Ben Nye.. Oh My!

So one word to describe these Ben Nye products I picked up? Umm.. LIFESAVER!!! Is that 2 words? .. Whatever. O M G! I seriously have the weirdest skin, its dry here, oily there, both everywhere else... So a couple make up artists just so happened to be raving about a couple of Ben Nye products they use for their oily skin problems. First thing i noticed after they said it worked was the price.. Hello frugalista!

So the neutral set powder is for the oily skin. I sprinkle some onto the top of my hand and use my face powder brush, or it says to use a puff whatever is more comfortable and in circle motion all over the face until it disappears. The only thing I've noticed is that although it says its goes on invisible, I feel like it leaves my face a little flour powdery lookin. So I put on my loose foundation by Neutrogena to match it up to my skin.
I use the banana powder for the glow. I love it! Make sure you get the luxury powder that matches your skin tone. This is also good for under your eyes when working with glitter to easily wipe them off. Which is my next project.

Dont mind my little graphics in the pics. I got somewhat carried away in how great my skin looked after it always being so oily. The banana powder wasnt used on my skin in this pic. Just the neutral set mini shaker.

Clients ♥

August 24th 2012 Dez's Sweet 16
Dez - Hot pink style to match her hot pink/sparkly dress. Used Sugarpill "Tako" for white. Emani minerals for the Pink. NYX peachy color for the highlight.
Her mom wanted a natural look so I used Emani minerals on her and a shimmer brown out of my Stila palette.

August 5th 2012 Reggae Video shoot for "How You Like It"

Male clients - Natural looks.
Photoready primer, True to tone foundations, concealer if needed, setting powder & light hair grooming.

Jamaican Artist - "G Brains"
 

NJ/Liberian Artist "Knero"
 

August 2012
Jessica - attending a Sweet 16
As natural as possible. Applied foundation. Emani Mineral shadows. Light brow fill in. Cream blush.


July 2012
Diane - attending a wedding
Lashes were already done. Light brow grooming. Used Coastal Scents 88 Palette eyeshadows.


Early 2012
Elle Sparks - Website Photoshoot
Used Sugarpill eyeshadows. Ardell lashes. Light brow fill in. Dont mind my shower curtain backdrop loll!


September 2011
Sweets - Birthday Party
Emani Mineral pigment shadows on lid. Light brow fill in. Client provided lashes & lip color.

of course, more to come... xoxo ♥

Garnier BB Cream - Review

I was so stoked to hear that cosmetic companies were starting to make their own versions of the BB cream. I've heard so many things about them that got me really excited. It was said that you can basically get rid of a couple other face creams, foundations, concealers & just using this alone. Could it be?! A miracle cream?! You're probably wondering what the heck im raving on about, here's a tidbit. The original BB cream was created in Germany but the craze really started in Asia where it was said to be the secret to Korean actresses beautiful skin. It soon became popular on YouTube with the goings on about these creams for months before Garnier launched the first drugstore version. BB stands for Blemish Balm, (or beauty balm) there have been many variations made, some are said to have skin lightening properties, some are anti-wrinkle, some anti-acne. What Garnier are claiming to offer is a sun block and moisturiser that evens skin tone, boosts glow, blurs imperfections and smooths fine lines all in one wonderful tube. Sounds like a miracle cream to me!

I picked one up while perusing the Shoprite cosmetic aisle. No shame from where I buy my products, hush! I believe SR has higher prices on cosmetics compared to a Face Value (Harmons) or Walmart so I'm going to say this is probably about $12. There are 2 versions made, Light & Medium. Obv, I have the medium. I wanna say my face is pale but its really just uneven color. I also still deal with acne & blemishes since I cant keep my hands off my face. On top of all that, I have the worse of the worse, combination skin. I can be oily & dry at the same time especially during the winter. Ugh, fml. Anywho, I started off with a freshly washed, patted dry face. I used my fingers to spread it on like a regular cream.

Pros:

• The consistency is thick like foundation, which I personally like.
• I noticed it I didn't need much for the whole face & it spread well. So I'm sure it will last awhile.
• It totally evened out my skin tone.
• Feels nice like a moisturizer, I probably don't need to put any on beforehand.
• I can definitely use this as a foundation since it very light-weight.
• Minimized my blemishes

Cons:

• It rubs off on my mobile & my office phone
• It was a little greasy. So I set it with powder using a buffing brush.

So, I use it just about everyday. I really do love it! Of course I would love to try others & compare but it does what it's supposed to.

x ♥ x ♥

Check out my Coastal Scents Brush set review

Beauty is ART

Who would you go to for the perfect red lippie? Well, legendary Dita Von Teese of course! If you know anything about Dita is that she epitomizes glamour. The icon is known for her fascination with 1940s cinema,classic retro style and her burlesque routines. She is  frequently dubbed "the Queen of Burlesque" in the press.

Mid June, she will debut her first ever makeup line, the collection will be called "Dita Von Teese Classics". Launched with German-based brand Artdeco, Dita Von Teese Classics includes a wide range of face, eye, cheek, and lip products. Ready and willing to share all of her tips, tricks, and products with the world. ArtDeco is known for its quality at a decent price. Sometimes priced slightly above brands like L’Oréal, but more affordable than MAC or Lancome.

Dita is, of course, most known for her trademark crimson lip, and Artdeco follows suit with six shades spanning the spectrum. The classic reds (the orange-toned Muse Red, true blue base of Parlez-Vous, and ruby-tinted Maitresse) to wear like velvet, with just as much full coverage. Red lip line from Dita is what I'm most excited about, honestly, I can't wait to get my hands on every shade. The other products I don't care as much for. lol.

x♥x♥

"Classic red lips are always the height of glamour, and the most chic beauty statement a woman can make!"  - Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese Classics is set for mid-June launch in Germany, but sources say the line's distribution could be coming Stateside soon. Stay tuned.

*new sneak peek photo of ArtDeco*

Pics of beautiful women of all shades wearing a classic red lip

Khroma Beauty

Well it was only a matter of time. In a world where the Kardashian klan rules everything,why not make-up? With fragrances, clothing lines, books and home collections so it will come as no surprise that the Kardashians would continue to branch out. Yesterday, Kourtney,Kim & Khloe announced the plan to launch their own makeup line this winter.


The line, titled Khroma Beauty, features everything from illuminators and eye shadows to lipsticks and mascaras and will be available exclusively at Ulta stores.The line will cover all color cosmetics in order to accomodate the beauty needs of multi-ethnic women of all ages.


I think its a fantastic idea, Kim, in particular, is always looking fab & flawless.
I am expecting the works from this line! Bold colors, full coverage, oh I'm stoked! And just in time for my birthday/ Christmas, a-hem! *hint hint*

x♥x♥

  

MakeUp. Is. Art ♥

   
more to come.. x♥x♥