Spotlight: Kelley Quan Mascara Wand (patent pending)

Product Sent for Consideration

Kelley Quan Mascara Wand

Today, I have something very exciting to share with you. It's a brand new brush that was sent to me by the very sweet Kelley Quan. You may have read a previous post I wrote mentioning her "Wave Brush," which is my holy grail brush for brows. Well, Kelley has done it again. She has managed to really wow me, and add yet another unique amazing brush to my collection.  This brush is a must have for makeup artists and makeup lovers who covet long feathery lashes.  This new brush which Kelley simply calls Mascara Wand, will be available for purchase at www.kelleyquan.com in a couple of weeks. 

Here is a look at the new, innovative brush, and the inside scoop on how it works:  The Kelley Quan Mascara Wand is a small fine bristled fan brush that was created to help apply mascara very close to the lash line. While there are other mascara fan brushes on the market, none exist quite like this. What makes this brush so unique is it's angled tip. It is this angle that helps you get the mascara right up against your lash line. As any new makeup artist knows, applying mascara to someone else can be a bit tricky. Disposable mascara wands are fine, but you need multiple wands to do one person's lashes, as you don't want to double dip for sanitary reasons. It can also be difficult to get super close to your client's lash line, and painting tiny bottom lashes can prove to be problematic at times for sure. If you are a makeup artist, this brush is surely a worthy investment. It can be used in a variety of ways, and with good care, this brush should last you a long time. 

If you are a makeup lover, or a woman who suffers from sparse lashes, this brush can be a useful tool for helping you achieve that false lash look. In fact, after testing this brush out on myself for the first time, my husband asked me if I was wearing falsies! I was wearing the same mascara that I wear every day, I simply applied it differently. I incorporated the Kelley Quan Mascara Wand into my eye routine, and the difference both in application and final look was truly noticable.

Like all Kelley Quan brushes, this brush arrived in her signature pink box with it's "Vegan Beauty Brush" label on the front.

 What makes this brush unique is the angled head (pictured below)

The brush can be used angled up, or down depending on the desired lash look. Like all of Kelley's brushes, it comes with her signature smooth black handles embossed with her pink KQ logo on one side, and the number of the brush on the other. 

 Now that we've established that the brush looks cool, let's see how it works:  There are two methods of application. You can apply your mascara directly to your lashes and use the brush to comb it through, or you can apply the mascara directly to the brush and paint your lashes.  This brush can be used both angled upwards, by applying the product directly to your lashes from underneath and wiggling the mascara toward your lash line or angled downward getting close to every lash and painting the product through, separating your lashes at you pull the brush up.  I tested the brush in multiple ways.  

Here are the methods that yielded the best results for me personally:  Below is a photo with no mascara (clean dry lashes). I began as I usually do, by curling my lashes.

 The mascara I chose to use is my Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, because it's one I personally use a lot, so I know what the end result looks like without using the brush. This enabled me to more accurately see any difference in the final result.

While, I tested the brush both ways, applying the mascara in the traditional way (from the enclosed spoolie), and applying the mascara to the brush, I strongly prefer applying the product directly to the brush and painting my lashes with it. I simply took the Kelley Quan Mascara Wand and picked up some of the product onto the brush directly from the Stila mascara spoolie.

To show you my two favorite methods, I did each eye differently for demonstration purposes. For the first eye, I angled the brush upward, and starting at the very base of my lashes wiggled the brush up and pulled the product through my lashes. When using this method, you can get as close to your lash line as you want. In fact, I was able to basically tightline my eye with the mascara. This method creates a strong luxurious looking lash, because it erases any gaps seen in normal mascara application without the use of a separate eye liner.

Here is how the eye looks after applying mascara with the Mascara Wand angled upwards:

  To further separate and define my lashes, I then turned the brush so that it was angled down and pulled the brush through, this helps create that feathery lash look. 

 On the other eye, I started from the top of the lash, with my eye looking down and painted the top of my lashes. With the brush angled down, I was able to pull the Kelley Quan Mascara Wand down through the entire lash and separate each lash.

Here is how the eye looks after using the Mascara Wand with the wand angled downward, starting from the top:

The above look did not tightline the eye, but created more fluttery looking clean lashes, ideal for those who prefer a more natural, yet lengthened lash look. 

In the above picture, you can see the eye on the left (my right eye) was achieved with the upward method. As you can see from the photo, it looks like my eye is tightlined!  The lash line is full, which creates the illusion of much longer lashes. 

As mentioned, this tool also makes painting sparse lower lashes a breeze. Many people struggle with coating their lower lashes, some even resort to using a separate "bottom lash" mascara.  This handy little fan brush allows you to paint on the product as the bristles literally grab on and coat each individual lash, while separating them at the same time.  You can use the brush angled up or down for the bottom lashes, whichever you prefer. The method I like is painting the bottom lashes with the brush angled upwards, then flipping the brush over and combing through with the brush angled downward to separate.

 Here is the final look with both eyes done:

Thank you so much for reading! And a HUGE "THANK YOU!" to Kelley Quan for sending me this amazing brush.  I hope you enjoyed this look at the brand new Kelley Quan Mascara Wand. It truly is a unique helpful tool that allows you get really close to the lash line.  If traditional mascara application just isn't working for you, give this a try. In my opinion this little brush is a worthy investment.  The Kelley Quan Mascara Wand will be available for purchase in a couple of weeks at www.kelleyquan.com 

All Kelley Quan brushes are vegan and cruelty-free.

Please don't forget to subscribe! Drop me a comment below. I love reading all of your comments so much, it's really a bright spot in my day. Please remember that all comments are approved individually, so don't worry if you don't see your comment published right away. Please do not link to your own blog, spam will not be tolerated.

If you pick up this brush, I'd love to hear about it! I'm also reachable on Twitter @MakeupMatters1 

*The brush seen in this review was sent for consideration by the company. This in no way alters my review. I do not get paid to write reviews. I do not get any commission or compensation if you buy this brush or any of the brushes on www.kelleyquan.com.  I simply share my opinions with you in hopes of helping my readers make informed purchasing decisions.

Sedona Lace Model Search 2013

Sedona Lace Photo Contest

 

Hi guys! I'm asking for your help! I recently entered the Sedona Lace Model Search 2013.  While I admit I'm a little old (and short) to be a traditional model anymore, I do love brushes!  I use the Sedona Lace synthetic brushes, and have this brand listed in my synthetic brush guide.

 

Now here is where your help comes in. Sedona Lace is hosting a Model Search contest via their Facebook page. All you have to do is vote! 

 

 

To find me, simply type my name into the search box and click "Go."

 

 

Find My picture:

 

And click "Vote":

 

 

Your help would mean the world to me!  I love brushes so much and have always dreamed of being the face of a brush company, especially one that makes brushes that I really like and use all the time!

 

If you would like to vote, here is the link to get started:

 

Please vote for this entry in Be the next face for Sedona Lace!! Click here to see it: http://bit.ly/11hJkmj

 

Don't forget to "like" Sedona Lace's Facebook page. 

 

Thank you so much for all of your love and support!

 



Miranda Kerr Inspired Makeup Look - By Request

All products in this post purchased by me

 Miranda Kerr Inspired Makeup Look-By Request 

This post was a Twitter request from @happysara89.  The request was to recreate the Miranda Kerr makeup look pictured below. While the look I created isn't exactly the same, I think it captures the spirit of the look, which is a soft feminine makeup that is appropriate for special events such as prom or weddings. For those of you who don't know who Miranda Kerr is, she is a model probably  best known for being one of the Victoria's Secret Angels. She is so beautiful and sexy, that just wearing a makeup look similar to hers really made me feel both! In fact, I was so inspired by her, I decided to create two different looks; the one to the left and one of her Victoria's Secret hot bombshell makeup looks.

Image from: http://australian-models.tumblr.com/post/14805771596/miranda-kerr

Here is how I created my interpretation of Miranda Kerr's makeup look:

Dewy Skin- One of the hallmarks of Miranda Kerr's sexy skin is it's dewy appearance. She has this lit from within glow that makes her look simply stunning. However, if done incorrectly, sexy can look just plain sweaty. To get it right, you want to choose a tinted moisturizer formulated for your skin type. For those with normal to dry skin, I recommend Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Tinted Moisturizer. It's affordable, and made with natural, organic ingredients. Plus it leaves a beautiful natural looking luminescence to the skin, perfect for achieving the dewy look we want here. However, if your skin is slightly more oily and/or acne prone, I recommend Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 15. This is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that is gentle enough for all skin types. However, since it's not as dewy as the Physicians Formula brand, I recommend mixing in just a couple of drops of your favorite liquid illuminator such as Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum. Apply allover face using clean fingers or a damp sponge, blending well into the skin.

Side Note: To further enhance the lit from within glow, I used a self tanner from True Natural Cosmetics the day before.  Look number 2 is two days of self tanning.

In addition to being dewy, Miranda's skin looks flawless. To achieve this look, apply your favorite concealer on any blemishes and under eye circles to make your skin look even.

Eyes- The stand out feature in the above picture is Miranda's beautiful eyes. Since her eyes are open, I couldn't see exactly what color shadows were used on her eye lids. I imagined a rose gold would look perfect with the rest of the the colors seen in this look. I also thought this would be a great opportunity to use my new Stila Countless Color Pigments that I purchased at IMATS this year.

As stated above, I created two slightly different eye looks. 

Eye Look #1 (inspired by the above photo): The below eyeshadow contains three shades in it: cream beige, copper and dark bronze. You can use any brand of shadows you happen to have in your stash that are similar in color.  However, if you are using the shadow below, I recommend using a small brush so that you can more easily pick up the precise color you want. To begin, prime your eyes with your favorite eye primer. Then, pick up the lightest color (cream beige) and highlight your inner tear duct area, and just below your brow. This will help open up the eye.

 Pictured Above: Stila Countless Color Pigments in the color Groupie-Cream Beige, Copper, Dark Bronze

 I recommend trying a smaller brush such as Bdellium Tools #772P to more easily pick up each color

Next, we want to apply color to the lid. Using the same eyeshadow, you want to pick up the color from the center of the pan where the copper and cream shade meet, and apply it just to your eye lid in a patting motion.If you are using different shadows, you can layer the copper shade over the cream and blend on your lid to create the color we want.  This lightened copper color, appears as more of a rose gold on the lid, because we have lightened it with the cream shade, but it still keeps the metallic finish.

Next, pick up some of the copper from the edge of the eyeshadow pan, and pat it into the crease of your eye for definition. Using a clean brush (I used the Bdellium Tools #785B Tapered Blending Brush), sweep into the eye crease to blend in a windshield wiper like motion.

I then picked up the Dark Bronze shadow from the pan using a pencil brush, and swept it into the crease of my eye, the outer V (outer corner of lid), and along the lower lash line.

When I looked back at Miranda's photo for reference, I could really see a chocolatey brown shadow through the crease and on the lower lash line. It reminded me of Urban Decay's Twice Baked, which is a medium chocolate brown with a satin finish. I happened to have the Urban Decay Sustainable Shadow Box that I purchased last year, so I decided to pull it out, and work this color into the crease and along the lower lash line. After applying the color into your crease, be sure to go back in with a clean blending brush and blend so that all of the colors transition smoothly. Layering this over the brown from the Stila pan we added earlier really helps add dimension to the eye look.  The key to these eyeshadow looks is layering small amounts of color and blending well.

Side Note: If you don't have Twice Baked, you can use any true brown with a satin finish. This particular color does have some gold glitter in it, but the glitter is so fine that it translates more to a satin finish than true shimmer on the lid. Also, the gold warms up the shade, which is exactly what I was going for.

 I applied Twice Baked to the lower lash line using a flat angled brush. Then, I took a clean blending brush, and blended the color out to soften the line.

When I looked at the finished shadows, I decided I wanted to further brighten up the inner corner of the eye. I reached for my Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter in Natural Glow and using a smudge tip applicator, dotted and smudged the lightest color from the palette around my tear duct. You can also use a cotton swab or small brush if you prefer.

For liner, I wanted to use a brown cream liner. Miranda clearly has a brown liner on her lower lash line, so I thought I would use that for top and bottom lash line, winging it out slightly. I used Urban Decay cream eyeliner in Demolition, applying it with the included brush.

If desired, trace over the liner with a brown shadow to set, you can use Twice Baked, or the Dark Bronze form the Stila pan, whichever you prefer. While the liner will stay on it's own, setting it with a powder shadow over the top of it, will help the eye look last even longer.

Curl lashes, apply mascara, and if desired, apply falsies! My favorites are Ardell Demi Wispies.

Eye Look #2 (inspired by Miranda's Victoria Secret look and my inner bombshell):

Like in the first look, begin by priming lids with your favorite eye primer from lash line to brow.  Take some along the lower lash line as well. For this look, we are going to use the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter in Natural Glow as eyeshadow.  Begin, by highlighting with the lightest shade from the palette just under the brow, and the inner corner of the eye using a fluffy brush.

 Next, chose the center color from the palette (a rose gold shade) and apply to the lid using the same brush.

To create more depth and dimension, we are going to layer a few colors. You will need a light shimmery golden brown, shimmery gold, light copper, dark brown shimmer and a matte warm brown color.  Any brand of shadows that you like will do. I used my Physicians Formula Nude palette, and the Urban Decay Naked palette.

 Start with the light copper, and blend it across the lid over the shade you just applied. I used the second color in the Physicians Formula Nude palette. Then over that, still with your fluffy brush, blend a shimmery gold such as Urban Decay's Half Baked over the lid. Finish the lid with the light shimmery golden brown shade. Use a clean brush and blend all the colors together over your lid.

 For the light shimmery golden brown, I used the third shade in my Physicians Formula Nude Palette (pictured above). Next, you'll need your matte warm brown. I used Buck from the Urban Decay Naked palette. Pick up a little of the color on a pencil brush and sweep into your eye crease and along the lower lash line.

Next, line your lower lash line with the dark brown shimmery shadow, such as Urban Decay's Darkhorse.

Apply Twice Baked in the same manner as we did in Eye Look #1.

To complete Eye Look #2, I did not apply falsies, I simply curled my lashes and applied generous amounts of volumizing black mascara to my top and bottom lashes. 

Brows - No matter which look you choose, don't forget to define your brows. Miranda has full, nicely groomed brows, and it's a very important step for a complete look. My favorite brow powder these days is Illamasqua Brow Cake. I used the shade Motto which is a taupe color. To keep brows in place, I applied Anastasia Brow Gel using a disposable mascara wand, and brushed the brow hairs up and into place. I actually did my brows before the eyeshadow application, but the order you do this in really doesn't matter. It's a matter of personal preference.

Bronze - Since I am so fair, I needed a good bronzer to mimic Miranda's golden glow. I reached for my favorite matte bronzer, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil in Milk Chocolate. This particular bronzer is a great pick for ladies with fair skin like me. However, whichever bronzer you use, just make sure it's a matte one. There is plenty of shimmer on the eyes, and we will be using a separate highlighter for strategically placed shimmer, so we won't need any in our bronzer. To contour and bronze the neck as well as the outer perimeter of my face, I used my Cozzette Diamond Blender brush.  The tapered tip makes it ideal for contouring. However, to bronze across my forehead and down the bridge of my nose and chin, I chose a smaller flatter brush and painted the bronzer on.

For cheeks, I chose NYX Cinnamon blush and a small dome shaped brush to apply the color to the apples of my cheeks and swept it back toward my hair line.

Highlight - Now, for that strategically placed highlighter I was talking about. To stick with the rose gold theme, I chose Wet n Wild Fergie Center State Shimmer Palette in Rose Chapagne Glow.  Using the same small domed brush (I used Real Techniques Contour Brush), I lightly applied the highlighter to the tops of my cheeks, lightly on the forehead, down the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow and very lightly on the chin.

Set - To prevent shimmer overload, and to set everything, I lightly dusted over my entire face with a loose translucent setting powder. The highlighter will still show through, but just enough so that it still looks natural.

Lips - To complete the look, I really wanted my OCC lip tar in Electric Grandma, which is a frosty coral. That looks like the exact shade Miranda is wearing in the above photo. I have this shade, but could not find it! So, I improvised. I mixed a few lip glosses together, and really like how the final color came out. While it's slightly more pink than I wanted, I still think it compliments the look nicely.  To get the lip color, I lined my lips with Milani Color Statement Lip Liner in Haute Pink.  I then mixed NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Pink Rose with a peachy nude gloss I had from Christopher Drummond Beauty (shade not on tube so unknown). I topped it all off with just a little bit of Stila's Sparkle Luxe Gloss in Fairy Dust. For look number two, I added extra Fairy Dust Gloss and lined just outside of my lip line to make my lips look fuller.

 Lips for Look #1 (above)

Here are the final looks!:

Look #1 - Inspired by the Miranda Kerr photo above

 Above: With Flash

Look #2 - Inspired by Miranda's Victoria's Secret look (and my inner bombshell)

I hope you enjoyed this Miranda Kerr inspired makeup look. A big thank you to Sarah for suggesting this post.  If you try either of these posts, I would love to see it! Tweet me a pic to @MakeupMatters1

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Please feel free to leave comments below. All comments are welcome. Please be advised that comments are approved individually, so don't worry if you don't see your comment appear right away. While I enjoy all types of comments, please refrain from linking your own blog below.  I do not tolerate spam of any kind. However, I do like to share the love, so if you are ever interested in doing a collab post just let me know.  As always, thank you so much for reading. I really appreciate all of my readers, and I write for you so suggestions and requests are always welcome.

-------Love and kisses,

                                                             LIZA, Makeup Matters By LNC