Glam and Uncensored

So, I will admit it, I’m a makeup addict. And with all of the cosmetics on the Internet or in stores, it is nearly impossible to choose from any one cosmetics company. However, there are three I products that I do go for. These three would be Too Faced, Colourpop Cosmetics and It Cosmetics Brushes.

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The foundation I use most is produced by Too Faced Cosmetics. It is called Born This Way foundation. It has medium to full coverage, provides you with a great finish and blends well with a sponge or brush. Too Faced Born This Way foundation is oil-free, non-comedogenic, waterproof and oil-free. This is going to help give a smoother and youthful appearance.

The foundation comes in close to 35 shades, so you have an excellent chance of finding a shade of foundation which matches your skin. The bottle holds an ounce of foundation. It took 2-3 pumps of foundation to cover my entire face. And the finish comes off as soft and natural looking.

Please let me know your opinion on Too Faced Born This Way. I’d love to hear it in the comments below.

COLOURPOP COSMETICS

Colourpop Cosmetics came out in 2014. During that year, I came across a grouping of highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes with color sequences off the chart. The color palettes are a mixture of matte, satin and glittery shades. The Colourpop palettes also come in a variety of compositions: single palette, nine piece palette and twelve piece palette. And yes, I have nearly every palette. I just cannot get over all the beautiful colors and their consistencies.

One of the pressed powder palettes I love wearing is called, “NUDE MOOD“. The palette will make you feel in the mood for a glamorous look. It is a nine color palette filled with the colors gold, tan, light pink and cream. Too boot, two of the colors are of a glitter format. This palette would be great for an everyday look and easily slips into a night-time, sultry appearance.

Another pressed powder palette of Colourpop is “I THINK I LOVE YOU”. The palette is satiny and composed of 12 warm neutral colors and a black hue. So if you wish to take that daytime notch up a little, this would be the palette. The colors are workable, so do not expect any problems with the satiny eyeshadows.

Colourpop Cosmetics also has foundation, concealer, powder and blush, highlighter and bronzer. I have not tried every single item from Colourpop Cosmetics, but the items get an “A” in my book.

Obviously, in order to use the items from Too Faced and Colourpop Cosmetics, I am going to need good quality tools to apply my makeup. Failing to use good quality brushes will contribute to an inferior look.

That’s where IT Cosmetics bruses come in. IT Cosmetics brushes are not cheap, nor or they very expensive. They fall somewhere in the middle. And the brushes are worth every penny. For example, a ball powder brush is at $48. Also, the IT Cosmetics company is cruelty-free. A factor which is important to me.

All of the brands, Too Faced Born This Way foundation, Colourpop Cosmetics and IT Cosmetics Brushes, are all terrific; and can be used for an everyday look and a nighttime look. These should definitely be given a try.

When it comes to lipstick, some brands are a joke, and others are your go to lipstick for work or a night on the town. For the lipsticks that are a miss, it feels as if you are throwing money out the window. While the lipsticks that are a success make you feel like you struck gold. But with all the lipsticks on the market, how do you choose the best brand?

Below I have listed the five brands of lipsticks which have come to be my “go to” lipsticks. I hope you will like them as much as I do.

MAC – This was one of the non-drugstore brands I purchased when I first got into makeup. The brand has so many shades, I could not possibly list them all. Their lipsticks last long, they rarely smear they rarely need touch-ups, and MAC is constantly coming out with new colors and . I really like their line of lipsticks, and would recommend this brand. Mac lipsticks may be purchased at the following website: www.maccosmetics.com

COLOURPOP – Here is a brand which comes with zero low points. The lipstick has a thin lightweight formula, which will help it go on smoothly. It has a lot of pigmentation, making it nearly kiss proof. With all of this, the high pigmentation, the lightweight formula and the low price makes Colourpop the ideal colored lipstick. You can purchase these lipsticks at the following site: www.colourpop.com

NYX – By far, this is one of the better drugstore lipsticks. The lipstick is cruelty-free, creamy, velvety to the touch, and has a matte finish. They even do not dry out your lips and it is flattering to many skin tones. For example, one of their lipsticks, “Liquid Suede Lipstick” is a waterproof lipstick which sets to a smooth, matte finish lipstick. It is one of the best drugstore makeup brands on today’s emerging beauty trends, and it is a staple for anyone who likes wearing makeup or is on a budget. This is one more brand I would recommend. You may purchase these lipsticks at the following website: www.nyxcosmetics.com.

URBAN DECAY – When I first started wearing lipstick, I wore drugstore brands such as Maybelline, Covergirl and L’Oreal. Then I discovered Sephora and their exquiste brands. One of the brands they sold was Urban Decay. In my opinion, Urban Decays’ lipsticks have an ingenious lip formula. Their lipsticks have a wide variety of shades and finishes which gives a great laydown of color in a quick single sweep. With Urban Decay, you do not need lip pencils as the lipsticks do not feather or emigrate. Now, I will say this, you may have to touch up your lipstick after eating or drinking. Wrapping up, in my opinion, Urban Decay line of lipstick is fantastic. The variety colors, the way it feels when you put it on your lips and they way it is packaged. Urban Decay’s lipsticks at the following website: www.urbandecay.com

WET N’ WILD – What can I say about the Wet N’ WILD lipstick collection? Well, for the price you get impressive quality, no streaking, caking or feathering, and with a velvet feeling when applied. The lipsticks are highly pigmented, and have a powerful rich quality to the look. Growing up and just starting to wear the lipsticks by Wet N’ Wild, I did not find them all too great. Fast forward a few years later, when I had a better handle on good quality lipstick, I changed my mind. These lipsticks are a longstanding staple in the drugstore and with good reason. I consider these lipsticks formidable whether compared to drugstore or high end. You may find these lipsticks at the following website. http://www.wetnwildbeauty.com

These five lipsticks are on the top of my list of lipsticks all of which are reasonably priced, come in many shades which are virtually non-transferable and are well priced. These lipsticks are aces in my book.

BTW – I have a very good friend, Ashley Gaspard, who is also a beauty blogger, and a good one at that. Oddly enough, her current blog is regarding the proper way to apply lipstick. You can find this blog at www.MakeMePrettyPlz.com.

OMG! What a pain in the ass to have to remove eye makeup. You spend all this time making sure you have your primer and eyeliner just right, and now that work is done it is time remove the eye makeup. But as usual, it takes more time to remove the face makeup, than it is the eye makeup.

I have come up with a few ways to remove your makeup in as little time as possible:

1. MICELLAR WATER – There are a lot of micellar water on the market. More than I can mention. But I do have a favorite, and it is Garnier Skinactive. Let’s get real. Everyone knows not to scrub and pull there eyes when removing eye makeup. With Garnier Skinactive you can clean your eyelids in gentle sweeps. This micellar cleansing water attracts dirt like a magnet. And with that you have fewer tugs and pulls around the eye area. The Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water may be purchased at Ulta Beauty for $4.99.
   
2. COCONUT OIL – Using coconut oil is great for removing eyeliner and mascara. Coconut oil is effective, moisturizing, natural and cheap. And it is great for waterproof mascara. Coconut oil breaks up water-resistant substances used in eye shadow and mascara, releasing them from the skin and lashes. And unlike your everyday eye makeup removers, the coconut oil is going to leave your skin soft and leave you young looking. The Coconut Oil at can be purchased at Wal-Mart for $3.60.
   
3. VASELINE – The use of Vaseline is not a new idea, believe it or not. The useful petroleum jelly can help break down waterproof mascara, and it is wonderful for sensitive eyes. To use Vaseline petroleum jelly, you place some on your finger and massage the eye area until all the makeup comes off. Then clean away with a tissue or cotton and wash your face. You may buy Vaseline at Target for $1.79.

These are just a few suggestions for removing eye makeup. Remember to handle the removal process with great care because your skin is thinner and more delicate. Take it easy and remove that eye makeup.

While I have made many purchases of makeup from drugstores or the Internet, I have always had a love for luxury brands cosmetics. There are times when you’ve got to treat yourself right, and go to a fancy department store to buy a high-end mascara or setting powder. Here are some of the brand names of the higher-end cosmetics I like and recommend:

• LAURA MERCIER TRANSLUCENT LOOSE SETTING POWDER – This is one of the first, loose translucent powders I purchased, which I love to this day. This lightweight, luminous, and non-comedonenic setting powder will give you coverage and lasts for at least 12 hours. And best of all, it does not settle into fine lines or look cakey – $38.00.
• NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER – Having dry skin and fine lines can make it difficult to find that one, creamy and radiant concealer. But I like to think that NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is the answer to my prayers. This concealer is not only lightweight, but it offers very high coverage. It also brightens the under eye area from cracking nearly all day. It is offered in 16 diverse shades (a major win for women of color) and formulated with magnolia bark extract, vitamin E, and grape-seed extract. This concealer doesn’t simply mask blemishes; it may help treat them as well. – $30.00.
• GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION – Looking for a silky, smooth and flawless foundation? Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has the answer! The feather-light, oil-free foundation goes on smoothly with a natural finish while providing sheer to medium, coverage. – $64.00.
• URBAN DECAY ALL-NIGHT SETTING SPRAY – You got your makeup on just right, and you are set and ready for that all important date. Now you need to set that marvelous look. Try Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray. The setting spray will help your makeup from budging, fading, and/or slipping. My skin is very dry during the winter, and my makeup settles into my pores, even when I apply primer. I found this setting spray a miracle! There were no dry, wet or sticky patches. None of my makeup began to run when I starting perspiring. The Urban Decay All-Night Setting Spray lasted 8 hours, leaving my face fresh looking all day long. – $32.00
• GIVENCHY NOIR COUTURE 4 IN 1 MASCARA – Ever wanted to achieve glossy, voluminous eyelashes in a few seconds? Givenchy’s Noir Couture 4 in 1 will help you achieve this. The 4 in 1 mascara curls, lengthens, thickens and provides complete lash care. And because it is light and silky, it is easy to apply. But in order to achieve the look of curled lashes, you are going to need to apply at least three coats or use the curler before using the Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara. And besides the appearance of long lush lashes, the Givenchy mascara will not smudge under your eyes. This is the holy grail of mascaras; a must have in your cosmetic collection – $33.00
• MODERN RENAISSANCE EYESHADOW BY ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS – As long as I can recall, the eyeshadow produced by Anatasia Beverly Hills has been the one to beat. The eyeshadow palette is perfect for achieving an impressive everyday look, and a glamourous night appearance. When you apply Anastasia’s 14 eyeshadow pan, you will find it has awesome pay off: a great intermix with the colors and buttery texture. – $42.00
• CHARLOTTE TILLBURY FILMSTAR BRONZER AND GLOW – I will admit this bronzer costs twice the cost of most other bronzers. But bear in mind, it is worth the extra cash. Charlotte Tillsbury Filmstar comes equipped with a bronzer and highlighter in one case. The best feature of the bronzer is it does not come off as orangey like most bronzers. The Filmstar bronzer is a medium tan, with warm undertones and a wonderful satin finish. The Filmstar also has medium to dark tones, for those who are not fair skinned. This nimble, silky texture applies easily without visible lines. Purchase the Charlotte Tillbury Filmstar Bronzer and get ubiquitous flattering shades and a very blendable powder formula. – $68.00

So are high-priced makeup products worth the extra money? The answer is “sometimes”. It can have a better formula, last longer and sometimes come in more attractive packaging. But this is not always the case. A vast majority of prime makeup contains the same components of drugstore makeup, therefore you should always look in the mirror and decide what you feel is best for you.