October 2019 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

1.   Nyx Suede Matte Lipliner in Jakarta:  I've had this since around Christmas time.  I bought a set of mini Nyx liquid lipsticks that came with matching lipliners.  I have a vertical labret piercing and it makes it very difficult to wear a traditional style lipstick w/o lipliner.  But, I love the precise look a lipliner gives to traditional lipstick. Jakarta is a very pretty burnt orange shade.

2.   Nyx Lip Lingerie Push-Up Long-Lasting Lipstick in Exotic:  These come in some of the same colors that the original Lip Lingerie liquid lipstick shades come in.  I think the Push-Up version feels a little more comfortable on the lips and also looks better on.  Exotic is a lovely burnt orange shade.

3.   Covergirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar! Tinted Lip Balm in Punch:  Tinted lipbalms are nice on days when one would prefer a more natural makeup look; or, if one's lips need a little relief from drying lipsticks.

4.   e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator:  I've been using e.l.f.'s Lip Exfoliators on and off  for some years, now.  YouTuber emilynoel83 made me buy it (LOL).  These work great.  I don't have to stick my fingers into a goopy jar.  They are nicely priced and come in several flavors.

5.   Milani Amore Metallics Lip Creme in Raving Matte: I love a magenta-purple lipstick!  This shade is flattering on me when I want something a little more dramatic on the lips.

6.   Milani Luminoso Glow Shimmering Face Palette:  YouTuber emilynoel83 made me buy this too. (LOL). I'm really loving glowy blushes lately.  This palette also has highlighters and glowy bronzers (which can be used to darken the blushes). After a certain age, looking too matte is not flattering.  This palette can be used on the eyes, as well.  Although I would caution that hooded eyes need some matte to give them dimension.

7.   Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso:  This blush came in a bundle with the Luminoso Face Palette and a Luminoso Lip Gloss.  Holy cow!  There is a reason this blush is so popular!  I was worried that it wouldn't show up on me; but, it does!  Luminoso gives the cheeks a beautiful glow!  I would say it gives more of a glow than their other baked blushes.

8.   e.l.f. Jelly Pop Flush Blush in Berry Pop:  This is another beautiful glowy/dewy blush option that won't break the bank. My recommendation with this blush is to put a dot of the blush on the back of your hand, then use a stippling brush to blend it into the cheeks.  I've found that a couple of  small dots is enough for both cheeks.  You can always add more. Hard to take away if you put too much on.

9.   Manny MUA X Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Palette:  I've had this palette since around when it first came out.  YouTuber mirrorsandhaze made me buy this one.  What stands out, in my mind, in this palette, is the shade Mars (which is described as a deep cherry red with a matte finish) and the shade Insomnia (which is described as a warm red brown with blue reflects and a foiled finish).  Those two colors make for quite a dramatic look, which I love.  I forget, however, that the palette has a host of soft colors that are perfect for a natural look or a more "office friendly" look.  A very versatile palette.

10.  Kat Von D Pastel Goth Eyeshadow Palette:  I am in love with the shade Clementine -- which is a soft pastel orange that is slightly sheer.  I wish Kat Von D made a single shadow in Clementine.  It is perfect for blending out warm looks.  I have used the other colors in the palette -- mostly for complementing shadows in other palettes.   For me, it works really well for that.

11.  e.l.f. Superclarify Cleanser:  This cleanser works well.  My only wish is that it was in a container that suited the consistency of the cleanser better -- like a pump bottle.

12.  Nquea.d Mediterranean Fig and Rhubarb Candle:  I've had this candle for a while.  I'm reminded of how much I like it, when I'm in the kitchen.  It smells heavenly!  I don't know if this brand exists anymore.  The candle was on sale when I bought it in April at Papyrus.  If it doesn't exist anymore, that's too bad.  It's a really good candle.

13.  Mane 'n Tail Conditioner (Original):  I stopped using this for a little while because I kept forgetting to get a new bottle from our pantry.  When I finally remembered -- several months later -- I used it and was smitten all over again.  It helps with the manageability of my long, easily tangled hair.

14.  DermOrganic Leave-in Argan Oil Treatment:  Although this can be used in dry hair to help detangle and give hair some shine, I find that this leave-in treatment works best when worked into damp hair.  (It will help stop the frizzies before they start; and, help with detangling hair.)

15.  Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette:  This is like fresh roses layered with more complex notes in the background.  (Per Diptyque: Pick up the petals of a rose, add its green leaves, its stem, and don’t forget its buds. Immerse in clear water and wait to reveal its rosy delicateness, fruity accents and acidulated green notes... Eau Rose is composed like an infusion of the finest damascena and centifolia roses.)  One can definitely smell the "acidulated green notes" in the background.  Now that it's fall, I feel more comfortable wearing a fragrance like this.

16.  Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatal Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume:  I love Atelier Cologne's fragrances.  Most are perfect for traveling in warmer weather where fragrances with heavier notes may be too cloying.  (Per Atelier Cologne it's notes are: Bergamot from Calabria, Lemon from Sicily, Heart of Bigaradier from Paraguay, Orange Flower Absolue from Tunisia, Violet Leaves, Black Plum, Heart of Vetiver from Haiti, Cedarwood from Texas, Dark Oud Accord.)  The combination is unisex, with a bitter but refreshing note.  If I were to put an image to it -- I'm reminded of a personal library with luxurious wood shelves that go all the way up to the elevated ceiling.  The kind of library where you need one of those rolling ladders.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

"What's that over there, Mama?"

Week of October 13th -19th - Thursday's Makeup

Continuing the week in giving some old palettes some love!  Makeup Geek's Manny MUA palette was so exiting when it came out.  I remember watching Mirrors and Haze's YouTube tutorial video.  I was so excited to get my Manny Mua palette.  This was fun to work with again.  The LORAC Pirates of the Carribbean palette's Stargazer highlight was on of my favorites -- I wish LORAC made a single highlight in Stargazer.  I really I had originally intended to use my seldom used UD Junkie Vice Lipstick palette from a few of holidays ago.  Alas, I discovered it had gone bad.  Things had developed in the lipstick.  Yuck.  I kept the lip brush & had to throw it out.  I decided to use the one Milani Metallic lipstick I hadn't used yet.  I actually wished I had put on a different lipstick.  I think it was too much with the eye palette.  It is a really beautiful lipstick, however. 

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Coco makes an excellent model!

July 2016 Favorites -- Beauty & Bath

1. Kat Von D Serpentina Eyeshadow Palette:  I couldn't not get this!  It's Kat Von D, had beautiful jewel tones and a color named after my favorite jewelry company -- Bloodmilk. The colors are wonderfully pigmented and gorgeous!
2. Black Moon Cosmetics BLACK METAL TRINITY™ - Limited Edition Pack & Myth:  I had to get these as well.  Black Metal Trinity consists of (according to Black Moon's website):  Immortal: A blackened purple with flecks of purple and arctic blue. Armageddon : A blackened red with hints of copper.  Sorrow: A deep blackened blue with flecks of arctic blue. Then there is Myth: a blackened emerald green with hints of teal to really push this color to the next dimension. They're all BEAUTIFUL.  My two favorites are Armageddon (-- this is the most metallic red I have ever seen!  I was so impressed!!!) and Immortal -- just a gorgeous vampy metallic purple!
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills - Glow Kit - Moon Child - I was practically salivating over this when I saw it!  Oddly enough, I think because they all came out around the same time, I kind of saw Serpentina, Black Moon's metallic lippies and the Moon Child palette as going together -- and they do, fabulously!!!  A really cool thing to do with this palette is to pair your eye look with the opposite color i.e. a red shadow and lip look with Lucky Clover's hint of green.  It's just beautiful!
4. Laura Geller New York Baked Color & Contour Palette:  (Shopped my stash!)  Heard about this some months ago from emilynoel83.  I got it after I dropped my It Cosmetics face disk and broke it. (I had used most of the highlighter and I think hit pan on the bronzer.) When I first got this, I was afraid it was going to sit in my makeup drawer unused for the most part.  I had not yet discovered the beauty of Baked French Vanilla.  I don't use it as a cheek highlighter, I use it as an under eye brightener, and in general a middle of the face brightener.  I can also use the bronzer as a contour as it's not uber warm.   The blush has a hint of shimmer and is the most beautiful pinky coral color.  Overall I really love this a lot better than the It Cosmetics face disk.  
5. e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Smooth Matte Eyeshadow in Nude Linen:  I took a chance and got this from e.l.f.  I had a feeling it would work well for me as and eye primer -- and I was right!!!  This is also fabulous if you're going for a no-makeup-makeup look to even out the eyelids.
6. DIY Cosmetic Containers - 26 MM 5 WELL BLACK PALLETTE, Makeup Geek Flamethrower, Coastal Scents Chamois Nude, Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear, Makeup Geek Bitten, Makeup Geek Cupcake: (Shopped my stash!)  I kept looking at Becca's Ombre Rouge Palette.  I came very close to purchasing it.  Then I remembered that I had an empty 5 pan palette, and some very similar single shadows.  I put Makeup Geek's Flamethower foiled shadow in there as I love shimmer on the lid.  I calculated it.  If I were to buy everything in lieu of getting Becca's Ombre Rouge palette, it would come out only a few dollars less.  But, adding the $40 Ombre Rouge palette when I already had colors like that didn't make sense for me.  
7. e.l.f. Prime & Stay Finishing Powder: (Shopped my stash!) I bought this months ago because of a the good reviews -- & for $2, why not?  I didn't really use this until I went on a trip. This powder minimized the look of my pores!  -- For $2!!!  
8. Essence Lash Princess Mascara - False Lash Effect: I heard about this from Young Wild And Polished.  This is a fabulous drugstore mascara! She seems to be the queen of finding really inexpensive kick-butt mascaras!!!
9. MATRIX Oil Wonders Oil Conditioner:  Ulta was having a sale on their large bottles of hair care.  I decided to try this on a whim. I LOVE this!!!  It's not often I find a conditioner I love.  I have long fine hair that's DRY!!!  This conditions my hair beautifully!
10. Sun Bum® 3 In 1 Leave In Hair Conditioning Treatment:  This was also on sale at Ulta.  I wanted to try this because it had SPF in it.  I thought it would be great for traveling.  OMG -- this stuff detangles like a dream!!!  A must for long hair!
11. GOT 2B Glued Blasting Freeze Spray: I have a cowlick in my bangs that causes them to split.  I should have tried this sooner.  I haven't tried every brand of hair spray there is; but, this is the only brand I've tried that really works to keep my bangs in place.  I also use it to keep flyaways from forming when I tie my hair back before going out -- which is every day during summer.  

5 out of 11 favorites were shop my stash items Yay!!!

Ta Ta For Now!

August 17th is Black Cat Appreciation Day

My Quest For The Perfect Travel Makeup Kit

There has not been one pre-made travel palette out there that I have purchased and thought -- this is just PERFECT!!!  I came somewhat close until I realized I hated the formula of the shadows.  Otherwise, I've found travel palettes missing a crucial element, lacking in fun colors or including things I won't use.  It was up to me to undertake the task of putting together the ultimate travel palette for myself.

The most difficult item to find for my palette was a decent shimmery highlighter.  There was no way I was going to depot my Becca highlighters or my TheBalm Mary Lou Manizer.  Some things just belong in their compacts.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I heard about an indie brand called Looxi Beauty from Young Wild and Polished.  She showed them in her Z-Palette; but, I wanted to know what they looked like on.  I saw a video where a gal swatched them; but, said they weren't shimmery enough for her.  I decided to take a chance and order some anyway.

I was pleasantly surprised.  They were quite shimmery.  This was after I ordered one of Anastasia Beverly Hill's Champagne refill pans and felt -- Meh! -- about it.  (I'm still waiting for Makeup Geek to release her highlighters. They promise to be uber shimmery!!!)

Below, I have the name of the palette I bought, as well as the brands and shades of all the pans!  This is by no means a "permanent" collection.  I'm sure to switch things around in the future.  If I do, there will be another post. :)

Another Soul on Etsy:  LUXE Premium Magnetic Makeup Palette - Seven Kingdoms.  A really beautiful sturdy palette!!!

Ta Ta For Now!

(It's Sophie!!!)

Perfect Palette Tag 2

There has been a second Perfect Palette Tag floating around YouTube.  Again, I was not tagged; but, I thought it would be fun to do.  Enjoy!

1. Eyeliner, brush or nothing included?

Nothing: A brush collection is so essential nowadays to makeup; that, I feel adding a brush to a palette is unnecessary.  Plus, someone, on even the tightest budget, can get good quality brushes. Cosmetic companies can do themselves and the environment a favor by not adding brushes and applicators (especially really cheap unusable ones). 

2. Name a palette you have hit pan on.

e.l.f. contour palette:  This is pretty typical of any contour palette for me.  The actual contour shade is the one to go first. I would actually love for a company to make a contour pan that is as big as those Wet n Wild bronzer palettes.  Or a 1/2 and half contour and highlight that's like Laura Geller Baked French Vanilla.

3. Favorite “Naked” palette?

      

Can you hear the crickets chirping?  I have to be honest and say, I'm not a fan of the Naked Palettes.  I've had Naked 3 before.  They are great quality.  But, the whole neutral thing isn't for me, I've discovered.  It doesn't excite me.  Not even in rose tones.  (Although I do like Kat Von D's Shade & Light Palette.)

4. Favorite Holiday or Limited Edition palette?

Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette:  How do I love this palette?  Let me count the ways:  First there's the awesome pigmentation.  Second, there's the variety of colors -- even neutral ones, Third, there's the almost vinyl record album look of the packaging.  Fourth, there's the cool names of the colors.

Makeup Geek Manny MUA Palette:  The colors in this palette are so beautiful and edgy!!!  I fell in love with it when I saw Mirrors and Haze demonstrate it.  

BH Cosmetics Pride + Prejudice + Zombies™ - Eye + Cheek Palette: These colors are right up my alley.  The pigmentation is really nice too and easy to blend!

5. Name a palette you would repurchase or wish you had a back up of (if it’s no longer available)?

Morphe Brushes ACC4 - EMPTY MAGNETIC PALETTE:  I kind of cheated -- with the amount of palettes I have, there is NO WAY I am ever going to finish a palette.  But I could certainly use more empty palettes.  This one is less expensive than the Z-Palette and works superbly.

6. Name a shade you wish were sold individually.

Morphe Brushes 35O - 35 COLOR NATURE GLOW EYESHADOW PALETTE:  There is no name for the color but it's the color on the bottom right corner. It's all sorts of shimmery orangey copper goodness!!

7. Wild Card Question: Pick a question from the original Tag to answer.

"4. Best for traveling"

NYX COSMETICS Go-To Palette in Wanderlust:  With 6 shadows, a shimmery highlight, blush and a bronzer/contour, this palette not only serves as a great travel palette but it also serves as a great "in a hurry" palette.

8. Name the palette you would recommend to a friend. 

Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette: At first glance, you may think this is your average matte neutral palette; but, you would be SO wrong!  If you've ever wanted neutral shadows to look edgy -- this is your palette.  The shadows a highly pigmented and highly blendable.  

March 2016 Favorites -- Beauty & Bath

I was going to do a whole post that included other favorites like jewelry, books, etc.  But, since just started this blog & my March favorites are more like a First Quarter, I decided to do them in two separate posts.  Heck, I may keep doing them in two separate posts.

1. Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector™ -- I bought this over a month ago when I saw How To Be Fancy's video about it.  I didn't see the beauty of  this until I was summoned for Jury Duty.  I wore this underneath Too Face's Born This Way foundation.  I was stressed because I usually work from home w/my critters (dog and a cat).  And here I am in a crowded room with strangers for most of the day.  -- This means I was producing more oil on my face than usual.  My foundation still looked good by the time I went home!
2. Ofra Cosmetics LONG LASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK in Honolulu -- This purplish brown color is not quite I would have imagine for something named after my home-town.  But it's an extremely beautiful color.  It wears well and is comfortable on the lips.
3. BH Cosmetics Pride + Prejudice + Zombies™ - Eye + Cheek Palette -- I love the colors in this palette!  It's kind of interesting that the 2016 Pantone Colors of the year are Rose Quartz and Serenity (a kind of cornflowerish blue); but, no one in the makeup world (that I've watched) seems to give two hoots about this color.  If anything, the makeup world seems to be continuing the Marsala trend even more strongly than last year. -- But, I digress.  I've been very impressed with this palette.  I think BH has really stepped up their game lately.  The colors are nicely pigmented and blend easily.  the funny thing is, when I got this, I didn't realize that the three big pans on the bottom were a highlighter and two blushes.  I've been using them all as eyeshadows and they work beautifully as eyeshadows.  I'll have to see what I think of them for their intended purpose.
4. Clarisonic Acne Cleansing Brush Head -- I formerly had the radiance brush head and I was way overdue for a replacement.  I did not feel that this brush head offered me enough exfoliation, believe it or not.  I'm someone with skin that needs a lot of exfoliation.  So I thought I would give the Acne Cleansing Brush Head a try (I am prone to breakouts) and I LOVE it!!!!  Will definitely be purchasing this one again!
5. Ofra Cosmetics DUPETHAT HIGHLIGHTER in You Dew You -- I saw Mirrors and Haze use this highlighter in a video and I loved that it wasn't warm toned or champagne toned.  I knew I would love this for cooler makeup looks.  This has a really wonderful shimmer without being glittery.  I may buy their smaller pan for a travel palette.
6. Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation in Fair -- I saw Mirrors and Haze demonstrate this foundation and it looked beautiful.  I go back and fourth between wanting a more luminous foundation and one that is more satiny.  Sometimes I even mix this in my Born This Way foundation for an even more in between finish.  (DO NOT use this foundation with a mattifying primer.  It just does not look good or go on well with one, unfortunately -- you will end up redoing your face if you do.)  I like to powder my face with an HD powder, so for me this helps cut down on my face looking dry.  I got this in fair because Jessica Haze used Fair and it was a little dark for her skin.  So it's just right for mine.  
7. Too Faced Born This Way Absolute Perfection Foundation in Ivory and Warm Nude -- I love the way this looks on my skin!  I can use this with a more serum-like primer, a matter primer or a more silicone-like primer and it all looks good!  When I've used up some of my other foundations this is sure to become a multiple repurchase.
8. BH Cosmetics Nude Blush – 10 Color Blush Palette -- Muted, nude blushes are all the rage nowadays.  It's no wonder with the more pronounced eye looks and vampy lips that are in vogue, lately.  These blushes offer a wide array of muted colors that are nicely pigmented with some colors having shimmer to them.  A really great value!!!
9. Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Selene --  Per Black Moon Cosmetics: A beautiful deep plum with a gorgeous soft purple pearlescent sheen. Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, & Gluten-Free -- This is a beautiful plummy shade -- I consider it a medium plum, myself -- compared to a lot of the vampy near black purples that are around, right now.  This lipstick is not transfer proof, but is also not as drying as most liquid lipsticks.  Great if your lips are too dry for the usual liquid lipstick formula; or, if you need to give your lips a rest from wearing a more drying formula.
10. Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette -- I got this palette for Christmas.  Ever since I took a look at Mirrors And Haze's Grunge Black Smokey Eye | Taylor Momsen Inspired Makeup tutorial, this is my favorite way to wear this palette.  I wasn't much for using black shadow before that tutorial.  But, ever since I learned how to blend shadows properly, I love it!!!
11. Nubian Heritage Body Wash in Patchouli & Buriti -- Per Nubian Heritage: A gentle fragrant wash, rich in vitamins and minerals, hydrates and calms the skin. Aromatic Patchouli Oil works to uplift and soothe the senses while Organic Shea Butter and Buriti Oil combine to cleanse the skin without drying. Leaves the skin soft and renewed. -- I love the way both this and the Goat's Milk & Chai Body Wash smell.  A sweet and spicy type of fragrance for both.  They're gentle on the skin and every time I open the shower door, it smells so good.
12. Nubian Heritage Body Wash in Goat's Milk & Chai with Rose Extract --  Per Nubian Heritage: Conditioning Goat's Milk high protein, vitamin and mineral content helps soothe and moisturize skin, balance its natural pH and promote natural exfoliation and mild cleaning. Silky smooth and supple skin is further nourished with Shea Butter and protected with Chai and Rose extracts.
13. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Thin Lizzy - sparkling brick copper -- I never see this color in and actual Sephora.  I had to order mine online.  It is a BEAUTIFUL color -- works so well for today's eye shadow looks.
14. L.A. Splash STUDIOSHINE WATERPROOF LIP LUSTRE in Venus --  This is a beautiful magenta purple color!!!  I love wearing this with an todays burnt orange and red eyeshadows. 
15. Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eye Liner + Serum in Ultra Black -- I used this a couple of years ago, then I started trying some other eyeliners.  I came back to this over six months ago.  I love the way it applies and I do see a difference in my eyelashes.  Not as big a difference as people see with something like Latisse  -- but there is a difference.  I love the way my lashes look now when I put mascara on them.
16. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream -- I was never an eye cream person.  But I started realizing that I need something a little more emollient for under my eyes as I tend to use very lightweight moisturizer for my face.  I especially love this before I put on makeup.  It helps the concealer to look better under my eyes.
17. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM -- I got this, maybe a year ago; but, I didn't start really using it until the last couple of months.  I mix it with a vitamin c and/or a  matrixal serum.  Sometime I mix it with my Paula's Choice 1% retinol serum as well.  I really like that it's lightweight and sinks into the skin.
18. Too Faced Peanut Butter & Jelly Eye Shadow Collection -- I think this is my favorite Too Faced eyeshadow palette.  The colors are right up my alley and apply really well.  This is a great palette size for traveling too!
19. Makeup Geek Blush Pan in Romance -- Soft rose with gold shimmer -- One of the things I love about Makeup Geek is that they offer their makeup in pans as well as compacts.  I wish more companies would do that.  I love a blush with some shimmer!  This is a nice neutral blush color and the pigmentation and texture is great!
20. MannyMUA x Makeup Geek Palette -- I don't think I've ever been so excited to receive an eyeshadow palette!  I squealed with delight when I opened the palette and swatched the colors on my skin!  Such good shadows and such edgy looks can be created with this palette! Love, love, love!!!
21. Anastasia Beverly Hills CONTOUR REFILL - FAWN -- Tawny  -- Fawn is actually lighter and a tad warmer than the pic above.  This is a really great contour for lighter skin.  And it is cool enough for my skin tone as well.  I bought this so I could create a custom travel palette for myself that included contour.
22. Ben Nye's Remove-It All -- Per Ben Nye: easily breaks down heavy creme makeup as well as Spirit Gum, medical and prosthetic adhesives for effortless removal. -- A) Yes, this does remove everything! -- Even the most difficult to remove lipstick. B) You don't have to shake it up -- unlike other waterproof makeup removers. C)  It's very economical (albeit the bottle design is very basic).  The only thing I don't like -- & this goes for other waterproof makeup removers --  is the remover tends to run down the bottle no matter how careful I am.  Since this stuff has a "greasy" consistency; it's quite a pain when it does that.  So, I've ordered a glass serum pump bottle for it that I can reuse over and over again.  I hope that does the trick.
23. Nyx Cosmetics Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer -- I really like this; but, I have a feeling the texture is supposed to be thinner than the one I currently have.  People compare this to Hourglass's Veil Mineral Primer -- which is quite thin in consitency.  My tube of Angel Veil is quite thick but doesn't feel like the average silicone primer, which I can't stand the feeling of on  my face.  This actually feels comfortable on my face and makes foundation apply really well to my skin.
24. Diptyque - Tam Dao Eau de Toilette --The mountains of Tonkin tremble under the weighty steps of elephants carrying uprooted trees of precious wood through the vines. Majestic sandalwood breathes out its redolence in the sweltering heat of the jungle. Tam Dao pays tribute to the most sought-after of the sacred woods: the sandalwood of Goa. --Tam Dao is a unisex sandalwood fragrance with dark bitter notes and an evasive green note.  This is what I love to wear if I'm not in the mood for my girly fragrances.

Ta Ta For Now!

Perfect Palette Tag

This tag has been on YouTube for ages.  I wasn't tagged; but, I thought I'd do it anyway.  I certainly have enough palettes!  I didn't even get to mention my favorite Morphe palettes in here.  I may have to create a tag just for that!

1. Best packaging

Too Faced Sugar Pop Eyeshadow Palette:  Is this not the cutest packaging? Colorful Macrons on a reusable tin. It's so cute, I almost wouldn't care what was in it.  But what's in it is very nice indeed.  This palette actually reminds me a lot of Sugarpill's Sparkle Baby Palette.  Sugar Pop has a few darker colors for the crease that make it a nice complete palette.

2. Best color payoff

Kat Von D Monarch Palette:  Really, all of her palettes have wonderful color payoff.  This palette not only has fantastic color payoff; but, is a very me-colored palette.  (Have you heard that they are discontinuing this?  That's what the buzz is. That's too bad if it's true -- it's a beautiful palette!)

Makeup Geek Manny MUA Palette:  Holy pigmentation Batman!!!  The pigmentation on these is crazy good! The colors are some of my favorite and it's limited edition.

3. Most versatile

Shany Masterpiece Remix:  There is practically every eyeshadow color under the sun in this palette.  the pigmentation isn't phenomenal; but, it's pretty decent. The texture of the shadows is really nice too.  If you love trying new eye looks and don't want a whole slew of palettes cluttering up your space, or emptying your pocketbook, this is for you.  Plus, it comes with blush and contour shades.

4. Best for traveling

Eve Pearl Flawless Palette:  If you do not have really oily skin, this is a great travel palette for your foundation/concealer/brightener/cream blush/highlighter needs.  The yellow cream is listed as a mattifier; but, I think it makes an excellent under eye brightener.

5. Biggest regret

Smashbox Masterclass III Palette:  I thought this was going to be the answer to my travel palette dreams. Neutral shadows on one side, colorful shadow on the other.  Plus, there's contour, highlight and blush in there.  Emilynoel83 raved about this, saying she loved the eyeshadow formula.  After I got it and traveled with it a couple of times, I realized I wasn't that nuts about the eyeshadow formula.  And I wasn't that nuts about the shadows on the right side of the palette.  I realized they weren't MY kind of colorful shadows.  This has gone to someone else since buying.

6. Best color names

Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette: Part of the fun of Kat Von D cosmetics is seeing what the colors are named.  They could be named after rock stars, music styles, a concept, her sphynx cats...  This palette is a prime example of her naming style:   Swoon, Destroyer, Rewind, Harpsichord, Analogue, Fran, Legend, Vinyl, Misfit, Lemmy, Hyperballad, Synth, Darkwave, Echo, Muse, Anthem, Love, Lyric, Strutter, Moulder, Noble, Skulls and Black Metal.

TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Nude: With Highlighters named Mary-Lou Manizer & Cindy-Lou Manizer , you know TheBalm has a sense of humor!  This palette is no exception.  The palette has a slightly naughty sense of humor -- "size matt(e)rs" they say.  (They aren't kidding with the generously sized shadow pans!) Some of the shadow names also have a slightly naughty sense of humor as well:   Matt Johnson, Matt Garcia, Matt Malloy, Matt Rosen, Matt Wood, Matt Singh, Matt Abdul, Matt Lombardi, Matt Hung.

7. Least used

Urban Decay Naked 3: Let me preface this by saying, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this palette.  I was really excited to get this palette.  I created a couple of nice looks; but, after using it a few times, I just wasn't that interested in it anymore  I love changing up my eye look and this didn't offer me enough variety to hold my interest.  This has gone to someone else who can use it.

8. Most used/most loved/desert island palette

Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette: I love, love, love this palette!  There is so much I can do with this palette -- even create a nude eye look if I wanted!  So many looks can be created with this palette without pulling in another palette.  But, another palette, of course, can be pulled in as well.  The only two colors I haven't explored on this palette, yet, are the blues and pinks.  

Ta Ta For Now!

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!