Makeup Comparisons

When the dollar counts now more than ever,
how to get the most for our money.

Top foundations picked by the Pros.

For medium, natural coverage Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture-Rich Radiance Fluid Makeup spf 15 $54, for full coverage Kevin Aucoin The Liquid Airbrush $45, and for sheer tinted spf coverage Remede tinted moisturizer $40. The best all around coverage and age defying effect, T. Le Clerc Hydrating Fluid Foundation $50.
These foundations are easy to apply, virtually flawless in coverage, and definitely considered a luxury buy.

Whatever the situation, or if it's just a mood that strikes you, and you just can't see yourself throwing down fifty dollars for your base, there are some amazing alternatives right in your own neighborhood pharmacy.
True Match from Loreal $11 for a medium, natural coverage. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer spf 15 $10, for a sheer touch of color and evening out skin tone. Then we have Maybellines New Dream Smooth Mousse $9, for a slightly fuller coverage.
Now, there is also Mac Select spf 15 $31 for a medium to full coverage, not a $10 makeup but not $50 either.

With all the choices and products to choose from it can be overwhelming and even though we want the most for our money, it is more important to remember, that foundation is the one thing we apply all over our face so we want to make sure that it's quality and as healthy for our skin as possible.

Beauty Tip Tuesday - Feb 16, 2010

Product Knowledge 101:

Don't get "sold" by a cosmetic salesperson.
Who doesn't have drawers or boxes full of makeup and skincare you hardly touch?
Why is this?
Because you were told it would do something for you, yet failed to meet your expectations.

Two top requested recommendations in cosmetics:

Foundation & Mascara

Foundation:

Mineral makeup: Number One Myth...
Because it says "mineral" doesn't make it a miracle. Commonly used in much of today's powders and foundations, the minerals are mainly derived from mica, and zinc oxides. Finely ground to create a temporary "glow" to the skin. It's what happens in an hour that makes all the difference. What happens when our face introduces sebum to the mix? Separation, clogging, and discoloration in skin tone. None of these powders provide a nutrient to your skin so why mask your face with it?

From soy to sea, there's nothing better for me!

Finding a foundation created from soy(T.Le Clerc), or seaweed botanics(Sue Devitt Studio, Vincent Longo water canvas) are a whole other story. These prime ingredients synthesize with our skins natural, daily, needs and functions instead of conflicting. Creating a more smooth and flawless coverage as well as a "healthy" finish!

Mascara:

Mascara madness: From CG to D&G:
Mascara packaging, (like the toothbrush), shape shifts almost daily. What's inside has hardly changed since it was invented(via 1913; Maybelline). Our makeup pros have experienced dozens of mascaras from Serge Lutens $65 mascara to Cover Girls $8 LashBlast. The only big difference is scent and the shape of the comb. Fragrances are an issue for many in light of allergies, and since mascara is practically in the eye most companies are savvy to this concern. Search for conditioning ingredients such as vitamin E(tocopherol), bees wax, soy, or Argan which provide at least some nutrients to the lashes. Otherwise, all mascaras contain preservatives to kill bacteria and prolong the life of the product.(note: throw it away after 3 months or experience flaking, itchy eyes, or even worse an eye infection). As for the shape of the lash comb; they cater to the varied shapes and lengths of our lashes. If one needs length they may want a sleek, slim-toothed comb, and if one desires fullness, look for a thick bristled comb. Last but not least an essential tool all mascara wearers should possess, a needle-toothed lash separator(Chanel). To comb out any clumps as well as shape the direction of the lash. Here's to a more enlightened cosmetic experience!

Beauty Tip Tuesday - February 9

Perfectly Smokey Eyes!

Why smokey?
This is the number one most requested look of my sixteen years as a make-up artist. Women of all ages desire this never dated, sultry, mysterious visage, yet so few have the confidence in applying it!

With the right tools, it can be done.:
* Find a deep, soft black pencil eyeliner (Sue Devitt eye intensifier, MAC eye kohl).
*A short soft bristled smudge brush (Bobbi Brown eye smudge brush, Stila #15).
* A quality, complimentary eyeshadow to the eye color (Shu Uemura, MAC, Stila).
* A neutral highlight shadow for the brow arch (Bobbi Brown, MAC, Stila, Shu Uemura).
* A soft blending brush (MAC 222 tapered blending brush, Stila #9).
* A needle toothed lash comb (Chanel).
* A deep black, quality, waterproof mascara (Shu Uemura, Serge Lutens, Loreal Double Extend).

Begin by lacing the inner lining of the eye with the the soft, dark, black liner. All the way around the eye (as long as you're not allergic, you won't clog any pores or get an eye infection if you keep your pencil sterile and sharpened to a soft point). Sweep the complimentary shadow across the main lid (warm bronzes for blue eyes, cool mauve for brown eyes). With the same black liner softly line into and slightly above the lash line, upper and lower lashes (for more a "cat" like shape thicken the liner at the outer edges and always sweep up and out towards temples). Blend shadow into the lash line. Wash the highlighter or neutral tone shade across the brow bone and into the shadow with the blending brush. Blend until there are NO lines and NO edges. Finish with plenty of mascara and separate the lashes with a needle-toothed comb. A "magic-touch" of concealer below the eye to smooth, clean, and perfect this look whether for a sexy night on the town, or just a rousing trip to the grocery store! NO RULES BABY! Enjoy!