Wanderlust: Desert Collection

I apologize in advance for the not-so-great pictures featured in this post; I did not anticipate blogging tonight but I can just blame it on that monstrous moon, chillin' up in the sky.

I'll be honest, this wasn't love at first sight.  Bare Escentauls launched their preview event near the beginning of April and it was pretty neat to have new product to play around with for a few days about a month ahead of the actual launch.  That being said, this collection was among the products being launched.  This is a six piece collection that, at the time, exclusively had the new Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight, which is a super silky wet black pencil.

Like I said, I didn't love it as soon as I saw it.  Maybe I was just still in my 'pink' phase but it wasn't until after the preview was over that I grew incredibly fond of the kit.  Right now I'm all about warmth and am favoring a bronzed/coral theme and I guess I just had to get into the right time of year to appreciate something with a desert theme.

(Pictured left to right; Heatwave Eyecolor, Gold Nugget Prime Time, Canyon Blush, Citrine Radiance)

There's really nothing in here that I don't love, except I parted with the Curl & Lengthen Mascara in Black because I prefer Espresso so I gave the black one to my mom.  The eyeshadow blends like a dream; the Prime Time is darker than I expected but its wearable to where I would feel comfortable with it on during the day.  Besides the waterproof liner and lipgloss, I really loved the blush/radiance combo.  In case if you are unaware, a radiance product is very simply a highlighting product that you can use to illuminate portions of your face.  Not only does the blush color suit me (yay) but since both product are in the same jar, you can adjust the sifter on top to determine what shade you want or even mix them both together.

So what compelled me to make a post about this collection really is how the look turned out while using all the products.  Before I really began to learn anything about makeup a few years back, I was just like most consumers and would put together looks with less than a few brushes so what I really wanted to achieve with this was a simple, user-friendly way to put all of this on.  It gave me another perspective to application because really, without brushes, some of us would be rather helpless.  So many of us can create looks using all kinds of specialty brushes and I wanted to take them out of the equation for a second to see where I stand after using all kinds of brushes daily.  All I used was an eyeshadow brush (which I used to contour first before eyeshadow), a foundation brush and a blush brush.  Oh, and a q-tip to blend and wear down the liner beneath my eye.  Not very practical for all the product I applied but I was pretty satisfied with what I was able to make without using around ten brushes to create a single look.

(On Earth, we Instagram everything.)

All products are from Bare Escentuals unless stated otherwise.

Eyes:
Prime Time primer in Gold Nugget (all over lid; blended up to brow)
Heatwave eyeshadow (from lid; blended up)
Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight
Curl & Lengthen Mascara in Espresso
MAC Fling eyebrow pencil

Face:
Prime Time in Original
Matte foundation in Fairly Light
READY Bronzer in The High Dive
READY Translucent Mineral Veil
Blush in Citrine
All-Over Face Color in Citrine Radiance

Lips:
Summer Bisque concealer
Angel Food Cake lipgloss

Thank you for reading!

*This product was purchased by myself.  I was not paid to conduct a review of any kind and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.*

Ahoy, world!

'm having one of those days where I thought it would be cool to pop in on my never-in-use blog, brush off the cobwebs and post something new for a change.  Lots of exciting things have been happening between my work and extremely odd sleep schedule.  One of the biggest things that's happened recently is that a certain someone is now a manager at his job, a cosmetic boutique.  Who could that be, I wonder?  Oh, could it be... THIS GUY RIGHT HERE!  Needless to say because of so many amazing things and opportunities being thrown my way, I am constantly on the verge of having a (positive) emotional meltdown.  Right now I have my mind set on doing the best job I can but it wasn't until recently that I decided I want to move up to teaching at some point.  Its going to be a lot of work but I'm ready to give it my best!

Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way, what else is new?  Uh... Well, I've gone a little blonde now, does that count?

Not really doing a whole lot of fun makeup on myself, as you can see.  Mainly my only concern and interests surround skin.  Never really pegged myself to become a skincare/face junkie but one thing led to another and boom -- here we are.  I just don't like to do makeup on myself anymore but once in a while I'll play around.  I just always find that different styles, techniques, etc. just don't transfer as well on me as it would on someone else.  Plus when you're making-up ten to twenty people a day, there's far more excitement in seeing what you can do for them rather than yourself.  

Like I said above, I play around once in a while but in recent times, its mainly been much safer looks rather than my bold and colorful approach.  I just don't have the desire to see colorful stuff on myself anymore.  Some days I'll wear mascara with my daily face routine and that's about it.  If I'm in the mood for it, I play around with something like this:

Products used:

UDPP

bareMinerals READY 2.0 in The Paradise Found (Utopia all-over and Nirvana layered on top)

bareMinerals Summer Bisque concealer

bareMinerals READY 4.0 in The Truth (Apropos used as liner)

MAC Phone Number eye kohl (lined at the root of upper lashes)

bareMinerals Curl & Lengthen mascara in Espresso 

Thanks for reading and hope everyone is doing well!

Like, Use, Love Vol. 001

One of the new things I have my mind set on is introducing more series posts.  I think they're really great to keep readers updated on what you're currently using and loving as well as introducing potential new, noteworthy products without having to go into doing a review.  I'm not too keen on doing full reviews so much any more.  For me, I feel like I would constantly have to find ways to include new information so I wouldn't repeat myself.  I prefer to simply use the product whereas understanding fully what's in it has always been a back burner subject for me, which can be considered a fault but I always make it a point to know a client's allergens, sensitivities, etc.  So I don't think of myself as ignorant - I'm more of just a field tester kind of guy who is mildly cautious.

So, aside from my usual ramblings, what's this post going to be about?  Mainly a handful or less of products that I'm either liking, using or loving, just like the title of the post states.  Maybe they're new, maybe they're old; I'm sometimes late to trying new gems that people have previously praised to high-heaven.  I've been fairly distant from the majority of cosmetic brands most are familiar with and have even forgotten some even existed in my absence from the blogging world so I'm working towards re-introducing myself.

bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam

I've been using this for a few weeks now and the results have been fantastic.  I use this twice a day (morning and night) and its helped tighten and reduce the size of my pores as well as helping to even out my complexion, which has never been an easy task.  I also make sure to use this before applying tanner to prep the application.  Though it is suggested to exfoliate prior to applying self-tanner, my skin is too sensitive to use even the gentlest exfoliator so I usually wait a few days and make sure to cleanse and moisturize appropriately throughout the day.

CoverGirl Lashblast Luxe 

I'll be honest, I don't like CoverGirl.  Its probably one of the last drugstore brands I'd consider purchasing from.  I don't like the products, advertising, the company still tests on animals and the list goes on.  The original Lashblast came out centuries ago but I guess recently they must have rehashed the product or something; I believe this is maybe a new version of Lashblast but correct me if I'm wrong, I haven't been keeping tabs.  I bought this just for kicks since the product supposedly has shimmer in it but I'm convinced the shimmer is just imaginary because I see no sign of anything but black mascara.  Regardless though, I feel like its a pretty solid product that's decently priced.  What sold me was the wand, which I think more brands need to invest in because its perfect.  Lashblast Luxe gives me the perfect amount of length and the wand gives me enough control so I don't overcoat my lashes; I just like the extra length for an everyday look.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow

These guys are fairly new but I'm sure most are familiar with them already.  Color Tattoo eyeshadow is a great, inexpensive dupe for Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream.  You can wear these as a base for your eyeshadow or you can even wear them as a stand-alone product.  While I love these to death, the shade selection isn't exactly expansive and I'd love to see more shades introduced but odds are, that won't happen any time soon if at all.

Thanks for reading!

Viva Glam Nicki & Ricky

Hey guys! So instead of an update or the usual excuse for being the world's lousiest blogger, I figure I'll jump right into the subject at hand; I love the new Viva Glam products!

I've had my ups and downs with MAC as a brand, its no secret.  If you've heard a negative story about the brand, products, customer service or something behind the scenes, I've more than likely heard it.  At one point I completely distanced myself from the brand altogether.  Its very easy to take things you hear about cosmetic brands personally, especially when the brand in question was the first one you were ever introduced to.  But you know what?  At this point, I only care about the product.  With as many locations as MAC has, not every experience there can be golden so I've come to understand that its all just the average pros and cons of retail.  I love MAC, use it daily and I'll continue using it for my routine and kit.

Viva Glam is something that I can really appreciate.  In case you are unaware of what Viva Glam products are, they are generally a limited edition lip product (a new shade of lipstick, lip gloss, etc.) and 100% of the proceeds for the product goes straight to the MAC AIDS Fund, which provides direct service to men, women and children living with AIDS.  Since the start of the Viva Glam line, there has always been a celebrity spokesperson attached such as Sir Elton John, Ru Paul, Missy Elliot, Fergie, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, and the list goes on.  For this launch, Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin were introduced as the faces of this year's Viva Glam campaign.

I love Nicki, and I also love Ricky.  Basically a win-win.  What I can really appreciate about this year's campaign is that MAC is obviously trying to market to men with Ricky's lip conditioner and as you all know, I am 110% for race and gender equality in the world of cosmetics.

Viva Glam Nicki

I remember back when this collection was announced, there was immediate speculation that Nicki's product was just going to be a rehash of Pink 4 Friday, which was a super-ultra-mega-limited-edition bright pink lipstick that was only available for four Friday's (online only) back in November-December 2010.  Come to find out though, Viva Glam Nicki's shade is quite different though the finishes for both are satin.

Viva Glam Nicki is a bright yellow-based pink.  I'm in love with how vivid it is because, to date, I do not own another lip product like this.  The closest I have to this shade while thinking off the top of my head is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Femme lip tar but even that is considerably pale in comparison.  Viva Glam Nicki is priced at $14.50.

(Shameless plug of me wearing Viva Glam Nicki, Instagram-style)

Viva Glam Ricky

Its important to point out that the product itself, which is just a clear lip conditioner, is not new and is just a repromote.  Though, being a part of the Viva Glam line-up may make you consider purchasing this product more-so since all the proceeds go straight to charity.  So what is this? 

Ingredients: Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, vitamins A and E.

Basically its a cocktail of hydrating ingredients that helps to retain moisture in the lips.  I don't pretend to be an expert at cosmetic formulation but I recognize the ingredients from product association and just basic assumptions.  There's really nothing complicated about it; you're just looking at a rather effective lip balm that has a mild glossy appearance.  No glitter, no color, just a universal lip conditioner aimed at guys, gals and stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herders. Viva Glam Ricky is priced at $15.

EOTD: Paranormal

It seems to be that time of the month where I manage to sneak in a makeup look, be overly optimistic about posting again and rant about how busy I have been which is the primary reason why my blog has turned into a ghost town.

All of the above! Hi guys, how are you? That's fantastic to hear, really. I'm pretty much improvising dialogue for my own amusement since I am incredibly tired and need to get this makeup off my eye so I can go to sleep at last.

To make a long story short, I'm incredibly behind on pretty much everything due to my work and sleep schedule, as usual. Truth be told, there is quite a bit of makeup that I absent-mindedly picked up while shopping (and regret big time because of how much I spent from September to October, meh) and I'm in the process of giving some of it away to friends and trying out some of the products when I have the chance. Its turning into a very slow process but I just decided to take the time to appreciate and use what I picked up first and I've put myself on a 110% NO-SPEND on all makeup. Bummer, but its for the best.

I've been eager for a while now to sit down and play with some Silk Natural goodies that were sent to me (THANK YOU!!!) because they're incredibly irresistible, to say the least. One of the shadows among them is called Paranormal and is the reason I put together this look in the first place. Paranormal is probably my new favorite blue eyeshadow - just think of MAC's Deep Truth only with more umph-factor and just an ideal sapphire shaded eyeshadow. Its trickier because its so pigmented that it doesn't like to adhere without a base but you can also use the shadow wet for some really intense color. And I mean really intense. I wish I could have done this during the day and use some natural lighting. *sigh*

Eye:
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC15
Silk Naturals Paranormal eye color
tarte Legend eyeshadow
MAC Fix+
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MUFE Aqua Eyes in black
Ultraflesh Panthera Mascara
Red Cherry #523 lashes

EOTD: Outré

Hi, I'm quite alive and still kicking. I hit a rough patch and things slowed to a halt in the makeup department but I guess you can say I'm back. I have another wedding this Saturday so I thought I'd play around a little. Thank you for all the (overwhelming) love and support from many odds and ends of the world. Truly unsure as to what I should really say without sounding like a jerk but I'm glad things feel back to normal. I've put everything behind me, learned my lesson(s) and looking forward to the future.

Slightly bummed. While I have about 5-6 quite colorful looks currently awaiting to be posted, I more or less wanted to post something on the spot. This eye looks really good and MAC's Outré gave it the perfect amount of color but like many of the things I've done - they don't photograph no matter what I do. So when in doubt, I take out my phone and hope for the best.

Eye:
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC15
Sephora dark beige eyeshadow (from the Color Flip palette)
MAC Outré eyeshadow
Sugarpill Tako eyeshadow
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MUFE Aqua Eyes in black
Ultraflesh Panthera Mascara
Red Cherry #523 lashes

Ashley, the Bride-to-be

Yesterday overall felt like such a rewarding day. Took a small nap, chugged a Red Bull and my kit and I were gone like a shot to go hang out with my friend Ashley and plan her makeup for her wedding that is less than a month away and then wrapped up the evening with a shopping trip and a scrumptious dinner. This wasn't my first time doing bridal or even just practice but there is something about seeing a bride in her makeup and her hair done which makes me terribly emotional and I wind up crying for whatever reason.

Originally for the first trial, she wanted to try having a spot of orange so I went with a wash of soft brown eyeshadow with just a simple lid highlight using Linnaeus Cosmetics' Charismatic eyeshadow. Needless to say - she wound up changing her mind but she still looked amazing regardless.

I gave Ashley the freedom to go through my kit and pick what she wanted. It didn't shock me that she floated more for Tarte than anything so that's what I wound up sticking with. She wanted all the attention to be focused on her eyes before anything so we wound up going for a darker crease with just a slight highlight on the lid using a light golden shadow.

Eyes:
Tarte Lifted eye primer
Tarte Bayou eyeshadow
Tarte Werewolf eyeshadow
Tarte The Light eyeshadow
MAC Blacktrack fluidline
Bare Escentuals Curl & Lengthen Mascara

Face:
MAC Fix+
OCC Tint in R1
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Plus
NYX Taupe blush

Lips:
MAC Creme de Nude lipstick
OCC Clear lip tar

Thank you for reading!