Haute Chic

Day 13 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Pink and Lazy. In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am dedicating my second week of The Challenge to pink makeup!  Today’s look is all about those lazy days when we just want to relax, but still want to add a bit of glam to our look.

What you will need:

• BB Cream (Today I tried out Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++)
• Concealer (Benefit Erase Paste reigns supreme)
  
  
• Powder (Sephora’s Mineral loose powder today)
  
  
• Bronzer (Today I used Wet n Wild Ultimate Minerals Bronzer in #167, Amber Glow)
  
  
• Highlighter (I used Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink)
  
  
• Pinky-plum colored blush (I used Estee Lauder Tender Blush in #660 Plum Nuance)
  
  
• Eyeshadow quad (or separate colors) containing a matte white, metallic pink, shimmery grey, and metallic black (I used Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad Palette in Smooth Hold (Daylight, Makeover, Volcano, and The New Black))
  
  
• Dark purple eyeliner (I used New York Color Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in #934A, Smoky Plum)
  
  
• Mascara (I used Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara in Black)
  
  
• Pink lip stain (I used one of my absolute favorites today, tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stain in Donutella)

 

Instructions:

Today’s look for me was about adding a bit of glam to my ‘bumming around’ clothes (a.k.a. yoga pants, t-shirt, sweater, hair in a braid, boring look).  It was a rainy, dreary day, and my inspiration levels were low, low, low.  So although my clothes were drab, I decided that my makeup should have a bit of interest to it. 

For my base, I gave another BB cream a try (check out this week’s Wednesday Product Review for my first round with a BB cream).  Today, I tried out Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++.  The product touts that it is customizable for all skin tones.  However, although I started with a very minimal amount of product, it was a bit too light for my skin tone.  Accordingly, I had to really work to try to warm up my skin tone a bit.  I started with applying  a bit of  concealer to my under eye area, and I didn’t really need much as the Beauty Balm did do a nice job of lightening the area.  I then dusted a light layer of powder on my entire face to set.  I worked bronzer into the hollows of my cheeks under the cheekbones from the center of my cheeks up toward my hairline, as well as under the jaw line to add definition.  I added a light swipe of bronzer across the forehead, down the bridge of the nose, and to the chin (think T-Zone) to warm up the rest of the face.  I highlighted the tops of my cheekbones and then applied my pinky-plum colored blush to the apples of my cheeks for a soft glow.  I was very pleasantly surprised at how great the Beauty Balm worked to smooth out my skin without the oily look that came about yesterday.  However, by late afternoon, I noticed my skin was starting to break out in little bumps everywhere!  I quickly washed off the whole works.  I had heard finding a Beauty Balm that works for you can be tough, and it seems it really is going to be a big challenge for me.

For the eyes, I opted to use an eyeshadow quad again.  Using quads can be especially helpful on these kinds of lazy days!  I started by applying matte white color to from the crease to the brow bone and adding a touch of same to the inner corners of the eyes.  I then applied the shimmery grey color to the entire eye lid.  I worked the metallic pink color in the eye crease, starting at the inner corner and working my way out.  Following the angle of the crease upward from the center of the eye, I extended the metallic pink color up above the crease outward to just past the outer corner of the eye, angling back in and filling in the center with the metallic pink color.  Take a look at the closed eye photo to see the arc this creates.  I followed by applying the metallic black color just along the top lashline.  I lined both the top and bottom lashes with a very pretty smoky plum colored eyeliner.  A swipe of black waterproof mascara to the top and bottom lashes finished off the eyes.  Check out the closed eye photo again, and you will see the oomph that Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara  provides to the lashes.  Fantastic!

Finally, keeping my laid back mentality for the day, I opted for a pink lip balm stain.  I highly recommend the entire tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stain collection (I own every color).  It moisturizes, lasts all day, and the color is buildable (i.e. you can keep adding to to bring more color to the look and stop whenever you get the perfect shade).  I used the  Donutella color today, which is a great pink color.  A few swipes in the morning, and it lasted until I washed my face in the evening without drying out my lips.

Share your lazy day makeup photos and experiences, and show me your best pink makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  Post your photos, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try our via my  Submit page above or Email Me!

See you tomorrow for Day 14 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

Day 11 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Pink and Powerful. In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am dedicating my second week of The Challenge to pink makeup!  Today was all about a big trend right now: powerful blush.  The thought of powerful blush brings up nightmares of jagged lines of flourescent color a la 1986.  Some things should be left in the 1980s.  Although powerful blush is seeing a resurgence right now, tipping its hats to the past, it has taken on a more modern edge.  No straight lines here: softness is key.  For today I opted to go with a color reminiscent of my natural flush, focusing on the areas where said flush appears after a good workout.  I may challenge myself with more daring colors and shapes down the road, but this was my way of dipping my toes in the water.  Join me for a splash!

What you will need:

• Tinted primer (Today I tried out Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant)
• Concealer (If you haven’t figured it out by now, I HIGHLY recommend Benefit Erase Paste!)
• Powder (I used Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless!” in Honey)
• Bronzer and Highlighter (I used Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink  for both)
• Blush that is as close to your natural blush color as possibles (Today I used Lancome Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush in Rose Romantique, which was a near-perfect match to my natural blush)
• Light pink shimmery eyeshadow and a matte brown eyeshadow (I used Satin Sheets and Like a Virgin, respectively, from the Too Faced Naked Eye palette)
• Mascara (I used Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara in Black)
• Pale pink lipstick (I used Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick in 903C, a peachy-pink shade)

Instructions:

For my base, I applied Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant all over.  I did like the smoothing effects of the product, and the subtle glow that it gave.  I applied my go-to Benefit Erase Paste to conceal my under eye circles, and sealed it all with a dusting of Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless!” powder in Honey.  The powder helped to finish off the smooth look of the base, and the color of it was a perfect match for my skin tone.  I dusted the darker tones of the Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink in the hollows of the cheekbones, and the lighter tones on the tops.

I wanted to keep the eyes simple, so I turned to a quick and easy look from the Too Faced Naked Eye palette: the naked eye.  I swept Satin Sheets (light pink shimmer) across the eye to the brown bone, in the inner corners, and from the inner corner to the center of the the bottom eyelid along the lashline.  From there, I used Like a Virgin (matte brown) from the center of the eyelid to the outer corner, along the crease, and from the center of the the bottom eyelid to the outer corner along the lashline.  I then swept two coats of Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara in Black on the top lashes only.

Then the flushing began.  I applied Lancome Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush in Rose Romantique to the apples of my cheeks, and worked it just under the cheekbone towards my hairline.  This is where I naturally flush.  I slowly added more color until I reached my fresh-from-the-gym hue.  I finished by softening the edges with my fingertips to prevent any sharp lines.

I finalized the look with a swipe of the peachy-pink Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick in 903C to my lips.  I didn’t want a color that would fight for attention with my cheeks (today at least), so I kept it simple.

I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  What do you think?  Try it out for yourself, and share your results with me!

Show me your best pink makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Post your photos, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try our via my  Submit page above or Email Me!

 See you tomorrow for Day 12 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

Day 10 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Pink and Pouty. In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am dedicating my second week of The Challenge to pink makeup!  Today’s inspiration came from the advertisement above from Estee Lauder.  The ad is for lipstick being sold as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. 

The inspiration came not from the ad in general, but rather from the model on the left.  Look closely at her lips.  Do you notice something odd?  If you’re like me, you noticed that her lips are actually partially drawn on.  Yes, not all models have lips to die for.  They really are human.  When looking at the photo, I was amazed at the natural look achieved even when the lips are not all real.  When I think of drawing on lips, I picture bad makeup applications that scream “look at me! I drew my lips on today!”  So this is where my challenge came from.  Could I add to my lip volume without making it obvious that I did so?  You be the judge…and be honest!

What you will need:

• Tinted primer (I blended Sephora’s sheer glow and highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primers.)
  
  
• Concealer (Benefit Erase Paste is my go-to)
  
• Powder (Sephora’s Mineral loose powder today)
  
  
• Highlighter (I used Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl Golden Pink)
  
  
• Blush (Today I used Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Green Siren)
• Light, neutral eyeshadow (Today was MAC’s frost eye shadow in Naked Lunch)
  
  
• Warm gold eyeshadow (I recommend NYX Cosmetics Loose Pearl Eye Shadow, from which I used Mink Pearl today.  I recommend that you buy the pack from Amazon.com.  I bought the whole pack, and it is a great investment.  So many colors you may never run out!)
  
  
• Black eyeliner for outside the eyes (I used Clarins Eye Pencil in No. 01 Black)
  
  
• Black inner rim eyeliner (I used Tarte emphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eye Pencil in Black)
  
• Mascara (I used Maybelline Lash Stiletto Waterproof Mascara in Black)
  
  
• Lip liner in the color of your natural lips, or just slightly darker (DO NOT GO LIGHTER!)  (I used Prestige Classic Lipliner Pencil in Cameo , which is just slightly darker than my natural lip color)
  
• Pink lipstick to keep with this week’s theme! (I used Lancome Rouge Sensation Lipstick in Crushed Rose/Bordeaux)
  
  
• Light pink, shimmery lip gloss (I used Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Strawberry Fizz)
  
  

Instructions:

For my base, I started out with a  blend of two of Sephora’s primers (the sheer glow and highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primers) to create a glowing, even base color. I used Benefit Erase Paste to conceal my under eye circles, and sealed it all with a dusting of loose mineral powder.  I wanted to keep my cheeks simple today, so I swiped on Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Green Siren along the apples of the cheeks and the cheekbones, highlighting the top of the cheekbones with Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl Golden Pink.

Moving to my eyes, I applied MAC’s frost eye shadow in Naked Lunch to the browbone, and added a pop of shine with NYX Cosmetics Loose Pearl Eye Shadow in Mink Pearl on the eyelid.  I lined the inner rims of my eyes with Tarte emphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eye Pencil in Black (Remeber to check out my Moody Makeup post for inner rim lining tips!). To up the vampy look of the day, I thickly lined around the eyes with black liner (Clarins Eye Pencil in No. 01 Black), cleaning up any messy lines with my trusty Q-tips!  I finished the eyes with two coats of Maybelline Lash Stiletto Waterproof Mascara in Black on top and bottom lashes.

Now for the real challenge of the day: the lips.  I started by lining just outside of my lips all the way around with Prestige Classic Lipliner Pencil in Cameo, and then I filled in my lips themselves for an even color base.  As easy as this sounds, I will be honest here: I applied, took off, re-applied, cleaned up with Q-tips, re-applied again.  I stepped back, stepped back in, scrutinized, and eyed my lips like they were something alien.  It is an odd feeling.  I felt like a rodeo clown.  So I asked for an outside opinion, and I was told that they looked natural!  Success!  Well, at least on the base.  I then added a dark pink lipstick in keeping with this week’s theme (let us not forget that pink comes in shades from a frosty-Barbie color to almost red!).  I added a dot of lip gloss to the center of the top and bottom lips ONLY.  The point?  To draw the eye away from the outside lines and to make the lips look (naturally) plumper.

Then I stood back and stared.  To my eye, it looked odd and unnatural.  My outside source?  “Wow!  Those look real!”  Hmm…being nice or truthful?  Take a look at the photos.  Scrutinize.  Evaluate.  Give me feedback!  I want the truth (painful or not!).  If you decide to brave this challenge with me, share your experiences!  Send me photos!  I can’t be in this alone!

Show me your best pink makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Post your photos, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try our via my  Submit page above or Email Me!

 See you tomorrow for Day 11 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

I realized yesterday’s photo set for The Challenge did not fully post (thanks, Tumblr!).  So, here are the photos from Day 9 of The Challenge!

Show me your best pink makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Post your photos, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try our via my  Submit page above or Email Me!

Day 8 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Perfectly Pink. In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am dedicating my second week of The Challenge to pink makeup!  Enjoy!

What you will need:

• Tinted moisturizer (Philosophy The Supernatural provides me with an even complexion and a warm glow)
  
  
• Concealer (Still swear by Benefit Erase Paste)
  
  
• Powder (I recommend Sephora’s Mineral loose powder)
  
  
• Bronzer (I used Lancome Star Bronzer Poudre Soleil Sun-Kissed Bronzing Oil-free Powder in Bronze Solaire)
  
  
• Cream Blush (Today I used Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Blush)
  
  
• Highlighter (I used Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl Golden Pink)
  
  
• Eyeshadow primer (The mother of all eyeshadow primers is Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Try it, and you’ll never go back!)
  
  
• Light, neutral eyeshadow (Today was MAC’s frost eye shadow in Naked Lunch)
  
  
• Light pink, shimmery eyeshadow (I used Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow in Disco Pink)
  
  
• Bright pink eyeshadow (L’Oreal HIP Shocking Shadow Pigments in Fiery. It really packs a punch!)
  
  
• Bright pink eyeliner (I used Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes eyeliner. This waterproof eyeliner provides brilliant color that LASTS)
  
  
• Black inner rim eyeliner (Today I used POP Beauty In Liner in No 1 in Black; this is still my absolute favorite!)


• Mascara (Today I tried out Estee Lauder More Than Mascara in Rich Black. This mascara lengthens and curls while adding moisture to our all-to-forgotten lashes)
  
  
• Medium-pink lip color (I used one of my favorites today: Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy)
  

  

 Instructions:

For my first day of going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I began with the Five Minute Wake Up Makeup base, followed by contouring with bronzer an highlighter.  For my cheeks today, I opted to go the cream route and utilized Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Blush on the apples of my cheeks.  With this blush, the key to success is to use a very small amount and gently blend with your finger tips.  This liquidy-creamy blush packs a big punch in a small drop, so proceed slowly!

Next, I lined the inner rims of my eyes with POP Beauty In Liner in No 1 in Black. (Check out my Moody Makeup post for inner rim lining tips!) My goal was to go pink with my eyes, but without some contrast, pink so close to the eye can make you look ill! 

I then dusted a light shimmery eyeshadow (MAC’s frost eye shadow in Naked Lunch) from the crease of my eyelids to the brow.  I followed with a shimmery light pink eyeshadow (Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow in Disco Pink) on the eyelid.  I finished up the shadows with a pop of bright pink à la L’Oreal HIP Shocking Shadow Pigments in Fiery in the crease of the eye.

The big impact for my eyes came from applying a bright pink waterproof eyeliner (Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes eyeliner) around the entire eye.  I finished with a few sweeps of Estee Lauder More Than Mascara in Rich Black on my top and bottom lashes to add more definition to the eye area (and avoid the sickly look!)

Finally, I went with a medium-toned lip stick with some shine (Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy).  I don’t recommend going with a frosted lip with such light makeup all around.  You want to define your looks, and not wash everything out. 

Show me your best pink makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Post your photos, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try our via my  Submit page above or Email Me!

 See you tomorrow for Day 9 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.