Loreal Magic Perfecting Base Review

 Face, Inexpensive Products, Kroger's, Kroger's Grocery Store, Loreal, make up remover, Makeup Application, Oily Skin, primers, product review  No Responses »
Feb 272013
 

Loreal perfecting base I purchased the Loreal Magic Perfecting Base last month when I saw it on sale at Kroger’s grocery store.  I’ve had my eye on this primer since 2011 when I saw my friend and fellow Makeup Artist Jennifer use it for a photoshoot.  The reason I hadn’t purchased it sooner is because it was a bit pricey.  Before last month, I hadn’t seen it cheaper than about $13.  That’s a lot to me, for a drugstore primer that I haven’t used before.

Loreal Primer on Krogers shelfHere’s a picture of it on sale at Kroger’s.  I started to get 2 of them, but since I hadn’t used it before, I decided to wait and try it out first.  I ended up waiting too long to try it and by the time I went back, the sale was over. :-(  I’m not sure why it was a close out sale because the product hasn’t been discontinued.  I even checked the packaging and it was the same as the ones that were regular priced.

Loreal Primer openedHere it is opened.  I like that it’s a pale pink color.  So cute and feminine. ;-p

Loreal Primer on handHere it is on my hand.  The consisitency is similiar to a thick gel.  When rubbed into the skin, it just melts and provides a barrier between your skin and the product. It feels similar to MAC Matte gel, but a bit thicker.

Overall, it’s not a bad product, especially for less than $7.  I wouldn’t say it’s the best primer I’ve ever used in my life, but I can tell the difference between wearing it versus when I don’t wear a primer at all.  My makeup blends better and my skin is definitely smoother.  I didn’t notice that much of a difference as far as controlling oil, but I don’t think this product is even geared towards absorbing oil so I can’t hold that against it.  Again, I’ll say I can notice a difference when I wear it versus nothing, but I do have to blot a few times throughout the day. I’m proud to report it didn’t leave a white film so it’s safe for women of color to wear without appearing ashy. *whew*

Even though I do like the color ( my favorite colors are pink and purple.)  I don’t like the jar.  I’d rather squeeze or pump out my primer.  Yes, I know with jars, you’re able to get all of your money’s worth by scraping everything out, but I prefer tubes and pumps because they’re more sanitary.  Unless I find it on sale, I probably wouldn’t buy it again.

AJ Crimson Keynote Speech & New Creme Foundation Review

 AJ Crimson, AJ Crimson Creme Foundation, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Cream Foundation, Event Coverage, Foundation, Make-Up techniques, Makeup Application, The Makeup Show, The Makeup Show Orlando, Trade Shows  1 Response »
Dec 132012
 
Keynote Speaker AJ Crimson on stage

Keynote Speaker AJ Crimson on stage

Celebrity Make Up Artist AJ Crimson was a keynote speaker on Day 2 of The Makeup Show Orlando. Hey gave great advice about working as a freelance makeup artist and how to really market your brand.  He has an agency called Blackboard Group and talked about how he would love to see the makeup community share more and work together.AJ Crimson Keynote speech

AJ stressed the importance of MUAs taking an active role in their personal brands and when working on photoshoots.  He encouraged us to stop undercutting ourselves and re-evaluate what’s working vs. what’s not.  For MUAs transitioning from retail, he urged us to stop thinking about makeup like you do when working at the counter.  Most products have multiple uses and it’s not always required to use so many different things to achieve a look. For example, you don’t always need a separate concealer as well as a foundation.  If you use a full coverage cream foundation, it can work as a concealer.  Sometimes, those extra products are just selling points. This tip is helpful when building a kit.  You can save money by investing in multi-purpose products.

AJ Crimson Demo 1AJ Crimson Demo 2AJ also did a makeup demo to promote his brand new Creme Foundation line.  He has 8 shades that were hand mixed and according to him were made with a lot of love. ;-p

DSCF6687I got a chance to talk to AJ.  He’s really passionate about makeup and having a product that’s easy to use on a diverse clientele.  His creme foundations as well as his lipglosses can work on anyone.  He had a booth set up in the vendors hall as well. Where he and his staff did demos and allowed us to test out his products.AJ Crimson Booth 2AJ Crimson BoothAJ Crimson Booth DemoAJ Crimson Booth Demo 2 AJ Crimson Booth George applying lipgloss

I wasn’t able to get all 8, but I did get three of them: 2 which is a light shade,  4 which is a medium shade, and 8 which is a dark shade so that I can mix them to work with my clients.

AJ Crimson Creme Foundation

I used this foundation for the 1st time on my fellow Houston Fashion Blogger Shasie.  I did her makeup last week for our Holiday Party.  I’m totally in love this foundation.  A little goes a long way.  Even though it’s a cream, it’s very light weight.  Shasie said it felt really good on her skin and she got lots of compliments.  I’d highly recommend this makeup!! Shasie b4 and after makeoverBelow is a picture of the two of us at our Houston Fashion Blogger Holiday Party sponsored by Saks. 380364_432160143504520_1388214687_n

You can purchase these incredible foundations at AJCrimson.com

 

 

Le Metier de Beaute’ Event at Saks Galleria

 Event Coverage, Expensive brushes, Houston Fashion Bloggers, Le Metier de Beaute, Makeup Application, Saks  No Responses »
Nov 192012
 

Last month, I attended a Le Metier de Beaute event at Saks Galleria with my two fellow Houston Fashion Bloggers Shasie and Taylor. We met with the manager, Shawn, and his employees James and Dorita to learn about the brand and the benefits of using their products.

Light refreshments and cocktails were available for us.

Shawn, provided full makeovers for Taylor and Shasie. They were very pleased with their looks.

I’ve heard great things about Le Metier de Beaute’ but until this event, I’d never had the chance to really play with the products. Below I’m holding the Foundation. It retails at $68.

Shasie instantly fell in love with this foundation. She said her skin felt smooth and she could really tell how hydrated and even she looked. She also said it felt lightweight. I had the opportunity to test the Kaleidoscope kits which retails at $95. Above I’m holding the face kit. Below is a closer look.

The shadows are very silky, smooth, and blendable; however, you do have to build them up a bit to get a bold effect. The kaliedescope eyeshadows on the counter below are limited editions. The regular single shadows are $30. See below

There was a lip kaleidoscope as well. See below  The Lip colors are very moisturizing.

Le Metier de Beaute also has a skin care line.

  1. The Daily Renew Cleanser retails at $50.  It gently cleanse, exfoliates, and removes makeup to help skin appear more radiant and smooth
  2. Daily Refresh Tonic retails at $50.  It’s alcohol free and works to improve skin color and tone.  It also rebalances and reconditions the skin.
  3. Replenishing Daily Solution retails at $225. It is a moisturizer that has an SPF of 30 and works to hydrate, protect, and soothe.

 Above Shawn and Dorita are explaining the skincare line to a customer

I didn’t get a chance to take a picture with Shawn but I did get one with Dorita.  She was very nice and helpful in educating me about Le Metier De Beaute products. :-)

FOTD for Zumba Party In Pink Performance at Houston Rockets Game

 24/7 Glide On Pencils, Bold colors, Bold Lip, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cover Girl Queen Collection, Dramatic Eyes, Ebony Bronze, Event Coverage, eye shadow, False Lashes, How to, Lips, Loreal voluminous Million Lashes, M.A.C. Vanilla Pigment, Makeup Application, primers, Queen Collection, Skindinavia, Urban Decay 15th Anniversary, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencils, Vanilla Pigment, Voluminous Million Lash, Wet-n-Wild, Zumba Party in Pink  3 Responses »
Oct 152012
 

I had the pleasure of performing during the Pre-Game show of the Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs game yesterday. The experience was incredible. I participated in this event earlier this year so i definitely didn’t want to miss it this time.  The goal of the performance is to raise awareness for Breast Cancer as well as show people you can live a healthy lifestyle by working out while still having fun.

Yay!!! Finally got a picture with both of my all time favorite Zumba instructors!! :-D On the left is Rashard of Zumba with Rashard and in the middle is Karen of Cha Cha Zumba who is a breast cancer survivor.  These two ladies have made a huge difference in my life.  They are truly incredible in what they do  and how they motivate and encourage their students.  I’ll always be grateful to have them as a part of my new healthier lifestyle.  Just to give you an idea of how Zumba has worked for me.  Check out the picture below of Rashard and I at the last Zumba Party in Pink Zumba Performance at the Rockets game earlier this year.

Unfortunately this is a blurry cell phone picture but you get the idea. Zumba is so much more than just having fun.  I’ve come a long way since January and the majority of it is because of Zumba and particularly Karen and Rashard. :-)

Below we’re waiting for practice to start. The excitement is building up.

These were taken right before our Pre-Game show performance.  We all work out at the same gym with Rashard! :-)

Below is a group picture with our shero Karen!  She has such a wonderful spirit that just draws people to her.  Karen is currently featured on a bilboard and posters for Susan G. Komen. Go Karen!!!

So happy to have had my friends and family come out to the game to support Breast Cancer Awareness as well as cheer me on during our performance! Shout out to my cousin Jackie for wearing her Pink shirt and bracelets!!! :-)

The Rockets Mascot Clutch was trying to shoot the ball in the goal without looking.  He didn’t quite make it in, but had some really close calls. Ha ha! 

My batteries died on my camera. :-( I took these pictures of Jeremy Lin with my cell. He’s a lot shorter than I thought. Ha ha!

Since I was performing on the basketball court, I wanted to go all out with the drama for my makeup. I wouldn’t claim this as an everyday look for me, but I enjoyed it.  I stuck with the Pink theme for October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I pretty much did everything pink except my foundation. :-)

I only got a couple of pictures before I left because I ran out of time.  I took these with my phone so of course the quality isn’t as good.  *I need to get a better phone ASAP*

In the above pics I was wearing my 1st Lip look which was Wet n Wild Don’t Blink Pink with MAC Lipgelee’ Preppy

Here I’m wearing my Lip Look #2 Wet n Wild Don’t Blink Pink with Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss in Giggle

Note to self…make sure to take pics right after doing makeup…not at the end of the day. SMH.  It looked a lot better than this, but I left the house in a hurry and didn’t get to take pictures like I planned. :-( This picture was taken without a flash

Here’s what I used below to create this look:

Face

  1. Isomers HD Primer
  2. MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder Loose (Before and After
  3. MAC Prolongwear Foundation NC45 (decided to give it another try)
  4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Stay Matte Powder in Golden
  5. Skindinavia No More Shine Setting Spray (Before and after)

Cheeks

  1. Highlight is a mixture of Nars Albatross blush, MAC Vanilla Pigment, and MAC Glitter in Reflects Pearl Glitter
  2. Cheek color is La Femme Blush in Fuchsia
  3. Contour is La Femme Blush in Purple Passion

Eyes

  1. Urban Decay Primer Potion
  2. NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk (on lid blended to brow)
  3. MAC Pigment in Milk on inner tear duct with MAC Fix+
  4. MAC Pigment in Fuchsia mid lid with MAC Fix+
  5. MAC Motif eyeshadow in inner crease
  6. Elf Cream Liner in Black on top lid
  7. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencils in Rockstar in water line and on bottom line smudged through lower lashes
  8. Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
  9. Ardell False Lashes #111 (I cut them to make them wisp at ends)

Lips

1st Lip Look

  1. Kiehls Lip Balm
  2. Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick in Don’t Blink Pink
  3. MAC Lipgelee’ in Preppy
2nd Lip Look
  1. Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick in Don’t Blink Pink
  2. Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss in Giggle
3rd Lip Look
  1. Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss in Giggle by itself.  I’ll review this product in another post.

 

This is the song that we used during our performance.  It was soooooo much fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4OwHk61EiA&noredirect=1

 

Qwashae Boutique Fashion Show at Red Cat Jazz Cafe Event

 Beauty Blogger, Beauty By LeRenda, Bold colors, Bold Lip, Event Coverage, Fashion Show, Makeup Application, Qwashae Boutique  1 Response »
Oct 122012
 

Qwashae Boutique was a sponsor of the kickoff for the Red Cat Jazz Cafe  3rd Annual Jazz Fest in Pearland, Texas last week at the Pearland Town Center Marriot.  Qwashae had four models pose and greet guests as they came in to listen to live music, enjoy refreshments, as well as network.

I worked with Qwashae Boutique as the makeup artist for the models and the manager.  I was also able to capture a few pictures after I was finished working with the lovely ladies.

 Here’s the manager below, Shakeina, with one of the guests

There was a good amount of press and media in attendance. 

The mayor of Pearland, Texas was there as well.

 Qwashae Boutique had it’s own table set up

Below are Shakeina and the models doing an interview with the local media

Below is the live entertainment kept that the party going

IMATS LA 2012 Part 4 Make up Demos

 IMATS, Make-Up techniques, Makeup Application  No Responses »
Jul 292012
 

Because IMATS is geared towards makeup lovers and makeup professionals, there were plenty of demos with industry pros showing different pointers, techniques, and tips on how to apply makeup.

This post will focus on just some of the makeup demos I saw and captured with my camera. Of course there were many many more throughout the two days.

This is International makeup artist Anabel Vargas.  She taught a class on how to apply makeup to Women of Color.This is the closest I got to the finished look before leaving to attend Kabuki’s class.

Above is world renown  make up artist Kabuki. He was the Keynote speaker on Saturday afternoon. He showed us how he applies an applique to the face.  He actually handmade this one by starting off with sketches, then cutting out a pattern and lastly adding the jewels.  That’s an amazing skill. 
There were also several demos being done throughout the exhibit hall.  See below.Above is Sean of MUD doing a demo on Baltimore based make up artist Cynthia.Urban Decay launched their brand new foundation called Naked Skin and provided demos.

YouTube Makeup Tutorial Guru Tiffany D worked with Sigma and did make overs.It was cool to see her in real life do makeup on another person. :-) Eve Pearl also did makeup demos at her booth.  Her client looks happy with the results so far. :-) This is international celebrity makeup artist Rae Morris.  She did a class on “Timeless Makeup”.  She demonstrated great anti-aging techniques and showed us how some of the simplest of changes with filling in brows, contouring, and applying eyeliner/eyeshadow can either add on or take away years on a face.

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