New Years eve Make-up tips

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Is it really necessary to go all out for New Years eve? Why YES it is! I'm only speaking to you single folk who don't spend your New Years eve with kids like we mom's do. I get to sit back and relax in my p.j.'s while sipping on hot chocolate (My last for a long time since, I will be starting a diet after New Years) and watch the wig drop on "Watch what happens live!" Yes, of course my kiddos will be in bed already because they never last til midnight anyways, so my husband and I can enjoy all the shenanigans all by ourselves.

 Well, if you're single sans children here are a few tips to ensure there will be no one turning into a pumpkin at midnight.......
1. Use a primer before your foundation: Your make-up will look smoother and last longer.
2. Use a cream blush as a primer: add a touch of powder blush over your cream blush for a longer lasting flush.
3. When in doubt go waterproof: I don't endorse passing out drunk at the party but, should you go a little too far and have to spend the night somewhere your make-up will last through the night and you'll still look fab in the morning if you go waterproof.
4. Use a long wearing lipstick: There's nothing uglier than ring around the mouth so, use a long wearing lip stain or lipstick...your lips will last through that strike of midnight kiss and you'll thank me for it.

I hope these prevent any late night mishaps for you fabulous children-free people and for all of you staying at home with your kiddos enjoy your hot chocolate and think of me LOL!

Wishing you ALL a prosperous and Beauty-FILLED New Year!

Love and kisses,
Shawna D.

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse foundation (Review)

 Recently I gave you the thumbs up on  the L'Oreal true match blendable foundation which is great for all skins but, I have been trying out a matte foundation by Revlon Colorstay called Mineral Mousse in Light Medium and I absolutely LOVE it! I don't think it's necessary to use a powder with extra coverage with this foundation so stick with Make-Up forever's HD powder for a flawless look.

 I love this foundation based on these things.........
1. Color range~ There are a good amount of colors to match just about any skin color.
1. Coverage~ It provides a medium to full coverage with a matte finish but, doesn't look flat or un-natural.This is best for women who need to cover flaws and imperfections but as a caution-DO NOT use around eye area becuase it is matte which will only enhance lines and look dry.
2. Long wearing~ It really stays all day long. The claim is that it lasts for 16 hours. I'm not sure about 16 but I'd say a good 10.
3. No Transfer~ I haven't noticed any rubbing off or transfer to my clothes.
4. SPF~ It has an spf 20 which is great for the everyday sun here in California.
5. Feel~ It feels light weight almost like not wearing anything at all.
6. Packaging~ The packaging is perfect for traveling. It comes in a small tube rather than a glass bottle.

Who can wear this? I would recommend this for Normal to oily skins or acne prone skins.It does a pretty good job of NOT settling into my fine lines and pores. This is NOT for dry skin or mature skin with lines and wrinkles.

How much does it cost? You can buy this foundation for about $14.00 and even less sometimes. I bought it when it was 40% off at Rite Aid


Where can I buy this? You can find Revlon products at your local drugstore or Target stores. Or you can buy online at www.drugstore.com

 Overall I would rate this  5 stars for a MEDIUM to FULL coverage matte foundation. I have nothing bad to say about it at all! I LOVE it!

Frame your face

~ Your eyebrows and cheeks create the frame of your face so, if these two things are not done your look will not be complete. Follow these two basic steps to create a more pulled together look instantly.

Eyebrows~
Full eyebrows? a little powder to fill them in and a clear brow gel to comb and set them in place will be enough to make them look pulled together but, do make sure that any stray hairs are tweazed so your eye area will look clean.
Little or no eyebrows? Then you could benefit from using a brow pencil -
Blondes- Use a shade darker than your hair color.
Brunettes-Use a shade lighter than your hair color.
Redheads-Same rules apply.. If you are light red then, go darker. If you are dark red then, go lighter.
Cheeks~
Choosing a cheek color can be overwhelming with so many choices but, it doesn't have to be. I have found that almost ANY color skin can wear a pinky mauve and look fabulous! Just a light dusting slightly below the cheekbone and up toward the temples works like magic every time.

 These are basic tips. Of course you can go all out with your blush and use a highlight and contour as well but, who has all the time for that? Try doing these two steps alone next time you're in a rush and you'll see just how much better your look will be.

My favorite blush of the moment

There's something to say about a flushed cheek on a baby. It's a healthy, happy look and it's the one thing that can make a woman look instantly youthful.
A pretty flushed cheek looks great on every woman no matter what her age and that's precisely the look you get from Bare Minerals blush in "Secret". It's a soft mauve pink that works on almost every skin tone. Bare Minerals classifies it as a deep mauve but really, it's a medium mauve which is why it works on a variety of skin tones and shades.
This is my go to blush for a natural flushed cheek. It works with almost any make-up look since it's a matte and can easily be dressed up by adding a shimmer powder on top of the color.This would be a great color to add to any make-up wardrobe.

Go and blush in good health,
Shawna

10 beauty things I'm Thankful for.

 This is my Thanksgiving "IT" list. A list of things I couldn't be without thus, am THANKFUL for ; )

1. Make-up forever HD powder

2. Foundation in all shapes and sizes.

3. Mac lipglass especially dazzelglass

4. Shu Uemura eyelash curler

5. Yves Saint. Laurent  waterproof mascara

6. Concealer in all shapes and sizes

7. Shu Uemura 6OB brush

8. Lancome Artliner

9. Laura Mercier Golden rose glow illuminating stick blush

10. Bronzer in all shapes and sizes and forms

Hope you all have a BEAUTY filled Thanksgiving!

Gobble gobble,
Shawna

Lancome dual finish powder dupe

 In the  land of dual finish powders Lancome has always remained at the top of my list. I always seem to go back even after finding a "new favorite" for some reason I just keep going back. Well, on my search for a less expensive version I decided to try L'Oreal's infallible never fail powder.

 Now,You may have noticed a trend here in the products I've been trying and yes, I am guilty of trying one line at a time and since I love Lancome I figured I may as well try L'Oreal considering L'Oreal owns Lancome. WHAT?! you didn't know that?! Well, now you do.

 Here are the similarities.
 1. They both offer sheer to full coverage. You can use them wet or dry which gives you a wide range of coverage options.
 2. The basic colors are similar. I wear Matt neutrale II  in Lancome and Nude Beige in L'Oreal.
 3. They are both mattifying.

Here are the differences:
1. Lancome packaging is larger and nicer. The L'Oreal packaging is smaller which is better for a small purse and I do like that the sponge is in a separate compartment so it can breathe but, I do not like that the packaging is on the cheap side.
2. The total amount you are given for Lancome is .67 oz 19 grams versus L'Oreal which is .30 oz or 8.5 grams. When you look at the total amount you are getting, $35 for Lancome vs $14 for L'Oreal you are still getting a better deal for the L'Oreal powder.

 All in all they are pretty much the same as far as feel and purpose although, the L'Oreal powder lasts longer throughout the day. So, If you're looking for a great dual finish powder and don't want to commit to a larger quantity of product then, I say try the L'Oreal infallible never fail powder.

L'Oreal True Match blendable foundation Review

 

  Before I get started I want to let you know that I LOVE FOUNDATION in general. It could be because I don't think I have the greatest skin so, when I apply foundation and powder I feel like I have flawless skin and THAT makes me feel great!
  Now, that you know about my craziness let's get on with the review. I've been using the L'Oreal true match blendable foundation for a couple of months now so, I can give a better review of the product. I really like this foundation based on a couple of things.....
1. There are an abundant amount of colors ranging from warm to neutral to cool.
I personally am a perfectionist when it comes to matching my skin so, I ALWAYS fell like I'm in between colors. I usually buy 2 colors and have to mix which is what I did with this foundation as well. I picked W3 & W4 which stands for WARM level 3 and 4 or nude beige and natural beige.I really feel like the blend of the two is perfect for me.
2.  It gives a sheer to medium coverage.
This is great everyday  foundation for most women with average imperfections. If you want a fuller coverage I recommend using a powder foundation along with the foundation.There is a matching powder but I haven't tried that yet. I'm currently using Mac skin finish natural in medium plus.
3. Has an SPF 17.
This is good for everyday protection and is light enough that it really doesn't reflect back with flash photography.
4. It really is blendable.
I find that it blends very easily and doesn't feel like I'm wearing foundation. It looks great without a foundation primer but, I wouldn't recommend wearing it that way since, it's not a long wearing foundation.
Who can wear this?
This works well for normal skins or combination skin. If you have dry skin you'll still need a good moisturizer underneath and if you have oily skin you'll need to use a good oil control product underneath.
How much does it cost?
One of the GREAT things about this foundation is that it is VERY inexpensive. I purchased it for about $11.00 on a buy 1 get 1 half off deal so, it was about $16.50 for two 1 oz bottles. That's a GREAT deal!
Where can I buy this?
You can find this foundation at most drugstores or online through www.riteaidonlinestore.com
Overall I'd rate this as a 4 star SHEER to MEDIUM coverage foundation.

Calavera or Sugar skull

This is what I worked on today

 

 You can view the rest of my gallery here.

I'm lusting for this BIG make-up bag

As I write this a little bit of drool is hanging from the corner of my mouth. (gross, I know. LOL) But, do you blame me? These new BIG make-up bags from Sigma look awesome! I don't actually own one YET but, just the thought of being able to pack everything in ONE bag when traveling or just for everyday is enough to make me embarrass myself a little.
These are a whopping 14 1/4 inches long and 11 inches high! That's bigger than some purses I own! They come in 3 delicious colors with a pretty quilt pattern much like a famous designer bag and can even fit the sigma brush roll! Ridiculous! If you have a better bag for $29.00 or less please be my guest and show me what you've got.

Homemade facial scrub

Low on funds? Then look in your cupboards for this easy at home facial treatment.
This is a great scrub for brightening and tightening the skin. If you have normal/ combination skin then you can do this once or twice a week. if you have oily/acne prone skin then you can do this up to three times a week.
Do not use this if you have extremely sensitive or extremely dry skin.
 Ingredient list:
1 tablespoon of lemon or lime juice preferably fresh vs. bottled.
1 tablespoon of finely granulated sugar
Directions:
Step 1. Mix both ingredients in the palm of your hand
Step 2. On slightly damped face rub in with fingertips carefully avoiding the eye area. Rub until sugar dissolves.
Step 3. Rinse with tepid water.
Enjoy the benefits of removing dead skin cells from the sugar and brightening the skin from the alpha and beta hydroxys. This a great natural way to keep your skin looking it's best.

Favorite powder foundation (Mineralize Skin Finish Natural)

 I'm sooo loving Mac's Mineralize Skin Finish Natural powder foundation right now! I originally bought it a couple of months ago to use along with the face and body foundation but, didn't really care for the face and body and decided to use it with L'Oreal's True Match Blendable foundtion (which I'll review in a separate post). I bought The Medium Plus because I had more color at the time but, now that summer is over I need to move on to the Medium color. I still use my Make-up Forever HD powder to minimize where I have noticeable lines and pores.


 Here's why I love Mineralize Skin Finish "Natural"........
1. Unlike some other Mac face products, I DON'T BREAK OUT!!!!
2. When used alone it gives a natural flawless look but, doesn't look like I'm wearing foundation or powder.
3. The finish is like a matte satin which is ideal for most women.
4. When used with a liquid foundation my skin looks ultra flawless. I use this combination when I'm going out or when I'm having a bad skin day : (
5. It feels lightweight or like nothing at all unlike studio fix powder foundation.
* The only thing I wish was different was that there was a mirror in the compact so I could use it as a touch up throughout the day but, other than that this is a winner!

Who is it for?

ALL skins can wear this. If you have extremely oily skin I'd recommend using a mattifier prior to make-up application.

How do I use it?

Brush it on with a powder brush for even natural coverage. Use it alone or over your favorite foundation. DO NOT use a sponge or puff as it will muddy up the powder and will look flat and lifeless.

How much does it cost?

$26.00 This is a good price for a professional powder foundation. It's not drugstore quality so you're going to pay a little more .

Where can I buy it?

You can purchase directly from www.maccosmetics.com or at your local Mac counter

Scary Halloween face painting ideas for boys

Here are some of the designs I've been working on for Halloween. These are targeted toward older boys since they are a bit scary. Hope they inspire the artist in you.

 The Joker

 The Werewolf

 Ghost Rider

Two Face (Harvey Dent)

Venom 

Halloween make-up tutorial

Looking for some inspiring designs for Halloween? Well, I've found a great site that shows you the step by step process on how to create those classic Halloween faces like a witch, tiger,skull,pirate, butterfly and more in a cinch. These are great for beginners and parents who don't wanna go all out on an elaborate costume but still want their kids to feel like they're all dressed up. I will be posting some of my own designs soon but, until then check out these simple designs from Face Painting Designs.
Need to purchase face paints? Check out Silly Farm. They have a great selection of almost every type of face paint and the tools to go with them.

Wet n Wild wild shine pink glitter nail polish review

This pink glitter is not for the faint of heart. If you like a little bling but steer toward the conservative side then, stop reading now and go read this. This is a super glitter, packed nail polish with medium to full coverage. It lasts and lasts but is a bit difficult to remove because of the size of the glitter.

 The color is like silver and pink all wrapped up into one. It is a HIGH impact glitter which means that it sparkles and shines like you wouldn't believe but, does have that gritty glitter feel. A good top coat should take care of that though.


 I LOOOVE glitter in any way shape or form (most of the time) and for $.99 why not try this color if not for your fingers then, it would be fabulous on your toes! Wet n Wild calls this color 435G Sparked and I purchased it at my local Rite-Aide. What a cute stocking stuffer for that special tween in your life or in my case MYSELF hahaha!

 Below are pics of the color.

Natural light (no flash)

 Indoor light (with flash)

Choosing the right Red Lipstick for you

Red lipstick is a classic. It's a color that EVERY woman can wear and feel confidant, sophisticated and beautiful in. Finding the right red is the challenge.
 No matter what color skin tone, hair color or eye color you have there is a red lipstick out there for you.
 You just need to know what the undertone in your skin is to pick the right shade of red. For example if you have a warmer or yellow undertone then picking a red lipstick with the same tone or a red orange will look the most natural on you and if you have a cool or pink undertone then you should look for a blue red.

This picture of Jessica Alba is a good example of a blue red on a warmer skin tone.

 This picture of Scarlett Johansson is a good example of a red orange  lipstick on a warm or neutral skin tone.

 A blue red lipstick will look good on ANY skin tone but a red orange will usually look like a BIG contrast on a woman with a pink or cool undertone.

Here are a few tips for looking great in red:

1. ALWAYS wear a neutral eye with a strong lip. Lot's of mascara and neutral shadow are a good mix.
2. Choose a long wearing formula ( no one likes ring around the lip)
3. Wearing a neutral or nude lip liner with red will ensure a more natural looking lip.
4. Wearing a matching red lip liner creates a perfect looking lip.
5. Make sure your teeth are white. Some reds can make your grin look more yellow.
6. When in doubt ask a professional to help you out. Stop by your favorite make-up counter and ask to see a make-up artist. (remember not every gal behind the counter is an artist)

OPI Burlesque "The show must go on" Review

It's no secret to my friends that I adore a beautiful sparkly nail polish especially around fall and winter and the new Burlesque colors from O.P.I. are amazing!

 I purchased "The show must go on" and have been wearing it for a few days now. This will be my new go to red. It's more of a blue red or deep fuchsia with copper glitter which means it will look great on any skin tone. The glitter is in no way chunky or difficult to remove in fact in goes on very smooth and feels smooth to the touch. It's a more sophisticated way to wear glitter without looking like you're a teenager. There are a total of 12 colors in the collection including blue, gold, almost black and red. You can find the whole collection on the O.P.I. website.


 Below are a few pics of the color I chose.

 Natural light ( No flash)

 Indoor light (with flash)