REVIEW & SWATCHES | Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit + Contour Refills

   

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit + Contour Refills

 

★★★

This best-selling, easy-to-use palette contains six highlighting and contouring powders that work together to help you sculpt, define, and enhance your natural features. Create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a smaller forehead, a softer jawline, or a slimmer nose with these soft, silky formulas that can be applied as subtly or dramatically as you like.

  

 

Contour Kits

There are 3 sets available. Each set contains 6 Shades ($84 Value)

Size: 6 x 0.11 oz

Price: $40

Contour Refills

These highlighting and contouring powder singles are available in 29 shades to suit any skin tone.

Size: 0.11 oz

Price: $14 each
(6 for $40)

  

 

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits retail for $40 for 6 x 0.11 oz of product.

There is now a bounty of contour kits and duos to choose from on the market.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits are one of the cheapest contour kits on the market and even come in cheaper than most contour duos from mid-to-high end brands. Of course, cheaper alternatives can be found from drugstore brands such as the new NYX Cosmetics Highlight & Contour Pro Palette ($24.99 for 8 shades).

In addition to the pre-made contour kits, there is a unique option to choose your own shades from a collection of 29 various highlight and contour shades. This option is available on the Anastasia Beverly Hills website only. 

 

 
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits are currently available for purchase in store and online at the following locations:

•  Sephora Stores and on the Sephora website (2 kits available)
• Ulta Stores and on the Ulta website (2 kits available)
• The Impulse Section in Macy's Stores as well as online at Macys.com
  (2 kits available)
•  Anastasia Beverly Hills website (all 3 kits available)

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Refills are currently available for purchase online at the following locations:

•  Macy's online at Macys.com
  
• Anastasia Beverly Hills website (all 29 shades available)

 

 
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits are packaged in all black slender hard cardboard palettes. It is a very basic palette with no see-through lid or internal mirror. Inside the palette are magnetized cut-outs to fit each contour/highlight shade. Each pan is remove-able via integral slots for easy replacement, rearrangement or removal.

The palette is functional for makeup artists or those with limited storage space. It definitely does not have any of the bells and whistles of a fancy palette but that is up to personal tastes.

I have removed all my singles and placed them in z-palettes (with see-through lids) for easier access and better visibility.

If you do purchase the refill singles separately, they come packaged in clear protective plastic packets which are then placed inside a cardboard envelope decorated with the product information and the Anastasia Beverly Hills logo. I found this quite impressive since the design of the shipping packaging ensures that your powders arrive damage-free. If you purchase 6 or more refills then the complementary (free) empty palette would be separate in its own cardboard sleeving.

 

"Create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a smaller forehead, a softer jawline, or a slimmer nose with these soft, silky formulas that can be applied as subtly or dramatically as you like."

COLORS/SHADES

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits and refills come in 3 kits with 6 pre-selected shades ranging from light to medium to tan to deep and 29 individual shades. 

The majority of the shades lean on the warm side (yellow, orange) will work well on warm and golden skintones. There is a good mix of highlight shades and contour shades to select from with a handful of a neutral toned contour shades tossed in.

I think the range is great for natural highlight colors with peach and yellow undertones which work extremely well for brightening the skin and neutralizing blue and purple colors under the eyes.

The contour shades can be used as bronzers for paler and cool skintones while for warm skintones they can double as bronzers as well as contour shades.

These can also be used as eyeshadows, in case there is a shade or even two that don't work well on your skintone. 

TEXTURE & FINISH 

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits and refills come in a natural demi-matte finish with a couple shimmery highlight shades. The demi-matte finish is great for using on the skin since they create a natural look on the skin rather than a flat matte (chalky) finish.

They are smooth and finely milled so they blend easily on the skin without being stark.

PIGMENTATION 

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits and refills have light to medium buildable coverage. They are not overly pigmented on initial application which is what we truly need in face powders. They allow for building up color and blending to the desired effect - subtle or dramatic.

APPLICATION & WEAR 

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits and refills are quite easy to use. They are almost foolproof since they blend easily with any face brush.

Wear time will depend on your skin type and the products that are used beneath them. For me they work well and last all day over liquid foundation (even when set with powder firsthand). I have oily skin and I don't find these fading or oxidizing over time.

 
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits and refills are good contour kits for anyone who loves to contour and play with shadowing and highlighting. However, these may not be reasonable for the average makeup user since contouring is typically reserved for special occasions or events.The price is right if you do wish to invest and you get a variety of shades to mix and match as you like.

Have you tried these palettes or contour/highlight powders yet?  Interested?

Light to Medium KIT (Original)• Havana (also in Medium to Tan KIT) -  medium caramel brown

• Fawn - grey toned medium brown

• Java -  medium neutral orange brown (I know...warm + neutral)

• Sand -  shimmery pinky champagne 

• Banana -  light yellow toned ivory

• Vanilla -  light peach ivory w/ a satin finish

 ★★★★★

  • Sand -  shimmery pinky champagne
• Champagne -  shimmery light yellow golden champagne
 • Cream Soda -  shimmery pinky champagne
• Banana -  light yellow toned ivory
 • Mellow Yellow -  rich bright yellow
 • Golden Peach - light peach toned nude w/ a hint of yellow
• Peaches & Cream (Medium to Tan KIT) - light peach toned nude


 
 ★★★★★


• Espresso (Medium to Tan & Tan to Deep KITS) - deep espresso brown
• Cinnamon (Tan to Deep KIT) - deep orange/caramel brown
• Copper Brown - deep orange brown 
• Clay - deep neutral red/orange brown (I know...warm + neutral)
• Earth (Tan to Deep KIT) - deep caramel brown      • Nutmeg (Medium to Tan & Tan to Deep KITS) - medium deep caramel brown


 ★★★★★
  

• Carob - deep red brown
• Mink - medium neutral brown
• Ash Brown - medium deep neutral brown
• Camel - medium tan nude
• Macchiato (Medium to Tan KIT) - medium peach brown
 • 10K (Medium to Tan KIT) - shimmery medium gold
          

REVIEW & SWATCHES | Heaps O' ColourPop Super Shock Shadows

APPLICATION TIPS	For maximum coverage: Use fingertip and tap shadow onto eye lid. A flat, fine tip synthetic brush will work fabulously as well and is actually better for a more detailed application close to the lash line. However, your fingertips make for the most intense application. To blend: Use a fluffy brush that has good movement, dip tip of the brush into the shadow and blend with a “wind shield wiper” movement throughout the crease of the eye. This will make your shadow softer and more diffused (like a total pro). When finished, close that sucker up tight! Don’t leave the jar opened for long periods of time, you may lose some of the magic that makes the Super Shock Shadow so amazzzing.
BORN AND MADE	LA baby…. In the city of angels!
ANIMAL TESTING	Never! We heart fur babies!
INGREDIENTS	Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, isododecane, boron nitride, c30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer, synthetic fluorphlogopite, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, aluminum calcium sodium silicate, calcium sodium borosilicate, dimethicone/vinyl trimethylisiloxy silicate crosspolymer, calcium aluminum borosilicate, silica, disteardimonium hectorite, propylene carbonate, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, tin oxide, glycine soja (soybean) oil. [ +/- aluminum powder (ci 77000), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), black 2 (ci 77266), blue 1 (ci 42090), blue 1 lake (ci 42090), bronze powder (ci 77400), carmine (ci 75470), chromium oxide greens (ci 77288), copper powder (ci 77400), ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (ci 77510), ferric ferrocyanide (ci 77510), green 5 (ci 61570), iron oxides (ci 77491), iron oxides (ci 77492), iron oxides (ci 77499), manganese violet (ci 77742), mica (ci 77019), red 40 lake (ci 16035), titanium dioxide (ci 77891), ultramarines (ci 77007), yellow 5 (ci 19140), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140)].

  

Size: 0.11 oz

Price: $5 each

 
The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are priced at $5 each for ) 0.11 oz. of product.

These shadows are closely priced to drugstore brands - think NYX Cosmetics, Milani, etc. But they contain more product - 0.11 oz vs. 0.05 oz or 0.07 oz - than a typical sized eyeshadow on the market. At $5 each they are worth a look.

 

 

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are sold exclusively online at www.ColourPop.com. 

Shipping

Free shipping on orders of $30 or more in the US

Now shipping to Canada, Australia + New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and APOs

They are also working on expanding the list of countries they ship to (sign up for their newsletter to keep up on announcements). 

 

 
The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are are sold exclusively in cyber land on ColourPop.com.

 

Colors/Shades

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows currently come in 74 shades which changes as they add new shades and discontinued others. There is a large range of neutrals, bright colors, neons, pastels and deep shades available that I think will give the makeup lover enough variety to create a multitude of looks.

Texture and Fininshes

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are available in 6 different finishes as indicated below:

Matte (24 shades) – The matte shades are the trickiest finish to work with. They are not like typical matte powder eyeshadows as they have more of a moist texture. The lighter shades are the pastels do not work well with a primer/base and can come off patchy on the eyelids. These shades have the potential to create a crepe-y look on the eyelids when used with a brush and/or eyeshadow primer/base.

The darker shades do work much better and blend into a demi-matte skin-like finish. Because they are a creamier formula they are lightweight almost gel type look on the eyelids. 

Satin (7 shades) – The satin shades are also a bit finicky to work with. They tend to be sheer and have the potential to create a crepe-y look on the eyelids when used with a brush

and/or eyeshadow primer/base.

Metallic (23 shades) – Hello! Here is where it gets good. This texture features a semi-opaque base color jam-packed with multidimensional glitter. These shades are highly reflective with glitters that actually adhere well to the skin.

Ultra-Metallic (2 shades) – This texture is more refined than Metallics. The glitter is mor finely milled and these will give a high-shine metallic look rather than a glitter party on the eyes.

Pearlized (11 shades) – This is an interesting finish as the texture varies between shades. Some are satin shades with fine glitter while others are more shiny and frosty in finish.

Pressed Pigment (7 shades) – These are similar to Metallics again but the base colors are fun neon shades....these are where you will find shades that are "not for eye use".

Pigmentation

The pigmentation of the ColourPop Super Shock Shadows vary by shade and finish. The highlight and lighter shades obviously will have sheerer pigmentation versus the deeper rich shades.

Application & Wear

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are meant to be applied with your fingertips...but if you are anything like me, then you don't like using your fingers for eyeshadows. In that case, they still work very well with synthetic fibre bristles - Real Techniques and It Cosmetics have great synthetic brushes. Fingers work BEST for great color payoff but you can also build up the intensity with your brushes. To blend it is best to use a fluffy brush.

I also find that the shades don't work very well with creamy primer/base products. They tend to apply patchy and create a crepe-y look on the eyelids. I stick to plain ol' eyeshadow primer such as the Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer, Urban Decay Primer Potion or M·A·C 'Prep + Prime' 24-Hour Extend Eye Base.

Another trick is to use a liquid mixing medium to dampen your brush before applying these to the lids. This will intensify the pigmentation as well as help the glitter really stand out.

These wear well for me on my (very oily) lids without a primer for 6+ hours while with a primer I get 8+ hours of wear without creasing or fading.

 

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are fun eyeshadows (even though the shadow allows for non-eye safe shades as well) with a different formula than the usual powder or cream. If you like bold glittery shades then you have found your new love in ColourPop. I am not too fond of the lighter matte shades or even the neon satin shades since they are trickier to work with. But...the rich glitter shades? iDie....well almost....these shades are so great to work with!

Have you tried these shadows?  What do you think? Interested?

(click to see more).....

IMATS NYC 2015 | The Preparation!!!

IMATS NYC 2015

The Preparation!!!

It's here again for the in NYC - IMATS 2015!!

Exciting!!!!

WHERE: Pier 94 @ 55th Street and the West Side Highway in NYC

(Chelsea Piers)

WHEN: Friday (Pro-Card Event) 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Saturday (General Admission) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

       Sunday (General Admission) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show is the make-up world’s biggest gathering. Thousands of make-up artists, exhibitors and enthusiasts discuss, display and collect the best the industry has to offer. Make-up pros from fashion and film (including Oscar, BAFTA and Saturn award winners) provide education and demonstrations at IMATS, and new products often debut there. IMATS also features a make-up museum and the Battle of the Brushes student make-up competitions, where international make-up students race to create winning looks.

Before IMATS, there were no trade shows specifically designed for make-up artists, although cosmetic companies had expressed a desire for such an event. In response, Emmy Award-winning make-up artist and Make-Up Artist magazine publisher Michael Key held the first IMATS in August 1997 in Los Angeles. It allowed artists to customize what they wanted to see and it offered a diverse mix of products, demonstrations and education from industry leaders.

IMATS expanded to Europe in 2002, with the debut of IMATS London. Continuing this commitment to artists around the world, Make-Up Artist magazine acquired the Canadian Makeup Show in 2009 and launched IMATS Toronto. That same year IMATS Sydney launched, and in 2010, IMATS Vancouver, British Columbia debuted (which was previously part of CMS).

Like Make-Up Artist magazine, IMATS continues to educate and connect make-up artists from around the world. The show is held six times annually—in Los Angeles; New York; London; Vancouver, B.C.; Sydney; and Toronto.

******************* 

I am not an expert on makeup shows but I can share a little insight on what to expect and how to prepare for the big day(s). 

What should you EXPECT?

Crowds, long lines and lots of waiting. Pack your patience...it will be a long day for sure. Get there as early as possible to get the most out of the show. Be early for any shows/classes/demos you may be interested in seeing because they will fill up fast.

Expect the unexpected. Many companies debut new products at these shows. The products may not be available to the mass market for months and you will be able to take advantage of the preview.

Do your RESEARCH beforehand

Make sure to check the IMATS - NYC Website for a complete list of exhibitors and classes/events that are scheduled for the show. Most of the exhibitors have website which are linked through the IMATS exhibitor list. Do the research and check out any companies that peak your interest. Remember that some of these companies are new and relatively unknown but may have great products available.

Create a LIST/PLAN

The best advice I can give you is to create a LIST and take with you. Your list should include

■  The companies you want to browse

■  The specific products you want to check out

■ The shows/demos/classes to want to attend

Study the FLOOR PLAN

Grab a copy of the Floor Plan from the IMATS website and highlight the booths that you are interested in visiting. This will help to minimize the time spent walking around in circles or searching for a specific booth or company.

Be prepared to pay CASH

Cash will be the preferred form of payment at these types of events. I know not all of us are comfortable carrying cash around, especially a lot of it, but be prepared to pay in cash for your purchases. Many of the smaller booths may not have a system to process credit/debit card purchases so cash will be the only available way to purchase items. Also, the credit/debit card systems can crash and leave you with a list of wants but no way to pay.

Besides, having cash will definitely keep you on budget since once it's gone it's gone!

But be sure that most vendors will still accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

Will DISCOUNTS be offered at the booths?

Discounts are offered at the discretion of each exhibitor. Discounts are not guaranteed and may not be offered so do not be disappointed. Many of the smaller 'indy' companies may not offer a discount but may offer great deals and bargains. The larger companies may only offer discounts to PRO members. But overall, there will be great buys available for you to take advantage of. Bear all this in mind when considering what to purchase.

What COMPANIES should you see?

I know you all want to know which companies to check out from the current Exhibitor List and I want to say that this is subjective. It will depend on what you are interested in. I would advise that you check out companies that are not easily accessible to you first off and grab products that are hard to find. Then check out the well-known companies for products you need to stock up on or products you just always wanted to try.

My Suggestions:

Make Up For Ever – Make Up For Ever debuted great eyeshadows last year that are a must have in my book. Not to mention the new primer line up and highlighter/bronzer duos that is sure to be a hit. Also, there are awesome holy grail products – foundations, concealers, powders – available so be sure to stock up on your faves!

Anastasia Beverly Hills – Hello awesome! Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for great brow products, their contour powders and creams, new eyeshadows and now their lip products. Great time to check the products out in person if you haven’t been able to see them in person before.

Hakuhodo – Great brush line…my favorite in fact! I recommend checking these out in person (warning you will fall in love) and picking up a few that suit your fancy.

BeautySoClean – Specializes in products used to sanitize makeup without altering the texture or formula. Great for makeup pros and those of us who live for great hygiene.

Sigma Beauty, Sugarpill, Sedona Lace, Morphe Brushes, Dose of Colors – There are numerous Instagram/Twitter/YouTube famous brands that are only available online that will be at the show. So now is a great time to check the products out in person.

Alcone, Graftobian, Zuca – If you are a makeup artist or aspiring to be one, here is your chance to grab pro-perfect kit items – BeautyBlenders, spoolies, disposable applicators, spatulas, palettes, etc. at a discounted price.

Lashes, Lashes and more Lashes – There will be lot of lashes available – from mink to synthetic. Mink lashes can be very expensive and a lot of these brands are only available online….so it is your chance to see these in person and figure out if you want to take the plunge.

Take advantage of the chance to play around with the products while you can.

I think the BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES: BEAUTY/FANTASY AWARDS SHOW (Saturday) and BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES: CHARACTER/PROSTHETIC AWARDS SHOW (Sunday) will be a great hit so maybe plan on attending that show at 3:15 pm both days.

Watch as the stars of tomorrow face off in the student make-up competition. Models will present the final make-up creations of make-up students, who are competing for cash and prizes. This year’s beauty-category theme is Historical Beauty Trends.

What to TAKE with you?

Enthusiasm, patience, excitement, your love of makeup...but you probably already knew that. But to be more practical, here are a few things that are essential:

■      Be sure to bring your e-ticket, a copy of your receipt and picture ID. General Admission tickets are SOLD OUT so tickets will NOT be available for sale at the door. Tickets available for Pro-Card holders.

■      Your pre-written LIST/PLAN and highlighted FLOOR PLAN.

■      Watch or cell phone to keep track of the time. You wouldn't want to miss the shows would you? And set alarms for shows you don't want to miss!

■      Professional documentation if you wish to sign up for any PRO ONLY programs offer by companies at the show. Typical documentation includes: Composite Card, Business Card with name and specific profession, Editorial Page with name credit, Union Card, Professional License, Diploma/Certificate, Publication Masthead, Program/press Materials with name, Contract on Production Company Letterhead, Crew/Call List on Prod. Co. Letterhead, Professional Letter of Reference of Employment.

■       For PROs, remember to carry Business Cards. This is your time to network so be prepared to hand out many business cards and receive many in return.

■       A snack and a bottle of water. You will get hungry and you may even forget to eat lunch. But we need our strength as we 'oooh' and 'ahhhh' at all the pretty makeup.

■      Wipes. A must-have for me since you will be getting your hands dirty!

■      Hand Sanitizer. You will be swatching and touching A LOT of products that others will have their grubby hands all over…so better safe than sorry….pack some sanitizer.

■      A camera to capture great memories and experiences, awesome swatches and products, people you meet and just the overall euphoria of it all. Go ahead and pack a back-up battery is you have one too!

■      Pack light! You will be carrying around a lot of products once you start purchasing so make sure your hands are mostly empty to start with. A big empty (comfy) bag may actually be a good choice to take with you as well.

■      Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for lots of walking and standing. Also, wear short sleeves to allow for lots of swatching all over your arms without getting your clothes messy.

■     HAVE FUN!!!!!