Hakuhodo Price Increase

I have just been informed that Hakuhodo the Japanese brush manufacturer has announced a price increase effective January 1, 2012. As you all know I have purchased several Hakuhodo brushes. Check out my post: Hakuhodo.

I have made several more purchases since then and have been more than pleased with every purchase. Hakuhodo takes care and pride in every brush they make and it shows in the craftsmanship and quality. If you were thinking about purchasing Hakuhodo brushes I would seriously think about trying to get as many as you can before the price increase. You can purchase the brushes online at Hakuhodo USA. Shipping to the USA is a flat rate of 9.00. I typically receive my shipment three days after purchase.

More Tom Ford

I have been on a Tom Ford roll! I plan to get most of the brushes, the eye color quads, and the blushes. I don't really wear a lot of lip products because my lips stay chapped...ugh!!! This time I purchased the Violet Dusk quad, Sahara cheek color, and the cream foundation brush(which I love).

Tom Ford Sahara Haze EOTD

I decided to post at least an eotd. After a 12 hour day my face wasn't fresh enough to post the entire fotd. I really love the Sahara Haze quad. It is so elegant and sophisticated. The glitter color in the quad seems to cake a bit, which I don't like. However, the color still applies well to the lid. I have already purchased another quad and plan to purchase a few more.

Tom Ford Makeup Experience

I'm alive everyone!! Did you miss me?! I am going to try my best to post a little more. I hope you all have been doing well and had a great Thanksgiving!

Well I won't go into a long drawn out explanation, but here is what happened when I went to the Tom Ford counter today.

Inglot Matte Eyeshadow Swatches

Here are the swatches I promised from Inglot's new matte eyeshadows. They are on par with Inglot's usual quality and some are even better. The colors blend beautifully and are packed with color. Some can be a bit dusty, but once applied to the eye the colors have great staying power.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liners

If you are looking for a liner that stays put through it all, look no further! These little babies are long-lasting to the tenth power! When you apply these you better make sure you have some sort of oil cleanser to get them off. I rubbed and scrubbed with regular makeup remover to no avail. Only a cleanse off oil worked to remove the color. The colors are super vibrant and easy to apply!

Magnolia Makeup Pigment Swatches

Here are the Magnolia Makeup pigments. This makeup company is owned by two sisters from New Orleans. I was able to meet them at the Makeup Show Chicago. They are really sweet and their makeup is fabulous! Everything I swatched from the pigments, to the lip colors and the blushes had beautiful pigmentation! You can purchase them here: Magnolia Makeup

The Makeup Show Chicago Haul

So now that you've heard all about the show, here are all the goodies I purchased. Yes I went a little crazy, but I worked really hard to make sure I could get all the things I wanted. I will post swatches a little at a time, because it's going to take a while..lol!

The Makeup Show Chicago

So as you all know I attended The Makeup Show Chicago this year. This is my fourth year attending The Makeup Show and the first time it was held in Chicago. As usual, The Makeup Show does not disappoint.

Sorry for Not Posting

I just wanted to apologize to you all for not posting. There have been a lot of personal tragedies that have occurred and they have really taken a toll on me! I guess it's my time to go through the storm. I will certainly try to post as much as I can, but feel I need to take this time out to be with family. I am going to the Makeup Show in Chicago and hope to see some of you there, and I will hopefully post a haul video. My posts will probably be a bit sporadic so please hang in there with me. Thank you for your support and understanding! ~xoxo Devin

Nars Blush Swatches

I don't think these blushes need much introduction. They are a cult favorite and known world-wide to be some of the best blushes on the planet. They most certainly live up to they hype!

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all you lovely, hard-working mother's a Happy Mother's Day! My only child is a 15 year old Toy Poodle named Neeko...lol!

Vote For Me to Win Arjuni's Dreamweaver Contest

Hello Everyone! My honey just entered me into Arjuni's Dreamweaver contest. Arjuni is a hair company that sells virgin cambodian hair. I would love to win, because although I can do my makeup, my hair is another story...lol! So please vote for and tell everyone you know to do the same. The contest ends May 27th. Help me win!!! Thank you!

You must like Arjuni's page before you can click to to vote. The like button is in the top box next to the wording 'Arjuni'. Once you click like, you can scroll down to my picture and click vote and you should be able to vote. You can only vote from your computer and NOT your phone. Sorry for any confusion caused. I hope if you have already tried to you will try again, and if you haven't yet voted please do so. Thanks so much! :)

Here's the link(Rodney Harvey is who you should be voting for):

http://apps.facebook.com/easypromos-premium/entries/1799

Sunset Over the Ocean

I'm sorry for not posting as often. This month has been extremely busy with weddings and proms, and next month is even busier. I will try to sneak in some posts in between the mayhem.

Good Friday Face

Today I decided to wear one of my favorite colors, sketch. I wear this color with just about everything. It is definitely one of my staples!

Bright and Simple

I know that I usually apply about 50-11 products on my face and eyes(I can't help myself). So this is for those of you who like it simple.

Inglot 20 Palette with Swatches

My friend was generous enough to bring some items back for me from IMATS. I  am trying to get all the Inglot eyeshadows I can before the price increase! I wanted the new 20 palette as well. I really like it. I don't think it would be a palette I would travel with, but nice for holding a lot of colors in one place. It keeps you from having to look through several palettes for one look. The palette is very sturdy and well made, just like the 10 palettes. You can check out my Inglot review here.

Sephora V.I.B and B.I. 15% off

Sephora is offering 15% off to V.I.B's to use in-store or online April 14-21. B.I's can also use the coupon starting April 15-21.

To use the coupon in-store you must have received an email or coupon via mail.

The online coupon code for V.I.B's is: CHICWEEK

The online coupon code for B.I's is: BICHIC

The printable coupon: Beauty Insiders

V.I.B's are also invited to an opening night party where you will receive a collector's tote(while supplies last). The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Please call your local Sephora for details on the event.

For more information on Chic Week and the 15% discount please read the information listed on Sephora's facebook page here.

A Little Bit of Sunshine

It's been a while since I've posted a fotd, so I figured I was  long overdue.  This one is not as good as I would have liked, because I took the pictures after about a ten hour day, so sorry it's not as fresh looking as it should be.

We Have a Winner

And the winner for my 100 subscriber contest is...

Tips For Long-lasting Makeup: Face

I have been asked numerous times about how to make your makeup last longer. Living in the south where in the summer you start to melt as soon as you step your toe out of the door you must know how to sweat-proof your makeup! The humidity is atrocious and everybody is looking like an oil slick. Lucky for you Northerner's this is not a problem for you.

Sleek Makeup Palette Review with Swatches Part 2

Here is part 2 of my Sleek Palette review. You can read part 1 of my review here.

I Have 100 Subscribers...Time For a Giveaway!~Contest Closed

I can't believe that I have 100 subscribers! I am so thankful to all of you for your support! I hope that I am meeting your needs. If you have any suggestions or constructive criticism please feel free to post a comment. Okay so now it's time for the giveaway!

Buxom by Bare Escentuals Waterproof Smoky Eye Stick

I must admit that I have never really worn anything from Bare Escentuals, but when I came across the Buxom brand I was intrigued. I was already a fan of MAC shadesticks, so the smoky eye sticks caught my attention. I was particularly struck by the matte grey color. I don't have any matte grey base colors so I wanted to give this one a try.

Getting Ready for IMATS

My friend Princess Zmunda asked me to create a post for first time attendee's of the IMATS show. I have never been to IMATS. I have been to The Makeup Show for the last three years and plan to go again this year. So I am only assuming they are similar, although I have heard that IMATS has more exhibitors and shows than The Makeup Show. So, I will be posting information based on my experience of the shows. 

Sleek Makeup Palette Review with Swatches Part 1

I bought these palettes in November of last year when Sleek Makeup had a 50% off sale. I was able to buy 6 eyeshadow palettes, a contour kit, and two nail polishes all for $40! Can you believe that? Sleek has some really great products and $5 for twelve colors is simply a steal! So even if I had to get up at the crack of dawn to get online and then receive my colors a month later, it was still worth it. They did give me free shipping for the hassle as well.

Color Comparisons: Orange Blushes

Orange blushes are my absolute favorite! I will be posting these color comparisons periodically to show you how certain colors in the same family compare to one another. Sometimes they will be all blush or all eyeshdadow, sometimes they will be a mixture of products that are all in the same color family. The posts may also consist of products that serve the same purpose. Let me know what you all think about this idea. Do you think this is helpful?

Happy St. Patty's Day

I wore this look in for St. Patrick's Day today. I took these pictures after a long day, so excuse me if the makeup doesn't look fresh. Please note colors or brushes are MAC unless listed otherwise.

More Photo Shoot Pictures

I did another photo shoot. Here are a couple of the finished pictures from the shoot. This was Madeleine's first time shooting! She was a real natural. On a side note, I am finally trying to get over this bronchitis. I am so sick of coughing...ugh!

Hakuhodo Brushes

My Hakuhodo brushes came today...yay!!! After seeing these brushes at the New York Makeup Show in 2008, I was curious. Now, there are tons of great reviews out there, so I thought it was high time I made a purchase. Of course, this won't be a review(that will come later)since I just received them, but I can tell you my initial thoughts.

Inglot Cosmetics Online

Inglot has just gone viral! I don't see a Pro program just yet, so I may still have to call in my order. It also looks like the palettes may be a bit more expensive. When you order the colors along with the palettes online they do discount the palette automatically. I do like that you can purchase the palettes or colors individually. When you order from the store you had to order the palette's with the eye shadows. I'm sure they may have some more tweaking to do. Here's the link:

Inglot

La Femme Blush Review with Swatches

I am trying to shake this sickness and thought I could at least post a review. A friend of mine went to the  L.A. Makeup Show and was kind enough to take my shopping list with her. I have been wanting to try La Femme blushes for years, but for whatever reason never got around to buying any. Well, let me tell you I waited way too long! The pigmentation on these blushes is insane!

Photo Shoot Pictures

Remember when I posted the behind the scene pictures of my photo shoot here(scroll to the bottom of the post)? Well, here are a couple of real pictures from the shoot. The phenomenal photographer is Krystal Nicole. I hope you like them!  I am battling some sort of bronchitis and am trying to get better. I should be back to posting soon.

MAC Pink Friday Lipstick with Comparison Swatches

Oh, the elusive Pink Friday lipstick from MAC! I swear when this lipstick was going on sale I had anxiety trying to get it. I know that I have several lipsticks that are similar in color, but I have a little problem...lol!

Whenever a product is hard to get it makes me want it even more! I must get help for this situation! Anyway, here is Pink Friday lipstick and some colors that I have that are similar.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics(OCC) Pigments and Glitters

I know that OCC is infamous for their lip tars(which I also have and LOVE!!), but their pigments and glitters are really nice as well. The glitters are for the face and body, and not recommended for the eye(you know I am breaking this rule...lol!). If you decide to use the glitter on your eye please use at your own discretion, because the glitter particles are rather large.

My New Makeup Storage

I am super excited about this new storage system I bought for my makeup! For years I have been storing my makeup wherever I could fit it. That meant a train case in the bathroom closet, along with some plastic shoe boxes. My armoire had also been transformed into a makeup storage. So, because I do my makeup in my bathroom I would have to go to a couple of different places to get makeup to pull together one look. With the makeup being in all those different places I would sometimes forget what I had and some makeup never got used.

Viva Glam Gaga 2

Here's a look I did on Tuesday. I wanted to try the Viva Glam Gaga 2 and I have to say I like it. It looked a bit light at first, but with a bit of brown liner, it turned out just fine.

Sunset

This is another look I did last week. I have been running around and working like a mad woman, so I am just getting around to posting all these looks.

Grey Skies

This is a quick EOTD. I did this look last week. I don't use grey eyeshadow often and wanted to try a different combination of colors.

Green Is Good

I was inspired once again by the Wonder Woman collection. The colors from the Valiant Quad are what I chose to emulate. Greens are some of my favorite eyeshadow colors!

Purple Passion

I did this look the other day and never got around to posting it. I was undecided, and didn't know whether I wanted to use color or choose a more neutral look. This is what I came up with.

MAC Wonder Woman Haul

I bought my MAC Wonder Woman items today and I must say that I am happy with what I bought. I know that there have been mixed reviews on the packaging and what not, but I like it! I mean it is Wonder Woman after all, so I think the packaging is befitting of the character.

Wonder Woman Inspired

I didn't have my Wonder Woman items yet, but I did have some of the colors from the collection. So I put this look together. This look was inspired by the 'Lady Justice' quad.

Make Up For Ever Pure Pigments & Star Powder Swatches

I absolutely love Make Up For Ever products! Everything that I have tried from this line is of such great quality. These are the pure pigments and star powders that I have. The pure pigments and star powders both retail for $19 and are sold at Sephora. You can also order from the New York store by calling: (212)941-9337.

Roses Are Red

Ok, so continuing on with the Valentine's Day looks. This one is a little more daring with red. The focus is on the eyes. So for those of you who don't mind bold eyes, here you go!(Disclaimer: Some people are allergic to the dyes or ingredients that are used to make red pigments and may have a reaction. Please use at your own discretion.)

Cute Blush Alert

I just thought I would let you all know about this cute little blush I just ordered online. This is the Stila make me blush palette($14). Here's the description Stila gives about the blush:

A lovely multi-color blush inspired by Valentine's Day Conversation Hearts. 
The Make Me Blush Palette is embossed with a cute Conversation Heart design. The top layer is sprayed with the gold shine for visual and once dusted off with brush you are left with all over glow pressed powder that will add warmth, soft color, and sheer luminosity to cheeks and complexion. 
Great for all skintones, the micro-fine formula is velvety and blendable and instantly enhances the complexion with a tint of pinks and corals. 

I love coral colored blushes and the pinks mixed with the corals looks like it will be such a beautiful mix. The gold on the hearts is just an overspray, but that doesn't bother me. This will be just in time for Valentine's Day!

Oh yeah, and if you order from Stila using the code: STYLEWATCH you will receive 30% off of your purchase!

Think Pink

With Valentine's Day upon us I thought I might give you all some ideas of looks you could wear. This one is a bit smokey, but not so much so that you couldn't wear it day or night. If you don't like the dark liner you could wear a softer color like a mauve or brown, or omit the darkest color altogether. On a side note, this cold weather is killing my allergies. I'm used to the heat, but not the cold! My eyes were watering so bad, I could barely keep my eyeshadow on my lids!

MAC Wonder Woman Teaser

I was able to get pictures of a few things from the new Wonder Woman collection and thought I would share them with you.

Neutral Zone

Today I had an early morning shoot. Call time 8:45 a.m. and I went to bed at around 3:30 a.m., so I was running merely on adrenaline! I had a lot of fun and the model was absolutely fabulous! This was her first shoot and you would never know from the fierceness she put forth honey! I have a couple of behind the scenes pictures with my good old point and shoot. When I get the real pictures I will be sure to post them.

Electric Blue Eyes

 I was sitting at home today and decided to play in some makeup. This is what I came up with.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

In November of last year Sleek Makeup had a 50% off sale. I was super excited to hear about it, because I had been looking at reviews and swatches on the internet for months. I had no idea how popular this sale would be! I woke up at 6 a.m. turned my computer on, ready to go! It took me a couple of days before I could finally put my order through. Their server was so overwhelmed, that it could not handle the volume of customers that were trying to order. So, finally after a little over a month I received my order...phew!!

New Francois Nars Book: "Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself"

I don't know about you, but I'm all about makeup books and education. I have books from Sam Fine, Iman, Kevyn Aucoin, Scott Barnes, Bobbi Brown, the list goes on and on. I love reading and learning tips and techniques from the masters of makeup. There is no denying that Francois Nars is most definitely one of them!

Inglot Eyeshadow Review with Swatches

So I've been on a roll with my swatches and reviews and I thought why not keep it going.

Rock & Republic Eyeshadow Swatches

So I went on a Rock & Republic eyeshadow buying spree! They were such a good deal that I just couldn't pass them up. After looking at all the reviews and swatches I could no longer resist! Then I saw that on The Fancy Face to top off the discount they were already offering there was an additional 50% off. So the eyeshadows went from $28, to $7! Now you know that was just too good to be true! They sent me the wrong color in my second order, so I am waiting on one other color. So here are the colors I ordered: