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Entries Tagged as 'Beauty'

Don’t Shout, ‘Whisper’, Into a New Lip Look This Spring

26.3.13

Spring has sprung and even though it snowed over here in Jersey just a few days ago, I’m already thinking about my spring wardrobe. Brighter colors, light jackets, and most importantly new spring makeup! In the warmer months, I like to put away my deep matte lip shades that I loved during the winter and trade them in for something sheer, moist, and just a hint of color.

Recently I got a chance to try Maybelline’s Color Whisper…the perfect winter to spring transition lip. It’s lighter than lipstick but has more color pigment than a gloss. Did I mention it’s super moisturizing? There’s a couple of ways you can rock this lighter lip look:

Apply straight from the tube for a natural and fresh look, like I did in the photo below.
For more definition and for added staying power, try applying a coordinating color liner first.
To get a polished sexy pout, apply on top of your favorite lipstick for added shine

One coat gives just a “whisper” of color. By the way, doesn’t it look like I drew on fake beauty marks crooked? Swear it’s natural

After a few more layers, the color is more pigmented—shine is incredible!

I tried about 4 different shades and Made-It Mauve was my favorite. You can view all 20 shades, as well as enter the “Dare to Whisper” sweepstakes. Enter for a chance to win all 20 shades or even a chance to win $5,000!

Maybelline New York’s Color Whisper™ by Color Sensational® empowers you to make a statement in soft, sexy sheer color. Because sometimes a whisper says more than a shout. Dare to whisper for a chance to win fab prizes: http://www.maybelline.com/colorwhisper.aspx

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Maybelline via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Maybelline.

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 Dont Shout, Whisper, Into a New Lip Look This Spring

Spring into New Eyelid Primers!!

25.3.13

Spring is officially here! (Well depending on where you are). I love this time a year when you clean out your closets and your makeup kit to make room for new stuff. Primers are a must have in your kit. There’s no way around it. Here are 3 of my favorites you should try.

1. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion Tube – Original : A sheer nude eye shadow primer that glides onto the skin. This primer disappears instantly and is the ultimate eye prep for smoother, more vibrant shadow and all-day wear with absolutely no creasing. This squeeze tube is limited to sephora only. {Retail $20}

2. Benefit-Stay Don’t Stray: This dual-action primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eye shadows stay put. Concealers and eye shadows stay vibrant and true, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Its lightweight, blendable and brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.
Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with vitamins C & E, and does not contain parabens.
It’s long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eye shadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup. { Retail $26)

3. Too Faced Shadow Insurance: This is your full-coverage insurance policy against all fading, creasing, melting, blurring, oil slicked, and hard-to-blend eye shadow accidents. Our silicone based eye shadow primer transforms any eyeshadow into a perfectly blendable, color-drenched, intensified version of itself, then locks it down perfectly until you take it off. This soothing formula evens out the skintone on your lids and smoothes lines while securing a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again.

What it is formulated without:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
{Retail $20}

Would love to hear so feedback after you try them!!

Author: Danielle Minnella www.danielleminnella.com

Philly Love and Donut Inspired Mani

19.3.13

A beautiful 60 degree day in the winter begs for a trip into the city. A couple of weeks ago, the hubby, my son, and I went across the bridge into Philly for donuts. Yes, donuts. This isn’t Dunkin Donuts (which I still love) we are talking about. This is Federal Donuts. A quick look at the menu at Federal Donuts includes French Toast, Turkish Coffee, Raspberry Lemonade, or my favorite Cinnamon Brown Sugar. Totally worth the trip.

photo 528x528 Philly Love and Donut Inspired Mani

My son at Federal Donuts—polished off 3 easily.

But while we were there, we took advantage of the weather and walked around to Rittenhouse Park, where everyone had the same idea we did.

the park edit1 Philly Love and Donut Inspired Mani

A beautiful day in the city brings out everyone—activists included

Some people were obviously excited for the warm (but fleeting) weather, like this girl as she roamed the streets in a skirt and cardigan:

Breathing in city life gave me inspiration for my mani that night. I tried a half moon mani, using black for the half moon and a neutral beige for the rest of the nail. To help keep the lines straight, I used reinforcement ring tabs. Not bad, but next time around I’ll keep the tabs on longer–taking them off too soon while the nail is still wet can mess up the lines.

Here’s to spring just a couple days away!!

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 Philly Love and Donut Inspired Mani

The Art of The Smoky Eye

11.3.13

Hello ABL readers.. Its been such a hectic season for me but I have not forgotten about you all. I hope your enjoying the blog!!

When you think ART do you think Makeup?? Most people think painting, drawing or sculpture but what about your makeup!!! I always tell my clients “Makeup is an Art” , once you master it your makeup will look flawless. Smoky eyes are an art and is a great way to dress up your day or night. Green is the season too!!

(Before I go on, Smoky can also be spelled smokey..just thought I’d share that)

What is a smoky eye?

Smoky Eye makeup = A clouded effect with darkest color at lash line and getting lighter as you work up toward brow bone, each layer well blended and disappearing into the next.

Smoky eye can be done with any color you wish. Green shown in above photo since its the color of the season and looks good with any eye color(I love an emerald or an olive green).

Without the use of key techniques a smoky eye can go horribly wrong. Techniques such as using the right color palette, Using the correct brushes, how you place the shadow and how you blend. (please do not use q tips for blending, invest in a good set of brushes)

Steps:

Take your darkest shadow and gently place it over your eyelid. (no further up than your eye crease). Brush: Flat hair brush will lay the color down nicely.
Take a pointed brush/pony tail style and gently take your second color into the crease (windshield wipe motion). A light taupe was used to blend in with the green. The idea is you want to create dimension with the use of color and shading. Remember your colors should compliment each other.
Take a smudge-able black eyeliner pencil and tightly apply it to your upper lash line. (black is the best for definition) Using small short strokes from outer corner to inner corner. This will prevent any gaps or sloppy eyeliner. Use a smudge brush to blend it into the eye.
Take your lightest color and gently place into brow bone.
Now its time for under the eye. Take your black liner that you just used for the top lids and add it into rim “waterline”(If you do not want to place it into your water line that’s ok) Take your darkest green and smudge it under the eye..going from out eye to inner eye. Brush: smudge brush with short hairs.
For added highlight in the tear duct area.. add a gold its very flattering and will create more dimension. Top and bottom!( see photo)
Add some mascara. For a more dramatic look add lashes.!

A good tip: whenever you are working with a dark smoky eye makeup, I find its better to do your foundation last this way all the fall-age from the shadow won’t ruin your face makeup.

This diagram should help you with your shadow placement. The smoky eye photo here is a subtle smoky eye.. you can definitely punch it up just by adding more and deepening the colors. Sometimes dampening the brush will make the pigment pop even more.

* Not every step shown in eye makeup photo.

Happy Smoky eyes!!! Try it for St patty days..!!