'Shimmer Sand' Look

'Shimmer Sand' Look

I pulled out my Lorac Little Black Palette for this one. I love the creamy baked eyeshadows from this palette and I hope Lorac does more in color! It's also a very neutral look for the neutral lovers out there.

Eyes: 
PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. I applied MAC Layin' Low Paintpot (creamy beige) on the browbone and  the crease as my primary base - Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush.

COLOR:
On the inner lid and tearduct area I applied an icy gold eyeshadow from the Lorac Little Black Palette with MAC Mixing Medium. MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush 
For lid area I applied a shimmery bronze gold eyeshadow from the Lorac Little Black Palette with MAC Mixing Medium. MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush
On the outer lid and crease I applied Illamasqua Boomerang Eyeshadow (matte dark brown). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
On the browbone area and crease I used Smashbox Nude Eyeshadow (matte nude). NARS 01 Eye Shader Brush
 To deepen the outer V I used Rock & Republic Fatalistic Eyeshadow (matte black). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
For highlight I used Magnolia Makeup Double Rice Pigment (matte light yellow ivory). MAC 252 Large Shader Brush

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with Sleek Brow Kit in Dark. Cozzette Eyebrow/Mini Shader D230 Brush/Paula Dorf Eye Definer Flat Top Brush

DEFINE:

I lined my upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild Crème Eyeliner in Black.  MAC 263 Small Angle Brush

I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black. MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush

I used L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara for my lashes.

Lips: 
POLISH:
For my lips I used Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Silky Lipstick in #103 (creamy pink  nude).

Face: 
FINISH:
I primed my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion - hands. I used MAC Matchmaster Foundation in 7 - Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush - for my face and set my t-zone with MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Dark - face puff.

I used MUFE #12 Full Cover Concealer - Cozzette P350 Cylinder Concealer Brush - under my eyes set with MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Medium Deep - face puff. 

I used Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy (satin coral pink) for my cheeks - Cozzette Contour Stylist S135 Brush and MUFE #2 Sculpting Kit for contour - Sigma Angled Kabuki Brush.
 

Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions - THOUGHTS and DEMO...

Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions 

THOUGHTS and DEMO...

Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions are virtually undetectable affordable, lightweight and easy to attach to your hair. Use all the pieces for added overall length or a few pieces to add volume or highlights.

 -  Created to blend with anyone's hair color
 -  100% Premium Remy Human Hair

Euronext Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions are made of Premium Remy Hair that is of the highest grade human hair extensions available. Extra attention and care is exercised during the entire manufacturing process.

This attention during manufacturing promotes alignment of the hair cuticles, which greatly reduces tangles and mimics natural hair flow. Premium Remy Hair ensures a better human hair extension experience.

Euronext Remy Clip-in 14-Inch Human Hair Extensions package contents include:s one 8" wide weft, one 7" wide weft, one 6" wide weft, one 5-3/4" wide weft, four 1-1/2" wide weft, two 1" wide wefts with no snap clips attached (for color testing). 

Heat Styling Tools: The use of heat tools (curling iron, flat iron, blow dryer) are not preferred or recommended. If you choose to use a heat tool, adjust setting to low to help keep the hair looking healthy. Using steam or dry rollers will ensure longer lasting extensions. Steam or dry rollers cause less stress to hair than heat tools.

Hair Styling Products: Hair finishing and styling products should be used sparingly. Too much product will cause buildup on extensions. Products that contain UV protection may discolor hair extensions. 

• Price: $99.99
• With Beauty Club Card: $94.99

The Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions is priced at $99.99 and includes 8 different sized clip-on wefts and 2 bonus clip-less wefts. They are 100% premium remy human hair. I do not have much experience with hair extensions but I do know from shopping around that 100% quality human hair extensions can get quite costly and are priced upwards of $100. Also, many variety packs that carry 6-8 wefts can cost above $200. So all in all, with Sally Beauty Club discounts and coupons, I think these are quite reasonably priced and a great value for money. Hair extensions are an investment and human hair is best so these were right up am alley.

The Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions are available online at Sally Beauty Supply website and in Sally Beauty Supply stores. 

The Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions come in a simple package which include:s one 8" wide weft, one 7" wide weft, one 6" wide weft, one 5-3/4" wide weft, four 1-1/2" wide weft, two 1" wide wefts with no snap clips attached (for color testing) and 2 bonus snap clips. There are 3 snap clips on each of the wider wefts and 1 on each 1-1/2" wide wefts.

 

The Euronext Premium Remy Clip-in Human Hair Extensions are my first experience with hair extensions and I was impressed by the ease of use and the quality of the hair.

Firstly, the extensions feel very natural and are not shiny or slippery like synthetic hair can feel. The color and flow of the hair blends perfectly with my own with showing any difference in texture. This is a definite bonus. I don't want anyone to be able to "tell" that it's not my real hair.

The seam of the extensions where they clip into the hair are well done so as to blend in with the base of your hair. The snap clips are also well hidden beneath the seams to conceal any signs of the extensions.

The snap clips are easily opened and snapped into place without much effort but be sure to practice with them. They hold very very well to your own hair without slipping or ripping at your natural hair. You do not need to "tease" your hair to provide additional "grip" for the snap-clips. I only wish they would make the snap-clips the same color as the hair to conceal them even more. They don't show at all when you wear the extensions but I suppose it would be a bonus.

There are 3 snap clips on each of the wider wefts and 1 on each 1-1/2" wide wefts. I think the 3 snap-clips are ingenious because some extensions I have seen come with only two snap-clips at each end which leaves the center sagging. Having 3 is perfect for securing the entire weft in place without sagging or bulging.

I haven't had any major issues with hair shedding although a few strands do come out if handled rigorously. The care is also very easy - wash and condition just like your natural hair. They detangle very easily as well without damaging the seams.

Since these are human hair you can also heat and color style them as you wish. I would suggest a low heat setting and heat protectant products to avoid damage but I have had no burning using my flat iron on the highest heat setting.

They wear comfortably and look great for hours on end. I do however, feel some sensitivity on scalp after wearing these for a few hours (5-6 hours). I think this is due to the weight of the hair and the snap-clips. Be mindful of this if you have a sensitive scalp like I do. 

These are not the thickest extensions on the market so you may need 2 packs for extra volume but that is a personal choice. I have 2 and I only use about 11 pieces altogether for a full look. They are available in different colors and 14" or 18", straight or wavy. If you color your hair just go ahead and grab the blond version and color them to match your own hair color.

Overall I highly recommend these! if you have been curious of the extensions I have been wearing these are them and I love them. They are an investment so they are not the cheapest things out there. But for quality human hair I say these are great!

Have you tried hair extensions? What is your take? Recommendations?

Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler - THOUGHTS...

Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler 
THOUGHTS...

 

A sleek lash curler that eliminates one-size-fits-all curling with its open cage design.

This lash curler lets you curl your lashes all at once or in sections and won't pinch your skin. Urban decay's innovative design has eliminated the maddening bars on either side of your old eyelash curler so that it handles deftly with an open cage. It includes five replacement pads that can be swapped in and out to keep your curler clean and springy. The shiny gunmetal finish, along with the unique design, visually sets this curler apart from others on the market.

•   The Revolution comes with five replacement pads that should be changed every three months.

•   Urban Decay recommends purchasing a new curler every 18 months.

•   Rest the curler's wide crescent against your eyelid for optimal positioning, and then gently squeeze for crimp-free results.

•   It's most effective when you use your right hand to curl the right eye, and your left hand to curl the left eye.

The Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler is priced at $20 and includes 5 replacement pads. Personally my package didn't have replacements pads which I am very upset about. It is among the highest priced eyelash curlers on the mid-high-end market. You may think the "innovative" design accounts for the higher price and if you prefer the little spring action is worth it then great! Otherwise, there are many brands with the no-cage design and for less bank! Check out Japonesque or Tweezerman for cheaper alternatives. I bought this during the Sephora Friends & Family sale and saved a couple dollars but for the price you can still get cheaper comparable eyelash curlers.

The Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler is available online at Sephora and in Sephora and Ulta stores. 

The Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler is a no-cage design eyelash curler with the usual scissor type handle. It has a similar design to traditional eyelash curlers except this curler has a spring action feature for quick release rather than the typical manual action of other curlers. This is the "innovation' behind this eyelash curler and what is supposed to set it apart from others.

 

The Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler takes the traditional eyelash curler and adds a twist. Nothing is new about a no-cage design since there are many already on the market. The difference with this curler is the spring action rather than manual action. The curler stays open due to the spring and closes only when you squeeze the handle. For me this is quite nifty since I hate having to pry open a lash curler, then clamp them on my lashes and then have to open them to release my lashes. This curler works in one motion - already open so just clamp and it releases once you let go! Viola!

Now, I will say I don't need a lash curler for curling my lashes at all so the curling results were not earth-moving for me. However, this curler does do the job of curling your lashes as any eyelash curler would. My whole thought was why wouldn't it? I have seen reviews that say this eyelash curler doesn't curl the lashes at all. And the engineer in me wanted to figure out why! It seems that the cushion pad in this curler is thicker/wider than my Shu Uemura Lash Curler which will lead to a looser curl. Follow me on this...think about a 1/2"  curling iron barrel versus a 1"...you get a tighter curl with the 1/2" right? Same concept here. Because the pad is wider the curler will also be wider and therefore may not be as noticeable especially on shorter lashes. I personally had no issues but it's something to note.

Next is the pinching problem I have also read about. Honestly, any eyelash curler will pinch your skin or lashes if used incorrectly. Don't blame the curler, blame your technique. Practice makes perfect. Be sure to test and retest the angle of the curler and don't just clamp down in one quick motion. Take your time and try your best to avoid the skin. Plus hey, there are no sharp edges here to cut and jab!

The no-cage design was one of the reasons I bought this curler in the first place. I cannot use traditional cage curlers without stuffing and jamming my poor lashes into the confines of the cage (long eyes?). Plus I use false eyelashes a lot and they tend to add to the width of my eyelashes. The no-cage design allows me to easily curl one section at a time with cramming all my eyelashes into a little cage.

Now, I may not need a curl for my eyelashes but this little tool comes in really handy for blending false eyelashes with real ones. I simply curl my lashes and the false eyelashes together for a seamless look. Perfect!

And of course there is a drawback...always is huh? The pad in this curler will NOT STAY PUT! It pops out without much effort and I have had to re-position it each time I use this curler. What the heck is that? Urban Decay needs a better securement method for the pad for sure. I can see me losing the pad easily if it pops out and goes into hiding. There are two little rubber bands that come on the curler initially which I suppose you can keep for holding the pad in place. But why should you have to do that with a $20 eyelash curler? Plus Urban Decay instructs you to remove them. What a pain! Other curlers don't do that.

The upper part of the clamp is not as wide as the lower part (with the pad) so it leaves room when they are aligned and will not pinch or crimp the eyelashes. Some people have noted that the clamp can become misaligned and that is due to the rivets being loose. That is something Urban Decay needs to adjust. Maybe use a screw instead for easy tightening.

I am on the fence with Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler. On one hand I like it for the cage-free spring action design which works great for my lashes and false eyelashes but on the other hand I think it is slightly overpriced considering others on the market. Alas, I recommend it but only if your other options are within the same price range and you want a cage-free design and you don't mind the "loose popping pad" issue. Otherwise feel free to grab a cheaper one!

What do you think? Have you tried this curler? Do you want to try it?

'Grassy Knolls' Look

'Grassy Knolls' Look

When I fell in love with makeup it was not for the classic beauty enhancing reasons but rather for the artistic, creative potential it provided. I was never a great artist - drawing, painting or otherwise - but I feel that makeup allows me to use skills and talents I never knew I had. It's like discovering a long lost sibling! Who knew I could color and create like this??!!! It is quite freeing to say the least and that is why I love makeup! Now this look will take into my humble little makeup world.

Eyes: 
PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. I applied MAC Layin' Low Paintpot (creamy beige) on the browbone and  the crease as my primary base - Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush.

COLOR:
On the inner lid I applied Ben Nye #129 Gold Metallic Powder (metallic pure gold) with MAC Mixing Medium. MAC 242 Small Shader Brush
For the middle of the lid I used Inglot #43 Pure Pigment Eyeshadow (shimmery lime green). MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush
Then on the outer lid and crease I applied MAC Sassy Grass Eyeshadow (matte grass green). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
On the browbone area and crease I applied Sugarpill Buttercupcake Eyeshadow (matte bright yellow). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
To deepen the outer V I used Rock & Republic Fatalistic Eyeshadow (matte black). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
I then applied MUFE #92 Eyeshadow (matte brilliant purple) blended with MUFE #26 Eyeshadow (matte raspberry pink) on the inner crease line. MAC 242 Small Shader Brush
I also applied MAC Process Magenta Chromaline (matte magenta pink) between the purple and gold on the inner crease. MAC 242 Small Shader Brush
For highlight I used Bare Escentuals Clear Radiance All Over Face Color (shimmery light pink). MAC 252 Large Shader Brush
On the lower lashline I used Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Lucky (shimmery yellow gold) - INNER - and Rock & Republic Fatalistic Eyeshadow (matte black) - OUTER. Cozzette Eyebrow/Mini Shader D230 Brush

NOTE: I used the MAC 242 Small Shader Brush to create the sharp defined crease line for each color.

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with Sleek Brow Kit in Dark. Cozzette Eyebrow/Mini Shader D230 Brush/Paula Dorf Eye Definer Flat Top Brush

DEFINE:

I lined my upper lashline with Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel CreamLiner in Black.  MAC 263 Small Angle Brush

I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black. MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush

I used L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Sense Demi Pixie Eyelashes for effect. Duo Eyelash Adhesive

Lips: 
POLISH:
For my lips I used Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Silky Lipstick in #103 (creamy peachy nude).

Face: 
FINISH:
I primed my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion - hands. I used Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup in 54 Beige Ambré - Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush - for my face and set my t-zone with MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Dark - face puff.

I used MUFE #12 Full Cover Concealer - Stila #33 One Step Complexion Brush - under my eyes set with MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Medium Deep - face puff. 

I used MUFE #24 Sculpting Blush (matte dusty rose nude) for my cheeks - Cozzette Contour Stylist S135 Brush and MUFE #2 Sculpting Kit for contour - Sigma Angled Kabuki Brush.

 

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