Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow

A while ago, my co-worker gave me a product that she thought I'd like.
She was right~ I love it and have used it regularly for the past few months.

Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow

Intense and lustrous, this dewy cream eye shadow transforms into powder that creates a glaze of brilliant shimmery color.

• Crease-resistant. Long-wearing.
• Color looks brilliant alone or in combination.
• Available in 13 shades

How to Use: Apply using the enclosed applicator tip or finger.

Retail Price: $25 (6 g/ .21 oz)

January 2011 Giveaway: Add Some Color To Your Life

January has flown by, but before February comes through, I'd like to give my fabulous readers a chance to win some free products!

This year (well... every year...), I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.

For a lot of people, one way of stepping out and experimenting is with color. 

So, here are 3 new products that will add some color and sparkle to your life!

All you have to do is become a subscriber (it's really easy! just click on the FOLLOW box at the right!) and answer 1 question! (Yes, this time, you have to comment, because I want to hear from you!)

* What are your 3 must-have beauty products? *
It can be anything beauty related: makeup, hair, skin, etc. 

If you subscribe and comment to this post by 11:59 pm  PST on 2/2/11 , you could win:

Lower Lashes to Go Batty For~ Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Typically, I don't wear mascara on a daily basis~ at least not on my top lashes.
However, I always wear mascara on the bottom lashes.

*Mascara on the bottom lashes makes a huge difference... but in a natural way.
It opens up your eyes and makes you look wide awake, but not in a flashy "Wow, she's wearing a ton of makeup" look.
*Applying mascara to the bottom lashes is even more important if you line the water line with a light color (nude, champagne, white) or highlight the bottom/lower rim of your eyes  (two tricks that will really make you look more awake). 

A lot of people (especially those with really short/thin lashes) don't put mascara on their bottom lashes because the brushes are too big and make smudges and racoon eyes.
Clinique comes to the rescue with their new Bottom Lash Mascara!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream

Earlier this year, I discovered an amazing product at the L.A. Makeup Show.
I didn't really use the product until recently~ I'm officially in Makeup Love.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams have recently became a new favorite and have been added to my must have list.

In My Makeup Bag

I'm always curious to see what products people use: I love seeing what my friends and makeup mentors use in their makeup bags and kits.
So in case you were interested in seeing what goodies I carry around with me, I am about to unveil my own bag of tricks   ;)

Currently, I'm using a silver Bobbi Brown makeup bag that was a gift with purchase.
I usually use my makeup bags for months- a year until it starts falling apart.
Sometimes I change the products, but I usually carry around these items (or ones that are similar in quality/convenience)

Here are the products that I feel are worthy of carrying around with me wherever I go (at least for now):

Make Up For Ever Flash Palette/ 12 Flash Color Case

When I was in Beauty School, my teacher Orlando Santiago told me if there's one thing I need in my kit, it is the Make Up For Ever Flash Palette.  Since then, I have heard this from many different amazing makeup artists.

I see Red- Redness Relieving Eye Drops

 I love scary stories~ One of my favorites was the story of "Red Eyes".
I'm not as scared of it any more, but Red Eyes (the Bloodshot kind) are still pretty scary...

One thing I have my clients do at the beginning of a makeover is to put eye drops in their eyes.
You don't want to do a full face of makeup and have a flawless look, only to be ruined by eyes that aren't bright and shining.

I don't feel that you need to use eye drops every day, but it's nice to use when you're tired, had a long night, or are going out. With a few drops of Redness Relieving Eye Drops, you will look more awake, brighter, and so fresh and so clean clean! 

There are three eye drops that I would recommend to my fantabulous readers.  Here we go~

1. Visine- This is the standard.  There are so many different formulas, but I usually use the Visine Advanced Relief formula.  This is the one I use on myself and on my clients.  I like to carry around the mini version. 

2.  Rohto-  This is something that I only recommend to the brave and adventurous. It's from a Japanese company and it contains menthol.  If you think menthol makes your lips tingle, imagine it in your eyes. 
It's painful when you first put the drops in your eyes~ I can't even open my eyes at first.
But after the initial pain subsides, your eyes are left with a refreshing, cooling feeling.
It sounds crazy, but it's kind of cool! I don't use this often, but when my eyes are feeling really tired, I like to put a drop or two in.

3. Collyre Bleu Blue Eye Drops- This is like the Rolls Royce of eye drops.  Many professional makeup artists use this in their kits. The drops are actually blue and basically makes the whites of your eyes appear whiter.  Because the actual drops are blue, it is recommended that you put the drops in at least 15-30 minutes before you put in your contacts (or else your contact lens will have a bluish tinge to them)

• Make your eyes look clear and bright.
• Increase the appearance of alertness and awakeness.
• Enhance your eyes intensity for photos.
• Eliminate the appearance of redness due to any factors including tiredness, allergies and more.
• Eliminate yellow-ness in your sclera (white part of your eye) for bright white eyes.

So when you've had way too little sleep (or way too much fun) and your eyes are showing it, squeeze a few drops of Redness Relieving Eye Drops into your eyes and you'll be good to go! 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Urban Decay Limited Duo

I love Urban Decay for the outrageous "Go All Out" colors they have.  I also love their 24/7 eyeliners for the quick swipe of color I can get (to put on my lower lids or on top of my black eyeliner). I love the color green, and I also love glitter!  Combine all these fabulous thing and you get the Urban Decay Limited Duo.

As the name suggests, it's a Limited Edition... so grab it while you can. It's a $35 value at the great price of $14!!! What a steal!

Typically the 24/7 Eyeliner  costs $17 and the Glitter Liner costs $18 so you're getting a really great deal!

More about Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner: Arresting shades of glitter are suspended in a clear base and apply with a tiny, precise brush. Paint thin lines with the tip of the brush, or sweeping color with the side of the brush for dramatic, jewel-encrusted eyes. Once dry, they will not budge – the glitter won’t fall to your cheeks or transfer to your makeout partner’s face. Wear them alone, over Eyeshadows, or with other Glitter Eyeliner shades.

More about 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils: The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this luxurious formula stays creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT transfer or fade. 

I love green eyes (as the girls at Empire all know)... and I think it works for everyone.  Even the slightest hint of green makes most eyes pop.  Try for yourself and see! Go Green!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner

"Heart on her lips, and soul within her eyes

Soft as her clime , and sunny as her skies"

-Lord Byron

This is going to be my last makeup review of the year, so let's end it with my favorite product. Eyeliner! Don't be afraid, ladies... Want to look more glamorous in a few seconds?  Liquid eyeliner! So simple.. so perfect~*

I had previously written a review of eyeliners before.  Since then, I have moved from using the Bobbi Brown daily, to Stila's Smudge Pot. They're both awesome... but once I start using something, I usually stick with it... for a while...

For the days when I'm REALLY rushed ('Cause I'm always rushing around...), I use my Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony. The eyeliner is quick drying and lasts all day.  Fast. Quick. Beautiful.

This eyeliner is like a felt tip pin.  I know I reviewed the LORAC Front of the Line Pro, but I actually prefer the Hourglass one. 

* I think the LORAC is great for people who like or are better with slightly flimsy eyeliner brushes.  It bends easier and isn't stiff.  If you like that kind of brush, then this is great for you.
* Personally, I prefer using firm-tipped eyeliners.  It's faster and easier.  You can get the same precise line in half the time. 


What it is:
A moisturizing water- and smudge-proof felt-tip liquid liner that contours and lines the eyes with precision.

What it does:
Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner creates strikingly definitive eyes with a waterproof formula that offers all-day staying power. The line dries quickly to prevent streaks, smears, and transfers.

What else you need to know:
Calligraphy Liquid Liner is formulated with Pearl Protein and a botanical blend of Chamomile, Aloe, Rosemary, and Perilla extract to condition and nourish the eyes

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Phthalates

Retail Price:
$32

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Eyeliners and LORAC Front of the Line PRO Review

Eyeliner. Ahhh how I love eyeliner. From the first time I started wearing eyeliner at the age of 12... my life (and eyes) were forever changed. For those that have seen me without eyeliner, you know what a difference a little eyeliner (or a lot in my case) can make

I don't understand people that don't like eyeliner. IT'S AMAZING! Forget lipstick. Forget blush. If you want to add a lot of oomph with little effort~ eyeliner is the way to go. My love of eyeliner has earned me the nickname of "Eyeliner Girl" and I wear it (and my eyeliner) proudly!

So, as you can obviously see... I love eyeliner. When I was younger, I started out with pencils, but I was never quite happy with them. Then in High School, I discovered my favorite Maybelline Eyeliner. I used that up until a few months ago... WHEN I FOUND OUT IT WAS DISCONTINUED!!!!! And the worst part was that I ...the Queen of Hoarders... was unable to stock up in time. I was extremely disappointed... but since I had to find a new eyeliner... I am able to give all my beautiful readers (is anyone out there???) my reviews of eyeliners that I now use.

Waterproof: MAC LiquidLast Eyeliner- My friend Grace Woo Lee (who I am forever indebted to) introduced me to this marvel 2 years ago.

* I did my eyeliner test at a water park and it LASTED. If anything, it's really hard to get off (You either need to get an oily eyemakeup remover or use a cold cream like I do).

* The texture is a little thick (almost a little plasticky), but if you are going to a wedding or a funeral, this is the eyeliner to wear. It does not budge. This is the eyeliner I will be buried in. not to be too morbid or anything.... =T

Retail Price: $16.50

Everyday: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner- My dear friend Angela (who apparently knows her stuff in makeup!) used to use this in college. I had tried it and hated it. But over the years, I'd heard so much about this product that I decided to buy it on duty free on my way to Africa. Best duty free purchase I've ever made! I tested out that eyeliner working hours and hours of carrying stones, shoveling dirt, on the dusty roads of African Safari and let me tell you~ I've never been so dirty in my life, but BOY did my eyes look fabulous!

* The texture takes a little getting used to and it may take a while to get used to using an eyeliner brush if you haven't before

* The product goes on really smoothly. When it first dries, make sure not to smudge it because once it sets.... it is set. for good.

* The gel eyeliner has very good staying power but it is not as strong as the M.A.C. This is good for almost everyone for everyday or special occasions.

Retail Price: $21

Now here is my review of the LORAC Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner

I just recently came upon this eyeliner after reading reviews on Sephora. It was sold out. That was a good sign. I was able to find the last one in store.

* This eyeliner is good for people who don't like/aren't used to brushes. It is similar to a felt tip pen. A lot of people are nervous about wearing liquid eyeliner... this is perfect for newbies. If you can make a straight line with a pen, you can use this eyeliner. If you can't make a straight line... I suggest you practice because if you're reading this.. you're old enough to make a straight line! ;)

* The eyeliner is almost like a stain. It places it wherever you put it and doesn't budge. If you don't have a steady hand, it might take some work, but this is a great eyeliner to learn with.

* I don't use this everyday, so I'm still new to the product, but I find that when I do wear it, it lasts pretty much all day. Even when I rub my eye back and forth as a test, my finger is clean.

* This eyeliner is really good for people on the run. You literally swipe it on, and you're all set. No waiting. No drying. You put it on and you're good to go. It just may become my favorite~*

Retail Price: $22

So... those are my reviews of my favorite eyeliners. For all you ladies who don't wear eyeliner because you're afraid, you think it smears, or you've never tried it.... There's a whole world of eyeliner out there and there's one just for you!

Loreal Double Extend Mascara

So I've found my favorite new toy!

Loreal Double Extend Mascara is Ah-MAZING!!!!!

It has two ends - one is an "ultra nourishing base coat that protects and strengthens lashes- creating the perfect base"

The white part of the mascara wand has a white primer that creates fibers/"tubes" on your lashes to extend them. You can add one coat for emphasis or keep layering on for full on drama. It's pretty much false eyelashes without all the mess.

The red part of the mascara is plain black mascara and it works well.

Honestly, you don't really need to be spending lots of money on mascara, since it's something that has a pretty short life span (they recommend you should throw it out every 3 months... although you can use it for longer).

I have never tried this product until recently and I LOVE it. I know there are other products that have primers, but this one REALLY creates longer lashes. I've been using it on all my models lately and their bottom lashes look deliciously long and fabulous! It is especially good for women with teeny tiny lashes since you can keep layering until you get a nice, thick set.

In the future, I'll be testing out Makeup Forever's Lash Fibers which is basically the white part of the mascara. I'm sure I'll love it, but as Loreal Double Extend Mascara was my first foray into the world of Lash fibers (other than the Imju Fiberwig... which is also great but doesn't have the same oomph), it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Grade: A