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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Follow Me on Twitter

I took out my Twitter updates from my blog a long time ago so for those of you who aren't following me on Twitter yet, please do so! (:

Monday, July 27, 2009

Featured on J. Lynne Cosmetics!

Guess what? I'm featured on the J.Lynne Cosmetics website in their Before & After Gallery!
To see what I used and other before & after pictures of other ladies click the image.



Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Makeup Looks Over the Years

At first I wanted to do one whole post answering all the questions that people ask but I decided to separate some of them into different posts. A reader asked if they can see a time line of when I first got into makeup and my progression up until now. I've always been into makeup since I was in junior high but my "obsession" first began some time in 2006. I remember my first MAC collection that I ever purchased was the C-Shock collection! Anyway, let me just share with you how it all started.

I was first inspired by YouTube "Gurus" also known as Pursebuzz and Amy04. I remember one day I was bored on YouTube and I typed in MAC Cosmetics and these were the two, I'd like to say ORIGINAL, girls who came up with makeup tutorials before it became really mainstream. I began watching videos and I was hooked! I started making YouTube videos probably in 2007. I had about 900+ subscribers at the time but I decided to delete it. (It's a long story about why I deleted it!)

I started buying makeup almost once a week. I didn't have a job at the time so I would save chump change and use that to buy makeup. I was that addicted! So I played around with makeup every chance I could get. I was inspired by a lot makeup artists that I found on YouTube and on Myspace. I practiced more until I felt brave enough to start blogging again. At first I had a Xanga account which to me is completely mediocre compared to Blogger. I even had a VOX account but nobody I knew had one so I decided to switch to Blogger during mid 2008. And here I am today! Haha just kidding. I still practice makeup and I still have a lot to learn. I even have my days where I make mistakes and I end up removing all my makeup.

So the first minute or so of this video is a complete embarrassment! Haha! Really! My makeup skills was horrible! I couldn't believe that I felt confident enough to take pictures because at the time I thought it seemed decent. So enjoy and I hope you get a good laugh out of it as much as I did. (;

By the way, I'm using a new program to edit videos. My editing will suck since it's gonna take a lot of getting used to.



Friday, July 17, 2009

LOOK & REVIEW: J.Lynne Cosmetics Part 2

Yaaaay! I finally had the chance to play around more with J. Lynne Cosmetics. As far as mineral make-up goes, I've never really tried it especially when it comes to foundation. I've tried other brands like Bare Minerals but it's been a while since I've tried a different line of mineral make-up. I hope you ladies find this review helpful and I recommend that you check out their cosmetics line. (click here)

MINERAL FOUNDATION
COST: Prices may vary. Full jar is $18.00
MEETS EXPECTATIONS: 4 out of 5
OVERALL: 4 out of 5
WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN? Yes.

PROS:
• Very lightweight
• Breathable coverage
• A little goes a long way
• Looks natural
• Medium to full coverage
• Blends easily
• Doesn't look caked on
• Long lasting

CONS:
• After I applied this foundation and went about my day I would notice my face getting an itchy sensation. More so around the forehead and around the nose area. I wasn't sure if it was the foundation or not but I've never had this happen before with other face products I've tried which is why I rated it a 4 out of 5. My skin is sensitive and I was thinking this happened because it was a new product that I've never used on my face before. The itchy sensation went away after a while.

click to enlarge

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SATIN PEARLS EYESHADOW
COST: Prices may vary. Full size is $8.00
MEETS EXPECTATIONS: 5 out of 5
OVERALL: 5 out of 5
WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN? Yes.

PROS:
• Colors are easy to blend
• No fallout at all
• Goes on smoothly
• Great pigmentation
• Lasts all day with a proper base

CONS:
• None so far!

OVERALL:
• I thought these eyeshadows were really pretty in the jar but they're even better when you apply it to your eyes. Some eyeshadows surprised me by their color pay off which is a good thing in my opinion. I like the simplicity of these colors and how they're very wearable for everyday looks. This would definitely be a must have in my makeup collection.




EYES:
UDPP as a base
Joy eyeshadow applied all over lid
Cappuccino eyeshadow applied above crease
Espresso eyeshadow applied above crease
Sandstone eyeshadow applied to inner corner of eyes & highlight
Femme Fatale Ulta Intensity eyeliner applied to lashline
Lancome mascara

FACE:
Medium Warm 3.4 foundation (**I'm an NC30 in MAC**)
Light Golden 2.5 foundation applied under the eyes
Virtue blush
Sunkissed Illuminating Powder on cheeks (**similar to MAC MSF except it's loose powder, I recommend this product, it's amazing!!**)

LIPS:
Smooth Lip Cream in Audrey
Gloss FX in Jessica

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Review: J.Lynne Cosmetics Part 1

I decided to break the review down into 2 parts since I haven't used all the products yet. This post will review the Ultra Intensity Eyeliner and the Lip Creams.

**Don't forget to visit their website! J.Lynne Cosmetics**


Ultra Intensity Eyeliner
COST: Prices may vary depending on the size of the jar. Full size is $8.
MEETS EXPECTATIONS: 4 out of 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 out of 5
WOULD I USE THIS PRODUCT AGAIN? Yes

PROS:
Variety of colors to choose from
Easy to apply
Very pigmented, even when applied dry
Goes on smooth like liquid

CONS:
I didn't get to try their Eyeliner Sealant which is ideal for applying it to your eyes wet but as far as using water and mixing medium, it's not waterproof or smudgeproof.
Packaging may be a little messy for some since it is in powder form.

OVERALL:
I really like this product. I like the concept of having powder as fine as loose eyeshadow, but when applied wet, it really does turn into a liquid eyeliner! That's what amazed me the most. I love the colors especially. My favorites would definitely have to be Drama Queen, Mistress, and Vamp. Also, as a reminder Vamp is just black so if you're a definite black eyeliner user and would like to try something different, try it out!

APPLICATION TIPS:
I suggest mixing a small amount of the mineral eyeliner powder and your choice of liquid to create the consistency you want. That way you don't have to keep dipping your brush into the powder 2 or 3 different times since it may waste product faster.
An angled brush or an eyeliner brush will work well for application. I used MAC 266.



(the camera didn't pick up the intensity of the color,
but it comes off really vibrant on your eyes)

TAKEN WITH FLASH

TAKEN WITHOUT FLASH



SMOOTH COLOR LIP CREAM
COST: Original price is $6 but it's on sale for $4.80
MEETS EXPECTATIONS: 4 out of 5
OVERALL: 4 out of 5
WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN? Yes

PROS:
Comes in a variety of colors
The consistency of it is like lip balm/chapstick
Feels moisturizing on the lips
Enhances your natural lip color almost like a tinted lip balm.
It's organic!

CONS:
It has a subtle orange scent to it which I don't really have a big problem with but I'm not to keen on strong scented lip products.

OVERALL:
This is something I would definitely throw in my purse or makeup bag when I'm on the go. Typically when I apply lip products, I moisturize my lips first and then I apply whatever lipstick or lipgloss I choose. But with this, you basically get 2 for the price of 1! I like that it enhances your natural lip color so when you're just looking for a moisturizer for your lips this will definitely do the trick as well as adding a nice tint.





DISCLAIMER: In no way is this blog accepting any form of payment for products received by companies. The products reviewed on this blog are based on the opinions and experiences of the author. The products in this review were provided by the company.

J. Lynne Cosmetics

Thank you to those who were kind enough to ask questions on my previous post. Feel free to ask more questions if you have any. I'll be sure to do a separate post to answer them. (:

If you remember a while back I did a product review/testimonial/look using J.Lynne Cosmetics. I was contacted by J.Lynne to do another product review as well as a before and after look. Since I know combining all of these into one post would be really long, I decided to do a 2 or 3 part post.

This first post is gonna show you the overall products that I received as well as the description of these products. Within the next couple of posts I will do swatches and a review and lastly, I will do a before and after look using J.Lynne. So stay tuned for the upcoming reviews & look! (:

**Descriptions about each product can be found on their website at http://www.jlynne.com


DESCRIPTION: J.Lynne mineral blushes offer a touch of soft, pure color that will help every woman enhance her own true, natural beauty! Created with soft, silky, all-natural minerals and pigments, our loose powder mineral blush colors range from soft and subtle to lush and rich -- and all may be applied lighter or deeper depending on your skintone.


DESCRIPTION: The soft, illuminating, air-brushed look of pure beauty ... That's what our Mineral Glow powders will bring to your skin! Imagine the warm glow of candlelight, and how it seems to make your skin look softer, smoother, and lit with a natural, youthful glow. Our loose mineral powders create that same look of warmth, using pure mica pigments to lend a soft color to your skin. Use these silky powders on your face, neck, and decolleté ... Try them as sheer eyeshadows or blushes ... The results are positively glowing!



DESCRIPTION: From soft to vivid, smoky to deep -- our Satin Pearls Mineral Eyeshadows encompass a wide range of shades and tones, created to compliment your eyes with true, lasting, and lustrous color! With their soft, smooth texture and beautifully luminous finish, these colors are as luxurious as satin, with the true luster of a pearl.



DESCRIPTION: J.Lynne mineral eyeliner colors are mysterious, bold, and always dramatic! Our mineral eyeliners will frame your eyes with smouldering colors designed to bring out the true intensity of your gaze. Whether you're a "Charmer" or a "Tigress", these deeply pigmented and dramatic eye makeup colors will define your eyes and leave your admirers breathless!


DESCRIPTION: The ultimate long-lasting, glossy-shine, all natural lip gloss is finally here! J.Lynne Cosmetics Gloss FX® Lip Glaze brings pizazz to your pout with lush, juicy colors that give your lips an incredible dose of shine, color, and moisture. Think your lips are in need of some special effects? Give 'em Gloss FX® and shine like a star!


DESCRIPTION: J.Lynne's smooth, light weight mineral foundation combines the benefits of a loose mineral powder with the full coverage of a liquid. But unlike traditional liquid and creme foundations, our mineral make-up foundation feels soft, silky, and breathable on your skin -- never heavy or mask-like. We formulate our mineral foundations with pure titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide completely natural sun protection and excellent coverage for every skin type!



DESCRIPTION: What do you get when you combine the lush, lasting color of a lipstick with the moisture and feel of natural lip balm? J.Lynne Smooth Color Lip Cream! The perfect marriage of smoooooth, moisture-rich lip color in a convenient, lip balm style tube. Pure ingredients in a lush, organic lipstick base, with color and moisture that lasts, all naturally!
Please Note: Our Smooth Color Lip Creams are designed to beautifully enhance your natural lip color. Due to the all-natural formula and unique pigmentation that works with the warmth and color of your lips, shades may appear deeper in the tube than as shown in the color swatches. J.Lynne makes every attempt to photograph and describe each color accurately; however due to variances in monitor settings and visual perceptions, these colors may apply differently on your lips than they appear in the swatches. Because this is an all-natural product, it is susceptible to temperature changes, so be sure to allow the lip cream to come to room temperature before use.



Disclosure: In no way, shape, or form, is this blog accepting any form of payment for products received by companies. The products reviewed on this blog are based on the opinions and experiences of the author. The products in this review was provided by the company.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Any Questions?

I'm curious to know if any of my readers have questions on any topic within any level about whatever it is that crosses their mind that they feel I may answer for them. So I've created this post for any questions that you may have for me. Whether it may be about something personal, myself, makeup related, or something completely random, feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like and I'll be more than happy to answer them for you. If need be, you may ask anonymously but as a reminder I do moderate my comments so anything harsh and disrespectful will be denied automatically. Ask me anything!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Glamour Doll Eyes Swatches, LOOK: Electric Lemonade

Here are some swatches of Glamour Doll Eyes mineral eyeshadow that I received. I applied these eyeshadows without a base but I did use mixing medium so you can see how vibrant the colors are through the camera. The vibrancy of these colors applied dry are just as good. And what I love about them is that I hardly get any fallout when I apply it dry, which is a major issue for other pigments.





Here's a look I did perfect for summer in my opinion. It's very subtle with the brown with a pop color from the yellow. Hope you like it! (:

EYES:
MAC Bare Study paint pot as a base
Glamour Doll Eyes mineral eyeshadow in Electric Lemonade all over lid (wet)
MAC Revved-Up pigment applied above crease (dry)
MAC Gold Stroke pigment applied above crease (on top of Revved-Up, dry)
MAC Cocomotion pigment applied to outer corner (dry)
MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow applied outer crease
MAC Nylon eyeshadow as a highlight
K-Palette liquid eyeliner applied to upper lashline
Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in black on lower lashline
Bliss lashes #139
Smashbox Bionic Mascara

LIPS:
MAC Oh Baby l/g






Saturday, July 4, 2009

LOOK: Green Tea Time

Happy 4th of July everyone! I did a look last night using MAC pigments and mineral eyeshadow from Glamour Doll Eyes. I won these mineral eyeshadows from Vanessa at Nessasarymakeup.com. Be sure to check out the website because their mineral makeup is amazing! The colors are so vibrant and pigmented. I'll remember to do some swatches later on in another post. Now on to the look. Enjoy! (:








EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Glamour Doll Eyes mineral eyeshadow in Shamrock all over lid (dry)
MAC Tea Time pigment applied above crease (dry)
MAC Copperbeam pigment applied above crease (dry)
MAC Forest Green pigment applied to outer corner (dry)
MAC Nylon eyeshadow as highlight
K-Palette eyeliner on upper lashline
Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in black on lower lashline
Smashbox Bionic Mascara
Bliss False Eyelashes (I forgot which number they were)

CHEEKS:
NARS blush in Orgasm

LIPS:
NYX round lipgloss in Sorbet

Friday, July 3, 2009

LOOK: Pinky Brown

Hello! Remember me? I know I haven't done a look in over a month! How sad :( I feel sorry for my blog and I feel guilty that I haven't had the time to update. Well, as you all know I'm taking summer classes. One online and one on campus and if you don't know already, summer classes are very fast paced. I've been in one of my classes for just about a week or two and we already covered 4 chapters and just got done taking the first exam. So it's a little hectic! I was finally able to do a look since I knew that I had no actual homework due within the next couple days. I was gonna try to squeeze in another look tonight but I just wanted to get this one out there so I can at least say that I've updated my blog. (:

Oh yeah, I wanna thank everyone again for voting on my poll. I was really hoping to see one of the choices hit at least 50% of the votes before the deadline, and it did. I'm surprised to see that many of you would prefer to see neutral/everyday looks. So I'll be sure to do more of those. I just hope you guys don't mind the bright colors that I like to the squeeze in every now and then (:

On to the look... I hope I haven't lost my touch since I haven't done ANY makeup in a while. Hope you like it.