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Emerald Green Smoky Eye using Black|Up Cosmetics

February 12, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Reviews, The Beauty Council / 41 Comments

Lately, I’ve been playing in a lot of makeup – creating fun looks. Just take a look at my Instagram feed as proof. Most of the products I’ve been loving these days are from Black|Up Cosmetics. I’ve mentioned them here previously when I reviewed their beautiful orange matte lipstick. This time around, I’m going to show you the Black|Up Cosmetics products I used to create this Emerald Green Smoky Eye.

I’m an eye shadow first girl, which means prior to applying my foundation I apply my eye shadow. Applying my eye shadow first prevent me from having to redo or touch-up my under eye products like concealer and powder, which can get annoying.

To create this Emerald Green Smoky Eye, I used three shades from the Black|Up Cosmetics Eye shadow Palette in PAL03. This palette features five eye shadows in four different textures: matte, satin, metallic, and sparkling.

First, using a blending brush, I applied the dark brown matte shade to my crease.

Second, I applied the emerald green eye shadow to my lid, and blended it up to the crease.

Lastly, I used the camel-colored matte eye shadow to blend out the emerald green and dark brown eye shadows.

Now that my eye shadow has been applied, I can now focus on my skin!

To cover up my dark circles and any blemishes I have, I used the pigment packed Black|Up Cosmetics Concealer Magic Quad in CR02, which worked well at hiding.

After that, I used the new Black|Up Cosmetics Contouring Stick in shade 03. The lighter shade makes for the perfect all-over foundation for my complexion, while the darker shade adds a slightly warm contour.

The Black|Up Cosmetics Complexion Enhancer adds a beautiful glow. I added it to my high points, like my cheekbones, and cupids bow. You can also mix it in with their CC Cream or liquid foundation, and even use it solo.

I then added some blush to the apples of my cheeks, and then I blotted out the shine in my t-zone using the Black|Up Cosmetics Two-way cake.

To complete the look, since I couldn’t decide on which Black|Up Cosmetics lipstick to use because I loved both of the matte lipsticks I received, I chose to use both: RGE38 and RGE32.

For my Valentine’s Day date night, help me decide which lip color I should wear, RGE38 or RGE32.

Beauty Deal!

Black| Up is offering our readers 20% off their products from 2/12 until 2/28 using the code: LOVE15 http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/

An InLinkz Link-up

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.

Indulging in “Me” Time with LUSH Valentine’s Day Treats #TheyDoExist

February 5, 2015 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare, The Beauty Council / 17 Comments

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With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I thought it fitting to share my plans for this special day of love. Trust me, it isn’t what you think. Although I am married, I’ve never bought into the one commercial day to show my significant other that I love him and I’m in-love with him. However, that doesn’t mean I do not do small things on that day either. Last year for example, I put together a three-course gourmet dinner (menu created by the 71ateChef). This year, however, I’m trying something different by romancing myself; I’m indulging in “Me” time with LUSH Valentine’s Day Treats.

I don’t want to get into why, but, if you’re a full-time working mom that has one million and one things going on, you know that having ‘me time’ is rare. Thank God Valentine’s Day this year falls on a Saturday, which means I can ship off my mini me somewhere after her dance class, and take a nice long bath with one of the LUSH Valentine’s Day Treats: Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar (3.5 oz/$7.95) or Floating Flower Bath Bomb (4 oz/$6.95).

The LUSH Unicorn Horn is an excellent choice to de-stressing after the end of a long day. The blend of jasmine and neroli, the latter of which is one of my favorite scents to have in a fragrance, will both leave you feeling relaxed. With the bathroom door shut, and the lights dimmed, and even with a few candles around the tub, I almost feel like I’m at a spa.

The LUSH Floating Flower bath bomb also contains what some describe as a seductive fragrance – Jasmine. That said, Floating Flower is definitely my pick for Valentine’s Day night (or any night) since after a relaxing bath, I should be ready to take my relaxation to the bedroom. Oops, TMI! Anyway, the Floating Flower bath bomb not only leaves your water bright pink, and scented with Jasmine, the bathroom, my hallway and my skin are left smelling like this beautiful bath bomb, too. If you love the Flying Fox shower gel, you’ll love Floating Flower.

I know LUSH suggests using the entire Unicorn Horn or Floating Flower bomb during one bath session; however, I found that just breaking off a small piece when I needed it sufficed.

I’ve also been sharing the love by allowing my mini me indulge in some of my LUSH Valentine’s Day Treats. I mean, if your toddler can tell you she’s had a hard week, then why not let her have a pampering bath time moment, too, right? I mean it does go along with the theme of Valentine’s Day: giving and showing love.

Whether you go out for Valentine’s Day or you’re like me, and choose to celebrate the day by giving yourself “Me” time, I’d love to know what you have planned for Valentine’s Day this year.

Check out the other LUSH Valentine’s Day treats, and let me know if you pick up any or have any favorites 🙂 Remember they’re only available for a limited time, so pick them up while they’re still available.

An InLinkz Link-up

Fragrance Friday: Scentbird, an Affordable Luxury Fragrance Subscription Service

January 30, 2015 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 19 Comments

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This Fragrance Friday, I’m excited to share with you both a new fragrance I’ve been wearing, and a new fragrance subscription service, Scentbird New York.

Have you heard of Scentbird? They’re a luxury fragrance subscription service offering subscribers, for $14.95, a 30-day supply of their choice of perfume. Scentbird has over 350 luxury fragrances to choose from, so no matter your scent preference, you’re sure to find something.

In order to try out the Scentbird subscription service, I was provided a 30-day supply vial of Shalimar Parfum Initial packaged in a sleek purse spray . Shalimar Parfum Initial is described as:

A luminous amber-floral fragrance. The fresh, citrusy burst of bergamot gives way to a delicate floral heart: an orchestrated overdose of rose, jasmine, and iris. Its base of vanilla and tonka bean instantly creates addiction, like the captivating feel of cashmere on bare skin.

Initially, when offered to review Shalimar Parfum Initial, my thoughts were, “This is such an old fragrance.” I mean, my aunt used to wear it. Dating back to 1921, Shalimar is definitely a classic scent. However, I was reassured that Shalimar Parfum Initial is an “…updated, younger version…” They were right! I am absolutely in-love with this fragrance!

Although I do miss the sparkling citrus opening, I do notice the middle notes – iris, rose and jasmine – a lot more. For me, it opens immediately into a beautiful soft, powdery iris, and then I get a hint of amber and vanilla. The iris is what got me since it’s the same thing that had me stuck on Guerlain’s Insolence.

Sillage is pretty good. I noticed that iris and soft powder notes last longer on the skin than any of the others. As far as longevity, Shalimar Parfum Initial doesn’t wear on for hours on end like other perfumes I own. I’d say I get up to 5 hours wear. But, thankfully, the Scentbird vial is compact enough for me to tote around in my purse. I’m thinking this vial will last me quite some time, too.

Although a young, feminine fragrance, I don’t think Shalimar Parfum Initial is for everyone. To me, it screams, ‘I’m distinguished, elegant, and classy.’ It’s for a confident and sophisticated woman, who’s comfortable with her sensuality. Dare to wear it during the day, which I have, and love. But, I also think it makes a great date night scent. Either way, I say, ‘Wear it at your own risk.’ .:wink:.

I’m happy Scentbird suggested and scent over Shalimar Parfum Initial for me to test out. I love it. I’m going to pick up a full-sized bottle to add to my perfume collection.

At $14.95 a month, Scentbird is an affordable way to try the luxury fragrances you’ve been lemming over, but just can’t bring yourself to spend the money on at the moment. The monthly subscription fragrance service is also a great way for those individuals that like change, and would prefer to not spend money on a large bottle of perfume they know will just sit on their dresser for days at a time without use. Oh, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, a Scentbird subscription would certainly make a great gift to your special someone.

Makeup by Kim Porter readers can enjoy 25% off of their first Scentbird perfume with Code: SCENT25

Reviews

Beauty Deal!

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

What do you think about the Scentbird fragrance subscription service? Will you try it?