MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow Review (M-548, I-514, D-562) + Event #InnerArtist

There is not a doubt in my mind that MAKE UP FOR EVER makes high quality eyeshadows and makeup products. I was a little confused when I learned that MUFE decided to re-formulate. Their shadows were already great. However, MAKE UP FOR EVER Creative and Artistic Director Dany Sanz has been working on the new Artist Shadow formula for the past three years. At a MAKE UP FOR EVER event, I received three shadows to play around with and let me tell you... they don't disappoint. 

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow line contains a whopping 210 shades (apparently, that's the largest selection of eyeshadow shades available on the beauty market). There are 5 unique finishes - Matte, Satin, Metal, Iridescent, and Diamond (the old range had 4 finishes and did not include the "Metal" finish). The Artist Shadows are also categorized and numbered by a colour wheel - 100 Blacks/Whites, 200 Blues, 300 Greens, 400 Yellows, 500/600 Browns, 700 Oranges, and 800 Pinks. 

Similar to other high end shadows, the Artist Shadows are not cheap but in the end you definitely get what you pay for. The Artist Shadows are available for purchase individually ($25), in a duo ($39) or in a trio ($50) at Sephora.ca and at MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques as of September 2014.

At the #InnerArtist event located at the Hotel Le Germain in Toronto, invitees were prompted to use the same process that Creative and Artistic Director Dany Sanz uses to inspire a look by creating mood boards. The mood boards were to help us to guide in selecting 3 of the 210 shadows to take home. 

 

The whole "mood board" experience was a bit nostalgic. I kind of felt like a kid in grade school all over again - glue and bits of fabric everywhere. My mood board was a combination of jewel tones (amethyst), greys, browns, and gold tones. 

I had a ridiculously difficult time trying to pick 3 of 210 shades. I'm the most indecisive person on earth. Eventually, I reverted back to what I know I'll use. Like your average basic b*tch (aka neutrals girl), I chose three very wearable golden/taupe/brown tones for my palette, all in the 500 Browns range - M-584, I-514, and D-562. 

Similar to other recently released MAKE UP FOR EVER products (blush, HD pressed powder), the Artist Shadows and palettes are conveniently magnetized and easily depottable if you wish to transfer your shadows into a Z-palette or otherwise. 

M-584 (Matte) - a purple-taupe-brown 

I-514 (Iridescent) -  a cool brown with gold shimmer

D-562 (Diamond) - a pale gold

... and yes, the swatches below are a single swipe without primer.

Both when swatched and on the eyelid, these shadows deliver. They're buttery smooth, the texture almost creamy or gel-like. The glide onto the lid like nobody's business and they're ridiculously pigmented. You just need to tap your brush onto the pan to get enough for one use. Despite high shimmer, shine, and pigmentation unlike other brands, there is virtually no fallout for the MUFE Artist Shadows (I'm looking at you Urban Decay!). On the staying power front, these shadows are relatively normal at 6-7 hours. Like any other powder shadow product, if you use a primer and setting spray then you'll get a bit more longevity. 

According to MAKE UP FOR EVER, the high pigment is due to the fact that the product contains 88% concentrated pigment and uses pigment atomization, a new beauty technology formulation to deliver the high colour concentration. Furthermore, the gel texture is due to the use of water-bend technology (anyone watch Avatar: the Last Airbender?... LOL - it's basically just the use of more water in the production process). Beauty technologies and innovation make for awesome products and are pretty cool, eh? 

Overall, an awesome new eyeshadow product that packs a punch. Plus, there's a HUGE colour selection. There's no way there isn't at least 5 shades for every makeup lover out there. Whether your a makeup artist or just a makeup lover, definitely check these shadows out! 

Have you tried the MUFE Artist Shadows? Which 3 colours would you choose? 

Press samples featured

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LIFE: #hoarderstatus, stuffed animals, and badass lipsticks

I'm Stephanie Lau and I'm a hoarder - to some extent at least. It's only human to attach memories to things. Those two (or those 5) teddy bears that I used to sleep with and that collection of Hello Kitty key chains that I scored at McDonalds, they're hard to let go of. 

It hit me when I was decluttering my room. A huge pile of stuffed animals on one of my dressers was staring me right in the face. I started going through them realizing that many had fond memories attached to them. More than anything what I truly cherish are the people who gifted them to me or how that particular Keroppi came to be a part of my collection; but not so much the item itself. For me, it's not about "things", it's about experiences. 

It's the same in terms of beauty products. Hey. Stephanie. Remember that badass bright purple lipstick that you wore that one night, like, once two years ago? Yeah, well, it's expired and it's time to throw it out. 

How in the world do you keep a memory without throwing it out when you give away/donate/toss out your "thing"? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Photograph it. Sure, it's not as good as the real thing (no spooning with six teddy bears when I'm lonely *sadface*). But a few megabytes of storage is nothing compared to the space that you need to live your life. 

And so.. I've set out to photograph all my stuffed animals, as well as trinkets and things that I hold memories with. 

How do you declutter and let go of things that you love but don't need? 

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CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation in 120 Nude Beige and Concealer in 305/310 Medium/Deep

It seems as though CoverGirl is continually launching new face products and I'm always testing something or other CoverGirl base products out (see TruBlend, Outlast 3-in-1, Whipped Clean Cream). Latest from CoverGirl is the Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation (~$7.99) and Concealer (~$5.99). 

THE CLAIMS

• FOUNDATION - "One simple step for a flawless, natural look that lasts all day. The formula blends easily to even skin tone and reduces shine all day - oil free, won't clog pores, suitable for sensitive skin, lasts all day."
• CONCEALER - "Get insta-gorgeous with Ready Set Gorgeous! The oil-free concealer helps cover up imperfections and dark circles instantly. The lightweight formula blends easily for all day coverage."

The packaging is a little juvenile for my tastes - pink and youthful. The foundation is housed in a plastic squeeze tube, which, believe it or not, is quite hygienic. On the other hand, perfect hygiene is not the case due to the doe foot applicator of the Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer.

Okay, so first thing's first. Neither the Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation in 120 Nude Beige nor the Ready  Set Gorgeous Concealer in Medium/Deep were chosen by me for myself. 120 Nude Beige is ridiculously pale on me (i.e. it won't match me in the Winter). Of the 12 shades available, Nude Beige is not the one. However, the Concealer in 305/310 Medium/Deep is perfect. I don't know how a person who is actually 305/310 Medium/Deep will be able wear this. I think it's safe to say that if you're a couple shades darker than me, go for 315/220 Deep. 

The foundation is medium coverage with a matte finish and not particularly blendable. Although it's lightweight (as per the claims) I feel as though the product sits atop my skin rather than warming up to my skin and melding into it. If you're not careful, you'll get some visible streak marks. The foundation does keep oil at bay for up to 5 hours but it doesn't adhere to the skin well, so white t-shirts beware. 

As for the concealer, it's also quite lightweight and blends in quite flawlessly. The shade is just right for both my undereyes and atop blemishes. It's not amazing for covering up large areas of redness or blemishes but if you're just looking to even out your skintone a little for a "no-makeup-makeup-look" then this is perfect. Unlike the foundation, the coverage of the Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer lasts all day. 

Overall, I'd pass on the Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation and just stick with the Concealer instead. There's also a Ready Set Gorgeous Pressed Powder Foundation, which is quite intriguing, so if you've tried that let me know what you think! 

Have you tried the CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous line? 

Press samples featured

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Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Black, Sparkling Black, Brown, Taupe & Nude

Raves upon raves upon raves for the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Nude since my first encounter over a year ago (see here). A year later, I began to test out another four neutral shades (01 Black, 02 Sparkling Black, 03 Brown & 04 Taupe) from the Rimmel Scandaleyes line and expected no less in terms of creaminess, pigmentation, and lasting power. 

Pigmentation and creaminess is100% on point. The Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal pencils are one swipe wonders that glide on like a dream. They're very comparable to the likes of the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencils and the Shu Uemura Drawing Pencils. 

The staying power of the three darkest colours Black, Sparkling Black, and Brown are a little underwhelming. Even after giving the liner time to set, within two hours the eyeliner transfers onto my eyelid. Therefore, the three darkest shades are in no way my eyeliners of choice. 

On the flip side, Taupe and Nude are absolutely stellar. I love 05 Nude on the inner corner and in the bottom waterline to add brightness to the eyes and 04 Taupe on the upper lashline and bottom lashline for a natural shadow. They both last 4-6 hours, unusual for such subtle colours. 

In summary, the formula is fairly consistent across the 5 shades of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajals however I've experienced some messy transfer with 01, 02, and 03. I'd definitely recommend Nude and Taupe as must-have liners for anyone who loves a subtle liner and I'd still love to try the 5 coloured shades in the Scandaleyes range. 

Have you tried the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajals? 

I purchased 05 Nude with my own money and the other 4 shades were provided as press samples

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Times Square Makeup Look - #NYCBeautyPro Challenge #1

Ahhh...the sights and sounds of Times Square. Though it's been more than five years since I've been to New York, I still remember all the bright lights and the hustle and bustle, even in the deepest hours of the night. Today, a look inspired by the night life and lights of Times Square. 

So why New York? Big news! I've been chosen as one of Canada's top beauty bloggers to participate in the #NYCBeautyPro program. That means monthly beauty looks featuring New York Color products AND reader giveaways for you. YAY! NYC is a long time budget-friendly favourite of mine... I may or may not have featured the NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny on the blog more times than I can count on my fingers! 

On to the look...

I wanted to go for a smokey eye with a bit of an edge... so scotch tape really helped me out here. I'm in the process of packing/unpacking from school, so you'll have to put up with the messy background for the next little while. 

< NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer // Sunny > $2.99 - Have I not talked about this enough already? (see review here) YOU NEED THIS BRONZER. When your skin's looking a little flat, this bronzer acts as the perfect pick-me-up for a sun-kissed glow. Plus, at under $3, who could say no? 

How I used it: with a large fluffy brush, I applied the bronzer liberally on the cheeks (where you would normally apply blush) 

< NYC IndividualEyes Palette for all eye colours* // 944 Smokey Charcoals > $4.99 - In addition to the "for all eye colours" palette, this palette range comes in customized colours for brown, green, and blue eyes. Each palette includes a highlighter, primer, and four shadow shades. All of the shades in the Smokey Charcoals palette has some shimmer. The shadows are a bit chalky but definitely workable. Make sure you apply the shadows over the provided primer for extra staying-power.

How I used it: the silver shadow all over the lid up to the crease, the dark grey shadow close to the lash line and the sparkling black in the outermost point of the eye. 

< NYC Velvet Eyeliner* // 951 Black Velvet > $1.99 - Holy moly, the NYC Velvet Eyeliner is beyond creamy and pigmented. Unfortunately, a it may be little too creamy for my oily lids, as after a couple hours I had some lovely raccoon eyes. 

How I used it: Smudged onto the upper lash line. 

< NYC Big Bold Volume by the lash* > $4.99 - This mascara features a bendy rubber wand. I'm typically skeptical of rubber wands, but this one works just fine. The fact that my lashes appear in my photos says a lot about the volumizing qualities of this mascara. 

How I used it: However you normally use mascara ;) 

< NYC CityProof Twistable Intense Lip Color* // 041 Ballroom Blush > $2.99 - Ballroom Blush is an extremely pigmented, bold pink. Unlike other crayon-style lip products, this one isn't a gloss/balm/lipstick hybrid, it's simply a lipstick in pencil form, meaning that the pigmentation and staying power is comparable to that of a lipstick (4-5 hours). 

How I used it: Since the eyes are quite bold, I wanted to go for a more subdued lip. The CityProof Twistable Intense Lip Color is very pigmented and quite glossy. Sparingly, I applied the lip colour straight out of the tube and sheered it out with a finger. 

Overall, this Times Square-inspired look is both easy to create and would be easy on your wallet (under $20) - perfect for a night out or whenever you're feeling a bit glamorous. Stay tuned for more New York-inspired looks using New York Color beauty products! 

Do me a huge favour and "FAVOURITE" this tweet:  https://twitter.com/NewYorkColorCan/status/502220354820247552, I'll be forever in your debt! 

Are you a fan of New York Color? Which of their products have you tried? 

Press samples featured (*)

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BEAUTY NEWS: 2014 Chatelaine Beauty 100

13 out of 100. Believe it or not, that's the fraction of 2014's "best of beauty" products selected by a panel of 7 experts including the beauty & fashion directors, editors, and make-up artists that I've actually tried. Perhaps it's a bit sad that as a beauty blogger, I haven't gotten the chance to try all the things, but that just goes to show how much selection there is out there for the everyday woman. 

Chatelaine's Beauty 100 (in the September 2014 issue) features 10 categories with 10 products in each: Fresh Start, Luscious Lips, Elegant Eyes, Perfect Nails, Flawless Face, Lovely Locks, Youthful Glow, Skin Savers, Blushing Cheeks and Beauty Tools. 

Chatelaine was kind enough to send me 11 out of the 100 beauty products to mess around with. Over the next little while I'll be playing around with these bits and bobs, so let me know if you'd like to see something reviewed! 

Here's the breakdown of the categories for the 11 products: 

< fresh start - nice price cleanser >Marcelle Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel

< fresh start - go mild cleanser >The Body Shop Chamomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

< elegant eyes - big & bold mascara > Benefit They're Real! Mascara

< elegant eyes - most innovative > Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner in 3D Galaxy 

< perfect nails - most innovative > CND VINYLUX Weekly Top Coat & Polish 

< lovely locks - pro pick > Phyto Paris Phytovolume Active Volumizing Spray 

< lovely locks - nice price > Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray

< lovely locks - most innovative > Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Condition Spray 

< beauty tools - so easy hand & body creams > Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer in Aloe Fresh

< luscious lips - naturally nourished balm > Jurlique Love Balm 

< luscious lips - hot for fall > Bourjois Paris Rouge Edition Velvet in 08 Grand Cru 

Not surprisingly, I've tried only a single one...the Benefit They're Real! Mascara, which is not even close to my favourite but I know that countless others love and cherish it. 

Check out http://chatelaine.com/beauty100 for an interactive list of this year's picks and let me know how many out of the 100 that you've tried. Do you agree with the products that were chosen for the 2014 Chatelaine Beauty 100? 

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CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Glosses in 285 Mint Mojito and 300 Vio-last

These. Polishes. Are. PERFECTION. I've previously reviewed the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss formula in the colours Skylight, Appletini, Orange Oasis, and Snow Storm and the latest two shades to hit the mess that is my "beauty desk" are no exception. 285 Mint Mojito and 300 Vio-last are a little more potent than everybody's favourite mint and lilac pastels but these bolder polishes are a much stronger transition going from summer to fall and fall into winter. 

Let's take a moment to ooohh and ahhh at the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Glosses in Mint Mojito and Vio-last...

 

I'm going to repeat myself (as aforementioned in the last three posts featuring CoverGirl polishes). The formula is great. Opacity can be achieved in on coat, the polish is not overly thick or thin, and the shine and the colour itself remains chip-free for up to 3 days. 

If you're not into these two beauties, be sure to check out the other colours! 

NOTE: After a rough day of packing and moving out of my apartment in Waterloo back to Toronto, I've said goodbye to my long beautiful nails that are now cut short into little nubbins of nothingness. A little depressing but at least they'll grow back eventually...

I am a #beautyunited blogger and receive special access to events, info, and press samples. This, in no way, changes my opinion of the products featured. THESE POLISHES ARE SO GORGEOUS. 

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