Balmain Embellished Leather Shorts

Oh my gosh, stop. Check out these fabulous Balmain embellished leather shorts! I die. 

-R 

New Buys

I was walking past Macy's yesterday and saw their not so new makeup window which is right on street level. I couldn't resist so I finally went in. I've literally walked past it so many times but never stopped to check it out. The area is basically like a mini Sephora. Only a few brands but enough to compare and find something you like. There was even skincare. 

I played with some BB cream from Too Faced and checked out Urban's new foundation, both of which I liked. And prior to leaving, I scoped out some Smashbox blushes.

I made my way over to the Mac counter knowing that I wanted a new foundation. If you didn't already know, this is huge. I have faithfully used my Make Up For Ever HD foundation for a few years now. While doing a demo the other day, I used Mac's Studio Sculpt foundation and absolutely loved it's finish. Naturally, I had to go buy it and at what a perfect time... earlier that morning I was literally tearing apart the Make Up For Ever bottle trying to get just one more use out of it. 

I made my foundation purchase and also picked up a new mascara (everyone knows I'm a sucker for a mascara. Probably the thing I buy most of) I decided on the Opulash Optimum Black because I liked the wand and the formula. I used a tester wand and applied some to my already dolled up lashes. I have yet to try it on clean lashes so I'll write an update to this post and let everyone know how I liked it. Of all my mascara's, (none of which I have EVER liked from Mac) I would say Dior still takes the cake with Sephora's Outrageous super close behind. I'll let you know if this ends up in my makeup bag or in my kit. 

Stay fabulous :) 

-R

Quickie: Strip Lashes

So, yesterday I had to spice up my look for a demo I was doing and obviously went for lashes. I chose strips because they're more intense. 

Nothing too crazy, just a pair of from Ardell. Side note: I usually go for Ardell wispies because they tend to be dark at the base and more natural looking overall. (Not what I used in the above picture) My favorite lashes ever are definitely Red Cherry. I'm also dying to try Lilly Galichi's lashes... I'll review those later.  

Strip lashes can initially be intimidating and time consuming however, practice makes perfect. After a few tries, you'll be a pro. Every makeup artist has different tips and tricks. These are my tips and what works best for me. Enjoy :) 

1. First, you can either roll the strip off the package by pressing down on the lashes with your thumb or gently pull the strip from the inner corner at the base. 

2. Measure the strip to your eye before applying glue. I think the easiest is to measure by the outer corner in and trim any excess. I usually cut excess from the inner corner. 

3. Apply a thin layer of glue along the base of the strip. Let the glue sit for about 15 seconds, just enough time to allow the glue to become tacky. 

4. Holding the lashes by the center/ middle of the strip, apply in 3 segments. Start by placing the center of the lash to the center of your eye, closest to the base of your natural lashes. Then attach the outer and inner corners. 

5. Using tweezers, press the strip as close as possible to the base of your natural lashes. It's really important to not have any gaps between the strip and the natural lash line. 

6. Once the strip is secured, allow for some dry time. 

7. Apply a layer (or two!) of mascara, blending your natural lashes into the strip. 

Bat those lashes ladies :) 

-R

Sandra Bullock

Just because I find her to be absolutely stunning... and hysterical :) 

Loving her effortless smokey eye and carefree hair. Hello side swept bang! GORGEOUS! 

-R 

Legs For Days

Did you know: Makeup can be applied to your legs to make them look sexy, long, lean and flawless? Sometimes those stems need a little boost! Scars, veins and other imperfections don't stand a chance, ladies! 

I would first suggest priming the area. Start by shaving and exfoliating and just like your face, make sure to moisturize. 

The skin on your face is a lot thinner than other areas of your body. A cream based foundation is your best bet. Although there are products on the market that read "Face and Body", I would probably stick with a studio product which tends to hold fuller coverage or a foundation meant specifically for the body. 

Some products that are worth a try are Sally Hansen Airbrush Leg Makeup. This line offers a lotion, an aerosol and a shimmer spray. The transfer is very minimal and lasts all day. This product is easy to find at most drugstores and retails for about $10. 

For something heavier, I would use the infamous Dermablend. I suggest this product to dancers because of its durability. Dermablend is also known as the number one foundation to cover tattoos. I don't know that the product is marketed as "waterproof" however, I do know that it'll last throughout an entire routine or show and is great for performers. 

These products can be applied with a brush or sponge, just like you would for your face. 

Lastly, finish with a powder to set the foundation. 

FUN TIP: put a line of shimmer down the front of your leg to make them look longer!! 

Enjoy! 

-R 

***UPDATE***

Just read an awesome Cosmo article on a new leg/ body glow product that celebs and makeup artists alike are going nuts for. Its called Red Carpet Kolour or RCK, created by makeup artist Joanna Schlip. 

The article describes the product to be a fragrance free lotion that is applied directly to the skin, without any kind of primer lotion. Theres a load of skin-benefiting ingredients and an SPF. It said to be long lasting and comes is three shades. Red Carpet Kolour retails for $50 for a 5.5 ounce bottle. 

Tootles! 

-R

Celebrity Makeup Looks

Hi everyone! I've gotten a few emails in regards to celebrity makeup looks. I wanted to know, which looks would you guys like to see?! Leave some comments below!! I hope to get a few screen shots and videos out soon!

-R