Real Techniques Blush Brush

I'm sure many of you watch the amazing tutorials by Pixiwoo - the Chapman sisters are incredibly beautiful, talented and are a real inspiration to all us makeup lovers ;). I was really excited when I heard that Sam was bringing out her own line of brushes as I truly value her judgment and expertise. I have been trialing a few of the brushes from the Real Techniques line and have to say that I am extremely impressed with them!

First up for review is the Blush Brush.

The blush brush is made of synthetic taklon bristles, which are hand-cut for the perfect shape and 100% cruelty-free. The pink handle is sturdy, yet light and allows the brush to stand up on its own. The bristles are extremely soft and feel amazing, yet they are robust enough not to fan out and work perfectly to blend both powder and cream products. I love using this brush for blushers, highlighters and even contour powders or bronzers as the tapered tip makes shading accurate and smooth. What I love most about this brush though is the fact that it doesn't shed! I have found that many other brushes of a similar shape/ style (particularly the MAC duo fibre stippling brushes) shed horrendously, especially after washing, but this brush remains in tact and fluffy as ever.


These brushes are impeccably designed and competitively priced. I highly recommend you check them out if you are looking to invest in some great quality, professional brushes. The blush brush retails at £9.99 ($8.99) and can be purchased in the UK from Victoria Halth here or in the US from Ulta here.

Have you tried any Real Techniques brushes? What are your thoughts? xxx

Blusher love - 17 First Kiss

Recently there has been a certain little pot of instant flush that I have reached for more often than any other.. and would you believe it it came from the Boots 17 range! Meet my most used and loved blusher of the summer - Boots 17 First Kiss.

 

First Kiss is an absolutely stunning blush that I think would suit all skin tones. It's a bright pink with gold shimmer that gives it a beautiful peachy, healthy, coral glow. 

I have applied it very strongly in the above photo so you can see the colour. What I love about it is the range of tones that it gives on different plains of your face - a deep pink in the hollows and a shimmering highlighter on the top of your cheekbones.

Please excuse my sideburns...

This blush is my top pick for summer and at just £3.49 it's also a great bargain :).

Have you tried any 17 blushers? What are your favourite blush products? xxx

New Blush Love!

Hey Beauties!

Hope you are enjoying the weekend so far! I am home taking it easy this weekend and I'd thought I share a new beauty favorite for me.

Bobbi Brown Blushes!

I bought the Colors Apricot, Plum and Spice.

TIP: I apply plum first on the cheekbones and add Apricot to the apples of the cheeks! It is perfection!

I think Nars and Bobbi Brown blushes are must haves! They are top quality and they last all day!

Do you own any? Which colors are your favorite?

XOXO,

Awilda

FOTD: Nars Brousse Duo

Hi Beauties!

I went out to a party over th weekend and decided to pull out my Nars Brousse Eyeshadow Duo. It is the easiest duo to use to get a really pretty wearable smokey eye. Would definetly recommend you all check it out at your local Sephora.

Eyes:

UD Primer Potion in matte

Nars Brousse Eyeshadow Duo, the purple side

MAC Yogurt on the brow bone

MAC Feline eyeliner

Loreal Hip Creme Liner in Black

Maybelline Colossal Mascara

Cheeks:

Nars  Desire (my fave)

Lips:

Mac Siss lipstick

NYX Lipgloss in Frosted Beige

Face:

Embryolisse lait Creme Concentrate moisturizer

Smashbox Photofinish Primer

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation mixed w/

Chanel Teinte inocense Foundation

Ben Nye Banana Setting Powder

Smashbox Suntan Matte Bronzer

Let me know what you think.

Do you own the Brousse Duo already? What do you think?

XOXO,

Awilda

Bridal Trial Before & After

Hi Beauties,

I will be doing the makeup at a a wedding in 2 weeks and today the bride-to-be and I did our trial run.

She is not used to wearing any makeup so the whole bridal makeup thing is new, but she knows she wants to look great. Here is the before and after, I think she looked great.

location: MAC Pro in NYC.

Let me know what you think! :-)

FOTD: Keri Hilson = Gorgeousness!

I love this look so much!
She looks flawless and glowy!

Smashbox Cosmetics: Naked Beauty Summer 2010 Collection

I love Smashbox cosmetics! 

Here is a really pretty collection for summer. It is not a large collection but I do like the Gloss Box and the Halo Bronzing Powder.

Smashbox

FOTD: Urban Decay Chopper with MAC Mulch

Here's a Foto Of the Day from Yesterday's makeup.

Very simple but still pretty.

***I was wearing Sunblock, hence my white face (But I'd rather have a white face in photos than premature wrinkles!)****

Face:

Cetaphil Moisture Lotion

MAC Prep & Prime Face Protect SPF 50

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Stromboli)

MUFE Concealer Palette

Eyes:

MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

Urban Decay Chopper Eyeshadow (shimmery gold on the lid)

MAC Mulch Eyeshadow (Shimmery Golden-Brown mudge on bottom lashline and outer corners)

MAC Stubborn Brown (brown eyeliner smudged across upper lashline)

MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (Shimmery champagne color on inner corners and browbone)

MAC Smolder Eyeliner in the waterline

Maybelline Colossal Mascara in Black

Lips:

MAC Spice Lipliner

MAC English Accents Lipglass (limited edition)

Cheeks:

Nars Desire Blush (bright pink)

Hope you like!

Awilda

 

MAC: Give Me Liberty Of London Collection Launches 3.11.10

The very latest in a series of famous M∙A∙Collaborations, it was only a matter of time before the demure-to-daring kaleidoscopic prints of Liberty of London coloured our world with Brit wit and bohemian chic. From the unstudied, Sienna Miller style of Spitalfields Market to the grit-and-glamour of Portobello Road, the swinging London girl has always been an unstoppable M·A·C makeup force! Spring 2010 insists on the ultimate flower fusion, with M∙A∙C joining forces with Liberty, creating cool Britannia compacts and Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Powder, Blush, Nail Lacquers and, of course – blushing, bountiful, quite British accessories.

Packaging consists of glossy white compacts. Compact lids are decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern.

Beauty powder

Shell pearl - Pale peach with gold pearl

Summer Rose - Soft violet pink with pearl

Eye shadow

Give me liberty of London - Flat creamy pink (matte)

Free to be - Creamy true coral (matte)

Dame’s desire - Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (frost)

Birds & Berries - Frosted dark green blue (veluxe pearl)

Bough grey - Mid-tone blueish grey (satin)

Lipstick

Ever hip - Creamy light coral (cremesheen)

Peachstock - Neutral peach (satin)

Petals & Peacocks - Creamy bright magenta pink (amplified)

Blooming lovely - Creamy greyed lilac mauve (amplified)

Lipglass

Frankly fresh - Neutral pink beige with soft pearl

Perennial high style - Creamy bright pink coral

English accents - Creamy midtone blue pink

A different groove - Deep purple brown with pearl
Powder Blush
Prim & proper - Neutral nude
Dirty Plum - Sheer Dark Plum (Pro)

Nail Lacquer

Vestral white - Creamy white (cream)

Blue India - Dark green blue with pearl (cream)

Accessories
Liberty of london makeup bag/small – MAC stores & online only - $ 22,00

A limited-edition laminated makeup bag decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull. Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 3.5″.

Liberty of london makeup bag/medium – MAC stores & online only - $ 25,00

A limited-edition laminated makeup bag decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull. Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 5″.
Liberty of london scarf – MAC stores & online only - $ 95,00

A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Rows of coral, orange, yellow and blue flowers form a repeating pattern on a white background. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend. Made in Italy. Measures 27″ x 82″.

MY MUST HAVES (which I bought yesterday, lol):

English Accents Lipglass

 Blue India Nail Polish

Petals & Peacocks lipstick

Video: Khloe Kardashian's Golden Wedding Makeup By Mario Dedivanovic

I posted Khloes' Wedding makeup look months ago. I love the look because it can work on so many skin tones! Yet it is subtle enough to look too overdone.

I hope you like!

Eyes:

Nars Mediteranee (close Dupe MAC Goldmine)
Mac Antiqued ES
MAC Smolder eyeliner
MAC Ricepaper ES

Cheeks: 

 Nars Desire (Dupe MAC Dollymix)

Foundation: 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Stromboli

Mascara:  

Dior Diorshow

Lashes: 

Cut in half; #42 Red Cherry

Lips:
NYX lip pencil allover the lips
Dior Gloss #657

Song Name: Photo Theme: Moon Rise
Artist Name: Antony Raijekov
Royalty Free Licensed under Creative Commons 3.0

XOXO,

Awilda

FOTD: Smokey Green Eyes et Bold Lips (Inspired by Troy Jensen)

Hi Beauties!

Yes, it's true! A green look from me! I loved the Troy Jensen Look so much that I had to break out my Nars Misfit Duo and do it!

This looks is so elevated, I felt like a million dollars wearing it. I think I'll be wearing this look for Thanksgiving dinner with a little black ensemble. My Tip if you try this: This look should not compete with your hair or your outfit, keep the rest of you subdued because it looks way chic-er.

Products:

EYES

Nars Misfit Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Smolder eyeliner

YSL Faux Cils Mascara

CHEEKS

Nars Desire Blush

Nars Albatross Highlight

LIPS

Inglot #175 lipstick

MAC Clear Lipgloss

Tell me what you think of my attempt.

XOXO,

Awilda

FOTD: Green Eyes By Troy Jensen

Hi Beauties!

I have a confession, I am not a huge fan of green eyeshadows. However, I really loved the 3 different looks created by Celebrity Makeup Artist Troy Jensen using green.

My favorite is the one look with the dark lips! I think it screams sexy in an elevated (I-know-how-to-wear-makeup) kind of way.

Products Used:

Shu Uemura #550 Iridescent Green Eyeshadow

Shu Uemura #906 Metallic White Eyeshadow

Blush: Shu Uemura #30 Matte Pink

Let me know what you think!

XOXO,

Awilda

FOTD: Kim Kardashian's Birthday Makeup in Vegas By Mario Dedivanovic

Hi Beauties!


The wait is over! Mario Dedivanovic has finally posted the"get the face" look from Kim Kardashian's Birthday in Vegas. Without further ado.....

Skin – I used Sheer Glow Foundation by NARS all over the skin. Under the eyes and to highlight I used YSL’s Touch Eclat. To set everything use a touch of Translucent Loose Powder by Shiseido.


Eyebrows are softly filled in with MAC’s eyebrow pencil in Lingering.


Eyes – Urban Decay eyeshadow in Eldorado on eye lids and browbone. Smog eyeshadow also by Urban Decay on the crease of the eye and outter corners of the lids. Smolder Eye Kohl by MAC rimming the entire eye and on the inner rims. Use more liner towards the outter corners. Using a clean brush, blend along the lashlines, moving up and out. Apply more liner for intensity if needed. Finish the eyes with two coats of Lancome’s Hynose Drama Mascara on top and bottom lashes.

Cheeks – On the apples of the cheeks, use Passion blush by Josie Maran. Skin is bronzed with Josie Maran Bronzing Powder. Brush it along the hairline, jawline and hollows of cheeks. To highlight the cheek bones, use Trace Gold blush by MAC.

Lips are lined with MAC’s Cremestick Liner in Summerfruit followed by Lipgelee in Saplicious, also by MAC.


 
I think I will try to duplicate this look! I love it!
 
XOXO,
Awilda

New Video: Smokey Pink Look

Hi Beauties,

Here's my latest Youtube makeup tutorial! I hope you like this one. I was actually rushing to go out that night. :-)


XOXO,
Awilda

Video Tutorial: Everyday Soft Plum Look

Hi Beauties!

I hope you like my latest video!

Products Used:

EYES
Mac Painterly Paint pot
Mac Brule eyeshadow
Mac Haux eyeshadow
Mac Sketch eyeshadow
Stila Kajal eyeliner in Onyx
Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara

FACE
Cetaphil Face Moisturizer
Smashbox Photofinish Primer
Cinema Secrets Foundation
Ben Nye Neutral Set powder
Mac Shadester/Lightsweep for Contour


Cheeks:
Mac Plum Foolery blush

Lips:
Mac Subculture Lipliner
Mac Blankety lipstick

****Music*****
Artist: Zikweb
Song: Black Snow

XOXO,
Awilda

FOTD: Rihanna's Red Lips

Hi Beauties!

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and best of luck to those returning to school.

Today's FOTD is inspired by Rihanna, who I absolutely adore!
I admire how on any given day she could be wearing knee high boots with a leather jacket and the following day she is super-duper glam on the red carpet. And she looks great either way!

Anyway, here it is! It's very simple but I love what RED lips do to my mood.

Lips:
Givenchy Rouge Cancan Lipstick

Eyes:
MUFE #128 Neutral Eyeshadow
L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner in Black
L'Oreal Carbon Black Mascara

Cheeks:
Illamasqua Blusher in Create

Face:
Smashbox Photofinish Primer
Make Up Forever Mat Velvet foundation
Ben Nye Neutral Set
Cinema Secrets Concealer

Hope you like!

XOXO,
Awilda

MAC Make-up Art Cosmetics Collection (August 20, 2009 Release)

Hi Beauties,

Here is the scoop on the newest MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Collection. This is a huge collection for MAC and I have to admit it seems pretty nice. The release date is set for August 20, 2009.

Click Below Links To See The Entire Collections

Makeup Art Cosmetics As Seen by Marilyn Minter, Photographer

Makeup Art Cosmetics As Seen by Maira Kalman, Illustrator

Makeup Art Cosmetics As Seen by Richard Phillips

POLL: Which items are you thinking about buying?

I'm most interested in the pigments/Glitters! :-)

XOXO,

Awilda

FOTD: All About The Drama

Hi Beauties,

Today's look is inspired by a fellow Youtuber and Twitter Friend, Michelle.



It is very different that what I would wear on a regular basis. The look is very dramatic and sexy and I loved it on her. The trick to this look is BLENDING!


Are you subscribed yet?


Chellee62001

Products Used:

Eyes:
NYX Black Bean eye pencil
MAC Carbon Eyeshadow
MAC Wedge Eyeshadow to Blend
MAC Fascinating Eye Kohl to Inner Rim
Mascara

Cheeks:
MUFE #8 Pink Blush

Lips:
MAC Tri Color Lipglass in Smply Delicious

XOXO,
Awilda

FOTD: Inspired by Jennifer Lopez (Harper's Bazaar Mag.)

Hi Beauties!

Hope you're all doing well. Here's a FOTD on a Jennifer Lopez look I found in the Harper's Bazaar Japan. The Makeup Artist for this look was the very talented Troy Jensen. I hope you like!

Click Here For The Original Photo

Product Used:

EYES
MAC Rollickin paintpot
MAC Yogurt allover the Lid to browbone
MAC Too Dolly ES allover the lid
MAC Sky Blue PRO ES in the Crease
MAC Electric Eel lightly in the outer corner
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MAC Smolder to waterline
Givenchy Phenomen-eyes Mascara

FACE:
A mixture of Cinema Secrets Foundation
MUFE HD Powder
MAC Peachykeen Blush

LIPS:
Mac Blankety Lipstick
MAC Subculture lipliner

Bonus: OOTD (Outfit Of The day)
(Top, Bag(Balenciaga-eske) and Skinny Jeans: ALL Bebe. Shoes:ALDO). *sorry the shoes are cut off, my photographer was drunk. LOL J/K!)

Illamasqua: Now Available on Sephora.com

Hi Beauties!
News Flash:
Illamasqua cosmetics are now available for sale on Sephora.com.

Shop Here!

XOXO (& Happy Spending!),
Awilda