The Truth About Buying Makeup Online

Unless you are a complete makeup junkie (like myself) I always advise people against buying makeup online for a few reasons:

1) Unless you are buying from a trusted authorized seller or the company itself there is no way to prove you are not getting counterfeit merchandise.  If the price sounds too good to be true most likely it is.  EBay is the place most people get burned.  The only exception to this rule is NYX because it is so hard to find in stores.  I do buy that on ebay but only from one seller.

2) The color often is not what it appears on the screen.  If you wear almost every part of the rainbow and don't so much care if a color is off from what you thought you can skip this reason.  Many however stick only to the colors they are comfortable working with so any slight change totally ruins their makeup routine.

3) Sizes of products actually appear different in real life.  Lets get real the average person does not know what .17 oz of product looks like compared to .37.  Get my drift..

4) Never buy MAC from anywhere but the store itself, their website www.maccosmetics.com, or the high end department store counters & website.  9/10 it will be fake from anywhere else.

If none of these rules apply to you, by all means go and save those few dollars by ordering online.  Some of the best places ( and really the only places I shop) are:

HauteLook which is an invite member only daily sale network. They usually have deals you could NEVER beat anywhere.  Join here for free: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/NSci154 . You always know that the items are fresh, authentic, & order will come correct.  The downside is the shipping time (usually no less than 2wks) and the sales only last usually 2days and then its new products & they tend to sell out very, very fast (there is a method to HauteLook that I have perfected that I will share in another post, stay tuned this week)

Ulta- It is just like Sephora however the only difference is they sell both prestige cosmetics and drugstore brands so you get the most out of your shipping cost.  Also, they ALWAYS have good sales...and samples with every order..YAY!!

Sephora- Speaks for itself.  Authentic, great customer service, fast shipping, and pretty decent deals....lets not forget the samples

MAC- some people love and worship MAC.  Yes, the products are great but they almost NEVER have sales...so unless its the holidays or they have a new product I must have, its usually a deal-breaker for me.  I have found dupes to most of their items so I'm happy. 

How To Series: How to make your own eyeliner

Yes we all have those pencils and single gel and cream eyeliners, etc.  To buy an eyeliner for every color you want can get pricey.  Stop buying so many, its time to make your own.  Follow these steps and you will have a flawless eyeliner for less:

Angled Eyeliner Brush Used (Ecotools (Right), Costal Scents (Left)

1) Pick a color in a palette or in a single eyeshadow
2) Wet a angled liner brush (make sure it is damp but free from dripping water).
3) Dab the angled liner brush in the color of your choice
4) use the back of your hand and draw a line (this step helps for making sure your line will be even and flawless)

5)line your eye from one edge to the middle and then repeat this step for the other side (the line should evenly meet in the middle)

6) All done...and now you have a wonderful look for less



Rock & Republic Shadows (Cost $28 each)



Rock & Republic Shadows in Adreneline, Denium, & Envy



Lines made with Rock & Republic Shadows



                      

Nyx Palette Colors Choosen (All I Ever Wanted Box, Cost $28)

Lines made with NYX Palette Colors

note: these lines were made without using pimer and pictures were taken without the use of flash

Good Beauty Deals: Vincent Longo Cosmeitcs on HauteLook today!!!

    What some don't know about me is that I'm possibly one of the cheapest people in the world.  My dad taught me from a child never pay more for what you can get for less.  So if you haven't noticed already by my blog, I'm always out for a deal on a quality item. 
     Ladies the makeup Gods have answered again today, this time on HauteLoook (this site has the best daily sales).  Vincent Longo cosmetics is a line by a famous and well respected makeup artist.  His eyeshadow trios are the best.  They definitely take the brain work out of eye makeup and are extremely pigmented and of high quality.  They retail for $30 and are on HauteLook today for 65% off and are going for $10.50.  There are other items also available...just about everything I have tried has been amazing.  So check it out!!  follow the link for member only access http://www.hautelook.com/invite/NSci154

This is my favorite combination called: Chariot Wings..its a discontinued color (but, its being sold on http://www.hautelook.com/ today)

link to his direct site in case you miss the sale today and still want to check it out: http://www.vincentlongo.com/

IMAN Second to None Cream Stick Foundaton: Pros, Cons & Review



IMAN Second to None Cream Stick Foundation
Price: Walmart $13.37  Walgreens $15.99

Curiosity was getting the best of me and I just had to try a cream stick foundation.  I had heard things about the IMAN cosmetics line which caters to women of color.  That is one thing that I love in a cosmetic company, variety when it comes to shades of foundation.  I also wanted to try a cream stick foundation. 
-For those who do not like liquid or powder foundation this may be perfect for you.
-I highly recommend if you like foundations that provide complete coverage.  It has a creamy texture that does not have that heavy feeling. 

While I do not like it so much for myself (a bit more coverage than I like to wear) I do recommend trying.  The only negative I see is it is a bit hard to evenly spread without looking clownish.  I recommend spreading with a flat top foundation brush buy spreading product on the brush vs using stick straight to your face and/or a good foundation brush will work with the same technique especially to get in places close to your eyes and nose...this way will allow you to get an even spread and is also more hygienic.  It can also be depotted to use (shoot me a comment if you want to know how).  This one I have to say is up to matter of opinion and taste. 

This is the full size of amount of product

I will say this was a bit hard to find.  I went to a few drugstores and walmarts before I finally found it at Walmart.  They didn't have many left on the shelf...Popular product I'm guessing??

Swatch of coverage

Recommended tools to use with this foundation:
-ELF studio line flat top powder brush (purchase at http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ or target)
-Sonia Kashuk Foundation brush (available for purchase at target stores and online http://www.target.com/)
(there are others that will work but I'm giving you the least expensive for the quality for all you bargain hunters)



How do I get my eyeshadow not to fade or crease?

It has happened to all of us... You leave the house looking movie star wonderful and a few hours later you look in the mirror and your eyeshadow is a complete mess.  Either it has faded to completely noting or it is creasing and causing the eyeshadow to clump together.  You always wondered why some peoples eyeshadow looks alive and vibrant, truth is they probably have on a great base or eyelid primer.  If you browse the Internet you see most giving credit to Urban Decay Primer Potion which runs about $18 a bottle.  What if you are a teenager in school and simply can't convince your parents it is essential to your life.  That's where I come in...I'm always up for giving you alternatives.  I must say my favorite base is Lancome Nude Eyelid Primer which runs $28 a pop so yes in some cases I am guilty of going with the expensive stuff.  But, the great thing about Lancome is they always have a special rotating between department stores and it gives you a 7 piece giveaway package free if you spend $39.50 and I am a pro of rotating with the bargain.  Anyway, I am going to give some alternatives that I have tried and the pros & cons.

-NYX Eyelid Primer in White -($6 on http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/) eBay seller -$4.89 info will be below-  this is made to make your eyeshadow stand out the most because it is white so its like your eyeshadow going on fresh paint.  While I think the idea is great the results do not impress me to much.  I noticed my eyeshadow began to crease after about 6hrs (and I have normal eyelids not oily, etc)...I do keep this on hand for times I simply want my eyeshadow to pop and I don't need it to last a full day.

-NYX Eyelid Primer in White Pearl ($6 on http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/) eBay seller -$4.89 info will be below -  this is intended to make your shadow brighter and gives sort of a sparkle effect.  It does have the same quality of the one mentioned above with the same results.

-Elf Eyelid Primer ($1 line) http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ - Total waste of time...your eyeshadow completely disappears...I tried it a few times to make sure it really was trash...don't buy!!

-Elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (on mineral line,  $3) http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ ... One of the best out..my eyeshadow didn't fade or crease for 12hrs +...the only reason my eyeshadow came off was because it was time for bed and I used remover...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.  I guess for an extra $2 E.L.F is willing to give us the good formula.  Totally worth it.

-Lancome Eyeshdow Primer Nude ($28) - I used this and love it but I think with the price tag unless you are buying with the sale to get lancome eye makeup remover free (best remover on the land I might add)...do not waste your money because their are other options.

-NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil ($4.50 each according to http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/)... a seller on eBay that I have used and had no problems sells them for $2.45 (will provide info below)- Pros comes in many colors and can add to your eyeshadow and doesn't last all day... maybe 6hrs tops. Kind of hard to blend but for beginners its a go because you get color and staying power. The colors Milk (white) & Black Bean (black) are a any collection must.

EL.F Eyeshadow/Eyeliner stick (studio line $3) http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ - similar to NYX Jumbo pencils...when layered with eyeshadow after (not too much or it will crease) it does have staying power.  Definite plus because it is a double end and has a thin eyeliner twist up at the other end.

NYX info: the seller I purchase from on ebay is embraceit1004...they always list way below value and everything comes in tack, on time, they are really professional.


Until next time Divas :)

The truth about colors...

We all want to stand out but some people go too far.  They forget that makeup is supposed to enhance your look not make you look like a clown.  Follow the old rule if your makeup took longer than 5 min chances are your wearing too much.  Sometimes a little makes much more of a statement than multiple colors and cakey foundation.  Neutral colors are defiantly "in" and people are taking advantage of this "matte lip idea".  You must realize that even though everyone is doing something is ultimately what is best for you and what makes you feel like 1 million bucks +.  The "smokey eye" has been around for years and many love & rock it well.  For me sadly, it just doesn't work.  No matter how I try to change technique etc I ultimately end up looking like I have 2 black eyes (or whatever I choose my main color to be).  Most likely because I have a small frame head and average size eyes.  Maybe its my completion, or just the distance between my eyes.   Who knows, but I encourage you to find your own niche and do what makes you happy.  Do not be afraid to experiment but know when to just admit this look is not for me.  We all want to be creative, We all are beautiful, makeup or no makeup attitude is worth more then beauty.

Until next time divas :) 

How to make your eyebrows look movie star wonderful for $3

Eyebrows are the one thing that can take on a look of their own and when they do it transforms our total look.  We sometimes buy pencils to do what the eyebrow lady couldn't quite get.   What happens when you pencil a little too much of an arch and you start to look like a scary monster?...Ladies push those pencils to the side the makeup Gods have answered and their is a eyebrow kit out that works and will not break your pockets.  E.L.F studio line has an eyebrow kit that is both effective an very inexpensive.  Actually it is only $3.   To top things off elf frequently has sales so you may be able to catch yours at 50% off like I did.  Similar kits are sold for $20 +... Urban Decay Eyebrow kit $29.50, Sephora Kit $34, Lorac $24, Benefit Cosmetics $30.   I think you need to check out e.l.f  and be left with some extra spending money for something else.   I have checked out the lasting power of this kit and had it on all day and  left it on to see if it would last until morning and...IT PASSED...24hrs of looking great!! Amazing!

Whats the difference in a pencil vs this eyebrow kit some ask.  Well lots...First, it has a side for powder and a side of wax.  This not only gives your eyebrows a non harsh color but tames them as well...oh did I mention it includes a mini double sided brush as well and a mirror.  With a pencil you are left to fend for yourself and often times that leads to looking like the scary monster.  Avoid all that and visit http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyes/eyebrows/eyebrow_kit and order that kit.  

Until next time divas :)

How to get MAC quality brushes for less

So everyone doesn't have the money to fork out $20+ per brush, but don't worry there is a solution.  Check out your local craft store.  Yup, you heard right the craft store.  There are many complete dupes to MAC brushes and guess what most are under $5.  Here I will tell you 5 essential brushes that will completely take your makeup look to a new level.  Loew-Cornell are the best painting brushes on the market so of course it would be the same quality for makeup.  They are made from 100% natural hair and the same quality (if not better to your MAC brushes).   So you ask what is the difference in the MAC brush and the Loew-Cornell Dupe...only one thing the handle is about an inch longer...the quality of brush still the same.

(on top regular makeup brush & below Loew Cornell for you to see small length difference)

5 Essential brushes:

Loew-Cornell Maxine Mop 1' (known as the dupe to MAC 134 or 136) great for your mineral makeup $11.99
Loew-Cornell Maxine Mop 3/8 (known as dupe to MAC 139) eye brush $3.99
Loew- Cornell Maxine Mop 1/4 - (MAC 228 dupe) Mini shader brush good for eye and can be used for conceler as well $3.49
Loew-Cornell 3/4 (MAC 216 dupe)- multi purpose brush - good for mineral blush, concealer, and can be used on larger eyes $4.99
Loew- Cornell 1/2 (MAC 252 dupe)- eye brush $4.99

(Loew-Cornell brushes)

When I went to purchase they were sold out of many of the other dupes as well as the Maxine Mop 3/8 (listed above).  I also purchased and got 40% off one and buy on get one free on 2 others...so the price at Michael's is always lower than the listed price just go with a coupon.  In total for the 4 brushes I own I paid $22.24 including tax...at MAC I would only have gotten 1 brush for that price. 
Below I will list some of the other known dupes you can find in your local craft store, but the ones below I have not tried for myself.

(L) loew cornell 277 round mop wood handle- MAC 129

(XXL) loew cornell 277 round mop wood handle- MAC 150

#8 American painters 2500 filbert clear w/glitter handle- MAC 194

#4 American painters 2200 fan clear w/glitter handle- MAC 205

1/4 royal soft grip sg160 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 208

10/0 American painter 2650 spotter clear w/glitter handle- MAC 209 or 311

#6 royal soft grip sg255 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 211

#6 American painters 2450 chisel blender clear w/glitter handle- MAC 212

1/4 loew cornell amm mini mop green handle- MAC 217

#10 royal soft grip sg255 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 219

(M) royal soft grip sg999 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 225

1" royal soft grip sg1400 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 227

(S) royal soft grip sg995 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 231

#10 royal soft grip 3020 clear w/orange tip handle- MAC 249 

3/8 royal soft grip sg160 clear w/glitter handle- MAC 263

1/4 American painters 2440 angular clear w/glitter handle- MAC 266

3/8 American painters 2400 angular clear w/glitter handle- MAC 269

1/4 royal soft grip sg393 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 272

3/8 royal soft grip sg393 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 275

#8 royal soft grip sg170 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 316


Until next time divas... :)

Are you new to makeup? Is high end better??..what are some other options

People always rave about M.A.C & other highly respected brands but sometimes we have to think...are they always better??  You might answer yes, but I can promise you their are other brands available that are of high quality but won't take the high cost out your pockets.  I am one that goes for quality over name; therefore, my blog I will try to give you insights to allow you to do the same.

 

If you are new to makeup and do not know what colors compliment your style:

1) purchase a good palette first.  I recommend a full palette vs a eyeshadow palettte so you will know where to begin with makeup and application.  Just because someone you know needs a pencil to fill in eyebrows and blush, etc does not mean you need the same.  You may be sucessful in creating the look you want with just a light eyeshadow and a mineral powder foundation. 

2) THERE ARE NO RULES...simply do what makes you happy.  (& also what makes you look good hehe...just for others sake...we have to look at you, lol)

Recommendations for someone new to makeup:

NYX "All I Ever Wanted Box"- cost $28 (on amazon)...can also be found http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/

(78 eyeshadow, 6lip colors, 4 blush, highlighter, bronzer, powder)

while i'm not to fond of the pigments of the eyeshadow, the lip colors are AMAZING, love the highlighter and the bronzer)...this is deff a set you can take on vacation and have everything in one box

Coastal Scents 26 Neutral and Blush Combo palette- 19.95 (on amazon)...can also be found on http://www.coastalscents.com/.

(26 eyeshadow and 5 blush colors)..these can be also interchanged and the eyeshadow used as a blush highlight color.   I recommend for those not to into colored eyeshadow...extremely pigmented and of high quality without the price tag.

I hope this helps some of you and questions feel free leave a comment response :)