New Beauty Finds While I was Away

In the time that I was away from blogging and youtube, I have discovered new products that I have been using on a day to day basis and I thought I would share those with you. Here is my list.

Benefit Fakeup

This this is a concealer that has a vitamin E ring around it so that that when you are applying it, it moisturizes the under eye area and helps prevent from the concealer to settle in your lines or dry up through out the day. I love this product and it is great for every day use because its good for your skin as well. 

MAC Paint Pot

This has almost taken over my beloved Bare Minerals Eye Primer. It basically does the exact same thing but it also helps to enhance the colors in your eyeshadows where I don't feel like the Bare minerals primer does that. Also there is more in the container and its going to last me FOREVER even with daily use! 

Buxom Full-Bodied Lipsticks

I am loving the formula of these lipsticks. The color pigmentation is very intense on all of the colors in their line. These colors last a long time and its like they have a build in gloss in them. I have these in my purse because they are perfect for many occasions. 

Colour Riche Lipcolour- Tender Pink #114

This has become a staple in my makeup bag because it is a lip color that goes with everything. It is very close to the color of my lips so it works perfectly for a natural look. The smell is very nice and the formula is such that it is creamy and hydrating on the lips and has great staying power. 

Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lip Gloss

I pair this with the lipstick above and really with any color lip stick. It is a sheer pink toned lip gloss that has the perfect amount of gloss and work nicely by itself as well. I discovered it in my NAKED 2 palette as they provided a small sample and fell in love. I love the packaging and the formula is also very ice. 

Bare Minerals Touch Up Veil

Even though this is a pressed powder, it is still fine enough to where it allows you to touch up your make up by absorbing oil and or sweat on the skin. It does the trick without making you look cakey or dry. I use this at least twice a day because I am oily. I apply this with a pad because I have found that it does the job better than a brush. 

208 Angled Brow Brush-MAC

This is the perfect brow brush! It is very small and thin and works nicely for the size and shape of my brows. It allows me to get precise enough to apply the color exactly where I want it but also accomplish that in a very natural way. I'm finding that I don't even need a pencil liner with this. I could use this on its own and succeed in filling in my entire eyebrows in a natural way.

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Contour Brush

The light bristles on this brush allow me to place the contour where I want it and the short more dense bristles allow me to really blend it out in a natural way. I am using this brush everyday and it is the perfect size for my face shape. Plus you cannot go wrong with how affordable it is.

Bamboo & Loofah Bath Brush

This is an exfoliating dream for your body. I use this all over my body in the shower every other day and my skin is smoother than ever. It has worked miracles for helping my armpits, legs and arms to look so much smoother. This find came just in time for the summer where we are all showing  bit more skin. I found this at target and it is very affordable. 

THANKS AGAIN FOR VISITING MY BLOG! I hope you learned something or was inspired to check out some of these products. Love you all and I'll be back soon!

-G

The Make Up Show-Chicago

I'm BAAAAAAACK! And this time with a HUGE HAUL! Sorry about being M.I.A, but as most of you know my teaching end-of-school-year duties called. It actually worked to my benefit because my busy schedule also didn't allow me time to shop for make up and in turn my pennies were saved for the big event. I recently went to THE MAKE UP SHOW in Chicago and it was heaven on earth! Every item at this show is discounted by 30%-40% so of course I took advantage to get a laundry list of things that I have been wanting to try. Click on the titles for a direct link to the products website (warning, they will show the original price, not the price I paid).

While I love many of these products already, I plan on filming a follow up video in a couple of weeks once I have used the new product to see if I "loved" or "disliked" them.

INGLOT

I honestly think that that these eyeshadows have moved up to the top of my favorites! CREAMY, SOFT, PIGMENTED, BLENDABLE, HUGE SELECTION, and almost 2x more product than Mac shadows for less money. Did I mention that their 10 palette case is amazing for traveling and for Bridal Work. I'm in love. 

Face & Body- Cream Powder: I plan on using this as my contour color. I've decide that I cannot use powder for my contour color because I am dry in that area and it looks blotchy with powder. I am currently using one from MAC but it was limited edition and i'm about running out of it so this purchase made sense.

Make Up Forever-11 Foundation Palette

I have never seen this product from Make Up Forever and was introduced to it at the show. I have a couple of gigs coming up so I will definitely use it report the results.

RCMA Kehoe Shinto Concealer Palette

In my many years of bridal makeup I have tried several concealer palettes and they are always so dry that I have to mix them with moisturizer or some kind of spray. I was able to swatch these at the show and right away I saw a world of difference in comparison to the ones i've owned in the past. I guess only the "gigs" will tell.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Several "You tube" gurus including Makeup Geek and Wayne Goss rant and rave about these. This was actually NOT part of my list but I had the NARS lady try it on me and I love the way it looked instantly. I have lines under my eyes and the biggest test a concealer needs to pass in my book is ANTI CREASING! We'll see if these pass the test.

NARS Larger Then Life Eyeliner-Via Veneto

This is yet again recommended by my fellow Youtube make up people. I have yet to find one that it truly long-wear especially for my lower lash line. I'll keep you posted. Oh, p.s. its just a black liner.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil

Also not part of my list, but again I tried it on and I was SOLD! This pink worked so nicely with my skin tone and its awesome for the summer!

Z-Palette

This was definitely on my list because I love my Wet n' Wild shadows and use them all the time, but its a bit annoying to have them in 5 different mini-palettes. These Z-palettes are magnetic and once you depot the individual shadows, the plan is to have them all in one palette. If you look closely at the picture inside the palette you'll get a better idea.


Anastasia-Brow Wiz

So excited about this eyebrow pencil. I got the color "medium ash" (supposedly its a universal color for many brows). I've been wanting to get my hands on one of these from Anastasia.

Smashbox Photo Finish Face Primer

Here are the claims from the website and the reasons why I purchased it...
Our oil-free, 60% water based primer is ideal for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin. This silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants can be worn alone or under foundation to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. The revolutionary formula has oil absorbers for a smooth matte finish all day, light diffusers to minimize the appearance of imperfections, and vitamin C and peptides to help even skin tone and promote collagen production for a flawless future. Now in a sleek tube for perfect dispensing down to the last drop! Winner of Allure Magazine's Best of Beauty Award for Best Primer. 

Crown Brushes

This is a more reasonably priced brush brand and I have only seen these sold online, but was excited that they had a stand at THE MAKE UP SHOW. They don't have number on them so I'll just tell you how I will use them from top to bottom. 1. smudger brush for eyeliner and smokey looks, 2. flat shader brush to pack on the shadow on the lid, 3. foundation brush for liquid foundation, 4. mascara brush it is meant to go over the top of the eyelashes to eliminate any fall-out eyeshadow on the lashes, 5. lip brush and its self explanatory.

Bdellium Tools

I actually have never heard of this company but they had the exact brushes that were on my laundry list of things I wanted to get. Heres what I plan on using them for, again from top to bottom...1. crease brush, 2. under eye setting brush (its actually much bigger in person so I its perfect for what I plan on using it for), 3. large flat shader brush for packing or swiping eyeshadow on larger eye lids.

Hakuhodo Brushes

Now I have never heard of these brushed either but they are Japanese brushes and like above, was exactly what I was looking for. Its like the tinniest crease brush. This is a great brush for people with smaller eyes. It allows for more precise blending when working with smaller eyes! I'll let you know how it goes.

Beauty Blender

I finally got the INFAMOUS BEAUTY BLENDER! I have heard amazing things about this for foundation so we shall see.....

Alcone Corporation Puffs

These are handy for two things, setting foundation with a setting powder and also, since it has the strap, I can were it on my pinky and ring finger to block the side of my hand from touching the face directly when applying eyeshadow.

Stilazzi Make Up Case

Last but not least, my brand spanking new Stilazzi Make Up Case. I have been in desperate need of this because my old one was.....well old! It was falling apart, the wheels didn't work anymore, and it was definitely time for a new one. This one sold me because of the drawers. They are nice and big and I have already filled it and is convenient and compact. The other thing that sold me was the cloth lining because my other one was always crashing into everything and leaving marks everywhere (including my car....no bueno...).

Sigma Resort Palette Look

Eyes

Primer- Bare Minerals Primer

Eye Lid-Papaya (Resort Palette)

Eye Lid- Moon Beam (Resort Palette)

Crease-Topaz (Resort Palette)

Crease-Muse (Resort Palette)

Liner-Loreal Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black

Lower Liner- Muse and Moon Beam (Resort Palette

Mascara- Loreal Lash Stilleto 

Lashes- Ardell Lashes #110

Eyebrows- Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown

Face

Face Primer-Primetime Foundation Primer from Bare Minerals

Foundation- Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous in Soft Honey

Concealer-Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Concealer in Medium #28

Contour-MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Copper Beech

Blush-Heavenly (Resort Palette)

Highlight-Luminesce (Resort Palette

Lips 

Cover Girl Jumbo Lip Stick Gloss

SPRING HAUL 2013

Here are the products from some recent purchases! I have copied the description of each item and will later update you on how I am feeling about the product! Enjoy!

Sigma Brushes

The Synthetic Essential Kit contains ten brushes specially designed for a high definition, flawless makeup application. The brushes in this kit feature exclusive Sigmax™ fibers, uniquely designed to apply powder, cream and liquid products without absorption into the bristles. The Synthetic Essential Kit has everything you need to achieve a perfect and flawless face. Brushes Included: F80 - Flat Kabuki™: Application of liquid or cream products to flat areas of the face such as the forehead and cheeks. F82 - Round Kabuki™: Blend mineral products onto the skin. F84 - Angled Kabuki™: Buff cream blush or bronzer onto the skin. F88 - Flat Angled Kabuki™: Blends foundation easily onto  hard to reach areas of the face. Angle fits all areas of the face seamlessly. Works especially well on cheekbones and contours of the nose. F86 - Tapered Kabuki™: Apply cream and liquid foundations onto the harder to reach contours of the face. P80 - Precision Flat™: Stipple concealer on sun spots, blemishes, and other small imperfections. P82 - Precision Round™: Apply eye shadow base or primer onto the lid. P84 - Precision Angled™: Apply product to areas such as the sides of the nose and the hollows of the cheeks. P86 - Precision Tapered™: Exact placement of concealer in harder to reach areas such as around the eyes and nose, chin, and around the mouth. P88 - Precision Flat Angled™: Use for precise application of concealer products anywhere on the face. Works particularly well around the eyes and nose.© 2012 Sigma Enterprises, LLC Resort Palette

The Limited Edition Resort Palette contains a collection of high-quality and pigmented makeup products including eight eye shadows, one blush, one liquid highlighter and one dual-ended eye liner pencil. Rich, warm tones complement vibrant ocean-like hues in this unique palette ideal for creating your own oasis.

Included in Palette:

• 8 Eye Shadows: Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya, Moonbeam, Neela, Midori

• 1 Blush: Heavenly

• 1 Liquid Highlighter: Luminesce

• 1 Dual-ended Eye Liner Pencil: Daydream & Earth Goddess

© 2013 Sigma Enterprises, LLC

Cover Girl "Lip Perfection" Gloss Balm

Twist up the color and glide on the shine. Treat your lips to a balm fortified with shea and mango butters for a smooth look with a hint of color. Sheer color in 16 shades, fortified with shea and mango butters, and soft shine without the sticky feeling. 

Loreal Telescopic Mascara
L'oreal Telescopic Mascara features a special brush with a flat side to lengthen lashes up to 60%, and a comb side to separate lashes with precision. Removes easily with soap and water. Ophthalmologist tested. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Fragrance-free. 

Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eye Pencil
Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner by Rimmer London gives instant colour impact with its high intensity pigments. The ultra smooth & creamy formula glides on easily and doesn't budget. Smudge-proof and waterproof.

INGLOT Eyeshadows
I could not find a product description on the Inglot shadows, but what I can say so far is that they are extremely pigmented, vibrant, creamy, blendable, and simply amazing. For the price point ($6.99 per shadow for 2.3g vs. MAC shadows $15 for 1.3g) it is well worth it. The "Freedom System" they have is great because you get to build your own palette. So far, i'm in love!

Lauren Conrad Round Sunglasses

LC Lauren Conrad gives you great everyday style with these sunglasses. A simple, round shape lends versatility to these women's shades. Dress them up or down, no matter the occasion. In tortoise. Ultraviolet protection shields your eyes from the sun's rays.

Get Ready With Me- Rose Gold

Hey everyone, I thought I would do a "Get Ready With Me" video. For those of you not familiar with these videos, I basically hit the "record" button  as i'm getting ready to go out. This look was  for a girls evening of shopping and dinner. Below are the list of products that I used.

Eyes

Primer- Bare Minerals Primer

Eye Lid-NYX-Eye Shadow Base in White

Eye Lid- Loreal Eyeshadow Amber Rush

Crease -Two Faced Chocolate Soleij Bronzer

Crease-Laura Mercier Coffee Ground

Crease-Laura Mercier Rich Coffee

Lower Liner- Laura Mercier Coffee GroundMascara- 

Mascara-Le Volume De Chanel

Eyebrows- Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown

Face

Face Primer-Benefit Face Primer in PORE-fessional

Foundation- Illimasqua Skin Base SB12

Concealer-Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Concealer in Medium #28

Contour-MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Copper Beach

Blush-MAC Archies Girl Collection Blush in Veronica

Lips 

Lipstick-Loreal Tender Pink

Lipgloss- Urban Decay Naked

How to Apply False Eye Lashes

Family and Friends coincidentally requested this video in the same week so it was a MUST that I share as soon as possible. Explaining how to apply false lashes is more than just a short answer. I also believe that is is something you have to see being done, instead of given a step by step explanation. Below I have listed a couple of things that I explain more in detail in the video.

My Advice
It does not matter to me how long your lashes are or how much volume you already have... FALSE EYELASHES ENHANCE YOUR EYES SO MUCH MORE!!!! I get clients that are always hesitant to wear false lashes because they already have long lashes, they have been traumatized by people who wear them so wrong and look so fake, or because they wear minimal makeup and they feel like they won't be comfortable. Regardless of the reason, it is not enough to skip this important step. If you want your eyes to be the focal point of your face....bottom line...YOU NEED FALSE LASHES! They make such a difference in pictures, professional or regular. I would encourage you to just try!

Three Kinds of Lashes

1. Full Lash- These are lashes that go on the full length of the lash line. There are so many variations of this kind, just make sure that what you get is the right fit for your eye. 
2. Accent Lash- These are "half" lashes that only cover half of your eye but are more wearable and natural looking. 
3. Individual Lashes- These are self explanatory. I usually use them to as fillers or on brides who really are not comfortable wearing them. 

 Steps to applying False Lashes (see video for visual)

1. Choose
2. Measure (cut if necessary)
3. Apply Glue
4. Apply Eyelash
5. Curl Lashes
6. Clean up
7. Apply Mascara

Bridal Look By Gmakesyouup

Click HERE for a step by step Video Tutorial!

Click HERE for a step by step Video Tutorial!

First, a Big thank you to my model Britany! She also has a blog and a youtube channel. Here are the her links (blog: http://beautywithbrittanyxo.blogspot.com Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyWithBrittanyXo/videos?flow=grid&view=0).

The bridal looks I create all depend on so many different factors. It would be easy if I could use the same exact products on every bride and do the same exact look on every bride as well. This is why it is crucial to have a trial done with the bride before the wedding. It is not just to "practice the look" but it is a chance to get to know the bride and what style of makeup they are comfortable with. The key to a good bridal makeup application is finding the balance between what the bride will feel comfortable wearing and also making sure that it is enough so that it shows flawless on camera. Professional photography normally washes out about about 50% of the makeup that you actually see in person, so the balance is crucial.  The following are some essential things to consider when accomplishing a bridal makeup application (or really any makeup application)...

• Skin Type: The trial provides the opportunity to get to know the brides skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, acne prone, etc.) and chat about some recommendations that I have for self-touch ups through out the wedding night based on the skin type.  
• Foundation: With the skin type in mind the best foundation for a flawless look is decided (airbrush, liquid, or mineral/powder foundation). If I had a dollar for every time I had a bride ask me "Do you do airbrush makeup?"... Well now I do, but, in my experience, airbrush makeup is not always best. For example, women who of color might have some areas in their skin that are darker than others so it would not make sense to use just one foundation. It is all about blending, contouring, and evening out the skin tone. Again, the goal is a flawless look for pictures so the foundation will always depend on your skin type and tone. 
• Eye Shape and Size: The eye shape will determine what brushes I will use, the colors that I use,  and the technique that I will incorporate. There are so many examples that I can give you and this blog would be way too long. Just to give you one example, if someone has a small round shaped eye, I want to avoid a dark smokey eye because that will make the eyes look even smaller. I might do a light color on the majority of the lid to open up the eye and just add definition or "smoke" to the very end of the eye. I would also extend the liner just a little to give the effect of a more almond shaped eye. 
• Eye Color: Here it is important to go back to high school art class and remember the color wheel that you learned about. If you want your eyeshadow to "pop" or stand out, you should be applying colors that are opposite of your eye color. While this is a pretty standard rule, there are always exceptions of course. 

There is soooooooooo much more that I can write about in regards to bridal makeup. However, I wanted to keep things basic so that you it is more comprehensible to all of you, from the experts to the beginners. THANK YOU as always for taking the time to read my blog! I'd love your feedback and comments. Until next time!

-G

DIY Manicure-Nude Nails

Welcome back to my BLOG! These are some of my favorite products that i'm currently using when I do my nails. While it does take a little longer (more time than I want to spend on my nails) , it definitely saves me the $35/week that I used to spend to get my nails done. Plus, I find that if I do take these extra little steps, the manicure lasts longer, which saves me time in the long run. Thank you again for visiting my blog and watching my videos. 

-G

PRODUCTS USED

1. Nail Polish Remover Acetone
2. Sally Hanson Instant Cuticle Remover
3. Revlon Nail File
4. Cuticle Trimmer
5. Fine brush
6. Small Nail Clipper
7. Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer
8. Sally Hanson Complet Manicure in Gray-t Escape
9. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat 

MAC Tutorial (Archies Girl Collection+More)

I recently went to MAC to check out the new Archies Girl Collection since i've been seeing it all over blogs and videos. Overall the collection didn't WOW me, but I did purchase two things from the collection that I just could not resist. While I was there I also picked up some new eyeshadows and some brushes as well. The look below was inspired by my trip to MAC! Enjoy!

 

 

Eyes

Primer- Bare Minerals Primer

Eye Lid-NYX-Eye Shadow Base in White

Eye Lid- MAC Eyeshadow in Sketch (outter and inner corner)

Eye Lid-MAC Eyeshadow in Wood Winked (Middle Color)

Crease- MAC Eyeshadow in Coppering

Liner-Loreal Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black

Lower Liner- MAC Archies Girl Collection Liner in Petrol Blue

Mascara- Maybelline Falsies Mascara

Lashes- Ardell Lashes #110

Eyebrows- Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown

Face

Face Primer-Benefit Face Primer in PORE-fessional

Foundation- Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous in Soft Honey

Concealer-Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Concealer in Medium #28

Contour-MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Copper Beach

Blush-MAC Archies Girl Collection Blush in Veronica

Highlight-Benefit High Beam

Lips 

Tarte Lip Gloss in Blissful

1ST VIDEO TUTORIAL- Valentines Day Look

Eyes

Primer- Bare Minerals Primer

Eye Lid-NYX-Eye Shadow Base in White

Eye Lid-NYX Glam Shadow Stick in Pink Ruby

Eye Lid- Tarte Blush

Crease-Too Faced in Chocolate Soleil

Crease-BH Cosmetics 120 Pallette

Liner-Loreal Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black

Lower Liner- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

Mascara- Chanel in Le Volume de Chanel

Lashes- Ardell Lashes #110

Eyebrows- Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown

Face

Face Primer-Primetime Foundation Primer from Bare Minerals

Foundation- Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous in Soft Honey

Concealer-Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Concealer in Medium #28

Contour-MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Copper Beech

Blush-Tarte Blush Amazonian Clay in Splendor

Highlight-Benefit High Beam

Lips 

Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie

Ulta-Mini Haul UPDATE & ADDITION!

Hey Everyone, I thought I'd share the FUN products I purchased recently at Ulta! These are all products I have heard a lot about via all of the Youtube Makeup Gurus that I follow, so I decided to try them for myself. I will be back to update this blogpost as I use the product. Enjoy!

RETURNED!!! This dried out my lips and did not stay on longer than 10 minutes. The color was also too sheer for my liking. 
Color Whispers from Maybelline in Lust for Blush-Pros: It feels very soft on the lips, very hydrating, and great variety of colors. Cons: It is sheer and needs to be reapplied more than I would like.

LOVED!!! The pigment in these are amazing and way better than some high-end brands. I went out and purchased two more in different shades in Bronzed Taupe and Midnight Blue. 
Loreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush- Pros: It is very pigmented (color pay off is almost the same as a pigment) and this particular color is versatile with all skin types. It lasts for hours and also has a variety of colors to choose from. Cons:It has a bit of fall-out while applying (but really, that's many eye shadows).

Loved!!! I am really loving this foundation and have even found myself using it over my higher-end full coverage brands. It is also a perfect match for my skin and that doesn't happen often with drugstore foundations. I usually have to mix. 
New-Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous (claims to have primer, concealer, and foundation in one) in Soft Honey- http://youtu.be/J1Ocq8bsc0E -itsjudytime on youtube recently reviewed this product I was amazed by her review. Pros:It is light weight, great coverage, buildable, matte finish, natural look, and long lasting. Cons: None yet :)

Loved!!! I have been using this EVERY SINGLE DAY and went and purchased another one for my bridal kit. I never thought I could wear gel liner because of my hooded eyes. I have read more reviews and learned that the formula is pretty much exactly like the Bobbi Brown liner. 
Loreal Infallible 24 Hour Gel Liner in Blackest Black- This is the first gel liner I have ever tried because I have always been very sceptical. I'm pleasantly surprised! Pros: It is very true to color, long wearing, and the brush allows for smooth application. Cons:I don't like that the brush is separate from the liner.

Returned!!! I'm not sure if it was just this particular palette (since there are so many of these) or the quality of the shadows, but they were so shimmery that they would not really stay on the eye when I applied them. I found myself having to keep packing on the color. Not worth the time it takes to apply them. 
New- Loreal Colour Riche Eyeshadow Quads in Brazen Bolds- Pros:The packaging is adorable and there are  wide range of colors. The colors are pretty true to what you see in the palette as you can see in my swatch. Cons: I have yet to try these on my eyes.

Loved!!! Read below, it does exactly what I mentioned at first. I get lots of compliments when I'm wearing this liner. 
NYX Water Proof Glam Liner Aqua Luxe in Lagoon- I swatched this over a black line because that is probably how I would wear it. Pros: It is SUPER long lasting (even after I showered, it did not come off of my hand. It is very bright and pigmented and comes in 9 different colors. It also has a very thin brush applicator which makes it easy to apply. Cons: It is so long wearing that it will be a hassle to take off.