blog Archives | Page 53 of 202 | Makeup By Kim Porter

blog

The Blog

Review: Skin gets an extra boost with Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

December 28, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 5 Comments

Bliss Spa is well-known for its Triple Oxygen Facial. I should know, I’ve had one before, and I fell in love. It’s a little on the expensive side ($165 for 75 minutes), so it’s something one should treat themselves to when they feel the need to be pampered. Thankfully, Bliss has made getting a version of this facial at-home for a fraction of the cost with the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($52).

Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask

Description (source):

A super quick fix for dull, tired and sallow, ‘I’m sick of my skin’ skin. Engineered to mimic the effects of our spa’s famous Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial in seconds. This fabulous complexion formula uses every ‘tech’ in the book to give you fresher, younger-looking skin. 3.4 oz

•delivers oxygen to the skin with innovative Fluid02 technology
•lightens, and tightens the skin with the most active powerful form of Vitamin C available
•protects cells from free radical damage with powerful antioxidants

The Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask offers many of the same properties as the spa facial by delivering oxygen to the skin through its innovative Fluid02 technology and using Vitamin C and anti-oxidants to help erase free-radical damage and give the skin a lighter, tighter appearance.

The Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask comes in a simple 3.4 oz bottle. It pumps out as a pinkish gel, and once applied to damp skin it begins to foam. When the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask begins to foam it creates a cool, tingling sensation on the face. Normally, I will cleanse my face prior to showering, then apply the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask before I get into the shower so it works while I’m in the shower (careful to not get my face wet for 3-5 minutes). After rinsing off this mask, my skin is left soft, and it looks healthier.

1. Dispensed on damp skin2. Massaged into Skin3. Foaming4. Time to rinse off — 1. Dispensed on damp skin
2. Massaged into Skin
3. Foaming
4. Time to rinse off

The Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask gives a refreshing feeling to my skin, especially on days where my skin is lackluster and not at its best. It’s definitely a quick-fix to brighten my dull skin, and I don’t mind using it since it is not only fun to use (foaming sensation), but it is also quick and easy.

I use the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask 3 times per week as suggested or whenever my skin needs a pick-me-up.

Where to purchase:

Bliss.com or QVC

Have you tried the Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask? What are your thoughts?

Disclosure: This product was provided to me for review consideration at a QVC event. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links where I will earn a small commission when clicked.

Review: IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush – The perfect double-duty brush

December 27, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 1 Comment

The IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush was created for flawless powder foundation and concealer application. Like many of their other brushes, this brush is made of super soft synthetic fibers, which are cruelty-free – perfect for animal lovers!

IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush packaging — The brush comes in a plastic protective casing.

How IT Cosmetics Suggests Using the brush

Use the round, fluffy concealer to apply your favorite concealer. Apply in a circular motion Use the flat concealer brush to apply concealer to larger areas or area requiring precise, firm coverage.

IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush Body

My Thoughts:

Needless to say, I’m a fan of IT Cosmetics, and their brushes are just divine. I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed when using this brush. I’m a fan of brushes with small heads because they’re easier to use, and allow for a more controlled application of product. The IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush applies my powders and concealers with great ease and perfection.

I’ve come to use this brush to not only apply my powder, but, I also use it to blend out my loose powders. The larger end of the brush is perfect for applying or blending powder in your t-zone, and it is also a good brush for contouring with a powder. I’ve also found this brush useful when blending my liquid or cream foundations. It’s also good for blending blush, too!

IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush Head

The smaller end of the IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush, which is supposed to be used for concealer is good for applying concealer to the under eye area and to the corners of the nose. I sometimes add a little powder to the tip of the brush to set my under eye makeup, as well as to apply powder to the corners of my nose. I also find it useful when adding highlighter to my cupids bow.

IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush -small head

What I love about the IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush

The rubberized handle allows you to grip the brush without it slipping, and is small enough for controlled application.
Great for blending powder products
Multiple uses
Excellent quality; sturdy, no shedding, no discoloration.
Easy to clean, and dries quickly. It does not lose its shape.

Would I recommend?

I would recommend the IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush. I would say it’s a double-duty brush, but it has so many other uses. The price point, $48 per brush, may scare a lot of people away, but, I do think it is worth it.

Where to purchase: ITCosmetics.com or QVC

IT Cosmetics on Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itcosmetics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itcosmetics

Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to me by the company or its PR for review purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Review: IT Cosmetics “No Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush

December 27, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 2 Comments

The IT Cosmetics “No-Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow brush is a double ended shadow smudger/liner and applicator/blending brush all-in-one. With this brush, IT Cosmetics recognized the importance of not tugging the delicate skin around the eye area, which can lead to sagging skin and collagen loss, and developed eye liners, and the “No Tug” Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush. It’s the first anti-aging and age preventative shadow brush of its kind.

IT Cosmetics Suggestions for using this brush

– Use the large fluffy brush for all over lid and crease application
– Use the “no-tug” smudger side for the lower lash line.

My thoughts:

This is one of the first IT Cosmetics brushes I’ve ever used. If I could own ten of them I would because they’re just that great. I use this as an eyeshadow brush; however, I use it for various things, such as the following:

Concealer application. This is the perfect brush for applying and blending concealer either to cover up under eye circles or a blemish. It flawlessly applies concealer with an airbrushed-like finish.

Contouring. Since the brush head is so small, it is perfect for contouring areas, such as your nose.

What I love about the IT Cosmetics “No Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush

As with all of IT Cosmetics brushes, this brush is amazingly soft; it feels like heaven on my skin.

• The rubberized handle allows for a good grip, and wonderfully designed for easy hold and control.
• Great for powder, cream and liquids
• Blends flawlessly
• Excellent quality; sturdy, no shedding, no discoloration.
• Easy to clean, and dries quickly. It does not lose its shape.

Would I recommend?

I would recommend the IT Cosmetics “No Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush. Other than applying eyeshadow, it has so many other uses. Even though it is priced at $24, I think it is reasonable because it has the potential to do so much. I’ve paid that and more for other brushes, and the quality wasn’t as good as this one.

Where to purchase: ITCosmetics.com or QVC

IT Cosmetics on Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itcosmetics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itcosmetics

Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to me by the company or its PR for review purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Holiday Nail Art: Shine Bright Like a Diamond this New Years Eve by Diosa Nails & Polish

December 26, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Tutorials / 0 comments

We all know that nail art is in! Unfortunately, not all nail art is created equal. Here are a few Holiday Nail Art ideas and a bonus tutorial to non-cheesy holiday nails:

(1) The Glitter Gradient Holiday Nail (Pictorial Below)

The Glitter Gradient lets you carry your nails from Hanukkah to New Years Eve. The glitter will emulate snow fall during Christmas and will give you some sparklers for New Years.

(2) Reverse French or Half Moon Mani

Both are very sophisticated and perfect for a chill Christmas with the family and New Years party with your friends. A general guideline is to use the lighter color as the base color and bolder/opaque colors for the top color. Here are some color combination suggestions:

– Silver base & Blue top

– Gold base & White top

– Silver base & Red top

– Gold Base & Dark Green top

(3) Accent Holiday Nail

The accent nail allows you to be subtly sassy. You can have a simple one color accent Holiday Nail for Kwanza and add some pizzaz to that same mani with embellishments or nail strips for New Years. It will save you a trip to the nail salon! Get creative and use some nail strips for the accent nail or dip the accent nail in a cup full of real glitter. Visit your local craft store for tiny embellishments.

New Years Eve Party Nails Diosa Nails & Polish

Here is tutorial for the Glitter Gradient nail:

What You’ll Need (what I used):

– Base Coat (Seche Vite)

– Top Coat (Seche Vite)

– Glitter Polish (Somethin’ Extra, DIOSA Nail Polish)

– Nude Polish (Puff Pastry, DIOSA Nail Polish)

– Orange Stick

– Embellishment (Stud, Stone, or Diamond)

New Years Eve Party Nails

Step 1:

– Apply Base Coat

– Apply One Coat of Puff Pastry

– Let dry for about a minute

New Years Eve Party Nails Step 1

Step 2:

– Apply the first “level” of Somethin’ Extra. Start painting just above the cuticle line.

– Allow to dry for a bit. If you don’t let it dry, some glitters can get gooey.

Step2New Years Eve Party Nails Step 2

Step 3:

– Apply the second “level” of Somethin’ Extra. Start painting just above the bottom of the first level.

– Allow to dry for a bit.

New Years Eve Party Nails Step 3

Step 4:

– Apply the third “level” of Somethin’ Extra. Apply the last level only across the nails’ free edge (nail tip).

– Allow to dry for a bit.

New Years Eve Party Nails Step 4

Step 5:

– Paint a tiny bit of clear nail polish on the spot where you want the embellishment

– Put a little bit of clear nail polish on the tip of the orange stick to pick up the embellishment

– Place the embellishment in the clear nail polish spot. The clear nail polish will still be wet so you can move the embellishment to the exact spot.

– Repeat steps above for each nail.

New Years Eve Party Nails Step 5

Step 6:

– Apply top coat over the entire nail, including the embellishment

Socialize with DIOSA Nails & Polish:

http://www.DIOSANAILS.com | Facebook.com/DIOSANails | Instagram & Twitter: @DiosaNails

At the end of your manicure, apply a little less than a pea-sized amount of Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula® Hand Cream to your hands and nails, making sure to massage the cream into your cuticles. The Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula® Hand Cream will not only keep your hands , nails and cuticles moisturized, but, will also extend the life of your manicure.

Disclosure: I received this product for review consideration because I am a BzzAgent. All opinions are honest and are my own. I was not compensated for this post.