Update: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
I wrote a few months ago that I was excited to try Urban Decay’s Naked 2 Palette which they tout as having 12 gorgeous neutrals. Shades range from delicate champagnes to dark, gritty gunmetal. There are also five new shades. I ordered the palette and have spent a lot of time trying it out at weddings, photo and video shoots and at home.
Read More »Face Chart Pro for iPad
iPad screenshot / image Enkore Makeup
I don’t have an iPad, but EnKore Makeup’s FACE CHART PRO for iPad makes me want to get one. If you’ve ever designed a look on a textured paper face chart (using real makeup, brushes, Q-tips, your fingers, etc. ) then you understand why I appreciate what this app has to offer. With paper face charts there is little room for error as you can’t erase your mistakes. Too much eye shadow? Start over. But Face Chart Pro helps you create makeup looks on a digital canvas. I love the idea and concept of this app. Enkore describes it as the “ultimate digital tool for today’s working makeup professional (and makeup enthusiasts).” More on the app:
With the use of fingers, or a stylus, artists simply select any of the built-in brushes, color palettes, customize colors, and effects. Create colorful or neutral eye makeup looks, from eyes, skin finishes, blush, and lips. Adding effects such as rhinestones, glitter, and cheetah spots is easy. This app also features an eyelash drawer that allows artists to pick-n-tap eye lashes.
Some of the other features include:
- Canvas that fills the iPad screen.
- Five base canvas choices to begin with: Blank, Full Face with Open Eye, Full Face with Closed Eye, Open Eye, and Closed Eye.
Multi-Touch Interface:
iPad screenshot / image Enkore Makeup
- Two finger pan & zoom navigation
- Pinch in and out for controls
Brushes & Tools:
- Advanced paint engine delivers smooth and precise brush strokes.
- Multiple brushes used in the industry.
- Cotton Swab tool for cleaning and erasing
- Customizable brush settings for each brush and tools
- Undo and Redo button
- Mirror tool allows user to only create a look on one eye, or one side of the face, and then generate the other side automatically.
- Preset Makeup Color Palettes with their own separate categories.
- Custom color grid
- Eyelashes drawer
Gallery:
- Store and view work in progress
- Save finished charts to iPad’s Camera Roll
This app has been getting rave reviews, so I guess I have an excuse now to get an iPad! For more information and examples, visit www.FaceChartPro.com
Read More »In My Kit: e.l.f. Cream Eyeliner
I have tried many cream eyeliners: MAC, Bobbi Brown, Natural Born cosmetics, Lancome, Loreal to name a few and they cost anywhere from $10 and up. So imagine my surprise when another MUA said she loved the cream liner from e.l.f. cosmetics AND it only cost 3 bucks! I had to try it and must admit that it’s the best $3 I’ve spent in awhile. The cream formula creates smooth thin or bold lines that are defined and precise. It also gives smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-resistant coverage for all day wear. So yes, it combats nicely against sweat and tears. I use it on a lot of my brides. A slanted eyeliner brush is also included, but I chucked it because it was too small for my needs. The liner comes in an array of colors: olive, copper, gunmetal, purple, coffee, black, midnight, ivory, teal, golden and punk purple. I’ve only tried black and gunmetal. Love the black. It’s rich and dark; gunmetal is a gray with shimmer. It wasn’t as bold as I was hoping on my skin tone, but it’s still a keeper.
In My Kit: Revlon Illuminance Crème Eyeshadows
I’ve been reaching for Revlon’s Illuminance Crème shadows a lot lately because these versatile palettes let me have it both ways: Sheer or intense color. The deeply pigmented, creamy powders — available in many, many shades — give a sheer wash of color but can also be layered for a more intense look. Some of my favorites: Electric Pop (pictured), Wild Orchids, Not Just Nudes, Skinlights, Moonlit Jewels and Copper Coast. I’ve used them on brides and in photo shoots; from soft and pretty to sultry and smokey, with great results. $5.00-$6.50; at drugstores and retailers such as Walmart and Target.
Read More »Beauté Fave: Navy Mascara
ARTISTRY Reflective Beauty Mascara in Ultimate Blue (left); and NYX Navy Mascara.
Have a little fun this fall and step outside the basic black box. I am loving navy mascara because it’s a great way to intensify your eye color with a little drama. It’s also the perfect finishing touch for any fall eye look and has a great eye-brightening effect. I’ve worn it alone or on top of my favorite black mascara for an added pop of color. I’ve tried several brands recently and really like the richly pigmented formulas which can go from subtle to ultimate glam. They also have special ingredients for nourishing and conditioning. That’s always a plus to keep lashes healthy looking and strong. Check them out while they’re still hot and get ready to bat your lashes.
Estee Lauder Moisture-Binding Mascara in Rich Navy (left); Bobbi Brown Ultimate Party Mascara in Denim.
- NYX Navy Mascara ($5; available at many beauty supply and drug stores)
ARTISTRY Light Up Lip Glosses
These lovely lip glosses (also a favorite of Miss America) were quite popular at a recent makeup event I had. With three versatile shades to complement every skin tone and a minty-fresh flavor, ARTISTRY Light Up Lip Glosses add brilliant shine to your lips. They also look great over lipstick and they’re not sticky. A definite plus for me. Another cool feature is the super cute built-in mirror and LED light, perfect for touching up your pout anytime, anywhere. The lip glosses come in Glitz (cool undertone), Champagne (neutral undertone) and Passion (neutral undertone). Check them out. And remember, it’s not to soon to start thinking about that perfect holiday gift…Mwah!
In My Kit: Beauty Blender
I’ve rekindled my love for Beautyblender. I ordered it over a year ago, tried it, thought it was just okay and put it aside. But recently, I rediscovered why this little sponge is all the rave. I’ve been using Black Opal cream foundation sticks when I need medium-to-heavy coverage; however, they’re not very 
spreadable. So I asked fellow MUA Samuel Paul (who’s work I ♥) what his technique is for working with these foundation sticks. He said putting them in a pallet helps to soften and make them creamier. And to apply them, he uses a foundation brush and a lightly damp sponge to blend them some more. That’s when I remembered my Beautyblender. I pulled it out, dampened it and rekindled our relationship. It truly works wonders! Its tight cell structure has made working with these cream foundations a piece of cake. The elliptical shape is also very useful. The pointed side makes it easier to apply foundation around the nose, mouth and under the eyes. And the round base is great for larger areas of the face. You can even apply blush with it. I use a stippling technique when applying foundation and Beautyblender helps blend the makeup without creating changes in the texture or tone of your skin. And when using a foundation brush, I use it to smooth over and feather out brush streaks. I had a recent bride with problem skin and blemishes, but worked the makeup over the blemishes using the pointed end and a stipple-and-roll technique for a perfect finish. I had long forgotten about Beautyblender, but I’m glad it’s officially in my makeup kit.
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 »Artemis Woman Microdermabrasion System
Part of my mission as a makeup artist and skin care specialist is to ensure every woman realizes their beauty potential. Makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath so I’m big on great skin care first, then makeup to enhance. Clear up instead of cover up! I’m also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good Feel Better” program, teaching beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment. My mother is a breast cancer survivor so it has been a blessing to use my love of makeup artistry in this way. Combine all of that and what do you have? 
Well, part of my skin care regimen includes at-home microdermabrasion treatments. My two faves are ARTISTRY Microdermabrasion system and Philosophy’s Microdelivery Peel. I use them both. But I’ve recently added the Artemis Woman Microdermabrasion System ($50) to supplement my regimen, and not only do I LOVE it, but a portion of the profits supports alternative treatments and screenings for women’s cancers.
The system is a professional-quality set that uses finely ground natural gemstones and pure essential oils to give you an amazing glow, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and feel rejuvenated. Natural aromatherapy joins the gem therapy for a true spa experience. The scrubber set includes four attachments and the rich formula therapy blend.
Join me in supporting this worthy cause. Your skin will love you for it! Soothe your budget, keep your beauty and help women’s cancers. 
For more information, just complete the form below.
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Read More »Face Time with Senna Cosmetics – Part 2
Now that you know about Senna Cosmetics’ great brow, primer and highlighting products, let’s get more up close and personal with some of their other fab items. Double your pleasure, double your fun with Double Effect Creamline Powder Duo Palette ($40). Rock a cat-eye fast and easy with a rich metallic eye lining cream on one side and a harmonizing metallic eye powder on the other. The mirrored compact includes three Creamline Powder Duos in Black Magic (deep black), Orchid Magic (blackened metallic plum) and Java (rich coffee brown) and two brushes. I prefer full-sized brushes, but the mini brushes are doable for on the go. Love how the cream liner glides over lids, giving a well-defined and softly matte finish that lasts. And the matching eye shadows are brilliant and pretty. Here is one way you can work this compact cutie, which has become a Blended Beauté fave:
“Line around the rim with the precise angled brush, then over line it with powder for budge proof, runway-looking eyes. Smoke it out using the shadow brush and the powder up to the crease.”
I was impressed with Senna’s eye shadows ($16.50) which come in various finishes: matte, sheer, sparkling and metallic. They are super blendable and richly pigmented. I played around with metallics Lynx (deep copper brown), Malachite (vivid metallic blue green), pictured, and Masquerade (reflective royal purple). Also sheer Champagne (soft peach champagne) would look great on many skin tones.
I’m still blushing over Cheeky Blush ($19) because the formula is amazing! Powders can be dry and creams fade fast, but this product combines the best of both worlds. It gives you the lively glow of a cream with the lasting power of a powder. Just dab and go. I tried Geranium (fresh coral pink). Senna’s regular blush powder didn’t disappoint either. Silky. Smooth. Easy to blend. Get dolled up with Dollface (warmed pink matte). The blushes are available in three different finishes for the effect you want. Sheer Matte gives a velvety opaque look. Sheer Glow adds radiance. Sheer Sparkling has micro pigments that reflect light.
Perfect your pout with lip liners, lipsticks and lip lacquers. Senna’s lip liners ($17) have a lovely texture that gives the right balance of softness and firmness for easy application and precise definition. And they don’t smudge easily. Watch out for their triple threat sheer lipsticks ($18). They condition, hydrate and protect. I puckered up to Rosette (natural brown rose), Nova (glistening peach) and Glint (warm pink). The colors are fresh and lively, and my lips felt soft and smooth thanks to Jojoba and Avocado. And it’s good to know there’s SPF 15 to protect them from damaging UV rays. Lastly, the lip lacquers ($19) make you want to eat them! They have a super delicious vanilla flavor that is yummy. I like Bling Bling (golden), pictured, Cosmo (sparkling coral pink) and Zest (opalescent peachy pink). Serious gloss lovers will like these full-bodied lacquers which also contain Vitamin E and Jojoba. They are a bit sticky for my taste, but they do last and there are plenty of rich colors and finishes (pearl, cream, sheer, sparkling) to choose from.
I’m definitely sold on Senna!
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- Face Time with Senna Cosmetics – Part 1, click here.