Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Annabelle, I Love You: Annabelle Cosmetics Review



Annabelle, you're always there, you're always trying, you're always priced just right and you give kickass results when called upon!  Thank you so very much  for sending me these products to try.  You left me speechless and I'll tell you why.  I never do well with mineral makeup, primarily because I react to the Bismuth Oxychloride (a common allergen) which is a staple in most mineral based cosmetics and I am an 80's child so I am used to liquid foundations and pressed makeup.  So, I applied your mineral foundation with a healthy dose of skepticism thinking the burning and itching feeling is going to start in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1........and nothing.   I WAS WRONG!  Its gorgeous, it covers and best of all it doensn't burn my face which means the chemists at Annabelle have figured out the right amount of Bismuth Oxychloride to add or detract from the product.

The lip plumping glosses are pigmented and glossy and the purple mineral shadow reminds me of those hot sexy summer nights at backyard tiki parties grooving to some tunes.  I like them very much and I thank you for making me a fan of your mineral foundation, bronzer, blush, shadows and lippies!  Excellent value for the price.

Bravo and merci beaucoup!!!!

On my face: Annabelle Mineral Foundation in Barely Beige, Annabelle Mineral Blush in Hush, Annabelle Mineral Bronzer in Terra, Annabelle Mineral Eyeshadow in Violet Vibe and lined eyes with Smudge Liner in Rich Chocolate, Annabelle Volume Lip in Iced Spice and Cherryoke.



Thanks for stopping by.  xxNadia

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Ardell Duralash Naturals: Individual False Lashes & Photo of the Day


Today, I was in the mood for a very full lash, but I didn't want to overload my eyelashes with mascara.  I applied individual, short black lashes to my upper lashes only.  It definitely gives the appearance that your top lashes are full without applying coat after coat of mascara.  My goal was fullness as opposed to super long lashes.  Mind you, my own natural lashes are nothing to write home about.  I cannot live without mascara.

When working with clients I prefer using individual lashes because you can focus on specific areas of the lashline and can fix or fill in areas of the eye where the lashes are sparse.  Mature clients look beautiful with a bit of individual lashes and I find that brown lashes look very natural.  Curl your lashes before hand and add one coat of defining mascara prior to application and then use your spooley to make sure there are no clumps in your natural lashes.  If desired, you can add another coat of mascara at the base: take your want and place at the base of your lashes and rock the wand back and forth.

Please ensure when purchasing individual lashes that they are knot-free and they flare.  I prefer a short length.  I may put medium length lashes at the outer corners but I find that short lenght does the trick.  In the above pics, I have 4 individual lash flares on each eye.

The brand I typically get is Ardell DuraLash Naturals because they are naturally curled, waterproof and feel very comfortable to wear.  I truly forget that I'm wearing false lashes.  If you are using individual lashes for the first time and aren't sure which length suits your taste, I would suggest buying a combo pack which includes long, medium and short flared lashes.  A box of lashes is under $6.00.

These lashes are perfect for first dates and even for the office. You first need to get the hang of applying them and once you do, its a piece of cake.  I would strongly recommend surgical adhesive glue because it makes lashes stay put. There is nothing worse than lashes that become unhinged when you are sitting next to someone and having a conversation.  The brand I use is Duo Adhesive .  I purchase this at MAC stores, however, there are other retailers that carry this product.  A tube of Duo Adhesive will last you a long while.

**Its important to note that waiting until the adhesive is tacky is the best way to apply lashes because they adhere to your lashes and/or lashline very quickly and don't wiggle around.  Have fun!!

On the rest of my face

Foundation: 1/2 Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer & 1/2 Chanel Pro Lumiere #20
Blush:  Benefit Coralista
Eyes:  Layin Low Paint Pot with Tan Pigment on eyelid and Malt in the crease and Annabelle Smudge Liner in Rich Chocolate.
Lips: Rimmel lipstick #600 in soft coral

Thanks for stopping by! xxNadia