What's in my Makeup bag

As a Makeup artist it is very hard to try and narrow down what I keep in my makeup bag so I will just share with you what are my must have's or go to products.....

#1. Concealer. I Use Maybelline Age Rewind under eye concealer in Medium. It has been a very long time since I've raved about a concealer but, this one is fab! Not only does in conceal very nicely but it doesn't emphasize my lines....Hello Bonus!

#2. Foundation. Every woman needs a great everyday foundation and I keep going back to my old stand by True Match Blendable foundation in W4 from L'Oreal. I have tried a numerous amount of foundations but, this one is just beautiful and buildable yet, feels ultra lightweight.

#3. Powder. Laura Geller balance N brighten in Medium. I tried this in a small kit and ended up buying the larger size. It is a great powder foundation. Used alone it gives a nice sheer to medium coverage. used with foundation it gives a beautiful flawless finish. I keep it in my purse to touch up once a day. (Warning) the colors run a bit light. I wish there were more colors and I do wish they were a tad bit warmer. So, if you tend to have a bit more yellow in your skin or are a medium to dark or darker skintone this may not be right for you instead try Mac Mineralize skinfinsh natural.

#4. Bronzer. Mac Matte bronze. This has been my old stand by for a while now. I found a better bronzer from Too faced but, alas I was allergic to it. I was so sad because it was matte and the color was amazing. So instead I'm back using the Matt Bronze from Mac.

#5. Blush. This truely varies from day to day much like lipstick and eyeshadow however, My favorite blushes are Rose D'Oro from Milani it's a gorgeous warm and cool shimmery rose/ bronze color. Desire from Lorac..Oh this color is just an amazing cool shimmery pink. I can pop this on top of ANY other color and it just creates a beautiful glow from within look. Love this!

#6. Eyebrows. I have used LaFemme Medium brown eyebrow powder for over 15 years now and I still love it.

#7 Eyeshadow. a friend of mine introduced me to Lorac Serenity eyeshadow years ago and today it is still my favorite. It is a  nude shimmer. It can be used wet or dry for a beautiful dewy look on the eyes. Just gorgeous especially when there is no time for a full on smokey look.

#8. Eyeliner. I have tried many eyeliners over the years but  lately I have been picking up Physicians formula shimmer liquid eyeliners daily. I use the black one almost daily. It really does stay all day.

#9. Eyelashes. I would not be who I am without my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I have cow lashes (thye go straight down not straight out but, down) so, without this tool my looks would never be complete. I have also been enjoying the Rocket Mascara from Maybelline although my all time favorite is my Yves St. Laurent Volume effect Faux Cils.

#10 Lips. I love the pro longwear lip pencils from Mac paired with my favorite Color design lipsticks from Lancome. I am still looking for a replacement for my Shu Uemura 132 lipstick. I loved that thing to death. It was shear goodness in a Coraly shimmery way.

New Years eve Make-up tips

Image via Wikipedia

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.

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)

N.Y.C. Lipstick Review

I've been wearing these N.Y.C. Ultra wear lipsticks for a couple of weeks now and I have to say I've grown very fond of them. I purchased them at my local Rite Aide store for $1.99 (WHAT?!) ya, you heard me right.
 This is a great lipstick for such an amazing price. They really do last quite a while and have a beautiful shimmer so you almost don't have to wear a lipgloss.
 I purchased 6 colors which, if you do the math that's just about the price of 1 M.a.c. lipstick! I swatched them below to show you the color range and metallic shimmer.

  There are even more colors than what I purchased so I'm sure you'd be able to find at least 1 lipstick you like. The only thing I didn't like about them was the way they are packaged. Most lipsticks wind down into their case. These do not. They wind up but not down so you have to be careful about the way you place the cap back on. Other than that these are a winner for all these reasons.......
  Long wearing
 High shimmer
 Good pigment
 Fragrance free
 Inexpensive

Review...Just Bitten lip marker

I've always loved coloring inside the lines. Even now as an adult I can still get my coloring fix! I've stumbled across super mom friendly makeup... just what is "Mom friendly makeup"? It's makeup that stays on YOU and not on your kids.

I tried a brand new product by Revlon. A marker or stain for your lips called Just Bitten. Here's what I love about it....

1. The colors are pretty true to the tube. That being said I chose "Gothic" which is a true red. I mean very, very red. I'm either a red lip gal or a nude lip gal. I haven't tried the nude colors so let me know what you all think if you decide to try them.
2. It comes with a lip balm, which is great because that's one less item I need to carry in my purse.
3. Once it's on it's not coming off, not even if you rub really hard. I had mine on all day until I ate a salad with oil and vinegar dressing but, even then the stain of color was still there. You pretty much need to scrub with a toothbrush and toothpaste to get it off.
4. I could kiss my kids and not worry about getting lip gloss or lipstick all over them.
5. The price was just right . It was about $8.00 which is a good drugstore price and even better than department store prices which can be up to $24.00

Here's what I didn't like about it....
 The only thing I didn't like was the packaging. I felt like it was a little too big for the amount of product and it really does look like a kids' marker but, I could get over that based on the price alone.

 I was a department store makeup snob for many years but, now with the economy the way it is I've learned that I can find equivalent items from the drugstore. Of course there are still quite a few things that can only be found in a department store but, for the most part there are some really great products out there for a great price.
 If you would like more posts like these please comment below and let me know so, I can bring you more "Drug store cowgirl reviews"  ; )