Tag: eye shadow

Beyonce Wears Mally Cosmetics on 20/20. Win her look!

If you didn’t catch 20/20 on Friday, December 2nd,we have the lowdown for you! Superstar mogul and fashion and beauty icon, Beyoncé, was a guest of Katie Couric and it was hard not to notice her glowing skin and flawless makeup! Here’s a chance to get tips to re-create Beyoncé’s glowing look (not just her pregnancy glow) from famed makeup artist Mally Roncal, who worked with her for this very exclusive interview. Mally share’s her inside tricks on how to steal this look:

−       Start by using my concealer to brighten under the eyes or any other place that needs help.

−       Next, use my subtle highlighter and contour powder to really bring out your inner beauty! The highlighter lifts the face and even illuminates the eye area. The contour powder instantly makes you look like you lost five pounds.

−       For eyes, I opted for my creamy, shimmery eye shadow, bulletproof Eyeliner and my secret: Volumizing Mascara.

−       To create glossy, Beyoncé worthy lips, I used my High Shine Liquid Lipstick.

−       This look is great for any skin tone and any age!

These essentials can be found in Mally’s “My Favorite Things Collection”. This kit contains all the Mally products used on Beyoncé, and will debut on December 9th for $59.50 on QVC.

And yes– You can WIN this collection!  I will be giving away a Mally My Favorite Things Collection.  To win, please place comment anywhere on my blog stating that you want to win Beyonce’s look.  I will select one winner and announce who it is in a week or two.  Check out my blog in the next couple of days and I will have a photo of the kit so you can see exactly what you can win (it is not for sale until tomorrow).

Good luck and take it from me, Mally’s cosmetics are beautiful and very long-wearing.  This is a kit that you will be able to wear day or night!

Fab New Products From LORAC, Tarte and CoverGirl? Eye, Eye!


Dramatic eyes are my favorite makeup statement this fall.  I love shimmery shadows and intense eyeliner.  I always feel like I can get away with more makeup once the days start getting shorter — and making my eyes stand out is a step that I don’t like to skip.

LORAC Ooh La Lace Baked Shimmer & Matte Eye Shadow Palette  ($36.00 USD — $114 Value )  Seduce with sexy, sultry, smoky eyes created  with Baked Shimmer and Matte Eye Shadows in six smoldering colors. From the red  carpet to between the sheets, this palette will give you big, beautiful bedroom  eyes for all of your intimate moments.

This set contains:
– 6  x Eye Shadows in Lust (cream with shimmer), Smolder (matte gray), Risqué (matte black), Stunner (light bronze with shimmer), Knockout (bronze with shimmer), Racy (matte brown).

What I think:  This versatility of this neutral kit is amazing.  You can do a soft, daytime eye with the Stunner and Knockout, or do a smoky eye with the Smolder and Risque.  I like to use the Lust all over my lid and line my eyes with Risque or Racy, then I can do a darker lip.  Drama!  Visit www.loraccosmetics.com,  Sephora stores, www.sephora.com, Ulta stores, http://www.ulta.com.

CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast Eyeshadow ($7.99 USD) — Our innovative formula of rich eyeshadow with built-in primer gives you intense crease-proof color that last for hours. Intense Shadowblast is rich color that stays! Built-in Primer + Rich Shadow. Water-proof. Precision applicator tip.

What I think:  Beautiful colors, lasts a long time and so affordable. There are 6 Shades available:  Beige Blaze, Platinum Pop, Forever Pink, Extreme Green, Brown Bling and Blue Bomb.  I love the Extreme Green, which is crazy because I go for neutrals or purple shades, but this green has a gold cast to it that is so wearable. You can purchase these at drugstores and mass market stores.  Learn more at www.covergirl.com.

tarte smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof eye liner ($25.00 USD) –This waterproof liner creates smoldering, sexy eyes that won’t budge, letting you go from simple to sultry in an instant. Create a crisp liner look by gliding along the upper and lower lash line or use the built-in smudger to soften. For a sultry, smoky eye, use the liner as a shadow by applying a thicker line along upper lashes and blending toward the crease. No matter how you wear this versatile liner, Amazonian clay works to nourish lids, reduce surface oil, and improve overall texture for easy application and better wear. Once you apply, this liner will lock down to a completely waterproof finish for guaranteed longer wear. The rich, pure pigments are boosted by Amazonian clay for truer, bolder color with each application.

What I think: This is one of the most versatile eye pencils I own. The liner is thin enough for a great day look — or smoke it out with the spongy end or use it all over the eyelid for an evening out look.  Colors available are Bronze, Brown, Charcoal, Fig, Golden Black, Navy, Olive and Plum.  Available at Sephora, www.sephora.com, Ulta, www.ulta.com, QVC, and www.tarte.com.

tarte MultiplEYE™ Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner  ($22.00 USD) — This bold liquid liner helps you achieve defined eyes and enhanced lashes with a  precision application tip. Deeply pigmented, this formula glides on smooth to  frame eyes while delivering tarte’s lash-nourishing HydroPlant™ peptide. The results speak for themselves: 80% of subjects agree their eyes appear more  defined instantly after using multiplEYE™ lash enhancing liquid liner. Its flow-through applicator allows for expert control to create a thick or thin line  without dragging, tugging, or skipping.

What I think: This very black liner is glamour in pen! It’s easy to use and to make a great cat’s eye or rim the whole eye. Perfect for ladies who like drama! Available at Sephora, www.sephora.com, Ulta, www.ulta.com, QVC, and www.tarte.com.

Fall 2011 Makeup Guide Part One — The Eyes Have It!

Yay for Fall eye makeup!  I always look forward to this time of year because I love the dramatic colors — plums, forest greens, midnight blues, chocolate browns.  I feel like a kid and the bold liners, shadows and mascara are my coloring tools!

Smashbox, Josie Maran, Make Up For Ever and Sue Devitt are introducing Fall 2011 collections that include a dramatic eye and soft cheeks and lips. I have tried at least one eye product from each collection and I have found that beside the beautiful jewel tones, many of the products have really cool features like being long-wearing.

Here is a little description of each collection and a product that I have tried from each:

Smashbox’s Fall 2011 color story is a celebration of the studio’s heritage. It’s about the magic of capturing the perfect close-up—the moment when you see that impeccable shot of a beautiful girl and everything just clicks.

Smashbox Girls On Film Cream Eye Liner & Travel Brush ($28.00 USD) — Create the perfect frame for eyes with this cult-favorite liner that provides totally customizable eye definition. Wait 60 seconds for it to dry or immediately smudge with shadow for extra intensity. Apply it with the included travel brush for perfectly defined eyes in a flash. Cream Eye Liner can also be used as a long-wearing cream shadow for a sexy smoky look.

What I think: This is available in two shades: Blacklight (black with blue pearl) and Sepia (midnight brown with gold pearl).  I have the Blacklight and love how the color easily lays down and the fact that the blue pearl is not too noticeable, so it can be used day or night. And it is very long-wearing.  Visit www.sephora.com or www.smashbox.com to purchase.

Josie Maran’s Fall 2011 Collection contains three Argan-rich products — A 4 eyeshadow and 1 eyeliner compact, a serum foundation and the eye makeup pen described below.

Josie Maran The Rapid Eye Makeup Pen (REM) ($32.00 USD)  features long-wearing Argan gel eyeliner on one end and a mini liner brush on the other. The middle houses a perfectly coordinated Argan eye shadow in a spring-loaded sponge tip applicator for single stroke eye definition. Infused with Josie’s signature ingredient, Argan Oil.

What I think:  This is a perfect for a dramatic on-the-go eye look. The shadow easily applies with the sponge and the eye liner brush dips in the liner for a great thick line.  Perfect for a cat’s eye look.  This is available in 6 color combinations.  I’ve tried the Black liner/Amethyst shadow and love the look. Visit www.sephora.com or www.josiemarancosmetics.com to purchase.

MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces Smoky Couleur, a new collection of eye make up essentials inspired by the rich, jewel tone fabrics seen on the fall 2011 runways. This vibrant new take on an all-time classic provides a number of different ways to wear the eye-catching look and adapt it to every mood, occasion and outfit.

The Smoky Couleur collection includes a limited edition Smoky Eye Shadow Palette, four new shades of dramatic
Smoky Lash mascara and three new ultra-creamy Khol Pencils — all in an array of bold, yet wearable colors.

New Smoky Lash Couleur ($22.00 USD) — The ultimate mascara for volume, length and curl is now available in four new hues. Boasting the same lash boosting formula and unique elastomer fiber brush as the original best seller, Smoky Lash Couleur delivers a dramatic faux lash effect in seconds. Each new shade is extremely concentrated with brown, green, blue and plum pigments so the mascara instantly coats the lashes with intense color.

What I think:  Very cool mascara that is extremely volumizing and really colors lashes, even dark ones like mine!  I have the Dark Blue and the Pearly Deep Blue Khol pencil.  They work great together for an intense shot of color or mix them up. Fun! Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.makeupforever.com.

Sue Devitt’s Nordic Trek, inspired by Iceland A new Eye Palette in muted tones of Deep Moss Shimmer, Glacial Aqua, Arctic Blue, and Nordic Nude was inspired by the deep blue sky meeting the mossy earth and ice along the horizon. And a new Defining Eyeliner in three pigment rich, long lasting, waterproof shades- rich black, chocolate brown and silver-glides on to give an edge to a softer palette. The collection of Color Luxury Lipsticks echoes the colors of the autumn flowers of the lowlands.

Sue Devitt Defining Eyeliner ($20.00 USD) Inspired by our star product—Eye Intensifier Pencil—NEW Defining Eyeliner is an ultra thin, twist-up pencil designed to create a precise line in vibrant colors for an intense look. Its unique formulation hydrates while defining, glides on smoothly in a soft, velvety texture, while locking in color that is long-wearing, transfer resistant, water resistant and smudge proof. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres and Nylon-12 lock in moisture, and expand and contact with facial expressions without creasing. No sharpener required.

What I think:  I love this in the chocolate brown.  It is a deep color and is a nice change from black for daytime.  It glides on smoothly, and doesn’t need to be sharpenend. This liner lasts a long time, too.  Visit www.suedevittbeauty.com to purchase.

Whatever you choose to try, I think you will enjoy your Fall look!

Great Products To Help Keep The Summer Glow Going Through Fall!

Keep your glow up with these fun summer-enhancing products.  From a great color-customized mineral foundation, to a cheek gel to some great glosses, enjoy a new easy look that will help you sail into Fall while keeping your color!

e.l.f. Mineral Personal Blend Foundation SPF 15 ($8.00 USD) — Create customized mineral based color for a perfect match, year-round! Housed in a unique quad  chamber for the perfect mix, the weightless mineral formulation blends seamlessly into skin and contains natural skin protecting SPF 15 and is 100%  mineral based with no parabens, preservatives or chemical dyes. Infused with key Vitamin E for rich antioxidants that hydrate and replenish the skin. The inner dial allows you to control the amount of product dispensed so you can create  your customized color and keep the powder closed for clean and easy use every time.

Each quad blend contains four perfectly matched shades:

  • Light:Porcelain, Fair, Light, Beige
  • Medium:Medium Beige, Golden Honey, Tan, Bronze
  • Dark: Almond, Toffee, Dark, Deep

What I think:  This is such a great idea for a summer powder.  I have the medium, and I am in between Golden Honey and Tan so I mix them together.  I use Bronze for a bronzer and I know as my (fake) tan fades, I know I will be more Medium Beige.  So I get all different looks in one product.  Genius! The only thing that I don’t care for is that there is a little shimmer in it and I like my powder matte. This is for sale at a Target store near you.

Perfekt Beauty Cheek Perfection Gel ($28.00 USD) — gives an instant lit-from-within flush to the cheeks.   The multitasking formula glides on effortlessly to instantly per-fekt and enhance the appearance of the cheeks. Smart Color Technology™ assures a perfect color  match for every skintone. This gel leaves a hint of natural color, sculpting and  highlighting the cheekbones.

What I think:  I like to use just a little bit of this gel to get a lit-from-within glow.  It comes in two shades — Blushed and Bronzed.  I have Blushed, which is a pretty red-toned blush that looks so natural on.  But you can tell it is blush, I have had many compliments on it.  Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.perfektbeauty.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Shadow Trio & “No Tug” Shadow Brush ($29.00 USD). This eye shadow trio is all about intense pigment, in a naturally pretty look. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E; and is free of ingredients that make eyes appear older. The Dual No-tug Heavenly Luxe eye shadow brush gives you airbrushed eye shadow application without tugging on your delicate eyelids.

Shades are:

  • Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe: Cashmere, a matte creme; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Earth Angel, a matte beige cashmere
  • Naturally Pretty Pearl Luxe:  Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Ipanema, a golden beige pearl
  • Pretty in Plum: Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Lucky Lavender, a violet pearl; Plum Passion, a rich shimmer purple

What I think:  I have tried the Pretty in Plum palette and love the colors.  It is highly pigmented and last a long time, especially over It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines Anti-Aging Primer.  The brush is gorgeous, too.  Purchase at www.qvc.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Brightening Face Disc  w/Luxe Brush ($48.50 USD).  This palette includes a matte bronzer, luminating powder, and vitality blush. They are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E. The Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Mega-Brush gives you airbrushed application, and makes you smile upon contact.  Anyone who needs a little “brush therapy” to smile, will love this ultra-soft, luxe Mega-Brush!

What I think:  This is the perfect all-over face palette.  The matte bronzer is fabulous for contour or a healthy color on the face.  The blush is brightening and the luminizer is perfect anywhere you need a little light on the face.  Visit www.qvc.com to learn more and purchase.

bodycology® is thrilled to introduce you to Healthy Kiss ($2.99 USD) -three delectable, lip-quenching glosses that are loaded with beneficial ingredients: Juicy Watermelon, Fresh Strawberry and Pomegranate Splash. Formulated with a healthy dose of
vitamins, extracts and oils, the product leaves lips feeling beautifully soft and moisturized. Simply squeeze and apply for subtle color, high-gloss shine and mouth-watering flavor.

What I think:  These are fun, shiny glosses that taste fantastic.  They are perfect for days that you want a hint of color and lots of shine.  You can purchase these at Walmart.

Tarte’s Fabulous New Waterproof Eye Products

Is your eye makeup running off of your face in the heat, humidity and water sports of the summer?  I don’t wear tons of eye makeup in the summer, but a little shadow, liner and mascara really makes the look.  I usually swipe one neutral shadow over the lid and line my eyes with brown or plum in the daytime and black or navy at night.  Finish with a nice coat of waterproof mascara and the look is perfect for the season!

The following tarte products are beautiful for the summer.  Add a coat of Lights, Camera and Splashes! waterproof mascara for a swim-able eye look!

tarte emphasEYES™ Amazonian clay waterproof liner ($22.00 with brush at tartecosmetics.com).  Infused with micronized clay and reinforced by a natural waterproofing  agent, these plush shadow/liners are a must for creating intense and  long-lasting high definition eyes. The high-performance natural™ Amazonian  clay is nature’s most perfect ingredient, lending deep color pigments while nourishing skin, reducing surface oil and improving overall texture for smooth  application.

The shades available are Brown, Black, Indigo, Plum, Bronze and Green. I have been enjoying the Bronze and Indigo.  The Bronze I use for everyday, even to the pool.  It does not budge in the water.  The Indigo is my going out shade.  It is so pretty paired with a soft shadow (like tarte’s Seashell Pink cream eye shadow).  I have heard that it dries out quickly, but I have been using it for a few weeks and it is fine.  I think the trick is to place the lid on very tightly so air does not get in.  The double ended brush that is included is fantastic, too.  The thinner end works will with lining the inner rims of the eyelids and the thicker end can smoke out the liner perfectly.

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner ($18.00 for one and $28.00 for a duo of the same shade on QVC.com) — This one-of-a-kind eyeliner pencil glides on for a silky-smooth application, while Amazonian clay balances eyelids for long wear. Infused with skin-balancing Amazonian clay, this liner glides on buttery smooth to create gorgeous, defined eyes that won’t budge. The retractable component makes this liner easy to apply. Just twist up the tip of the eyeliner pencil and glide along the lash line–no sharpening required. You can make the line as thin or as thick as you desire, depending on the look you want to create.

This is available in three shades in the singles; Black, Brown and Plum and includes two more in the Duos; Navy and Turquoise.  I’ve been using the Black and it is very, very black. It would be great as an inner rim liner.  I use it on my top lash and the Brown or Plum on the bottom.  This is a more subtle look that is fun to try.  The pencil itself is very soft and breaks easily, so don’t push too hard. It did seem to last a long time, although I find the liner in the pot is longer-lasting.

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow Pot w/Brush ($42.00 reg. price, on sale for $22.80 on QVC.com) — A richly pigmented cream shadow that is a must for creating long-lasting, high-definition eyes.  Micronized Amazonian clay intensifies color pigments while working to nourish skin, reduce surface oil, and improve overall texture for smooth application. Thanks to a botanical blend of natural plant waxes, the shadow glides on smooth and forms an impermeable layer that protects against sweat, tears, and creasing for hours of wear time. Not only is it super long-wearing, it works to infuse delicate eyelids with Amazonian clay, aloe leaf extract, beeswax, and vitamins A and E.  Use the custom designed cream eye shadow brush to sweep shadow on lids and blend it into the crease for softly defined, beautiful eyes.

Currently you can purchase this in 5 shades and if you get it at QVC it comes with a very nice brush (you can always use your fingers, too).  The shades are: Moss, Beach Bronze, Slate, Shimmering Plum and Seashell Pink.  All of the colors are gorgeous; Slate may be a bit misleading because it is not gray at all.  It is more of a taupe.  I love these shadows because the shades are buildable so that you can wear them as sheer or opaque as you wish.  Once you apply them, they are on for the day.  I have even swam in the Seashell pink and it is still on when I am done.

I highly recommend all of these fab tarte products.  If you haven’t yet, this line is one to dive into! Enjoy!

Amazing New Eye Makeup By L’Oreal

L’Oreal creates innovative and affordable cosmetics that are so fun to try — especially their eye makeup.  I have tried the following lately and really enjoy wearing them!

Studio Secrets Professional The One Sweep ($9.99 USD) — Discover the secret to a complete eye look in one easy sweep with Studio Secrets Professional™ The One Sweep™ Eye Shadow. This unique applicator is designed to fit your eye shape to define, color and highlight your eyes in one easy step. The beautifully coordinated shadows come in natural and playful palettes expertly designed to enhance your eye color. Discover your stunning eye look!

The One Sweep™ Shadow is a breakthrough new way for anyone to get a professional eye shadow look. The unique applicator is shaped to fit the eye and apply three shades in one step to define, color and highlight. It’s fast, easy, and mistake-proof.

There are 8 color combos to choose from — soft Natural and brighter Playful sets for Blue, Green, Brown and all eye colors.

What I think:  This is pretty easy to use, once you practice a bit.  It takes a little work to get the shadow perfectly on the applicator, then onto the eyelids.  Once you get the hang of it, though, it is such a cool idea!  On sweep and you have eyeliner, lid color and highlighter.  Fun!   

L’Oreal introduces new Double Extend® Eye Illuminator ($10.95 USD), a two-step lengthening mascara professionally developed to illuminate your eyes.

Step 1: Lengthen & Intensify: Black mascara infused with a hint of color adds volume and length to lashes while intensifying eyes.

Step 2: Illuminate: The illuminating top coat infused with light-reflecting pearls highlights your eye color with our exclusive sphere tip brush.

This is available in 4 shades to enhance eye color: Black Copper for Blue Eyes, Black Bronze for Green Eyes, Black Quartz for Brown Eyes, and Black Crystal for All Eyes.

What I think:  This is an interesting idea for mascara.  I usually like my lashes really black, but the illuminating color is more for glimmer than color.  The black mascara thickens, but doesn’t really lengthen my lashes.  I then put the illuminating color (Black Quartz) on the tips.  You can really see it in the sun. This is fun to use, though and is a different looks for the eyes.

Visit www.lorealparisusa.com to learn more and you can purchase at drugstores near you!

Mother’s Day Makeup Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day will be here soon — do you have a pretty present for Mom yet? If not, consider one of these cosmetic ideas below. I give my mom beauty products each year and she loves it! Mom probably won’t buy herself a cool kit or pretty highlighter — so treat her to something new!

LORAC Hot Off The Red Carpet Collection ($36.00 — $105 Value) — This set features two exclusive color-coordinated, mineral-infused, shimmering baked eye shadow duos, an exclusive TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, a full-size Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D (rose bronze glitter), and a gold bag that can double as a blingy evening clutch. It is formulated without parabens and petrochemicals.

This set contains:

– 2 x 0.12 oz Baked Eye Shadow Duo in Tease Me (bronze shimmer/ teal with gold sheen) and Tempt Me (champagne shimmer/ chocolate brown shimmer)

– 0.35 oz TANtalize Me Baked Bronzer (swirled tan, gold and bronze)

– 0.17 oz Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D (rose bronze with 3D glitter)

– Gold Zip Bag

This is a beautiful kit — my favorite items are the eye shadows. They are gorgeous — really shimmery and fresh — great for now and throughout the summer. The bronzer is also pretty, but the lip gloss is extremely sparkly, so I use it only for night-time. The bag is really fun!  Visit www.loraccosmetics.com to purchase.

Make Up For Ever Uplight Face Luminizer Gel ($29.00 USD) — Enriched with precious pearls that catch and reflect light, Uplight creates a radiant complexion. It contains more than 70% water for a fresh, lightweight texture as well as mango butter that creates a moisturizing effect. Formulated for the face and body, this product adds a healthy glow to your skin that will last all day.

This is available in a variety of unique finishes: Dewy, Pearly, and Sparkling. I tried #31 — a sparkling blue pink. Very moisturizing and so pretty — but very sparkly! Your mom may like one of the Dewy or Pearly finishes.  If she likes pink, there is #11 Dewy Pink Beige and #22 Pearly Pink Flesh. There are also white and flesh tones.  Available at www.sephora.com, MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutique & Studios at Sephora. 

Laura Geller Bring on the Bronze ($55.00 USD) — This kit is all you need to help you look sunny and rested, with that just-back-from-vacation glow. It is packaged in an adorable bronze clutch, with orange lining, to hold all your bronzing essentials:

– Spackle® Tinted Under Make-up Primer in Bronze

– Split Baked Body Frosting in Sugar Glow and Honey Glow

– Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Candied Bronze

– I-Care Eyeliner in Brown

– Lipshine SPF 15 in Sundrenched

This is a gorgeous kit for days where you want to look natural and not cake on a lot of foundation. Just apply the bronzer on your face and the body frosting can either highlight or bronze you all over. The eyeshadow and eyeliner make a great bronzed eye (just add the mascara of your choice). And the lip color is almost like a sunny balm! 

Shop to Erase MS! For the month of May only, 20% of proceeds from this special kit benefit the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. Visit www.laurageller.com to purchase.

Becca Cosmetics Can Give You The Perfect Look For Spring and Summer

We have had a few hot days in Kansas City, which has made me long for the summer and tan skin and easy makeup. So I used an at home spray tanning system (will review soon) and broke out the bronzer and shimmery makeup! Oh, I love the fun easy look of summer makeup!

BECCA Cosmetics’ philosophy is about creating a natural, flawless look starting with amazing skin. This is the perfect philosophy when it comes to spring and summer makeup. The following products will provide an easy and pretty face.

Resurfacing Primer Line & Pore Minimizing Formula ($40.00 USD) — Prepare and seal your skin with this invisible Resurfacing Primer which instantly reduces the appearance of dilated pores and smoothes fine lines for a flawless finish. Applied on its own or under foundation, the velvety matte formulation helps to control unwanted shine with its special oil absorbing polymers which act as ‘fillers’ to create a refined base for makeup that will last all day.

What I think: mattifying primer is perfect for hot and oily skin. It also keeps your makeup from melting off of your face.  This primer gives skin a velvety finish and helps makeup stay on all day.

Pressed Shimmer Powder ($38.00 USD) — A delicately fine shimmer powder that lights up the complexion, illuminating darkened areas and lackluster skin and creating a magical glow that seems to emanate from within. Contains ultrafine particles of shimmer (mica) to deflect light and illuminate the skin, creating a natural, radiant look. Does not have a glittery finish and thus can be worn day or night.

What I think: Pretty shimmer, and not too young for women who are a bit more mature and not looking for a glittery face.  Available in 8 shades from a beigey-peach to a rose-pink, which is the most I’ve seen in an illuminating powder. The deeper shades make a really pretty blush. Brush it over bronzer for a lovely summer look.

Jewel Dust ($24.00 USD) — These exquisitely embellished powders add playful colour to the eyes when worn alone, and create rich, exotic tones when layered over neutral eye shadows. Available in a range of enchanting colours from ethereal pastels to dazzling metallics. Created from pure pigments which provide the highest luster and intensity.  Unlike other shimmer powders, this exclusive formulation does not contain talc, fillers, or inferior silver pearl pigments. Can be worn alone or layered over creme and powder eye colour to create unique tones and range of effects. Micro fine shimmer pigments adds illuminating colour to the eyes. Available in 16 shimmery shades.

What I think: This is super pretty for summer. The lighter shades are gorgeous brushed all over the eye and the deeper and brighter shades can be used for an accent or a smoky eye.

Professional Brush Soap ($15.00 USD) — Designed with your prized makeup brushes in mind, this unique Professional Brush Soap is formulated to clean, condition and sanitize, lengthening the lifespan of your brushes and making them work better for you. In a unique vintage-style shaving tin, this soap is designed for all brush shapes and sizes and works on both natural and synthetic fibers.

Unlike shampoo, which is designed for human hair types and can leave brushes limp or brittle, this special soap is universal in its cleansing properties. Its solid formula is made from nourishing plant oils ensuring that it is gentle on brush fibers while tough on product build-up.  Unwashed, brushes can be a common breeding ground for bacteria, which can in turn cause skin irritation and blemishes, along with reduced application performance. Dip the brush in lukewarm water, then with a stroking action, move across the soap until it produces a white lather, working well into the bristles. Rinse under the tap until the water runs clear, squeeze out excess water, reshape, then leave to dry on a clean towel.

What I think: This is a fabulous and affordable cleanser for your brushes. It is so important to keep makeup brushes clean and this is easy and quick. Love it!

Visit www.beccacosmetics.com to learn more and to purchase. Enjoy!

Visit Target For Spring Products From Pixi and JK Jemma Kidd

Just in time for Spring, Target has released new products in some of the prestige cosmetic collections that they carry. These products are bright and shimmery, which makes it so much to change up your look! Enjoy these products:   
JK Jemma Kidd Glitterati Eye Shadow Dust Duo ($18.00 USD) —  Jemma Kidd’s super on-trend answer to this seasons shimmering seventies eye. A mega hold liquid shadow with powder glitter dust.

Features Include:

  • Water based, hydrating liquid shadow with a fast drying, crease proof formula
  • Added silk proteins for a lightweight and flawless application
  • Complementary roll on glitter dust for added “day to night” glamour

This shimmery shadow is available in 3 shades — Paparazzi (gold), Debut (silver) and Shadow (taupy bronze).

JK Jemma Kidd In Vogue Perfect Blush ($18.00 USD) Tailor make your cheekbones with Jemma Kidd’s brand new versatile and ultra flattering powder blush.

Features Include:

  • Powder blushers with complementary shades from one colour family
  • Mix colours together to create your own unique shade or use individual shades alone

available in 3 color combinations — Rodeo Drive (pinks), South Beach (bronze) and 5th avenue (corals).

Pixi Flawless Beauty Powder ($30.00 USD) — This powder looks like real skin, just better. It evens out skin tone and keeps skin shine-free for hours. Containing an innovative mix of translucent, coated air-light pigments, Vitamin E and strong UV-protection, it enhances and helps to protect the skin. Leaves an invisible, smooth, shine-free and youthful finish. Suitable for all skin types & ages due to its unique light-diffusing pigments and re-hydrating formula.

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

  1. Vitamin E nourishes and protects
  2. Silica conditions and softens skin

You can purchase this in Fair, Natural and Warm. It is easy to use — it comes with a little sponge — or your can apply with a brush.

Pixi Succulent Lip Twin ($18.00 USD) — Give yourself a lip-loving treat with this duo lip nourisher. The natural oils and extracts condition and protect your lips – all while adding a quick tint of face-awakening colour with our unique lip & cheek tint (conveniently located in cap).

In the tube: Multi-purpose lip balm to soothe & heal dry lips. In the cap: Solid lip & cheek tint for when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

  1. Aloe Vera soothes and heals stressed skin
  2. Jojoba Oil is an effective natural moisturizer and environmental barrier for the skin
  3. Lavender extract heals and calms skin
  4. Vitamin E nourishes and protect
  5. Shea Butter nourishes the skin

Available in 4 shades — Nude Lilly, Coral Camellia, Pink Peon, Poppy Red. The balm gives lips a pretty tint, and the gloss gives more color and shine.  

Visit www.target.com to learn more and purchase!

Smashbox Cosmetics In Bloom Collection

Smashbox Cosmetics In Bloom Collection

I love spring makeup because of its ability to freshen and brighten my pale winter skin. The colors this season are romantic and much softer than the bold winter hues.

A fab collection that embodies the new lovely spring colors is the In Bloom collection from Smashbox Cosmetics. The look on the spring runways were delicate and girly –from radiant, lit-from-within skin to hazy, neutral eyes and glossy nude pouts. With light, luminous looks for eyes, cheeks, lips and skin, In Bloom is your ultimate spring beauty update.

The In Bloom Collection includes:

IN BLOOM EYE SHADOW PALETTE & BRUSH ($48.00 USD value $180.00 )-ballet pink, lavender grey, golden pink, warm taupe, bone, soft violet, marine blue, shimmering copper, moss, nude — Spring beauty is in full bloom with this ten shade palette of ultra-luxe shimmers and wearable mattes, arranged vertically in duos for effortless customization. Apply with the included eye shadow brush for a flawless finish.

CREAM CHEEK DUO in BLUSHING/PEONY ($26.00 USD) -soft pink/bright pink — This duo of creamy, rose shades offers a sheer natural flush to cheeks and lips anytime, anywhere. Wear alone or pair together for a rush of custom color. Apply with fingertips or a Foundation Brush and blend.

SOFT FOCUS POWDER EYE LINER ($22.00 USD each) -heather grey or dark brown — This innovative powder formula creates a soft smoldering look in seconds. Before using, shake well and tap off any excess powder before lining the lashline.

LIMITLESS LONG WEAR LIP GLOSS WITH SPF 15 ($21.00 USD each)-Timeless (soft pink) or Endless Kiss(coral pink) — Get juicy color and long-lasting shine with added pout protection from SPF 15. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this unique formula benefits and boosts lips. Apply to bare lips or layer over your favorite Smashbox lipstick for gorgeous color and shine that lasts up to six hours.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHT LUMINIZING POWDER ($20.00 USD) -shimmering soft nude — Inspired by top-selling Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion, this soft shimmering powder highlights and brightens for a radiant glow. Apply to inner corners of eyes, down the bridge of nose, above brows and to the tops of cheekbones with the targeted applicator. It can also be mixed with body lotion and applied to arms, legs and décolleté for a subtle shimmer.

I have tested the Timeless lip gloss and the cheek duo. Both products give beautiful color. The lip gloss is sheer and so pretty on. It is a bit sticky, but does last a long time and is moisturizing on dry lips. I also love that it includes SPF, which is perfect for sunny spring and summer days.  The cheek duo looks brighter in the pan then on the face. It is so soft and pretty on. I love the glow that cream blush gives, plus you can put it on your lips for a pretty monochromatic look.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Smashbox.com, Sephora, Sephora inside JCPenny, Ulta, Nordstrom, Beauty.com, and select Macy’s — Enjoy!