Illamasqua: Zygomatic Cream Blush

Zygomatic has been on my wish list for quite some time now. I think Illamasqua makes the best cream blushes on the market, and I love their formulation. Every time Sephora has a VIB sale I always think “Hey! I need to pick up that one blush with the crazy name.”

Speaking of crazy names, do you even know what zygomatic means? It’s the scientific name of the cheekbone. I learned this in the Human Anatomy class I took in college (which we dissected a cadaver, but that’s a story for another day).

Anyway, this cream blush is unlike any other blush (cream or powder) that I own. The color is a muted pink beige that is actually really flattering on the skin. Unfortunately for me, the tan I picked up in Hawaii doesn’t allow this blush to show up as nice, but I know I’ll be getting tons of use from this color once I return to my normal pale self.

Believe the hype; Zygomatic is a beautiful cream blush in a very unique shade that warrants its place in any makeup junkie’s collection. And if you’re a biology nerd like me, you should just get it for the name.

Do you own any Illamasqua blushes? If so, which is your favorite?

The Makeup Show LA 2013

Earlier this month my BFF and I made our way to the biggest event of the year. If you’re into makeup, that is. 

For those of you who don’t know what The Makeup Show is, it’s an expo for makeup artists or anyone else in the industry. I attended the show last year and I came home already looking forward to the next year’s show. I loved it so much!

The Makeup Show was located in the penthouse of the California Market Center in the fashion district of downtown Los Angeles. Unlike IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) this show is not open to the public but is pro only. Tickets are sold online in advance and proof of being in the industry is requiredat the door. Like IMATS, booths are set up from various brands where they sell their makeup at a discounted price, including products that have not yet launched in stores! There were 69 booths at the show this year and over 100 brands which included Nars, Makeup Forever, Temptu and Inglot. 

The very first booth we visited was Nars Cosmetics. Although they didn’t have all of their products available, they did have some items that had not yet launched in store. In addition, they had products for sale that were exclusive to their Melrose boutique. I wasn’t impressed with any of them and instead decided on trying their famous orange blush in Taj Mahal as well as one of their satin lip pencils which hadn’t released yet. I chose the color the makeup artist had on which was a beautiful fuchia named Jardin Des Plantes. I love the black Nars cloth bag they gave us with our purchase.

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The second booth we ran to, literally, was Hakuhudo. Oh, Hakuhodo, you have stolen my heart…and my wallet. This brand of Japanese brushes is the ferrari of all brushes. It puts my MAC brushes to shame, and I never thought that was possible. I wanted to buy all of the brushes my hands touched, but I couldn’t. Ferrari brushes come with ferrari price tags, and I had a limited budget. I purchased the 5 I couldn’t live without. [you better believe you’ll be seeing these on the blog later in more detail]

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We then made our way to the Kevyn Aucoin booth. I purchased their popular lash curler, a ombre bronzing powder, and a sensual skin enhancer. James Vincent, the director of artistry for The Makeup Show, raves about the skin enhancer and says it’s his favorite foundation. I had purchased a salmon shade from the show last year and I love using it as an undereye concealer. This year I purchased a yellow toned base to use as a foundation. This stuff is phenomenal and truly one of a kind! I’ll do a separate post on it once I start using it more, because yes…it is that good.

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Makeup Forever knows how to put on a booth at a trade show. I love the way their booth was set up as a makeup train case! The artists there were so helpful, and the discount was 40% off! I only had my mind set on two things though, one of which was sold out (Full Coverage Concealer),  but I was able to snag an aqua brow to mix in with the one I had bought last year at the show to make the perfect shade for me. 

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It’s not a makeup trade show without a trip to the godfather of all cheap brushes: Crown Brush! They had so many different types of brushes to choose from, and they were all only a few dollars each. I chose a stiff brow brush ($3) and a dual ended dotting tool for nail polish ($1).

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I love to use glitter on my eyes, but I hate the application process. No matter what brush I use, or even if it’s my fingers, glitter gets everywhere and it’s such a pain to clean up. Well, thanks to the girls at Naimie’s, I was introduced to the solution: Lise Watier Silicone Glitter Brush. I used it this morning to apply my lose pigments on my eyes, and it worked like a dream! I think every makeup artist should own this.

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Next up: Anastasia Beverly Hills! I was so excited to hear that they were going to be at the show. I was able to snag a brow wiz in brunette for an amazing deal! 

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We got to meet the girls behind JACKS Beauty Department which is a new brand of cosmetics and brushes. This is a brand from Denmark, and the girls flew all the way out here just for the show. They were so sweet and helpful, and their brushes blew me away. The girl told me she herself helped to hand paint the brushes, and that no two were the same. The brushes were made from a variety of hair types, ranging from goat to squirrel. They were so soft, and if I hadn’t already spent so much money at Hakuhodo, I would have bought more brushes at JACKS. Check out their website! They have the cutest brushes and even cuter brush rolls. 

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I had been wanting to try Skindinavia products, so I picked up the Bridal Makeup Setting Spray for my bridal clients. Sixteen hours of makeup wear? Hmmm, we’ll see about that.

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LIME CRIME! I thought I’d never see the day. When I saw their artists wearing crazy makeup and outrageous outfits, I knew I couldn’t leave the show without trying something. They have such crazy colors. Baby blue lipstick? No thanks. So I went with something I knew I would get use out of, a cherry red lip gloss with magenta glitter. And then I swatched it, and I almost passed out. It was opaque in one swipe. Like a freaking lipstick. 

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I also purchased the Lorac Pro Palette for a friend. Not going to lie, I really wish I would have bought two because the makeup hoarder in me really wants to keep it.

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And finally, I made my way to Nigel’s Beauty Emporium and found some makeup bags I needed for my kit. I own several from Monda Studio, and they are so handy when I go on jobs or trips. They were all on a super discount, so I couldn’t stop at just one. I also swung the big bag over my shoulder, and I couldn’t say goodbye to it! It’s absolutely perfect for fitting my makeup when I’m running around doing touchups at weddings. And there’s even a spot to put a tissue box! Sold.

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In addition to all of the shopping, I was able to take breaks and sit in a few of the makeup seminars. I got to listen to several keynote speakers ranging from James Vincent, celebrity makeup artist (pictured below), to Nils Johnson who is the creator of Beautylish! I also learned how to make custom foundations from the girls at Namie’s as well as what products are essential in a makeup kit. I enjoyed watching a Temptu makeup artist demonstrate how to use an airbrush pod on a male actor from MTV’s Teen Wolf. She was the makeup artist who gave all the hot men, including Matthew McConaughey’s sexy abs on the film Magic Mike! I was also able to snag a few photos of some of the amazing body art at the show.

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All in all, I had the time of my life. Not only was I able to meet makeup company founders and creators, but also mingle with other makeup artists and celebrity beauty experts in the industry. I’m already looking forward to going next year!

Watch the video below for an inside look at the show and a haul from MarlayDrive:

Pink Rebel by MAC

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I have a slight obsession with highlighters. I own all kinds. Creams, liquids, powders. I don’t discriminate. 

What I like most about it is the amazing sheen and glow it gives to my skin. I love to use it as a pearly highlight on top of my cheeks. The champagne color is perfect for fair to medium skin tones. I also like to add a few drops of this to my foundation to instantly give me a boost of radiance.

Find it here for $21 or see Temptalia’s swatch by clicking here.

Q:Hi lovely! I love your blog! <3 I wanted to ask you what you think the best mascara is? I have really straight eye lashes and even when I curl them and put mascara on, they go straight again. Do you have any recommendations for mascara that keeps eyelashes curled and in place?

ohhmai

Thank you! I too have straight eye lashes, and it’s my biggest pet peeve. I think I should be the president of the itty-bitty eyelash committee.

I have tried everything under the sun from heated lash curlers to nylon extensions, and there is only one way my lashes get curled and STAY curled:

Straight proof lashes

1. A good curl begins with a good tool. I curl my lashes using Shu Uemura’s award winning lash curler [$20]. It was made for asian eyes, but it really fits any size shape perfectly without catching or pulling any of your lashes.

2. WATERPROOF MASCARA. It’s the only kind of mascara I can wear that will hold the curl in place and keep it that way for the rest of the day. Think of the straight hair on your head. Once you curl it with the curling iron, you have to hairspray it in order to hold for a long period of time, otherwise humidity or heavy products will make your hair go back to its natural state. Waterproof mascara is the hairspray to my lashes.

My all time favorite waterproof formulas are Lash Exact Waterproof [$6] by Covergirl (I use this as a ‘base’ after I curl my lashes and before I use any other, waterproof or not, mascara on top) and Diorshow Waterproof [$25] by Christian Dior (the best waterproof mascara that holds your curl + gives you volume all in one coat).

I have found that the trick is to layer mascaras: a waterproof defining mascara (such as Lash Exact), followed by either a voluminous and or lengthening mascara (such as Diorshow Waterproof or Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black). The key is to always start off with a non-voluminous waterproof mascara as a base, and then add to it whatever you’d like. Whether its waterproof or not.

3. Sometimes, no matter how much you curl or layer your mascara, your lashes may leave something to be desired. Mascara can only go so far. This is why I recommend every girl should own at least one pair of false lashes she can wear on the days she’s feeling a little extra bold. My favorites are Ardell #120 or Ardell Demi Wispies [$5 at drugstores].

Lipstick & Stocking’s Top 10 Products of 2012:

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1. Naked 2 by Urban Decay [$50]: The most anticipated sequel of the decade. 

2. Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadows [$6+]: Best eyeshadow formula in the world.

3. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation [$43]: Best coverage, most natural.

4. Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer [$42]: The perfect primer for all skin types.

5. Chanel Tan de Soliel Gel Bronzing Base [$48]: Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

6. Buxom Waterproof Mascara [$19]: I used it so much the label rubbed off. And that’s saying something.

7. MAC’s Brow Pencil in Lingering [$15]: Hello, sexy brows. 

8. Long-Wearing Gel Liner by Bobbi Brown [$26]: Hands down the best of the best.

9. Better Than False Lashes Nylon Extension System by Too Faced [$35]: Add length to your lashes without making it permanent.

10. Light Bisque Corrector by Bobbi Brown [$23]: Goodbye under eye circles. I never liked you.

See ALL of the above mentioned products in action on my Favorites List.

To see who won product of the year click here  [It was a drugstore product!]

Want to see what made my list last year? Click here!

Product of the Year: Maybelline Color Tattoos

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[Pictured Above: Some of my Maybelline Color Tattoos. Swatches from left to right: Painted Purple, Tenacious Teal, Bold Gold, Pomegranate Punk, Edgy Emerald, and Tough As Taupe]

I cannot even begin to describe the amazingness that these color tattoos are. They are everything I ever dreamed a paint pot to be…and more. I know I may sound like a crazy person talking so highly of an inanimate object, but girls. You have no idea how long I have waited for something like this to enter my life. An affordable cream eyeshadow that also serves as a primer and doesn’t crease all day. Oh, and did I mention how pigmented it is? It puts all of my MAC Paintpots to shame. In fact, I prefer to use these, and they even come in some of the exact shades! There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t use them. 

They range in a variety of colors and finishes. Bright blue to shimmery taupe to matte grey. And yes, I did say matte. (Crazy I know!) Maybelline has released severeal limited edition collections which included several new colors of the tattoos. It was then that I was able to snag my most favorite cream shadow of all time-Barely Beige. If you can’t find it at your local drugstore, I would suggest Too Cool, which is a shimmery icy white color which is part of their permanent line and is perfect as a base for any light colored eyeshadow. Both Barely Beige and Too Cool are my favorite colors, along with Bad To The Bronze which is another permanent collection color. The only one I’d say to avoid is the Painted Purple shade, which is a total bust. How unfortunate because the color looks so vibrant.

These products were such a hit when they first came out. I had to go to several different stores to finally own all of the collection! 

If you want to give anything I have talked about this entire year a try, this is it! Use it under your favorite eyeshadow, or alone for a beautiful wash of color.  

Find these at your nearest drugstore for only $6 each. 

**Read My Product of the Year for 2012 by clicking here**

Urban Decay: The Vice Palette

Put down whatever you’re doing and order this palette. A girl who loves makeup in your life will thank you for it. Trust me. 

Urban Decay releases a Book of Shadows every year. So far, they’ve had 4 volumes. This year, however, they decided to do something different and released The Vice Palette instead. 

This palette includes 20 NEW shades, exclusive to this set! I was so excited to hear that there would be no repeats from other Urban Decay palettes, which seems to be a problem with almost all of the palettes they put out these days. And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s collecting duplicate shadows. 

The formulation of these shadows is excellent. The finishes range from matte to shimmer to glittery. The consistency is smooth like butter. Each shadow is jam packed with pigment. Just look at how that bright blue swatches on my finger-and that was only one coat! I am beyond amazed. (for swatches click here)

Not only does this palette have fun bright colors, but also an array of gorgeous neutrals which can be used for everyday use. Just like with all palettes, there are some duds. A few of these shadows, particularly the glittery ones, are streaky and hard to work with. But those are few and far between. Even then, I would still recommend this palette to anyone. Temptalia even gave it an A! 

Lastly, let’s just take a moment to admire Urban Decay’s packaging skills. The palette is made from a rubbery material and embellished with a gem-like logo. This palette comes with a gigantic mirror and a dual sided Good Karma brush (which I don’t like for eyeshadow application—it works much better with creams and liquids). To open the palette you push a button and the lid slowly opens up. This is definitely something you want to display on your vanity!

The Vice Palette is available for a limited time only online via Urban Decay’s website, or at Sephora for $59.

Will you be adding this to your Christmas wish list?

La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream

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Nude Beach ($21) was recently released as part of The Return of Sexy Collection by Too Faced for Fall 2012. The line consists of 16 new mouth watering shades packaged in a beautiful slim gold case. The website sates that they even contain white lotus flower and power peptides. Fancy!

Nude Beach is a gorgeous peachy nude that looks amazing on my skin tone. It’s not the kind of nude that makes me look like a corpse, which seems to be the problem with most nude lipsticks I try on these days. 

The consistency of these lipsticks is similar to the Lip Butters by Revlon which are so popular and very well loved. The formula is creamy and glossy, and they really feel like heaven on your lips. I’ve swatched the more brighter shades of this collection, and I was so impressed! Each is opaque in one coat! If you’ve been wanting to try a new lip product, I suggest adding this one to your wish list. 

My Skin Care Regimen Staples

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I’ve often gotten asked what my skin care regimen consists of. I like to try new products, so my skin regimen is constantly changing. However, there are a few products that I find to be a staple in my collection and I wouldn’t live without them:
  1. Bioderma Crealine Water ($25): I use this to take off my makeup. It removes everything, even waterproof eye makeup.
  2. Fabulous Foaming Cleanser by Bliss ($24): This is my go to face wash. I love that it has minnie beads that gently exfoliate my skin and help remove any of the stubborn makeup that remains.
  3. St. Ive’s Apricot Scrub ($3): When I really want to cleanse my skin, I use this exfoliator. I buff it onto my skin and rinse off with warm water. Afterwards, my skin feels fresh and new. I also love to use this scrub on my lips to remove any dryness.
  4. Hazelnut Face Cream by The Balm ($38): I found this cream on clearance at Marshall’s and decided to give it a try. It has turned into my all time favorite. It’s formulated with hazelnut extract, white tea, and vitamin E. It’s not heavy on the skin at all, and it leaves my skin feeling super soft. I love to wear it under my foundation as a primer when I’m in a hurry. The Balm has an extensive skin care line that is based on natural products. I am really impressed with every single skin care product I own by them.
  5. Celestial Cream by Lush ($25): This is my holy grail moisturizer, and the item I recommend to people the most. I love that all of Lush’s products are made from fresh ingredients and have no added chemicals or preservatives. This moisturizer is recommended for combination/sensitive acne prone skin. It’s formulated with cocoa butter, almond milk, vanilla water, and orchid extract. It is the perfect night cream that leaves your skin soft which lasts until the next morning.

I also use my Clarisonic several times a week to keep my skin exfoliated and fresh. It’s a great tool to help you take care of your skin, but it isn’t necessary. More of a luxury. I would definitely add it to your Christmas list if you can! :)

What are your skin care staples?