March 2020 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

March continues with me finding makeup that suits me while my dark tan continues to fade.  Lots of similar tones in eyes and lips.

Hope everyone is well and is taking care during this time.

1.  Makeup Revolution The Emily Edit - The Needs Palettes:

I can wear the Emily Edit Needs palatte again.  Wasn't quite possible with the very dark tan, that I returned with, in the middle of February. I love this palette -- especially when I'm in a hurry.  Almost every thing I need is in there -- hence the name of the palette.  The one thing I wish it had a was a shimmery medium shade shadow.

2.  NYX Professional Makeup Lid Lingerie Shadow Palette:

I need to use this palette more.  As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between this palette and the Needs eyeshadows.  Again, I wish there was a shimmery medium shade for the lid in this palette.

3.  Kat Von D Shade + Light Quad in Rust:

I bought this palette for the same reason I bought the Emily Edit Needs palette.  When you have ADHD, having something that has just about everything you need in it, can help save time.  These colors are wonderful, they apply like a dream.  Again, I wish they could have put a shimmery shade in there.

4.  Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation -- Medium 59 Neutral - tan acorn with neutral undertone:

This was originally the shade I thought would work with my dark tan.  My tan had to fade a little to be able to wear this.  By the end of March I was able to mix my usual shade 52 with this.

5.  Kat Von D Eyeshadow -- Lolita:

I've featured this before.  This has got to be one of the prettiest dusty dried red rose shades.  When I use this with Wet 'n' Wild's Bed of Roses palette, it looks WONDERFUL!!!

6.  Wet 'n' Wild Rebel Rose ColorIcon Eyeshadow Quad -- Bed of Roses:

Bed of Roses has the shimmery shades and darker shades that I like, but lacks a medium matte shade.  KVD's Lolita fits the bill perfectly for that!

7.  Kat Von D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade in Dark Brown:

I've featured this brow pomade several times.  I've decided that when I am done with my pencils, I want to stick with pomade.  Skinny pencils run out too fast and create a lot of waste that goes in landfills.  With a little practice, the perfect brow brush and some liquid eyeshadow mixing medium, one container of pomade can go a long way.  I've had this pomade for over a year.  It has started to dry out, but with mixing medium I can make it the texture that I like.  One I have, that I really like, and that I've had for ages, is Inglot's Duraline.  You can also place a bunch of drops of Duraline in your pomade before you close the lid.  The next time you open your pomade the Duraline should have been absorbed into the pomade.    

8.  Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed -- Opal:

I had this in February's favorites, as well.  This actually looked better during the month of March.  Not as big of a contrast.  Still glowy, but a little more subtle.

9.  Girlactik Luminous Pressed Powder -- Fair:

By the middle of March, the e.l.f. Bronzer, I was using, as face powder, was a little too much, I started mixing the L.A. Colors mineral powder that I got in Alabama with my Girlactik powder.

10. Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:

I've had this brush on my favorites list several times.  This brush is AMAZING!  If you have sparser brows like I do and need a brush to give a defined shape with a clean edge, this is the brush!

11. Colourpop Just A Tint -- Gimme S'more: 

I just love the way these smell -- like passionfruit!!!  I got this in a bundle that emilynoel83 curated for Colourpop.  It's a warm nude color with some gloss to it.

12. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick -- Cathedral:

I've loved this color for years!  It's the older formula which seems to dry to longer lasting matte finish. It's described as a satin matte coco-rose.  A beautiful color!

13. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick -- Pillow Talk:

I got this during the holiday season.  They were selling the lipstick with a free lip liner.  It's a comfortable formula and goes on with a satin-matte finish.  Pillow talk is a very flattering pinky-beige nude.

14. Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick -- Wrath and Harvest:

I've said before that Black Moon Cosmetics makes my favorite formula of liquid lipstick. I also love the flat applicator, which I think makes it easy to define lips.  Wrath, which is a dusty rose color and Harvest with is a muted orange both fit the complexion bill in March.

15. Wet 'n' Wild PhotoFocus Pressed Powder -- Warm Light:

I love, love, love this pressed powder!  It has a satiny finish.  I've mixed this with my darker mineral powder and before my tan, mixed this with Girlactik's powder.  I will use it on its own if my skin is on the oilier side during the month.

16. Milani Baked Powder Blush -- Bellissimo Bronze:

This warmer blush suited my medium tan complexion very nicely in march.  I love Milani's Baked Powder Blushes because there is some shimmer to them.  Really makes the skin look alive.

17. ILNP Nail Lacquer -- The Magician:

ILNP makes some of the most unique nail polish ever!  Per their website: "The Magician effortlessly shifts between intense hues of red, orange, and green once applied over just about any base color."  The effect over dark nail polish is just beautiful!

18. Alba Botanicals Mega Moisture Conditioner -- Coconut Milk:

I got this from Costco.  I was needing a moisturizing conditioner that wasn't a hair mask.  This feels really nice.  The only caveat with this conditioner --  it has a LOT of slip to it.  It can make your shower or bathtub floor a bit slippery.

19. L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder -- Cream Beige:

I bought this when I was in Alabama, and my e.l.f. Sunkissed Bronzer, which had hit major pan, broke while it was in my suitcase.  Argh! I couldn't find it in Target so I bought the L.A. Colors Mineral powder.  I use this with Girlactik's Luminous powder.  It goes good together!

20. China Glaze Nail Polish Liquid Leather 544:

If you like layering certain polishes over a basic black polish, this is THE one!  A YouTuber I watched several years ago tested several black polishes.  This was the only one that was opaque in one coat.

21. Josie Maran Holistic Fragrance -- Courage Vanilla Apricot:

I really love this fragrance.  I wish it was a staple in Josie Maran's line -- but alas! I hadn't worn this in a while.  I decided to use it during March and was in love all over again!

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

December 2019 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

Some new favorites, some old favorites and some repurchased favorites.

Enjoy my end of the year picks!

1.   Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in Designer Blood:
Jeffree Star Cosmetics describes Designer Blood as a "dark rusty red".  This color is very flattering on me and looks so dramatic, (in a good way), with my red shadow look.

2.   e.l.f  Modern Metals Liquid Matte Lipstick:.
This lipstick is from the Modern Metals collection.  I saw it on YouTuber Zabrena's channel.  It confused me, at first. The name Modern Metals suggests that the lipstick should be metallic -- but, it did not look at all metallic on Zabrena.  It's a gorgeous non-metallic matte burnt orange color.  The formula is pretty good too!

3.   Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sanguis:
I've always had at least one tube of this on hand since not long after Black Moon Cosmetics launched (when all they had were a few lipsticks). It's a beautiful bright cherry red.  I also love the flat-ish applicator., I feel like it helps with more precise application.

4.   Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Deville:
When this color launched almost a year ago, I HAD to have it.  I just love metallic red lipsticks!!!

5.   Lip Liners -- Mostly Nyx:. 
While liquid lipsticks offer the convenience of not really needing a lip liner, I'm finding that I prefer to use a lip liner to get really precise definition on my upper lip.  I originally bought a bunch of lip liners to go with my KVD Studded Kiss Lipsticks but find myself loving to use lip liners for most lip colors, now.

6.   Lime Crime Venus Palette in Vivid:

This was somewhat of a collection purchase.  However, I do love the colors!  It reminds me a little of the Urban Decay Electric palette (above left)  that was around years ago, except in a more edited version.  The Electric Palette had 10 colors and the Vivid palette has eight colors.  What you don't get in the Vivid palette that was in the Electric palette is a silver, shimmery teal (I'm not someone who loves teal shadow), royal blue and shimmery medium green.  The purple in the Vivid palette (Flutter) seems like both purples in the Electric palette mixed together.  The shimmery green in the Electric Palette is a slightly lighter matte green/chartreuse in the Vivid Palette (Limelight).  The shimmery yellow green in the Electric palette is a yellow with a slight hint of green called Happy Place.  Two colors you get in the Vivid palette that are not in the Electric palette are Lux, which is a yellow-gold.  Personally, I prefer this to silver, which can look harsh on most skin. Then, there is Super Bloom, a shimmery bright orange.  This palette is gorgeous.  To make it more wearable for myself, I mix Starburst (the bright red-orange) with a warm brown eyeshadow -- which is what I do with the Electric palette as well,

7.   Juvia's Place Eyeshadow Palette in The Saharan II:
I've had this palette since late 2017.  It's taken me a while to realize that I really LOVE this palette.  I, of course, love red shadows.  But, I've just started getting enamored with mixing my reds, oranges and warm browns with blues -- especially shimmery blues.  The neutral shimmery light beige in the middle of the top row can also double as a highlighter for fair to medium skin.

8.   Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette in Shade and Light:
I, personally, think that the matte Shade and Light palette is one of the greatest neutral palettes created.  Not only does it have three sections (cool, neutral and warm); but, the large pans on top can also be used as a matte highlighter, contour and blush (provided your skin is fair to light-medium).  Also you don't have to stick to one section when applying it.  This palette is great for creating a bold rocker-chick smokey eye with that black shadow as a base.

9.   Chanel Les Exclusifs 31 Rue Cambon:
I've had my bottle of 31 Rue Cambon for, at least, five years now.  I'd say, out of all the Les Exclusive fragrances I have, 31 is my favorite.   31 Rue Cambon is comprised, in part, of bergamot, black pepper, patchouli, cistus labdanum and iris. At first whiff, there is a deceptive old fashionedness to 31.  What comes next is the sophistication of this chypre fragrance which also juxtaposes itself with with imagery of a fragrant  mystical moss filled forest.  I wear this in cooler weather and it gets stowed away during the warmer months.

10.  Atelier Cologne Oolong Infiny:
I got this during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.  If I bought a larger bottle of any fragrance, I could get any 1 oz bottle, which retails for $78 with a personalized engraved leather case.  I got Oolong Infiny as my free bottle.  I kind of wish I got this as a larger bottle.  It's a beautiful, light multi-dimentional fragrance.  Atelier cologne classifies Oolong Infiny as a "Clean Musk". Its main notes are an Oolong Tea Accord, bergamot and Gaiac wood.  Like most Atelier Cologne fragrances, Oolong Infiny is considered a unisex fragrance.  When I put this on, I get a hint of floral and a very subtle hint of bitterness which gives it its "clean" impression.  This can be worn day or night and even in warmer weather.

11.  Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Golden Mint:
I absolutely LOVE Becca's pressed highlighters!  They're not crazy shimmery and they're not too subtle. There is never any glitter in the highlighters. (Why do companies put glitter in highlighters?) I feel like Becca is the benchmark for highlighters.  Golden Mint was a limited edition color.  It has an ever so subtle green tint to it that comes off more golden.  I find this to be very flattering with red shadow.

12.  Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Vanilla Quartz:
I got Vanilla Quartz at the same time that I got Golden Mint. It was also a limited edition release. I really LOVE this color.  It gives a bit more of a pop on me than Moonstone (which I also love).

13.  Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Prismatic Amethyst:
I've had Prismatic Amethyst for a few years.  It was originally a limited edition release; but, has since become a permanent item.  Prismatic Amethyst is perfect for pairing with cooler toned makeup or neutral makeup.  It's great for fair to medium skintones.

14.  Colourpop BFF Liquid Liner in Red:
I've wanted to get a Red Liquid Liner for a long time.  When Colourpop had a sale on their site, I decided to try one of them.  I like it!!!

15.  NYX Faux Blacks Eyeliner in Oxblood:

This is actually a repurchase.   I had this a couple of years ago and loved it.  I've not been into black eyeliner, lately, and Oxblood hits the spot for me.  Nyx's line of Faux Blacks are beautiful!  I may even consider some of their green colors.

16.  Physicians Formula Rosé Take The Day Away Cleanser:
This is an oil-free gel cleanser (non foaming).  It contains brightening ingredients like Vitamin C. I use this with my electric face brush when I want something more gentle on my skin.  Plus, I'm digging the smell of roses lately!

17.  The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo:
Not only do I love the smell of The Body Shop's banana hair line.  I love how gentle and softening it is for my really long fine dry hair.  This shampoo is great during the week when I feel like I need a more gentle shampoo or if I work out a lot during the week. (I have to wash my hair after I work out because I perspire so much.)

18.  The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask:
OMG!!!  This stuff is heavenly!!!  I use this in the shower.  I'll shampoo my hair, put this stuff in and put a plastic shower cap over my head for the rest of my shower.  But, if you want an amazing conditioning experience. After you put a shower cap over you head -- take a bubble bath and lounge.  When you rinse your hair, it will feel amazing!!!

19.  One 'n' Only Argan Oil Revitalizing Hydrating Mask with Acacia Collagen:
I bought this about a month or so ago. I use this at least once a week, it's a heavier conditioner than my ApHogee Keratin conditioner and helps keep my hair more manageable. (Got this from Sally Beauty.)

20.  Herstyler Hair Repair Serum:
I got this over a year ago from Amazon based on reviews.  It took a lot of trial and error to figure out the best way for me to use it.  I now have waist long hair that is dry and frizzy, without product in it.  This works best for me when I put it in freshly washed and conditioned hair that's been lightly towel dried.  I've also discovered that it's best to use a little more than I think I need. When my hair dries naturally, it's soft, smooth and easy to run a brush through.  It's even easy to run a brush through, the next day. (I tend to wake up with tangled "cave woman" hair.). Love it!!!

21.  Remington DT7432 Wet or Dry Tame The Mane Electric Detangling Brush:
I think I heard about this about 6 months ago, when trying to search for some help for my hair which gets tangled SUPER easily.  It got really good reviews; and, I saw YouTuber grav3yardgirl review this.  I have to tell you, this really helps!  I will most often use this when I deal with "2nd day" hair or before I wash my hair.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

My friend's cat, Goblin, enjoying a shopping bag.

REPOST: My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt 1 -- Makeup

So, I was doing the Part 2 blog.  I thought I accidentally published it.  I deleted it; and, realized I deleted Part 1.  Oy vey!  So I am reposting.

Since 2010, I travel, at least, three times a year.  Once a year, we travel to some states we haven't been to (which entails a plane ride, car travel and several hotel rooms).

Let me tell you -- I really HATE packing!  I really do!  Because of this, it has been a never ending quest of mine to make packing easier for myself.  I'm not quite there yet, but getting close.

As seen in the picture, all of the items on this blog fit into my Medium Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner.  When I am not traveling, most of the items (with the exception of some of the items in the clear bag) stay in the planner to minimize time that I have to spend on packing.

Case, Palettes Liner:
Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Medium Planner:  I got this planner at least six years ago -- if not more.

Linda Hallberg Infinity Palette:  IMO this is the perfect travel face palette for fair to med-light skin tones.  It has pretty much everything you would need to create a look.  There's even two eyeshadows in there.  There is a warm and a cool blush, a cool contour powder, a face powder (or a nude shadow), two shades of shimmery highlighter, a medium brown (with a little mustard yellow mixed in) eyeshadow and a black eyeshadow.

Kat Von D Anniversary Palette: I originally got this palette in a FOMO moment.  I realized that this palette has a wide variety of colors in it and would be great for travel.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in Olive:  I got this from either Hautelook or Nordstrom Rack.  A really nice soft flattering color.

Essence Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown:  Essence was having one of those buy one get one 40% off sale at Ulta.   One can never have too many micro brow pencils.

Brushes Left Side (Left to Right):
Wet n Wild Large Concealer Brush:  I use this for applying eye primer.

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush:  This is one of my favorite eyeshadow brushes!  I will use it to blend a lighter color into the first crease shade or to put that first crease shade on.

Morphe M164 Small Flat Angled Contour:  I use this for applying contour on my nose and inner brow area.

Morphe M574 Pencil Crease:  I will use this sometimes to blend a darker crease color.  I will also use this for placing shadow under the eye.

Brushes Middle (Top to Bottom):
e.l.f. Travel Blending Brush:  I use this for contour.  

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush: Excellent for placing highlight on the inner corner of eye.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow "C" Brush:  I lay down the first shadow color under my eye with this & sweep it in an upward direction.

Morphe Flat Shader Brush:  These brushes are excellent for patting color on the lid of the eye.

e.l.f. Eyelash and Brow Wand:  When rocking a brow pomade a spoolie will help diffuse the pomade on the inner brow and take any areas that have too heavy an application.

e.l.f. Foundation Brush:  I actually use this for concealer.  I don't actually think these types of brushes make good foundation brushes.

Brushes Right Side (Top then Left to Right):
Morphe M431 Precision Pencil Crease:  As the name says, this is a slimmer pencil brush for creating a more defined crease with a darker eyeshadow (this differs greatly from "cut crease").

Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:  I decided to try these when they were having a sale.  I already had the powder brow brush, which I thought was really wonderful.  When I tried the pomade brush -- OMG -- I had never used a brow brush that was capable of making an almost razor thin line!  This brush is so worth it!!!

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush:  I heard about this brush from YouTuber emilynoel83.  She uses this for cream blush or other cream cheek products.  It works excellently for that; but, I also love using it for powder blush.  It cuts down on the chances of applying too much pigment to the cheeks.

Sonia Kashuk Foundation Bush:  This was actually from a set of face brushes, some years ago.  It has a nice, densely packed flat top foundation brush.  I now keep it with my travel items.

e.l.f. Powder Brush:  I love using this as a powder brush.  It's got a good surface area to work with.  I also think a flat top brush is better for simulating that pressing action that you can get with a velour puff, rather than just sweeping the face.

e.l.f. Small Taper Brush: Another recommendation from emilynoel83.  This has GOT to be my favorite cheek highlighter brush!

Makeup Bag (Top then Left to Right):
Covergirl Outlast Active 24HR Foundation 845:  I actually purchased this from Walgreeens while traveling.  It works decently and contains SPF.  I lighten or darken it with e.l.f Mix to Match Shade Adjuster.

L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Peach:  L.A. Girl makes some really nice concealers at a very decent price.  I just wish they'd exchange that tiny brush for a regular squeeze tube tip.  The peach color is really great for disguising dark undereye circles.  They also have a darker orange for richer skin tones.

e.l.f. Mix to Match Shade Adjuster in Lighten & Bronze:  I'm one of those people whose skintone can be on a spectrum from fair to really tan. Traveling means my skintone is never static.  I end up mixing foundation a lot - when I travel it's better to have smaller tubes that I can mix with.  I tried these e.l.f. Shade Adjusters and like them.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Mama:  I originally bought this as a dupe for Lime Crime's Pumpkin Liquid Lipstick. I'm finding this is one of the colors of lipstick that I love taking with me.

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Mortis:  I don't feel right w/o having a red lipstick as an option.  I love Black Moon's formula and Mortis is a little darker than a bright red lipstick.

Kosas Kosasport Hyaluronic Lip Fuel:  Lips can get parched when traveling.  I got this because it has the added benefit of Hyaluronic Acid which can plump skin up with moisture.  I like to put balm on while I'm doing the rest of my makeup; then, I wipe it off before I put my lipstick on.  Before bed is when I can slather this on and sleep with it.

Wet n Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder in Light:  I just love this powder.  It gives a satin finish rather than a straight up matte finish.  

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Coconut:  Why stick your fingers in grainy goop to exfoliate your lips, when you can have it in "lipstick" form and rub it on your lips.  Just rub on your lips for about 10 seconds (or more), wipe off and -- voila!

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Gloom:  I like having a nude lipstick option in my arsenal.  Black Moon makes some of my favorite nudes.

Laura Geller French Vanilla Highlight:  I love using this to help set my undereyes. It's a subtle highlighter so it makes the undereye are look more natural.

Kat Von D Super Brow Extreme Long-Wear Pomade:  I love using this with the KVD brush to get a more precise application.  Sometimes I will outline my brows with my micro brow pencil and fill in with pomade afterwards.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

 It was a Luna kind of Monday.

Favorite Makeup Packaging -- and One Honorable Mention

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

A pic of my buddy, Coco.

June 2016 Favorites -- Beauty & Bath

1. tarte GRAV3YARDGIRL Swamp Queen Eye & Cheek Palette: I love Grav3yard Girl a.k.a. Bunny.    I had to get this palette when I saw it.  I've created a few looks with this.  It's a very versatile palette.  I do have a couple of complaints about this palette, however, no fault of Bunny's.  The shadows are nicely pigmented; but, have quite a bit of fallout.  I hear the eyeshadows are not up to Tarte's usual standards.  The bronzer/contour is extremely warm and extremely pigmented.  Not quite suited for most people -- but would make an excellent eyeshadow. (Personally I would have made the color more like Wet n Wild's contour.) That being said, I think the palette is very useful and can lend itself to travel as well as many neutral but edgy looks.  I have to wonder, though, why Tarte released that palette if the shadows were not up to their usual standards, when Grav3yard Girl, at the time, had over six million subscribers.  (She now has over seven million.)  Not all of her subcribers -- like me -- have tried Tarte shadows before.  They stand to lose some repeat customers by doing that.
2. Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in Petra: I had admired this color for a LONG time!  I finally broke down and got it and was so impressed by how lovely it went on. I don't think I had ever applied my polish so flawlessly before. As they say -- it practically applied itself.  The color is gorgeous also.
3. Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Powder in Luminous Light + IT COSMETICS Celebration Foundation Illumination in Light: My husband and I went on vacation in June and I came back with a bit of a tan.  I found that I could no longer use Wet n Wild's Reserve Your Cabana with my powder foundation.  I decided to try Hourglass's Luminous Light instead (which I've had for almost 3 years).  It worked beautifully.  Luminous Light is not one of those highly metallic highlighters.  It imparts a beautiful glow and helps powder foundation not look dry.  I'm looking forward to using the Hourglass up since I've had it for so long.
4. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette:  I'm a sucker for highlighters, especially Becca highlighters.  I never got around to getting Champagne Pop as a single; so, I thought this was an excellent opportunity to get that, along with her newest Proseco Pop & three blushes.  The packaging is so elegant!!!  Champagne Pop has a slight peachy pink tone and Proseco Pop has more of a golden tone. Rose Spritz (blush) reminds me of The Balm's Cindy Lou Manizer a shimmery peachy blush.  Amaretto looks very brown in the palette; but, comes off more peachy-bronze on the skin.  Pamplemousse (which means grapefruit in French), is a beautiful coral.  
5. Ole Henriksen 3 Mini Wonders + Cleanse:  This set contains: 1.5 oz African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser, 0.33 oz Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster, 0.25 oz Sheer Transformation, 0.25 oz Invigorating Night Treatment: I decided to try this, as I had heard some good things about Ole Henriksen.  I figured everything in the kit was small enough just in case I didn't like it.  BUT -- I found that I loved EVERYTHING!!!  The two things that I am probably going to replace soon are the Invigorating Night Treatment -- but in serum form.  I don't like the idea of dipping into the jar all the time. I also want to replace the African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser, soon.  The Cleanser smells so good -- almost like orange cream!  
6. L.A. Girl HD PRO Primer Eyeshadow Stick: This looked a lot like Kat Von D's eye primer stick (which I have not tried), the consistency seemed similar to MAC's Paint Pots (which I like; but, will not buy anymore until they stop the practice of animal testing), and the fact that it's in a twist up stick makes it convenient for travel or on the go.  I actually like this.  It works great; and, I have no complaints.  
7. MAKEUP GEEK FOILED EYESHADOW PAN - FLAME THROWER:  This is my first Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadow.  I love metallic orangey-copper eyeshadows!  This goes on well and stays on well.  After seeing a look Jessica Haze of Mirrors And Haze (YouTube) posted on instagram, I love using it as a pop of color with purple/plum eyeshadows.
8. Morphe Brushes 35P - 35 COLOR PLUM EYESHADOW PALETTE:  This is a great palette.  The colors range from red and royal purple to some neutral and warm browns to help blend.  Theres even a black and a couple of beiges.  Talk about a versaite palette!  Even if one was not inclined to wearing a purple eye on a given day, one could do a barely there makeup look,  a berryish eye look, a dark smokey eye with a lot of black.  So many possibilities.  My favorite way to use this palette is with the purples and add a pop of color in the middle with Makeup Geek's Flame Thrower a la Jessica Haze.  
9. MAKEUP REVOLUTION Ultra Contour Palette:  This is one of those palettes can be used in conjunction with an eyeshadow/blush palette.  The contour shades are not too pigmented and easy to blend.  There are two lighter face powders, one of them being yellow which I find nice for brightening under the eyes or on the nose.  And there are two shimmery highlights -- one of them being extremely shimmery.  A nice possibility for traveling!
10. KVD VS Formula X Nail Polish in Piaf: Named after one of KVD's Sphynx cats.  This is much more purple than the lipstick which is more of a purple taupe.  It's a beautiful color with a little shimmer in it!
11. LA Splash Lip Couture Waterproof Matte Liquid Lipstick in Honey Blonde: This is an interesting color.  It's not a greige, it's more of a mustardy beigy brown.  A color like this can give an interesting warm eye look that extra edge.  L.A. Splash's liquid lipcolors STAY ON!!!  You need to remove it with waterproof makeup remover.
12. MAKEUP REVOLUTION Blush Palette Blush Queen: One of the criticism's of this palette is that at least four of the 8 shades are really similar.  That is actually one of the things I like about this palette.  How many times have I used one color in a palette before all the other ones?  Those four similar colors in the middle are actually my favorite.  So I won't soon have a forgotten about palette with one empty pan in it.
13. Nyx Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Brooklyn Thorn:  I saw one of my favorite YouTubers, Mirrors And Haze, swatching the new shades of Liquid Suede.  This was my favorite.  It's a beautiful taupey color with a hint of purple in it.
14. Black Moon Cosmetics in Deranged:  This is a beautiful brownish red!  Their liquid lippies smell divine!!!  Like Vanilla Cupcakes!  And the formula is not drying at all.  A great option for those who can't wear the usual matte liquid lip formula; or, for those days when you need some relief from the usual formula.  Not a transfer proof formula, however.  I love liquid lippies because I have a vertical labret piercing and it makes putting on lipstick so much easier (so I love the option of having different types of finishes with them).
15. MAKEUP GEEK FULL SPECTRUM EYE LINER PENCIL - PLUMERIA:  Described by Makeup Geek as: "a deep ripe berry with a smooth matte finish."  I love this pencil when I'm doing an orange or red eyeshadow look!  I love that this is in non-twist up pencil form too.  I never have luck with twist up eyeliner or lip liner.  They always break on me and end up being a waste.   

Ta Ta For Now!

It's Luna!!!

Homage To Dovima

I'm not one to go ga-ga over supermodels --with sole exception of Dovima.  While she was on the screen, I though she stole the show in Funny Face.  I wanted to see more of her!  Not only was she quirky on-screen, with her over-the-top New York accent and comic book.  She was quirky in real life.  She loved comic books and would bring a trunk full of them when on location!  I couldn't help but love someone like that.  Here, is my Homage to the lovely Dovima.  Think of it as a modern day way of playing with paper-dolls.  I imagine what Dovima would wear and like then and now.

1. Dovima in photo shoot for Vogue -- Check out that fierce winged liner and those uber arched brows!
2. Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sanguis -- Per their website -- This is the perfect blue-based red.  It's a vintage va-va-voom red perfect for the era Dovima embodied.  
3. NYX Micro-Brow -- A very fine point for those flawlessly drawn, perfectly arched brows!
4. Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eye Liner + Serum in Ultra Black -- for that fierce winged eyeliner.
5. Christian Louboutin Eloise Small Two Handle Bag -- Dovima was known for being Richard Avedon's muse.  As such, she was dressed in some unique fashion.  I think this handbag is glorious and fits that perfectly -- elegant with a touch of edge.
6. Ultra-Lounge Mambo Fever -- If you love fun, classic movies that embody Dovima's era, you'll love this CD!
7. Zoya Pinta -- Zoya describes this color as a dark purple creme with very strong blue undertones.  For a more edgy look; or, for black and white photo shoots.
8. Black Phoenix Alchemy Liz perfume oil from their Hellboy collection -- A light, feminine vanilla floral perfume and a swirl of smoke and leather. As I said at the top, Dovima loved reading comic books.  So I thought it only fitting that she have a perfume named after a comic book franchise and character.
9. NARS Dovima Nail Polish -- Yes!  There is a nail polish named after her!  This is a beautiful tomato red.
10. Noir Jewelry Gotham City DC Comics Stackable Ring Set -- She loves comics and she's from New York.  Perfect!
11. Noir Jewelry Gotham City DC Comics Bracelet -- An edgy beautiful bracelet detailing Gotham City.
12. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Black Truffle -- A beautiful blackish violet lipstick for an edgier look or for black and white photo shoots.
13. DC Comics Guardians of The Galaxy -- I thought she'd enjoy this humorous offbeat comic.
14. Robert Piguet Fracas -- With it's white floral and tuberose notes, Fracas is ultra feminine, modern and sexy, like the model herself.
15. Suva Beauty Hydracream Base in Pantyhose -- Dovima was often made up in intensely colored blue or green lids.  Pantyhose is the perfect cruelty-free dupe for MAC's Painterly -- to prime those lids for long lasting and more intensely colored shadow application.
16. Noir Jewelry Pow/Bang DC Comics Statement Necklace -- A fun, humorous necklace to proclaim Dovima's love of comic books.
17. Christian Louboutin Dorispiky Pumps -- Edge and elegance combined into one drool-worthy red-bottomed pump.
18. Makeup Geek Poolside Eyeshadow Pan -- Dovima's eyelids were often done sharply in bright ocean blues or greens.  In keeping with that, I chose this slightly shimmery shadow.
19. Suva Beauty Hydracream Base in Satire -- this is a matte cream base for the eyelids.  Perfect as a base for Makeup Geeks poolside or any sky to medium blue.
20. Dovima in Funny Face -- Kay Thompson: "What are you reading, Marion?"  Dovima: "Minute Men From Mars!"

Ta Ta For Now!