Scott Barnes Illumineye

Splendid for a smokey eye

I ADORE this eyeshadow, though I use only 2 of the colors of the 6 that I own. Let me explain - with 2 of the most perfect neutral options for my skintone (MAC c40, Armani LSF 6.5, MUFE F&B 34 - golden tan color), there isn't much else more for me to wear to look stunning. The 2 neutrals I am referring to are Chocolate and Urban Legend. Chocolate is medium-to-med/dark warm chocolate with golden-cast shimmer, and Urban Legend is a med/dark-to-dark warm gray. I need use only one of these at a time to achieve the look I want. They are creamy powders that allow me to sheer out or pack on the color, which lets me use only one hue to get a multidimensional look. Smoked in the crease and blended out onto the orbital ridge and in a "V" onto the line at the base of the lashes, and then swiped under the eye - that's all I need. And with liner and mascara, that's it, and it seriously illuminates my medium brown eyes. Really. I love this eyeshadow (even if I don't venture into the colored options).

February 9, 2008

Scott Barnes Lip Slick

Hands-down, perfect nude lip for a warm tan complexion

No hint of mauve in the Show Off color. It is PERFECTION. Opaque, easy to use... I've stock-piled this color because I've found the perfect nude lip for myself, and I don't want to ever be without it again. It's lovely. I just don't know what else to say other than the color is PERFECT. I have searched all over, trying lines from everywhere, and none has this particular beige that suits my warm light brown skin. With this line, my multi-racial self is not forgotten. Testament to this is the exemplary Show Off lipslick. My search is over. I can rest.

December 1, 2007

Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup

Very good all-around foundation

This is now my go-to (I used up my Armani LSF and heard great things about this, so once this is up, I'll probably go back but for now, it sure is great). 34 is a perfect match for me. I've normal skin with the faintest hint of fine lines just beginning to etch under my eyes. After profuse shaking and *careful* pouring, applying this gel-liquid is quick and simple (I use my fingers). And YES, I can build up the coverage from extremely sheer to just-shy-of-covering-my-freckles. And for note, my freckles are the huge dark brown kind. Once on the skin, it doesn't give that smoothed-out luminous look of LSF, but it does look indistinguishable from my skin, which for daytime is pretty nifty. It photographs very well, too! It also plays very well as a base for eyeshadow if I forget to use my UDPP and works great underneath any type of concealer or blush - I've never had color lift-off with any kind of product used over it. It sets up a dries pretty quickly. Overall, good stuff.

December 1, 2007