Stila Cosmetics is a brand with several cult favorite products. It’s a brand that I’ve been using off and on for years. While digging in my makeup collection a few weeks ago, I realized just how many Stila products I owned, and how I’m never disappointed with them!
Eye Shadows ($20)-Silky smooth and rich in color. I’ve been wearing La Douche on my eyes for a week straight. Kitten is the perfect pearly highlight. Twig is a must have as well. Sam Fine is a big fan!There is a massive amount of color packed into these shadows, so use a little at a time!
Lip Glaze ($22)- These pen-like glosses are yet another favorite of mine! My favorites include Guava, Praline, Apricot and the infamous Brown Sugar! If you hurry, you can purchase the mini gift set for $25 at Sephora!
Smudge Pots ($20)-I’ve actually never tried these, but I read about them all the time. People have sworn by them on my Twitter feed, and my fellow beauty bloggers can’t get enough either. Check out these reviews at This That Beauty and Musings of a Muse.
Convertible Color ($25)-Since I’m all about multi-purpose cream color, these are high on my list. They aren’t too thick and over pigmented, but give you just enough of what you really need.
Long Wear Lip Color ($20)-I was sold the first time I tried it. Think of the most effortless looking lip imaginable. There are almost comparable to lip crayons. They stay on for hours and don’t dry your lips out!
Have you seen the Makeup Player? You can download makeup tutorials to the mini-theatre in your Stila traincase! Then, using the makeup provided, you can create the perfect look. Now that’s innovative! For more information on Stila, check them out on stilacosmetics.com or sephora.com!
Fashion Week is one of my favorite holiday seasons! Models roaming the streets, backstage chaos, intoxicating fashion. Mmm, I smell it already! Now that Spring is only a few short months away, the new beauty trends are about to take effect. Many of these things are products that have been around for years, but used for new look concepts. Since I’m officially beauty, here’s what (and who) I captured in the tents.
Above Lipmix in orange, crimson and white are shown. These dense creams make the perfect base for any great lip. Artists used a dab of lipmix and custom blended with lipsticks and glosses. One of my favorite lip looks (inspired by Twinkle) uses MAC Orange Lipmix and Utterly Posh Dazzleglass. Another classic hit that popped up all over backstage are Face & Body Foundations. These water based foundations are sheer and creamy, and work well mixed with other foundations. They give little coverage, so they are perfect for evening out your skin or creating the illusion of perfect body. Also notice that there are a mix of brushes on the table, some MAC, but others are paint brushes that can be found at your local art store.
Backstage at Erin Fetherson, models wore soft smokey eyes using browns and taupes. Models wore Brun and Cork eye shadows, along with Teddy and Coffee eye pencils. Cheeks were glazed with Optimistic Orange Blush Cream, which debuted just last week with the MAC in Lillyland collection. It’s true, backstage is the testing ground for future collections!
I don’t normally jump on Nars Holiday sets although they always look amazing. I only own one, and it’s freakin’ awesome. But the Wild at Heart palette($75) is rockin’ my socks like crazy!!!! Here are the contents via Neiman Marcus.
Eyes: Abyssinia, Alhambra (left), Ashes to Ashes, Pandora (right)
Cheek: Orgasm Blush, South Beach Multiple
Lips: Baby Doll, Red Lizard, Manhunt, Fire Down Below
I am loving the selection of red lip options! The nude eye shadows are classics, and can definitely be put to great use. I have never actually tried the infamous Orgasm blush. Have any brown girls out there tried it with success?
I also have to mention the D. Lovely lipgloss set ($49). It’s 8 mini (and when I say mini, I mean teensy tiny!) glosses, including one of my favorite neutrals, Sandpiper. Plus, the new Velvet Matte lip pencils ($24) look phenomenal! I’ve got my eye on Toundra and Pop Life. I’ve never tried them before, but the swatches online seem fabulous!
Any recommendations for me and other Scandalous Beauties out there?! Do tell!
One of the best brands ever. That’s a big claim to make, but it’s true. Before I begin, I’ll just tell you that this makeup is pricey. Never forget, you get what you pay for! Many of these products were made specifically for (and used on) Jennifer Lopez. The brand screams luxury and sexiness. I could go on for days about SB, but the product that I’ll rave about today is Flossy Glossy lip gloss. The texture, color payoff and finish of these glosses are outstanding. I’ve been writing about the brand for years, most of which created while the brand was still in production. Now, I get e-mails, messages, and tweets from makeup fans who are dying to get the products. I kid you not! In the picture to the right, I’m wearing the color “Vivid”. I love how extreme, yet amazing it looks!
Scott Barnes Body Bling, cream body bronzer has been available for some time now. It gives skin the “just got back from vacationing in St. Tropez” look. I’ve never seen anyone with brown skin use it, so I don’t know if it has the ashy look. But on fair to medium complexions, it’s freakin’ hot! Want to see how to use it? Check out this video demonstration!
I realized that one of my favorite shades, Whisper, isn’t pictured! It’s a stunning creamy coral! Here’s a picture of me wearing it during my Janet Jackson Concert makeover! Remember that? The artist, Preston, created this look from random products that I happened to have in my train case. This is just the way he would do JJ’s makeup while she’s on stage!
Becca Cosmetics is one of the most underrated beauty brands in the makeup industry. This Australian brand has more products than many other lines, and the quality is impeccable. The focus is always beautiful, pleasant makeup. The brand is becoming more and more exclusive, only being carried at a handful of locations. Here are the top 5 products from the brand.
1. Stick Foundation
If you are looking for the most natural, undetectable coverage, here’s the perfect foundation stick for you to try. One of the main reasons I fell head over heels for this company years ago was because the vast range of foundation shade options. As a Woman of Color, we often have more than one color on our faces. Becca is the first brand that offered enough shades that we may accurately do our makeup. Please note that Becca was not created by an Black woman, and includes even more shades for women who aren’t Black. The company got it right! No matter how dark or light you are, Becca has your color!
2. Creamy Concealer
Such a genius idea. This luxe blend concealer offers options. On one side, you’ve got a super light, medium coverage formula. On the other side, there is a full coverage version to tackle more blemishes. While using the product on a friend, I used a round contour brush to swirl the colors around in the pot, then applied in circular motions to her problem areas. We were left with gorgeous, glowy skin with no hint of blemishes!
3. Cream Blush
Becca is the one stop shop for cream blush, as far as I’m concerned. The colors aren’t thick and goopy like many brands. A little goes a very long way, so build on the color instead of applying a lot at once. While wearing a dewy or satin skin look, cream blush give you the look of blushing from within. My favorite shades are Hyacinth for a springy, youthful cheek, Dahlilah for a natural tawny look, or Lotus for a deeper berry cheek.
4. Eye Shadow
I’m in love with shadows that look and feel luxurious. Becca Cosmetics creates just that. They’ve got a selection that is not only frosty, but also with matte and satin finishes. You’re sure to find love at first finger swipe! Next on my list, Venise, pictured above. I’ve had my eye on it since last May!
5. Makeup Palettes
Another standout item from the brand! Try five of the brands items in one convenient package. I’m dying to get the Aurora palette. This particular palette includes a powder and creme eye shadow, eye liner, creme blush and a nude lip gloss. How divine is that??
If these shades aren’t for you, or you’d like a sample of their top sellers, check out the Best of Becca Palette. The combination of shadows, creames and glosses is sure to keep you a Becca Fan forever!
If you want to find your perfect foundation and powder shades, use this trusty guide. It really works! (Double click to enlarge it!) I could go on and on about the other stand out items at Becca Cosmetics, but I’ll save that for another time. If you would like to learn how to use Becca’s products, check out ZunetaBeauty on Youtube. They highlight and demo almost every product! Click here to find Becca in your area!
I might have had the longest weekend in history. I flew (sick and disturbed due to my immense fear of flying) to Chicago for The Artist Summit! Three action packed days of beauty! I met a slew of people…hung out, partied, shopped, learned, interviewed (and froze), and it was fabulous. Here are my top 5 highlights, in no particular order!
1. Inglot Cosmetics- I’d never played with (or heard of) this brand before, but they had some intense products! They’ve got lipsticks, pigments, glosses, cream liners, you name it, they have it! They’ve got a cool concept, where you can place your products in a “freedom system”, a palette that includes and of their products. If you want shadows, blushes and glosses in one palette, it’s simple.
2. Crown Brush-Department store quality brushes that start at $2 a pop. I bought 6 brushes that I’ve never seen before…by any brand, for $18. Who can beat it? Plus, they accept Paypal! In depth reviews to come..
3. Alcone- The brand that creates the greatest makeup sponges and makeup wipes of all time were in the house. I walked right up to the booth, got distracted by someone speaking to me, and left them there! Seriously, Alcone is an industry leader, and their teeny tiny makeup store houses just about everything you’ll need as an artist!
4.Web Photo Master-The hands down easiest ( and visually rewarding) way to create a stunning portfolio online. ‘Nuff said.
5. Classes! I sat in on Kathy Aragon’s class on Camera Ready Makeup. I might be ready to tackle the daunting feat! She swears by many cult makeup faves, Face Atelier Foundation (plus, she uses the ultra sheer along the cheek for added dewyness), L’Oreal Voluminous mascara, the Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer and Make Up For Ever Star Powders.
On a daily basis, I receive e-mails from people asking about what products they should use as beginners. Here’s a list of the first seven items (In my very humble opinion) that you should use in your makeup journey. These seven products include
-concealer
-powder
-blush
-eyeliner
-mascara
-lipgloss
-brow pencil or powder
In the video, I demonstrate how to use all 7 products and my favorite brands. Also, look above at the Makeup 101 tab, where I include TONS of information on all of the products!
Our favorite French line presents us with some amazing sets for Holiday!!! You can finally try the amazing High Definition Powder, Creamy Eye Liner Pencils and Stellar Shadows for a fraction of the cost. See, this is one of the reasons why I love the Holidays!!! Sephora houses all of the goodies, so be sure to hit the links for the good stuff!
Make Up For Ever Dany Sanz Limited Edition Palette is a blockbuster-sized palette containing 30 eyeshadows and blushes picked out by Dany Sanz herself. The 30 shades of long-lasting, high-pigmented eyeshadows and blushes allow you to create every look in the book. This Sephora-exclusive, limited-edition palette contains 20 eyeshadows and blushes and 10 diamond shadows. The eyeshadows/blushes come in three different finishes: matte, satiny, and iridescent. There’s only 100 available so make your pretty purchase fast!
Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur Collection contains three ultra-pigmented shades that give your lips a pop of color in one application. The ultra-shiny, and incredibly smooth textured gloss adds a vinyl effect to the lip and the subtle mint taste leaves the lips feeling refreshed.
There are three other gift sets from MUFE, including the most amazing powder and brush combo, waterproof liners and the ultimate smokey eye kit. Check them all out here!
Generally, drugstore makeup disappoints me. I can’t lie. But, I have found some products that are of stellar quality, all from L’Oreal H.I.P. There were lots of products that I wanted to love, like the glosses, bronzers, blushes and foundation. But, they didn’t do anything amazing for me. Here are some of my favorites that I keep in rotation.
Color Rich Cream Crayon-This can be used as a cream shadow or liner. I was quite surprised to hear that these are some of the most remarkable bases on the market! I tried the blue shade on my hand, and it wouldn’t come off. That is stellar quality when it comes to bases!! I love how easily they glide on the skin! Don’t forget to blend them out on the skin, if you create harsh lines on the skin, you’re stuck with them!
Cream Eye Liner-These are packed with color, and they are almost one and a half times bigger than my MAC fluidlines. I absolutely can’t get enough of the Teal, it’s perfect to wear all alone, on the kind of day where you want color on the lid, but just don’t feel like wearing eye shadow. These last all day, all night, and if you are feeling thrifty, the next day as well. Eye Shadow Duo’s-To me, these are the best drugstore eye shadows on the market. They are packed with color, and they include complimentary shades. I really do think these are great quality, but you absolutely have to have a base for them. If you use them on bare skin, the color pay off is pretty average. I own four of these, Brazen, Lively, Sassy and Charisma.
There are tons of things to see and do on the official L’Oreal H.I.P. website, including step-by-step guides. Definitely check it out!
Flirt Cosmetics is somewhat of a newbie in the makeup game, but it is definitely one of the hottest lines out. Available exclusively at Kohl’s, this line yells trendy, funky and fun! I left class the other day to drive to Kohl’s and play with the line. While I was an intern for the CEW, there was another lady interning at Flirt! Her name is Janjay, and the show was called “The Fashionista Diaries”, on Soapnet. I tivo’ed every episode! Each day, her hair and makeup was always done, which I loved! She took pride in her appearance, and that showed us that Flirt! is very brown girl friendly. She was always on point, getting her work done and making sure that she was the best intern that she could be. Find out more about the fabulous JanJay, who now works for Flirt! Check out clips of JanJay, working hard and enjoying city life!
Here are a few highlights of the line…
Big Flirt Mascara available in blue, pink, violet, teal, black and brown. Finally, some color!!! Look of Love Eyeliner Pencils reminded me of less expensive versions of MAC Eye Kohl’s. The colors were SO rich and they cost less! Score! Licorice Delight is a midnight blue, close to MAC’s Blooz eye kohl. Green Expectations is a hunter green, similar to MAC’s Tarnish eye kohl, and Metallic Lace reminds me so much of Tin-Tin eye kohl, a bright silver, which MAC no longer makes.
I really like the mousse products, like Madame X Blush Mousse and High Maintanace, 24 Karat and Cross My Heart Eye Mousse. While I browsed through the Dream Eyes Eyeshadows, I found quite a few MAC eyeshadow dupes! Yeeeees! Here’s what I found… Bronze Splash=Amber Lights Golden Lady=Tempting Chocoholic=Antiqued Glamourazzi= Trax Feeling Light=Expensive Pink Lime Light=Vex Silver Fog=Electra Vanilla Truffle=Kid
Flirt also has a fragrance, Glamourazzi!!! I really like this scent because it is soft, and lets the smell of pineapple linger on the skin. I really think this fragrance will be part of my permanent rotation. Loves it!
. Lucky for us, The Beauty Closet in California still has a few of them in stock! Don’t miss out!!!
