Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics: Eye Shadow Duo

Spring is in finally in the air and what better time to experiment with beautiful eye shadow!

In life there may be few people who inspire artistic expression and compel you to explore your skills. Kevyn Aucoin was one of my favorite makeup artists. He had the exceptional talent and ability to transform the face and accentuate a woman's natural beauty. He was the master of contouring and was well known for his work with celebrities like Janet Jackson, Cher, Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tina Turner, Vanessa Williams and many more. Kevyn's best selling book Making Faces is one of the most popular literary guides for Makeup Artists everywhere and helped many people improve their technique.

Today I am going to review Kevyn's eye shadow duo called Vellum Shimmer #202. This is a great every day palette! The shades are on the neutral side and can be worn alone or easily paired with a variety of other colors.

These shadows are silky smooth and highly pigmented. The golden shade is a great lid color and the silver is suitable for the lids and also makes a beautiful highlight for the inner eye area and the brow bone. Although there are only two shades in the palette they look beautiful simply paired with eyeliner. They also blend easily, don't crease and last all day. The formula is easy to work with and application is quick yet appears lovely with little effort.

These shades compliment many skin tones and can be worn during all seasons. For best results prime the lids with a good shadow base.

Although quite basic the palette is very nice and I love the quality. The look I created is soft and fresh, ideal for a sunny spring day.

I used the golden shade on my lids and darkened the crease with the color Busted from the Naked 2 palette and a matte black shadow. I used the silver shade to highlight around my inner eye area and I lined the top lash line with a liquid liner. I lined the bottom lashes with a pencil liner and smudged out the line for a soft finish. These shadows can be paired with almost any color lipstick. 

On my lips I am wearing a beautiful orange based coral lipstick called Coral Crush by Red Apple Lipstick. 

The duos also come in many other color combinations and retail for $42 each at Barney's New York. The price is reflective of a high end brand and may be quite steep for the average makeup lover. I recommend comparing prices among retailers. You can find the palettes HERE and you can check out the list of retailers HERE

Have you tried any products from Kevyn's line?

Disclaimer: This products was provided by The Makeup Show L.A in the Blogger Press Kit. I was not obligated to review this product. All opinion are my own. Results may vary based on individual use.

Cailyn Cosmetics Line-Fix Gel Eyeliner

I love bold eyeliner and sometimes on a busy morning all you need to do is wing your liner, slather on some gloss and you are good to go. Today I have a review on the Line-Fix gel eyeliner by Cailyn Cosmetics. This brand also sells a great variety of makeup for the face and lips.

I usually use liquid eyeliner because I hadn't found a gel liner that I loved until now! This gel is very easy to work with even if you are no expert with drawing a straight line across your lashes. The formula is very creamy and doesn't dry out immediately after application which gives you time to perfect and alter your line. It glides on velvety smooth and you don’t need much to create an intense, bold look.

I love the packaging because it conveniently comes with a built in brush that is hidden in the handle of the cover. For travel you don’t have to worry about packing a separate brush or forgetting to bring one with you. The box also has simple instructions for creating the perfect line.

Photo courtesy of Cailyn Cosmetics.com 

“Once dry, the gel is smudge proof and water proof for 24 hours.” The fact that it doesn't smudge makes it wonderful for smokey looks and lining the bottom lashes which is something I avoid with most liquid liners. It is also highly concentrated and safe for sensitive eyes. Although ultra pigmented the liner does not have the same finish or inked effect as a liquid liner, I find it similar to a pencil finish with more color payoff. Compared to some of the liquid products I have used this gel creates a neater, straighter line which makes eye makeup look tidier. 

 I would recommend this product for those who are new to gel or liquid liner and need to practice with something simple. Even though the formula is waterproof it is easy to remove with makeup remover or a makeup wipe. I also like that the gel maintains it's consistency and doesn't dry out in the jar.

Color: Black

The brush has a sturdy pointed tip and works well for creating both thin and thick lines. It is recommended that you clean the brush after each use and I also like to smooth the bristles back into the original shape to maintain the point. This has become my go-to eyeliner when I don't have the time or patience to work with liquid products but still want a sharp line.

The liner is available in 13 other shades and retails for $21 each. You can find more information on the website by clicking HERE. I definitely think this liner is worth the price.

Photo courtesy of Cailyn Cosmetics.com 

Disclaimer: This product was provided by The Makeup Show L.A in the Press Kit. I was not obligated to review this product. All opinion are my own. Results may vary based on individual use.

Make Up For Ever High Definition Pressed Powder Review

In the warmer months it’s always a good idea to have a setting powder handy for quick touch-ups. Even while going about your daily activities makeup may smear, transfer or appear a bit oily. My favorite setting powder is the Make Up For Ever high definition loose powder. It sets makeup beautifully and makes skin appear radiant to the naked eye and on HD cameras or recording devices. I also like that it brightens my skin and makes me look fresh and alert even when I feel tired and my skin shows it. Although I love the loose powder the large bulky packaging is not ideal for use on the go so I was ecstatic when Make Up For Ever came out with the new HD pressed powder.

I have the powder in 0.07oz and it is the perfect size to slip in a purse. The products in the HD range are designed to “create makeup that is flawless, natural and invisible.” The powder is also wonderful for eliminating oil and shine to create a matte, luminous finish. Like the loose powder this one is also translucent which makes it great for every skin tone. It blends in effortlessly and revives the look of makeup throughout the day.

“The unique combination of ingredients fades away the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.” I really like the formula and the lightweight texture; it doesn't feel heavy or get cakey. It is also enriched with hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness and a little goes a long way so lightly sweeping it on produces better results. For humid summer days this powder is more efficient at mattifying and absorbing oil and shine than blotting sheets which can pick up foundation and create a blotchy appearance. 

This product is a must for me when I am shooting makeup looks, taking photos or attending events. If you haven’t tried it yet and you are looking for a great setting powder then I would definitely recommend checking this out.

0.07oz currently retails at Sephora.ca for $26 and the larger size (0.21oz) retails for $41.You can check it out HERE and on the Make Up For Ever website HERE 

What is your favorite setting powder?

*Disclaimer: I received this product from The Makeup Show L.A in the Press kit. I was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions are my own and based on my experience with the product. Results may vary based on individual use.*

Gleam by Melanie Mills the Secret to Glowing Skin

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! It’s time to peel off some layers of clothing and tuck the snow boots away. It is also the time of year when we all crave healthy, glowing skin. Today I have a review on some great products from Gleam. Gleam is a brand I was first introduced to at IMATS Toronto last year and then at The Makeup Show L.A I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Melanie Mills, the brand's founder. I like these products so much that I just had to collaborate with Melanie and her team to bring you a review.

Dancing with the Stars, and the Creation of Gleam

Melanie Mills is an Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist for her work on Dancing with the Stars. If you have ever wondered how the celebrities and professional dancers on the show achieve that beautifully bronzed skin that is always highlighted and luminous in all the right places then look no further than Gleam!

Gleam Body Radiance is a body lotion that enhances the skin, prefects skin tone, fills wrinkles and gives skin a healthy glow. "It has been an industry secret for go-to face and body makeup" and is made with natural ingredients. The line also includes the Lip Radiance collection; “seven couture lip glosses that visibly improve lip texture” and the Gleam Radiance Dust.

More on Melanie

Melanie has worked on That 70’s Show, Reno 911, Six Feet Under, The Office and more. She has also worked with celebrities including: “Ariana Grande, Jennifer Grey, Kim Kardashian, Susan Lucci, Pamela Anderson, Nicole Sherzinger, Kelly Osbourne, Lil Kim, Margaret Cho, Toni Braxton, Mario Lopez, Joey Lawrence, and Wendy Williams" to name just a few.

Gleam Body Radiance

Last year at IMATS I missed the opportunity to purchase Gleam at a discount, my mom however purchased the largest bottle she could find. Since then I knew I just had to get my hands on some. At the Makeup Show L.A I had the chance to test many of the products with the help of Melanie and Joanna and I left the show with gleaming skin!

Shades

There are four Body Radiance shades to choose from: Light Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold, and Deep Gold.

Gleam Body Radiance is makeup, moisturizer and glow all in one. The unique thing about this line is that there is a shade for every skin tone and ethnicity yet all the colors can be used by everyone! Whether you want to tan, highlight or enhance the lotion makes skin look dewy, healthy and radiant. The deeper shades can darken to create a gorgeous sun kissed glow and the lighter shades illuminate and perfect. It also helps diminish flaws like “small stretch marks, varicose veins and discoloration.” The lotions are scented with natural vanilla essence and smell pleasant. 

How to use Gleam

Gleam can be applied to legs, arms, shoulders, decolletage, the back or anywhere else you want to accentuate and add a beautiful, healthy sheen for every occasion. The shades can also be mixed together to create your own unique, customized look! I absolutely love these product because they appear quite natural and create an alluring effect. The formula is easy to work with, blends effortlessly and covers well.

These cosmetics are cruelty free, and contain no parabens, phthalates, petroleum and sulfates. Once applied and dry the lotion does not transfer, stain or streak.

The tubes come in 3 sizes:

1oz-$15

2oz-$30 

3oz-$40

Deep Gold looks fantastic on the legs, arms and shoulders. Those with fair skin tones can use it for a bronzed, tanned appearance and for deeper skin tones it looks great as a highlight for the face and body

I like to use this color on both the face and body as well. 

 I use Rose Gold as a brow bone highlight, cheek highlight and to highlight down the center of the nose. This shade appears most natural on my skin tone and illuminates without much bronzing.

Lip Radiance gloss in the color: Uncontrollable

I have reviewed many lip products but when I swatched the Lip Radiance collection I was impressed. Usually in a line there may be a few colors that don’t appeal to me as much but in this line all the shades are gorgeous!

The color I have coincides with Pantone’s color of the year and is called Uncontrollable. This is a stunning pink/purple orchid that has great pigmentation and is shiny, smooth, non-sticky and anti-feathering. They also contain vitamin E, jojoba and aloe to provide moisture. As far as lip gloss go these have become some of my favorites!

The glosses retail for $24 each and you can find them HERE 

Where to buy

If you would like your skin to gleam this summer you can get these products on the website by clicking HERE

You can also stop by the Gleam booth at IMATS or follow them on the social media accounts below to find out where they will be next!

TWITTER 

YOUTUBE 

FACEBOOK 

**Disclaimer: Deep Gold, Bronzed Gold and the Uncontrollable lip gloss were provided for a sponsored review courtesy of Gleam. Rose gold was purchased by me. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Real Techniques Powder Brush and Blush Brush

The tools you use to apply makeup are as essential as the makeup you use. When your brushes don’t perform it is difficult to achieve the looks you set out to create.

Real Techniques is a popular and affordable brand that has been on the market for a while but this is the first time I am reviewing any of them on my site. For those who are unsure whether these brushes are worth trying, today I am going review two popular brushes in the line, the powder brush and blush brush.

This powder brush is one of my favorites because of its plush soft bristles. It is dense yet pliable and feels gentle against the skin. There is minimum to no shedding, the quality is great and the handle is sturdy. The fibers pick up products easily and the wide bristle surface distributes them evenly.

The bristles are synthetic and hand cut, they are also cruelty free. I like that the base of the handle is flat so that the brush can stand upright on flat surfaces for easy storage.

I use this brush with pressed foundation, loose translucent powders and oil absorbing powders. It has a nice fluffy dome shape and blends products in nicely to create a soft, natural appearance.

The powder brush retails for $10 on the Real Techniques website which you can find HERE. It is also available at select stores and online retailers. I purchased mine at Ulta Beauty. 

The blush brush has a unique tapered shape with fine multi-length bristles, good for working with loose products and mineral makeup. The tip works well for lightly sweeping product onto the face and into the hollows of the cheeks.

I like the bristles on this brush because they are very fine and powders adhere well. The brush is also self-standing and very soft.

I don't particularly like this brush for blush because the flexibility of the bristles don't quite distribute it evenly onto the cheeks. There is too much bend in the fibers to effectively blend and even out the blotchy application. For blush I prefer a traditional round fluffy brush.

The blush brush retails for $9 and you can find it on the website HERE

Have you tried any Real Techniques brushes? What do you think of them?

Authority Cosmetics Review and Giveaway!!!

Get ready nail polish lovers! Today I have an exciting review and giveaway on Authority Cosmetics nail lacquer. After realizing that my love of polish and continuous manicures was wreaking havoc on my nails and causing them to peel, I decided to search for brands that used fewer chemicals.

Authority Cosmetics offers 10 gorgeous shades of lacquer that are free of: formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, camphor and formaldehyde resin making them less toxic and a safer choice.

These nail lacquers come in cute packaging and the bottles are large! You can find colors for any season or occasion and there is a nice selection of vibrant, fun shades to choose from.

I found that some of the shades do stain heavily while others don't stain at all. I recommend applying a base coat, two coats of lacquer and a top coat. The formula is wonderful and not prone to those pesky little air bubbles which I find frustrating. The polish is easy to work with and the brush is standard size but good quality. I like that the colors dry quickly and touch-ups are a breeze.

The shades are rich and apply beautifully opaque and glossy. In sunlight, they make my nails standout and look fabulous! With a good top coat the lacquers can last quite a while before chipping.

Saint Valentine is a deep, vibrant red suitable for everyday wear and as the name indicates perfect for Valentine’s Day. Red lacquer is classic and never goes out of style. This is one of my favorite shades in the line!

Paradise is a light, milky sky blue that reminds me of Easter and spring in a bottle!

Gumdrop is a beautiful, true pink great for all seasons and everyday wear. This color is also pretty for a bright pedicure.

Disco is a bright lime green that just screams summer fun!

Mermaid Tail

Authority Cosmetics also offers a metallic collection and the shades can be purchased separately or at a group rate. This set of polish is deeper than the shades above and have a stunning duo-chrome effect. 

Each polish retails for $14 and the metallic collection is on sale right now for $35.

GIVEAWAY TIME!
Enter for your chance to win these TWO gorgeous nail lacquers! 

Because I am obsessed with these alluring lacquers, Authority Cosmetics and I have decided to host a giveaway for everyone! This giveaway is open internationally and will run for one month at which time a random winner will be selected. One lucky winner will be receiving two bottles of  nail polish:  Paradise & St. Valentine.

Please be sure to read the rules below and enter correctly as outlined via Rafflecopter. Some forms of entry into the contest are allowed daily so get those entries in and good luck everyone!

Disclaimer and Rules: (Please Read)

This giveaway is sponsored by http://www.authoritycosmetics.com/ and hosted by Diary of a Trendaholic. It consists of 2 full sized bottles of nail polish valued at $24. The winner will receive the colors Paradise and St. Valentine. All entrants must enter correctly and provide the necessary information as outlined via Rafflecoptor. Only viable entries will be considered. This giveaway is open internationally and will run for one month beginning on Tuesday April 1st at 12am and ending on April 30th at 12am Eastern Time Zone.

One eligible winner will be chosen at random and announced on http://diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/. You must be at least 14 years of age to enter. Entrants under 18 must have permission from parents/guardians. The winner must send their mailing address (no PO Box addresses) and contact information to diaryofatrendaholic@outlook.com to receive the prize.  Winners will also be contacted by email if an email address is provided upon entering. In the event that the winner does not claim the prize within one week a second winner will be chosen at random or another thereafter until the prize is claimed. Diary of a Trendaholic is not responsible for a lost package, delays, damages or any other issues that occur during shipping, handling or mailing. Good luck!

contest can also be found at 

Canada Contests at AllCanadaContests.com
ContestCanada.net
Contestheat.com