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

Luminizing Lotions - A Trick of the Trade & Treat for the Face!

Although Halloween has come and gone, it's never too late for a little trick-and-treating of the beauty kind.  So, I thought that I would provide my readers with a beauty trick of mine that I personally think of as a pretty awesome treat!  :)  When I first heard about illuminizing lotions, I was definitely intrigued to find out what they were all about.  I mean, realistically, the name alone should tell me ALL that I needed to know.  However, my first experience using one of these lotions was an EPIC FAIL!  I remember taking the cap off, squirting a pretty sizeable amount into the palm of my hand and rubbing the "lotion" onto my face....BIG mistake!  To my horror, I looked like a Glo-worm.  I was literally luminescent and glowing but not in a good way!  lol  And because I used such a large amount, it took about 2-3 washes for my skin to look like normal again. I had thoughts of returning the product to the store but decided not to and it sat in my bathroom for a week or two before my "A-Ha" moment!

One day while getting ready for a night-on-the-town, I came across this luminizing lotion again and decided that I would give it another try.  Only this time, I decided that a) I would use a much MUCH smaller amount and b) I would try mixing it in with my tinted moisturizer. Ooh La La.....Magnifique!  The combination of my tinted moisturizer and the luminizing lotion helped to even out and brighten my skin, while giving me that J-Lo glow (which i'm sure all of you ladies are familiar with).   I was hooked and have incorporated this technique into my beauty routine and especially when I need an added boost for lackluster skin!

I currently use Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Gold Light.  Not only is this product reasonable, retailing for $13.99, but it works just as good as any of the illuminators that the higher-end brands have to offer.  Equipped with a brush applicator, this product comes in 3 shades:  Pink Light, Gold Light and Bronze Light and is formulated with an SPF 18.  In addition, it is oil-free so it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts (which is always a plus)!  I am usually able to find and purchase this illuminator at Walgreens but I must say that sometimes it can be hard to find.  I truly hope that Revlon is not thinking of discontinuing this product....I would be heartbroken!

Here are some other illuminators that I have used and come highly recommended by yours truly:

Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion by Smashbox


The gorgeous shimmer of this luminizing lotion softens the way light reflects off of the skin to add radiance and help hide wrinkles and imperfections.  Caution:  Use a very tiny amount of this product or you may experience the Glo-worm effect that I spoke about!  This Smashbox Luminizing Lotion is available in Diffuse ( luminous pearl), Glow (luminous bronze) and Flash (luminous peach). (Retails for $26; http://www.smashbox.com/)


Illuminator by Nars

This light-reflecting liquid glides on to refresh and enhance the complexion, creating a shimmering incandescence. Wear it alone, or pair it with makeup to transform your skin from ordinary to extraordinary. The Nars Illuminator is available in Copacabana (glistening pearl), Laguna (brown w/ golden shimmer), Orgasm (peachy pink w/shimmer) and Super Orgasm (peachy pink w/gold glitter). (Retails for $29, http://www.narscosmetics.com/)


In addition to using these illuminators on your face, don't forget that they can also be used on your shoulders, neck & decolletage for a sexy, chic look and added glow!

XOXO

~Tiaja