Make your own MIXING MEDIUM for pigments

Thanks to Pursebuzz.com, I decided to try and make my own mixing medium, and for those who don't know what it is used for, it helps pigments and loose glitters adhere to your eyelid. Add 1 or 2 drops to your brush, pick up a little pigment, and apply to your lid or desired area.

The mixing medium (which comes in water and gel based) is ONLY available for MAC PRO, and you can buy it on eBay even though it's kinda pricey on there.



What you'll need:
- Glycerin (which you can get at any drugstore, it will most likely be in the skincare or facial aisle, where Palmer's Cocoa Butter is), I bought it for $2.99 at CVS.
- A small funnel to transfer it into your empty container.
- A measuring cup or spoons.
- A bowl or container to mix the glycerin and water.
- Empty container.



1/4 Glycerin, you must put 3/4 water.

STEP 1:
Measure and pour the right amount of Glycerin into your bowl, then add the water.


STEP 2:
Stir...


STEP 3:
Get your empty container...


STEP 4:
Get your funnel and place it in the mouth of the bottle, then with a steady hand, pour your mixing medium into the bottle.

readmore »»

Updated Makeup Collection

Temi asked, "can you update your makeup collection picture and let us know about everything you have now?", and that was a great question because I have added SO MUCH since the last photo (the main banner), and what is pictured is pretty much all of it, however I did not include some eyeshadows I don't use as well as my brushes; so here it is!



My artistic take on it:


Colored Pencils: Eyeliners and Lip Liners

My Palettes:


Some of my bottle eyeliners...


Face stuff...


Falsies (which I get from Sally's or Target since they have good ones):


Some of my Flirt! Eyeshadows (FYI, Flirt! is the same family as MAC, and MAC is the same family as Estee Lauder):


My liglosses:


NYX Eyeshadows-singles, trios, and chrome:

Some of my transferred pigments:


Random angles:

readmore »»

Reader Questions

Q: Hi Vanessa!

I was wondering how long it took for ELF to deliver? You ordered from their website right? Because I read on a forum that a lot of people complain they take about 5 weeks and sometimes even longer?

Claudia
_________________________________________________________________________________
A: Hi Claudia! I actually received my ELF order in about a week and a half, so it was pretty early. They DID however send me the wrong item for one of the things I ordered but when I called to rectify the problem, they sent it out immediately AND let me keep the wrong item, so overall, my experience with ELF has been really good.

LADIES, let me know if you have had any awesome or bad experiences with companies, id love to hear everyone's thoughts on this...
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Do you use UDPP (Urban Decay Primer Potion) under the MAC paint 'Painterly'? (or MAC Paints in general)

A: Yes, I do put some UDPP before I apply the MAC Paints...

readmore »»

MAC- Matte Squared

I honestly am trying my hardest to keep up with MAC's newest collections, and let me tell you...its tiring! haha, but I love it!

Their newest collection is called Matte2 (squared), and the eyeshadow in this awesome collection are described as: "A powder Eye Shadow formulated with micronized pigments that combines deeply saturated colour with a full-matte texture. Soft and creamy to apply, provides incredible full-colour payoff in a one-stroke application". What's not to love??? I am guessing its almost like a powdered paint pot and probably has a little bit more color payoff as well as staying power.

And the colors are gorgeous! I am definitely picking up: "Newly Minted", "Clarity", "Fig. 1", and "Graphology".

Damn you MAC, you are making me broke....lol.

readmore »»

Mineral Bath & Body Samples

I got my mineral eyeshadow samples from Mineral Bath & Body and they are just gorgeous colors! I can't wait to get my samples from www.madminerals.org who by the way is having a sale and 20% OFF ALL ORDERS until SEPT. 23rd! I also ordered another Indelible Gel Eyeliner in "Ivy League" described as a shimmery olive green (hey I couldn't resist!).



The swatches:



Katie from KT Naturals was also nice enough to send me more foundation samples to get the right color since she re-formulated some of the foundations, some are a shade or two darker so I have to re-test.

I was also bored today and was inspired by Stephie's tut on ABB, as well as Grace's request a week ago. Reminds me of the Japanese "Ganguro" girls who dress funky and have awesome makeup and colored contacts; almost like a DOLL.



This look was actually simpler than it looks, I just used Milani's eyeshadow in "Illusion" all over the lid, applied black liquid eyeliner and black kohl pencil BELOW my crease, the entire area, and winged the HELL out of it! Then I applied "Demi Lashes" I had for awhile from Sally's.

Added some bright pink blush and some pink lipgloss.

______________________________________________________________________________
Reader Grace wanted a quick tutorial on the simple clean look a lot of the Asian celebrities are sporting, especially Korean and Japanese music stars, it's REALLY simple because most of these stars NATURALLY have great skin to begin with. So all they really use is eyeliner, mascara, fake eyelashes, and some gloss.

This photo source is from AsianFanatics.net of gorgeous music singer Janice Man (thanks Grace!):



And my version, of course minus the awesome photography and photoshop haha, I lined the bottom for my version, but used NO EYELINER, just LOTS and I mean LOTS of mascara!

My base all over my lid was MAC's Paint Pot in "Painterly", then I used ULTA's "Lustre" just above the crease.

readmore »»

MAC Antiquitease- Another collection!

MAC does it again, this year's holiday collection is going to be super smoking hot! Hotter than smoke signals I must say. They are coming out with a variety of collections, some from the past- called Antiquitease. I am SO excited! I am pretty much gonna get a majority of this collection so you better start saving now!

For pics, check out the blog on Specktra.net: http://blog.specktra.net

Here is what it includes:

Antiquitease Colour - 25th October (North America)/ 29th October (International)

5 x Lipstick (LE)
4 x Lipglass (LE)
5 x Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos (LE)
3 x Pigment (LE)
2 x Fluidline (1 LE, 1 Repromote)
1 x Fibre Rich Lash Mascara (Repromote)
2 x Nail Lacquer (LE)

Antiquitease Kits - 25th October (North America)/ 29th October (International)

'Royal Assets' (Lips x 3 )- Tan, Coral, Red, Pink
'Royal Assets' (Eyes x 6) -Warm, Cool, Smokey, Metallic
'Finery' (Lip Bag x 3) - Plum, Coral, Tan, Pink
'Heirlooms' (Brush Sets) - Basic, Face, Eye
'Viva Glamorous' (VG Lips x 3) - Warm, Cool

Keepsake - 25th October (North America)/ 29th October (International)

Clutch (Cream Tweed) Containing:
- Shimmertime Pigment (Promo Size)
- Sunbasque Blush (Full Size)
- Glamoursun Lipglass (Full Size)
- Nightsky Softsparkle Pencil (Promo Size)

Heirlooms Brush Box - 25th October (North America)/ 29th October (International)

- #129 Brush
- #219 Brush
- #239 Brush
- #266 Brush
- #316 Brush

Curiousitease Mini's - 19th November (International)

Lipglass & Lustreglass x 5 - Warm, Cool
Pigments x 5 - Warm, Cool
Softsparkle Eye Pencils x 5
Plushglass x 5

Richmetal Color Story - 29th November (North America)/ 3rd December (International)

9 x Metal-X Eye Creams (LE)
5 x Glitter Eye Liner (LE)

Stylistics - 29th November (North America)/ 3rd December (International)

4 x Lipstick (LE)
4 x Lipglass (LE)
4 x Diamond Powder (LE)
3 x Sheer Mystery Powder (LE)
3 x Brushes (Lip, Eye, Face)
1 x Luxe Bag (Black Embellished)

MAC of Beauty - 29th November (North America)/ 3rd December (International)

6 x Beauty Powder Loose (LE)
6 x Studio Lights Concealer (LE)
3 x Brushes (#183, #188, #222)

MAC Signature Bags - 29th November (North America)/ 3rd December (International)

4 x Jacquard Bags (Mini, Mini-Petite, Small, Medium)

readmore »»

E.L.F. Haul

My ELF stuff came in the other day, I ordered 3 lipglosses (I already owned Natural Blush a few years ago before ELF was even well-known and had trouble finding it back then, so I stocked up!) and I also got another eyeliner brush (can't beat $1, seriously) and a wheel of wedge sponges.

I am debating whether to order more indelible gel eyeliners but then do I REALLY need it? (along with the other things I have bought recently lol), I just think how often will I use this color??? And not very often haha...however I DID order some mineral shimmer eyeshadows from Mineral Bath & Body, Lisa was so nice and super helpful and loved the colors I picked out to test, so I am anxious for those as well!

The best part of my "online job" is being a tester and being able to test various products and see what lives up to what it claims to be, you can read all the reviews you want about certain products and forums but it really just depends on WHAT works FOR YOU.

And a really good tip for not burning your wallet is to check online first before you buy, I have gotten a lot of great deals on eBay and other places online. Even MAC items such as pigments, brushes, etc are a wee bit cheaper on eBay if there isn't a MAC store near you, but be sure its not a FAKE, if it's from Hong Kong or China, it most likely is fake. Another good thing is subscribing to site newsletters because they are the ones that send you promo codes and what's new.

Natural Blush Lipgloss:

readmore »»

Couldn't even last a day...

I found myself back on the EDM website and thought that id give it another try, a voice inside me told me not to give up on mineral makeup, so I am hoping this will be the sample kit to change my mind! As much as possible I am trying to avoid going back to liquid foundation even though it would be less messy and probably give me that "airbrushed look" I love without the splotchyness of some of the mineral makeup. I was also looking at Lancome and they have some cool products on their site...

Anyway, I also couldn't resist since EM has A LOT of new things going on, one of them being that they added new brushes to their site. I ended up ordering their Premium Eve Dual Fiber Brush I have been eyeing on for quite some time. I was super close to buying MAC's raccoon version (black bristles with the white tips so you can see how much you are putting on), but $42.00!?? Yeah no way. I'd rather spend $42 and get more than one thing....

I am really excited about this brush because it's purpose is to give a light handed touch to heavy-handed people like me. I think it's gonna be perfect for applying blush as well as minor contouring! And of course I will post pics and my reviews on here. :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

readmore »»

REVIEW: MAC Lipstick in "Sparks can fly"

4 out of 5 stars

Back when I was in high school, I never really was a lipstick sort of a gal, lip glosses and lip pots were mostly my thing. I only owned ONE MAC Lipstick in "Folio" that my mother gave me which has been long discontinued. But I hated the taste of some lipsticks and to be honest, (I think most of it was because I associated lipsticks with what old ladies wear like my grandma, who today, STILL can pull of crimson red). I also hated how in the slightest heat or jolt, the lipstick is merely knocked off its base, causing a mess and a big headache.

Even today, as I struggle to pick a lipstick that I can be satisfied with, it's really a battle. I end up picking out more cons than pros about it and just give up. So when MAC Cosmetics came out with their "Smoke Signals" collection which included: Brew, Barely Lit, Sparks Can Fly, Mellow Flame, and Burnin', I thought why I don't I at least try ONE.

My pick: Sparks can fly

PROS: Even though I most likely would have picked Brew or Barely Lit because they are the sheerest of the bunch, I wasn't really in the mood to pay $14 just for barely-there color. I swatched Sparks can fly, and something about the soft and subtle mauve really impressed me. I actually love this color, it brings a little soft color to my lips and my complexion and isn't overpowering like the red lipstick the celebs are sporting. Paired with a shimmery lipglass (or lipgloss), it's gorgeous! There isn't a weird lipstick taste and it looks good in natural light, pictures, etc.

CONS: As with a majority of MAC lipsticks, there is zero staying power, even you gals who have the talent to eat and drink without missing a step, it still manages to wear off! But other than that, I love this lipstick!

readmore »»

NEWS and UPDATES:

I forgot my camera at work, so im bummed! I gotta wait till Monday to post any pics! :(

I have decided to go back to whipped mousse foundation for a little bit because mineral foundations (yes, mostly all of them, and believe me I have tried A LOT!) are irritating my skin causing redness and skin bumps in some areas (not to be mistaken for pimples); it didn't do that before but I haven't changed anything such as my skin regimen, I still exfoliate and all that good stuff, and of course use a primer!

I just need a break from it, temporarily or for good, I do not know at this point. I am actually really interested in giving that Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation a try (they also have loose powder which I might get) in which it's oil-free, doesn't cause acne, and you can CHOOSE the coverage you want, from sheer to full coverage, you can choose to have it moisturizing or even brightening! Endless possibilities!

The best part? I never have to worry about finding the right shade! They help you find your undertone and always keep your "special recipe/blend" on file in case you need refills, so it's always the perfect shade.

And that was the trouble I had with the mineral foundations, all of them were either too light or too dark, I think in the winter I won't have that problem, but right now my arms and neck are tan and the foundation made my face look a lot whiter, even if it was dark! And as much as I love playing with makeup, I didn't feel like searching for my perfect shade or mixing foundations. I thought I found the right shade, and it was- almost, but again a bit light. Another thing too was that it ended up being patchy and streaky in the middle of the day, and at times making me look ashy!

We'll see how it goes, but in case you are interested, here are the prices for the Prescriptives Custom Blend:

Liquid Foundation: $65 USD
Loose Powder: $45

Pricey but worth it! And they give you a free travel size too!

readmore »»