What's in My Makeup Bag - Part 2

With summer upon us, I have downsized what I carry in my makeup bag. My daily routine consists of minimal products, but I never skip my morning sunscreen. 

When I am in a rush, I still brush my brows in place, but carry this handy brow box from Urban Decay with me. It has a pair of mini tweezers, a spoolie, brush for application, two colors of brow powder and brow wax. This little box also has a mirror inside perfect for a quick touch up in the restroom before that morning meeting.

I like to carry a couple of lip colors, usually a traditional bullet lipstick and a sheer chubby pencil. Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Bosworth's Beauty has been a favorite of mine this summer. Tarte has always been a great pick for lips stains in a pencil format.Their LipSurgence glossy stains never disappoint.  These sticks come in a variety of hues with a twist up bottom.  The best part is a separate pencil sharpener is not needed, and the pigment fades evenly throughout the day.

For brushes, I usually carry a couple of blending brushes because they are multipurpose. On super hot days, if your makeup starts to crease a little, you can use one of these fluffy bristled brushes to give your powder a quick blend under your eyes so everything looks smooth again.  In a pinch, I may apply a little bit of my lip color as blush, and use the second blending brush to sweep a little color through the crease of my eye. Kelley Quan is a great choice for makeup brushes, or try the Real Techniques base shadow brush for an easy to find drugstore option. 

Finally, I always keep a Trim Black Salon Board (nail file) close at hand (no pun intended) because I just don't have time for regular manicures. My nails have really been splitting lately so keeping this in my bag helps me keep the edges smooth on the go.  These work on acrylic or natural fingernails and are easy to find at my local Target.   

What are you carrying in your makeup bag this summer?

*This is not a sponsored post. I do not get paid to write reviews. Occasionally a company may send me products to test, but I only write about products that I use and love.

How to Own Brushes Like a Pro!

How to Own Brushes Like a Pro!

Buying makeup brushes can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you are a new or aspiring makeup artist. I decided to put together this guide to teach you the best way to buy brushes for your kit.  This is also helpful if you are someone who creates a lot of makeup looks.  My secret?  Buying multiples of the brushes I use the most has been one of the best things I have done for my kit.   Shopping this way can prevent impulse purchases, and ensures that you always have the perfect brush handy. 

In some categories, you will notice I literally own several of the exact same brush.  In others, I simply like to have many of the same brush type handy.  The key is knowing which styles meet your needs.  Start by thinking about how you apply makeup, and which products you typically use.

Here is a quick look at what works for me: 

1. Bdellium Tools 776 (your favorite blending brush) - This brush is my favorite for blending eyeshadow. It is a multipurpose brush that works great with powder and cream products. The size, shape, and fluffiness of it meet all of my needs for achieving the perfect blend.  I always keep multiples of the Bdellium Tools Pink Bambu #776 brush handy because I know that no matter what eyeshadow look I am going for, this brush works well for me. If you have a different blending brush that you love, buy several of them.  This really makes it so much easier when you are working with different eyeshadow colors, so that you don't have to clean off the brush in between. I often use more than one blending brush when creating an eyeshadow look.  If you prefer a shorter handle length, the Green Bambu #776 is the same style, with the only difference being handle length and color of the brush. 

2. Flat Shader brush for packing on pigment (Sigma E54 Medium Sweeper) - If you love working with glitters and shimmers on the eyelid, a good pigment packer is a must! I like a medium sized brush head with bristles that come to a tapered tip.  This enables me to pat or sweep color onto the lid, then use the tip of the same brush to apply color along the lower lash line. 

3. Pencil Brush (Sigma E30 Pencil) - No, I don't have a Sigma discount code, nor am I a brand affiliate. Sigma just seems to put out a very good variety of brush shapes at reasonable prices. I own quite a few of their E30 Pencil Brushes because they are ideal for really smoking out the lower lash line. Use these with your favorite eyeliner or eyeshadow to get right under those lashes, or blend out any harsh lines for the perfect smokey eye. 

4. Face Fan Brush (multipurpose) - Scott Barnes #66 - There are some people who don't believe in fan brushes, but I can't live without them. This luxurious find from the great Scott Barnes is one that I use nearly every time I apply makeup. It is the perfect brush for sweeping on Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, dusting on highlight, blush, bronzer, or sweeping away that loose powder you are baking under your eyes. The unique tilted shape really fit the curves of the face in the most natural way.  This is the brush that made me fall in love with the entire brush line from this brand. If you are a professional artist, you can't go wrong with any from this line. 

5. Lip Brushes (PRO1L Furless Cosmetics) - If you are not a working makeup artist, you may not get a lot of use out of lip brushes.  I have always preferred to use a lip brush, even on myself for getting a really perfect looking pout.  No other brush beats my Furless Cosmetics Pro1L.  I own three of these and this brush has had a home in my kit for a number of years for a reason.  It allows me to really get into the corners of the mouth, and this brush can also be used for concealing small spots on the face, or even help in creating a cut crease on the eyes. 

6. Powder Brushes - setting powder, bronzer, powder blush. Have a few good sizes handy including one for more precise powdering (Scott Barnes,  Real Techniques, etc) - Kelley Quan #5, Scott Barnes #67, Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder #91, Princeton Neptune #6 & #8 - When it comes to powdering, I have three main sizes that I like to have multiples of; a small very tapered style, a medium size for blush or setting powder, and a super large brush for bronzing up the neck and body.

There are a lot of good options on the market.  I love these art brushes (pictured below) that I picked up at my local art supply store.  The Real Techniques setting brush or contour brush will also work for powdering small areas such as setting your under eye concealer.  The only difference between the two brushes pictured below is handle length. 

For a medium sized powder brush, Kelley Quan's #5 reigns supreme in my stash. These are a bit on the pricey side, so I only own two, but they are worth every penny. The bristles are unbelievably soft, and the quality is top-notch. I really love these for sweeping a variety of different powders on the face, using a pressing motion for setting powder or adding that perfect touch of highlight. 

Then there are the super huge rounded styles that are a must-have when bronzing the neck and chest area. For this brush, I don't own multiples of any one specific brush.  Instead I have a few of the same style across several different brands. The main reason for this, is that due to the very large brush head, these brushes tend to be the most expensive within their respective brands. If you have one that you love and want to buy a few by all means do so.  Since these are not something I use everyday, I have purchased the few that I own over time.  The two pictured below are my favorite in this size because the very rounded tip has the perfect amount of flexibility to not only apply product but really blend it out.  I use these mostly to apply bronzer along the shoulders for the most natural looking tan. 

7. Foundation Brush - Only of you don't use sponges (Marc Jacobs The Face Brush I and II) - If you are a professional makeup artist, you should only use disposables when it comes to makeup sponges.  The caveat to that, is if you plan to give the BeautyBlender or beauty sponge to the client, but BeautyBlenders cannot be properly sanitized so the same sponge should not be used across multiple clients. I do love beauty sponges, but only use them for personal use.  For everyone else, foundation brushes are a true staple.  I tend to favor the Marc Jacobs foundation brushes because the density of the bristles really give an airbrushed look to foundation. I like The Face Brush I for liquid or cream foundation, and favor The Face Brush II for mineral or powder foundation.

8. Flat paddle Brushes - great for face primers (Princeton Neptune Oval Wash, Furless Cosmetics PRO1F, S.I.L.K. Green Line Foundation GL-7, IT Cosmetics) - Speaking of foundation brushes, many people think of these flatter brushes for foundation application. I have used them for this purpose, but really like them better for primer application. I understand a lot of people apply primer with their fingertips, but using a flat brush enables a truly even application.  Many different brands sell this style of brush, but I tend to favor one with a slightly thicker brush head and rounded or angled bristles to better reach the inner corners of the face. 

9. Duo Fiber Face Brushes (for applying moisturizer) - Furless Cosmetics PRO6F, PPF3  - This brush is also commonly referred to as a stippling brush. I use this type of brush daily to apply moisturizer. I know a lot of people don't use this style, but it really is the best for layering up products onto the skin because you can both stipple and blend with the same brush.  Furless Cosmetics makes really great sizes of this brush in terms of bristle length and circumference of the tip. 

10. Concealer Brushes (flat and buffing style) - Also great for applying eye primer. (IT Cosmetics, Icing eyeshadow crease brush, Furless Cosmetics ME1, e.l.f. Angled Contour Brush) - Again, this is a brush that I use daily. In fact, I often use a few of these during one makeup application.  You will notice that most of them are not true concealer brushes.  They were designed for eyeshadow, but the angled flat tip almost works like fingertips to pat concealer on under the eyes. If you use a mineral or powder foundation, this style will conceal a blemish in a pinch.  Just pick up some of the powder, and gently swirl it around the spot using one of the angled brushes below.  The traditional flat style concealer brush (the first one in the below photo) is also perfect for applying eyeshadow primer in a nice even layer.

11. Angled Brushes / Push Liner (only if you don't use pencil exclusively) - Kelley Quan #17, Crown Brush Angled Brush, Smith #211, Sigma Flat Definer E15, S.I.L.K. Green Line GL-9 Flat Liner, Kelley Quan #15 - I almost did not include this last category of brush, because finding angled brushes is not difficult. However, when it comes to applying powder to the brow, my Kelley Quan #17 Wave Brush has been a staple in my kit for years. I do own a couple of them, and find them to be truly unique. The Smith #211 (third brush below) is a much stiffer bristled brush, which I like more for applying pomades.  Angled brushes can also be useful for applying winged liner, and a push liner brush can really help create the appearance of a thicker lash line.  I encourage you to think about which products you typically use.  For example, if you only use pencil and brow gel, an angled brow brush may not be important to you. If you do like these styles, think about how firm you like your bristles, and what size works best for your style. 

I hope you found this guide helpful. Again, what works for me may not work for everyone.  The overall theme here is to really think before you buy. Don't just buy a bunch of blending brushes because your favorite YouTube star told you to.  Instead, think about what you already own, and really focus on the shapes and styles that work best for you.  After analyzing the products you use, and which brushes are most important to you, it becomes easier to narrow down what you like.  Once you have found that perfect brush buy a few of them.  I think you will notice it is much easier to have a few of your favorites handy rather than settling for applying with another brush because the one you prefer is dirty. 

What brushes are your go-to?  Do you own multiples of your favorites?  

*This post may contain some brushes that were sent to me.  The majority of them were purchased by me. I do not write sponsored posts, or get paid to name any brands in anything I write. Brands mentioned are simply for informational purposes. All of the brushes mentioned in this post are brushes that I own and really use and love. 

5 Ideas To Stop Your Lipstick From Bleeding

As I have gotten older, I have had to be extra careful about my lipstick bleeding out beyond my lip line.  Many will prefer matte liquid lipstick because it tends to dry and stay put better than a traditional lipstick. However if you enjoy using a regular good old fashioned lipstick, I have got some helpful ideas for you!

Today's lipstick formulas tend to be a bit more emollient and hydrating. This feels nice on the lips, but if you aren't careful it may bleed off of your lips and move into the fine lines around your mouth. 

While there are many methods for keeping your color in place, I have narrowed the list down to my tried and true steps that really make a difference. 

Here are my five favorite tips:

1. Prime your lips - Use a lip primer, or a very small amount of eye primer to coat your lips before adding any color. Apply the primer to clean, dry lips. This will really help lock in your lip color. I highly recommend this step for bridal makeup, or anytime you want your lipstick to really last for a long time.  Too Faced Lip Insurance is a longtime favorite of mine. The packaging has changed a bit from my photo above, but the formula still works wonders. If you don't want to spend extra money on a separate primer for the lips, a dab of your eye primer will do.  

2. Use a lip liner - Apply around the lips first, then fill in lips completely using feathery strokes.  Milani is the best drugstore option, while I tend to favor Urban Decay for a higher end choice.  Whichever brand you use, make sure your pencil is sharpened to a nice point. MyKitco makes the best sharpener, hands down. It is very affordable and available for purchase on Beautylish.com.  Some brands make a clear lip liner that is more waxy and acts as an extra barrier against lipstick bleeding.  Too Faced used to make one called Borderline, but I no longer see it on their site. Urban Decay made a similar product called Ozone. 

3. Use a lip brush - This will prevent you from applying too much product, and help get the lip color exactly where you need it.  There are so many good brands and styles of lip brushes available. If you don't have one, any small, flat narrow brush will do. Above, I have pictured a few of my favorites from Furless Cosmetics, Scott Barnes and Cozzette. 

4. Powder - This can be done around the lips and/or over the lips using a tissue as a barrier.  To powder around the lips, use a small flat brush and press some translucent powder around the edges of the lip line. You don't want anything super emollient or greasy up against your lip liner or lipstick. For example unpowered creamy concealer around your lips will increase your chances of a messy looking mouth. I used a small smudger brush (E20 from Sigma) intended for use under the lower eyelashes. The density of the brush picks up powder nicely and the broad shape helps me press the powder along the lip line without taking too much time. Allow the powder to sit for a bit and "bake" the way many do with under eye concealer and loose powder. While the powder is working its magic, you can work on other parts of your makeup, check email, or spot clean a brush or two.  Letting the powder sit for a few minutes makes such a big difference, so be sure not to skip this step, before gently sweeping away the excess with a fluffier brush. I used the Spectrum Brushes D05 to sweep the extra loose powder away, but any small brush with bristles that are not too dense will work.

Wearing powder over lipstick is a more commonly used trick. Simply pull apart a tissue so that you only have one very fine layer. Next, using a dry makeup sponge (I used the Beauty Blender Mini) pick up some loose face powder. Place the thin tissue over your lips, and gently pat on the powder. The tissue will allow the perfect amount of powder to adhere to your lipstick.  Apply another thin layer of lipstick, using your lip brush, before moving to step five below. Note: If you want extra help with making your lipstick stay put, you can follow up with the brush technique around your lips too, which helps create a very subtle highlighting effect around the lips. 

5. Blot - If you only use some of these tips, that is OK. Your lipstick can still look lovely as long as you apply in thin layers and remember to blot off any excess. Blotting helps press the color into the skin of your lips and removes extra product that leads to it migrating onto the surrounding skin. After blotting, try applying a tiny amount (from a good distance) of setting spray over your lipstick. I generally use a thin piece of tissue in between the lipstick and setting spray as a barrier to make sure too much is not applied. This is the same technique used in step four, but with a setting spray instead of powder.  This technique can be tricky because of the alcohol in setting sprays. It is crucial to hold the nozzle far enough away so that only a light mist is applied. You do not want little bits of tissue stuck to your lipstick, or the alcohol to break down your lipstick.

You can use all of the ideas above, or just a few. All will help with preventing your lipstick from bleeding, and combined they provide extra assurance. 

Here is the finished lip look:

I used Milani Lip Liner in the color Nude & Lipstick from the same brand in the color Teddy Bare . The lipstick was applied with a Scott Barnes #60 brush (this brush is a great multitasker - I use it on eyes, lips & face). I powered around the lips with a Sigma E20 brush, dusting the powder away with a D05 brush from Spectrum Brushes. 

*I really hope that you find these tips helpful. Please let me know which one is your favorite. Don't forget to show me your looks on Twitter @MakeupMatters1. 

This is not a sponsored post. I do not get paid to write reviews. All of the products in this post were purchased by me, and all opinions are my own.

Need Brushes? Buy These!

If I were starting my makeup brush collection over from scratch, the first thing I would want is a good set of eye brushes. When I started this blog, finding high quality brushes with synthetic bristles in the perfect shapes and sizes was not easy. Today, there are so many choices that it can feel overwhelming. 

That is why I am so excited about the 200 Series Eye Set from Units. This brand is available on Beautylish.com and contains five brushes plus a canvas travel case for only $30. 

Note: In the above photo, I placed a white palette under the bristles so you can see them better. The black bristles tend to blend in against the black case in pictures. 

These brushes are amazing quality. They rival even the most expensive eye brushes in my collection. 

Here is what you get in the set:

• UNIT 201 Detail Brush: This is a very small brush that works like a pencil brush, but with more give to the bristles. I love it for blending along the lower lash line and outer corner of the eye. 
• UNIT 202 Flat Shader Brush: This is the perfect size for applying shadow to the eyelid. Because it is smaller than your average flat shader brush, it is easy to get into the inner corner of the lid. The bristles come to a nice taper so it can also be used along the lower lash line. 
• UNIT 203 Crease Contour Brush: This is a smaller sized blending brush that is great for crease work. 
• UNIT 204 Large Flat Shader Brush: If you have been following me for a while it will come as no surprise that this brush is my favorite in the set. It is comparable to the brush from the Wayne Goss Synthetic Set, and such a great multitasker. 
• UNIT 205 Large Crease Contour Brush: While similar to the 203 brush in this set, the 205 is larger and fluffier. I use this throughout my eyeshadow application to blend out any edges.

Here is a look at the set in action:

Why do I love this set so much? The vegan bristles are amazing quality. The handles are matte white cedarwood with an aluminum ferrule. You really can't beat the price. I can't think of any other brushes of this quality available at this price. These are the kind of brushes that even those who prefer animal hair bristles will love. They are sleek, easy to clean and the ideal handle length for personal or professional use. 

Below is an eye look I created yesterday using the Norvina palette from Anastasia. I used only these brushes.

A closer look:

What do you think? 

*The brushes in this post were purchased by me. I do not get paid to write reviews. This post is not sponsored. 

What To Do With Pigments

Pigments, sometimes referred to as loose eyeshadow, can be an inexpensive and fun way to create custom colored makeup products,  break you out of a rut and enhance creativity. Many brands offer pigments and most offer them in good sized jars. If you are interested in trying pigments for the first time, I recommend buying a color that you can use in more than one of the below mentioned ways. Remember a little goes a long way.

They can get messy if you aren't careful, so I recommend putting a towel or some paper down before playing with them. Also, have a plate or small dish handy for mixing. Soy sauce dishes work great for if you do not have a traditional mixing palette, otherwise you can purchase a really inexpensive art palette with wells in it for creating new color combinations. 

If you are always searching for a perfect shade of rose gold, antique gold that pull a little green, or favor duochromes, mixing pigments together yourself is a great way to get the exact color you want. 

Brands I like: Furless Cosmetics. Anastasia, Makeup Geek and Colourpop all offer beautiful options.

Pigments can be used dry or with a mixing medium. Some cosmetic brands sell transformers intended specifically for this purpose, but there are a variety of other mediums you can use that you probably already have around the house. 

Here are some of the ways I like to use cosmetic pigments:

1. Eyes: Foiled eyeshadow (wet your brush with facial spray, or add eyedrops to pigment sprinkled out on a plate and mix until you get the intensity you want), eyeliner, colored mascara (use clear mascara), glitter brows (brush on metallic pigments with clear brow gel). For an editorial look to your pictures pop a little pigment onto your eyes by mixing it with an eye gloss or clear lip gloss that is eye safe. 
2. Highlighter: By itself brushed onto high points of the face, mixed in with face lotion, cream, or a face oil. 
3. Blush: Use solo, or mix with a clear balm, jelly or face oil. This is a great way to experiment with fun blush colors like a pale lavender, or orangey tone. Mix one of these colors with a bit of a shimmery peach or pink to keep it wearable. 
4. Lips: Mix with lip balm, clear gloss or sheer lipstick.  This is a good trick to remember come Halloween. No need to buy a whole tube of an unusual colored lipstick for your look, just mix some pigments together for any lip color you can imagine. Apply metallic or lighter colors to center of lips. Make sure the pigments that you are using are lip safe first. 
5. Hair: Add to a spray bottle with a little bit of facial spray  and mist lightly, or mix into clear hair gel.
6. Body: Add to your favorite body lotion or body oil. This looks especially lovely on the legs in summer with a bronze or gold pigment. If you are very fair, an opal / pearlescent pigment will also work. 
7. Nails: Mix in with clear nail polish. 
8. Foundation: Just a tiny bit mixed in with liquid or powder foundation for a lit from within glow. For a take on the yoga skin trend, mix in a gold, silver, champagne, or shimmery nude pigment in with your foundation plus 1-2 drops of facial oil. 
9. Primer: Adding a slightly metallic pigment into your primer helps add luminosity and a brightening effect. Try pigments in colors like nude pearl, or bronzed pearl depending on your skin tone

I prefer pigments with a pearl or metallic finish because I find them more versatile, but matte pigments can be a lovely option for blush, eyes and nails. I find bright matte colors can be easier to wear in pigment form because you have better control of the intensity. 

How do you like to use pigments?

5 Reasons We Love The Gloss

Jeffree Star Cosmetics has been launching new products galore and I am loving it! Truth be told, I have never been a huge lip gloss lover. Living here in the windy city of Chicago, that whole hair stuck in your lip gloss and getting on your face thing has never been my jam.  Of all the launches by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, this was the one I almost skipped. Yet, after a bit of contemplation I realized that I wear the Velour Liquid Lipsticks from the brand more than any other lip product in my kit. 

I have seen some people top their liquid lipstick with gloss from other brands, but remembered how popular lip oils started becoming. I didn't want to use a gloss that would break down the formula of my liquid lipstick and ruin my application. I have been known to wear a variety of glosses (on occasion) over regular bullet style lipsticks, often favoring clear lip gloss because it looks good over everything. 

For $18 each, plus free shipping, courtesy of Beautylish.com, I took the plunge.  I am very pleased to report Jeffree Star Cosmetics The Gloss has helped me rediscover shiny lips.

Below is a quick list of why this particular gloss changed my makeup game.

5 Reasons We Love The Gloss

1. Makes lips looks fuller - 

I know some individuals opt for fillers to enhance the volume of their lips.  I am not a fan of needles and have heard lip injections can be particularly painful. While The Gloss is not officially a plumping formula, the added shine works like magic to make lips look more pouty with a quick swipe of the wand.  The above photo shows a healthy coat of The Gloss applied over bare lips. 

2. Hydrating formula - 

My lips can be quite dry if I don't prep them properly. For this reason, I am always careful not to use overly mattifying lip products.  Wearing The Gloss alone, or over lipstick provides some serious moisture minus the sticky formula some other brands leave behind. In the above photograph, I am wearing The Gloss in the color Legends Only worn over Celebrity Skin Velour Liquid Lipstick. For lip liner, I used Urban Decay 1993.

3. Looks good with many different makeup styles - 

Most of the week, I kept my makeup pretty light to keep the focus on the lips. However The Gloss is offered in two different formulations; a cream version, and one with shimmer. The color selection ranges from super sheer and neutral to straight up black. They all have a bit of a see through quality to them making them ideal toppers for your favorite lip liner, or lipstick. There really is something for everyone in this collection making it suitable for everyone from teenage rebels to CEOs. Adding a bit over your daytime lip color helps easily transform your look to something sexier for a fun night out. In the picture above (left) I am wearing Wet Peach over bare lips. 

4. Easy to reapply - 

Since I frequently wear Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick, I topped the color Allegedly with The Gloss in Wet Peach. For lip liner, I used Milani Color Statement Lipliner in 03 Nude to shape my lips. This lip combo lasted for hours, and when I did want to enhance the shine later in the day, I found The Gloss super easy to reapply quickly even without a mirror.

5. Quick way to update your look - One of the colors from this launch that had some a bit confused is a sheer blue. I didn't pick that one up, but only because I have a few blue glosses from other brands already.  This color is intended to be worn over your favorite lip color, and can help create the appearance of whiter teeth. If the thought of changing up your look intimidates you, adding even just a smidge of The Gloss over your regular lip color is a quick and easy way to add some variety to your makeup look while keeping things modern. 

Another comment I saw appear online frequently about this launch was about the price. Some think the $18 price tag is a bit too expensive. Everyone has a different budget and not everyone can afford to splurge on a high-end gloss. Some simply do not want to, and others just love a good bargain. Whichever category you fall into, I decided to help by searching my stash for possible dupes. 

Dupes:  In terms of formula, I find The Gloss by Jeffree Star Cosmetics most comparable to the Jordana lip glosses.

Specifically,  Wet Peach is very close in formula and color to Jordana Cosmic Glow Holographic Lip Gloss in Chromatic Peach.  Stila Lip Glaze in Pinkle Twinkle is a close color match, but Stila's formula is much thicker and a bit on the sticky side. 

I thought that Legends Only would be closer to Milani Crystal Gloss For Lips in a creamy beige formula the brand used to sell, but Legends Only has a warmer hue. 

Prior to purchasing The Gloss my favorite way to add shine was using lip gloss from Milani or NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss. I am a big fan of the packaging, scent (very subtle sweet), formula and appearance of Jeffree Star Cosmetics The Gloss. The scent of the NYX gloss is pleasant, but sometimes a bit overwhelming. The creme brulee/vanilla scented gloss from Jeffree Star Cosmetics, is super subtle, and quickly fades after application. 

Here is a look of The Gloss colors I purchased side by side: 

I think it is safe to say I love The Gloss from Jeffree Star Cosmetics. 

Did you pick up any? What color is your favorite?

*The Jeffree Star Cosmetics products in this post were all purchased by me. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.  This post may or may not contain products from other brands sent for consideration. However I do not get paid to write reviews or mention anything in my posts. 

How to Wear Blue Eyeshadow When You Have Blue Eyes

Many people are trying the blue eyeshadow trend for the first time. For some blue eyeshadow can be intimidating. Some simply think the color doesn't look good on them. Truthfully, I think blue eyeshadow tends to look best on those with brown eyes. Yet, when I first saw pictures of the Jeffree Star Cosmetics Blue Blood Eyeshadow Palette I had to have it. The packaging was so unique I figured I would buy it as a collector's piece. Even if I never used any of the shadows. At the very least, it would look beautiful on my makeup table.

To my surprise I use this palette a lot. I love it! The formula is just like his famous Blood Sugar Palette, which is my favorite of all time.  The Blue Blood Palette is restocking tomorrow, so I rounded up some helpful tips for pulling off blue eyeshadow when you have blue eyes. 

Top Tips:

1. Flawless base - Your foundation can be natural looking, but skin should look flawless. Blue eyeshadow with blue eyes can be strikingly beautiful, but if the rest of the makeup isn't right it gets more tricky to pull off. I used Alexis Vogel cream foundation for a smooth even look to my skin. 

2. Good under eye concealer - I have dark circles. Any blueness on the eyelids or under the eyes will be emphasized by blue eyeshadow if not properly concealed. I used Jeffree Star Cosmetics Magic Star Concealer in Peach to color correct under my eyes. Then I applied the color C3 over it and anywhere I wanted to hide a discoloration.

3. Start with a sticky base - Before dipping into blue powder eyeshadow, I blended a cream eyeshadow along my eyelids and up into the crease. Putting a cream shadow everywhere you plan to put your powder shadow gives it something to cling to and will extend wear time. I use NYX Jumbo pencil in Baby Blue. An eyeshadow primer that has a more tacky finish could also be used (Glitter Glue, concealer, etc).

4. Line the eyes - I favor Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion (black) on my upper and lower lash line. I highly recommend lining the water line as well for even more intensity.  If you don't want to use a black eyeliner, navy or other variations of blue will look lovely. 

5. Pair with a warm blush - I recommend a peachy tone to compliment the blue. Milani Luminous or Luminouso baked blush go perfectly with many looks, but especially blue eye makeup. 

6. Opt for a nude lip - Blue eyeshadow is not subtle. Wearing a strong lip color with it can look overpowering.  I like lip liner and a tinted lip balm or anything light and glossy. This also helps keep the focus on your eyes. Try Urban Decay Naked Glossy Pencil for a sheer shine with precision or NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Sweet Heart. 

7. Skip the falsies - I know some eye looks feel incomplete without a pair of false lashes. Try one or two coats of mascara instead, or even skip mascara altogether for a really modern look. I love Covergirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara.

Here is one of the looks I tried using the above steps:

After applying a thin coat of NYX Baby Blue Jumbo Pencil over my eyelids, I dipped into the Blue Blood Palette.

I started with a mix of Deceased & Ice Tray. I blended them over my eyelids, into the crease and along the lower lash line. On the inner corner of my eyes I used Cullinan. I lined my upper and lower waterline with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in Abyss and Chaos. On my lips, I used Milani Lip Liner in 03 Nude topped with a tinted lip balm. For lashes, I finished the look with Milani Lash Trifecta Mascara. 

 
Below is a second look using the palette:

For this look, I used I'm cold on the eyelids applied first with an Alima Pure fluffy brush. Then, I switched to a Kelley Quan #11 Brush to pack on the pigment and create the shape I wanted. Using MyKitco Pro My Tappered Crease brush, I applied Blue Monday in the crease. I blended Priceless in the upper crease using my Cozzette S165 brush. To really darken the crease, I applied Undertaker in the deepest part of the crease using a Scott Barnes #62 brush. Side note, this brush is the BEST eyeshadow brush for crease work. It makes application so much easier. In the spirit of April 20th, I bought the makeup brush set from Beautylish.com with little pot leaves on them.  The pencil brush in this set is great for smoking out the lower lash line (no pun intended). I used it in this look with the color Creamated, applied over black eyeliner. On the upper lash line, I used the same color but applied it with a Kelley Quan #15 flat push liner brush. Finally, I used a small flat brush from Antonym and a Real Techniques Rebel Edge Fine #303 brush to apply Cullinan to the inner corner of my eyes. 

I hope you found these tips helpful and enjoyed the looks I created. The Jeffree Star Cosmetics Blue Blood Palette comes back in stock tomorrow, and is the perfect eyeshadow palette to practice these tips with! 

Plus, look at the packaging!!!

All products mentioned in this post were purchased by me. All opinions are my own. I do not get paid to write reviews or mention products in my posts.

Hack: Makeup for Ages 35yrs +

Hello friends! I know last month I didn't blog much, but I did not forget about you. You, yes you...my faithful readers that keep me going and keep me passionate about all things makeup and beauty. 

Recently on Twitter, I did a poll asking what you wanted to read about next. And 67% of you voted for this post about makeup for ages 35 years and older.  This year I will turn 39 years old and my love for makeup has not diminished in the slightest. In fact, I love makeup even more now than I did when I was younger. I don't know if it is because I am more confident or it is that I am feeling super inspired by all of the fun new makeup launches, but I am more enthusiastic about cruelty-free beauty than ever before. 

I thought about how my approach to makeup has changed over the years and compiled a list of my favorite beauty hacks for those ages 35 and up. 

Below are my top ten hacks to keep you loving makeup and looking your best no matter what age you are:

1. Practice good skincare habits. This is obviously always important, but even more so as we age. I don't write this only for superficial reasons, but also as a reminder to take a little time for yourself. Indulge in facial masks, exfoliate twice a week, and embrace facial oils. Tarte Maracuja Oil has been a long time staple in my beauty arsenal. It can be used under moisturizer, in the last step of your nighttime skincare routine, or mixed in with your foundation. 

2. Opt for a dewy foundation.  While your skin type should always be considered, the goal is skin that looks hydrated and nourished, not dry and overly matte. Some choices I love are IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream or Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint. If you prefer to stick with your current foundation, or wear mineral foundation, try adding a thin layer of Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow underneath for added luminosity. 

3. Use highlighter strategically, such as on the top of your cheekbones, and inner corner of the eyes.

4. To cover dark circles, opt for a color corrector under your concealer. The newest one to my collection is Jeffree Star Cosmetics Magic Star Concealer in Peach.

5. Use liquid and cream products instead of powder. If your skin is on the oily side, powders can be used, just use them sparingly. A good trick is to pat off any excess on the back of your hand before applying it to your face with your favorite puff, sponge or brush.

6. Lengthen those lashes! Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, then apply a few coats of your favorite lengthening mascara. This helps make your lashes the star of the show to create a more youthful look. Try Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes for a formula that not only makes your lashes appear longer, but is also waterproof and helps hold the curl.

7. Go for a classic makeup look rather than trying to keep up with every new trend. Bronze and/or natural looks never go out of style. 

8. Skin should always look natural, and eyeshadow always looks lovely when kept soft, rather than some of the sharp graphic eyeliner looks that come in and out of fashion.  If lining your eyes is a must for you, try using eyeshadow in place of your usual eye pencil. Simply use an angled eyeshadow brush and a dark matte powder eyeshadow to line your eyes close to the lashline instead of gel, pencil or liquid liner.

9. Think dewy not disco ball. The glass skin look can create a youthful appearance, but too much glitter in your highlighter can make things look overdone and out of place on mature skin. Instead, try a cream highlighter formula or blend your powder highlighter underneath your powder blush for a light from within glow. 

10. Invest in good quality, soft makeup brushes. I recommend this step regardlessof your age. However,  the older we get the more important it is that our tools are not pulling or tugging at the skin. Some great choices that don't irritate my delicate skin are makeup brushes from IT Cosmetics, the Wayne Goss Synthetic Set, or Scott Barnes (perfect for personal or professional use).

Here is an example of a makeup look I wore the other day using the ten hacks listed above:

I hope you find these hacks helpful. Please let me know if you try them or have any hacks that you would like to share with us in the comments below. 

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @MakeupMatters1 

*This is not a sponsored post. The products mentioned in this post were purchased by me, unless otherwise stated. Some brands pictured may have sent me products to review in the past, but this in no way alters my opinions. All thoughts are my own. 

Life Changing Holy Grail Makeup Items

Like many makeup artists, I am always searching for the perfect products for my clients and myself. Throughout the years many different products have come and gone, being replaced with items I find superior in some way. There are some that have stuck with me for a number of years; products so perfect,  I can't imagine ever finding anything better. These items are my Holy Grail makeup items, the ones that I believe will continue to hold a place in my stash for years to come. Some have replaced previous favorites, others have held their HG status from the moment I tried them.  It is important to remember that what works for me, may not for you, but I don't call a makeup item "Holy Grail" without seriously loving it. 

Here are my Holy Grail makeup items:

• Wet n Wild Photofocus Dewy Face Primer - I literally just finished another tube of this today. I bought my first one at my local Walgreens, and it quickly replaced my Urban Decay Brightening & Tightening Complexion Primer Potion. Very affordable, and super high quality, this product truly packs a punch that knocks out the pricier competition. I generally apply it underneath my foundation using my fingers or a flat paddle foundation brush. My only real complaint for this product is that I wish it came in an extra large jumbo size because I use it everyday!
• IT Cosmetics CC Cream - This product replaced Nars Sheer Glow foundation in my daily routine. Sadly, Nars is no longer cruelty-free. My cousin gave me a tube of the IT Cosmetics CC Cream as a gift, and it skyrocketed to Holy Grail status before I even began my search for a replacement product for Nars. While this product does have skincare benefits, I still consider it to be a foundation due to the excellent coverage it provides. Plus this has an SPF 50+ without creating flashback when photographed. It is hydrating without ever looking greasy, and works well on most skin types.
• Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer - When I bought this item from beautylish.com it wasn't because I was unhappy with the concealer I already owned. I was using Milani Retouch + Erase Light-Lifting Concealer and enjoying it quite a bit. I still think the Milani concealer is a great affordable option. Yet Charlotte Tilbury did what she always does; managed to make me replace a favorite with a gem from her makeup line. I rarely find that I can use the same concealer under the eyes and on blemishes.  The texture of this one is the perfect consistency and it blends into the skin like a dream. It has a twist style dispenser with a sponge tipped applicator.
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro-Powder  - This product is one I have repurchased multiple times over, and own in all shades offered. I have yet to find a better pressed powder on the market. This is ultrafinely milled, and comes in a sleek, yet glamorous clamshell style compact. A little goes a long way with this stuff, and it remains the only pressed powder that I have tried that doesn't emphasize fine lines. 
• Jouer Long-Wear Eye Brightening Primer - This is one of the newest items in my kit to reach HG status and for good reasons. I was, and am still happy with Milani's Eye Primer.  However, this version from Jouer provides slightly more coverage and staying power. What really made me switch is that it is also waterproof,  crease resistant and hypoallergenic. I tend to favor waterproof makeup items when available. One of the reasons I use an eye primer, is that if I don't my eyeshadow will almost always crease after several hours of wear.  Using an eye primer that doesn't crease helps me feel confident that my eye makeup will still look fresh hours after application. I almost always prime the eyes before eyeshadow application, so having the perfect primer is crucial for me. 
• Ilia After Midnight Mascara - Yet another Beautylish.com find, I purchased this mascara on a whim. I didn't think anything would ever replace Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in my kit. Then Ilia came into my life. The superior formula is enhanced by the unique wand which has short bristles on one side, and longer bristles on the other that act like a built in lash comb. This style brush allows for multiple coats that you can comb through with ease so you never have to worry about clumps. 

Makeup preferences are deeply personal, but these items are ones that I truly stand by. They work well not only for me, but for most of my clients as well. I hold these fantastic few in such high regard, that I will not be looking to replace them with another brand anytime soon. 

What are your Holy Grail makeup items? Please share in the comments below. Did any of your favorites make my list?

*Unless otherwise stated, all products in this post were purchased by me. I do not get paid to write reviews. This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. 

3 Secrets to Grownup Highlighter

One trend that is not going away anytime soon is highlighter. When you are over the age of 35 like me, some of the shimmery creams and powders on the market aren't ideal for mature skin. That doesn't mean we have to sit this trend out!!

I have gathered some of my favorite highlighters from my stash along with a few helpful tips to get you started. 

Step #1 Choose the right formula. This will vary depending on your skin type. However most of us with mature skin can benefit from a creamy texture. If your skin is on the oily side, powders will work as long as they aren't filled with chunky glitter. 

Step #2 Placement is key. I know Instagram is filled with highlighted nose tips and blinding stripes of pigment. For those of us walking around in real life, the desired look is a lit from within glow. Apply the product to the high points of the face such as cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and even the temples. 

Step #3 Apply before blush. This is the step that is probably leaving you confused right about now. However it is essential for that lit from within glow. This will prevent that stripe of highlight that seems to be allover the internet. 

How I got the look: After applying my foundation (I used IT Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Cream), I used a Fenty Beauty #120 Highlight brush to sweep IT Cosmetics Hello Light Creme Illuminator along my cheekbones. I applied a touch to my temples, beneath my brow, and along the bridge of my nose. Start with a tiny amount and add more until you get the desired effect. 

Next, I used an e.l.f. Blush Brush to sweep on Charlotte Tilbury's Colour of Youth Healthy, Happy Lip & Cheek Glow. I applied it just below the highlighter, blending it up and into the illuminating creme. If you don't own a cream blush, any creamy lipstick will work! Just be sure to use a cream formula rather than matte. 

Finally, I took my Chikuhodo AF-2 brush that I applied my foundation with, and used it to buff out any edges so everything looked seamless. 

Here is the finished look:

If you tend to get oily in certain spots, feel free to powder, but only do so strategically. Avoid areas where you placed your highlighter, or it will erase everything you just did. 

You can apply any eye look or lip color that you want for this look. I kept the rest of the face fresh, just adding a touch of concealer and tinted lip balm. 

Other Tips & Tricks: As with any makeup look, prep is key. Use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. If desired apply a primer (preferably one with a dewy finish) where needed. Blot off any extra moisture with a tissue before adding foundation. If your end result still looks a little dry, try spritzing on a facial spray. 

Here are some other highlighters I recommend for mature skin:

• Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter 
• Tarte Angelic Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush 
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette 
• Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
• The Balm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer 
• Tarte Champagne Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder 
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector 
• Charlotte Tilbury Dreamy Glow Highlighter Illuminating Youth Powder 
• Alexis Vogel Glow Dust

You can also use an eyeshadow with a satin finish. Opt for something that works best with your skintone. If possible, look at a swatch near a window or in natural light to get the best match. 

What are your favorite highlighters?

*Note: Some of the products in this post may have been gifted to me or sent for consideration by the company. I do not get paid to write reviews. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.