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Ask me anything...but I love makeup questions :) http://formspring.me/laurennoelclark

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mac fashion flower review and swatches

*I will be doing a few Fashion Flower FOTDs today and tomorrow to show you different ways to use these products! stay tuned!*

This collection really excited me...everything about it. The lip gelees appealed to me b/c I love using them on my clients, and MAC had discontinued their lip gelees, so I felt this was a good opportunity to stock up on a few. I was also excited about that brown eyeshadow, groundcover. I ended up buying everything from the collection, because there wasn't a single thing that I didn't want.

The Lipsticks -

• Mlle (light lilac/pink)
• Summer Shower (clear w/ aqua and blue shimmers)
• Growing Trend (light brown/taupe)
• Ever Hip (coral)

 I really loved these, as well as their texture. They were very supple feeling. My favorites were Ever Hip, and Mlle. Summer Shower goes on clear, just with some aqua and blue shimmers. Perfect for layering overtop another lipstick to give it some pizzaz. If anyone remembers the "Fun n Sexy" lipstick from the FAFI collection in 2007, Fun n Sexy was a hot pink lipstick with aqua/blue shimmers in it and it was SO pretty. So you can achieve that same look with any of your lipsticks by layering this one over top. Growing Trend is a light-brown/taupe, and is a perfect nude looking color for me (nc25)

The Lip Gelees -

• Now In Season (sheer with light gold shimmers)
• Budding Beauty (sheer coral with gold shimmers)
• Fashion Flower (sheer pink with pearl shimmers)

Lip Gelees are perfect for anyone who hates the "stickiness" of a typical MAC lipglass. I was reading on Temptalia that she said the "Now In Season" Lip Gelee was much stickier than the other 2...I really disagree with that. All three of the colors felt exactly the same to me, and they all felt the same as previous lip gelees that I have. All the colors are sheer with a LOT of sparkle. If shimmer isn't your thing, then stay away. I like using these on my brides, though. Just a little bit over top of Pro Longwear lip colors.

The Eyeshadows -

• Lucky Green (permanent shade) (shimmery green with yellow undertones)
• Free To Be (permanent shade) (matte coral/red)
• Aqua  (permanent shade) (matte sky blue/aqua)
• Groundcover (matte greyish brown)
• Bows and Curtseys (satin black w/ metallic green undertone)
• Fresh Daisy (frosty white with yellow undertone)

I loved all of these shades, but I was most excited about the brown one because I can't think of a similar color. The only thing I didn't like, and it's the same thing that I don't like about some of mac's other collections, is that they promoted permanent colors as well. I think it's really cheap to do that, but they must have a method to their madness. Lucky Green, Free to Be, and Aqua are all permanent colors. Either way, all are nice shades with nice textures. Reading other reviews, I've read that some feel the mattes are "chalky". Well...that's the nature of a matte. 

The Beauty Powders - 

• Alpha Girl (coral)
• Light Sunshine (light pink with iridescent shimmer)

ANNOUNCEMENT -- BEAUTY POWDERS ARE NOT BLUSHES !!  So many people have been complaining that they're not "pigmented" enough. Yes, exactly! They're not overly pigmented because they're meant to be used all over the face to provide a nice warmth or glow. If they were more pigmented, then your face would look like a pink ridiculous mess. The colors, however, are buildable, so if you decide that you DO want to use Alpha Girl as a blush, then you can. I really love using Light Sunshine as a highlight as well. But the best way to use these is by  lightly dusting using a 187 or similar brush all over your face after your foundation and setting powder.

I swatched the beauty powders heavier than they actually go on.

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A Day-to-Evening Summer Bronze FOTD

I love summer makeup. I'm a sucker for dewy makeup and sun-kissed skin. While this look may be too dewy for you, it's easy to tone down. I mixed quite a bit of Careblends Oil and a gold shimmery lotion in with my foundation for extra dewiness, but you can easily use less shimmer. I will say though, when my husband got home from work, the first think he said was how hot I looked and that he loved the makeup :)

At the end of the day, I applied a simple product all over my lids to take it from a day look instantly to an evening look. Read on for what I used...

Day Look:

Products used:

• eyes
• MAC shadows:
• Woodwinked (lid)
• Shimpagne MSF (brow highlight)
• Ground Brown (crease)
• Ricepaper (tear duct area)
• Mulch (lash line & under eye)
• MAC Studio Fix Lash
• skin
• MAC Moisturegleam (a goldish version of strobe cream..use under foundation & mixed w/ fdtn)
• MAC Careblends Oil (mixed with foundation)
• MAC Studio Sculpt foundation NC25
• MAC Refined Enriched Bronzer
• lips
• MAC lipstick "Tanarama"

Evening Look:

Product added:

Bobbi Brown Ivy Shimmer Ink Gel Liner ...that's it!

All I did was took my 217 brush, dabbed a little in the gel liner, and applied all over the lid. Then took a 224 brush to blend it out. I used 2 layers. I am in LOVE with my new Bobbi Brown liner :)

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a Shu Morphium FOTD

I visited the Shu Uemura website today and came across this GORGEOUS picture!

I immediately went to do this inspired look as a FOTD.

Eyes

• MAC select cover up concealer nw20 as a base
• MAC paint pot "otherworldly" as a base on lid
• MAC cream colour base "madly magenta" as a base on inner and outer lid and under eye
• MAC shadows: Dazzlelight, Parfait Amour, Violet Trance, Stars n Rockets, Wondergrass
• Wet N Wild shadows: "blue had me at hello" palette - bright teal and deep shimmery blue
• MAC shadow: Espresso for brows
• MAC studio fix lash

Skin

• MAC Pro Performance HD Airbrush Foundation
• MAC Sheer Mystery Powder
• MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
• MAC Blush in "Coygirl"
• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light for matte highlight

Lips

• MAC Lip Pencil "Girlfriend" and "Cranberry"
• MAC Lipstick "Lazy Day"
• MAC Lip Gelee "Lu-be-lu"

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a few EOTDs for the non-believers of the Quite Cute Quad :)

I've heard nothing but negativity about the new eyeshadow quad that came out with the new MAC collection, Quite Cute. Most people have said the quality suck, or the pigmentation isn't good. Ladies (and gents), it was INTENDED that way. Given that MAC has literally hundreds of other very well pigmented shadows, it's safe to say they know how to make pigmented shadows. The Quite Cute shadows are meant to be very soft. If they wanted them more pigmented, they would have done it.

With that said, if you're looking for more color out of this quad, it is easily attainable by using a colored cream base underneath. You can also pair with other darker colors. There are endless ways to use this quad.

concealer as a base

Moshi! Moshi! - Inner Lid

Boycrazy - Outer Lid & Under eye

Goody Goody Gum Drop - Crease

Dazzlelight - Highlight

Blacktrack fluidline

Concealer as a base

Moshi! Moshi! - Inner Lid & Crease

Bottle Green (pro) - Crease

Boycrazy - Under eye

Dazzlelight - Highlight

Blacktrack fluidline

Madly Magenta Cream Colour Base on lid

Boycrazy - Inner and Outer Lid

Goody Goody Gum Drop - Center of lid & Outer Under Eye area

Azuki Bean - Crease & Under eye

Blacktrack fluidline

Blacktrack fluidline as a base on the lid and crease

Boycrazy - Inner Lid and Inner Under eye area

Azuki Bean - Outer lid, Crease, Outer Under eye area

Goody Goody Gum Drop - Crease

Concealer as a base

Moshi! Moshi! - Center of lid

Goody Goody Gum Drop - Inner, Outer, Crease, and Under eye area

Ricepaper - Highlight

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Professional Makeup Artist & YouTube Guru: Eman

She's talented. A go-getter. And she is making her dreams come true as a professional makeup artist with a growing fanbase on YouTube. Meet: Eman.

Professional Makeup Artist Eman with Client

Nineveh: Eman, tell us how you got started in makeup.

Eman: I started doing makeup about 3 years ago.  It was kind of a fluke.  I was working on my own fashion line at the time but I quickly realized that wasn't my passion.  I started doing styling, then, through that, I got into makeup, and I fell in love with it.  I haven't looked back since.

Nineveh: Tell us about your journey to becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist. What steps did you have to take to become completely self-sufficient as a makeup artist?

Eman: I started to network with people in the industry.  I slowly started to build my portfolio by doing lots of creative shoots.  I made business cards and handed them out to everyone I knew.  I made a website, a Facebook group, a YouTube channel, and I joined Twitter.  At the beginning I did LOTS of volunteer work, and with time it eventually turned into paid work. Now I have a large network of photographers and stylists that I work with.  And, I am repped by an agency that helps with getting me work as a freelance artist.

An example of Eman's work from her portfolio

Nineveh:    By sharing your experience here, you are likely inspiring potential, aspiring makeup artists. What further advice would you give to them about a career path in makeup?

Eman: Make sure you absolutely love being a makeup artist because it�s a lot of work and that passion for what you do is what will make you successful.  Also, never stop learning.  

Nineveh: And along the way in your newfound passion, which makeup artists inspire(d) you?

Eman: I get inspiration from so many artists.  I look up to past teachers of mine who are now my mentors.  Makeup artists like Troy Jensen, Billy B and Lottie Star are some of my favorites to draw inspiration from.

Another beautiful example of Eman's work from her portfolio

Nineveh:    You have an impressive portfolio. What have been some of your favorite gigs?

Eman: I love doing fashion editorials because they give you the chance to be as creative as you want and there are really no rules. 

Nineveh:    Have you ever worked on a celebrity? If so, tell us who and a little bit about your experience. If not, is there a celebrity you would like to work with? Why?

Eman: I would love to work with someone like Lady Gaga.  She loves creating amazing visuals that are so different and unique.  She loves taking risks and her makeup is never boring.

Nineveh:    You have an amazing fan base of nearly 50,000 subscribers on YouTube. What do you think you offer that attracts people to hit that �subscribe� button?

Eman: I keep the focus of my videos on just makeup.  I don't talk about my personal life, I don't do haul videos or outfit videos.  It�s just makeup.  So my subscribers know what they are getting.  If they want a certain makeup look, they can come to my channel and they'll most likely find a tutorial for what they are looking for, so they keep coming back. 

Nineveh: That makes sense. And, what are some of your �must have� products for your own personal kit and for your professional set kit?

Eman: I love MakeUp ForEver, so I have lots of 'must haves' from them.  I can't live without the Make Up ForEver HD Powder, HD Primer and HD Foundation.  I also love their Aqualip pencils and their Aquablack cream liner.  I love the NARS velvet matte pencils.  I love MAC's Smolder eye pencil, and one of my favorite glosses is their Dazzleglass in Sugarimmed.

Nineveh: A Nineveh Makeup Ministries interview wouldn�t be complete without learning what it is that you do to make the world a beautiful place. So tell us about that aspect of your life.

Eman: I believe giving back to charity is really important.  I like to volunteer my services for charity fashion shows and charity auctions.  I like to help in any way I can help for a cause I believe in.

Another example of Eman's work from her portfolio

Nineveh:  Anything else that the world should know about you?

Eman:I have a wonderful hubby that supports me in everything I do and I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for him :) 

 

Eman is based in Vancouver-Canada and can be reached/followed in the following ways:

Eman's blog, where she shares shots from her photo shoot gigs:

http://emanmakeup.blogspot.com/

Eman's Official Website: http://www.emanmakeup.com/

Eman on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=153722741315999

Eman on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EmanMakeup

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Heading back to Vegas :)

2 weeks ago I went to Vegas to take a MAC Master Class on airbrushing, it was an all day lab and I loved it. Aside from the class, I LOVED being in Vegas. Even though I went by myself, I had such a blast! It's not the type of place I'd want to live in (even though I DID live there when I was in elementary school), but it's definitely fun for visits. The fact that it's only a 4 hour drive from where I live makes it very accessible and cheap to go.

It's only been 2 weeks and already I'm itching to go back. I decided I definitely want to go again, this time with the family, before I have my baby in June. I hopped online to see if MAC was offering any other master classes between now and June, and sure enough, there are a couple. Going to make our trip a little longer this time so that we can really enjoy our stay. This time we're staying in the Luxor...ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to stay there because when I was 9 and 10 I used to live in Egypt. I know the kids will love the bright lights of Vegas, and of course I'll go back to my favorite buffet -- the Rio Carnival World Buffet.

Probably won't haul as much as last time :) but I'll definitely be hauling. I'd like to go to a different CCO this time as well.

If anyone has any suggestions on what we should do on the strip with a 5 year old, please let me know!

xoxo LC

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Tone Grey Quad FOTD

products used:

• eyes
  • mac tone grey eyeshadow quad
  • studio fix lash in black
  • mac charcoal brown shadow for brows
• skin
  • mac studio sculpt foundation
  • mac mineralize skinfinish natural MSFN in light-medium
  • mac "taupe" blush to contour
  • mac "pink cult" blush
  • mac shimpagne mineralize skinfinish msf
• lips
  • mac culture clash lipglass

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bold purple fotd

products used:


eyes

• -mac otherworldly paintpot as a base on middle of lid
• -mac madly magenta cream colour base on inner and outer lid and under eye
• -mac shadows:
• --idol eyes (inner lid, middle under eye area)
• --moons reflection (middle lid, inner under eye)
• --violet trance (outerlid, outer under eye)
• --stylin' (crease)
• --charcoal brown (brows)
• -mac studio fix lash in black
• -mac blacktrack fluidline
  skin
• mac pro performance hd airbrush makeup (airbrushed on)
• mac mineralize skinfinish natural light-medium
• mac shadow "motif" as cheek highlight
• mac blush "coygirl"
  lips
• mac lip pencil cranberry
• mac lipstick plum-like
• mac plushglass bountiful

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And the Winner of the Debra Macki Palette Is...

Thank you to Everyone who participated in this giveaway.

Debra Macki & The Yellow Umbrella organization generously donated 2 Monaco Eyeshadow palettes, created by Celebrity Makeup Artist Debra Macki in support of The Yellow Umbrella Foundation's mission to educate and help eradicate cervical cancer. One palette was for my use and review, the other was to give away to YOU!

You have been so generous with your time, commenting on the blog entry related to this contest, sharing the video, and tweeting your little hearts out with the hash tag #savethehooch (which we encourage you to continue to do). One of the biggest things I have learned during this contest is that we need to get people aware of this issue and how to protect themselves.

Many of you shared personal, touching stories, while many others shared that this was the first that they heard of cervical cancer, HPV, and the things we as women can do to protect ourselves and educate others.

I am so honored and blessed to be a part of helping to bring this information to many women.

And now, the winner, chosen at random, is...

DEVONNA, who posted on the blog on 3/25!!!!

Devonna, please go to the contact page, send me your mailing address, and your palette will be on its way!

Thank you to everyone who particpated, and let's all congratulate Devonna!

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Awakening with Dior

I think I stumbled onto something in my last post. I bet I could do a whole series of "Oh, wow, I forgot I had this!" blog posts. So let's do it, shall we?

Today's post is about the Dior Addict Lip Glow, a color awakening lip balm.

I acquired this product last year when I attended a Dior makeup seminar held by makeup artist, Lauren Warner, at Macy's in Union Square. It was a fun two hour demonstration and I actually got to be one of the "models" for the class.

You weren't required to buy anything but anytime I go to some kind of a makeup event, I always feel obligated to buy *something*. Lauren used Lip Glow on me and I really liked it (and let's be honest, it's probably the most affordable item in their line-up). So I picked it up and took it home where it then got buried in my makeup stash. :-O During spring cleaning, the stash has recently been organized and I could no longer ignore this pretty product.

So how does Dior describe their "Color Awakening Lipbalm"?

A made-to-measure lip balm that beautifies and durably enhances the lips� natural color. A customized color result : thanks to its Color Reviver technology, Dior Addict Lip Glow reacts directly with the unique chemistry of each woman�s lips before releasing its color ingredient. Lips seem revived from within, amazingly fresh, full and radiant. In addition, its SPF10 formula enriched with wild mango and luffa cylindrica continuously protects and moisturizes. A universal balm for all lips.

At the basic level, it's a fancy looking lip balm. But it really does add some color to your lips. And no, it's not the bubble gum pink you would expect from the image - mine almost looks slightly coral-y. It still looks like your natural lips but *awakened* with an extra boost of color, which is perfect for me because I like to keep it simple for every day.

And how cute is the packaging??? That really might be the biggest selling point for me. It is so darling, it almost makes me feel like a princess! ;)

I mean, seriously, how cute is this???

Dior Addict Lip Glow retails for $29. Yes, a bit pricey for what is basically a lip balm but it really does "awaken" your natural lip color. And the super cute packaging is what secured the deal for me!

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