Chocolate Citrus Using Bare Escentuals and MAC

I'm featuring a step-by-step illustration of chocolate citrus eyes using my Bare Escentuals glimmer shadow in Citrus Twist, and MAC shadows in Sunplosion (too bad this is limited edition, but it is SO gorgeous) and mineralize shadow trio in Inter-View. But before I do that, here's my beautiful MAC 227 brush that I just got in the mail, it is breathtakingly pretty:





The head is humongous compared to my other MAC shadow brushes, but it is excellent for highlighting the browbone or for doing a wash of color on the lids. The hairs are so soft and dense. I am so glad I got this brush.

Anyways, here is the step-by-step illustration. All products MAC unless otherwise noted.


Apply Urban Decay primer potion all over lid and browbone. Smooth with finger. Using a fluffy shader brush, apply Perky paint pot all over lid.


Using the 242 brush, pack Bare Escentuals Citrus Twist glimmer shadow dry on the lid using quick patting motions.


Using the 224 brush, apply Sunplosion shadow on the crease.


Using Sonia Kashuk blending brush, apply the brown side of the Inter-View mineralize eyeshadow trio on the crease and outer V, blending into Sunplosion. Add more Sunplosion to blend into Inter-View, and add more Citrus Twist if necessary.


Using the 227 brush, apply NARS All About Eve eyeshadow duo (I used the satin/non-shimmer side) to highlight and on inner corners (I love this duo! Review coming up).




Line using Blacktrack fluidline. Tightline and waterline using UD 24/7 liner in Zero. Apply Ardell 109 falsies, apply mascara.





I used Make Up Forever HD foundation in 123. LOL, shocked? I still prefer mineral foundation, but I have a whole bottle of this and I don't want it to go to waste, so I used it. Finish and coverage are great but it's not something my mineral foundations couldn't replicate with a little help from a good hydrator spray, and mineral foundations are better on my skin and are all-natural. This foundation looks flawless, however, but I certainly don't like to use it everyday. I used Aromaleigh Ultra Resolution finishing powder in Clear (cheaper clone of the MUFE HD loose finishing powder), NARS Super Orgasm blush on cheeks. I used MAC Lightly Ripe lipstick and MAC lipglasses in Illicit and Live and Dye.

Can You Conquer Your Hair Challenges?

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Can You Conquer Your Hair Challenges?

Yes! Take this quiz and learn how to battle your hairstyle issues


Finally say sayonara to bad hair days! This quiz will help you identify your biggest hair dilemmas and give you pro tricks to solving them.

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Frownies PH Balancing Complexion Wash and Rose Water Spray: A Review





Last year, I received a package from Frownies, a popular brand that touts itself as an alternative to costly Botox injections. It claims that its Frownies patches can reduce wrinkles while one sleeps. In this economy, if someone can prove that there is a healthier, all-natural way to reduce wrinkles instead of undergoing expensive dermatological procedures, I am all for trying it out. Frownies patches are described on their website as follows:

A wrinkle treatment that addresses the physical cause of deep lines, Frownies are facial pads made from natural, skin-friendly materials. Frownies are applied to the forehead and corners of the eyes and mouth to gently re-educate the underlying muscles to assume their correct, relaxed and natural appearance. Frownies, in fact, allow the deep expression lines to heal leaving younger, relaxed-looking skin.


I have not tried the patches yet because I believe that I still don't have those wrinkles (Believe, just believe!), but I still want to try them out soon. I will put up my review of this product after I have roadtested it, but this entry is about the two other products in the kit that I have already tried. Both of them are part of Frownies' anti-aging sytem. I'll start off with the PH Balancing Complexion Wash.





In the photo above, the Complexion Wash is on the left side, and the Rose Mist Spray is on the right.

Clean and Detoxify
Use the utmost in facial cleansers & detoxifiers before applying Immune Perféct wrinkle cream, Immune Shield serum or Frownies Facial Patches. A concentrated soap-free glycolic wash that gently but deeply cleans the skin of imbedded oil, wax and trapped pollution build-up. The best in sensitive skin products, this unique wash is gentle, certainly, but it's also powerful for those of you who need products for oily skin, or blemished skin. Believe it when we say that sensitive skin care has evolved, and Frownies pH Balancing Complexion Wash is now a must in every beauty regimen. Contains the freshness of lavender essential oil and the cleaning power of soapwort and soap yucca to detoxify, balance, and clean the skin's surface without soap and detergent dryness. A little goes a long way

At first, I really didn't like the smell of this product because to my mind it smelled acidic. When I read the ingredients, though, I finally understood why: the main ingredient is Organic Apple Juice, with lemon juice thrown in the mix. As the days passed, however, I got accustomed to the smell and I actually thought it was pretty pleasant. It really cleanses my combination skin thoroughly without stripping it dry. I use this every morning in the shower and my face really feels clean every time I step out of the shower. The bonus is that it contains natural ingredients and it is not technically soap that touches my skin.

Rose Water Hydrator Spray



This product is supposed to work in tandem with the Frownies patches as it activates the adhesive side of the patches for them to stick to the problem area/s. However, it can also be used as a toner in conjunction with all the Frownies' anti-aging skin care products. It also doubles as a mist to set makeup. I used it to blend my mineral makeup into the skin. After I buffed a layer of mineral foundation onto my face, I spritzed three times with the Rose Water Hydrator, then continued to buff the foundation into the skin. The smell was a wonderful scent of roses and it made my mineral foundation flawless indeed. It made the skin look luminous, hydrated and plump with moisture. It is also sterile, bacteria-free and contains anti-oxidants to nourish the skin. It has these key ingredients that make it a wonderful face spray:

Key Ingredients

Glycerin: assists the skin in both looking and feeling better
Aloe Juice: healing treatment and natural anti-oxidant
Grapefruit Seed: anti-oxidant to fight free radical damage
Comfrey: stimulates growth and heals damage from free radicals
Hyaluronic Acid: plump fine lines
Rose Oil: the finest of essential oils


My take is that this is one of the best hydrator sprays that I've used. I am in love with the scent, the clean feeling it gives to my skin, and I love how it makes my mineral foundation flawless. I can't wait to use it with the Frownies patches.

All in all, Frownies PH Balancing Complexion Wash and the Rose Hydrator Spray are real winners in my book. I couldn't be happier with these products. I am excited to try the Frownies patches and see if they are as good as these products that I have just reviewed.

Backstage Beauty Tips

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Backstage Beauty Tips

Learn the 26 tricks we picked up from top hair, makeup and nail pros


We asked hair, makeup and nail artists backstage at Fashion Week for their best kept secrets. Read on to find tips that will help add a little runway glamour to your signature style.

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Neutral Look Using Adorned With Grace, Coastal Scents and Lumiere

I am on a neutral streak nowadays, probably because of the weather and season. I decided to use the colors that I have not been using recently, and boy, do I love shopping my stash. I will be featuring more colors that have been languishing in the drawers of my makeup dresser, and I vow to give them more love this year.







For my all-over lid color, I used Beautiful Girl's Twilight mineral shadow foiled, then added a sheer wash of light milky color on top using Coastal Scents' 28 Neutral Palette. For the crease and outer V, I found this eyeshadow sample baggie in my stash from Adorned With Grace that is labeled "Golden Brown". It's a beautiful slightly metallic goldish brown, and I believe it was re-named Marvelous. It is only upon searching my blog that I realized that I do have a full-size jar of this.

Here's how it looks like when packed on the skin:



I used Marvelous on the crease blended with medium and dark browns from the 28 Neutral Palette. I lined my eyes using Indelible gel liner in Black Cherry. I lined waterline and tightline using UD 24/7 in Zero. I highlighted browbone using MAC Rose Blanc eyeshadow.




I used Earthen Glow Minerals' mineral foundation in Yuan Yuan, topped with Silk Naturals' Date Bait finishing powder. For the cheeks, I used Earthen Glow Minerals' Medium Naples mineral blush. For the lips, I lined using Jordana lipliner in Nutmeg, lightly filling in the entire lip area, then I added Lumiere's Lumi Lips lipgloss in Ooh-La-La. I have several of these glosses and I really love Holy Grail and Full Of Grace, but I didn't realize how lovely Ooh-La-La is until I used it in this look. I love the finish and I like that it is also made of minerals.

The Frumpy To Fab Hair Makeover

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The Frumpy-to-Fab Hair Makeover

TotalBeauty.com reader Jennifer discovers the hot hair she should have been born with


Our makeover dream team -- celeb stylist Ted Gibson, owner of Ted Gibson Salon in New York City, and celeb makeup artist and Beauty.com spokesperson Tina Turnbow -- will give Jennifer modern hair and gorgeous makeup.

See makeover

MAC Well-Defined





What makes the topography of an interesting face so compelling?
The shapes, forms and planes are often made, not born. The secrets of sculpting features, creating volumes where they were once lacking, defining areas that didn’t seem so important, all but hold the power of transformation in your hands! Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation and Studio Sculpt Concealer put infinite possibility at your fingertips! 191 Square Foundation Brush is state-of-the-art application for foundation, 195 concealer brush finishes with ultimate precision. Among the finest tools we have.


Well-Defined brings to life over two years of work backstage in the lab to perfect our newest foundation and concealer. Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation is a rich, luxurious Cream Foundation in tube. This lush uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while instantly revitalizing dull and dry skin. Smooth and even application yields a medium buildable coverage with a natural-satin finish. It’s paired with Studio Sculpt Concealer, which provides full-coverage that never becomes dry and cakey with a gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections.


Studio Sculpt Foundation


Studio Sculpt Concealer

TRIED AND TESTED: DIRECT FROM THE RUNWAYS TO THE STREET:
INTRODUCING M·A·C’S NEWEST FOUNDATION INNOVATION M·A·C STUDIO SCULPT SPF 15 FOUNDATION & STUDIO SCULPT CONCEALER


Once again, M·A·C has shattered expectations for foundation performance with its debut of Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. The gel-based cream formula is the final result of an extensive collaboration between M·A·C’s Product Development experts and PRO team of makeup artists. Backstage at fashion week provides the perfect testing ground for M·A·C’s new products and our artists, working tirelessly at countless fashion shows, were eager for a foolproof makeup they could apply quickly and easily. Studio Sculpt is the answer to their prayers. It glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly for a flawless satiny finish—even when additional layers are needed for extra coverage. The water-resistant blend leaves complexions perfectly even-toned and hydrated, while providing all-important broad-spectrum sun protection.

The easy squeeze tube eliminates waste; just dole out the amount needed for each application. Every drop contains uniquely formulated micronized silicone-coated pigments that keep color true, so it appears to sink into the skin without ever becoming mask-like or cakey. A cushiony gel base helps color slip onto skin for a medium-coverage silky finish. The smooth formula offers ample blending time for near mistake-proof application yet adheres flawlessly and stays in place for hours of beautiful wear.

With an ingredient list that reads like a sophisticated skin care product, this makeup clearly aims to offer significantly more than temporary benefits. Sodium hyaluronate, yeast extract and shea butter, all proven moisturizers, add hydration to keep skin looking youthful and feeling healthy. Hyperlea Rhopdopensis Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract and Tamarind Seed Extract help to improve skin’s hydration with continued use. Antioxidant vitamins C and E help defend against free radical damage, and a mixture of titanium dioxide and octinoxate give SPF 15 protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Made for all skin types, this lush formulation is especially suited for dry, sensitive and mature complexions; with continued use, skin becomes increasingly hydrated and supple. Because of the extreme conditions a fashion models skin is exposed to during the 4-week marathon sprint across 4 countries and countless shows, Studio Sculpt was their salvation. This lush uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while instantly revitalizing dull and dry skin.

To complete the flawless face created by Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation, M·A·C introduces Studio Sculpt Concealer. Inspired by the needs of M·A·C makeup artists, who demanded a full-coverage concealer that never becomes dry and cakey, the gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections. Its silicone coated pigments help retain color purity, for superb coverage that blends easily yet covers completely with just a small amount of product.
Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation

Available in: NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC37, NC40, NC42, NC44, NC45, NC50, NC55, NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW43, NW45, NW47, NW50, NW55
Suggested Retail Price $28.00 U.S./$33.50 CDN

To apply: Using a sponge or foundation brush, apply an even layer wherever coverage is needed, then blend for the most flawless complexion imaginable.

Studio Sculpt Concealer
Available in: NC15, NC20, NC30, NC35, NC42, NC45, NC50, NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50
Suggested Retail Price $16.50 U.S./$19.50 CDN

M·A·C STUDIO SCULPT FOUNDATION SPF 15
Q&A WITH GORDON ESPINET, VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY, M·A·C WORLDWIDE


Q: How does this formula perform differently from other foundations in the M·A·C line?
Studio Sculpt is incredibly versatile, which makes it unique for many reasons, since its texture is silky and creamy, gliding effortlessly onto skin while providing a natural, velvety finish that’s both modern and natural. It can be blended with moisturizer for a more sheer finish that’s never streaky, or combined with concealer for more full coverage. Create a matte finish by applying powder afterwards, or use Studio Sculpt alone to emphasize skin’s natural sheen and highlights.

Q: Why was this product key for you and your team during fashion week? Has Studio Sculpt been used in any photo shoots?
We have anxiously wanted to offer a foundation that leaves skin looking well-hydrated and completely nourished, and can stand up to being used in various ways. Studio Sculpt can be sheered out or used with powder; it always looks flawless, which is a backstage dream. It is the perfect formula for both film and digital photography, in black and white or color. It’s extremely user-friendly, and the finish remains true and consistent in both color and texture.

Q: Is Studio Sculpt appropriate for HD TV use?
It’s absolutely perfect for High Definition television, because the texture is flawless and it helps skin read as real looking, not overly made up. More importantly, Studio Sculpt’s coverage can be easily manipulated into something very sheer, or layered to offer more coverage where necessary, while remaining even-toned and consistent in texture.

Q: What are some application techniques for the non-professional user?
Begin with a pea size amount on the back of your hand, and use any foundation brush to apply onto hydrated skin. Mix in a bit of your favorite moisturizer (try Strobe Cream or Strobe Liquid), which will create a sheer, luminous finish that makes skin appear to be candlelit. Use any M.A.C concealer over areas that need additional coverage.

Q: In your experience, what skin benefits have been shown with continued use?
Skin becomes more plump and hydrated, it give a youthful look.

Q: How does a medium-coverage foundation like this work well with today's makeup trends?
What’s most important is versatility in creating perfect-looking skin. It needs to appear fresh, flawless, and polished, but the products used to achieve this effect should be indiscernible to the naked eye. A medium coverage like what’s offered by Studio Sculpt allows you to sheer down the formula with various creams and mixing mediums to create glowing skin, but can also be layered with concealer to create a more opaque finish.

Q: Some people can be wary of a product labeled medium-coverage, so who would you say is the ideal person for this foundation? What are their needs?
Studio Sculpt is ideal for anyone wanting to look flawless, but without seeming like they are wearing anything. In essence, this formula is for everyone. It can be easily sheered down to create a light veil of coverage, mixed with luminescent products to create glowing effects or layered to conceal any imperfections. Studio Sculpt will make your complexion look perfect, whether you’re dealing with dehydrated skin, unwanted oily areas, fine lines or discoloration.

Q: You always say we can judge how well something will sell based on how many products are stolen by models backstage, where does Studio Sculpt rate on this scale?
By far, this was the product we most had to keep track of backstage. Makeup artists and models alike fell in love with this formula, and didn’t want to wait for it to be launched to get their hands on it. Studio Sculpt was definitely the number-one product that fell victim to “sticky fingers.”





Brush
191 Foundation Brush A large, flat, squa re-shaped synthetic-fibre brush with a fine, firm edge for distribution and blend ing of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.
Suggested Retail Price $32.00 U.S./$38.50 CDN

195 Concealer Brush Flexible, synthetic flat brush with slight pointed tip for application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products.
Suggested Retail Price $22.00 U.S./$26.50 CDN


Prep + Prime Skin
Suggested Retail Price $23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDN

AVAILABLE
NORTH AMERICA
FEBRUARY 7, 2009 AT ALL M·A·C LOCATIONS,
1.800.588.0070 AND WWW.MACCOSMETICS.COM
INTERNATIONAL (EXCEPT ASIA)
FEBRUARY 2009 AT ALL M·A·C LOCATIONS,
1.800.588.0070 AND WWW.MACCOSMETICS.COM

MAC Creme Team









Double desire. Love-me-two-times lips. A clever girl carries the conversation by making you believe in both sides of her story: Creamy, quixotic colour, and hard-line, super-sexy shine. Introducing Cremesheen Lipglass, the perfect performance teammate to Cremesheen Lipstick, now in more drenched-with delicious shades than seasons past. Make yourself all the more convincing with Cremestick Liner, to fill in the little gaps, and prevent feathering or bleeding. Creme Team talks a glamorous game. Lips part to plead for more!




Cremesheen Lipstick
Crème Cup Light blue pink
Shy Girl Creamy neutral coral beige
Crosswires Clean pinky orange
Lickable Bright clean blue pink
Lavender Whip Light cool lavender
Crème in Your Coffee Creamy mid-tone pink brown
Spice Is Nice Creamy dark warm brown
Hang-up Deep berry
Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

Cremesheen Glass
Ever So Rich Sheer lilac
Fashion Scoop Pale cool baby pink with light pearl
Boy Bait Light neutral beige with pearl
Partial Pink Light creamy yellow pink with light gold pearl
Melt in Your Mouth Mid-tone creamy cl ean pink
Petite Indulgence Mid-tone bright blue pink
Crème Anglaise Mid-tone neutral mauve
Looks Like Sin Sheer deep berry
Suggested Retail Price $18.00 U.S./$21.50 CDN

Cremestick Liner
Sublime Culture Neutral pink
Pink Treat Dirty pink
Caramellow Neutral caramel
Velvetella Blackened plum
Suggested Retail Price $14.50 U.S./$17.00 CDN

Available
North America February 5th, 2009 at all M·A·C locations,
1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics .com
International February 2009 at all M·A·C locations,
1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics .com

Neutrals Using Coastal Scents and MAC

I am liking this look because I got to use a shadow that Coastal Scents sent with my order as a freebie, and dare I say it looked pretty. It's a loose mineral shadow called Frenzy that came in a rather big sample baggie, and the amount was quite generous. I foiled it on my lid using my MAC mixing medium and the 242 brush and I really love the the outcome. It is a marriage of peach and tan tones and the outcome is a beautiful wash color. I used MAC shadow in Handwritten (matte2) on the outer V and crease with Twinks worked into it using a blending brush (MAC 222 and Sonia Kashuk). I used MAC shadow in Neutral Pink to blend crease colors into the highlight color using the MAC 224 brush. To highlight, I used the very pretty Rose Blanc eyeshadow from MAC which I also got at the cosmetic company outlet. It is just gorgeous! I believe it's similar to Nylon but I'm liking Rose Blanc much better as it is less garish.








I used Almay liquid liner in Brown to line, and Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero to tightline and on waterline.







I used Lauress mineral foundation in 50-50 mix of Pure Yellow and Soft Yellow. I used DreamWorld creme topping (finishing powder) in Butterscotch (clay/silica formula).

For the cheeks, I used MAC Petalpoint blush using my beautiful MAC 136 brush (see previous entry on my review of this brush). I love the outcome as it made the product look soft on my cheeks. I contoured my cheeks using MAC Taupe blush with my 169 angled face brush.

For the lips, I used MAC Chintz On Chintz lipstick applied lightly with Splendid! lipglass from the Dame Edna collection. I just realized that I also have a mini-tube of Splendid! from the 2007 MAC Holiday Finery: 3 Coral Lips collection (the 2 lipsticks and 1 lipglass collection with a free mini-bag). I'm glad I have two of these babies as I am so enamored with the color and shine.