Viewing entries tagged
cosmetics

CHROMATIC FANATIC

NYX recently came out with a new Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder just in time for festival season! These shades are for fun or editorial looks and not for your everyday glow. The formula feels gel-like, no big chunks of glitter, and best of all gives a fun gorgeous glow! My obvious favorite shades are Snow Rose & Twilight Tint which have the coolest Duo Chrome effect out of all five shades. The orange shade is Synthetica and for some reason the most pigmented. I’m really digging it for my eyes but not so much my face. Crushed Bloom is the bronze shade and the only shade I would say that is the most natural or wearable, especially for the summer!

Lastly we have Lavender Steel which would have honestly been one of my favorites because it’s gorgeous but this color doesn’t really look good on my skin tone so I just won’t be picking this one up as much as the rest. Overall I recommend picking these up if you’re looking for fun highlighters. The packaging is cute and simple, contains 6 grams of product which is not bad at all for just $8. For a more blinding glow, I recommend trying these over their Away We Glow Liquid Highlighters!

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/duo-chromatic-illuminating-powder/NYX_415.html?cgid=whats-new

APRIL BEAUTY SHOWERS

 

Holy Moly!

Have you seen this month’s Boxycharm? Once I opened mine up, I immediately gravitated towards the 3-Piece beauty sponge set by PÜR Cosmetics. I can’t remember the last time I tried any sponge that wasn’t a Beauty Blender so I was excited to put something new to the test. I tried all 3 to see if they had anything different about them but they were all the same and I’m glad since I really enjoyed using them. They are a LOT denser then a Beauty Blender and have a smoother surface which I really enjoyed. The heavy sponge gives off a very cooling effect when dabbing it against your face and best of all, it applies my makeup fabulously.

Then we also got Rodeo Drive Highlighter by Ofra Cosmetics! Like, WHAT?! I never tried any of their highlighters before but had heard amazing things about them and now I see why. First of all, I’ve never known such good formula before and it took this highlighter for me to see that. I still love all my other highlighters for the shades and the glow but this is the smoothest one for an airbrushed look. Best of all, it also happens to smell super expensive, just like if it were Chanel or YSL.

We have another HAIRGURT product in the same scent as the last, Strawberry Banana. This time it’s a shampoo instead of a hair mask, which btw, I didn’t really end up liking. However,  I feel like this is going to be different & I can imagine it now. I’m not sure how I feel about the scent yet, it’s sweet and I don’t hate it but it's also not my favorite.

Next we have a Lipgloss by Cargo Cosmetics in the shade Umbria which is a shimmery bronze gold color. I didn’t want to open it and swatch it because I already knew I was giving that product away. I don’t really use that shade often so I rather give this one away to someone who will enjoy this gloss that I’m sure is amazing.

Lastly, we received this 16 Color Pro Concealer Palette by Measurable Difference. The formula is very creamy with light coverage. This palette will suit more medium to deep skin tones and includes some correcting shades for blue undertones. I’ve only swatched a few shades but haven’t really tested it out on my face yet to give a better review. Overall I’m very pleased with this month’s box and was put on to a few new things!

 

Total value of these products, $117.

By Miryam | NYC Makeup Tonight Instructor

In Control

 

The moment I tested out the NYX Total Control Drop Foundation, I knew I had to have it. It’s super lightweight almost like water and the coverage can be anything you want it to be! Anything from sheer to FULL coverage, you’re in control. As a make-up artist, I always tell people that I either don’t do my make-up or I go all in and prefer my full coverage.

Last week though I had a cold, like all of New York did, so my skin wasn’t looking lively. I decided to try a tiny bit of this foundation for a rare sheer coverage just to make me look healthy again and was literally in shock at how natural I looked. Up until then I was using this foundation for full coverage only and was still obsessed. Now I can say this is the only foundation I would also ever wear on it’s own without setting, without concealer, without blush, without anything else. The price point for this foundation is reasonable at $14 and there are 24 shades available which is amazing! I was able to get my hands on most shades so I’ve also added this to my kit to share with my clients. NYX does recommend using this with the Total Control Drop Foundation Brush but really any good buffing brush will do the job just as effectively. 

By Miryam | NYC Makeup Tonight Instructor

Get In The Glow

Anastasia Beverly Hills X Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit

Anastasia Beverly Hills is always killing it with their Glow Kits and their latest one, a collaboration with YouTuber Nicole Guerriero, has no doubt seen massive success. All 6 shades feel inspired by Unicorns and all things Rose Gold. This limited edition palette is diverse with a color for every skin tone, perfect to have in your kit! Most shades are wearable, with the exception of Forever Lit & Daydream which are the more unconventional shades. Forever Lit was the most fun to wear because of it’s lavender reflections! For a beautiful more wearable glow, I've been super obsessed with layering Kitty Kat with either Forever Young or Glo Getter on my complexion.


http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/glow-kit-nicole-guerriero/ABH01-18162.html

 

By Miryam | NYC Makeup Tonight Instructor

 

 

Swirl & Sparkle

Kudos to our LA Instructor Greta who collaborated with one of our fabulous Make-Up Tonight sponsors, Swirl & Sparkle, on this gorgeous Limited Edition Brush Cleaner! The molded design was just too fancy and gorgeous that it was hard to actually bring myself to use it. I wanted everything to stay perfect! It has a fresh melon scent to it that is subtle and not overbearing at all. It’s 4oz, making it 3oz more then that of Beauty Blender which also offers a solid brush cleaner as well. The best part is those beautiful gems that become more exposed with every use. Not only are they pretty but it also creates a grit that better helps clean your brushes. On the inside of the lid there are 3 bigger gems for when you are rinsing which works really well although I don’t think they’ll stay on for a long time but I’m really hoping they do! All in all, it was definitely worth the wait. It was the most fun to use, the most practical and definitely did the job while keeping my bristles soft. A must for every makeup lover!

By Miryam | NYC Makeup Tonight Instructor

BLINKING GOOD BLINC BLACK LASH PRIMER!

I have previously received a Blinc Mascara in a past Boxycharm and loved the tube packaging. However, I was never able to really try it before my mom decided she wanted to keep it for herself! Snooze you lose right?! For this month’s Boxycharm, I received another Blinc product and this time it was a Black Lash Primer for Jet Black Volume! My first impression was that I loved the fact that it was a BLACK primer. The white ones never really caught my eye because I always thought a white base would dull my black mascara. The wand is like a narrow comb so its easy to get to the base of your lashes. After letting the primer dry, I used my Doucce Punk Volumizing mascara and I instantly noticed that my lashes looked longer then they would if I used my mascara on its own. However, aside from the length it really did make my mascara JET black color wise. Although I didn’t notice any extra volume I can’t complain about the extra length! 

NYX FACE AWARDS

This weekend I was lucky enough to attend the NYX Face Awards Launch Party & received a GENEROUS goody bag. The very first thing to catch my eye were the new Colored Felt Tip Liners. I swatched them last night to test how pigmented they are and the different strokes that I would be able to do. Let me tell you,  they passed with flying colors….literally!  I also decided to sleep with the swatches on to test their durability and woke up with them only slightly faded, but the lines were still in tact! They are available in six gorgeous shades; white, royal blue, cobalt blue, teal, grey and chocolate brown. They are all dry and semi matte, which is my personal preference. They retail for $10 each, so they are a great price for what you are getting, including the sleek packaging. However, I do recommend storing these face down to avoid the felt tip applicator from drying out. Happy lining ladies!

By Miryam | NYC Makeup Tonight Instructor

LONGING FOR LONGO

I naturally have pale lips which I HATE because without make-up, its one of the things I least like about my face. However, the power of makeup always gives us an answer!  My go to lipstick for a natural no make-up day is Vincent Longo Cosmetics Lipstain Lipstick in ‘Fluer de Flirt’. I take it with me everywhere I go because its such an easy and comfortable formula. It’s glossy, but like a sheer balm so it’s not sticky and when the moisture eventually dissolves into your lips, it leaves behind a beautiful natural stain. This specific color though is what makes it perfect even with no make-up on because it doesn’t look like make-up! It looks like your lips….but better! Loving my lips again :-) 

By Miryam | NYC Makeup Tonight Instructor

LINE UP, LINE UP!

If you’re just starting out as a make-up artist or entering into the makeup world just for yourself, you understand the struggle to invest in great quality products for your kit. Lucky for you, there are countless affordable products out there that are just as great as high end products. You just have to know where to look!

City Color Cosmetics lip liners are only $2.99, with the special price of $1.99 going on right now, making it about $24 to invest in all 12 colors available! That’s like 1 high end lip liner for the price of this whole range! You can’t beat that price. Its creamy formula can be compared to MAC Pro Long Wear lip liners and they are just as pigmented as well. The best part is their black sleek design doesn’t look cheap at all, considering the price which I still can’t wrap my head around. High end packaging and results, for a price you will barely notice. 

LASHES FOR DAYS!

When women ask me what my favorite mascara is, it may surprise them that my answer can be found at your local drugstore. I always tell them it's Cover Girl Lash Blast and then I include the following tip without hesitation; 

When you’re looking for a mascara that will hold the curl you created, you want to look for one that is waterproof. If you don’t feel like it's giving you enough volume or length, your second or third coat can be another mascara you love for that. Just make sure your base coat is waterproof (and ideally Cover Girl Lash Blast) so that your curl is locked!

Now here is why Lash Blast is my favorite; This formula is strong but lightweight so it doesn’t clump up my lashes. The wand separates each lash in perfect sync and in the same direction so you don’t end up with any open areas. Then I can add any volumizing mascara and VOILA  my lashes will look fluffy and last all night long! 

However, you do have to be careful when removing your makeup as the waterproof mascara is obviously meant to endure water. The best way to remove it, is with an oil based eye makeup remover or just plain old baby oil on a cotton ball or soft tissue. Hold it over your lashes and let it sink in for a little before wiping so you aren’t rubbing your eye too long. Rinse and repeat for your next night out!

By Miryam | Makeup Tonight NYC Instructor

KAT VON D - EVERLASTING LOVE LIQUID LIPSTICK IN BOW AND ARROW

Matte liquid lipsticks have been all the rage lately and Kat Von D’s are a definite must try. These highly pigmented colors range from very unique to what’s hot on the streets! Also, despite being matte, which tends to be very drying, this everlasting liquid lipstick is beyond comfortable. It’s also super easy to apply because unlike others, it doesn’t leave behind streaks as you go. However, this long-wear formula is no joke so I do suggest using a mirror to make sure you stay within the lines!

By Miryam | MakeUp Tonight NYC Instructor

BUXOM BEAUTY

This is the Buxom Serial Kisser Set that came with these 5 adorable colors shown above.

The colors all have a sheen/lustre to them so they are obviously not matte! However, heres a little trick to make any non-matte lipstick matte: All you need is a tissue & some translucent loose powder! You can do two things:

1: You put a little bit of the powder on the tissue, distribute it evenly, and dab it on your lips.

2: Place the tissue on your lips and with a brush dip into your loose powder and stipple the powder directly onto the tissue...the powder will go through the tissue onto your lips and make them matte!

 

Voila you have matte lips! I tried this technique with these glosses and the colors were even prettier when matted.

 

My favorite is "Centerfold" & "Mistress" I like to mix the two!

The one color I dislike and will probably not use is "Moonlighter" because it is shiny as you can kind of tell from my swatch & the color is not appealing in my opinion.

Otherwise, I am loving these mini lipsticks. They look full size in my picture above but don't be fooled they are pretty tiny and travel friendly! The lipstick itself is also very skinny and miniature.

By Greta | MakeUp Tonight LA Instructor

CONTOURING ON A BUDGET

As most of my readers know I love to contour and recently I've been wanting to contour with a concealer so I decided to purchase this from the drugstore. I am really liking it because the color is perfect, it blends beautifully, and it's very creamy. I apply it to the areas I want to contour such as my jaw, the outlines of my forehead, and of course the hallows of my cheeks... I then blend it out with my beauty blender. Oh and I apply my foundation before I contour with this product. You can also contour before applying your foundation if you want a more natural effort-less look... but I like a strong contour!

NARS AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK IN "GRETA"

Hey beauties, so I purchased a lipstick from the Nars Audacious Lipstick line because the reviews were through the roof amazing. They had so many colors out and I didn't know which one to purchase, so I decided to make it special and get the one with my name on it, "Greta." I have one of those uncommon names that's never on key chains, souvenirs, anything lol let alone a lipstick... so I had to get it!

Luckily, I absolutely love the vibrant pink it came out to be and it went with my skin tone beautifully!!! I did however promise myself to go out and get more neutral colors that I will wear more often because I fell in love with the formula and you will too with just one swatch! 

The formula of these lipsticks are SOOOO creamy, pigmented, and not to mention hydrating on the lips. 

You know how when you wear certain lipsticks you feel that you are wearing lipstick...well with this you completely forget you have anything on your lips it's that lightweight!!!!

I honestly think Nars has created the "Perfect Lipstick" with this line and although they are a bit pricey at $32 they really are worth every single penny!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/makeup-lips-lipstick/0607845094524.html

By Greta | MakeUp Tonight LA Instructor

SETTING SPRAY - THE BEST!

So, I was in the Sephora line waiting for my turn to pay and AS ALWAYS I end up buying something from their products by the checkout line! I cam across this and decided to try it!

This is when my life changed!

I will not, I repeat WILL NOT, leave the house without this on my face ever in my life again! 

I swear to you this is like an extra strength hairspray for your face it is amazinggggggggg! I do not know where it has been all my life! If you touch-up your makeup throughout the day you need this in your life! My makeup looks just as flawless as it did when I applied it!

I can go on and on about how amazing this stuff is but you guys need to try it out!

By Greta | MakeUp Tonight LA Instructor

NAKED HIGHLIGHTER

Ok ladies, please trust me when I say you need this in your life because YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!! For all my beauties who love a gorgeous highlight do yourself a favor and purchase this product you will not regret it. It is such a beautiful shimmer color I always get compliments when I wear this. I like to use a fan brush (or the brush it comes with) and place this on the high points of my cheeks (as you do with any highlighter). Now, I know this product isn't for everyone because it is very shimmery and very pigmented but for those of you who like these qualities, buy this...it's worth every penny!! Oh and I use it as an inner corner highlight too!

By: Greta | MakeUp Tonight LA Instructor

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5810123