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Makeup Looks

Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow and Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil Review

February 18, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Makeup Looks, Product Swatches / 28 Comments

Can I just say how much I love Black|Up Cosmetics? Seriously, their products are high-end, perform well, colorful, fun, and pigmented. Their products are a makeup artist or enthusiasts dream. Just imagine how I felt when I received the reformulated Black|Up Mono Eyeshadow and Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil to try out – ecstatic! Keep reading to read my thoughts and to see the fun look I created using them.

Black|Up Cosmetics describes their mono eyeshadow as…

“Ultra-pigmented formulas in pure and intense colours for a perfectly even and incomparable make-up result!”

The Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow is currently available in 15 shades, 10 of which are metallic, and 5 of them are matte. For review, I received two of the matte shades: OAP02M (orange) and OAP11M (vibrant blue).

You’re probably wondering how well the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadows perform, right?

Well, I was impressed by how pigmented the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadows are. It took very little work, and no [white] base was needed in order to make the colors pop; however, I did use a primer to secure its staying power. And surprisingly, on my complexion, the colors showed true to color, which is sometimes hard to pull off, especially without using a white or light base. Both shades blended with ease.

The matte orange Black|Up Cosmetics Mono eyeshadow was my favorite of the two, as orange anything complements brown skin well. The blue was also pretty, and for me, a bit much for everyday use, but, I would definitely pull it out for a party or girls night out.

Next, we have the Black|Up Cosmetics Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil. These pencils work double duty having the ability to work both as an eyeshadow and eye pencil. I received the Black|Up Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil in KS03, which is a beautiful, pearlescent, vibrant blue.

The Black|Up Cosmetics Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil glided on smoothly. It stayed in place throughout the time I wore it, and like the eyeshadows, they, too are packed with color.

To create this look, I did the following:

Blend the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow OAP02M (orange) into and above the crease
Apply the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshdaow OAP11M (vibrant blue) to the lid and blend upwards
Using a pencil brush, apply a dark brown eyeshadow to the crease, and blend. *I used the brown from the Black|Up Cosmetics 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette*
Line lower lash line with the Black|Up Cosmetics Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil.
Apply mascara or falsies.

On my face, just in case you’re wondering, I used the Black|Up Cosmetics Contour Stick, sublime powder, and blush. I LOVE their sublime powder. Oh, and on my lips I have on their orange matte lipstick that I reviewed last summer.

The Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow can be purchased at http://www.blackupcosmetics.com for $20.50/0.07 oz. The Black|Up Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil is available in 10 vibrant shades for $18.50/ 0.04 oz.

What do you think about the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow and Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil?

Gabriel Cosmetics’ Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner {Review +Swatches}

February 11, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Makeup Looks, Product Swatches, Reviews / 11 Comments

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Winged eyeliner doesn’t come easy to most people, especially if you don’t have the right tools. Wouldn’t it be perfect if there was an eyeliner that allowed you to create the perfect winged liner or cat eye? Well, lately, I’ve been using the Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner by Gabriel Cosmetics, and I’m happy to report that it’s probably the most user-friendly liquid eyeliner I’ve used.

I know people, especially those new to makeup, tend to stay away from liquid eyeliners because they fear having uneven lines, raccoon eyes or worse. The Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner has a fine calligraphy applicator, making applying this liquid eyeliner easy, and mess-free.

I like that the Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner is both waterproof and smudge proof. The applicator tip is soft, and applies the liquid eyeliner effortlessly. It Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner dries quickly, too, which means I didn’t have to worry about my perfect winged eyeliner messing up.

I was provided the Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner in two shades: ‘Storm’ which is a beautiful midnight blue, and ‘Amethyst’, which is in my favorite color, purple. I’ve swatched both shades on my hand so you can see how well pigmented these liquid eyeliners are.

And of course, I have on ‘Amethyst’, demonstrating how smooth, and clean are the lines made with the Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliners.

After seeing the results of using the Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eye Liners, what do you think?

Please share your liquid eyeliner mishaps in the comments.

About ZuZu Luxe: ZuZu Luxe was conceived and developed by Gabriel DeSantino, CEO and founder of GabrielCosmetics, INC. ZuZu Luxe’s products are made from 100% certified gluten-free and vegan ingredients. Theirskincare, Gabriel Organics, is NPA certified and provides a wide range of skin health products and benefits to fit individual skin needs. Their cosmetics are free of synthetic chemicals and include both bold and classic color palettesand a variety of essentials including brushes, cosmetic wipes, and nail polish.

Create a Flawless Face in Under Ten Minutes

January 29, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Makeup Looks, makeup tips / 27 Comments

I BOUGHT THIS | AFFILIATE LINKSAFFILIATE LINKS

Let’s face it, we are all busy, especially during the week when we’re getting ourselves and our kids ready for school and work. Really, when do we have time to put on a full face of makeup with highlight and contour, and all of the other Instagram-famous makeup trends? Truth is, we don’t. At least I do not. However, I’m a firm believer in keeping up appearances whether it’s just by adding a little mascara, lipstick or lip gloss. I’ve also found that with just a few essential products, anyone can create a flawless face in under ten minutes.

I’ve put together this list of products you or anyone else can use to create a flawless face in under ten minutes.

Sidebar: I know I don’t have to say this, or maybe I do, but please, please remember whenever you’re applying makeup to make sure you’re applying it over clean, moisturized skin. I can hear an oily girl saying, “Well, my skin is oily, I don’t need moisturizer.” That’s false. Oil and moisture are completely different things. Just take my advice and moisturized. Your skin will love you.

Now back to the list of products to create a flawless face in under ten minutes.

Concealer/Corrector

If you have discoloration, the best way to create a flawless face in under ten minutes, is by correcting any dark or red areas (under your eyes, blemishes, pimples), and then add concealer. Make sure you blend, blend, and blend some more!

Foundation and/or Powder

Next, I follow up with my favorite foundation and/or powder. You can see what my favorites are for winter in my previous winter beauty staples post. Unless it’s that time of the month, I, for the most part opt to only apply the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in shade ‘Dark’. Afterwards, my skin looks amazingly natural, and polished.

Bronzer

To bring my face back to life, and add some dimension, I apply bronzer. I’ve been using the Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder (Shade #7 for the last six months).

Mascara

You do not need to add eye shadow, at least in my opinion, in order to create a flawless face in under 10 minutes. Just curl your lashes and apply your favorite mascara. You may line your eyes if you need/want to should time permit.

Brow product

I’ve said this numerous times, and I’ll say it again… I do not leave my house without my brows done. My favorite product has been the Anastasia Dip Brow used with an angled liner brush. Sorry, you won’t find the Instagram-famous concealed, block brow here.

Lip product

After applying your favorite lip product, either plain gloss, a stain, or your favorite lipstick (I’m wearing ‘Rebel’ by MAC), you can congratulate yourself because you have successfully created a flawless face in under ten minutes.

This look was simple to do, and as I promised, it took me under ten minutes to create it. I don’t look like I’m wearing a ton of makeup; it’s a more refined, and polished me.

Have you perfected the art of how to create a flawless face in under ten minutes? If so, what do you use?

tarte Parisian-Inspired Holiday 2014 Collection: Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collectors Set

December 18, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Makeup Looks, Product Swatches, Reviews / 11 Comments

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tarte cosmetics has done it again with their holiday sets. This year, they released a limited edition Parisian-inspired Holiday 2014 Collection that featured beauty sets that aligned with what most people do during the holiday season – travel. The beauty sets featured in this holiday collection are not only travel-friendly, they also come ready for gifting due to their beautiful packaging. This means you’re spending less time wrapping and packaging gifts.

tarte provided me with one of the nine sets available in their holiday collection, the Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collectors Set ($48). It was an Ulta exclusive set that included an array of beauty items perfect for creating multiple beauty looks on-the-go.

The tarte Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collectors Set includes the following:

16 full size, French-inspired Amazonian Clay Eye Shadows (0.07 oz. each)
4 full size Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes: Irresistible (soft melon), Envisioned (sheer coral), Limitless (peach rose), Intrigue (rose petal) (0.158 oz. each)
3 deluxe Maracuja Lip Glosses: Paris (raspberry), Cannes (light pink), Nice (nude mauve) (0.06 fl. oz. each)
Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Portable collector’s compact (0.14 oz.)

I like that the set includes one of my favorite mascaras, the Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 mascara. This one is portable, and small enough to fit in your purse without taking up too much room.

The three Maracuja Lipglosses are beautiful, too. The colors, Paris, Cannes, and Nice, are named after popular Parisian cities that I hope to one day visit. Int he meantime, I guess I’ll have to settle with these glosses. They’re beautiful neutral shades that compliment any skintone.

Although the set included four full-sized Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes, only one was suitable for my complexion, which was ‘Intrigue’. The other shades included in the tarte Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collectors Set , although pretty, were too light, and appeared chalky, at least against my complexion.

There were a few shadows in the set that also gave off a chalky appearance against my complexion, and had were patchy when applied, which you can see from the swatches. Most of the eyeshadows exhibiting this property were the lighter matte shades with a few of the darker matte shades following suit. My favorite shades, which I used to create the look you see in this post were: ‘Navigating the Metro’, ‘Midnight Stroll’, and ‘Liaison at the Louvre’. I love deep purple tones, and these looked great used together to create a smoky eye. I also liked ‘Marvel at the Mona Lisa’ for blending.

Let us not forget about the beautiful, quilted pattern, Tiffany Blue travel case with pearl-like accents. This is a cool feature since it allows you to pop in any one of the four palettes to tote along with you while you’re on the go. The compact also includes a mirror. Score! I don’t know about you, but, applying makeup on-the-go, unless it’s lip gloss is a ‘fail’ situation.

Even though there were some items in the tarte Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collectors Set that didn’t quite work out well for me, I do think it was a pretty decent set for someone with a more fair complexion. Plus, for $48, it was a great value.

Although, this set is currently sold out at Ulta, you can stop by tartecosmetics.com to check out all of their other amazing products like their mascara, brow products, and other best-selling items.

Tell me, what do you think about the tarte Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collectors Set? Is it something you would gift or would like to receive as a gift?

Disclosure: Product provided by PR for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.