Touring My Various States of Makeup

Hello, dear readers,

Since I was absent for such an extended stretch of time, I thought it might be fun to show you a few pictures from recent months. Then I realized something fantastic: In each of the photos I selected, I was wearing a different degree of makeup. Even better, I unknowingly chose them in the following order: No makeup, everyday makeup, and makeup for going out. As a proud makeup aficionado, I will admit that I spring towards the cosmetics aisle of every drugstore and Target I enter. I swear each and every Ulta store exerts its own gravitational pull on me; it's not my fault! 

That being said, I've relearned to love makeup free days and letting my skin breathe. The people who matter most to me have seen me too many times to count without a drop of makeup, so it's nice to go out with my face au naturale. This does not, however, include lip products. I must have at least a tinted lip balm on before I leave the house. That's just how it is. 

And now, on to our tour: 

Me, Makeup Free!

This was taken at a house concert at the beginning of December, and I have to say I love the way my nails look here. I believe I was wearing OPI The Spy Who Loved Me from the Skyfall Collection. I have absolutely no face makeup on here. On my lips? Faded by that point was none other than NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm in Big Apple Red. The very same product I reviewed a couple of days ago. [And no, I did not crop out the other people in the photos because I'm a raging narcissist. I simply didn't want to post anyone's picture without his or her permission, and not everyone in the photos knows I write this blog.]

Everyday Sort of Look

Obviously I don't wear makeup every single day, but this is the kind of thing I will wear when I feel like looking a little more put together to see friends or to go to class. In this particular instance, I was baking cupcakes with friends before we brought them to a quasi high school reunion in late December. On my face, I mixed my Olay moisturizer with Avon Ideal Flawless Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation in Light Ivory. Believe it or not, the shade is significantly darker than I am; combining it with moisturizer is the only way I can wear it. A shame, really, because I quite enjoy the formula. I applied Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Spot Corrector + Treatment in Fair under my eyes and to cover up any redness or spots I might have had that day. I finished off my face with Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent. On my lips, I had -- wait for it -- NYC Applelicious...You get the drift. Same lip product as before.

Maid of Honor Makeup

Finally we come to my version of full makeup. This was one of the professional photographs from my sister's wedding in October. I was the maid of honor, and I did my own makeup. I cannot take credit for the hair, though. I can never do my own hair for special occasions. I used the same concealer and powder as usual, but this time I wore them over my Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 1.0, the palest of the yellow-toned foundations from that line. I went to Sephora with my mom to get my color match with the Color IQ system, and this was the product I decided on. It was my mom's treat for me, since she knew I'd be doing my makeup and would want to get it right. It's maybe a shade darker than I am, but it goes on beautifully anyway.

I wore Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black, a rarity for me. Unlike most beauty junkies, I don't find mascara to be that life-changing a product. I don't have the world's darkest, longest, or fullest lashes by any means, but they show up just find on their own. I like this mascara because it's the only one I've found that doesn't get under my eyes and make me look like a raccoon by the end of the day. My lips were a bit tricky for me. I started with YBF Cosmetics lipstick in Fabuloso, a cooler toned cherry red, but I wasn't satisfied. It didn't pop, so I tissued off as much as I could. I then applied YBF Cosmetics lipstick in Love Affair, a vibrant, orange-y red that was exactly the shade I needed. If you've never heard of the brand, I wrote about YBF Cosmetics in this post here. My makeup lasted from pictures in the early afternoon until after the dancing ended around 9 p.m. It showed up nicely in the photos, if I do say so myself. You can't really see here, but China Glaze Ruby Pumps was adorning my nails.

Each photograph was taken during a joyful occasion, and each joyful occasion called for a different look. I hope you enjoyed the little snapshots of my past few months in life and in makeup.

xEsther

25 Questions Beauty Tag

Hello dear readers,

Wow! I managed to skip an entire month. November is quite possibly busier for me than October, so I'm doing this tag while I have time. I found this 25 Beauty Questions Tag on Beauty in Balance, and I thought it would be a fun way to return to the blogosphere without taking up too much time.

And the questions are...

1. Do you apply your foundation with a brush, sponge, or fingers?

I generally apply it with my fingers, since I find it easy to blend liquid foundation that way. I do, however, own a foundation brush which I prefer to use when I mix foundations or foundation and moisturizer.

2. Do you apply your eyeshadow from light to dark? or dark to light?

I don't use eyeshadow, mostly because I don't have the patience to learn how to do it well.

3. Do you prime your eyes?

As I said, I don't wear eyeshadow. Instead, I cover up the darkness on my eyelids with concealer. I guess that's irrelevant.

4. Concealer first, or after foundation?

Concealer after foundation, because otherwise I would mess up the concealer by blending foundation over it. This way I can use less concealer as well.

5. Go for manicures, or manicure yourself?

I do them myself. I did enjoy the one time I got a manicure, but I prefer to do my own.

6. Exfoliate lips, face or both?

I exfoliate my face once or twice a week when I'm at home by adding baking soda to my facial cleanser. For my lips, I exfoliate with a damp washcloth or Q-tip.

7. On average, how long does it take you to do your makeup?

It can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes. It only takes 15 minutes or so when I decide to spend extra time perfecting my skin and/or mixing my own lip colors. 

8. Do you wear makeup everyday and everywhere?

I don't wear makeup if I don't have any plans for the day. If I'm staying in and doing homework, exercising, going to the grocery store, or with my family on a break, I don't wear it. Generally I wear it at least 6 days out of the week.

9. What release are you most excited about? (Makeup)

I’m not sure what specific releases are coming up in the makeup world, but I always like to see the holiday collections and sets from various brands. I am excited about the Skyfall collection from OPI, though I doubt I'll get anything from it.

10. What’s your weakness? Shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry, eyeshadow, lipstick or other?

Lipstick is definitely number one on that list based on how many I have, but I also have a weakness for shoes and purses.

11. Do you whiten your teeth?

No.

12. Wax eyebrows, or pluck?

I don't really do anything to mine, but I'll pluck a stray hair if there is one.

13. What do you use to contour?

I don't actually contour. I'm so pale that I don't think I'd be able to find a color to contour with if I wanted to.

14. False lashes, or natural?

Natural. Unless they're for a costume, false lashes creep me out.

15. Favorite makeup brand?

I haven't tried enough different makeup items from each brand to be able to pick a favorite.

16. Liquid eyeliner, pencil or gel?

I've only ever tried pencil.

17. Lipstick, lipgloss or chapstick?

Lipstick, without a doubt.

18. Pigments, pressed or cream eyeshadow?

If I were to wear any, I would choose pressed eyeshadow. It seems easiest to work with.

19. If you had to wear only one thing, excluding foundation; what would it be?

Lipstick. It instantly brightens up my complexion and adds color to my pale skin.

20. Favorite color?

I'm going to answer this generally and not related to makeup: I would have to say aqua and variations of it.

21. Favorite color combination?

If this is referring to eyeshadow, I'm not really sure. I personally would just wear neutrals.

22. Natural? or Dramatic? (Eye Makeup)

Hypothetically, I would choose natural for myself.

23. Do you care more for quality or name brand?

Quality.

24. Do you enjoy using face masks? If so which ones?

I don’t really use masks at the moment. When I do want to use one, I just go for pure honey. I enjoy using it because it feels refreshing.

25. What is your current addiction? (example: lipsticks, eyeshadows, earrings..)

Lipsticks are always my addiction, but I'm addicted to researching concealers and foundations for future consideration.


That's all for the 25 Beauty Questions Tag. As always, if you're interested in filling this out on your own blog or in the comments, please do. I love reading them. The last tag I filled out was the 14 Fun Facts About Me. I will be doing a post soon explaining my absence, and I should have at least a couple of photos in that one. 

I hope you had a phenomenal October and a fabulous Halloween if you chose to celebrate it!

Until next time...

xEsther

Mini Review: Fusion of Color Mineral Face Makeup

Aura Tint (Light), Concealer (Shell), Finishing Powder (Out and About)

Hello, dear readers,


If you have been reading my blog since at least the beginning of this year, you may remember a post called "Mini Review: Fusion of Color Lipsticks." I received three lipstick samples and three mineral face makeup samples from Fusion of Color Cosmetics back in January, I believe, and I think it's about time I did a review of the face makeup. I more than owe it to the company, especially Kathy Duncan, the woman behind the brand. [If you don't care to read the previous post, I should tell you that this is a Chicago-based company that sells exclusively online. I'm also not being paid for this; I received these sample sizes in exchange for review.] 


Until this month, I had only tried one of the powders, but I am finally ready to give you my honest opinions on the products. The first product I tried was called the Aura Tint, in the shade Light. The full size retails for $7. According to the website here, this is a colorful version of the Aura-Lusion Diamond powder, a white powder that can be used as a primer or setting powder, or it can be mixed with another foundation to achieve the correct shade.

Aura Tint (Light)

I don't think I owned foundation at the time, and I still don't use mineral foundation, but I used this as a setting powder. Considering I walked to and from school, a half-hour trek each way, this product held up really well. I found that it blended the tinted moisturizer and concealer, that I was using at the time, quite nicely. This went on silky smooth, but didn't give a completely matte finish. I actually prefer it to the Physician's Formula Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30, that I reviewed here, because it's sheer enough for my super pale skin. 


It didn't hold up quite as well as my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent, which can last seven or eight hours; then again, I haven't found anything that has. This is a good option for a reasonably priced mineral makeup powder that feels great going on and lasts for about five hours, even through speedy, and, yes, sweaty walking. I should say that it only fades on and around my nose and chin, where I get oily. I can't speak to its other uses, but I can say that lately I've been using it as an under eye concealer because it has a slight yellow tint that I find works better than my Hard Candy Glamouflage. I stopped using that product, because it's too dark for me and shows up orange.


Next, I tried out the Concealer in Shell, which is advertised as both a concealer and an eyeshadow base. The full size retails for $14. It does not claim to hide major blemishes, but rather conceal dark circles or minor flaws. The ingredients are listed on the website, so check there to find out. My picture of the ingredients came out extremely blurry.

Concealer (Shell)

Unfortunately, this is one product I would skip. The pinky shade served to actually accentuate the purplish-blue darkness underneath my eyes. The good thing is that it didn't crease. I don't use eyeshadow, but I would imagine it would be neutral enough to use as a base if you have light skin. I can't really comment on that, but this is not a product I would purchase as a concealer. 


Unless you have any greenish imperfections [i.e. a tiny bruise or something], pink concealer won't really do you any favors. You're better off with a yellow or salmon concealer for underneath the eyes. Because it's pink, it won't do anything for blemishes, either. Again, the powder itself feels light and smooth, but if you'd like to try it, buy it as an eyeshadow base or purchase a sample size [as pictured] instead.


The final product is probably my favorite. It is the finishing powder in Out and About, which is advertised to be used over foundation or alone. It has an SPF of 16, and contains rice starch to control oil. The full size retails for $12.

Finishing Powder (Out and About)

This is a very nice finishing powder, and I also enjoyed wearing it on its own. Like the Aura Tint, it has a slight yellow undertone. To me, however, it looks slightly more neutral than either of the previous products. I like the way it brushes onto my skin, evening out skin tone, and I love that it has a sufficient amount of SPF. Possibly the best thing about it is the fact that it helps control oil. I feel like it gives a very sheer coverage, but also keeps greasiness at bay for long periods of time. 

I have also tried this as an under eye concealer, and I think it works for that purpose as well. Its slight yellow tones work well to conceal any purple or blue circles, but it's not too yellow so as to be noticeable. Until I find a fuller coverage under eye concealer, I will probably be alternating between this and the Aura Tint. As you can see, this is quite a light powder so I can't say what other skin tones this would work on. Personally, I think it's pretty great.

Overall, I think Fusion of Color Cosmetics is a great company as far as quality of formulation and staying power of their mineral face makeup [not to mention the lipsticks]. I would recommend the Aura Tints and the Out and About Finishing Powder, but I would try one of the other concealers, listed on this page, if you're curious about the powder formula. If I had to choose just one to purchase, it would be Out and About. 

This review is extraordinarily overdue, and I've been feeling so guilty about it!  I'm glad it's finally out there for you to consider. Check out the website, Fusion of Color Cosmetics, for more information. 


xEsther

Vacation, Foundation, and General Ramblings

Hello, dear readers,

Long time, no type! I'm sorry I've been gone for the past few weeks without any notice. I think I just wanted to enjoy the first few weeks of summer without thinking too much, though I'm still writing for CHAOS Magazine [In the Models: The Girls and Life: Party Time sections]. I was also setting up an editorial internship with an extremely nice girl I met at my brother's graduate school graduation. I'm interning for an independent publishing company, aptly named The Little Things Publishing, LLC, and I'm excited to get my first assignment in a couple of weeks or so.

I've been looking for other writing and editing outlets, because it's something I really love to do. Besides, there's nothing better than writing about things you love or being part of a big project like a book publication. That's the case for me, anyway.

I was in the Twin Cities in Minnesota from June 2 until June 10, and it was a pretty interesting trip. A little mix-up with the hotel turned out to be for the best, as it left my parents and I with a studio apartment. This was absolute heaven for me because I got my own bathroom, and I take longer to get ready than both of my parents combined. It's not even because I have an elaborate beauty routine; I didn't even wear makeup every day, and when I did it was super quick and minimal. I'm just not a morning person, and my skincare takes up time.

Did I mention that I ended up with a handicapped room? It was quite roomy and comfortable. Probably my favorite part of the trip, besides the great time I had on the last day, was seeing Jon McLaughlin in concert. I mentioned this in a previous post, but I was bummed knowing I wouldn't be in town when he came to my area, so I happened to browse his other tour dates. Luckily for me, he happened to be playing in Minneapolis while I was there! It was so fantastic, and my mom had a good time as well. It was at the Varsity Theater, which I just happened to write about in this post [shameless self promotion alert]. Here are some pictures from the event; I tried to pick the ones that were of a decent quality:

The reasons I haven't yet posted an updated foundation routine are:

1) I haven't been wearing makeup very often.
2) The foundation I was using [the palest in the collection] was slightly too dark for me.
3) I wasn't sure if my foundation was breaking me out.

Due to an unfortunate near-death, car-towing experience, my parents and I had to stay in a hotel without any of our belongings. We went to a nearby ShopKo, and my mom insisted on getting me a foundation. I got the Cover Girl CG Aqua Smoothers Makeup in 705 Ivory, and it turned out to be a perfect match! When I wear makeup, I put the product mostly on the center of my face [nose and surrounding area, chin] and blend out. Then I use Almay Smart Shade Concealer in the lightest shade, just under my eyes, and finish with Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent dusted all over my face.

I'm not using Hard Candy Glamoflauge right now, because it really is quite obviously yellowish and makes my eye area look sallow when surrounded by foundation that actually matches. I will be doing an updated skincare routine post as soon as I can.

Is your summer starting out wonderfully? I hope so. Let me know what you're up to.

xEsther

40 Beauty Questions: Reloaded

Source

Hello, dear readers,

I have a new night time skincare routine [morning hasn't changed] and foundation routine coming up soon, and I'm also long overdue for a review on the Fusion of Color powder products. Because I want to take pictures for my foundation routine, I have to do it when I'm actually wearing makeup for a "Before" and "After." I literally just started my new skincare routine last night, so I'm in no position to share it with you. I can't exactly tell you anything until I get some results, positive or negative. For today, then, I'm doing a tag that I did back in September 2011, so we can both see how different the answers are. Considering September was less than a year ago, they'll be extremely similar, but I want to do it anyway!

Here we go:

SKINCARE -
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice. I'll use Olay Cleansing Cloths Sensitive to take off makeup after walking home from school, but I'm not counting that as fully washing my face.

What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo) 
Combination and somewhat sensitive [oily nose and chin, normal to dry forehead and cheeks]. Fun fact: I tend to be allergic to products like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, while retinoids don't really bother me at all. It's the opposite to most people's reactions. 

What is your current facial wash?
Olay Foaming Face Wash Sensitive Skin

Do you exfoliate? 
Yes, weekly.

What brand do you use?
I just use my regular face wash with baking soda. It's a great, gentle exfoliant.

What moisturizer do you use?
In the morning I use Olay Complete Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 Sensitive Skin; I use SPF 15 in the winter. At night, I use Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture Sensitive Skin. This has remained the same! Told you it wouldn't be that different.

Do you have freckles? 
I have a few very faint freckles on my face, and a smattering on my arms. They tend to only be visible in the summer.

Do you use eye cream? 
No. I do have a sample size of the Clinique Eye Roller serum, because it came as a gift with purchase. I use it when I'm particularly exhausted in the morning.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes. Oh, the joys of adult acne. Instead of just breaking out on my chin from hormones, I now break out there as well as on my cheeks and nose. I occasionally break out on my forehead, too! Thankfully, the breakouts aren't that noticeable, but that doesn't make them any less annoying.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ? 
No, and I don't think I would.

MAKE-UP
What foundation do you use? 
Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup in the shade 01.

How about concealer? 
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light. You may have noticed that I'm always the lightest shade, unless the lightest shade is too dark. Then I try a different line!

Do you know your undertone color?
I've been told by some people that my skin looks peachy. My undertone is mostly pink, with a little bit of yellow thrown in. However, yellow-toned foundations tend to look orange on me. I'm probably one of the few people that actually wants peach or pink-toned makeup. 

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
No. The only way they're acceptable is when they're natural enough that I can't tell you're wearing them. Sorry. 

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months? 
Yes.

What brand of mascara do you use?
When I do amuse myself by wearing mascara, I've used one of the Organic Physician's Formula mascaras, or a Clinique mascara. I can't remember the name, but it is not the High Impact Mascara. I'm the worst person for that particular makeup item, because it either bleeds below my eyes, or I rub my eyes right after putting it on. Am I the only one that feels weighed down by mascara?Sephora or MAC?

I shop at Ulta, because they have drugstore and higher-end brands. If I didn't, it would definitely be Sephora.

Do you have a MAC Pro-card? 
No.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application? 
A brush for powder; flat foundation brush or my fingers for foundation; just my fingers for concealer.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? 
No because I don't wear eye makeup. I tend to put concealer on my eyelids, though, to neutralize the darkness and brighten the eye area. This is still true.

For the face? 
Nope.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
Like I said, I don't wear eyeshadow. I do, however, like neutral colors on other people, or a lighter wash of any color. Bright eyeshadow is great on people who know how to use it. This probably doesn't answer the question. 

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? 
I don't wear eyeliner, but I own both pencil and felt tip. Still true!

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? 
The few times I have used it, I think I poked my eyes maybe once.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? 
They look harder to work with, and I imagine I would make a mess.

Do you use mineral makeup? 
I do own makeup that considers itself mineral makeup. I say "considers," because pretty much all makeup contains minerals. You know those powders you buy? Plenty of them contain talc, which is, indeed, a mineral.

What is your favorite lipstick?
I've been loving my Revlon lipsticks lately, especially ColorBurst lipstick in Carnation for spring.

How about lipgloss? 
I haven't worn it in a very long time, but Avon Glazewear lip glosses are probably my all-time favorites.

What is your favorite blush to use? 
I own a couple of blushes, but 1) I'm rubbish at using it, and 2) I don't feel like I need it. I don't have a favorite

Do you buy your makeup on ebay? 
No.

Do you like drugstore makeup? 
Yes. Every brand in any price range always has good and lousy products. There's always something to like.

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets) 
No. 

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? 
No. 

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

No, but I can occasionally put on too much if my lighting is dim. Then I leave my room and look in natural lighting and brush off as much as possible!

Name a makeup crime that you hate? 
Corpse lips, spider lashes, orange tans, and unblended eye shadow. 

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? 
I generally prefer bright lipstick and neutral eyes.

Which celebrity always has great make up?
Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Rachel McAdams.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?

Concealer.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes, and I often do when I'm walking to school and I know it will sweat off anyway.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? 
Everyone has good and bad days, but generally yes.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Like I said, every brand has fantastic products and terrible products. I can't choose a single brand that's great all around.

What do you think of makseup?? 
I think it's a fantastic way to minimize the appearance of imperfections so the focus is on your features. It's a nice confidence booster, too.

I guess that wasn't much of an update, was it? At least that didn't make it any less entertaining to fill out.

If you've done this tag, let me know so I can read it!

Have a splendid Saturday and Sunday!

xEsther