Back to School Intro: Beauty School No Drop Out(Grease Fan)

Hey Divas!

I decided it was time to make some more changes in my life and started school.  Instead of going for my Masters Degree, I decided to follow my passion.  Great decision for my career and life.  I dropped out of the IT world a while back due to conflicts with my true passion in life.  I have also been presented some opportunities as a makeup artist, but they wanted someone licensed.  All of these led me to Michigan College of Beauty for an Esthetics license.  Also I love great looking skin and showing people how to get and keep great looking skin.

So please join me on my journey from Makeup Artist to Makeup Artist/Licensed Esthetician.  I will be writing about my experience in beauty school for the next 5 months.  If you have any questions I will answer them also.

Monday Makeup Must Have: Inglot Cosmetics Eye Shadows

MAC Cosmetics use to be my go to brand for most of my personal kit especially eye shadows but the quality change made me look for new products when I started to upgrade my professional kit.  As I grew and learned more as a professional artist, I also learned more about the products other Makeup Artists were using.  MAC eyeshadows were not as pigmented as they were during the Frank & Frank years.

Inglot Cosmetics started over 25 years ago by Wojtek Inglot,  a chemist and businessman with the goal to create higher quality products at reasonable prices and with the best possible ingredients.  He achieved that and more with this brand.

Inglot shadows are one of the best pigmented brands on the market.  They last over 8 hours with very little to no creasing.  Summer time my lids are greasier than normal so I tend to crease a little.  They are great for photo shoots and fashion shows.  The colors blend nicely and stay in place.  The price is great if you are a professional makeup artist or just looking for a few shades for your personal kit.  

The Freedom system and Z-Palettes are great ways of storing the shadows. The Freedom System has slots specific to the size of the shadows and is magnetized.  They also connect to each other which is great for stacking them in your kit. Also you can stack the shadow palette with the blush palette, etc.  

The Z-Palette give you the option for different products of different shapes in one palette. They also come in various designs and sizes.  Both palettes provide a see through top so you know what colors you have in the palettes.  

BCBLLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre and Makeup Forever High Definition Powder

Two of my favorite finishing powders in my professional kit include Ben Nye Banana Powder and MUFE HD Powder.  I am one of those people that love loose powders.  I also love universal products that work on a variety of complexions.

Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre is great for all complexions, but it is especially great to have for darker skin tones.  It gives a more natural look on darker skin tones when some other powders tend to cast a gray tone when applied.  It now also comes in a pressed powder compact.  

Makeup Forever High Definition Powder is another great product that works on all complexions.  I prefer to use it on lighter complexions, but when used properly it looks great on all skin tones. It should be applied and then a finishing spray such as MUFE Mist & Fix should be used afterward to avoid that famous look most people get when used wrong.  The product is great when used properly.

  

BCBLLC

Clinique Gratis Haul

One of the great things about working for a specific brand instead of being a floater/on-call in the cosmetics department is gratis.  Gratis is provided at various times throughout the year.  I decided to get some products I love and some I want to test for a while and review.

Skincare is always a must have when it comes to Clinique.  I use the 3 Step System for Oily Combination Skin and love it.  I was running low on liquid facial soap so that was first on my list.  I decided to also try the Youth Surge SPF 15 and Youth Surge Night for combination oily skin.  I also picked up the Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel.  The Spot Healing Gel is one of my favorites.  I still get breakouts every so often and this works wonders.  When I use it I do not have scars or spots from the pimple.

Of course I had to get some cosmetics.  I previous purchased the Stay Matte liquid foundation before I joined the team.  It works well but I took home a sample of the Perfectly Real Makeup and I love the look and feel of it.  It has a natural look, feels light on my skin and after wearing for hours I still look great with maybe a little oil in the t-zone.  The Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Power is a great companion to the Perfectly Real makeup.  I use the included sponge pad for best results.

I also ordered and received the Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk which we constantly use at the counter.  Blue Grey is one of my favorite quick liners, so I received one of those also.  Last but not least, I picked up four almost lipsticks(2 Luscious Honey, 1 Flirty Honey and 1 Chic Honey). 

Luscious Honey Almost Lipstick shown above.

What are some of your favorite Clinique products?  Let me know.

BCBLLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Iman Perfect Brow Pencil

Hey Divas,

Great looking brows accentuate the face.  Many people will shape them or have them shaped, but still need a little brow powder, gel or pencil to create the perfect brows.

Iman Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Blackest Brown is a great pencil for your personal or professional kits. I can always find it at my nearest Walgreen and many Ulta stores.  The price is reasonable and the color is universal.  I keep mine sharp so that I can draw in hairs for a natural look.  It is just the right firmness and shade. There is a pencil on one end and a brow brush on the other end.  It stays on all day and does not move.

    
Tweeting my brows today so I thought it would be great to include a photo of one tweezed and filled and and the other not worked on.  My brows have always been naturally thick so I try not to thin them out too much. 

Check out her products.  They are reasonable priced, easy to find and great to use.  

BCBLLC

Follow Your Dreams and Make Them A Reality!

Life can sometimes throw you off the road you should be traveling.  That does not mean you should stay on the path that you have been thrown on.  It means you should get back on the path you were meant to be on.

Too many people including myself have been sidetracked in life due to set backs, financial situations, and so much more. We allow our families, friends, coworkers and more tell us what we can't do instead of knowing what we can do.  A few years back I decided to change all of that.  I can do well at IT(Information Technology) jobs but I love being a Makeup Artist.  Two years ago I decided to go to The Makeup Show Chicago.  I could not purchase many items for my kit but I knew I needed to be there for the education, and the seminars.

That was the year I meet Crystal Wright, James Vincent, Michael DeVellis, Sam Fine, and Johnny Lavoy.  They changed my life.  They all inspired me to strive for my goal of being a full time Makeup Artist.  I knew after hearing them speak that I could achieve that dream.  I knew that all the negative I heard that I could never make enough money as a Makeup Artist was a way to keep me in the so called stable jobs I hated.  I also knew I had to take Crystal's class.

Crystal Wright  is a great coach and mentor.  I took her class in September 2012 and learned so much.  I have grown from the knowledge she has passed on to me.  I advise new and upcoming artists to take her class.  She teaches you the knowledge you need to succeed in this industry but also provides an honest opinion based on her experience as an Agent so that work improves.  Crystal Wright offers classes though out the year in different cities.  She also has great books to help you get started and also to improve your life in general.

I have not reached my overall goal but I am moving towards it.  Never give up and never give in to the fears that others try to put in your head.


XOX
Belinda Campbell Beauty

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Clinique New Chubby Sticks Shadows Tints for Eyes

I love hearing about new products especially when I have similar products that I love that have been discontinued.  MAC a while back discontinued their Shade Sticks.  I loved Shade Sticks for the packaging, product, price, longevity, and usability. They were easy to use and great for travel.  

New Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints for Eyes

Clinique has introduced a new product to go with the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms! The New Chubby Stick Shadow Tints for Eyes are very comparable to the MAC Shade Sticks.  They are a bit thicker but still have some of the traits that I loved about my Shade Sticks.  The don't crease when used properly except on some people with very oily lids.  Oily lids people may have an issue, but a great base can take care of that.  Also they blend great together and with other products.  

Swatches of Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints for Eyes

I also compared them to the NYX Jumbo Sticks and Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast.  I prefer the Clinique Chubby Sticks over both.  The Chubby Stick last longer and I prefer the colors and pigmentation.  The Chubby Sticks come in 12 beautiful colors and you MUST Click them Closed to ensure that they don't dry out.  

I use them as a base, liner, blend them to create new colors and alone.  The price point is good also, $16 each.         


Pros:

• Does not crease(oilier lids may need a base such as Urban Decay Eden)
• blend great together and with other cream and powder products
• Great as a base for dry to combination oily skin types
• Great as a liner, especially the darker colors
• Long Lasting(I wore 8 hours while working at the counter and no creasing or touch ups)
• Great variety of colors

Cons:

• None so far 

BCBLLC

The Makeup Show Chicago 2012: Building on my Career!

Hey Divas,


This year TMS Chicago was short for me but still sweet.  I was tired from working both jobs the days before but knew this was an opportunity I was not going to miss.  I drove down with some other wonderful artist from the Detroit area and we arrived in time so that our wait in line was short.  My first stop was Makeup Forever.  Last year I missed out on purchasing some empty flash palettes, and other items even though I was there when the show opened.  This year that was not going to happen again(lol). 

I stood in line for about 15 minutes and was able to get everything above that I needed for my kit.  This year I picked up the "The Flash Palette"(HG product), 3 empty Flash Palettes, 2 Magnetized Metal Pans and 2 Empty Stackable Cases.  I wanted the Lip Line Perfector but that was already sold out. :~(  My goal was to get what I needed only and I think I did pretty good. :) 

Next stop, Bdellium Tools for some of their amazing brushes that I love.  Daniel was there with his winning smile and I purchased 5 brushes.  I picked up 3(714) Flat Liner brushes and 2(708) Bent Eyeliner brushes. 
  

Tools and Trends with James Vincent for Crown Brush was the first seminar I went to.  James Vincent spoke on having multiple purposes for your brushes, such as using a bent eyeliner brush to create a clean line for the lip.  He also stated that if you have your brushes you can do anything(don't lose them!).  When you are traveling it is best to keep them close just in case luggage is lost or delayed. Having the proper tools is important especially when you have an average of 28 minutes to get hair and makeup done. 

My next stop was the Inglot booth.  I decided to hold off on the matte neutral palettes I wanted and continued on to the Kevyn Aucoin Booth where I picked up two Sensual Skin Enhancers(#3 and #5).  Frends Beauty Supply was next door so I had I to check out the Stilazzi cases. They are definitely on my wish list.  I will be purchasing them later.  While there I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and reacquaint myself with artists I meet last year and online.

It was time to head back to the seminars, the main reason I was there.  AJ Crimson was speaking on a career in makeup and I was not missing what he had to say.  AJ has been in the business for over twelve years and just "up and did it".  He advised us we need to find a way to quit our current non makeup artist jobs, believe in yourself and never let the lack of money stop the dream!  He advised us to carve our niche, invest in ourselves and have a Vision Board.  If anyone was making excusing and not motivated to do more to advance their career as a makeup artist before his seminar, they definitely were motivated and left the excuses behind after listening to AJ Crimson!

 Stay tune for part 2....


XOXOX
BCB
    





  

IMATS Toronto 2011 Series: Donut Friday with Elessa and Koren

IMATS Toronto started early for me.  I arrived Friday at 11:00 am with fellow MUA Alia to assist the fabulous Eve Pearl with setting up her booth.  After getting things set up and checking into the hotel we headed over to Donut Friday at Jordane Store.  The store is small and quaint but has items to start off or stock a makeup kit.  Koren and Elessa did demos using some of Jordane products while we looked around the store at things to purchase and snacked on bite size sandwiches, cupcakes and timbits.

I only purchased 2 items, an artist style palette and a tube of black mascara for my kit.  I love the design of the palette.  It is easier to hold and has more space than my rectangular one.  Koren of Enkore Makeup used the mascara during his demo and I loved how it applied with the mascara fan brush and the spoolie.   

      Donut Friday with Enkore and PurseBuzz 

Koren also talked about color theory, and brow anatomy.  The above link shows a video from the event.  

Monday Makeup Must Have: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers

Hey Divas!

I am always in search of the best foundations and concealers for my kit and myself.  If the skin is not flawless in the shoot then flawless eyes and lips will not matter.  I truly believe you have to master creating a great looking canvas first. With the right products, tools and artists this can be achieved. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is one of the must have gems for your kit and yourself.

I purchased four of the Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancers(KA SSX) a few years back on a whim when Sephora decided to stop carrying the line(I guess because many consumers didn't know this product truly is a gem).  I ordered SX 13 assuming it would be the best match for my skin.  It is close but a little too red when I am not tanned.  I also purchased a SX 14, SX 15 and a second SX13 for my kit.  They ran out of the lighter shades before I could purchase them all.  At 75% off you know I tried to get them all or at least more to mix and match.

left to right( SSX 3,5,13,14 and 15)

There are a total of sixteen shades, SX 1 - SX 16.  I purchased SX 3 and SX 5 directly from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty at The Makeup Show Chicago this past June.  It was one of my first stops.  I may purchase SX 1, SX9 and SX 16, so that I can have the lightest and darkest plus a more mid color.   

I have used these on various shoots and shows and the models love the way their skin looks and feels with this product.  They mix well with other products also and can be used as concealers, foundations or tinted moisturizers.  You need to use very little to have full coverage(less than a pea size).  A little goes a long way. 

Half my face done with SX5 and SX13 mixed

SX5 & SX13 mixed

No foundation on this side

I have combination oily skin and with proper skin care and after 7-8 hours of wearing as a foundation I have not been oily and still maintain a majority of the product on my skin. As long as these remain on the market I will continue to purchase Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers for my freelance kit and my personal kit!

Check out www.KevynAucoin.com to find out more out this and other Kevyn Aucoin products.

If you have this product or have tried it please let me know what you think. :)

XOXO
BCB    

MAC Hey Sailor Haul and Review

MAC is one of the first brands that I love and continue to purchase.  The colors, the quality and the fact that they cater to all races, sexes and ages was something I loved from the start.  In the past fourteen plus years some things have changed not always good changes but I always can find something I love from MAC Collections.  The "Hey Sailor" collection is no exception.

MAC lipsticks especially the Amplified Crème are some of my favorites so I had to pick up Salute.  Salute is a creamy nude with a slight peachy tone.  This color is great for my freelance kit and for myself.  So I most likely will cut off the top portion, scoop out the bottom and put that in my professional lipstick palette.  I usually put the top back in the tube for personal use.

Salute

Red Racer and Sail La Vie, both satins are gorgeous colors and nice textures. I didn't purchase them since I mainly use OCC Lip Tars in my kit.  They are great purchases if you can still find them.  Red Racer was sold out at the store I work at 15 minutes after we opened.     



Next I purchased Nude On Board, Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder.  This bronzing powder is long wearing, provides sheer-low transparent coverage and a natural finish.  It wears well and depending on your complexion works great as a bronzer, highlight or as a press powder due to the natural finish.  Both colors are worth purchasing. Plus the collector in me loves the design of the compact.  I never B2M the compacts.  I always depot and refill them.

Nude On Board Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder

   
My final purchase was Barefoot eyeshadow, a veluxe pearl.  Besides Starflash and Mattes, Veluxe Pearls are some of my favorites by MAC.  I feel they have the best textures and the best payoff.  Barefoot is a gorgeous tarnished gold.  This is the one product that I didn't necessary have to have but I am a sucker for veluxe pearls. 

Barefoot

I know many people love to have the highlight powders when they come out, but I was not impressed by the one from this collection and although I love pigments, I did not purchase any since they are re-promotes that I already have and rarely use.  Overall, Hey Sailor is a decent collection.  It has something for everyone regardless if you are new to MAC, or have been purchasing MAC for years.