Friday, October 28, 2011

Gareth Pugh for MAC Makeup Collection

British fashion designer Gareth Pugh and MAC collaborated on makeup collection that was inspired by a hematite rock to butterfly wings. “With a collection that goes from strong, deep and mysterious to light, fragile, and ethereal, I think we’ve created a truly versatile collection that hopefully you’ll be inspired by and want to wear.” Gareth Pugh said.

It’s a pretty collection that includes nail polish, lipsticks, LipGlass, mascara, eye liners, a kabuki brush, cream shadows, eye shadows, powders, false eye lashes, and a makeup bag.The packaging is very luxe, futuristic, and architectural. It has the signature MAC black sheen with a "X" in the center. 

The collection will be available in the United States starting November 23 and internationally in December 2011. Prices range from $15 to $75.











Do you like this MAC collaboration?

Khou

Info and Pictures: fashionista.com

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Black Swan

Halloween is more than a costume. It's the holiday to bring your inner artsy side and love for makeup by recreating a scary or sultry look. Get ready to be inspired by MAC's Senior Makeup Artist Victor Cembellin's Black Swan.

The Look: Black Swan

Step 1: Start to create your feather mask by drawing a symmetrical line over the curve of your eyebrow and down to the middle of your nose. Cembellin used MAC's Fluidline in Blacktrack.


Step 2: Draw symmetrical lines from the center of your nose to the inner corner of your eye. 


Step 3: Extend your eye mask out past your eyes, leaving the end of the mask open.

Step 4: Make the borders of the mask thicker, using the Fluidline in Blacktrack and MAC Pro Acrylic Paint (found at MAC Pro stores) in Black Black.



Step 5: Add a red line under your lower eye in a reddish-pink hue. Cembellin used MAC Pro Chromographic Pencil in Processed Magenta.


Step 6: Color in the mask with bright cyan makeup. Cembellin used MAC Pro Chromaline in Cyan.


Step 7: Make the mask iridescent using a sparkly powder or cream over the top of the cyan color. Cembellin used MAC Pro Reflects in Transparent Teal.


Step 8: Paint squiggly lines across the top of the mask, making sure to fill in the line that go across both lash lines. Cembellin used MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner in Pure Show. 


Step 9: Hug the cheekbone with a rosy blush. Cembellin used MAC Powder Blush in Pink Swoon.

Step 10: Use silver dust to highlight the cheekbones and make them look higher. Cembellin used MAC Iridescent Powder/Loose in Silver Dust. 


Step 11: Line the lips in a dark berry hue. Cembellin used MAC Lip Pencil Currant.

Step 12: Stain the center of the lip with a lighter, more cherry-hued color. Cembellin used MAC Lipstick in Sin.



How would you recreate the Black Swan look?

Khou

info: refinery29.com | pictures: caro ramirez

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Cure Natural Aqua Gel Review


Here is their description:
Natural Aqua Gel is a gentle, water-based exfoliant made from natural plant extracts of aloe vera, gingko and rosemary. It effectively sloughs off dead skin cells without irritating or harming skin, making it suitable even for the most sensitive skin types. After cleansing face, apply gel on face and neck. Gently massage gel into skin and see the dead skin cells immediately peel off into tiny white balls. Rinse well with water and then pat skin dry. By Cure.

I have used this product for 3 weeks once a week and I have to say this is by far an AMAZING product!
Pros:
- products does what it says
-makes my skin smooth
-removes dry and flakey patches on skin
- one pump and it does the job
- none of the grainy type ingredients
- purchase Sample on ebay

Con:
- Very hard to get a hold of
- Expensive! It retails for $40-$60 depending where you can get it

No wonder it's Japan's #1 skincare product. This stuff is amazing! The formula is a gel liquid with no grainy ingredients.

Start with a dry clean face. Pump one pump onto hands and rub gel allover your face. After rubbing it into my skin for less than 30 seconds there will be mini white balls forming. (and seeing the white bits that accumulate) and rinsing, my skin immediately felt incredibly baby soft, smooth, silky, and clean. I really mean it too. I also didn't know that my skin could ever feel that soft and great. If you think that you have soft and smooth skin now, just try Cure once and you'll notice the pure softness and smoothness of your skin and it'll soon become a part of your skin regimen.

Overall, this is a WINNER in my books. I haven't used my beauticontrol exfoliator brush in weeks.

What items do you use to exfoliate your face?

-Lilly

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Speedy Makeup in 1 minute

When I'm in a rush I usually don't have time to apply on makeup. I would run out the door with no make up or bring it with me. Over time I've learned certain things can be sped up if i used a different method. Here are some examples:

Slow way: reapplying foundation, powder, and blush after the gym
New way: tinted moisturizer - it gives you a light coverage, healthy glow, and immediately conceals imperfections. No blush is necessary since my workout has given me that nice flush pink look.

Slow Way: Layering moisturizer, primer,and foundation
New Way: Mix the three products together in your hand and apply to your face. Works like a charm!

What are some speedy ways you have acquired with makeup?

-Lilly

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Fall Pout


Goodbye to pink,coral, and bright lip stick hues of summer. Say hello to deep lip stick hues for fall. Find your perfect lip stick shade from your skin tone or hair color.

Skin Tone
  • Fair Skin: Deep Crimson
  • Beige Skin: Dark Plum
  • Olive-Toned Skin: Deep Burgundy
  • Yellow-Toned Skin: Brown-Red
  • African-American Light-Medium Skin: Deep Berry
  • African-American Medium-Dark Skin: Dark Wine 
Hair Color
  • Blond Hair: Dark Plum
  • Red Hair: Deep Mahogany
  • Brown Hair: Deep Burgundy
  • Black Hair: Dark Wine
The dark lip stick is a statement of its own. Keep your makeup simple with a coat of mascara and neutral or soft greys on your lids. Or go bold and pair it with a smoky black or dark grey shadows and black eye liner. 

What is your favorite lip stick for fall?

♥ Khou

Photo: http://linesandbones.blogspot.com/2011/09/lip.html Info: beautydepartment

5 must haves for controlling shine

When it comes to “Oily” skin, selecting the right products can be tricky. Too much moisture makes your face look shiny, while too little can actually send oil glands into overdrive. Either way, you lose. While it can take a little trial and error to find just the right regimen, following your Skin Type Solutions recommendations makes the process a whole lot easier.

In addition to your cleanser—which should contain salicylic acid to keep your skin looking its best—it’s important to round out your regimen with a few specialty products geared specifically to your “Oily” skin, and here are 5 must-have mattifying options that are sure to keep shine at bay.

  1. OC Eight: If there’s one product every “Oily” type needs, it’s OC Eight. This professional-strength gel inhibits excess oil production and keeps skin shine-free for 8 hours. Use it under makeup or on its own and you’re all set.
  2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch: Sunscreens can leave a greasy residue that makes shine even worse, but this one leaves a matte finish that works beautifully under makeup.
  3. Mattifying moisturizer: Choose a hydrator that delivers moisture while keeping excess oil under wraps. REN Matte Balancing Fluid does just this, and you can find similar products at every price point.
  4. Topix Clay Mint Mask: A clay-based mask once or twice a week works wonders on “Oily” skin. Clay not only draws out excess oil, it helps keep pores clear as well. ( The Queen Helene mint mask works wonders!)
  5. Blotting papers: Don’t leave home without a package of oil-absorbing sheets. They are great for eliminating shine without disturbing makeup or clogging pores.
If these tips alone aren’t enough to keep your “Oily” skin under control, you can try a few other things as well. Try topping off your sunscreen with an oil-absorbing powder or consider using a primer before applying makeup to help keep your foundation in place.

Cited: Skin Type Solutions

What are some of your tips to control shine?

-Lilly

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sensitive Types: Ingredients to avoid

Hi Ladies, if you have sensitive skin read on to avoid certain ingredients.

As you well know, your “Sensitive” skin is temperamental. The key to keeping it calm, cool and collected—and, of course, looking its best—is to avoid the ingredients that set your skin off.


Ironically enough, most skincare is geared toward dry/mature skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin, but this breakdown is way too simplistic, especially since there are four subtypes of sensitive skin. This is why you can’t believe everything you read on product labels, and it’s important to be educated so you can take make the right skincare decisions for your unique skin. The common denominator when treating all subtypes of “Sensitive” skin is reducing inflammation and eliminating the causes.


Acne subtype: When bacteria go to town on the oils and dead skin cells that clog pores, inflammation ensues. In addition to the rich, creamy products you’re avoiding, check your product labels to make sure there aren’t any hidden acne-causers like cocoa butter, coconut oil, isopropyl isostearate, peppermint oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl myristate or myristyl myristate in there.


Rosacea subtype: We don’t really know exactly what causes the dilated facial blood vessels associated with rosacea, but we do know that inflammation and redness are the main symptoms. Despite the many theories and available treatments, over-the-counter and prescription topical creams and gels are pretty disappointing in terms of results. Though anti-inflammatory products may provide some relief, your best bet is to see a dermatologist for a procedure known as Intense Pulsed Light, or a vascular laser treatment. These can work wonders for your red skin and may prevent the progression of rosacea when used with the proper topical medications. Please don’t experiment with anti-aging products, as these can make rosacea flare-ups worse.


Stinging subtype: Stinging is caused by super-sensitive nerve endings in your skin. To keep skin calm, avoid alpha hydroxy acids, benzoic acid, lactic acid, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbic acid, urea and vitamin C.


Allergic subtype: If your skin gets red, itchy and/or flaky, blame little gaps in your skin’s protective layer that allows irritants in. The most common culprits that cause irritation in allergic subtypes are fragrances and preservatives, but you should shy away from benzoyl peroxide, lanolin, parabens and propylene glycol-2 as well.

- Cited Skintypesolutions.com

Have a great Labor Day weekend ALL!

<3, Lilly

Monday, August 29, 2011

Beauty Management


Which of these do you dedicate serious time to?

A. Hair
B. Makeup
C. Nails
D. Skin Care

Share this with us.

♥ Khou

Photos: http://pinterest.com/pin/133933097/ Info: thebeautydepartment

Friday, August 26, 2011

TGIF!


 
Good Morning! I’m so glad it’s Friday. This will be more of a personal blog but I needed to change some things up. =P I’m looking forward to this weekend for some fun filled events with friends and the dentist. =(

My plans this weekend? For today – After work I’m heading out to Pyscho Suzy’s  to celebrate my birthday with my two other friends. I call it the “August Trio Birthdays.” I have never been to Pyscho Suzy’s but I’ve heard of great things. I’m pretty excited to see everyone tonight. One thing I do NOT want to do is be drunk. Ugh, I hate that feeling and do not want to wake up hungover because I have a dentist appt at 8am the next day. I know my dentist (who is my uncle) would not appreciate my alcohol breath. LOL

Saturday- I have a dentist apptmt at 8am. I’m doing a deep cleaning so it will take anywhere from 3.5-4 hours.I’m dreading this. The s/o is doing a regular clean up as well. Later on the day we are heading out to Vikings preseason game with the Cowgirls. Oh yea! I’m excited! Lucky me won the tickets from work. We have suite tickets too.

Sunday- Made plans to head out to the MN State fair. I’m super uber stoked! I didn’t get to go last year so I’m planning to pig out as usual. I want turkey legs, cheese curds, fries, corn on the cob, deep fried candy bar, and lots more! Eheheheh I love going to the state fair.

Other than that, I need to do a makeup haul. I bought some Japanese makeup a few months back from Chicago. It was a big dent on my wallet. Luckily, I put half of what I wanted back or else I would have been scolded by the s/o. ehehehe So far I’ve tried two of the japanese mascara and I only like one of them. Then I’m also trying out this Japanese exfolient as well. So far I’ve only used it once and I’m liking it a LOT. I will have to use it more often to give it a full review.

What are your plans for the weekend? Anything exciting? Anything you would like to share?

Have a great weekend all!

<3, Lilly

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Think Twice About Gel Manicures and Pedicures




Who doesn't desire gel manicures and pedicures? It makes your nails shiny and chip-free longer. Yet, it can  be risky and hazardous. 

At the American Academy of Dermatology’ Summer Academy Meeting, there was discussion about the ways gel is applied and removed. "They require regular exposure to ultra violet light, and there have been a couple of articles which suggested that damage of the nails has occurred," says Richard K. Scher, a dermatologist at Columbia University in NYC.

Other dermatologists are treading carefully with this trend, too: "I heard about gel manicures and thought what a great idea—until I got one and realized how much exposure to UV light the skin surrounding the nail is actually getting," says Heidi Waldorf, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. "That could increase your risk for squamous-cell carcinoma (aka cancer) in the area." 

And along with UV exposure, Scher points out that acetone can be a culprit, too: To remove gel polish, women dip their nails—or entire fingers—into acetone. If you're getting a manicure every two to three weeks, he says, this can dry out the nail and even cause inflammation to surrounding skin.
 
Tell us your thoughts.

♥ Khou

Photos: http://screamcute.tumblr.com/page/2; http://www.flickr.com/photos/lelalobo/5631654035/in/faves-46536312@N06/; http://www.flickr.com/photos/lelalobo/5792152720/in/photostream/; http://imgur.com/Y7srY&8EzJ0&8lYMU&sqRNEl Info: allure

Monday, August 15, 2011

Smile With Your Eyeglasses


Wearing eyeglasses is not for nerds anymore. It has become a fashion and makeup statement. Complete your look with these eye-catching tips in glasses.
 
Stay Neutral
Less is definitely more. Wearing glasses draws attention to your eyes, so it’s best to keep your eye makeup simple. Stick to neutral shades on the eyes, but remember to blend a darker color into your crease for definition. Save the bright, bold colors for your lips. Don’t forget corrector and concealer—this is a must if you’re wearing glasses.

Don’t Be Afraid of Mascara 
Apply 2-3 coats of mascara to really make eyes stand out. Always use black mascara because it makes the biggest difference.

Get In Line
 Adjust the thickness of your liner is important when you’re wearing glasses. If your frames are thicker, you’ll want to apply a thicker line to the upper lash line so that eyes stand out. If your frames are thinner, a softer liner works.

Define Your Brows 
Eye brows make a huge difference when you wear glasses— the frames draw attention to them. Learning how to shape and color your brows can change the entire frame of your face.

Share your makeup tips wearing eyeglasses with us.
♥ Khou

Info: fashionista; Picture: http://gabrielaaaa.tumblr.com/post/5383452599

Do you really need to moisturize?

When it comes to beauty rules, most of us believe that moisturizing is just as important as proper cleansing. But as an “Oily” type, the truth may surprise you. The fact is, your “Oily” skin has plenty of natural hydration, and this extra step may not be necessary for you.

When your skin is “Oily,” you have to consider your skin’s other attributes, since concerns such as aging and redness are addressed with specially formulated moisturizers. But the last thing your “Oily” skin needs is more oil, especially if you’re trying to fight excess shine. Many anti-aging creams also contain harsh acids that can aggravate “Sensitive” skin—even more reason to shy away.

Instead of a true moisturizer, try a lighter serum or gel that contains ingredients designed to quell your other skin concerns. Antioxidant-rich offerings are effective for fighting wrinkles and other signs of aging, and formulas with anti-inflammatory ingredients can help with redness. As an added bonus, serums may contain higher concentrations of good-for-your-skin ingredients than moisturizers anyway. A few to try: Olay Regenerist Fragrance-Free Regenerating Serum, iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum, Caudalie Firming Concentrate and Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel.

If you find it hard to break the moisturizer habit, you can get an extra dose of moisture with your daily sunscreen. When paired with the right serum, you can get all the skin-improving ingredients and environmental protection your skin needs, without the extra oil and shine.

Cited from Skin Type Solutions

Thursday, August 4, 2011

How to minimiz pores

While you can't decrease the actual size of your pores, there are several strategies that can make them look less noticeable:

• Exfoliate. When pores are clogged with oil and dead skin cells, they are easier to see. Regular exfoliation with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acids) or salicylic acid will help rid the debris that collects inside. ( Definitely exfoliate with a facial brush like Sigma's cleansing and polishing tool. http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=4779

• Stimulate cell turnover. Once pores are cleared out, look for ingredients that will keep them that way! Horse Chestnut extract is proven to speed cell turnover and slough off dead skin cells before they can clog pores. Find it in Babor Calming Sensitive Couperose Serum and in Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Retinoids are also helpful here, and in addition to decreasing oil production, they help you look younger, too!

• Plump skin. The next strategy is to prompt the skin around pores to swell slightly. As the skin plumps, pores will appear to contract. Topical Vitamin C (available in a variety of facial serums), and light in-office light procedures like IPL are effective ways to add volume to the skin and minimize the appearance of large pores.

• Keep in mind that enlarged pores are easier to prevent than to treat after the fact: Wash away makeup every night, and avoid popping or picking pimples because that can permanently stretch pores.

Cited: Skin Type Solutions

Saturday, July 30, 2011

New Makeup Tips

 
Makeup artist are the go-to person when it comes to makeup tips. They know the latest and greatest secrets to looking gorgeous. Be ready to be wowed.

Ditch the oil slick
To keep shine in check, Revlon Global Artistic Director Gucci Westman always keeps blotting papers on hand. Yet, she has an unusual way to keep oil at a minimum. "Believe it or not," she says, "I sometimes put deodorant on my finger and dab under my eyes and t-zone to help create a matte look."

Try a colored eyeliner
Changing your eyeliner can make eyes look bigger and brighter, says makeup artist Tina Turnbow, who has worked with stars such as Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. "Try swapping black for plum, olive green or indigo," she suggests. "Black can close up the eye and make it appear smaller, because darker colors make the eye recede. Some colors, even brown, can be softer."

Go for sheer foundation
Adding aloe to foundation gives it excellent slip, says makeup artist Brett Freedman, who's helped women like Vanessa Hudgens and Leighton Meester get gorgeous. "Sheer out your favorite base by adding a half a pea size of aloe to your foundation before you apply," he explains. "Also, you can apply aloe to your face and while still dewy, spread on a little foundation. You're ready for summer!"

Style your brows, size up your eyes
Doug Howell, NARS makeup artist, has an easy trick for making eyes stand out more. "Use a powder to define the entire brow, but give extra attention to the center arch area of the brow," he says. "Since this is the highest area of the brow, it tricks people's eyes into thinking your eyes look bigger." Use a brow brush to apply powder eye shadows that correspond with your hair color. He recommends NARS single eye shadows in these shades: Blondie for lighter hair, Bali for medium hair and Coconut Grove for dark hair.

Create a wet look — for your lashes
"There’s nothing sexier than the way lashes group together when they’re wet, like after getting out of a pool," says MAC Senior Artist Victor Cembellin. "Here’s the secret to the look: Apply MAC Brow Set in Clear to the eyelashes first, and then top with a coat of black mascara." The result: grouped, wet-look, sexy lashes.

Leave your lipstick in place
The same product can be used to keep lipstick in check, says MAC Senior Artist Louise Zizzo. "MAC Brow Set in Clear used around the rim of the mouth will help prevent lipstick from bleeding," she explains.

Get Bambi lashes without mascara
You don't need mascara to make your eyelashes stand out, says mark celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh, who has worked with actors including Emma Stone and Ashley Greene. Just add eyeliner, she says: "To get voluminous-looking lashes, apply dark brown or black waterproof eyeliner to the upper rim of your eye — not on top of the lashes, but in between and underneath them. This gives the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes without having a lined eye." 

Khou


Photo: tumblr | Info: bellasugar

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Timeless Summer Makeup


Summer is our favorite time of the year. Yet, with heat and humidity summer makeup can be au natural or more high maintenance. Here's tips to help you look amazing while having fun in the sun:
  • After applying sunscreen, use a mineral powder foundation or a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation
  • Conceal any blemishes with concealer and immediately use powder to set it
  • With humidity, skip powder on the rest of your face because it can get cake-y
  • For oil or shine on the face, use blotting papers that has no mineral oil because mineral oil could clog your pores and cause breakouts
  • For your eyes, go waterproof with eyeshadow, liquid liner, and eye liner
  • Complete your eyes with a waterproof mascara
  • If you are tan, use a blush instead of a cream blush because it will not last long in the heat. If you are protecting your skin with a hat and sunscreen, use a bronzer on top of your forehead, nose, cheekbones and chin
  • Go for a a tinted lip balm or sheer (or bold) lipstick
Khou

Photo: http://beautyfantasy.tumblr.com/page/3; Info: thebeautydepartment