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Orange is the New Red BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M {Swatches}

July 12, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Product Swatches, Reviews / 25 Comments

Disclosure: Press sample provided by Black|Up Cosmetics for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Black|Up Cosmetics is a Parisian brand that was created specifically for women like myself who are of brown and darker complexions. The colors are made to show up true to color, bright and vivid to enhance our already beautiful complexions.

I’ve wanted to try Black|Up Cosmetics for the longest time, but since they are stationed in Paris, they’re hard to get, that is, of course you’re willing to pay the hefty shipping and handling fees. When I learned Black|Up Cosmetics would be at The Makeup Show New York this year, I became excited because I’d finally be able to test out their products.

One of the products that I was able to get my hands on, thanks to the The Makeup Show’s Blogger Preview, was one of their 30 New Lipstick shades: the BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick.

The BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick is a matte red-orange lipstick with an opaque, velvety finish. It can be a little drying if you fail to properly prep your lips before applying. Once your lips are exfoliated, primed (I just use a thin layer of Carmex), and lined with a neutral lip pencil (I use ‘Cork’ by MAC), you’re ready to go out sporting a fab orange lip.

What’s great about the BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick shade is that it’s a statement color. Most times, it’s the only makeup I wear besides my eyebrows. It’s also a great color for the summer, too, as it looks great against brown, bronzed skin. I’m definitely taking it with me when I go away in August.

The BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M Lipstick boasts the ability to last up to 8-hours. After applying my lipstick in the morning before I leave for work, eating and drinking throughout the day, I can attest that it does last at least 8 hours, which is definitely a plus. I don’t always have time to re-apply lipstick throughout the day.

The BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick can be purchased at BlackUpCosmetics.com for $22.

Pros

– Long-lasting

– Opaque color

Paraban-free

Fragrance-free

Cons

– None

This is actually ‘Morange’ by MAC. I posted this in error, but will keep it up for comparison.

Have you tried Black|Up Cosmetics? What do you think of this color?

Disclosure: Press sample provided by Black|Up Cosmetics for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Review: I Cannot Put Down my Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate

June 23, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, makeup tips, Product Swatches, Reviews / 34 Comments

Disclosure: Affiliate Links.

After reading many rave reviews from fellow makeup artists and beauty bloggers, as well as seeing photos of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in action, I decided to pick it up. It took me a while to purchase the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade because it was always sold out on the Anastasia Beverly Hills website, and I, at first, refused to purchase it elsewhere, which meant I wouldn’t be able to use my discount. And then, I couldn’t take it anymore; I wound up purchasing the Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate from Macys.com for $18. Let me tell you, that was the BEST $18 I’ve spent. I haven’t put down my Dipbrow since receiving it over one month ago.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade Description:

Waterproof brow color ideal for sculpting, defining, and carving perfectly precise brows that won’t fade. Smudge-free, creamy formula glides on skin and adheres to hair. Must-have for oily skin and humid climates. Tighten cap to prevent drying.

My thoughts

Clearly, I am in-love with the Dipbrow Pomade. I honestly use it every day, even if it’s the only makeup I wear for the day. It’s long-wearing even without sealing it with my model in a bottle brow set. I’ve only had issues with it fading if I had my hair in my face (bangs). Otherwise, it wore well throughout the day.

I like how smoothly the Dipbrow Pomade applies, and how natural it looks. It’s easy to create a clean looking brow using the Dipbrow Pomade without having to “clean up” with concealer. Just check my instagram for proof.

There is a slight learning curve with using the Dipbrow Pomade, especially if you tend to be heavy handed when doing your makeup. I suggest starting out first with very little on your brush (remove excess by dabbing the brush on the back of your hand). Then, apply the Dipbrow Pomade in light, short strokes until you create the brow you want. I like my brows natural-looking, so I don’t fill-in the entire brow; I focus more on the tail end and fill-in only the areas that are sparse.

Since the Dipbrow Pomade is packaged in a pot, it’s easy for it to dry out. To prevent that, ensure the cap is closed tightly after using. Also, when I use the Dipbrow, instead of leaving the cap off, I just remove a small amount, place it on the back of my hand and work from there. That way, the product isn’t exposed longer than it needs to be, decreasing its chances for drying out.

There are three brushes I use with the Dipbrow Pomade: Make Up For Ever Brow Brush, Bdellium Tools #760, and an Everyday Minerals Angled Liner Brush.

Would I recommend the Dipbrow Pomade?

I love the Dipbrow Pomade so much that I am thinking about picking up a few more shades for my kit. I would definitely recommend picking this up if you’re in the market for a waterproof, long-wearing brow product that allows you to create a natural-looking, well-sculpted brow. Since the Dipbrow Pomade is waterproof, it’s perfect for the summer, beach vacations etc. Oh and, Dipbrow works double duty! You can also use it as eyeliner.

The Dipbrow Pomade is available in five shades: Auburn, Blond, Chocolate, Dark Brown, and Ebony.

Dipbrow

Have you tried the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade?

What is your favorite brow product?

Disclosure: Affiliate Links.

Sneak Peek: IT Cosmetics IT’s All About You – QVC Today’s Special Value June 21, 2014

June 20, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Product Swatches, Reviews / 26 Comments

PR SAMPLE

IT Cosmetics never disappoints with their QVC Today Special Value sets. The upcoming one is no different. Prepare yourself to be wowed on Saturday, June 21, 2014 (until 2:59 a.m. EST June 22, 2014) by the IT’s All About You! Your 5-Piece Customer Favorites set ($59.00). This set features three QVC Customer Choice Beauty Award-winning products, plus two innovative new launches: All Day Waterproof By Bye Under Eye Concealer, and CC+ Radiance Palette. For review purposes, I received the set in the deepest shade, ‘Rich’.

A few of the products, like the Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil, the old formula of the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, and the Dual Ended Complexion Perfection Brush, are items I’ve reviewed previously, and are staples in my beauty routines.

Celebration Foundation – $49

The 2013 QVC Customer Choice Beauty Award winner, the Celebration Foundation is a full-coverage Anti-Aging foundation with ingredients like Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peptides and Drops of Light Technology. Unfortunately since the darkest shade, which is ‘Rich’ did not match at all to my skintone, I wasn’t able to wear it out; however, I can attest to how easily applied and blended, and it has amazing coverage; it covered my wrist tattoo.

Available in five shades: Fair, Light Medium, Medium Beige, Tan, and Rich.

Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil – $24

Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil with Brow Enhancing Technology transforms and adjusts to all brow hair colors. The long-wear formula is waterproof and smudge-resistant.

Limited Edition Heavently Luxe Dual Ended Complexion Perfection Brush – $48

IT Cosmetics has some of the softest synthetic brushes around. The dual end brush allows you to apply product to larger areas using the fuller end of the brush, while the smaller end allows you to apply product to the smaller areas and crevices of the face (corners of nose, under eyes etc.) 100% Synthetic, Cruelty-Free Hair. PETA Friendly. Pro-hygienic.

CC+ Radiance Palette contains a trifecta of complexion enhancing powders.

CC+ Brightening Finishing Powder – formulated with Drops of Light Technologey, using light-reflecting microspheres to provide your skin with the look of healthy illumination without glitter or shimmer.

CC+ Matte Bronzer– formulated with anti-aging peptides and hyalornic-filling spheres to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Hydrolyzed Collagen, Vitamins A C & E, Grapeseed, Green Tea, Silk and Aloe treat your skin to a powerful goose of antioxidants and healthy moisture, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Unfortunately, the only thing that works well with my skintone is the matte CC+ Blush, which is OUTSTANDING and amazingly gorgeous. It’s the perfect shade for summer, too! It leaves your cheeks flushed all day, and is infused with a group of anti-aging ingredients like amino acids, plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, jojoba, aloe, seaweed extract and grape seed that work together to give cheeks a boost of healthy hydration.

Waterproof Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-aging Concealer

This is brand new version of the original Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, and is described as being clinically proven to last all day (12 hours of wear). It is also waterproof. Do I hear summer staple? Yes! Read my review of the original Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer.

Available in four shades: Light, Neutral Medium, Tan, Deep.

The IT’s All About You! Your 5-Piece Customer Favorites set is an affordable way to get the best of IT Cosmetics, especially if you’re of more fair complexions. Remember to check it out on QVC this Saturday, June 21!

Shop IT Cosmetics’ IT’s All About You online – http://www.qvc.com/qvc.product.A258193.html

Disclosure: Press Sample provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Guest Post: Review: Tat2U Extreme Color Makeup and Swatches!

June 17, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Product Swatches, Reviews / 22 Comments

At the Beauty Press Spotlight Day event I also had the opportunity to learn about Tat2U Extreme Color. Here is a little about the company Tat2U:
About Us

We believe in living in the moment by customizing your look with fun, edgy, vibrant and unique beauty products! What started off as body art and temporary tattoos quickly evolved into a cosmetic line. Tat2U offers an exciting new collection of extremely pigmented makeup and body art. Our makeup line Extreme Color features products for your eyes, lips, face, and hair, that are formulated with cosmetic-grade ingredients, to take your look from subtle to vibrant with one stroke of a brush.

Tat2U’s unique assortment of makeup and body art ranges from professional quality temporary tattoos, semi-permanent ink pens and a variety of multi-purpose products that can be used on your hair, body and face.

Listening to the owners of the company I was highly intrigued. It is quite difficult finding affordably price makeup that has great pigmentation. Who wants to spend $25 on eyeshadow and have it wear off within a matter of minutes? Tat2U Extreme Color offers extremely pigmented and bright color, which is always a plus for women of color.

My favorite products out of what was in the gift bag has to be the matte lipstick in rock candy, the Tat2Lash mascara, and the blush in tiger. I think the eyeshadow is great for a smoky eye and the flecks of green add a nice surprise. The lip creme is HIGHLY pigmented. It is a great, bold orange for the spring/summer, but it must be applied with a very light hand because the color is extreme. The mascara adds great length to my lashes. The blush gives me a nice flush of coral color and looks great with bronzer. Lastly, the matte lipstick is a perfect pink for spring/summer. This too must be applied lightly. I pair mine with a deeper pink liner or with a light pink gloss if I’m not in the mood for matte.

Makeup By Kim Porter