You know Angelina Jolie, always walking around with her pretty children and those ridiculous lips of hers? Well, there is exactly one makeup trick that separates a colored lip and a colored voluptuous lip – and it’s a simple, clear gloss. In fact, this beauty tip is so ridiculously easy I wish I had told you all sooner; I especially wanted to tell you now just in case anyone wanted to do a little extra to their lips this holiday and party season.
Here’s what to do: After applying your lipstick, take a clear lipgloss and dab a tiny amount of gloss to the center of your bottom lip … Seriously, that’s it. This gives the illusion that it is fuller, and leaves a full colored lip looking a bit ‘alive’ as opposed to flat and one-toned.
(Also, if you’d like a lipgloss recommendation, I love the Clinique’s Full Potential and Bare Escentuals’ Buxom Lips.)
Have you ever tried this tip? It really does make a subtle difference, don’t you think? I also doesn’t look like you have full lip gloss on, but gives a tiny bit of that extra va-va-voom.
If you’re looking for a foundation that not only does it’s job (properly, that is) and is good for your skin, well… (pun intended) I think I may have found an option for you: W3LL People’s Narcissist Concealer and Foundation stick. In fact, I will go so much as to say I think I may have just found a gem of a product, ladies!
W3ll People is a supernatural mineral, organic makeup line created by Cosmetic Dermatologist Renee Synder, Makeup-artist and former NARS Corporate Leader Shirley Pinkson and Treehugger James Walker. What a team! With that being said, I like what I hear. (Plus … I have to support my fellow Renee. ;))
The Narcissist Concealer and Foundation Stick has plenty of benefits: first, it’s 100% toxic free and 100% natural. This means natural ingredients that don’t harm the skin, and you won’t find any nasty petrochemical, parabens, preservatives or phthalates. The stick also contains a mix of anti-oxidants such as organic green tea, reishi mushroom and pomegranate. And just to be even more ridiculous (in a good way), it also has oil absorbing silica to control shine, has an SPF 10 and nourishes the skin with organic sunflower oil and organic wild harvested bayberry….
I told you I found a gem.
Before I get to the review – can we please talk about the name ‘Narcissist’? Genius! I always said if I ever had a makeup line (that will never happen) I’d call it Narcissist or something along the lines. Love the name! Also, I love the fact that it’s organic – I mentioned that I’m using an organic loose power and really love it, and hoped to find an organic foundation as well, so I am really loving organic products – I know I’ll never get breakouts from them.
Though I’m not so much a fan of foundation so much right now, let’s be honest – I’d need all the help I can get when I’m older. Narcissist is a great alternative for those days when I may need a heavier coverage. It’s in a cream stick formula, so you know that the product is quite thick – no way will I be applying this straight to my face, unless I want a real ‘mask’ look. The best method I found to apply this as a foundation or concealer was to either use my fingers and ‘pat’ the product on, or a concealer or foundation brush. Also, a damp foundation wedge sponge would work really well. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly.
Like I said above, a real gem of a product. The only ‘con’ I see is that it is US$38, but I’ll look past that as foundations these days cost the same, yet aren’t as good for your skin as this. Also, it’s a fairly big product and you don’t use a lot at one go, so I could see this lasting for years.
What do you think about organic and natural foundations? Do you use them? Do you find them to be better than ‘regular’ foundations? I sure do! :)
Highly ancipated movie of the year, New Moon is finally out … and what a great way to end the year off. (Although I wish there was more Robert, hehe). I realized last month that my mom and I haven’t seen a movie together in 12 years (!!!) so when New Moon came along I forced her to come see it with me. :) We both enjoyed it, and I thought Bella (Kristen Stewart) looked even more beautiful in this movie than in Twilight.
Though the movie was just released, Norma Hill-Patton, the Makeup Designer for New Moon, shared what products she used on some of the characters of New Moon. I’ll keep updating this post as I get more info, so check back often – I’m really eager to hear about Bella’s makeup, I found her eye makeup very ‘natural’ and so sweet and pretty.
Bella Swan/ Kristen Stewart
Skin:
Chantecaille products were used on the lovely Miss Stewart. Products included Future Skin, Water Flower Fluid, Biodynamic Lifting Oil Free Fluid, Stress Repair Concentrate eye cream and Flower Harmonizing Cream.
Hair
Kerastase products were used on Kristen’s hair, namely Bain Mirior Shampoo and Conditioner and Nutri-Sculpt mousse for volume.
Makeup:
- Chantecaille Future Skin Oil-Free Foundation
- DuWop Reverse Eyeliner
- DuWop Reverse Lip Liner
While the exact products used for her eye makeup has not been revealed, the makeup artist did share how you can get the look at home. First, sweep peachy-ivory eyeshadow all over your eyelids. Take a fine brush and apply a brown eyeshadow on top and bottom lash line, as if you are applying eyeliner. Finish off by applying a darker brown eyeshadow at the creases of your eyelid for more definition. Voila! Simple, brown eyes.
Also, if you loved Bella’s makeup in Twilight too, you can check out exactly what was used for Bella in the first movie, here: Makeup Used in Twilight.
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Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think any girl wishes for stubby, short and sparse eyelashes. Although I hate the way it has become part of a beauty ‘standard’ for women, simple mascara can make anyone – regardless of their eyelashes – have lush long lashes, so why not give it a try? I sure did and now I’m in love. :)
I can be really honest and say I love eyelashes – on everyone! It just gives such an innocence beauty to the face and really compliments the eyes. (Cue in point: babies! Don’t you think they’re so adorable with their tiny lashes, or am I the only dork that notices it?!) Anyway, here are some of my tips to getting the full potential from your eyelashes, without falsies.
Treat them.
There are plenty of mascara conditoning serums out there that claim to make lashes grow longer, thicker and darker.
I’ve tried Mavala Double Lash in the past and though I can’t say I saw any miracles, my lashes did become stronger and darker, so I find these conditioning treatments work to ‘protect’ the lashes. I suppose our eyelshes are like the hair on our head – when conditioned and treated kindly, it does look much healthier! Another option I tried in the past that I’ve heard works (though I stopped due to greasiness and fear of milia seeds) is to take a clear plastic wand (steal them from MAC like me, hehe), apply a VERY thin coat of Vaseline, and gently apply to lashes.
Curl them!
Never underestimate the power of a few ‘presses’ from an eyelash curler! I am always so lazy about this and don’t like to destroy my lashes too much so I don’t do this often, only on special occasions – but daamn! They really do make all the difference. Another trick to get the most of your eyelash curler is to curl your lashes like this:
- Apply your eyelash curler to the base of your lashes and press gently, increasing in pressure slightly. Hold for about 10 seconds.
- Next, hold your eyelash curler mid-lash, and press ever so gently for a few seconds.
- Lastly, aim your eyelash curler at the very tips of your eyelash, and hold for a few seconds – this last tip really ‘pops’ your eyelashes out even more.
Build the base.
There are two options for this next step; the powder trick or the base mascara.
- The powder trick is really simple, I’ve read that this simple trick is used on the runways! All you have to do is close your eyes, and sweep some loose powder over your lashes. (Careful they don’t go into your eyes.) The powder ‘sticks’ to your lashes, making them more dense and thicker when applying mascara next.
- Base/primer mascaras are sold separately and are normally white in color – they are the step right before applying mascara, and are said to thicken and lengthen your lashes with its fibers and formula. L’Oreal has put out some mascara that has both the base and mascara that are quite afforable, you should check them out.
Last but not least, mascara!
And finally, the next step is to apply the mascara. If you don’t know how to apply mascara, you can read my post, Make Up 101 – How to Apply Mascara.
Also, one of the best tips I heard when applying mascara is to position your mascara wand at the base of the root, and ‘wiggle’ it in a zig-zap motion as you apply the mascara, root to tip.
Another tip I’d like to share is to use two mascara formulas; a lengthening mascara and a volumizing mascara. (Although, if you had applied a base coat mascara, you should probably skip these two formulas and just apply your regular mascara – too much product and your lashes might weight down, or even worse, end up falling out!) I used to do this tip until I found my favorite mascara that does both! All you have to do is this: Apply your lengthening mascara first (one coat) and then finish off with a thickening mascara, which is heavier in product. This thickening formula thickens the lashes you just lengthened, so voila, you get the best of both worlds!
I recommend.
As always, here are some mascara recommendations that I have found and loved – please feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments, and thanks in advance!
- Lancome Virtuose - I know I’m always singing it’s praises but it really is a great mascara. I’ve tried some other great mascaras after finding Virtuose, but I always come back. It has the perfect formula of length, volume and not to mention, it holds a curl like nobody’s business, which is a huge plus for me – like I said above, I don’t like using a lash curler too much for fear of breakage. This mascara creates a curl as well. You can read my full review here.
- Clinique Lash Power – Another great mascara. In fact, I really, really, like this one – I would love it more than Virtuose but it lost out on it’s curling power. There are two versions, the normal one, which my friend Christine reviewed here, and the Curling version, which I reviewed here. I really loved this mascara, but like I said in my review, it lost out a bit in the thickening department. It’s still amazing, though.
- Maybelling Great Lash – This is either really loved or hated (from what I’ve read) but I do like it – it gives a very natural, lengthening look. Great for an everyday look. Also, it is very dark which I really liked! You can read the full review here.
- Chanel Exceptionnel – I wrote in my review that this mascara had many ‘flaws’, and I still believe it does, as it gets dry and clumpy very easily. However, when it’s brand new (the first 2 weeks) it’s fantastic and really ‘lifts’ the lashes up.
I hope my tips have helped! Have you heard any of these mascara tricks before? What do you do to get your best lashes ever? :)
Ah, finally; my favorite time of the year – the end of it! :-P This begins endless dinner parties for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, and then New Year’s Day (yes my crazy family, friends and I celebrate all these days!)
This gave me an idea on a post – what beauty essentials do we need while we are going to all these events? You can’t carry too little in case you need something, but you can’t exactly drag around your big make up trunk!
Here are some of my recommended essentials needed in your bag for a nice evening out. Please add your own in the comments!
- Lip products. Lip products need constant reapplying as the color wears out after drinking and eating (and all those kiss-greetings!) so remember to bring whatever lip product you’re using, whether it’s lip balm, lip stick or lip gloss. A great lip balm that keeps your lips super moisturized with little (or no) reapplying is this one by Rosebud. I highly recommend it.
- Cover up. Remember to bring a little concealer or a compact – whatever you use to cover up – in your purse. (Here are some tips on what foundation would suit you.) A concealer stick is great for on the go and can touch up any dark circles or blemishes that could be revealed after your face has sweated a little – especially after a long night of dancing!
- Oil- control. I never leave home without my trusty oil blotting sheets, they are wonderful! I have the powdered ones so I’m getting two in one; a little touch up, and it removes the shine! You don’t need to spend money on those brands who overprice them (not mentioning any names…). You can get really inexpensive ones from your local drugstore that work just as well.
- Mini perfume. If you’d like to spritz yourself as the night goes on, do bring a small version (or the original) of your perfume. If you’d like your perfume to last without the touch ups, read this tip here on how to make your fragrance last longer.
- Breath mints. Pretty self explanatory, right? ;)
- Hand sanitizer. Or maybe it’s just me being paranoid, but I do keep a tiny hand sanitizer in my bag, especially after the H1N1 flue scare! It also helps for all the handshaking and greetings you’ll have to do! If not, just remember to wash your hands before eating and after!
In conclusion, have fun and try not to think about any beauty ‘mishaps’ – you need to enjoy yourself! However, just remember to include those little bits and bobs in your bag just in case (and whatever can fit in your bag!).
Also, this is optional; but, if you have an all-in-one makeup palette, do pack that. This is easy for touch ups on eyeshadow, lipstick and blush. What beauty products do you keep in your purse for nights out? Do you have any other items to add to my list? :)
How many foundation ad campaigns have you seen like the one above? A ton, I presume – and all promising beautiful, clear, radiant skin. But then you try it on yourself and it looks a mess, doesn’t it? There are countless foundations on the market today, and the first step to finding a foundation you want is figuring out what type of foundation will suit your skin type and your preferences. (And before we start, if you don’t know your skin type, find out here.)
Sure; there are millions upon millions (OK, might be exaggerating a bit) different foundations formulas from airbrush, spray, wipe on, mineral, solid stick – but they are basically one of these three formulas:
Left to right: Compact/Pressed Foundation, Liquid Foundation, and Loose Powder.
Compact/Pressed Foundation
Said to be one of the heavier finishes, compact foundation (or pressed powder) used to have a bad rep as being too thick and full of talc like in the olden days – the heavier formula absorbs oil instantly and gives a heavier coverage, so some are a little hesitant!
However, today there are many different ingredients used that help skin look fresh, matte, smooth, and not heavy at all.
- Great for those with oily or combination skin.
- Covers large pores.
- Portable and convenient packaging for touch-ups.
- Absorbs oil instantly for quick touch ups during the day for busy women.
Liquid Foundations
The most popular formula, they range from sheer tints to heavier coverages. It’s easy to apply and the most hygienic packaging are pump bottles.
- Suits most skin types, but those with oily skin will have to top it off with powder.
- Oil free formulas will suit oily skin.
- Gives a slightly dewy look.
- Can be applied by sponges, brushes or your fingertips.
Loose Powder
Depending on your application (and layers), loose powder can be used sheer or heavy. Normally applied with a fluffy brush or kabuki brush – mineral makeup foundations are normally in loose powder formulas.
- Suitable for any skin type, but dry skin may need a liquid underneath.
- Instant oil absorption.
- Very matte finish, no shine at all.
What type of foundation do you use? I’m personally not a big fan (probably will be in the future though) so for now I’m still using a translucent loose powder base by Aubrey Organics most of the time, (review here) or Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer when extra coverage is needed. :)
Hands up those who is in love with Kristen Stewart’s eye makeup? (Those with your hands down: you’re weird.) The girl has permanently sexy, smokey eyes; and I for one can admit I’m jealous. Very jealous. Who does her makeup?!
Kristen has beautiful olive green eyes and one thing’s for sure; she has a damn good makeup artist! From all her recent premieres she’s been attending (or shall we say headlining!) she seems to stick to the same eye makeup: smokey eyes to bring out her beautiful green color. Here’s her makeup for the past two Twilight movies; the first for Twilight in 2008 and the second for New Moon this year!
I think the epitome of her eye makeup look was showcased on her recent November issue of Allure, which in a word is stunning. It shows Kristen as we know her – her messy hair, nude lips and intense eyes. Also, you can see that the makeup applied is how she wears makeup to premieres, so it does seem to be her ‘signature look’!
What’s great about this look too, is that the colors are ‘neutral’ so it can suit any eye color, not just green eyes.
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Hello and welcome! I'm Renee and I created this site to combine my love for writing, the web, and of course all things beautiful. ;) You can find out more 