Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Makeup Show LA 2013-Trilogy

Hi Lover Dolls!

I know it's been a while but I finally got around to putting this massive review together! It's definitely my biggest to date & I had such an amazing time at The Makeup Show in LA that I ended up making not 1 but 3 videos to cover it all, hence "The Makeup Show Trilogy"...Look out Steven Spielberg...LOL! Sike! But I had to make 3 because as you can see it was too much for 1 video ;-)

The first goes over the extremely generous goody bag I got from a blogger preview before the show. 22 brands gave products so it was a hefty bag of really great products, most of which ended up in my kit.


The second is just more makeup and a few reviews on some new items that I picked up like the Paw Palette! If you are a Pro Makeup Artist, you must get one! I open the video with my review on it so be sure to check it out :-)
Also, reviews on products from brands like: 
*Paw Palette *Senna Cosmetics *OCC *Lime Crime *Saucebox Cosmetics *Parian Spirit *Alcone *Make Up For Ever *Skyn Demure *Embryolisse



The third video focused on my experience while at the show. I saw some brilliant body art, met some of my greatest Makeup Artist heroes (new & old)  and goes into why this is my favorite PRO event of the year.



To make this amazing experience even better, I had entered a photo challenge on Instagram hosted by The Makeup Show the month before. I had to take a picture a day of whatever they asked which was a challenge for me because I usually have so much going on that I can't commit to something like that. However, I entered and stuck with it only to win 1st prize! So I must say it was worth it! Lol!
I won a Makeup Show canvas bag (which I've been using to carry extra hair tools & products that don't fit in my kit) and a Limited Edition brush set with engraved signatures of renowned Makeup Artists: 
James Vincent, Jon Hennessey, Orlando Santiago, Esterique Aidan & Danessa Myricks.
The concept behind this custom set of brushes is to share some of these artists' favorite tools.

This wraps it up but I will be back with more from the New York show in a few weeks!

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

My Mini Makeup Show Giveaway

Hi Kittens!

I decided to host a little giveaway and have some of my favorite goodies that I picked up while at The Makeup Show as prizes!  I love sharing my favorite products with my readers and I love giving everyone a chance to win some of my "can't live without" items :-)



a Rafflecopter giveaway



*There will be 2 winners.
*This is an international  giveaway
*Starts today April 17, 2013 & ends on May 4th, 2013

I picked the prizes very carefully as they are truly some of my favorite products to have on set and in my makeup drawers at home 

Prize #1:
*1 spray bottle of Parian Spirit brush cleaner (2oz)
*1 pack of Alcone Professional Makeup Sponges
*2 mini Senna Cosmetics lip glosses (Sugar Cookie & Angelic)

Prize #2:
*A brand new OCC Lip Tar (Pretty Boy)
*4 Parian Spirit brush cleaner wipes
*4 packs of Alcone mini Q-Tips

The prizes are not 1st & 2nd, they are just split as 2 separate prizes.



A close up of the lip treats so you can see the colors. 
I didn't swatch them out because they're new :-)


I wish you ALL the best and as always, "May the BEST Beauties win!"

*The Parian Spirit items were sponsored by Parian Spirit, everything else I purchased myself.

Keep it Prettie!

*Stephanie*

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Beauty Army-February 2013 Kit Review

February always flies by in a blink so I didn't even get a chance to pick my samples for this month! Lol! The thing I love about Beauty Army is that even when I don't pick my own samples, they always pick awesome ones for me. I really wanted to make a video for this review but I didn't have time! I didn't want these beauties to go unnoticed so I had to say something! ;-)


                                                              Clockwise from L to R: 
GG Gatsby-Raise Volume Shampoo, Nelson J-Argon Oil 7-in-1 Non-Foaming Shampoo, Lash Card, Bath & Body Works-Sweet Pea-Body wash,  Olive Natural Beauty-The Olive Bar (Lemon & Lavender) & Yes to carrots Body cream


GG Gatsby: Raise Volume Shampoo- I was so happy to see this pink lady in my kit because I'd just tried the conditioner and REALLY liked it! I wish I'd waited to use them together. Lol! But still, the shampoo is just amazing. It left my hair feeling clean, moisturized & smelling salon worthy! When I use volumizing products it's hard to tell if they're working because my hair can get pretty big on it's own but I definitely feel like it's fluffier. Lol! 

Nelson J: Argon Oil 7-in-1 Non-Foaming Shampoo- I didn't have high hopes for this product simply because I haven't had great experiences with a product that claims to do so many things at once. I actually used it to clean my makeup brushes before I used it on my hair and it worked beautifully! However when I tried it in the shower on my hair, it failed to live up to my expectations. I loved the scent and the texture left my makeup brushes incredibly smooth! To it's credit, my hair is very thick and needs something heavier so I imagine this would work better on a person with thinner or shorter hair. It really is a lovely product!

Lash Card: These are such a great invention! I can't see myself using this for everyday use but definitely on clients or for when I'm traveling. I have something similar that's washable/reusable that I keep in my brush belt for clients. I do feel like I would take these with me when I'm traveling and don't want to worry about packing another beauty tool. I'd also definitely use these on actors (write their names on them & re-use) for movies, theater or when you know you'll be working with someone continuously. They're definitely a great way to keep everything sanitary by avoiding cross contamination!

Bath & Body Works: Sweat Pea Body Wash- As I've said before, I'm very familiar with this brand so I knew what to expect with this item. I was happy to see it because it smells so sweet, I love the soft lather this creates when I use my loofah & I've also been known to add this to my bubble baths because it gives off SO many bubbles! I'm traveling soon so this is coming with me!

Olive Natural Beauty: The Olive Bar (Lemon & Lavender)- First thing's first...before I even opened the box I could smell the soap & it smelled so good! I love how the packaging looks like a flower, it's really pretty! I can't say too many bars of soap leave my skin feeling soft & moisturized but this one did. I liked how gentle it felt but how clean my hands were after use. I love Lavender and Lemon so this was a great pick for me. Thank you Beauty Army!! XO

Yes to Carrots: Super Rich Body Butter- I have fallen in love with these products thanks to Beauty Army! The products say they will work & they deliver every time. I'm impressed because the prices are so reasonable that you almost feel like they made a mistake! Lol! I used this on my legs & used the rest here & there as hand lotion throughout the day for a few days. Smells really fresh & sinks right into your skin. 

This was a great month for products! I have to say as the time goes on I feel Beauty Army has remained consistent and even gotten better products. They always had a good variety but I feel like it's a great mix of not so known brands and top shelf items. 
Another awesome month as a Beauty Army Brat!

If you'd like to join remember it's just $12 a month for 6 deluxe size samples! In other words, they're huge! Lol! Definitely worth it & who knows, maybe you'll end up trying something you can't live without!

Sign up here: *Beauty Army*

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Live Twitter Chat w/Remedy Skincare! You're ALL invited!

Hi Beautiful People!!!

I wanted to let you all know about a really fun event you're ALL being invited to!

Date: March 8, 2013 (Friday)
Time: 2PM (EST) -Chat will last about 30 minutes or so
Where: Live on Twitter
What: Twitter Chat co-hosted by Myself & Remedy Skincare





 Remedy Skincare has asked me to co-host my very first "Twitter Chat" I'll be live on twitter along with Remedy Reps answering questions about Beauty, Makeup & Skincare!

The theme is going to be "What's your Remedy?" I love the play on words ;-)

We'll be discussing topics such as:
*How to care for your skin during different seasons
*How skincare affects your makeup application
*What products to avoid
*What products you need
*How often you should exfoliate, use a masque, cleanse, moisturize...etc

We will also be giving away 6 prizes!!! 

There will be 1 grand prize winner & they will receive this luxurious spa kit complete with:
*Spa slippers
*Scented Candle
*3 Remedy products



5 winners will each receive:
Hydrating Cleansing Foam
Hydrating Cleansing Gel
Nourishing Skin Cream
Hydraguard Skin Cream
Phytoplex Lip Balm


This is a "Save the date" for you all and I hope you can tune in and chat with me about all things Beauty! I will be posting tweets about it in the meantime so be on the look out for them! *Follow Me On Twitter*


See you all soon!
xo

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Control Corrective Skincare

We all know my love for skincare is right up there with my love for makeup. I actually got my Esthetics license so I could focus more on makeup but ended up falling in love with all of the services an Esthetician performs.
I have mentioned this before but I've been taking very good care of my skin all of my life. I Love Skincare! I don't know any other way! I actually look forward to my Sunday nights where I give myself the "treatments" and pamper myself. I do exfoliate & use a masque during the week as well but Sunday is my day to go all out.

I was introduced to Control Corrective products last year during one of my Beauty Army selections. I put together a kit special for my Mom and in it, I chose the Control Corrective Botanical Soothing Cream SPF 30. She loved it!
Read about my selections for that month here---> *Beauty Army March 2012 Kit*
The brand established in 1997 & it's products have been featured in magazines world wide--> Press

Fast forward to today & the company was so sweet to send me some products for my review!!


I wanted to try everything before I gave my review so I finally finished it all last week :-)

I'll go over everything in order so you can follow by skin care needs. 

Everything is labeled by color. 
The Green products are for ALL skin types. It's their "Core Collection"


*Cucumber Bead Cleanser*
ALL Skin types

The first thing that I noticed was the sweet scent of this scrub. I don't like the straight smell of cucumber, I prefer it sweetened. This was sweet but not overwhelming, it remains fresh. The scrub itself is gentle as it contains tiny polishing beads, which I demand in a product if I'm scrubbing my face with it! Lol! 
This can be used day or night & it's technically a cleanser  but I used it as a light scrub as well. It can be used as a 3-in-1 because it's for the face AND body. It's phenomenal! 
After use, my skin felt thoroughly cleansed and polished. It wasn't tight, dry or left with any residue of makeup. I highly recommend this!!! 
Main Active Ingredients: Cucumber & Grape Seed oil (a powerful, water soluble antioxidant)


*Hydrant Stabilizer*
ALL Skin Types

This is the kind of product everyone needs in their skincare cabinet! It's an oil-free gel so that means it's good for everyone to use. If you have dry, oily or normal skin we still ALL need hydration! Our skin can never have enough. It's weightless but you can definitely feel the difference after you put it on.   It feels like your skin just drank a glass of water, or 2. Lol! It's almost like a gel toner because it leaves my skin feeling plump & perfectly moist after use. It has the same light, pleasant scent as the Oil-Free Heeling Lotion. I would also recommend putting this in the refrigerator & using it cold because it's aloe based. In my opinion, and it's been my experience, anything that contains aloe works best cold. It will add an extra soothing and calming feeling to your skin. This would be great for someone with Rosacea as well! I used this after the Cucumber scrub & before my moisturizer for extra hydration. I would take this with me when traveling and pat some on my face to give my skin a "pick me up" Also good for a Makeup Artist kit. This is great for year round use! 
Main Active Ingredients: Aloe, Chamomile, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Salvia Officinallis, Panthenol & Allantoin


*Oil-Free Healing Lotion*
Normal/Oily Skin


The texture of this lotion is lightweight so I recommend this for anyone with oily skin because it won't feel greasy/heavy but you will definitely feel hydrated. It's also calming so I'd suggest anyone with Rosacea putting this in the refrigerator & using it cold for extra soothing on the skin. 
My skin is normal & certain times of the year it can feel dry but this worked really well for me. It's not something I'd personally use as a night cream because it's not heavy enough but it's perfect for daytime. It has a very light fresh scent, not irritating at all. It's a really well balanced lotion!
Main Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, Vitamin A (Retinyl) Panthenol & Allantoin


*Ceramide Daily Cream*
Normal/Dry Skin


This silky moisturizer is a step up from the Oli-free Healing Lotion in terms of texture. It's definitely heavier but still not greasy or too thick. This is probably the best cream for me to use all around. It doesn't smell like anything in particular but still has that fresh scent that the other products have. This is good for day and night (it does not contain SPF) It's a hydrator as well as a moisturizer! The Ceramide 3  helps to trap & lock in moisture so your skin feels flexible, which I love!
Main Active Ingredients: Ceramide 3, Aloe, Safflower Seed Oil & Vitamin E

*The Red labels Control Signs of Aging.


*Anti-Wrinkle Face and Neck Cream*


This smooth & silky cream is so good, I cut open the sample and wiped up every last drop of it before discarding the container! Lol! I have no shame when it comes to my skin care, sorry not sorry!  :-)
I love anything that will target the neck area because it's an important part of your routine, or at least it should be. This will assist in combating the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles. It's very moisturizing and can be used day and night. This is something I'd use in my Makeup kit on clients who have these concerns. It's always good to have specific skincare in your kit for clients with different skincare needs. 
Main Active Ingredients: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Licorice Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid & Hydrolized Collagen/Elastin


*The Yellow labels Control Sun Damage.


*Crystal C Serum*
All Skin Types


This is also a product everyone should use! It's a busy product in the sense that it conquers a few areas of concern at once. It repairs, brightens, illuminates, revitalizes, evens out AND firms skin. If your skin looks dull, tired or lackluster this is for you!  It's listed as "a therapeutic daily vitamin" for tired skin and it definitely lives up to it's reputation. I noticed when I put it on that my skin looked somewhat flushed & naturally even, as if I'd used tinted moisturizer to even it out. The scent is not strong but to me smells like concentrated OJ. Lol! It's not unpleasant or strong but it is slightly scented. It smells like this Vitamin C chemical exfoliant I used to use, which I loved! Either way, I used this Serum after classing and before moisturizing. I like how it feels on my skin, like a barrier protecting it.
Main Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Chamomile Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate & Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract.



*The Lavender labels Control Sensitivity/Redness


*Botanical Soothing Cream-SPF 30*




As I mentioned just before, this was actually the first product I got from Control Corrective. I gave it to my Mom because it's supposed to calm, sooth & hydrate the skin while protecting it from sun damage. Anyone can use this (as long as you are not sensitive to SPF) 
It's target client is someone with Rosacea, sensitive and/or inflamed skin. I love products that take into consideration the need to protect your skin from the irreversible damage of the sun. It's unscented and keep in mind you don't have to have sensitive, inflamed skin to use this. It's a great moisturizer w/SPF. This is great for everyday use!
Main Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, Wheat Germ Oil, Honey Extract, Allantoin, Octinoxate (6%) Octisalate (5%) & Oxybenzone (3%)


*The Blue labels Control Acne


*Acne Treatment Cream*
Normal/Oily Skin


I will start by saying I don't have acne and rarely get blemishes but when I do I want them gone immediately! Lol! I was getting what looked like the start of a blemish and I dabbed some of this on it and it took it down soon after. This will break down oil & kill bacteria while calming any inflammation. It advises you that some flaking will occur which is not uncommon when using products like these.  This little blue wonder targets acne, acne prone and oily skin. Because I don't have any of that I will use this to spot treat just the same. It's always good to have something like this on hand because skin can be unpredictable. People literally wake up with a blemish! Our skin changes over time due to hormones and that can cause all types of new issues to arise at any given time.
As a Makeup Artist, this is something I'd keep in my kit and use on clients that have acne or irritated skin before a makeup application because it kills bacteria, sanitizing the skin.
Main Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide (10%) & Sulfur (3%)

*NOTE: This product is not for sensitive skin and if you have cystic acne, please consult with your dermatologist before trying new products. 

This entire line is extremely affordable with products ranging from $9-$96 for individual items. Kits are  $75-$120 but you get a LOT of product. 

I like how the products are broken down into specific categories. I have used skincare lines in the past that are too jumbled up. They need mixing and it gets complicated. This is clear and lets you know exactly what product works for that certain skin type. I love how focused it is!

Their website if filled with skincare tips, how to videos and great tools to manage your skin maintenance. It's definitely worth checking out!

Contact info: (Click these links to be directed right to their sites)

If you want to try the products you can also sign up for Beauty Army They are responsible for so many of my amazing product discoveries :-)

All in all this is the kind of line I'd want to use on clients in a spa. I'd feel confident knowing that all of their skincare needs have been met and that they can continue to care for their skin properly at home as well. I would also stock my Makeup kit with this line because again, there is something for everyone who sits in your chair.

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*






Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Katy Perry Inspired Grammy Makeup Tutorial-Mint Green Eyes

This video is proof of how my mind works! lol! I see something and start thinking of one thing, then another, then another. Somehow I end up right back where I started but with a twist to the original concept. O.o




I fell in love with Katy Perry's Mint Green Gucci dress at this year's Grammy Awards!

That particular shade of green always reminds me of the 60's & 70's. When Katy Perry herself said her look was inspired by Priscilla Presley I got even more ideas! I remembered I have this really pretty Mint eye shadow by Stila called Cha Cha  & another shade similar by Make Up For Ever (106) THEN.....I remembered Kevyn Aucoin's book Face Forward.  In it he had given Supermodel, Christy Turlington a makeover to resemble actress/model Marissa Berinson

I wanted to do a modern take on it without compromising the original look. Clearly, the pencil thin eyebrows & type of lashes used had a LOT to do with the finished look.
To keep it more modern I made my brows thinner but didn't get rid of them completely. I also applied a lot of mascara to the bottom lashes but didn't separate them as they were in the original picture. I showed you (in my video) how you can also skip the faux lashes all together and keep the look simple & focused on the color. I suggested swapping out the green for a pastel pink, blue or lavender! 

Either way I thought this was fun to do! 

Katy Perry Inspired Makeup-Mint Green

PRODUCTS USED:

*FACE*
Laura Mercier-Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer (Sand)
Givenchy-Mister Light Corrective Pen (Biscuit)
Kevyn Aucoin-The Ethereal Pressed Powder (EP03)
Kevyn Aucoin-The Ethereal Pressed Powder (EP09)
Kevyn Aucoin-The Pure Powder Glow (Shadore)
Make Up For Ever-Powder Blush (090)

*EYES*
bh Cosmetics-Eye/Lip Primer
M.A.C-Fluidline (Delphic)
Motives-Luxe Creme Shadow (Gold Dust)
Stila-E/S (Cha Cha)
Make Up For Ever-E/S (106)
Prestige-E/S (Cloud)
Kevyn Aucoin-E/S (Whisper)
MUD-Cake liner (Black)
Prescriptives-Gel liner (Licorice)
Kevyn Aucoin-Eye pencil (Basic White)
No name-Taupe eyebrow pencil
Benefit-They're Real Mascara (Black)
Ardell-Natural lashes (134)
Ardell-Lower lashes (112)
DUO-Lash adhesive (Clear)

*LIPS*
bh Eye/Lip Primer
M.A.C.-Lip liner (Stripdown)
Lancome-Le Rouge Absolu lipstick (Femme Captive)
M.A.C-Lipglass (Snob)

Let me know what you think and if you'd wear something like this!

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Rihanna's 2013 Grammy Makeup Look

So all thanks to a photo challenge I entered on Instagram, I ended up doing my first Celebrity Inspired Makeup Tutorial! Lol!
I entered a contest on Instagram, hosted by The Makeup Show, and the picture-a-day for Monday was "Fave Grammy Look" I have to say I really think Rihanna stole the show! Her look was simple but powerful, natural but still bright. I loved everything about it and she rocked it!!

Everyone was dying to know...what did she have on her lips?! M.A.C- Lip liner (Cherry) M.A.C-Lipstick (Ruby Woo) M.A.C-Lipstick (Lady Danger) Funny story...When I decided to do this look, I had Cherry & Ruby Woo already in my hand! Lol! But after looking closer, I realized her lips were brighter. Ruby Woo is very blue & I knew I needed something more yellow. I ended up using M.A.C lip liner in the shade Redd because it's more yellow & Revlon's "Fire & Ice" lipstick which is also a bright yellow red. I topped it off with a teeny drop of OCC's Lip Tar in Harlot to mattify it down a bit.

As for my hair, I had blown it out earlier in the day and right before I recorded my tutorial, I used my 1 1/2" barrel curling iron to get her big waves. My layers aren't as long as hers are here so it came out a little different but I set the curls with CHI hair spray.




Rihanna's 2013 Red Carpet Grammy look



Products Used:

*FACE*
Girlactik-Skin Tint Moisturizer (F3)
Givenchy- Mister Light
Kevyn Aucoin-The Ethereal Pressed Powder (EP03)
NYX-Matte Bronzer (light)
Lancome-Color Design Blush (Creme Couture)
The Body Shop-Blush (Matte Peach)

*EYES*
bh Cosmetics-Eye/Lip Primer
M.A.C e/s-Malt
M.A.C e/s-Quarry
M.A.C e/s-Haux
M.A.C e/s-Phloof!
M.A.C-Fluidline (Blacktrack)
M.A.C e/s-Carbon
Benefit-They're Real Mascara (black)
Whisp Lashes
DUO lash glue (clear)

*LIPS*
M.A.C-Lip liner (Redd)
Revlon-Lipstick (Fire & Ice)
OCC-Lip tar (Harlot)

I had so much fun recreating this look! Let me know what you think!

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Monday, February 4, 2013

Valentine's Day "Give Me All Your Love" Giveaway

It's that time again.....Giveaway time!

I know I announced this on Instagram a few days ago & I'm just getting around to it now, so sorry! Ok, so here it goes!

Watch video to see prizes!





Open today & ends on February 10th. Winner will be announced February 11th.

Rules to enter:
-You MUST be subscribed to my Youtube channel *Subscribe*
-You MUST get 1 friend to subscribe as well. You can get as many as you'd like, but only 1 is required.

In order for you to get credit, you have to let me know you sent them! Lol!

You can do this by:
 -Leaving a comment below
-Sending an email
-Sending a tweet on twitter
-Message on my facebook
-Comment on the youtube video

All I need to verify entry is their first name & last initial. 

*Giveaway open to US residents only

As always, "May the BEST Beauties Win"

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Girlactik Brown Smokey Eyes

Hi Beauties!

Today I'm showing you how I did this brown smokey eye using Girlactik makeup! Galit, the owner, sent me some goodies to play with & they inspired me to create something smoldering! (Thank you Galit!! XO)
I first tried this makeup at The Makeup Show a few years ago and really liked it. I got the Pearl Base (shimmery pink primer for eyeshadow & glitter) Star Gloss (lip gloss) & Heaven's Dust Sugar (Silver) glitter and use them still today. 


The packaging is probably the prettiest I've ever seen, as the brown boxes are covered in fancy script &  pink chandeliers!! Love it! 
Everything came in a pretty pink bag!
 I love the pretty packaging so much I felt bad throwing the boxes away. Lol! 
*Star Lash Mascara*
(Mink Black)
Very velvety! 
I skipped using faux lashes for this look because the mascara is so intense on it's own.
*Skin Tint Moisturizer*
I got shade F3
(Picture taken from website)
*Eye Glaze*
(Glam)
*Face Glimmer*
(14K)
This comes as a set & it includes the sponge applicator & instructions! 
(Brush is sold separately)
It's brilliant because it makes applying the glitter really easy & mess free!
                      *Sparkle Eyeliner*

*Eyeliner*
(Brown)
It's really creamy & easy to blend. 
I like how it's shaped, for easy application.
*Swatches*
*Star Shadow-Eye shadow*
*Swatches*



*BeautySets*
Girlactik Smokey Brown Eyes

To shop Girlactik:



Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*