Makeup By Kim Porter

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Have you checked out MUA Makeup Academy Products? If not, check out my review.

Disclosure: MUA Makeup Academy products provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

MUA Makeup Academy Beauty products
Over the summer, CVS launched MUA Makeup Academy, an exclusive new line of affordable, premium beauty products and tools. Although this line is exclusive to CVS/pharmacy, if you’re familiar with UK beauty brands, then the MUA Makeup Academy name stands out. MUA Makeup Academy has over 145 different beauty items from lip products (lip stains, glosses, balms, liners), to lashes, as well as professional makeup brushes.

I was able to test out some of the products from the MUA Makeup Academy line like the Liquid Lipstick in Coral, High Shine Lipstick, Extreme Shimmer Lipstick, Lip Color Crayon, MUA Pro Angled Blush Brush, and the MUA Glamour Volume Boosting Lash Kit.

I, of course, have some favorites of the items I tested, but, let’s just talk about the simple product packaging. If you’re familiar with reading my reviews, you’ll know I am ALL about simple packaging, and MUA Makeup Academy product packaging offers just that. All of the products feature the MUA Makeup Academy logo on simple black plastic tubing for the lip products, while the lashes and brushes are enclosed in typical cardboard boxes with a viewing window allowing you to see the enclosed product.

MUA MAkeup Academy Lip Products
Of the four lip products I tried, my favorites were the Lip Color Crayon in Pink, High Shine Lipstick in Cashmere, and the Extreme Shimmer Lipstick in Rosy. All three are pretty, and make for a good natural-looking shades, especially against my complexion. I especially likes the Lip Color Crayon because it kept my lips soft and moisturized.

MUA Makeup Academy Liquid Lipstick Coral
The MUA Makeup Academy Liquid lipstick in Coral was one of the products I had some trouble falling in-love with. I did like the that the color of the Liquid Lipstick held true once applied, however, I didn’t find that the texture and shade of the Liquid Lipstick in Coral suited me. Although it is well-pigmented, it was very easy to use too much. Another issue I had with it was its drying time; it dried too fast, at least for my taste. If you mess up, you have very little time to correct the problem, thus, having to wipe it off completely, which wasn’t easy, and then start again.

The  MUA Makeup Academy Glamour Boosting Lash Kit features a pair of lightweight, natural-looking synthetic eyelashes, curved eyelash applicator and glue.  The lash applicator made applying the lashes easy.  Although a bit too dramatic for day-time wear, I found they looked great for an evening out.

MUA Makeup Glamour Lashes
The MUA Makeup Academy Angled Blush brush is soft.  The angle of the brush makes it perfect for sculpting the face, as well as for effortlessly applying blush.  Also, I’ve experienced zero shedding of the hairs while using this brush.  I give it an A+ for a drugstore brand brush.

MUA Makeup Academy Contour Blush Brush
Overall, there are some great products in the CVS/pharmacy beauty brand, MUA Makeup Academy line.  Although it may take some testing out to find your favorite shades in some of the products, there is something for everyone to love. With affordable prices, $5.00 and up, you can’t beat the quality and the deal.

Makeup Academy products can be found both in-stores at your local CVS/Pharmacy or online at http://www.cvs.com/muapro for $5.00 – $24.99.

 

Have you tried any of the products from the  CVS/pharmacy MUA Makeup Academy line?  What are your thoughts?

 

Disclosure: MUA Makeup Academy products provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Get Ready for Vacation with these Beauty Treatments

Get Ready for Vacation
 

Vacation for most people is the time to regroup, de-stress, have fun, and relax.  Most of the time, post vacation is when you come back looking and feeling fresh and refreshed.  It’s also important, at least for me, to make sure to look good and feel my best right before vacation.  How do I do that?  I get ready for vacation by indulging in certain beauty treatments just a few days before I am ready to take off.

Below is a list of beauty treatments I think are important to do to get ready for vacation.

1. Bikini or Brazilian Wax

Waxing has been somewhat of a ritual for me, especially prior to leaving for a beach vacation.  Having a clean bikini area is essential when lounging by the pool or on the beach. To avoid redness while on vacation, and puffiness caused by waxing, it’s best to have this service completed a few days ahead of your travel date.  My favorite place for a Brazilian wax is Shobha. If you’re the DIY type, my favorite at-home wax is Bliss Poetic Wax (review).  You can purchase the kit from Blissworld.com for $48.

2. Manicure 

Gel manicures are my go-to manicures for vacations. Why? Because they last. I don’t have to worry about chipping polish while on vacation, and my nails looking raggedy.  Who looks cute with not so cute nails?  My favorite place for affordable gel manicures is Pure Nail Salon in Brooklyn (Instagram). Ask for Jessie.

Calgel Nails Pure Nail Salon Brooklyn

3.  Pedicure

Manicures are important, and so are pedicures, especially if you’re going to wear open toe shoes/sandals during your vacation.  This upcoming vacation, my toes will be painted with Zoya’s ‘Thandie’.  For my pedicures, depending on how much time I have and my budget, I go to Polish Bar Brooklyn or Dashing Diva.


4. Eyebrows

Whether you wax, thread, or pluck,  having your eyebrows groomed a few days prior to vacation is important. Trust me, okay, it is! Get those bad boys done, and you’ll thank me later.

5.  Hair

I like to have my hair done one or two days before I leave for vacation. Hair completes the look.  I always go for a worry-free style like a curly or wavy install as seen below.

Beach Vacation Curly Hair
 

Check out the beauty items I travel with on vacation here.

 

Are there any beauty treatments you have to do in order to get ready for vacation?

 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Affiliate link.

Beauty Items to Pack for a Summer Vacation

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. PR Samples. Affiliate Links.

Beauty Items Summer Vacation
I’m going away on vacation soon to celebrate my 30th birthday. .:Yipee:.  This vacation will be a much needed break from my daily grind, and everything else that I’ve dealt with over the past year, which has been a lot!  You can read about it all over on Beauty and the Bump.  Anyway, I think you will agree that one week (or more) in the sun on someone’s beach is a necessary indulgence for both me and my husband; we’ve earned it.

The most daunting task for me when it comes to vacations is preparation and packing.  I’m well known for over packing; just read my piece on Essence.com.  This time around, I am sticking to just a few items because lugging heavy luggage isn’t fun (for the husband), and luggage fees are just insane these days.  But, does that mean my skincare and beauty regimen will suffer? Nope!

I’m sorry, but, I am not one of those people who will just use any old thing found in a hotel bathroom on my skin; I’m picky like that.  When I travel, I still like to look cute, which means sticking to my skincare regimen, and packing items that will enhance my natural beauty.  A lot of the items I pack should have a dual purpose, for example, a tinted moisturizer with SPF.  The products should be lightweight and compact, thus allowing them to all fit nicely in my clear Zuca bag.  Below are my picks for beauty items to pack for summer vacation.

Skincare

LUSH Cosmetics Dark Angels Cleanser – Detox, cleanse, and oil-control all in-one. This is one of my favorite cleansers.  The small container is perfect for traveling, too.  And, it’s another multitasking product, as it can also be used as a body cleanser. (Read review)

CLEANSE by Lauren Napier – These are perfect for travel since they come individually wrapped.  I can use them post flight, in my bed at night to remove makeup, on the beach… you get it. I can whip these wipes out anywhere, anytime I feel my face needs cleansing. (Read review)

Dermalogica  Solar Defense Booster –  This over the Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray with the Makeup Finishing Spray on top for my no makeup days out roaming the streets or chilling on the beach.  Either way, my skin will be protected from the harsh UVA/UVB rays.  (Read review)

Roloxin Lift – A special treat for my skin post flight or for my birthday dinner out on the town – whatever town we end up traveling to– when I need my skin to look its best.  It too, comes in a small packet, which makes it excellent for travel. (Read review)

Makeup

Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray | Oil Control – This is a silicone-free makeup primer spray for us oily girls (or boys) that can be worn alone or with makeup to keep oil at bay. It can also be mixed in with mascara, eyeshadow or brow product to create budge-proof makeup.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray | Oil Control – A must-have for setting makeup, especially in the summer, is setting spray.   While on vacation, in the heat, and humidity, who needs their makeup sliding or caking? Not me! This is where this Finishing Spray comes in handy.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – I love multi-tasking products. The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has become my go-to moisturizer and “foundation” for the summer.  It keeps my skin moisturized while evening my skintone, and providing a healthy-looking glow. It also has SPF, and is lightweight. No one needs heavy makeup in the heat or on the beach. (Read review)

LA Girl Pro Concealer – Shades: Fawn & Toffee – These are my go-to, budge-proof concealers to hide my under eye circles and blemishes. Plus, if I lose them, I wouldn’t even mind since they’re only $1.99-2.50 each. (Read review)

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #7 – I love this bronzer! I can use it alone, of course, I will not skip the SPF, or I can use it over my tinted moisturizer for a more polished look. The compact isn’t large, which means it can fit in my purse.

Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade – My go-to brow product and it’s great to use as eyeliner. (Read review)

UD Primer Potion when coupled with my Urban Decay Naked Palette will allow the eye shadows to last throughout the day and through the heat.

tarte lights camera splashes mascara (waterproof) – I love, love, love tarte mascaras! This one will last throughout the day, and even during my frolicking on the beach.

Sephora Collection Brush set:  This is a great set for travel in that it includes all of the necessary tools to apply minimal makeup effectively, and precisely.  The set includes the following: Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush #57, Pro Flawless Airbrush #56, Pro Angled Shadow Brush #13, Pro Crease Brush #10, and Pro Smoky Liner Brush #24.

Body

L’oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer Lotion SPF30+ – I have sunscreen for my face covered, but, I also need to make sure my body is protected, too.  This sunscreen goes on light, it isn’t heavy like most sunscreens I’ve used, and it doesn’t have the strong sun block scent that most sunscreens have.  And it’s water resistant for up to 80-minutes.

Degree with Motionsense Invisible Solid – I just started using this deodorant this summer.  NYC heat and humidity is crazy when it’s high, and this has helped me keep fresh and smelling clean during those days, so I am confident it will function the same while away. My favorite scents are Sexy Intrigue and Shower Clean. They’re $3.88 at Walmart.

For my perfumes, I will probably pick up the travel perfume atomizer.  I am not travelling with a full-size bottle of perfume in my checked luggage. Imagine if one of them breaks?

Lips

Carmex – For some reason, when I’m away on vacation I do not use lipstick or lip gloss; I let my skin do the talking so it’s just straight carmex for my lips.  If I do end up bringing a lipstick, it will probably be my go-to shade for the summer, BlackUp Cosmetic’s RGE34M (matte orange), MAC Girl About Town, and/or MAC Call My Bluff.

 

Tell me, what beauty items vacation with you?

 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. PR Samples. Affiliate Links.

My Skin, but Better: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Martinique’

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Review
 

When the weather is hot, and the humidity is high, I keep my makeup to the minimum.  That means, no heavy foundation.  How do I get around that? I use a light foundation like MAC Face & Body mixed with some SPF or a tinted moisturizer.  Over the last few months, since purchasing NARS’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Martinique, I’ve been using it almost daily. While attending The Makeup Show New York 2014, I stopped by the NARS booth to see what they had, swatch products, and of course shop!  The one thing I picked up was the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, and I only paid $32 (retail $42).  You’re probably thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot, Kim!”  Hmm, but I think it was money well spent, especially due to the compliments I receive when wearing it.

What is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps dehydrated skin with its infusion of “..lush, naturally derived ingredients.”  According to NARS, this tinted moisturizer “…has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in as little as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection.”

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Swatches

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is available in 11 shades in varying undertones like neutral pink, neutral yellow, peach, red, golden olive etc. I picked up Martinique, which is described as medium dark with warm, red undertones.  When swatched against my skin (remember ladies, swatch on your jawline or your neck), Martinique was the perfect summer shade for me, while Seychelles is perfect for winter.  You know, your skin color changes from light to dark depending on the season; therefore, it’s important for your makeup shades to change, too.

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, for me, applies well with a fluffy foundation brush. I found that when I used my fingers, the application was a little streaky, and less natural-looking. After I apply it, I apply my Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder shade #7, and spray with Skindinavia’s The Finishing Spray for Oily Skin.

The SPF30 property of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a plus because you have sun protection for up to 2 hours post application and sun exposure, which means you’d have to re-apply it throughout the day if you are depending on it for that purpose.  Plus, I’ve noticed, that if I didn’t use primer prior to, or powder prior to application (sometimes I do because I get oily) I’m blotting or using blot powder 2-3 hours in.  Unlike other products I’ve used, I don’t end up looking like a grease bucket, it’s more like a glow or dewy effect. This doesn’t mean that the coverage doesn’t last throughout the day because it does.  Plus, a little goes a long way; I only use a pea sized amount to cover my face.

There is a slight, lemony, herbal scent to the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; however, it dissipates quickly.  Trust me, when I say it’s light, I mean, it’s like a barely there scent.

Why do I like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

– It has broad spectrum SPF30

– It makes my skin look and feel better.  My skin, but better.

– It gives my skin a natural glow.  I’ve been asked if I’m expecting because of the glow I have.

– It’s lightweight & doesn’t feel heavy.

– It’s oil-free & non-comedogenic.

– Paraben, phthalate, and sulfate-free

What I don’t like about NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

-It has the tendency, without proper skin prep, to become oily, that is if you have oily skin.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a product I will purchase again.  In fact, once fall/winter hits, I’m picking up Seychelles.  This tinted moisturizer is great for someone willing to splurge on a lightweight moisturizer with SPF30, that provides good coverage, and makes your skin look radiantly amazing.  I know $42 is a lot to commit to for a product you’re just trying out, so try picking up a sample at your local Sephora. Found at the following retailers: NARS, Beauty.com, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Ave, Sephora.

 Have you tried the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer? What do you think?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.