Halloween Costume 10.31.09

So I watched MakeupbyRenRen's zombie makeup video on YT this morning.  I wasn't planning on dressing up this year.  We usually just take my little boy out T-or-T each year but after I watch her video I was inspired!  Here's my version of a female Zombie!  Thanks Ren! 

http://www.makeupbyrenren.com/

MakeupbyRenRen on YourTube

Happy Halloween!!!!

Thanks for Stopping by!!!

Haul 10.29.09

So I went shopping with my girl Kasey this week. We planned to stop by the MAC counter to check out the new holiday collection plus Sephora as it was Kasey’s first time. I was so excited to go shopping with her.

So what I picked up this week…

MAC

Put a Spell on You Pink Lip Bag

Naughty Noir Eye Bag

Sephora

NARS Blush in Deep Throat

Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER Set

Makeup Forever Aqua Eye Collection Set

EXPRESS

Flyaway Cardigan Hoodie

Dillard’s

Guess "Davisa" Heels

If you have any questions please post them below and I’ll respond soon. Thanks again for stopping by!

Self Tanners -Clarins - Crème Délicieuse Auto-Bronzante

I love this self tanner! I've stayed away from self tanners for several years because of the fear of that orangey streaky look. I was in Sephora and got to talking one of the sales assoc. and she recommended I give this a try. I figured I would since I could return it if I didn't like it. Well I've used this for about 6 months now and I absolutely love. No orangey color or streaking. It's glides on so smooth and smells like cocoa. The color is a natural tan and can be built up with multiple applications for those that like a deeper bronzer color. The price is a bit much but I really only use it once every week or two. The only thing I can recommend it to exfoliate really well prior to application and sleep in it overnight and shower off the next morning. You will still notice color within about 30 mins after applying so if you prefer to apply in the morning its still works and looks great! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Sigma Brush Kit Update - Just my 2 cents...

So as I posted earlier last month I broke down and purchased the Sigma complete brush kit plus the SS109. The complete kit is US $89 for 12 brushes plus the brush roll. The SS109 is US $14.

Since so many Gurus have posted reviews on YouTube I have decided to not necessarily do a “review” but just more of a “how I use each one”. I have some that I use daily and others that I use time to time.

I have been using all the brushes for several weeks now and washed them several times since receiving them. The majority of the brushes shed upon first wash but nothing excessive. I must say that I love this kit as a whole. I also appreciate the fact that the brush roll is excellent quality and not cheap looking at all.

Okay, on to what and how I use…

SS109 – This has to be my favorite daily brush. I use this with my MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation and/or my MAC MSF. The key I have found is to press the powder into my skin and work with ¼ of my face at a time then buff in as a last go around. I’m able to right under my eyes and in the corners of my nose with ease. The brush gives an even medium to full coverage.

SS224 – This is a fluffy blending brush. I find this best used for blending a light wash of color into the crease and fading it out. This is also a daily must-have for me and I love it!

SS150 – Large all over powder brush. Best used for light dusting of powder all over face or as I use it for bronzer. I don’t use this everyday only because I don’t use bronzer daily.

SS187 – I have the MAC 187 and absolutely love it. Since discovering the beauty community on YT I use the 187 for liquid foundation. Since I’m not using liquid foundation daily right now I haven’t had as much use of the SS187 but have given it a try twice. The brush holds up well without any shedding. Same great airbrush effect that I get when using MACs 187.

SS219 – Pencil shadow brush. I use this fairly often but not daily since I don’t define my outer corner on my lazy days. This brush is wonderful for controlled application of powder to define the outer V and crease. I used this on my mom to who has very small eyes and not as much lid space as I do. This is great to use as a crease brush for those with smaller eyes. I also use this at all shadow under my lower lash line.

SS239 – I have the MAC 239 and this is definitely not an exact dup. The SS239 is slightly larger and I personally prefer the SS239 over MACs since I have more lid space to cover; but again I like MACs 239 for my mom’s smaller lids. Does just as great with packing on color.

SS190 – I also have MACs 190 foundation brush. There is a difference to me but very slight, barely noticeable…. The SS190 seems just slightly softer but same application results as MACs 190. I used this for tinted moisturizer since I wasn’t using liquid foundation during the summer months.

SS168 – I own MACs 168 and this is an exact dup in my opinion. Best used for blush application or highlight.

SS194 – I don’t use this daily as I prefer to apply concealer with my fingers vs. a brush.

SS275 – I use this daily for my brow highlight. Can also be use for crease but I prefer the SS224 for the crease.

SS266 – Recommended use for eyeliner or filling in brows. I personally don’t and haven’t used this for eyeliner so I use this daily for my brows.

SS252 – Another daily brush for packing shadow onto the lid.

SS209 – Sigma recommends this brush for use with eyeliner however I actually use this for lip color/glosses. I feel that the brush itself is too big for use with eyeliner unless you want that think liner look.

SS217 – Sigma included this as a free gift. It’s a travel version so the handle is not as long as the others. This brush I find it best used for all over wash of color on the lid or brow highlight.

Again, this wasn’t meant to be a full review but I for the record I absolutely recommend these brushes.  For a full review I recommend watching MakeupbyTiffanyD’s review on YT.

Other Sigma Brushes I have on my short list:
SS182 - Kabuki Brush $19
SS188 - Small Duo Fibre Brush $14
Thanks again for stopping by!  If you have any questions, please post below and I'll reply shortly.

Product Review: DuWop Lash Venom Mascara

I had the opportunity to give the DuWop Lash Venom Mascara a try as it came in the Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler from Sephora.  I tried to use this as often I could but unfortunately I couldn't take it anymore.  I'm sorry, but I don't have anything good to say about this mascara.  It is not a smooth formula at all and the built-in fibers are too noticeable.  Throughout the day it flakes and runs.  When I said I couldn't take it anymore I meant it.  I had to constantly keep checking and cleaning up the raccoon look throughout the day.  I couldn't wear it without any peace of mind.  I work in an office and don't even work up a sweat but I look so worn-out by lunch because it runs so easily.  I even tried not wearing it on my bottom lashes and that didn't help still ran and flaked. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or have tried this product personally without the issues...maybe I'm missing something.  Thanks again for stopping by!

Product Rave: Body Dew by Pure Romance

This light after bath oil mist is great especially this time of year when the weather stays to cool and our skin starts to become dryer. I don't know about the rest of you but I tend need lotions and moistures more during the fall and winter months but hate putting it on due to the coldness. I must say that having this spray that I can quickly mist on right out the shower is so convenient yet effective. In the past I used the original scent but Pure Romance recently came out with a Green Tea scent. I have to say that I like the Green Tea better because it's not too girly smelling and won't overwhelm my hubby's nose. A light misting having shaving my legs makes them look so silky and smooth, while relieving irritation caused by razor.

I know you must be thinking that if it's an OIL mist then you won't be able to sit or touch anything or even get dressed right away. Well, this product once sprayed on immediately absorbs into your skin. Your skin literally drinks it up right away. Have dry cuticles? Well spray this on your hands and rub gently into your cuticles after your manicure or pedicure and voila! beautiful hands, feet, and cuticles.

Fake bake or spray tan? This will even help to prolong your color since it will keep your skin moisturized for several hours. By the way, once you spray this on in the morning you won't need to re-apply any time throughout the day...that’s how effective this is.

Another feature to this product is that it is formulated pheromones to increase your sexual awareness and intensify romantic interludes!

http://www.pureromance.com/

LUSH 1st Timer!

Okay, so I finally made the trip out to the only Lush in the state of AZ.  I have to admit, although the store wasn't huge I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start.  The sales girl I think may have noticed right away and immediately offered help.  I told her it was my first time.  She was super sweet and helpful.  She asked if there was a certain product I was looking for.  I told her I interested in the shampoo bars.  She asked about my hair and ended up recommending the Trichomania Solid Shampoo.  It has a very subtle coconut scent.  Then we worked out way around to the facial stuff.  I love how everything is hands on.  She sampled several things on my hand and arms.  I didn't want to go too crazy in the store and buy tons of stuff since its the first time I'm trying any of this.  I also ended up getting Love Lettuce mask (can only be purchased in store) and the Buffy Body Butter.

I'll have to try everything, then in the next couple of weeks I post an official review! 

To locate a LUSH near you visit their website! http://www.lushusa.com/