My Work: Arianne Stays Cool Then Turns Up The Heat!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of events, which is why the posts have been sporadic, so to get away from the chaos I took some time to do some portfolio work.

I was lucky enough to spend some time with Arianne, a co-worker of mine, who was willing to help me document some of my work for my makeup portfolio. This girl is already naturally gorgeous sans makeup and enhancing those features with a couple different looks was just tons of fun.

In this first look, I decided to play with her favorite color - green. For my tanner sisters out there that are still a bit hesitant on the thought of playing with greens, teals, and blues, this look is proof that even us brown honeys can pull off a daring color combo.

Greens compliment Arianne's skin nicely, which will explain why she loves the color so much. And with the island weather being rather good lately, keeping the colors cool just seemed suiting.

Here are the look details:

(all MAC unless otherwise stated)

FACE
Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer (187SE)
Studio Finish Concealer NW35 (under eyes - ring finger)
Buff'd Light Foundation in Caramel (188)
Buff'd Setting Powder in Serecite (188)
Shy Beauty Beauty Powder Blush (169)

BROWS
STILA Eyebrow Set (266)

EYES
UDPP
Delft p/p (lid - 242)
Chartreuse p/m (lid, inner lower lashline - 239, 219)
Parrot e/s (outer lid, outer lower lashline - 239, 219)
Ochre Style e/s (crease - 222)
Deep Truth e/s (outer v - 222, 219)
Shroom e/s (highlight - 239)

LIPS
NYX Champagne
J. Lynne FX Gloss in Hilary




In this second look, I decided to do a hot and spicy number with a smokey eye and some jaw-dropping red lips.

(all MAC unless otherwise stated)

FACE
Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer (187SE)
Studio Finish Concealer NW35 (under eyes - ring finger)
Buff'd Light Foundation in Caramel (188)
Buff'd Setting Powder in Serecite (188)
Feeling Beauty Powder Blush (169)
Joyous Beauty Powder Blush (apples - 169)
Shadester Sculpt & Shape Duo (contour - 169)
Lightsweep Sculpt & Shade Duo (highlight above cheeks - 129)

BROWS
STILA Eyebrow Set (266)

EYES
UDPP
Cash Flow p/p (lid - 242)
Electra e/s (lid, inner lower lashline - 239, 219)
Clue e/s (crease - 222)
Signed, Sealed e/s (outer lid - 222)
Carbon e/s (outer V, outer lower lashline - 222, 219)
Shroom e/s (highlight - 239)

LIPS
NYX Hebe
J. Lynne FX Gloss in Julianne




I really enjoyed both pieces although I have to say that I do love how the gold base of MAC Cash Flow paint pot peeped through the silver (MAC Electra) in the second look. Stunning in the real! Isn't she a doll?!?!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I have a couple more willing candidates booked to help showcase some talent so be sure to stay tuned for that!

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Site Review: Let LensShopper.com Be Your Contact Lens Shopping Guide!

LensShopper.com is an informational website tayloring it's services to helping you find contact lenses at discounted prices for your personal needs. Whether you're looking to refill your stash of Acuvue2s or jazz up your look with some sassy dimensional colored contacts at a good price, this website can help you in the process.

The site is laid out with a user-friendly navigation meaning that even the non-savvy Internet user should be able to find what they need under each self-explanatory category (Contact Lenses, Contact Lens Offers, Colored Contacts, and Coupons).

CONTACT LENSES
Under this tab, LensShopper.com shows you exactly which contact lens retailers you'll find throughout their site. With 9 of the most popular online retailers to choose from, you can click on the links to view more information on the site and be forwarded directly for purchase.

CONTACT LENS OFFERS
One thing I really like about this page is the featuring of the best prices for daily, monthly, and colored lens types. The site lists an updated breakdown of the 10 best prices for the most shopped for lenses. Is your lens type not in the top 10 for best prices? Click on the "More Discount Lenses" link and where you have the option to search exactly what you're looking for.

Looking for information on 1-2 week lenses or toric lenses? There's even a category break down of the 10 most popular lens types!

COLORED CONTACTS
Since makeup is comprised of color, the color studio on the site is a lot of fun. Here you can choose from 6 lovely models to showcase the different colored contacts offered. If you've never tried colored contacts and want to have a feel for how the colors play out, this studio definitely gives you a better idea before purchasing.

Can you imagine how spiced up your different looks would be if you added colored contacts? Check out the studio!

COUPONS
We'll always looking to save a couple bucks when shopping and why not know exactly what discounts are available for the contact lens retailers featured! It's a perfect. Find a site that offers what you're looking for and then check to see if you can save even more with your purchase.

OVERALL
I find the site to be very helpful. I've shopped for contacts online before and finding a one-stop shop that does the grunt work of searching and compiling the information into one space really does make things much easier. I especially enjoy the fact that the delivery time, quantity, price, price/lens, and total price are presented during the search because then I really get a good idea of exactly how much I'd spend for a box and when I can expect to receive it. I know that when I decide to bring colored contacts back into the picture that I will definitely be using LensShopper.com as a resource!

So check them out now and see if you can find a fit for your liking!

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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FOTD: Just Call Me A Buff'd Cosmetics Spokesperson!

I know I'm not alone in getting excited when it comes time to play with makeup. Isn't it a girl's dream? And since I was recently sent a handful of mineral eye shadows to play with from Jennifer Burns, the owner of Buff'd Cosmetics, the excitement is only beginning.

Staring at all the colors she sent is almost mesmerizing but alas, your girl was at the bathroom drawing board and eventually popped the idea for this particular look. I'll admit I was a bit hesitant to use the Buff'd Eyebrow Mattes in Midnight because I thought it would be too dark, but after using it to fill-in my eyebrows, I really do like it! I actually built it up pretty dark because I didn't realize how much was on my brush (tapping is crucial, lol!), but now I know that the color intensity is buildable.

This look is comprised mostly of Buff'd products.

(all Buff'd Cosmetics "*" unless otherwise stated)

FACE
Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer (187SE)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer NW35 (under eyes - ring finger)
*Mineral Foundation in Concealing Formula - Caramel (188)
*Mineral Setting Powder - Earthen (188)
*Mineral Blush - Brick (169)
GoW Pineapple Hydrating Mist (used to set makeup)

BROWS
*Mineral Eyebrow Mattes - Midnight (266)

EYES
UDPP (right lid)
MAC Layin' Lowp/p (left lid - 252)
*Devine Pure Pigment wet with FIX+ (inner lid - 242)
*Devine Pure Pigment dry to set (inner lid - 239)
*Forest Mineral Eye Shadow wet with FIX+ (outer lid - 242)
*Forest Mineral Eye Shadow dry to set (outer lid - 239)
*Indigo Mineral Eye Shadow dry (crease - 222)
*Fairy Tale Mineral Eye Shadow dry (highlight - 239)
*Indigo Mineral Eye Shadow dry (lower lashline - 219)
MAC Beige-ing s/s (base for lower lashline)
MAC Blacktrack f/l (upper waterline - 208)
Graphblack Technakohl (waterline)
Covergirl Lash Blast

LIPS
Bare Slimshine (bottom)
J.Lynne Gloss FX in Hilary (top - retractable lip brush)






So now that you've seen a few of the Buff'd products in action, here's how to replicate it!

Brushes You'll Need:

1. MAC 239
2. MAC 242
3. MAC 252
   
4. MAC 222
5. MAC 219
   

Eye Products You'll Need:

1. MAC Layin' Low p/p (or Painterly p/p will work just as well)
   
2. Buff'd Devine Pure Pigment
3. Buff'd Forest Mineral Eye Shadow
4. Buff'd Indigo Mineral Eye Shadow
5. Buff'd Fairy Tale Mineral Eye Shadow
6. Mixing Medium (click here to make your own!)
   
7. MAC Blacktrack f/l
   
8. MAC Graphblack Technakohl
9. MAC Beige-ing s/s
   
10. Mascara
    

How To Get The Eyes:

1. Using a firm bristle brush, you'll want to apply a neutral base like Painterly Paint Pot (I used MAC Layin' Low Paint Pot) to your eyelids to ensure the staying power of the eyeshadow as well as crease prevention. I used a MAC 252 for this as the head of the brush is larger and I normally use the larger head for more neutral base colors.
2. Now using the smaller version of the MAC 252, apply mixing medium (I used MAC FIX+) onto the head of a MAC 242 to dampen the bristles. You don't want the brush soaking wet, so if you dip/mist the brush too much, just lay the edge of the bristles on a tissue or napkin to absorb the excess liquid.
3. I picked up some Buff'd Devine Pure Pigment and apply the wet powder to the inner half of the eyelid.
4. Using this same method (also known as foiling), I apply Buff'd Forest Mineral Eye Shadow to the outer half of the eyelid concentrating more color on the most outer part of the eyelid and bringing it into the Devine laid down in Step 3.
5. With a clean and dry eyeshadow brush like the MAC 239, pick up Buff'd Devine Pure Pigment and Buff'd Forest Mineral Eye Shadaow, and apply them each dry over their corresponding placements on your eyelid. This will help to "set" the wet eyeshadow to ensure the eyeshadows are longlasting. Because we are using mineral eyeshadows, there tends to be a lot of fallout. So before applying the color to the eyes, be sure to tap off all the excess - it can get messy on your lids when you don't. Blend where needed.
6. Time to concentrate on the crease. Pick up Buff'd Indigo Eye Shadow with a tapered blending brush, such as the MAC 222, and blend the eyeshadow in the crease diffusing the edges of Devine and Forest. The key is a soft, small circular motion. This eyeshadow was applied dry.
   
7. Lay down MAC Beige-ing Shadestick along the lower lashline. This will help the eyeshadow adhere better.
8. With a pencil brush like the MAC 219, place Buff'd Indigo Eye Shadow over the MAC Beige-ing Shadestick in Step 7.
9. Highlight your browbone at anytime. I used Buff'd Fairy Tale Eye Shadow (not yet released) with a MAC 239.
10. Add MAC Blacktrack Fluidline with an angled brush (I love to apply this with a MAC 208) to the upper lashline and MAC Graphblack Technakohl to the waterline.
    
11. Curl eyelashes and add your favorite mascara!

What do you think folks? Color payoff or what?

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Product Review: MAC Fast Response Eye Cream

MAC FAST RESPONSE EYE CREAM $28.50 USD

The super-charged, caffeinated cream with instant effects. De-puffs, erases the look of dark circles, firms, soothes and softens skin around the eye. Special optics act like magic to fade away lines.

PRICE
I'm really not all that down with spending nearly $30 on a single product. A makeup brush I'm more inclined to drop the cash, but I find myself less willing to shell out the dough when it comes to something that will eventually deplete itself. But on the flip side to this frugal situation, $30 is an affordable fee when it comes to taking care of something as important as the skin around the eye.

PACKAGING
The MAC Fast Response Eye Cream is presented in a travel friendly squeeze tube with a black screw top. Also an easy item to toss into your handbag or purse for those late mornings when the snooze button wins.

As part of the packaging, the tube is equipped with a built-in needle tip to allow for controlled gradual product dispensing. This is a very useful feature especially when a little goes a long way and this is one product you don't want to be wasteful on!


PRODUCT CONSISTENCY
The consistency of the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream is not runny like milk yet not firm like gel. It is also very lightweight and smooths easily into the skin and finishes with a soft and silky texture. This is why I bought the product!!


THE EXPERIENCE
The comparison between where the product is on the back of my hand to where it isn't, is more convincing of it's ability to fade away lines than on my eye. On my eye, it doesn't erase deep creasing but it does smooth out some of the hardly noticeable fine lines.

And in smoothing out the skin, my eyelids feel like silk when I have this on! If you don't have oily eyelids, you could probably get away with using this as an eyeshadow primer as well. I can't because as the day wears on, I notice my crease starting to secrete oil.






WHAT I LIKE

• The way it makes my eyelids feel; soft, smooth, and silky.
• It smells lovely... just as all MAC face products normally do.
• The needle-point dispenser and overall packaging.
  

WHAT I DISLIKE

• Price tag. But in retrospeck, taking care of your eyes is priceless.
• If you put too much, there are eraser-like shavings.
  

YOU'LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS IF...

• you're looking to smooth out the skin texture around your eyes.
• you have normal eyelids and want to double up on an eye cream and eyeshadow primer. As an eyeshadow primer it won't enhance your eyeshadow color, but it could very well keep your eyeshadow from creasing.
• you like the effects of caffeine and think your eyes could use some outside of your normal morning brew.
• the packaging is spot on for you.
• you like products where a little goes a long way. Such is the case with this product. Looks small but enough to feed your eye for months!
  

YOU'LL PROBABLY DISLIKE THIS IF...

• $30 does better at feeding you for a day than an eye cream. Hah!
  
• you're not fond of a siiilky, smooooth, sooooft eye. Hah (x2)!

OVERALL
I like having the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream on my eyes even when I'm sans makeup because it seems to give my eyes a naturally matted look even despite the fact that it doesn't keep the oils away like traditional eyeshadow primer. And nothing can beat the smooth and silk texture it gives to the eyes. Just knowing that my eyes start out that way before I apply my eyeshadow makes the experience that much more fun.

I can't necessarily say that it visually "super-charged" my eyes as I didn't feel wide-eyed like I had just drank a cup of coffee. But the way it makes your eyes feel definitely made up for that.

If you were to buy this, I know that you will definitely enjoy the way it makes your eyes feel - NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT :) Did I say that enough in this review?!? ;)

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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New Loot: The GoW Santa Has Made A Delivey

Sure seems like Christmas around here lately because a few packages have finally made their way home to me. And now that my most anticipated purchase from the Garden of Wisdom Store is here safe and sound, I'm ready to take my skin to new heights!

CLEANSERS, TONIC, HYDRATING MIST
Row 1 (Left to Right)
GoW Fruity Exfo Cleanser 5% (cleanser with BHA)
Jen's Green Tea/Shea Cleanser (gentle cleanser with antioxidants for all skin types)

Row 2 (Left to Right)
GoW Clarifying Tonic (brings skin's pH back into balance)
GoW Pineapple Hydrating Mist (pineapple is good for clogged skin)

HYDROSOL, CARRIER OILS, AND OTHER INGREDIENTS
(Left to Right)
Melissa Hydrosol (hydrating and good for acne)
Aloe Vera Juice (used for toner, clay masks)
Seamollient (binds moisture)
Kukui Nut Oil (lightest oil and absorbs well)
Camellia Oil (Oleifera) (great at conditioning skin)

HA SERUMS, AHA/BHA, SKIN LIGHTENING
(Left to Right)
Immortelle/Helichrysum HA (helps balance combination skin)
Blue Mallow HA (irritated and aging skin types)
Goji Berry HA (high in Vitamin C content)
GoW Mandelic (15%) Marine Serum (AHA serum)
GoW Light n' Bright Serum (skin lightening serum)
GoW Natural Salicylic Acid (2%) Gel (natural and gentle exfoliation, BHA)

ACTIVES AND CREAMS
Row 1 (Left to Right)
Manuka Honey (moisturizing, antibacterial, good for all skin types, mix with clay masks)

Row 2 (Left to Right)
GoW ReNew Cream with Renovage (heals and conditions skin and brightens complexion)
GoW Classic Azule Base Cream (absorbs well, smooths and hydrates skin)

EXTRAS
(Left to Right)
.25 oz Amber Glass Bottles w/ droppers (to put carrier oils in)
Microfiber cloths (exfoliation)

You can say that I have my skin care routine cut out for me with this in-depth starter set. Here is my tentative skin care schedule in which I will alternate the products as I see fit:

AM

• Rinse face with water -or- cleanse with GoW Fruity Exfo Cleanser 5%. Most mornings I plan on just splashing water on my face and continuing on with my routine (my skin is not dependent on an actual cleanser in the mornings especially since I'm not up in the middle of the night dirtying my face) but depending on how my skin feels when I wake up, I may opt for further cleansing beyond water.
• Tone/Hydrate. Red Wine Vinegar/Aloe Juice Toner, Clarifying Tonic, Pineapple Hydrating Mist, or Melissa Hydrosol.
• HA + Carrier Oil. I can choose from Immortelle/Helichrysum HA, Blue Mallow HA or Goji Berry HA and mix with either Kukui Nut Oil or Camellia Oil. I will probably alternate days (or depending on how my skin is) on using the carrier oil and instead just add the HA serum directly to the cream in the next step.
  
• Cream. Seal in all the goods with the Classic Azule Base Cream.

PM

• Cleanse. Jen's Green Tea/Shea Cleanser is perfect for the evening since it's very good at taking of MMU.
• Exfoliate. Choose between microfiber cloth, Glacial Clay mixture (Manuka Honey, Seamollient, etc...), Mandelic Acid (with Light 'n Bright optional), Natural Salicylic Acid Gel, Lemongrass Cleanser, Pumpken Mask.
• Tone/Hydrate. Clarifying Tonic, Pineapply Hydrating Mist, or Melissa Hydrosol.
• HA + Carrier Oil/Cream. Emulsify any of the 3 HA serums with either Kukui Nut Oil or Camellia Oil. Or add the serum to the next step.
• Cream. Seal in the goods with GoW ReNew Cream with Revonage.

Looks pretty extensive but it doesn't take that long to get everything done once you get the hang of it :)

Have any Santas come by your place recently to drop off any presents?

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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New Loot: Mailman Brings Buff'd To My Doorstep, Part II (Picture Heavy!)

Low and behold, another Buff'd package makes its way to my doorsteps shortly after I receive my foundation samples in their new full-coverage foundation formula, Concealing. It always excites me to receive parcels in the mail and I was definitely excited to break into this box from Buff'd!

I placed an order for two full-size Setting Powders in Serecite and Earthen (more on that later) so I was expecting a package for that order to arrive soon but Jennifer (Owner of Buff'd) had informed me that some fun was also on the way and little did I know exactly how much fun she was tucking into that same box!

The descriptions of the goodies are to the best that I could describe although you can always visit the Buff'd site to see the official color descriptions. Swatches are done without a base under.

• Prism - Silvery white frost
• Glow -Mid-tone ochre with gold pearl
• Cappuccino -Soft cocoa with gold pearl
• Linen -Frosty mid-beige
  

• Fluff - Soft shimmery pink
  
• Drama - Rosy lavender
  
• Sultry - Dirty lilac with silver frost
  
• Electric - Bold plum with pink pearl
  

• Steel - Baby blue with white pearl
  
• Thunder Cloud - Lightly frosted navy blue
  
• Indigo - Bluish purple with subtle pink undertones
  

• Madness - Dirty blue teal with white pearl
  
• Forest - Emerald Green with gold pearl
  
• Gun Metal - Smoky dark gray with white pearl
  
• Espresso - Rich brown with gold pearl
  

• Divine - Shimmery antiqued gold
  
• Dijon - Soft daisy yellow with frost
  
• Butternut - Frosty light blonde
  
• Bronzed - Copper with gold pearl
  

• Aquamarine - Silvery aqua green
  
• Teal - Deep blue green with soft pearl
  
• Fuchsia - Soft lilac frost
  
• Blueberry - Classic blue with silver pearl
  

• Brunette - Flat dirt brown
  
• Midnight - Soft ebony
  

The Mineral Eye Shadows are all very pretty. They are fairly pigmented even applied dry and are even moreso beautiful when foiled (applied wet). The textures are very soft and workable with enough pearl to give each shade a classy and tasteful finish. And we're not talking chunky pearl either but finely milled.

The Pure Pigments are just as nice even though they swatch much lighter when dry in comparison to the Mineral Eye Shadows when swatched dry. But when foiled, the Pure Pigments do produce some amazing vibrant colors. Their texture is just as soft as the Mineral Eye Shadows.

The Eyebrow Mattes are exactly that - matte. Flat, soft, and perfect for defining the eye area. You can even mix a little of the powder with some brow gel (or mixing medium), if you wanted to create a heavier application for those night-time outings when it really counts!

I'm dying to put some of these colors together to create another all mineral FOTD. As always, if you have any suggestions on any of the colors here you'd like to see worn together, just shout it out!

Also, keep in mind that if some of these colors are already screaming out at you, all full-size products are 20% off until July 31, 2008. So, jump on them quick before procastination gets the best of you and the sale is gone or even worse... the shade is SOLD OUT! Don't you hate it when that happens?

Happy Monday folks! Is everyone recovering from a fun-filled weekend? I know I am :)

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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New Loot: Mailman Brings Buff'd To My Doorstep, Part I

Earlier this month, Buff'd Cosmetics excitedly fused in a few new things into their product offerings. Not only is Jennifer Burns, Owner of Buff'd Cosmetics, promoting 20% off all full-size products until July 31, 2008 AND a new formulated foundation color named Cognac (dark shade with heavy yellow undertones; darker than my HG foundation in Camel), their foundations are now available in three formulas: Light, Original, and Concealing.

Jennifer is always such a delight to work with and headed Camel in the new Concealing formula my way. And if you've had the pleasure to do business with Jennifer, you know that she never stops there and always includes a little something extra. She surprised me by including Caramel in the new Concealing formula as well, since that is the next closest color that my skin likes, and to top off the package, I was gifted with a sample of mineral eyeshadow in Fairy Tale.

(Left) Camel in Concealing and (Right) Camel in Original

(Left) Caramel in Concealing and (Right) Caramel in Original

The main ingredient difference between the Original and Concealing formula is Kaolin Clay. Kaolin Clay is a natural absorbent found in many hygiene products as well as cosmetics all over the world. It is high in mineral content that makes it beneficial for oily skin yet it does not take away the skin's natural oils making it also great to use on those with dry skin. It is also mild enough to be used by those with sensitive skin. It is known to rejuvenate the skin while exfoliating it, increasing circulation, and clearing pores when used as a mask.

The coverage of the new Concealing formula is fantastic. It really smooths out the skin and makes it so soft to touch - I don't know of any other foundation that does this! Although I don't need the extra coverage, I've personally stayed away from full-coverage foundations purely based on the fact that I don't enjoy the extra weight of ingredients on my face. I need anything on my face to be as lightweight as possible.

But with Buff'd's new Concealing foundation formula, there is no weight difference between this formula and the Original formula that I use. This is a major plus and one of the main reasons I liked Buff'd from the beginning because their foundation felt nearly non-existant on my skin.



The new formula is such a dream. And after a long day, I've noticed how the Kaolin Clay works hard to keep the oils at bay because I found myself not needing to touch up as often.

I cannot say enough good things about the new formula. Definitely a winner on my list for sure!

If you think this is good stuff, stay tuned as I will reveal to your shortly what else the mailman brought to me from Buff'd. In a word = color!

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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