Luminess Air System and Makeup review

About a month or so ago I was sent this Luminess Air compressor and Makeup kit for review. I was very excited as I love airbrush and am happy to try new things to let you all know what I think.

First off I want to start by breaking down the set for you. It comes with the following:

A compact personal size compressor, hose, airbrush, water bottle, Ac adapter, clear instructions including video, 2 bottles of foundation (I chose medium in the Ultra formula), a moisturizer, blush and highlighter.

 System Pros and Cons:

Pros- Compact System means traveling with this is easy peasy. Also, leaving it out on a vanity takes up no room at all. The compressor and airbrush itself is nice for a beginner or for anyone just wanting something light and compact to travel with.

Cons- As a pro this is not a system that would work for big jobs. There is only an On and Off switch. No control over psi and is a single action spray which means not much control so, no fine work for this airbrush. (*I just found out there is a pro system which may be a better choice for makeup artists who really need a workhorse)

With that being said I still think it's great for the everyday woman and her daily makeup routine. 

Makeup Pros and Cons:

Pros- Luminess Air foundations are Mineral and water based so, that means no clogged pores and it's great for sensitive skins. The Ultra foundation is very beautiful and is very buildable. You will see in the photos below how I start off with a light coverage and build to medium then, full coverage. It really covered all of my sun damage skin, redness and blemishes as you can see below. I looked flawless in the final pics (the images are not edited in anyway except being cropped and watermarked) The colors are very nice and very much look like natural skin tones. I would like to see more. I actually match Shade 3 foundation perfectly. 

Cons- This foundation is probably nicer for a drier skin or better in the colder months. It is the dead of Summer and my makeup just melted off like any other foundation as soon as I started to perspire unless I was in a climate controlled room. (I maybe should have tried the matte formula for summer even though I am not oily). When I was in air conditioning my makeup lasted from day to night so, their really isn't a con here if the makeup I chose was right for my skin type.

My overall experience with the Luminess Air system has been great. Since the makeup is water based it's easy to clean and I haven't had any issues clogging unlike some other systems I've tried. I think I'm going to look into the Matte formula foundation for longer wear. After I try that I will let you know what I think. 

If you would like to see a video demo leave a comment below and I will make one for you on my youtube channel.

 

 One single pass with light pressure = Sheer coverage

 2 passes with light pressure = Medium Coverage

 

3 passes with light pressure  = Full coverage + Added Blush

 

Full face of makeup added no photo editing.

 

A little added face paint and my skin underneath still looks flawless.

 

Luminess Air was kind enough to send me a promo code for all of my readers good through 

October 31st, 2015 for 20% off. 

Just enter this code at check out and let me know what you think about the system. 

Promo code 88421029891

Starblend makeup applicators

 Starblend Makeup by Mehron     is truly a fantastic cake makeup and not just for stage but, face painters all over the world are discovering this little gem.

 Starblend is a cake foundation that is water resistant and sweat resistant. Face painters are finding this a great alternative on days when it's hot or humid. Summertime is here so, I wanted to share my favorite method for applying Starblend makeup to my clients.

 The first Method is a lollipop applicator. These are great for applying more powder in smaller areas. They are much like a large sponge eyeshadow applicator. They are a bit firm and can feel a bit rough on the skin. While I do love that they are disposable I'm not a huge fan of the ease of application. I would not use these if I was covering a large area of the skin as they leave streaks and splotches. I find these work well with my Ben Nye Lumiere eyeshadows    . I will often use my Lumieres over water activated face paint to give a glow and shimmer and to intensify color and these are the perfect tool.

    

The second method is a Smoothie Blender. These are wonderful for applying over smaller or larger areas both equally. They have a flocked sponge tip applicator so they feel much like a powder puff. Velvety and smooth to the touch. These are the most expensive retailing for about $5 each. This is not good if you are working with many clients at the same gig as they are not disposable. They also tend to break down very quickly or tear apart from over washing. These are great if you are only working on one client for a private appointment.

    

The third and last method is a powder puff. This is by far my favorite choice. The cost is about the same as a face painting sponge retailing for about $1.50 a piece. They are great because like the lollipop they are disposable but, they are flocked and soft like the smoothie blender giving you perfectly smooth coverage and if you manipulate it correctly can be used on small or large areas. In essence it's the best of both worlds and at a price that falls in between the two.

    

I have all three because I believe there is a time and place to use all of them. Just like my bag of face painting sponges I keep a bag of these on hand too. I also keep a hand full of lolipops in with my brushes to use with my lumieres in smaller areas of the face and for detailing but, if you are on a budget and need to just purchase one I would go with the powder puff every time.

 I hope this has answered your Starblend applicator questions. Do you have a question? Post it on my facebook page     and I may just post the answer here.

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Happy Painting my painty friends,
Shawna

Face Paint and Makeup Brushes Review (Makeup Monday)

Last week there was a buy 1 get 1 free sale on La Corneille brushes at Michael's Arts and Crafts store so, I thought I would try out a couple new brushes. This is the best time to try new brushes from other brands. I typically use Loew Cornell Goldgrip rounds and liners, Athena Filberts and Royal and Langknickle flats.

My opinion on the #6 round is that while I do love the flexibility of this brush I feel as if it is a tad too long for the thickness. Making it a bit harder to control.

The #10 filberts are smooth and work like a dream. They are tapered just enough but, not too much. I will definitly be repurchasing these.

The #1/8 Angular brushes will be used not for face painting but for gel eyeliner in my makeup kit. I have used these before and they have replaced my expensive Bobbie Brown eyeliner brushes.

After playing with these brushes for a while I'm still gonna stick to my Goldgrips and if I can find them, the Loew Cornell 7000 series rounds (Micheal's no longer carries these). I do however, like the La Corneille Filberts. They are very comparable to the Athena filberts.

Pricing: La Corneille #10 filberts $10.99 Compared to the Athena $10.00
           La Corneille #6 rounds $7.19
           La Corneille #1/8 Angular $5.49

I have given you an example of the brushes and brushstrokes you can create with them below.

La Corneille #10 filbert, La Corneille #6 round and La Corneille 1/8 Angular (These are used for gel eyeliner in my makeup kit)

These examples were created with the La Corneille #10 filberts

These examples were painted with the La Corneille #6 rounds

*Disclaimer: All the items in this review were purchased by me. These are only my opinions.

Happy Painting,

XOXO Shawna D.

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Covergirl Stay Fabulous Outlast 3 in 1 foundation Review

This foundation is a 4 star foundation.
*It lasts and lasts all day
*Is a medium to full coverage
*Dries to a powder like finish without the powdery look
*Blends great with a beauty blender or fingers
*Moderate range of colors

I would have given this 5 stars if it weren't for the pinky undertones and if it blended easier with a brush. Other than that this is a fantastic foundation that I will purchase again and again.

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.

La Femme Eyebrow powder

As a pro Makeup artist I have a large range of clients from Brides to models so, I have to choose only the best products for my clients and that does not always mean expensive in fact, I have been a huge fan of a very inexpensive eyebrow powder for about 16 years now.
What is this fantastic powder I speak of? It's La Femme! Yes, old school for sure but, it works and it works well!

This is a highly pigmented product so, even if you have very sparse eyebrows you will be able to really fill them in with this and a good eyebrow brush.

You can find this oldie but, goodie for about $5 at most professional makeup stores like my favorite Frend's in North Hollywood or online.

Here is a photo of my own collection I de-potted into a Z-Palette. The colors I have are Blonde, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Taupe (my fave and most used) Charcoal and Auburn which missing from this photo because I cracked it so, now I need to replace it :(

 

Make today a fabulous Makeup Monday! Have a beautiful week,

Shawna 

The Body Shop Body Butters

After all these years I'm still in love with the body butters from The Body Shop. Many, many moons ago I got my start in beauty working for a small company who still marked prices on their product with a price gun. I fell in love with the products and still to this day enjoy going into their shops and picking out delicious products that not only do I love but, my whole family loves.

 If you haven't experienced a body butter it's a real treat. It's a thick body cream that just melts onto your skin with the ultimate in hydration and leaves behind a fantastic scent. No perfume needed after applying these in fact this is all I wear. Shortly after these came out The Body Shop made shower gels to match so now you can start the experience in the shower by layering your scent as you go. I wish they made matching shampoos and conditioners! Hint Hint to The Body Shop if your listening.

 Here is one of the original body butters... Brazil Nut is yummy! It has a sweet, warm, nutty  fragrance and works excellent for anyone with normal to dry skin. Still one of my faves for the cooler months.

This one I discovered last year and is my all time favorite. It smells just like a freshly squeezed grapefruit. Sweet and refreshing. Must have for summer time.This is great for normal skin types.

If you love Citrus then this one is gonna get you! Fresh, clean and vibrant. I love Lemons!!! In fact here's a great lemon at home scrub you can make with stuff you probably already have in your pantry. Great for normal to dry skin

And here is the yummiest of all. Who doesn't love strawberries? This one takes me back to being a little girl and playing with my strawberry shotcake doll. My daughter just loves this one too! Great for normal to dry skin.

There are many more scents available but, these are just my picks. They come in a travel size if you just want to try it out. That's what I do when I just can't decide however, the travel size goes so quickly I end up back in the shop to pick up the regular size!

Stay cool and Hydrated this summer,

Shawna : )