Eye Shadow Base Tip

Hey all! I know I've really been slacking in the blogging department! I'm really very sorry.  April has been quite the hectic month with work and school. Just a heads up- I've gotten numerous new products that I am actually so excited to blog about! May will be full of reviews!

Today, I just wanted to share a little tip. The reason I suggest wearing an eyeshadow base is to keep the eyeshadow from creasing and to hold the color of the pigment.  It's really not necessary to buy a base because you can easily use concealer over the eyes lids.  The concealer holds the color and keeps the eyeshadow from smudging.  Just spread the concealer all over the eye lid with your fingers and then apply the eyeshadow afterwards.  That's all.  Simple and easy. 

Funny Face

As you should know, I don't usually wear bright lip colors or anything of the sort.  As I attempt to be adventurous in the treacherous jungle of colors- I fell for the tiger of all lipsticks. NARS Funny Face is a must have hot pink number that I think everyone can pull off!

It's a semi-matte lipstick, meaning it's not too shiny or too dull. This lipstick is super moisturizing and works with many skin tones! I know I took a massive plunge with the color but I've gotten nothing but compliments about the look! I paired it with a the NARS Larger than Life Lip gloss in Gold Digger, which gave it a little bit of a glossy look.  I totally ventured with this product during the day, so I thought glossy would be more feasible for the daytime.  It's only $30 and available at Sephora, The Bay, and Holt Renfrew (some locations). Anyways love it! It stayed on great and kept my lips ready for a good pucker up.  I guess that's why it's called Funny Face!

Clean Slate

I always keep this particular product in my kit and I'm consistently using it with clients.  I can't live without it: Shiseido cotton pads. I know you're thinking- cotton pads- really Jasmine? No joke. I find them vital.

 Cotton pads can be bought everywhere from the local grocery store to the drugstore. These particular pads are found at The Bay and Sephora. I'm sure you've all used the the ghetto cotton pads we get from a drugstore.  They always fall apart, and the cotton literally sticks to you. Sometimes the cheaper cotton pads tend to stick to product and turn into a string of webs.  It's a mess, especially with nail polish removal. I kid you not, the Shiseido cotton pads are a must have in everyone's makeup kit-big or small.  The cotton doesn't fall apart, and does not feel like a cat gnawing on your face.  I always find, that some of the cheaper cotton pads, actually irritate my face.  Maybe I'm just crazy sensitive or a little too demanding, but I don't like my face feeling 'cut up' when putting on toner. No thanks! This cotton pad is soft and super absorbent. I use them with cleansers, toners, makeup removers, and nail polish removers. I urge all of you to try them out.  A pack of 60 sheets is only $9.00.  That's all! Clean your slate with the good stuff. 

It's not a massive purchase, but what I believe is an essential one.Try it out. Let me know what you think. I hope all of you find as much love this product as I do. Happy cleansing!

Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush

One of my most recent purchases includes the Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush from The Bay.  I believe it was $33, which is actually a damn good price for a foundation brush.  The moment I saw this brush- I literally fell in love.  According to the Japanese company, "Shiseido's innovative technology combines with traditional Japanese brush-making techniques to create the perfect foundation finish. Excellent pick-up of all types of formulas for a uniform application and impeccable finish. Gently tapered strands create an angled slant that best allows bristles to reach all facial contours. Short handle allows for precise control during application and portability for travel."

 I love the texture and the angle of the bristles.  I've tried using it with all types of foundation and find the product doesn't clump in the bristles, which is what I find with many brushes. If you're looking for a foundation brush, I would highly recommend it as it is affordable and does the job of a 'perfect' flawless finish.

Spring Cleaning!

I know I haven't talked about this much, but a lot of our makeup products need to be thrown out or cleaned up.  It's essential that we take care of the old.  For one, our brushes should be cleaned at least once a week! I'm not saying you need to clean all of them.  Just clean the ones that you use most often.  This may include, foundation brushes, powder brushes and blush brushes.  Other brushes, like eyeshadow brushes can be cleaned less often, depending on how often you use them.  Eyeliner or angled brushes should be cleaned twice a week to reduce the spread of bacteria, especially in the eye area.  It's all good to share, just make sure you're cleaning your brushes on a regular basis to reduce the spread of bacteria.  Brushes tend to hold on to the oils from the product which can cause breakout if they are not cleaned.  Clean your brushes! It's vital. 

 Ladies, mascara is not supposed to last you 6 months.  Mascara is only good for 3 MONTHS! Otherwise it can cause irritation, redness, or even pink-eye! Nasty, I know.  But this is a product that you should be replenishing consistently.  Dry products, such as eye shadows and powders are often good for up to 2 years. If they start to have a pungent smell- throw it out!  Anything that starts to have an odd smell- just chuck it.  No need in spreading bacteria and disease.  Liquid foundation is usually good for 8 months. Liners, lipsticks, and glosses- well those should be thrown out after a year or so.  Like anything else, if it smells funky- toss it in the garbage can!

Some of the recommended brush cleaners:
-MAC Brush Cleanser $16.00
-Lise Watier Makeup Brush Cleaner $14.00
-Sephora Purifying Brush Shampoo $6.00
-Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser $13.00

If you don't have one, or don't find it necessary to use a brush cleaner, I suggest using a mild shampoo to clean off the bristles. Why not? It's hair anyways.

Full Exposure

I'm a huge mascara fan, and find it is one of my staples to wear on a daily basis. I continue my search and struggle to find mascaras that go on perfectly.  I don't have the longest or the thickest lashes.  They're actually quite thin and look ridiculous without any mascara.  My concern is always finding a mascara that adds volume AND thickness to my lashes.  I'm sure a lot of women have this struggle.  I find it's usually a battle between lengthening and volumizing with most mascaras.  My mission: to find one that does both, and a good one at that.  Today, I've chosen to purchase Smashbox's Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black. It's decently priced, and according to the Smashbox website, "our new studio-tested mascara exposes your longest, fullest lashes."

The brand also claims that it doesn't clump or flake off! Tell me something new! I find it so annoying that every company says this, but when you try it out- it's the farthest thing from what's been advertised.  Although I would agree, this mascara does not clump.  The texture of the product seems to be a little more watery- but this perhaps may be due to it being new.  I always find that when you buy a new mascara, it often tends to be too wet (if that makes any sense).  When I first tried this product, I thought it was too wet and made my lashes look very spider like! I wiped off and decided to dip the brush and then clean it on the inside of the mascara tube.  This method tends to get the excess mascara off and doesn't give you that spidery effect.  I put on two coats and found that the product did say what was promised.
I  tend to pick my mascara off- I know there's many who do! So, I did find some flaking, obviously, when I was picking off the mascara from my lashes.  Just me.  I know.  But overall- not too bad with volume and lengthening.  We'll see how it lasts. Here's a look at the final product on my lashes (I'm not wearing any other eye makeup in this particular picture- so you could see the full effect of the mascara).

The Full Exposure mascara is $19 on Sephora.com. I believe it is also available at some drug stores, such as Shopper's Drug Mart.  Please share any of your mascara experiences!