Tuesday, May 29, 2012

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.  

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Product Review: Enkore Makeup Cuff'lette




Upon hearing Koren of Enkore Makeup LLC was developing a palette you could wear on your wrist, I just knew I had to purchase some!  During IMATS Toronto 2011 at Donut Friday I was priviledged to see a prototype of the Cuff'lette.  I was very impressed with the design and couldn't wait until the final product would be available.  A few days ago I received the two I ordered.  I have to say I love them and they are my favorite palettes in my kit now. 


I tested them out today while doing my makeup at work.  Some days I need to do my makeup at work on my break.  I normally put my foundation on the back of my hand and apply with a brush or sponge from there.  This normally means I have to wash it off my hand after I am done.  Today with the cuff'lette I didn't have to wash my hand afterward which meant I could get back to work quicker.  I even had time to get a 2nd cup of coffee.

Cuff'lette took 3 years to develop and was highly anticipated by Makeup Artist and Makeup Enthusiast.  It is a must have for any makeup artist kit. 

Pros:
  • it adjust well to your wrist(pinch-n-fiddle to shape around wrist)
  • lightweight
  • easy to clean and sanitize
  • great size for multiple products (dimensions: 2.5 x 3)
  • connected to wrist so less chance of losing during event or someone walking off with it.
  • shipping time and package
  • sturdy product( dropped while packing to leave work and it did not break)
  • stainless steel
  • price point
All the types of palettes in my kit

Cons:
  • none I can think of. :)
You can purchase this great product at:





Monday, August 29, 2011

Detroit Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012 Collections


Last year I was given an opportunity to be a Makeup Artist and volunteer for Detroit Fashion Week Spring Summer Collection 2011.  I had an amazing time and learned so much.  I did everything from setting up chairs and handing out passes to the press, buyers, etc to doing makeup up for the student showcase.  It is one of the best opportunities I have had working with a wonderful group of people in the fashion industry.

This year is no different.  I already feel the excitement in the air as I attended the volunteer meeting for the Spring Summer 2012 collection.  Designers were fitting models while we learned what we need to do as volunteers.  It was a short meeting but Brian Health, Founder-Producer and  Rebecca Clark, Director of Design made sure all questions were answered and information given.   

Detroit Fashion Week will began September 18, 2011 with the DFW Designer Reception and Preview Party at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak and sponsored by UNEEK COLLECTION.  Last year's party was a great networking event and the preview of UNEEK Collection was hot.  I can't wait to see the designs for this year's show.    

The other events include:

September 22         Charity Auction and Pink Design Showcase by DFW Designers


September 23         Student Design Showcase and Party by Design w/ Michigan Aids Coalition


September 24         Designer Showcases featuring TAIYON COLLECTION SS2012 RUNWAY
                                   After Party at Kacent
                                   630 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226
  

Tickets are already on sale for the events scheduled for September 18-24, 2011.  All information on the show and links to purchase tickets can be found at the official site http://www.detroitfashionweek.com/index.htm .  


Monday, August 15, 2011

Ruby Kisses Cosmetics Review




Part of the Blogger preview bag included a  fabulous bag full of Ruby Kisses Cosmetics products.  I decided to purchase some items from beauty online supply that were not included but really interested me also.  Ruby Kisses can also be purchased at most local beauty supply stores.  I would suggest calling 1st to make sure they carry the products you are looking for.  One store I visited only had the eye liners. I prefer to not drive store to store to get everything I want so I ordered online and received free shipping.

I received the below products at The Makeup Show Chicago:

Face:
All Over Glow Bronzing Powder in Deep Glow #4
All Over Glow Bronzing Cream in Golden Goddess #1
HD Set n' Forget Setting Powder in Invisible #1

Eyes:
24 HR Eyeshadow Magic eyeshadow primer
Eye shadows in Almond Butter #6 and Banana Cake w/Purple Frosting #3
24 HR Eye Define eyeliner pencil in Purple Glitter #14, and Very Black #1
Never Smudge Liquid eyeliner in Royal Blue #3
HD Gel Liner in Rich Black #1
HD 24/7 Gel Eyeliner Brush
Big Lash Mascara
Very Sexy Mascara

Lips:
Staining Mood Gloss - Mango Butter
Menthol Lip Salvation

Nails:
HD Nails in Hot Pink Pants #6 and Peach on Fire #3

I purchased from beautyonlinesupply.com some extras:

3D Face Creator in #10, Level 10
Brow Polish in #3, Shimmering Blonde
Liquid Eyeliner in #3, Chocolate
Xxpress Liner and Shadow in #18, Va Va Voom
Auto Lip liner in #5, Plum
Color Design Lipstick in #23, Lavender
Super Gloss in #9, Raspberry

I tested the above for over 2 weeks to fully test all products for allergic reaction, longevity, and quality. 
I also picked up two packs of Kiss i-Envy: Individual Eye Lashes (Luxe Black) on sale.


Overall, The products are good.  Starting with the face and body products I love the All Over Glow Bronzing Cream.  It is great for a nice glow/highlight on the face. You can also mix it with your foundation and lotion for a sun kissed glow for the face and body.  The 3-D Face Creator is a 2 color foundation/concealer that is great for creating dimension and depth to your look.  It has a semi-matte finish and does last though out the work day.  I tested it in different temperatures and it held up well with the HD Set N' Forget Setting Powder.     

The 24 HR Eyeshadow Magic eyeshadow primer also works well.  It is not as thick as Urban Decay but it does make your eye shadows last over 12 hours and no creasing.  Also a little is all you need.  The Xxpress Liner and Shadow works great as a base when used with the primer.  I love the eye liners.  I applied them to the back of my hand and ran water over them and none of the colors ran.  All but the liquid liner came off easy with soap and water.  I have sensitive eyes and did not have any reactions to any of the liners also.     

The eye shadows are a bit too frosty for me but will work nicely for those who like frost.  I do like them in the inner corner of my eyes.  I prefer mattes, veluxes and satins.  Color payoff is not bad and packaging is nice and clear.  Plus they look like they may depot easy.   
 
I love the lip products. They all perform well. My favorites are the Staining Mood Gloss and Super Gloss.  They both are not sticky and last 4+ hours.  The auto lip liner is great also.  
 
 Big Lash mascara is described as being a super volumizing mascara(big and bold).  It added some volume but I still prefer my CG Lash Blast. Very Sexy mascara adds length.  Both do not clump and I love the look when I use both.  I first apply one coat of Very Sexy and one- two coats of Big Lash and my lashes are gorgeous, have length and volume.     

Love the nail polish.  Great colors at a great price and I had it on for a week before it started chipping.   The Gel Liner brush is not the best.  It detached into two pieces after 2-3 usages but glue can fix that.  The brush works fairly well at lining the eyes.   Overall Ruby Kisses has some good quality products at good prices. 

My top five favorites (in no particular order) from the line include:
All Over Glow Bronzing Cream

Brow Polish in #3, Shimmering Blonde

HD Set n' Forget Setting Powder in Invisible #1

Staining Mood Gloss - Mango Butter

HD Gel Liner




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Monday, August 1, 2011

IMATS Toronto November 2011


The International Makeup Artist Trade Show Toronto will be back November 12-13, 2011 at the Toronto Congress Centre.  If you missed last year's show and The Makeup Show Chicago then you definitely do not want to miss this year's show.  With over three months to save for hotel, travel, food, products and more, I expect to see more of my fellow makeup artists, vloggers and bloggers from the US this year.  Michigan does not have events such as IMATS and The Makeup Show so we have to travel to the events if we want the education and also to test and see the products in person.


IMATS Toronto is a great event for makeup artists, aspiring makeup artists and makeup enthusiasts.  It is open to the public and the tickets are affordable.  It is best to purchase tickets in advance.  IMATS is an opportunity to network with other makeup artists and to see what new products are out.  IMATS is also an opportunity to watch some of the best in the industry teach a new technique or style of makeup you may not know. 

     Check out the International Makeup Artist Trade Show  website for further information on the show. You can also check out http://tantalizing-eyez.blogspot.com for pictures and more on last year's IMATS Toronto. 

Video/Youtube coverage on IMATS Toronto:

IMATS Coverage    
IMATS:Koren of Enkore Makeup
IMATS: Kandee Johnson

BCB