Summer Beauty Picks: Lip gloss

For the summer I have been leaning more towards lip glosses than lipsticks. From the picture you can probably tell that peaches and corals have been in consistent rotation within my beauty routine :P These lippies have become favorites of mine and are a great match with my skin complexion. I get the perfect combo of natural, yet with a pop of color. In addition to the lip glosses, I have become obsessed with EOS lip balms. I have probably purchased every color/flavor that they make. They leave my lips feeling so moisturized. Each balm is packed with jojoba oil, vitamin e, shea butter, and several other natural ingredients. In addition, you can usually pick these little guys up for around $2.00 and they smell sooo good. Below, is a list of the lip products and some combos I use on a regular basis.

I took this picture in direct sunlight to capture the amount of shimmer in each gloss

Swatches from L to R: Revlon Balm Stain in Rendezvous, Chanel Brilliant Levres in 697, Nars Gina, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in 436, MAC Sock Hop, Anastasia of Beverly Hills in Bellini, Bobbi Brown in Melon 2, Michael Marcus in Blossom, Michael Marcus in Sunset, Julie Hewett in Liplush, MAC Frankly Fresh, Anastasia of Beverly Hills in Barely

Same swatches without sunlight

I typically do not wear a lipgloss by itself. The makeup artist in me is constantly mixing and matching various colors. Below I have listed some of my favorite combinations and if you have any of these products I would give these combos a try. 

NARS Honolulu Honey l/s and Giza lipgloss = Natural peach lip

Bobbi Brown Melon l/g and Anastasia l/g in Bellini = Bright peach coral with gold shimmer

MAC l/g in Sock Hop and Anastasia of Beverly Hills l/g in Bellini = bright peach with shimmer

Revlon Balm Stain in Rendezvous 40, MAC l/g in Ember Glow, and Dior l/g in 436 = Coral w/shimmer

My Summer Beauty Picks: Faux Tan/Glow with Body Bling and Gleam

Clockwise: Body Bling Platinum, Body Bling (trave size packaging),
and Gleam by Melanie Mills

To continue with my Summer Beauty Picks series I wanted to discuss body bronzers. Summer is the time of year where everyone shows a little more skin. It is usually around this time of the year where I also begin to notice how frighteningly pale my thighs and upper arms are compared to the rest of my body. As a remedy, I typically reach for body bronzer moisturizers like Scott Barnes Body Bling or Gleam by Melanie Mills. I initially began using Body Bling in the original formula because it adds a nice tan to skin with with pretty shimmer. THEN, because I loved it so much I convinced myself to buy Body Bling Platinum, which I do not love so much :(. Finally, last year at IMATS L.A, I picked up Gleam by Melanie Mills and fell in love all over again. Each product has its pros and cons and each have specific times for use. Below are product swatches and descriptions.

Gleam, Body Bling, Body Bling Platinum

Gleam, Body Bling, Body Bling Platinum

Above are swatches of all three products. I typically use three dime size drops for each arm and a little more for my legs. Before applying, make sure the skin is clean for an even and transfer resistant application. It is important not to use to much because these products are moisturizing in-themselves and you want them to penetrate the skin. To much oil in the skin prior to applying the product will cause the product to transfer onto your clothes.

Bare Arm

Scott Barnes Body Bling

Pictured above are the inside of my forearm with and without Body Bling. The results of the product are very noticeable which is why I fell in love with the product initially. It leaves a beautiful golden brown tone to the skin with lots of shimmer. I appreciate the  golden bronze complexion it gives my skin. However, my only gripe with the product is the amount of shimmer. Body Bling will definitely leave you looking like a bronzed ball of of shimmer. The shimmer is mostly noticeable in direct sunlight which is eye catching and appears very pretty. However, not natural and subtle. For this reason, I tend to stray from Body Bling unless I'm going for a glamorous look. I like to use Body Bling when I'm going to special events or the beach.

Bare arm

Scott Barnes Body Bling Platinum

Scott Bares Body Bling in Platinum and I have a love hate relationship. This, like the original Body Bling, is a beautiful product. But, I do not think this product is meant for people with darker complexions. Unlike the original version, this has an opal shimmer that does not compliment darker skin tones. Golden and bronze shimmers typically look best on medium to dark skin tones. In direct sunlight the product is  pretty. But, because of the opal and silver shimmer in it can come off ashy without light directly reflecting  the fine shimmers. I'm sure on lighter skin tones the product is beautiful in or out of direct light. My guess is, this product is primarily for shimmer and not to alter complexion.

Bare Arm

Gleam By Melanie Mills

Gleam by Mealnie Mills (This picture gives you a
 better idea
of the amount of shimmer) (Click to enlarge)

Lastly, I also own Gleam by Melanie Mills. This product I use more frequently throughout the summer because the shimmer is subtle and it leaves a gorgeous golden brown tan. The other perk is it smells wonderful. I use the shade Bronze Gold and it is the perfect shade for  my skin tone when trying to achieve and evenly bronzed/tan complexion. Gleam comes in a variety of four shades which is perfect for someone who wants more control over their faux tan. The darkest shade is Deep Bronze which is suitable for people around NC 50. The product is transfer resistant but if you use to much or begin dressing before the product has set you will see product on your clothes. I apply it without moisturizer and when my skin is dry. After applying, I lightly use a towel over the areas to remove any excess which, will also prevent product transfer.

My Summer Beauty Picks: Bronzers

I decided to create a series of products I grab for every summer or recently purchased for the summer. I love reading bloggers favorites and though I cannot commit to monthly favorites, I thought this seasonal one would be a great start. For summer I like to keep my makeup very light. I try to use minimal makeup; focusing mainly on perfecting my canvas (skin) and adding pops of color on the cheeks and/or lips. Due to my allergies I rarely wear eyeshadow in the summer, typically the only cosmetic on my eyes is loads of mascara. Although, I make exceptions for special occasions (I just can't help myself).

To kick off the series I wanted to discuss my favorite bronzers for spring and summer (some year around). From previous post you may know that bronzers are my right hand man. I reach for bronzer consistently in my makeup routine. My usual favorites are semi-matte bronzers with fine shimmer in them. I know... I know...shimmer in the summer?? Mixed with heat and sweat? Lol.. But, who doesn't want that glow!..lol... Besides, any face products with shimmer require strategic placement. Keep that in mind and your face will be free of the glitter ball look ;)


Below are swatches of the bronzers. The first I took in direct sunlight to portray the amount of shimmer in each bronzer. The second picture is the same bronzer swatches taken outside in a shaded area.

(Direct sunlight to reflect the shimmer)
Guerlain Terracota Bronzer #05, Wet n Wild Bronzer in Princess, Tarte Park Ave Princess Bronzer, Cover Girl Queen Beautiful Bronze Bronzer, Cargo Bronzer in Dark, NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep Tan, Makeup Forever Matte Bronzer #30

(Natural light)

Cargo Bronzer in Dark

The Cargo Bronzer in Deep is my go to bronzer. From the picture you can tell it has been well loved. I was recommended this by Sam Fine a few years ago via and interview I read. He raves about using blush on top of the bronzer. For tan to deeper tones it is lovely with a orange, coral or peach matte blush. I tend to stray away from using a blush with shimmer on top of it because this bronzer is packed with fine golden shimmer. Cargo is a brand that can be hard to locate. I typically pick up their products at Nigels Beauty Emporium in North Hollywood where you can also order over the phone or online (they also give artist discounts :). The other retailer would be beauty.com

Cover Girl Queen Bronzer in Beautiful Bronze (left) and Light Bronze (right)

Similar to the Cargo Bronzer I have mentioned Cover Girls Queen Collection bronzers on my blog before. They were each listed in my 2010 favorites. Pictured are Brown Bronze (left) and Light Bronze (Right). I have these in my kit including the Ebony Bronze color, which is for deeper skin tones (not pictured).

MUFE Matte Bronzer in 40, 30, and 20 (right to left)

Also in my kit are the Makeup Forever matte bronzers.  I use these bronzers to add a sun tanned look to the skin since they have a warm undertone when applied. In addition, because they are matte they are excellent for contouring and go great with a shimmery blush.

Gueralin Terracotta Bronzers in 08, 05, and 03

Awww... and then there is my favorite line of bronzers by Gueralin. Similar to MUFE and Cargo these bronzers come in shades suitable for most skin tones. But, Gueralin truly takes the cake by offering a wide range of bronzers that vary in undertone and shade. The brands Terracotta line offers 8 shades. Each bronzer is $50.00 but, in my opinion well worth the money. My go to shade is 05 because it is exactly two shades darker  The bronzers have a satin finish and red undertones. I did notice some of the lighter shades undertone is more pink to suite pale skin.

Wet n Wild Bronzer in Princess

I purchased this bronzer last summer because it was such a steal at only $2.99. NYC is a drug store brand so I was not expecting to much. But, the texture is amazing. The powder is buttery soft and highly pigmented. However, it has a strong red undertone and is EXTREMELY shimmery. I use this product sparingly and lightly on top of a contour (i.e: Blunt blush by MAC).

NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep Tan

NYX MATTE BRONZER IN DEEP TAN
NYX released a line of five matte bronzers this year. The colors range from Light to Deep Tan. I picked up one of them at ULTA in Deep Tan. This is actually a perfect bronzer to contour with or just bronze the face. Unfortunately, Deep Tan is the darkest color, which is almost perfect for my skin tone and I'm a NC45. With that said, I do not believe this bronzer would work on deeper ebony skin tones.

MAC Cream Stick Bronzer in Billionaire Bronze

MAC Cream Stick bronzer in Billionaire Bronze

A swatch of the product and blended out to the right.

This product was released last year with MAC's To the Beach collection for summer. I usually use this for a full face makeup routine. The color is perfect for most skin tones as long as it is blended appropriately. This is a good base to use under a bronzer or by itself. When using this I typically apply a tinted moisturizer, MAC Billionaire Bronze around my forehead and in the hollows of my cheeks. On top, to set it, I use Cover Girls Queen Bronzer. It is very important to set this product. If you choose not to use a bronzer on top at least use a translucent powder to set. If you missed this product last year, a darker foundation will have a similar effect.

Sam Fine's Chicago Workshop

I know...I know... I have fallen into my stranger ways. The new year has brought upon so many new and great life changes that I have been kept away from my blog. However, new posts will be coming soon. Yay!!

My return post is an exciting one. For years I have followed Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine. He is truly one of my role models. Aside from his impeccable talent to transform a face. He is one of the most humble, distinguished, skilled and exquisite individuals I have came across. Though, I have not had the opportunity to meet him YET, it is these characteristics that I most admire.

Now, that you have a little bit of background as to why I'm so excited about this post, I can announce that I am attending one of his seminars this fall. Meeting him and attending a seminar has been a long time goal of mine. His schedule is consistently full due to clients like Vanessa Williams, Jeniffer Hudson, Iman and Paula Patton (just to name a few). Additionally, he recently earned the position as Creative Makeup Director for Fashion Fair Cosmetics (Weerrrk!). Considering his multiple roles and clients, I rarely notice him having seminars. Therefore, when I found out about this one I purchased my ticket immediately. The seminar is October 27, 2012 in Chicago, IL at the Dana hotel. I will be cutting my vacation in Maui a couple of days short to fly to Chicago to see Mr. Fine.

From previous post with Mario Dedivanovic, you are all aware that I love attending workshops. Aside from my 9 -5 and grad school, I am a Makeup artist and believe it is important to further hone and develop my craft. If you are interested in the same, I strongly suggest that you look into attending the seminar as well. There is a world of knowledge to gain from a Professional Makeup Artist like Sam Fine. Even if you are not a Makeup Artist, it would be worth the experience to better your your own makeup application. I will leave the link to the seminar below for further details.

I hope to see you there!

http://www.violanicholson.com/Events.html

P.S: Depending on where you are located you may have the opportunity to meet him and his team of Pro's at your local Macys. This Summer he will be making stops at Fashion Fairs cosmetic counters to deliver beauty consultations. If you are in California, like myself, he will be at the Fox Hill Mall in Culver City on June 16, 2012.
Link below!

Fashion Fair Cosmetics Beauty Tour with Sam Fine

Bronzed!

Spring and summer are almost here and to prepare I wanted to do a post dedicated to bronze. Last summer this was my go to makeup application. Bronzed skin with a golden bronzy eye. However, this time I switched up the products a little using some that I recently purchased. Such as MAC's Venetian Tarnish Metal-X eyeshadow. To bronze my skin, I used a darker foundation by Eve Pearl around the perimeter of my face with a red undertone. To set that foundation and add warmth and glow I used the Guerlain bronzers. In addition, I lightened my eyebrows with Anastasia's Tinted Brow gel. To add a glow to my skin I used OCC's Titania loose color (my favorite for highlighting!) and Tarte's Park Ave Princess Bronzer in the center of my face and along my upper cheek bone.

Bronzed and glowing skin!

Face
MUFE HD Foundation in 173
Eve Pearl Foundation in Dark
MAC Hyperreal foundation
Gueralin Bronzer 05 and 08
Tarte Park Ave Princess Bronzer
Becca concealer in Toffee
NARS Orgasm blush
OCC Titania (highlight)

Eyes
MAC Venetian Tarnish Metal-X e/s (lid)
NARS Galapagos (crease)
NARS Mekong (outter V & lash line)
NARS Night Star (brow bone)
MAC Smolder Eye Kohl (used for upper water line)
Stila Tiger Eye Eye Kohl (water line)

Eyebrows
MAC Stud brow pencil
Anastasia Brow Gel

Lips
YSL Rouge Pure Shine 27
Calvin Klein lipgloss 202

Valentines Day FOTD pt.2

For Valentines Day I decided to create a romantic look. Last year, I played on color themes with pinks and reds for the eyes and because I was going on a date this year I wanted to look natural and glamorous. I used brown and gold eyeshadows and made a custom pair of lashes with two different sets and a few individual lashes for the ends. I have listed the various products below for reference. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them below in the comments!

Thanks so much for all the support guys!

FACE

Foundation: Tom Ford Traceless Foundation stick in Praline #10

Concealer: Becca Compact Concealer in Toffee

Powder: MAC Prep + Prime Transparent finishing powder

Highlight: Eye M Glam by Giella

Contour: MAC Blunt Blush and Cargo Bronzer in Dark

Blush: Illamasqua Hussy

EYES

Lid: Becca Concealer in Toffee and OCC Titania Loose Color

Crease: MUFE #28 and Bobbi Brown e/s in Black

Transition color #61

Eyebrow: MAC Spiked eyebrow pencil

Eyebrow highlight: MUFE #41

LIPS

NARS Honolulu Honey l/s

NARS Giza

Falls light eye and dark lip

Here is another FOTD for fall. I did a take on the classic bold lip with a light eye (my favorite). With some much emphasis placed on the lips, I spent most of my time perfecting my skin. I have found that this look only works when the skin is polished. With that said, I put a lot of effort into achieving a glow and bronzing my skin. Let me know what you think!

 List of products:
Face
NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Cadiz and Macao
Cover FX foundation (used as concealer)
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Dark
Gueralin Terracotta Bronzer in 05 and 08
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Gold Deposit
Ben Nye Banana powder
MAC Devil Blush

Eyes
Lid: Laura Mercier e/s in Gilt (my favorite!)
Crease: MUFE e/s #28 and #70
Lash line: Inglot matte black eye shadow
Eye Liner: MAC Superslick Eyeliner and NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
Ardell Lashes in #106 and individual long lashes

Eyebrows
MAC Spiked brow pencil
Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Caramel

Lips
MAC Prince Noir
NARS Daredevil