Makeup By Kim Porter

Kit Focus: Sigmax HD Synthetic Collection Brushes

 

While going through the latest issue of On Makeup Magazine (every pro artist or newbie artist should get this magazine), I noticed Kevin James Bennett was one of the two artists featured in the “Kit Focus” section.  One of the items featured in his “Kit Focus” were the Sigma Synthetic brushes from the Sigmax collection!

 

 

The collection was launched last month, and has received numerous great reviews (check Silver Lips review here).  Most of the brushes I own are Sigma brushes.  They’re good and affordable.  I am sure these are just as great, otherwise, I doubt KJB would use them in his kit.

The NEW Sigmax Synthetic Collection is comprised of  eight synthetic brushes that look to be perfect for applying cream, liquid or powder products.

 

Description (source):

The Sigmax Synthetic Essential Kit contains eight face brushes specifically designed for a high definition, flawless makeup application.  This kit features our exclusive Sigmax synthetic filament, which was created to perfectly apply powder, cream and liquid products onto the skin without absorption into the bristles.  The shape, density and height of each brush was designed to compliment the different areas and shapes of the face.  The Synthetic Essential Kit has everything you need to achieve a perfect and flawless look!

 

You can purchase the entire set for $99,the Kabuki set for $56, and the Precision kit retails for $49 or you may purchase each brush individually.  All sets are available online at SigmaBeauty.com.

 

Do you own any of the SIGMAX brushes?  Which are your faves?

If not, will you purchase?

Review: The Best Cream for Dry Skin – Lancôme Nutrix Royal Body Cream

 

Description (source):

Rescue extremely dry, dehydrated skin with this sumptuous cream that locks in nourishing moisture for 24 hours. Feelings of tightness virtually disappear, thanks to Lancôme’s ultra hydrating formula that’s enriched with Royal Jelly for lasting comfort. Almost immediately, skin feels smooth, supple and cushiony-soft.

For best results, apply to body when skin is still damp.

 

Benefits

  • Smoothes and nurtures skin with 24-hour moisture
  • Cushions and insulates skin from the effects of climate and seasonal changes
  • Smoothes on effortlessly, drenching skin in comforting non-greasy moisture for a satiny-soft feel

 

Technology

  • Royal Lipidéum™ Complex of Lipidéum and Royal Jelly: Helps skin retain moisture by supplementing its own natural lipids (moisture-binding fat cells found in the skin)
  • Contains Shea Butter, one of the most effective ingredients to fight dryness
  • Chestnut Peptides increase skin’s natural lipid production

 

My thoughts:

I simply love, love, love this product.  This right here… is like the best cream for [my] dry skin.  My hands, especially since I wash them constantly get dry quickly so I usually test moisturizers there first because if they work on my hands, it’ll work anywhere else. With regular moisturizers (I was using Kiehl’s Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion) my hands would get dry not too long after application of the cream.  The Nutrix Royal Body Cream kept my hands (and later on, my body) moisturized throughout the day, even after consecutive hand-washing/showering.

 

After noticing its miracle-like properties I used this bad boy daily.  Once I got down to the last drop, I cut the end off to ensure I got every last bit of goodness out of the tube.  

 

Pros:

-Inexpensive (for a Lancome product) – $29-$35/ 7oz

-A little goes a long way.  The moisturizing feeling lasts for I’d say at least a 24-hour period.

-Great texture

-Absorbs quickly and nicely into the skin

-Moisturizes and makes skin feel soft, supple and smooth.

-No sticky or greasy residue

 

Cons:

Perfume-like scent.  I’m not really fond of scented lotions, especially when they smell like perfumes I don’t like – the scent of an old woman.   The scent doesn’t linger around too long, but, it’s a bit intense in the beginning. 

 

Do I recommend:

Yes, I would suggest you pick-up this product if you suffer from dry skin. Winter is near, which means dry skin is in some of our futures.  Prevent it, and tackle it with Nutrix Royal Body Cream.  It really works!

 

What is your favorite item(s) to combat dry skin during the winter?

 

 

 

Lancome Nutrix Royal body
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Disclaimer:  I attended an exclusive press event. The product mentioned in this post was provided by PR, for post consideration and potential review.

Review: Brows Beyond Powder Ft Brow Expert, Jennifer James

 

 

Yesterday, Saturday, November 5, 2011 I had the opportunity to attend The Powder Group’s Brows Beyond Powder Seminar, which was taught by Brow Guru, Jennifer James.   This was a 2-hour long hands-on seminar where we watched Jennifer James take the look, texture, shape, color, and application of the brow beyond powder.  She taught us how to pushed the brows she worked on to their limit without looking overly done and flat.

 

Description:

In this seminar focus will be on the proper use of multiple brow products & specific brush/tool techniques to achieve optimum dimension & texture for superior brow work. “Brows Beyond Powder” was designed to give artists a stronger advantage in the advent of HD technologies in photography & film. This session moves them into the future & beyond with master techniques that have been developed through many years of trial, error & ultimately execution. This segment assures that the artist will be able to effortlessly produce beautiful eye brow looks for every segment of the industry.

 

During the seminar Jen described eyebrows as being a character that we as makeup artist have the opportunity to develop.  Our goal, and priority is to “Enhance not alter or distort”  the brow, and  to “Appreciate the anatomy even if it is not a favorite look.”  As individuals we tend to do things based upon our own liking, but, as artists we have to put that into the background, and work with what’s in front of us, especially since no single person has the same anatomy, and facial structure.

 

When working on brows know your medium & use the right products.

Jennifer stated, “Powder lies flat, while creamy products add dimension.” For example, waxes in pencils build.  She taught us how to sculpt the pencil tip into a “knife” to make a fine point, thus allowing the artist to apply fine, hair-like strokes to the brow.  While showing us she stated “Always make your tools do what you need them to do.”  The same applied when using an angled brow brush to apply fine hair-like strokes.

 

 

Look at the “hairs” she gave her!

 

During this seminar, I learned a lot.  Doing eyebrows [correctly] is a lot of work, and much more than slapping on some powder, pencil and gel; there’s an art and science to it.   I’m happy I had the opportunity to take it, and I am happy I actually had the chance to work on a brow and have Jennifer’s instruction.  There’s a lot more that I need to learn, as well as skills that I need to refine, such as making my hairs lighter, and more fine.  It all takes practice, and time.  I would love to do her Brow Boot Camp.

 

Assessing the brow is extremely important.

 

Jen Showing me how & where I should lay the “hairs”

I finally had the chance to meet Miss Merli.  She’s seen in the demonstration with me doing her brows.  She’s a sweetie.

 

 

 

 

Tips/Tricks

Start with the lightest color possible first.  Use additional colors to build dimension

Brow color does not need to match hair.  You match it with skintone.

Use a magnifying glass to check your work.  Make sure you see individual “hairs”. especially when doing HD work.

MUFE Mist & Fix (Plant-based Hair spray works even better) to mold & shape brow hairs.

 

 

 

Must-have Products:

MUFE Waterproof Eyebrow corrector – use to make “hair” by creating fine wispy strokes.

Brushes – MUFE Eyebrow brush & 5SB

Magnifying glass

 

The Perfect Berry for Every Skin tone: NARS Blush – Sin (Swatches)

 

I recently ordered my very first NARS product, NARS blush in Sin.  Usually, makeup fanatics opt to buy NARS’ Orgasm blush, however, I wanted to try something different, especially since I swatched orgasm and really didn’t see what the hoopla was about.  This was my first NARS purchase because their products are a little on the expensive side, and I do not get a discount (just keeping it real).  I can’t fathom spending $26 on ONE product unless it’s something that I really love…. wait, I did spend that much on the YSL Touche Eclat, but that I can say was worth it.

 

 

The NARS Sin blush is the perfect plum with gold shimmer blusher.   It’s not overbearingly shimmery, and can most definitely be worn by most, if not, all skintones.  It’s especially flattering on women of color.  It’s also the perfect blush for this season.  Since it’s such a flattering shade, it will look well with most makeup looks, especially natural – giving you a nice, natural glow.

 

 

It is best applied with a light hand and using a duo-fibre brush.  Make sure you blend well!

 

Flash

No Flash

 

Affordable dupes off of the top of my head

E.l.f Berry Merry ($3)

Sleek Makeup – Sunrise ($6.50) – see post

 

You may purchase NARS from Sephora.com.  If you sign-up with Mintbox.com you will be able to earn 5% cashback if you purchase from NARS or Sephora.

 

Are there any NARS Blushers you think I should try next? If so, what?

NARS Sin
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