Category: Beauty Enhancers

Top 5 Makeup Must-Haves

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Written By Donna Marie Leonard April 30, 2023

I’ve reached a point where having a ton of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, highlighters, concealers, foundations, primers, and all that jazz just becomes clutter and another item for me to store and keep organized. Plus, if you aren’t consuming that much makeup in so many months, the makeup may no longer be any good.

I don’t know about you, but I despise items that are just present in my home just to take up space. If it does not serve a purpose, it must GO. This includes makeup. I was that girl in college and even as a teacher that had many different eye shadow palettes, pretty much every color MAC lipstick, every shade of blush, just so much of everything. And back then, I did use all of those things. But now, I need simple. My makeup routine is pretty much the same day-to-day except special occasions where I may add eye shadow and lashes.

Here is a list of my top 5 makeup must-haves:

ONE- Foundation

This is essential to having that flawless, airbrushed look. With so many options to choose from, do your research before going out to buy. Not all foundations are created equal. It helps to know your skin type as well when selecting foundation.

TWO- EYEBROW ENHANCERS

Unless you are blessed with gorgeous brows, you may need the help of a brow pencil, gel, and things as such. Eyebrows really do make or break your face. You cannot consider your makeup done without brow makeup.

THREE- MASCARA

Mascara or lashes, whichever you prefer, one of them is a must. Your makeup will be great without it, but when you add lashes or mascara, it raises the bar. Definitely have this in your kit.

FOUR- LIPCOLOR

This is icing on the cake. Lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain, satin, or matte this must be in your makeup bag. Now, when it comes to lipstick you may want to have a few different colors. Unless you’re a red lipstick lady, like my mom, then you only need one color. But for those of us that like to switch it up depending on what you are wearing and the occasion, it is nice to have options.

FIVE- PRIMER

Now, you cannot start applying all this makeup without this right here. Primer is everything. It serves as not only a makeup enhancer, but it is a barrier between your skin and the makeup. I can tell the difference when I forget to put on primer. And you use the right primer, your makeup will last through hours of Texas heat. See my previous blog about my go to primer.

Those are my five makeup must haves. However, I would like to add three more that will make your makeup, pop!

CONCEALER

Concealer is great to cover up what we don’t want exposed. It is also our friend those mornings we may not have had enough beauty rest the night before, for the bags under our eyes.

HIGHLIGHTER

I LOVE highlighter! It couldn’t be in the top 5, because it is not a makeup essential, but if you can add it in your makeup bag, grab one! I love to sparkle, so a little highlighter is all I need for extra glam!

COMPACT POWDER

Liquid foundation is great. It does a great job on it’s own. Yet, compact powder seals the deal. Compact powder provides a smooth texture on your face and helps to diminish the appearance of pores.

Well Jewels, there you have it! These are my top five, well eight, makeup must haves. Share in the comments which one of these you can’t live without either.

References

Photos.Burst.Shopify.com

Written By Donna Marie Leonard

Donna Marie Leonard has been blogging for ten years. She is the published author of children’s book That’s Me. Additionally, Donna Marie is a magazine columnist and freelance writer. She is a script writer, actor, and producer in the Houston film community, as well.

Review of Maybelline’s Master Prime by Face Studio

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Written By Donna Marie Leonard Jan. 4, 2023

Are you looking to glam up your look this year or maintain your makeup stash, but want to do so on a budget? I have a product that you can switch out and save money. My everyday go to primer is my Maybelline Master Prime by Face Studio. Maybelline has several different primers, the one I am referring to is for blur and redness control. And it’s not just great for day wear, it will last you through the night with the right setting spray. We’ll discuss that another time.

I’ve been using this product for years. Prior to, I would buy all the name brand and expensive ones. Thinking that because it’s Too Faced or Becca or Benefit it would work wonders. As you continue to purchase makeup over the years, you learn that each brand is really good at making certain products; therefore, spending your money with a brand for the sake of the cost is not going to always give you quality. Some brands are better off with their signature products, they aren’t necessarily a one-stop-shop. I started using Maybelline because everyone was raving the FIT Me liquid foundation. Again, I’m the type if I buy your foundation I might as well try your primer, concealer, and powders. This is how I began using Maybelline’s primer, and I have never went back to another one. I get so many complements on my makeup and people sometimes even go as far to ask what primer are you using. Only a real makeup gal would know to go that deep, most just stop at the foundation.

Anyway, this primer works well with my Mac Studio Fix Fluid and Nars Soft Matte foundation. This is not to say the primer will not go well with any other makeup brands’ foundation, because it will. I just choose to use these, for the most part. Moreover, my makeup last flawlessly all day with this primer. This primer helps my makeup to look smooth like I airbrushed my makeup on.

And the true beauty of using such a primer is that it is relatively inexpensive. It’s roughly $12. The big name brand primers run about $32. These prices go for both products being sold at 1 fluid oz. Now, there are mini versions of the more expensive primers for about $14, but you can get a standard size of Maybelline for twelve bucks.

Not only do I use this product on myself, when I do makeup on the actresses and extras on set, this is the primer that I use. The ladies’ makeup last the entire shoot. So, if you’re looking to cut back in your makeup expenses, perhaps give this product a try. If you have tried this product, or have any primer suggestions please share in the comments.

Stay Fabulous, Jewels!

References

Facestudio® master prime® primer makeup. Maybelline. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://www.maybelline. com/face-makeup/primer/facestudio-master-prime-primer/blur-redness-control

Photos. Burst.shopify.com

Written By Donna Marie Leonard

Donna Marie Leonard has been blogging for ten years. She is the published author of children’s book That’s Me. Additionally, Donna Marie is a magazine columnist and freelance writer. She is a script writer, actor, and producer in the Houston film community, as well.

The Lash Depot Store Review

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From the first glance, you knew they were meant to be. It is something about them that makes everyone rave over them. Yes, lashes! They are the beauty enhancer you want in your everyday look. When your lashes are on point, you really do not need anymore makeup. Well, a little lip color and you are poppin!

Lash extensions are one of the biggest things in makeup right now. Everyone is wearing them.

  • Without lashes
  • With lashes

I must say that the few times I have worn lashes, I felt beautified. I know many women can agree, and that is why so many ladies wear lashes on the every day basis or even have individual lashes put on that last a few weeks. My eyes look dreamy with the lashes. The lashes are definitely an appealing piece to have on. So, if you have not tried lash extensions or you are looking for the latest in lashes read on.

The Lash Depot sent me a few sets of their Boss Lady lashes to try out. I was really excited to receive them and could not wait to try them. Of course, I did not wear them until I wanted to have that extra glitz of glamour. I did my makeup as usual, very basic day-to-day wear, then I added the lashes. There was a major difference between my mascara and the lashes. I truly took on the look of a boss.

The Boss Lady lashes by The Lash Depot are mink lashes. They are well packaged, and they are of great quality. The lashes are packed with an eyelash wand. I have worn the same set twice with no problems. I use the duo lash glue as an adhesive. The lashes do not come off until I pull them off. And for someone that does not wear lashes consistently, the Boss Lady lashes were very comfortable, hardly remembered I had them on.

I truly recommend this product. I am a beauty lover, and I believe in buying quality beauty products. These lashes are surely one I will add to my stash of makeup. Even for the ladies that are like myself, you may not wear lashes except for special occasions, the lashes carried at The Lash Depot are great to have on hand for those moments.

A great feature about The Lash Depot is that they are wholesalers. So, for those of you that are looking to rack up or add something new to your lash inventory, try THE LASH DEPOT! And if you just want lashes for yourself, check out their monthly subscriptions. There is something for everyone at The Lash Depot!

Thank you Lash Depot for sending me your lashes! When I want to have my ultra bossed-up look, I will wear my Boss Lady lashes.

Check out the Lash Depot at http://thelashdepot.com/ and Instagram, @thelashdepotstore, for all of their offers. Plus, receive 15% off your first order. Use the code NEWLASH!

Happy lash wearing, Jewels!

Fragrance Review: Viva la Juicy, Acqua di Gioia, Gucci Guilty, and Honey by Marc Jacobs

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Hello Jewels, I celebrated my birthday yesterday, YAY!!! Very blessed to live another year. I received awesome gifts for my birthday.I like birthday gifts way more than Christmas gifts. My boyfriend always ask me what do I want for my birthday. Since I was running out of perfume, I requested perfume. I was torn between two, so I suggested that he would pick out the one he would like me to wear. I have a wonderful wonderful boyfriend, he bought BOTH! Last year I was only expecting make up brushes, and he had also got me two perfume sets. So he is AMAZING. I am pretty much to the bottom of the perfumes I got last year for my birthday. I figured I would do a review on the four perfumes.

First up, Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture, I like this perfume a lot probably because of the bottle and the big pink bow. Pink is my favorite color. This perfume has a sweet side and strong side to it. To me, it is the perfect combination of sweet and sassy. For a while, it was my everyday perfume, until I noticed the perfume getting lower and lower. I am someone who likes to be identified by their perfume. Therefore, I try not to change up perfumes throughout the year. I try to stick to the same one daily. I just think it is so lady like to have a signature fragrance. 

However, on those special event days I do like to change things up and wear something different, and that is when I would wear Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gioia fragrance. It is very crisp and soft. If you mist on a lot it can be loud, but mostly a soft perfume. This fragrance is more on the romantic side. By the way, this one and Viva la Juicy were both picked out by my boyfriend last year; he did a GREAT job! I always say, “You can never go wrong when your man buys you the perfume of his choice for you.” 😉 Both of these perfumes last a while, like four to seven hours.

I have been wanting Gucci Guilty by Gucci for the longest. When I would think about getting it, I failed to pursue and actually  buy it. I finally own it, and I am so happy! Gucci Guilty is everything I want in a perfume; it is woody (like Twilight Woods at Bath & Body Works), musty, and sexy. The musty smell does not over power the perfume. The perfume is very feminine, but the perfume contains elements of must. This will not be an everyday perfume, but rather date nights and special occasions. So for those of you who like to smell sexy, you should try Gucci Guilty.

Lastly, Honey by Marc Jacobs is so sweet and pretty. It’s really pretty; the bottle is adorable. It looks like a friendly honey bee. The reason I was torn between this and Guilty is because they are so different. I could not decide if I wanted sweet or sexy. Honey smells very sweet like honey. The fragrance reminds me of summer. I will probably wear this fragrance daily, because it is not loud, just sweet.

Well Jewels, I hope this perfume review is helpful. If you have tried any of these I would like to hear your thoughts about them. 😉

BH Cosmetics: Review of Party Girl Palette

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We are soon to be in the party and holiday season of the year. This is my favorite time of the year. Not just because of Christmas gifts, but during the holidays there are parties and family gatherings, which means you get to dress up. Dressing up is fun! You get to wear a cute outfit, new shoes, a new hair do, and MAKEUP!!!! Make up can be very expensive, and during the holidays you do not want to wear the same makeup look to every function. To help save money on a ton of eye shadows, you may want to consider purchasing an eye shadow palette. Palettes are high, but definitely worth it. A cheap alternative is BH Cosmetics. Everyone has been talking about BH Cosmetics, and how awesome and cheap their products are. I have known about BH Cosmetics for a little over a year now. I hate to try new things without being able to test it first. Considering that it is online only, I have no way of knowing what the product will be like until I purchase it. I was very skeptical about purchasing from them, but after reading the reviews on their website; and watching reviews and demos on YouTube, I thought I would give BH Cosmetics a chance.

BH PARTY GIRL PALETTEBH Party Girl Palette

So early September I made my first purchase. I purchased the Party Girl Palette. When the item arrived, of course I could not wait to swatch the eye shadows. I was impressed with the swatches. The next day I did a look using the palette. I put on primer first, then applied the eye shadow. I am not lying when I tell you guys that I had to go over the shadows like four or five times, until I was satisfied. I never had to do that before with an eye shadow, except for the really cheap ones. I was very disappointed after that. The swatches were deceiving. They made me believe that the product was well pigmented. The reviewers online said that it was. A few people said it wasn’t, but I figured they had really high expectations of this cheap product. However, when I tried it, I saw what they  meant.

There are a few colors that work well the first two times of applying them, but for the most part, I am disappointed. The only reason I am so disappointed is because everyone talked about BH Cosmetics eye shadows like they were comparable to MAC eye shadows; just way cheaper. For the price you pay, I only payed $9 plus shipping, the palette is not bad, it is definitely worth the price. HOWEVER, do not have high expectations of the product, especially if you are someone that buys high end makeup.

I am not dissing their product. I still wear it, but I have to do more when I use this product, than my usual eye shadows. So, here is what you do for the best outcome, the first time you apply BH eye shadows. First, prime your eyes; any primer is good, I use Urban Decay’s primer “Eden”. Then, use NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in “Milk” (white) as a base. If you plan to use your shadows on or near your water line, apply “Milk” there as well, as a base. Finally, apply the eye shadows. This makes the colors pop and look well pigmented. They also last a while too. One thing that is for sure great about this palette is that the shadows do not fall. Once I apply them, they stay on my eyes, I do not have to worry about wiping under my eyes every few minutes.

NYX Jumbo Pencil in "Milk"
NYX Jumbo Pencil in “Milk”

Do I recommend this product? It depends. If you like to apply your eye shadows without having to put on a primer or base, then this product is not for you. If you do not mind doing the extra steps to achieve high pigmentation, then you will enjoy your BH Cosmetics palettes.

So Jewels, while you are preparing and shopping for your holiday gear, think about purchasing the PARTY GIRL PALETTE by BH COSMETICS. This palette contains every color you would need to create the perfect holiday look, at a low price. Here is a coupon code that is valid until November 25, 2013 to get 10% off at bhcosmetics.com; the code is RMENOT.

Many of you have probably already purchased eye shadow palettes from BH Cosmetics, please share what you think of them.

Have fun playing with makeup!

Almay and Maybelline: No-Nos

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Eye Shadow

This entire week I have been preparing for a fashion show, for us curvy and full-figured ladies! The store manager knows that I am all about looking fab so she asked me to put together a few outfits for her models. She so did not mention that she was exaggerating the truth by saying a few outfits, I believe there was a total of 53 outfits on the runway today. But I had so much FUN completing the project and working with the models. I believe many Avenues’ are having fashion shows this weekend. A few days before when a model came in for her fitting I mentioned to her that there was no one for hair and make-up and that every model was responsible for getting that done before coming. She was like oh no! So the model asked me if I would do her make-up before the show. I was like OF COURSE!

makeup-artist-applying-eyeshadow

Typically, when I do someones face I use my own brushes and make-up; however, because she mentioned that she would bring her own make-up I figured she had a variety of brands to work with. Well…this morning when she pulled out her make-up I was amazed at how much she had, BUT they were not brands I use. She had mostly Almay, Maybeline, and Estee Lauder. Estee Lauder I am a fan of. Almay and Maybelline not so much. I have several Maybelline lipsticks, but when I would try there eye shadows, it has always been a failure. It would require applying a ton of eye shadow before you could notice the color, and then before I would walk out of the door the eye shadow was falling, so I do not recommend Maybelline eye shadows. Almay I have never used. When I applied the Almay eye shadow onto the model it went on pretty well and the pigmentation was OK, nothing more. Basically, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the greatest, the pigmentation was a 4. The Maybelline eye shadow was way worse, I eventually had to ask if she did not mind me using my finger tips to apply the eye shadow so it could be seen. By the way, I was not using light colors, it was a dark blue. Maybelline would definitely be a 2 out of 10.  Just for the sake of comparison, for me MAC is a  10 out  10; I have never been disappointed with an eye shadow from MAC. So when I compare Maybelline and Almay to MAC that is why they are a 2 and a 4. By no means, am I saying that MAC is the only brand that has well pigmented eye shadows, there are tons of brands; I’ll discuss them another time.

Black-Eye-Makeup-Ideas5-e1305546551206

I am not against drug store brands. I use everything. Like I said, I use Maybelline products for my lips, but after today and my personal experience with Maybelline  I will never purchase their eye shadow. My top drug store brands are Revlon and Neutrogena. For the most part I like everything by Revlon. I use their liquid foundations, lipstick, lip gloss, and eye make-up. As far as Neutrogena, I use their liquid foundations and eye liner; I have yet to try their eye shadows, which I will. So if you can help it stay away from Maybelline and Almay for eye shadow.

I hope this helps any of you Jewels looking for the brand of eye shadow to try!