Monday, October 29, 2012

Halloween - Vampire Look


 Happy Halloween!  Halloween is a favorite holiday for many makeup artists.  It's a time where we can let our creative juices flow and create fun looks that we normally don't get the chance to do.  Sometimes, our Halloween plans are last minute invites and we find ourselves scrambling to throw together a costume. I've created an easy look for you, using products I already had around the makeup studio. The only thing I purchased for this look was a set of fangs from a local costume shop. I hope you find this look as fun and easy to create as I did. All of the makeup products used in this look are cruelty-free (not tested on animals).

If you are interested in creating this Vampire look, here is how I did it:

To begin, I applied a spray moisturizer by Urban Decay, and my eye cream from 100% Pure cosmetics as usual.  To make sure my skin looked smooth, I then applied a face primer by Hourglass (pictured below) using a synthetic foundation brush.

I then applied a foundation in a shade lighter than I normally wear to give my skin a paler more dead-like look.  The one I used is Urban Decay Naked Skin in shade 1.0 (vegan).  I applied it using a foundation brush.  If you don't own a lighter foundation, you can lighten your normal shade with a bit of sunscreen or moisturizer. I skipped concealer, because Vampires are dead, and probably have dark circles.

 To prep the lids for color, I smoothed on my favorite eye primer, Glamour Doll Eyes Control Freak (vegan), using a concealer brush.  I applied it from lash line to brow, and took a tiny bit underneath the eye as well.


As a base for my powder shadow, I applied Urban Decay 24/7 liner in the color Zero (black) all over my lid, then blended it out with a stiff dome shaped brush. These dry and set quickly, so it's important to blend as you go. Do one eye first, then move on to the next.  I put extra liner along the top and bottom lash lines as well as tightlined and put some along my waterline (the inner rim of the eye).

Next, I packed on Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in the color Perversion (vintage shade - black) using a patting motion with my flat shadow brush.  Some other good cruelty-free choices are Urban Decay Blackout or Sugarpill Cosmetics in Bulletproof. You can use any black shadow you have as long as it's matte (no shimmer or shine).

Using the same flat shadow brush, I used the edge of the brush to sweep some black shadow along the lower lash line over the pencil we added earlier.

Next, I took a red eyeshadow from the Sugarpill Burning Heart palette (Love +) and swept it into the crease, and on the inner corner of the eye underneath using a fluffy brush.

I applied Urban Decay Vanilla eyeshadow to the brow bone (just beneath my eyebrow), and on the inner corner of my eye. You can use any shimmery white eyeshadow you happen to have. I defined my brows using Nuance by Salma Hayek brow pencil in Medium Blonde.

To keep the face pale and dead looking, I skipped blush and bronzer. Instead, I took just a tiny bit of the red eyeshadow (Love + by Sugarpill), and swept it along my cheekbones using a Bdellium Tools Green Bambu fan brush.

For the lips, I used a mix of Urban Decay Gash (deep red/burgundy) lipstick, OCC Lip Tar in Tarred (black) and Burt's Bees Cherry Lip Shimmer (bright cherry red), applied with a lip brush.

I then applied Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion to make my lashes super long, followed by 3 coats of Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara. You can use any black volumizing mascara you love.

I added individual fangs to my canine teeth, and the vampire look is complete. Wear all black, and you are good to go!  

Here is the final look:






I hope you enjoyed this super easy and quick Halloween tutorial. 
I hope you all have a very safe and happy Halloween!





Sunday, October 14, 2012

Ecco Bella Review

I've been using Ecco Bella (which means Behold Beautiful) FlowerColor mascara in Brown for a while now. However, recently, I've had the opportunity to test a couple of other products from the line. I've created two different makeup looks using these products, and swatched them for you as well.  This organic, cruelty-free brand has a full line of cosmetics and natural skincare available for purchase on their website.


The two products I've been testing are Ecco Bella's Shimmer Dust in Moon (Neutral) and FlowerColor Eyeshadow in the color Khaki (Warm).

Both come packaged in these adorable little boxes reminiscent of a matchbox. Inside, you'll find the product along with a sponge tip applicator. 

I found both items to be true to color, pigmented and blend easily. The Khaki colored eyeshadow is a great color for fall. I especially like the way it looks on those with warmer skin tones.  The Shimmer Dust is very versatile because it can be worn, over blush and eyeshadow, or as a highlight under the brow bone, down the nose, above the cupids bow, or on the inner corners of the eyes.













Below, I've swatched both products for you. I just touched my finger to the product, and look at how pigmented these are!



 
Pictured: 

FlowerColor Shimmer Dust in Moon
FlowerColor Eyeshadow in Khaki 


The FlowerColor Eyeshadow in Khaki lasted me all day. I always layer my eyeshadow over a primer, but I didn't notice any creasing or fading after hours of wear.  This eyeshadow is both vegan and gluten free

The FlowerColor Shimmer Dust in Moon reminds me of Nars Albatross.  It's a white highlighter with the finest gold shimmer, making it appear champagne on the skin.  I really loved the natural finish this product gave me. The shimmer is so fine that it simply illuminates the areas where applied without looking too glittery.  This product can be used on the eyes or the face, and like the eyeshadow, it is also vegan and gluten free.  

Here is a look at how I used the products together:

Look 1:



For the above look, I used the Khaki eyeshadow on my lid as well as under the lower lash line. I pulled the color up at the corner to give a winged out effect.  I applied the Shimmer Dust under my brow bone, inner corners of my eyes, down my nose, to the cheek bones & cupid's bow.  I topped the look off with some eyeliner, lipstick and gloss. 

Here is a second look I created using these products (below).  For this look, I also used the Ecco Bella Mascara in Brown.

Look 2:



 For the second look, I wanted to go a bit more dramatic.

 I also wanted to demonstrate how you could use these 2 products with other items you probably already have at home.  For this look, I applied the Khaki eyeshadow to the lid, this time over a white eye primer.  I also took the color under the lash line as in the previous look. However, in this look, I did not wing out the eyeshadow, I kept it to the lid only.  I then added a little bit of a basic matte dark brown & black eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eye and blended it into the crease.  I took the Ecco Bella Shimmer Dust, and this time, I applied it over the Khaki eyeshadow. This lightened the center of the lid, creating a slight shimmer when my lids catch the light.  I again used the Shimmer Dust as an under brow highlight, on the inner corner of my eyes, down my nose, and over my blush. I skipped eyeliner this time, and just followed with 3 coats of my Ecco Bella Mascara in Brown after curling my lashes.  

Here is a closer look at the Ecco Bella FlowerColor Mascara in Brown (below).  This mascara is also vegan, and a great choice for blondes like myself who have such a hard time finding a good quality brown mascara.  



One of the most exciting features about this mascara is that it comes with a built in mirror!  I personally have never had this mascara smudge on me, and it lasts all day.  However, the good news is that unlike some waterproof formulas that are impossible to get off, this one easily wipes clean at the end of the day when you are ready to take it off. 

One of the things that originally attracted me to this brand is the fact that it was started in protest of animal testing.  It is important to support brands with a cruelty free stance.  If you are interested in other products Ecco Bella has to offer I suggest you chat with one of their informed beauty consultants (it's free):

http://www.eccobella.com/schedule-beauty-consultation 

I had a phone consultation and was really impressed with how helpful the representative was in answer all of my questions, and suggesting products appropriate for my coloring.  

I hope you enjoyed this look at Ecco Bella cosmetics. 

Have a great weekend!




*Note: Some of the products featured in this review were sent for consideration by the company. I do not receive compensation for reviews.  My opinions are 100% honest, and I only post reviews in hopes of helping my readers make good purchasing decisions.



Monday, October 8, 2012

E.L.F. Disney Villain Collection! - Tutorial


As some of you may already know, E.L.F. (which stands for eyes, lips, face) has released a collection of palettes in the theme of Disney Villains!  For more information on the palettes, click here: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/collections/sets-and-palettes/sets-and-kits/disney_villainous_villains_makeup_book_limited_edition

The E.L.F. Disney Villain collection includes three palettes: Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmations, Evil Queen from Snow White and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. I picked up the first two at my local Walgreens and so far I am in love. Furthermore, while I have always known that E.L.F. is a cruelty free company, I recently learned that they are also vegan!

Here is a quote taken from their website (http://www.eyeslipsface.com/faqs.asp) in regards to their stance on animal cruelty:

"We do NOT test on animals or endorse such practices. Our products do not contain animal derived ingredients. Beeswax has been replaced by synthetic beeswax and lanolin has been replaced by Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladinpale-2. We currently support HSUS and are partners with PETA in the Caring Consumer Project. Please see our philosophy page for further explanation on our company."
The Cruella palette is called Evil Everyday Eyes and features great neutrals for everyday. I found this palette took me easily from day to night. Each palette contains both a daytime and evening look. The red pencil that comes in the evening look part of this palette is AMAZING! I wore it out and it lasted all day without drying out my lips. It is the most amazing true red, and the lip pencil itself was surprisingly creamy.  

This tutorial will feature the daytime look from The Evil Queen palette called Devious Dramatic Eyes.  Here is a closer look at the inside of the palette which includes a real mirror, instructional booklet, false lashes, lash glue, 8 eyeshadows, an eye primer and two lip/cheek pencils!


The mirror portion on the left, folds back to reveal instructions for a day and nighttime look.  The laminate picture of the queen flips to reveal a picture of her wearing each look, so that you can see the picture along with the instructions. The back of the package lists its contents, as well as the ingredients for each product.

 Note the "no animal testing" logo in the lower left of the packaging above the bar code.
After applying my usual foundation, highlight, and concealer, I began by priming my lids with the included eye primer. I really like this primer, and found that it does make my makeup last all day. If your skin is any darker than me (which is most people), you may want to add a layer of white such as the NYX Jumbo pencil in Milk or another white base to help the colors pop. You can spread out the primer with your fingers, but I chose to use a concealer brush so that I could get a very fine layer.


Next, I applied the first eyeshdadow color in the palette called One Bite just under the brow bone with an E.L.F. brush (brush not included).  This is a very shimmery light gold color. You only need a tiny bit to get the desired look. Don't worry if it appears too shimmery at first, we will blend it out later.




Then, taking a small brush, I highlighted the inner corner of my eyes using the second shade in the palette called Vanity, which is a warm peach shade.



Next, I took the third color from the palette called Narcissist and packed the color onto the lid using a flat shadow brush. This color is a very light lavender.  You may need to pack on quite a bit to get the desired intensity because the color is soft, which is exactly what makes it perfect for daytime.


 Next, I took the last color in the top row, called Potion, and applied it to the outer third of my eyelid and blended it up into the crease. As an optional step, you can bring a little bit under your lower lash line if you desire. I found this color to be quite pigmented, and blend smoothly. This is a shimmery burgundy shade.




Next, take a clean blending brush, and blend all of your colors together. I began at the brow bone, and blended the shade called One Bite down a little bit to take down some of the shimmer. Then I blended started at the outer corner, to make sure the transition appears seamless into my lid shade.

BLEND BLEND BLEND BLEND BLEND BLEND BLEND! 

Remember, this is meant to be a daytime look, so we want to tone down the shimmer and make it look natural. I then groomed my brows and applied 2 coats of my favorite mascara after curling my lashes. 

Next, I took the included lip & cheek color, and drew little dashes on my cheek, then blended out using my finger. 

Start with just a little cheek color at first, then blend out until you get the desired look. Add more as needed.

Finally, with the same mini pencil (included) I lined and filled in my lips.

I then closed my eyes and sprayed my entire face with my Dew Me by Urban Decay which is a moisturizing makeup setting spray. And the look is complete!  What do you think? Do you have any of these E.L.F. Disney Villain palettes? If so I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.





Wishing you all a very villainous beautiful day!