So when it comes to beauty products, I have two great loves: foundation and lipsticks. (Okay I’m throwing in blush so that makes three, whatever). On any given day, I’m testing out a new foundation o swatching something at a counter to see if it’s my perfect match - or should I say “perfect” match. They can be either too pink, too red, too yellow, too dark, not matte enough — you name it! I know I’m not the only one who has trouble finding the right match - the end all, be all, elusive Holy Grail us beauty junkies clamor over.
MAKE UP FOR EVER commissioned a study from The NPD Group to find out why women are missing the mark when it comes to complexion perfection. The survey found:
72% of women DO NOT change their foundation seasonally (I don’t know who these women are since mine changes weekly ;)…)
62% of women had difficulty applying foundation (only 20% of women use a brush to apply their foundation)
54% of women say finding the right shade is the most difficult (SO surprised this number isn’t higher)
To help us out, MUFE is hosting free Foundation Nation events nationwide to help women learn to solve their biggest challenge, whatever it may be. Simply visit a MAKE UP FOR EVER boutique (or Sephora) where their professional artists will be on-hand for complimentary foundation lessons.
I will be putting the artists at the MUFE NYC boutique to the test since I want slash need a foundation that can even out my skin tone AND deal with the oil production factory that is my face.
It’s Monday evening on Valentine’s Day and just about every girl I know if touching up her makeup and changing into date clothes. They’re headed out to meet their boo/ boyfriend/fiance/husband. I am - not pouting or shouting - but touching up MY makeup for the epicness that could be.
I find myself single EVERY Valentine’s Day and this year, rather than pout (or shout), I’m hanging in their with the best of ‘em. So if you find yourself alone not held down this year, smile girl — tonight’s your night. As I fully believe in the power of beautiful lips, here’s my breakdown on how to shine tonight, tomorrow and everyday after.
Before the puckering can begin it’s IMPERATIVE you exfoliate and hydrate your lips. Nothing’s worst than seeing dry and chappy lips. Grab a toothbrush and slap on some Vaseline to slough off dead skin. Afterward, apply a moisturizing lip balm before you apply your lip color — your lips will thank you. 1. Mario Badescu Lip Wax SPF 15 ($7) Contains a blend of Rose Hips, Palm Oil and Vitamin E Oil for an emollient, creamy lip treatment all while protecting lips against UVA and UVB rays. 2. SUPER by Dr. Perricone Lush Lips ($20) With coconut oil to nourish lips and shea butter to soothe skin, I’ve been using this all weekend before my lipstick. Great for use in the winter and summer (although there isn’t sunscreen so double up in the summer!). 3. KORRES Lip and Cheek Tint ($10) This little guy hydrates and provides lips with a juicy pop of color.
After prepping your lips, line them with a lip liner in the color of your choice. 1. Stila long wear lip liner (18)goes on smoothly and provides lips with enough pigment to actually skip the lipstick (but what fun is that?) 2. Make Up For Ever. ($17) Enough said. 3. Wet n’ Wild Color Icon Lip Liner ($2) if you’re looking for something that provides color but doesn’t break the bank, wet n’ wild is definitely your drug of choice.
1. Lancôme Color Design Lipstick ($22) This lipstick is infused with soothing ingredients, so lips are left feeling soft all day without worrying about reapplication. 2. Bobbi Brown Heart Truth Creamy Lip Color Trio ($59): This limited-edition Creamy Lip Color Trio was created to support The Heart Truth’s efforts to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Featuring Creamy Lip Color lipsticks in three universally flattering shades – Nectar, Blue Raspberry and Uber Pink – it offers long-lasting wear and a soft, creamy shine. 3. LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Tint ($24): I am OBSESSED with this peppermint-infused matte lip stain. It glides on effortlessly and provides coverage for up to five hours (if not more). 4. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24): Other than tarte’s lip stain, NARS is the only matte lip pencil I ever apply on my lips due to it’s coverage and ability to NOT dry out my lips. WIN!
I SWEAR I did not mean to go into Sephora. I did not WANT to go. Hell I don’t even know how I landed there…smh. It’s just second nature. Once I’m walking in Union Square NYC, I go from Sephora to Barnes and Nobles to Starbucks. But this time, Sephora was so full of life! New sales people (with really good makeup on!). The music was loud and I was just feelin’ it.
And then I saw NARS. I’ve been having this longtime battle with NARS…to buy or not to buy? And today I decided, ‘one blush won’t hurt’ and picked up Mata Hari- a beautiful rose petal pink. As I walked to the cashier, there was Make Up For Ever and the new Aqua Creams. At the blogger preview of The Makeup Show, James Vincent (Director of Artistry for The Makeup Show) RAVED about these bad boys, so I just HAD to have one.
I mean come one. It would be sacrilegious to deny myself it, right?
So with the #21 shade (a turquoise blue that would look AMAZEBALLS on brown skin), I powered through, two items in hand, and waited in line. I was immediately greeted by tarte’s bronze to go kit staring at me from the POS merch. Now, as a student who took way too many marketing classes for her own good, I KNOW that they put these bad boys by the cashiers to get you to spend more money as you wait in line. I KNOW THIS!! Did that knowledge stop me?
I picked it up and asked the cashier how much. My plan was if it were more than $20, it goes back.
It was $15.
The other NARS box is the eye shadow base I received gratis since I had well over 100 points via my Beauty Insider card so I cashed it in.
