Look: Revlon Priceless Metals Eyeshadow Quad

I did this look last Tuesday. I went out to dinner with my husband, we were celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary. ♥♥♥

As you know I like the Colorstay quads, they are fairly pigmented (not super pigmented), but I like them like that. Besides, using diferent bases, you can get different results with these eyeshadows.  The Priceless Metals quad is quite dramatic to look at, but I toned it down with a matte base (I used MAC Prep+Primes for eyes).  If you want a bolder look, try using a frosty base like MAC Constructivist or Blackground Paint Pots or similar colors from the Revlon Illuminance Creme E/S.  

Revlon Colorstay e/s:

Priceless Metals (L) and Coffee Beans (R)

 

Yep, my hair was still damp when I took the pics

FACE

•BORGHESE Prima Viso Face Primer

•Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup -- 3W1 Tawny mixed with a few drops of MAC Strobe Liquid (so the ELDW doesn't look too matte)

•MUFE Full Coverage Concealer -- #10

•MAC Mineralize Blush in Nuance

•L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Medium mixed with LAURA MERCIER's Star Dust Loose Powder (For an overall glow)

EYES

•TFSI

•MAC Prep+Prime for Eyes (medium)

•REVLON Colorstay E/S Quad in Priceless Metals (2nd shade from top to bottom all over the lid; 3rd shade on outer lid and all over the crease--also on lower lash line; 4th shade on outer lid--also on lower lash line; 1st shade -- silver-- on the inner part of eyelid; I used the lightest shade of the "Coffee Bean" quad as highlighter under the brows).

•L'OREAL Extra Volume Collagene Waterproof Mascara in Black (This one is a bit better than the original formula, I think I like it more)

•MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud

LIPS

•Lipbalm

•MAC Buoy-oh-Buoy L/S (LE)

•L'OREAL Colorjuice L/G in Caramel Creme

=D

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

Eyeshadow bases: White

You may already know how using different eyeshadow bases can change the look of your eyeshadow or even help it stay longer on your lids without fading.  A base "grabs" the shadow, making it to show more and look more pigmented.  The color and texture of the base do change how the e/s color shows.

Most of the time I use eyeshadow primers (mostly UDPP, TFSI or MAC Paint Pots) combined with different bases because my eyelids are very oily.  Combining that with the sweat/humidity factor in the air, my eyeshadow would crease or disappear in less than an hour if I didn't use primer and/or base.

I use shimmery bases for frosty or satin finish e/s; more matte bases like Paint Pots or matte primers (like MAC Prep+Primer for eyes) for matte looks of course or to simply tone down a very frosty eyeshadow, to make it less shimmery.  Many times I try to match the base with the e/s but black bases are amazing at making most colors pop!  Also, they are great for smoky eyes look.

TIP: If you want to give "life" to a boring matte eyeshadow, try applying it over a shimmery base. 

For lighter eyeshadows or really great matte looks, I also use a white base over my eye primer.  I've experimented with quite a few, but the ones I like the most (and are really affordable!) are Max Factor Erace Concealer in White and NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk.  They are really amazing.

**REMEMBER TO CLICK ON ALL IMAGES FOR ENLARGE VERSIONS**

 

Max Factor Erace Concealer in White (less than $5 USD) is a creamy concealer and yes, it is white, plain as that.  I've never used it as a concealer, though I have seen videos in YouTube about it (check out this video by vietxpinay).  These concealers are quite good, have decent pigmentation. I do recommend to warm them up a little (I use the back of my hand) and then apply it to the eye area so you don't tug or do harm that delicate area.  I found this concealer at Walmart (I got it on sale, maybe because I've read Max Factor isn't gonna be sold on the US anymore) but you can still find it online.

NYX Jumbo Pencils (Reg. $3.50 USD) are simply excellent.  Milk is a super white shade,  creamier than the Max Factor Concealer.  You have to be careful not to apply much or it will cake in the blink of an eye.  Just add a bit at a time.  I find there is no need to warm up the product prior application. Very soft texture. I bought my Milk pencil for a cheaper price at CherryCulture.com ($3.00). You can also find them in the NYX website or local stores.  In Puerto Rico, I've only seen the NYX products at the / Aquí en P.R. sólo he encontrado los productos NYX en los siguientes lugares: Fragrance Outlet Stores in the Outlet Route 66 Mall in Canóvanas or the Prime Outlets of PR in Barceloneta.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil "Milk"

Max Factor Erace Concealer "White"

The next example shows you what I'm talking about. I normally use MAC's Warm Chill E/S (Frost--LE) as a highlighter because it really doesn't show much on my eyelids.  It is a minty green shade with a gold undertone. Over a white base, you can see how pretty this color is.

Both bases work great under this color, I just prefer the NYX pencil because it is creamier.

 NYX "Milk"

Max Factor Erace -- "White"

So you see how cool is this?  And the colors lasts for hours over my eyelids.  I did this look a few weeks ago just after applying this bases.

NOTE: I have tried other bases like MAC CCB in Luna or white eyeliner (kohl). I don't like the results with the Luna CCB and frankly I consider using a white eyeliner as a base is a waste of product.  Ultimately, it depends on what works for you. This article is about the advantage of using a white eyeshadow base.

Bueno, hasta luego!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

TotalBeauty.com: 30 days w/o beauty products?!?

Could YOU do it?  I could go 30 days without makeup but come on, I need my hair products...

Would You Survive 30 Days Without Beauty Products?

See how one woman lived with only soap and sunscreen -- eek!

It's safe to say a lot of us are addicted to beauty products. I mean, would you quit your shampoo, mascara or lipgloss cold turkey? Sounds impossible, but that's what this woman did for a month. See how she survived -- and even thrived -- with only soap and sunscreen. Read story

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

Kevyn Aucoin Sale!

HauteLook.com is having an awesome sale on Kevyn Aucoin cosmetics. Brushes, eyeshadows palettes, eye pencils, lippies.  The prices are great. Up to 60% off.    Better hurry up, I just missed the oportunity to get the Buff Powder Brush.  =(

 Just so you know...  ;)

Click on the image to get there (my personal invite) or just go to Hautelook.com.

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

LOOK: Smoke&Diamonds Smoky Eyes

I look I did last night. I was meeting with some friends in San Juan and had a great time.

 

FACE

BORGHESE Prima Viso Face Primer

REVLON Colorstay Makeup in Natural Tan (Oil Free) -- This foundation is actually a bit dark for me but perfect to be used as night, so pictures will come out perfectly

COVER FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation in M50 (as concealer where needed)

NARS Orgasm Blush

L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Medium (just applied a very light dust)

EYES

TFSI

MAC Blackground Paintpot on the eyelid

MAC E/S in Idol Eyes (Inner eye area); Smoke&Diamonds (LE) (eyelid area, lower lashline); Typographic (Outer V and crease, lower lashline); Carbon (Outer V, lower lashline); Kid (Crease, to blend); Vanilla (Browbone area)

L'OREAL Lash Out Mascara (Waterproof) in Blackest Black

MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud

MAC Blactrack Fluidline in both waterlines

LIPS

MAC Lip Erase in Dim

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Tiramisu

ELF Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Malt Shake

I hope you've had an awesome weekend. Lovely week.

Espero que se hayan divertido este fin de semana. Que tengan linda semana.

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

Review+Swatches: CoverFX Total Coverage Foundation & 170 Brush

Merry Xmas everyone!

A few days ago I received the CoverFX products I ordered from Hautelook.com.  I've been interested in this brand for quite some time now.  I read many positive reviews about Cover FX and after all, they proclaim to be "the foundation authority". I don't know about you, but when I order products based only on other people reviews I get these mixed feelings of excitement and terror but I have to say, I'm impressed with these.  I ordered the Total Coverage Cream Foundation in the Pro Pot version (4g). This foundation also functions as a concealer, which was the reason I wanted it.  I bought if for $10 USD (reg. $16).  It was at a good price, I've read good reviews so I thought "why not?".  I'm always looking for great full coverage concealers (I need them---badly).  I also got the 170 brush.  A curious pointy brush that I've been wanting to get for quite some time but didn't want to pay $36 for it ( I got if for $27).

TOTAL COVERAGE CREAM FOUNDATION SPF 30

I LOVE:
♥Satin-like, Your-skin-but-better, soft dewy natural finish (not matte nor cakey)
♥Full coverage, a little goes a loooooong way
♥Works also as a concealer
♥It covered my acne marks pretty well, almost made them invisible in natural light; also cover the redness perfectly
♥Worked great hiding the hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks
♥Non-comedogenic--My skin hasn't break out from it, not a single little white head!
♥Good for sensitive skin, just as Cover FX claims

♥Decent SPF factor

♥Does not transfers (or should I sasy it transfers very little---set the foundation with a light dust of translucent setting powder) and does not "travels" around my face. It behaved super well on my combination skin (Oily t-zone, normal skin on cheeks)
♥Last for hours!! I ended up applying it on my whole face to see how it worked as a foundation and WOW! --BTW, I know, I need a shade darker if I decide to use it as a foundation-- I made lunch for my husband, cleaned up the kitchen and a few hrs later it still looked pretty good, I'd say 85% good compared to just-applied.  (I'm amazed because compared to MAC FC foundation, this baby rocks)

♥Does not oxidizes (changes color)

♥Available in 30+ shades

♥IMHO, $16 for 4g is still a good price for the quality of this foundation/concealer

I DON'T LIKE:
☹It didn't work well in the under eye area for me. It accentuated my fine lines there and made it look more dry (sp?) (I have a very dry under eye area), which is kinda funny because it made my skin looked very moisturized in other areas.  This could be totally non-sense for younger ladies with wonderful younger skin, lol.  ETA: You do have to moisturize extremely well the under eye area so this does not happens.

☹If you have oily skin, I suggest to stay away from this because although it behaves well, it does have a dewy finish many ladies with this skin type just hate.

☹You need to work it a bit and better warm it up b4 applying it. If not, results are not the best <--this is not necessarily a con, I'm just mentioning FYI
☹The full version of this product retails for $42 (0.4 oz/11.3 g) which yeah, is a bit pricey.  I do recommend it if you work continuously with this type of foundation.

ETA: BE CAREFUL not to use too much setting powder or it will look cakey.

All in all, this is the best cream foundation/concealer I've ever tried. 

My rating?  4.5./5  (I would love to see more "good for your skin" ingredients in it; also, it could work better on the under eye area)

Here are some swatches and pics of me with this foundation on.  I use it as a concealer; if I were to use it as a foundation, I guess I'd need one of the shades in the E series (probably E50).

Excuse my lips, I didn't apply lip balm and they were super dry!

 

You can find this Pro Pot product at Naimies.com, who is distributor of Cover FX products.

ETA:  Found this video in Youtube.  Got to 2:56 to start watching products and foundation application tips for a flawless finish.  Those tips really help. 

COVER FX 170 BRUSH

I LOVE:

♥This brush is very dense, applies cream or liquid foundation so well I feel it gives me a flawless finish.

♥Can be used as a foundation or concealer brush.

♥Very precise application of products in the inner eye area, the sides of the nose or in the temples--this characteristic is what makes it a winner on my book.

♥If pressed against the skin, works as a paddle brush (like the MAC 190 but more dense)

♥I consider it picks up the right amount of cream products.

Excellent quality

♥Blends beautifully, really, I love the natural finish I get with this brush.

I DON'T LIKE:

☹Price (Reg. $36) --but hey, if the quality depends of that price, then I don't mind.

☹I would like to see a version with a smaller handle so I can carry it always in my purse! 

My Rating:  5/5

 

NOTE: A good question---Do you need this brush if you have a brush like the MAC 190? I'd say NO.  But if I were looking for a new great quality foundation brush because I don't like what I have, I'd pick this one. Honest.

Find this brush at Sephora.

'Til next time!

¡Hasta luego!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

100+ followers...wow

Guys, I didn't notice I have 100+ followers. Wow! I feel like I've won an award! It's great to know people like to read or see what I post on the blog.  Thanks so much!!

¡Feliz Navidad!

Hi there. I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010!

I hope you all get to spend these holidays surrounded by people you love and/or care very much.  Thanks for watching and reading my blog, it means a lot to me.  I do this because it is a great hobbie of mine and I love sharing my experiences with you.

May the Baby Jesus provide you with many blessings.

*****

Hola a todos. ¡Sólo quiero desearles una muy Feliz Navidad y un Próspero Año Nuevo!  Espero que pasen las fiestas rodeados de las personas que aman o que son importantes para ustedes.  Gracias mil por ver y leer mi blog, significa mucho para mí.  Lo hago porque es un gran pasatiempo mío y adoro compartir mis experiencias con ustedes.

Que el Niñito Jesús le provea de muchas bendiciones.

=D

*********

@Shayla:  Querida amiga, recibí tu postal y ya ves, la utilizé de fondo para mi mensaje de Feliz Navidad.  Que hermoso detalle, ¡te lo agradezco tanto!.  Me has hecho sonreir.  Me considero afortunada de conocer a personas tan lindas y buenas como tú, Saadeh, Erin, Chrissy, Tanya, Vicky, Tamara, etc... en este curioso y fabuloso mundo del maquillaje.  De nuevo, ¡gracias!

Psssttt...¡Tu español es excelente!  Muchísimo mejor que el de varios puertorriqueños que conozco, jajaja.

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

TB: 15 Things Hair and Makeup Artists Can't Live Without

15 Things Hair and Makeup Artists Can't Live Without

See what they depend on most in their beauty stash

Hair and makeup artists, especially the ones backstage at Fashion Week, have access to tons of products. And even though variety is the spice of life, there are a few things they use constantly and simply can't work without. See what they are, and why you should have them in your makeup bag too. See products

TB: Your signature scent

Find Your Signature Scent!

Take this quiz for insight into the perfect fragrance for you or a loved one

Picking a fragrance, especially if it's for someone else, can be so overwhelming. There are so many to choose from that after 10 minutes in the store they all start to smell the same! Luckily, this quiz will help you narrow things down so you can find your (or someone else's) signature scent. Happy sniffing! Take the quiz

Don't forget to vote =)

Hi guys!  Just to remind you to vote on my poll about makeup primers.  The poll is just below the "About me" section in the left section of the screen.  Thanks!

New Revlon Foundation?!?

+++ETA: Read my review for this foundation HERE+++

So I was on Makeupalley.com looking for reviews on different products and noticed a review on REVLON PhotoReady Foundation.  Apparently this is a new product that Revlon is slowly introducing in stores.  I say slowly because I haven't seen it yet here and I'm guessing that I'll have to wait a month or so for it to get to PR.  If I'm not mistaken, there will be a pressed powder too?  I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY IT.  I like Revlon products and ...yes...shhhh...I'm a foundation junkie.  LoL.

Image: Makeupalley.com

(Clicking on the pic will take you to MA. If this is your image,

please please let me know asap so I can credit you)

What interest me more about this product is that some people like the "my-skin-but-better" finish.  Not too light, not too heavy.  Will this replace the Revlon Colorstay as my favorite?  I guess it will depend on how much it covers and lasts on my skin without transferring or disappearing through out the day.  Also, it comes with a PUMP! Finally Revlon!!

Yummy411 has another pic of this product, check it out (and check out her blog too, really cool).  It retails for $13.99. 

I've read mixed reviews about it. Let me know if you have tried it! 

Hope you're having a nice weekend.

¡Lindo fin de semana!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

LOOK: MAC Arena+Sushi Flower+Coppering

I just have to laugh. This is my most recent attempt of wearing some red, pink or orange in my eyes. This look is a bit timid but it's there I guess.  Although I love those colors, I'm a bit cautious when I use orange and pink eyeshadows because I'm afraid of doing it wrong and looking sick (I have posted looks here that now I see and think "WTH?!").  But this combo came naturally to me, MAC's Coppering "behaved" well and I felt comfortable wearing it. =)

Oh, I also applied a "customized" tinted moisturizer, I didn't felt like going with full cover makeup.  So yeah, you get to see freckles and other spots.  Oh well, that's like I wanted it, lol.

**Photo with Flash (left) and No Flash**

FACE

No primer

Tinted Moisturizer (I mixed Max Faxtor Lasting Performance Makeup in Cool Bronze with my moisturizer)

MAC Springsheen Blush

LAURA MERCIER Star Dust Loose Powder (Highlighter)

L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Medium

EYES

Elizabeth Arden Eye Fix Primer

MAC Vanilla as a wash all over my eyelid up to the brows

MAC Arena (lid), Sushi Flower (outer half of lid) and Coppering (crease)

MAC Embark as eyeliner and Shroom as highlighter

URBAN DECAY 24/7 eyeliner in Zero

MAYBELLINE Lash Stiletto Waterproof Mascara  in Very Black

MAC Eyebrow pencil in Stud

LIPS

lipbalm

ELF Super Glossy Lipshine in Malt Shake

¡Hasta luego hermosas!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!