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The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor and Fusion Pure & Sensitive HydraGel Moved Me To Blog

July 5th, 2010 by Karen 51 Comments

Written by El Hub

Today El Hub (aka the other man in my life) finally breaks his blogging silence with this review of a breakthrough in men’s grooming technology, LOL!

Gillette fusion power review

I was about to say that I can’t believe I’m sitting down to review a ~~beauty product~~ men’s grooming tool, but I was actually looking forward to this. 🙂

When Karen asked me to test some new men’s products a few days ago, the first thing I thought was, “oh, please, no.” I love my girl, but god help me I thought she was going to make me moisturize my cuticles or cut my toenails. And then I saw the package for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide POWER Razor ($12.99 with one cartridge; replacement cartridges cost $33.99 for a package of eight).

WOW! Um, Gillette must have gotten help from someone who knows male psychology when they designed this razor because it has shiny chrome parts (ooh…), black plastic ridges (ahh…) and a big power button on the back — all good things! But I’ve tried other fancy razors before (the Gillette Mach 3 comes to mind), and I’ve always stopped using them after a while because I couldn’t justify the cost. That’s the thing with these super disposables with three or four blades (this one has FIVE!). Yes, I think they really do work way better than those cheap yellow or blue razors that come 12 in a bag for $3, but they cost 10 times as much.

That’s what was going through my mind before I gave the ProGlide Power and Fusion Pure & Sensitive HydraGel shave gel ($4.29 for a 7-oz. can) a try — that and the fact that it has FIVE blades (what’s next? 20 blades?)! I expected it to work well but end up being too expensive to buy on a regular basis.

Gillette fusion power review
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5 Ways to S t r e t c h Your Beauty Dollars

July 5th, 2010 by Karen 24 Comments

Written by !i$@ bee

To help gals get more bang for their bucks, blogger !i$@ bee shares 5 ways to s t r e t c h those beauty dollars.

5 ways to stretch your beauty dollars

Hey there, lovelies! I know many of you are curious as to how far you can make your precious, hard-earned money go when it comes to makeup. Too many times I’ve seen friends drop money on a product they could probably duplicate with something they already have in their current makeup stash. Well, fret no more, because !i$@ bee is here to drop some knowledge on ya.

1. Double and triple duty products

I never understood why someone would buy two products — say, a brow filler and a brow-colored eyeshadow — when one might do. Not only can you use eyeshadows as brow fillers and eyeliners (if you wet them first and apply with an eyeliner brush), you can also use your lipsticks as blushes and your blushes as eyeshadows. It may not work with all formulas, so check ingredients and packaging instructions first, but where it does work it can save a lot.

2. Palettes

Palettes are a great way to not only store your makeup, but also to experiment with multiple eye colors for a fraction of the cost of buying products separately. There was a MAC shadow I’d been eyeing (no pun intended), but I wasn’t sure if the color would complement my skin tone, so I headed to my nearest discount beauty store, where they offered a similar color and seven others (!!!) in palette form. Not only was I able to test-drive the color I wanted, I was also able to experiment with some new looks thanks to the additional shades. All for less than the price of a single MAC shadow I may or may not have liked. Sweet!

3. Eyeshadow base

As a relative noob to this whole makeup thing, I didn’t have a collection of eyeshadow bases to keep my shadow in place during the day. In a pinch, I’d just use concealer as a base and continue on with my shadow application. Since then, I’ve discovered the wonders of a proper base, specifically NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils. These really make my shadow colors pop and wear longer, and depending on the base + shadow combo, allow me to create some new colors.

Another great thing about NYX Pencils: the price. You can find them online or sometimes in beauty stores for $5 or less. Not bad for such a versatile product!
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Why It’s Natural to Like Korres Eyeliners

June 25th, 2010 by Karen 12 Comments

Written by Marina

Today the beautiful Marina of Makeup4All talks about Korres eyeliners and why they might be worth a try.

Korres eyeliners from Sephora I really like Korres and have quite a few products from the brand. That’s why I was so happy to find this value set of 3 pencils on sale at Sephora for only $10 a while ago (you may still be able to find it in some Sephora stores). I just had to get it!

The shades it came with:

Soft Eyeliner 3S Light Blue
Soft Eyeliner 5S Silver
Eyeliner 10 Blue Black

Why I like Korres pencils…

It’s a natural brand with products that are “environmentally friendly and skin compatible.” I like the way the company describes these pencils: “Vitamin E nourishes and provides antioxidant benefits and Jojoba Oil hydrates and ensures a soft application with a creamy finish.”

The liners are soft and easy to use in a variety of ways, from cat eyes to lining the water line, smudging for a creamy or smokey effect, as well as with, on or under eyeshadows.

They’re also very easy to remove; you don’t even have to rub your eyes.
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You Just Might Fall in Love with Kat Von D’s True Romance Palette in Ludwig

June 19th, 2010 by Karen 14 Comments

Written by Ashwini

Today the enchanting Ashwini of Clearly Beautiful shares her hard rock love affair with Kat Von D’s True Romance Palette in Ludwig.

Of all the eyeshadow palettes in my makeup collection, there’s one I regularly reach for, whether I’m getting ready for a night out or a professional conference. This versatile gem’s the Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig ($34).

I adore the darkly romantic rose pattern on the top of the packaging, and the palette itself is slim enough to always bring along on trips.

For $36, you get eight well-chosen colors that are unique in their own right, but also complementary at the same time. It’s mixing and matching for dummies! — and as you can see my palette’s been well-loved:

Whether I’m creating a sultry smokey look, a daytime soft brown, or dabbing a last minute swipe of highlighter on my browbones, I’m never disappointed by maestro Ludwig!

Each of the colors is velvety smooth and richly pigmented. Plus, they don’t leave any fallout behind, and with a base like Urban Decay Primer Potion, the shades stay put on my lids all day long without any creasing or migrating at all.

Below are swatches of the first four colors, which I can see combining for a dramatic green smokey eye:
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What Perfume Should I Wear with My Makeup? A Guide to Scent Pairings for Different Makeup Looks

June 17th, 2010 by Karen 46 Comments

Written by Ari

Today Ari of Scents of Self shares some potential perfume pairings for popular makeup looks.

Well, look at you, Miss Thang. Whether you’re working a smoky eye or rocking a red lip, your fine self is looking flawless (thanks to Karen’s incredible makeup tips). All that remains is a few spritzes of a fabulous perfume. Now, this perfume must do more than simply smell good. A great perfume should be the finishing touch to your look, creating an aura that matches your makeup. It should add to your sex appeal when you’re looking slinkier than Halle Berry, or create a sense of romance when you’re having an ultra-feminine, Keira-Knightley-in-her-latest-period-piece moment. Here are a few suggestions for perfumes that lend themselves to a particular makeup style; please feel free to mix and match.

Smoky Eyes

Your kohl-rimmed eyes already whisper, “Come hither”. Now take your game to the next level with a sexy scent that says, “Hey, Angelina Jolie, this isn’t amateur hour.”

Bvlgari Black ($74). Speaking of Ms. Jolie, this is rumored to be her signature scent. With notes of leather, musk, black tea, and vanilla, Black is what a dominatrix would wear to a very grown-up tea party.
Dior Hypnotic Poison ($68). From the name to the deep red bottle to the sultry blend of jasmine, vanilla, and musk, Hypnotic Poison was designed to hypnotize, Biggie-style.
Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur ($140). Spicy, ambery perfection. Musc Ravageur achieves what so many men do not: comes on strong, but turns cuddly by the end of the night.

Red Lips and Liner

Photo by Weglet

Red lips and a flick of liquid liner recall the glamorous stars of 1940’s Old Hollywood. Classic perfumes of the same era will complement your vintage vibe.

Chanel No. 5 ($60). Golden, powdery goodness. A beautiful classic worthy of its 90-year legacy. If it was good enough for Marilyn, it’s good enough for you.
Guerlain Shalimar ($56). A smoky vanilla created in 1925, Shalimar is perfect for those who love sweet scents but want something a little more sophisticated than Pink Sugar.
Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, $130. If your look is more inspired by Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese than Old Hollywood, you might enjoy this more modern blend of rose and violet. Lipstick Rose smells just like a Chanel lipstick, and feels retro in a gorgeously kitschy way.

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I Look and Sea the Ocean: A Blue, Teal and Golden Eye

June 15th, 2010 by Karen 34 Comments

Written by Makeup Morsels

Today the makeup maven behind Makeup Morsels blog shares a bright and summery eye look inspired by the beach.

Hey, guys!

Lately I’ve been loving nautical themes, and I suspect it has to do with summer. My brain’s on a sunny beach somewhere far away, and its gentle waves have shooed away the stress of my exams.

Maybe that’s a dream that won’t be happening any time soon, but I can still pretend with makeup looks like this ocean-inspired eye of the day!

makeup tutorial blue green gold teal

Here’s what I used to get the look:

First, I primed my lids with Too Faced Shadow Insurance to prevent creasing and fading. Then, using a finger, I patted the light matte shade in Revlon’s Not Just Nudes quad over my lids to creates a base to amplify the vibrance of the colors to follow.

makeup tutorial blue green gold teal

Next, I covered the inner two thirds of my eyelid with Victoria’s Secret Eyeshadow in Blue-Ray.

makeup tutorial blue green gold teal
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10 Wedding Makeup Tips from a Wedding Makeup Artist

June 5th, 2010 by Karen 22 Comments

Written by Allison Barbera

Today New England-based wedding makeup artist Allison of Allison Barbera Makeup Artistry reveals 10 things brides can do to smokin’ hot on their wedding day.

Wedding season is here! Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, so here are some tips to help get that glowing bride look.

1. Avoid using products that contain SPF

I wouldn’t normally advocate this, but products that contain SPF can photograph weird because of the zinc oxide found in many moisturizers and foundations. It causes that paled out face look that shows up in photographs, but not in person. So your best bet is to avoid products with SPF on your wedding day (but don’t forget to wear SPF on your honeymoon!). I like using MAC Face And Body Foundations ($32).

2. Go light on the shimmer

A highlight on cheekbones or browbones is flattering, but too much shimmer doesn’t photograph well. Shimmer has light reflecting particles that the camera picks up as white streaks or shine. Try doing a complete run-through of your makeup before the wedding, and take pictures. If you see shiny or white streaks where you’ve applied a shimmer product, you know where to tone down.

3. Wax three days before the wedding

Redness can be tough to cover, and some people stay slightly swollen for a couple days post-wax.

4. Skip lip gloss if you’re wearing a veil that comes down over your face

It’s a magnet for the fabric and will make the veil stick to your lips the second you put it on. The gloss and any lipstick you’re wearing will transfer to the veil, making for a messy situation.

5. Don’t stray too far from your usual look

I’ve had minimalist makeup girls request a red lip vintage look for their trials and had brides who normally wore a lot of eyeliner ask for a natural look, but they usually don’t feel right when it’s done. I’m all for playing around with makeup, but this isn’t the day to do it. If you want to try a smokey eye for the first time, save it for your bachelorette party!

6. Bring oil blotting sheets with you

I always include these in my bridal touchup kits. It’s a long day and most people get a little shine, but these papers keep it at bay. I prefer them to powder because powder tends to cake up after multiple applications. I use CVS Oil Absorbing Sheets (about $5). They’re cheap, and they work great!

7. Use a foundation and eye primer

The number one question brides ask me is “Will my makeup stay on all day?” With good primers, it will! I prefer Smashbox Photofinish Primer ($36) for skin and Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($17) or MAC Paint Pots ($16.50) for eyes.

8. Consider using false lashes

For weddings, I prefer flares (individual bunches of 6-8 lashes) to full strip lashes. Because you can put on as few or as many as you want, you’re able to control how natural or dramatic your look is. I use the Ardell flare lashes (about $4).

9. Use waterproof mascara

This may seem like a no-brainer, but brides have a million and one details to worry about, so this can get overlooked. It’s a big day, and if you get emotional, you want to make sure your mascara doesn’t show it. My favorite is Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara ($24).

10. Set your foundation with loose powder

Not only does the powder give the foundation a soft finish, but it takes shine out of the skin. Cameras pick up shine, but starting with powder and touching up with oil blotting sheets will keep you shine-free. Makeup Forever HD Powder ($30) is my number one pick.

Written by Allison Barbera

This post was written by Allison of Allison Barbera Makeup Artistry, a freelance makeup artist and licensed esthetician. Allison’s loved makeup as long as she can remember. In elementary school, she got in trouble for doing all of her friends’ makeup. A fan of NARS, MAC and Make Up For Ever, Allison also loves soft serve ice cream and Notorious B.I.G. 🙂

BB Couture for Regular Guys…and Girls!

May 28th, 2010 by Karen 15 Comments

Written by Kelly

Today my girl Kelly of the fantastic Vampy Varnish blog shares the 411 on the new BB Couture Regular Guys nail polish collection.

If you haven’t yet heard of BB Couture nail polish then listen up! The brand hasn’t been around very long but already has an amazing and ever growing array of beautiful and strange colors. If you’re a fan of green nail polishes, in particular, then you might want to strap down your credit card, because they have tons of greens, all unique and gorgeous.

Today’s review looks at one of the collections in their “For Men” line called Regular Guys. Now, just because these are marketed toward men doesn’t mean women can’t wear them! In fact, I don’t know a single man who’d wear nail polish, but that doesn’t mean they don’t. Honestly, I don’t care who these are marketed toward because of how pretty I think they are.

The formula for these, like most of BB Couture’s other colors, is spectacular. It’s smooth, flows nicely and applies quite opaque. BB Couture uses a special “4-in-1 formula”, in which they’ve already added base and top coats to each color, so you don’t need to apply them separately.

You’re supposed to be able to just paint the color on and go, but I still use extra base and top coats, though, just because it’s in my nature, and I feel it helps make my manicures last longer.

Blue Collar, a periwinkle blue with pink shimmer, is right up my alley. Periwinkle happens to be one of my favorite colors for nail polish. What I like about this one? — it isn’t a plain â€˜ole crÃ¨me color; the shimmer makes it special. This was two coats:

Golf Pro, a muted medium dusty green with light blue and green shimmer, also has black flecks of glitter, which are kind of a BB Couture specialty. They add black glitter flecks to a lot of their polishes, and they really are the only ones who do it. I think it gives their colors extra dimension. I love Golf Pro. It’s so unique, flattering and very opaque. This was two coats:

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