Showing posts with label Urban Decay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Urban Decay. Show all posts

December 6, 2011

Holiday Make-up Trend: Be Bold In Gold!

As I peruse through my magazines, I noticed a definite trend for this upcoming holiday season.  It appears that contrary to popular belief....all that glitters is GOLD!  From the runways of Fashion Week to Celebs on the red carpert, everyone is gleaming in gold makeup (and nails).  And surprisingly, it looks REALLY good!  I think I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, that I am pretty conservative when it comes to my make-up.  It's my belief that less is more!  Make-up is like an accessory...it should enhance your look and natural beauty, not take away from it.  With that said, you could probably imagine my inital adversion to this new trend.  I mean you could either nail this look or get it really really wrong, right?  However you choose to incorporate this trend into your make-up routine, the bottomline is Have Fun (and try not to go overboard)!!

You, too, can be bold in gold with the following products:

Eyeliner:

Not only does gold eyeliner look nice and festive, it can make tired eyes POP!  By lining the inside corners of your eyes, the metallic shade will provide a more wide-open look as well as brightening up the skin.  I would suggest trying Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Eldorado.  This pencil goes on really smooth, is highly pigmented and lasts a long time (see my previous blog post).  If Eldorado is too bright for you, maybe try a more antique gold like NARs Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Campo de'Fiori

Nars Campo de'Fiori (left) & U/D Eldorado (right)

Eyeshadow:

I've always been a fan of gold eyeshadows and the pinky-gold shades are my absolute faves! Being the make-up conservative that I am, I generally apply the gold shadow to my lid and blend with a brown or bronze shade in my crease.  I know I should play with color more and that is on my "to-do" list for 2012. :) So, don't limit yourself!  Gold shadows can be mixed with a variety of shades ranging from navy blue, maroon and army green...it really depends on your comfort level.  So, just get in your make-up bag & PLAY!  :)  And while you're at it, check out these shadows: Half Baked by Urban Decay is packed with pigment and this true shade of gold offers lots of shine. Others to try are All That Glitters and Amber Lights by MAC Cosmetics!

All That Glitters by MAC (left), Half Baked  by U/D (mid), Amber Lights by MAC (right)

Nail Polish:

Looking for the Midas Touch? Try applying a gold polish to bare nails for a subtle jeweled effect or over your favorite nail color for an added sparkle.  Who needs jewelry when you're rockin' gold nails! ;) I really like Glitzerland by OPI w/ an accent nail in Bring On The Bling also by OPI (shown below).  Or you may also try Boom Boom Pow by Deborah Lippmann. This glamourous & glittery shade contains 24K Gold Dust!  

Glizterland w/ one nail accented in Bring On The Bling by OPI



Go forth and be B-O-L-D!

XOXO

~Tiaja

November 9, 2011

HELP......My Eyeliner Is Running!


I received the following question from one of my loyal readers, Meshelle.  She wrote:

Hey Tiaja....I truly love reading your blog page http://www.beautymarx.blogspot.com. I have bought several products you have suggested. Do you have any suggestions for eyeliners. I have been searching to find one that doesn't run by 2pm.

Thank you, Meshelle...I appreciate your support and you are not alone in your quest for an eyeliner that last.  I'm sure we have all experienced the case of the "runaway eyeliner"!  I can count the number of times that my eyeliner has expired on me.  It never fails....you think that your makeup is flawless only to look in the mirror and discover that your eyeliner has run, leaving you with the infamous raccoon-eyes!  Make up is supposed to last.  What is the point of wearing it, if you have to do a mirror check every 20-30 mins....that's no fun.  So in answer to Meshelle's question, I have found a few eyeliners that have passed the test!


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil


These pencils go on smooth, are waterproof and have a great level of pigmentation.  They are ideal for lining along your water line because this waterproof formula definitely stays put!  In fact, you will more than likely need an oil-based eye makeup remover handy to get this to come off completely (Side Note:  Meltdown Makeup Remover by Urban Decay removed this liner with no problem.).  However, aside from the "stay-put" action that this pencil delivers, the color selection is pretty much to die for!  There are currently 23 colors ranging from Lucky (brilliant deept cooper) to  Zero (matte black) to Ransom (bright iridescent purple) and they are BRILLIANT!  So whether you like to play it safe or tend to venture on the wild side, UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is probably right up your alley!  Retailing for $18, you can find these eyeliners at Sephora, Ulta and of course on-line at http://www.urbandecay.com/. (Rating:  A)


NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

The latest in the brand's eyeliner collection, this creamy liner deposits an intense level of color to the eye.  I did notice a small amount of flaking when applying but for the most part the application is fairly smooth on the skin.  And despite being smudge-proof,  it is easily removed with make-up remover.  I used an oil-free remover and it worked just fine!  The NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear liner has a twist up delivery with a built in sharpener is now available in 11 colors ranging between matte and shimmery finishes!   The colors tend to stay in the safe zone with such staple colors as Via Vento (black) however, there are a few "fun" colors like Abbey Road (Blueish-teal w/ a soft blue shimmer) and St. Marks Place (bright violet w/ a soft shimmer).  These eyeliners can be purchased for $23 at Sephora, Nordstroms and http://www.narscosmetics.com/.  (Rating:  B+)



Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner

This long wearing, waterproof liner promises to provide "bold definition for up to 8 hours".  Although it did not go on as smooth as the previous liners but once set, this liner was definitely smudge-proof and lasted for a fairly long time.  It stayed put on my lash line for hours however, I did notice that it tends to fade with time on my waterline.  But the good thing is that it did not run!  The Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner is available in 8 vibrant shades with such stand-outs as Indigo Ink (dark navy), Black Violet (deep purple) and Golden Ivy (deep green with golden pearl).  And the cap houses a unique built-in sharpener for your convenience!  This liner can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta and at http://www.smashbox.com/ for $19.  (Rating:  B)


L'Oreal HiP Chrome Eyeliner **Special Mention**


I have yet to personally use this product but have heard very good things about it hence, the 'Special Mention'.  Often compared to UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, I am told that these liners are pretty impressive!  They are soft and smooth, allowing for them to simply glide onto the lash line.  And in additon to its smooth texture, users raved about the color pigmentation stating that they are ammazing and very true to color.  L'Oreal HiP Chrome liners come in 4 colors each with an intense metallic finish (thus, the 'Chrome' effect), making them bright and bold!  In reference to its staying power, I am told that these liners wear well throughout the day with little or minimal smudging.  You can find the L'Oreal HiP Chrome Eyeliner at Walgreen's or your local drugstore for $8.49 (prices may vary).  They can also be purchased at Ulta or online at http://www.lorealparisusa.com/.

I hope the above reviews were beneficial in helping you to find an eyeliner that will stand the test of time!  Although my focus was mainly on eyeliner pencils, I did want to make mention that liquid and gel liners are great alternatives that generally last longer on the skin than most pencils.  It's just a matter of preference!  Also, remember that many cosmetic brands have eyeshadow primers which helps to maximize the longevity and intensity of your eye liners and shadows.

XOXO

~Tiaja