Product Review: Amore Milani Matte Lip Crème

Milani Amore Matte Lip Cremes: (l to r) Embrace, Beloved, Lust

I recently picked up some of the Milani Matte Lip Cremes and finally had the time to play in makeup and wear them last weekend. It wasn't the easiest to find them in my area, and ultimately I was only able to get 3 of the 8 colors that are available. At the price of $2.99 (yes they were on sale in CVS) I'm not surprised they were so hard to find, however I was hoping the makeup gods were going to be in my favor.

For more information and a detailed review keep reading...

Holiday Wishlist: Smashbox Master Class Palette

I recently had the pleasure of assisting with a fabulous wedding and i was able to use the Smashbox Master Class Palette. If you're an aspiring artist, already a pro, or just want the perfect palette this is a must have for your kit. It's absolutely wonderful for bridal when doing bridesmaids because it has many of the most used colors that are requested. It doesn't take up much space and gives you literally everything you need for a face minus foundation and setting powders.

For more information about the palette read after the jump

Product Review: MUFE Mat Velvet Matifying Foundation

I know I haven't posted in a month of Sundays, so you know I have to be in love with a product if I was compelled to do a full blog post review. I recently purchased MUFE Mat Velvet Matifying Foundation from Sephora and I'm completely in love. I've been using it for about 2 weeks now and I don't have any complaints.

MUFE Mat Velvet Matifying Foundation in #70

For a full review read more after the jump

WORK: My Cousin Marcia

My cousin Marcia is in town from North Carolina and I wanted to play around and beat her face when I got off work yesterday. She has beautiful bone structure and I wanted to enhance her already amazing features. She's a young single mom and I also wanted to make her look and feel hot.

Here is a before and after photo.

I was trying out a new foundation that I put in my kit for myself and absolutely love. I'm testing out MAC's Matchmaster foundation. I really love it. Pretty flawless application and buildable coverage. Her cheekbones are amazing so I wanted to highlight them and I was loving her almond shaped eyes.

Work: Jessica's Prom

I did makeup for long time friend Michelle's niece Jessica. She was attending prom for Largo Senior High and wanted a slightly smokey pin up look to accompany her gorgeous black gown. I hadn't seen Jessica since she was much younger and I was taken aback by how she's grown into such a beautiful young woman. Here is the final look

For a list of products used see below

WORK: Ashleys 21st Birthday

This weekend I did makeup for a family friend Ashley. She was celebrating her 21st birthday and wanted a fun look. We decided on a blue smokey eye to compliment her dress. She has such beautiful skin and her lashes are absolutely amazing! I wanted her eyes to sparkle like her personality without being too overwhelming. Here is the final look.

See below for a list of products used

The New Nude Face via Harper's Bazaar

I recently saw a tweet about "The New Nude" face which intrigued me because I really don't like to wear much makeup anymore when I do. I just focus on a clean face with a few accentuations. This post by Harper's Bazaar was on point and exactly what I've been doing more or less so I thought I would share it.



photo credit: ImaxTree


A clean, flawless look is what we want from our makeup this spring. Achieving this chic, minimalist effect requires a light hand, a few expert pointers, and the right neutral and blush shades, says makeup artist Fiona Stiles. Here are 7 ways to appear au natural, only better. For the full post click here.

1. Prep skin with a primer
2. Make foundation invisible
3. Blush softly
4. Erase lines
5. Draw attention to eyes
6. Enhance lip
7. Nude polish on nails

As I previously mentioned, recently when I've been doing a full face of makeup I've been going for what most people call the "no makeup makeup look" or nude face. I wear almost no shadow or something light with a slight shimmer to draw attention to the eye with many layers of mascara and just liner or my water line and tight line of my eye. I use a blush that gives just a natural flush or glow, and bring attention to my lip with a pop of color. Making your foundation invisible is very important to a nude face to ensure it appears as if you have nothing on. I achieve this by using a liquid foundation and a stippling brush and buff the foundation into my skin blending out any harsh lines.

Here is an example of a nude face that I've been doing recently.

Hope these were helpful tips for a nude face!

xo

Candice Olivia

FOTN: New Year's Eve

Here is the makeup I wore for New Year's Eve. My roommate and I had a Parisian themed party. Which I honestly didn't know until the last minute. I was planning on wearing my beret anyway because it's the only thing I own with sequins.

I was originally going to do a smokey eye with blue and silver but wasn't liking anything that was happening. So I wiped my face off and just went for a dramatic winged liner on the top and blue shadow on the lower lash line. I also had some lashes that had sparkles and they weren't working out either.

For a list of products used see below

Sigma Beauty Introduces Vegan Tools

Sigma Beauty has introduced a new line of makeup brushes that are vegan. The "Bunny Collection" will provide the same HD quality application. For more information watch the quick promo video below.

Happy Friday!

Hello loves. Happy Friday and cheers to the freaking weekend. I'll DEFINITELY drink to that after the week I had. I hope you all have something fabulous planned this weekend. I will be busy. Lots of parties and I'll try to take pics and post them next week.




I'm already starting to think of holiday makeup looks and came across this one from Pixiwoo on YouTube. Just thought I'd share it with you. Simple yet striking look inspired by Katy Perry.

au-revoir!

Candice

Product Review: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

I have a product review for the MAC Studio Sculpt foundation. I wanted to try something different than the MAC Select foundation I had been using for quite some time. I wanted a new color (I thought my old color was too light) and something with a bit more coverage.

The associate at the counter led me to the Studio Sculpt and test NW43 and it blended in perfectly. She also gave me the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark to set the foundation. I've been wearing the foundation with my normal makeup routine for the past 3 weeks or so and here are my thoughts.

Here are details about the foundation:

A creamy, luxurious, gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage with a natural satin finish. Hydrating, instantly revitalizes the skin while keeping it looking smooth, soft and plush. Long-wearing, water-resistant.

This product is best match for dry to normal skins types. Provides medium to full coverage upon application. The finish is lovely, luminous, highly pigmented and nice to work with. Pea size does all the work, hence product lasts long. If you have oily skin I highly recommend you stay away from this product.

Initially I liked the coverage but over time I have found that it's actually too heavy for my liking. I only apply the foundation sparingly and I can actually feel in on my skin. Not good. I have also noticed that my skin has broken out all over (forehead, cheeks and chin). This is definitely not good! Overall I'm not opposed to the foundation but I would not use it as an every day foundation. I just don't need that much coverage.

Pros:

• SPF 15
• packaging (eliminates waste and mess)
• buildable coverage
• minimal amount of product needed (pea size)

Cons:

• Price
• If applied wrong too cakey and heavy
• making my skin break out (results may differ)

**FTC Disclosure** Products were not provided by an outside company. Product was purchased with my own money. Opinions are my own.

Wedding Wednesday: Makeup Tips via Bobbi Brown (Lips and Cheeks)

makeup artist Bobbi Brown

More bridal makeup tips from celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown, the queen of clean. Here are tips for bridal makeup on cheeks and lips.

Wedding Wednesday: Makeup Tips via Bobbi Brown

makeup artist Bobbi Brown

Here are some makeup tips to keep in mind for your big day from celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown. Bobbi Brown is the queen of clean when it comes to makeup and believes that you should just be an even more beautiful version of your authentic self on your big day.

Here are some face tips to keep in mind.

1. Flash photography emphasizes pink tones, so be sure to even out skin with a yellow-tone foundation.
2. Set foundation and concealer with a sheer finish loose powder to make them longer-lasting and to ensure skin looks matte in pictures.
3. If your gown has an open neckline, be sure to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of bronzing powder.

Hope these tips were helpful!

Tutorial Tuesday: Everyday Look

 I love this look. It's perfect for every day fabulous.

*peace love & couture*

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July! Last  night I was playing in makeup and decided to use my Lady Justice palette from the Wonder Woman collection. I honestly wasn't thinking about using the blue for Independence day, but once I was finished I said hey this works and is somewhat patriotic.

Read on for a complete list of products used

Makeup Monday 7.4.11

Here is a face I did for a charity event that I attended last week.

Read on for a complete list of products used.

Tutorial Tuesday: Brownie Bombshell Eyes

Trying to be more consistent with Tutorial Tuesday posts. Love this tutorial. Hope  you enjoy it as much as I do.



Make sure you check our LipSHOCK YouTube channel for more videos. She's really great.

*peace love & couture*

April Beauty Favorites

April Favorites by CC Couture on Polyvore.com



Maybelline Fit Me Foundation


Urban Decay Naked palette


Sonia Kashuk Beauty Blender


Sonia Kashuk Duo Fiber makeup brush


Essie polishes ("Nice is Nice" and "Topless & Barefoot" from French Affair collection)


I really like the Maybelline Fit Me foundation. Read my full review here. I bought a total of 4 polishes from Essie's French Affair collection but these two were my favorites. The lilac color

Product Review: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

Maybelline Fit Me Fountaion

Description:
Flawless makeup that let's the real  you come through. Fresh, breathing, natural skin that has an SPF of 18. Exclusive translucent base and ultra-lightweight pigments allow your skin’s natural tone to come through while still providing forgiving, breathable coverage. 

I wanted to try the liquid foundation since that is the formula that I prefer for my skin that tends to be quite dry. I opened a bottle and put a dab on my hand and blended it in. It was very sheer and matched perfectly. I had to get it. I got the color 350 which is "caramel". The darkest color is 355 which is "coconut".

2011 Met Gala Favorite Faces (Makeup)

It's not always about the gown. Hair and makeup are just as important. Some ladies get it and others don't. There were a few that caught my eye last night on the red carpet. Here are some of my favorite faces from the red carpet of the 2011 Met Gala.

La La Vasaquez

I gasp every time I see LaLa's face lately. Its always so beautiful. With soft colors on the lid and perfectly bronzed. Always using a white liner on the lower lash line to make her eyes pop and seem more open. Slightly smoky but never too dramatic.

Janelle Monae

I love Janelle Monae's fresh face. A wonderful way to wear makeup and look fresh, yet look like you don't have that much on.  With defined brows and the perfectly peachy cheek and a nude lip, this look is perfect for everyday, and still appropriate for a red carpet.

Iman

Sam Fine is the king of the smoky eye and perfects it so beautifully on Iman's face. Perfectly bronzed and golden elsewhere, then the perfect smoky punch on the eye with a nude lip.

*peace love & couture*