Pretty much everyone should consider purchasing at some point a black eye shadow so here are some things to keep in mind as you're choosing it.
First off, why should you consider purchasing black? It is a very versatile and useful color to have on hand. You can use it at your crease for your makeup. You can use it over an eyeliner to bolster its blackness. You could also use it over an eyeliner to smudge the line. And one thing that folks often forget about is that you don't need to use all over the crease but you could have just a little bit to darken it. There are many options to use black.
I think that black eye shadow has suffered from a bad rep that it makes you look like a raccoon and, therefore, shouldn't be used. That'd be only true if you do apply it in a raccoon mask sort of way.
Eye shadows come in various finishes (matte, frost, shimmery, sparkly, etc.). Which one you pick will have a different look... and may have a different use.
Matte: A matte black will make the area where you applied it look like it's receding. As such, you may want to use a matte black at the crease or over an eyeliner.
Shimmery: Here, I mean anything that shimmers (so frost, sparkly, whatever). A shimmery black will tend to make the area appear to stand out. If you want to do a smokey eye with a black eye shadow, I'd recommend using a shimmery black, especially if you will do this for stage. Also, if you have a very deep crease, you may want to select a shimmery black to apply at the crease so as not to further deepen the look of the crease.
I actually own a few matte blacks (pressed powder and loose shadow) and several shimmery blacks. The shimmery blacks I own have different looks to them: one has a golden shimmer to it, one has a silver shimmer, one has an iridescent shimmer, etc. It actually often happens that the blacks are part of a palette so they came with but I did choose certain shimmery blacks on purpose.
That being said, if your budget is tight and you can purchase only one black, I'd go with a shimmery finish as it will be the one that will be the most versatile.
Also, if you've ever tried a smokey eye with black and were dissatisfied with the result, try again but with a shimmery black. You'll see that it will help quite a bit.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tips for separated products in tubes
Yesterday morning, I used a product in a tube that had separated so that reminded me that I should consider doing an entry about this. By a separated product, I mean that it's a cream and what comes out at first is an (often) oily clear (or near clear) goo and then the product itself.
Products are meant to be used regularly so, if you're not using regularly, it may separate. Depending on the product, the length of time before separation will happen can be very different from product to product. Normally, it may take a few weeks for it to happen but it could happen quicker than that.
If you haven't been using a product from a tube in a while, you may want to massage the tube first (with the cap still on). It sounds weird but it will help remix the product together. It's not going to make it all remixed but it will definitely help. Obviously, you will want to be gentle when massaging the tube as you don't want it to explode all over. That would defeat the purpose.
For all that you may feel that it's wasteful, you may need to throw away the portion of product that will come out that is separated. While you can certainly apply it and it shouldn't have any nefarious consequence, it just will not do its job properly. For example, separated eye shadow primer just won't hold onto the eye shadow as well as it should if the product is not the perfect formulation.
So the bottom line really is that, for all that you want to conserve products, they are meant to be used... or else you'll actually need to throw some away.
Products are meant to be used regularly so, if you're not using regularly, it may separate. Depending on the product, the length of time before separation will happen can be very different from product to product. Normally, it may take a few weeks for it to happen but it could happen quicker than that.
If you haven't been using a product from a tube in a while, you may want to massage the tube first (with the cap still on). It sounds weird but it will help remix the product together. It's not going to make it all remixed but it will definitely help. Obviously, you will want to be gentle when massaging the tube as you don't want it to explode all over. That would defeat the purpose.
For all that you may feel that it's wasteful, you may need to throw away the portion of product that will come out that is separated. While you can certainly apply it and it shouldn't have any nefarious consequence, it just will not do its job properly. For example, separated eye shadow primer just won't hold onto the eye shadow as well as it should if the product is not the perfect formulation.
So the bottom line really is that, for all that you want to conserve products, they are meant to be used... or else you'll actually need to throw some away.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Tips on trying out new products
I have super sensitive skin so I've been burnt before by trying on a new product and then having an allergic reaction or just my skin feeling weird. So here are a few tips and tricks to help when trying new products. And by products here, I really mean a skin care product but the same could happen with makeup.
Quality matters
First off, quality matters. If the product is of poor quality, the likelihood that something in it will make your skin react is higher. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't try it but just that you should proceed with caution. Also note that the generic products that you can find at the pharmacy will be comparable to the brand name but not exactly the same. Look for products that say "hypoallergenic" if you have uber sensitive skin. Even with these, you could react, but there might be less of a chance. Quality does not necessarily correlate with price but it often does.
Small area first
If you're unsure of the product (due to quality or other reason), try it on a small area first... and consider even trying out on, say, your forearm. If your forearm breaks into hives, it's not ideal, of course, but it's less bothersome most oftentimes than on your face. Now, the skin of your arms and of your face is not exactly the same so, while your forearm may not have reacted, there is still a possibility that the skin of your face would but the likelihood is much much lower.
Introduce one thing at a time
I'm a scientist so, when we do experiments, if at all possible, we try to change one parameter at a time. So, similarly, I recommend trying on one thing at a time. The reason is simple: if something happens, then you know that was the likely due to the new product. The problem when you're trying more than one product is two-folds, really: 1) should there be a reaction, you wouldn't know which one prompted it (and may need to go back a step and try one at a time) and 2) should you get benefit from the products (e.g., clearer skin), you won't know which one prompted the benefit. While the latter doesn't seem like a big deal, if you have budget constraints and want to purchase only one item, which one would you purchase?
Interactions between products
One thing that sometimes happens is an interaction between the products. So it's possible that the new product, by itself or in combination with other products doesn't make you react but, in combination with other products, may create an allergic reaction. If that happens, you obviously need to judge which ones you want to keep but, worst case, you just work them separately (e.g., on different days).
Same brand
The caveat to the general rule of introducing one product at a time is that, if the products are from the same brand, you can try more than one product at a time. The products should be more or less similar formulations and most brands develop their products to work with each other, complement each other, etc. The interactions between products should be very minimal and you can generally rely on, if a product from a brand works for you, it's very likely that another product from the same brand would work as well. It's not 100% guaranteed, of course, as nothing ever is.
Pick your day
Pick your day when you sill sample a new product. If you have a big event, you'll be tempted to try a new fancy product because you heard good things about it but, let me tell you, that's a good way to invite a Murphy's Law. Should you react, you probably don't want to go to the event with hives on your face or looking like a scientific experiment gone wrong or something. And consider weekend vs. weekday. Depending on your job, your hobbies, events you have coming up, you'll have a preference for one vs. the other.
Challenge/Dechallenge
If you do react but you're not sure if it's a fluke or it really happened you can do a "challenge/dechallenge" test. "Challenge" is trying on the product again and seeing whether you react. "Dechallenge" is stopping the product and seeing if the reaction subside. Now, depending on the reaction, it may be hard to tell if stopping the use of the product is directly linked to whatever reaction you have. This is when the challenge comes in: if you want to be sure if it's the product, then use it again and see what happens. Note that you definitely DO NOT need to do this. But if, for some reason, you're wondering, you can use this method.
Developing a reaction to a long time product
It sucks but it sometimes happens that, for all that you've been using the same product(s) for a long time, you may develop an allergy to it. It happened to me with L'Oreal makeup (which is what made me discover MAC): I had been using those makeup products for years and then, one day, I reacted to them. My eyelids became all red and flaky. It wasn't fun. This is where the challenge/dechallenge can be most useful: if you want to be real sure that it's a developed allergy (and not something else that was going on that made you react), you can use that method to assess that.
Look at the list of ingredients
If you break out or have an allergic reaction, look at the list of ingredients. There might be something in it that you'll discover is your allergy trigger. I have a personal example of this albeit it's with tea vs. skin care/makeup products. I had bought a bunch of loose leaves teas... awesome stuff! I enjoyed those teas quite a bit. But then I noticed that, sometimes, I felt nauseous. It took me some time to connect the nauseous feeling with taking tea but I eventually did. The reason why it took me some time to make the connection is that not all teas made me feel bad. But, eventually, I realized that those teas that contained anise seed were the ones that made me feel nauseous. So the same could happen with beauty products or makeup: there might be one or more ingredients that make you react. So look into that and, if you notice a pattern, just stir clear of that ingredient.
Assessing the benefits
Obviously, if you're trying a new beauty or skin care product, you're hoping to get some benefit that you weren't getting before: clearer skin, smoother skin, less wrinkles, etc. With makeup, you will see the benefits right away because makeup is essentially colors on your skin so it's a straightforward thing. It's important to know, though, that, for skin care, you may not see the benefits the first day... it may take a week or several weeks to see the benefits. If you've ever received the "pouch" samples, that's generally not enough to know whether a skin care product will work for you or not. You will be able to know if you will have a bad reaction as those happen rather quickly generally. However, when it comes to the benefits, you'll have to take a chance and guesstimate whether it will give you the anticipated benefits or not. This is where the deluxe samples that you can get from Sephora, Birchbox, or other places are very useful: by having more product, you'll be able to assess better whether you will actually get benefits before investing for the full size product.
Quality matters
First off, quality matters. If the product is of poor quality, the likelihood that something in it will make your skin react is higher. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't try it but just that you should proceed with caution. Also note that the generic products that you can find at the pharmacy will be comparable to the brand name but not exactly the same. Look for products that say "hypoallergenic" if you have uber sensitive skin. Even with these, you could react, but there might be less of a chance. Quality does not necessarily correlate with price but it often does.
Small area first
If you're unsure of the product (due to quality or other reason), try it on a small area first... and consider even trying out on, say, your forearm. If your forearm breaks into hives, it's not ideal, of course, but it's less bothersome most oftentimes than on your face. Now, the skin of your arms and of your face is not exactly the same so, while your forearm may not have reacted, there is still a possibility that the skin of your face would but the likelihood is much much lower.
Introduce one thing at a time
I'm a scientist so, when we do experiments, if at all possible, we try to change one parameter at a time. So, similarly, I recommend trying on one thing at a time. The reason is simple: if something happens, then you know that was the likely due to the new product. The problem when you're trying more than one product is two-folds, really: 1) should there be a reaction, you wouldn't know which one prompted it (and may need to go back a step and try one at a time) and 2) should you get benefit from the products (e.g., clearer skin), you won't know which one prompted the benefit. While the latter doesn't seem like a big deal, if you have budget constraints and want to purchase only one item, which one would you purchase?
Interactions between products
One thing that sometimes happens is an interaction between the products. So it's possible that the new product, by itself or in combination with other products doesn't make you react but, in combination with other products, may create an allergic reaction. If that happens, you obviously need to judge which ones you want to keep but, worst case, you just work them separately (e.g., on different days).
Same brand
The caveat to the general rule of introducing one product at a time is that, if the products are from the same brand, you can try more than one product at a time. The products should be more or less similar formulations and most brands develop their products to work with each other, complement each other, etc. The interactions between products should be very minimal and you can generally rely on, if a product from a brand works for you, it's very likely that another product from the same brand would work as well. It's not 100% guaranteed, of course, as nothing ever is.
Pick your day
Pick your day when you sill sample a new product. If you have a big event, you'll be tempted to try a new fancy product because you heard good things about it but, let me tell you, that's a good way to invite a Murphy's Law. Should you react, you probably don't want to go to the event with hives on your face or looking like a scientific experiment gone wrong or something. And consider weekend vs. weekday. Depending on your job, your hobbies, events you have coming up, you'll have a preference for one vs. the other.
Challenge/Dechallenge
If you do react but you're not sure if it's a fluke or it really happened you can do a "challenge/dechallenge" test. "Challenge" is trying on the product again and seeing whether you react. "Dechallenge" is stopping the product and seeing if the reaction subside. Now, depending on the reaction, it may be hard to tell if stopping the use of the product is directly linked to whatever reaction you have. This is when the challenge comes in: if you want to be sure if it's the product, then use it again and see what happens. Note that you definitely DO NOT need to do this. But if, for some reason, you're wondering, you can use this method.
Developing a reaction to a long time product
It sucks but it sometimes happens that, for all that you've been using the same product(s) for a long time, you may develop an allergy to it. It happened to me with L'Oreal makeup (which is what made me discover MAC): I had been using those makeup products for years and then, one day, I reacted to them. My eyelids became all red and flaky. It wasn't fun. This is where the challenge/dechallenge can be most useful: if you want to be real sure that it's a developed allergy (and not something else that was going on that made you react), you can use that method to assess that.
Look at the list of ingredients
If you break out or have an allergic reaction, look at the list of ingredients. There might be something in it that you'll discover is your allergy trigger. I have a personal example of this albeit it's with tea vs. skin care/makeup products. I had bought a bunch of loose leaves teas... awesome stuff! I enjoyed those teas quite a bit. But then I noticed that, sometimes, I felt nauseous. It took me some time to connect the nauseous feeling with taking tea but I eventually did. The reason why it took me some time to make the connection is that not all teas made me feel bad. But, eventually, I realized that those teas that contained anise seed were the ones that made me feel nauseous. So the same could happen with beauty products or makeup: there might be one or more ingredients that make you react. So look into that and, if you notice a pattern, just stir clear of that ingredient.
Assessing the benefits
Obviously, if you're trying a new beauty or skin care product, you're hoping to get some benefit that you weren't getting before: clearer skin, smoother skin, less wrinkles, etc. With makeup, you will see the benefits right away because makeup is essentially colors on your skin so it's a straightforward thing. It's important to know, though, that, for skin care, you may not see the benefits the first day... it may take a week or several weeks to see the benefits. If you've ever received the "pouch" samples, that's generally not enough to know whether a skin care product will work for you or not. You will be able to know if you will have a bad reaction as those happen rather quickly generally. However, when it comes to the benefits, you'll have to take a chance and guesstimate whether it will give you the anticipated benefits or not. This is where the deluxe samples that you can get from Sephora, Birchbox, or other places are very useful: by having more product, you'll be able to assess better whether you will actually get benefits before investing for the full size product.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Nighttime daily routine
So the nighttime routine will feel a lot like the morning routine minus the makeup application. In this case, obviously, we're removing the makeup... and I do a few additional steps some time during the week.
Before we go into the routine, let me make a plight: DO NOT GO TO BED WITH YOUR MAKEUP STILL ON! That is oh so very bad for your skin. See, during the night is when your skin rejuvenates itself: it breathes a lot and repairs itself. If you still have makeup on, it clogs the pores and prevents the repair process from happening. That is one sure way as well to increase your likelihood of having some breakouts. So, if you're dead tired and can't do the whole routine (which takes about 5-10 minutes, by the way, so you have very little excuse), then at the very minimum, do Steps 1 and 2.
1. Eye makeup remover
I sometimes use eye makeup remover and sometimes I'll use the makeup remover towelettes. It depends on my mood and, when I travel a lot, I keep those towelette handy and will use them regularly so as not to let them dry out on me.
If I'm using an eye makeup remover, my product of choice is the Gently Off Eye and Lip Make Up Remover by MAC. http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/179/1480/Products/Skincare/Removers/Gently-Off-Eye-and-Lip-Makeup-Remover/index.tmpl I apply some on a cotton pad (I prefer the square ones... don't know why) and will wipe it gently over the eye area, making sure that I remove all the eye makeup, including what I've applied at the lower lash line and in the eyebrows. Now, after I'm done, the area around the eyes may look a bit like a raccoon. That's okay, I'll wash my face next.
If I'm using the makeup remover towelette, I apply the same principles but using a portion of the towelette. I've tried a bunch of towelettes and my favorites are the Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I buy those either at Target or CVS. I've also used the CVS version of these and they worked fine though I still have a slight preference for the brand name.
As a reminder, as I've mentioned in a previous entry (see http://celestesmakeupcorner.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-touch.html ), you will want to use light strokes when removing your makeup (especially the eye makeup) and especially if you hit a stubborn spot.
2. Cleanser
If I've used the eye makeup remover, I'll use again the Nutritive Cleanser by Perricone MD. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9373-perricone-md-nutritive-cleanser.aspx
If I've used the makeup remover towelette, I'll use the remainder of that towelette for the rest of my face. I generally have to turn it around because it has the eye makeup on one side. ;)
3. Moisturizer
I actually use the same moisturizer, which is the Face Finish Moisturizer by Perricone MD. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9372-perricone-md-face-finishing-moisturizer.aspx
4. Eye cream
Again, this is the same as in the morning so the StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles. http://www.skinstore.com/p-15008-strivectin-sd-eye-concentrate-for-wrinkles.aspx
5. Lip treatment
I don't always do this but will do it 2-3 times a day. I will either apply a lip balm (I use one by Badger... they don't make that specific one anymore; I've had it for years!) or the Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub by Bite Beauty. The two serve different purposes: the lip balm will moisturize my lips whereas the lip scrub will (as the name implies) scrub the lips.
I have yet to purchase the full product but I had received a deluxe sample from Sephora of that lip scrub. http://www.sephora.com/whipped-cherry-lip-scrub-P303109 If you have problems where your lips flake, this is a good product to help with that: you'll essentially be scrubbing your lips for a bit and then remove the product. The product is made in such a way that it does leave some moisturizer on your lips so they don't totally dry out.
Several years ago, a MAC representative had given me the tip of using your tooth brush on your lips to get rid of the flaky skin on your lips. That totally works and is obviously cheaper than the lip scrub product. However, if you will use the tooth brush method, just note that you'll likely need to moisturize the lips as the bristles will dry out further your lips.
6. Foot cream
I bet that you weren't expecting this one! I don't do this nightly. However, if I've been dancing barefoot (so that's at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays), I will generally apply Dr. Hunter Foot Comfort Cream. It's something that I apply right before I go to bed as I don't like to walk around with this cream on my feet. http://www.drugstore.com/caswell-massey-dr-hunter-foot-comfort-creme/qxp155717?catid=51846
Before we go into the routine, let me make a plight: DO NOT GO TO BED WITH YOUR MAKEUP STILL ON! That is oh so very bad for your skin. See, during the night is when your skin rejuvenates itself: it breathes a lot and repairs itself. If you still have makeup on, it clogs the pores and prevents the repair process from happening. That is one sure way as well to increase your likelihood of having some breakouts. So, if you're dead tired and can't do the whole routine (which takes about 5-10 minutes, by the way, so you have very little excuse), then at the very minimum, do Steps 1 and 2.
1. Eye makeup remover
I sometimes use eye makeup remover and sometimes I'll use the makeup remover towelettes. It depends on my mood and, when I travel a lot, I keep those towelette handy and will use them regularly so as not to let them dry out on me.
If I'm using an eye makeup remover, my product of choice is the Gently Off Eye and Lip Make Up Remover by MAC. http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/179/1480/Products/Skincare/Removers/Gently-Off-Eye-and-Lip-Makeup-Remover/index.tmpl I apply some on a cotton pad (I prefer the square ones... don't know why) and will wipe it gently over the eye area, making sure that I remove all the eye makeup, including what I've applied at the lower lash line and in the eyebrows. Now, after I'm done, the area around the eyes may look a bit like a raccoon. That's okay, I'll wash my face next.
If I'm using the makeup remover towelette, I apply the same principles but using a portion of the towelette. I've tried a bunch of towelettes and my favorites are the Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I buy those either at Target or CVS. I've also used the CVS version of these and they worked fine though I still have a slight preference for the brand name.
As a reminder, as I've mentioned in a previous entry (see http://celestesmakeupcorner.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-touch.html ), you will want to use light strokes when removing your makeup (especially the eye makeup) and especially if you hit a stubborn spot.
2. Cleanser
If I've used the eye makeup remover, I'll use again the Nutritive Cleanser by Perricone MD. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9373-perricone-md-nutritive-cleanser.aspx
If I've used the makeup remover towelette, I'll use the remainder of that towelette for the rest of my face. I generally have to turn it around because it has the eye makeup on one side. ;)
3. Moisturizer
I actually use the same moisturizer, which is the Face Finish Moisturizer by Perricone MD. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9372-perricone-md-face-finishing-moisturizer.aspx
4. Eye cream
Again, this is the same as in the morning so the StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles. http://www.skinstore.com/p-15008-strivectin-sd-eye-concentrate-for-wrinkles.aspx
5. Lip treatment
I don't always do this but will do it 2-3 times a day. I will either apply a lip balm (I use one by Badger... they don't make that specific one anymore; I've had it for years!) or the Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub by Bite Beauty. The two serve different purposes: the lip balm will moisturize my lips whereas the lip scrub will (as the name implies) scrub the lips.
I have yet to purchase the full product but I had received a deluxe sample from Sephora of that lip scrub. http://www.sephora.com/whipped-cherry-lip-scrub-P303109 If you have problems where your lips flake, this is a good product to help with that: you'll essentially be scrubbing your lips for a bit and then remove the product. The product is made in such a way that it does leave some moisturizer on your lips so they don't totally dry out.
Several years ago, a MAC representative had given me the tip of using your tooth brush on your lips to get rid of the flaky skin on your lips. That totally works and is obviously cheaper than the lip scrub product. However, if you will use the tooth brush method, just note that you'll likely need to moisturize the lips as the bristles will dry out further your lips.
6. Foot cream
I bet that you weren't expecting this one! I don't do this nightly. However, if I've been dancing barefoot (so that's at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays), I will generally apply Dr. Hunter Foot Comfort Cream. It's something that I apply right before I go to bed as I don't like to walk around with this cream on my feet. http://www.drugstore.com/caswell-massey-dr-hunter-foot-comfort-creme/qxp155717?catid=51846
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The quick morning routine
In the last entry, I was talking about those mornings when I'm pressed for time, which seems to be nearly every morning lately. I have a corporate job so I still need to look polished even when pressed for time. Or at least I like to look polished. :p
So here are my steps for what I do on most days. It looks like a very long list but, believe me, it's longer to write out than to actually do it. At the bottom, I'll pare it down even further but the list here is what I do on a near (work) daily basis.
Note that I'm citing the names of the products that I'm using to give an idea of what I'm using. Also note that the websites that I'm linking are actually where I've bought the product.
1. Cleanser
I've been using Perricone MD products for a few years now. They've changed formulation for the cleanser so the one that I use now is the Nutritive Cleanser. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9373-perricone-md-nutritive-cleanser.aspx
2. Moisturizer
I've been using the Face Finishing Moisturizer by Perricone MD for a couple of years. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9372-perricone-md-face-finishing-moisturizer.aspx
3. Eye cream
I use the StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles (yeah, I'm getting old enough to start seeing those). http://www.skinstore.com/p-15008-strivectin-sd-eye-concentrate-for-wrinkles.aspx
4. Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm
You can refer to the previous post for my thoughts on this product. Up until I discovered it, I used to skip this step. ;) I apply this all over my face: make sure to go all the way to the hairline and in the jaw line when applying. http://www.sephora.com/water-fuse-beauty-balm-spf-25-pa-P285402
5. Concealer
I currently use Bye Bye Under Eye by It Cosmetics. I apply it under my eyes and over any weird skin thing (e.g., pimple). http://www.beauty.com/it-cosmetics-bye-bye-under-eye-full-coverage-waterproof-concealer-light-ultra-fair/qxp218123?catid=12974
6. Loose powder
I'm using the HD Microfinish Powder by Make Up For Ever. It's really an awesome product! I would recommend it to everyone. Don't be scared by the white color of the powder: it blends in with your natural pigmentation. http://www.sephora.com/hd-microfinish-powder-P210400
7. Eye primer
I never leave home without it on my eyelids... unless I'm not wearing any eye shadow, which is very rare indeed. I use Shadow Insurance by Too Faced. http://www.sephora.com/shadow-insurance-P202625
8. Eye shadow
If I'm pressed for time but have a little bit of time, I'll do some full blown eye makeup. But if I'm really pressed for time, I'll go for just one eye shadow. I like to use the Buxom - Stay There eye shadows for this. Note that I've discovered that not all of these work well on my eyelids. That being said, I have 2 colors that I use on rotation: Chihuahua and Pug. While they look similar on the computer screen, Chihuahua is a white shiny silver while Pug is a grey matte silver. http://www.sephora.com/buxom-stay-there-eye-shadow-P267305 I do sometimes wear other eye shadows but, when I'm really pressed for time, these are the ones that I use. Given that they are cream eye shadows, they are super fast to apply.
9. Eyeliner
I use the e.l.f. gel liner (3$ at Target or Meijer or other stores) for my eyeliner nowadays. I always like my top eyelid and flare it out. That's kind of my thing that I like to do. ;) I generally will also line my waterline on my lower eyelid but I will sometimes mix it up by not lining it at all or just partially or really into the lash line (again full or partial). As minute of a detail as it may sound, it does make the makeup look slightly different.
10. Mascara
I never leave home without mascara... or VERY rarely. See, I'm blonde underneath this black hair so my lashes are blonde too. Without mascara, I end up looking like a ghost. :p I currently am using something by Rimmel that I bought it at Target.
11. Eyebrows
Just like I rarely go out without mascara on my lashes, I rarely go out without having done my eyebrows for the same reason: without some black over them, I look like I'm missing eyebrows. The lucky thing, though, is that, since my hair is black, it's easy for me to do my eyebrows. If I'm really pressed with time, I can just use some mascara over them. It doesn't give them a very full look but it's a fast and relatively fast (provided I don't accidentally smudge the mascara) way to do my eyebrows. Otherwise, my preferred method has been to use that e.l.f. gel liner to fill in my eyebrows and shape them the way that I want. I will let them dry a little (so I'll wait until the next step is done to the this) and then I'll use a mascara-like brush to brush my eyebrows. It makes them look more natural when I do this.
12. Blush
I then apply blush on my cheek bones. If I've used the Buxom eye shadows, I will generally wear the shade Mocha by MAC.
13. Lips
I tend to gravitate towards lip glosses nowadays given that my lips are so small.
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Here are other scenarios; I will use them depending on the time that I have left to get ready but, again, it's not my preference:
So here are my steps for what I do on most days. It looks like a very long list but, believe me, it's longer to write out than to actually do it. At the bottom, I'll pare it down even further but the list here is what I do on a near (work) daily basis.
Note that I'm citing the names of the products that I'm using to give an idea of what I'm using. Also note that the websites that I'm linking are actually where I've bought the product.
1. Cleanser
I've been using Perricone MD products for a few years now. They've changed formulation for the cleanser so the one that I use now is the Nutritive Cleanser. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9373-perricone-md-nutritive-cleanser.aspx
2. Moisturizer
I've been using the Face Finishing Moisturizer by Perricone MD for a couple of years. http://www.skinstore.com/p-9372-perricone-md-face-finishing-moisturizer.aspx
3. Eye cream
I use the StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles (yeah, I'm getting old enough to start seeing those). http://www.skinstore.com/p-15008-strivectin-sd-eye-concentrate-for-wrinkles.aspx
4. Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm
You can refer to the previous post for my thoughts on this product. Up until I discovered it, I used to skip this step. ;) I apply this all over my face: make sure to go all the way to the hairline and in the jaw line when applying. http://www.sephora.com/water-fuse-beauty-balm-spf-25-pa-P285402
5. Concealer
I currently use Bye Bye Under Eye by It Cosmetics. I apply it under my eyes and over any weird skin thing (e.g., pimple). http://www.beauty.com/it-cosmetics-bye-bye-under-eye-full-coverage-waterproof-concealer-light-ultra-fair/qxp218123?catid=12974
6. Loose powder
I'm using the HD Microfinish Powder by Make Up For Ever. It's really an awesome product! I would recommend it to everyone. Don't be scared by the white color of the powder: it blends in with your natural pigmentation. http://www.sephora.com/hd-microfinish-powder-P210400
7. Eye primer
I never leave home without it on my eyelids... unless I'm not wearing any eye shadow, which is very rare indeed. I use Shadow Insurance by Too Faced. http://www.sephora.com/shadow-insurance-P202625
8. Eye shadow
If I'm pressed for time but have a little bit of time, I'll do some full blown eye makeup. But if I'm really pressed for time, I'll go for just one eye shadow. I like to use the Buxom - Stay There eye shadows for this. Note that I've discovered that not all of these work well on my eyelids. That being said, I have 2 colors that I use on rotation: Chihuahua and Pug. While they look similar on the computer screen, Chihuahua is a white shiny silver while Pug is a grey matte silver. http://www.sephora.com/buxom-stay-there-eye-shadow-P267305 I do sometimes wear other eye shadows but, when I'm really pressed for time, these are the ones that I use. Given that they are cream eye shadows, they are super fast to apply.
9. Eyeliner
I use the e.l.f. gel liner (3$ at Target or Meijer or other stores) for my eyeliner nowadays. I always like my top eyelid and flare it out. That's kind of my thing that I like to do. ;) I generally will also line my waterline on my lower eyelid but I will sometimes mix it up by not lining it at all or just partially or really into the lash line (again full or partial). As minute of a detail as it may sound, it does make the makeup look slightly different.
10. Mascara
I never leave home without mascara... or VERY rarely. See, I'm blonde underneath this black hair so my lashes are blonde too. Without mascara, I end up looking like a ghost. :p I currently am using something by Rimmel that I bought it at Target.
11. Eyebrows
Just like I rarely go out without mascara on my lashes, I rarely go out without having done my eyebrows for the same reason: without some black over them, I look like I'm missing eyebrows. The lucky thing, though, is that, since my hair is black, it's easy for me to do my eyebrows. If I'm really pressed with time, I can just use some mascara over them. It doesn't give them a very full look but it's a fast and relatively fast (provided I don't accidentally smudge the mascara) way to do my eyebrows. Otherwise, my preferred method has been to use that e.l.f. gel liner to fill in my eyebrows and shape them the way that I want. I will let them dry a little (so I'll wait until the next step is done to the this) and then I'll use a mascara-like brush to brush my eyebrows. It makes them look more natural when I do this.
12. Blush
I then apply blush on my cheek bones. If I've used the Buxom eye shadows, I will generally wear the shade Mocha by MAC.
13. Lips
I tend to gravitate towards lip glosses nowadays given that my lips are so small.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are other scenarios; I will use them depending on the time that I have left to get ready but, again, it's not my preference:
- Mascara only: At a very minimum, as I've stated above, I'll at least wear some mascara on my lashes and eyebrows. I rarely do this but will if, say, I need to run to the store because I need milk or something.
- Eyeliner and mascara
- Eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara
- Powder, eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara
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Edit: I've had a question on Facebook as to how long this all takes. Steps 1-12 take me about 15-20 minutes. That is, if I've used the Buxom eye shadows so have done a quick eye makeup application. If it's a different eye makeup application, it can take longer. If you're going "there's no way that I could do this in 15-20 minutes", do not despair: the more you do it, the quicker you get. ;) Now you may wonder why I didn't mention Step 13 (lips) just yet. Well, I do my makeup before I have breakfast so I usually will do my lips in the car on the way to work... at a stop light, of course or in the parking lot. ;) Doing my lips is about a 1-minute process, especially if I'm using a lip gloss.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm
I'll do a blog entry on my quick everyday makeup routine but suffice it to say for now that I often don't have time in the morning to do the whole routine that I'd like to do so I will rarely wear foundation... yet I like how foundation evens out my skin. So I was hoping to find some product that I could just shlap on like a moisturizer and have that even skin look without the work needed to apply foundation correctly (not that it's extremely long but, again, pressed for time). Enter the August Birchbox and Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm.
I will admit that, the first time that I tried the product, I was "meh" about it. But then it grew on me... a lot. The texture is what made me "meh." See, it's a little thick and feels a little greasy but it's not. It contains aloe so I'm blaming it for the texture that I wasn't expecting. Also, when I first saw the color of the product, I had no idea how it would work on my skin, given that I'm so fair. Well, that product somehow managed to just even my skin tone near perfectly. I'm not sure what would be the threshold of pigmentation beyond which the product wouldn't work, though. So that would be something to try out first for those with skin a whole lot more pigmented than mine.
I don't think that it covers and smooth out the skin exactly as well as a foundation would (or at least as my foundation does). However, it takes considerably less time to apply than the full blown foundation so that's a big win for me in those pressed for time mornings.
Another thing that I really like is the fact that it's SPF 25. My foundation has a SPF 15 so, for example, last Saturday, I had an outdoor performance and I wanted that smooth skin yet didn't want to have to apply sunscreen over a foundation or go without foundation so I used this product and it was fine. I wouldn't say that it'd be enough for me for dead of summer time if I were out for many hours but for fall and for short bursts outside (like, for example, when I'm walking between buildings at work), this totally works.
Oh and a little goes a long way! You really don't need to apply a lot to get great coverage. The sample tube that I had received seemed oh so tiny. Well, I've been using it near daily for the past 3 weeks and it's still going... it's towards the end of the tube but it's still going. So that bigger tube will probably last me for near a year of daily use.
http://www.sephora.com/water-fuse-beauty-balm-spf-25-pa-P285402
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Birchbox
I was teaching my makeup workshop at Middle Eastern Mayhem in July and one of the participants told me about Birchbox. I'm really glad (so far) that she did! ;) I had never heard of it!
So what is it?
It's a monthly beauty sample subscription. It ultimately comes in a brown box so makes sense that it's called "birch". The cost is 10$ per month and you'll get 5-6 samples. We're talking decent size samples in cute bottles/packaging... not the tiny envelope kind.
Now, you won't be able to customize the samples that you're getting; it's more or less random. But you do have a profile that you fill out and it will help them (allegedly) to pick out the samples. I'm one who likes surprises so that's actually fun for me to not know what I'm getting.
I've received two boxes thus far. I was a bit disappointed at first with my first box as I was hoping for makeup stuff and got some beauty products instead but it turns out that there were 2 products that I really love (one that I even purchased as a full size and will talk about in a blog entry soon) so it turned out real good. I was also a bit disappointed in the 2nd box but I may end up liking it. I haven't had much time to look into it yet.
Your samples come with a little card that tells you how to use the product. I found that, while helpful to get a quick idea of what the product is about, these little cards didn't give nearly enough info about the product so I actually had to go on the website to find more info for each of those products.
Still, at 10$ a month, it's a nice little surprise to get in the mail.
When you first sign up for the box, you'll be put on a waiting list; don't be surprised by that. After 2-4 weeks, they'll send you info to "reserve your box subscription." I think that it's really that they plan boxes for whatever number of subscriptions that they have and a few extra so then you'll get the extra ones after subscriptions are done. Anyway. Don't sweat it, you'll get a box rather quickly.
You can cancel at any time after the first box.
https://www.birchbox.com/
So what is it?
It's a monthly beauty sample subscription. It ultimately comes in a brown box so makes sense that it's called "birch". The cost is 10$ per month and you'll get 5-6 samples. We're talking decent size samples in cute bottles/packaging... not the tiny envelope kind.
Now, you won't be able to customize the samples that you're getting; it's more or less random. But you do have a profile that you fill out and it will help them (allegedly) to pick out the samples. I'm one who likes surprises so that's actually fun for me to not know what I'm getting.
I've received two boxes thus far. I was a bit disappointed at first with my first box as I was hoping for makeup stuff and got some beauty products instead but it turns out that there were 2 products that I really love (one that I even purchased as a full size and will talk about in a blog entry soon) so it turned out real good. I was also a bit disappointed in the 2nd box but I may end up liking it. I haven't had much time to look into it yet.
Your samples come with a little card that tells you how to use the product. I found that, while helpful to get a quick idea of what the product is about, these little cards didn't give nearly enough info about the product so I actually had to go on the website to find more info for each of those products.
Still, at 10$ a month, it's a nice little surprise to get in the mail.
When you first sign up for the box, you'll be put on a waiting list; don't be surprised by that. After 2-4 weeks, they'll send you info to "reserve your box subscription." I think that it's really that they plan boxes for whatever number of subscriptions that they have and a few extra so then you'll get the extra ones after subscriptions are done. Anyway. Don't sweat it, you'll get a box rather quickly.
You can cancel at any time after the first box.
https://www.birchbox.com/
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