula is non-drying and creamy but long lasting, perfect for quick touch ups under lipstick or along under gloss.

Stay Pretty!!

Drugstore Diva: Covergirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor...

I remember the  first time I  tried one those "all-day" lip colors (years ago).... I was really disappointed! So since then I  haven't even looked at them when I go shopping. They used to be so drying.....re-applying the topcoat was a pain in the ass.....and in a few hours you had this nasty flaky crust outlining your lips anyway!

Well, when I saw one of my favorite celebrity makeup artists, Molly Stern  hocking the New Covergirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor, I reconsidered! Molly recommended wearing them as stains (and you know how we love stains here....)... by applying lightly with the fingertips...well I tried it and it works!!!! I loved the colors..(pick one close to your natural lip color) and the new topcoat is loaded with shea butter...so it felt awesome!!! Basically I felt like I was just wearing lip balm all day.... but had beautiful natural lip color that I didn't have to reapply..... ALL DAY!!!

Turns out that Covergirl has reformulated and reworked their original formulas, revamped and brightened all the colors while adding more moisture and flexibility...and like I said, the topcoat feels totally decadent with all the shea butter they added.

*Hint of the Day: Be sure to exfoliate any flakies from your lips before applying.....with Vaseline and an old toothbrush, gently scrub in small circles to reveal new soft lips!!!

Even better, Covergirl Outlast All Day Lipcolors are under $10 bucks! Check them out next time you go to Walmart, CVS or any mass merchant!

Keep it Beautiful Y'all!

Got A Crush On You...

Regular readers know that I am OBESSED with stains of any kind.  I think they look great, help to provide longer lasting looks and more often than not they are water resistant.  My newest obsession is Stila Cherry Crush.  This is a double duty product (gotta love the multi taskers!) that you can use on your lips and cheeks....plus it smells like cherries love it!

Now bear in mind that this another one of those products that claims to adjust to your natural color....whatever.  I like how it looks on ME, however it may be a little dark for the fairer skinned MakeupGirls.

They Say:

In addition to being scented and flavored like a just-picked cherry, Cherry Crush contains cherry and pomegranate extracts to provide skin and lips with antioxidant protection. Vitamins A, C & E are the cherry on top, as they provide further antioxidant protection and drench the skin in moisture, ensuring skin and lips never feel dry or tight.

As usual, Stila packaged this in the handy click pen with a built in brush that they have come to be known for....brilliant.

Stay Pretty!!

Green Beauty: Aveda Lip Color Concentrate...

More green things are happening on the beauty landscape!  Remember the Rag & Bone show I covered from fashion week??  Well all of the makeup used was from Aveda, a company who has been synonymous for natural and green living long before it was fashionable to do so.  Aveda™, The Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences™, was founded in 1978 with the goal of providing beauty industry professionals with high performance, botanically based products that would be better for service providers and their guests, as well as for the planet.  Pretty forward thinking huh??

While I have never really used their makeup some of the new items in their collection have me doing a double take.  One such items is the Lip Color Concentrate.  This unique lipstick is like a stain which I LOVVVVE!  It stays on, doesn't feather and comes in an array of shades (24 to be exact) and the ingredients are just as impressive as well.  This little tube is full of anti-oxidants, plant emollients and a certified organic yummy peppermint flavor/scent.  The lipstick also is SPF 15 and comes encased in a tube of 88% post-consumer recycled resin; housed in a 100% recycled newsprint shell.  Whew!  Say that 5 times fast!!

Bottom line, a lovely lip color that is friendly for the earth and does not sacrifice pretty looks and long wear to have a pretty earth.

Green Pretty!!

Spring 2008: MAC Slimshines...

MAC has re-released Slimshines...wooo!!!  I do so love these because they are more of an emollient lipstick which I love.  Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic.  They are shiny and comfortable to wear without stickiness (big plus...)

If you are not familiar with them here is the backstory...They  were a limited edition product that was released last year. They were nice and slim and perfect weight for warm weather.  They have now been re-released and goody goody new shades have been added!

Assertive Warm brown with golden pearl (Matte)
Grenadier Deep blue-red coral (Cream)
Intimidate Creamy plum (Cream)
Missy Pastel coral (Cream)
Rock Out Clear blue with gold pearl (Cream)
Think Tan Deep brown with gold pearl (Matte)
Voile Canary yellow with gold pearl (Matte)
Re-promotes Include:  Bare, Cocoamour, Funshine, Gaily, Long Stem Rose, Lovey Dove, Most Wanted (fave), Mousse, Pleasing, Prudeaux (fave), Urgent!

Check out Temptalia for swatches...I am going to need Think Tan, Scant and  Voile in my life...

Shine Pretty!!

Get This: Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color...

Ahhhh I do love me some Bobbi Brown...she is ALWAYS on point.  Case in point her new Creamy Lip Color.  The best way to describe this lipstick is lightweight and creamy.  It isn't as heavy as a regular lipstick but not as slippery as a glossy one.  They combine rich color with just a hint of soft shine...shea butter makes this one a winner in the softness department.  Your lips will be soft and moisturized with a kiss of creamy color.

There are 14 shades to choose from and they range from Baby Pinks to Rich Chocolates and Berries.  My favorite shades are Dark Chocolate, Raisin Berry and Bronzed Pink.  The shades are available exclusively at Neiman Marcus - she will release them later on on her website.

Stay Pretty!!

Obsession: NARS J. Mandel Lip Palette...

I know...I know two NARS posts in two days.  Well god help me, I just love NARS and so I was poking around the Sephora online store today and I spied this beauty a limited edition NARS lip palette created by Francois Nars and legendary furrier J. Medel.  It contains lacquers and lipsticks...oh heaven!  I love the NARS palettes anyway I think they are just genius and this one has some great shades in it:

The Rundown:

Lip Lacquers
Chica Boom (sheer grape purple)
Chastity (shimmering mauve)
Galactica (sheer pearlized white)

Lipsticks
Dolce Vita (sheer dusty rose)
Scarlet Empress (semi matte blue red)
Viridiana (rich burgundy).

Mix and match to your heart's content babies...but grab it fast because it is ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE at Sephora.

Shop Pretty!!

Sneek Peek: MAC Mattene Slimline Lipsticks...

Simply GORGEOUS!!  I have always loved the look of matte lips, but it was always so dry...so cakey.  Well say hello to a new matte lip.  MAC's newest creation called Mattene is like a lipstick revolution.  It's more like satin but with the long wear of matte...the best of both worlds!!  The look is more modern and comfortable than the matte lipsticks of yesterday.

Matte lips were a STAPLE in the 90's, you couldn't go anywhere or look at any music video without seeing them and they look beautiful but after a while we got...um tired.  Matte lipstick was traditionally very heavy dry and cakey and you would need to re-apply after a few hours.  Not so here.  This lipstick truly feels weightless and lasts for hours (I have had mine on for at least 4 hours today and I tell you...it still looks fresh).  Half of the shades are matte ... the others are semi-matte. 

The Rundown:

Poise  Clean yellow pink (Semi-Matte)
Composure  Neutral bronze plum (Semi-Matte)
Flattering  Beige pink (Semi-Matte)
Café Matte  Rich caramel (Semi-Matte)
Orange Dare  Bright yellow orange (Semi-Matte)
Seriously Rich  Bright pink red (Semi-Matte)
Immodest  Bright magenta (Semi-Matte)
Night Violet Deep purple grape (Semi-Matte)
40’s Pink  Neutral mid-tone dirty pink
All Grown Up  Deep chocolate brown
Tango  Dirty coral
You Say Tomato  Tomato red
Classic Dame  Blood red
Rapturous Deep red berry
Powersuit  Vibrant clean yellow pink
Rougette  Wine berry

My favorite colors are Cafe Matte, Rougette, Poise, Rapturous, Night Violet & All Grown Up.  The slimline packaging and slanted tip makes it super easy to use (and slide in your bag or pocket!)and the texture...man oh MAN!.  It's not up on the website yet (be patient!) but If you can't wait, you can check the swatches over at Christine's Temptalia site. This will be on MAC counters October 4th and on MAC's website.

Stay Pretty!

I'm Ready For My Close-up!!!

I have been meaning to write about these for a while now.  LORAC has come out with a transfer-free lip-duo called co-stars.  There is color on one end and a clear gloss on the end.  Now I LOVE the idea of transfer free lipstick but every single one I have tried ends up all extremely dry, flakey and cakey.  Not this one...

LORAC has developed an advanced formula that claims to be non-drying, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof.  In addition I had heard it was supposed to last 8 hours!  So I put it to the test.  I had a friend in town from L.A. a few weeks ago and I wore it to lunch before I took her to the airport (Spanish food), then I ran some errands, had some coffee and then it was dinner.  All the while I kept checking my mirror - the color was still there.  I did re-apply the gloss mostly because I like that glossy feeling...but other than that I am pleased to say that it lasted about 9 hours before it started to fade.  My favorite colors are French Kiss, Make Out and Hot Kiss which is a new bronzey limited edition color.

This lip color was comfortable and lasted through lunch, coffee, and part of dinner.  My kinda lipstick!!  There was a bit of dryness, but that was minimal, I just re-applied the gloss which helped to add some moisture when you felt a little dry.  If you are a road warrior and you don't have time to constantly re-apply lip products this one is for you.  I would even use this at the beach or the pool so you can have some color without worrying about it.

Gloss 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!!

Smashbox Lip Brilliance...

I have been meaning to talk about this one for a while as I have been using it for years.  I love lipgloss...I really do (you all know that!).  So when I find one that lasts long, has great coverage and has great colors, I make a note of it.  Smashbox Lip Brilliance is one of those glosses, it has the coverage of a lipstick with the feeling and shine of a gloss.

Three shades come in a sleek mirrored compact with a lip brush.  You have everything you need whether you are out on the town or on the way to a business meeting.

Lip Brilliance comes in 4 different kits ranging from rosey pink to creamy deep red.  They are all sheer and lightweight feeling, my favorites are Transparencies and Light Box. Both are neutral and work with just about any complexion.  You can layer the shades and mix and match for your perfect look.  They have also just come out with two new palettes is for Smashbox Cares, a foundation that $10 donation on every sale will be made to the Convenant House California, a charity that helps young people survive the trauma of street life and turn their lives around. The other makes donations to the Rainforest Foundation (FAB)!

The new palettes can be seen here and here

Lip Brilliance retails for $28 at Smashbox.com and Sephora stores nationwide.

Pout Pretty!!

Beauty News: Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Pure Color Lipstick...

Shu Uemura has always been ahead of the curve in terms of developing new products.  Their eyelash curler is a cult item that everyone buzzes about (there is a new version on the way...)  So when I saw that they were coming out with a new formulation in lipstick.  I had to check it out. 

Shu Uemura's new Rouge Unlimited Pure Color Lipstick comes in 48 shades six of which are what they call "artist shades" that are used to darken, lighten, soften, deepen or brighten your chosen shade to create a custom blend that is unique and all your own.  This new technology is breaking all the boundaries in terms of colors and how they are used to create hues in lipstick.  The packaging is classic Shu Uemura - minimalist at best..a clear little bullet.

When Shu Uemura recently visited a 300-year-old Japanese porcelain factory, he discovered a unique color pigment that made the colors more vibrant than others he had seen.  The colors in the Rouge Unlimited line are Inspired by Japanese potter Sakaida Kakiemon (1596-1666) who successfully captured the hard to match reddish hue of the persimmon in porcelain. I have heard that Mr. Uemura is so confident that this formulation will take off, that he plans to discontinue the other lipsticks in the line and exclusively carry this one. 

This new breakthrough pigment is a new technology called, color fidelity. The color that you see in the tube is the color you will get on your lips....FAB!!  How many times have you looked at a lipstick color with excitement only to be disapointed when you see that it looks completley different on your lips??  The texture of this lipstick is rich and smooth, it just glides on.  It also contains a ceramide shield that locks in moisture for up to eight hours.  How great is that??

Pucker Pretty!!

Trend Watch: Powdered Lip Color

When I used to model, A trick we would use to alter, add more dimension or sparkle to lip color was to add a dab of frosted sparkly eyeshadow to the lips.  Well someone caught onto the secret trick and has brought it to the masses.  These new powdered lip colors are inventive to say the least, some offer longevity while others are strictly for sparkle.

Revlon Sugar Sugar is a powdery topping for your lips.  It was released nationwide December 1st and will be limited edition, so if you want to try it grab it now.  It retails for $14.95, comes in 5 colors and tastes like vanilla frosting.  I picked mine up at Target.

Laura Mercier Lip Evolution These sponge like lip colors have four coordinating shades that you can mix together to create your own color or wear separately.  Provides super long lasting color that is fade resistant but non-drying.

Manual Overide Lip Boost Compact I saw this on QVC and it sold out in minutes!  Created by superstar makeup artist Jay Manuel .  Comes with 4 shades and a sealant/gloss.

Stay Pretty!!