Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen First Impressions 8/14/17

Guys, I am sooooo excited to share the newest Algenist skin care product with you: Genius Liquid Collagen.  Receiving this in the mail was truly a dream come true and it brought tears of joy to my eyes.  I have been LOVING Algenist products for quite some time, use them every day and have reviewed a few of their products on my page.  There are so many products that claim to rid your skin of lines and wrinkles and don't actually work, leaving you with a feeling of being ripped off.  I can honestly say every single item I have tried from this brand has a noticeable effect on my skin in a super short period of time.  Take the 10 day challenge guys.  You will see results after two or three.  That has been my experience with every single one of their products.  They are seriously incredible and I can't praise them enough.

With the package came a sample of the Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream.  I have never tried this one before but I need this in my life.  Massaging it into my skin felt sooooo good.  It left my skin looking absolutely radiant when applied after the Genius Liquid Collagen.  These two are a match made in heaven.  I have started the 10 day challenge and am on day 2 and my skin already looks smoother, firmer and so radiant.  I have finished the sample of the Genius cream and will continue to try this out using the Algenist Elevate Advanced Lift and Contouring Cream, which is another must have.  After I apply toner, (I have been using the Son & Park Beauty Water) I apply the Genius Liquid Collagen using gentle tapping motions all over my face and neck.  It absorbs easily.  I then apply my moisturizer of choice and go on with my make up application.  So far, I am really loving the effect.

I will update this post once I have completed the 10 day challenge with my overall thoughts and experience using this product.  For now, here are the photos (I couldn't decide which I liked more so why not share them all.) I took of the product along with the Algae Ecosystem that was sent to me in the generous package.  This is soooooo cool!  I was so excited putting it together and I will continue to watch it grow.  Thank you Algenist for sending this to me!! I am touched beyond words to have received such an amazing package.

Subculture by Anastasia Beverly Hills: Review 8/14/17

Hi folks! Below are the product shots of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Subculture eye shadow palette. Everyone and their mother has posted swatches of this palette but if anyone wants me to post some, just let me know. I Love the palette! I love the high intensity pigmentation and the fact that the tiniest bit does so much and goes so far. This is my dream palette. I do not like having to dig in to get decent color payoff and having to really layer color and pack it on to get the color in the pan. With this palette, I can touch and go. The colors all blend out seamlessly and I haven't had any issues with colors getting muddy or grey. I did not have issues with fall out either nor do I have to use special primers or bases. My usual routine/products worked just fine. Perhaps this should be marketed more towards professional make up artists. I wish all palettes were like this. How I went in with this palette is how I start off with any palette, adding small amounts. This was everything I hoped it would be. You don't have to be heavy handed with it. You build up as needed. (I wish they weren't going to change it. Norvina said they were looking into getting it pressed harder as a response to all the complaints she has been bombarded with.)  Honestly, I wish all palettes had this much pigmentation. I am THAT happy with it. No, this won't be for everyone but I have no regrets with this purchase. Those are just my thoughts on it.

 As far as the controversy, there have been many who have reported the shadows oxidizing, tons of fall out or kick back, the colors turning muddy or grey in tone, and even being unblendable once applied to the lid. I did experience some of the kick back, meaning the powder gets loose easily with a touch of the brush. That being said, a lot of the ABH palettes (and other brands) I have also have kick back.  When this happens, I typically just pick up the product that has loosened with my brush and apply that without having to really go back into the pan to pick up pigment more intensely (hope that makes sense).  I know some really famous and well known people were very unhappy with it. However, some really talented artists have created beautiful looks with this, as well. It is easy to jump on the "I hate it" bandwagon. I feel that many who have not even tried it are commenting that it is not good without actually giving it a fair chance for themselves.  Those who are commenting that they hate it and it is not good without even giving it a chance, going so far as bashing the brand and it's creators have taken things way too far, even attacking those who love and enjoy it for not having the same opinion.  I really think opinions should be shared based on experience with use.  I read some were afraid to share their thoughts and it really broke my heart.  It you like it, say you like it.  If it is not for you, then it is simply not for you.  There is no need for attacking artists for whatever opinion they have.  Truly, the only way to know if a product will work for you is to give it a chance.  There are so many that we have come to trust and respect their opinions and use their recommendations when picking out a product to try out.  There will be times when we 100% agree with their thoughts and times when we won't.  That doesn't mean they are liars or being sponsored every single time.  We need to keep in mind that they are people, too, and treat them like we would want to be treated.  Yes, some are sponsored and I know it is difficult to know who is sincere and who isn't.  If something interests you, if you are able, check it out in person.  If not, ask questions to those who have tried it.  Ask for details.  You can tell when someone really is passionate about a product based on their replies.  I know I sound pretty preachy but after reading so many things, I wanted to address it on my page.

As always, I invite you to comment below on the palette and the controversy.  I enjoy hearing your thoughts and look forward to chatting about it.

Rose Martini & Vanity Mat Princess by Ely Maya: Review 8/14/17

Hi guys!! So excited to show you my newest goodies from Ely Maya.  Check out her promo cards pictured below.  I love their new design, too.  If you have followed me for some time, then you know this is my go to for many years for deep cleaning all of my make up brushes and Beauty Blenders.  Ely sent me the newest scent, Rose Martini, in the 4 oz size!  It smells soooooooo good!  It is impossible to pick a favorite scent when she really has mastered making the scents all good and not super strong.  This one leans more on the soapy scent with a hint of rose.  It really is divine.  I have been begging Ely for what feels like forever to make all scents available in the larger size, which is why it is very exciting to see the newest scent in the large size.  

She also sent me the Vanity Mat Princess in pink.  I love it!  I do have the larger version and I love that this one is a tad smaller, especially when I don't always have tons of space to work with.  It really keeps my vanity area clean.  It is able to be washed repeatedly.  The mat is very well made and it has given me no problems with use and washings.  There are several colors to pick from and you can personalize it to give it that ultra special touch.  The embroidery is beautiful and tasteful.  All in all, this is perfect for anyone who uses make up and a professional accessory for the professional make up artist, as well.

I highly recommend Ely Maya.  Every single thing they sell makes your life easier.  No more scrubbing your brushes for hours on end.  No more trying to get the makeup off your vanity/station.  They send out your order super quick and really care about their customers.  You can't go wrong with them.  Definitely go and check them out.

Review: Algenist Beauty Splash & Elevate 7/2/17

Review time!! I've been really enjoying Algenist Beauty products.  There are a staple in my skin care regime and I have been using this line for quite some time. Splash Absolute Hydration Replenishing Sleeping Pack is a miracle worker. I truly love it! It is an overnight mask that leaves my skin so soft and super hydrated. It also helps heal my skin. I've noticed that every time I use it, when I wake up, my skin literally looks better than it did the night before. My skin has been going crazy ever since I changed birth control. With this mask, the scars on my face heal a little more and look lighter every time I use it. And maybe it's a superficial thing, but I LOVE the way the product looks. Check out this gorgeous color!! Every time I open the container, I gasp. It just takes my breath away. The mask doesn't feel like it sucking the life from my face. You know that tightening dry feeling some masks have? This mask is nothing like that. It feels light and fresh on my skin. It does have a very slight tacky feel once it has "dried down" but it doesn't leave anything on my pillow from the overnight wear. Another plus, you only need to use a small amount, which means this will last. This product does have a fresh/clean light fragrance that I really enjoy. All in all, this is another winner from Algenist Beauty.

Next up is the Elevate Advanced Lift Contouring Cream. This is a relatively new product to their line and let me tell you, anyone in their 30's and up, you NEED this. This is absolutely incredible! This cream, which feels rich and ultra luxurious, actually smoothed out my wrinkles. For example, I have this wrinkle in between my brows (I am very expressive with my face) and after using this product for 3 days, the wrinkle was barely visible. I can't see it anymore after completing my trial. My makeup no longer settles in the wrinkle area, as well. I did use this once a day for 10 days straight for the trial. The packaging does say to use it twice daily (after serum) but I opted to use masks in the evening. So, only with 1/2 of the recommended application, I experienced noticeable results. Keep in mind, I have sensitive skin that fluctuates between being dry and peeling to being overly oily. This didn't cause my skin to react in any way other than to look firmer, younger and dare I say more radiant. Just like the previously mentioned product, you only need a small amount of this cream and you are to apply it to the face, neck and decollete. This also has a clean fragrance that I also really enjoy. Elevate is AMAZING! I can't stress it enough. I am truly beyond impressed with this brand. I believe more people need to try them out. I have never regretted any purchase from this brand and I am confident if you try their skin care line, you won't either. I hope to one day have the entire line. Yes, they are that good. If you made it to the end, thank you for listening to me gush about Algenist Beauty. I am hooked on their skin care line and highly recommend them. 

300th Post: Special Dedication to Annetta (@netterhead) 90's Full On Drama Look 9/11/16

Hi everyone!  This post is a very special one.  It is my 300th blog post! Yay!!!  I have been blogging since April 2013 and for those of you who have been following me since the very beginning, I am so very grateful.  Thank you for sharing this journey with me and celebrating the love of makeup and beauty.  I have so many exciting things planned for the future so make sure you are following me so you don't miss out on any of the hot products and new looks to come.

I am a strong believer that there are reasons people come into your life.  Some will shine their own light on you so brightly that you can feel the heat.  That heat will, in turn, warm your heart and strengthen your spirit.  With this post, I am going to introduce you to a very special woman that has done this for me.  Her name is Annetta, and you can find her on Instagram with the handle @netterhead.  She is the sweetest, most genuine lady.  She has a sincere love of makeup (especially Anastasia Beverly Hills, which is one of my absolute favorite brands) and a passion for life.  Her smile lights up every picture and her striking blue eyes pierce my soul.  I absolutely adore her!  She is incredible: smart, passionate, and beautiful inside and out.  She has a gift with words and a shining spirit.  One chat with her and you will fall in love with her just as I have.  I am honored to call her my friend and very excited to dedicate 90's themed look to her.  Please go check out her Instagram page, give her a follow and show her love.

I am proud to present these photos to celebrate the theme.  The 90's was a time for a lot of brown shades, lots of tone on tone color.  Shades that would not only add shape to your face, but that would draw you in were very common during this time.  If you would like to know what I used to create this mostly matte look, keep reading.

NARS Cosmetics Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - eye brows
Anastasia Beverly Hills Medium Brown DipBrow Pomade topped with same brand Ebony Brow Powder Duo (lighter shade) - eye brows
Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb topped with same brand GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer - face
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Eye Cream - eyes
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion topped with Laura Mercier Flax Eye Basics - eyes
Make Up For Ever M510 Artist Shadow - under brows
Make Up For Ever M650 Artist Shadow - crease, brow bone
Make Up For Ever M664 Artist Shadow - crease brow bone
Make Up For Ever M626 Artist Shadow - eye lid
Make Up For Ever M620 Artist Shadow - eyelid, focused near lash line and blended upward
Make Up For Ever M656 Artist Shadow - crease
Lower lash line - above shadows from darkest to lightest applied in reverse order, adding dark and light shades to achieve the desired smokiness
Hourglass Film Noir Onyx Full Spectrum Mascara - lashes (really like this mascara, it does a good job of elongating the lashes with a decent amount of volume)

Marc Jacobs Invisible Undercover Perfecting Coconut Face Primer - face
Marc Jacobs 46 Golden Deep Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate - face
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer - under eyes, nose crease
Damp Beauty Blender to go over entire face
NARS Cosmetics Altai Matte Multiple - hollows of cheeks, forehead and jawline
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Loose Powder Mattifying Veil in 3 Medium - face applied with damp Beauty Blender
Anastasia Beverly Hills Java - forehead, hollows of cheeks
Anastasia Beverly Hills Fawn - jawline
Tarte Cosmetics Feisty Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - cheeks
Make Up For Ever M530 - tear duct area for highlight
MAC Cosmetics Riri Woo Pro Longwear Lip Pencil - natural lip line
Bite Beauty VIB Rouge Matte Creme Lipstick - lips
Guerlain Météorites Perles D'Etoile Light Revealing Pearls of Powder - high points of cheeks
Velour Lashes in Got It From My Momma applied using Duo Brush-On Adhesive With Vitamins - upper lash line
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel - eye brows
Make Up For Ever M620 Artist Shadow - over lash band
Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray - spritzed all over face

Not Quite A Unicorn Look 6/2/16

Hi everyone! I'm back with a bang. It has been so long since I've posted. I have really missed writing my thoughts on here. I do hope you are following my Instagram page, @justblenditout, because I am super active there. In truth, I receive so much more interaction there over other platforms. I feel very encouraged and inspired. There is so much talent. It's humbling to be reminded that there is so much I have to learn and skills that need to be improved upon.

I started this blog to motivate myself to go outside the box, to vary my combinations, and to grow as an artist. Today's look is one that does that. I used mostly matte products and really focused on blending. Matte shades need more finess, more attention, than shimmers. So basically, apply, blend, apply, blend, until you reach the desired effect/opacity. Today's colorful look features two limited edition Kat Von D eye shadow palettes: Pastel Goth and Mi Vida Loca 2. (Please ignore my hair, as I had just gotten out of work and didn't do anything to it.) Check out what else was used to create the complete look.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy A.M. Gel Cream - eyes
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer mixed with Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil - face
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in shade Dark Brown - eye brows
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Primer Potion topped with Kat Von D High Voltage Primer in shade Skin - eyes
Kat Von D Gloom eye shadow - inner eye lid and lower lash line
Kat Von D Doom eye shadow - middle eye lid and lower lash line
Kat Von D Dark Wave eye shadow - outer eye lid and lower lash line
Kat Von D Black Metal eye shadow- outer eye lid
Kat Von D Noble and Strutter eye shadows - brow bone
Kat Von D Moulder eye shadow - under brow
Kat Von D Meow and Dope eye shadows - inner eye, above crease, lower lash line outer eye area blended into deepest shade of blue
Kat Von D Thunderstruck eye shadow - tear duct area
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lucky Clover from the Moonchild Glow Kit - tear duct area
Urban Decay Deep End 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - waterline
Tarte Paintist Mascara - lashes

Make Up For Ever Mattifying Primer - patted on face
Marc Jacobs 46 Golden Deep Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation - face
Guerlain 03 Medium Warm Multi-Perfecting Concealer - under eyes
Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation in shade Medium Warm - face
Guerlain Terracotta Terra India Shimmering Bronzing Powder - above hollows of cheeks, just below cheek bones, jawline
MAC Cosmetics Ripe for Love (satin) Powder Blush - just a bit behind the apples of cheeks
NARS Waimea Velvet Lip Liner - natural lip line
Buxom Centerfold Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick - lips
Kat Von D Lock It Makeup Setting Mist - spritzed all over face