My Top 5 New Products I'm Loving - Collab

This post contains both products sent for

consideration, and products purchased by me. 

My Top Five New Products I'm Loving (collab) 

Last month, I did a collaboration with two other cruelty-free beauty bloggers where we shared our top 5 makeup brushes. We had so much fun writing that post, that we decided to make this a regular event. This month, the focus is our top five new products that we are loving. Once again, it was super hard to narrow it down to five, but I'm never one to turn down a challenge. These products aren't necessarily new to the makeup market, just new to our personal collections. 

Let me reintroduce my cruelty-free pals Catherine from Buying Cruelty Free and Christine from Makeup Guinea Pig. As always, the products listed in all three of our posts are cruelty-free (not tested on animals).  

Catherine & Christine will be sharing their top five new products that they are loving here:

http://buyingcrueltyfree.com/top-5-new-products-im-loving

http://makeupguineapig.blogspot.com/2013/04/5FavNewProductsCollab.html

*Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter: @MakeupMatters1  @bcrueltyfree and @MakeUpGuineaPig 

To help me keep this list to only five products, I decided to exclude brushes. I've already shared with you my top five, and although I've acquired new brushes since then, I also picked up some new goodies at IMATS and Sephora that I've been dying to share with you guys. I think I included a good mix of different product types and these are items that really blew me away this month. I've incorporated these items into my daily routine, and there is something special about each of them that impress me enough to make the cut. 

These are the five I narrowed it down to (in no particular order): 

1. Stila Countless Color Pigments 
2. Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil 
3. Cover FX Matte Setting Powder 
4. IT Cosmetics  Tightline Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer 
5. Hourglass N 28 Lip Treatment Oil

Stila Countless Color Pigments: When I first saw these hit Sephora.com I immediately added them to my wishlist. I just love the fun packaging, and am a big fan of Stila's eyeshadows in general. However, there was a small doubt in the back of my mind. I wondered if they would really be pigmented enough.  Whenever a product makes big claims I'm always a bit leery. Sephora.com described these pigments as being, "unlike anything you've ever seen." I hesitated on the purchase, and I'm kind of glad I did because when I went to IMATS NY this year, I got to see the pigments in person and test them out before buying. After swatching them on the back of my hand, I was instantly impressed with the color payoff.  I snagged two shades; Groupie and Melody.  These single pan shadows actually contain 3 intensely pigmented shades per pan that can be custom mixed to create a medley of different shades. I've found the formula to be long wearing and I love swirling all the shades together to create a new color. Makeup artists love products like this because they really play in to our creative nature. Of the two I picked up Groupie is my favorite.  

Groupie contains three shades: cream beige, copper and dark bronze. 
Melody, the other shade I picked up contains: purple, lilac and soft lavender with blue veining running through the pan. 

 The eyeshadow is packaged in a cardboard box

 

Groupie (above) is a great shimmery neutral eyeshadow trio

 From left to right (above): Cream Beige, Copper, Dark Bronze, a mix of all three shades

 Melody is pictured below.

 From left to right (above): soft lavender, lilac, purple, mix of all three

 Below: Stila recommends applying with a sponge tip applicator. Please note these shadows cannot be used wet. They are only meant to be used dry. Using them dry yields plenty of pigmentation.

 Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil: I've had this product for a few months now. If you are a makeup artist, I highly recommend keeping this in your kit. It has SOOOO many uses. The box (which unfortunately I threw away) listed at least 10 different uses for the product alone. I use it mainly for a mixing medium. I'll often take a loose mineral blush or loose eyeshadow and mix it with a little bit of this creamy oil to create a cream eyeshadow or cream blush. I've even mixed it with loose illuminating powder to make my own shimmery lip gloss. This is a natural creamy oil with hydrating and conditioning properties. If you like Josie Maran's argan oil, but don't like the idea of putting oil on your face, this is a nice alternative. It has all of the same properties and benefits as the oil, but is in a gel like format.Some of the uses include: using it as a cheekbone highlight, under eye cream, smoothing hair flyaways, keeping brows in place, conditioning lips, and transforming powder makeup products into creams. Truly the possibilities are infinite (hence the name of the product).  You are only limited by your imagination. I had a small patch of eczema on my ankle, and this literally cured it! 

While I've only had this for a short time, it's already made it's way to holy grail status.  The product has a fresh citrus scent. While it is a little pricey, I'm still on the same tube as a little goes a long way.

 made with 100% pure argan oil

 Above is the product freshly squeezed from the tube, below is the product blended out.

Cover FX Matte Setting Powder: I received this as my VIB gift from Sephora.  I love the finish so much, that I went back and got all the other colors available. This is now officially the setting powder I use in my kit. It's available in 3 shades: light, medium and deep. It's free of ingredients that are often troublesome to those with sensitive skin such as mineral oil, fragrance, talc and gluten. It's also paraben free, and works great for setting your makeup and creating a matte finish.  Unlike mineral foundation, this is a setting powder so it's sheer, meaning it won't cover up the foundation, concealer or blush that you apply underneath it. It allows the makeup underneath show through, while setting your makeup to create a flawless finish. I actually used this in my photo shoot for my own head shots so I know it photographs beautifully, making it ideal for use in my kit. 

This is the packaging that came with the free Sephora VIB gift. It comes in a jar fitted with a sifter lid and screw top cap. 

 Shade Light pictured above sifted into the cap.

Shade Deep pictured above sifted into the cap 

 

IT Cosmetics  Tightline Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer: You may have seen this in my previous post where I showed the Hello Beautiful QVC set from IT Cosmetics. While I enjoyed the entire kit sent to me by IT Cosmetics, this one particular item has really become a favorite of mine. I think it's so innovative and a truly unique product. This product is a mascara with a very thin brush that allows you to get super close to the lash line. You can press the product into your upper waterline and it literally tightlines your eye for you. Pull it through your lashes and watch them lengthen in the most beautiful way. While this can be worn on solo, I usually wear it as a mascara primer below another mascara for added length and volume. I don't think it's sold separately just yet, but will be soon. However it is still available on qvc.com in the Hello Beautiful Kit which is an excellent value and contains other stellar products from the brand. To apply just start at the root of your lashes, and wiggle and swipe up for the perfect tightlined and defined eye. I really think IT Cosmetics should think about selling disposable wands in this size and shape for makeup artists! 

The product comes in a mirrored tube with the IT Cosmetics logo all over the wand. You get 0.118 fl oz of product.  I can't wait for this to be sold individually, because I will definitely be purchasing.

 The mascara primer is great and can be worn solo or below your favorite mascara.

 This product is infused with a peptide serum to nourish your lashes.

Hourglass N 28 Lip Treatment Oil: This is a product I just could not wait to get my hands on! Hourglass posted a picture of it on their Facebook page prelaunch and I knew I had to have it. A long time fan of their N 28 treatment serum for the face, this Lip Treatment Oil has all of the same benefits, but is intended for the lips. While all the products in this post are cruelty-free, this one also happens to be vegan. I ordered this the second it came out and it's been love ever since. I am completely obsessed with this!  Sephora.com describes it as, "a richly concentrated oil blend of cutting-edge actives, botanicals, and skin-rejuvenating vitamins for the delicate lip area."  Upon first application your lips will feel conditioned and moisturized.  Over the long term, you'll notice your lips appear smoother, and more voluminous. Yes, this is a luxury item, and not for the budget conscious. However, if you truly suffer from dry chapped lips, this will really help.  The formula reminds me somewhat of the Josie Maran Argan Oil Cream, but the texture is much smoother and less oily. I will be repurchasing this once I run out. It leaves my lips soft, supple and more kissable. 

I've used a ton of lip products, and I have to say this one truly lives up to the hype, not to mention the packaging is a work of art. 

 The product is dispensed by pushing the button on the back. A bead of lip treatment emerges from the 24KT gold-plated tip.

 This can be used at night as a lip treatment, or during the day for a natural glossy lip look.

I hope you enjoyed this look at my top 5 new products I'm loving.  I would love to hear your favorites too!

Please don't forget to check out the 5 favorites from Catherine & Christine:

 

http://buyingcrueltyfree.com/top-5-new-products-im-loving

http://makeupguineapig.blogspot.com/2013/04/5FavNewProductsCollab.html

 

A big thank you to my cruelty-free sisters for including me! 

Please don't forget to subscribe to all of our blogs so you never miss a post.

 

 Me & Christine from Makeup Guinea Pig & IMATS NYC 2013

 Pugsley & Boomer decided to hang out by my photo box!

 Later, as I was writing this post, Pugsley was all curled up in the blanket on the floor, he looked so adorable, I just had to include this picture of him in the post. Isn't my baby cute?!  

 

Some other related links you might be interested in

 

I used my Stila Countless Color Pigments in the color Groupie to create this look:

http://makeupmattersbylnc.blogspot.com/2013/04/miranda-kerr-inspired-makeup-look-by.html

Our very first collab post together: 

http://makeupmattersbylnc.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-top-5-makeup-brushes-collab.html

As always, THANK YOU for reading. I really appreciate all of your comments and suggestions! 

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!