On Trend: Vampy Lips



From left to right: singer Lana del Rey, actress Camilla Belle, and actress/singer Kate Bosworth

 Dark, vampy lips made a comeback at the recent Met Gala, a surprising move since we're on the verge of summer. Although these  looks weren’t my favorites (Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana and Jessica Alba in Michael Kors take the cake in my opinion), I must say I am very intrigued by this look. It’s certainly not for eating and much less for kissing, but it has a tough girl vibe that should absolutely be worn with a good pair of heels. Here are some tips to achieve the look:

Pick your Perfect Shade: Fair skin tones should wear brick red or berry; medium skin tones should go for burgundy or maroon; while darker skin tones can pull off wines and browns. But at the end of the day, wear the shade you like the most. Life's too short to stick to "safe" shades. As long as it doesn't wash you out of course...

Prep: You should always exfoliate your lips before wearing lipstick and even balm (so the moisturizers seep deep into the skin) but you should do so particularly when wearing a bold lip. I mean, you don't want them to look like alligator scales...

Precision, Precision: Darker shades call for absolute precision-- any little imperfection will be noticable. Invest in a lip brush or line your lips slowly using the lipstick bullet directly or lip liner. Fill the color in once  you're done.

Make Corrections: Just like you're supposed to edit your writing, take a concealer brush or sponge and go around the lips with either foundation or concealer. This will correct the slightest imperfections and will prevent the lipstick from bleeding.

KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid): Please, please, please keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum. The sophistication of the dark lip will turn into baudy clown makeup with the inclusion of a dark eye.

So what do you guys think? Is this look a YAY or a NAY? Let me know below!

                                                                  Jennifer 

My Makeup Essentials

Ever since I developed interest in beauty products and skin care at the wee age of 13, I've need to have certain items in stock. Of course these aren't the only products I use (I do like variety) or the only ones I've tried throughout the years, but the ones I need to survive at the moment.

MAC Mineralize SatinFinish SPF 15 Foundation ($30): I picked up this bad boy when I got my makeup done for prom, and I don't regret it a bit. This gives you full coverage without all the heavy consistency that clogs pores. Just dab some on and spread with either a brush or sponge (you can even use your fingers if you like) and VIOLA! a perfect face for any occasion.

Benefit Erase Paste in No. 2 ($26): My younger sister Lorraine actually got me into this little potted piece of heaven and I thank her for it. This concealer is thick, so you can only use a bit on each eye or else you'll suffer from the dreaded cake face. Because of this, the pot will last you for a long time. Trust me, I've had mine since early August and it hasn't dried out. My only ugh is that it is not long lasting, so powder well!

Benefit Benetint ($29): This is honestly the best thing since sliced bread. This is a rose tinted and smelling stain that can either go on your cheeks or on your lips. Personally, I just leave it on my cheeks for a natural glow.

Mascara: No-brainer make up as it gives a little color to your eyes without the hassle. I don't like splurging on mascara (it should be thrown out after six months in order to avoid any illness), so I like using Estee Lauder and Clinique samples.

So, what can't you live without? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know below!

                                                                              Jennifer

Summer Season: MAC Morange & MAC Girl About Town

MAC Girl About Town

MAC Morange

   

Ahhh summer! A time of frequent beach visits, refreshing fruity treats and, for the lucky ones, long vacations far, far away from home. Until then, I guess these vibrant lipsticks will have to suffice.  

MAC Girl About Town ($14.00) is a darkened, but bright, fuchsia pink. It has an Amplified finish, which makes for a creamy and opaque lipstick. This shade goes with practically every skin and hair color (even blondes—you girls don’t have to limit yourselves to just pale pinks, just sayin’). Perhaps it’s why it has been in the MAC permanent collection since forever and, if I am not mistaken, their best-seller list as well. This fuchsia shade is a great replacement for red, especially for those who can't find their perfect shade or don't think they can pull it off.

 MAC Morange ($14.00) is a loudmouth neon-orange not for the faint of heart. When applying, as seen on my lush lips above (I’M KIDDING), I kept the color subdued because if you build the color, it can end up looking like a highlighter stained your lips.  Still, I must admit it’s one of my favorite lipsticks because it looks as if I just ate a sorbet in the middle of the summer. It has the same Amplified finish as Girl About Town, however, I find it to be slightly more drying. So remember to always moisturize before applying!

Swatch: MAC Girl About Town (left) and MAC Morange(right) 

                                                                                                           
So  what do you think? Are you willing to try either of these trends? Leave your comments and questions down below!

                                     Jennifer

                                                                                                       

Food for Thought

Being the first blog post, my first order of business-- before I can bring myself to mention actual cosmetics-- is to discuss these God sent items. Now I don't mean to sound shallow or conceited (as my own mother and straight men tend to think, I might add) but NEWS FLASH: make-up isn't face paint. Au contraire, my friend, cosmetics only enhance your natural beauty if used correctly-- don't let cheap lipstick (I mean the nasty one's that stick on your teeth) and badly blended eye shadows fool you. Products like concealers and foundations, for example, cover imperfections (redness, blemishes, undercircles, ect.) and bronzers can create a slimming effect on your nose as well as overall appearance.

Think about it, why is "face painting” even given a negative connotation? Blame us for wanting to look half-decent. Throughout history, women have done the same! Elizabeth I of England covered her face in white lead and egg yolks to maintain her youthful look. Venetian women during the Renaissance bleached their hair to honey blonde because brunettes got no love. And Egyptians wore kohl as eyeliner in order to deflect insects attracted to the eye's whites. Gosh, it's not like I'm headed toward the plastic surgeon's so I can change my face any other weekend. I have my handy dandy brush instead.

This is where I, Jennifer, come in. I pledge to share with novices and experts alike my knowledge of amazing products and techniques. No surgery -- just illusion. Think of it as walking, breathing art.