Show and Tell: Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner
Covergirl recently sent Blended Beauté some of their latest products which I have played with and tested. Now the verdict is in…
credit: Covergirl.com
This is a definite keeper! This eyeliner gives you the intensity and staying power of a liquid with the ease and blendability of a waterproof pencil. You can use the liner for intense definition or smoke it out with the built-in smudger. I don’t usually care for dual ended tools with smudgers but this smudger I like and it allows you to create a subtle, smoky look. These liners are also a great base for layering eyeshadow and building intensity. They come in six pigment-rich colors (CG sent them all) which I have added to my kit: Blackfire (I’m a softie for rich black eyeliner pencils), Brown Blaze, Silver Spark, Violet Voltage, Blue Boom and Green Glow.
Liquiline Blast is a versatile eyeliner. So versatile that makeup artist Pat McGrath (I ♥ her work) created several different looks using the eyeliner during Milan fashion shows for Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Lanvin. Here are some of those looks which I read about recently in Allure. You may not go to this extreme, but the pictures and pointers just might inspire you.
Bottega Veneta
For a punk look at Bottega Veneta, McGrath smudged on a thick stripe of black cream shadow and darkened the creases and corners with LiquiLine Blast. She then topped it all with black shadow.
Gucci
At Gucci, McGrath drew the pencil along the inner rims of the lids, then traced a razor thin line of it along the top lashes. On top of all the pencil, she swept a soft brown eye shadow.
Lanvin
For Lanvin’s tough makeup look, McGrath rimmed the eyes over and over with the pencil, then with black shadow, and dragged the mix out at the corners before dusting a sparkly antique-gold shadow on top for a “flash of light.”
Photos: Allure.com; makeup descriptions: Pat McGrath via Allure June issue.
Next review: LashBlast Fusion Mascara and Outlast Lipstain
Read More »Eye Shape Series: Big Eyes
How do you complement big eyes without making them look bigger? Musician Zooey Deschanel is good example to demonstrate how this can be done.
Musician Zooey Deschanel
HOW TO COMPLEMENT BIG EYES
1. To offset roundness, line only top lashes. Flick the liner up at the outer corners to create an almond shape. Notice in the picture on the left, that Zooey’s bottom lashes are also lined. This overemphasizes the roundness of her eyes and makes them appear bigger. However, in the picture on the right, the absence of liner on the bottom really lifts her eyes and they appear more almond shaped and less round.
2. Go for matte, pale shadows (think taupes, light browns) to give subtle color, and stay away from sparkle which can make eyes appear too wide.
3. Don’t load up on the mascara. Lightly define lashes — two coats is enough. Tip: Wipe excess mascara off the wand before applying.
Next: How to open up hooded eyes
Read More »Eye Shape Series: Small Eyes
As a makeup artist, my favorite feature to play up is definitely the eyes. I’m often asked what’s the best way to enhance and create the perfect peepers. It’s more than just swiping on shadow. Following are some tips to play up small eyes. And in the next three posts, we’ll explore tips for complementing big eyes, opening up hooded eyes and bringing out deep-set eyes.
Nia Long and Taylor Swift have small eyes.
HOW TO ENHANCE SMALL EYES
1. Trace powder or gel liner close to top lash lines, then lightly smudge. If you prefer liquid liner, make sure it’s not too dark or it will look harsh. Don’t encase eyes fully or you’ll close them up even more. I like: MAC Blacktrack Fluidline.
2. To make eyes seem larger, dab highlighter in the inner and outer corners of the eyes and right below your brow bone. I like: Senna Spot Lites Highlighting Pencil
3. Curl lashes before applying mascara for extra lift. I like: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler; ARTISTRY Total Mascara
Next: How to complement big eyes
Read More »UNII Palettes
I’m always looking to consolidate my makeup kit and have found another helpful and cute tool that will certainly come in handy. UNII Palette is a sleek, magnetized case that lets you pop in pans of eye shadows, blushes, face powders and more from any brand. Similar to Z Palette which I have and 
use, UNII Palettes are another alternative to organizing your makeup. You can also create customized palettes by arranging your makeup by day, evening, trend, texture or whatever. I especially love that UNII palettes have a large full-sized mirror which is perfect for on the go. And the colors are cute. Pomegranate. Twilight. Lemongrass. Eggplant and Snow. UNII Palettes are $29 and shipping is FREE for a limited time only to U.S. and Canada residents. Check them out at www.UNIICosmetics.com.
Spring Beauty Picks
Keep things light as the days warm up with these seasonal selections:
OPI Nail Lacquer in Suzi Says Feng Shui is a cool pool blue that will look chic and ladylike with the many cute spring sandals I’ve been eyeing.
I’m loving color for spring and Dolce & Gabanna’s Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Mystery doesn’t disappoint. The lavender and brown will make for a sexy smoky eye. See more duos at Dolce & Gabanna Make Up.
Shiseido’s Makeup Luminizing Lip Gloss in Pop Life is the perfect cotton-candy pink for spring.
Another nail color I’m feeling is Jelly by Butter London in Twee. It’s an ultrasheer magenta that’s a welcome alternative to the classic opaque nail. For more lovely lacquer options, visit Butter London.
Coming up: Spring Beauty Picks for lovely locks.
Read More »TREND Beauté: MAC Rainbow Pop Colors
We know spring will be the season for eye candy. Bright, vivid shades of green, blue, hot pink, yellow and purple are going to make a bold appearance. So consider adding some pop to your makeup bag with these eight just-launched eye shadows from MAC:
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Winkle: midtone cornflower blue |
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Sunny Spot: light acid green yellow |
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Atlantic Blue: bright violet blue |
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Lucky Green: frosted midtone lime |
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Vibrant Grape: bright magenta violet |
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Free to Be: bright true coral |
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Red Brick: orange red |
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Goldenrod: bright marigold yellow |
So “grab your greens, push your pinks or bolster your blues” with a rainbow of colors. And enjoy free standard shipping on any order when you use the code: POP. Offer is valid through 11:59 pm EST MONDAY, JANUARY 18th, 2010.
Read More »