Makeup Wars ~ Our Favorite Waterproof Makeup featuring Make Up For Ever Aqua Summer 2013!

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Brooke

For this installment of Makeup Wars we dug through our stashes of awesome to pull out Our Favorite Waterproof Makeup products.

Obviously, there is going to be a lot to choose from. Most lines carry at the very least a waterproof mascara. But there is one brand that is, IMO, above all in the waterproof-never-budging-off-of-your-face-ever category – Make Up For Ever.

Make Up For Ever has the best line of waterproof products, bar none. They don’t smudge, migrate or even really remove very easily! For Summer 2013 they have some new additions to the Aqua Rouge Family and I have four of the pieces here to share with you today. They’ll be your new fun-in-the-sun must haves!

Starting off with the eye, there are three new Aqua Creams and two new Aqua Eyes.

The Aqua Creams ($23.00) make great bases or even stand alone colors that won’t crease or smudge. The new shades are #52 Pearly Green Lagoon, #54 Pearly Mauve and the one above #53 Pearly Pastel Green. This one in particular makes an excellent base or to brighten up the inner corners of the eye.

The Aqua Eyes ($19.00) should be a go-to for anyone who doesn’t want their liner to migrate or fade throughout the day. Two new shades are available for Summer in #25L Matte Brown and the one featured here in #52L Pearly Green Lagoon.

Below I used the #53 Aqua Cream as a base for the look and lined with the #52L Aqua Eyes. The shadows are from the Aqualillies for Tarte Palette.

For the new lip products they’re introducing two new Aqua Lips and five new Aqua Rouge.

The Aqua Lip ($19.00) make great liners to prep the lip to hold color. They feel a little dry going on, but they’re not going anywhere. The new shades are #19C Pomegranate Pink and the one shown in this post #20C Baby Pink.

Below I have #20C on my lips with nothing underneath and nothing on top.

The Aqua Rouge ($24.00) have literally been the only lip product that does not go anywhere. You can wash your face as normal and only get a slight fading. I scrub with makeup remover and still have a stain from these babies. Five vibrant new shades are out for Summer in #19 Pomegranate Pink, #20 Baby Pink, #17 Bright Coral, #18 Coral and the one featured here in #16 Fuchsia.

Below I’m wearing #16 with the gloss on top.

I also wore this lip in this Instagram Photo (follow me woooo!)

The new Summer 2013 products from Make Up For Ever will be available beginning in May at Sephora and Make Up For Ever Boutiques.

What are your favorite Waterproof Makeup products? Be sure to check out what the other Makeup Wars bloggers have shared as their faves out of all of us, you’re sure to find something that will be a must have!

IMATS 2013 – Show Photos, Haul & NYC Trip (pic heavy)

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Brooke

You guys….. New York City is amazing. The trip to the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) was quick, but jam packed with good times. My step-sister Dinessa and I left Friday morning and arrived in NYC just in time to drop off our bags and go to IMATS Pro Night to shop. (Which ended up being the best idea possible because when the event opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday shopping is stressful and near impossible. We were glad to be able to spend time on those days speaking with people doing demonstrations, watching and learning.)

FYI: Maybe I got a little out of hand with pics, but this was my first trip to IMATS and my first event as “Press” so it’s a milestone!

Of all of the exhibitors I was especially excited to check out Inglot, since I’ve never been able to before, and am definitely ordering more online ASAP. It’s slightly addicting.

I also have a new found love in Jesse’s Girl and bought a few products to swatch:

As well as an intense interest in the brand Cailyn who do amazing things with gel liners and the inovative Vibrating Foundation Applicator. We watched the woman below transform before our eyes and become instantly 10 years younger with their BB Cream. Stunning!

We also spent some time checking out the products from OCC and the fun Hydrocolors from WolfeFX.

This is what I hauled from IMATS. Not nearly enough! I did got back with the intent to buy more from Inglot and Cailyn but it was just so busy at that point I felt like ordering online was a better idea.

Make Up For Ever Academy was doing some amazing thing with the nicest model ever for their exhibition:

And a few other artists (representing schools or brands) also showed off their skill:

We also got the chance to check out a few demonstrations from Vargas and Roshar.

Vargas has a ridiculous amount of skill and creativity. I can’t even begin to tell you how impressed we were with his technique and how he worked the products he was using. Vargas demonstrated Fantasy and Faces: Beyond Color, Shimmer and Glitter Applications. The way he so beautifully and easily applied glitter seriously made me think that this is just something I could do for every day. Which would clearly not be appropriate, but he’s just THAT GOOD.

I got some before pictures of his characters, as well as some during the demo and after photos of the demon sea creature

Before the demo:

During the demo:

Vargas used special brushes from Royal & Langnickel to create the hair brush strokes and flame effect.

At the end of the day:

Roshar is quite literally the most entertaining person I’ve ever seen. He’s completely self-taught, which is so impressive because all of his talent is within and truly his own. The demo we were able to sit in on featured him doing up a Fantasy Editorial. The end result was CRAZY amazing!

The only panel we caught was on Gaining Representation: Exploring the Artist/Agent Relationship. It was basically just a Do’s and Don’ts as well as what you can expect from your Agent and what your Agent expects from you. Which is basically be professional, know your place, don’t be a pain in the butt.

This panel was supposed to be moderated by Roshar, but at the last minute Kevin James Bennett swept in to cover. You could say I had a fan-girl moment because he pops up sometimes in the BBC and he’s gloriously entertaining and refreshingly blunt. I’m sad he had to run off right after or I’d have photo-opped him

But by far, our favorite thing to see was the Character/Prosthetic Student Competition. The talent was just unbelievable. The theme was OZ and the competitors had only 3 hours to work on their creations before the intense judging took place. First a few of the competitors working their magic…

… and the amazing end results (and, you’re welcome, because I took SO MANY photos of this I could have really spammed the heck out of you with pics… especially of the blue-haired guy and the ballerina):

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen a few of these next pics. In case you don’t here are some of my faves and also shout-outs to the lovely bloggers I met this past weekend!

First up, the bloggers! I first ran into Eugenia from Geniabeme and Casey from Beauty101 and they are awesome and hilarious!

Next I ran into Judy from BeautyJudy and she’s all sorts of adorable that I almost tried to bring her home with me =P

Finally, I met Xiao from Messy Wands! MY MESSY! Finally! Just as fabulous in person, BTW.

And finally just a few pics of Dinessa and I running around the city taking selfies

At IMATS Afterglow (some of my fave pics)

Times Square

Canal Street #Swag (we are seriously still laughing over that one)

Nomming in Little Italy:

And some shots of our hotel room view & Dinessa checking out the view from Dream where Afterglow was held….

Also, while in NYC we had to seek out and visit MAC PRO, since we’ve never been to one.

And also hauled!

This is the haul from Sephora in Times Square:

Each haul will have separate review posts for each item as I go through them Anything you’re wanting to see first?

Did you hit up IMATS? Did you get anything good or meet any of your favorite people?

If you’ll be in the area for The Makeup Show be sure to enter to win a 2-day pass

Make Up For Ever Technicolor Palette Swatches, Review & EOTD

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Brooke

The new Make Up For Ever Technicolor Palette features eight shades to create a smoked out, sultry look or a vibrant in your face come-hither look.

What the Sephora website says about the Make Up For Ever Technicolor Palette:

What it is:
An eye shadow palette that combines eight classic neutrals and statement colors to create a range of eye-catching looks.

What it does:
Inspired by the 1930s cinematic transition from black-and-white motion picture to color imagery, Technicolor Palette features bold, saturated colors that bring the eyes to life. Mix and match the eight shades to create highly pigmented, long-lasting looks that reflect any style or mood. This palette features three exclusive colors, including the season’s coveted yellow shade, along with a mirror and two round brushes for application on the go.

This set contains:
- 8 x 0.03 oz Eye Shadow in Black, Yellow, Apple Green, Turquoise, Lilac, White, Espresso, Yellow Beige

What else you need to know:
Technicolor Palette features two step-by-step tutorials.

You can’t help but smile when you look at the swatches of the eight shadows in the MUFE Technicolor Palette. Even the murky shades look cheerful. These vibrant colors may look intimidating and like they won’t mesh well together, but they just work. The pigment comes off like a faded version of the color but you can amp up the saturation by applying them over top of Aqua Shadows. Blending was an absolute dream and I had no issues with fall out.

For the Technicolor Palette EOTD I almost did something more wearable, since all of the other looks I’ve seen have been so loud. But then I thought… nope, this palette is meant to be used all crazy, sexy, wild!

I started off using a thin layer of Urban Decay Primer Potion. I put the shimmery Yellow Beige shade at the inner corner of the eye on the top and bottom, added the Turquoise shade to the middle and the Apple Green shade to the outer V. The bold Yellow shade was used above the crease and I put the Lilac shade under the lower lash line. The top lid is lined with the Black shadow from this palette and the bottom liner is Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes 0L. The mascara is MAC Plushlash.

The Make Up For Ever Technicolor Palette retails for $45.00 and is available at Sephora.

Makeup Wars: Beauty Blogger Travel

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Brooke

Oh, you over-pack shoes? As a Beauty Blogger I over-pack makeup. When it comes to being sensible for travel in terms of fashion, I have it down. I actually lay out all of my outfits ahead of time so that I have only what I need. Everything I want to take is removed from my closet and throughout the 48 hours before my trip I remove things that aren’t must-haves. So, why can’t I do this with beauty?

I will tell you why. Because all beauty is a must-have to me! What if I NEED it?! Of course, my HG’s come along always, but depending on what you are traveling to and what events are taking place, you may need some other special items.

For this Makeup Wars, we’re taking you into our travel beauty bags to show you what we like to bring with us when we go out of town, on vacation or on any sort of trip (business or pleasure!).

So, this is probably a little bit more than what I’d actually end up taking, but I didn’t really choose an event to base this off of. I grabbed up my must haves. My absolute I’m-not-leaving-my-life-behind-for-an-airplane-without-you.

For the face, I absolutely bring the Miracle Skin Transformer Skin and Treat & Conceal, as well as Make Up For Ever Pro Finish (because it’s like a powder and foundation in one), Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector and finally the Le Metier de Beaute Blush Kaleidoscope because it’s everything cheeky in one!

The eye makeup is where I can tend to go really overboard. Luckily items like the Urban Decay Naked Palette (versions one and two) make for excellent travel companions! Another palette that is a must have and can be worn for multiple types of events is the Le Metier de Beaute Penelope Kaleidoscope. The liners you see below are the Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic Eye Pencil in Champagne (an excellent base for all shadows!), MAC Orpheus & Mystery Kohl Power, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 23L to wake up (I also like 24L when I’m going for a natural look) and for a more dramatic look I’ll use NARS Carpates on the top lid. For mascara I would grab the Neutrogena Healthy Volume (because it’s currently the mascara I’m cheating on MAC Plushlash with), and to cap it off the MAC Clear Brow Set for eyes and Dior DiorShow Brow Styler. Of course, we can’t forget the eye primer – I tend to reach for Urban Decay Primer Potion the most.

For lips, I like to use Le Metier de Beaute because the brand is known for how well the products layer and wear. San Tropez Colour Core Moisture Stain Lipstick makes for the perfect base to layer on a shade to match any outfit. Three glosses from the same line that I would take along with me are Two Lips Lip Creme, Mums the Word Lip Creme and Red Velvet Lip Creme. For those times that you don’t want to worry about reapplication of ANY kind, Make Up For Ever #8 Aqua Rouge is a must have. My lip liner of choice is always MAC Subculture, because it’s the closest to my lip pigment. Urban Decay Ozone is also a great choice when you’re wearing deep colors that might bleed.

As for brushes, it’s easy to stay minimal because you can take brush cleanser in a travel bottle and wash them every night. The brushes that I have to have with me are always the Sigma F80, and MAC Brushes 168, 239, 219, 272 and 226.

There you have it! I stuck with just makeup for this post, but in terms of skin care I learned my lesson the hard way when I went to Disney World in April, so now I stick with my usual skin care from Murad as well as my frizz-free hair care from Living Proof. My fragrance of choice is Chanel Chance and I tend to try and get sample vials of that, especially if I’m on an airplane. I’ll also take whatever nail polish I’m wearing on my tips and toes as well as a top coat just in case. To see some of these things, check out a previous Makeup Wars that we did based off of our HG’s!

What are your must have travel items, beauty or otherwise?

See what the other participants in this installment of Makeup Wars came up with! I’m really excited to see what the other bloggers take with them when they travel! What WILL we think of next?!

Make Up For Ever Partners with Christina Ricci to Design Remix Make Up Bag

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Brooke

Limited Edition Make Up Bag Will Be Available at Nationwide Mobile Tour in Winter/Spring 2013

NEW YORK, NY – (January 21, 2013) – MAKE UP FOR EVER announced today a partnership with actress Christina Ricci. The Parisian luxury brand has tapped Ricci to design a limited-edition MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Make Up Bag that will debut on February 1st at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Make Up Bag Remix tour’s first stop in Los Angeles.

Created for the beauty maven-on-the-go, Ricci’s MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Make Up Bag will feature black faux leather adorned with gunmetal studs, metallic silk screening, and a geometric motif that highlights the brand’s signature red lip – a personal favorite for Ricci. Inside, a hidden pocket is the perfect size to tuck away MAKE UP FOR EVER’s new Pro Finish, a multi-use compact foundation with a patent-pending formula that can be applied wet or dry for buildable coverage and a customized finish. Ricci, a long-time fan of the brand, worked closely with the MAKE UP FOR EVER team to design a bag that would blend fashion and function. Inspired by her own edgy-chic flair and fast-paced lifestyle, Ricci’s MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Make Up Bag is ideal for toting daily must-have products to stay fresh-faced on the run.

“We’re delighted to be working with Christina Ricci,” said JP McCary, General Manager of MAKE UP FOR EVER, The Americas. “We love that she is not afraid to experiment with make up both on and off the red carpet. Her classic, yet edgy style made her the perfect choice to design our Remix Make Up Bag, which we know will be coveted by fashionistas and beauty aficionados everywhere.”

“I loved collaborating with MAKE UP FOR EVER on a custom make up bag because I got to design something that actually holds everything I need on-the-go,” said Ricci. “My inspiration for the bag was hard rock meets couture, and I added a red lip motif to the geometric design since I love wearing red lipstick. Plus I thought it would add a fun pop of color.”

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Make Up Bag Remix tour hits the road next month in Los Angeles and will travel to nine cities across North America through April 2013. The global brand coveted by top industry artists will aim to educate to consumers in an engaging way at their mobile Make Up School, teaching them how to actually do their own make up, not just have it applied. As part of the Make Up Bag Remix concept, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s team of professional artists will take a look inside consumers’ make up bags and teach them how to properly use what they already own, regardless of the brand.

MAKE UP FOR EVER is bringing the same techniques used by wardrobe stylists in the closet to style consumers’ make up bags at their innovative mobile Make Up School. The idea is to make your make up bag work harder for you. Beginning January 21st, consumers are invited to book appointments for 30 minute one-on-one make up bag evaluations by visiting www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA.

The limited edition Remix Make Up Bag by Christina Ricci for MAKE UP FOR EVER will be available to consumers visiting the Make Up Bag Remix tour nationwide, as well as on www.sephora.com. The bag retails for $30, or $45 with a Pro Finish Multi-Use Compact Foundation (a $66 value).

MAKE UP FOR EVER Launches Mobile Make Up School to Teach Consumers How To Use The Products They Already Own

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Brooke

Leading Professional Make Up Brand Brings Make Up Bag Remix Tour
to Nine Cities Across the U.S. & Canada from February to April 2013

New York, NY (October 2012) – MAKE UP FOR EVER, the Paris based professional make up brand coveted by top industry artists, announces the launch of its first-ever mobile tour designed to bring education to consumers in an engaging way, teaching them how to actually do their own make up, not just have it applied. As part of the Make Up Bag Remix concept, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s team of professional artists will take a look inside consumers’ make up bags and teach them how to properly use what they already own, regardless of the brand, as well as overhaul products that are the wrong shade or texture. MAKE UP FOR EVER is bringing the same techniques used by wardrobe stylists in the closet to style consumers’ make up bags at their innovative mobile Make Up School. The idea is to make your make up bag work harder for you.

The mobile tour will travel to the following cities in early 2013:

Los Angeles, CA: February 1st – 3rd
San Francisco, CA: February 9th – 10th
Las Vegas, NV: February 16th – 17th
Dallas, TX: February 23rd – 24th
Miami, FL: March 2nd – 3rd
New York, NY: March 9th – 10th
Boston, MA: March 23rd – 24th
Chicago, IL: April 6th – 7th
Toronto, ON: April 13th – 14th

Consumers are invited to book appointments for 30 minute one-on-one make up bag evaluations inside the Make Up School, where a professional artist will go through their bag, provide an interactive, hands-on lesson explaining how to apply their products, and show them how to supplement what they already own to create their most flattering look. Each client will walk away with a new make up bag, a custom face chart detailing how to use the products they brought, and a list of any additional products recommended by the artist to round out their look. A professional photographer will also be on-site to capture each client’s “after” look, which will be uploaded to an album on the MAKE UP FOR EVER USA Facebook page.

For those on-the-go with limited time, MAKE UP FOR EVER will have make up stations dedicated to quick lip and complexion touch ups featuring Pro Finish, the brand’s innovative new multi-use compact foundation launching in 2013.

Consumers can book appointments to secure a Make Up Bag Remix session beginning January 23rd by visiting www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA. Sessions are available from 12:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am – 7:00pm on Sunday.

About MAKE UP FOR EVER:
In 1984, Paris native Dany Sanz responded to the wishes of the fashion and entertainment industries by creating MAKE UP FOR EVER. MAKE UP FOR EVER brought to life products, textures, and colors previously only dreamed of. Dany Sanz, an artist and sculptor, succeeded in putting together an extensive palette, allowing make up artists to unleash their imagination and bring the fashion and theater world to new heights. Keeping in mind the fast-paced nature of backstage, the products are easy to use and long lasting, two benefits that are a necessity not only to make up artists but to women everywhere. From the most delicate look to the most powerful statement, welcome to the world of MAKE UP FOR EVER.

Make Up For Ever 120 NATURAL IVORY Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation Swatches & Review

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Brooke

This month Make Up For Ever has finally released a Multi-Use Powder Foundation that has literally been YEARS in the making! The goal? To make a complexion look flawless in minutes. The coverage is buildable, the black, mirrored compact is portable and the results are professional. Introducing the Make Up For Ever Multi-Use Pro Finish Powder Foundation!

What the Sephora website has to say about the Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation:

What it is:
A multiuse powder foundation with a patent-pending formula that can be applied wet or dry for buildable coverage and a customized finish.

What it does:
Formulated with exclusive vegetal coated bio-mimetic pigments, this breakthrough formula lets you customize your foundation result. For a matte finish with full coverage, apply it dry. For a satin finish with sheer coverage, apply it wet. Pro Finish’s lightweight texture blends seamlessly with your natural skintone for a long-wearing, flawless complexion. Enriched with nourishing ingredients, it hydrates and soothes the skin for ultimate comfort. This versatile compact is perfect for on-the-go application as well as touch-ups throughout the day.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

What else you need to know:
This product is dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types.

The Pro Finish is available in 25 shades with golden, neutral and pink undertones. My shade is shown, 120, and is described as Neutral Ivory. I was nervous about the shade when swatched, but it matched perfectly and blended flawlessly into the face. You’re going to want to use the included sponge lightly, and possibly just to pat on some touch-ups. I noticed when I went full out on Dry Application using the sponge is came off a little heavy. I found using a Kabuki brush was best for blending out the powder and making it appear seamless.

Tips for application:

For matte finish with full coverage (apply dry):
-Using the sponge or Foundation Kabuki Brush, apply powder starting on the cheeks and nose, moving toward the chin.
-Apply powder across the forehead, moving outward toward the temples and down the sides of the face.
-Repeat for additional coverage as needed.

For satin finish with sheer coverage (apply wet):
-Thoroughly wet sponge and wring out excess water.
-In a circular motion, evenly saturate the surface of the powder.
-Apply over the center of the cheeks and nose, moving toward the chin.
-Apply to the center of the forehead, moving outward toward the temples and down the sides of the face.
-For additional coverage, apply Pro Finish dry after wet application is complete.

I loved this powder both wet and dry, and feel like Make Up For Ever has a clear winner in the market. It may have taken more than six years, but they met the challenge and did it right.

Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation can be purchased at Sephora.com and Make Up For Ever Boutiques.

Makeup Wars ~ My Holiday Beauty Wish List

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Brooke

The Makeup Wars Bloggers decided it would be a smart move to do up our Holiday wish lists. Basically, if any family or friends are reading this and want to tell Santa so I have a little surprise under the tree… you won’t hear me complain. I might even have a smooch waiting under the mistletoe for anyone thinking of me!

I thought it would be a good idea to pick some “wants” at several price points… just in case my hubby or someone else who loves me equally as much is checking this out! Keeping it tame, this is just beauty items. If I would have dove into handbag, shoes, jewelry… well, we’d have been here all day.

Tarte Carried Away Collector’s Set ($54.00). This set from Tarte has is ALL. It’s so beautiful and clearly necessary for all of your beauty needs and wants! Photo courtesy of Sephora.com.
OCC Pro’s Picks Lip Tar Set ($49.00). I own nothing from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and I’m DYING to. This set is the perfect opportunity! Photo courtesy of Sephora.com.
Make Up For Ever Be Your Own Make Up Artist Station ($950.00). Let’s just be honest, who DOESN’T want this? At that price point it’ll very likely never happen for me, but I can dream! Photo courtesy of Sephora.com.
Burberry Complete Eye Palette ($59.00). I’ll take any of them, but the one pictured, Dark Spice, is my top choice. Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.com.
Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Shadow in Rose Gold ($24.00). I love the style of the shadow pan and the shade just looks stunning! Photo courtesy of NeimanMarcus.com.
Estee Lauder Michael Kors Set ($38.50). This one is tricky, you can only purchase it with an Estee Lauder Fragrance purchase. I cannot stand EL fragrance and I don’t know anyone to give it to if I bought it. So go buy yourself some perfume and then get me this Michael Kors set! Different sets are available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Dillards, Macys and EsteeLauder.com. I’ll take any of them. Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.com.
MAC Hang Up the Glamour Hanging Travel Bag ($40.00). It’s leopard on the outside, lacy looking on the inside and securely holds all of our travel junkies with style. Hook me up. Photo courtesy of maccosmetics.com.
Bare Escentuals The Star Treatment Set ($40.00). I love the pressed shadows from this brand, and the shades in this palette are right up my alley! Photo courtesy of Sephora.com.
MAC Making Pretty Brush Set for Face & Eye ($100.00). I obviously don’t NEED this, but its so pretty and chic… I just want it to look at it. I’d never buy it for myself, but would loveeee to have it as a gift! Photo courtesy of maccosmetics.com.
Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set ($265.00) I am so totally addicted to this. It’s easy to do, safe and it works! You can check out my experience with this product by clicking here. Photo courtesy of NeimanMarcus.com.

Oh, drugstore beauty, I haven’t forgotten about you!

Cover Girl Clump Crusher LashBlast Mascara. I’ve heard great things from fellow bloggers. Photo courtesy of Ulta.com where this product is currently buy one get one half off.
Wet N Wild ColorIcon Eight Pan Eyeshadow Palette Collection. I’d love the two palettes I don’t have that released with Holiday 2012 (I think the matte one, Drinking a Glass of Shine, was released before as I <3 Matte) in Sparkle ‘Til Morning & Shimmer the Night Away (see pics at Nouveau Cheap).
L’Oreal Project Runway Electric Fantasie Collection. Any and all of it. We’ve been ripe with sickness here so I haven’t really been out and about to get any pieces =( See photos at Musings of a Muse.
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips. I always see these and always want to try them out. The colors just look so pretty sitting by each other. The set shown above is in Nude. Photo courtesy of PhysiciansFormula.com.

What is on your holiday beauty wish list?

See what the other participants in this installment of Makeup Wars came up with! What WILL we think of next?!

MAKE UP FOR EVER’S Face Off Make Up Challenge & a Chance to WIN $1000 in Product!

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Brooke

As mentioned in this post, MAKE UP FOR EVER is providing all the make up for SyFy’s Face Off this season, and are very excited to announce that the “Avant-Garde” make up challenge finally airs tomorrow.

Tune in to Face Off on Tuesday, September 25^th at 9/8c to watch the contestants create runway-worthy make up inspired by couture fashion and create an original look inspired by characters in a new video game. Lijha Stewart, MAKE UP FOR EVER head make up artist, served as guest judge for the challenge and the make up creations were truly amazing.

Now, the GIVEAWAY Goodness! MUFE is hosting a little make up Avant-Garde make up challenge of their own to celebrate the episode… beginning September 25^th, MAKE UP FOR EVER invites all make up mavens to submit their most Avant-Garde make up look and tell us how they achieved it at https://www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA/app_95936962634.

The top 20 looks will be chosen on October 18^th, and fans will vote for their favorite to choose a winner, which will be announced on November 8^th. The GRAND PRIZE is a train case filled with $1,000 worth of MAKE UP FOR EVER products and Eye Shadow palette signed by Dany Sanz.

Face Off Episode Overview:
As the competition reaches the halfway point, tensions are high. The contestants enter the lab and meet McKenzie alongside six beautiful runway models dressed in haute couture. They are then introduced to their guest judge, head makeup artist for MAKE UP FOR EVER, Lijha Stewart. Over the next two hours, they create runway-worthy make up looks inspired by couture fashions. The next day, they arrive at the beautiful downtown lounge, The Edison, where McKenzie shows them a trailer of the brand new video game, Dishonored. The artists then learn that for their next Spotlight Challenge, they will create an original make up look inspired by one of the character classes in the video game and that their make up must include exaggerated proportions or distorted features. Over the next two days, these incredible make ups come to life in some of the most inventive and imaginative ways yet. It all leads up to an incredible showing at the Face Off reveal stage, where one artist wins the challenge and one is eliminated.

Make Up For Ever AQUA SMOKY LASH Mascara Swatches & Review

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Brooke

*Kicks self in face*. I bought a waterproof mascara. Dangit. I only buy a waterproof mascara when I’m going to a funeral, and I generally just go into the drugstore, buy whatever, use, throw out. And, actually, since Anastasia came out with Lash Genius, I haven’t needed to even do that.

Why isn’t waterproof mascara something I usually gravitate towards? Basically, it’s a pain to wash off and I have no need for it, since I generally don’t have mascara migration issues.

All of that whining aside, I’m actually very impressed with Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara. But is it enough to reconsider my stance on waterproof mascara?

What the Sephora website has to say about MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara:

What it is:
A waterproof version of the best-selling Smoky Lash—a mascara that delivers volume, length, and intense pigment.

What it does:
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Lash takes the ultra-pigmented, volume-enhancing formula that made the original such a hit and waterproofs it just in time for fun in the sun this summer.

What else you need to know:
The tough, dense brush of this Sephora-exclusive mascara penetrates into the roots of the lash to ensure that the lash is completely coated with mascara.

Aqua Smoky Lash is a deep black mascara that does a decent job of separating and an excellent job of lengthening and curling (in the photo above I did NOT use an eye lash curler, to be honest they don’t make that much of a difference for me). As far as being waterproof goes, it does it’s job. No migration during sweat or rain or cryings galore!

The only thing that I have to do differently with this particular mascara is with the removal – I completely saturate a cotton ball and hold it over my eye for 10 seconds. The mascara comes off easily and all of the way, for the most part. If you’re careful, and take your time, you won’t need to rub (because you SHOULDN’T) and lose some lashes.

Basically, I love this mascara, but I hate that it’s waterproof because I’m using way more makeup remover than I need to and it takes some extra time (not much, but that mess adds up when you’re a mom!). I wouldn’t repurchase the waterproof (mostly because of the cost issue and I own the Lash Genius), but I will absolutely go back and get the regular Smoky Lash that I intended to pick up in the first place.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash retails for $23.00 and is available exclusively at Sephora and sephora.com.