Thursday, November 29, 2012

How to apply red lipstick

With so many Holiday parties coming up, starting as early as this weekend, its time to start thinking about what makeup look you'll be sporting!  You might be tempted to wear red lipstick, the color of the season, but if you're unsure how to apply or what shade to buy, I've got the guide for you!!!!!




What shade to choose?

I LOVE this little classic guide to picking a red lipstick:


Once you've decided on your shade, you have to create your look, applying the lipstick near-to-last.

What to wear it with:  After applying foundation and a bit of bronzer LOW on the cheeks, add some red-orange blush to the apples of cheeks (you have to go a bit overboard on the blush to balance the red lips!)


Apply an eyeshadow base and use neutrals in shades of tan and black to build up a mid to heavy smokey eye

Don't apply color higher than the crease, this will ensure that you aren't over-doing the makeup.  Alternatively, you can just go for a thicker black liner with a 'wing' at the end, which is VERY classic

make sure you define your brows with a brow pencil, it will really add to your look!

I like to use Maybelle define-a-brow pencil, it is self-sharpening and super thin for easy application!


Now that you have created your 'canvas' its time to prep the lips!

STEP 1:  Exfoliate!!!!  Dry or dead skin on your lips flakes off, and your gorgeous red color right with it if you don't prep the area first.  The easiest and cheapest way to exfoliate is to use your toothbrush!  Be sure to WET your lips and LIGHTLY and gently 'scrub' the lip area and PAT dry with a soft towel


You can also wet lips and use a lip polish, like this all natural version from fresh, which is a sugar based scrub that gently removes all dry dead skin, you just use your finger and rinse off, then pat dry!


If you have extremely dry lips, apply a bit of lip balm with just the tip of your finger, it should hardly create a layer moisture.  Then give it several minutes to fully absorb into the lip area.  If there is too much residue, the lip color will not last as long.

Step 2:  Lip liner!  This is optional, some people really don't like lip liner.  I consider it an essential for the initial application of red lipstick.  You have 2 options here, if you can find a red lip liner that is almost exactly the shade of your lipstick (at least matches the cool or warm tone of the color) then use that.  If you aren't sure or you don't want to invest in a red lip liner, you can use a nude liner instead.

when you line lips, don't be afraid to 'draw outside the lines' a bit and make your lips appear a bit fuller,
or perhaps you want to accentuate your 'cupids bow' more (the top point of your upper lip)


Step 3:  Use a lip brush!!!!  This is the only step I am going to tell you that you can't skip, you have to use a lip brush for the INITIAL application of the lipstick.

Preferably a synthetic bristle with a short, small tip

WHY?  because applying directly from the tube does not distribute the color evenly, which results in fading and feathering (that nasty thing that happens when the color bleeds)


get some product on the lip brush, start from the fattest part of the lip and blend towards the corners.
The first thing you'll notice is that the color is softer and not as vibrant as it might be when you apply it from the tube.  You can add more product to increase the boldness of the color.

I SUPPOSE that if you absolutely can't get your hands on a lip brush you can substitute your ring or pinkie finger.  Just don't apply from the tube.  Better to dab on with your tiny finger than apply directly!

Step 4:  Blot.  Ah ha....I'm about to dispel the myth that you blot like this:


because that's the WRONG way!!!

When blotting, lightly 'tap' the lip to get the access color, never rub!


Step 5:  Apply a gloss.  This is optional of course, you may love the color just as it is.  And truthfully, applying a gloss might make the lipstick fade faster.  I prefer to do a combo of the option and only apply gloss to the very center of the lower lip.  This reflects light and makes the lips appear fuller, and helps the color last better than if you applied gloss all over

Leaving the center of the lip with less color is an ole' makeup artist trick!  Oh yeah!


Step 6:  Touch-ups!  Yeah!  Now you get to use your tube to lightly dab lips (avoid heavy swiping) to brighten up the color as it wears down.  The glossier your color, the more you'll need to re-apply.

The best lipsticks for longer wear that won't make your lips dry out:

1. Chanel Rouge Allure, this semi-matte lipstick has good staying power and the colors are incredible
2. Revlon Kissable Balm Stain (in Romantic)
3. Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick (at Sephora)
4. Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge, this is a double-ended lip product with the gloss built in

Complete your look with some false lashes for drama, and swipe on just a bit more blush, and you have a classic look for any holiday get-together!

I'll end here with several of the inspirations from my 'red lipstick' looks







Naked Basics

I've got the scoop!!!  The third installment of the most-loved Urban Decay Naked Palette series is available for pre-order!

The "Naked Basics" palette brings us back to basis with 6 totally matte shades that help you build the ULTIMATE matte look!


Take a look at these NO shine NO shimmer NO glitter colors!!  They are heavily pigmented, so you don't get that 'blah' feeling that most mattes can give you!


Typically the Naked palette's retail for $49, but given the smaller size and less shadow quantity of the basics palette, its retailing for $27

Also, the two darkest shades can really be layered nicely for a low-drama look:


Are YOU going to take it 'back to basics'?

Check it out and order here:
http://www.urbandecay.com/naked-basics-eyeshadow-by-urban-decay/355,default,pd.html?src=112912nakedbasics&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=112912nakedbasics&utm_term=CTA&utm_content=NakedBasics&utm_campaign=Marketing&cyEmail=rosa.osu@usa.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The newest in NAKED!

I know followers, you're just as obsessed with the Urban Decay NAKED collection as I am!  It all started with a limited edition palette and BAM!  Fans and fanatics DEMANDED that UD make it a permanent item! 

Not only that, but they then released a NAKED 2 palette that was just as awesome! (albeit lacking in the brush department)

THEN they launched a line of 'naked' foundations and concealers


And now...just this morning a press release to all UD 'insiders' (aka: me) there is a THIRD Naked palette coming VERY soon, and they will tell us is...
Matte is the Naked.  Subscribers Find Out First >

Its going to be ALL MATTE (aka: no shimmer or glitter!)

REALLY?!?!?!?!

Go to:
http://www.urbandecay.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-UrbanDecay-Site/default/Home-Show?src=PPCBRANDED&gclid=CIOXooyI8rMCFQSg4AodvTkAYg&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=urban+decay&utm_campaign=desktop+%2D+search+%2D+urban+decay+%2D+phone+extensions

To get on the list to get an email BEFORE it hits stores, also with an opportunity to pre-order it once the stock photos are released!  I predict this will sell out online just from the insiders and pre-sale and might not be available again until after Christmas.  This cult following over these products is serious, and you better act now to get your hands on it!

If you simply CAN'T wait to get your hands on an UD palette until the release, then check out this outstanding set that contains 20 NEVER BEFORE RELEASED COLORS!!!!!!!

http://www.urbandecay.com/Vice-Eyeshadow-Palette-by-Urban-Decay/342,default,pd.html?start=10&cgid=12
(also on Sephora.com for those of you who want to collect points and get free samples!)
close up view of colors:


again, the brush in the kit is pretty lame, hit up Sephora and grab a 'pro' shadow brush for $18.  You'll see the difference!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

What to buy 'the guy'

Whoever said women are hard to shop for never had to shop for a guy (hehe)!  So true!  But I've got some unique cool ideas that might just make you a hero on Christmas morning.  Santa who?

For the sports fanatic:

If you've got a guy that prays to the baseball God, then you have to check out these two unique sports gifts!

1. Cufflinks made from actual stadium seats!
http://gifts.redenvelope.com/sports/reclaimed-ballpark-cuff-links-24420083?ref=HomeNoRef&viewpos=3&trackingpgroup=rcuff
10 stadiums to choose from
reclaimed ballpark cuff links

2.  OR, how about cuff links made from actual MLB baseballs?
MLB™ baseball stiches cuff links
(same website)
Red Envelope (etailer)does an incredible job gift packaging items, and they are a great website to use to ship gifts directly!

Does your guy already have a bunch of cufflinks or watches?
How about a covered valet to display them?
cuff link display case
For the beloved Grandpa:  Sticking with one of my fav sites, RedEnvelope.com I have given this gift and its incredible, it's "The Story of a Lifetime"
leather bound story of a lifetime
a custom engraved book with questions that beg for a full page answer about love, life, faith, family and tradition.  It is a family keepsake that can be viewed by generations and is a GREAT way to keep the memory of a loved on alive.  It really is the ultimate gift that they will spend weeks if not months making entries!

For the concert-junkie:
I bought one of these for my young male cousin as a gift when I bought him tickets to his first concert, years later he still loves to put all ticket stubs in there with photos and notes about the event.  A cheap and easy gift OR a great gift to add on to a concert ticket or movie pass gift!
Ticket Stub Diary
starting at $10 on amazon.com just search "ticket stub diary"

For the IT wizard OR the career-minded gentleman:
Hey, sometimes a guy has to get snazzy & classy, and if this doesn't sound like your guy...well, you might actually get him to put on a short & tie with THIS gift!

For $250 these wi-fi and usb cuff links are sure to the 'newest' thing
WiFi and USB Cufflinks
also available in USB only for $100
Silver USB Cufflinks

These REAL silver cufflinks actually emit a wi-fi hotspot!  (wi-fi version only)
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/wifi-and-usb-cufflinks
(can run one device at a time)

For the ultimate hipster:
The wooden bow tie!  How cute and unique!
Wood Bow Tie

This $32 tie is worth the bucks, because it will surly get him noticed, and really....isn't that what the hipsters are all about?
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/wood-bow-tie

(also available in a wooden tie, but eh...not as fun!)
Wood Tie

For the guy that lives at the office:
Hey, he doesn't see the light of day....so bring him something living!
Moss Terrarium Bottle
This glass terraneum is fool-proof and will instantly brighten the office environment with a bit of fresh oxygen!
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/moss-terrarium-bottle

For the workout fanatic:
get him the MUST HAVE Nike Fuelband

this band links to your iPod or android phone and helps you track all your fitness and nutition!  From $150 at sporting goods stores

Stuff for every guy's stocking that he never knew he needed!  (many of these I've bought and he has loved!)
Keep your cables organized!!!!
Cable Twisters for under $10

and cord keepers
bobino® Cord WrapsCableDrop™ Cord Clips
All on www.containerstore.com

How about this clip on head lamp (versus wearing the one that straps around the head?)  You laugh, but have you ever had to walk to the bathroom when you're camping?! ($6)
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/giftWrapWonderland/stockingStuffers?productId=10028945&N=62523&Nao=40


This cool iPhone pouch cleans the screen as its in your pocket! ($5)
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/giftWrapWonderland/stockingStuffers?productId=10031082&N=62523&Nao=120


If he has an iPhone, he might like a case that protects his phone, as well as has a hidden compartment to put his credit card, ID for some cash in!  google 'stowaway iphone case' for different styles
Stowaway <em>Credit Card Case</em> for <em>iPhone</em> 4/4S by Incipio - White/Gray

Are they always spilling liquids on their electronics?  How about a 'dry bag' for various accessories such as cell phones, cameras, even iPads!
Topeak <em>iPhone Dry</em> Bag, Black
LOKSAK 3 Aloksak 8 x 11 Airtight Waterproof Pouch clear <em>dry</em> Bags ...
www.seavenger.com for the best prices!

Give him the gift of no fog and no spots!  Put some Rain-x in his stocking.  If you've never used it, you're missing out!  This stuff seriously works!