Makeup of the day – Festive Red Lip

So, I swear I’m feeling like wearing red lips for all of December!  Part of this is that I have my fancy Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm and a sample of Fresh Sugar Lip Scrub, so my lips almost look normal and healthy.  Enough to fake it, anyway… Today I really went for that red lip and retro minimal makeup.

  
FACE: 

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Primer in T-Zone, Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain (ASOS, EBay, or Amazon for this UK-only shade), MAC Set Powder in Invisible in T-Zone, MAC Bone Beige/Emphasize for contour and highlight, Illamasqua Katie powder blush

EYES:

Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Bone, MAC shadows in Vanilla, Kid, Brule, and Mystery, Wet N Wild H2O Liquid Liner in Black, Maybelline Super Sizer Mascara Black (blah), Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo Ebony (lighter shade), ELF Clear Brow Gel

LIPS:

NYX Liner in Hot Red, Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Siren In Scarlett 

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Purging the makeup stash — LET IT GO! 

Today, I watched some inspiration videos on YouTube before cleaning out my makeup kit. I do this from time to time, but today I decided to get ruthless. Woohoo! I made a set of rules for myself and went to town.

1. Look for anything that has gone bad or expired. Do you really want an eye infection or breakouts? Let it go!

2. Look for anything that just plain looks bad on you and you haven’t been able to make work. That nude lipstick that didn’t work before ain’t gonna work now. Let it go!

3. Look for anything you have dupes for. It’s fine to have different types of red lipsticks (deep red, orange red, cool red), but do you need 3 that are exactly the same? Make some room. Let it go!

Going in the bin:


You guys, those MAC eyeliners are from 2009.  And no, I wasn’t using them.  A couple of those lip products haven’t gone bad, but I can’t stand how they feel or smell (better luck next time, Ipsy).  I can’t tell you how bad those Benefit products smelled.  Cream and liquid products go bad faster than dry products.

(I had a bigger pile of stuff to go to my sister – she loves that!)

So, I’m not going to give you a hard and fast list of rules on how long to keep things before tossing them – not everyone agrees on the rules anyway, but a quick Google search will tell you some guidelines. In general, don’t keep your mascara and eyeliners longer than 6 months at the most, and everything else lasts a while longer.  In general, if something feels or looks really off and has stopped performing as it normally does, you should probably toss it. You can give things the old sniff test if you’re uncertain.  If it has the funk, toss it!  I believe as long as you don’t get a powder product wet, it should last you a good long time. Of course, if you get some horrible infection or have eye surgery, toss it all and use it as an excuse to shop for new stuff! (Like I did years ago when I had LASIK eye surgery).

So go forth my friends and liberate the old crap sitting in your drawers and makeup bags! BE FREE! 😀 When was the last time you purged your old and unused makeup?

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How to reshape a makeup brush 

So, yesterday, against my better judgement, I used a cleanser on my MAC 210 Precise Liner Brush that was probably too harsh.  I wanted to get out dried gel liner, so I used a cleanser I usually only use on synthetic brushes for really tough to get out emollient products (this is a natural hair brush).  Anyway, when I woke up today after letting it dry overnight, it was splayed all over the place and I was mad as hell, since this brush is new and I probably should have known better.  Anyway, I have used a method in the past for reshaping brushes with boiling water, so I thought I would give it a shot before giving up on a new brush.

I took an old beat up coffee cup (nice spoon marks there) and boiled water in the microwave.  I dipped the brush tip in for a few seconds…

 
Lifted the brush out, let it cool a couple seconds so as not to burn the crap out of myself, and re-shaped the brush tip with my fingertips.  DONE.  

  

It’s really that easy!  I’ve done this with the MAC 242 synthetic eyeshadow brush before too, I just made sure not to leave it in long enough to melt the bristles.  It works pretty well, if your brush is in a salvageable state.  Of course, sometimes you have to know when to let one go, LOL! 

FYI, you can do this with artist’s paint brushes, too! 

Hope this helps someone!  

How I learned to love the MAC 190 foundation brush

I’m a former MAC artist…ok, that was many years ago, but I still use some brushes by MAC (as well as many by other less expensive brands).  The 190 foundation brush is a flat, paddle shaped foundation brush that has always vexed me a bit when I try to use it with liquid foundations, especially ones with a texture like Studio Fix Fluid that can be prone to streaking.


The MAC 190 foundation brush is a natural fiber brush (horse hair) and great for application of liquid and creams, but blending was where I was having a problem – this is because I was using back and forth “painting” type motions to work the product onto the skin and continued trying to blend this way.  Eventually, I became disenchanted with my somewhat streaky results and stopped using this brush altogether, which sucks, because it’s expensive ($34.00 USD).  One day I was feeling bummed out about it and started looking around YouTube for some tutorials on how to get better use from this brush.  Low and behold, Wayne Goss (I love him!) had tips including using the side/tip to stipple and pat any streaky texture away once the product is on the skin, working in small areas of the face.  This absolutely works wonderfully!  I feel like I’m having a renewed love affair with an old brush now, as I have gotten my 190 out and have been using it for days.

Awesome!


MAC 190 brush with Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation in Porcelain with MAC 134 brush and Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder in Translucent

Have you rediscovered any old favorites or learned to love something you thought you didn’t like?

My NYX Memorial Day Sale Goodies <3

At the end of May, I posted about NYX’s annual Memorial Day sale.  I took this opportunity to grab a few things I had really been wanting, but had not yet trekked across town to Ulta to get (especially considering our Ulta is not always well stocked and it is 20 minutes away).  It took quite a while to get my order, because this is a huge sale and it takes a while each year for them to process that many orders – but the savings are worth the wait!  I got all this for a whopping $20.00 USD:

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NYX Wicked Lippie in 01 Betrayal, NYX Primal Colors pressed Pigment Hot Black, NYX HD Blush in Taupe, NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain

Let’s take a look!  First up, the thing I’m most excited about, the HD Blush in Taupe.  I have been contouring for years with MAC’s Sculpt Powder in Bone Beige.  It is light and sheer enough for my porcelain skin, but it has a bit too much redness in it for my skin tone.  I make it work because it’s in a duo with a favorite highlighter (MAC Shape Powder in Emphasize).  I have been wanting to try a more taupe colored contouring product, though, because let’s face it…shadows are not brown.  I am pleased to say, this blush fits the bill for that purpose (there’s a photo at the end of this post of me wearing it.).  Plus, the compact is very slim and takes up very little room in my kit and has a cute bow on the the clasp:

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NYX HD Blush in Taupe

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Would you look at that?  It’s not orange!  Hallelujah and praise the makeup gods!

Next up, the product I’m almost as excited about, because pale concealers at drug store prices are a bit of a unicorn…the NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain:

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NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain

I’m also wearing this in the photo at the end of the post.  This is a great high coverage concealer that works wonderfully for concealing imperfections on the face.  It’s too thick and dry for using under my eyes; however, your mileage may vary.  I’m using NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for that.  The NYX HD Concealer shade Porcelain is a lovely pale shade with a slight pink undertone that works great with my MAC Studio Fix Fluid shade in NW10.  It’s a keeper!

Next up, NYX Primal Colors pressed pigment in Hot Black:

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NYX Primal Colors pressed pigment in Hot Black

When I went to use this product today, I used it as an eyeliner with an angled eyeliner brush.  It performed extremely well, but I did have some fallout as I was applying, getting some black powder on my cheeks.  I sometimes forget this is an issue with pigments, whether they are pressed or not.  I would say use this product where you do your eyes first, then the rest of your makeup.  The great thing is, this is blaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.  Like, black like my soul black (hahahaha!!!).  It works great as liner and you could also use it to set pencil or gel liner.  I have not tried it as eyeshadow yet, but hey, goth night is coming up…oh hey, maybe I’ll wear it to the Voltaire show tomorrow!  (I am wearing it as liner in the photo at the bottom of this post, blended with Urban Decay Mushroom eyeshadow.)

All in all, I have to say that while NYX can be a hit or miss brand for me, I love everything I got in this order.  (I am also wearing the Photo Loving Primer underneath my foundation today – a long time favorite!)  I am wearing the concealer, blush for contour, and black pigment here.  I like that the contour is subtle, but I can go heavier for an evening look if I want to.  The only thing I haven’t tried yet is the purple lipstick, but the photos I’ve seen online are (wait for it) Wicked.

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Also shown:  Urban Decay Smoked eyeshadow palette, MAC Azalea Blossom Blush Ombre, Maybelline Lilac Flush lipstick with L’Oreal Extraordinaire Lip Color in Purple Prelude

What are your favorite NYX Products?  Have you tried any of the new stuff for 2015?

Makeup of the Day 

Well, I’m breaking out and I forgot to put my nose ring back in, but gosh darn it, I look cute anyway!  (Heehee)  I am wearing the Naked2 Basics eyeshadow palette, Hikari blush in Tango, and MAC lipstick in Diva-Ish.  I also tried out ELF Gotta Glow blush as a highlighter and it’s gorgeous, but you can’t see it in my pictures – it has a beautiful golden sheen in the sun!

  

Beauty Tag – 20 Questions 

So this looks fun! 

Do you remember your first makeup item?
Just like the OP I got this from, the first thing I can remember is the Bonne Bell Lip Smackers.  In the 70s-80s, before I was allowed to wear makeup, this was the next best thing, and they smelled and tasted great. They still make these, but the ones I had back then were mega jumbo huge sized and came on a chain you could wear around your neck – whaaaaaat.  I was the coolest girl in elementary school!

Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?
Length, volume, separates, washes off easy.  Clump Crusher comes close, but I may never find my unicorn.

What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation?
Medium coverage satin-matte.  need it to cover flaws, but still be skin-like and control oil in the t-zone.

Favorite high-end brand?
Since I consider MAC mid-range (though not if they keep jacking their prices, I’m going to say Urban Decay). 


What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t? 
Lots of indie brands like Jefree Star, Melt, etc

Favorite drugstore brand?
L’Oreal 

Do you wear fake eyelashes? 
My real eyelashes are pretty great, so I don’t bother unless I’m going out clubbing or something and want to get crazy. 

Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?
Absolutely nothing!  I go out without makeup all the time.  I don’t feel like I have to wear it, I wear it because I want to!  The only thing that is mandatory for going out is sunscreen! 

What is your most cherished beauty product?
My Guerlain Meteorites in Clair in the gorgeous metal tin.  

How often do you shop for makeup?
My kit is so complete that I usually only shop when I’m out of a staple or something really unique catches my eye.  So not as often as most bloggers! 

Do you have a “beauty budget” or you spend freely?
LOL, spend freely?  No. 

What type of product do you buy the most of?

Eyeshadows and lipsticks

Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates? 
I avoid sulfates in my shampoo and fragrance in my makeup. 

Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?
Any place that sells makeup is a favorite.  Oh my, that says a lot about me…

Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?
I try to keep a routine!  My skin is sensitive so I marvel at people who try new skincare all the time! 

Favorite bath and body brand? 
Aveeno (see above! Sensitive!) 

Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?
Nope.  I prefer separate, targeted products as they usually work better – the exception is Benetint, which everyone should have around for natural days! 

Are you clumsy in putting makeup?

Let’s just say I had to wear an eye patch once and everyone should treat the Tweezerman metal eyelash comb with the respect it deserves. 

Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?
I have!  I worked in retail cosmetics for over 10 years!

What do you love about makeup?
Makeup is yet another art medium and it’s fun to have your body as a canvas to express who you are.  

Makeup Of The Day 

Today I’m wearing Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom lipstick in Brazen Berry.  I tried it two ways, first with NYX Purple Rain liner just to outline, and then with Urban Decay Ozone 24/7 Lip Liner (clear) underneath like a primer.  I like it best with a primer under!  It seems to really even out my lip texture and the color seems smoother, but honestly, the difference is small.


Brazen Berry with NYX Purple Rain lip liner


Brazen Berry over UD Ozone 24/7 Clear Lip Liner

Can you tell a difference?

FULL MAKEUP BREAKDOWN!

Face:  Tarte Clean Slate Poreless primer, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation in Porcelain applied with Sigma F82 kabuki, MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC15 to spot conceal, MAC Mineralized Concealer NW15 under eyes, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless lightly swept over face to set, MAC Sculpt Powder Bone Beige for contour, La Femme Blush in Purple Passion (wish this was more purple on me), Temptu S/B Highlighter Pink Pearl (thanks, Ipsy!).

EYES:  Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Bone as a base, MAC Vanilla shadow as highlight shade, The Balm Nude Dude shadow in Flirty (thanks, Ipsy!) on lid and crease, Hustle shadow by Urban Decay (Naked 1) in outer V and lower lashline, L’Oreal Infallible gel liner to tightline, L’oreal Infallible Super Slim liquid liner for upper lash line, Cover Girl Clump Crusher mascara black, Anastasia Brow Powder duo (light shade) with mini double angled brush for brows set with ELF Clear Brow Gel.

LIPS:  Either NYX Slim Lip Liner in Purple Rain or Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner in Ozone with Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom Lipstick in Brazen Berry

–Rachel